Remote Tactile Play Apparatus for Parent-Child Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional audio-visual communication tools, such as video conferencing, provide a limited emotional connection between parents and young children when they are apart, lacking the tactile interaction that enhances their relationship.
Innovation Solution
A play apparatus comprising a pair of devices that enable remote, real-time, two-way tactile 'passing' of objects, using capture, detection, and release mechanisms, along with media output and attribute application, to create an immersive experience simulating the transfer of objects between locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If audio-visual communication tools are used for remote parent-child interaction, then communication capability is improved, but emotional connection is worsened due to lack of tactile interaction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of physical object interaction through the play apparatus. When a child places a physical object (e.g., ball) into their device, the system transmits this action remotely to the parent's device, which then releases a corresponding object. This copying mechanism allows the parent and child to engage in tactile play remotely, reconstructing the emotional connection that would normally require physical presence.
2Ease of operation
If real-time object transfer is simulated between remote locations, then tactile play experience is improved, but system complexity is worsened due to coordination requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automatic feedback loops where each device monitors its own object capture state and automatically triggers the appropriate release signal to the remote device. When the child's device detects an object has been placed in it, it automatically sends a release signal to the parent's device, which then releases its object. This feedback mechanism simplifies the user experience while managing the coordination complexity internally through automated detection and signaling.
Solution Approach 2:
Each play device is designed to be self-sufficient in detecting when an object has been captured and automatically initiating the release sequence. The devices monitor their own states (object presence, capture status) and autonomously manage the coordination with the remote device, reducing the need for complex external control systems or manual coordination between users.
3Ease of operation
If object capture and release mechanisms are implemented, then tactile interaction is improved, but device complexity is worsened due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The play apparatus integrates multiple functions into a single device: the capture arrangement (cavity or container) serves both as the receptacle for the child's object and as the detection zone; the release actuator serves both to release the parent's object in response to child's input and to release the child's object when the parent places theirs in the device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components for each action.
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 unstructured, real-time, dialogic communication and play beyond screen boundaries, enhancing the emotional connection between parents and children by creating the illusion of object transfer, thereby extending play into physical space.
Implementation Method 1
the capture arrangement comprises a magnet
Data Source
AI summary
A play apparatus has a pair of devices. Each device has: a capture arrangement such as a cavity to capture an object such as a ball; an object detector to detect that the object has been captured; a transmission module to transmit a release signal; a receiver module to receive a release signal; and a release actuator to release the captured object. A first device detects capture of a first object, transmits a first release signal to cause a second device to release a second object. The first device withholds the first object until releasing it responsive to receipt of a second release signal indicating that another object has been captured by the second device.