Line Sensing Robot with Periodic Light Source for Digital Display Interaction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Children playing games or using educational tools on smartphones and tablets often become bored due to the two-dimensional nature of the games, lacking a tangible, three-dimensional aspect for interaction.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelled electronic device, such as a toy robot, that moves along a line segment displayed on a digital or non-digital surface, using a light meter to adjust its light source and a line sensor to detect and follow the line, seamlessly transitioning between light-emitting and non-emitting surfaces, providing a three-dimensional entertainment experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a light source is used to illuminate the line segment on a non-digital surface, then the line segment becomes visible, but the light source may wash out or obscure the line segment
Solution Approach 1:
The light source operates in periodic pulses rather than continuously. The controller activates the light source only during specific time intervals when line detection is needed, then deactivates it to prevent washing out the line segment. This periodic illumination allows the line to remain visible while providing sufficient light for the photodetector to detect color differences.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller monitors the output of the photodetector and adjusts the light source activation accordingly. When the photodetector detects sufficient contrast between the line segment and background, the controller reduces or stops light source activation to prevent obscuration. This feedback loop ensures optimal illumination without washing out the line.
2Measurement precision
If the toy robot is designed to work on digital displays with self-emitting screens, then it can detect line segments effectively, but it cannot seamlessly transition to non-digital surfaces without additional lighting
Solution Approach 1:
The toy robot incorporates a universal line detection system that can operate on both digital and non-digital surfaces. The controller automatically detects the surface type and adjusts the light source activation mode accordingly - using continuous illumination mode for digital displays and periodic pulse mode for non-digital surfaces. This multi-functionality allows seamless transition between different surface types while maintaining accurate line segment detection.
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 entertainment value by offering a tangible, three-dimensional accessory that interacts with the child, engaging them beyond the two-dimensional screen, and allowing seamless use on various surfaces without washing out line segments.
Implementation Method 1
The line sensor may include a photodetector element and be sized and configured to sense the line segment based upon a color difference of the line color and the background color
Implementation Method 2
The toy robot may include a light source for illuminating the line segment on the non-digital surface
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided a self-propelled electronic device for use on a base surface. The electronic device includes a chassis disposable over the base surface. The chassis includes a first surface facing the base surface when the chassis is disposed thereover. A light meter is configured to detect light incident toward the first surface and determine a luminance level thereof the detected light. A light source is configured to transition between an ON and OFF states dependent on the luminance level of the detected light. A line sensor is coupled to the chassis and is configured to sense a line segment on the base surface. A movement mechanism is coupled to the chassis and is placeable on the base surface. The movement mechanism is in operative communication with the line sensor to move on the base surface in a pattern corresponding to the line sensed on the base surface.