Gesture-Controlled Flying Toy Using IR and Pressure Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flying toys lack intuitive and interactive control methods, relying primarily on remote controls, which limits user engagement and creativity in aerial maneuvers.
Innovation Solution
The development of hand gesture-controlled flying toys utilizing infrared sensors and pressure sensors to interpret user inputs, allowing for ascent, descent, and stunt maneuvers based on hand movements, eliminating the need for a remote control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hand gesture control is implemented using pressure sensors and infrared sensors, then user interaction and creativity in flight maneuvers are enhanced, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control system requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The flying toy uses its own sensors (pressure sensors, infrared sensors) to detect hand gestures directly, eliminating the need for external remote controls. The toy serves itself by interpreting gestures from the user's hands as natural control inputs, converting this self-service capability into intuitive control while managing complexity through integrated sensor systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical remote control systems with sensor-based detection systems. Instead of using mechanical linkages or radio-controlled mechanical switches, the system uses pressure sensors to detect air pressure changes from hand gestures and infrared sensors to detect hand movements, substituting mechanical control with optical and pressure-based sensing.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors (pressure sensors, infrared sensors) are integrated for gesture detection, then control precision and maneuver accuracy are improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into multiple independent sensor modules: pressure sensors for detecting vertical hand gestures, infrared sensors for detecting lateral hand movements, and accelerometer/gyroscope for orientation detection. Each sensor type handles specific detection tasks, allowing modular manufacturing and assembly while achieving comprehensive gesture recognition precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is designed to perform multiple functions: pressure sensors detect both ascent/descent gestures and can work with infrared sensors for comprehensive hand position detection. The infrared sensors serve dual purposes of detecting hand gestures and potentially serving as collision avoidance sensors. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, simplifying manufacturing.
3Measurement precision
If the pressure sensor opening area is increased to improve gesture detection sensitivity, then detection capability is enhanced, but structural integrity and aerodynamic performance may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom surface of the flying toy features localized opening areas specifically positioned over the pressure sensor, while the rest of the body maintains full structural integrity. The openings are concentrated in specific regions where pressure detection is needed, allowing enhanced sensitivity without compromising overall structural strength or aerodynamic performance of the complete device.
Solution Approach 2:
The bottom surface incorporates porous or perforated structures that allow air pressure changes to reach the pressure sensor while maintaining sufficient structural strength. The porous design enables pressure detection sensitivity by allowing air molecules to pass through, yet the material structure itself provides the necessary mechanical strength and aerodynamic integrity.
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 users to control flying toys through natural hand gestures, enhancing user interaction and creativity in flight maneuvers, providing a more immersive and interactive flying experience.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor positioned within the body, wherein the body comprises a downward-facing opening that is in fluid communication with the pressure sensor, such that an air pressure wave traveling upward relative to the body and into the opening can be sensed by the pressure sensor
Implementation Method 2
one or more infrared transmitters connected to the body and positioned to transmit infrared light in at least a first lateral direction and a second lateral direction
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of lateral infrared receivers connected to the body, the plurality of lateral infrared receivers comprising at least: a first lateral infrared receiver positioned to detect infrared light reflected from the first lateral direction; and a second lateral infrared receiver positioned to detect infrared light reflected from the second lateral direction
Implementation Method 4
a body having one or more propulsion units coupled thereto
Implementation Method 5
the control system is configured to operate the one or more propulsion units to control flight of the flying toy
Data Source
AI summary
A hand gesture controlled flying toy can utilize one or more infrared sensors and/or pressure sensors to determine how a user is interacting with the flying toy and conduct aerial maneuvers based on those interactions. The flying toy may be configured to ascend when lateral infrared sensors detect reflections of infrared light in multiple lateral directions. The flying toy may be configured to ascend when a pressure sensor detects a pressure increase from below the flying toy. The flying toy may be configured to conduct a roll responsive to an upward infrared sensor and a lateral infrared sensor detecting reflections of infrared light. The roll may be oriented at least partially based on which lateral infrared sensor detected a reflection.