Introduction to Physical Computing

Physical Computing is very similar to our body.

it is all about communication: sensing signals-> computing and sending commands -> and executing.

For example, we use our ear to listen and then sending signals to our brain to decode and computing what's the responses

and send the command to our vocal cord to output the responses.

the difference is that inside of the human body communication is done through the nervous system.

however, computer communication is done via wire, circuits, and electric signals.

and of course, the human body is much more complex and can't be easily programmed.

if we duplicate what happened above in physical computing it would look like this:

I use the mic to detecting the overall sound volume it is too loud I will start beeping via a speaker.

Let's break it down:

first, the mic converts the air vibrations into electric pulses --> send to processer --> where we program it to send out electrical pulses to the speaker if the received electric signal from the mic reaches certain limits --> the speaker converts the electrical pulses into a beep.

and a lot of sensors are operating at the same principle:

for example, a light sensor LDR(light dependent resistor) decreases electrical resistance with respect to receiving light on the component's sensitive surface.

and a button can close the circuit to let electricity float through or open the circuit to disconnect.

Basic electronic components and sensors