Toy Detection via Eddy Currents and Magnetic Induction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting toys in digital-physical play scenarios are often unreliable due to lighting conditions, require electronic components, and interfere with the appearance or functionality of toys, especially when using visual markers or wireless communication techniques.
Innovation Solution
A play system utilizing electrically conductive parts that generate eddy currents in a changing magnetic field, allowing detection of the toy's physical configuration through a sensor and data processor without the need for power sources or electronic components, enabling detection regardless of lighting conditions and during manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If visual markers such as QR codes or AR markers are used for toy detection, then the toy can be recognized by a computer, but the appearance of the toy is affected and the detection is unreliable in badly illuminated environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical detection methods with electromagnetic induction. Instead of using visual markers that require light reflection and image processing, the invention uses eddy currents induced in electrically conductive parts of toys by a moving magnetic field. This substitution eliminates dependency on lighting conditions while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from optical properties (reflectivity, color) to electrical properties (electrical conductivity). By detecting eddy currents in conductive materials, the system achieves reliable detection independent of illumination intensity, as electrical conductivity remains constant regardless of lighting conditions.
2Reliability
If RFID tags or Bluetooth components are integrated into toys for detection, then data transfer between toy and reading device is enabled, but electronic components and power sources are required which increase cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection capability from complex electronic systems (RFID tags, Bluetooth modules, batteries) and implements it through simple electromagnetic induction. The reading device contains the magnetic field generator and sensor, while the toy only needs passive electrically conductive parts, eliminating the need for electronic components and power sources in the toy itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrically conductive parts in the toy serve dual purposes: they are both structural/play components and detection targets. The conductive material naturally present in the toy generates eddy currents when exposed to the moving magnetic field, enabling self-detection without requiring active electronic components, batteries, or data transmission systems in the toy.
3Reliability
If electrically conductive parts are added to toys for detection, then detection independent of lighting conditions is achieved, but the appearance and manufacturing cost may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses electrically conductive materials that are homogeneous with the existing toy structure. Instead of adding disparate electronic components, the conductive material is integrated into the toy's construction elements themselves, maintaining visual uniformity and simplifying manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive electrically conductive materials such as conductive paint, graphite coatings, or metalized layers that can be applied during standard toy manufacturing. These materials are cost-effective and can be integrated into existing production lines without requiring complex assembly steps or expensive components.
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 reliable detection of toy configurations independently of lighting, without affecting the toy's appearance or requiring electronic components, allowing for detection of obstructed or hidden features and supporting cost-effective, durable, and environmentally friendly manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic field generating device arranged to generate a magnetic field for inducing an eddy current in one or more of the electrically conductive parts
Implementation Method 2
generate a magnetic field for inducing an eddy current in one or more of the electrically conductive parts
Implementation Method 3
a sensor configured to detect the induced eddy current
Data Source
AI summary
A play system, comprising: one or more toys comprising one or more electrically conductive parts, the one or more conductive parts defining a spatial pattern, the one or more toys having a physical configuration that is modifiable by a user, the spatial pattern being dependent on the physical configuration of the one or more toys, the one or more toys including a first toy; a magnetic field generating device arranged to generate a magnetic field for inducing an eddy current in one or more of the electrically conductive parts; a sensor configured to detect the induced eddy current; and a data processor; wherein the first toy and at least one of the magnetic field generating device and the sensor are movable relative to each other; wherein the sensor is configured to detect the induced eddy current during relative movement between the first toy and at least one of the magnetic field generating device and the sensor, and wherein the data processor is configured to: receive sensor data from the sensor, the sensor data being indicative of the eddy current detected during relative movement between the first toy and at least one of the magnetic field generating device and the sensor, detect the spatial pattern of the electrically conductive parts based at least in part on the received sensor data, determine the physical configuration of the one or more toys based on the detected spatial pattern.