Tiny Computers Lead to Improvements

Yes, big things can come in really small packages! DASA Tech has been experimenting with tiny computers to meet a variety of needs across the division. Here are some examples of great innovation by the DASA Tech team.

Created by an educational charity in the UK, the Raspberry Pi is a cheap, credit-card sized computer than can function as a simple desktop computer or the center of technical solutions that improve departmental processes.

For example, Doug Flowers, an IT Manager for DASA Tech, recently improved Student Media’s photography equipment reservation process. Flowers utilized a Raspberry Pi to keep up with the large amount of equipment loaned out to student photographers and reduce the numerous errors inherent in a paper-based checkout system.

Photography equipment stored in the lockers managed by a Raspberry Pi. Photo taken by Kai Mcneil/N.C. State Student Media.

Using the Pi computer, an existing metal locker cabinet, miscellaneous parts, and some computer code, the “Photo Box” was created. Each locker in the metal locker cabinet was fitted with a locking mechanism and those locks were connected to the Raspberry Pi. A card swiper was also connected to the Pi and attached to the cabinet. When a photographer needs equipment she makes a request through a website. Her reservation is approved or denied, and, if approved, the lockers that contain the equipment she reserved will open when the student swipes her campus card through the card swiper on the cabinet. To return equipment, the photographer swipes again and the lockers for the equipment she checked out will open. Only the lockers with the equipment she reserved open during the entire process. This cheap, Pi-powered solution is convenient for for all users of the system, eliminates a paper-based process, and provide real-time inventory status and usage statistics for equipment life-cycle management.

A Raspberry Pi in a custom case, running a Billboard digital sign.

In addition to powering an equipment reservation system, the Pi can also function as digital signage for the campus Billboard system. Jason Clevenger, a Technology Support Technician for Campus Life, uses the Pi to manage several Billboards. Due to its small size, the Pi can easily be hidden behind the screen to maintain a clean presentation. Mac Minis are often used for this same purpose but the price of the Pi is 1/10th that of a Mini!

Finally, an Intel Compute Stick is also a viable option for powering Digital Signage. Fred Eaker, Assistant Director for DASA Tech, will soon be deploying Sticks throughout the newly renovated Carmichael Complex.

Do you have a project or process that could benefit from a tiny computer? Let us us know!

Intel Compute Sticks