Toy Construction Model Scanning for Child-Friendly Ordering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic ordering systems often struggle to engage reluctant or inexperienced user groups, such as children, in the selection and ordering process, especially for practical items like clothing and food, due to complexity and lack of motivation.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing toy construction elements with coupling members, a scanning device, and a processor to create a digital representation of a toy construction model, allowing users to select items based on attribute parameters, which defines the order, thereby making the selection process more engaging and comprehensible.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional electronic ordering systems are used, then ordering functionality is provided, but user participation and engagement are low among reluctant user groups such as children
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a digital copy (photograph) of the physical toy construction model as input for order processing. This allows children to interact with familiar physical toys they already possess, eliminating the need to learn new digital interfaces while still achieving electronic ordering functionality. The physical model serves as an intuitive, child-friendly input method that naturally engages reluctant users.
Solution Approach 2:
The toy construction model acts as an intermediary between the child user and the complex ordering system. Instead of directly interacting with digital menus or selection interfaces, children manipulate physical toys to express their orders, while the system translates this physical interaction into digital order data through image recognition and attribute extraction.
2Measurement precision
If complex selection processes are used to define configurable deliverables, then ordering precision is improved, but user engagement deteriorates among inexperienced users
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the complex selection process into two distinct phases: (1) physical toy manipulation where children freely construct models without dealing with complexity, and (2) automated digital processing where the system extracts attribute parameters and maps them to order specifications. This segmentation allows precise order definition to be handled by the system rather than requiring children to navigate complex interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically performs the complex tasks of digitizing the physical model, extracting attribute parameters, and mapping them to order items without requiring user intervention in these technical steps. The child simply needs to construct and place their toy model, while the system handles the sophisticated processing independently, thereby maintaining engagement while achieving precision.
3Extent of automation
If digital interfaces are used for ordering, then automation is improved, but accessibility to reluctant user groups deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces traditional mechanical/digital interface interactions (clicking, typing, navigating menus) with a photograph-based input method. Children place their physical toy models on a scanner that captures an image, substituting complex digital interaction mechanics with a simple physical placement action followed by automated image processing.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring users to input digital data through digital interfaces, the system inverts the process by accepting physical objects and automatically converting them into digital order data. The flow is reversed from traditional digital-first interfaces to physical-first input, making the system accessible to children who are more comfortable with physical toys than digital interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
The system includes a plurality of toy construction elements, a scanning device operable to capture a digital representation of a toy construction model constructed from one or more of said tov construction elements, and a processor. The processor is configured to determine, from the digital representation, one or more attribute parameters, each indicative of a respective attribute derivable from one or more toy construction elements in the toy construction model. The processor is further configured to determine, based on the determined one or more attribute parameters, a selection of one or more items selected from a choice of items. The selection provides a definition of the one or more deliverables. The system further comprises transmission means adapted to pass the definition to a production facility for producing and configuring the one or more deliverables in agreement with the definition.