Building Fireflies for Fun and Profit A research and development training opportunity for students of Computer Science

My interests … I am passionate about R&D … I love to be a part of new thingsI am passionate about R&D … I love to be a part of new things 15 years developing technology to support my studies of how the brain processes information.15 years developing technology to support my studies of how the brain processes information. 5 years developing products and services for brain research labs5 years developing products and services for brain research labs Goal to develop a research program that:Goal to develop a research program that: –Addresses an interesting problem –Involves CS students

Since coming to FSC … Interested in designing and building small, task specific computer systems called “Embedded Systems”Interested in designing and building small, task specific computer systems called “Embedded Systems” Developed a course for the graduate program in “Embedded Systems”Developed a course for the graduate program in “Embedded Systems” Several active graduate student thesis projects in this area:Several active graduate student thesis projects in this area: –An electronic pen that can be used to recognize handwritten signatures –An interface that allows a computer mouse to be positioned by eye movements

A research grant … Applied for funding from the National Science Foundation with Professors Cratsley and Thomas in BiologyApplied for funding from the National Science Foundation with Professors Cratsley and Thomas in Biology Received a 3-year grant involving:Received a 3-year grant involving: –Collaboration between CS and Biology departments –R&D training for undergraduate CS students to produce a product –Product will be used by biology students to study a research problem Problem to be researched: firefly signalingProblem to be researched: firefly signaling

Research focus … Investigate the purpose of firefly signaling as it applies to:Investigate the purpose of firefly signaling as it applies to: –Attracting a mate –Discouraging predators Progress in science starts with hypotheses:Progress in science starts with hypotheses: –Students will formulate testable hypotheses –Investigation will be supported through the development of embedded systems

Sparky Firefly and Gina Lola-wattage interact …

And courtship proceeds … This is not exactly the behavior seen in the field …

Fireflies must avoid predators such as bats…

A role for Computer Science … Develop and produce dedicated computer systems to be deployed in the field to:Develop and produce dedicated computer systems to be deployed in the field to: –Mimic firefly signaling capabilities –Implement experimental protocols to interact with fireflies in the field Design criteria:Design criteria: –Small physical size –Low power consumption

Functions of the “Virtual Firefly” Generate flashesGenerate flashes Detect flashesDetect flashes Communication algorithmsCommunication algorithms DataloggingDatalogging Data compressionData compression

Students needed Opportunities …Opportunities … –Learn Microcontroller-based system design Real-time programmingReal-time programming Product design constraintsProduct design constraints –Physical size –Power consumption

More opportunities … Learn all phases of instrument developmentLearn all phases of instrument development –Requirements engineering –Software design, coding, testing, version control –Hardware / PC board design –Electronic assembly and testing –Packaging and deployment Attend professional conferences to present your workAttend professional conferences to present your work

Even more … Microcontroller-PC communicationsMicrocontroller-PC communications Data compressionData compression Windows application developmentWindows application development Possibilities for audio and video analysisPossibilities for audio and video analysis

Software Development Paradigm Extreme ProgrammingExtreme Programming –Paired programming –Extensive testing –Incremental development –Rapid deployment –Intense client interaction –Ongoing documentation

Facilities State-of-the-art computers, compilers, version controlState-of-the-art computers, compilers, version control Microcontroller development systemsMicrocontroller development systems –Flash memory programmers –In-circuit emulators / hardware level debuggers –“C” language compilers

More facilities … Electronic test equipmentElectronic test equipment –Prototyping systems –Measurement instruments –Logic analyzer Circuit assembly equipmentCircuit assembly equipment –Temperature-controlled soldering –Hot-air reworking station

Want to join? We are looking for four CS students to start in January, 2004We are looking for four CS students to start in January, 2004 $8.50 per hour$8.50 per hour –Maximum of $4860 per year Initial 1 year commitmentInitial 1 year commitment –5-20 hours per week during classes –40 hours per week during summer –Can be extended for another year –Can be adjusted for seniors

How to join the team Apply online:Apply online:Apply In addition, interviewees must submit:In addition, interviewees must submit: –Resume –Code example

Future directions Other advanced embedded development projectsOther advanced embedded development projects Seek further funding to produce an interface with firefly brainsSeek further funding to produce an interface with firefly brains An expanded embedded systems lab to provide microcontroller development experience to all studentsAn expanded embedded systems lab to provide microcontroller development experience to all students

How to join the team Apply online:Apply online: In addition, interviewees must submit:In addition, interviewees must submit: –Resume –Code example