Connected Yo-Yo Sensor Tracking for Remote Trick Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotatable devices like yo-yos provide limited entertainment value that is confined to the player and those in close proximity, lacking the ability to share tricks and performances across different locations.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a rotatable device connected to a computing device with sensors and transmitters that measure movement parameters, allowing for trick detection and virtual animation display on multiple devices via a network, enabling shared virtual entertainment and scoring across locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a yo-yo is used as a traditional rotatable device, then it provides entertainment through movement and tricks, but the entertainment is limited in time and space to the player and those in proximity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical yo-yo system with a hybrid system that incorporates electronic sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers), wireless transmitters, and network connectivity. This substitution enables digital communication of trick data across networks, transforming the entertainment experience from local physical interaction to remote digital sharing while preserving the core mechanical spinning function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces multiple intermediary components including sensors that detect yo-yo movement, processors that analyze trick patterns, transmitters that send data wirelessly, and servers that manage trick databases. These intermediaries bridge the gap between the physical yo-yo performance and the digital entertainment ecosystem, enabling trick identification and sharing across different locations and devices
2Adaptability or versatility
If sensors and transmitters are added to the yo-yo for trick detection and sharing, then entertainment can be shared across locations, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the yo-yo a multi-functional device by integrating sensors that serve dual purposes: detecting tricks for digital sharing and potentially providing feedback to the player. The same processor that identifies tricks also manages wireless communication and interacts with mobile applications, reducing the need for separate dedicated components for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the yo-yo into functional modules: sensor modules (accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers) for detection, a transmitter module for wireless communication, a processor for data analysis, and a power source. This segmentation allows for targeted optimization of each component and facilitates maintenance or replacement of individual modules without affecting the entire device
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables players to perform and watch tricks in real-time or near-real-time across different locations, facilitating virtual animations, scoring, and community engagement through connected computing devices and servers.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one sensor comprises a time of flight sensor
Implementation Method 2
the at least one sensor comprises a magnetometer
Data Source
AI summary
A yo-yo has at least one sensor configured to measure a parameter related to movement of the yo-yo, a transmitter configured to transmit the measured parameter to the computing device. A server is configured to determine a trick performed with the yo-yo based on the measured parameter, and to communicate the determination to one or more computing devices of different players.