Toy Vehicle Base Interaction Sensor for Physical Play Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current remote controlled toy construction kits limit the play experience to the construction phase and do not effectively enhance the operating experience, as they either require advanced engineering skills or create a virtual layer between the user and the toy vehicle, reducing physical interaction.
Innovation Solution
A toy construction system with modular elements and a modular toy vehicle base equipped with an interaction sensor that generates a signal in response to mechanical interactions, allowing for detection of building interactions and providing inputs for motion, sound, or light effects, and integrating with computer games to modify gameplay based on these interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a virtual layer is introduced to enhance play experience, then the play experience is enhanced, but physical interaction between user and toy vehicle is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines physical interaction detection with virtual game integration by merging the toy vehicle base with sensors and the remote control device with a game application. This allows simultaneous physical manipulation and virtual enhancement without creating a separating layer, resolving the contradiction between enhanced play experience and physical interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops where sensors detect physical interactions with the toy vehicle and transmit this information to the remote control device, which then provides responsive feedback through the game application. This maintains physical interaction while enhancing play experience through real-time feedback mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If advanced robotic construction kits with microcontrollers and sensors are used, then motorized functions and sensing capabilities are enhanced, but the play experience requires advanced engineering skills that mask the fun appeal
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the complexity by separating the motorized functions into a pre-assembled toy vehicle base with integrated microcontroller and sensors, while the user interacts through a simplified remote control interface with game application. This segmentation allows advanced functionality to be hidden from the user, maintaining fun appeal while providing enhanced motorized capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote control device acts as an intermediary between the user and the complex robotic system. It provides a simplified interface that masks the underlying complexity of microcontrollers and sensors, allowing users to enjoy motorized functions without needing advanced engineering skills.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular toy elements are used for construction, then creative construction is enabled, but the play experience is limited to the construction phase without enhancement during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The toy vehicle base serves multiple functions: it acts as both a construction platform for modular elements and an operational platform with integrated sensors and motorized functions. This multi-functionality extends the play experience from merely construction to include enhanced operational phases with physical interaction detection and virtual game integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-integrating sensors, microcontrollers, and motorized functions into the toy vehicle base before use. This preparation allows the construction phase to be followed by enhanced operational play without requiring additional setup, thereby extending and enriching the overall play experience duration.
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 the play experience by allowing physical interaction detection and integration with computer games, providing a more immersive and realistic play experience that combines physical and virtual elements, stimulating physical modification of the toy vehicle model.
Implementation Method 1
an interaction sensor adapted to generate an interaction signal in response to a mechanical interaction with the toy vehicle model
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates in one aspect to a toy construction system for constructing and operating a remote controlled toy vehicle model. The system comprises: a plurality of modular toy elements; a modular toy vehicle base detachably connectable with the modular toy elements by means of coupling members so as to construct a toy vehicle model; and a remote control device adapted to control motorized functions in the modular toy vehicle base. The modular toy vehicle base further comprises an interaction sensor adapted to generate an interaction signal in response to a mechanical interaction with the toy vehicle model; wherein the toy construction system further comprises a processor with a signal analysis process. The signal analysis process is configured to perform an analysis of the interaction signal for indications of a building interaction according to predetermined criteria, and based on the analysis to generate an output indicative of a building interaction status.