Visual Programming System for Robotic Toys
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Solution Overview
Problem
Children find programming complex and uninteresting, making it challenging to introduce programming concepts at an early stage, necessitating a more engaging and accessible method for programming education.
Innovation Solution
A visual programming system and method for robotic toys that uses intuitive icons, drag-and-drop interfaces, and cooperative execution between a user device and robot, allowing real-time debugging and accommodating various programming methods, simplifying the programming process by restricting concurrent execution and enabling user-programmable older toys with added computing functionalities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional text-based programming is used, then programming functionality is achieved, but complexity increases and children find it difficult and uninteresting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces text-based programming with a visual programming interface where children drag and drop graphical blocks representing programming commands. This substitution of mechanical text input with visual manipulation significantly reduces the complexity barrier while maintaining full programming functionality, making it accessible to children without requiring knowledge of programming syntax or text input skills.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a visual programming environment as an intermediary layer between the child and the robot. This intermediary translates simple visual block arrangements into executable programming commands, allowing children to program complex robot behaviors without directly dealing with the underlying programming language complexity. The visual blocks serve as mediators that simplify the interaction while preserving programming power.
2Adaptability or versatility
If visual programming interface is implemented, then programming accessibility for children is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal programming platform that can program multiple types of robots through a single visual interface. The system is designed to be multi-functional, supporting various robot models and programming paradigms (state machines, sequential programming, event-driven) within the same interface framework. This universality increases accessibility across different robot platforms while the modular architecture manages system complexity through reusable components and standardized communication protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for programmatic robot control including, at a user device: displaying a set of icons and receiving a program for a robot, wherein receiving a program for a robot includes receiving a selection of a state icon associated with a state; associating a transition with the state; and creating a relationship between the transition and an event. The method functions to provide a user with an environment for creating a program to control the robot, and can additionally function to control the robot.