#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] (http://uwyo.academia.edu/AndreaBurrows) @ [University of Wyoming] (http://www.uwyo.edu/seced/faculty-staff/andrea-burrows.html)
- 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
##About A Block of Code
Blocks of Code are connectable “blocks” that mimic a simple-grammar programming language.
The fundamental grammar contain 4 types of blocks:
- Value Blocks
- numbers (ints/doubles) – stringing these blocks together forms longer numbers [0,1,2,3,4,5]; [6,7,8,9,.]
- variables
- Operator Blocks
- simple binary operators (*,/,-,+,%?):
- equivalence operators (<,>,==, !=,<=,>=)
- Control Blocks (start and end)
- if structures
- while structures
- explicit encapsulation ( )
- Output Blocks
##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
- physical connection and
- logical circuit connections.
##Current Feature List
- 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)
- Multi-function blocks – e.g. 6 (or 4) binary operators on a single block; depending on connections/which side “faces up” operation changes
- Separate “power” blocks
##Wish List
- Hardware cost <$3 per unit (average cost for a set 20 = $60)
- Unexposed Connectors (e.g. Magnetic + Inductive coupling between blocks?)
- Power: Ultra Low power operation
- Power
- Built in power source / power pack
- Built in power source w/inductance recharge
- Computer GUI/Phone App:
- simulate a set of blocks (pre build)
- take a picture of a set of blocks and execute code (they don't even have to be REAL blocks - could be paper!)