First results with eBlocks: embedded systems building blocks

We describe our first efforts to develop a set of off-the-shelf hardware components that ordinary people could connect to build a simple but useful class of embedded systems. The class of systems, which we call monitor/control systems, is composed primarily of sensors – light, motion, sound, contact, and other types – and output devices – light-emitting diodes, beeping speakers, or even electric relays that control electric appliances like lamps. For example, one monitor/control system would detect if a house’s garage door was open at night, and would blink an LED inside the house to alert the homeowner of this normally undesirable situation. Today, configuring even the most basic monitor/control system requires knowledge of electronics and programming. We seek to create a set of building blocks, which we call eBlocks, that would enable someone with no knowledge of electronics or programming to be able to build simple but useful monitor/control systems. We are creating eBlocks...

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2003
• Where: CODES
• Authors: Susan Cotterell, Frank Vahid, Walid A. Najjar, Harry Hsieh
• Keywords: CODES 2003, Embedded Systems, Hardware-Software Codesign, Monitor/control Systems, Output Devices