RFID Course Markers for Remotely Controlled Toy Gameplay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toys, such as remotely controlled vehicles, lack engaging gameplay features that can compete with the interactive and dynamic experiences offered by video games, often requiring expensive software development and auxiliary equipment integration.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating radio frequency identification (RFID) technology into toys, such as remotely controlled vehicles, with markers that define customizable courses and enable programmable gameplay features, allowing interaction and data processing through a mobile computing device to enhance gameplay.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If expensive software development and auxiliary equipment integration are used to integrate video game features into physical toys, then gameplay engagement is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces RFID tags as intermediary elements placed in the environment that the toy vehicle detects. These tags serve as mediators between the physical toy and the gameplay experience, enabling complex game mechanics through simple, inexpensive physical markers rather than requiring complex integrated software and auxiliary equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the gameplay logic from the toy itself and places it in the environment through RFID tags and external computing devices. This separation allows the toy to remain simple while the gameplay complexity resides externally in the form of tag arrangements and software running on separate devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If RFID technology and markers are integrated into the toy, then gameplay versatility is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID technology is extracted from the main toy body and implemented as separate, removable tags that can be placed in the environment. This allows the core toy to remain simple and easy to manufacture, while the RFID functionality is added through inexpensive, separately manufactured tags that don't complicate the main toy production process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into distinct components: a simple base toy, separate RFID tags, and external computing devices. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using different processes and complexity levels, with the tags being simple plastic pieces containing RFID chips that can be produced separately from the main toy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If auxiliary equipment is integrated to enhance gameplay, then engagement is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the computing device universal by allowing it to serve multiple purposes: controlling the toy, tracking gameplay, managing multiple RFID tags, and providing user interface functions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated expensive auxiliary equipment, as a standard smartphone or tablet can fulfill all computational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID tags are implemented as inexpensive, disposable-like elements that can be easily replaced or rearranged. Rather than investing in expensive, durable auxiliary equipment, the system uses low-cost tags that can be freely manipulated to create different game scenarios, reducing overall system cost.
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 users to create diverse and interactive gameplay experiences with customizable courses, metrics tracking, and vehicle interactions, enhancing engagement and fun without the need for costly additional equipment.
Implementation Method 1
Incorporating radio frequency identification (RFID) technology into toys, such as remotely controlled vehicles, with markers that define customizable courses
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods of enhancing the gameplay of a toy are disclosed herein. For example, the toy can be a remotely controlled vehicle that includes a radio frequency identification (“RFID”) reader, configured to detect signals generated by a plurality of markers with RFID tags. Each marker of the plurality can be arranged such that the markers define a course for the remotely controlled vehicle. Certain markers can be designated as a starting line, a finish line, and “special,” which would enable programmable and variable gameplay features and actions of the remotely controlled vehicle. The remotely controlled vehicle can be communicably coupled to a mobile computing device configured to receive and process signals from the vehicle, display metrics associated with the gameplay, enable immediate functioning of special tag features, display metrics, and generate control codes transmitted to the vehicle, which control certain features in accordance with the programmed gameplay.