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] (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

1. physical connection and
2. logical circuit connections.

Current Feature List

• [x] Open Source Hardware Design & Board (can use “closed source” components: ASICs, uC, etc.)
• [x] Must Have a Multi-Chip solution – e.g. no single SoC;
• [x] Fundamental grammar functioning; assignment; binary operators;
• [x] Open Software Repository (github)
• [x] Multi-function blocks – e.g. 6 (or 4) binary operators on a single block; depending on connections/which side “faces up” operation changes
• [x] 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!)