U.S. patent application number 15/197782 was filed with the patent office on 2016-10-27 for object for the construction of a spatial structure.
The applicant listed for this patent is Ruipeng Li, Chunjiang Liu, Zheng Shi. Invention is credited to Ruipeng Li, Chunjiang Liu, Zheng Shi.
Application Number | 20160310862 15/197782 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57149588 |
Filed Date | 2016-10-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160310862 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Shi; Zheng ; et al. |
October 27, 2016 |
OBJECT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SPATIAL STRUCTURE
Abstract
The present invention provides a system and method for
construction of a spatial structure through the use of
short-distance wireless communication means such as the infrared
diode or pulse modulation. The system includes a plurality of
objects, each object comprising multiple emitters and multiple
receivers, each embedded near a surface of an object. Once a signal
comprising information stored in multiple objects is received by
the receiver of a particular object, a microprocessor is configured
to derive the spatial relationship of these multiple objects
relative to the particular object, and direct the information to be
stored in its data storage means. A central processor receives
information regarding the plurality of objects and derives a
spatial structure formed by the plurality of objects. The present
invention is useful in a variety of fields that require
construction of a spatial structure. Example areas of applications
are education, entertainment and productivity enhancement.
Inventors: |
Shi; Zheng; (Beijing,
CN) ; Liu; Chunjiang; (Beijing, CN) ; Li;
Ruipeng; (Beijing, CN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Shi; Zheng
Liu; Chunjiang
Li; Ruipeng |
Beijing
Beijing
Beijing |
|
CN
CN
CN |
|
|
Family ID: |
57149588 |
Appl. No.: |
15/197782 |
Filed: |
June 30, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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PCT/CN2014/091084 |
Nov 14, 2014 |
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15197782 |
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PCT/CN2014/086745 |
Sep 17, 2014 |
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PCT/CN2014/091084 |
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PCT/CN2014/085668 |
Sep 1, 2014 |
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PCT/CN2014/086745 |
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PCT/CN2014/084498 |
Aug 15, 2014 |
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PCT/CN2014/085668 |
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PCT/CN2014/079891 |
Jun 13, 2014 |
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PCT/CN2014/084498 |
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PCT/CN2014/080495 |
Jun 23, 2014 |
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PCT/CN2014/091084 |
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PCT/CN2014/079892 |
Jun 12, 2014 |
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PCT/CN2014/080495 |
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PCT/CN2014/072961 |
Mar 6, 2014 |
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PCT/CN2014/079892 |
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PCT/CN2014/071850 |
Jan 30, 2014 |
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PCT/CN2014/072961 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 2009/2486 20130101;
A63F 2003/00842 20130101; A63F 2009/2458 20130101; A63H 2200/00
20130101; A63F 3/00643 20130101; A63F 2003/00716 20130101; A63H
33/042 20130101; A63F 9/0612 20130101; A63F 2003/00665 20130101;
A63F 2003/00883 20130101; A63F 3/0421 20130101; A63F 2003/0418
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63H 33/04 20060101
A63H033/04; A63F 9/06 20060101 A63F009/06; A63H 33/06 20060101
A63H033/06 |
Claims
1. An object for the construction of a spatial structure,
comprising an emitter and a receiver, each embedded near a surface
of the object, a data storage means, wherein the information stored
comprises specifications of the object that further comprise a
unique identification code (UID) of the object, and spatial layout
of each of the emitters and receivers embedded in the object,
spatial relationships among objects that further comprises location
and orientation of an object relative to another object, a
microprocessor that is operatively linked to the emitter, receiver
and data storage means, wherein, upon receiving, from an emitter of
a first object and by the receiver of a second object, a signal
comprising information stored in the first object, the
microprocessor of the second object is configured to derive the
spatial relationship of the first object relative to the second
object, and direct information to be stored in the data storage
means of the second object.
2. The object of claim 1, wherein, upon receiving, from the emitter
of the second object and by the receiver of a third object, a
signal comprising information stored in the second object and the
first object, the microprocessor of the third object is configured
to derive the spatial relationship of the second and the first
objects relative to the third object, and direct information to be
stored in the data storage means of the third object.
3. The object of claim 1, further comprising a central processor,
and a central receiver operatively linked to the central processor,
wherein, upon receiving information from an object by the central
receiver, the central processor is configured to create a spatial
map comprising specification and spatial relationship information
of the objects.
4. The object of claim 1, further comprising an RF antenna,
embedded in an object and operatively linked to the microprocessor
of the object, and a central RF antenna that is operatively linked
to the central processor, wherein, upon receiving information from
an object RF antenna and by the central RF antenna, the central
processor is configured to create a spatial map comprising
specification and spatial relationship information of the
objects.
5. The object of claim 1, wherein the microprocessor of an object
is configured to instruct the emitter to send the signal comprising
information stored in the object.
6. The object of claim 1, wherein, the microprocessor of an object
is configured to work in sleep mode, until the microprocessor is
activated by a signal received by the receiver of the object.
7. The object of claim 1, further comprising multiple emitters and
receivers, each embedded near a surface of an object, and each
operatively linked to the microprocessor of the object.
8. The object of claim 1, further comprising an RF energy
harvesting module embedded in the object as the electric power
source for the object.
9. The object of claim 1, wherein the information being transmitted
is encoded with pulse modulation technology.
10. The object of claim 1, wherein the information being
transmitted is encoded with infrared diode technology.
11. A method for the construction of a spatial structure,
comprising receiving, from an emitter of a first object and by a
receiver of a second object, a signal comprising information stored
in a data storage means embedded in the first object, wherein each
emitter and receiver are embedded near a surface of an object, and
wherein the information comprises specifications of the object that
further comprise a unique identification code (UID) of the object,
and spatial layout of each of the emitters and receivers embedded
in the object, spatial relationships among objects that further
comprises location and orientation of an object relative to another
object, deriving, by a microprocessor embedded in the second
object, the spatial relationship of the first object relative to
the second object, storing, directed by the microprocessor of the
second object, information in the data storage means of the second
object.
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising, receiving, from an
emitter of a first object and by a receiver of a second object, a
signal comprising information stored in a data storage means
embedded in the first object, receiving, from the emitter of the
second object and by the receiver of a third object, a signal
comprising information stored in the second object and the first
object, deriving, by a microprocessor embedded in the third object,
the spatial relationship of the second object and the first object
relative to the third object, storing, directed by the
microprocessor of the third object, information in the data storage
means of the third object.
13. The method of claim 11, further comprising, receiving
information from an object by a central receiver, creating a
spatial map comprising specification and spatial relationship
information of the objects by a central processor that is
operatively linked to the central receiver.
14. The method of claim 11, further comprising, receiving
information from an RF antenna that is embedded in an object and
operatively linked to the microprocessor of the object, by a
central RF antenna, creating a spatial map comprising specification
and spatial relationship information of the objects by a central
processor that is operatively linked to the central RF antenna.
15. The method of claim 11, further comprising, instructing the
emitter of an object by the microprocessor of the object to send
the signal comprising information stored in the object.
16. The method of claim 11, further comprising, activating the
microprocessor of an object from sleep mode by a signal received by
the receiver of the object.
17. The method of claim 11, further comprising multiple emitters
and receivers, each embedded near a surface of an object, and each
operatively linked to the microprocessor of the object.
18. The method of claim 11, further comprising, providing electric
power for an object by an RF energy harvesting module embedded in
the object.
19. The method of claim 11, wherein the information being
transmitted is encoded with pulse modulation technology.
20. The method of claim 11, wherein the information being
transmitted is encoded with infrared diode technology.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation in part of International
Patent Application No. PCT/CN2014/091084, entitled "An Object for
the Construction of a Spatial Structure", filed on Nov. 14, 2014,
which is a continuation in part of International Patent Application
No. PCT/CN2014/086745, entitled "System and Method for Directing a
Small Scale Object to Generate a Sensory Output to a User Powered
by RF Energy Harvesting", filed on Sep. 17, 2014, which is a
continuation in part of International Patent Application No.
PCT/CN2014/085668, entitled "System and Method for Directing a
Targeted Object on an Interactive Surface to Produce a Response",
filed on Sep. 1, 2014, which is a continuation in part of
International Patent Application No. PCT/CN2014/084498, entitled
"System and Method for Directing a Moving Object on an Interactive
Surface", filed on Aug. 15, 2014, which is a continuation in part
of International Patent Application No. PCT/CN2014/079891, entitled
"System and Method for Operating a Computer Program with Physical
Objects", filed on Jun. 13, 2014.
[0002] International Patent Application No. PCT/CN2014/091084 is
also a continuation in part of International Patent Application No.
PCT/CN2014/080495, entitled "System and Method to Recognize an
Object's ID, Orientation and Location Relative to an Interactive
Surface", filed on Jun. 23, 2014, which is a continuation in part
of International Patent Application No. PCT/CN2014/079892, entitled
"System and Method for Identifying an Object's ID and Location
Relative to an Interactive Surface", filed on Jun. 13, 2014, which
is a continuation of International Patent Application No.
PCT/CN2014/072961, entitled "System and Method for Identifying an
Object's ID and Location Relative to an Interactive Board", filed
on Mar. 6, 2014, which is a continuation in part to International
Patent Application No. PCT/CN2014/071850, entitled "System and
Method for Identifying an Object's ID and Location Relative to an
Interactive Board", filed on Jan. 30, 2014.
[0003] The entire disclosures of each of the above applications are
incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0004] The present invention relates a system and method for
construction of a spatial structure through the use of
short-distance wireless communication means such as the infrared
diode, pulse modulation and RFID technology.
BACKGROUND
[0005] The use of toy or building blocks as an educational game has
long been acclaimed as greatly beneficial to the development of
children. In the late 17th century the renowned English philosopher
John Locke himself mentioned that "dice and playthings, with
letters in them to teach children the alphabet by playing" would
make learning to read a more enjoyable experience.
[0006] The developmental merits of toy blocks have been extensively
researched throughout the past centuries with studies going as far
back as Maria and R. L. Edgeworth's Practical Education (1798)
where they state that these consisted of "rational toys" which
would aid a child to learn about gravity and physics as well as
spatial relationships that would teach how many different parts
become a whole.
[0007] Perhaps the most prominent educational benefits that come
from playing with toy block are intellectual and creative.
Intellectual benefits stem from the fact that children can develop
their vocabularies as they learn to describe sizes, shapes and
positions. Math skills are developed through the process of
grouping, adding and subtracting, particularly with standardized
blocks, such as unit blocks. Experiences with gravity, balance and
geometry learned from toy blocks also provide intellectual
stimulation. Creativity is also developed as children learn to make
their designs and structures.
[0008] Despite the universal recognition and widespread use of toy
blocks, little has been done to improve on the original design.
Indeed, it appears that toy manufacturers and educators have yet to
take advantage of advancements in technology that has come with the
advent of the computer age.
[0009] Typically, computerized games provide players with a visual
display of the game activity through an electronic display system
such as a pixilated flat panel display or touch screens.
Unfortunately, such displays lack a three-dimensional nature that
prevents the physical interaction inherent in toys. For example,
the traditional toy blocks may use one or more movable game piece
that players (especially young ones) find more "natural" and easier
to interact with during their play or learning experience. On the
other hand, traditional toys often lack audio, visual or other
forms of sophisticated feedback that computerized game play can
offer to players. Therefore, a method that can combine both
computerized technology and physical play can effectively enhance a
player's experience by allowing their physical actions to be
interpreted by a computer system so as to provide real-time
feedback to the player in the form of a multitude of sensory
accessories such as video and/or audio outputs.
[0010] The present invention envisages construction of a spatial
structure by multiple physical objects, in association various
feedback mediums such as LED lighting, speakers or vibrators
embedded within the object or a central device in order to
communicate with the user. The invention allows for a spatial
structure to be physically created by a user with these objects and
this structure and the individual components of this structure
being recognized and located in real-time by a computer system and,
in some cases, directed to perform certain actions individually or
collectively according to a user-defined program.
[0011] The present invention proposes the creation of one or more
objects that can effectively enhance traditional playing objects
such as toy blocks by adding an interactive dimension to them. This
also allows playing objects to be wirelessly connected to computer
systems which, in turn, could be connected to the internet/servers,
and thus adds another level of interactivity between the objects
and the user.
[0012] Apart from the educational and entrainment benefits of
having smart and interactive 3D-type of structures, there are a
myriad of other potential appliances, applications and situations
where efficiency and productivity can be enhanced through the use
of such a novel technology. For example, in the construction
industry, a 3D physical model of a building or a bridge that
employs the technique of this invention provides a highly
interactive exchange between the constructor and a potential
client.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The present invention provides a system and method for
construction of a spatial structure through the use of
short-distance wireless communication means such as the infrared
diode or pulse modulation. The system includes multiple objects,
each object comprising an emitter and a receiver that are embedded
near a surface of the object. The object further comprises a data
storage means and a microprocessor that is operatively linked to
the emitter, the receiver and the data storage means. Multiple
emitters and receivers can be embedded near one or more surfaces of
an object and the arrangement of the emitters and receivers can
assume different shapes and forms to suite a particular
purpose.
[0014] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention,
the microprocessor of a first object among a plurality of objects
is configured to instruct the emitter to send a signal comprising
information stored in that first object, with such signal encoded
via infrared diode or pulse modulation. Once the information is
received by the receiver of a second object, the microprocessor of
the second object is configured to derive information pertaining to
the location and orientation of the first object relative to the
second object, and direct this information to be stored in the data
storage means of the second object. Similarly, once a signal
comprising information stored in multiple objects is received by
the receiver of a particular object, the microprocessor of this
particular object is configured to derive the spatial relationship
of these multiple objects relative to it, and direct the
information to be stored in its data storage means.
[0015] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention,
the system further includes a central processor and a central
receiver that is operatively linked to the central processor. Once
the information regarding objects is received by the central
receiver, the central processor is configured to create spatial map
information comprising the specific location of each object
relative to each other.
[0016] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention,
an object can be further embedded with an RF antenna and an RF
energy harvesting module, both of which are operatively linked to
the microprocessor of the object, in order to provide electric
power to the object. The RF antenna of the object is further
configured to wirelessly communicate with a central RF antenna that
is itself operatively linked to the central processor. Once the
information regarding the object is received from the RF antenna of
the object and by the central RF antenna, the central processor is
configured to create a spatial map comprising specification and
spatial relationship information of the objects.
[0017] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention,
a sensory accessory is further embedded in an object and is
operatively linked to the microprocessor. The sensory accessory can
be a visual, an audio, a vibrational, or a display device. Sensory
accessories can also be operatively linked to the central processor
and instructed by the central processor to provide feedback to
users.
[0018] The present invention is useful in a variety of fields that
require construction of a spatial structure. Example areas of
applications are education, entertainment and productivity
enhancement.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is an exemplary schematic diagram illustrating the
system process flow in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0020] FIGS. 2A and 2B are exemplary schematic diagrams
illustrating the construction of a spatial structure in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIGS. 3A and 3B are exemplary schematic diagrams
illustrating the system for a simplified 3-D Sudoku game in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 4 is an exemplary schematic diagram illustrating the
system for a building block game in accordance with one embodiment
of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] While the present invention will be described using specific
embodiments, the invention is not limited to these embodiments.
People skilled in the art will recognize that the system and method
of the present invention may be used in many other applications.
The present invention is intended to cover all alternatives,
modifications and equivalents within the spirit and scope of
invention, which is defined by the apprehended claims.
[0024] Furthermore, in the detailed description of the present
invention, specific details are set forth in order to provide a
thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will
be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art that the present
invention may be practiced without these specific details. For
example, "pulse modulation" or "infrared diode" technology is
discussed in this present invention as examples technology and for
the purpose of simplicity; however, other short-distance wireless
communication technologies can also be adapted for the purpose of
this present invention and are within the scope of the present
invention. In other instances, well known methods, procedures,
components, and circuits are not described in details to avoid
unnecessarily obscuring a clear understanding of the present
invention.
[0025] Furthermore, in the detailed description of the present
invention, the object is represented as a block. However, it will
be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art that an object can
be a card, a figurine, a token, a chip, a button, or a
three-dimensional object of any shape or form as per user
preference.
[0026] Furthermore, in the detailed description of the present
invention, specific details are given regarding a sensory
accessory. However, it will be obvious to one of ordinary skill in
the art that a sensory accessory can be one selected from a group
comprising a visual, an audio, a vibration and a display
device.
[0027] The present invention may be better understood and its
numerous objects and advantages will become apparent to those
skilled in the art by reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0028] FIG. 1 is an exemplary schematic diagram illustrating the
system process flow in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the system includes an
object 101 for the construction of a spatial structure, comprising
an emitter 108 and a receiver 109, each embedded near a surface of
the object, a data storage means 110, and a microprocessor 111 that
is operatively linked to the emitter 108, the receiver 109 and the
data storage means 110. The information stored by the data storage
means 110 includes specifications of the object 101 that further
comprises a unique identification code (UID) of the object 101 and
spatial layout of each of the emitters and receivers embedded in
the object 101, and spatial relationships among objects that
further comprises location and orientation of an object relative to
another object.
[0029] At first, the microprocessor of the first object 101 is
configured to instruct the emitter to send the signal comprising
information stored in the first object 101. Once the signal is
received by the receiver of a second object 102, the microprocessor
of the second object 102 is configured to derive the spatial
relationship of the first object 101 such as location and
orientation relative to the second object 102, and direct the
information to be stored in the data storage means of the second
object 102. The microprocessor of an object is configured to work
in sleep mode, until the microprocessor is activated by a signal
received by the receiver of the object. And the microprocessor of
an object can not only direct an emitter of the object to serve as
a receiver of the object, but also direct a receiver of the object
to serve as an emitter of the object.
[0030] Similarly, once a signal comprising information stored in
the second object 102 and the first object 101 is then sent from
the emitter of the second object 103, and received by the receiver
of a third object 103, the microprocessor of the third object 103
is configured to derive the spatial relationship of the second and
the first objects relative to the third object, and direct the
information to be stored in the data storage means of the third
object 103.
[0031] The system can further include a central processor 104 and a
central receiver 105 that is operatively linked to the central
processor 104. Once the signal containing the information regarding
an object is received by the central receiver 105, the central
processor 104 is configured to create a spatial map comprising
specification and spatial relationship information of the
objects.
[0032] An object can be further embedded with an RF antenna 112 and
an RF energy harvesting module 113, as the electric power source
for the object, both of which are operatively linked to the
microprocessor 111 of the object. The RF antenna 112 is further
operatively linked to a central RF antenna 106 that is operatively
linked to the central processor 104. Once the information regarding
an object is received from the RF antenna 112 of the object and by
the central RF antenna 106, the central processor 104 is configured
to create a spatial map comprising specification and spatial
relationship information of the objects.
[0033] The system in FIG. 1 can be designed to further include
sensory accessories embedded in the objects and operatively linked
to the microprocessor 111. Sensory accessories 107 can also be
operatively linked to the central processor 104 and instructed by
the central processor 104 to provide feedback to users. The central
processor 104 that is operatively linked to a computer program is
configured to process the information received by the central
receiver 105 or the central RF antenna 106 and instruct sensory
accessories to provide users with feedback. The computer program
can be run either locally or remotely, e.g., from a cloud server.
The sensory accessory 105 can be a visual, an audio, a vibrational,
or a display device.
[0034] Multiple emitters and receivers can be embedded near one or
more surfaces of an object. And the arrangement of emitters and
receivers can be symmetrical semi-circular shapes arranged
side-by-side, symmetrical rectangular shapes arranged side-by-side,
or a round tab and a concentric and circular tab surrounding the
round tab.
[0035] An emitter can be instructed by the microprocessor and/or
the central processor to become a receiver. Similarly, a receiver
can be instructed by the microprocessor and/or the central
processor to become an emitter.
[0036] FIGS. 2A and 2B are exemplary schematic diagrams
illustrating the construction of a spatial structure in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 2A, the system includes a plurality of
cubes 201, each being of identical size and shape and each having
an emitter 208 and a receiver 209 that are embedded near a surface
of the cube. In this case, the emitter 208 is a round tab and
receiver 209 is a concentric and circular tab surrounding the
emitter 208. Each cube 201 further includes a data storage means
210 and a microprocessor 211 that is operatively linked to the
emitter 208, the receiver 209 and the data storage means 210. The
information stored by the data storage means 210 includes
specifications of a cube 201 such as its unique identification code
(UID) and the spatial layout of each of the emitters and receivers
embedded in the cube, as well as the spatial relationships among
cubes that further comprise the locations and orientations of a
cube relative to another cube.
[0038] Once the signal containing information stored in any cube
among the multiple cubes (i.e., the first cube 206) is received by
the receiver of a second cube 207, the microprocessor of the second
cube 207 is configured to derive the spatial relationship of the
first cube 206 such as location and orientation relative to the
second cube 207, and direct the information to be stored in the
data storage means of the second cube 207.
[0039] Similarly, as shown in FIG. 2B, the same system as described
in FIG. 2A is presented but with a number of cubes 201 placed
together. The system further includes a central processor 202 and a
central receiver (not shown in FIG. 2B) that operatively linked to
the central processor 202. Once the information regarding any cubes
is received by the central receiver, the central processor 202 is
configured to create a spatial map comprising specification and
spatial relationship information of all cubes.
[0040] The central processor 202 that is operatively linked to a
computer program is then configured to process that information and
instruct sensory accessories to provide the player with feedback.
For example, as shown in FIG. 2B, once different geometries are
built with the cubes 201 according to a specific cube placement
sequence, audio feedback can be provided to the user by
broadcasting the volume and the surface area of the created
geometry via an audio device 204. The spatial map of the geometries
formed by cubes can be further presented on a display device for
the player to see, and in particular, the two or three dimensional
sections of the created shapes. By playing this simple geometric
game, players can learn easily basic geometric concepts such as
volume and surface area. For example, they may try to build up
geometries in different shapes with a certain amount of cubes, and
thus understand that, even with the same volume, the surface area
can vary according to the shape created.
[0041] FIGS. 3A and 3B are exemplary schematic diagrams
illustrating the system for a simplified 3-D Sudoku game in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. For the
sake of illustration, both the system and method described in FIGS.
3A and 3B make use of the 3-D mathematics game Sudoku as the design
of the game that is particular well suited for this embodiment of
the invention. In this game, a total of 27 cubic blocks are used to
form a 3.times.3.times.3 cube containing totally nine 3.times.3
planar sub-grids, three in each directions. When the puzzle is in
the solved condition, each 3.times.3 planar sub-grid bears nine
single-digit natural numbers (1-9) without duplicates.
[0042] The system of the embodiment described in FIG. 3A includes a
total of 27 cubic blocks 301, each being of exactly the same size
and shape and printed with one Arabic numeral on all of its six
sides, and each having an emitter 308 and a receiver 309 that are
embedded near a surface of the cubic block. Each cubic block 301
further includes a data storage means 310, a microprocessor 311
that is operatively linked to the emitter 308, the receiver 309 and
the data storage means 310, and an RF antenna 312 also operatively
linked to the microprocessor 311. An RF energy harvesting module
313 is further embedded in each cubic block to provide electric
power for the cubic block. The information stored by the data
storage means 310 includes specifications of a cubic block 301 such
as a unique identification code (UID) of it and spatial layout of
each of the emitters and receivers embedded in the cubic block, and
spatial relationships among cubic blocks that further comprises
location and orientation of a cubic block relative to another
one.
[0043] Once the signal containing information stored in a first
cubic block is relayed to a second cubic block, the microprocessor
of the second cubic block is configured to derive the spatial
relationship of the first cubic block such as location and
orientation relative to the second cubic block, and direct the
information to be stored in the data storage means of the second
cubic block. Similarly, whenever a signal comprising information
stored in multiple cubic blocks is received by another cubic block,
the information is stored in the data storage means of this cubic
block.
[0044] As seen in FIG. 3A, the system further includes a central
processor 302 and a central receiver (not shown in FIG. 3A) that is
operatively linked to the central processor 302. Once all of the 27
cubic blocks 302 are put into play forming a 3.times.3.times.3
cube, the information regarding all cubic blocks is received by the
central receiver, and the central processor 302 that is operatively
linked to a program is configured to create a spatial map
comprising specification and spatial relationship information of
the cubic blocks.
[0045] Once the spatial map of the building blocks is derived and
the computer program operatively linked to the central processor
302 has determined whether the game has been lost or won, the
central processor 302 is configured to instruct sensory accessories
to provide feedback to the user. The computer program stores
relevant information and is defined based on the rules of the
Sudoku game. As shown in FIG. 3A, the sensory devices include an
audio device 304 and LED lights 305. If all cubic blocks 302 are
correctly placed (i.e., each 3.times.3 planar sub-grid of the cube
bears nine single-digit natural numbers 1-9 without duplicates, as
seen in FIG. 3B), positive feedback will be provided to the player.
For example, an audio clip can be played via the audio device 304,
such as "Well done! Mission completed!" or "You are a genius!", to
express congratulations to the player. And the feedback effect can
be further enhanced with the LED lights 305 lighting up. If the
solution is not correct, the players will be instructed to try
again, preferably via the audio device 304, until the puzzle is
successfully solved.
[0046] As illustrated in FIG. 3A, the RF antenna 312 of each cubic
block is further operatively linked to a central RF antenna 306
that is operatively linked to the central processor 302. The
information regarding the objects can also be received from the RF
antennas 312 of the objects and by the central RF antenna 306. In
this case, the central processor 302 is also able to create a
spatial map comprising specification and spatial relationship
information of the objects via the RF communication.
[0047] FIG. 4 is an exemplary schematic diagram illustrating the
system for a building block game in accordance with one embodiment
of the present invention.
[0048] As shown in FIG. 4, the system includes a plurality of
building blocks 401, each having an emitter 408 and a receiver 409
that are embedded near a surface of the cubic block. Each building
blocks 401 further includes a data storage means 410, a
microprocessor 411 that is operatively linked to the emitter 408,
the receiver 409 and the data storage means 410, and an RF antenna
412 also operatively linked to the microprocessor 411. An RF energy
harvesting module 413 is further embedded in each building block to
provide electric power for the building block. The information
stored by the data storage means 410 includes specifications of a
building block 401 such as a unique identification code (UID) of it
and spatial layout of each of the emitters and receivers embedded
in the building block, and spatial relationships among building
blocks that further comprises location and orientation of a
building block relative to another one.
[0049] Similar to the previous embodiments, the information
regarding building blocks is transmitted and received among
building blocks via the emitters and receivers. As seen in FIG. 4,
the system further includes a central processor 402 and a central
receiver (not shown in FIG. 4) that is operatively linked to the
central processor 402. Once all building blocks 401 have been
correctly placed in such a manner as to form the classical arch
structure with the keystone placed in the middle, the information
regarding all building blocks is received by the central receiver,
and the central processor 402 that is operatively linked to a
program is configured to create a spatial map comprising
specification and spatial relationship information of the building
blocks.
[0050] Once the spatial map of the architecture illustrated in FIG.
4 is derived, the computer program operatively linked to the
central processor 402 is configured to instruct an audio device 404
to provide feedback to the user. A potential feedback design would
consist of having an audio clip can be played via the audio device
404 to confirm the successful creation of the arch structure and
could potentially be followed by an audio recording detailing the
significance of this structure in architecture and history.
[0051] Sensory accessories can also be embedded in building blocks,
and are operatively linked to the microprocessor 411 of the object.
In this embodiment, the sensory accessories include LED lights 414
and audio devices 415. According to the computer program, the
central processor 402 will further instruct all building blocks 401
embedded with LED lights 414 to light up for the user. So for
example, if the user is instructed to form an arch structure with
the keystone on top and if all building blocks 401 are then
correctly placed to form the required structure, the LED light 412
embedded within the building blocks will light up in order to
provide positive feedback to the user. Each building block can be
further assigned with a musical symbol or note that corresponds to
their UID. Once all building blocks are placed correctly to form
the required spatial structure, the string of music symbols and
notes assigned to the building blocks is also correctly determined
to create a music melody that can be played real-time, in a correct
sequence, via the audio devices 415 embedded in all building
blocks. As per the computer program, and with a certain type of
input, e.g., any building block being pressed, the processor can
give the instruction to play the melody, and thus a musical
architecture is created.
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