Interactive Virtual Object Construction via Behavior Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current virtual toy construction systems lack interactive features, limiting their educational and play value, especially for children, as they do not easily allow for configuration and re-configuration of interactive play experiences without requiring programming knowledge.
Innovation Solution
A system that enables users to construct interactive virtual models by connecting virtual construction elements with coupling mechanisms, where some elements carry interactive behaviors that can be imparted to others, allowing users to create and modify interactive behaviors, enabling complex interactions and behaviors in a virtual environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If virtual construction systems provide only basic construction functionality, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but the educational and play value is limited due to lack of interactive features
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments interactive behavior into discrete, transferable units called 'interactive behaviors' that can be independently attached to construction elements. This allows complex interactivity to be built from simple, manageable components rather than requiring a complete programming system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a universal construction element that can serve both as a physical building block and as a carrier of interactive behavior. The same virtual construction element can be configured with different interactive behaviors (sensing, actuation, communication) making it multi-functional without increasing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system requires programming knowledge for configuration, then complex interactive behaviors can be created, but accessibility to children and non-programmers is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service configuration where users can attach and configure interactive behaviors through intuitive drag-and-drop operations rather than requiring programming knowledge. The system automatically handles the complexity of behavior integration and configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary configuration layer between the user and the underlying programming complexity. Users interact with high-level behavior concepts (sensors, actuators, communication) rather than low-level code, while the system mediates by automatically generating and managing the underlying programmatic implementation.
3Ease of operation
If the system allows easy configuration and re-configuration of interactive behaviors, then user creativity and adaptability are enhanced, but the underlying system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic configuration where interactive behaviors can be easily attached, detached, and reconfigured during runtime without requiring system restart or complex reprogramming. This dynamic approach allows users to experiment and iterate on their designs freely.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a nested structure where complex interactive behaviors are composed of simpler, reusable behavior modules. These nested behaviors can be independently configured and then combined, allowing complex functionality to be built from simple, easily manageable components.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system and method for constructing an interactive virtual object in a virtual environment implemented in a computer, wherein the computer comprises one or more input devices and one or more output devices providing a user interface allowing a user to interact with the virtual environment, wherein the virtual environment comprises a first virtual construction element carrying a first interactive behavior and a second virtual construction element not carrying the first interactive behavior, wherein the first and second virtual construction elements are connectable to each other by means of a coupling mechanism to form a combined virtual object, and wherein the first virtual construction element imparts the first interactive behavior to the combined virtual object when the first and second construction elements are connected to each other.