1. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
Nathan Fisher
Phase 0.1 – End Of Phase Review
Agenda
• Preliminary User Interaction Concepts
• Technology Schematics
• ROM Cost Analysis
Goals for this meeting
• Confirm market feasibility and user experience
• Choose direction/s for further development
1

2. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
Innovation Development
technology
( feasibility )
brainstorm concepts
2

3. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
Innovation Development
technology
( feasibility )
economics
( profitability )
3

4. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
Innovation Development
technology
( feasibility )
market
( desirability )
economics
( profitability )
4

5. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
Innovation Development
technology
( feasibility )
market
( desirability )
economics
( profitability )
innovation target
5

6. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
Category
Tech
Market
Product
Price
Development
Proximity
sensor, RF,
LED
Pro-sumer
NA
AudioCubes M-Tran
Development
Servo, various
electronics
NA
NA
Snap Circuits
Consumer
Product
Misc
electronics
Children
$20-$80
Radica Cube
World
Consumer
Product
Magnets, ,
motion sensor,
various
electronics
Children
$25
Scrabble
Flash
Consumer
Product
“Smartlink”
technology
All Ages
$15
Sifteo
Consumer
Product
Motion sensor,
proximity
sensor, USB,
ect…
All ages
$140
Life if George
Consumer
Product
Smart phone
camera an app.
Kids-Teens
$25
Mindstorm
Consumer
Product
PC, various
electronics
Kids-Teens
$460
Cubelets
Consumer
Product
Various
mechanical and
electrical.
Kids-Adults
$160-$520
B-Squares
Consumer
Product
Arduino
platform,
various
electrics.
Pro-sumer
$8-$170
Competitive Research
6

7. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
Smart Blocks Project may adopt various Localizations technique such as Contact Technology, Contact less
Technology, Hybrid Technology, or Triangulation for Detection, Tracking & Identification of each Block.
Smart Blocks
Contact
MechanicalActuation,
Physical Proximity
Smart Floor
ElectricalActuation
ElectricalProximity
Wired Mesh , Smart Grid
Electro
MechanicalActuation
MEMS Sensors, Gyroscope,
Accelerometer,Tilt Sensors
Hybrid
Computer Vision, Digital Imaging
Time of Flight Measurement
, Triangulation
Contactless
Infrared, RFID, Ultrasound Satellite
Communication
NFC, Wi-Fi/BT, Zigbee
Technology Tree
7

8. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
$/BLOCK $/STATION 100 BLOCKS 500 BLOCKS
1 Depth sensor $0.05 $95 2
2 Smart Grid $0.65 $85.00 1
3 LASER LINE $0.05 $125.00 2
4 Wired Mesh $2.20 $11.00 1
5
Passive Inductive Sensing
(Passive RFID)
$1.95 $60.00 3
6 Conductive Contact $2.20 $25.00 2
7 IR (Single TX-RX Combo) $1.75 $35.00 1
8
Capacitive Signaling &
Inductive Powering
$1.80 $40.00 2
9 Active RFID $4.50 $100.00 2
10
MEMS Sensor + Wireless,
RF Transmitter
$4.85 $35.00 1
11 GPS Navigation System $2.30 $285.00 3
12 Digital Imager $2.65 $1,500.00 2
TECHNOLOGYITEM
$150.00$130.00
$410.00
$940.00
$1,111.00
$255.00
$210.00
REASON
DEVELOPMENT
RISK
$520.00 $2,460.00
$231.00
$1,765.00 $2,825.00
$515.00 $1,435.00
$550.00 $2,350.00
$1,035.00
BOM COST
$100
$220.00
$120
$150.00
STARTER KIT COST
$910.00
$245.00 $1,125.00
Technology vs. Cost
Initial Brainstorming Concepts Cost Comparison
8
note: costs based on ROM estimating, not quotations at high volume
$$forcomparisonpurposesonly

9. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
$/BLOCK $/STATION 100 BLOCKS 500 BLOCKS
1 Depth sensor $0.05 $95 2
little potential to reduce
cost
2 Smart Grid $0.65 $85.00 1
simplify concept to
reduce cost
3 LASER LINE $0.05 $125.00 2
can use a cheaper
camera to do same
4 Wired Mesh $2.20 $11.00 1 potential for lower cost
5
Passive Inductive Sensing
(Passive RFID)
$1.95 $60.00 3
modify to use cheaper
components
6 Conductive Contact $2.20 $25.00 2
streamline to reduce
parts
7 IR (Single TX-RX Combo) $1.75 $35.00 1
user interaction suffers
with lower cost
8
Capacitive Signaling &
Inductive Powering
$1.80 $40.00 2
little potential to reduce
cost
9 Active RFID $4.50 $100.00 2
can be done with
passive RFID
10
MEMS Sensor + Wireless,
RF Transmitter
$4.85 $35.00 1
little potential to reduce
cost
11 GPS Navigation System $2.30 $285.00 3
resolution too low, high
part count
12 Digital Imager $2.65 $1,500.00 2
excessive quality, can
be done with camera
$1,765.00 $2,825.00
$550.00 $2,350.00
$520.00 $2,460.00
$515.00 $1,435.00
$245.00 $1,125.00
$210.00 $910.00
$220.00 $940.00
$130.00 $150.00
$231.00 $1,111.00
$255.00 $1,035.00
REASON
$100 $120
$150.00 $410.00
ITEM TECHNOLOGY
BOM COST STARTER KIT COST DEVELOPMENT
RISK
Technology vs. Cost
Initial Brainstorming Concepts Cost Comparison
9
note: costs based on ROM estimating, not quotations at high volume
$$forcomparisonpurposesonly

10. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
User Experience (UX)
• common features – found in all concepts
• unique features – what makes one experience different from another
10

11. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
User Experience
Common Features
• quantity of blocks
• form factor - small vs. large
• data processing
• technology – basic functionality
11

12. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
User Experience
Common Features
Quantity and Size of Blocks
• what can you build with a starter kit?
• perceived value
12

13. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
• 100 piece kit size
• 0.3x0.3” minimum block size
• small technology is good for design
flexibility
note:
• a basic block is 1x1x1, the smallest detectable
unit or “voxel”
• each Lego block may represent several voxels
• cost of larger blocks varies by technology
UX/Common Features
quantity – small blocks
13

14. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
UX/Common Features
quantity – large blocks
• 100 piece kit size
• 1.75x1.75” block size
• provides more space for technology
note:
• examples show simple blocks with no mechanical
attachment
• simple stacks shown without bridges or overhangs
14

15. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
UX/Common Features
form factor – large vs. small
Large = perceived value for a smaller kit Small = desire for more pieces
15

16. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
User Experience
Common Features
Data Processing
• turning raw scan data into a 3D database
• turning a 3D database into a viewable display
16

17. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
UX/Common Features
data processing
17
• gaming base or block process data into 3D database
• database is sent to Cloud via PC with little or no additional
processing
• viewable 3D model generated by PC in real time or by Cloud via
web based viewer
Hardware Based Processing
PRO
• single software platform
• less setup and versioning
CON
• adds cost
• best for digital detection
techniques
• impractical to generate
viewable image

18. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
UX/Common Features
data processing
18
• raw data is set to PC to be processed by customers hardware
using proprietary software
• 3D database is uploaded to cloud for sharing
• viewable 3D model generated by PC in real time
PC/Mac
PRO
• speed - serious processing power
• can handle data intensive detection
technologies
• shifts cost away from game
CON
• customer may not own a PC
(tablets)
• multiple software platforms
• unpredictable user experience
(speed)

19. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
UX/Common Features
data processing
19
• gaming service provider accepts raw data
• data is processed into 3D database and stored
• viewable 3D model generated by cloud and sent in simplified
form to customer, viewed via browser type software
PRO
• total control over software platform
• minimum BOM cost
• not dependent on customer having a
PC (can use a phone or tablet)
• known customer experience
CON
• expensive to scale
• slow – not real time
The Cloud

20. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
User Experience
Common Features
Technology – Basic Functionality
• what is the technology expected to do as a “Smart Block”?
• what can be sacrificed to save cost?
20

21. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
UX/Common Features
technology – must have
21
blocks stacked one on top of
another in a grid pattern
blocks that are more
than one cube in size
detached bodies
on a grid

22. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
UX/Common Features
technology – nice to have
22
½ offset blocks
randomly positioned blocks
not normal to a grid
odd shapes

23. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
UX/Common Features
technology – detectable vs. actual block size
23
smallest detectable unit size or “voxel”
each piece can be several units in size
may cost more per block
block can be any size large
enough to fit technology

24. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
User Experience
Unique Features
• used to compare and contrast brainstorm concepts
– power source (if any)
– directionality of blocks
– visibility to the computer
– play area
24

25. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
User Experience
Unique Features
Power Source
• does the block require power – dumb vs. smart?
• how to supply power to activate circuitry inside the block
• may also act as a data transmission path
• affects cost and reliability
25

26. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
UX/Unique Features
power source
26
NONE
PRO
• cheap
• small
CON
• dumb
BATTERY
PRO
• reliable
• smart
CON
• cost
• limited life
• replacement
INDUCTIVE
PRO
• reliable
• never runs out
• provides signal path
CON
• very little power
CONTACTS
PRO
• unlimited
• can act as sensor
• provides signal path
CON
• reliability
• cost

27. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
User Experience
Unique Features
Directionality
• does the block need to be oriented a certain way?
• flexibility is desirable
• flexibility tends to add cost
27

28. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
UX/Unique Features
directionality
28
NON DIRECTIONAL
PRO
• freedom
CON
• hard to detect
• complex joints
ANY VERTICAL
PRO
• simple joints
• direct com path
CON
• less freedom
MONO DIRECTIONAL
PRO
• minimum components
• simple joints
CON
• fussy to use
best good less desirable

29. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
User Experience
Unique Features
Visibility to Computer
• how accurately does the computer reproduce the structure?
– full reproduction
– net shape
– line of sight
– other attributes
29

30. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
UX/Unique Features
visibility to computer
30
AS BUILT WHAT THE COMPUTER SEES
each block separately
recognized
orientation and
construction details
reproduced
nothing is hidden
FULL REPRODUCTION best

31. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
UX/Unique Features
visibility to computer
31
AS BUILT WHAT THE COMPUTER SEES
filled space distinguished
from empty
nothing is hidden
NET SHAPE
can’t detect what shape
blocks were used
good

32. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
UX/Unique Features
visibility to computer
32
AS BUILT WHAT THE COMPUTER SEES
may not detect what shape
blocks were used
hidden areas missed
requiring more
camera positions
LINE OF SIGHT
filled space distinguished
from empty only where
visible to camera
less desirable
may detect color and
visible attributes

33. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
UX/Unique Features
visibility to computer
33
BRIDGES
overhanging structures & what is above
OTHER SHAPES
non square
COLOR & ATTRUBUTES
details other than presence
classification
UNIQUE ID
USER INTERACTION
touch, motion, speedREAL TIME UPDATES
see it as you build it
OTHER ATTRIBUTES

34. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
User Experience
Unique Features
Play Area
• what sort of surface base is needed to detect the blocks?
34

35. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
UX/Unique Features
play area
35
• may require blocks to be physically connected
• may require a master block or cable connection in each structure
• detects the structure, not what is within a given space
Any Clean Surface

36. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
UX/Unique Features
play area
36
• play must be contained within a pre-defined area
• places blocks in a predictable grid to facilitate accurate scanning
• may contain electronics that are not physically connected to blocks
Mechanical Grid

37. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
UX/Unique Features
play area
37
• play must be contained within a pre-defined area
• provides power and/or data transmission to blocks
• physically aligns block to power/data connection points
Electro/Optical Grid

38. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
Technology Concepts
• 6 concepts that meet cost and performance targets
– overview
– operational sequence
– PRO/CON
– electronics bill of materials
38

39. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
Technology Concepts
1. Capacitive Grid
39

40. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
The
“Cloud”
Base:
• Grid measures capacitance of
each stack and converts to a
number representing stack
height
PC:
• Collects grid data and
represents as 3D for
user interaction
Processed data is
uploaded to The “Cloud”
Conductive Block:
• Has a conductive contact top and bottom
• Each block adds capacitance to the stack
similar to a touch screen monitor
User Interaction:
• Grid may detect human touch as well
• Dirt and contamination may reduce
effectiveness
Tech – 1. Capacitive Grid
overview
40

41. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
1. Board Game act as Capacitive Grid and has Mesh Network of Copper Wires.
2. Each Junction point of Wired Mesh act as Weak Capacitance.
3. All Column Wires are Transmitter & All Row Wires act as Receiver.
4. Few KHz of Pulsating Square wave is send through Transmitter, at receiving end the same wave is analyzed
including weak capacitance.
5. When Conductive pad is being kept on Smart Grid it introduces more capacitance to Receiver and recorded as
Placement of block at specific location, adding more will add capacitance and vice versa.
Smart
Block
Tech – 1. Capacitive Grid
operational sequence
41

42. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
Tech – 1. Capacitive Grid
PRO/CON
PRO
• real time updates
• shows user interaction
• reliable
42
CON
• stacks only – limited shapes
• blocks not very smart
• base may be sensitive to dirt

43. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
Tech – 1. Capacitive Grid
electronics bill of materials
43

44. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
Technology Concepts
Fixed Camera
44

45. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
The
“Cloud”
Cameras (4):
• Take bitmap image of play area from
4 perspectives and send raw data
back to PC
• Update speed depends on
processing speed of PC
PC:
• PC processes bitmap image
data into 3D reconstruction
• Provides user interaction
Processed data is
uploaded to The “Cloud”
Play area:
• Mechanical grid keeps blocks in a known
orientation to facilitate optical block
recognition
• Not required but lowers processing burden
Tech – 2. Fixed Camera
overview
45

46. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
1. 2 or more cameras are arranged around play area. Laser may be used to enhance block detection.
2. Picture is taken at each camera location.
3. Bitmap images are compared and processed (possibly using licensed software).
4. Meshing
Smart
Block#1
Smart
Block#2
Smart
Block#3
Smart
Block#4
Smart
Block#5
Smart
Block#6
Smart
Block#7
Smart
Block#8
LASER
(low cost option to improve reliability)
Sample Geometry of Blocks
Camera Focus
Camera
Tech – 2. Fixed Camera
operational sequence
46

47. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
Tech – 2. Fixed Camera
PRO/CON
PRO
• low cost/block
• no cell phone needed
• local processing option
47
CON
• line of sight
• dumb blocks
• heavy software development

48. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
Tech – 2. Fixed Camera
electronics bill of materials
48

49. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
Technology Concepts
3. RFID
49

50. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
The
“Cloud”
PC:
Collects grid data and
represents as 3D for user
interaction
Processed data is
uploaded to The “Cloud”
smart cube with
RFID
BASE:
• Has reference RFID for
calibration
• Has mechanical grid
RFID Reader:
• Emits an EM wave to power blocks
and reads reply
• Triangulates position based on
relative signal strength
RFID:
• Stores information about
each block
• Broadcasts a signal back to
reader
Tech – 3. RFID
overview
50

51. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
1. Game Board act as Intelligent board and has Reference RFID Tags and Readers fixed on it.
2. Each Smart Block is Equipped with RFID Tag with unique ID.
3. Each Reader is sending energy to RFID Tags & Tags sends signal back to reader.
4. Using Received Signal Strength Identification (RSSI), followed by some Algorithm each Block can uniquely identified.
5. PC processes the data received into 3D coordinates relative to reference tags, rounding to the nearest voxel.
RFID Reader
RFID Ref
Tag#1
RFID
Ref
Tag#9
RFID
Ref
Tag#8
RFID Ref
Tag#7
RFID Reader
RFID Ref
Tag#4
RFID Ref
Tag#3
RFID Ref
Tag#2
Block 1
Antenna
Antenna
Antenna
Antenna
RFID Ref
Tag#4
RFID
Ref
Tag#5
RFID
Ref
Tag#10
RFID Reader
RFID Ref
Tag#11
RFID
Reader
RFID Ref
Tag#12
Block 5
Block 3 Block 2 Block 4
Block 6
Tech – 3. RFID
operational sequence
51

52. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
Tech – 3. RFID
PRO/CON
PRO
• lots of data from block
• low cost of larger blocks
• low cost/block
52
CON
• high cost/risk of development
• positional data is basic
• rectangular blocks only

53. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
Tech – 3. RFID
electronics bill of materials
53

54. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
Technology Concepts
4. Conductive Contact
54

55. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
Tech – 4. Conductive Contact
overview
Block:
• Has electrical contacts
on each face to relay
power and data
• Creates digital data
packets based on each
signal coming from
each side
Note: LEGO style shape for illustration
only, blocks can be non-directional
Master Block:
• same as other blocks but has a
USB to connect with PC
• block can be attached to multiple
structures (no relative position)
Larger blocks:
• one chip per block
• one contact set per
row/column
PC:
• processes block data
packets into 3D
reconstruction for UI
The
“Cloud”
Processed data is
uploaded to The “Cloud”
55

56. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
1. Master block is plugged into PC via USB
2. Power is passed from master block to each block as it is added.
3. Each block creates a data packet containing its unique ID and sends this information to each set of active contacts
4. Each block that receives a data packet adds it’s own ID and information based on which contact set it received data from
5. Data travels around gaps in the structure and dirty contacts by mesh networking with all working contact sets
6. The data packets are relayed to the PC, which reconstructs the shape of the build based on the data packets
Tech – 4. Conductive Contact
operational sequence
Master
Block
Block 1
USB
Block 3
Block 5
Block 9
Block 6
Block 2
Block 4
Block 7
Block 8
56

57. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
Tech – 4. Conductive Contact
PRO/CON
PRO
• smartest of all blocks
• no base plate required
• future expansion
• uses existing technology
• strong IP on hardware
57
CON
• high cost/block
• reliability cost of contacts

58. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
Tech – 4. Conductive Contact
electronics bill of materials
58

59. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
Technology Concepts
5. QR Code
59

60. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
Tech – 5. QR Code
overview/operational sequence
60
1. Smart phone is positioned over top of first block until QR code is recognized
2. QR code and MEMS data are sent to cloud
3. Process is repeated for each stack of blocks
4. Cloud interprets MEMS data to reconstruct the position and elevation for the top block of each stack
5. QR code data is used enhance cloud reconstruction with color or other attributes
6. Cloud sends 3D representation back to smart phone

61. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
Tech – 5. QR Code
PRO/CON
PRO
• cheap
• pretty smart for a dumb block
61
CON
• tedious user interaction
• cell data usage
• what age has a smart phone?
• easy product to copy

62. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
Tech – 5. QR Code
electronics bill of materials
62

63. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
Technology Concepts
6. Smart Phone (Digital Camera)
• handheld camera can also be used with a PC using same technology
• smart phone may add user instructions and feedback, and can
display results directly
• smart phones provide MEMS data which may help in processing
63

64. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
Tech – 6. Smart Phone
overview
Blocks:
• dumb
• shape and color selected
for ease of recognition
• all blocks located on a grid
Play Area:
• visible lines used to aid
interpretation of position,
distance and perspective
Smart Phone:
• Used with parents permission
• 4 or more photos are taken and
uploaded to cloud
• more photos may be needed
RAW data is uploaded
to The “Cloud”
Processed data returns
The
“Cloud”
64

65. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
1. Photo is taken from one side
2. Screen shows user a diagram showing where to stand next
3. User moves to next position, aims, and takes another picture
4. Photos are uploaded to cloud after each shot
5. Process is repeated 4 times
6. Cloud computer compares the photos and constructs a 3D representation
7. Cloud sends a 3D image back to cell phone for user to check
8. If necessary, user returns to step 3 to fill in missing details
Tech – 6. Smart Phone
operation sequence
Block 1 Block 3
Block 5
Block 9
Block 8
2.
1. 2.
3.4.
65

66. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
Tech – 6. Smart Phone
PRO/CON
PRO
• cheap
• can be done with existing blocks
• can scan anything into 3D
66
CON
• high software development cost
• cloud processing power
• high data usage rate
• what age has a smart phone?
• dumb blocks

67. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
Tech – 6. Smart Phone
electronics bill of materials
67

68. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
Tech – Camera Based Digitizing Example
Autodesk 123D Catch software
68
• basic service is free download
• 3D printing services offered
• turns photos of anything into 3D mesh
• test above required 76 photos
• accuracy is low
3D mesh generated by
cloud based server

69. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
Technology Concepts
Overview
69
2. Fixed Camera 3. RFID
4. Conductive Contact 6. Smart Phone
(Digital Camera)
1. Capacitive Grid
5. QR Code

70. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
1 2 3 4 5 6
Capacitive
Grid
Fixed Camera RFID
Conductive
Contact
QR Code Smart Phone
NONE
BATTERY
INDUCTIVE
POWER CONTACT
ANY
VERTICAL
MONO
FULL REPRODUCTION
NET SHAPE OF
COMPLETE STRUCTURE
NOT LIMITED BY LINE OF
SIGHT
SIMPLE STACK
BRIDGES
NON-GRID SHAPED
STRUCTURES
REAL TIME UPDATES
DETECTION OF NON-
ATTACHED BLOCKS
BLOCK SHAPE OR COLOR
CONTIGUOUS, ANY CLEAN
SURFACE
MECHANICAL GRID
ELECTRO/OPTICAL GRID
DATA
DATA PROCESSING AD/converter on base PC PC blocks cell phone cloud
SIZE
MINIMUM (mm) 5x5x5 or smaller 5x5x5 or smaller 5x5x5 or smaller 10x10x10 5x5x5 or smaller 5x5x5 or smaller
PLAYAREAPOWERSOURCE
BLOCK
ORIENTATION
VISIBILITYTO
COMPUTER
COMPLEX
STRUCTURES
BLOCKDATA
DETECTION
Desirability
Feature Summary
70

71. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
Desirability
Feature Summary
71
1 2 3 4 5 6
Capacitive
Grid
Fixed Camera RFID
Conductive
Contact
QR Code Smart Phone
NONE
BATTERY
INDUCTIVE
POWER CONTACT
ANY
VERTICAL
MONO
FULL REPRODUCTION
NET SHAPE OF
COMPLETE STRUCTURE
NOT LIMITED BY LINE OF
SIGHT
SIMPLE STACK
BRIDGES
NON-GRID SHAPED
STRUCTURES
REAL TIME UPDATES
DETECTION OF NON-
ATTACHED BLOCKS
BLOCK SHAPE OR COLOR
CONTIGUOUS, ANY CLEAN
SURFACE
MECHANICAL GRID
ELECTRO/OPTICAL GRID
DATA
DATA PROCESSING AD/converter on base PC PC blocks cell phone cloud
SIZE
MINIMUM (mm) 5x5x5 or smaller 5x5x5 or smaller 5x5x5 or smaller 10x10x10 5x5x5 or smaller 5x5x5 or smaller
PLAYAREAPOWERSOURCE
BLOCK
ORIENTATION
VISIBILITYTO
COMPUTER
COMPLEX
STRUCTURES
BLOCKDATA
DETECTION

72. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
Desirability
Feature Summary
72
1 2 3 4 5 6
Capacitive
Grid
Fixed Camera RFID
Conductive
Contact
QR Code Smart Phone
NONE
BATTERY
INDUCTIVE
POWER CONTACT
ANY
VERTICAL
MONO
FULL REPRODUCTION
NET SHAPE OF
COMPLETE STRUCTURE
NOT LIMITED BY LINE OF
SIGHT
SIMPLE STACK
BRIDGES
NON-GRID SHAPED
STRUCTURES
REAL TIME UPDATES
DETECTION OF NON-
ATTACHED BLOCKS
BLOCK SHAPE OR COLOR
CONTIGUOUS, ANY CLEAN
SURFACE
MECHANICAL GRID
ELECTRO/OPTICAL GRID
DATA
DATA PROCESSING AD/converter on base PC PC blocks cell phone cloud
SIZE
MINIMUM (mm) 5x5x5 or smaller 5x5x5 or smaller 5x5x5 or smaller 10x10x10 5x5x5 or smaller 5x5x5 or smaller
PLAYAREAPOWERSOURCE
BLOCK
ORIENTATION
VISIBILITYTO
COMPUTER
COMPLEX
STRUCTURES
BLOCKDATA
DETECTION

73. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
Desirability
Feature Summary
73
1 2 3 4 5 6
Capacitive
Grid
Fixed Camera RFID
Conductive
Contact
QR Code Smart Phone
NONE
BATTERY
INDUCTIVE
POWER CONTACT
ANY
VERTICAL
MONO
FULL REPRODUCTION
NET SHAPE OF
COMPLETE STRUCTURE
NOT LIMITED BY LINE OF
SIGHT
SIMPLE STACK
BRIDGES
NON-GRID SHAPED
STRUCTURES
REAL TIME UPDATES
DETECTION OF NON-
ATTACHED BLOCKS
BLOCK SHAPE OR COLOR
CONTIGUOUS, ANY CLEAN
SURFACE
MECHANICAL GRID
ELECTRO/OPTICAL GRID
DATA
DATA PROCESSING AD/converter on base PC PC blocks cell phone cloud
SIZE
MINIMUM (mm) 5x5x5 or smaller 5x5x5 or smaller 5x5x5 or smaller 25x25x25 5x5x5 or smaller 5x5x5 or smaller
PLAYAREAPOWERSOURCE
BLOCK
ORIENTATION
VISIBILITYTO
COMPUTER
COMPLEX
STRUCTURES
BLOCKDATA
DETECTION

74. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
Technology vs. Cost
Refined Cost Comparison
74
note: BOM costs based on component quotes in 1million quantities
$/BLOCK
Enclosure
$/BLOCK
Electronics
$/STATION 100 BLOCKS 500 BLOCKS
1 Capacitive Grid $0.01 $0.09 $11 1
Wired grid base plate scans rows
and columns for capacitance at each
grid intersection. Higher capacitance
means more blocks stacked on top.
2 Fixed Camera $0.01 $0.00 $26 2
Base station consists of Four
cameras, additional cameras reduce
blind spots, laser improves
performance in low light
3 RFID $0.01 $0.10 $15 3
3 or more RFID readers send out
pulses and uses response signal
strength to triangulate position.
Possible limits due to number of
RFID used and resolution of position.
4
Conductive
Contact
$0.01 $0.27 $0.40 2
Each block has a chip and contacts
on all sides forming a mesh network.
Data is reported back to PC via a
master block with USB cable.
5 QR Code $0.01 $0.06 $0 2
Smart Phone MEMS sensor can be
used with Marker to identify unique
coordinates , Indoor Location Maps
6
Smart Phone
Camera
$0.01 $0.00 $0 3
Pictures sent to cloud with MEMS
info, cloud processes into 3D map.
BOM COST STATER KIT COST LARGE KIT COST
$21 $61
ITEM TECHNOLOGY REASON
$7 $35
DEVELOPMENT
RISK
NOTES
$28 $140
$1 $5
$27 $31
$26 $70

75. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
Technology vs. Cost
Refined Cost Comparison
75
note: BOM costs based on component quotes in 1million quantities
$/BLOCK
Enclosure
$/BLOCK
Electronics
$/STATION 100 BLOCKS 500 BLOCKS
1 Capacitive Grid $0.01 $0.09 $11 1
Wired grid base plate scans rows
and columns for capacitance at each
grid intersection. Higher capacitance
means more blocks stacked on top.
low feature set relative to cost
2 Fixed Camera $0.01 $0.00 $26 2
Base station consists of Four
cameras, additional cameras reduce
blind spots, laser improves
performance in low light
emerging technology may not be
available to liscence, very high
cost to adapt or develop
3 RFID $0.01 $0.10 $15 3
3 or more RFID readers send out
pulses and uses response signal
strength to triangulate position.
Possible limits due to number of
RFID used and resolution of position.
very high development cost to
create antenna capable of
transmitting power and receiving
signal with positional data
4
Conductive
Contact
$0.01 $0.27 $0.40 2
Each block has a chip and contacts
on all sides forming a mesh network.
Data is reported back to PC via a
master block with USB cable.
cost mitigated by rich feature set
5 QR Code $0.01 $0.06 $0 2
Smart Phone MEMS sensor can be
used with Marker to identify unique
coordinates , Indoor Location Maps
6
Smart Phone
Camera
$0.01 $0.00 $0 3
Pictures sent to cloud with MEMS
info, cloud processes into 3D map.
emerging technology may not be
available to liscence, very high
cost to adapt or develop
BOM COST STATER KIT COST LARGE KIT COST
$21 $61
ITEM TECHNOLOGY REASON
$7 $35
DEVELOPMENT
RISK
NOTES
$28 $140
$1 $5
$27 $31
$26 $70

76. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
Innovation Development
Summary
76

77. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
Innovation Development
Summary
77
1 2 3 4 5 6
Capacitive
Grid
Fixed Camera RFID
Conductive
Contact
QR Code Smart Phone
NONE
BATTERY
POWER CONTACT
ANY
VERTICAL
MONO
FULL REPRODUCTION
NET SHAPE OF
COMPLETE STRUCTURE
NOT LIMITED BY LINE OF
SIGHT
SIMPLE STACK
BRIDGES
NON-GRID SHAPED
STRUCTURES
REAL TIME UPDATES
DETECTION OF NON-
ATTACHED BLOCKS
BLOCK SHAPE OR COLOR
CONTIGUOUS, ANY CLEAN
SURFACE
MECHANICAL GRID
ELECTRO/OPTICAL GRID
DATA
DATA PROCESSING AD/converter on base PC PC blocks cell phone cloud
SIZE
MINIMUM (mm) 5x5x5 or smaller 5x5x5 or smaller 5x5x5 or smaller 25x25x25 5x5x5 or smaller 5x5x5 or smaller
PLAYAREA
Technology Feature Comparison Chart
POWER
SOURCE
BLOCK
ORIENTATION
VISIBILITYTO
COMPUTER
COMPLEX
STRUCTURES
BLOCKDATA
DETECTION
$/BLOCK
Enclosure
$/BLOCK
Electronics
$/STATION 100 BLOCKS 500 BLOCKS
1 Capacitive Grid $0.01 $0.09 $11 1
Wired grid base plate scans rows
and columns for capacitance at each
grid intersection. Higher capacitance
means more blocks stacked on top.
low feature set relative to cost
2 Fixed Camera $0.01 $0.00 $26 2
Base station consists of Four
cameras, additional cameras reduce
blind spots, laser improves
performance in low light
emerging technology may not be
available to liscence, very high
cost to adapt or develop
3 RFID $0.01 $0.10 $15 3
3 or more RFID readers send out
pulses and uses response signal
strength to triangulate position.
Possible limits due to number of
RFID used and resolution of position.
very high development cost to
create antenna capable of
transmitting power and receiving
signal with positional data
4
Conductive
Contact
$0.01 $0.27 $0.40 2
Each block has a chip and contacts
on all sides forming a mesh network.
Data is reported back to PC via a
master block with USB cable.
cost mitigated by rich feature set
5 QR Code $0.01 $0.06 $0 2
Smart Phone MEMS sensor can be
used with Marker to identify unique
coordinates , Indoor Location Maps
6
Smart Phone
Camera
$0.01 $0.00 $0 3
Pictures sent to cloud with MEMS
info, cloud processes into 3D map.
emerging technology may not be
available to liscence, very high
cost to adapt or develop
BOM COST STATER KIT COST LARGE KIT COST
$21 $61
ITEM TECHNOLOGY REASON
$7 $35
DEVELOPMENT
RISK
NOTES
$28 $140
$1 $5
$27 $31
$26 $70

78. Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher | Smart Blocks | phase 0.1 – EOP review
07. 25. 2013
Summary
78
Fixed Camera RFID
Conductive Contact Smart Phone
(Digital Camera)
Capacitive Grid
QR Code