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Message
From: floris vermeir<floris_vermeir_77@y...>
Date: Fri Jun 23 18:06:10 CEST 2006
Subject: [oc] A board project : a java computer
My idea is to somehow create a standalone java computer, they already exist, but this one would be with a twist. In that it does not need all the fancy stuff like video, sound keyboard input. just an ethernet connection, the basics, memory of course, and possibly a harddrive. Programming of it would be done using already existing tools. Parts already exist like the embedded java modules : the SNAP of IMSYS , systems based on the ajile processor, the jstik/jstamp, and so on EJC (Embedded Java Controller) - Snijder Micro Systems, and so on.
The idea is to use the SNAP of IMSYS as that takes away the need to design such a board from scratch, although this can later on always be done. As can the main board with more functionality. This standalone java computer would have several SNAP's(or likewise) plugged in on the main board, each one would run its own program, and in the future would have its own memory. This to allow it to work on its own, only sending the necessary data.
The connectors would be ethernet, and USB, power of course, and that would be about it. Others can alwyas be added later on. The main board could have its own processor as well, and would click on another board that has the interfaces on it. This somewhat complicated approach allows to seperatly update the design of the connector board, and the mainboard. The mainboard would in my view, but correct me if I'm wrong, best have its own processor, so that it could regulate the connections and the other plugged in boards. Because of the fact that there could be all Processor boards (the SNAP's and likewise) plugged in, but also all connector boards, that would allow some flexibility in the system. Alternativley it could be part off the mainboard as wel. The idea is that by doing this, you don't have to replace everything, just put in a new connector board. By allowing to add multiple SNAP's (or likewise), and making the minmum one, people can add them as they can pay for them. By say allowing 5-10 maximum, you would get a small but still powerful computer, that can be used to do calculations.
Depending on which embeded java module is used, and they can be potientally be clustered in the future. Because there use depends largley on the programming, and the boards plugged in, this means that one main board can have several connector boards and fewer embedded java modules, becoming a node in the cluster.
I have much to learn about this, so I 'm certainly not an expert on this, but I was wondering if anyone lese was intrested in this. They would be less performant then ordinary pc's, yet have the advantage of being depending on what is used all Java. And rather then doing everything from scratch, I and others if they want to would first look to what is already available here, to see what can be used.
Any comments, positive or negative are welcome. I know that there already exist embedded java modules and board that allow to do this, but they often have to much functionality to my liking. Best Regards,
Floris Vermeir
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