Interactive Device Actuation With Onboard Motion And Magnetic Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Interactive devices in amusement parks require external sensors to detect user interactions, rendering them ineffective when outside the sensor range or not held by the user, limiting their functionality.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating sensors within the device to measure acceleration, angular velocity, and magnetic field strength, allowing it to operate independently and trigger actions based on user interactions without external sensors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If external sensors are used to detect device interactions, then the attraction can respond to user interactions, but the device becomes ineffective when outside the sensor range or not held by the user

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoiddevice effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into two functional segments: a portable device containing sensors and a remote triggering apparatus. The portable device measures physical quantities (acceleration, angular velocity, magnetic field) and communicates with the triggering apparatus, which evaluates the data and activates show elements. This segmentation allows the device to function independently of external sensor ranges.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A communication interface acts as an intermediary between the portable device and the triggering apparatus. The portable device sends measured data through this intermediary to the triggering apparatus, enabling the system to respond to interactions even when the device is separated from external sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the device must be held or worn by the user to function, then the interaction is direct, but the device loses functionality when separated from the user

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interactionVSAvoiddevice mobility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The portable device contains its own sensors and processing capabilities, allowing it to autonomously measure physical quantities and communicate interaction data without requiring continuous user possession. The device serves itself by capturing and transmitting data independently, enabling functionality whether held, thrown, or placed somewhere else.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Speed

If the device is thrown away from the user, then the user can interact from a distance, but the external sensor cannot detect the device's presence or interaction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinteraction response timeVSAvoiddevice detection

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from a single-point detection model (external sensor only) to a distributed measurement model where the portable device carries its own sensors. This dimensional shift in the measurement architecture allows detection to occur at the device location rather than requiring the device to be at the sensor location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 engagement and immersion by enabling device interactions beyond sensor range, rewarding diverse throwing styles, and maintaining functionality when separated from the user.

Implementation Method 1

measure a magnetic field strength

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

measure a device acceleration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcceleration: Accelerometer

Implementation Method 3

measure a device angular velocity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAngular velocity: Gyroscope

Data Source

PatentUS20250334604A1System and method of user affordance and actuation

Publication Date: 2025.10.30 UNIVERSAL CITY STUDIOS LLC

AI summary

Aspects of the disclosure relate to methods, apparatus, and systems for triggering an action while a device is separated from a user and traveling toward a target. A system includes a device and a triggering apparatus. The device is configured to measure a magnetic field strength, a device acceleration, and/or a device angular velocity while the device is separated from a user and traveling toward a target, and send the measured magnetic field strength, the measured acceleration, and/or the measured angular velocity to the triggering apparatus while the device is separated from the user and traveling toward the target. The triggering apparatus is configured to receive the measured magnetic field strength, the measured acceleration, and/or the measured angular velocity from the device, and determine whether to trigger an action based on an analysis of the measured magnetic field strength, the measured acceleration, and/or the measured angular velocity.