Embedded Systems Building Blocks (eBLOCKS)

BACKGROUND: Embedded systems combine numerical or Boolean logic operations with arrays of electronic components such as sensors, monitors, controls, and communication devices to add “intelligent” functionality to otherwise unsophisticated circuitry. Unfortunately, most people don't have the skills needed to configure the hardware or program the software of such systems. This poses a significant obstacle to the use of embedded systems in many contexts despite their great usefulness over a wide range of applications. While an unskilled end user is currently able to purchase pre-configured embedded systems for certain applications (e.g. alarms, garage door openers, lawn sprinkler controls, automatic lighting controls, etc.) even in these systems the degree of customization and specialization of the system are often more sharply circumscribed than the user might desire.

DESCRIPTION: Researchers have invented a novel set of embedded system building blocks—eBlocks—that can be easily connected together to build a large variety of basic but useful monitor/controller systems. The key innovation of eBlocks is the addition of compute intelligence with pre-loaded programs to components such as sensors, switches, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), speakers, etc. using cheap low-power processing devices. Each eBlock is self-configuring or requires only very minimal configuration (i.e. adjusting set screws, flipping dip switches, etc.), and seamlessly interacts with other eBlocks while minimizing energy consumption. About 50 different eBlocks components have been defined so far.

APPLICATIONS: The eBlocks system enables individuals with no programming or electronics experience to build basic, useful electronic systems for use around the home, office, store, etc. that are highly practical in terms of their flexibility, low cost, and long battery life.

ADVANTAGES: The eBlocks system:

* requires no electronics or programming knowledge for building simple monitor/control systems;
* has a robust set of intuitive, easy to understand modular components; and
* is optimized for component interoperability and low energy consumption.
REFERENCE: 2004-389

PATENT STATUS: US Publication No. 20060095893 published May 4, 2006

Type of Offer: Licensing



« More Computer Science Patents

---