Remote Multiplexer for Single-Board Computer Programming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for programming single-board computers are often inconvenient, requiring physical proximity and resulting in time delays, especially when the computers are embedded in devices or located remotely, and they disconnect programming from robotics education, making it difficult to teach integrated programming and robotics skills.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using a multiplexing system that allows real-time programming of single-board computers over the internet, enabling code delivery through two distinct communication links, which bypasses physical proximity requirements and integrates programming with robotics education by using a web-based application integrated with a learning management system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If physical cable or short-range wireless communication is used to connect personal computer to single-board computer, then code can be transferred, but physical proximity is required which is challenging when single-board computer is embedded or located remotely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary component that mediates between the user's personal computer and the remote single-board computer. The server receives code from the user, stores it, and facilitates transfer to the target device without requiring direct physical connection or proximity between user and device. This intermediary approach resolves the contradiction by enabling remote access while maintaining controlled code delivery.
2Loss of time
If code is copied to memory device and manually provided to single-board computer, then personal computer does not need to remain in physical proximity, but significant time delay occurs from code writing to delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The server performs preliminary actions by storing code in advance and preparing it for transfer before the user needs to execute it on the single-board computer. The system pre-processes and holds the code ready, eliminating the manual copy-paste process and reducing time delays. When the user initiates execution, the pre-prepared code is quickly delivered, resolving both the time loss and operational complexity issues.
3Adaptability or versatility
If single-board computer is embedded within another device or located in remote area, then device functionality is enhanced, but physical access for programming becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The server acts as a remote intermediary that enables programming of embedded single-board computers without physical access. The server communicates with the single-board computer through available network interfaces (WiFi, Bluetooth, cellular) of the embedded device, allowing code delivery regardless of the device's physical location or embedding status. This maintains embedding versatility while resolving the physical access difficulty.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for programming an embedded system include establishing a first communication link between a user device and a remote multiplexer, and a second communication link between a single-board computer and the remote multiplexer. In some embodiments, the user device executes a web browser that provides an application interface. By way of example, instructions for operating the single-board computer are received at the remote multiplexer from the web browser. In some embodiments, the remote multiplexer also receives a first identifier that identifies the user device and a second identifier that identifies the single-board computer. In some cases, the instructions and the first identifier are transmitted from the remote multiplexer to the single-board computer based on the second identifier. In various embodiments, the single-board computer is configured to execute the instructions and control a robotic device within which the single-board computer is embedded.