Interactive Toy Real-Virtual Sync via Unique ID Tag
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interactive toys lack the ability to seamlessly integrate real-world interactions with virtual online environments, limiting the depth of engagement and synchronization between physical and virtual experiences.
Innovation Solution
An interactive toy equipped with a unique identifier tag and an electrical circuit that includes a sensor and interface for communication with a computer system, allowing for increased interaction by recording physical meetings and transmitting data via RF or audio codes, enabling synchronization between real and virtual worlds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing interactive toys are used, then they can provide basic physical interaction, but they lack the ability to synchronize with virtual online environments
Solution Approach 1:
The toy is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a traditional physical toy and a communication device with RF and audio capabilities. The dual communication system allows the toy to interact both physically with children and electronically with virtual environments, achieving multi-functionality that bridges the real and virtual worlds.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication electronics (RF module, audio module, identifier tag sensor) are integrated within the toy's structure in a nested manner, with the electronic components contained within the physical toy body. This allows the complex functionality to be embedded within the simple external form of the toy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If identifier tag sensor is added to the toy, then physical meetings can be recorded, but the toy requires another device to scan it
Solution Approach 1:
The toy combines both the identifier tag (for being scanned) and the identifier tag sensor (for scanning others) within the same device. This merging of functions allows the toy to both be identified and identify others, eliminating the need for separate scanning devices and enabling mutual recognition between toys.
Solution Approach 2:
The toy is self-sufficient in terms of identification capabilities. It carries its own unique identifier tag and has the sensor to read other tags, meaning it can independently participate in identification and befriending operations without requiring external scanning equipment.
3Reliability
If active unique identifier tag is used, then security and privacy are improved, but the toy requires power source
Solution Approach 1:
The active identifier tag and sensor operate in periodic cycles rather than continuously. The system alternates between the tag transmitting its identifier and the sensor scanning for other tags, with each mode active only during its designated time slot. This periodic operation reduces overall power consumption while maintaining security and functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The toy's identification system is dynamic, switching between different operational modes (transmitting vs. scanning) based on the current time slot. This dynamic behavior allows the system to maintain active identification capabilities for security while managing power consumption through controlled activation periods.
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 by allowing physical meetings to be reflected in virtual environments, providing increased security and privacy through active unique identifier tags, and facilitating enhanced gaming experiences by integrating real-world interactions with virtual worlds.
Implementation Method 1
The antenna may comprise a coil of wire, tuned to operate at 125 KHz, that couples with antennas of other appropriate devices to form a magnetic field such that data in the form of unique identifier information can be transferred between the devices.
Implementation Method 2
Alternatively, the short range communication device may comprise a sound receiver that enables the interactive toy to receive data using audio codes.
Data Source
AI summary
An interactive toy is described that provides a physical representation of an avatar created by a user within a virtual or on-line gaming environment. The interactive toy comprises a unique identifier tag and an electrical circuit the electrical circuit comprising, an identifier tag sensor and an interface that provides a means for the toy to communicate with a computer system. The inclusion of the unique identifier tag allows for a portable toy to be produced that can act as both an identifier and a scanner and so provides for increased interaction within the real world for the users of the interactive toys. As a result such toys are able to record physical meetings that can be reflected as befriending events in the corresponding virtual on-line world.