A-Blocks

We propose A-Blocks, a novel building block device that enables detection and recognition of children’s actions and interactions when playing with blocks. Quantitative data received from constructing and breaking A-Blocks can be valuable for various assessment applications (e.g. play therapy, cognitive testing, and education). In our prototype system, each block embeds a wireless measurement device that includes acceleration, angular velocity, and geomagnetic sensors to measure a block’s spatial motion and posture during children’s play. A standard set of blocks can be managed via Bluetooth in real time. Combining and assessing data from different sensor data, the system can estimate how the blocks stacked on each otherother by detecting surface collisions and recognize many other fundamental play action patterns (e.g., moving, stacking standing, waving) with SVM.
Unlike existing block-shaped devices with physical constraints on their connections (e.g., electrical hooks, magnets), our solid and traditional-shaping block device supports flexible block plays. It could include more delicate motions reflecting a child’s varies inner state such as learning stages, stress level, and reflection of an imagination. These benefits of analyzing children’s block play can be extended to allow for more enjoyable and interactive plays, while making a social impact through constructive play .