Device for interaction of an object exhibited with the aid of a robotic arm

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for demonstrating electronic products, such as touch-sensitive devices, face challenges in balancing consumer interaction with protection against theft and misuse, as well as maintaining a positive marketing experience, with previous solutions offering limited interactivity or risking device degradation.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a robotic arm to simulate human interaction with electronic devices, allowing predefined demonstration sequences to be launched by consumers, thereby enhancing interactivity while protecting the devices from malicious use and showcasing features in real-time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If products are placed behind glass for protection, then theft prevention is improved, but consumer interaction with the product is eliminated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetheft preventionVSAvoidconsumer interaction
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A robotic arm acts as an intermediary between the consumer and the protected product. The robotic arm can physically interact with the product (swiping, scrolling, pressing buttons) while remaining inside the protective display case, allowing consumers to control the product demonstration without direct physical access

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct mechanical interaction (consumer fingers touching the product) with a robotic mechanical system. The robotic arm uses automated mechanical movements to simulate human interaction with the product, enabling demonstration while maintaining physical barriers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If the display case is removed and a lock is added to allow direct handling, then consumer interaction is improved, but device security and protection from misuse deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconsumer interactionVSAvoiddevice security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic arm serves as a mediator that enables interaction without requiring the product to be accessible. Consumers interact with the robotic arm through the touchscreen interface, and the robotic arm performs the physical actions on the product, eliminating the need for direct consumer access

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The robotic arm creates a virtual copy of human interaction patterns. It replicates the motions and actions a consumer would naturally perform (swiping, scrolling, button pressing) but executes them through automated control, providing the appearance of direct interaction without the risks

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If videos are used to demonstrate product features, then interaction safety is improved, but consumer confidence and marketing impact deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinteraction safetyVSAvoidmarketing impact
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces static video demonstrations with dynamic robotic interaction. Instead of showing pre-recorded footage, the robotic arm performs real-time actions on the actual product, creating live demonstrations that combine the safety of protected display with the authenticity of physical interaction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static video content to dynamic robotic movement. The robotic arm continuously moves and interacts with the product in real-time based on consumer input, creating an engaging, adaptive demonstration that responds to user actions rather than playing a fixed video sequence

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3188623B1Device for interaction of an object exhibited with the aid of a robotic arm
Publication Date: 2020.07.29 KEY INFUSER
  • EP3188623B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3188623B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP3188623B1 patent drawingFigure 7

AI summary

The subject of the invention is a zone of interactive presentation of an object comprising a user interface (1), a processing unit and a robotic arm (3). A user chooses a command by way of the user interface (1). The latter will transmit the chosen command to the processing unit. Said processing unit will match the chosen command with a predetermined sequence stored in its storage memory. The processing unit will then cause a robotic arm (3) to execute said sequence. Said robotic arm (3) will execute said sequence which will have the consequence of launching a demonstration on the exhibited object.