Blog Post #1: Introducing Myself and My IoT Journey

 



About Me

Dean Sinnott, 20067691

 



Hi, I'm Dean Sinnott, a 4th-year Applied Computing student at Southeast Technological University in Waterford. My main interests within the course are physical and cloud networking. I really enjoy how this area combines practical, hands-on problem solving with theoretical knowledge — it’s both engaging and challenging in all the right ways.

This semester, I’m studying the Internet of Things (IoT) for the first time. I’m excited to explore how IoT can be applied to real-world problems and to expand my skills in areas like embedded systems, automation, and creative hardware-software integration.


💡 Ideas I'd Like to Explore

As part of this module, I’ve started brainstorming fun, useful, and maybe even a bit over-engineered project ideas. Here are a few that really interest me:


1. The Ideal Pint of Guinness Detector

Why not bring tech into one of Ireland’s finest traditions? This device would evaluate the quality of a pint based on factors like:

  • Temperature sensors to ensure it is served cold
  • Image recognition to assess foam thickness and pour angle 
  • A built-in timer to make sure it settles correctly 
  • Mech dog delivery 
A fun mix of hardware sensors and computer vision, all for the noble cause of a perfect pint.


2. Emotion Detector 

The idea focuses on sensing and interpreting emotional responses to different stimuli like music, conversation, study stress. 

It could include a sensor like a heart rate monitor and have a color emotion indicator display system. I’d love to explore how tech can be used to reflect or even enhance emotional awareness.

3. Smart kettle 

Non- intrusive detection method to keep track of vulnerable relatives. 

4. Over-Engineered Plant Care System 

What if your houseplant could take care of itself....... robotically ??

  • Use light sensors to detect environmental conditions 
  • Attach a micro:bit to an expansion board that allows the plant to move toward better light
  • Integrate a water reservoir, triggered by moisture sensor
I find it fascinating to use precise technology to care for something as organic and low maintenance as a plant. There is a charm in the contrast between biology and automation. 

🔧 What Is the micro:bit?

A microcontroller designed to teach programming and electronics in a hands-on way.  A microcontroller is a compact computer on a single chip that contains a processor, memory, and input/output ports, allowing it to interact with sensors, actuators, and other components to perform specific tasks. The micro: bit comes with built-in features such as a 5x5 LED grid, buttons, an accelerometer, a compass, and Bluetooth connectivity. New versions of the microcontroller also include a speaker and microphone. This minicomputer is versatile for a wide range of projects.

The micro: bit supports block-based editors like Microsoft MakeCode. A block-based editor allows users to create programs by dragging and dropping visual blocks that represent coding commands and logic, eliminating the need to write complex syntax.





🧠 I’m looking forward to trying out some of these ideas in the coming weeks, learning through trial and error, and seeing what’s realistically possible with limited hardware and a bit of creativity. I’ll be documenting that process here as I go.

 

Stay tuned for my first project post!

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