Wireless construction element, educational or toy construction system and subassembly

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a wireless construction element comprising: a housing defining a top surface, a bottom surface, and a side surface, the side surface extending between the top surface and the bottom surface; coupling members arranged on the top surface or the bottom surface and each configured for detachably attaching the wireless construction element to other construction elements of the educational or toy construction system; a wireless communication module that performs wireless data communication with other wireless structural elements; a functional device for performing a user-perceptible function and / or a sensor for detecting an attribute of an environment of the wireless construction element; and a user interface module comprising user interface elements configured to receive a user input, a plurality of user interface elements being located on the side. In another aspect, the disclosure relates to an educational or toy construction system. In another aspect, a subassembly of a user interface module for a wireless construction element is provided.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates, in one aspect, to a wireless construction element for an educational or toy construction system. In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to an educational or toy construction system comprising a plurality of such wireless construction elements. In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a sub-assembly of such wireless construction elements. BACKGROUND

[0002] For decades, construction systems have gained recognition and appreciation for their application in educational and toy systems. Over the years, simple box-like building blocks have been added with specialized construction elements having a specific appearance or mechanical or electrical functionality to enhance the value of the game. These functionalities include, for example, motors, switches and lights, but also programmable processors that can accept input from sensors and activate functional elements in response to received sensor input.

[0003] There are stand-alone functional construction elements having a functional device adapted to perform a pre-configured function, an energy source for providing energy to the functional device to perform the function, and a trigger responsive to an external triggering event to trigger the functional device to perform the function. Typically, such known functional construction elements are designed for manual activation of a mechanical trigger and provide only limited value for the game.

[0004] WO 2007 / 137577 discloses a toy construction system comprising functional elements and control elements. The functional elements and control elements are electrically interconnectable by means of a wire and plug system, such that the functional elements can receive power and control signals from the control elements. While this system avoids the need for a power source in the functional elements, it requires a certain degree of abstract thinking and technical insight to correctly interconnect the construction elements to construct a functional toy model from such a system. In particular, an understanding of how to construct a control structure from such a construction system requires basic knowledge about electricity and an understanding that electrical signals can be used to control functions. Furthermore, this prior art system requires electrical connections between the elements, for example in the form of wires, thereby limiting the degree of freedom in freely constructing the toy construction elements.

[0005] WO 2015 / 173246 discloses a toy construction system with wirelessly interactive elements, comprising functional construction elements and input construction elements. This system allows for the construction of complex interactive models without the need for wired connections between the interactive construction elements.

[0006] WO 2018 / 158357 discloses a stand-alone interactive modular construction element having integrated and connected input and output. The interactive modular construction element comprises a sensor, a control circuit and a functional element. The sensor is adapted to generate a sensor signal corresponding to a predetermined sensor input. The functional element is adapted to perform a controllable function in response to a control signal. The control circuit is adapted to provide such a control signal to the functional element controller in response to a sensor signal received from the sensor.

[0007] Although prior art systems provide enhanced functionality to users of almost all ages in an intuitive and easy to access manner, there is still a need for a more flexible way of combining sensor input and functional output elements, e.g. according to educational goals but using the same educational or toy construction system, to cater for different levels of difficulty.

[0008] The complexity of the construction work carried out in prior art systems can compete with, if not fully obstruct, the educational or game goals. If the speed of building a model with the required functionality is important, e.g. in an educational environment such as in a classroom setting, a further challenge arises. Typically, such educational goals must be achieved within a limited and often very strict time frame, in which the user’s attention to the educational goal should not be distracted by irrelevant constructional matters.

[0009] Hence, there is still a need for a simple, intuitive and flexible way of building functional models for educational purposes and toy use at various levels of difficulty and complexity, using the same educational or toy construction system. Furthermore, it is desirable to improve the ease of use of the educational and toy construction system, also for system configuration and operation. Invention content

[0010] In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a wireless construction element for an educational or toy construction system as defined in the appended claims, having advantageous embodiments as disclosed in the appended claims and as further disclosed herein. In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to an educational or toy construction system as defined in the appended claims, having advantageous embodiments as disclosed in the appended claims and as further disclosed herein. In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a user interface module sub-assembly for a wireless construction element as disclosed in the appended claims and as further disclosed herein.

[0011] The term "height" as used herein refers to a position or distance in the vertical direction, typically as shown in the figures. For example, in case of a housing of a wireless construction element, the vertical direction is parallel to a direction pointing from a bottom surface to a top surface, and typically parallel to a side of the housing of the wireless construction element. In line with this definition, when referring to a support surface, the vertical direction is directed perpendicular to the support surface, for example a table top. Further, in case of a three-dimensional grid of a modular construction system, the vertical direction represents the direction of stacking of the modular construction elements.

[0012] The term "lateral" as used herein refers to a horizontal (also referred to as side) direction, typically with reference to the figures. Further, the term "axial" as used herein also refers to a horizontal (also referred to as side) direction, wherein the axial direction has a non-zero angle with respect to the lateral direction, typically perpendicular to the lateral direction. For example, in case of a housing of a wireless construction element, the horizontal direction is parallel to a direction parallel to a bottom surface or a top surface, and typically perpendicular to a side of the housing of the wireless construction element. In line with this definition, when referring to a support surface, the horizontal direction is parallel to the support surface, for example a table top. Further, in case of a three-dimensional grid of a modular construction system, the lateral direction represents a direction perpendicular to the direction of stacking of the modular construction elements.

[0013] The term "construction element" as used herein refers to an element comprising coupling means for detachably connecting the construction elements to each other to form a construction model. The term "construction element" thus encompasses different types of construction elements, such as conventional construction elements known in the art, as well as the wireless construction elements disclosed herein. The term "construction system" as used refers to a system comprising a plurality of construction elements. An educational or toy construction system as disclosed herein typically comprises a plurality of wireless construction elements. Typically, the plurality of wireless elements comprises a plurality of different wireless construction elements implementing different functions, such as user-perceptible output functions and / or sensor input functions, as further detailed elsewhere herein. The wireless elements of the educational or toy construction system can be coupled to each other to construct a functional model and / or linked to each other by wireless communication to provide a linked interactive user experience. Typically, the educational or toy construction system further comprises conventional construction elements having coupling means for detachably coupling the wireless and conventional construction elements to each other to form a functional model, thereby allowing to construct illustrative and appealing models, and also allowing to mechanically couple to functional inputs or outputs, or to link functional inputs and / or functional outputs together. The end user experience is designed for a fun hands-on learning environment, wherein learning can be any form of learning, such as curiosity driven, exploratory, self-study, self-learning, tutoring or teaching, etc. Hence the term "educational or toy construction system".

[0014] According to an embodiment, a wireless construction element for an educational or toy construction system comprises: a housing defining at least one top surface, at least one bottom surface, and at least one side surface extending between the at least one top surface and the at least one bottom surface; two or more coupling members, each coupling member being arranged on the top surface, the bottom surface, or the side surface, and each coupling member being configured to detachably attach the wireless construction element to one or more other construction elements of the educational or toy construction system; a wireless communication module for wireless data communication with other wireless construction elements; a functional device for performing a user-perceptible function, and / or a sensor configured to receive a sensor input and generate a sensor signal corresponding to or representative of the sensor input, e.g. for detecting an environmental property of the wireless construction element; and, a user interface module comprising one or more user interface elements, said user interface elements being different from the wireless communication module and different from the functional device and / or the sensor, wherein at least one of the one or more user interface elements is configured to receive a user input; wherein the user interface module is arranged with a plurality of user interface elements located on said side surface.

[0015] In some embodiments, the wireless construction element comprises two or more coupling members, each coupling member being arranged on the top surface and / or the bottom surface. Thus, in an embodiment, a wireless construction element for an educational or toy construction system comprises: a housing defining at least one top surface, at least one bottom surface, and at least one side surface extending between the at least one top surface and the at least one bottom surface; two or more coupling members, each coupling member being arranged on the top surface or the bottom surface, and each coupling member being configured for detachably attaching the wireless construction element to one or more other construction elements of the educational or toy construction system; a wireless communication module for wireless data communication with other wireless construction elements; a functional device for performing a user-perceptible function, and / or a sensor configured for receiving a sensor input and generating a sensor signal corresponding to or representative of the sensor input, e.g. for detecting an environmental property of the wireless construction element; and, a user interface module comprising one or more user interface elements, said user interface elements being different from the wireless communication module and the functional device and / or the sensor, wherein at least one of the one or more user interface elements is configured for receiving a user input; wherein the user interface module is arranged with a plurality of user interface elements located on said side surface. In some embodiments, the wireless construction element comprises two or more coupling members, each coupling member being arranged on the top surface and / or the bottom surface.

[0016] Thereby, a wireless construction element of an educational or toy construction system is provided with a uniform positioning of a user interface module having one or more user interface elements, such as haptic buttons, LEDs, RFID tag reader antennas, arranged on one side face of the element. The uniform user interface module collects the user interface elements for configuring the wireless construction element for operation in the educational or toy construction system. In particular, the user interface module provides the user interface elements for configuring the mutual functional interaction between a plurality of wireless construction elements, for example for operating the wireless construction elements to selectively interact with predefined groups of wireless construction elements to provide a linked user experience. This setup or configuration task typically needs to be performed on all wireless construction elements used in a similar way in the linked user experience, for example in the case of an educational or toy construction task. For example, when combining the functionality of a plurality of wireless construction elements to provide a more complex linked functionality of an educational or toy construction model, the plurality of wireless construction elements at least need to be grouped and configured to operate together. The uniform positioning on the side face of the wireless construction element provides a simple and intuitive interface for performing this configuration task on all wireless interactive construction elements. Further, the placement on the side face of the wireless construction element also avoids interference with the building interface on the top and / or bottom surface of the wireless construction element and with functionality that can be arranged on the other end of the element, such as motor outputs, light outputs, light or proximity sensing, etc. The placement on the side face also facilitates the accessibility of the user interface module when the wireless construction element is part of an educational or toy construction model. Thus, the uniform positioning also supports the flexible and easy integration of the wireless construction element into an educational or toy construction model.

[0017] Typically, the educational or toy construction system further comprises conventional construction elements having coupling members for detachably coupling the wireless construction elements and the conventional construction elements to each other to form a functional model, thereby allowing to construct illustrative and appealing models and also allowing to mechanically couple to functional inputs or outputs or to link functional inputs and / or outputs together.

[0018] Further according to some embodiments of the wireless construction element, the one or more user interface elements comprise one or more output elements for indicating an operational state of the wireless construction element.

[0019] Advantageously, in some embodiments, the one or more user interface elements comprise one or more of the following: a light emitting diode for emitting a visible colored light; a user activatable button; and, a wireless tag reader.

[0020] Further according to some embodiments of the wireless construction element, the user interface module comprises two or more, preferably three or more, user interface elements.

[0021] Further according to some embodiments of the wireless construction element, the two or more user interface elements comprise a wireless tag reader and one or more other user interface elements, the wireless tag reader comprising an antenna having a winding defining an axis extending out of the side face, the antenna surrounding the one or more other user interface elements.

[0022] Further according to some embodiments of the wireless construction element, the side face is free of coupling members. Preferably, the side face is substantially planar, the side face can have slightly recessed elements 124, 126, but generally will not have protruding coupling members. In some embodiments, the side face can have cooperating coupling members, such as pegs and chambers, protrusions and sockets, and / or bushings and pins, positioned to insert into complementary formed coupling members on the side face of other construction elements, such as cooperating pegs, chambers, protrusions, sockets, bushings and / or pins.

[0023] Further according to some embodiments of the wireless construction element, the user interface module further comprises an electrical connector adapted to establish a wired connection with an external device to receive control or programming information and / or to receive electrical power. Thus, a simple, reliable and fast interface is provided which can be used for a wide variety of tasks, such as configuring the interaction behavior, basic programming of the functional behavior, updating software or firmware in the wireless construction element, testing and / or troubleshooting tasks, retrieving stored data, uploading data to a memory in the wireless construction element, charging a rechargeable power source, or simply supplying electrical power to the wireless construction element.

[0024] Further according to some embodiments of the wireless construction element, all user interface elements related to configuring the wireless construction element for interaction with other wireless construction elements are contained in the user interface module. This facilitates easy and intuitive setup of the wireless construction element for proper interaction with each other. Furthermore, the user interface elements collected in one user interface module can also set up and configure the operation of the wireless construction element itself, or simply check its current operational status, in a simple and intuitive way.

[0025] In some embodiments, the user interface module comprises two printed circuit boards, one of which is arranged parallel to the at least one top surface and the other of which is arranged parallel to the side surface. In some embodiments, the wireless construction element thus comprises: a first printed circuit board adapted to be mounted within the housing adjacent and parallel to the side surface of the housing; a second printed circuit board arranged perpendicular to the first printed circuit board, the second printed circuit board being adapted to be mounted within the housing adjacent and parallel to the bottom surface of the housing; and a plurality of user interface elements arranged on the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board. In some embodiments of the wireless construction element, the plurality of user interface elements comprises, arranged on the first printed circuit board: a tactile button, a light emitter for emitting a visible colored light, and a wireless tag reader with an antenna having a winding around the tactile button and the light emitter, the winding defining a coil axis pointing out of the plane of the first printed circuit board. In some embodiments of the wireless construction element, the plurality of user interface elements further comprises a wired interface connector provided on the second printed circuit board, the wired interface connector being adapted for data exchange and / or for receiving electrical power from an external source. A space-saving and structurally robust assembly is thereby achieved. Advantages of this configuration further include those discussed in further detail below with respect to embodiments of the user interface module sub-assembly.

[0026] Further according to some embodiments of the wireless construction element, the functional device and / or the sensor are arranged close to an end of the wireless construction element opposite the user interface module. This arrangement provides for a higher flexibility in constructing an educational or toy construction model comprising one or more wireless construction elements, while avoiding interference with the user interface module of the wireless construction element in the model. Thereby, an increased accessibility of the user interface module of the wireless construction element can also be achieved when the wireless construction element is included in an educational or toy construction model.

[0027] Further, according to some embodiments of the wireless construction element, the housing comprises one or more flanges on its lateral sides, the one or more flanges comprising coupling members for detachably coupling the wireless construction element to other construction elements of the educational or toy construction system. Providing lateral flanges on the housing with coupling members compatible with coupling members of the educational or toy construction system facilitates a simple and flexible combination of wireless construction elements for assembling an educational or toy construction model with combined functionality.

[0028] Further according to some embodiments of the wireless construction element, the one or more flanges are arranged on a side different from the side on which the user interface elements of the user interface module are arranged.

[0029] Further, according to some embodiments of the wireless construction element, the one or more flanges are arranged at a predefined uniform height common to all wireless construction elements of the educational or toy construction system.

[0030] Advantageously, in some embodiments, the height of the one or more side flanges on the wireless construction element is each defined relative to the bottom surface of the wireless construction element. This allows for easy and intuitive construction of simple functional models when working on a support surface, such as a table top, as is often done for example in an educational environment.

[0031] Further according to some embodiments of the wireless construction element, the height of the lateral flange corresponds to a characteristic height of the functional output and / or sensor input. For example, the height of the central plane of the flange can be chosen to correspond to the height of a functional output or input, such as the height of the rotational axis of a motor output shaft, or the height of a side axis connector of a pivot angle sensor. Thereby further improving flexibility and ease of use when combining multiple wireless construction functions.

[0032] Further according to an aspect, embodiments of the educational or toy construction system comprise a plurality of wireless construction elements as defined herein, wherein the user interface module of all wireless construction elements of the plurality of wireless construction elements comprises a uniform set of user interface elements.

[0033] The set of user interface elements for user input / output allows for quick installation of the wireless construction elements in an intuitive manner for interaction with each other. Advantageously, the user interface elements of the user interface module of a given wireless construction element also allow for defining the installation of the wireless construction element itself in an intuitive manner. By providing a uniform user interface module across all wireless construction elements of the plurality of wireless construction elements in the educational or toy construction system, the user is enabled to configure the wireless construction elements for linked interactive operation more easily, intuitively and effectively.

[0034] Advantageously, in some embodiments of the educational and toy construction system, the uniform set of user interface elements is arranged in space on the side of each wireless construction element in a uniform spatial arrangement across all wireless construction elements. By providing a user interface module with a uniform arrangement of a set of user interface elements, which is uniform across all wireless construction elements of the plurality of wireless construction elements in the educational or toy construction system, the user is enabled to configure the wireless construction elements for linked interactive operation more easily, intuitively and effectively.

[0035] Further, according to some embodiments of the educational or toy construction system, the plurality of wireless construction elements comprises at least: a first wireless construction element comprising a functional device; and a second wireless construction element comprising a sensor. Thereby, a set of wireless interactive construction elements is provided which allows for construction of complex functions combining sensing functions and user perceptible output functions, and which can be configured for linked interactive operation in a simple, flexible and intuitive manner.

[0036] In another aspect, a user interface module sub-assembly for a wireless construction element is provided. The sub-assembly can be used for producing any embodiment of a wireless construction element of an educational or toy construction system as disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, thus, a user interface module for a wireless construction element is provided as a sub-assembly, wherein the wireless construction element comprises a housing defining a top surface, a bottom surface and a side surface extending between the top surface and the bottom surface, wherein the sub-assembly comprises: a first printed circuit board adapted to be mounted within the housing adjacent and parallel to the side surface thereof; a second printed circuit board arranged perpendicular to the first printed circuit board, the second printed circuit board being adapted to be mounted within the housing adjacent and parallel to the bottom surface thereof; and a plurality of user interface elements; wherein the plurality of user interface elements comprises, arranged on the first printed circuit board: a haptic button, a light emitter for emitting a visible colored light, and a wireless tag reader having an antenna with a winding around the haptic button and the light emitter, the winding defining a coil axis pointing out of the plane of the first printed circuit board; wherein the plurality of user interface elements further comprises, arranged on the second printed circuit board: a wired interface connector adapted for data exchange and / or for receiving electrical power from an external source. The second printed circuit board can further carry further user interface elements that do not require direct access by a user from outside the housing, such as a vibration device or an acoustic emitter adapted to emit vibrations and / or sound, e.g. in response to an interaction of a user with the user interface module.

[0037] Thereby, the user interface module is provided as a sub-assembly. The sub-assembly has a modular configuration that is identical (or more or less universal) when implemented in all wireless construction elements. By using the above-described arrangement of two printed circuit boards, the components of the user interface module are placed in a space-saving but structurally robust manner, leaving the most useful space for functional components, such as functional devices and / or sensor devices. Thereby, it is also achieved that the volume occupation of the wireless construction element is kept to a minimum, further enhancing the ease of use and flexibility of using the wireless construction element for constructing a model.

[0038] The sub-assembly with two vertically arranged printed circuit boards also provides stronger mechanical support for the wired interface connector by absorbing axial and tilting forces acting on the connector during insertion and retraction of the external connector. The wired interface connector is arranged on the second printed circuit board to face the first printed circuit board intended to be mounted adjacent to the side face of the housing. The wired interface connector can then be accessed through an opening in the side face, e.g. through an opening in the first printed circuit board, to allow external connectors on the side face of the housing receiving the wireless construction element. The wired interface connector is adapted for data exchange with external devices through cable connections. The data exchange interface can comply with any appropriate predefined, e.g. standardized, protocol, layout and wired interface definition, e.g. compliant with the USB standard, e.g. USB-C. The wired interface connector can also be adapted to receive power from external sources, e.g. for charging a rechargeable power source in the wireless construction element.

[0039] Generally, the wireless construction elements receiving such user interface module sub-assembly comprise one or more devices for performing functions, e.g. one or more functional devices for generating a user-perceptible output and / or one or more sensor devices for performing a sensing function, i.e. receiving a sensor input and generating a sensor signal corresponding to or at least representative of the sensor input.

[0040] Further, the wireless construction elements generally comprise a wireless communication interface allowing the wireless construction elements to interact with each other, e.g. by sharing signals, e.g. sensor signals or control signals, and performing functions in response to any shared or received signals.

[0041] As mentioned above, the user interface module set of user interface elements for user input / output allows the user to quickly install the wireless construction elements in an intuitive manner in order to interact with each other. Advantageously, the user interface elements of the user interface module of a given wireless construction element also allow to define the installation of the wireless construction element itself in an intuitive manner. By providing a user interface module uniform across all wireless construction elements of a plurality of wireless construction elements in an educational or toy construction system, the user is enabled to configure the wireless construction elements for linked interactive operation more easily, intuitively and efficiently. By defining the user interface module as a generic sub-assembly for all wireless construction elements of an educational or toy construction system as defined herein, the uniformity of the user interface can be achieved in a simple manner, thereby saving space and reducing production costs.

[0042] Advantageously, in some embodiments of the user interface module subassembly, the light emitter on the first printed circuit board is arranged in association with the haptic button. Further advantageously, in some embodiments of the user interface module subassembly, the light emitter on the first printed circuit board is integrated with the haptic button. Thereby a particularly intuitive visual feedback on the user input provided by the haptic button is achieved.

[0043] It should be appreciated that the subject technology can be implemented and utilized in a variety of ways and for a variety of purposes, including but not limited to a process, apparatus, system, device, method or computer readable medium now known and later developed. These and other novel features of the systems disclosed herein will become more apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0044] The preferred embodiments of the present application will be described in greater detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a wireless construction element for an educational or toy construction system, as seen in perspective view from above and from upside down.

[0046] Figure 2 Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of a wireless construction element for an educational or toy construction system, as seen in perspective view from above and from upside down. Figure 1 Fig. 3 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a wireless construction element for an educational or toy construction system, corresponding to the embodiment of

[0047] Figure 3 Fig. 4 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a wireless token for an educational or toy construction system.

[0048] Figures 4A-4D Fig. 5A shows different embodiments of a wireless construction element for an educational or toy construction system, as seen in perspective view.

[0049] Fig. 5B shows different embodiments of a wireless construction element for an educational or toy construction system, as seen in side view. Figure 5D Fig. 6A shows a combination of a plurality of wireless construction elements, as seen in end view before connection. Figures 4A-4D Fig. 6B shows a combination of a plurality of wireless construction elements, as seen in end view after connection.

[0050] Figures 6A-6B Fig. 7 shows an embodiment of a subassembly of a wireless construction element for an educational or toy construction system, as seen in assembled perspective view.

[0051] Figures 7A-7B Fig. 8 shows an embodiment of a subassembly of a wireless construction element for an educational or toy construction system, as seen in exploded perspective view. Figure 7A Figure 7B Fig. 9 shows an embodiment of a wireless construction element for an educational or toy construction system, as seen in exploded perspective view.

[0052] Figure 8 DETAILED DESCRIPTION​​

[0053] Various aspects and embodiments of an interactive educational or toy system comprising a plurality of interactive wireless toys will now be described with reference to toy construction elements in the form of bricks. In this particular and corresponding embodiment, each interactive toy element is formed as a corresponding wireless interactive toy construction element, each element having a housing that is generally shaped as an orthogonal polyhedron having flat sides, and having coupling members extending from its upper surface and cavities extending into its bottom surface. However, other shapes and sizes of wireless interactive toy construction elements can be used, for example, box-shaped or tile-shaped toy construction elements of different sizes and having different numbers of coupling members. Moreover, while the brick shape has proven particularly useful, various aspects disclosed herein are applicable to other forms of interactive toy elements, including other forms of toy construction elements for play applications, educational applications, and / or the like. Directional indications such as up, down, right, left, etc. are used with respect to the drawings and are not meant to be limiting.

[0054] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates an example of a wireless construction element for an educational or toy construction system, generally designated 10. The wireless construction element 10 is shown on the left-hand side of Fig. 1 with its top surface 6 visible, while on the right-hand side the wireless construction element 10 is shown with its bottom surface 8 visible. In particular, the wireless construction element 10 comprises a generally box-shaped housing 1 having coupling pegs 4 extending from its top surface 6 and cavities 13 extending into the element 10 from the bottom surface 8. The cavities 13 are defined by side walls 2 and a centrally downwardly extending tube 3. Coupling pegs of another construction element for educational or toy use can be received in the cavities in a frictional engagement, for example as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 3005 282. The construction elements shown in the remaining figures have this known type of coupling members in the form of cooperating pegs and cavities.

[0055] However, other types of coupling members can also be used in addition to or instead of the pegs and cavities. For example, other types of coupling members can also employ a snap-fit engagement with a cooperating receiving hole. The coupling pegs are arranged in a square planar grid pattern across the top surface, i.e. defining orthogonal directions along which sequences of coupling pegs are arranged. The distance between adjacent coupling pegs is uniform in both directions. This or a similar arrangement of coupling members defines a regular planar grid at the coupling locations, which allows the construction elements for educational or toy use to be interconnected in a discrete plurality of positions and orientations relative to each other, in particular at right angles relative to each other. Thus, in an assembled construction model, the coupling members of a plurality of construction elements can be located at grid points of a three-dimensional grid defined with respect to the construction model.

[0056] In some embodiments, the housing 1 of the wireless construction element 10 is made of a plastic material (e.g. a thermoplastic polymer) or other suitable material. The housing can be made by an injection molding process or other suitable manufacturing process.

[0057] As shown in Figure 2 The wireless construction element 10 can comprise a functional device 5 housed within the housing 1 of the wireless construction element 10. In general, the functional device 5 can be any suitable device for performing a function (e.g. a function that provides a user-perceptible effect, e.g. a visible and / or audible effect).

[0058] Examples of functional devices can include any suitable mechanical and / or electrical device, arrangement and / or circuit adapted to perform one or more mechanical and / or electrical functions. Examples of mechanical functions include driving a rotatable output shaft, winding up a string or chain to enable an object to be pulled towards the wireless interactive construction element, moving a hinged part of the wireless interactive construction element, etc. Thus, a mechanical function can enable opening or closing a door, ejecting an object, rotating a turntable, moving a linear actuator, etc. Such mechanical movement can be driven by an electric motor.

[0059] Examples of electrical functions include emitting a constant light or a flashing light, activating a plurality of lights in a predetermined sequence, emitting an audible sound, e.g. a beeping sound, a siren sound, a bell sound, a police siren sound, a voice message sound, a musical sound, a synthesized sound, a natural or mimicked sound that simulates a game activity, a sound playback, and / or other audio content, etc.

[0060] Thus, the functional device can be selected from a motor, a light source (e.g. one or more LEDs) and / or a sound source (e.g. a loudspeaker). The functional wireless construction element can comprise more than one functional device. In some embodiments, the system comprises different types of wireless interactive construction elements that each contain a different type of functional device.

[0061] Alternatively, or in addition to the functional device 5, the wireless construction element 10 can comprise a sensor system 7 comprising one or more sensors housed within the housing 1 of the wireless construction element 10. The sensor system 7 can comprise one or more sensors, e.g. a magnetic pose sensor and / or one or more other sensors, a linear or rotary encoder, a light detector, a sound detector (e.g. a microphone), a proximity sensor, an accelerometer, an angular position sensor, a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a humidity sensor, etc. In general, the one or more sensors are adapted to measure a physical quantity with respect to the environment / surroundings of the wireless construction element 10 and to provide a signal indicative of the measurement.

[0062] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1The diagram shows a schematic block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a wireless construction element, generally designated as 10. Wireless construction element 10 includes a housing 1 defining a top surface 6 and a bottom surface 8. A connecting member 4 is disposed on the top surface 6, and a connecting member (not shown) may also be disposed on the bottom surface 8, all as referenced above. Figure 1 As stated above.

[0063] The wireless structural element 10 also includes a processing unit 9 housed within the housing 1. The wireless structural element 10 may also include one or more sensors 7 and / or one or more functional devices 5, also housed within the housing 1, such as those described above. Figure 1 The sensor system and functional device described in the embodiments are as follows. The wireless construction element 10 may also include a power source 11, such as a rechargeable battery or other rechargeable power source, and a wireless communication interface 12, also housed within the housing 1.

[0064] The wireless construction unit 10 also includes a user interface module 20. As schematically shown in FIG2, the different components in the wireless construction element 10 are operatively connected to each other. Exemplary operative connections include functional devices 5 and / or sensor systems 7 (if applicable), processing devices (or similar control circuitry) 9, a rechargeable power supply device 11, a wireless communication interface 12, and / or the user interface module 20. The processing devices (or similar control circuitry) 9 communicate with the different components to control the operation of the wireless construction element 10.

[0065] One or more functional devices 5 may include one or more light sources (e.g., LEDs), speakers, motors, and / or any other functional devices operable to perform user-perceptible functions.

[0066] One or more sensors 7 may include a light sensor, a color sensor, a proximity sensor, a sound sensor, a rotary encoder, an angular position sensor, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a sensor for one or more environmental quantities (e.g., temperature, pressure, humidity), and / or any other suitable sensor, such as in combination. Figure 1 As stated above.

[0067] The processing unit 9 can comprise one or more microcontrollers, one or more microprocessors, one or more ASICs, and / or one or more other suitable processing units, or combinations thereof. The processing unit 9 can further include associated memory and / or other data storage. The processing unit 9 can be configured to control the functional behavior of the wireless construction element in accordance with the behavior defined by the behavior data in the behavior data structure. The wireless construction element 10 can be provided (e.g., preprogrammed) with a default behavior identity, e.g., a default set of executable instructions stored in a memory of the wireless construction element 10 and executable by the processing unit 9 thereof. A set of default executable instructions can define a set of predetermined rules for reacting to external stimuli sensed by the sensor system 7, e.g., transmitting a signal corresponding to or representative of a sensed quantity to other wireless construction elements, e.g., a preselected set of other wireless construction elements. A set of default executable instructions can further define a set of predetermined rules for operating the functional device 5, e.g., selectively in response to data received by the wireless communication interface 12, e.g., selectively in response to data from a predefined set of other wireless construction elements, depending on the operational mode of the wireless construction element 10, and / or upon activation of the wireless construction element 10.

[0068] In some embodiments, the behavior of the wireless construction element 10 can be programmed or configured by a user, e.g., by receiving program data and / or configuration parameters. To this end, the wireless construction element 10 can receive program and / or control data and / or configuration parameters from a computer, e.g., comprising one or more of a desktop computer, a tablet computer, a smartphone, a laptop computer, or other programmable computing device. Alternatively or additionally, the wireless construction element 10 can capture program and / or control data and / or configuration parameters from a wireless token comprising a tag element, e.g., an RFID tag, or from other data storage devices. For example, the wireless construction element 10 can read a wireless tag or other data storage device in a non-contact manner as described herein.

[0069] The power supply 11 can be any suitable power supply comprising power supply circuitry adapted to supply different components of the wireless construction element with power in order to maintain autonomy during operation of the wireless construction element 10 in an educational or toy system. Typically, the power supply 11 comprises a chargeable power storage device with associated charging circuitry operable to charge the power storage device with power received from an external source, e.g., by a wired connection or a wireless energy transfer device. Alternatively or additionally, the power supply 11 can further comprise an energy harvesting device for harvesting energy from an external source and converting the harvested energy into electrical energy. Optionally or additionally, the power supply 11 can further comprise a replaceable battery. In some embodiments, the power supply 11 can be further adapted to supply the wireless construction element with power received from an external source by a wired connection.

[0070] The wireless communication interface 12 can comprise a radio frequency transceiver and associated antenna. In some embodiments, the wireless communication interface can comprise a Bluetooth chip or circuitry or another form of radio frequency transceiver adapted for communication over a wireless communication network, for example using a known low-power, short-range wireless network technology such as Bluetooth / Bluetooth Low Energy, ZigBee, Z-Wave, or a similar wireless technology for low-power personal area data networks in compliance with a standardized protocol. The wireless communication interface 12 is operable for bi-directional communication with other wireless construction elements of the system, and / or for uni-directional communication, for example to broadcast data messages to or to receive broadcasted data messages from other wireless construction elements of the system, such as for communication with a selected group of other wireless construction elements.

[0071] The user interface module 20 comprises a plurality of user interface elements 22, 24, 26, 28. For example, the user interface elements can comprise one or more of the following: a tactile interface (e.g. a push button) 22, a light emitter 24, a sound emitter (not shown here), a vibration device (not shown here), a wireless tag reader 26 (in addition to the wireless communication interface 12), and a wired interface connector 28. The user interface module 20 is thus adapted to receive input from a user and to provide output to a user, typically for configuring the wireless construction element 10, for example for grouping, initializing, programming, debugging, troubleshooting, updating, servicing, and / or otherwise preparing the wireless construction element 10 for operation in an educational or toy system.

[0072] For example, pressing the push button 22 can switch the operational state of the wireless construction element 10, for example switching the wireless construction element 10 on and off, switching between different configuration and operational modes, for example between a configuration mode and one or more operational modes, resetting the wireless construction element 10 to a default state, initializing a default operational mode, etc.

[0073] The light emitter 24 can be used to indicate a state of the wireless construction element or to otherwise provide visual output, for example as a cue and / or feedback to user input through any of the user interface elements of the user interface module 20. Alternatively or in addition, vibration and / or sound output elements can also provide state indications, cues and / or feedback related to the interaction of a user with the wireless construction element 10 through the user interface module 20.

[0074] The wireless tag reader 26 (in addition to the wireless communication interface 12) can be used to interact with the wireless construction element 10 using a token comprising a wireless tag readable by any suitable wireless near field communication technology, for example the token 30 described below with reference to Fig. 3. For example, a user can present the wireless token 30 in the vicinity of the user interface module 20 to transfer configuration data from the wireless token 30 to the wireless construction element 10 to configure the wireless construction element 10 to operate in accordance with the configuration data.

[0075] For example, the configuration data can comprise an ID group which is transferred from the token 30 through the wireless tag reader 26 of the user interface module 20 to the processing unit 9 of the wireless construction element 10. Then, a corresponding configuration of the wireless construction element 10 in accordance with the transferred ID group can ensure that the wireless construction element 10 is configured to operate in a predetermined group of wireless construction elements, for example by operating the wireless communication interface 12 to selectively communicate with other members of the group.

[0076] The wired interface connector 28 can be connected to a charging circuit for charging the battery or other chargeable power source 11. In turn, the chargeable power source 11 can then power the processing unit 9, the functional device 5 and / or the sensor 7 as well as the wireless communication interface 12. The wired connector 28 can also be connected to a data interface of the processing unit 9. Thus, the wired connector 28 can be used for data communication with an external data processing device through a wired connection, for example for configuration, programming, updating, maintenance, troubleshooting, debugging and / or similar purposes. Thus, the wired connector 28 provides a simple and reliable interface for data exchange between the wireless construction element 10 and an external processing device, for example a smart device, a tablet, a personal computer and / or similar devices.

[0077] Figure 3A schematic block diagram of an example of a wireless tag token 30 is shown. The token 30 comprises a memory 32 for storing data, e.g. configuration data. The stored data can simply be an identifier representative of a particular ID group. Alternatively or additionally, the stored data can comprise additional information, e.g. information encoding sound data, light sequences, motion sequences, etc. The token 30 further comprises a data exchange interface 34, e.g. an antenna, a capacitive interface, an inductive interface and / or the like operable to allow the tag reader 26 to read out the stored data from the memory in a contactless manner. The wireless tag token 30 can take any suitable shape to allow the token 30 to be presented in the vicinity of the user interface module 20 on the side of the wireless construction element 10. For example, the wireless token can be formed as a card (e.g. a card of a size like a credit card), a key fob, a figurine, a small statue or any item of a size and shape suitable for hand-held use. The token 30 can or can not have coupling means compatible with the construction system. Typically, in some embodiments, the token does not have any coupling means to avoid confusion with the components of the construction system, thereby indicating the non-construction use of the token, e.g. for configuration of the wireless construction elements 10, such as grouping, setting parameters and / or transmitting configuration data and / or programs.

[0078] Turning now to the following Figures 4A-4D and Figures 5A-5D Different embodiments of wireless construction elements 100, 200, 300, 400 for an educational or toy construction system are now discussed. Elements similar to elements related to the above-described embodiments are denoted with similar reference numerals.

[0079] Figures 4A-4D Perspective views of the wireless construction elements 100, 200, 300, 400 are shown, respectively. Figures 5A-5D Side views of the wireless construction elements 100, 200, 300, 400 are shown, respectively. The wireless construction elements 100 and 200 are of a sensor type, adapted to receive a sensor input and to generate a sensor signal corresponding to or at least representative of said sensor input. The sensor signal can be transmitted to other wireless construction elements. The wireless construction elements 300 and 400 are of a function type, adapted to receive a control signal and to generate a user-perceptible output in response to the control signal. The control signal can be e.g. based on a sensor signal from a wireless construction element of the sensor type.

[0080] However, in Figures 4A-4D and Figures 5A-5DThe types of wireless construction elements shown in the figures are not exhaustive and different types can be envisaged by the skilled person. For example, different types of sensor devices for measuring input can be implemented and also different types of functional devices for providing a user-perceivable output can be implemented. Furthermore, as mentioned above, embodiments of wireless construction elements comprising a combination of a sensor device and a functional device can also be envisaged. Furthermore, the wireless construction elements can employ different shaped and configured housings and different types of coupling members, as long as the housings and coupling members are compatible for use within the educational or toy construction system for which they are designed. Typically, if the educational or toy construction system is a modular construction system, this means that the housing shape and coupling members of the wireless construction elements are correspondingly modular.

[0081] Figure 4A and Figure 5A An embodiment of a wireless construction element 100 is shown. The wireless construction element 100 is a simple sensor construction element comprising a sensor device (not shown) inside its housing for measuring a physical quantity without requiring an externally visible interaction interface (e.g. a tilt sensor, an acceleration sensor, etc.) or only requiring a hidden or small opening to be provided in the housing for interacting with its environment (e.g. an acoustic sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, etc.). The sensor is for generating a sensor signal in response to a sensor input, e.g. for detecting an environmental property of the wireless construction element.

[0082] Figure 4B and Figure 5B A further embodiment of a wireless construction element 200 is shown. The wireless construction element 200 is also a sensor construction element. However, the wireless sensor construction element 200 comprises one or more functional input components 207 and a sensor device (not shown) inside its housing adapted for detecting a state of the functional input components 207. Figure 4B and Figure 5B The shown embodiment has two independent functional input components 207, each being a rotatable component with a coupling member 214. Each rotatable component 207 has an associated angular position sensor device inside the housing. The angular position sensor device is adapted for measuring an angular position of the associated rotatable component 207 as a sensor input and generating a sensor signal corresponding to or at least representative of the angular position of the associated rotatable component 207. The coupling member 214 is compatible with a coupling member of the educational or toy construction system, thereby being configured to detachably connect to other construction elements of the system.

[0083] For example, a shaft structural element 40 as shown in Fig. 4B can be inserted from the top into the respective coupling member 214 of the rotatable component 207, thereby forming a lever for controlling the rotation of the rotatable component 207. The respective sensor signal indicative of the rotational position can then be shared with other wireless construction elements through wireless data communication, for example as a control signal to a wireless motor construction element, such as the wireless construction elements 300, 400 seen in Figures 4C-4D and Figures 5C-5D and described below. Thus, the wireless sensor construction element 200 can be used to construct a remote control for a model comprising one or more wireless motors 300, 400. Advantageously, one or more or all of the rotatable components 207 can further comprise a coupling member 215 aligned with the rotational axis of the rotatable component 207, which is accessible from the side of the housing for rotatably fixed engagement with a rotatable component, for example by a shaft 40 (as indicated by the dashed line in Fig. 4B). Thus, the laterally oriented coupling member provides for a further mechanical coupling to the functional component 207 of the wireless construction element 200, which allows for a direct link to a mechanical function (here a rotatable function) in an educational or toy construction model comprising the wireless construction element 200. Figure 4B

[0084] Figures 4C-4D and Figures 5C-5D Further embodiments of wireless construction elements 300, 400 are shown. The wireless construction elements 300, 400 comprise one or more functional devices for performing a user-perceptible function, here seen as motor outputs 305, 405. The wireless construction element 300 has a single motor output 305, and the wireless construction element 400 has two motor outputs 405, which can be controlled independently of each other. In both cases, the user-perceptible function is a rotatable motion output. It is conceivable that a sensor device (not shown), for example a rotary encoder, can be arranged inside the housing and associated with the functional output device (here the motor shaft of each motor output 305, 405).

[0085] The sensor device associated with the functional output device can generate a sensor signal corresponding to or at least indicative of the state of the functional output (here for example the rotational position of the motor shaft). The sensor signal can be provided to a processing device in the wireless construction element, and can be used to control the operation of the functional output (here the motor output). Alternatively or additionally, the wireless construction elements 300, 400 can further be configured to detect an externally driven rotation of the motor output 305, 405, and use the respective sensor signal as a gesture input to control the operation of the output of the functional device.

[0086] ​Alternatively or additionally, the wireless construction elements 300, 400 can also be configured to detect an externally driven rotation of the motor output 305, 405 and generate a corresponding sensor signal which can then be shared with other wireless construction elements through wireless data communication, e.g. as a control signal for other wireless motor construction elements. In some embodiments, the wireless construction elements can thus also operate as sensor devices, e.g. in a similar manner as the wireless sensor construction element 200 described above. Thus, some embodiments of the wireless construction elements 300, 400 can comprise a functional device for performing a user-perceivable function and / or a sensor configured to receive a sensor input and generate a sensor signal corresponding to or representative of the sensor input. Similar to the functional part 207 of the wireless construction element 200, the motor output 305, 405 of the wireless construction elements 300, 400 can also comprise coupling members 414, 415 compatible with coupling members of an educational or toy construction system. Thereby, the motor output 305, 405 is configured to be detachably connected to other construction elements of a system for functional model building, e.g. in the manner already discussed above with respect to the wireless construction element 200.

[0087] While each wireless construction element implements a specific function, the wireless construction elements can also have many common features which ensure that the specific functions are combined in a highly flexible, modular and intuitive manner with the desired ease of use, as well as a quick model building, e.g. in an educational environment.

[0088] Each of the wireless construction elements 100, 200, 300, 400 has a housing 101, 201, 301, 401 defining a top surface 106, 206, 306, 406, a bottom surface 108, 208, 308, 408 and side faces 102, 202, 302, 402 extending between the top surface 106, 206, 306, 406 and the bottom surface 108, 208, 308, 408. The top surface 106, 206, 306, 406 and the bottom surface 108, 208, 308, 408 comprise cooperating coupling members, here considered as pegs 104, 204, 304, 404 on the top surface 106, 206, 306, 406 which are cooperable with corresponding cavities (not shown here) arranged on the bottom surface 108, 208, 308, 408, as described above with reference to Fig. 1. The coupling members are configured to detachably attach the wireless construction element to one or more other construction elements of an educational or toy construction system.

[0089] The housing 101, 201, 301, 401 further comprises one or more flanges 110, 210, 310, 410 (here two flanges 110, 210, 310, 410 are shown located on opposite lateral sides of the housing 101, 201, 301, 401). The flanges 110, 210, 310, 410 are arranged to protrude from the opposite lateral sides of the housing 101, 201, 301, 401, thereby defining an upper surface carrying the coupling elements 104, 204, 304, 404 and a lower surface carrying the respective cavities (not shown here) for cooperation with the pegs 104, 204, 304, 404, as discussed above with respect to Fig. 1.

[0090] The flanges 110, 210, 310, 410 comprise further coupling members 113, 213, 313, 413, which are arranged to be commensurate and aligned with the potential three-dimensional grid of the educational or toy construction system configured as a modular construction system, here in the form of three lateral face bushings 113, 213, 313, 413. The bushings 113, 213, 313, 413 are compatible with other elements of the construction system and / or their respective coupling members. For example, the bushings 113, 213, 313, 413 can be configured to receive a pin (not shown) adapted to snap-engage with the recessed edge of the bushing 113, 213, 313, 413, or for receiving a shaft 40 therethrough, the inner diameter of the bushing 113, 213, 313, 413 matching the outer dimensions of the shaft 40, as shown in Fig. 4B.

[0091] The flanges 110, 210, 310, 410 are arranged and configured to facilitate easy attachment of the wireless construction element 100, 200, 300, 400 to other construction elements of the educational or toy construction system, and in particular to other wireless construction elements 100, 200, 300, 400 of the educational or toy construction system. Preferably, the housing 101, 201, 301, 401 of all wireless construction elements 100, 200, 300, 400 of the educational or toy construction system have corresponding flanges 110, 210, 310, 410, which are all located at the same height above the respective bottom surface 108, 208, 308, 408 (the bottom plane B in Fig. 1). Figures 5A-5D Thereby, a particularly user-friendly building interface is provided, allowing the wireless construction elements 100, 200, 300, 400 to be quickly and intuitively interconnected with each other to form new functional units.

[0092] Further advantageously, the height of the central plane C of the flange 110, 210, 310, 410 is defined towards the center of the lateral coupling element 113, 213, 313, 413, which is parallel to the respective top surface 106, 206, 306, 406 and bottom surface 108, 208, 308, 408 of the housing 101, 201, 301, 401. Advantageously, the central plane C is also aligned with the characteristic module height of the functional part of the wireless construction element, if applicable. For example, the central plane C can be parallel and at the same height as the axis of rotation or pivot axis of a movable (e.g. rotatable or hinged) component (e.g. the pivot axis of the position sensing component 207 of the wireless construction element 200, or the axis of rotation of the motor output flange 305, 405 of the motor construction element 300, 400), thereby allowing different functions of the wireless construction element, e.g. with its bottom surface placed on a support surface (e.g. a table top), to be particularly easily and modularly interconnected. Thereby, a simple and intuitive use of the construction system for assembly and functional combination is achieved, particularly in an educational environment, where such assembly and functional combination is typically performed in collaboration at a desk or table, and / or has to be completed within a limited time frame to convey an educational goal.

[0093] As described above with respect to Fig. 2, each wireless construction element 100, 200, 300, 400 typically also comprises a processing module 9, a power supply 11 and / or a wireless communication module 12 for wireless data communication with other wireless construction elements (not shown in Figs. 1-4) in the construction system. Figures 4A-4D and Figures 5A-5D As described above with respect to Fig. 2, each wireless construction element 100, 200, 300, 400 typically also comprises a processing module 9, a power supply 11 and / or a wireless communication module 12 for wireless data communication with other wireless construction elements (not shown in Figs. 1-4) in the construction system.

[0094] Furthermore, each wireless construction element 100, 200, 300, 400 also comprises a user interface module 120, 220, 320, 420 comprising one or more, typically a plurality, of user interface elements 122, 124, 126, 128, 222, 224, 226, 228, 322, 324, 326, 328, 422, 424, 426, 428 arranged on a side 102, 202, 302, 402 of the housing 101, 201, 301, 401. The side 102, 202, 302, 402 where the user interface module is located can be referred to as an axial side or end face of the housing 101, 201, 301, 401. The placement on the axial side 102, 202, 302, 402 avoids interference with building interfaces on the top surface 106, 206, 306, 406 and the bottom surface 108, 208, 308, 408 of the wireless construction element 100, 200, 300, 400, as well as with functions such as motors, light emission, light sensing, etc. that can be arranged at the opposite end of the wireless construction element 100, 200, 300, 400. This placement also facilitates the accessibility of the user interface module 120, 220, 320, 420 when the element is part of an educational or toy construction model. Typically, the axial side 102, 202, 302, 402 where the user interface module is located is not provided with coupling means, whereas the flanges 110, 210, 310, 410 on the lateral sides of the housing provide such coupling means so that the wireless construction elements can be easily detachably connected to each other to form a functional construction model. Thereby, a higher flexibility and ease of use of integrating wireless construction elements into an educational or toy construction model can be achieved.

[0095] In one embodiment of the educational or toy set or kit, at least one of the one or more user interface elements is configured to receive a user input and to send a signal corresponding to the user input to the processing unit of the wireless construction element.

[0096] The user interface module can comprise one or more, typically a plurality, of user interface elements such as user-activated buttons, light emitting diodes for emitting visible colored light, a wireless tag reader and a wired connector configured as an interface for data exchange. Furthermore, the wired connector can also be configured to receive electrical power, e.g. for charging a rechargeable power source in the wireless construction element.

[0097] Preferably, the user interface elements of the user interface module and their physical arrangement are uniform across all wireless construction elements of the educational or toy construction system. More specifically, the arrangement of the user interface elements on the housing side is substantially the same, if not completely identical, for all wireless construction elements of the educational or toy construction system.

[0098] It is noted that the one or more user interface elements of the user interface module are distinct from the wireless communication module 12 and from the function 5 and / or the sensor device 7, and / or its functional components 207, 305, 405.

[0099] Generally, the set of user interface elements in the user interface module is used to configure the wireless construction elements, e.g. to configure the operational behavior of the wireless construction elements. In particular, the set of user interface elements in the user interface module is used to configure the wireless construction elements for interaction with other wireless construction elements of the educational or toy construction system, e.g. by grouping the wireless construction elements for selectively interacting only with other wireless construction elements of the same group to provide a linked interactive user experience.

[0100] By way of example, the user interface modules 120, 220, 320, 420 of the wireless construction elements 100 in Fig. 4A- Figure 5D have a button 122, 222, 322, 422, a colored light emitter 124, 224, 324, 424, a wireless tag reader 126, 226, 326, 426, and a wired connector 128, 228, 328, 428 for data exchange and power supply. The user interface modules 120, 220, 320, 420 are present on the respective axial side (also referred to as end face) 102, 202, 302, 402 which does not have a coupling element.

[0101] In one example, the user interface modules 120, 220, 420 of a group of wireless construction elements 100, 200, 400 can be used to configure the wireless construction elements 100, 200, 400 to interact with each other to provide a linked interactive functionality, as described below. For example, a proximity sensor wireless construction element 100 can be grouped together with a dual angle sensor wireless construction element 200 and a dual motor output wireless construction element 400.

[0102] Each wireless element 100, 200, 400 can be activated by pressing the corresponding button 122, 222, 422. Once activated, the wireless elements 100, 200, 400 can be grouped to interact with each other by presenting the same wireless token 30 to each wireless tag reader 126, 226, 426. The wireless token 30 can be a card carrying an RFID tag having a memory 32 and a near field tag communication interface 34. The gesture of presenting the token 30 causes a common ID group stored in the memory 32 to be transmitted to each wireless element 100, 200, 400, thereby grouping the wireless elements 100, 200, 400 for selective interaction with each other.

[0103] By way of example only, the proximity sensor wireless element 100 can be mounted on top of the wireless element 400 having dual motor output, e.g., the functional end face of the housing 101, 401 opposite the axially side face 102, 402 aligned flush with each other. Using conventional elements, the combination of the proximity sensor 100 and the dual motor 400 can be converted into a vehicle having two independently controllable wheels, each driven by a separate motor output 405.

[0104] Attaching the lever 40 to the coupling member 214 of the dual angle sensor 200, a simple remote control can be constructed, where the sensor signal from the first one of the pivotable members 207 is transmitted as a control signal for controlling a first one of the motors 405, and the sensor signal from the second one of the pivotable members 207 is transmitted as a control signal for controlling a second one of the motors 405 different from the first one. By operating the lever, the vehicle can be remotely controlled to travel along a path with the functional end face facing forward. The control operation of the motors can be further influenced by the sensor signal from the proximity sensor and shared within the group to avoid collisions of the vehicle with obstacles encountered along the way.

[0105] Figures 6A-6BA combination of a plurality of wireless construction elements 500, 600 is shown, as seen in an end view, with a unified user interface module 520, 620 arranged on its end face. The wireless construction elements 500, 600 each have a flange 510, 610 protruding from its lateral side face. The wireless construction elements 500, 600 carry coupling members 504, 604 and are shaped to be in line with a three-dimensional grid of a modular construction system, as indicated by the dashed lines marking the vertical levels (marked B, I, II and III) of the three-dimensional grid. The flanges 510, 610 of the wireless construction elements are all arranged at the same height above the bottom level B, here extending between level I and level II, with the top surface of the flanges 510, 610 carrying the coupling members 504, 604 of the modular construction system.

[0106] When placed on a support surface S, the wireless construction elements 510, 610 can simply be slid along the surface towards each other, with the respective flanges 510, 610 adjacent to each other, as indicated by arrow "1", and then detachably connected using a conventional construction element 42 having a mating cavity 43 at its bottom, as indicated by arrow "2" (Fig. 6A). The final simple combination of the wireless construction elements 500, 600 detachably interconnected by the conventional construction element 42 is shown in Fig. 6B. This structural arrangement is of great importance for quickly and easily making arrangements that can be firmly fixed with cooperating coupling members under the time pressure of a fixed cycle of an educational system. The final construction can be very complex and sophisticated, but still suitable for the creation of children and young people. Thus, the time spent on long set-up can be reduced in order to have more time for learning, practicing and mastering the principles, theories and goals of the course.

[0107] Figures 7A-7B A user interface module 720 sub-assembly is shown for assembling wireless construction elements of an educational or toy construction system, such as those discussed above in relation to Figure 1 - Fig. 6. The user interface module 720 has interface elements 722, 724, 726, 728, which correspond to the previously mentioned user interface elements, such as the user interface elements in the embodiments of Figs. 4 and 5.

[0108] These user interface modules 720 comprise a tactile button 722 with an integrated light emitter 724, a wireless tag reader 726 and a wired interface connector 728. The user interface module 720 can also comprise other elements, such as an acoustic element 730 for providing acoustic feedback when interacting with the user interface module 720. The sub-assembly comprises a first printed circuit board 701 arranged vertically for mounting parallel and adjacent to the side face of the housing of a wireless construction element.

[0109] The first printed circuit board 701 comprises at least one antenna 726a of the wireless tag reader 726, as Figures 7A-7B indicated by the dashed line. The antenna 726a has a winding which defines an axis which extends out of the plane of the first printed circuit board 701 and thus out of the side of the associated housing of the wireless construction element. The antenna 726a can surround one or more other user interface elements. Here, the antenna surrounds the haptic button 722 and the light emitter 724. The first printed circuit board 701 further comprises a light source 705, for example an LED, and associated driving and control electronics. The first printed circuit board 701 further carries a light guide (not shown) and a flexible light diffuser 704 for integrating the light emission from the light source 705 into the button, as well as a transparent hinged cover 703 which covers the central portion of the light diffuser 704 and forms the haptic interface of the button 722 with the integrated light emitter 724.

[0110] The subassembly further comprises a second printed circuit board 702 which is arranged horizontally, i.e. perpendicular to the first printed circuit board 701, for mounting parallel and adjacent to the bottom surface of the housing of the wireless construction element. The second printed circuit board 702 carries the wired interface connector 728, thus providing a strong support for the typical mechanical interaction when plugging and unplugging an external connector into and from the wired interface connector 728. The second printed circuit board 702 can comprise further user interface elements, for example the above-mentioned acoustic element 730. With this configuration of the subassembly, a robust general-purpose user interface module 720 is achieved which occupies a minimum of space in the housing, leaving a more continuous payload volume for placing functional components. This can also reduce the external footprint of the wireless construction element comprising such a user interface module 720.

[0111] By way of example, Figure 8 An exploded view of a wireless construction element 800 is shown, which comprises a user interface module subassembly 720 as described above with respect to Figures 7A-7B The wireless construction element 800 has a housing 801 which is composed of an upper half-shell 801a, a lower half-shell 801b, and a functional end-face cover 801c.

[0112] Inside the housing 801, the wireless construction element 800 comprises structural support components 860, 861, functional devices 850 for driving functional output components 805 and associated processing and control electronics 809. The user interface module subassembly is arranged with its first printed circuit board 701 placed close to the inner side of the axial side face 802, and the second printed circuit board 702 close to the bottom of the lower half-shell 801b and parallel thereto, just above the printed circuit board of the processing and control electronics 809.

[0113] Figure 8 The particular embodiment of the wireless construction element 800 shown corresponds to the dual-motor wireless construction element 400 discussed above with reference to Figure 4D FIGS. 5A and 5B. The two motor units 850 and the structural support assemblies 860, 861 are densely packed in the continuous volume provided by the housing components 801a-c, and are made available through the user interface module subassemblies 720 arranged along the side and bottom walls of the housing as described above.

[0114] Furthermore, although the subject technology has been described with respect to the field of toys and educational play sets, it is contemplated that the subject technology is equally applicable to other fields and applications, such as in engineering and other model shop applications, for creating prototype products for testing, etc. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that in alternative embodiments, the functions of several elements can be performed by fewer elements or single elements. Similarly, in some embodiments, any function element can perform fewer or different operations than those described for the illustrated embodiments. Also, elements shown as distinct functional elements (e.g., modules, flanges, sensors, motors, links, couplings, electrical components, database routines, interfaces, computers, etc.) can be incorporated into other functional elements in a particular implementation.

[0115] All patents, patent applications, and other references disclosed herein are hereby expressly incorporated in their entirety by reference. While the subject technology has been described with respect to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various changes and / or modifications can be made hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the application as defined by the appended claims. For example, each claim can be predicated on the alternatives for any or all claims, even if such alternatives were not originally claimed.

Claims

1. A wireless construction element for an educational or toy construction system, the wireless construction element comprising: - a housing defining at least one top surface, at least one bottom surface and at least one side surface extending between the at least one top surface and the at least one bottom surface, - two or more coupling members, each coupling member being arranged on the top surface, the bottom surface or the side surface, and each coupling member being configured to detachably attach the wireless construction element to one or more other construction elements of the educational or toy construction system, - a wireless communication module for wireless data communication with other wireless construction elements, - a functional device for performing a user-perceivable function and / or a sensor configured to receive a sensor input and generate a sensor signal corresponding to or representative of the sensor input, and - a user interface module comprising one or more user interface elements distinct from the wireless communication module and distinct from the functional device and / or the sensor, wherein at least one of the one or more user interface elements is configured to receive a user input; wherein the user interface module is arranged with a plurality of user interface elements located at the side surface.

2. The wireless construction element of claim 1, wherein, The one or more user interface elements comprise one or more output elements for indicating an operational state of the wireless construction element.

3. The wireless construction element of claim 1, wherein, The user interface module comprises two, three or more user interface elements.

4. The wireless construction element of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, Two or more of the user interface elements comprise a wireless tag reader and one or more other user interface elements, the wireless tag reader comprising an antenna having a winding defining an axis extending out of the side surface, the antenna surrounding the one or more other user interface elements.

5. The wireless construction element of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The side surface is devoid of coupling members.

6. The wireless construction element of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The user interface module further comprises an electrical connector adapted to establish a wired connection with an external device for receiving control or programming information and / or receiving electrical power.

7. The wireless construction element of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, All user interface elements related to configuring the wireless construction element to interact with other wireless construction elements are comprised in the user interface module.

8. The wireless construction element of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The functional device and / or the sensor are arranged at an end of the wireless construction element opposite the user interface module, in close proximity to the user interface module.

9. The wireless construction element of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The housing comprises one or more flanges on its lateral side surfaces, the one or more flanges comprising coupling members for detachably coupling the wireless construction element to other construction elements of the educational or toy construction system.

10. The wireless construction element of claim 9, wherein, The one or more flanges are arranged at a side surface different from the side surface at which the user interface elements of the user interface module are located.

11. The wireless construction element of claim 9, wherein, The one or more flanges are arranged at a predefined uniform height common to all wireless construction elements of the educational or toy construction system.

12. The wireless construction element of claim 11, wherein, The height corresponds to a characteristic height of a functional output and / or a sensor input.

13. An educational or toy construction system comprising a plurality of wireless construction elements as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The user interface modules of all wireless construction elements of a plurality of wireless construction elements comprise a uniform set of user interface elements.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein, The plurality of wireless construction elements comprises at least a first wireless construction element comprising a functional device and a second wireless construction element comprising a sensor.

15. A sub-assembly for a user interface module of a wireless construction element, characterized in that, The wireless construction element comprises a housing defining a top surface, a bottom surface and a side surface extending between the top surface and the bottom surface, the sub-assembly comprising: - a first printed circuit board adapted to be mounted within the housing, adjacent to and parallel with the side surface of the housing, - a second printed circuit board arranged perpendicular to the first printed circuit board, the second printed circuit board being adapted to be mounted within the housing, adjacent to and parallel with the bottom surface of the housing, and - a plurality of user interface elements; wherein the plurality of user interface elements comprises, arranged on the first printed circuit board: a tactile button, a light emitter for emitting a visible colored light, and a wireless tag reader with an antenna having a winding around the tactile button and the light emitter, the winding defining a coil axis pointing out of the plane of the first printed circuit board; wherein the plurality of user interface elements further comprises a wired interface connector provided on the second printed circuit board, the wired interface connector being adapted for data exchange and / or for receiving electrical power from an external source.

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