Game Console as Central Processing Unit for Multi-Legged Robot Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote-controlled toys lack efficient and integrated systems for controlling the motion and orientation of multi-legged robots, relying on manual controls and limited sensory inputs, which restricts their navigation and interaction with environments.
Innovation Solution
A game console is used as a central processing unit, integrating with a remote controller that includes sensors like accelerometers, gyroscopes, and cameras to generate control signals for a multi-legged robot, utilizing audio, light, and vibration inputs to control servo motors and navigate around obstacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing remote-controlled toys use manual controls and limited sensory inputs, then the device complexity is reduced, but the navigation and interaction capability with environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by integrating multiple sensing capabilities (accelerometer, gyroscope, camera) into the remote controller to perform multiple functions: navigation, obstacle detection, and environmental interaction. This allows a single device to handle diverse control tasks that would otherwise require separate systems, resolving the contradiction between enhanced adaptability and device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If a game console is integrated as a central processing unit with multiple sensors, then the control precision and navigation capability improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs the game console as an intermediary device that receives processed sensor data from the remote controller and translates it into precise control signals for the multi-legged robot. This intermediary role allows the system to achieve high measurement precision through the game console's processing power without requiring the robot itself to contain complex sensing and processing hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical control systems with electronic sensing and processing systems. Instead of using mechanical linkages and switches, the system uses accelerometers, gyroscopes, and cameras to detect motion and environment, then processes this data electronically through the game console to generate control signals, achieving superior precision while managing complexity through software-based control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors and transducers are integrated into the remote controller and toy, then the functionality and user experience improve, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the remote controller to serve multiple functions through integrated sensors (accelerometer for motion detection, gyroscope for orientation, camera for visual input) and transducers (speaker for audio output, microphone for audio input). This multi-functional design enhances functionality while managing manufacturing complexity by consolidating multiple capabilities into a single device rather than requiring separate components for each function.
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 precise control and navigation of multi-legged robots, allowing them to interact with their environment and respond to user inputs, enhancing their functionality and user experience by leveraging existing game console technology.
Implementation Method 1
The remote control device may include an accelerometer(s) or gyroscope(s). Accelerometer and/or gyroscope information may be communicated from the remote control device to the base unit, which can then use this information to determine aspects of position and/or orientation associated with the remote control device
Implementation Method 2
The remote control device may include an accelerometer(s) or gyroscope(s). Accelerometer and/or gyroscope information may be communicated from the remote control device to the base unit, which can then use this information to determine aspects of position and/or orientation associated with the remote control device
Implementation Method 3
For example, the camera may detect infrared lights that are indicative of an obstacle or that constitute a fidicual that can be used to determine aspects of position and/or orientation
Implementation Method 4
If the remote control device includes a speaker(s), the toy may be configured with a transducer(s) that is appropriately disposed to detect sounds output from the speaker(s) and that converts these detected sounds into electrical signals for various toy controls
Implementation Method 5
If the remote control device includes one or more light emitters, the toy may be configured with a transducer(s) that is appropriately disposed to detect light emitted from the light emitters and that converts the detected light into electrical signals for various toy controls
Implementation Method 6
If the remote control device includes one or more devices that may be switched on/off, the toy may be configured with a transducer(s) that is appropriately disposed to detect magnetic fields associated with on/off switching signals sent to the remote control and that converts these detected magnetic fields into electrical signals for various toy controls
Data Source
AI summary
A remotely controlled mobile device control system is disclosed wherein a remote controller of an existing game apparatus is selectively attachable to a remote controlled toy and used for controlling the movement of the remote controlled toy in conjunction with the game apparatus which is used as a central processing unit.