RGB Sensor Cube State Detection via Single-Sensor Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current approaches to solving the Rubik's Cube puzzle are hindered by the lack of intuitive instructions and the need for users to constantly refer to external devices, leading to frustration due to complex electronic systems and high costs associated with image sensors for state determination.
Innovation Solution
A cubic puzzle with an electronic system integrated into the core, utilizing a single or dual RGB sensor to determine the state and orientation of puzzle pieces from a static position, communicating moves through illuminated tiles and light transmission features, reducing the need for external devices and complex assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If image sensors are used for state determination, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive image sensors with inexpensive RGB sensors that capture color information from puzzle pieces. The RGB sensors take multiple snapshots from different angles to reconstruct the puzzle state, using cheap components instead of expensive ones while achieving the same measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system takes multiple periodic snapshots of the puzzle from different angles by rotating the sensor or the puzzle. These sequential images are processed to determine the complete puzzle state, replacing the need for a single complex image sensor with multiple simple RGB sensor readings taken over time.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are distributed in individual puzzle pieces, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sensing function from individual puzzle pieces and consolidates it into a single RGB sensor located in one piece. This single sensor detects all other pieces by capturing their colors and positions, eliminating the need to embed sensors in every piece and significantly reducing assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A single RGB sensor performs the function of multiple distributed sensors by capturing color information from all puzzle pieces in multiple snapshots. The sensor serves multiple purposes: detecting piece locations, orientations, and colors, replacing what would require numerous individual sensors.
3Measurement precision
If electrical connections are provided to individual puzzle pieces, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes electrical connections from individual puzzle pieces and concentrates all electronic components in a single location. The single RGB sensor detects all pieces optically without requiring physical electrical contacts, eliminating connection points that could fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical electrical connections with optical detection. The RGB sensor uses light to detect puzzle piece positions and colors, substituting electrical contact-based sensing with non-contact optical sensing, thereby eliminating connection reliability issues.
4Loss of information
If external devices are used for instruction communication, then information completeness is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements on-cube feedback by illuminating specific puzzle pieces with LEDs to provide direct visual instructions to the user. The system continuously monitors the puzzle state and provides real-time feedback through illuminated pieces, eliminating the need for external devices and making the solving process more intuitive and convenient.
Solution Approach 2:
The puzzle cube serves itself by providing solving instructions through its own illuminated pieces. The system detects the puzzle state, determines the next moves, and communicates them back to the user through the cube's own display elements, making the system self-sufficient without external辅助设备.
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 learn and solve the puzzle with on-board positional awareness and intuitive instructions, reducing user burden and costs by using fewer sensors and simpler electronics, while maintaining reliability and effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
at least one RGB sensor configured to sense the color of each of the colored interior surfaces when illuminated by the respective one of the plurality of light sources
Implementation Method 2
an electronic system includes a plurality of light sources each associated with one of the plurality of colored interior surfaces, respectively, that is illuminated by the respective one of the plurality of light sources
Data Source
AI summary
According to another aspect, a method of determining a current state of a cubic puzzle independent of information concerning a prior state of the cubic puzzle using at least one RGB sensor. With the cubic puzzle maintained in a first state, (a) illuminating a first colored surface selected from the plurality of colored surfaces with a single source of light selected from the plurality of sources of light because of an association with the first colored surface and sensing a color of the first colored surface with the RGB sensor when the first colored surface is illuminated. Repeating act (a) by separately illuminating each of the plurality of colored surfaces with a respective single source of light selected from the plurality of sources of light because of an association between the respective single source of light and the respective colored surface that is being illuminated, and act of processing the colors sensed by the RGB sensor at each of the preceding acts to determine a location and orientation of each of the plurality of tiles with the cubic puzzle in the first state.