Urinal gaming system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing urinal gaming systems are either permanently mounted, lacking sensing and result storage capabilities, or feature cumbersome acoustic sensors with limited accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A removably attached pressure and location sensor assembly wirelessly coupled to a data server, providing a target surface and enabling multi-user gaming with real-time data collection and storage, using waterproof and rechargeable sensors with adhesion devices for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a target is permanently manufactured into a toilet or urinal, then the target is fixed and stable, but it lacks sensing and result storage capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the gaming functionality into separate modular components: a removable sensor assembly with pressure and location sensors, a target surface, and a data server. This allows the target to be permanently mounted for stability while sensing capabilities are provided by removable electronic modules that can be updated or replaced independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a removable sensor assembly as an intermediary between the permanently mounted target and the data server. This intermediate component contains the pressure and location sensors, wireless communication capabilities, and power management, allowing the target itself to remain simple and stable while gaining advanced sensing capabilities through the intermediary device.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If an acoustic sensor is mounted on the toilet bowl, then the system can detect urine stream contact, but the sensor is cumbersome and accuracy is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the acoustic sensing mechanism with a pressure sensor system. Instead of detecting sound waves from urine stream contact, the system uses pressure sensors that directly measure the force of the urine stream impacting the target surface, providing more accurate and reliable detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure and location sensor assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it detects the presence and impact of the urine stream, determines the location of impact on the target, measures the force or pressure of impact, and communicates this data wirelessly to the server. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate acoustic sensors and provides comprehensive gaming data.
3Ease of operation
If a removable sensor assembly is used, then the system is easier to install and remove, but it requires secure attachment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly incorporates self-adhering mounting mechanisms that allow the device to attach and detach without tools or complex installation procedures. The adhesive or magnetic mounting system enables the sensor assembly to be easily applied to the urinal or toilet surface and removed when needed, providing user-friendly installation and removal while maintaining secure attachment during use.
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
This solution offers an accurate, entertaining, and scalable gaming system capable of tracking user performance in real-time and storing scores, enhancing user engagement and entertainment value in public establishments.
Implementation Method 1
pressure and location sensor assembly
Implementation Method 2
adhesion devices for secure attachment
Data Source
AI summary
A gaming system installable in a urinal or toilet in which a removably attached pressure and location sensor assembly can be wirelessly coupled to a data server. The data server can include a user interface allowing the user to initiate a gaming session, such as through a touch screen monitor positioned above or nearby the urinal. The data server can collect and store data from the pressure and location sensor. The data server can be coupled to a plurality of touch screen monitors and pressure and location sensor assemblies for providing a multi-user gaming environment. Collected and processed data can be presented in real time on the touch screen monitors and can be stored in a database.