blocks-o-code

A Block of Code

• Title: Physical manipulators for developing and implementing short programing routines
• Project Short Name: A Block of Code (ABC)
• Sponsors:
  • Dr. Mike Borowczak @ Erebus Labs
  • Dr. Andrea Burrows @ University of Wyoming
• Senior Design Team:
  • Jacob Mickiewicz
  • Tyler Hart
  • Daniel Frister
  • Greg Stromire
  • Nathan Bryant
• PSU Academic Advisor: Roy Kravitz
• Targeted Users: Infants to High School aged children, parents and their educators

Problem/Task

Your task is to design the basic hardware / software structure for ultra-low cost, connectable “blocks” that mimic a simple-grammar programming language.

The fundamental grammar should contain 7 types of blocks:

• numbers (ints/doubles) – stringing these blocks together forms longer numbers [0,1,2,3,4,5]; [6,7,8,9,.]
• variables
  
• assignment operators (<-)
  • Confusion in novice algebra students arises when using = in programming
  • e.g x = x +1;
    • algebraicly this is not possible how can x take a value s.t. adding one is still the same value;
    • x-x = 1 ; 0 = 1 ??
• simple binary operators (*,/,-,+,%?):
• equivalence operators (<,>,==, !=,<=,>=)
• control block start/end
• program start/end

While a majority of the logic for the entire operation could be housed in the program start/end or control block start/end – there are communication and connectivity challenges; especially without exposing connectors.

Background

Algorithms, logical constructs and the foundations of programming are generally limited to computer-based instances. No physical manipulators exist that expose children to programming as they do for number and alphabet systems, mechanics, art, etc. Build a prototype for building blocks that can be attached through internal magnets, these magnets perform two actions 1. physical connection and 2. logical circuit connections.

Skill Requirements (Order of importance):

1. System Design
2. Ultra-small form factor design
3. Ultra-low power/heat design (the final design would be incased in a resin
4. Power and signal transmission through traditional wire & inductance

Other Details:

• IP Ownership: Joint/”none”: The goal is to release an open hardware device and software; joint ownership of the original design, publicly available for reuse under similar attribution
• Extension after End of Project: 50-100 parts run to distribute to high-needs schools as a mechanism to enhance/drive STEM as a college degree option.
• Publication Opportunities: Conference and Journal Publication both in K20 Education, IEEE Spectrum, and/or others (joint ownership: ECE team and Sponsors) [resume/CV builder!]
• No NDA required

Requirements (Wish List):

Must Have

• Hardware cost <$3 per unit (average cost for a set 20 = $60)
• Open Source Hardware Design & Board (can use “closed source” components: ASICs, uC, etc.)
• Must Have a Multi-Chip solution – e.g. no single SoC;
• Fundamental grammar functioning; assignment; binary operators;
• Open Software Repository (github)
• Power: Ultra Low power operation
• Built in power source / power pack
• Separate “power” blocks?
• Set of blocks for each team member and two sponsors

Like to Have

• Hardware cost <$2 per unit (average cost for a set 20 = $40)
• Hardware:
  • Multi-function blocks – e.g. 6 (or 4) binary operators on a single block; depending on connections/which side “faces up” operation changes
  • Control Structure Blocks
• Set of blocks for each team member and two sponsors + 5 extra sets

Nice to Have

• Hardware cost <$1 per unit (average cost for a set 20 = $20)
• Power
  • Built in power source w/inductance recharge
• Computer GUI/Phone App: simulate a set of blocks (pre build) or take a picture of a set of blocks and execute code
• Set of blocks for each team member and two sponsors + 10 extra sets (5 to sponsors; 5 to PSU)

Milestones:

Hardware Evaluation to satisfy given constraints

• Main System: Modification of existing Open Hardware Design to create part or creation of custom PCB?
• Power System: Battery capacity + recharge?
• Communication mechanisms: Effective low cost communication and sync (without taxing power source)?

Implementation

• Development of full hardware solution
• Development of power system
• Development of communication system