Modular Assembly System for Software Interaction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interactive software experiences, such as games, lack a seamless and intuitive method for users to interact and influence gameplay using physical objects, often relying on keyboards, mice, or controllers without integrating physical manipulation of modular components to unlock features or change gameplay dynamics.
Innovation Solution
A modular assembly system comprising a core module with a battery, processor, and wireless communication, combined with peripheral modules that can be assembled into coherent physical objects, allowing users to interact with software experiences by altering the connected module configuration and manipulating the objects, which changes the user experience and gameplay.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional input devices (keyboard, mouse, controller) are used to interact with software experiences, then the interaction method is simple and reliable, but the user experience lacks immersion and intuitiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The physical object is divided into multiple detachable modules that can be independently manufactured and then assembled by users. Each module contains identification features that are detected by the system, allowing the complex interaction to be broken down into simple module assembly actions rather than requiring complex controller operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical modular object creates a tangible copy or representation of the virtual game environment. By assembling physical modules that correspond to virtual elements, users interact with a physical representation of the digital world, enhancing immersion while keeping the actual computing device relatively simple.
2Adaptability or versatility
If physical objects are integrated to unlock features and change gameplay, then user immersion and engagement improve, but the system complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the physical object into standardized modules with uniform connection interfaces and identification features. This segmentation allows each module to be manufactured independently using simple processes, yet when assembled, they create complex configurable structures that provide gameplay versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular modules are designed with universal connection interfaces and standardized identification features that work across different module types. This universality simplifies manufacturing by using common components throughout the system, while still allowing diverse configurations for different gameplay scenarios.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular components are used to represent game elements, then the ability to unlock features and change dynamics improves, but the device structure and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the interactive object into discrete modular components, each representing a game element. This segmentation enables flexible assembly to unlock different features while keeping individual modules simple in structure. The complexity is distributed across many simple modules rather than concentrated in one complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular system allows users to self-configure their own game setups by assembling modules according to their preferences. The modules contain self-identifying features that automatically register with the system, eliminating the need for complex manual configuration or programming, thus reducing the perceived complexity for the user.
Data Source
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AI summary
A modular assembly system is described which enables interaction with an interactive software experience such as a game. The system enables a coherent physical whole object to be assembled from a core module and one or more peripheral modules. The core module includes a battery, processor and a wireless module which is able to communicate with the interactive software experience which runs on a separate computing device such as a smartphone, tablet or games console. Each of the peripheral modules stores a module ID and these IDs are collected by the core module and communicated to the interactive software experience. The user experience within the interactive software experience changes dependent upon the set of modules which are connected to form the coherent physical whole object and may also be altered as a result of manipulation of the coherent physical whole object or individual modules.