Maintenance of a chargeable electronic device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system (100) comprising: a charging device (20) defining a charging zone (22), and an electronic device (10), the electronic device (10) comprising a rechargeable power source (12) and a charging circuit (11) for contactless receipt of electrical energy and for charging the rechargeable power source (12) when the electronic device (10) is positioned in the charging zone (22) of the charging device (20), wherein the system (100) is configured to initiate and / or allow a maintenance action, selected from a predetermined group of maintenance actions, for the electronic device (10) in response to the electronic device (10) being positioned in the charging zone (22).

Description

[0001] Maintenance of a chargeable electronic device

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates in one aspect to maintenance, in particular troubleshooting and / or firmware related maintenance, of an electronic device comprising a rechargeable power source. In a particular aspect, the electronic device is an interactive toy such as a modular interactive toy element. In a further aspect, the invention relates to a system comprising a charging device and one or more electronic devices, each electronic device comprising a rechargeable power source. In a yet further aspect, the invention relates to a method of initiating or allowing maintenance of an electronic device comprising a rechargeable power source.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Rechargeable electronic devices are used for a variety of applications. One example of electronic devices are interactive toys.

[0006] In many situations, e.g. in the context of providing interactive play involving interactive toys, it is desirable to provide a maintenance process that is simple and intuitive even for untrained users. It is also desirable to provide a maintenance process in the form of a firmware update process (and / or checking for availability of such) and / or a troubleshooting process that is simple and intuitive even for untrained users.

[0007] It is also desirable to provide a maintenance process that is as ‘screen-less’ as possible, in particular when the rechargeable electronic devices are (also to be) used by relatively young users.

[0008] Interactive toys allow for an enhanced play experience for a user of the toy, typically by performing a user-perceptible function in response to a user interaction. Modular interactive toy elements may bring such an enhanced play experience to a new level, allowing for combining the modular interactive toy elements with each other to construct a larger variety and complexity of user-perceptible functions performed by such a combination, amongst others. To support freedom and flexibility of interactive play, in particular when using modular interactive toy elements, each of the interactive toy elements may be provided with an autonomous power source, including an electrical energy storage device, such as a rechargeable battery. Furthermore, contactless charging for recharging the electrical energy storage device is a convenient technology in this context, as it is easy to use for the user, and avoids the need for wired connections between a charger and the electronic device to be charged.

[0009] One challenge in this context is supplying or supporting a maintenance process of interactive toy elements, if issues arises or is expect to arise, in a manner, which is safe, efficient, user-friendly, reliable and durable, in particular in view of a use by children of all ages, and where the toy has to be easy and intuitive to use, to build, and to play with.

[0010] Modular interactive toys including a rechargeable energy storage device have previously been disclosed, e.g. International patent application no. PCT / EP2019 / 084779, which is hereby incorporated by reference. Furthermore, for example, a contactless energy transfer system for transferring electrical power to one or more electronically enhanced toy construction elements or other electronic devices is disclosed in International patent application no. PCT / EP2019 / 084808, which is hereby incorporated by reference. The same patent application further discloses a wireless inductive charging toy comprising a transmitting induction coil or loop creating an alternating magnetic field, and a toy body, wherein the toy body comprises a rechargeable battery, an electrical load, and an inductive charging circuitry comprising a receiving induction coil for converting the alternating magnetic field into electric current for charging the rechargeable battery.

[0011] WO 2010 / 059884 A1 discloses an inductively powered toy vehicle and an associated track with inductive charging segment. The vehicle may include a secondary coil, a drive motor, an electrical energy storage device connected between said secondary coil and said drive motor, and a wireless communications unit. The charging segment may include a primary coil operable to transfer electrical power to the secondary coil when the vehicle traverses the charging segment. The vehicle drive motor may be operable at first and second speed settings, and a remote control device can provide operating instructions to the vehicle wireless communications unit. In one embodiment, the speed settings of the vehicle may be controlled automatically instead of interactively, based on a detected signal associated with a portion of a track, for example, an inductively powered track segment.

[0012] Despite previous efforts, it is still desirable to supply or support a maintenance process of electronic devices that is easy-to-use, flexible yet efficient. In particular, it is desirable to provide such a maintenance process that can cope with systems of multiple electronic devices. It is further desirable to provide a maintenance process that is easy to perform even for untrained users, in particular children of varying ages.

[0013] SUMMARY

[0014] One object of the present invention is to overcome at least some of the above-mentioned and / or other disadvantages (at least to an extent), or at least to provide an alternative to existing solutions.

[0015] According to one aspect, disclosed herein are embodiments of a system according to independent claim 1 with advantageous embodiments as defined by the dependent claims and disclosed herein. A particular aspect relates to embodiments where the electronic device is an interactive toy, such as an interactive modular toy element, which may be releasably connected with further modular toy elements to construct models with interactive functionality, or to enhance toy models constructed from conventional modular toy elements with interactive functionality. Further aspects relate to a charging device and embodiments thereof as disclosed herein. Yet further aspects relate to an electrical device and embodiments thereof as disclosed herein.

[0016] According to the above aspect, disclosed herein are embodiments of a system including a charging device and one or more electronic devices as disclosed herein.

[0017] More specifically, the system comprises a (contactless) charging device defining a charging zone (or defining one or more charging zones), and an electronic device where the electronic device comprises a rechargeable power source and a charging circuit for contactless receipt of electrical energy and for charging the rechargeable power source when the electronic device is positioned in the charging zone (or in at least one of the charging zones in case of more than one) of the charging device. The system is configured to initiate and / or allow a maintenance action (or a series of maintenance actions), selected from a predetermined group of maintenance actions, for the electronic device in response to the electronic device being positioned in the charging zone (or in at least one of the charging zones in case of more than one). It is to be understood that in the present context, the maintenance actions are different than charging the electronic device or any action related to charging the electronic device. Accordingly, the maintenance actions as disclosed herein are not and does not involve charging or any charging related actions of or for the electronic device, i.e. the maintenance actions are non-charging or non-charging related actions.

[0018] In this way, it is enabled that maintenance for the electronic device takes place only (or at least naturally / more naturally) when an electronic device is brought near the charging device or more specifically being positioned in the charging zone. This readily provides a clear and intuitive distinction between a use or play space and maintenance space (as defined by or related to the charging zone), which is intuitive and easy to learn and understand even for untrained users, young children, etc. The maintenance space will be when the electronic device is positioned in the charging zone (even if the maintenance actions are not related to charging) while the use / play space is when the electronic device is positioned out of the charging zone. The charging device accordingly act as a physically based trigger, gate, or condition transitioning the (operational state of the) electronic device from normal use / play to non-use / non-play and more specifically to maintenance (not related to charging). In other words, charging device doubles in function since it’s charging zone act both as a space or zone for charging the electronic device and (separately) as a maintenance space or zone for maintenance actions not related to charging of the electronic device. This intuitively and physically separates between modes of operations of the electrical device, i.e. between play / use (out of the charging zone) and maintenance (and also but separately charging) (in the charging zone). The system may automatically or semi-automatically initiate one or more maintenance actions in response to the electrical device being positioned in the charging zone. The system may - in addition or alternatively - allow one or more maintenance actions in response to the electrical device being positioned in the charging zone that is otherwise disallowed or disabled when the electrical device is positioned outside the charging zone. With respect to initiating and / or allowing one or more maintenance actions, it is to be understood that the system can initiate one / some while allowing other. Allowing can be seen as enabling them.

[0019] This also ensures that normal use or play of or with the electrical device is not disrupted, halted, or otherwise diminished by maintenance actions, tasks, checks, etc. when the electronic device is operating when not being positioned in the charging zone.

[0020] Preferably and optimally, the charging zone is three-dimensional but may alternatively, the charging zone is only two-dimensional. That the charging zone is three- dimensional allows for maintenance of (and of course also, but separately, charging of) an electronic device even if part of a constructional model that may have the electronic device ‘everywhere’, i.e. this then does not require that the electronic device is put directly on a surface of the charging device. Furthermore, maintenance of (and charging of) an electronic device being part of a constructional model is provided while the electrical device is incorporated as part of the model and without the need for disassembling the electrical device from the model.

[0021] The charging zone may (and preferably is) defined as a (preferably three dimensional) zone where a strength of a charging field of the charging device is above a predetermined threshold and / or as a zone within which complete charging of the electronic devices of a system can be performed within a predetermined period of time. The extent of the charging zone may be the same for all electronic devices of the system or it may be slightly device-dependent. The threshold may be determined as a threshold defining a limit where the charging field is too weak to allow the electronic device to be fully charged within a useful time frame. The time frame may depend on the application. In one embodiment, the threshold is set such that complete charging anywhere within the charging zone is possible within e.g. 10 h and would at least take more than 10 h outside the charging zone. It will be appreciated that another limit may be set depending on the desired user experience. The dimensions of the charging zone may depend i.a. on the dimensions of conductive loops or similar of the charging device in relation to conductive coils or similar of the receiving electronic device. The charging zone may be dynamic and e.g. change, e.g. shape and / or extent, due to the presence (and / or location) of the one or more electronic devices within it. For example, adding and / or removing electronic device(s) may (and typically will) change the charging field and thereby the charging zone.

[0022] In some embodiments, the system is configured to initiate and / or allow the maintenance action in response to electronic device being positioned in the charging zone for at least a predetermined amount of time (e.g. 5, 10, or 20 seconds or less). This readily allows for disregarding ‘accidental’ events where the electronic device for example ‘briefly’ enters the charging zone, e.g. due to being played with or otherwise used. The predetermined amount of time can be specific for the respective maintenance actions so that some requires more time before being initiated or allowed.

[0023] In some embodiments, the system, the charging device, and / or the electronic device is / are configured to prevent the execution (e.g. including initiation) of any maintenance action while the electronic device is positioned outside the charging zone (even if the electronic device otherwise would be capable of such). In this way, it is not even possible for an electronic device to (substantially) carry out maintenance actions outside the charging zone and these can only be carried out inside the charging zone (i.e. it is enabled that maintenance takes place only (rather than taking place at least naturally) when an electronic device is positioned in the charging zone rather). This will save resources like battery power and prevent a user from being interrupted in their use of the electronic device due to maintenance related events or actions enabling a greater immersion in the use. It is to be understood that (at least in some embodiments), presenting or providing information about a maintenance action (such as presenting or indicating that an error or similar has occurred or is expected to occur) is not considered a maintenance action in the present context and often (at least in some embodiments) will take place when the electronic device is located outside the charging zone, i.e. is being used or played with. However, a maintenance action (in such embodiments) dealing with the error or similar is prevented (until the electronic device is brought within the charging zone as disclosed herein). In alternative embodiments and depending on use, a specific subset of maintenance actions may still be allowed to be carried out when the electronic device is outside the charging zone, but these should be limited to very critical ones (if allowed at all).

[0024] In some embodiments, the electronic device is configured to change

[0025] - from a first state (or a first mode of operation), e.g. or preferably an interactive use state (e.g. a play state), to a second state (or second mode of operation) being a maintenance state, when the electronic device enters into the charging zone of the charging device, and / or

[0026] - from the second state (or second mode of operation) being a maintenance state, to the first state (or first mode of operation), e.g. or preferably an interactive use state, when the electronic device exits the charging zone of the charging device.

[0027] In this way, the electronic device more substantially changes working state depending on whether it is positioned in the charging zone or not. The maintenance state is e.g. or preferably in addition to be (simultaneously or overlappingly) put in a charging state, at least if the maintenance in question does not hinder it or make it problematic. It is noted that the first state (or first mode of operation) e.g. or preferably being an interactive use or play state, does not necessarily require that the electronic device actually is used or played with, rather that it is possible to do so. The electronic device may for example (at least in some embodiments) still enter one or more sleeping state(s) in the first state (or first mode of operation) to conserve power, etc.

[0028] In some embodiments, the first state is a use-state or more particularly a play-state or play-mode.

[0029] In some embodiments, the electronic device is configured to execute or participate in the selected maintenance action only when in the second state.

[0030] In some embodiments, a number of functions and / or actions (e.g. all or a subset thereof) associated with use or play outside the charging zone, i.e. a number of functions and / or actions e.g. associated with the first state (for such embodiments), may still be carried out when the electronic device is positioned in the charging zone while maintenance actions may still be prevented outside the charging zone. In alternative embodiments, a number of functions and / or actions (e.g. all or a subset thereof or even none) associated with use or play outside the charging zone, i.e. a number of functions and / or actions e.g. associated with the first state (for such embodiments), is prevented from being carried out when the electronic device is positioned in the charging zone.

[0031] In some embodiments, the predetermined group of maintenance actions comprises

[0032] - at least one troubleshooting action, and / or

[0033] - at least one firmware action, and / or

[0034] - establishing a wireless communication connection with an external mobile device, the external mobile device e.g. or preferably comprising a display, wherein the wireless communication connection is established o directly between the external mobile device and the electronic device, or o indirectly between the external mobile device and the electronic device via the charging device (e.g. via a wireless communications interface or circuit arranged in the charging device).

[0035] In some embodiments, the charging device comprises a wireless communications interface or circuit for communicating with an external mobile device. In alternative embodiments, the charging device does not comprise a wireless communications interface or circuit for communicating with an external mobile device, which makes the charging device simpler and cheaper to manufacture. In some such embodiments (with no wireless communications interface or circuit in the charging unit), a wireless communication connection between the electronic device and the external mobile device may still be established using a wireless communications interface or circuit of the electronic device (then comprising such). In some embodiments, the electronic device is only allowed to connect externally, i.e. or e.g. with the external mobile device, when the electronic device is positioned in the charging zone, and prevented from connect externally when outside the charging zone.

[0036] An external mobile device may be configured to assist a user with maintenance, troubleshooting, device configuration (of the electronic device and / or the charging device), parental control, etc. This allows the maintenance (e.g. troubleshooting, firmware action, etc.) process to use the more extensive resources and capabilities of the external mobile device, in particular its display and user interface elements as well as other advantages as disclosed herein. It also enables that the complexity of the electronic device (and of the charging device) can be reduced or kept (relatively low as it for example can be kept screen-less and can have fewer and simpler user interface elements for input from the user. It is also a further advantage for electronic devices in the form of a modular toy element used with other modular toy elements to make a model, since the electronic device may be located in the model so that the electronic device is fully or partly hidden or obscured by other modular toy elements thereby making view of and access to its user interface elements hard or even impossible.

[0037] Furthermore, it is envisaged that the electronic device(s), at least in some embodiments and in particular in embodiments where the electronic device(s) is / are an interactive modular toy, will have a relatively small exterior making it hard to provide good or even adequate user interface elements for maintenance (and in particular for troubleshooting).

[0038] Such an external mobile device may e.g. comprise a display and a user interface and may for example be a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop, a PC, etc. comprising its own wireless communications interface or circuit for communicating with the charging device and / or at least one electronic device.

[0039] In relation to maintenance action(s) being related to a firmware update, it is an advantage that this (firmware) maintenance action is carried out while the electronic device is also being electrically charged since typical firmware update processes are relatively power demanding.

[0040] In some embodiments, the maintenance action is a firmware action and the system is configured to

[0041] - establish a wireless communication connection between the charging device and an external mobile device, - check, at or via the external mobile device, whether updated firmware data for the electronic device is available, and if available, o establish a wireless communication connection between the charging device and the electronic device, and provide the updated firmware data from the external mobile device to the electronic device via the charging device for installation in the electronic device, (e.g. after an integrity check or similar), or o establish a wireless communication connection between the electronic device (i.e. directly e.g. without being via the charging device) and external mobile device, and provide the updated firmware data from the external mobile device to the electronic device for installation in the electronic device (e.g. after an integrity check or similar).

[0042] This enables an efficient way of providing a firmware update for the electronic device where the charging device ‘bridges’ the communication (whereby the communications capabilities of the electronic device can be simpler) or alternatively where a direct connection (between the electronic device and the external mobile device) is facilitated. Both alternatives respectively reduces the required complexity for the charging device as it for instance do not need a memory or storage (at least for this purpose).

[0043] In some embodiments, the maintenance action is a firmware action and the system is configured to

[0044] - establish a wireless communication connection between the charging device and an external mobile device,

[0045] - check, at or via the external mobile device, whether updated firmware data for the electronic device is available where the check is carried out prior to or in response to the electronic device being positioned in the charging zone, and if available, o provide the updated firmware data from the external mobile device to a memory of the charging device, o and provide the updated firmware data, once fully stored in the memory of the charging device, to the electronic device, via an estab- lished wireless communication connection between the charging device and the electronic device, in response to the electronic device being positioned in the charging zone.

[0046] This enables an efficient way of providing a firmware update for the electronic device where the firmware data is stored in the charging device. This has the advantage that the firmware data can be provided to more than one electronic device even though it is downloaded only once.

[0047] In some embodiments, the maintenance action is a firmware action and the system is configured to

[0048] - check whether a firmware version of firmware data of the electronic device is newer than a firmware version of firmware data stored in a memory of the charging device, and if newer, o provide the firmware data of the of the electronic device to the charging device, via an established wireless communication connection between the charging device and the electronic device, for storage in the memory of the charging device thereby resulting in updated firmware data being stored in the memory of the charging device, and o in response to a further electronic device subsequently being positioned or already being positioned in the charging zone, checking whether a firmware version of the further electronic device is older than the firmware version of the updated firmware data stored in the memory of the charging device (i.e. then provided from / by another electronic device), and if older,

[0049] ■ provide the updated firmware data, from the memory of the charging device (20) to the further electronic device (10), via an established wireless communication connection between the charging device (20) and the further electronic device (10).

[0050] This enables an efficient way of providing a firmware update for an electronic device where the firmware data originates from another electronic device. An electronic device with updated firmware can accordingly have its updated firmware data ‘spread’ or ‘migrate’ to other electronic devices (if having an older firmware version) of the system when they later enter or is positioned in the charging zone of the charging device. This way also does not need any communication connections between the electronic device with any external mobile device or any other network connection in order to execute a firmware update.

[0051] In some embodiments, the maintenance action is a troubleshooting action, the electronic device has determined that a troubleshooting related condition involving the electronic device has arisen or is expected to arise, and the system is further configured to

[0052] - establish a wireless communication connection with an external mobile device, the external mobile device comprising a display and one or more user interface elements, wherein the wireless communication connection is established o directly between the external mobile device and the electronic device, or o indirectly between the external mobile device and the electronic device via the charging device, and

[0053] - enabling the external mobile device and / or a user using the display and the user interface element(s) of the external mobile device to conduct troubleshooting of the electronic device.

[0054] This allows for troubleshooting using more extensive resources and capabilities of the external mobile device, in particular its display and user interface elements. It also enables easy access to the most updated troubleshooting information and data as the external mobile device may and typically will be able to connect to the Internet or another network. The external mobile device can also exchange or retrieve information or data with the electronic device in order to obtain more information or data about the issue(s) and us that to look up or derive solutions or potential solutions and provide information to the user about this / these. This also enables that the complexity of the electronic device (and of the charging device) can be reduced or kept (relatively) low as it for example can be kept screen-less and can have fewer and simpler user interface elements for input from the user. In some embodiments, the system is configured to provide information or data from the electronic device directly or indirectly to the external mobile device, the information or data relating to one or more troubleshooting issues. This increases the data and information the external mobile device (or the system) has to derive possible solutions.

[0055] In some embodiments,

[0056] - the electronic device is configured to generate at least one user-perceptible output (e.g. via a simple light source comprising one or more LEDs) indicative of the electronic device being in a troubleshooting state or requiring troubleshooting, and / or

[0057] - the charging device is configured to generate at least one user-perceptible output (e.g. via a simple light source comprising one or more LEDs) indicative of the electronic device and / or the charging device being in a troubleshooting state or requiring troubleshooting.

[0058] This readily and intuitively prompts a user to position the electronic device in the charging zone to initiate a troubleshooting action. Furthermore, e.g. if the one or more user-perceptible output(s) are generated via a simple source like a light source comprising one or more LEDs or similar small-factor output generator, the footprint in this regard for the electronic device and / or the charging device may be kept simple and small.

[0059] In some embodiments, the electronic device is configured to generate at least one user-perceptible output (e.g. via a simple light source comprising one or more LEDs) indicative of the electronic device being in a maintenance state or requiring maintenance.

[0060] In some embodiments, the charging device is configured to generate at least one user-perceptible output (e.g. via a simple light source comprising one or more LEDs) indicative of the electronic device (and / or the charging device being in a maintenance state or requiring maintenance, In some embodiments, the electronic device is adapted for use in a toy construction system comprising a plurality of modular toy elements, wherein a housing of the electronic device comprises coupling members adapted for releasably coupling the electronic device with modular toy elements of the toy construction system.

[0061] Further, according to some embodiments of the electronic device, the electronic device is an interactive toy, in particular a modular toy element adapted for use in a toy construction system. The toy construction system may comprise a plurality of modular toy elements, wherein the toy housing of the interactive toy comprises coupling members adapted for releasably coupling the interactive toy with modular toy elements of the toy construction system. By providing the housing of the interactive toy with coupling members that are compatible with corresponding coupling members of the modular toy elements of a given toy construction set, the interactive toy becomes an interactive modular toy element, which can be releasably interconnected with the modular toy elements of such a given toy construction set. Using the toy construction set including one or more of such interactive modular toy elements, a toy construction model with interactive functionality can be constructed. As further detailed below, the plurality of modular toy elements of the toy construction system may comprise a plurality of interactive modular toy elements, which may be interconnected to construct a toy construction model combining the interactive functionalities of the individual interactive modular toy elements into a synergistically improved interactive functionality. Alternatively or in addition thereto, the toy construction system may include further, non-interactive modular toy elements, such as passive modular toy elements without any additional functionality beyond the ability to be releasable interconnected by means of coupling members. Adapting the interactive toy for use in a manner compatible with a given toy construction system thus facilitates a flexible, highly creative, and educating play experience.

[0062] When the coupling members are detachably interconnectable, the user may deconstruct previously built spatial structures and re-use the electronic devices so as to build new spatial structures. For example, the electronic devices may be connected to each other by traction / friction or by an interlocking connection. In some embodiments, the electronic device may be provided with a first and a second type of coupling members, such as coupling pegs and peg-receiving recesses for fric- tionally 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 modular toy element while another, complementary type of coupling members may be located on an opposite side, e.g. the bottom side, of the modular toy element. In some embodiments, the electronic devices include pegs extending from the top face of the electronic device and corresponding peg-receiving cavities extending into the bottom face of the electronic device for frictionally engaging the pegs by a suitable clamping force.

[0063] In some embodiments, the housing of an interactive modular toy element and / or of a charging device has a height (excluding the protruding coupling members) of between 3 mm and 10 mm, such as between 3.2 mm and 9.6 mm, such as 3.2 mm or 6.4 mm or 9.6 mm. The length and width of the housing of the interactive modular toy element may each be between 5 mm and 35 mm, such as between 8 mm and 32 mm, such as 8 mm, 16 mm, 24 mm or 32 mm. For example, the lateral dimensions may be 16 mm x 16 mm or 16 mm x 24 mm or 16 mm x 32 mm. It will be appreciated, however, that other dimensions may be selected.

[0064] A further aspect of the invention relates to an interactive toy system including one or more interactive toys according to any of the embodiments as disclosed herein. The system facilitates in an analogous manner efficient yet flexible charging in a user- friendly and intuitive manner. The system thus achieves at least the analogue advantages as discussed elsewhere herein and in particular with respect to embodiments of the electronic device.

[0065] According to one aspect, a system, in particular an interactive toy system comprises:

[0066] - a charging device defining one or more charging zones; and

[0067] - one or more electronic devices, in particular one or more interactive toys, according to any one of the embodiments disclosed herein. Embodiments of the system may comprise different types of electronic devices with respective function devices.

[0068] According to some embodiments, the system comprises at least two electronic devices, such as at least two interactive toys, wherein a first one of the electronic devices is configured to receive an interaction stimulus generated by a second one of the electronic devices, and to generate the user-perceptible output, which is indicative of the secondary signal, responsive to said interaction stimulus received from the second one of the electronic devices.

[0069] Further, according to some embodiments of the system, the interaction stimulus generated by the second one of the electronic devices further depends on the second electronic device being in its operational charging state, and on the second electronic device receiving an interaction stimulus, e.g. by a motion sensor of the second electronic device.

[0070] Further, according to some embodiments of the system, the interaction between first and second ones of the electronic devices further depends on the first and second ones of the electronic devices being in the same charging zone. For example, a stimulus provided to a first electronic device by a second electronic device may depend on whether the second electronic device is in a charging zone (and in an operational charging state), and whether the second electronic device is in the same charging zone as the first electronic device.

[0071] In some embodiments,

[0072] - the electronic device comprises a function device for performing at least one user-perceptible, controllable function, and / or

[0073] - the electronic device further comprises one or more sensor devices for determining at least one interaction stimulus, in particular a motion of the electronic device, e.g. wherein the one or more sensor devices are accommodated in or on a housing of the electronic device.

[0074] In some embodiments, the charging unit may charge the electronic device while maintenance is initiated, executed, and / or allowed. According to some embodiments, the electronic device comprises a housing and, accommodated in said housing:

[0075] - a function device for performing one or more user-perceptible, controllable functions;

[0076] - a rechargeable power source, in particular for providing operating power to at least the function device; and

[0077] - a charging circuit for contactless receipt of electrical energy and for charging the rechargeable power source when the electronic device is positioned in a charging zone of a contactless charging device, in particular a charging device defining a charging zone shaped and sized to accommodate multiple electronic devices at respective user-selectable positions within the charging zone.

[0078] In some embodiments, the electronic device comprises a function device, typically an electronic function device. A function device may be any suitable device for performing one or more functions, including at least a function that provides a user-perceptible output, such as a visible, audible, and / or tactile output. The one or more functions may be controlled, typically in response to a control signal applied to the function device, in particular a control signal from the control circuit. Examples of function devices may include any suitable mechanical, electrical and / or optical device, arrangement, and / or circuitry adapted to perform one or more mechanical, electrical and / or optical functions.

[0079] Examples of a mechanical function, which some embodiments of a function device can perform, include: driving a rotatable output shaft, winding up a string or a chain, which enables pulling an object closer to an electronic device, moving a hinged part of the electronic device, etc. The mechanical function may thus enable 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.

[0080] Examples of a user perceptible electrical and / or optical function, which some embodiments of a function device 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 / or stimulating play activities, playback of a sound, and / or other audio content, displaying or projecting analogue or digital image information or video information, etc.

[0081] Accordingly, the function device may be selected from a motor (e.g. for actuating a rotating or a translating shaft, a vibrator device, or any other kind of mechanical actuator), a light source (e.g. one or more LEDs), an image or video display device, and a sound source (e.g. a loudspeaker). In some embodiments, an electronic device may include more than one function device, e.g. a light source and a sound source, or a light source and a motor, etc. In some embodiments, a system of electronic devices includes multiple electronic devices, e.g. multiple interactive toys. In some embodiments, all electronic devices of the system may include the same type of function device. Additionally or alternatively, different electronic devices of the system may include different types of function devices.

[0082] In particular user-perceptible outputs in the form of an indicator light and / or sound have been found particular useful in the context of providing an indication of an error or troubleshooting output(s), as they are intuitive and provide a low-cost, low complexity, low energy consumption solution that does not require a display or other complex electronic device.

[0083] The control circuit may be adapted to receive one or more input signals, and in response to the input signals, produce a control signal adapted to control the function device. For example, the control circuit may be an analogue signal processor, digital signal processor, and / or a programmable processor with associated storage and software implementing the required specific functionality of the control circuit according to any of the embodiments herein, or a combination thereof.

[0084] The rechargeable power source may be any suitable rechargeable power source. The rechargeable power source may include an electrical energy storage device, such as a rechargeable battery. The rechargeable battery may be a fixed or replaceable rechargeable battery, a capacitor, or other electrical energy storage device. The charging circuit may be any circuit adapted for contactless receipt of electrical energy, e.g. a circuit comprising a conductive loop or other resonant element configured to be energized by, and harvest energy from, a time-varying electromagnetic field. The conductive loop may include one or more windings, e.g. in the form of one or more electromagnetic coils or otherwise. Furthermore, the charging circuit is for charging the rechargeable power source, e.g. by transferring harvested energy to the rechargeable electrical energy storage of the electronic device.

[0085] For the purpose of the present disclosure, the term contactless or wireless is intended to refer to energy transfer from one device to another device without a physical, conductive coupling, i.e. without transfer of electrical energy by means of physical contact via a conductive medium that is conductive for a direct current. It will be appreciated that the term contactless merely characterises the energy transfer and does not exclude that the devices are otherwise physically connected with each other. In particular, two devices may be in physical contact with each other, e.g. mechanically interconnected with each other by means of respective coupling members, while the energy transfer between them is contactless, i.e. does not rely on the physical contact as a carrier for the transfer of energy.

[0086] Embodiments of a charging device for contactless energy transfer may comprise a housing and, accommodated within the housing, an energy transfer circuit. The energy transfer circuit may comprise one or more conductive loops for wireless transfer of electromagnetic energy to an electronic device when the electronic device is located in a charging zone defined by the charging device, in particular defined by the one or more conductive loops. Alternatively or additionally, the charging device may comprise one or more energy distribution devices, each configured to provide respective one or more external conductive loops defining a respective charging zone in a proximity o / f the respective one or more external conductive loops. The charging zones are for charging one or more electronic devices when these are placed inside the charging zone. A charging zone describes a geometrically defined region where a charging device can provide charging power to compatible rechargeable electronic devices. The presence of a charging zone indicates the availability of charging power within said region, i.e. within the charging zone, at least to at least a minimum degree useful for charging.

[0087] In various embodiments, the charging device is configured to provide a charging zone shaped and sized so as to simultaneously accommodate a plurality of electronic devices of a system of electronic devices, e.g. two or more, such as three or more, such as four or more, such as five or more electronic devices. Accordingly, multiple electronic devices may be positioned within the charging zone of the charging device and be charged concurrently.

[0088] In various embodiments, the charging device is configured to provide a charging zone shaped and sized so as to allow an electronic device to be moved around the charging zone and be positioned at different locations within the charging zone. In particular, the electronic device may freely be moved around the entire charging zone and preferably be positioned everywhere within the charging zone in an unrestricted manner. For example, the charging zone may define a three-dimensional charging volume such that an electronic device can receive electromagnetic energy from the charging device when the electronic device is positioned within said charging volume. The charging zone may define respective linear extents along three dimensions, which may be referred to as a length, a width and a height, respectively. The linear extents along the three dimensions may be defined as the length, width and height, respectively, of a smallest bounding box accommodating the charging zone.

[0089] Similarly, the electronic device may have a length, a width and a height, which may be defined as the length, width and height, respectively, of a smallest bounding box accommodating the housing of the electronic device.

[0090] The linear extent of the charging zone in at least one dimension, preferably the linear extents of the charging zone in at least two dimensions and, more preferably, in all three dimensions, may be larger than the smallest linear extent of the electronic device, preferably at least twice as large, more preferably at least five times as large as the smallest linear extent of the electronic device. Further, the linear extent of the charging zone in at least one dimension, preferably the linear extents of the charging zone in at least two dimensions and, more preferably, in all three dimensions, may be larger than the largest linear extent of the electronic device, preferably at least twice as large, more preferably at least five times as large as the largest linear extent of the electronic device.

[0091] Accordingly, in some embodiments, an electronic device may be freely moved about the charging zone along one, two or even three dimensions and positioned freely everywhere within the charging zone for charging. When multiple electronic devices are to be charged concurrently, they may be moved around relative to each other within the charging zone and freely be arranged within the charging zone for charging.

[0092] In some embodiments, the charging device may define a charging surface, e.g. defined as a surface of a panel or other housing of the charging device on which the electronic device(s) can rest. In some embodiments, the charging surface is a generally flat surface shaped and sized to allow multiple electronic devices to be concurrently and individually positioned on the charging surface next to each other and, preferably spaced apart from each other. The charging surface may define a length and a width of the charging zone. The charging zone may further extend at a height above the charging surface, e.g. as a dome shaped charging zone above the charging surface or otherwise. The charging zone may, in some embodiments, even extend below the charging surface. Accordingly, when the charging device is elevated above another surface, electronic devices may even be positioned on said other surface underneath the charging device for charging.

[0093] Moreover, the electronic device may detect whether it is within or outside the charging zone, e.g. based on the detection of a property of the charging field, based on a detected proximity or position relative to the charging device, and / or otherwise.

[0094] The user-perceptible output and / or at least one primary signal is indicative of one or more interaction stimulus. The interaction stimulus may be a user-generated input or otherwise a stimulus caused by the user interacting with the electronic device or with another electronic device. The control circuit is thus configured to be responsive to user input or other user interaction. This facilitates direct involvement of user action in the charging process. The interaction stimulus may be a sensor signal from a sensor of the electronic device, e.g. a motion sensor, a proximity sensor, a magnetic field detection sensor, and / or the like. The interaction stimulus may e.g. be a detected motion of the electronic device, in particular a motion of the electronic device within the charging zone. Alternatively or additionally, the interaction stimulus may be indicative of a detected charging field. Yet alternatively or additionally, the interaction stimulus may be a detected proximity to another electronic device and / or a received communications signal indicative of the presence of another electronic device within the charging zone and / or indicative of an interaction stimulus received by said other electronic device. Further, the interaction stimulus may also be an interaction between the electronic device and a further toy element, e.g. a further electronic device according to any of the embodiments disclosed herein. The user-perceptible function is performed in response to one or more predetermined interaction stimulus, e.g. in response to one or more combinations of interaction stimulus. The at least one primary signal may further include the secondary signal or a signal derived therefrom.

[0095] According to some embodiments, the electronic device further comprises one or more sensor devices, which may operatively be coupled to the control circuit. Thereby a sensor signal can be generated and provided to the control circuit as an input. The control circuit may then be configured to use this input to control an output function, most preferably a user-perceptible function, in response to the sensor signal. Thereby, the interactive functionality of the electronic device is enhanced. Preferably, the one or more sensor devices are accommodated in the housing of the electronic device. An enhanced interactive functionality is thus provided in a self-contained or at least autonomous manner in the electronic device. Thereby, the electronic device facilitates an enhanced intuitive play experience or other user experience by allowing for the intuitive combination of the electronic device with other electronic device, in particular with other interactive toys. A naturally creative play experience may thus be supported. Further, according to some embodiments of the electronic device, at least a first sensor device of the one or more sensor devices is adapted to detect an interaction stimulus, to generate a primary signal indicative of the detected interaction stimulus, and to pass said primary signal as an input to the control circuit. The first sensor device is adapted to detect an interaction stimulus, and to generate a signal indicative of the interaction stimulus. Examples of suitable sensor devices include a motion sensor, a proximity sensor, a position sensor, a magnetic field sensor, etc.

[0096] According to another aspect is disclosed herein embodiments of an electronic device comprising:

[0097] - a function device for performing at least one user-perceptible, controllable function,

[0098] - a rechargeable power source and a charging circuit for contactless receipt of electrical energy and for charging the rechargeable power source when the electronic device is positioned in a charging zone of a charging device, and wherein the electronic device is configured to only to initiate, participate in, and / or allow a maintenance action, selected from a predetermined group of maintenance actions, for the electronic device in response to the electronic device being positioned in the charging zone.

[0099] Further embodiments of the electronic device according to this aspect correspond to embodiments of the electronic device of the system as disclosed herein and has the same advantages for the same reasons.

[0100] According to another aspect is disclosed herein embodiments of a charging device comprising a charging element or transmitting coil defining a charging zone (at least one / one or more charging zones), wherein the charging device is configured to contactlessly supply electrical energy to an electronic device positioned in the charging zone of the charging device, the electronic device comprising a rechargeable power source and a charging circuit for contactless receipt of the electrical energy from the charging device and for charging the rechargeable power source when the electronic device is positioned in the charging zone, wherein the charging device is configured to only to initiate, participate in, and / or allow a maintenance action, selected from a predetermined group of maintenance actions, for the electronic device in response to the electronic device being positioned in the charging zone.

[0101] Further embodiments of the charging device according to this aspect correspond to embodiments of the charging device of the system as disclosed herein and has the same advantages for the same reasons. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0102] Embodiments of the invention will now be described in more detail, mainly with reference to interactive toys. However, it will be appreciated that the various aspects disclosed herein may also be applied to other types of electronic devices, in particular interactive electronic devices that can generate user-perceptible outputs and that can be charged in a contactless manner. Various embodiments will be described in connection with the appended drawings, in which:

[0103] FIG. 1 schematically shows an interactive toy system according to one embodiment;

[0104] FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of an example of an electronic device in the form of a modular toy element;

[0105] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a charging device for contactless charging of electronic devices in accordance with various embodiments disclosed herein;

[0106] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates the charging device of FIG. 3 and an external mobile device;

[0107] FIGS. 5A and 5B schematically illustrate an external mobile device, a charging device, and an electronic device in the form of an interactive modular toy element being moved by a user into a charging zone of the charging device thereby initiating or triggering one or more maintenance actions, in the form a firmware update process for the electronic device, as disclosed herein;

[0108] FIGS. 6A and 6B schematically illustrate an external mobile device, a charging device, and an electronic device in the form of an interactive modular toy element and an alternative firmware update process for the electronic device;

[0109] FIG. 7 schematically illustrates a charging device and two electronic devices, here both in the form of an interactive modular toy element, and another alternative firmware update process for an electronic device; and FIGS. 8A and 8B schematically illustrates two models, each comprising an electronic device in the form of an interactive modular toy element, an external mobile device, and a charging device, all as disclosed herein, and a maintenance action in the form a troubleshooting process of one of the electronic devices.

[0110] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0111] Fig. 1 shows a schematic of an interactive toy system 100 according to one embodiment. The interactive toy system 100 comprises an interactive toy 10 and a charging device 20 with a transmitting coil 21 , in the form of conductive loops, defining a charging zone 22 (see also Fig. 3). The charging device 20 is contactless in that it does not need to (but can) touch an element being charged. The interactive toy 10 comprises a toy housing 15 and, accommodated in said toy housing 15, a function device 14 for performing one or more user-perceptible, controllable functions 140; a control circuit 13 for controlling the function device 14; a rechargeable power source 12 (e.g. energy storage device such as a rechargeable battery, capacitor, or similar) for providing operating power 32, 33 to the function device 14 and the control circuit 13; and a charging circuit 11 for contactless receipt of electrical energy e-m and for charging (as indicated by reference numeral 31) the rechargeable power source 12 when the interactive toy 10 is positioned in the charging zone 22 of the contactless charging device 20. In some embodiments, the charging device 20 comprises a memory (see e.g. 28 in FIG. 3) while in other embodiments, the charging device 20 is simpler in this respect and does not comprise any memory. The interactive toy 10 may be adapted to determine an available charging rate as the charging zone signal, i.e. the secondary signal 102. The secondary signal 102 may be indicative of the available charging rate at a current position of the interactive toy 10 relative to the charging zone 22 and / or at the current orientation of the interactive toy 10 relative to the charging zone 22. A corresponding user-perceptible output 140 may be selected or otherwise controlled by the control circuit according to that secondary signal 102, wherein the user-perceptible output 140 is indicative of the currently available charging rate. The control circuit is configured to receive a primary signal 101 indicative of an interaction stimulus 110 from a stimulus source 99; to receive the secondary signal 102 indicative of the currently available charging rate of the interactive toy; and, responsive to the primary signal 101 , to produce a control signal 34 based on the secondary signal 102. The control signal is for controlling the function device 14 to perform a user-perceptible function 140, wherein the user-perceptible function 140 is selected or otherwise controlled based on the secondary signal 102.

[0112] As disclosed herein, the interactive toy system 100 is configured to initiate and / or allow a maintenance action (or a series of maintenance actions), for the electronic device 10 selected from a predetermined group of maintenance actions, in response to the electronic device 10 being positioned in the charging zone 22. As mentioned, a maintenance action as used herein is not a charging action or any charging-related action. This readily provides a clear and intuitive distinction between a use or play space and maintenance space, which is intuitive and easy to learn and understand even for untrained users, young children, etc. In some embodiments, the electronic device 10 is put into a maintenance mode (e.g. or preferably in addition to be put in a charging mode) when the electronic device 10 is positioned in the charging zone 22. Further embodiments and aspects in this respect is explained in connection with Figs. 3, 4, 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, 7, 8A, and 8B.

[0113] The housing 15 of interactive toy 10 further comprises coupling members 16, 17. The coupling members 16 may e.g. be pegs or similar and the coupling members 17 (‘only’ indicated) are e.g. corresponding cavities for receiving pegs 16 (of other elements). The interactive toy 10 may thus be used as a modular toy element adapted to be releasably interconnected with further modular toy elements (not shown here). As mentioned above, this is useful for the use of the interactive toy 10 in constructing toy construction models and / or for the construction of toy construction models with advanced interactive functionality by including a plurality of modular interactive toy elements 10 in such a toy construction model.

[0114] During operation of the interactive toy system 100, the interactive toy 10 may be controlled to detect a primary signal 101 indicative of an interaction stimulus 110; and, responsive to the primary signal 101 , to control the function device 14 to perform the selected user-perceptible function 140.

[0115] FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of an example of an electronic device in the form of a modular toy element, generally designated 10. The modular toy element 10 is similar to the interactive toy of the embodiment of FIG. 1 in that it comprises a housing, a control unit 13 and one or more conductive loops 11 , a rechargeable battery 12 (or other rechargeable power source), and one or more function devices, all accommodated within the housing. As will be described below, the modular toy element 10 further comprises one or more sensors and a wireless communications interface.

[0116] In the example of FIG. 2, the housing of the modular toy element 10 comprises an upwardly open bottom housing member 101 A and a lid member 101 B. The lid member 101 B is configured to be connected to the bottom housing member 101 A and, when connected, to close the opening of the bottom housing member, such that the bottom housing member and the lid member together form a housing accommodating the remaining components of the modular toy element. The lid member may be fastened to the bottom housing member in any suitable manner, e.g. by a snap fit connection, by welding, gluing or otherwise.

[0117] In some embodiments, the bottom housing member 101 A and the lid member 101 B are made from plastics material, e.g. thermoplastic polymers, or from another suitable material. The housing may e.g. be made by an injection molding process or by another suitable manufacturing process. In the present example, the lid member is made from a transparent material.

[0118] The housing is box-shaped and comprises coupling members as described in connection with FIG. 1. In particular, the top face of the lid member includes coupling pegs 16 and the bottom face of the bottom housing member comprises corresponding cavities (indicated as 17 in FIG. 2).

[0119] The modular toy element 10 includes a rechargeable battery 12 (or other rechargeable power source) accommodated in the bottom housing member 101 A.

[0120] The modular toy element 10 includes a support frame 420, a printed circuit board (PCB) 430 and a number of electromagnetic coils 11 forming one or more conductive loops. In the example of FIG. 2, the electromagnetic coils are arranged as three pairs of electromagnetic coils. The PCB 430 is attached to the support frame 420 and the coils are wound around the frame 420 such that the support frame, the coils and the PCB form a core assembly 42 accommodated inside the bottom housing member 101A.

[0121] The modular toy element 10 further comprises an antenna 413 and a loudspeaker 415, both mounted to the lid member 101 B so as to form a top assembly 41. The top assembly 41 further comprises a coloured insert 412 sandwiched between the lid member 101 B and the antenna 413. The top assembly 41 further comprises an opaque insert 414 sandwiched between the antenna 413 and the loudspeaker 415. The inserts 412 and 414 provide vents to facilitate high-frequency sound from the loudspeaker to pass, while obscuring the antenna and the other electronics components from view through the transparent lid member 101 B.

[0122] The PCB 430 is electrically connected to the antenna 413, the loudspeaker 415, the rechargeable battery 12, and to the coils 11 of the three coil pairs. The PCB 430 further comprises a number of electronic components. In particular, the PCB comprises a control unit 13, LEDs 14, a side-firing LED 438, a microphone 432, a coil interface circuit 433, a memory 435, an accelerometer 436 and a wireless communications circuit 437. The top assembly further comprises an acoustic seal 416 positioned on top of the microphone 432.

[0123] The control unit 13 may be implemented as a single integrated circuit or as a combination of multiple components, e.g. as an ASIC and a microprocessor, or otherwise. The control unit 13 is coupled to the coils 11 of the three coil pairs via the coil interface circuit 433. The coil interface circuit 433 may be implemented as a single unit or as multiple components. At least part of the coil interface circuit may be implemented by an ASIC, e.g. an ASIC that also implements a part of the control unit 13. The control unit 13 is further coupled to the remaining electronic components and implements suitable drivers and / or other control functionality for operating the respective electronic components. The wireless communications circuit 437 is coupled to the antenna 413 and to the control unit 13 for implementing a suitable wireless communications protocol, such as based on Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) or otherwise. The communications circuit 437, or at least a part thereof, may be integrated with the control unit 13 as schematically illustrated in FIG. 2. The LEDs 14 are arranged at respective opposite ends of the PCB such that the light from the LEDs is visible through the transparent lid member 101 B. When the modular toy module is in its operational charging state, the LEDs 14 may be used to provide a visual output indicative of an error or troubleshooting output(s) (see e.g. 140’ in FIGS. 8A and 8B). The side-firing LED 438 is arranged at one end of the PCB such that the light from the side-firing LED is output through a side portion 1011 of the transparent lid member 101 B.

[0124] The electromagnetic coils 11 are arranged as three pairs of respective coils such that the coils of each pair are arranged coaxially with each other and orthogonal to the coils of the other pairs. The coils of each coil pair are arranged spaced apart from each other, proximal to respective opposite sides of the box-shaped housing. The coils of each coil pair are electrically connected in series with each other, in particular such that they are cumulatively coupled. One or more of the coils 11 may be used for wireless charging of the rechargeable battery, e.g. as described in WO 2020 / 156721 or otherwise. Additionally, one or more of the coils may be used for other magnetic operations, such as for reading wireless tags - e.g. as described in WO 2020 / 156720 or otherwise - and / or for position and / or orientation sensing of positions and / or orientations of other modular toy elements of the system - e.g. as described in WO 2020 / 156719 or otherwise.

[0125] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a charging device for contactless charging of electronic devices in accordance with various embodiments disclosed herein. The charging device, generally designated by reference numeral 20, is similar to the charging device of the embodiment of FIG. 1. It comprises at least one conductive loop 21 , which in this embodiment is embedded in a flat panel-shaped housing that defines a charging surface 24 on which the electronic devices can be placed for charging. While schematically shown as a single oval loop in FIG. 3 for ease of illustration, it will be appreciated that the conductive loop may have a different shape and / or size and / or the charging device may comprise more than one loop, e.g. one or more electromagnetic coils etc.

[0126] The charging device 20 further comprises a charging control circuit 23, which is operable to energize the conductive loop 21 so as to generate an electromagnetic charging field for contactless charging of electronic devices. To this end, the charging device may be connectable via a cable 26, or otherwise, to a suitable supply of electrical energy for providing power to the charging circuit. The charging device 20 may include one or more additional components, e.g. a wireless communications interface or circuit for communicating with the electronic devices being charged and / or with other external mobile devices (see e.g. 300 in Figs. 4, 5A, 5B, 6A, and 8B for some examples). The wireless communication may utilize any suitable communications technology, such as Bluetooth (e.g. Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)), Wifi, etc. The charging device 20 may further comprise a suitable user interface 27, e.g. one or more LEDs, for providing feedback to the user about the operational state of the charging device and / or other information pertaining to a maintenance process (e.g. e.g. including charging process).

[0127] While schematically illustrated in FIG. 3, it will be appreciated that, in most embodiments, the conductive loop 21 and the charging control circuit 23 will not be visible to the user during normal operation of the charging device, as they may be incorporated in an internal cavity of the housing of the charging device or otherwise be obstructed from view.

[0128] During operation, the control circuit 23 energizes the conductive loop 21 so as to generate a charging field at and above the charging surface 24. The charging field defines a charging zone 22 within which electronic devices may receive sufficient power to perform contactless charging of their respective rechargeable power sources. Preferably, the charging zone extends across at least a major part of the charging surface 24, preferably across the entire charging surface 24 or even to an area outside the charging surface 24. Moreover, it is preferred that the charging zone extends to a suitable height above the charging surface 24, as is schematically indicated by dashed dotted lines 22 in FIG. 2. Accordingly, electronic devices may be positioned at a certain height above the surface 24 and still be able to contactless receive power from the charging device. Even though not explicitly shown in FIG. 3, it will be appreciated that the charging zone may also extend below the charging surface 24. It will further be appreciated that the extent of the charging zone 22 will typically not be visible to the user. Moreover, the boundary of the charging zone may depend on the properties of the electronic devices to be charged, i.e. some devices may be capable of receiving sufficient power from the charging field at larger distances from the charging device than other electronic devices. Furthermore, the charging zone may also change, e.g. shape and / or extent, due to the presence (and / or location) of the one or more electronic devices within it. For example, adding and / or removing electronic device^) may (and typically will) change the charging field and thereby the charging zone.

[0129] Generally, the charging zone of various embodiments of the charging device as disclosed herein is three-dimensional and extends beyond the surface 24 of the charging device. The charging field may be strongest at the center of the charging surface 24 and directly at said surface. The charging field may progressively degrade the further away an electronic device being charged is located from that position. Nevertheless, despite the gradual decrease of the charging field, a delimited charging zone may be defined. To this end, the charging zone may be defined as a zone where the strength of the charging field is above a predetermined threshold and / or as a zone within which complete charging of the electronic devices of a system can be performed within a predetermined period of time. The extent of the charging zone may be the same for all electronic devices of the system or it may be slightly device-dependent (considering one electronic device at a time). The threshold may be determined as a threshold defining a limit where the charging field is too weak to allow the electronic device to be fully charged within a useful time frame. The time frame may depend on the application. In one embodiment, the threshold is set such that complete charging anywhere within the charging zone is possible within e.g. 10 h and would at least take more than 10 h outside the charging zone. It will be appreciated that another limit may be set depending on the desired user experience.

[0130] Generally, embodiments of the charging device allow multiple electronic devices to be charged at the same time without the electronic devices having to be placed at specific positions. Instead, they can be freely positioned and oriented within the charging zone. The charging device is operable to charge an electronic device also in proximity but displaced from the charging surface 24, i.e. without having to touch it. The charging of an electronic device inside the charging zone gradually changes in dependence of the position and / or orientation of the electronic device relative to the charging device, i.e. the charging performance is not binary - charging / not charging - but the charging efficiency varies gradually depending on the position and / or orientation of the electronic device in the charging field.

[0131] The dimensions of the charging zone may depend i.a. on the dimensions of the conductive loops of the charging device in relation to the conductive coils of the receiving electronic device. The charging device 20 may also comprise a plurality, e.g. two, three, etc., of charging zones instead of ‘only’ a single one.

[0132] As disclosed herein, a system (see e.g. 100 elsewhere) comprising the charging device 20 and at least one electronic device (see e.g. 10 elsewhere) is configured to initiate and / or allow a maintenance action (or a series of maintenance actions) for the electronic device in response to the electronic device being positioned in the charging zone.

[0133] Examples of various aspects of the maintenance process of electronic devices in accordance with various embodiments disclosed herein will now be described with reference to the charging device of FIG. 3 and with reference to electronic devices as described in connection with FIGs. 1 and 2. However, it will be appreciated that other embodiments may use different types of charging devices, e.g. charging devices providing a different geometry of charging zones, charging devices without communication capability, charging devices with a different (or even without any) user interface, etc. Similarly, it will be appreciated that other embodiments may use different types of electronic devices, e.g. electronic devices with only a single conductive loop or otherwise with a different number or form of conductive loops, electronic devices having a different form-factor, a different number or type of function devices, a different number or type of sensors, different or no communication capabilities, etc.

[0134] In some embodiments and as mentioned above, the charging device 20 comprises a wireless communications interface or circuit for communicating with other external mobile devices (see e.g. 300 in Figs. 4, 5A, 5B, 6A, and 8B some examples). Such an external mobile device may e.g. comprise a display and a user interface comprising its own wireless communications interface or circuit for communicating with the charg- ing device 20 and / or at least one electronic device (see e.g. 10 elsewhere). The external mobile device may for example be a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop, a PC, etc. or other computing device comprising a suitable user interface.

[0135] In some embodiments, the charging device 20 comprises a memory 28 and / or other suitable data storage, e.g. a flash memory or similar, where - for example - firmware data may be stored and provided to one or more electronic devices as disclosed herein. The memory 28 is connected to a suitable control circuit or element typically also connected (in some way) to the wireless communications interface or circuit (if such is present).

[0136] In alternative embodiments, the charging device 20 does not comprises a memory, making the charging device 20 simpler thereby saving costs and reducing complexity. Even in such embodiments, firmware data may still be provided to electronic device(s) as explained further elsewhere.

[0137] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates the charging device of FIG. 3 and an external mobile device. Illustrated is a charging device 20, at least corresponding to the one of FIG. 3, and an external mobile device 300 where the charging device 20 and the external mobile device 300 comprises a wireless communications interface or circuit for establishing wireless communication, and thereby exchange of data, between them, as indicated by the double-arrow 405. The external mobile device 300 is preferably able to connect to the Internet and / or any other suitable network.

[0138] The external mobile device 300 preferably comprises a display 310 and one or more user interface elements, e.g. implemented (at least some of them) via the display 310 as generally known (see e.g. user interface elements 315 in FIG. 5A). The external mobile device 300 may be configured to establish wireless communication (via its wireless communications interface or circuit) with an electronic device (see 10 elsewhere) via a suitable wireless communications interface or circuit of the electronic device. Using an external mobile device 300 with a display 310 that enables more complex information can be conveyed to a user without requiring that other elements (e.g. the charging device 20 and the electronic device 10) needs to comprise a display on their own. Furthermore, the electronic device 10 can be kept computationally simpler and e.g. have ‘restricted’ network capabilities (e.g. not be able to connect to the Internet).

[0139] As mentioned, the external mobile device e.g. or preferably comprises a display and a user interface and may for example be a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop, a PC, or similar.

[0140] As disclosed herein, a system (see e.g. 100 elsewhere) comprising the charging device 20 and an electronic device (not shown in FIG. 4) is configured to initiate and / or allow a maintenance action (one or more) for the electronic device in response to the electronic device being positioned in the charging zone (see e.g. 22 in FIG. 3) of the charging device 20.

[0141] Maintenance actions may e.g. comprise one or more of checking for updated firmware, retrieving / downloading updated firmware data in various ways, providing / up- loading updated firmware to the charging device 20 and / or the electronic device, providing troubleshooting in various ways, and as otherwise disclosed herein.

[0142] Advantageously, the external mobile device 300 may be used in the maintenance actions (at least some of them) in full and / or in part.

[0143] In some alternative embodiments, the charging device 20 does not comprise a wireless communications interface or circuit, making it simpler. In such embodiments, wireless communication with an external mobile device may still be established via a wireless communications interface or circuit of the electronic device (then comprising such) to carry out maintenance actions (e.g. firmware update, troubleshooting, etc.) as disclosed herein. In some such further embodiments, the electronic device is only allowed to connect to the external mobile device when the electronic device is positioned in the charging zone and thus prevented from connecting to the external mobile device when outside the charging zone (where the wireless communications interface or circuit of the electronic device then may be turned off or put in a sleep state to conserver power). Various embodiments (some using an external mobile device 300) of maintenance actions in the form of firmware update processes for electronic device(s) are e.g. illustrated in and explained in connection with FIGS. 5A, 5B, 6A, and 6B.

[0144] Various embodiments (using an external mobile device 300) of maintenance actions in the form of troubleshooting processes for electronic device(s) are e.g. illustrated in and explained in connection with FIGS. 8A, and 8B.

[0145] FIGS. 5A and 5B schematically illustrate an external mobile device, a charging device, and an electronic device in the form of an interactive modular toy element being moved by a user into a charging zone of the charging device thereby initiating or triggering one or more maintenance actions, here in the form a firmware update process for the electronic device, as disclosed herein.

[0146] Illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B is an electronic device 10, here as an example in the form of an interactive modular toy element, a charging device 20, and an external mobile device 300, all as disclosed herein.

[0147] As illustrated, a user brings the electronic device 10 into the charging zone of the charging device 20, which triggers one or more maintenance actions from a number of maintenance actions. The electronic device 10 and the charging device 20 is comprises by a system as disclosed herein.

[0148] It is noted that - at least in some embodiments - the system is configured to only allow maintenance actions when the electronic device 10 is in the charging zone of the charging device 20, i.e. when the electronic device 10 is outside the charging zone, the system prohibits maintenance actions - e.g. preferably all of them or alternatively at least some or most of them, even if the devices 10, 20 otherwise in principal are capable of performing them / performing some of them outside the charging zone.

[0149] In addition to initiating or allowing maintenance actions, a charging process (charging, the rechargeable power source(s) by the charging device 20 (see e.g. 12 of FIG. 1) of one or more electronic devices 10 located within the charging zone) may be initiated as well, e.g. as described in Applicant’s co-pending patent application titled “Rechargeable electronic device”, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0150] In the illustrated situation / embodiment, bringing the electronic device 10 into the charging zone triggers a maintenance process in the form of a firmware update for the electronic device 10 or at least checking if such is available. In some embodiments, the firmware update process is automatically initiated when the electronic device enters the charging zone (or has been in the charging zone for at least a predetermined amount of time e.g. to disregard ‘accidental’ events where the electronic device 10 ‘briefly’ may enter the charging zone, e.g. due to being played with or otherwise used). Alternatively, the firmware update process is initiated in response to a user action, a signal from a control circuit (e.g. of the electronic device 10 and / or of the charging device 20), a lapsed period of time (e.g. a predetermined number of hours or days since last firmware check / update was initiated, etc. and / or any combinations thereof), etc.

[0151] In some embodiments (where the firmware update process is initiated in response to the electronic device 10 entering the charging zone), the charging device 20 establishes (or at least tries to establish) a communications connection with an external mobile device 300 within suitable communications range e.g. or preferably as described in connection with Figure 4. It is then checked (if the connection successfully is established) whether an updated firmware version is available or not. Prior to the check, the charging device 20 typically has obtained information or data (such as firmware version number, date, etc.) of the firmware data currently in place in the electronic device 10. This information or data may e.g. become available to the charging device 20 via a (wireless) connection between the charging device 20 and electronic device (10).

[0152] If an updated firmware version is not available, the firmware update process terminates (e.g. conveying such to the user via one or more user interfaces). Other maintenance processes may still be carried out, initiated, or at least allowed. If an updated firmware version is available, a download process of the appropriate firmware data is initiated. Typically, the firmware data will be accessible via the Internet or another type of network.

[0153] In some embodiments (and as illustrated in FIG. 5B), the charging device 20 directly passes or forwards the downloaded firmware data (e.g. ongoingly as it is received) to the electronic device 10 to have its firmware data updated, as indicated by the two arrows of Fig. 5B. Accordingly, the charging device 20 ‘merely’ function as a communications ‘bridge’ between the external mobile device 300 and the electronic device 10. In this way, the charging device 20 does not need any internal memory for storage of the firmware data and can thus be of a simpler make.

[0154] The received firmware data is stored internally in the electronic device 10 in a suitable memory (see e.g. 435 in FIG. 2), preferably as it is being received as this enables resumption e.g. if the download is disrupted. The download may e.g. be disrupted by communication failure or e.g. (at least in some embodiments) due to the user moving the electronic device 10 outside the charging zone. The download may then e.g. be resumed the next time the user moves the electronic device 10 inside the charging zone or when communications is re-established.

[0155] Once all firmware data has been received and stored, it may then be installed in the electronic device 10, e.g. after proper verification. After installation, the electronic device 10 may reboot or similar, which ends the firmware update process.

[0156] In alternative embodiments of a firmware update process, the charging device 20 may still initiate the process but rather than establishing a connection between the external mobile device 300 and the electronic device 10 via the charging device 20, a direct connection between the external mobile device 300 and the electronic device 10 is established avoiding the further involvement (in this regard) of the charging device 20 in the firmware update process.

[0157] Other firmware update processes are e.g. illustrated and explained in connection with FIGs 6A, 6B, and 7, and these can be full alternatives (i.e. implemented instead of each other) or can respectively run depending on the circumstances (i.e. be implemented as well).

[0158] It is noted, that the firmware of the charging device 20 may also be updated in a similar matter using the external mobile device 300, which then will not involve the electronic device in this regard.

[0159] The system may also be configured to download other data or information than firmware data, e.g. content data for installation and use in the electronic device(s) 10.

[0160] FIGS. 6A and 6B schematically illustrate an external mobile device, a charging device, and an electronic device in the form of an interactive modular toy element and an alternative firmware update process for the electronic device.

[0161] Illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B is an electronic device 10, here as an example in the form of an interactive modular toy element, a charging device 20, and an external mobile device 300, all as disclosed herein.

[0162] The charging device 20 of the illustrated embodiment comprises an internal memory (see e.g. 29 in FIG. 3) for storage of firmware data (and e.g. other data).

[0163] The illustrated firmware update process corresponds to the one explained in connection with FIGS. 5A and 5B except as noted in the following.

[0164] In this embodiment, the charging device 20 will check for the availability of an updated firmware version for the electronic device(s) 10 potentially subsequently coming in contact with it (by entering its charging zone). Typically, the charging device 20 will have stored one version (and e.g. the otherwise latest retrieved or obtained version) of the firmware data. If no firmware currently is stored, a latest available version may be retrieved. It is to be understood that that the memory of the charging device 20 may comprises different firmware versions (e.g. check for updates for each), e.g. for different types of electronic devices 10. Different to the firmware update process embodiment of FIGS. 5A and 5B (that downloaded a new version of firmware data to an electronic device - either directly or indirectly via the charging device), the firmware update process according to FIGS. 6A and 6B will download updated firmware data for storage in the charging device 20.

[0165] According to this embodiment, a check for a newer firmware version may (also) triggered by an electronic device 10 entering the charging zone of the charging device 20 like in the case of the embodiment of FIGS. 5A and 5B. But since newer firmware data - at least as a first - only will be downloaded to the charging device 20, the check for a newer version can be done according to other criteria (e.g. a lapsed period of time since last firmware check / update was initiated), and in that way a newest version of the firmware data can be ready when one or more electronic devices later enters the charging zone. On the other hand, it is advantageous still only to check for a newer version triggered by an electronic device 10 entering the charging zone, since that is when there is an opportunity for readily updating the electronic device 10, in particular if the electronic device 10 also will have its power source charged by charging device 20 or simply in any event. It can also be a combination of both (other criteria and when an electronic device 10 enters the charging zone).

[0166] The embodiment of FIGS. 6A and 6B also has the advantage over the embodiment of FIGS. 5A and 5B in that new firmware data just needs to be downloaded once to charging device 20 where it then can be provided several times to a number of different electronic devices 10.

[0167] If the check for the availability of an updated firmware version is yes, the updated firmware data is downloaded, as illustrated in FIG. 6A by the arrow, from or via the external mobile device 300 to the memory of the charging device 20.

[0168] When an electronic device 10 enters the charging zone, the version of its installed firmware data is checked against the version of the firmware data stored in the memory of the charging device 20. If the firmware data of the charging device 20 is newer, then (as illustrated in FIG. 6B by the arrow) the firmware data of the charging device 20 is copied wirelessly to the electronic device 10 for internal storage in the electronic device 10 in a suitable memory (see e.g. 435 in FIG. 2) preferably as it is received as this enables resumption in case of disruption. Once fully there, and e.g. verified for integrity, the updated firmware data may be installed.

[0169] If the firmware data of the charging device 20 is not newer than the firmware data of the electronic device 10, nothing happens (in this respect).

[0170] In some embodiments, the charging device 20 is configured to check for updated firmware data (and potentially provide it) to a plurality of electronic devices 10 located in the charging zone at the same time or at least overlapping in time. As mentioned, this may involve checking and providing different types of firmware for different types of electronic devices.

[0171] FIG. 7 schematically illustrates a charging device and two electronic devices, here both in the form of an interactive modular toy element, and another alternative firmware update process for an electronic device.

[0172] Illustrated in FIG. 7 is a charging device 20 and two an electronic device 10, here as an example both in the form of an interactive modular toy element, and an external mobile device 300, all as disclosed herein.

[0173] The illustrated firmware update process corresponds to the one explained in connection with FIGS. 6A, and 6B except as noted in the following.

[0174] Instead of providing updated firmware data for storage in the charging device 20 from an external mobile device, updated firmware data may be provided from an electronic device 10 entering the charging zone (as indicated in Fig. 7 by the arrow labelled 1 pointing away from an electronic device 10).

[0175] When an electronic device 10 is within the charging zone, it may be checked whether its firmware version is newer than the firmware currently being stored in the memory of the charging device 20. If newer, a copy of the firmware data of the electronic device 10 is provided for storage in the memory of the charging device 20. In this way, the firmware (for an electronic device) stored in the charging device 20 can be updated without requiring any connection to an external mobile device. Such a situation could e.g. occur if the electronic device 10 is a later purchase (and thus contains more recent firmware) than contained in the charging device 20 (or other electronic devices) or the electronic device 10 has been updated to newer firmware in another way. If the firmware data of the electronic device 10 is older than the firmware data already stored in the charging device 20, the firmware of the electronic device 10 can be updated using the firmware data of the charging device 20 as described in the following (or according to any other suitable firmware update process as described herein). If the firmware data of the electronic device 10 is up-to-date (i.e. of same version as that stored in the charging device 20) then nothing happens in this respect.

[0176] Later, when another electronic device 10 is brought within the charging zone of the charging device 20, it is checked whether its firmware is older or not than the firmware data presently being stored in the charging device 20. If older, the firmware of electronic device 10 is updated (as indicated in Fig. 7 by the arrow labelled 2 pointing towards an electronic device 10) by copying the firmware data of the charging device 20 to the internal memory of the electronic device 10 for subsequent installation once received in full (and potentially checked for data integrity).

[0177] In effect, introducing an electronic device 10 with updated firmware (compared to the firmware data for such electronic devices otherwise stored in the charging device 20) can accordingly have its firmware data ‘spread’ or ‘migrate’ to other electronic devices (if having an older firmware version) when they enter the charging zone of the charging device 20.

[0178] It is emphasized that the two illustrated electronic device 10 do not need to be present in the charging zone at the same time and there can be even a significant time between them respectively being present.

[0179] In alternative embodiments, a similar firmware update process may be provided without requiring that the charging device 20 comprises a memory. In such cases, and then requiring, at least in some embodiments, that the electronic devices in question are positioned in the charging zone at the same time, it can be checked whether one of the present electronic device 10 has a firmware version that is more recent or more updated than the other(s) and if so it can be distributed to them as described. The firmware may be transferred indirectly via the charging device 20 (e.g. as described in connection with FIGS. 5A and 5B) or directly between the relevant electronic device 10.

[0180] It is noted that the different firmware update processes (or some of them) (of FIGS. 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, and 7) may be combined or be in place in the system at the same time. The firmware update process of for example FIGS. 6A+B (or FIGS. 5A+B) may readily be combined with that of FIG. 7, so that updated firmware may be obtained using an external mobile device as well as by another electronic device if one with newer firmware is introduced (and enters the charging zone at some point).

[0181] It should be noted that the functionality described in connection with FIGS. 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, and 7 does not change even if the illustrated electronic devices 10, in the form of modular toy elements, is part of respective toy construction models (whereby the electronic device may not be able to rest on the charging surface of the charging device even if the model is resting or standing on the charging surface) since the charging zone is three-dimensional.

[0182] FIGS. 8A and 8B schematically illustrates two models, each comprising an electronic device in the form of an interactive modular toy element, an external mobile device, and a charging device, all as disclosed herein, and a maintenance action in the form a troubleshooting process of one of the electronic devices.

[0183] Illustrated in FIG. 8A is two toy construction models 1 being used / played with. Each model - in this example - comprises one electronic device 10 as part of the respective model 1 , while it is to be understood that a single model may comprise more than one electronic device 10. Further illustrated is a charging device 20 that corresponds to the charging device illustrated and explained elsewhere (e.g. in connection with FIG. 3).

[0184] In the illustrated example (the upper part of FIG. 8A), the electronic device 10 of one model 1 (the one on the right in the figure) has determined that something is not working fully correctly or at all, or expected to (soon) not work in some regard, i.e. that an error or similar 400, or in other words a troubleshooting related condition, has occurred or is expected to occur. It may also be determining that something requires (special) user attention or is expected to soon require it. The electronic device 10 experiencing the error or similar 400 furthermore signals that by providing at least one user-perceptible output 140’, signalling or representing that troubleshooting is required, i.e. providing error or troubleshooting output(s) 140’.

[0185] The user-perceptible output(s) 140’ (signalling or representing that troubleshooting likely is needed) may e.g. or preferably be one or more of the user-perceptible outputs (see 140) of FIG. 1 . For example, the error or troubleshooting output(s) 140’ may e.g. be generated by a function device (see e.g. 14 in FIG.1 ) performing the one or more user-perceptible being controlled by a control circuit (see e.g. 13 in FIG. 1).

[0186] The electronic device 10 with the error or similar 400 may (depending on type of the error and / or the severity) continue to function, at least in the possible capacity / capac- ities. Possible errors may e.g. be categorised according to different levels such as a warning, a temporary issue, and a failure of a certain function or element. In addition to outputting the user-perceptible output(s) 140’, the electronic device 10 may or may not (depending on embodiment) be put in a troubleshooting state, e.g. a simple troubleshooting state e.g. simply signalling that the state is entered or a more advanced troubleshooting state e.g. changing respective functionality / functionalities of the electronic device 10 in response thereto.

[0187] The user-perceptible output(s) 140’, generated in response to determining the occurrence (or likely occurrence) of an error or similar 400, may e.g. be very simple (e.g. simply signifying that an error or similar 400 has happened or is expected) or alternatively be more advanced (e.g. also indicating the type, severity, severity, etc. of the error or similar 400 having happened or expecting to happen).

[0188] The user-perceptible output(s) 140’ may e.g. comprise one or more of: physical movement and / or vibration (e.g. by a motor actuating a rotating or a translating shaft, a vibrator device, or any other kind of mechanical actuator), emitted light (e.g. from a light source (e.g. one or more LEDs), output from an image or video display device, emitted sound (e.g. from a loudspeaker), etc. and e.g. further including variations of such e.g. by modifying an LED light emission (intensity / colour / blinking frequency) and / or varying a sound output (volume / pitch / Geiger-counter sound).

[0189] In some preferred embodiments, the user-perceptible output(s) 140’ is very simple and intuitive even for untrained users. This might include simply emitting light (e.g. from one or more LEDs) in a particular predetermined colour (e.g. red) and e.g. according to a predetermined pattern and / or intensity (blinking, fading up and down, etc.). Accordingly, the user interface in this regard (i.e. the ‘error indication’ or ‘troubleshooting is needed’ user interface’) can be integrated in a surprisingly small form factor (e.g. alongside many other interactive functions of the electronic device 10), and yet give good user feedback that is both intuitive, efficient, and comes with low computational cost. For example, the error indication user interface may thus be integrated in an interactive modular toy element of the typical dimensions of a conventional toy construction block (e.g. as illustrated in FIG. 2).

[0190] When the user realises that an error or similar 400 has occurred (or is expected to occur) by perceiving the error or troubleshooting output(s) 140’ and chooses to do something about it (i.e. in order to learn more of what the issue (potentially) is or to address it), the user positions (as indicated by arrow 410), at least according to some preferred embodiments, the electronic device 10 (or rather the model 1 comprising the electronic device 10) providing the error or troubleshooting output(s) 140’ in a charging zone of a charging device 20 (as also illustrated in FIG. 8A) whereby one or more maintenance actions (more particularly one or more troubleshooting actions) is / are initiated and / or at least is / are allowed. In some embodiments, the electronic device 10 with an error or similar 400 is brought into a maintenance mode or state (or more particular into a troubleshooting mode or state) by bringing the electronic device 10 into the charging zone.

[0191] This provides (initiation of) a maintenance or troubleshooting process that is very simple and intuitive even for untrained users. Simply bring the model 1 with an electronic device 10 providing an error signal to the charging unit (in its charging zone). When the model 1 with an electronic device 10 providing the error signal 140’ is put in the charging zone of the charging device 20, the charging device 20 and the electronic device 10 establishes wireless communication (via their respective wireless communications interfaces or circuits) and information that the electronic device 10 is in a troubleshooting state or simply has output an error signal 140’ is provided to, or otherwise detected by, the charging device 20. In response thereto, the charging device 20 establishes a wireless connection with an external mobile device 300 as disclosed herein (e.g. as explained in connection with FIG. 4). The external mobile device 300 preferably comprises a display 310 and one or more user interface elements, e.g. implemented (at least some) via the display 310 and may correspond to the external mobile device 300 of FIG. 4 and otherwise as disclosed herein.

[0192] This allows the troubleshooting process to continue including the more extensive resources and capabilities of the external mobile device 300, in particular its display 310 and user interface elements. It also enables easy access to the most updated troubleshooting information and data as the external mobile device 300 may and typically will be able to connect to the Internet or another network. The external mobile device 300 can also exchange or retrieve information or data with the electronic device 10 in order to obtain more information or data about the issue(s) and us that to look up or derive solutions or potential solutions and provide information to the user about this / these. This also enables that the complexity of the electronic device 10 (and of the charging device 20) can be reduced or kept (relatively) low as it for example can be kept screen-less and can have fewer and simpler user interface elements for input from the user.

[0193] The troubleshooting may continue with indirect communication between the electronic device in question 10 and the external mobile device 100, i.e. via the charging device 20, or directly by establishing direct wireless communication between the external mobile device 300 and the electronic device in question 10.

[0194] Once communication has been established (directly or indirectly) between the external mobile device 300 and the electronic device 10, troubleshooting continue there as mentioned, e.g. by running a suitable troubleshooting program, app, or similar on the external mobile device 300 with which the user interacts in order to address any issues, errors, etc. and get suggested solutions / potential solutions. The external mobile device 300 may also change settings, etc. in the electronic device 10 to address an issue.

[0195] In some embodiments, troubleshooting information (such as error code or other indicator, type of error, severity of error, and / or other error related data and information) is provided to the external mobile device 300 enabling it to better find or predict addressing solutions to present to the user and / or to initiate automatically. As mentioned, the possible errors may e.g. be categorised according to different levels such as warning, temporary issue, and failure of a certain function or element of the electronic device. Once the issue or error appropriately has been addressed (if possible), the user may continue to use the electronic device 10 / the model 1 comprising it in a normal way.

[0196] It is noted, that the troubleshooting process may be executed while also charging the electronic device 10 (unless for example that the error in question prevents that or it is inadvisable to also charge).

[0197] As mentioned, the charging device 20 may also comprise a suitable user interface 27, e.g. one or more LEDs, for providing feedback to the user. In some embodiments, the charging device 20 is configured to output one or more user-perceptible outputs 140”, signalling or representing that troubleshooting is required for an electronic device 10 located within the charging field and / or that a troubleshooting state has been entered. The user-perceptible output(s) 140” may be the same as the user-perceptible outputs) 140’ of the electronic device 10 or alternatively may be different (but e.g. of a similar kind or type). The user-perceptible output(s) 140” may be output by the user interface 27 of the charging device 20 and / or other suitable elements thereof. This readily signal to the user, in a simple and reliable way, that the charging device 20 has acknowledged an issue with the electronic device 10 in question.

[0198] Once the error has been properly addressed, the charging device 20 may turn of the user-perceptible output(s) 140”, or change to another suitable output. It should be noted that the functionality described in connection with FIGS. 8A and 8B does not change even if the illustrated electronic devices 10, in the form of modular toy elements, is not part of a respective toy construction model.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A system (100) comprising:- a charging device (20) defining a charging zone (22), and- an electronic device (10), the electronic device (10) comprising a rechargeable power source (12) and a charging circuit (11) for contactless receipt of electrical energy and for charging the rechargeable power source (12) when the electronic device (10) is positioned in the charging zone (22) of the charging device (20),- wherein the system (100) is configured to initiate and / or allow a maintenance action, selected from a predetermined group of maintenance actions, for the electronic device (10) in response to the electronic device (10) being positioned in the charging zone (22).

2. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the system (100) is configured to initiate and / or allow the maintenance action in response to electronic device (10) being positioned in the charging zone (22) for at least a predetermined amount of time.

3. The system according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the system (100), the charging device (20), and / or the electronic device (10) is / are configured to prevent the execution of any maintenance action while the electronic device (10) is positioned outside the charging zone (22).

4. The system according to any one of claims 1 - 3, wherein the electronic device (10) is configured to change- from a first state, e.g. or preferably an interactive use state, to a second state being a maintenance state, when the electronic device (10) enters into the charging zone (22) of the charging device (20), and / or- from the second state being a maintenance state, to the first state, e.g. or preferably an interactive use state, when the electronic device (10) exits the charging zone (22) of the charging device (20)5. The system according to any claim 4, wherein the electronic device (10) is configured to execute or participate in the selected maintenance action only when in the second state.

6. The system according to any one of claims 1 - 5, wherein the predetermined group of maintenance actions comprises- at least one troubleshooting action,- at least one firmware action, and / or- establishing a wireless communication connection with an external mobile device (300), the external mobile device (300) e.g. or preferably comprising a display (310), wherein the wireless communication connection is established o directly between the external mobile device (300) and the electronic device (10), or o indirectly between the external mobile device (300) and the electronic device (10) via the charging device (20).

7. The system according to any one of claims 1 - 6, wherein the maintenance action is a firmware action and the system is configured to- establish a wireless communication connection between the charging device (20) and an external mobile device (300),- check, at or via the external mobile device (300), whether updated firmware data for the electronic device (10) is available, and if available, o establish a wireless communication connection between the charging device (20) and the electronic device (10), and provide the updated firmware data from the external mobile device (300) to the electronic device (10) via the charging device (20) for installation in the electronic device (10), or o establish a wireless communication connection between the electronic device (10) and external mobile device (300), and provide the updated firmware data from the external mobile device (300) to the electronic device (10) for installation in the electronic device (10).

8. The system according to any one of claims 1 - 7, wherein the maintenance action is a firmware action and the system is configured to- establish a wireless communication connection between the charging device (20) and an external mobile device (300),- check, at or via the external mobile device (300), whether updated firmware data for the electronic device (10) is available where the check is carried out prior to or in response to the electronic device (10) being positioned in the charging zone (22), and if available, o provide the updated firmware data from the external mobile device (300) to a memory (28) of the charging device (20), o and provide the updated firmware data, once fully stored in the memory (28) of the charging device (20), to the electronic device (10), via an established wireless communication connection between the charging device (20) and the electronic device (10), in response to the electronic device (10) being positioned in the charging zone (22).

9. The system according to any one of claims 1 - 9, wherein the maintenance action is a firmware action and the system is configured to- check whether a firmware version of firmware data of the electronic device (10) is newer than a firmware version of firmware data stored in a memory (28) of the charging device (20), and if newer, o provide the firmware data of the of the electronic device (10) to the charging device (20), via an established wireless communication connection between the charging device (20) and the electronic device (10), for storage in the memory (28) of the charging device (20) thereby resulting in updated firmware data being stored in the memory (28) of the charging device (20), and o in response to a further electronic device (10) subsequently being positioned or already being positioned in the charging zone (22), checking whether a firmware version of the further electronic device (10) is older than the firmware version of the updated firmware data stored in the memory (28) of the charging device (20), and if older,■ provide the updated firmware data, from the memory (28) of the charging device (20) to the further electronic device (10),via an established wireless communication connection between the charging device (20) and the further electronic device (10).

10. The system according to any one of claims 1 - 9, wherein the maintenance action is a troubleshooting action, the electronic device (10) has determined that a troubleshooting related condition involving the electronic device (10) has arisen or is expected to arise, and the system is further configured to- establish a wireless communication connection with an external mobile device (300), the external mobile device (300) comprising a display (310) and one or more user interface elements, wherein the wireless communication connection is established o directly between the external mobile device (300) and the electronic device (10), or o indirectly between the external mobile device (300) and the electronic device (10) via the charging device (20), and- enabling the external mobile device (300) and / or a user using the display (310) and the user interface element(s) of the external mobile device (300) to conduct troubleshooting of the electronic device (10).

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein the system is configured to provide information or data from the electronic device (10) directly or indirectly to the external mobile device (300), the information or data relating to one or more troubleshooting issues.

12. The system according to claim 1 , 10 or 11 , wherein- the electronic device (10) is configured to generate at least one user-perceptible output (140’) indicative of the electronic device (10) being in a troubleshooting state or requiring troubleshooting, and / or- the charging device (20) is configured to generate at least one user-perceptible output (140”) indicative of the electronic device (10) and / or the charging device (20) being in a troubleshooting state or requiring troubleshooting.

13. The system according to any one of claims 1 - 12, wherein- the charging zone (22) is three-dimensional,- the electronic device (10) is configured to generate at least one user-perceptible output (140’) indicative of the electronic device (10) being in a maintenance state or requiring maintenance,- the charging device (20) is configured to generate at least one user-perceptible output (140”) indicative of the electronic device (10) and / or the charging device (20) being in a maintenance state or requiring maintenance, and / or- the charging device (20) is configured to initiate the maintenance action.

14. The system according to any one of claims 1 - 13, wherein the electronic device (10) is adapted for use in a toy construction system comprising a plurality of modular toy elements, wherein a housing (15, 101A, 101B) of the electronic device (10) comprises coupling members (16, 17) adapted for releasably coupling the electronic device (10) with modular toy elements of the toy construction system.

15. The system according to any one of claims 1 - 14, wherein- the electronic device (10) comprises a function device for performing at least one user-perceptible, controllable function, and / or- the electronic device (10) further comprises one or more sensor devices for determining at least one interaction stimulus, in particular a motion of the electronic device (10), e.g. wherein the one or more sensor devices are accommodated in or on a housing of the electronic device (10).

16. An electronic device (10) comprising:- a function device for performing at least one user-perceptible, controllable function,- a rechargeable power source (12) and a charging circuit (11) for contactless receipt of electrical energy and for charging the rechargeable power source (12) when the electronic device (10) is positioned in a charging zone (22) of a charging device (20), andwherein the electronic device (10) is configured to only to initiate, participate in, and / or allow a maintenance action, selected from a predetermined group of maintenance actions, for the electronic device (10) in response to the electronic device (10) being positioned in the charging zone (22).

17. A charging device (20) comprising a charging element or transmitting coil (21) defining a charging zone (22), wherein the charging device (20) is configured to contactlessly supply electrical energy to an electronic device (10) positioned in the charging zone (22) of the charging device (20), the electronic device (10) comprising a rechargeable power source (12) and a charging circuit (11) for contactless receipt of the electrical energy from the charging device (20) and for charging the rechargeable power source (12) when the electronic device (10) is positioned in the charging zone (22), wherein the charging device (20) is configured to only to initiate, participate in, and / or allow a maintenance action, selected from a predetermined group of maintenance actions, for the electronic device (10) in response to the electronic device (10) being positioned in the charging zone (22).

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