Facial Display Control for Expressive Communication Robots
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication apparatuses with robot shapes that resemble humans or animals are limited in their expression changes, leading to monotonous reactions, necessitating a solution to present a wider array of expressions to neighbors.
Innovation Solution
A communication apparatus with a display part that switches between various face patterns and controls additional operations of the apparatus body, including movement and illumination, to convey different expressions and intentions, such as suggesting movement direction and attracting attention through pattern changes and symbols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If only eye portion drawing patterns are switched, then the structure remains simple, but the expression changes are monotonous and limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple expression methods into a single communication apparatus: face pattern display on the display part, body movement through the movement device, and illumination through the illumination part. These previously separate functions are merged to create coordinated expressions that significantly increase versatility without requiring completely separate systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions through a single integrated system. The display part can show various face patterns, the movement device can change body orientation and position, and the illumination part can emit light in different patterns. This multi-functionality allows the apparatus to express a wide range of emotions and intentions using a unified control architecture.
2Loss of information
If face patterns are changed without corresponding body operations, then the control system remains simple, but the communication effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control part coordinates changes across multiple components based on detected input signals. When a specific condition is detected (such as a touch or voice input), the system provides feedback by simultaneously changing the face pattern, body orientation, and illumination state. This coordinated feedback mechanism enhances communication effectiveness by ensuring that facial expressions, body language, and lighting all convey consistent information.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares for communication by pre-coordinating the relationships between different expression modes. The control part is designed to anticipate needed expressions and prepare the display, movement, and illumination components to work together. This preliminary coordination ensures that when communication is needed, all components can respond in a synchronized and effective manner.
3Loss of information
If the apparatus does not indicate movement direction before moving, then the system remains simple, but neighbors cannot anticipate the movement
Solution Approach 1:
Before the movement device actuates, the control part first changes the face pattern to indicate the intended movement direction. This preliminary action allows neighbors to anticipate the apparatus's movement before it occurs. The face pattern serves as a visual cue that prepares observers for the upcoming body movement, enhancing safety and communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The face pattern acts as an intermediary between the control system and the movement device. Instead of directly controlling movement, the system first displays the intended direction through facial expression, which then mediates the actual physical movement. This intermediary step provides a communication buffer that allows observers to understand and react to the apparatus's intentions before the movement occurs.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication apparatus includes a display part, a display output part, and a control part. A plurality of face patterns are switched and displayed on the display part. The display output part is capable of outputting a face pattern to the display part. The control part controls, in accordance with a change of the face pattern which is output by the display output part, a different operation of a communication apparatus main body than the change of the face pattern.