Flapping PCB Display for Digital Pet Interaction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital pets lack three-dimensional displays and tactile interaction, limiting user engagement and companionship experience.
Innovation Solution
A toy incorporating a magnetically responsive member, a printed circuit board with an electromagnetic coil and LEDs, a touch sensor, and a controller that generates oscillatory flapping motion and customizable LED illumination sequences in response to user interactions, including touch and motion, to provide a more immersive and interactive experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional digital pet with push buttons and liquid-crystal display is used, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the user interaction is limited and lacks three-dimensional display capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the PCB flappable rather than fixed, allowing it to oscillate and create three-dimensional LED display patterns. The PCB is attached to the base such that it can flap relative to the base, transforming the static display into a dynamic, multi-dimensional visual experience that enhances user interaction without requiring complete structural redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dimensionality change by arranging LEDs in multiple directions (first direction along the PCB, second direction perpendicular to the PCB during flapping). This creates three-dimensional display patterns from a two-dimensional PCB, enabling the digital pet to display visuals in depth and providing enhanced tactile and visual interaction while maintaining the core device structure
2Shape
If the PCB is made flappable to create three-dimensional LED display, then the visual display capability is enhanced, but the PCB positioning stability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by introducing a magnetic field interaction mechanism. The electromagnetic coil on the PCB interacts with the magnetically responsive member on the base, creating controlled oscillatory motion. The protrusion member and protrusion holding space are shaped to limit the flapping motion to a specific range, maintaining stability while enabling the desired three-dimensional display effect through controlled parameter variation
3Stability of the object's composition
If protrusion member and protrusion holding space are designed to limit PCB movement, then the PCB positioning is stabilized, but the flapping motion range is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial action by designing the protrusion member and protrusion holding space to provide guidance and limiting functions rather than complete constraint. The protrusion holding space defines a protrusion holding space that guides the protrusion member, allowing controlled flapping motion within a specific range while maintaining stable positioning. This partial constraint approach enables sufficient motion for three-dimensional display while preventing excessive movement that would cause instability
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
Enhances user interaction with a digital pet by offering a three-dimensional display and increased tactile engagement through oscillatory LED movements and audio responses, simulating a more lifelike companionship experience.
Implementation Method 1
The signal generator is operatively connected to the electromagnetic coil to generate a coil control signal in the electromagnetic coil. The method includes: (i) controlling the signal generator to generate the coil control signal in the electromagnetic coil to produce a time-varying varying magnetic field that interacts with the magnetically responsive member to induce oscillatory flapping of the PCB and the attached plurality of LEDs relative to the base.
Implementation Method 2
The PCB includes an electromagnetic coil, and a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs). The LEDs are distributed in a first direction.
Data Source
AI summary
A toy includes a magnetically responsive member, a fulcrum member, a printed circuit board (PCB), a lid covering the PCB, an activation switch, a touch sensor, a motion sensor, an audio transducer, a signal generator and a controller. The flexible PCB includes an electromagnetic coil, and a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs). Opening of the lid actuates the activation switch, and in response, the controller controls the signal generator to generate a coil control signal for the electromagnetic coil to produce a magnetic field that interacts with the magnetically responsive member, to induce oscillatory flapping of the PCB. In response to detecting a touch signal from the controller, or a motion signal from the motion sensor, the controller also generates a LED control signal to control illumination of the LEDs while the PCB is flapping, and an audio control signal to control the audio transducer to output sound.