Interactive Toy Marker Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interactive toys lack versatility and user-configurability, failing to provide a wide range of entertaining play experiences at affordable costs while allowing easy interaction and reconfiguration with various objects.
Innovation Solution
A user-configurable interactive toy equipped with a reader for detecting markers, a sensor for movement detection, and a processing unit that executes programmed instructions to modify configuration data based on marker and movement interactions, enabling users to customize responses and behaviors in real-time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the interactive toy uses pre-programmed responses with fixed configuration, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing cost is lowered, but the adaptability and versatility of the toy is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple response sets in the memory before use. The processing unit can selectively activate different response sets based on simple configuration inputs from markers or user actions, avoiding the need for complex real-time configuration mechanisms while still providing versatility through pre-prepared response variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the interactive toy to switch between different pre-programmed response sets based on configuration data. Instead of dynamically generating complex responses, the system changes parameters by selecting from predefined response sets, thereby maintaining low device complexity while achieving adaptability through parameter selection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the interactive toy allows user configuration and reconfiguration, then the adaptability and play value are enhanced, but the ease of operation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the interactive toy to automatically read configuration data from markers and update its response sets without requiring manual programming or complex user interfaces. The toy autonomously processes marker information and configures itself, making the configuration process as simple as placing markers in the play environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical configuration systems (such as physical switches, buttons, or manual programming interfaces) with optical or electromagnetic marker-based configuration. The reader detects markers and automatically translates them into configuration data, substituting complex mechanical interaction with simple marker placement and automatic detection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the interactive toy provides diverse play experiences through multiple configurations, then the adaptability increases, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a single interactive toy unit that can provide multiple play experiences through selectable response sets. Instead of manufacturing different toy variants for different play scenarios, one universal toy can be configured via markers to deliver diverse play experiences, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies copying by using markers as external storage for configuration data and response sets. Instead of duplicating complex programming within each toy unit, the system copies configuration information from markers into the toy's memory temporarily, allowing the same toy hardware to deliver varied play experiences without duplicating physical components.
Data Source
AI summary
An interactive toy including a reader for detecting a marker in a proximity of the interactive toy. The interactive toy also has a sensor for detecting movement of the interactive toy and a memory having programmed instructions and configuration data thereon. The programmed instructions are configured to control a response of the interactive toy to a detection of the marker, the response being defined at least in part by the configuration data. The interactive toy also has a processing unit configured to execute the programmed instructions according to the configuration data when the processing unit is in a play state. The processing unit is further configured to modify the configuration data in response to a combination of a detection of the marker in a proximity of the interactive toy, and a detection of a movement of the interactive toy when the processing unit is in a configuration state.