Robot and Virtual Robot Synchronization for Deeper Interaction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current electronic pet systems lack an interactive environment where humans can engage with robots in both real and virtual worlds, limiting the depth of interaction and entertainment value.

Innovation Solution

An entertainment system comprising a robot device capable of autonomous action in the real world, a server device that creates and manages a virtual world for a virtual robot associated with the robot device, and a terminal device for displaying the virtual world, allowing for synchronized actions and interactions between the robot and virtual entities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a robot device acts autonomously in the real world without virtual world connection, then the robot can perform actions independently, but the interaction depth with humans is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinteraction depthVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent embeds a virtual robot representation within the physical robot device, creating a nested structure where the virtual world is contained within the real world system. The robot device includes both physical components and virtual components that operate at different levels, with the virtual robot serving as a nested representation that enhances interaction capabilities without requiring complete system redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a virtual dimension to the physical robot system by creating a virtual world representation. This dimensional extension allows the robot to interact with humans through multiple channels (visual, auditory, tactile) simultaneously, transforming a single-dimension physical interaction into a multi-dimensional experience that deepens engagement without proportionally increasing physical complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the robot device operates independently without virtual world integration, then the system remains simple, but the entertainment value and engagement are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveentertainment valueVSAvoidautonomous action capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the virtual robot's actions and expressions provide real-time feedback to humans, and human responses are fed back into the system to influence future actions. This feedback loop enhances entertainment value by creating dynamic, responsive interactions while maintaining automated operation through the virtual world's autonomous decision-making capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The virtual robot serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a visual representation, an interactive partner, an entertainment companion, and a data interface. This multi-functionality increases entertainment value by consolidating multiple interaction modes into a single integrated system, reducing the need for separate autonomous systems while enhancing engagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the robot device has limited interaction capabilities, then the device complexity is low, but the synchronized experience between real and virtual worlds cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronized interactionVSAvoidsystem integration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces the virtual robot as an intermediary between the physical robot and the human user. This intermediary layer handles the complexity of synchronization by translating physical actions into virtual representations and vice versa, shielding users from system complexity while enabling seamless synchronized interaction across real and virtual domains.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the level of synchronization based on operational context. During autonomous actions, the virtual robot provides contextual information and visual feedback. During interactive modes, the system increases bidirectional synchronization. This dynamic adaptation enables synchronized interaction without requiring constant high-level integration, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11498206B2Entertainment system, robot device, and server device
Publication Date: 2022.11.15 SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT LLC
  • US11498206B2 patent drawing
  • US11498206B2 patent drawing
  • US11498206B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An entertainment system includes: a robot device capable of acting in an autonomous action mode in a real world; a server device configured to cause a virtual robot associated with the robot device to act in a virtual world; and a terminal device capable of displaying an image of the virtual world in which the virtual robot acts. The server device provides the image of the virtual world to the terminal device. The server device transmits a request from the virtual robot to the robot device. When the robot device acquires the request from the virtual robot, the robot device acts in a collaboration action mode in which collaboration is made with the virtual robot.