Modular Interactive Tiles for Programmable Physical Activity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic interfaces and toys lack user-programmability, educational functionality, and wireless connectivity, failing to support interactive and educational purposes, especially for physically active games and calorie tracking.
Innovation Solution
A programmable electronic interface comprising modular tiles with sensing and lighting capabilities, connected wirelessly to a computational device, allowing users to create interactive programs through pressure, motion, or thermal inputs, and capable of tracking biometric data for educational and entertainment purposes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional electronic interfaces are used, then device complexity is reduced, but user-programmability and educational functionality are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the electronic interface into modular tiles that can be independently programmed and connected in various configurations. Each tile is a self-contained unit with sensing and lighting capabilities, allowing users to create complex programs by combining simple modular components rather than programming a single complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
The tiles are designed to perform multiple functions - they can detect pressure, motion, and thermal inputs; produce visual and auditory outputs; and communicate wirelessly with computational devices. This multi-functionality in a single modular unit provides adaptability without requiring separate specialized devices for each function.
2Ease of operation
If electronic interfaces are made durable for physical activity, then ease of operation improves, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the system into separate modular tiles, the patent enables selective durability - each tile can be manufactured with appropriate durability standards for its specific use case. This segmentation allows affordable construction for light applications while providing durable options for high-traffic areas, rather than requiring all components to meet maximum durability standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular tile design allows individual tiles to be replaced if damaged, rather than replacing an entire expensive electronic interface system. This approach makes the system more affordable and accessible, as individual replacement tiles are cheaper than replacing a complete conventional electronic dance floor or mat system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wireless connectivity is added to enable remote communication, then adaptability improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tiles use periodic wireless communication - transmitting data only when sensing events occur or when program updates are needed, rather than maintaining continuous wireless connections. This event-driven communication approach provides necessary adaptability and remote monitoring capabilities while minimizing energy consumption by keeping wireless modules in low-power states between transmission events.
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
Enables user-programmable, interactive, and educational experiences across a room or field, facilitating physical activity, social interaction, and collaborative play while tracking user movements and biometric data, making it accessible and affordable for homes and schools.
Implementation Method 1
The electronic interface includes a pressure-sensitive or touch-sensitive surface that detects user input
Implementation Method 2
An emitter projects invisible light across the interface
Implementation Method 3
The processor analyzes reflected light patterns to detect and track objects or body parts
Data Source
AI summary
One or more programmable electronic interfaces made up of a tile, a sensor, or multiple tiles and/or sensors in a network communicate with a computational device to allow users to build programs to be played interactively on the interfaces. The interfaces can react to a user applying pressure to, contacting with the interface or otherwise triggering a sensor (such as motion, thermal, touch, pressure, or other detected interactions). The computational device provides a macro-scale interface of different types. The system communicates (either wirelessly or via a wired connection) with the computing device in order to send and receive information. The electronic interfaces can be tiles with interactive lights and/or sensors that can be programmed into games, designs, animations, light shows, musical instruments, dance routine steps, etc.