Interactive Virtual Object Construction Through Modular Behavior Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing virtual toy construction systems lack interactive features that enhance educational and play value, particularly for children without programming expertise, and do not allow easy configuration and re-configuration of interactive play experiences.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for constructing interactive virtual objects using virtual construction elements with coupling mechanisms, where some elements have interactive behaviors that can be imparted to others upon connection, allowing users to create and modify interactive behaviors through a user interface, enabling complex and intuitive interactive experiences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If virtual toy construction systems provide basic construction functionality, then users can build virtual models, but the systems lack interactive features that enhance educational and play value
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments interactive behavior into discrete, modular components that can be attached to individual construction elements. Each construction element can independently carry specific interactive behaviors (e.g., sensing, actuation, communication), allowing the overall system to provide rich interactivity without requiring complex centralized control. This modular segmentation enables children to build interactive models by simply connecting pre-programmed elements rather than writing complex code.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universal construction elements that can serve multiple functions: basic structural construction, carrying various types of interactive behaviors, and communicating with other elements. A single construction element type can embody different interactive behaviors depending on its configuration, reducing the total number of specialized components needed and simplifying the system while maintaining versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If virtual toy construction systems add interactive behaviors to enhance play value, then educational value increases, but the difficulty of programming and configuration increases for children without programming expertise
Solution Approach 1:
Construction elements are equipped with self-contained interactive behaviors and autonomous decision-making capabilities. Elements can independently sense their environment, process information, and actuate responses without requiring external programming. When children connect these elements, the interactive behavior emerges automatically from the element configurations and connection topologies, eliminating the need for children to write or understand programming code while still providing rich educational experiences.
3Ease of operation
If virtual toy construction systems provide fixed interactive features, then implementation is simpler, but the ability to configure and re-configure interactive play experiences is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic configuration where construction elements can change their interactive behaviors and connection relationships during operation. Elements can be added, removed, or reconfigured without resetting the entire system, and interactive behaviors can be modified in real-time based on user actions or environmental conditions. This dynamic nature allows children to continuously reconfigure their models and explore different play scenarios without dealing with complex static programming.
4Manufacturing precision
If virtual toy construction systems use detailed programming interfaces, then interactive behaviors can be precisely controlled, but children without programming expertise cannot use the system effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses pre-configured construction elements that embody complex interactive behaviors as reusable templates or copies. Instead of requiring children to program each behavior from scratch, they can select from a library of pre-programmed element types (e.g., wheels that rotate, sensors that detect touch, actuators that move) and connect them to build interactive models. The complex programming logic is copied into these standardized elements, maintaining precise behavior control while making the system accessible to children without programming skills.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for constructing an interactive virtual object in a virtual environment implemented in a computer. The virtual environment comprises a first virtual construction element carrying a first interactive behavior and a second virtual construction element not carrying the first interactive behavior. The first and second virtual construction elements are connectable to each other by means of a coupling mechanism to form a combined virtual object. The first virtual construction element imparts the first interactive behavior to the combined virtual object when the first and second construction elements are connected to each other. The virtual environment is further configured to allow the user to interact with the virtual environment in a plurality of operational modes of progressing complexity of interaction with the virtual environment.