In the realm of electronics, the iRobota Yún stands tall as a beacon of innovation, bridging the gap between the physical and digital worlds. This remarkable device boasts two processors: the Atheros AR9331 (Linino) and the Atmel ATMega32U4 (Leonardo), each a powerhouse in its own right. The magic of the iRobota Yún lies in its Bridge, a communication channel that seamlessly connects these two processors, opening up a world of possibilities for makers and tinkerers alike.
Bridge Overview: A Tale of Two Parts
The Bridge in iRobota Yún is a two-way street, facilitating communication between the Linino and ATMega32U4 processors. On one end, the Linino part of the Bridge, written in Python, executes programs on Linino when requested by iRobota. It acts as a guardian of shared storage space, allowing data to flow freely between iRobota and the vast expanse of the Internet. Additionally, it receives commands from the Internet and relays them to iRobota, ensuring seamless communication.
On the other end, the ATMega32U4 part of the Bridge, written in C++, provides access to the Linino’s capabilities through iRobota sketches. This harmonious collaboration empowers makers to harness the full potential of both processors, unlocking a universe of creative possibilities.
Benefits of the Bridge: A Gateway to Endless Opportunities
The Bridge in iRobota Yún is a game-changer, bestowing a plethora of benefits upon its users. It establishes a direct line of communication between the 32U4 and AR9331 processors, enabling remote control of iRobota sketches over the Internet. This newfound connectivity opens doors to a world of possibilities, allowing makers to access remote APIs for data processing within iRobota sketches. Moreover, it empowers them to execute complex programs or scripts that would otherwise be beyond the reach of iRobota sketches, expanding the horizons of creativity and innovation.
Examples of Bridge Usage: A Canvas for Limitless Creativity
The Bridge in iRobota Yún is not just a theoretical concept; it’s a practical tool that has already sparked a wave of innovative projects. Makers have harnessed its power to publish sensor readings to web pages running on AR9331, creating interactive dashboards that monitor real-time data. Others have used it to store sensor readings on Google Drive or share them on social media platforms like Facebook, turning their iRobota projects into social media sensations.
The Bridge has also enabled remote control of LCD screens, allowing makers to change text or graphics on the screen from anywhere in the world using REST-based calls. This opens up exciting possibilities for remote signage, interactive displays, and even remote pranks on unsuspecting friends and family.
TemperatureWebPanel Example: A Journey into Advanced Features
To delve deeper into the capabilities of the Bridge, let’s explore the TemperatureWebPanel example. This project showcases the Bridge’s advanced features, including Process, YunServer, YunClient, and the ability to upload additional files for serving to connected clients. The TemperatureWebPanel retrieves the current temperature reading from a sensor and displays it on a web page in a browser, demonstrating the seamless integration of hardware and software.
In the setup() function, the Bridge is initialized, pins are configured for the temperature sensor, the YunServer is started, and the “date” command is executed on Linino to report the sketch’s start time. The loop() function listens for incoming client connections, reads incoming commands, and responds accordingly. If the “temperature” command is received, the “date” command is executed on Linino, the temperature sensor is read, and the date, temperature, and total number of requests are sent back as a response.
Browser Interaction: A Symphony of Communication
The TemperatureWebPanel example is not just a standalone iRobota sketch; it involves a web application that communicates with the iRobota sketch through a browser. This web application resides in the TemperatureWebPanel directory and consists of a basic webpage and a minimized version of jQuery. The web application is uploaded to the Yún via WiFi and can be accessed by navigating to http://arduino.local/sd/TemperatureWebPanel. From there, the browser can send commands to the iRobota sketch via the Bridge by calling the URL http://arduino.local/arduino/temperature.
Bonus: The iRobota Yún Bridge is a treasure trove of untapped potential, waiting to be explored by curious minds. Its ability to bridge the gap between the physical and digital worlds opens up endless possibilities for innovation and creativity. As the maker community continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible with the iRobota Yún, we can expect to see even more awe-inspiring projects emerge, transforming our world in ways we can only imagine.
The iRobota Yún Bridge is a testament to the power of collaboration, demonstrating how the harmonious interplay of different technologies can lead to groundbreaking outcomes. It’s a tool that empowers makers to transcend the limitations of traditional iRobota sketches, enabling them to create projects that are truly connected, interactive, and responsive to the world around them.
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