Physical Carrier Markers for Error-Free Program Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for generating computer programs using tangible user interfaces face challenges in precisely and error-free transfer of information regarding the position and configuration of physical blocks to a computer device, especially in educational settings where manual and perception skills of students are limited.
Innovation Solution
A device and method utilizing physical carriers of information with high contrast, rectangular markers for precise recognition, integrated with an image capturing device and a computer device, allowing for perspective correction and efficient data processing, enabling the creation of computer programs through the arrangement and recognition of these markers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If physical blocks without electronic elements are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but measurement precision and reliability of position transfer deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces markers as intermediary elements attached to physical blocks. These markers serve as mediators between the physical block position and the digital representation in the computer program. The markers are detected by the image capturing device, enabling precise position transfer without requiring electronic elements within the blocks themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy of the physical block arrangement through image capture and processing. The markers on the physical blocks are captured by the image capturing device, and this visual information is processed to generate the corresponding computer program, effectively copying the spatial configuration from physical to digital domain.
2Device complexity
If physical blocks without electronic elements are used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of information transfer deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The markers act as reliable intermediaries that ensure accurate information transfer. By attaching distinct markers to physical blocks and using an image capturing device to detect them, the system achieves reliable position and configuration transfer without complex electronic communication protocols between blocks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces potential electronic communication mechanisms between blocks with an optical-mechanical system. Instead of blocks communicating electronically with each other, the system uses an image capturing device to optically detect marker positions and mechanically process this information to generate the computer program.
3Measurement precision
If special pads are used for fixing the setup, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the image capturing device universal by enabling it to function both as a detection device for markers and as a camera for capturing the overall arrangement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized detection systems or fixed pads, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining precision through software-based processing.
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 precise and error-free transfer of information about the position and configuration of physical blocks, facilitating the generation of computer programs, even with low-end hardware, and is cost-effective and user-friendly, eliminating the need for special pads and reducing production costs compared to systems with electronic blocks.
Implementation Method 1
an image capturing device for recording an arrangement of the physical carriers of information on a plane
Data Source
AI summary
A system for generating computer programs includes physical carriers of information that have a rectangular contrasting marker associated with an element of the computer program and a description text and/or a graphical symbol. The carriers may form the computer program when they are sequentially arranged along a first axis and at least one carrier may receive another carrier of information on its right side, along a second axis. The system also includes image capturing device for capturing a digital image of an arrangement of the carriers forming the computer program. A computer device has a display screen and is configured to process the image; recognize the carriers on the image; determine the arrangement of the carriers with respect to each other; superimpose on the image a graphical icon above the marker of each recognized carrier; output the combined digital image and convert the determined arrangement to the computer program.