Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A system (10) to track movement of an interactive figurine (20) on a touch screen interface (30) comprising:
a first set of conductive pads (40);
a second set of non-conductive pads (50),
wherein the first set of conductive pads (40) and the second set of non-conductive pads (50) are located at a bottom surface (80) of the interactive figurine (20), the first set of conductive pads (40) disposed at a pre-defined angle of separation;
a centre pad (70) located at the bottom surface (80) of the interactive figurine (20), wherein the centre pad (70) is elevated relative to the first set of conductive pads (40) and the second set of non-conductive pads (50) at a pre-defined height;
a switch housed on the interactive figurine (20), wherein the switch configured to actuate the centre pad (70) to enable a touch interaction of the centre pad (70) with the touch screen interface (30); and
one or more processors (100) operatively coupled to the interactive figurine (20), wherein the one or more processors (100) comprises;
an interactive figurine detection module (110) configured to determine the pre-defined angle of separation between the first set of conductive pads (40) to identify the interactive figurine (20); and
an interactive figurine tracking module (120) configured to track at least one movement of the interactive figurine (20) on the touch screen interface (30), wherein the at least one movement comprises a linear movement, a rotational movement or a combination thereof.
2. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the interactive figurine (20) is composed of one of conductive silicone, conductive plastic or conductive paint.
3. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first set of conductive pads (40) and the centre pads (70) are composed of one of conductive silicone or conductive rubber.
4. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one movement of the interactive figurine (20) is tracked using electrostatic charge flowing through the first set of conductive pads (40) and the centre pad (70).
5. The system (10) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the electrostatic charge flowing through the first set of conductive pads (40) and the centre pad (70) is held at the base surface (80) of the interactive figurine (20) up to a pre- defined amount of time.
6. The system (10) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the pre- defined amount of time in which the electrostatic charge flows through the first set of conductive pads (40) and the centre pad (70) is about two minutes.
7. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the interactive figurine tracking module (120) is further configured to track one of velocity, acceleration, a tilt angle or a combination thereof of the interactive figurine (20).
8. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a flexible accessory (130) adapted to hold a device with the touch screen interface (30).
9. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1, comprises one or more digital elements which are activated upon identification of the interactive figurine (20), wherein each of the one or more digital elements are configured to interact with another one or more digital elements to enhance an activity associated with the interactive figurine (20).
10. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1, comprising at least one air pocket formed within the corresponding one or more first set of conductive pads (40) and the centre pad (70), wherein the at least one air pocket is configured to:
provide levelling for the interactive figurine (20) to be in constant contact with the touch screen interface (30); and
provide a pre-determined amount of pressure on the touch screen interface (30) for tracking the movement of the interactive figurine (20) on the touch screen interface (30).
11. A method (180) for tracking movement of an interactive figurine on a touch screen interface comprising:
actuating, by a switch, a centre pad of the interactive figurine for enabling a touch interaction of the centre pad with the touch screen interface; (190)
determining, by an interactive figurine detection module, a Euclidean angle between a first set of conductive pads for identifying the interactive figurine; and (200)
tracking, via an interactive figurine tracking module, at least one movement of the interactive figurine on the touch screen interface based on the determined Euclidean angle. (210)
12. The method (180) as claimed in claim 11, wherein actuating the centre pad of the interactive figurine comprises pressing a button downward for actuating the centre pad.
13. The method (180) as claimed in claim 11, wherein tracking the at least one movement of the interactive figurine on the touch screen interface comprises tracking a linear movement, a rotational movement or a combination thereof.
14. The method (180) as claimed in claim 11, wherein tracking the at least one movement of the interactive figurine on the touch screen interface comprises tracking the at least one movement using electrostatic charge flowing through the first set of conductive pads and the centre pad.
15. The method (180) as claimed in claim 11, wherein tracking the at least one movement of the interactive figurine on the touch screen interface comprises tracking a normal direction of the interactive figurine.
16. The method (180) as claimed in claim 15, wherein tracking the normal direction of the interactive figurine comprises:
determining one or more feature points on the touch screen interface between the first set of conductive pads and a second set of non-conductive pads; and
calculating Euclidean distance and Euclidean angle between the one or more feature points for tracking the normal direction of the interactive figurine.
17. The method (180) as claimed in claim 11, wherein tracking the at least one movement of the interactive figurine further comprises tracking one of velocity, acceleration, a tilt angle or a combination thereof of the interactive figurine.

Dated this 21st day of February 2020


Vidya Bhaskar Singh Nandiyal
Patent Agent (IN/PA-2912)
Agent for applicant

, Description:FIELD OF INVENTION
Embodiment of a present invention relates to an interactive system, and more particularly, to a system and method to track movement of an interactive figurine on a touch screen interface.
BACKGROUND
With a linear growth in technology, electronic devices are becoming more user friendly. One of the major applications of technology in recent days is entertainment; and one such entertainment is gaming. Various games and toys have been developed in which a computing device interacts with a physical location of a game controller to keep the games engaged.
Game controllers come in various forms such as keyboards, mouse, gamepads, steering wheels, light guns, joysticks, playing pieces or the like which is used in various platforms such as virtual reality, augmented reality, flat screens or the like to experience 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional effect of the game. Further there have been an attempt to construct various board games with the combination of flat screens such as a touch screen interface and playing pieces such as figurines. Consequently, various type of touch detection techniques such as electrostatic-capacitance-based touch detection technique are being used on the touch screen interface to enable multi touch detection.
In this context, users are in constant exposure to devices having the touch screen interface making it desirable to provide new technologies, which can enhance the interactive experience with touch screen devices and their existing game controllers and devices having such an interaction.
In a conventional approach, creating an interaction between a computing device and the game controller using a wired communication means or a wireless communication means. However, using such communication means makes the conventional approach expensive due to the increase of elements in hardware. Also, user experience in such an approach is limited to a single approach, thereby making the conventional approach less reliable. In addition, accuracy of tracking the game controller is a challenge as intervention of noise from any of the communication means may hamper the same or create a time delay in tracing the interaction of the game controller with the computing device.
Hence, there is a need for an improved system and method to track movement of track movement of an interactive figurine on a touch screen interface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
In accordance with an embodiment of a present disclosure, a system to track movement of an interactive figurine on a touch screen interface is disclosed. The system includes a first set of conductive pads and a second set of non-conductive pads. The first set of conductive pads and the second set of non-conductive pads are located at a bottom surface of the interactive figurine and the first set of conductive pads disposed at a pre-defined angle of separation. The system also includes a centre pad located at the bottom surface of the interactive figurine. The centre pad is elevated relative to the first set of conductive pads and the second set of non-conductive pads at a pre-defined height. The system also includes a switch housed on the interactive figurine, wherein the switch configured to actuate the centre pad to enable a touch interaction of the centre pad with the touch screen interface. The system also includes one or more processors operatively coupled to the interactive figurine. Furthermore, the one or more processors includes an interactive figurine detection module configured to determine the pre-defined angle between the first set of conductive pads to identify the interactive figurine. The one or more processors also includes an interactive figurine tracking module configured to track at least one movement of the interactive figurine on the touch screen interface, wherein the at least one movement includes a linear movement, a rotational movement or a combination thereof.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for tracking movement of an interactive figurine on a touch screen interface is disclosed. The method includes actuating a centre pad of the interactive figurine for enabling a touch interaction of the centre pad with the touch screen interface. The method also includes determining an angle between a first set of conductive pads for identifying the interactive figurine. The method further includes tracking at least one movement of the interactive figurine on the touch screen interface based on the determined angle.
To further clarify the advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the disclosure will follow by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended figures. It is to be appreciated that these figures depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting in scope. The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the appended figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures in which:
FIG. 1 is a block diagram representation of a system to track movement of an interactive figurine on a touch screen interface in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 2 is an illustrated representation of a base surface of the interactive figurine of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a flexible accessory of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 4 is a magnified view of an embodiment of the flexible accessory of FIG. 3 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a computer or a server in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
FIG. 6 is a flow chart representing the steps involved in a method for tracking movement of an interactive figurine on a touch screen interface.
Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, multiple components of the device may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as would normally occur to those skilled in the art are to be construed as being within the scope of the present disclosure.
The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such a process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components preceded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices, sub-systems, elements, structures, components, additional devices, additional sub-systems, additional elements, additional structures or additional components. Appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment", "in another embodiment" and similar language throughout this specification may, but not necessarily do, all refer to the same embodiment.
Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are only illustrative and not intended to be limiting.
In the following specification and the claims, reference will be made to a number of terms, which shall be defined to have the following meanings. The singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to system and method to track movement of an interactive figurine on a touch screen interface.
As used herein, the term ‘figurine’ is defined as a diminutive form of a specific character, tool, accessory or the like. Also, the term ‘interactive figurine’ as used herein is defined as a figurine which is configured to interact with a specific interactive surface, wherein the interactive surface used herein includes of the touch screen interface. In one specific embodiment, the touch screen interface may be associated to a display interface of a computing device. More specifically, the touch screen interface may be associated to the display interface of one of a laptop, a mobile phone, a tablet, or the like.
Turning to FIGs 1 and 2, FIG. 1 is a block diagram representation of a system (10) to track movement of an interactive figurine (20) on the touch screen interface (30) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is an illustrated representation of a base surface (80) of the interactive figurine (20) of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the interactive figurine (20) may be composed of one of conductive silicone, conductive plastic or conductive paint. The system (10) includes a first set of conductive pads (40) and a second set of non-conductive pads (50). In one exemplary embodiment, the first set of conductive pads (40) may be composed of one of conductive silicone or conductive rubber.
The first set of conductive pads (40) and the second set of non-conductive pads (50) are located at a bottom surface (80) of the interactive figurine (20). In one embodiment, the first set of conductive pads (40) and the second set of non-conductive pads (50) are located close to an edge of the interactive figurines (20). In one exemplary embodiment, the interactive figurine (20) may be fabricated with specific dimensions which may be associated to a field of application of the system (10). Further, in consideration of the specific dimension of the corresponding interactive figurine (20), the first set of conductive pads (40) and the second set of conductive pads (50) are fastened at the bottom surface (80) also referred to as base of the interactive figurine (20). Furthermore, the first set of conductive pads (40) are disposed at a pre-defined angle of separation (60) at the bottom surface (80) of the interactive figurine (20). More specifically, the first set of conductive pads (40) and the second sets of non-conductive pads (50) are located on the bottom surface (80) of the interactive figurine (20) in such a fashion where a unique angle of measurement is created based on the pre-defined angle of separation (60), wherein the unique angle of measurement engender multiple feature points associated to the interactive figurine (20).
In one exemplary embodiment, the system (10) may be used to track the movement of a multiple interactive figurines (20), wherein each of the multiple interactive figurines (20) may constitute a corresponding first set of conductive pads (40) and the second set of non-conductive pads (50). Further each of the multiple interactive figurines (20) have the first set of conductive pads (40) at a unique pre-defined angle of separation (60). Upon measuring the unique pre-defined angle of separation (60), the corresponding multiple interactive figurines (20) may be identified.
In continuation, the system (10) includes a centre pad (70) located at the bottom surface (80) of the interactive figurine (20). In one specific embodiment, the centre pad (70) may be located at a centre portion of the bottom surface (80) of the interactive figurine (20). The centre pad (70) is elevated relative to the first set of conductive pads (40) and the second set of non-conductive pads (50) at a pre-defined height. In one exemplary embodiment, the interactive figurine (20) may include a hollow opening at the centre portion. The hollow opening may include a shaft. The centre pad (70) may be fixed to a bottom portion of the shaft, which may be elevated inwards from a ground level which is relative to the first set of conductive pads and the second set of non-conductive pads. As discussed above in the afore-mentioned embodiment, each of the multiple interactive figurines (20) may include a corresponding centre pad (70).
Furthermore, the system (10) includes a switch housed on the interactive figurine (20) for actuating the centre pad (70) to enable a touch interaction of the centre pad (70) with the touch screen interface (30). As discussed above, a top portion of the shaft may be connected with a button (90) which actuates the centre pad (70) upon pushing the same by a user. In operation, as the button (90) is pushed/ pressed downwards by the user, the switch which is operatively coupled to the button (90) is made to actuate the centre pad (70) to appear to an equal level as that of the first set of conducting pad (40) and the second set of non-conducting pads (50). Also, the interactive figurine (20) is placed on the touch screen interface (30) for enabling an interaction between the touch screen interface (30) and the interactive figurine (20). In one exemplary embodiment, as the button (90) is pushed downwards by the user, the switch actuates the centre pad (70) to enable a touch interaction of the centre pad (70) with the touch screen interface (30).
The system (10) further includes processor (100) operatively coupled to the interactive figurine (20). The processor (100) includes an interactive figurine detection module (110) to determine the pre-defined angle of separation between the first set of conductive pads (40) to identify the interactive figurine (20). More specifically, as the interactive figurine (20) is placed on the touch screen interface (30) by the user, electrostatic charge from user’s hand is transferred to the interactive figurine (20) which in turn enables connectivity between the first set of conductive pads (40) to create a real time angle of separation which is used to identify the interactive figurine (20). In one embodiment, the pre-defined angle of separation (60) between the first set of conductive pads (40) may be stored in a storage unit. Further, the real time angle of separation (60) is compared with the pre-defined angle of separation to identify the interactive figurine (20).
In one exemplary embodiment, the electrostatic charge from hand of the user is transmitted to a body of the interactive figurine (20), consequently to the first set of conductive pads (40) and then to the touch screen interface (30). Furthermore, the electrostatic charge at each of the first set of conductive pads (40) are measured and co-ordinates are computed by the interactive figurine detection module (110). In one specific embodiment, a normal direction of the interactive figurine (20) is calculated upon measuring Euclidean distance and Euclidean angle between the multiple feature points; wherein the multiple feature points are formed on the touch screen interface (30) based on the pre-defined angle of separation (60). As used herein, ‘Euclidean distance’ is defined as a distance between two consecutive points in Euclidean Space. Also, ‘Euclidean angle’ is defined as an angle formed by an intersection of two planes in Euclidean space. Furthermore, the term ‘Euclidean Space’ is defined as a two or three-dimensional space in which the axioms and postulates of Euclidean geometry is applied.
In one exemplary embodiment, the Euclidean distance may be calculated as described below:
Consider three feature points ‘A’ (121), ‘B’ (122), and ‘C’ (123), in a form of a triangle having sides ‘AB’ (124), ‘AC’ (125) and ‘BC’ (126); ‘BC’ (126) being a base of the triangle, wherein the features point A (121), B (122) and C (123) are substantially similar to the multiple feature points formed on the touch screen interface (30) . Also, the triangle is the representative of shape of the angle of separation (60) formed between the first set of conductive pads (40) in the corresponding interactive figurine (20).
Further, the Euclidean distance between the feature point A (121) and the feature point B (122) may be calculated using the relation v(??(x?_a-x_b)?^2+ ??(y?_a-y_b)?^2 ) , where x_a, x_b, y_a, y_b represents ‘X’ and ‘Y’ co-ordinates of the feature point A (121) and the feature point B (122) respectively.
Further, direction vector for AB (124) may be calculated using the relation: p= {x_a- x_b,y_a-y_b}={p_x,p_y}; }. Similarly, the direction vector for AC (125) may be calculated using the relation: q= {x_c- x_a,y_c-y_a} = {q_x,q_y}; where, x_c and y_c represents ‘X’ and ‘Y’ co-ordinates of the feature point C (123).
Furthermore, the Euclidean angle (60) may be calculated as described below:
The Euclidean angle (60) hereafter indicated as “O” between AB (124) and AC (125) may be calculated using the relation:
O =cos^(-1)??[(p_x q_x+p_y q_y)/(v(p_x^2+p_y^2 ) X v(q_y^2+q_x^2 ))]?,
where A (121), B (122) and C (123) are the multiple features points on the touch screen interface (30), wherein the first set of conductive pads (40) are in contact with the touch screen interface (30). To identify the Euclidean distance; AB (124), AC (125) and O (60) are used. Furthermore, AD (127) is a normal vector obtained upon extending angle A (121), 60 up to a point D (128), where ‘AD’ (127) is perpendicular to the base BC (126), Further, the vector AD (127) is tracked to measure the rotational movement of the interactive figurine (20). In operation, due to the electrostatic charge generated by the user’s hand, it is transferred up-to the first set of conductive pads (40) and the second set of non-conductive pads (50) and further to the touch screen interface (30). Based on the electrostatic charge at the first set of conductive pads (40), the co-ordinates of each of the first set of conductive pads (40) is measured by the interactive figurine detection module (110), further to which the Euclidean distance and Euclidean angle is computed in order to identify the interactive figurine (20). In one exemplary embodiment, a conducting pad ‘A’ may have co-ordinates ‘(X1, Y1)’ and a conducting pad ‘B’ may have the co-ordinates ‘(X2, Y2)’. Further, based on the electrostatic charge transmitted through A and B, corresponding co-ordinates (X1, Y1) and (X2, Y2) are measured; further to which the Euclidean distance and Euclidean angle is computed in order to identify the interactive figurine (20). In one specific embodiment, the electrostatic charge flowing through the first set of conductive pads (40) and the centre pad (70) are held at the base (80) of the interactive figurine (20) up to a pre- defined amount of time. In an exemplary embodiment, the pre- defined amount of time in which the electrostatic charge flows through the first set of conductive pads (40) and the centre pad (70) is about two minutes.
In one specific embodiment, the interactive figurine (20) includes multiple digital elements which are activated upon identification of the interactive figurine (20). Each of the multiple digital elements interact with another multiple digital elements. In such embodiment, the multiple digital elements of a first interactive figurine may interact with multiple digital elements of a second interactive figurine to initiate an activity with the touch screen interface (30), wherein the first interactive figurine and the second interactive figurine are substantially similar to the interactive figurine (20). In one exemplary embodiment the activity may include one of playing with toys, gaming, graphic designing, photo editing, video editing, music control, playing instruments, or the like.
Furthermore, the system (10) includes an interactive figurine tracking module (120) which tracks at least one movement of the interactive figurine (20) on the touch screen interface (30). The at least one movement includes a linear movement, a rotational movement or a combination thereof. As the interactive figurine (20) is operated on the touch screen interface (30) based on the activity, the at least one movement of the interactive figurine on the touch screen interface (30) is tracked by measuring the change in the normal direction of the interactive figurine (20) upon calculating the Euclidean distance and Euclidean angle of the interactive figurine (20) in real time. More specially, the linear movement and the rotational movement of the interactive figurine (20) on the touch screen interface (30) is tracked based on the determined Euclidean angle, the Euclidean distance or a combination thereof.
In one exemplary embodiment, the interactive figurine tracking module (120) may be further configured to track one of velocity, acceleration, a tilt angle or a combination thereof, of the interactive figurine (20). In such embodiment, the tilt angle may be tracked to simulate car banking and tilting of the interactive figurine (20).
In one exemplary embodiment, at least one air pocket may be formed within the corresponding one or more first set of conductive pads (40) and the centre pad (70). The at least one air pocket may provide levelling for the interactive figurine (20) to be in constant contact with the touch screen interface (30). The at least one air pocket may also provide a pre-determined amount of pressure on the touch screen interface (30) for tracking the movement of the interactive figurine (20) on the touch screen interface (30).
In one exemplary embodiment in a game of chess, the system (10) may include multiple interactive figurines (substantially similar to the interactive figurine (20)) hereafter referred to as multiple interactive chess figurines, wherein each of the multiple interactive chess figurines (substantially similar to the interactive figurine (20)) may be representative of a corresponding plurality of chess pieces. A base surface (substantially similar to the base surface (80) of the interactive figurine (20)) of each of the multiple interactive chess figurines may be circular in shape. Further, each of the plurality of the interactive chess figurines are fixed with the first set of conductive pads (40) and the second set of non-conductive pads (50) which are located at the base surface of the multiple interactive chess figurines. The first set of conductive pads (40) and the second set of non-conductive pads (50) are arranged in such a way that each of the multiple interactive chess figurine forms a unique pattern on the screen associated to the multiple unique feature points.
Furthermore, the touch screen interface (30) displays a chess board to enable a first user and a second user to initiate the activity of playing chess. As the multiple interactive chess figurines are placed on the corresponding positions of the chess board on the touch screen interface (30), the normal direction of each of the multiple interactive chess figurines are identified and stored in a memory unit of the computing device. As the first user initiates the activity by moving one of the multiple interactive chess figurines, electrostatic charge from first user’s hand is transmitted to the corresponding interactive chess figurine which the first user is operating. Simultaneously, the first user pushes the button of the corresponding interactive chess figurine because of which the centre pad (70) of the interactive chess figurine under operation gets actuated to enable the interaction of the centre pad (70) with the touch screen interface (30). The electrostatic charge is transmitted through the corresponding first set of conductive pads (40) which creates an angle representative of the pre-defined angle of separation (60). Further, using the electrostatic charge at the first set of conductive pads (40) and the second set of non-conductive pads (50), the Euclidean distance and Euclidean angle is measured in real time to identify the corresponding interactive chess figurine from the multiple interactive chess figurines which is being operated by the first user and to track the movement of the same.
As the activity of playing the chess continues, and the first user completes a turn of playing, the second user initiates the operation of another interactive chess figurine from the multiple interactive chess figurines, and the afore-mentioned process continues.
FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a flexible accessory (130) of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one exemplary embodiment, the system (10) may further include a flexible accessory (130) adapted to hold a device with the touch screen interface (30). The flexible accessory (130) includes a base surface (134) and a holding means (134) to hold the computing device including the touch screen interface ((30) of FIG. 1). The flexible accessory (130) also includes two adjustable flaps (132), (136) fabricated on either side of the base surface (134) to adjust the size of the base surface according to a size of the computing device.
In one exemplary embodiment, the flexible accessory (substantially similar to the flexible accessory of FIG. 3) may include a first side holder (substantially similar to adjustable flap (132) of FIG. 3) and a second side holder (substantially similar to adjustable flap (136) of FIG. 3) which may be detachable from one another. The first side holder (132) may include a flat hollow top surface of the first side holder (132) to hold the touch screen interface (30) at one end. The first side holder also includes two elongated first edges (138) to provide grip for the flexible accessory to hold the touch screen interface (30). Also, the first side holder (132) further includes a first base surface having one or more protective pads on multiple corners of the first side holder (132) for easy and soft placement of the flexible accessory. Additionally, the first side holder (132) may be raised with a pre-defined height to avoid contact of the touch screen interface (30) with a ground surface when placed on a platform.
Furthermore, the second side holder (136) may include a flat hollow top surface of the second side holder (136) to hold the touch screen interface (30) at another end. The second side holder (136) also includes two elongated second edges (139) to provide grip for the flexible accessory to hold the touch screen interface (30). Also, the second side holder (136) further includes a second base surface having one or more protective pads (not shown in FIG. 3) on multiple corners of the second side holder (136) for easy and soft placement of the flexible accessory (130).
FIG. 4 is a magnified view of an embodiment of the flexible accessory of FIG. 3 representing the second side holder (136) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The flexible accessory ((130) of FIG. 3) includes the second side holder (136) to hold the touch screen interface (30) at one end. The second side holder (136) (substantially similar to the second side holder (136) of FIG. 3) includes two extended edges (139) which are flattened at the extended portion. Also, the second side holder (136) further includes a second base surface (137) having the one or more protective pads (not shown in FIG. 4) on multiple corners of the second side holder (136) for easy and soft placement of the flexible accessory (130).
FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a computer (140) or a server in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The server includes processor(s) (150), and memory (160) operatively coupled via a bus (170). The processor(s) (150), as used herein, means any type of computational circuit, such as, but not limited to, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a complex instruction set computing microprocessor, a reduced instruction set computing microprocessor, a very long instruction word microprocessor, an explicitly parallel instruction computing microprocessor, a digital signal processor, or any other type of processing circuit, or a combination thereof.
The memory (160) includes a plurality of modules of a system of FIG. 1 in the form of executable program which instructs the processor (150) to perform the method steps illustrated in FIG. 6. The memory (160) has following modules: an interactive figurine detection module and an interactive figurine tracking module.
The interactive figurine detection module (110) is configured to determine the pre-defined angle of separation between the first set of conductive pads to identify the interactive figurine. The interactive figurine tracking module (120) is configured to configured to track at least one movement of the interactive figurine on the touch screen interface.
Computer memory (160) elements may include any suitable memory device(s) for storing data and executable program, such as read only memory, random access memory, erasable programmable read only memory, electrically erasable programmable read only memory, hard drive, removable media drive for handling memory cards and the like. Embodiments of the present subject matter may be implemented in conjunction with program modules, including functions, procedures, data structures, and application programs, for performing tasks, or defining abstract data types or low-level hardware contexts. Executable program stored on any of the above-mentioned storage media may be executable by the processor(s) (150).
FIG. 6 is a flow chart representing the steps involved in a method (180) for tracking movement of an interactive figurine on a touch screen interface. The method (180) includes actuating a centre pad of the interactive figurine for enabling a touch interaction of the centre pad with the touch screen interface in step 190. In one embodiment, actuating the centre pad of the interactive figurine may include actuating the centre pad using a switch. In such embodiment, actuating the centre pad of the interactive figurine may further include pressing a button downward for actuating the centre pad by a user.
The method (180) also includes determining a Euclidean angle between a first set of conductive pads for identifying the interactive figurine in step 200. In one embodiment, determining the Euclidean angle between the first set of conductive pads may include determining the Euclidean angle between the first set of conductive pads by an interactive figurine detection module. In such embodiment, tracking the angle of separation between the first set of conductive pads may include tracking the angle of separation between the first set of conductive pads upon measuring co-ordinates of each of the first set of conductive pads. In one embodiment, measuring the co-ordinates of each of the first set of conductive pads may include measuring the co-ordinates based on electrostatic charge in the first set of conductive pads received by the user upon operation of the interactive figurine.
Furthermore, the method (180) includes tracking at least one movement of the interactive figurine on the touch screen interface based on the determined Euclidean angle in step 210. In one embodiment, tracking the at least one movement may include tracking the at least one movement by an interactive figurine tracking module. In one exemplary embodiment, tracking the at least one movement may include tracking a linear movement, a rotational movement or a combination thereof associated with the operation of the interactive figurine. In such embodiment, tracking the at least one movement of the interactive figurine may include tracking the at least one movement using electrostatic charge flowing through the first set of conductive pads and the centre pad.
In one exemplary embodiment, tracking the at least one movement of the interactive figurine on the touch screen interface may include tracking a normal direction of the interactive figurine. In such embodiment, tracking the normal direction of the interactive figurine may include determining multiple feature points between the first set of conductive pads and a second set of non-conductive pads. The method (180) may further include calculating Euclidean distance and Euclidean angle between the multiple feature points for tracking the normal direction of the interactive figurine.
In one exemplary embodiment, tracking the at least one movement of the interactive figurine on the touch screen interface may further include tracking one of a velocity, an acceleration, a tilt angle or a combination thereof of the interactive figurine. In such embodiment, tracking the tilt angle may be used to simulate car banking and tilting of the interactive figurine.
Various embodiments of the system and method to track movement of an interactive figurine on a touch screen interface enable the system to create the interactive platform for monitoring and tracking the interaction of the game controller such as figurines with the computing device having the touch screen interface without sacrificing the traditional experience of the activity being performed on the touch screen interface which also enhances the user experience.
In addition, the system accurately tracks the linear and the rotational movement of the interactive figurine using the precision accuracy of the interactive figurine. The system can also track the movement of multiple figurines simultaneously in real time. Also, the multiple digital elements are made to interact with one another while the activity is being performed which enhances the gameplay.
Furthermore, as the interaction of the interactive figurine with the touch screen interface happens with the electrostatic charge, there is no additional communication medium required for coupling, thereby making the system cost effective and less complex due to the reduction of hardware components in the system. In addition, due to the formation of the multiple air pockets, auto-levelling of the interactive figurine is enabled on the touch screen interface, a constant contact is established between the interactive figurine and the touch screen interface, small consistent pressure is created on the touch screen interface which enhances the tracking performance of the interactive figurine and a soft landing of the interactive figurine on the touch screen interface is established which assists in protection of the touch screen interface of the computing device.
Moreover, accuracy of the detection and tracking of the interactive figurine is increased by using the method of detecting the angle of separation between the conductive pads by measuring the Euclidean distance and Euclidean angle between the conductive pads. Also, as the figurine is subjected to operation, the system can move the digital assets with about 1 degree of precision as the normal direction is constantly tracked using Euclidean distance and Euclidean angle.
While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person skilled in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.
The figures and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, order of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts need to be necessarily performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples.