Toy system with functional element and label element

Abstract

The present disclosure relates generally to a toy system (101) comprising a functional element (103) comprising a tag reader and a functional device (107) adapted to perform a user perceptible function; and a tag element (105) comprising a data exchange interface (106), such as a tag antenna, configured to receive a first signal from a tag reader configured to receive a second signal and responsively transmit the second signal, the functional element (103) and the tag element (105) configured to be selectively assembled with one another, the functional element (103) and the tag element (105) are each configured to be detachably assembled into a plurality of different toy components, and wherein the position and / or orientation of the tag element (105) relative to the functional element (103) is different in each component, and wherein the functional element (103) is configured to detect a position and / or orientation (103) of the tag element (105) relative to the functional element, to determine a behavior based on the detected relative position and / or orientation of the tag element (105) and further based on a second signal received from the tag element (105), and to control its behavior based on the determined behavior.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to toy systems, such as toy construction systems. Background Technology

[0002] Toy systems comprising components (which are constructed for selective and detachable assembly with each other) have long been known. Over the years, such toy system components have evolved from primarily simple box-shaped building blocks to include more sophisticated toy construction elements, such as those with unique appearances and / or mechanical or electrical functions and / or one or more programmable processors; all of these are part of efforts to enhance the play experience.

[0003] Freestanding toy system elements are also known, which include a control unit and an energy source for supplying energy to the control unit and other parts of the freestanding element. Such a freestanding element may also have functional means adapted to perform pre-configured user-perceptible functions, wherein such functions may be one or more of, for example, movement, generation of audible sound signals, generation of visible light signals, generation of tactile experiences, etc.

[0004] Toy system components designed for selective and detachable assembly can be assembled to produce an assembled toy model that can exhibit complex behavior. In particular, complex behavior is likely to occur when the model includes several toy system components, and more specifically, when the model includes components with pre-configured, user-perceptible functions (e.g., motors, lights, sound devices, etc.). This complex behavior is desired as an extension of the user's imagination, but at the same time, it is expected that the toy construction kit is relatively easy to use.

[0005] Therefore, it is still desirable to provide a toy system in which users can assemble toy system components to build an assembled toy model, which exhibits final behavior that can be defined in a user-friendly manner.

[0006] Specifically, it is expected that configuring toy components or assembling toy models will not require a high level of abstract thinking or technical insight to manipulate toy system components to achieve the desired functional behavior. In particular, it is expected that the desired functional behavior can be achieved in a user-friendly, efficient, flexible, and reliable manner without requiring detailed knowledge of control structures, data communication, and how to correctly connect wires and conductors.

[0007] In addition, it is desirable to provide an easy-to-use mechanism to change the behavior of toy system components or existing toy models.

[0008] The expectation is typically to provide a toy system that offers enhanced educational and / or play activities.

[0009] It is also desirable to provide a toy system that offers a high degree of flexibility in designing different toy components with a wide range of functions.

[0010] The implementation methods of the toy systems disclosed herein address one or more of the aforementioned and / or other needs existing in the field of toy systems. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The purpose of at least some of the aspects described in this disclosure is to address one or more of the problems described above and / or other problems associated with toy systems, or at least to provide an alternative to known systems.

[0012] This document discloses various aspects of a toy system comprising a functional element and a tag element. The functional element includes a tag reader, and the tag element includes a data exchange interface (such as an antenna) configured to receive a first signal from the tag reader and responsively transmit a second signal. The tag reader is configured to receive the second signal from the data exchange interface of the tag element. The functional element and the tag element are each configured to selectively assemble with each other and optionally, selectively, with other toy elements. The functional element and the tag element are also each configured to be detachably assembled into multiple different toy components, wherein the position and / or orientation of the tag element relative to the functional element is different in each component. The functional element is configured to detect the position and / or orientation of the tag element relative to the functional element. Furthermore, the functional element is configured to determine its own behavior based on the detected relative position and / or relative orientation of the tag element and the second signal received from the tag element, and to control its behavior based on the determined behavior.

[0013] The relative position and / or orientation of the tag element can be determined by analyzing signals emitted by the tag element (such as a second signal). The functional element can include any type of tag distance and / or tag orientation measurement system, such as an RFID tag distance and / or RFID tag orientation measurement system. The relative position and / or orientation of the tag element can be provided as the absolute position of the tag element in an external reference coordinate system (a so-called fixed or invariant coordinate system). The relative position is determined relative to the functional element and can be determined, for example, as a position in a 3D coordinate system (with its origin located within the functional element). Therefore, determining the relative position of the tag is not merely detecting whether the tag is within communication range. Thus, the behavior of the functional element is based both on the information received from the tag element and on the position and / or orientation of the tag element relative to the functional element. Therefore, the behavior of the functional element is determined not only based on information on the tag. For example, it is known to add a tag element to a toy model, causing the toy model to behave based on information provided by the tag element. For example, children can have a toy car model, or build one using parts from a construction kit, and add tag elements containing information to add attributes like a police car to the toy model, so that the model's functional elements behave accordingly. For example, the lights inside the model can flash blue, and the sound can be a siren. This system is particularly suitable for children because adding attributes using tag elements is a simple way to program model behavior. By additionally making the behavior of functional elements responsive to information in the tag elements, as well as the position and / or orientation of the tag elements, the programming space available to the user via a single tag is increased. The effect is that users can use a single tag element to make functional elements express different behaviors simply by rearranging the position and / or orientation of the tag elements relative to the functional elements.

[0014] A functional element is a toy element that can be connected to one or more other toy elements of a toy system by means of being configured for detachable assembly with one or more other toy elements of the toy system. A functional element includes functional means adapted to perform a user-perceptible function. A user-perceptible function can be one or more of the following: for example, the generation of motion (e.g., achieved by a linear or rotary motor), the generation of audible sound signals, the generation of visible light signals, the generation of tactile experiences (e.g., vibration), etc. Examples of functional means can include any suitable mechanical and / or electrical devices, arrangements, and / or circuits adapted to perform one or more mechanical and / or electrical functions.

[0015] Examples of mechanical functions include driving a rotatable output shaft, winding a rope or chain to pull an object closer to the toy module, and moving the hinged parts of a wireless interactive toy's structural components. Therefore, mechanical functions can enable opening or closing doors, ejecting objects, rotating turntables, and moving linear actuators. This mechanical movement can be driven by an electric motor.

[0016] Examples of electrical functions include emitting a constant or flashing light, activating several lights in a predetermined sequence, emitting audible sounds (such as beeps, alarms, ringtones, sirens, voice messages, music, synthesized sounds, simulated and / or natural or mimicked sounds that stimulate game activity), playing a sound effect and / or other audio content, etc.

[0017] Therefore, the functional device can be selected from motors, light sources (such as one or more LEDs), and sound sources (such as loudspeakers). A functional element may include more than one functional device.

[0018] Functional elements can be used in conjunction with other functional elements in a functional element system, and a toy system may include multiple functional elements. In some embodiments, the system includes different types of functional elements, each comprising a different type of functional device.

[0019] Each functional element may also include an energy source, such as a rechargeable energy source, like a rechargeable battery, to provide energy to the various components of the functional element, such as the functional device.

[0020] A tag element is a toy element that can be attached to one or more other toy elements of a toy system by means of being configured for detachable assembly with one or more other toy elements of the toy system. The tag element is configured to transmit data from the tag element to the functional element, for example via a second signal, when the tag element is in the vicinity of a functional element. In some embodiments, the tag element may be a conventional toy element on which a tag (e.g., a near-field readable memory tag) has already been applied, for example in the form of an adhesive sticker including the tag. In some embodiments, the tag is permanently integrated into the tag element, for example, embedded in the material of the tag element, enclosed in a gap defined by the tag element, and / or the like. In any case, the tag element may include a memory thereon storing data (e.g., configuration data), and data exchange circuitry for transmitting the data from the memory to the functional element. Therefore, the tag element may also include memory configured to store configuration data, which can be transmitted from the tag element to the functional element, for example, via a second signal. In some embodiments, the data is stored in a read-only manner. In other embodiments, the configuration can be modified, for example, through a program executing on a computer or other data processing device, which includes a communication interface configured to send modified data to the tag element for storage thereon. Some embodiments of the tag element can be passive, i.e., without its own power source. For example, the tag element may include a passive RFID tag or other circuitry configured to be read by a functional element in response to an interrogation signal (e.g., a first signal) from the functional element without requiring any internal power source for the tag element; that is, the interrogation signal can provide all the necessary processing power to power the tag element. In some embodiments, the control action includes sending modified data to the tag element for storage thereon, e.g., to the tag element on which the determined action is based.

[0021] The functional element includes a tag reader, which is an interface for contactless communication with other functional elements and / or with the tag element. Similarly, the tag element includes a communication interface for contactless communication with the functional element. In some embodiments, data is transmitted directly from the tag element to the functional element via short-range communication.

[0022] As an alternative to contactless tag readers, the functional element may include an electrical connector that allows the tag element to be electrically connected to the control circuitry of the functional element, so that the control circuitry can receive configuration data, such as identifiers and / or other data, from the tag element's memory.

[0023] In addition to the tagging element, the functional element can also communicate with other elements of the toy system (e.g., other functional elements), and this communication can be short-range contactless communication, or it can be along a cascaded link of multiple ultra-short-range contactless communication devices or even via physical contact. Typically, the communication interface for contactless communication of the functional element can implement any suitable contactless communication technology, such as radio frequency communication according to a suitable communication protocol. In some embodiments, the wireless communication technology is a short-range technology or even an ultra-short-range communication technology. In some embodiments, the functional element may include a first communication interface operable for ultra-short-range communication and a second communication interface operable for short-range communication. Therefore, the functional element may include a wireless communication interface configured for wireless communication via a wireless communication network, and the functional element may be configured to wirelessly communicate with one or more other electronic devices (e.g., one or more other functional elements) via said wireless communication network.

[0024] The term "short-range communication" is intended to refer to communication technologies with a communication range greater than that of ultra-short-range communication (USM), for example, a communication range greater than 10 cm, such as greater than 50 cm, or greater than 1 m. The communication range of short-range communication may not exceed 100 m, such as not exceeding 10 m, or even not exceeding 5 m. In most cases, a communication range of less than 10 m, and in most cases even less than 5 m, is sufficient, although in some implementations, a longer range may be acceptable, or even desirable. Short-range communication can be radio frequency (RF) communication in a suitable frequency band, such as one of the ISM bands used for short-range communication technologies (such as the 2.4 GHz band). RF communication can utilize any suitable communication technology to transmit data, such as Bluetooth, IEEE 802.15.4, IEEE 802.11, ZigBee, etc. However, it should be understood that other communication technologies may be used.

[0025] The term "ultra-short range communication" is intended to refer to contactless and particularly wireless communication technologies used within a communication range not exceeding 10 cm, such as not exceeding 5 cm, such as not exceeding 2 cm, such as not exceeding 1 cm, such as less than 1 cm, such as less than 0.5 cm, such as between 0.1 mm and 10 cm, such as between 0.1 mm and 5 cm, such as between 0.1 mm and 2 cm, such as between 0.1 mm and 1 cm, such as between 0.1 mm and 0.5 cm. Herein and below, references to communication range refer to the communication range under normal operating conditions and in normal operating environments (e.g., in a child's room). Examples of ultra-short range communication include near-field communication, such as inductive and / or capacitive communication.

[0026] In some embodiments, functional elements may include transceivers to allow bidirectional communication between different functional elements. In some embodiments, control behavior includes transmitting information via a transceiver.

[0027] The functional element can receive data, such as configuration data, from the tag element via a second signal generated by the tag element in response to the first signal. When the tag element approaches the functional element, such as within a proximity range where the tag element can receive and be powered by the first signal from the functional element, data exchange can occur from the tag element to the functional element.

[0028] In some implementations, proximity is predetermined. Proximity can be defined by the communication range of direct communication between the tag element and the functional element, for example, when the communication is contactless.

[0029] In some embodiments, the functional element also includes a communication interface configured to communicate with an external processing unit (e.g., control circuitry of another functional element and / or with the external processing unit). The functional element can be configured to transmit location data, sensor data, and other data to the external processing unit. It should be understood that communication can be direct or via one or more intermediate nodes, such as via one or more other locations (e.g., other functional elements). For example, two functional elements can communicate via an external processing unit. In some embodiments, control actions include transmitting data to the external processing unit.

[0030] External processing units may be included in external electronic devices, such as stand-alone computers, systems of multiple computers (e.g., client-server systems, cloud-based systems, etc.), desktop computers, tablets, smartphones, laptops, other programmable computing devices, or other functional elements.

[0031] In some implementations, when a tag element is attached to a toy element of a toy system assembly, particularly to a functional element, or otherwise closely approached (e.g., adjacent to or even abutting) a functional element, data stored in the tag element (such as configuration data) is transferred from the tag element to the functional element. Toy systems comprising elements constructed for selective and detachable assembly with each other typically allow for the construction of a variety of different toy system assemblies (i.e., toy models) from a limited number of different types of toy elements, each toy model having a different physical configuration as defined by the spatial arrangement of the toy elements within the toy model. Particularly in toy construction systems, the term "toy element" refers to the smallest element of the toy system that cannot be disassembled into smaller elements during normal use, and particularly cannot be disassembled in a non-destructive manner and / or without tools.

[0032] A toy system may include multiple toy elements, such as multiple functional elements and / or multiple label elements and / or one or more toy elements that are neither label elements nor functional elements. A toy system may include one or more passive toy elements, which are toy elements without additional functions beyond mechanical model construction, such as lacking additional functions like electromagnetic, electronic, or optical functions. Some or all of the toy elements in a toy system are configured for selective and detachable assembly with one or more other toy elements in the toy system. Label elements and functional elements can be assembled together in a toy system assembly (i.e., a toy model) by being detachably connected to each other or detachably connected to one or more other toy elements. A toy system assembly may be constructed from multiple functional elements and / or multiple label elements and / or one or more toy elements that are neither label elements nor functional elements.

[0033] Therefore, data stored in the tag element (such as configuration data) can be transferred to more than one functional element of the toy system model, such as all functional elements of the toy system model, rather than just the single functional element to which the tag element is closest and / or to which it is attached. Thus, the behavior of more than one functional element (such as all functional elements) included in the toy system model can be configured by a single tag element, providing an easy-to-use mechanism to control the behavior of the entire toy system model or a portion thereof, even when the model (or a portion thereof) includes multiple functional elements.

[0034] The functional element is configured to detect the position and / or orientation of the tag element relative to the functional element. The relative position and / or orientation of the tag element can be determined by analyzing a second signal emitted by the tag element. The functional element can include any type of tag distance and / or tag orientation measurement system, such as an RFID tag distance and / or RFID tag orientation measurement system. The relative position and / or orientation of the tag element or the functional element can be provided as the absolute position of the tag element in an external reference coordinate system (a so-called fixed or invariant coordinate system).

[0035] In a toy system comprising multiple functional elements, the tag element will have a position and / or orientation relative to each functional element. The functional elements can be configured to transmit the relative position and / or orientation of a given tag element to each other, and optionally transmit information about the identity of the tag element. The functional elements may also include suitable detection mechanisms for detecting and / or identifying other functional elements. For example, each functional element may periodically broadcast identification signals, such as identification messages, when activated, including information such as its operating mode, element ID, and / or type identifiers identifying the type of functional element, such as what type of functional device or sensor it includes. The element detection circuitry of each functional element may also create a time-varying magnetic field, for example by means of an electromagnetic coil included in the functional element, so as to allow other functional elements to detect their position and / or orientation based on measurements of the strength and / or direction of the generated magnetic field. For this purpose, the element detection circuitry of each functional element may include one or more electromagnetic coils and / or one or more magnetometers and / or the like for detecting changes in the magnetic field. It should be understood that various other identification mechanisms may be employed, thereby allowing the functional element to obtain information about which other functional elements are in its vicinity. The component detection circuit will provide a method for determining whether a functional element belongs to the same toy model as one or more other functional elements, and a method for at least partially determining the overall shape of the toy model.

[0036] The relative position and / or orientation of a tag element relative to a specific functional element can be determined, at least in part, based on the combination of the tag element's position and / or orientation relative to another functional element and the relative position and / or orientation of that other functional element. Therefore, detecting the position and / or orientation of a tag element relative to a functional element can include the functional element receiving tag position and / or tag orientation information from another functional element. This provides a method for the functional element to determine the position and / or orientation of a tag element relative to other functional elements, even when the tag element is too far away for the functional element to detect directly. In some embodiments, the functional element is configured to, upon detecting a new tag element, transmit configuration data received from the new tag element and the relative position and / or orientation of the new tag element to other nearby functional elements, such as to other functional elements within a predetermined range relative to a given functional element.

[0037] The tag reader includes one or more tag reader interfaces configured to receive a second signal from a tag element. Each tag reader interface may be an antenna, a capacitive interface, an inductive interface (such as an electromagnetic coil), and / or the like, operable to allow the tag reader to read data from the tag element in a non-contact manner. The tag reader interface may include an electromagnetic coil.

[0038] In some implementations, the functional element is configured to receive a second signal from a tag element via two or more tag reader interfaces within the functional element, and the functional element may be configured to determine the relative intensity of the second signal received by each of the two or more tag reader interfaces, and to determine the relative or absolute position and / or orientation of the tag element relative to the functional element based at least in part on the determined relative intensity of the second signal.

[0039] In some implementations, the tag reader includes two or more electromagnetic coils configured as a tag reader interface, each defining a coil axis. In some implementations, the coil axes of the two or more electromagnetic coils may be substantially linear and independent, for example, substantially orthogonal to each other.

[0040] A functional element may include one or more predetermined attachment locations, which are positions on the surface of the functional element where a label element can be attached, i.e., positions where the label element can be attached to the functional element via one or more connecting members. Therefore, the attachment locations can be configured by the presence of connecting members suitable for attaching the label element.

[0041] In some implementations, the functional element has opposing sides, each side including one or more attachment locations, and the functional element is configured to detect whether a tag element is attached to one or the other of the opposing sides.

[0042] The label element can typically have a flat shape, meaning that two of its dimensions are significantly larger than a third dimension. A functional element can be configured to detect whether the generally flat label element is attached at an angle such that the third smaller dimension is at an angle to the surface of the functional element, such as an angle to the surface including the attachment location. The functional element can be configured such that the generally flat label element can be attached at one of two angles, such as at a substantially zero-degree angle, where the flat label element is substantially parallel to the surface at the attachment location, or at a substantially 90-degree angle, where the flat label element is substantially orthogonal to the surface at the attachment location.

[0043] The functional element determines its behavior based on the detected relative position and / or relative orientation of the tag element and further based on a second signal received from the tag element. The functional element then controls its behavior based on the determined behavior. Therefore, the functional element can be configured to control its behavior based on data received from the tag element, such as configuration data.

[0044] Therefore, the functional element controls its own behavior based on information provided by the tag element via a second signal and via the tag's position and / or orientation. This means that the user can transmit more information to the functional element via the tag element than is provided solely by the tag element via the second signal; it is not just the information stored in the tag element.

[0045] Tag elements may include data defining behavioral patterns or emotions, and functional elements may be configured to control their functional devices to simulate the behavioral patterns identified by the tag elements attached to them. Examples of behavioral patterns may include anger, happiness, sadness, fatigue, "police car," etc. Such patterns can be expressed by parameters of the functions performed by the functional devices, such as by the volume, pitch, or type of the sound played, by the speed and / or movement pattern of the motor, etc.

[0046] Similarly, the position and / or orientation of a tag element relative to a functional element constitute information provided to the functional element. Information included in the relative position and / or orientation of the tag element can define configuration data, behavioral patterns, and / or emotions.

[0047] In some implementations, the control behavior includes control functional means. A functional element can control at least a portion of its behavior by controlling the functional means in response to a determined behavior (i.e., in a manner relating to or indicative of the determined behavior). When controlling the functional means, the functional element can enable, modify, or disable user-perceptible functions.

[0048] Typically, the data provided by the tag element to the functional element may include one or more parameters or settings used by a control routine (e.g., a control program) configured to be executed by the control circuitry of the functional element. The transmitted configuration data may include an identifier that causes the functional element to control its functional means at least in part in response to a received identifier. For example, each functional element may include a memory with stored executable instructions. In particular, each functional element may have already stored a set of alternative instructions, each alternative instruction eliciting a different behavior, and each alternative instruction is associated with a corresponding identifier and with the relative position and / or orientation of the determined tag element. Thus, the functional element can select one of these alternative instructions.

[0049] Furthermore, configuration data may include configuration parameters (e.g., sound data, data indicating motion patterns, etc.) and / or program code for controlling functional devices. Configuration data can be model configuration data, representing the behavior of the toy model as a whole; for example, defining model behavior as a specific model type, such as "police car," "dragon," "fire station," "starship," etc. Therefore, model configuration data can be independent of specific functional elements and is general to all functional elements of the model. Functional elements included in the model can be configured to determine their respective element behaviors based on the received configuration data; that is, each functional element can be configured to determine element-specific behaviors specific to a specific functional element based on the model configuration data. In addition to being based on the received model configuration data, determining the corresponding element-specific behaviors of each functional element in the model can also depend on one or more additional parameters, particularly on one or more element-specific parameters specific to the corresponding functional element, such as one or more of the following: the type of functional device of the functional element, a set of available pre-programmed behaviors that can be implemented by the functional element, the functional element's detection / recognition of other functional elements in the model, sensor inputs received by the functional element's sensors, and / or etc.

[0050] For example, a functional element may have multiple programs or functional modes stored thereon, and select one or more of these programs / modes in response to a determined behavior. For example, each functional element may include a data structure that associates one or more determined behaviors with corresponding executable instructions, program blocks, etc., such as a list, matrix, or database of executable instructions, program blocks, functions, subroutines, etc. It should be understood that the list, matrix, or database may include pointers (e.g., memory addresses) for identifying instructions, program blocks, functions, etc. The functional element may be controlled by firmware. The firmware may include a corresponding instruction set corresponding to the corresponding behavior.

[0051] It should be understood that in some embodiments, two or more tag elements may be attached to a functional element. In such embodiments, corresponding configuration data from each tag element attached to the functional element is transmitted to the functional element. Therefore, the functional element can control its behavior, such as its functional means, in response to the configuration data received from all attached tag elements and their positions and / or orientations.

[0052] Therefore, functional elements can be controlled to exhibit relatively complex behaviors without requiring the user to have advanced technical or programming skills.

[0053] In some implementations, a functional element is configured to detect the type and / or identity of one or more other functional elements in its vicinity, and to determine its behavior in response to the detected type and / or identity. Therefore, the behavior of a functional element can further depend on which other functional elements are nearby, such as part of the same toy assembly.

[0054] Functional elements can control their behavior in various ways based on determined actions. The determined actions can enable the functional element to control its functional devices, such as activating them. Control of the functional devices can result in immediate or delayed activation of their user-perceptible outputs.

[0055] In some implementations, the functional element is configured to control its behavior only in response to information provided by the tag element while the tag element is within its proximity. To this end, the functional element can be configured to detect when the tag element is no longer within its proximity and, in response to this detection, cease controlling its behavior based on the provided information, such as controlling its functional means. Furthermore, the functional element can also be configured to control its behavior based on the inability to read the tag (i.e., based on the inability to read the tag after it was previously able to).

[0056] Information provided by the tag element via a second signal and via relative position and / or orientation can, for example, instruct the functional element how to respond to certain sensor inputs or other stimuli, such as playing certain sounds. Even when the functional element receives the same information from the tag element, the specific way in which the functional element controls its functional devices can vary from functional element to functional element. For example, different functional elements may include different functional devices and / or different sensors. Furthermore, the functional element can control its behavior based on other parameters, such as the relative position and / or orientation of the functional element relative to other functional elements, or based on previously received data or event history / logs.

[0057] In some implementations, the functional element is also configured to detect its own movement and recognize motion gestures based on the detected movement, and the functional element is further configured to control its behavior in response to the recognized gestures. Thus, user movement of the functional element can cause it to behave in a manner dependent on the presence of the tag element (i.e., dependent on the relative position and / or orientation of the second signal and the tag element, and dependent on the detected movement).

[0058] Alternatively, the functional element can transmit information about the detected movement to an external processing unit, enabling the external processing unit to perform operations to recognize a motion gesture from the detected movement. The external processing unit can then transmit information about the recognized motion gesture back to the functional element.

[0059] In some embodiments, the functional element further includes a sensor configured to detect properties of the functional element and / or properties of the environment surrounding the functional element, and the functional element may be configured to further control its own behavior based on the detected properties. The sensor responds to a predetermined sensor input, and the functional element may be configured to control its own behavior based on the received sensor input. Examples of sensor inputs include mechanical force, pushing motion, tilting orientation, pulling motion, rotation, manual manipulation, touch, proximity of an object, electrical signals, radio frequency signals, optical signals, visible light signals, infrared signals, magnetic signals, temperature, humidity, and radiation. In some embodiments, the functional element is configured, for example, to transmit the detected properties to another functional element and / or receive the detected properties from another functional element. The functional element may be adapted to store the detected properties in a memory included within the functional element.

[0060] In some implementations, the sensor includes an accelerometer, and the detected properties include the movement of the detected functional element.

[0061] In some implementations, the functional element is also configured to identify one or more user interactions based on detected attributes, compare the identified one or more user interactions with one or more predetermined target user interactions, and further control the behavior of the functional element based on the result of the comparison.

[0062] Information provided to a functional element by the tag element (i.e., via a second signal and both (or one) of relative position and / or orientation) can transmit one or more attributes to the functional element, namely, characteristics that distinguish it from other functional elements that do not have the same attributes. Attributes can be determined by the functional element based on the relative position and / or relative orientation of the tag element. Attributes of the functional element can be, for example, the functional element's status, identity, level, and / or ranking. The transmitted attributes can be new attributes or modifications of existing attributes stored in the functional element's memory. The functional element can be configured to store new attributes in the memory included within the functional element. The determined behavior of the functional element can be based on the attributes transmitted to it by the tag element. Therefore, in some embodiments, the functional element is also configured to assign one or more attributes to itself based on the detected relative position and / or relative orientation of the tag element and / or based on the second signal. In some embodiments, controlling behavior includes storing attributes in the memory included within the functional element.

[0063] In some embodiments, the functional element is configured to transmit data (primarily one or more of the assigned attributes) to external control circuitry, such as to control circuitry in another toy system or to an external processing unit. In some embodiments, the functional element is configured to receive data from external control circuitry (such as from control circuitry in another toy system or from an external processing unit), such as information about one or more attributes.

[0064] Status attributes can be health points, negative statuses (such as "poisoned", "comatose" etc.) or positive statuses (such as "enhanced" etc.).

[0065] Identity attributes can be type (such as animal type, monster type, hero type, etc.) and / or name.

[0066] Level attributes can be letters and / or numbers and / or combinations thereof.

[0067] Ranking attributes can be names that represent levels, such as Novice, Beginner, Hero, Champion, etc.

[0068] Users can use tag elements to put functional elements into programming mode, whereby the functional elements can record user interactions based on detected attributes such as detected movement of the functional element. The recorded user interactions are stored for later retrieval, such that the functional element is configured to later identify the user interaction as a stored user interaction through comparison. Therefore, the recorded user interaction becomes a predetermined target user interaction, later used to identify the user interaction. In addition to the target user interaction from the stored recorded user interactions, the functional element or an external unit to which the functional element can communicate may also include pre-programmed target user interactions.

[0069] Therefore, in some embodiments, the functional element is further configured to enter a training mode in response to information provided in the second signal and / or the position and / or orientation of the detected tag element relative to the functional element, and the functional element is configured to identify one or more user interactions based on the detected attributes when operating in the training mode, and to record the detected one or more user interactions as one or more target user interactions.

[0070] Therefore, programming modes (also known as training modes) allow users to teach functional elements to recognize user-defined user interactions, such as the movement of user-defined functional elements. The labeled elements that bring a functional element into training mode are called training labels. Users can use the relative positions and / or orientations of other labeled elements or training labels to associate target user interactions with the behavior of functional elements. For example, labeled elements can be attached to functional elements in training mode to indicate that the user interaction is associated with a desired behavior, such as a given gesture being associated with an emotion, action (such as greeting, aggression, eating, etc.), or activation of a specific functional device.

[0071] Each toy element of a toy system, particularly each functional element, may include a connecting member configured to engage with other toy elements of the toy system in order to detachably attach the toy elements to each other. For this purpose, the connecting member may utilize different engagement mechanisms, such as frictional engagement based on the connecting members themselves, screw-based, plug-and-socket connections, or other forms of mating engagement of the cooperating connecting members.

[0072] Therefore, toy elements that have been interconnected by connecting members can be disconnected again, allowing them to interconnect again or with other toy elements in the system, for example, to form different spatial structures. In some embodiments, the toy elements are provided with first and second types of connecting members, such as connecting pins and pin receiving recesses for frictionally engaging the pins, or other paired or otherwise complementary connecting members configured to engage each other to form a physical connection. One type of connecting member may be located on one side of the toy element, such as the top side, while another complementary type of connecting member may be located on the opposite side of the toy element, such as the bottom side. In some embodiments, the toy element includes a pin extending from the top surface of the toy element and a corresponding pin receiving cavity extending into the bottom surface of the toy element for frictionally engaging the pin by a suitable clamping force.

[0073] Typically, toy systems can impose restrictions on the degrees of freedom in how toy components can be attached to each other, for example, by restricting their possible relative positions and / or orientations. These restrictions help in detecting the relative positions and / or orientations of functional elements within a toy model.

[0074] Therefore, connecting components can be positioned at grid points of a regular grid; specifically, connecting components of toy construction elements can be arranged such that the connecting components of a group of interconnected toy construction elements are positioned at grid points of a three-dimensional regular grid. The dimensions of the toy construction elements can be defined as integer multiples of the unit length defined by the regular grid. It should be understood that the three-dimensional grid can be defined by a single unit length, or by two unit lengths, for example, one unit length for two spatial dimensions and another unit length for a third spatial dimension. Alternatively, however, the three-dimensional grid can be defined by three unit lengths, with one unit length defined for each spatial dimension.

[0075] In some embodiments, the toy elements are made of a plastic material (e.g., a thermoplastic polymer) or another suitable material. The toy elements can be made at least partially by injection molding or by another suitable manufacturing process. Those skilled in the art generally recommend that any of the above-described types of plastic toy elements be produced by injection molding in conventional injection molding equipment.

[0076] However, as an aspect of the invention, it would be advantageous to produce such toy elements or a portion thereof by 3D printing or another additive manufacturing (AM) process. The computer-readable medium may include computer-readable instructions configured to, when processed by an apparatus for performing an additive manufacturing process, cause said apparatus to manufacture one or more toy elements, or a portion thereof, as disclosed herein. The computer-readable model may include geometric information indicating at least the shape of a toy element or a portion thereof. Typically, the computer-readable medium may store data defining a digital representation of the toy element described herein (such as functional elements and label elements); and operating instructions adapted to control the AM apparatus to manufacture the toy element using the digital representation of the toy element when said data is relayed to the AM apparatus. The computer-readable model may be embodied in a computer-readable medium having a data structure representing the computer-readable model stored thereon. For example, the computer-readable medium may include a hard disk, memory, or other suitable storage device. The additive manufacturing process may include a 3D printing process.

[0077] This disclosure relates to various aspects, including the toy systems described above and below, corresponding toy elements and other devices, systems, methods and / or products, each aspect producing one or more benefits and advantages described in conjunction with one or more other aspects, and each aspect having one or more embodiments corresponding to the embodiments described in conjunction with one or more other aspects and / or disclosed in the appended claims.

[0078] According to another aspect, this document discloses an embodiment of a functional element comprising a tag reader and functional means adapted to perform a user-perceptible function. The tag reader is configured to receive tag signals, wherein the tag signals are signals generated by a tag, such as a second signal from a tag element described herein. The functional element is configured to selectively assemble with other toy elements, such as with one or more tag elements configured for selective assembly with the functional element. The functional element is configured to be detachably assembled into multiple different toy assemblies, wherein the position and / or orientation of the tag elements assembled with the functional element relative to the functional element is different in each assembly. The functional element is configured to determine the position and / or orientation of the tag elements relative to the functional element based on the received tag signals. Furthermore, the functional element is configured to determine its own behavior based on the determined relative position and / or relative orientation of the tag elements and the tag signals received from the tag elements, and to control its behavior based on the determined behavior.

[0079] Functional elements can be as described herein.

[0080] According to another aspect, this document discloses an embodiment of a method for controlling the behavior of functional elements in a toy system, the toy system including functional elements and label elements, the functional elements and label elements being configured to selectively assemble with each other and optionally assemble with other toy system elements. The functional elements and label elements are also configured to be detachably assembled into multiple different toy components, wherein the position and / or orientation of the label elements relative to the functional elements is different in each component. The functional elements include a tag reader configured to transmit a first signal and a functional device adapted to perform user-perceptible functions; The method includes: - The first signal is emitted from the functional element. - The tag element transmits a second signal in response to receiving the first signal. - The position and / or orientation of the tag element relative to the functional element are detected by the functional element. - The behavior is determined by the functional elements based on the detected relative position and / or relative orientation of the tag elements and further based on a second signal received from the tag elements. - The behavior of the functional element is controlled by the functional element based on the determined behavior.

[0081] An embodiment of a method for controlling the behavior of a functional element included in a toy system is also disclosed, the functional element including functional means adapted to perform a user-perceptible function; the method includes: - When the tag element is near the functional element, the functional element receives configuration data from the tag element. - The position and / or orientation of the tag element relative to the functional element are detected by the functional element. - The behavior is determined by the functional elements based on the detected relative position and / or relative orientation of the tag elements and further based on configuration data received from the tag elements. - Control the behavior of the functional element in response to the transmitted configuration data and the detected position and / or orientation of the tag element relative to the functional element.

[0082] According to another aspect, this document discloses an embodiment of a method for controlling the behavior of a toy system assembly constructed of multiple toy elements, the multiple toy elements including one or more functional elements and one or more tag elements, each functional element including a functional means adapted to perform a user-perceptible function; the method includes: - When the tag element is near the functional element, the functional element receives configuration data from the tag element; - The position and / or orientation of the tag element that receives configuration data from it relative to the functional element is determined by the corresponding functional element; - The behavior is determined by the corresponding functional elements based on the detected relative position and / or relative orientation of the tag elements and further based on configuration data received from the tag elements; and - In response to the transmitted configuration data and the determined position and / or orientation of the tag element relative to the functional element, control the behavior of the corresponding functional element among the one or more functional elements.

[0083] In the aspects disclosed herein, terms and features are related to terms and features with the same names in other aspects, and thus the description and interpretation of terms and features given in one aspect are adapted to apply to other aspects. Additional aspects, embodiments, features, and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0084] The above and other aspects will be apparent and illustrated by the embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figures 1 to 3 each illustrate existing toy components; Figure 4 illustrates an implementation of the functional elements of the toy system disclosed herein; Figure 5 illustrates an embodiment of the label element of the toy system disclosed herein; Figures 6 through 15 illustrate embodiments of a toy assembly including one or more label elements and one or more functional elements of the toy system disclosed herein; and Figures 16 and 17 show flowcharts of methods for controlling the behavior of functional elements as disclosed herein; Detailed Implementation

[0085] The various aspects and implementation schemes of the toy system disclosed herein will now be described with reference to toy components, some of which are in the form of building blocks, while others are in a different form than building blocks.

[0086] Figure 1 shows a toy construction element with connecting pins on its top surface and cavities extending from the bottom into the blocks. The cavities have a central tube, and connecting pins on another block can be received in the cavities via frictional engagement, as disclosed in US 3,005,282. Figures 2 and 3 show other such prior art construction elements. The construction elements shown in the remaining figures have this known type of connecting member in the form of mating pins and cavities. However, other types of connecting members can be used in addition to or instead of pins and cavities. The connecting pins are arranged in a square planar grid, defining the sequence of connecting pins along the orthogonal direction of their arrangement. The distance between adjacent connecting pins is uniform and equal in both directions. This or similar arrangement of connecting members at connection locations defining a regular planar grid allows toy construction elements to connect to each other with discrete numbers of positions and orientations relative to each other, particularly at right angles. The toy construction elements shown in Figures 1 through 3 are of a passive type, lacking additional functions beyond mechanical model building, such as electromagnetic, electronic, or optical features.

[0087] Figure 4 shows a schematic block diagram of an example of functional element 103. The functional element of Figure 4 is typically shaped as an orthogonal polyhedron with flat sides and connecting members 108 extending from its outer surface; these connecting members 108 may also be referred to as connecting pins. One of the connecting members 108' extends from the outer surface of the functional element in a direction out of the plane of the paper. Furthermore, the functional element may also have other types of connecting members, such as cavities, for example, cavities extending into the outer surface. Other shapes and sizes of toy elements can be used, such as those shown in Figures 1 through 3, or other shapes and sizes. In some examples of the functional element, the connecting members may be arranged in a plane, a regular, parallel grid defining the connection location.

[0088] The functional element 103 and the components included in the functional element are not necessarily shown to scale. Functional element 103 includes control circuitry 112, such as a microcontroller, microprocessor, or other suitable processing unit. Functional element 103 also includes a functional device 107 connected to the control circuitry 112, and optionally includes a sensor 125 also connected to the control circuitry. The functional element also includes a rechargeable battery 113 or other suitable power source for providing power to the control circuitry, functional device, and other power-required components. The functional element also includes tag reader circuitry 115 and tag reader interfaces 104a-d for reading configuration data from tag element 105. The tag reader interfaces may each be antennas, capacitive interfaces, inductive interfaces, and / or the like, operable to allow the tag reader to read data from the tag element non-contactly. An inductive interface may be an electromagnetic coil, and therefore, one or more of the tag reader interfaces may include an electromagnetic coil.

[0089] Figure 4 shows a functional element without an attached label element, while Figures 6 and 7 show functional elements with an attached label element 105 (e.g., the label element shown in Figure 5).

[0090] Functional element 103 may also include a component detection circuit operable to detect other functional elements in the same toy model as functional element 103. Functional element 103 may also include a communication interface 130, such as a transceiver, operable for radio frequency communication with other functional elements.

[0091] The wall of functional element 103 defines a housing 116, which houses the processing unit 112, functional device 107, energy storage device (e.g., battery 113), tag reader circuitry 115, and tag reader interfaces 104a-d. Housing 116 may also house sensor 125 and / or element detection circuitry 127 and / or communication interface 130.

[0092] The control circuit 112 is configured to control the functional device 107 in response to configuration data read from the tag element 105 (e.g., from a tag element attached to one or more of the connecting members 108, 110) and the detected position and / or orientation of the tag element relative to the functional element.

[0093] Alternatively, the control circuit 112 may also be configured to control the functional device 107 in response to input from the sensor 125.

[0094] Functional element 103 can also be configured to forward configuration data read by the tag reader from tag element 105 to other functional elements, as disclosed in International Patent Application No. PCT / EP2019 / 084805, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0095] Functional device 107 can be any suitable means for performing a function that provides a user-perceived effect (such as visual, auditory, and / or tactile effects). For example, the functional device can be a rotary motor, and functional element 103 can include a suitable coupling member for receiving a shaft that can be rotatably driven by the motor. Other examples of functional devices can include any suitable mechanical and / or electrical means, arrangement, or circuit adapted to perform one or more mechanical or electrical functions that provide a user-perceived effect (such as visual, auditory, and / or tactile effects).

[0096] Examples of mechanical functions that the functional element described herein can perform include: driving a rotating output shaft, winding a rope or chain that can pull an object closer to the functional element, and moving the hinged portion of the functional element (which can, for example, open or close a door, eject an object, rotate a turntable, move a linear actuator, etc.). Such mechanical movement can be driven by an electric motor powered by a (rechargeable) battery, a rechargeable capacitor, or other suitable power source.

[0097] Examples of electrical functions that the functional elements described herein can perform include emitting constant or flashing light, activating several lights in a predetermined sequence, emitting audible sounds (such as beeps, alarms, rings, sirens, voice messages, music, synthesized sounds, natural or simulated sounds that simulate and stimulate game activities), and providing visible output via a display.

[0098] Therefore, examples of functional devices include light sources (such as lamps or LEDs), sound generators, motors, hinged parts, rotatable shafts, linear actuators, displays, etc. Toy systems, such as toy construction systems, may include several such functional elements that provide different functions.

[0099] The tag reader may be an RFID / NFC reader or any other circuitry for reading data from the tag element 105, for example, when the tag element is attached to the functional element 103, or otherwise positioned sufficiently close to one or more tag reader interfaces 104a-d. The tag reader is configured to read data in a contactless manner, such as via inductive and / or capacitive data exchange. Alternatively, the functional element may include an electrical connector that allows the tag element 105 to be electrically connected to the control circuitry 112, enabling the control circuitry to receive configuration data, such as identifiers and / or other data, from the memory of the tag element 105.

[0100] In the example of Figure 4, tag reader interfaces 104a-d are shown near one or more attachment locations where a tag element can be directly attached to a functional element. In other embodiments, the tag reader interfaces may be located in different locations, such as near a sidewall of the functional element or another wall without a connecting member. In such embodiments, the tag reader may be configured to read data from the tag element when the tag element is positioned adjacent to said sidewall or other wall, as appropriate. In a preferred configuration, the functional element includes a plurality of tag reader interfaces distributed within the functional element.

[0101] Multiple tag reader interfaces may include multiple electromagnetic coils configured as tag reader interfaces. Each electromagnetic coil defines a coil axis, and the coil axis of each electromagnetic coil may be arranged at a non-zero angle to one or more other coil axes, i.e., not parallel to one or more other coil axes. In some embodiments, two or more coil axes may be substantially linearly independent. For example, the tag reader interfaces 104a-d shown in FIG. 4 may be electromagnetic coils whose coil axes are arranged substantially orthogonal to one side of housing 116. The housing may include sides that are substantially orthogonal to each other, for example, the housing has a substantially cuboid or right parallelepiped shape, such that multiple coil axes may be arranged substantially orthogonal to the sides of the housing and to each other. Although not shown in FIG. 4, two additional tag reader interfaces may be positioned such that their coil axes are substantially orthogonal to two sides of the housing, which are parallel to the plane of the drawing page. Thus, functional element 103 may include a 3D arrangement of tag reader interfaces within its housing 116.

[0102] The control circuit 112 can control the operation of the functional device 107 in response to data received from the tag element 105 and the detected position and / or orientation of the tag element relative to the functional element. Alternatively or additionally, the control circuit can enter a corresponding operating mode in response to data received from the tag element.

[0103] Functional element 103 can receive configuration data from the tag element via another functional element (e.g., via communication interface 130). Therefore, configuration data can initially be received by one functional element and forwarded, for example, via communication interface 130. Thus, control circuitry 112 can control the operation of functional device 103 in response to configuration data received via another functional element. Similarly, the relative position and / or orientation of the detected tag element can be transmitted from one functional element to another.

[0104] In some implementations, when configuration data is received from a functional element (which is determined to be part of the same toy assembly as the functional element including the control circuitry), the control circuitry 112 can be configured to use only the configuration data received from another functional element. This determination can be based, for example, on input from the element detection circuitry 127 and / or on identification data received via the communication interface 130.

[0105] In the example of Figure 4, sensor 125 can be a light sensor, such as including a photodiode. Other examples of sensors include microphones, accelerometers, gyroscopes, linear or rotary encoders, proximity sensors, etc. Therefore, control circuitry 112 can be operable to control the behavior of functional element 103 in response to inputs sensed by the sensors. For example, if the functional element includes a motor, the control circuitry can control the speed of the motor in response to the light intensity sensed by light sensor 125. Specific behavior of the functional element (i.e., a specific way of responding to different sensor inputs) can be configured by received configuration data, i.e., configuration data that instructs how the functional element should respond to corresponding sensor inputs, and / or specific behavior of the functional element can be configured by detecting the position and / or orientation of tag element 105. It should be understood that, in addition to configuration data and the relative position and / or orientation of tag element, the behavior of the functional element can also be determined by other conditions, such as the number, identity, and relative position / or orientation of other nearby functional elements (e.g., within the same or different toy components as the functional element).

[0106] Component detection circuit 127 is adapted to provide position signals representing the respective positions of one or more other functional components relative to functional component 103, such as the relative distance between functional component 103 and corresponding other functional components. International Patent Application No. PCT / EP2019 / 084779 discloses an example of a method for detecting the relative positions and orientations of other functional components and determining whether these functional components are part of the same toy construction model. It should be understood that various other identification mechanisms can be employed to allow functional components to obtain information about which other functional components are nearby (e.g., part of the same toy assembly).

[0107] Functional elements can be used as part of a toy building kit, which includes construction elements having connecting members for detachably interconnecting the construction elements, such as the known building blocks shown in Figures 1 to 3. The toy building kit may include multiple functional elements and multiple passive toy construction elements.

[0108] Figure 5 shows a schematic block diagram of an example tag element. Tag element 105 includes a tag housing having a connecting member 110 for detachably attaching tag element 105 to other toy construction elements of the toy construction system, such as attachment points to functional elements. It should be understood that while the tag element shown in Figure 5 has a single connecting member, the tag element may have multiple connecting members. For example, the tag element may be compatible with and have a similar general shape to the toy elements shown in Figures 1 through 3. The tag element also includes a memory 109 for storing data, such as configuration data. The stored data may simply be identifiers representing the behavior of a particular model. Alternatively or additionally, the stored data may include additional information, such as information encoding sound data, light sequences, motion sequences, etc. The tag element also includes a data exchange interface 106, such as an antenna, capacitive interface, inductive interface, and / or the like, operable to allow a tag reader to read the stored data from the memory in a contactless manner. The tag element 105 and the components included in the tag element are not necessarily shown to scale.

[0109] Figures 6 and 7 each show examples of toy components that include functional elements of a toy system and one or more label elements. These functional elements and (one or more) can be (one or more) label elements and functional elements as shown in Figures 4 and 5, respectively.

[0110] Functional element 103 and label elements 105, 105' can be selectively assembled with each other into multiple different toy assemblies, which are distinguished by the position and / or orientation of the label elements relative to the functional element, such that the relative position and / or orientation of (one or more) label elements is different in each assembly. In the toy assembly of FIG. 6, the first label element 105 is attached to one side (which can be considered as the top side) of the functional element 103 by a connection of a connecting member 108 included in the functional element and a connecting member 110 included in the first label element. However, in the toy assembly of FIG. 7, the first label element 105 is attached to a different side of the functional element 103 by a connection of a connecting member 108 included in the functional element 103 that is different from the connecting member in FIG. 6.

[0111] The toy assembly also includes a second label element 105', which is attached to the opposite side of the functional element 103 relative to the position of the first label element 105. The second label element 105' has a connecting member 110', which is a cavity extending into the label element and configured to engage with a connecting pin 108 on the functional element. However, the second label element 105' is already attached to the functional element 103 by wedging it between the two connecting pins 108 on the functional element. In this way, the second label element 105' (which may be structurally similar to the first label element 105) is already attached to the functional element at another position relative to the functional element and at another relative orientation.

[0112] Functional element 103 can distinguish the label position and / or orientation shown in Figures 6 and 7 by being configured to detect the position and / or orientation of label elements 105, 105' relative to the functional element. Therefore, the user can program the behavior of the functional element, and possibly other functional elements, not only by selecting which label element to use, but also by the placement of the label elements.

[0113] Figures 8, 9, and 10 each show an example of a toy assembly that includes multiple functional elements of a toy system and one or more additional label elements. The positions of the functional elements are the same in each figure, while the positions or orientations of the label elements 105a-b vary between the figures. The label elements 105a-b shown in Figures 8 through 10 are flat cuboids.

[0114] Toy elements assembled in a toy assembly are shown, the toy assembly including four functional elements 103a-d and two passive elements 114. Each functional element includes a functional device 107a-d. In each of Figures 8 to 10, one or more flat label elements 105a-b are positioned and / or oriented relative to each functional element.

[0115] In Figure 8, tag element 105a is placed adjacent to first functional element 103a and second functional element 103b, for example, by attachment via a connecting member (not shown), wherein one of its larger surfaces is adjacent to one side of first functional element 103a, and one of its smaller surfaces is adjacent to one side of second functional element 103b. From the user's perspective, the placement of tag element 105a enables the functional device 107a of the first functional element to generate a user-perceptible output 111a. Output 111a can be a discernible movement, audible sound signal, visible light signal, tactile experience, etc. Second functional element 103b, third functional element 103c, and fourth functional element 103d do not generate user-perceptible outputs.

[0116] Without the user's knowledge, each functional element has detected the position and / or orientation of the tag element 105a relative to itself, determines its behavior based on the detected relative position and / or relative orientation of the tag element and the configuration data provided by the tag element, and controls its behavior based on the determined behavior.

[0117] Tag element 105a may not be positioned within a predetermined proximity of all four functional elements 105a-d, and functional elements that cannot detect the tag element for this reason may receive configuration data of the tag element and information about its location and / or orientation from one or more functional elements capable of exchanging data with tag element 105a. Information may be exchanged between functional elements via a communication interface (not shown) included in each functional element.

[0118] In Figure 9, compared to Figure 8, the second tag element 105b is placed adjacent to the third functional element 105c, for example, by attachment via a connecting member (not shown), wherein one of its larger surfaces is adjacent to one side of the third functional element 105c. Through this configuration of the two tag elements 105a-b, the user perceives that the placement of the second tag element 105b enables the functional devices 107b-c of the second functional element 103b and the third functional element 103c to respectively activate and generate user-perceived outputs 111b-c. The fourth functional element 103d does not generate user-perceived outputs, and the functional device 107a of the first functional element 103a continues to generate user-perceived output 111a.

[0119] Similarly, even when unseen by the user, each functional element has detected the position and / or orientation of each of the two tag elements 105a-b relative to itself, determines its behavior based on its detected relative position and / or relative orientation and the configuration data provided by the tag elements, and controls its behavior based on the determined behavior. When configuration data and information on the position and / or orientation of more than one tag element are available to the functional element, the behavior determined by the functional element can be based on information related to all tag elements.

[0120] In Figure 10, compared to Figure 9, the orientation of the first label element 105a has changed, such that one of its larger sides is now adjacent to the second functional element 103b instead of the first functional element 103a, and one of its smaller sides is now adjacent to the first functional element. In this configuration of the two label elements 105a-b, what the user perceives is that the changed placement of the first label element 105a causes the functional devices 107a-c of the first, second, and third functional elements 103a-c to be deactivated, so that they no longer generate user-perceptible outputs. Conversely, the functional device 107d of the fourth functional element 103d now generates user-perceptible output 111d.

[0121] Therefore, although the toy components in Figures 8 through 10 may appear simple, these figures illustrate the complexity of programming available to users using the toy systems disclosed herein.

[0122] Figures 11 and 12 each show examples of toy components that include one or more label elements and functional elements of a toy system. Functional element 103 is shaped outwards into a dinosaur, and label elements 105a-b are shaped into flattened pentagonal prisms, which may somewhat resemble a backplate. Alternatively, the dinosaur shape can be achieved by assembling multiple toy elements in a toy construction kit.

[0123] The functional element includes multiple connecting members, two of which are shown and indicated by reference numeral 110. The multiple connecting members in the functional element provide five predetermined attachment positions 120-124 for the tag element. Tag elements 105a-b may include one or more connecting members (not shown) configured to attach to the functional element at one of the five predetermined attachment positions. The functional element and the tag element are configured such that the tag element can be attached to the functional element at each attachment position in one of two predetermined relative orientations 132, 134. In Figure 12, a first tag element 105a is shown positioned at the first attachment position 120 with a first predetermined relative orientation 132, while a second tag element 105b is positioned at the second attachment position 121 with a second predetermined relative orientation 134.

[0124] Figures 13 and 14 each show examples of toy components that include one or more label elements and functional elements of a toy system. Label elements 105a-b and functional element 103 may be label elements and functional elements as described in conjunction with Figures 11 and 12, unless otherwise stated.

[0125] Functional element 103 includes sensor 125, which includes an accelerometer that allows the detection of movement of the functional element. When a user moves functional element 103, for example, with hand 136, the accelerometer is able to detect the movement. The functional element can also be configured to recognize motion gestures based on the detected movement.

[0126] In Figure 13, the first tag element 105a is positioned at the first attachment location 120 with a first predetermined relative orientation 132, while the second tag element 105b is positioned at the second attachment location 121 with a second predetermined relative orientation 134, as described in conjunction with Figure 12. The functional element 103 also includes a functional device 107 comprising a speaker 126 adapted to generate audible sound. When the accelerometer detects movement, the functional element can recognize a motion gesture and, in response to the recognized gesture, control its behavior based on the position and / or orientation of the first and second tag elements 105a-b.

[0127] The functional element may alternatively or additionally identify the movement of the functional element as a target user interaction, and respond to and control the behavior of the functional element based on the position and / or orientation of the first tag element and the second tag element 105a-b.

[0128] The determined behavior causes the functional element to enable its speaker 126 and produce a user-perceived output 111 in the form of audible sound.

[0129] In Figure 14, tag element 105 is positioned at a first attachment location 120 with a first predetermined relative orientation 132. Tag element 105 is a training tag that includes configuration data, which has enabled functional element 103 to enter a training mode. This mode allows the user to teach functional element 103 user interactions, such as user-defined movements of the functional element, which the functional element is then able to recognize.

[0130] When the user's hand 136 moves the functional element 103 with a series of actions, the accelerometer 125 records these actions.

[0131] Functional element 103 also includes a communication interface 130, which can communicate with an external processing unit 200 included in an external electronic device. Detected movement is transmitted from the functional element to the external processing unit, which analyzes the movement and stores it as a target user interaction in a memory within the external electronic device. Alternatively, the target user interaction is transmitted to the functional element and stored in a memory within the functional element or a tag element.

[0132] Figure 15 illustrates an example of two toy components 101, 101', each including one or more label elements 105a-b, 105' and functional elements 103, 103' of the toy system. The figure shows a first toy component 101' including a first functional element 103' and a second toy component 101 including a second functional element 103. Each of the first and second functional elements 101' includes a component detection circuit 127' that allows the corresponding functional element to detect the presence of other functional elements.

[0133] The first toy assembly 101' also includes a first tag element 105', which is attached to the first functional element at a first relative position 132' and at a second attachment position 121'. The first tag element 105' modifies the behavior of the first functional element 103' in a desired manner through its configuration data and through its relative position and / or orientation.

[0134] The second toy assembly 101 also includes a second label element 105a, which is attached to the second functional element at a first relative position 132 and located at a first attachment position 121. The second toy assembly 101 also includes a third label element 105b, which is attached to the second functional element at a second relative position 134 and located at a second attachment position 121. The second label element 105a and the third label element 105b modify the behavior of the second functional element 103 in a desired manner through their configuration data and through their position and / or orientation relative to the second functional element.

[0135] The first and second toy components can enter a competition mode, also known as a battle mode, when they detect each other's presence, in which the two toy components compete with each other. Toy components 101 and 101' can each "attack" the other toy component through a motion-based attack performed by the user, that is, when the user moves the toy component with a motion recognized by a functional element in the toy component or another processing device communicating with the functional element, the user interacts as a target of the attack.

[0136] In Figure 15, two users are fighting, each holding a toy component. A second toy component 101 is performing an attack by moving a second functional element 103 through the user's hand 136 in a motion identified as an interaction with the target user related to the attack. Motion-based attacks can cause the first toy component 101' to be "damaged". At the start of the battle mode, each toy component 101, 101' is given a certain amount of health, and as the battle progresses, damage caused by motion-based attacks from the other toy component can be deducted from its health. Each toy component may include memory storing information about health and damage values. The damage value caused by a motion-based attack can be a fixed amount, possibly a fixed amount for each of a variety of different possible motion-based attacks, or it can be calculated based on the accuracy of the match between the user's movement and the target user's interaction. Therefore, the amount of damage can be determined based on the degree to which the user performs movement of the functional element.

[0137] One or more tag elements attached to each toy component can transfer one or more attributes to the corresponding functional component. For example, the type and placement of one or more tag elements can give the toy component an advantage or disadvantage in a battle with another toy component.

[0138] Furthermore, the type and relative placement of one or more tag elements can grant a toy component a level or ranking attribute, which the toy component can use to compare itself with other toy components. After a battle, a toy component may have acquired a new level or ranking, which can be granted by placing one or more tag elements of a specific type in a position and / or orientation relative to a functional element. Therefore, a toy component can gain a higher level and other attributes through the relative placement of one or more tag elements. Additionally, the evolution of a toy component (i.e., changing from one identity to another) can also be achieved through the relative placement of tag elements on functional elements.

[0139] Users can signal the end of a battle by moving a toy component far enough away from another toy component it is fighting. Toy components can be configured to encourage nurturing play, for example by restoring lost health when placed in a predetermined location (“home”), or when a predetermined target user interaction is detected (“lullaby”), or when a specific functional element or tag element is near the toy component (“healing potion”).

[0140] Figure 16 illustrates a flowchart of a method for controlling the behavior of a functional element as disclosed herein. The functional element is included in a toy system, which also includes a tag element. The functional element and the tag element can be configured to selectively assemble with each other and optionally with other toy system elements. The functional element and the tag element can also each be configured to be detachably assembled into multiple different toy components, wherein the position and / or orientation of the tag element relative to the functional element is different in each component. The functional element may include a tag reader configured to emit a first signal, and the tag element may be configured to emit a second signal in response to receiving the first signal. The functional element includes functional means adapted to perform user-perceptible functions.

[0141] In method step S1, the functional element receives configuration data from the tag element and detects the position and / or orientation of the tag element relative to the functional element. In some embodiments, the configuration data is received when the tag element is near the functional element.

[0142] In method step S2, the functional element determines its behavior based on the detected relative position and / or relative orientation of the tag element and further based on configuration data received from the tag element.

[0143] In method step S3, the functional element controls its behavior in response to the transmitted configuration data and the position and / or orientation of the detected tag element relative to the functional element.

[0144] Figure 17 shows a flowchart of a method for controlling the behavior of functional elements as disclosed herein.

[0145] The steps S1-S3 can be described in conjunction with Figure 16.

[0146] In method step S4, the functional element is also configured to detect its own movement and recognize motion gestures based on that movement.

[0147] In method step S5, the functional element is configured to further control its behavior in response to the recognized gesture.

[0148] List of reference numerals 101 Toy System 103 Functional Components 104 Tag Reader Interface 105 Tag Components 106 Data Exchange Interface 107 Functional Devices 108, 110 Connecting components 109 Tag Storage 111 User-perceptible output 112 Control Circuit / Processing Unit 113 Battery / Energy Storage Device 114 Passive Components 115 Tag Reader Circuit 116 Housing of functional components 117 Label housing 120 First attachment position 121 Second Attachment Position 122 Third Attachment Position 123 Fourth Attachment Position 124 Fifth Attachment Position 125 sensor 126 speakers 128 light sources 127 Communication Interface 132 First Relative Orientation 134 Second Relative Orientation 136 users' hands 200 external processing units

Claims

1. A toy system (101) comprising: - Functional element (103), which includes a tag reader and a functional device (107) adapted to perform user-perceptible functions. - A tag element (105) including a data exchange interface (106), such as an antenna, said data exchange interface being configured to receive a first signal from the tag reader and responsively transmit a second signal. The tag reader is configured to receive the second signal; The functional element (103) and label element (105) are configured to selectively assemble with each other and optionally with other toy system elements. The functional element (103) and the label element (105) are each configured for detachable assembly into multiple different toy components, wherein the position and / or orientation of the label element (105) relative to the functional element (103) is different in each of the components, and The functional element (103) is configured as follows: - Detect the position and / or orientation of the tag element (105) relative to the functional element (103). - The behavior is determined based on the relative position and / or relative orientation of the detected tag element (105) and further based on a second signal received from the tag element (105), and - Control its behavior based on defined behaviors.

2. The toy system (101) according to claim 1, wherein, The tag reader includes two or more electromagnetic coils configured as a tag reader interface, each coil defining a coil axis, and wherein the coil axes of the two or more electromagnetic coils are substantially linearly independent.

3. The toy system (101) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The functional element (103) is configured to receive the second signal via two or more tag reader interfaces, and The functional element (103) is configured to determine the relative intensity of the second signal received by each of the two or more tag reader interfaces, and to determine the relative or absolute position and / or relative or absolute orientation of the tag element (105) relative to the functional element, at least in part, based on the determined relative intensity of the second signal.

4. The toy system (101) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Controlling the behavior includes controlling the functional device (107) in response to a determined behavior.

5. The toy system (101) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The tag element (105) also includes a memory (109) configured to store configuration data that can be transmitted from the tag element to the functional element via the second signal.

6. The toy system (101) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The functional element (103) further includes a sensor (125) configured to detect properties of the functional element and / or properties of the environment of the functional element, and wherein the functional element is configured to further control its own behavior based on the detected properties.

7. The toy system according to claim 6, wherein, The sensor (125) includes an accelerometer, and the detected property includes the detected movement of the functional element (103).

8. The toy system (101) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, The functional element (103) is also configured to: - Identify one or more user interactions based on the detected attributes. - Compare one or more identified user interactions with one or more predetermined target user interactions, and - Control the behavior of the functional element based on the result of the comparison.

9. The toy system (101) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein, The functional element (103) is further configured to enter a training mode in response to information provided in the second signal and / or the position and / or orientation of the detected tag element (105) relative to the functional element (103), and wherein the functional element is configured to identify one or more user interactions based on the detected attributes when operating in the training mode, and to record the detected one or more user interactions as one or more target interactions.

10. The toy system (101) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The functional element is also configured to detect its own movement and recognize motion gestures based on the movement, and the functional element is configured to control its behavior in response to the recognized gestures.

11. The toy system (101) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The functional element (103) also includes a communication interface (130) configured to communicate with another toy system and / or an external processing unit (200).

12. The toy system (101) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The functional element (103) is also configured to assign one or more attributes to itself based on the detected relative position and / or relative orientation of the tag element (105).

13. The toy system (101) according to claim 12, wherein, The functional element (103) is configured to transmit data, such as one or more of one or more assigned attributes, to external control circuitry, such as to control circuitry in another toy system or to an external processing unit (200), and / or The functional element (103) is configured to receive data, such as information about one or more attributes, from an external control circuit, such as a control circuit from another toy system or from an external processing unit (200).

14. A functional element (103) comprising a tag reader and a functional means (107) adapted to perform a user-perceptible function, the tag reader being configured to receive a tag signal, wherein the tag signal is a signal generated by a tag. The functional element is configured to be selectively assembled with other toy elements, such as one or more label elements configured for selective assembly with the functional element. The functional element is configured for detachable assembly into multiple different toy components, wherein the position and / or orientation of the tag element assembled with the functional element relative to the functional element is different in each of the components. The functional element is configured to determine the position and / or orientation of the tag element relative to the functional element, the determination being based on the received tag signal. The functional element is configured to determine its own behavior based on the relative position and / or relative orientation of the determined tag element and based on the received tag signal, and to control its behavior based on the determined behavior.

15. A method for controlling the behavior of functional elements in a toy system, the toy system including functional elements (103) and label elements (105), the functional elements and label elements being configured to selectively assemble with each other and optionally with other toy system elements, The functional element (103) and the label element (105) are each configured to be detachably assembled into a plurality of different toy components, wherein the position and / or orientation of the label element (105) relative to the functional element (103) is different in each of the components. The functional element includes a tag reader configured to transmit a first signal; and a functional device adapted to perform a user-perceptible function. The method includes: - The first signal is emitted from the functional element. - The tag element transmits a second signal in response to receiving the first signal. - The position and / or orientation of the tag element relative to the functional element are detected by the functional element. - The behavior is determined by the functional element based on the detected relative position and / or relative orientation of the tag element and further based on the second signal received from the tag element. - The behavior of the functional element is controlled by the functional element based on a determined behavior.

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