Toy Device with Integrated Memory and Action Disc for Storytelling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current home entertainment systems, particularly video games and audio equipment, often face challenges in providing immersive experiences due to limitations in interactivity and sound quality, with expensive high-quality audio devices and inexpensive devices lacking the necessary computing resources or sound capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a toy device with integrated memory and an action disc device that can retrieve and playback audiovisual effects, using a communication port and connector mechanism, allowing for modular interactivity and audiovisual enhancements, even in low-cost toys, through infrared signals and mechanical actuators, to create a synchronized and immersive experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high quality audio equipment is used to produce high quality audio output, then sound quality is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The audio system is segmented into multiple independent audio output devices, each capable of producing different frequency ranges. Instead of relying on a single high-cost audio device, the system divides the audio output function across multiple lower-cost devices, achieving high-quality audio reproduction through coordinated operation of multiple segments.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple audio output devices are merged into a unified audio system that operates as a single coordinated entity. The controller synchronizes these devices to work together, combining their individual output capabilities to produce high-quality audio that would otherwise require expensive single-device solutions.
2Ease of manufacture
If inexpensive audio output devices are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but sound quality and frequency output capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Each inexpensive audio device is assigned a specific frequency range or audio function, segmenting the overall audio output task. This allows each low-cost device to operate within its capabilities while contributing to the overall high-quality audio output when combined with other segmented devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller provides universal coordination across multiple audio devices, enabling each device to perform multiple functions through dynamic assignment. A single audio device can be assigned different frequency ranges or audio channels based on system needs, maximizing the utility of each inexpensive device.
3Device complexity
If a single device is used to provide both audio output and computing resources, then device complexity is reduced, but computing capability or audio quality must be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions simultaneously: it manages audio synchronization, coordinates multiple audio devices, handles stimulus detection, and controls toy device operations. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate dedicated devices into a single coordinating unit.
Solution Approach 2:
Each audio output device operates autonomously within its assigned parameters, self-managing its output based on control signals received from the controller. The devices independently handle their audio processing and output generation, reducing the need for complex integrated processing in each individual device.
4Quantity of substance
If a device has insufficient memory capacity to store uncompressed audio effects, then device size is reduced, but audio quality deteriorates due to compression requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Audio data is segmented and distributed across multiple audio output devices rather than being stored in a single device's memory. Each device stores only the audio data necessary for its specific function, reducing individual memory requirements while maintaining overall audio quality through the combined output of multiple devices.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments generally relate to toy devices having an embedded memory for use in a storytelling environment. One embodiment provides a toy device that includes a memory storing data representing a plurality of effects. The toy device includes a memory bus communicatively coupled to the memory and a communication port communicatively coupled to the memory bus. An action disc device connected to the communication port can retrieve at least a portion of the stored data for playback over the communication port. The action disc device is configured to, upon detecting that a corresponding stimulus condition has been satisfied, retrieve data from the memory corresponding to one of the plurality of effects for playback using the communication port. The toy device further includes a connector mechanism to which the action disc device can be removably attached, while the action disc device is connected to the communication port.