Motion-Sensing Ball Display With Integrated Annunciator Logic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toys and ball games lack innovative features that provide additional amusement, education, and entertainment while maintaining a conventional 'look and feel', and often require complex manufacturing and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A device housed in a single enclosure, equipped with an accelerometer for motion sensing, an annunciator for visual or audible signaling, and a controller to activate the annunciator based on sensed motion, powered by a primary or rechargeable battery with options for contactless charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If motion sensing and annunciator components are added to a ball or toy, then amusement and educational value are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the accelerometer, controller, annunciator, and power source into a single integrated enclosure, merging multiple functional components into one unified device. This reduces the overall system complexity while maintaining enhanced amusement and educational value through motion-responsive features.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as a conventional ball for play, a motion-sensing device for educational purposes, and an interactive toy with visual/audible feedback. The controller implements predetermined logic that enables various modes of operation, making the device versatile across different use cases.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electronic components are integrated into a conventional ball, then additional entertainment features are provided, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional modules housed within the ball enclosure: the accelerometer module for motion sensing, the controller module for logic processing, the annunciator module for output, and the power source module. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and tested separately before final assembly, reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic components (accelerometer, controller, annunciator, power source) are nested within the ball enclosure, with each component housed in its own compartment or mounted on internal structures. This nested arrangement allows the device to maintain a conventional ball appearance while integrating complex electronics internally.
3Ease of operation
If motion sensing technology is added to maintain conventional appearance, then user experience is enhanced, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sensing systems with an accelerometer-based electronic sensing system. The accelerometer uses microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology, which is cost-effective and provides accurate motion detection. This substitution enables enhanced user experience through responsive feedback while controlling costs through the use of standardized electronic components.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is configured with adjustable parameters including acceleration thresholds, timing intervals, and feedback patterns. These parameters can be modified to optimize the device's response characteristics and extend its operational life, providing enhanced user experience while managing costs through software-based control rather than hardware complexity.
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
The device enhances user experience by providing additional amusement and educational value through responsive motion-sensing technology, maintaining a conventional appearance while being robust, easy to manufacture, and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
an accelerometer for sensing the device acceleration
Implementation Method 2
A power source is included that may power the electrical components such as the accelerometer, the annunciator, the controller
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes a signaling means and a motion sensor, and logic for activating or controlling the signaling means in response to a sensed motion according to an embedded logic. The device may be used as a toy, and may be shaped like a play ball or as a handheld unit. It may be powered from a battery, either chargeable from an AC power source directly or contactless by using induction or by converting electrical energy from harvested kinetic energy. The embedded logic may activate or control the signaling means, predictably or randomly, in response to sensed acceleration magnitude or direction, such as sensing the crossing of a preset threshold or sensing the peak value. The visual means may be a numeric display for displaying a value associated with the count of the number of times the threshold has been exceeded or the peak magnitude of the acceleration sensed.