Toy Sensor Module With Indicator Lights for Object Position Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular toy construction sets lack effective feedback mechanisms for users, particularly children, to determine if objects are recognized by optical sensors and their location within the field of view, which can lead to frustration and hinder training of neural networks.
Innovation Solution
A sensor module with separate indicator lights that illuminate in specific patterns based on the location of recognized objects within the field of view of optical sensors, providing direct visual feedback without the need for a connected screen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a screen is used to provide feedback to the user about object recognition, then information can be displayed, but the user must look away from the toy and optical sensor, breaking the direct correlation between object position and feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces indicator lights as an intermediary element that provides visual feedback directly at the sensor location. These lights act as a mediator between the optical sensor and the user, conveying recognition information without requiring the user to shift attention to a separate screen. The indicator lights translate sensor data into visible signals that can be perceived while maintaining eye contact with the toy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the screen-based visual feedback system with a light-based indicator system. Instead of using a display screen that requires the user to look away, the system substitutes with LED or similar indicator lights that can be perceived in the periphery or directly at the sensor location, eliminating the need for mechanical head movement or attention shifting.
2Ease of operation
If no feedback mechanism is provided, then the device complexity is reduced, but the user becomes frustrated and cannot train the neural network effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a direct feedback mechanism using indicator lights that provide real-time visual confirmation to the user about object recognition status and location. The system continuously monitors object detection and immediately communicates results through the indicator lights, enabling effective training of neural networks by allowing users to see which objects are recognized and their positions within the field of view.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes color changes in indicator lights to convey different states of object recognition. Different colors or illumination patterns of the indicator lights represent different recognition outcomes, providing intuitive visual feedback without requiring complex display interfaces. This color-based communication system enhances user understanding while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
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
Enhances user interaction by clearly indicating object recognition and location, improving play experience and training effectiveness by correlating object position with sensor feedback.
Implementation Method 1
one or more optical sensors, one or more apertures through which light is received by the one or more optical sensors
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of separate indicator lights, wherein the indicator lights are configured to light up in an illumination pattern
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a sensor module for a modular toy construction set having one or more optical sensors, one or more apertures through which light is received by the one or more optical sensors, and a plurality of separate indicator lights, wherein the indicator lights are configured to light up in an illumination pattern in response to a determination of the location of a recognised object within the field of view of at least one of the one or more optical sensors.