Magnetic Block Set Position Detection System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies that reflect movement or changes in shape of objects in real space for intuitive operation are limited by the range of measurable angles and increased manufacturing costs due to the need for complex mechanisms in flexible devices.
Innovation Solution
An information processing system that includes a block set formed by coupling blocks, which transmits structure information and movement data to an information processing device, allowing for the display of an object model and interlocking changes between the block set and the object model, enabling flexible and advanced expressions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If infrared LEDs and photosensors are included in coupling portions of parts to measure angles of rotation, then the range of measurable angles is limited, but the variable range of the shape is also limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical measurement system (infrared LEDs and photosensors in coupling portions) with a magnetic field-based detection system. Magnets are embedded in the blocks, and a detection device reads their positions to determine block arrangements and movements, enabling unlimited shape variability without mechanical measurement constraints
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnets as intermediary elements embedded within the blocks. These magnets serve as mediators between the physical block positions and the digital information processing system, allowing the detection device to infer block arrangements and movements through magnetic field detection without direct mechanical contact or limited-angle sensors
2Measurement precision
If all parts need to include the measurement elements (infrared LEDs and photosensors), then the manufacturing cost is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by placing magnets only in specific blocks that need to be tracked, rather than embedding measurement elements in all parts. The detection device selectively reads magnetic fields from relevant blocks, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining measurement capability where needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive mechanical measurement elements (infrared LEDs and photosensors) with cheaper magnetic elements that can be embedded in blocks. The magnetic field detection system provides the same measurement functionality at lower manufacturing cost
3Adaptability or versatility
If the form of the device is made more flexible, then the range of uses is widened, but the mechanism for measuring the form of the device becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement mechanisms with a simple magnetic field detection system. Magnets embedded in blocks interact with a detection device to provide information about block positions and movements, enabling flexible device forms without increasing measurement mechanism complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal measurement system where magnets embedded in blocks serve multiple functions: indicating block position, orientation, and movement. The same magnetic elements work across different block configurations and device forms, providing versatile measurement capability without requiring different mechanisms for different applications
4Measurement precision
If the mechanism for measuring the form of the device is made more complex, then the measurement precision may be improved, but the processing cost tends to be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement mechanisms with a simple magnetic field-based detection system. The detection device reads magnetic field positions to determine block arrangements, providing accurate form measurement without the high processing costs associated with complex mechanical systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses magnets as intermediary elements that simplify the measurement process. Instead of complex mechanical sensors, the system detects magnetic field positions to infer block form and movement, reducing processing costs while maintaining measurement precision
Data Source
AI summary
A block set assembled by a user and an information processing device communicate with each other. The information processing device thereby obtains information on the structure of the block set. In addition, an object of a crane truck corresponding to the block set is displayed on a display device. Correspondences between joints and wheels and correspondences between movements are set. Thereby, when the block set is moved, the movement of the block set is reflected in the object on display. When the object is moved, the movement of the object is reflected in the block set by transmitting a control signal from the information processing device.