Dr. Fon Brown

Courses Taught

ECE 3610 - Digital Systems
ECE 3710 - Embedded Systems
ECE 6710 - Real-Time Embedded Systems

Research Areas of Interest

My Ph.D. research at Utah State University was focused on real-time scheduling, particularly using neural networks and fuzzy systems. And while that is still an interest of mine, I am currently more focused on developing microprocessor architectures that natively support real-time scheduling algorithms such that the timing constraints can be provably met. As an associated focus, I am looking to develop compiler and language technology that better fits the real-time programming model. This technology would generate real-time code that provably meets all timing constraints. Issues to be studied include calculation of task execution time, accounting for critical sections and handling resource contention.

Another of my interests is to efficiently encode information on photographic media in much the same way that QR codes or barcodes encode information on print media. The difference between print and photographic media is that print media typically has high spatial bandwidth but a limited color palette. Photographic media, on the other hand, is exactly the opposite, so it is no surprise that QR and barcodes are sub-optimal for photographs. I have developed a technique based on the principles of Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing to encode significantly more data per photographic unit area than QR codes or barcodes. I am currently pursuing methods to better (spatially) synchronize code symbols and techniques to exploit multiple colors.