Physical Computing: Sensing and Controlling the Physical World with Computers

by Dan O'Sullivan, Tom Igoe

Physical computing is all around us-from interactive displays at museums to "puff sensors" that aid the physically challenged. With a multiple book buying audience, this book doesn't require a specific background or technical experience. It is designed to help make a more interesting connection between the physical world and the computer world. The audience size is comparable to that of the Robot builder market. In addition to this audience, physical computing is also taught at several universities across the US. This book is a great source of information and knowledge for anyone interested in bridging the gap between the physical and the virtual.

Genres: Design, Programming, Technology, Reference, Computers, Nonfiction, Technical

496 pages, Paperback

First published May 28, 2004

Reviews

[Brian Salehi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately this is an outdated book and it just doesn't worth working on these microcontrollers anymore (if you ever find them to buy!)
If you like to begin working with microcontrollers, you should first start working on Arduino Uno board. All projects used in this book can be found in Arduino boards too, in more simple manner.
Besides, the text is not organized as well, there are some details left unclear for a beginner.

[to'c · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are doing anything with computing or controlling the real world you MUST read this book. Devour it. The Arduino's all the rage (for good reasons) and this is not an Arduino book but that makes no difference. This is a book about sensing and controlling the physical world with microcontrollers. It uses other microcontrollers (I believe the book predates the Arduino) as examples but all the examples apply. The coding can be treated as an exercise for the reader. Had I read this book earlier a lot of my failed projects would have been successes.

[Brian Degger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great introduction to sensors and microcontrollers, and the little techniques that make it easier. Before arduino was on the scene so nothing specifically realated, though good for basic stamp and pic chips

[Matthew Jarvis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best primer out there if you want to start fiddling with electronics. Highly recommended.

[Elie De Brauwer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one is up for recycling 😁, the general line is still quite good and covers a broad spectrum of electronics and principles but the practical implementation has changed quite a bit and today the same book would probably be written around the arduino ecosystem.

[Chipp · Rating 4 out of 5]

yeah! step-by-step and very readable intro to microcontrollers, sensors! great for design curriculum

[Adrian Walton-Smith]

I'm learning to connect motors and sensors to my computer....