Toy construction set

Abstract

The present disclosure generally relates to a toy construction set comprising a plurality of toy construction elements configured for selective assembly with each other to form a plurality of toy construction models, each toy construction model 5 comprising a subset of the plurality of toy construction elements, and the toy construction set allowing for two or more of the toy construction models being assembled at the same time, the plurality of toy construction elements comprising: an interactive function element that is configured for being selectively connectable to each of the toy construction models at a uniform connection location, the toy construction set being configured to provide a plurality of uniform connection locations, wherein each toy construction model of the plurality of toy construction models comprises at least one uniform connection location and one or more of said complementary construction elements, each uniform connection location comprising a tag element and one or more uniform connection elements positioned in a uniform spatial configuration relative to each other as part of a toy construction model, the uniform spatial configurations and the uniform connection elements being uniform across said plurality of uniform connection locations, each uniform connection location being further configured to allow the interactive function element to be attached to the one or more uniform connection elements, and each uniform connection location being further configured to allow the interactive function element to read the tag element comprised in the uniform connection location when the interactive function element is attached to the uniform connection location.

Description

[0001] TOY CONSTRUCTION SET

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to toy construction sets.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Toy construction sets comprising elements, which are configured for selective and detachable assembly with each other, have been known long. Over the years such toy construction elements have evolved from being primarily simple box-shaped building blocks to also include more remarkable toy construction elements, such as e.g. elements having distinct appearances, and / or a mechanical or electrical function, and / or one or more programmable processors.

[0006] Further known are self-contained toy construction elements, which comprise a control unit and an energy source for providing energy to the control unit and to other parts of the self-contained element. Such self-contained elements may further have a function device adapted to perform a preconfigured user- perceptible function, where such a function may be one or more of e.g. a movement, a generation of an audible sound signal, a generation of a visible light signal, a generation of a tactile experience, etc.

[0007] The toy construction elements, which are configured for selective and detachable assembly with each other, can be assembled to create an assembled toy construction model, which may exhibit complex behaviour. In particular, complex behaviour may result when the model includes several toy construction elements, and further in particular, when the model includes elements with a preconfigured user-perceptible function, such as motors, lights, sound devices, etc. Such complex behaviour is desirable as it can enhance the play experience which acts as an extension of the imagination of the user, but at the same time it is desirable that the toy construction set is relatively easy to use.

[0008] In particular, it is desirable that a toy construction set for building multiple toy construction models using advanced construction elements, such as construction elements with a function device, facilitates the enhanced play experience for users, such as children.

[0009] The behaviour of advanced toy construction models may be at least partly controlled, or guided, by a user, for example via tag programming, e.g. using construction elements, which can communicate wirelessly with the advanced construction elements. This provides a user-friendly and efficient, yet flexible and reliable programming method without the need for detailed knowledge of control structures, data communication, and how to connect electrical wires, conductors, etc. properly. However, the complexity of the programming rises with the number of toy construction models, number of tags and complexity of the advanced construction elements.

[0010] Hence, it remains desirable to provide an advanced toy construction set allowing a user, such as a child, to assemble the toy construction elements into multiple models that may each display a desired, resulting behaviour, which can be achieved in a user-friendly, such as child-friendly, manner.

[0011] It is generally desirable to provide a toy construction set that provides enhanced educational activities and / or play activities.

[0012] It is further desirable to provide a toy construction set that provides a high degree of flexibility in designing different toy construction models with a rich functionality.

[0013] Various aspects of embodiments of a toy construction set disclosed herein address one or more of the above needs and / or other needs that exist in the field of toy construction sets.

[0014] SUMMARY

[0015] It is an object of at least some aspect described in the present disclosure to solve one or more of the problems identified above and / or other problems associated with toy construction sets, or at least to provide an alternative to known systems.

[0016] Disclosed herein are embodiments of a toy construction set comprising a plurality of toy construction elements configured for selective assembly with each other to form a plurality of toy construction models. Each toy construction model comprises a subset of the plurality of toy construction elements, and the toy construction set allows for two or more of the toy construction models to be assembled at the same time. The plurality of toy construction elements comprises: an interactive function element comprising a tag reader and a function device adapted to perform a user-perceptible function, a plurality of tag elements, each tag element comprising a data exchange interface, such as an antenna, configured to receive a first signal from the tag reader and in response transmit a second signal, a plurality of uniform connection elements, and a plurality of complementary construction elements, the tag reader being configured to receive the second signal, the interactive function element being configured to: detect one or more of the tag elements comprised in the plurality of tag elements, and control its own behaviour based on the detected one or more tag elements.

[0017] The interactive function element is configured for being selectively connectable to each of the toy construction models at a uniform connection location. The toy construction set is configured to provide a plurality of uniform connection locations, wherein each toy construction model of the plurality of toy construction models comprises at least one uniform connection location and one or more of said complementary construction elements. Each uniform connection location comprises a tag element and one or more uniform connection elements positioned in a uniform spatial configuration relative to each other as part of a toy construction model, the uniform spatial configurations and the uniform connection elements being uniform across said plurality of uniform connection locations. Each uniform connection location is further configured to allow the interactive function element to be attached to the one or more uniform connection elements, and each uniform connection location is further configured to allow the interactive function element to read the tag element comprised in the uniform connection location when the interactive function element is attached to the uniform connection location.

[0018] Thus, the toy construction set comprises elements for constructing a plurality of toy construction models each of which models comprises one or more uniform connection locations for receiving an interactive function element. When the interactive function element is attached at a uniform connection location, the tag element that is part of the uniform connection location is readable to the tag reader in the interactive function element and the interactive function element will control its behaviour based on the information read from the detected tag to create an interactive play experience for the user, such as a child. By making the connection location uniform across each and all toy construction models the user is intuitively guided to a suitable positioning for an interactive function element, when adding an interactive function element to a model.

[0019] The uniform connection locations thus make it intuitive and easy, even for children, to work with an interactive function element, which in itself is a comparatively complex toy construction element.

[0020] Consequently, toy construction models with standardized uniform connection locations for placement of an interactive function element, make the interactive function element better suited for use in toy construction sets and increase the play value.

[0021] In some embodiments, the uniform connection locations have a uniform shape and / or size and are configured to provide a uniform coupling interface for attachment of the interactive toy construction element. By uniform shape and uniform size is meant that each uniform connection location has a shape and / or size that is consistent with other uniform connection locations. For example, the uniform connection locations may be substantially identical in appearance in at least some regards, e.g. by comprising toy construction elements that are each substantially identical in shape and / or size and / or colour(s). The uniform connection locations may at the same time be different in appearance in some regards, for example by having different colours. Each uniform connection location may have one or more colours that align with a colour scheme of the toy construction model it is part of, or it may have one or more colours that make the uniform connection location stand out from other colours used in the toy construction model it is part of thereby making it more visible to the user. Further, the coupling interface may be uniform such that it is consistent with the coupling interface of other uniform connection locations.

[0022] A uniform shape and / or size enables a user, such as a child, to easily determine a suitable placement of the interactive function element within any toy construction model as the user can rely on known information. In addition, the uniform connection location may provide a visual indication of the enhancement to the play experience that attaching the interactive function element to the given uniform connection location will provide. For example, the tag element comprised in a given uniform connection location may comprise an image depicting an object, a scenery, an action, a mood, etc. to indicate to the user that an interactive function element attached at the uniform connection location will provide a behaviour indicative of the depicted object, scenery, action, mood, etc.

[0023] A uniform connection location comprises a tag element and one or more uniform connection elements positioned in a uniform spatial configuration relative to each other across the plurality of uniform connection locations. That is, the way in which the tag element and uniform connection element(s) are positioned relative to each other is consistent, i.e. is the same or does not vary significantly, across the different uniform connection locations. Additionally, the uniform connection elements are uniform across the plurality of uniform connection locations. These uniformities provide a highly predictable and reliable appearance and functionality. By having uniform connection locations that are consistent, the user, such as a child, can quickly identify them and learn to rely on them to appear and behave in a certain way based on past experiences.

[0024] Each toy construction element of the toy construction set may comprise coupling members configured to engage coupling members of other toy construction elements of the toy construction set so as to detachably attach the toy construction elements to each other. To this end, the coupling members may utilize different coupling mechanisms, e.g. based on frictional engagement of the coupling members with each other, based on screws, plug-and-socket connections or other forms of mating engagements of cooperating coupling members. Hence, toy construction elements that have been interconnected with each other by means of the coupling members can again be disconnected from each other such that they can be interconnected again with each other or with other toy construction elements of the set, e.g. so as to form a different spatial structure. In some embodiments, the toy construction elements are provided with a first and a second type of coupling members, such as coupling pegs and peg-receiving recesses for frictionally engaging the pegs, or other pairs of mating or otherwise complementary coupling members configured to engage each other so as to form a physical connection. One type of coupling members may be located on one side, e.g. the top side, of the toy construction element while another, complementary type of coupling members may be located on an opposite side, e.g. the bottom side, of the toy construction element. In some embodiments, the toy construction elements include pegs extending from the top face of the toy construction element and corresponding peg-receiving cavities extending into the bottom face of the toy construction element for frictionally engaging the pegs by a suitable clamping force.

[0025] Each uniform connection location is configured such that the interactive function element can be attached to and detached from the one or more uniform connection elements comprised in the given uniform connection location. In some preferred embodiments, the uniform connection location is configured such that the interactive function element is attached solely to the one or more uniform connection elements, i.e. the interactive function element is not attached to any other toy construction element in the toy construction model. The tag element comprised in the uniform connection location to which an interactive function element is attached would thus not be attached to the interactive function element. Rather, proximity of the tag element of the uniform connection location is provided by the attachment of the interactive function element at the uniform connection location.

[0026] When a user, such as a child, attempts to detach the interactive function element from a uniform connection location it is advantageous if the probability of detachment of other toy construction elements from the model, such as of the one or more uniform connection elements comprised in the uniform connection location, is reduced. A way to reduce the probability of such an occurrence is by configuring the coupling engagement, e.g. clamping force, between the toy construction elements in the toy construction model. Thus, in some embodiments, each uniform connection location is further configured to have a coupling engagement with the interactive toy construction element that is weaker than the coupling engagement with the remainder of the toy construction model, i.e. with the other toy construction elements comprised in the toy construction model.

[0027] Further, a toy construction model may be configured to facilitate the attachment or detachment of the interactive function element to a uniform connection location of the toy construction model. A toy construction model may be designed such that the attachment or detachment does not require dismantling of any other part of the model. In some embodiments, each uniform connection location is further configured to selectively receive the interactive toy construction element without otherwise deconstructing the toy construction model, which it is part of.

[0028] Generally, the toy construction set may impose limitations on the degrees of freedom of how the toy construction elements may be attached to each other, e.g. by limiting the possible relative positions and / or orientations at which they can be attached to each other. To this end, the coupling members may be positioned on grid points of a regular grid; in particular, the coupling members of the toy construction elements may be arranged such that the coupling members of a set of mutually interconnected toy construction elements are positioned on grid points of a three-dimensional regular grid. The dimensions of the toy construction elements may be defined as integer multiples of a unit length defined by the regular grid. It will be understood that a three-dimensional grid may be defined by a single unit length, by two unit lengths, e.g. one unit length applicable in two spatial dimensions while the other unit length is applicable in the third spatial dimension. Yet alternatively, the three-dimensional grid may define three unit lengths, one for each spatial dimension.

[0029] The interactive function element is a toy construction element that is connectable to one or more other toy construction elements of the toy construction set by being configured for detachable assembly with same. An interactive function element comprises a function device adapted to perform a user-perceptible function. The user-perceptible function may be one or more of e.g. a generated motion, for example effectuated by a linear or rotary motor, a generation of an audible sound signal, a generation of a visible light signal, a generation of a tactile experience, for example a vibration, etc. A toy construction set may comprise a plurality of interactive function elements.

[0030] Each interactive function element may further comprise an energy source, such as a rechargeable energy source, e.g. a rechargeable battery, to provide energy to parts of the interactive function element such as to the function device.

[0031] A tag element is a toy construction element that is connectable to one or more other toy construction elements of the toy construction set by being configured for detachable assembly with same. A tag element is configured for communication of data from the tag element to the interactive function element, e.g. via the second signal, when the tag element is in a proximity of the interactive function element, and thereby of the tag reader comprised in the interactive function element. In some embodiments, a tag element may be a conventional toy construction element to which a tag, such as a near-field readable memory tag, has been applied, for example in the form of an adhesive sticker comprising the tag. In some embodiments, a tag is permanently integrated into the tag element, e.g. embedded into the material of the tag element, enclosed in a void defined by the tag element and / or the like. In any event, a tag element may comprise a memory having stored thereon data, such as configuration data, and a data exchange circuit for communicating the data from the memory to the interactive function element. Thus, a tag element may further comprise a memory configured for storing configuration data, which may be transmitted by the tag element to the interactive function element, for example via the second signal. In some embodiments, the data is stored in a read-only manner. In other embodiments, the configuration may be altered, e.g. by a program executed on a computer or other data processing device that includes a communication interface configured to send modified data to a tag element for storage thereon. Some embodiments of tag elements may be passive, i.e. without their own power supply. For example, a tag element may comprise a passive RFID tag or other circuitry configured to be read out by an interactive function element responsive to an interrogation signal, e.g. the first signal, from the interactive function element without the need of any internal power supply of the tag element, i.e. the interrogation signal may provide all necessary processing power for energizing the tag element. In some embodiments, the interactive function element controlling its own behaviour comprises the interactive function element sending modified data to a tag element for storage thereon, such as to the tag element on which the determined behaviour is based on.

[0032] Each uniform connection location comprises a tag element, and in addition a toy construction model may have tag elements attached elsewhere to it to provide additional functionality. In some embodiments, the interactive function element is configured to detect the position of a detected tag element relative to the interactive function element. Based on the detected position the interactive function element may determine whether a tag element is comprised in a uniform connection location. An interactive function element may be configured to base the determination at least partly on an expected position of a tag element comprised in a uniform connection location relative to the interactive function element when the interactive function element is attached to the uniform connection location. Thus, the determination is facilitated by the uniformity of the uniform connection locations. In some embodiments, the interactive function element is configured to detect whether a tag element is attached adjacent to a given side of the interactive function element.

[0033] The toy construction elements, in particular those, which are not tag elements, may comprise one or more predetermined attachment locations, which are locations on the surface of the elements, where a tag element may be attached, i.e. where a tag element might couple to the element e.g. via one or more coupling members. An attachment location may thus be configured by the presence of coupling members suitable for attachment of a tag element.

[0034] A tag element may generally have a flat shape, i.e. where two of the dimensions are significantly larger than the third dimension of the tag element. In some embodiments, each tag element has a flat shape, and each tag element comprises a first tag side and a second tag side, the first and second tag sides being opposing sides, the first tag side comprising visual and / or tactile information, the second tag side comprising one or more coupling members configured for engagement with one or more respective coupling members of one or more other toy construction elements in the plurality of toy construction elements. The first tag side and second tag side may be larger than any of the other sides of a tag element. The visual and / or tactile information on the tag element may provide a visual indication of the enhancement to the play experience. A tag element may enhance the play experience whether it is part of a uniform connection location or is attached elsewhere to a toy construction model. For example, a tag element may show an image depicting an object, a scenery, an action, a mood, etc. to indicate that an interactive function element may provide a behaviour indicative of the depicted object, scenery, action, mood, etc. when the tag element is detected by the interactive function element.

[0035] In some embodiments, each toy construction model represents a respective real world or fantasy world object, and each of the plurality of tag elements comprises data indicative of a respective one of the represented real world or fantasy world objects. For example, a child may build a toy construction model resembling a car, where a uniform connection location comprised in the model comprises a tag element that depicts a police car and therefore comprises information related to behaviour indicative of a police car. When the interactive function element is attached at the uniform connection location, the “police car” tag element is read and the interactive function element behaves accordingly, e.g. it may flash a blue light, produce sounds of a police siren, etc.

[0036] A toy construction model may additionally aid a user in placement of one or more additional tag elements in proximity to a uniform connection location so they may be read by an interactive function element attached at the uniform connection location. For example, by providing both a visual and / or tactile indication as well as suitable coupling members to such a position in the toy construction model. Thus, in some embodiments, at least one of the toy construction models in the plurality of toy construction models comprises one or more tag position indicator elements, each tag position indicator element being configured to allow a tag element to be attached to the tag position indicator element, and each tag position indicator comprises an indication, such as a visual or tactile indication, that a tag element attached at this position is readable by the interactive function element when the interactive function element is attached to the uniform connection location in closest proximity to, i.e. nearest to, the tag position indicator. The interactive function element comprises a tag reader, which is an interface that can be used for contactless communication with one or more tag elements, and optionally with other interactive function elements. Similarly, a tag element comprises a communications interface for contactless communication with an element comprising a tag reader such as with an interactive function element. In some embodiments, data is communicated directly from a tag element to the interactive function element via short-range communication. The tag reader may be configured to read data from a tag element in a contactless manner, e.g. via inductive and / or capacitive data exchange. A tag reader for reading passive tags may be configured to transmit a first signal, also sometimes referred to as an interrogation signal. A passive tag may receive the first signal and in response transmit a second signal. The tag reader may be an RFID / NFC reader or any other circuitry for reading data from a tag element. The tag reader may comprise one or more electromagnetic coils.

[0037] An interactive function element may communicate with other elements of the toy construction set, besides one or more tag elements, and the communication may be a short-range contactless communication or it may be along a chain of multiple ultra-short range contactless communication stages. Generally, the communications interface for contactless communication of an interactive function element may implement any suitable contactless communications technology, e.g. using radio-frequency communication in accordance with a suitable communications protocol. In some embodiments, the wireless communications technology is a short-range technology or even ultra-short range communication technology. In some embodiments, an interactive function element may comprise a first communications interface operable for ultra-short- range communication and a second communications interface operable for short- range communication.

[0038] The term short-range communications is intended to refer to a communications technology having a communications range larger than the ultra-short-range communications, e.g. a communications range larger than 10 cm, such as larger than 50 cm, such as larger than 1 m. The short-range communications may have a communications range of no more than 100 m, such as no more than 10 m, such as no more than 5 m. In most situations, a communications range of less than 10 m and, in most cases even less than 5 m is sufficient, even though in some embodiments longer ranges may be acceptable or even desirable. The short-range communication may be a radio-frequency communication in a suitable frequency band, e.g. in one of the ISM bands used for short-range communications technology, such as a 2.4 GHz band. The radio-frequency communication may utilise any suitable communications technology for communicating data, such as Bluetooth, IEEE 802.15.4, IEEE 802.11 , ZigBee, etc. It will be appreciated, however, that other communications technologies may be used.

[0039] The term ultra-short-range communications is intended to refer to communications technologies for contactless and, in particular, wireless communication over a communications range of no more than 10 cm, such as no more than 5 cm, such as no more than 2 cm, such as no more than 1 cm, such as less than 1cm, such as less than 0.5 cm, e.g. 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. Here and in the following, reference to communications ranges refers to communications ranges under normal operational conditions and in normal operational environments, e.g. inside a child's room. Examples of ultra-short-range communications include near-field communications such as inductive and / or capacitive communication.

[0040] In some embodiments, the interactive function element may include a transceiver so as to allow two-way communication between different interactive function elements, such as from an interactive function element in one toy construction set to an interactive function element of another toy construction set. In some embodiments, the interactive function element controlling its own behaviour comprises transmitting information via the transceiver.

[0041] The interactive function element may receive data, such as configuration data, from a tag element via the second signal generated by the tag element in response to the first signal. The exchange of data from a tag element to the interactive function element may occur when the tag element is in a proximity of the interactive function element, such as a proximity within which the tag element can receive and be powered by the first signal from the interactive function element. The uniform connection location is configured such that an interactive function element is able to read the tag element comprised in the uniform connection location when the interactive function element is attached at the uniform connection location.

[0042] In some embodiments, the proximity is predetermined. The proximity may be defined by a communications range of a direct communication between a tag element and the interactive function element.

[0043] In some embodiments, the interactive function element further comprises a communications interface configured for communication with an external processing unit, i.e. with a processing unit external to the interactive function element. The external processing unit may be comprised in an external electronic device such as a stand-alone computer, a system of multiple computers, e.g. a client-server system, a cloud-based system or the like, a desktop computer, a tablet computer, a smartphone, a laptop computer, another programmable computing device, or another interactive function element, such as in an interactive function element, e.g. of another toy construction set. An interactive function element may be configured to communicate position data, sensor data, and other data, to the external processing unit. It will be appreciated that the communication may be a direct communication or via one or more intermediate nodes, e.g. via one or more other locations such as other interactive function elements. For example, two interactive function elements may communicate via an external processing unit. In some embodiments, the interactive function element controlling its own behaviour comprises communicating data to an external processing unit.

[0044] In some embodiments, the data stored in a tag element, such as configuration data, is communicated from the tag element to the interactive function element when the tag element is in proximity to the interactive function element, for example in close proximity, such as adjacent to or even abutting, the interactive function element. Toy construction sets comprising toy construction elements, which are configured for selective and detachable assembly with each other, often allow a large variety of different toy construction models to be constructed from even a limited number of different types of toy construction elements, each toy construction model having a different physical configuration as defined by the spatial arrangement of the toy construction elements in the toy construction model. In particular in toy construction sets, the term toy construction element refers to the smallest elements of the toy construction set that cannot be disassembled into smaller elements during normal use and, in particular, not be disassembled in a non-destructive manner and / or without the use of tools.

[0045] The toy construction set comprises a plurality of toy construction elements including a plurality of complementary construction elements, which may be neither interactive function elements, nor tag elements, nor uniform connection elements. One or more of the complementary construction elements may be passive toy construction elements, which are toy construction elements without additional functionality beyond mechanical model building, e.g. without additional functionality such as electromagnetic, electronic, optical, or the like. Each toy construction elements in a toy construction set is configured for selective and detachable assembly with one or more of the other toy construction elements of the toy construction set.

[0046] A toy construction model comprises a subset of the plurality of toy construction elements, and the toy construction set allows for two or more toy construction models to be assembled at the same time. By assembled at the same time is meant that the toy construction set comprises the toy construction elements required for two or more models to be assembled without using any of the same construction elements. Thus, the toy construction elements comprised in each of the plurality of toy construction models is a proper subset of the plurality of toy construction elements. The toy construction set may comprise more parts than needed to build the plurality of toy construction models, for example the toy construction set may comprise optional and / or alternative parts for one or more of the models, optional additional tag elements for added functionality, etc.

[0047] A toy construction model may be constructed from one or more tag elements, one or more uniform connection elements and one or more complementary construction elements. Each toy construction model comprises at least one uniform connection location, which in turn comprises a tag element and one or more uniform connection elements. A toy construction model may be considered a complete model even without an interactive function element to provide additional functionality to the model. A toy construction set may comprise a plurality of interactive function elements. Data, such as configuration data, stored in a tag element may be communicated to more than one interactive function element of a toy construction model, such as to all interactive function elements of a toy construction model, rather than just used to configure a single interactive function element to which a tag element is in closest proximity to and / or to which the tag element is attached. Hence, the behaviour of more than one, such as of all interactive function elements included in a toy construction model may be configured by a single tag element, thus providing an easy-to-use mechanism for controlling the behaviour of an entire toy construction model, or of a part of the toy construction model, even when the model (or part thereof) includes multiple interactive function elements.

[0048] Interactive function elements may be configured to communicate any data provided by a given tag element to each other. An interactive function element may further comprise a suitable detection mechanism, e.g. an element detection circuit, for detecting and / or identifying other interactive function elements. For example, each interactive function element may, while activated, periodically broadcast identification signals such as identification messages including information such as its operational mode, an element ID and / or a type identifier identifying the type of interactive function element, e.g. which type of function device or sensor it comprises. The element detection circuit of each interactive function element may also create a time varying magnetic field, e.g. by an electromagnetic coil included in the interactive function element, so as to allow other interactive function elements to detect its position and / or orientation based on a measurement of the strength and / or direction of the generated magnetic field. To this end, the element detection circuit of each interactive function element may include one or more electromagnetic coils for detecting changes in a magnetic field and / or one or more magnetometers and / or the like. It will be appreciated that a variety of other recognition mechanisms may be employed allowing interactive function elements to obtain information about which other interactive function elements are in its proximity. An element detection circuit will provide an interactive function element with a way to determine whether the interactive function element is part of the same toy construction model as one or more other interactive function elements and a way to determine at least partly an overall shape of the toy construction model. The interactive function element may be configured to communicate the configuration data received from a new tag element to other interactive function elements, when the new tag element is detected, for example to other interactive function elements in proximity or which are determined as being part of the same toy construction model.

[0049] A tag element may comprise data defining a behavioural pattern or mood, and the interactive function element may be configured to control its function device so as to emulate a behavioural pattern based on the information comprised in the tag element. Examples of behavioural patterns may include angry, happy, sad, tired, “police car”, etc. Such patterns may be expressed by the parameters of the function performed by the function devices, e.g. by the volume, pitch or types of sounds played, by the speed and / or movement pattern of a motor, etc.

[0050] In some embodiments, controlling its own behaviour comprises the interactive function element controlling the function device. The interactive function element may control at least a part of its behaviour by controlling the function device responsive to the determined behaviour, i.e. in a manner related to or indicative of the determined behaviour. When controlling the function device, the interactive function element may activate, alter, or deactivate the user-perceptible function.

[0051] Generally, the data supplied by the tag element to the interactive function element may include one or more parameters or settings configured to be used by a control routine, e.g. a control program, executed by a control circuit of an interactive function element. The transmitted configuration data may comprise an identifier causing the interactive function element to control its function device responsive at least in part to the received identifier. For example, an interactive function element may comprise a memory having stored executable instructions. In particular, an interactive function element may have stored a set of alternative instructions, each resulting in a different behaviour and each being associated with a respective identifier. An interactive function element may thus select one of the set of alternative instructions.

[0052] Additionally, the configuration data may comprise configuration parameters (e.g. sound data, data indicative of a motion pattern, etc.) and / or program code for controlling the function device. The configuration data may be model configuration data which represents a behaviour of a toy construction model as a whole, e.g. define the model behaviour as a specific model type, e.g. a “police car”, a “dragon”, a “fire station”, a “star ship” etc. The model configuration data may thus be independent on the specific interactive function element and be generic for all interactive function elements of the model. Interactive function elements included in the model may be configured to determine a respective element behaviour of the individual interactive function element based on the received configuration data, i.e. an interactive function element may be configured to determine an element-specific behaviour specific to the particular interactive function element based on the model configuration data. In addition to being based on the received model configuration data, the determination of the respective element-specific behaviours of the individual interactive function elements in the model may further depend on one or more additional parameters, in particular on one or more element-specific parameters specific to respective interactive function elements, such as one or more of the following: the type of function device of the interactive function element, a set of available preprogrammed behaviours implementable by the interactive function element, a detection / identification by the interactive function element of other interactive function elements in the model, sensor inputs received by a sensor of the interactive function element, and / or the like.

[0053] For example, the interactive function element may have stored thereon multiple programs or multiple functional patterns and select one or more of these programs / patterns responsive to the determined behaviour. For example, an interactive function element may comprise a data structure, e.g. a list or matrix or a database of executable instructions, program blocks, functions, subroutines or the like associating one or more determined behaviours with respective executable instructions, program blocks, etc. It will be appreciated that the list, matrix or database may include pointers such as memory addresses, identifying to instructions, program blocks, functions etc. The interactive function element may be controlled by firmware. The firmware may comprise respective sets of instructions that correspond to respective behaviours.

[0054] It will be appreciated that, in some embodiments, it may be possible to attach two or more tag elements to, or in proximity of, an interactive function element. In such an embodiment, respective configuration data from each tag element attached to the interactive function element is communicated to the interactive function element. The interactive function element may thus control its behaviour, such as its function device responsive to the configuration data received from all read tag elements. Consequently, the interactive function element may be controlled to exhibit a relatively complex behaviour without requiring the user to have advanced technical or programming skills.

[0055] In some embodiments, the interactive function element is configured to control its behaviour responsive to the information provided by the tag element only as long as the tag element is within a proximity of it. To this end, the interactive function element may be configured to detect when a tag element is no longer within a proximity of it and, responsive to such detection, stop basing control of its behaviour, such as control of its function device, on the provided information.

[0056] The information provided by the tag element may e.g. be indicative as to how the interactive function element is to react to certain sensor inputs or other stimuli, e.g. which sounds to play, etc. The specific manner in which the interactive function element controls its function device may vary from one interactive function element to another even when they receive the same information from a tag element. For example, different interactive function elements may include different function devices and / or different sensors. Moreover, an interactive function element may control its behaviour based on other parameters, e.g. based on its measured relative position and / or orientation relative to other interactive function elements, based on a history / log of previous received data or events, the presence or absence of other tag elements, etc.

[0057] In some embodiments, the interactive function element is further configured to detect movement of itself and to recognise, based on the detected movement, a motion gesture, and the interactive function element is configured to further control its behaviour responsive to the recognised gesture. Thus, a movement of the interactive function element by a user may cause the interactive function element to behave in a manner that is dependent on the behaviour determined from the presence of the tag element, i.e. on the second signal and the relative position and / or orientation of the tag element, and on the detected movement. Alternatively, the interactive function element may transmit information on the detected movement to an external processing unit such that the external processing unit may perform operations to recognize a motion gesture from the detected movement. The external processing unit may then transmit information on the recognized motion gesture to the interactive function element.

[0058] In some embodiments, the interactive function element further comprises one or more sensors each configured to detect a property of the interactive function element and / or a property of an environment of the interactive function element, and the interactive function element may be configured to control its own behaviour further based on the detected property. In some embodiments, the one or more sensors comprises an accelerometer and / or a light sensor and / or a pressure sensor and / or a thermometer and / or a microphone. In some embodiments, a detected property comprises one or more of: movement of the interactive function element, light, pressure, temperature, sound, or the detected property comprises a change in a previously detected property. Thus, a detected property may e.g. be one or more of a change in light, a change in pressure, a change in temperature, or a change in sound.

[0059] A sensor is responsive to a predetermined sensor input, and the interactive function element may be configured to control its own behaviour based on the received sensor input. Examples of sensor inputs include a mechanical force, a push action, a tilt orientation, a pull action, a rotation, a human manipulation, a touch, a proximity of an object, an electrical signal, a radio frequency signal, an optical signal, a visible light signal, an infrared signal, a magnetic signal, a temperature, a humidity, a radiation. In some embodiments, the interactive function element is configured to transmit information on the detected property and / or to receive information on a detected property, for example to or from an external processor. An interactive function element may be adapted to store detected properties in a memory comprised in the interactive function element.

[0060] In some embodiments, the sensor comprises an accelerometer and the detected property comprises a detected movement of the interactive function element.

[0061] In some embodiments, the interactive function element is further configured to identify one or more user interactions based on the detected property, compare the identified one or more user interactions with one or more predetermined target user interactions, and further control the behaviour of the interactive function element based on a result of said comparison.

[0062] A user interaction that is detectable to the interactive function element may e.g. a larger displacement of the toy construction model to which the interactive function element is attached or it may be a smaller displacement of the model, for example a vibration that propagates in the toy construction model. A toy construction model may be configured to have parts, which are movable relative to each other allowing for detectable displacement of a part-model to which the interactive function element is attached. In some embodiments, at least one of the toy construction models in the plurality of toy construction models comprises a first part-model and a second part-model, wherein the second part-model is movably attached to the first part-model, and wherein the second part-model comprises a uniform connection location. The first and second part-model may be of varying relative size, for example the second-part model may be smaller than the first part-model or vice versa. In some embodiments, the interactive function element further comprises a sensor configured to detect movement of the second part-model when the interactive function element is attached to the uniform connection location.

[0063] A user interaction with the interactive function element may be indirect by the user interacting with other toy elements and through that interaction causing a user interaction to be detected by the interactive function element. For example, a user may interact with a movable part-model, for example by spinning, tapping, pushing, etc., and thereby causing the detection of a user interaction. In some embodiments, at least one of the toy construction models in the plurality of toy construction models comprises a part-model with one or more movable parts, wherein at least one of the movable parts of the part-model is configured to interact with the interactive function element when the interactive function element is attached to a uniform connection location.

[0064] A user interaction may also be detected by the tag reader in the interactive function element, and / or by an interaction with a sensor. For example, a user interaction may be detected by an image or colour sensor detecting a colour, by a light sensor detecting a change in light, such as the light sensor being cover, and / or by a tag proximity. In some embodiments, the interaction comprises interacting with a sensor and / or with the tag reader comprised in the interactive function element. The interactive function element may be configured to control its own behaviour further based on a detected interaction with the sensor.

[0065] In some embodiments, the toy construction elements are made from plastics material, e.g. thermoplastic polymers, or from another suitable material. The toy construction elements may at least partially be made by an injection moulding process or by another suitable manufacturing process. The skilled person would as a matter of routine suggest producing plastic toy construction elements of any of the above mentioned types by injection moulding in a conventional injection moulding apparatus.

[0066] As an aspect of the present invention, however, it would be an advantage to produce such toy construction elements, or part of such toy construction elements, by 3D printing or another additive manufacturing (AM) process. A computer-readable medium may comprise computer-readable instructions configured to cause, when processed by an apparatus for performing an additive manufacturing process, said apparatus to manufacture one or more of the toy construction elements, or part of such toy construction elements, as disclosed herein. The computer-readable model may comprise geometry information indicative of at least the shape of the toy construction element or part of the toy construction element. Generally, a computer-readable medium may store data which defines both a digital representation of the toy construction elements described herein, such as the interactive function element and tag element, and operating instructions adapted to control an AM device to fabricate the toy construction element using the digital representation of the toy construction element when said data is relayed to the AM device. The computer-readable model may be embodied as a computer-readable medium having stored thereon a data structure representing the computer-readable model. For example, the computer-readable medium may include a hard disk, a memory, or another suitable storage device. The additive manufacturing process may include a 3D printing process.

[0067] The present disclosure relates to different aspects including the toy construction set described above and in the following, corresponding toy construction elements and other apparatus, systems, methods, and / or products, each yielding one or more of the benefits and advantages described in connection with one or more of the other aspects, and each having one or more embodiments corresponding to the embodiments described in connection with one or more of the other aspects and / or disclosed in the appended claims.

[0068] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0069] The above and other aspects will be apparent and elucidated from the embodiments described in the following with reference to the drawings in which:

[0070] FIGS. 1-3 each show a prior art toy construction element;

[0071] FIG. 4 shows an interactive function element of a toy construction set according to some embodiments;

[0072] FIG. 5 shows a tag element of a toy construction set according to some embodiments;

[0073] FIGS. 6 and 7 each shows an example of a tag element attached to an interactive function element;

[0074] FIGS. 8-10 each shows a uniform connection location according to some embodiments;

[0075] FIGS. 11 and 12 each shows a toy construction model with a first part-model and a second part-model according to some embodiments;

[0076] FIGS. 13A and 13B show a part-model of a toy construction model according to some embodiments;

[0077] FIG. 14 shows a uniform connection location and an interactive function element according to some embodiments; and

[0078] FIG. 15 shows a toy construction set with which has been constructed a first toy construction model and a second toy construction model according to some embodiments.

[0079] DETAILED DESCRIPTION Various aspects and embodiments of toy construction sets disclosed herein will now be described with reference to toy construction elements, some in the form of bricks, others in a form different from bricks.

[0080] FIG.1 shows a toy construction element with coupling pegs on its top surface and a cavity extending into the brick from the bottom. The cavity has a central tube, and coupling pegs on another brick can be received in the cavity in a frictional engagement as disclosed in US 3 005 282. FIGS. 2 and 3 show other such prior art construction elements. The construction elements shown in the remaining figures have this known type of coupling members in the form of cooperating pegs and cavities. However, other types of coupling members may also be used in addition to or instead of the pegs and cavities. The coupling pegs are arranged in a square planar grid, i.e. defining orthogonal directions along which sequences of coupling pegs are arranged. The distance between neighbouring coupling pegs is uniform and equal in both directions. This or similar arrangements of coupling members at coupling locations defining a regular planar grid allow the toy construction elements to be interconnected in a discrete number of positions and orientations relative to each other, in particular at right angles with respect to each other. The toy construction elements shown here, in FIGS.1-3, are of the passive type, without additional functionality beyond mechanical model building, such as electromagnetic, electronic, optical, or the like.

[0081] FIG. 4 shows a schematic block diagram of an example of an interactive function element 103. The interactive function element of fig. 4 is generally shaped as an orthogonal polyhedron with flat side faces and having coupling members 108 extending from its outer surfaces, where the coupling members 108 may also be referred to as coupling pegs. In addition, the interactive function element may also have other types of coupling members, such as e.g. cavities, for example cavities extending into an outer surface. For example, the interactive function element may have coupling members extending into it, such as peg-receiving recesses, from the side opposing the one having coupling pegs 108, as known from prior art, see FIGS. 1-3. Other shapes and sizes of toy construction elements may be used, e.g. shapes and sizes as those shown in FIGs 1-3 or yet other shapes and sizes. In some examples of interactive function elements, the coupling members may be are arranged in planar, regular, parallel grids defining coupling locations. The coupling members 108 may be configured to provide an attachment location 120 suitable for attachment of a tag element 105.

[0082] The parts comprising the interactive function element 103 and comprised in the interactive function element are not necessarily shown to scale. The interactive function element 103 comprises a control circuit 112, e.g. a microcontroller, a microprocessor, or other suitable processing unit. The interactive function element 103 further comprises a function device 107 connected to the control circuit 112 and, optionally, a sensor 125 also connected to the control circuit. The interactive function element further comprises a rechargeable battery 113 or other suitable power source, for providing power to the control circuit, the function device, and other parts requiring power. The interactive function element further comprises a tag reader circuit 115 and tag reader interfaces 104a-d for reading configuration data from a tag element 105 such as the one shown in fig. 5. Each tag reader interfaces may each be an antenna, a capacitive interface, an inductive interface and / or the like, which is operable to allow the tag reader to read data from a tag element in a contactless manner.

[0083] FIG. 4 shows the interactive function element without a tag element attached while FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate an interactive function element with a tag element 105 attached, e.g. a tag element as shown in FIG. 5.

[0084] The interactive function element 103 may further comprise an element detection circuit operable to detect other interactive function elements in the same toy construction model as the interactive function element 103. The interactive function element 103 may further comprise a communications interface 130, such as a transceiver, operable for radio-frequency communication with other interactive function elements.

[0085] The walls of the interactive function element 103 define a housing which accommodates the processing unit 112, the function device 107, the battery 113, the tag reader circuit 115, and the tag reader interfaces 104a-d. The housing may further accommodate one or more sensors 125, and / or an element detection circuit 127 and / or a communications interface 130.

[0086] The control circuit 112 is configured to control the function device 107 responsive to configuration data read from a tag element 105, for example from a tag element comprised in a uniform connection location or a tag element attached to one or more of the coupling members 108. Optionally, the control circuit 112 may be further configured to control the function device 107 responsive to an input from the sensor 125.

[0087] The interactive function element 103 may be further configured to forward configuration data read from a tag element 105 by the tag reader to other interactive function elements as disclosed in international patent application no. PCT / EP2019 / 084805, the entire contents of which are hereby included by reference.

[0088] The function device 107 may be any suitable device for performing a function that provides a user-perceptible effect, such as a visible, audible, and / or haptic effect. For example, the function device may be a rotary motor and the interactive function element 103 may comprise a suitable coupling member for receiving a shaft that may be rotatably driven by the motor. Other examples of function devices may include any suitable mechanical and / or electrical device, arrangement or circuitry adapted to perform one or more mechanical or electrical functions that provide a user-perceptible effect, such as a visible, audible, and / or haptic effect.

[0089] Examples of a mechanical function that the interactive function elements described herein can perform include driving a rotating output shaft, winding-up a string or a chain which enables pulling an object closer to the interactive function element, moving a hinged part of the interactive function element which enables e.g. opening or closing a door, ejecting an object, rotating a turntable, moving a linear actuator, etc. Such mechanical motions can be driven by an electric motor powered by a (rechargeable) battery or a rechargeable electric capacitor, or another suitable power source.

[0090] Examples of an electrical function that the interactive function elements described herein can perform include emitting constant or blinking light, activating several lamps in a predetermined sequence, emitting audible sound such as beep, alarm, bell, siren, voice message, music, synthetic sound, natural or imitated sound simulating and stimulating play activities, providing visible output via a display, etc. Hence, examples of function devices include a light source such as a lamp or LED, a sound generator, a motor, a hinged part, a rotatable shaft, a linear actuator, a display, or the like. A toy construction set, for example a toy construction set, may comprise several of such interactive function elements providing different functions.

[0091] The tag reader may be an RFID / NFC reader or any other circuitry for reading data from a tag element 105, for example when the tag element is attached to interactive function element 103, or is otherwise positioned in sufficient proximity of one or more tag reader interfaces 104a-d. The tag reader is configured to read the data in a contactless manner, e.g. via inductive and / or capacitive data exchange.

[0092] In the example of FIG. 4, the tag reader interfaces 104a-d are shown proximate to the sides of the interactive function element and the interactive function element is configured to read data using a tag reader interface, when the tag element to be read is positioned in proximity to the same side as the interface. Such a configuration of reader interfaces is advantageous for an interactive function element, which is configured to detect the position of a tag element relative to the interactive function element. Additionally, a tag interface may be able to read data from a tag element that is positioned in proximity to a different side than tag interface. The interactive function element may be configured to determine the relative position of the tag element based on readings from multiple tag reader interfaces.

[0093] Each uniform connection location comprises a tag element, and in addition a toy construction model may have tag elements attached elsewhere to it to provide additional functionality. Thus, an interactive function element may detect a tag element at a relative position, which the interactive function element can determine is not the position of a uniform connection location to which the interactive function element is connected; For example, because the interactive function element and the uniform connection location are both configured such that a tag element that is part of a uniform connection location to which the interactive function element is attached must be in one of a limited number of relative positions with respect to the interactive function element. 1

[0094] Therefore, based on the detected position the interactive function element may determine whether a tag element is comprised in a uniform connection location to which the interactive function element is attached or whether the detected tag element is a tag element which is not part of a uniform connection location to which the interactive function element is attached. In other embodiments, tag reader interfaces may be located at different positions. In a preferred configuration, the interactive function element comprises a plurality of tag reader interfaces, which are distributed within the interactive function element. For example, the interactive function element may comprise one or more electromagnetic coil configured as tag reader interfaces.

[0095] The control circuit 112 can control operation of the function device 107 responsive to the data received from the tag element 105. Alternatively or additionally, the control circuit may enter respective operational modes responsive to the data received from the tag element.

[0096] In the example of FIG. 4, the sensor 125 may a light sensor, e.g. including a lightsensitive diode. Other examples of a sensor include a microphone, an accelerometer, a gyro, a linear or rotation encoder, a proximity sensor, and / or the like. The control circuit 112 may thus be operable to control the behaviour of the interactive function element 103 responsive to input sensed by the senor. For example, if the interactive function element comprises a motor, the control circuit may control the speed of the motor responsive to the sensed light intensity by the light sensor 125. The specific behaviour of the interactive function element, i.e. the specific way of reacting to different sensor inputs, may be configured by the received configuration data, i.e. the configuration data may be indicative of how the interactive function element reacts to respective sensor inputs, and / or the specific behaviour of the interactive function element may be configured by the detection of the position and / or orientation of the tag element 105. It will be appreciated that the behaviour of the interactive function element may be determined by other conditions in addition to the configuration data and the relative position and / or orientation of the tag element, e.g. by the number, identity, relative position / orientation of other interactive function elements in the vicinity, e.g. within the same or in a different toy construction model, as the interactive function element. FIG. 5 shows a schematic block diagram of an example of a tag element. The tag element 105 comprises a housing having coupling members 110, which are pegreceiving recesses, for detachably attaching the tag element 105 to other toy construction elements of the toy construction set, e.g. as part of a uniform connection location or to an attachment location of an interactive function element. It will be appreciated that while the tag element shown in FIG. 5 has two coupling members, a tag element may have a single coupling member or more than two coupling members. For example, the tag element may be compatible with and of a similar general shape as the toy construction elements shown in FIGS. 1-3. The tag element further comprises a memory 109 for storing data, such as configuration data. The stored data may simply be an identifier representing a particular model behaviour. Alternatively, or additionally, the stored data may include additional information, e.g. information encoding sound data, a light sequence, a motion sequence, etc. The tag element further comprises a data exchange interface 106, such as an antenna, a capacitive interface, an inductive interface and / or the like operable to allow a tag reader to read out the stored data from the memory in a contactless manner. The parts comprising the tag element 105 and comprised in the tag element are not necessarily shown to scale.

[0097] FIGS. 6 and 7 each shows an example of a tag element attached to an interactive function element. The interactive function element may be an interactive function element as shown in fig. 4 and the tag element may be a tag element as shown in fig. 5. FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate ways in which a tag element may be attached to an interactive function element.

[0098] The interactive function element 103 and tag elements 105 can be selectively assembled with each other in different positions and / or orientations of the tag element relative to the interactive function element, such that the relative position and / or orientation of the tag element(s) is different in each of the assemblies. In FIG. 6 a tag element 105 is attached to a side, which may be considered a top side, of the interactive function element 103 by coupling of coupling pegs 108 comprised in the interactive function element and peg-receiving recesses 110 comprised in the first tag element. In the toy assembly of FIG. 7, the tag element 105 is attached to the interactive function element by being wedged between the two coupling pegs 108 on the interactive function element.

[0099] FIGS. 8-10 each show an embodiment of a uniform connection location as disclosed herein. The embodiments are examples of how a uniform connection location 132 may be actualised. Each uniform connection location 132 comprises a uniform connection element 134 and a tag element 105.

[0100] The examples in figs. 8-10 show embodiments of uniform connection locations with differently shaped uniform connection elements in each example and where the spatial configuration of the uniform connection element 134 and tag element 105 relative to each other also varies. A toy construction set, however, provides a plurality of uniform connection locations, wherein the uniform spatial configurations and the uniform connection elements are uniform across the plurality of uniform connection locations.

[0101] Fig. 8 shows a uniform connection location 132 comprised of a tag element 105 and a uniform connection element 134 that are similar in size and shape. The tag element and uniform connection element have a generally flat shape, where two of the dimensions are significantly larger than the third dimension. The tag element and uniform connection element each have a top side 138, 142 and a bottom side 140, 144, which are opposing sides formed by the larger dimensions. The bottom sides 140, 144 of the tag element 105 and uniform connection element 134 are configured for engagement with one or more other toy construction elements (not shown) in the plurality of a toy construction set, for example by the bottom sides 140, 144 having one or more coupling members configured for engagement with one or more respective coupling members of the other toy construction elements, e.g. by way of frictional engagement.

[0102] The top tag side 142 has visual information in the form of a tag icon 136 depicting a vehicle, specifically a tractor. The uniform connection element 134 has two coupling members 108 extending from the top connector side 138. The coupling members 108 are configured for engagement with the interactive function element 103. By having two coupling members 108 for coupling with the interactive function element 103 and by configuring a stronger attachment, e.g. stronger clamping force, between a uniform connection element 134 and the rest of the toy construction model, the risk of detachment of the uniform connection element from the model when detaching an interactive function element 103 from it is reduced.

[0103] The tag element 105 and uniform connection element 134 are positioned adjacent to each other to form the uniform connection location 132, which assists the user, such as a child, in performing the task of placement of the advanced interactive function element 103 within a toy construction model.

[0104] An interactive function element 103 resembling in shape a toy construction brick, e.g. as the one shown in FIG. 2, can be attached to the coupling pegs extending from the uniform connection location 132, as illustrated by the movement indicated by the curved dashed arrow. Following attachment, as shown on the right side of fig. 8, the interactive function element 103 can read the information stored in the tag element 105 comprised in the uniform connection location and control its behaviour based on the information. For example, the behaviour may include a user-perceptible output 111, e.g. a sound, light, haptic, etc., generated by a function device comprised in the interactive function element 103. As the tag icon 136 depicts a tractor, the behaviour may e.g. be making a sound resembling a tractor vehicle.

[0105] Fig. 9 shows a uniform connection location 132 with a tag element 105 that may be a tag element 105 as that described in connection with fig. 8. Except where otherwise remarked on the uniform connection elements 134 may also be similar to the one described in connection with fig. 8.

[0106] The uniform connection location 132 comprises two identical uniform connection elements 134, which are positioned adjacent to the tag element 105 and on either of opposing sides of it. The uniform connection elements 134 each comprise a single coupling member 108, a coupling peg, such that attachment of an interactive function element is actualised at both ends of the uniform connection location 132. The uniform connection elements 134 are half as wide as those shown in fig. 8 to form a uniform connection location 132 of the same size as that shown in fig. 8.

[0107] Fig. 10 shows a uniform connection location 132 with a tag element 105 that may be a tag element 105 as that described in connection with fig. 8. Except where otherwise remarked on the uniform connection elements 134 may also be similar to the one described in connection with fig. 8.

[0108] The uniform connection location 132 comprises a uniform connection element 134, which is configured such that the tag element 105 can be attached to it and such that the uniform connection location is attached to the rest of the toy construction model only via attachment between the uniform connection element 134 and the other toy construction elements of the model. This type of uniform connection location 132 may consist of no further elements besides the uniform connection element 134 and a tag element 105.

[0109] The uniform connection element 134 has four coupling members 108 for attachment of an interactive connection element such as the one shown in fig. 8, whereas the uniform connection elements in figs. 8 and 9 had two and four coupling members, respectively. As the uniform connection element 134 of fig. 10 has more area on its bottom side 140 for coupling engagement with the rest of the model, a larger number of coupling members 108 on the top connector side 138 may still allow for detachment of an interactive function element 103 with a reduced risk of detachment of the uniform connection element 134 from the rest of the model.

[0110] Fig. 11 shows a toy construction model 160 with a first part-model 150 and second part-model 152. The toy construction model comprises toy construction elements from a toy construction set, such as complementary toy elements, which may be passive elements as described herein.

[0111] The second part-model 152 is movably attached to the first part-model 150 via suspension cordage 156, which may be chains, wire, rope, or other, extending between the first and second part-model and suspending the second part-model from the first part-model and allowing the second part-model to move independently of the first part-model to some degree.

[0112] The second part-model 152 comprises a uniform connection location 132 to which is attached an interactive function element 103. The attachment of the interactive function element 103 to the uniform connection location 132 may be done via coupling members, such as e.g. pegs and peg-receiving recesses as described herein or other. The interactive function element 103 comprises a sensor (not shown), which is configured to detect movement of the interactive function element 103. This allows the interactive function element 103 to detect movement of the second part-model 152 while the interactive function element is attached to the uniform connection location 132. The tag element comprised in the uniform connection location 132 may provide the interactive function element 103 with information on which the interactive function element may base its interpretation of any detected movement.

[0113] For example, the second part-model may be able to move in a swinging motion due to the suspension of the second part-model from the first part-model via the suspension cordage 156. Additionally, the first part-model comprises a first movable part 154 in the form of a lever and a second movable part 154’ in the form of a rod. The lever 154 may be moved up and down as indicated by the dashed double arrow A. When the lever 154 is moved, for example by a user of the toy construction set, the rod 154’ moves up or down as indicated by the dashed double arrow B. The rod 154’ is able to strike the second part-model and cause movement that is detectable by the sensor in the interactive function element 103.

[0114] Additionally, or alternatively, a tag element may be attached to the rod 154’ and the movement of the lever may bring the tag element attached to the rod 154’ closer to or further from the interactive function element 103. Thus, such a tag element attached to the rod 154’ may be readable by the interactive function element 103 e.g. when the lever 154 has been pushed down and un-readable by the interactive function element 103 when the lever 154 is in an upper position, or vice versa.

[0115] The interactive function element 103 may be configured to distinguish movement caused by the second movable part 154’ striking the second part-model 152 and a swinging motion of the second part-model 152. The interactive function element 103 is configured to detect any tag element in the toy construction set and may further be able to distinguish between a tag element that is comprised in a uniform connection location 132 and one that is not. Further, the interactive function element 103 is configured to control its own behaviour based on any detected tag elements and may be further configured to control its behaviour based on detected movement. The interactive function element 103 may be configured to determine if a detected tag element is in a position relative to the interactive function element 103, which indicates that the detected tag element is comprised in a uniform connection location. Thus, having uniform connection locations may further aid the interactive function element 103 in determining how to behave based on the input provided to it from one or more tag elements, as the interactive function element 103 may control its behaviour based on whether a detected tag element is comprised in a uniform connection location 132 or not.

[0116] Fig. 12 shows a toy construction model 160 with a first part-model 150 and second part-model 152. The toy construction model 160 comprises toy construction elements from a toy construction set, such as complementary toy elements, which may be passive elements as described herein.

[0117] The second part-model 152 is movably attached to the first part-model 150 and the second part-model 152 may be moved by a user interacting with various parts of the second part-model, such as by the user’s hand 158 pressing on a movable part 154.

[0118] The second part-model 152 comprises a uniform connection location with a tag element 105 and a uniform connection element 134. An interactive function element 103 attached to the uniform connection element 134 of the uniform connection location comprises a sensor configured to detect movement of the interactive function element 103. When the user interacts with the second partmodel 152 thereby causing the second part-model to move, the movement is detected by the interactive function element attached to the uniform connection location.

[0119] The tag element comprised in the uniform connection location 132 provides the interactive function element 103 with information on which the interactive function element can base its interpretation of the detected movement, which may differ e.g. depending on where and how the user interacts with the second part-model 152.

[0120] Figs. 13A and 13B show a part-model 150 of a toy construction model, where the part-model has a movable part 154. The movable part of the part-model 150 is made of passive elements 114 from the toy construction set and comprises two movable arms 154, which move together on a hinge or joint such that the arms can move between the upright position shown in fig. 13A and the drooped position shown in fig. 13B.

[0121] In front of the movable arms 154 is a uniform connection location comprising a tag element 105 and a uniform connection element 134 with an interactive function element 103 attached to the uniform connection location by attachment to the uniform connection element 134. When the movable arms 154 are in the drooped position the interactive function element 103 sits in-between the two arms as shown in fig. 13B.

[0122] The interactive function element 103 comprises a light-sensitive sensor, which is configured to detect colour and / or intensity of light via one or more sensor windows, for example via a sensor window 126 at one end of the elongate interactive function element as shown in fig. 13A. When the movable arms 154 are in their drooped position, the sensor window 126 of the light-sensitive sensor is covered and the sensor may detect either a lower intensity of light and / or the colour of the side of the movable part 150 that is facing the sensor window 126.

[0123] The interactive function element 103 can then control its behaviour based on the detected interaction with the sensor 125, i.e. based on the change in light intensity and / or on the detected colour.

[0124] If the interactive function element 103 has a single sensor window for the lightsensitive sensor 125, having two movable arms 154 instead of a single movable arm makes it easier for a user, particularly a child, to position the interactive function element 103 such that lowering the movable arms 154 will cover the sensor window, as the two arms 154 will cover both ends of the elongate interactive function element.

[0125] The interactive function element 103 may comprise a light-emitting function device and may cause the light-emitting function device to emit light in response to the detected interaction with the sensor 125. For example, the interactive function element may cause a light to be emitted, which is the same colour as a detected colour.

[0126] Fig. 14 shows a uniform connection location 132 to which an interactive function element 103 has been attached. The interactive function element 103 is configured to control its behavior, such as e.g. activation / deactivation of a function device comprised in the interactive function element 103, based on the tag element comprised in the uniform connection location 132 and on any other tag elements detected by the interactive function element 103.

[0127] Additionally shown is a tag position indicator element 146, which is configured to allow a tag element to be attached to it, for example via coupling members 108 as described herein. The tag position indicator 146 may have a visual or tactile indication, e.g. a colour, icon, surface texture, that a tag element attached at this position is readable by an interactive function element 103 when the interactive function element is attached to the uniform connection location 132 in closest proximity to the tag position indicator 146. The tag position indicator thus guides the user, in particular a child, to a suitable positioning of a tag element that the user wants the interactive function element 103 to read.

[0128] The uniform connection location 132 and tag position indicator element 146 shown in fig. 14 may be part of a toy construction set and used in the construction of a toy construction model.

[0129] Fig. 15 shows a toy construction set 162 with which has been constructed a first toy construction model 160 and a second toy construction model 160’. Each of the first and second toy construction models 160, 160’ has a uniform connection location 132, 132’ comprising a uniform connection element 134, 134’ and a tag element 105, 105’.

[0130] The first toy construction model 160 represents a house, and has been constructed from complementary elements 114, of which only a few have been referenced in fig. 15, a first tag element 105 and a first uniform connection element 134.

[0131] The second toy construction model 160’ represents a truck, and has been constructed from complementary elements 114’, of which only a few have been referenced in fig. 15, a second tag element 105’ and a second uniform connection element 134’.

[0132] The toy construction set 162 further comprises an interactive function element

[0133] 103 with a tag reader configured such that the interactive function element can detect any of the first and second tag elements 105, 105’, when the tag element is within a proximity of the tag reader.

[0134] When the interactive function element is attached at a uniform connection location, the tag element comprised in the uniform connection location is read and the interactive function element behaves according to the read information. For example, the first tag element 105 has a visual indication on it, which depicts a house and the tag element comprises information related to a house. When the first tag element 105 is read by the interactive function element the information from the first tag element 105 is used by the interactive function element 103 to determine a behaviour of the interactive function element, where the behaviour relates to a house. Similarly, the second tag element 105’ has a visual indication on top of it, which depicts a truck, and the second tag element also comprises information that can be read by an interactive function element 103. When the information from the second tag element 105’ is read by the interactive function element 103, the interactive function element will base its behaviour on this and behave in a manner that relates to a truck.

[0135] The behaviour of the interactive function element may be a user-perceptible output such as sound, light, haptics, etc. For example, when the interactive function element is attached to the first uniform connection location 132, it may e.g. produce the sound of people talking, or, if the house is a dog house, the sound of a barking dog. When attached to the second uniform connection location 132’ with the second tag element 105’, the interactive function element 103 may e.g. make sounds, lights, and / or haptics related to a truck.

[0136] Further, the interactive function element 103 may comprise a sensor configured to detect movement such that the interactive function element can detect movement of the truck 160’, while attached to it, and make truck noises that are appropriate to the detected movement.

[0137] Importantly, the first and second uniform connection locations 132, 132’ are uniform across the different toy construction models 160, 160’, which means that a user, such as a child, can easily find the uniform connection location within a model. Thus, the first and second uniform connection locations 132, 132’ guides the user, in particular a child, to a suitable positioning of the interactive function element 103 within the multiple toy construction models 160, 160’.

[0138] LIST OF REFERENCES

[0139] 101 toy construction set

[0140] 103 interactive function element

[0141] 104 tag reader interface

[0142] 105 tag element

[0143] 106 data exchange interface

[0144] 107 function device

[0145] 108, 110 coupling members

[0146] 109 tag memory

[0147] 111 user-perceptible output

[0148] 112 control circuit

[0149] 113 battery

[0150] 114 passive element

[0151] 115 tag reader circuit

[0152] 120 attachment location

[0153] 125 sensor

[0154] 126 sensor window

[0155] 130 communications interface

[0156] 132 uniform connection location

[0157] 134 uniform connection element

[0158] 136 tag icon

[0159] 138 top connector side

[0160] 140 bottom connector side

[0161] 142 top tag side

[0162] 144 bottom tag side

[0163] 146 tag position indicator element

[0164] 150 first part-model

[0165] 152 second part-model

[0166] 154 movable part

[0167] 156 suspension cordage

[0168] 158 user’s hand

[0169] 160 toy construction model

[0170] 162 toy construction set

Claims

CLAIMS1. A toy construction set (101) comprising a plurality of toy construction elements configured for selective assembly with each other to form a plurality of toy construction models, each toy construction model comprising a subset of the plurality of toy construction elements, and the toy construction set allowing for two or more of the toy construction models being assembled at the same time, the plurality of toy construction elements comprising: an interactive function element comprising a tag reader configured to transmit a first signal and a function device adapted to perform a user- perceptible function, a plurality of tag elements, each tag element comprising a data exchange interface configured to receive the first signal from the tag reader and in response transmit a second signal, a plurality of uniform connection elements, and a plurality of complementary construction elements, the tag reader being configured to receive the second signal, the interactive function element being configured to: detect one or more of the tag elements comprised in the plurality of tag elements, and control its own behaviour based on the detected one or more tag elements, where the interactive function element being configured for being selectively connectable to each of the toy construction models at a uniform connection location, the toy construction set being configured to provide a plurality of uniform connection locations, wherein each toy construction model of the plurality of toy construction models comprises at least one uniform connection location and one or more of said complementary construction elements, each uniform connection location comprising a tag element and one or more uniform connection elements positioned in a uniform spatial configuration relative to each other as part of a toy construction model, the uniform spatialconfigurations and the uniform connection elements being uniform across said plurality of uniform connection locations, each uniform connection location being further configured to allow the interactive function element to be attached to the one or more uniform connection elements, and each uniform connection location being further configured to allow the interactive function element to read the tag element comprised in the uniform connection location when the interactive function element is attached to the uniform connection location.

2. A toy construction set (101) according to claim 1, wherein the uniform connection locations have a uniform shape and / or size and are configured to provide a uniform coupling interface for attachment of the interactive toy construction element.

3. A toy construction set (101) according to any of the previous claims, wherein each uniform connection location is further configured to selectively receive the interactive toy construction element without otherwise deconstructing the toy construction model, which it is part of.

4. A toy construction set (101) according to any of the previous claims, wherein each uniform connection location is further configured to have a coupling engagement with the interactive toy construction element that is weaker than the coupling engagement with the remainder of the toy construction model.

5. A toy construction set (101) according to any of the previous claims, wherein each tag element has a flat shape, and where each tag element comprises a first tag side and a second tag side, the first and second tag sides being opposing sides, the first tag side comprising visual and / or tactile information, the second tag side comprising one or more coupling members configured for engagement with a respective coupling member of another toy construction element in the plurality of toy construction elements.

6. A toy construction set (101) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the tag element (105) further comprises a memory (109) configured for storing configuration data, which may be transmitted by the tag element to the interactive function element via the second signal.

7. A toy construction set (101) according to any of the previous claims, wherein each toy construction model represents a respective real world or fantasy world object, and wherein each of the plurality of tag elements comprises data indicative of a respective one of the represented real world or fantasy world objects.

8. A toy construction set (101) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the interactive function element controlling its own behaviour comprises controlling the function device (107) of the interactive function element responsive to the determined behaviour.

9. A toy construction set (101) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the interactive function element (103) further comprises one or more sensors (125) each configured to detect a property of the interactive function element and / or a property of an environment of the interactive function element, and wherein the interactive function element is configured to control its own behaviour further based on the detected property.

10. A toy construction set according to claim 9, wherein the one or more sensors (125) comprises an accelerometer and / or a light sensor and / or a pressure sensor and / or a thermometer and / or a microphone.

11. A toy construction set (101 ) according to any of claims 9 to 10, wherein the detected property comprises one or more of: movement of the interactive function element (103), light, pressure, temperature, sound, or wherein the detected property comprises a change in a previously detected property.

12. A toy construction set (101) according to any of the previous claims, wherein at least one of the toy construction models in the plurality of toyconstruction models comprises a first part-model and a second part-model, wherein the second part-model is movably attached to the first part-model, and wherein the second part-model comprises a uniform connection location.

13. A toy construction set (101) according to claim 12, wherein the interactive function element (103) further comprises a sensor (125) configured to detect movement of the second part-model when the interactive function element is attached to the uniform connection location.

14. A toy construction set (101) according to any of the previous claims, wherein at least one of the toy construction models in the plurality of toy construction models comprises a part-model with one or more movable parts, wherein at least one of the movable parts of the part-model is configured to interact with the interactive function element when the interactive function element is attached to a uniform connection location.

15. A toy construction set (101) according to claim 14, wherein the interaction comprises interacting with a sensor and / or with the tag reader comprised in the interactive function element.

16. A toy construction set (101) according to any of claims 14 to 15, wherein the interactive function element is configured to control its own behaviour further based on a detected interaction with the sensor.

17. A toy construction set (101) according to any of the previous claims, wherein at least one of the toy construction models in the plurality of toy construction models comprises one or more tag position indicator elements, each tag position indicator element being configured to allow tag element to be attached to the tag position indicator element, and each tag position indicator comprising an indication, such as a visual or tactile indication, that a tag element attached at this position is readable by the interactive function element when the interactive function element is attached to the uniform connection location in closest proximity to the tag position indicator.

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