Mat controllable by remote computing device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional toy blocks lack interactive and immersive features that could enhance play experiences for children, particularly in terms of remote collaboration and feedback mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The integration of smart blocks and smart mats with configurable magnetic components, displays, and haptic feedback systems, allowing for remote interaction and guidance through magnetic fields, visual, audio, and haptic cues, enabling children to assemble puzzles or play games with real-time feedback from caregivers or other users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional toy blocks are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the interactive and immersive features are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional components into an integrated smart block system: magnetic components for connection, displays for visual feedback, haptic feedback systems for tactile response, and wireless communication modules for remote interaction. These components are merged into a single toy block unit that maintains ease of play while adding sophisticated interactive capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The smart block is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it can connect with other blocks magnetically, display visual information, provide haptic feedback, communicate wirelessly with remote devices, and respond to user interactions. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace traditional blocks while adding educational and interactive value.
2Ease of operation
If smart blocks with remote interaction features are integrated, then real-time feedback and collaboration are enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote computing device as an intermediary that handles complex processing tasks such as game logic, puzzle generation, and communication coordination. The smart blocks themselves remain relatively simple, containing only the essential components for magnetic connection, basic display, haptic feedback, and wireless communication. This intermediary approach allows sophisticated remote interaction without over-complicating the toy blocks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures magnetic component arrangements and interaction protocols before play begins. The remote computing device prepares game scenarios, puzzle configurations, and communication frameworks in advance, so that during actual play, the smart blocks can interact seamlessly without requiring complex real-time processing at the block level.
3Reliability
If configurable magnetic components are added to enable remote guidance, then collaboration between children and caregivers is enhanced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements magnetic components with specific localized properties at different positions on the smart block. Each magnetic component can be independently configured with particular strength, polarity, and activation conditions. This allows the system to provide stable and reliable magnetic connections and interactions without requiring uniformly complex magnetic assemblies throughout the entire block structure.
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
Facilitates immersive and interactive play experiences by providing real-time feedback and guidance, enhancing collaboration and engagement between children and caregivers across distances, improving play quality and educational value.
Implementation Method 1
a configurable magnetic layer that can be controlled to apply a magnetic force to move an object from a first location to a second location
Data Source
AI summary
A smart block can include a plurality of displays and configurable magnet components to selectively attract or repel other smart blocks. The smart block can include proximity sensors to identify a surface of another smart block close to the smart block to determine if the smart blocks are correctly oriented based on an application or game associated with the operation of the smart blocks. A plurality of smart blocks can be configured to display a portion of a picture (as a puzzle), such that when the smart blocks are oriented correctly they collectively display the complete picture. The smart blocks can be used in conjunction with a smart mat that is configured to move the smart blocks in response to commands received from a remote computing device. The smart blocks and the smart mat can facilitate interactivity with other, remote users, such as between a caregiver and a child.