Bitmonster
Invention
Interactive Exhibit in Binary Communication for Science Centres. The Bitmonster is an interactive exhibit that illustrates how information is transmitted between computers, and what happens if noise arises during transmission. The exhibit consists of two computers, one sender and one receiver. In between are two units sending infrared lights, illustrating the data stream. The installation will provide an introduction of binary numbers and systems of coding, essential knowledge to understand how computers work. This in turn may spur curiosity and interest for the field of information technology. The Bitmonster is developed by researchers at the Department of Informatics at University of Bergen, and VilVite Science Centre has designed the exhibit. BTO has been in charge of business development and IPR related issues.
Applications
The Bitmonster target science centres worldwide, main target groups are teenagers and children.
Advantages
- Interactive
- A simple presentation
- User friendly interface with solid hardware for rough and constant usage
- Learn the fun way
- Customization of the exhibit for specific science centres
Technology
To illustrate how it works, imagine sending a simple text-message on a terminal. This is then send via light signal to a receiver which then decodes and shows the message. The text-message can be send encoded as UTF – 8 (modern ASCII) or by different codes. In this application, the text-message is transferred via infra-red light, while viewable light marks what is send and what is transferred. The user sender interface could be a touch screen on the sending computer. In this screen there is a keyboard with numbers, letters and push-buttons and a field where written text-messages are shown.
Interested in this technology?
Contact Bergen Science Centre for purchasing the Bitmonster. For further information about the invention and the inventors send an e-mail to post[at]vilvite.no
Bitmonster installation being tested at the Science Center in Bergen, VilVite-senteret.