Stretchable Interactive Tangibles for Flexible TUI Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Tangible User Interfaces (TUI) systems are limited in flexibility due to their reliance on a finite set of atomic solid blocks, restricting the number of possible design variations, which requires a large number of blocks for greater flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising stretchable objects with integrated sensors and actuators that allow for infinite arrangement possibilities, where the physical position and stretched condition of objects are synchronized with a digital model, enabling users to modify and interact with virtual objects in both INPUT and OUTPUT modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a finite set of atomic solid blocks is used in TUI systems, then the system structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the flexibility and number of possible design variations are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming rigid atomic blocks into stretchable objects that can dynamically change their dimensions. The objects can be stretched or compressed along one or more axes, allowing a single object type to represent multiple different design elements (e.g., a stretched block can represent a wall, a compressed block can represent a pillar). This dynamic transformation capability resolves the contradiction by providing high flexibility without requiring a large inventory of different block types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the physical dimensions of objects through stretching and compression. By changing the length, width, or height parameters of a single object type, the system can represent various design elements with different proportions and scales. This approach allows unlimited design variations while maintaining a minimal set of atomic objects, thus resolving the contradiction between versatility and system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a huge number of atomic blocks are provided to achieve high flexibility, then the adaptability increases, but the quantity of objects and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single type of stretchable object that can serve multiple functions. By adjusting its dimensions through stretching or compression, one object type can represent walls, partitions, pillars, or other architectural elements. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a large collection of specialized blocks, resolving the contradiction between design variations and the number of blocks required.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic stretching and compression capability allows a single object to continuously vary its dimensions, effectively creating unlimited design possibilities from a minimal object set. This dynamic transformation replaces the need for numerous static block types, thus reducing the quantity of objects while maintaining high adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If stretchable objects with sensors and actuators are used, then the flexibility and design possibilities increase, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible shells or thin film structures as the base material for atomic objects. These flexible substrates can be easily stretched and compressed while maintaining structural integrity. By building the sensing and actuating systems on top of these flexible bases, the patent achieves high adaptability while keeping the underlying structure relatively simple and manufacturable, thus resolving the contradiction between flexibility and ease of manufacture.
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprising an object; a computer device with a digital model containing a virtual object corresponding to the object; a position sensor for detecting the position of the object; and a communication means to transmit the position of the object to the computer device. The object is stretchable and the system is further provided with sensors for detecting the stretched condition of the object and with communication means to transmit said condition to the computer device. A system with actuators to modify the position and/or the stretched condition of the object and use of such systems for a collaborative complex problem-solving procedure in the context of urban planning.