Abstract: An electrical construction toy system is comprised of one or more base pieces and building blocks. At least one of the base pieces or building blocks providing a power source within the base piece or building block. The connection between base pieces and building blocks does not have to be mechanical, but can be magnetic as well. The connection between base pieces and building blocks further provides an electrical connection from which the power source may pass energy to one or more additional building blocks in varying directions. The connections conduct electricity and some building blocks or base pieces also provide powered effects, such as lighting, sound, and motion effects. In addition, there are several switch blocks to operate the lighting, sound, and motion by a wireless remote control.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a module-type robot control system comprising: a robot platform including a driving unit which is driven by a control signal, at least one function block which is assemblable and disassemblable on the robot platform and configured to perform a specific function, and a user terminal capable of wirelessly communicating with the robot platform and the function block. According to the system. The user may remotely control the module-type robot through a smart device, or receive related content by receiving data from the robot through the terminal. The user may easily control the robot or receive more diverse customized contents by connection between the smart device and the module-type robot system.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a toy system is adapted for use in a multiplayer game, the toy system comprising a primary user device, a secondary user device, and one or more toys; wherein the primary and secondary user devices are operable in a common multiplayer game session; wherein the primary user device is configured to capture video images of a real-world scene including the one or more toys from a primary view point and to display the captured video images as a primary view of the real-world scene; wherein the secondary user device is configured to display a secondary view of a scene corresponding to the real-world scene as seen from a secondary view point; wherein the one or more toys comprise at least one user-manipulable object adapted to selectively be brought into a user-selected one of a plurality of predetermined states, at least a first one of the predetermined states having a first visual appearance; wherein the primary user device is configured to detect said first predetermined state in a primar

Abstract: A modular building block easy to assemble comprises a base plate, basic parts, and electronic individual components. First protrusions are disposed on the base plate and the basic parts, and slots are formed in the basic parts and the electronic individual components. First conductive pins and conductive metal sheets are disposed inside the basic parts. Control panels, electronic devices and conductive contacts are disposed inside the electronic individual components. The invention designs the base plate, basic parts and electronic individual components of original electronic building blocks as individual modules.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the field of modular robot control, and more particularly to a method for controlling a modular robot and a system thereof. The method includes the following steps: T1: providing a plurality of module units; T2: assembling the plurality of module units into an initial entity structure; T3: acquiring initial virtual configuration information of the initial entity structure; T4: generating an initial virtual configuration based on the initial virtual configuration information; T5: setting an action frame to generate preset action control information; and T6: transmitting the preset action control information to the modular robot which executes a motion according to the preset action control information.

Abstract: A numerical operation system for a plurality of individuals includes a contactless communication tag each included in a plurality of individuals, a reader allowed to read the contactless communication tag, and a control unit to which a result read by the reader is input, wherein the control unit is configured such as to acquire, from the result read by the reader, at least numerical values each corresponding to the plurality of individuals and operator symbols for operating the numerical values to calculate a total value based on the numerical values and the operator symbols.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reader participation type electronic book system using a module including a module assembly configured by assembling a plurality of modules, and a user terminal connected to the module assembly through a network, which includes: a story providing unit transmitting an electronic book database including at least one story to the user terminal; an assembly information reception unit receiving module assembly information based on at least one quest performing information generated with respect to scenes constituting the story and generated for a story progress; and a score generation unit generating a score for module assembling of a user for each scoring condition with respect to the module assembly information.

Abstract: System and method for additional amusement, entertaining and surprising visual or audible reward provided upon completing the reconstructing of a two-dimensional or three-dimensional jigsaw puzzle. The puzzle pieces include conductive pads connected by a conductor such as a wire, a metallic strip or a conductive paint, so that upon assembling the puzzle, the pads are in contact to form a continuous conductive path. The frame or the puzzle pieces include a battery (or an AC adapter) and a visual or audible signaling device operating upon sensing the continuity of the conductive path. Each of the puzzle pieces may include three or more conductive pads, allowing for the forming two or more isolated or connected distinct conductive paths. The conductive path can further affect a time measurement and its related display for timing the puzzle solving.

Abstract: Method, modules and a system formed by connecting the modules for controlling payloads are disclosed. An activation signal is propagated in the system from a module to the modules connected to it. Upon receiving an activation signal, the module (after a pre-set or random delay) activates a payload associated with it, and transmits the activation signal (after another pre-set or random delay) to one or more modules connected to it. The system is initiated by a master module including a user activated switch producing the activation signal. The activation signal can be propagated in the system in one direction from the master to the last module, or carried bi-directionally allowing two way propagation, using a module which revert the direction of the activation signal propagation direction. A module may be individually powered by an internal power source such as a battery, or connected to external power source such as AC power.

Abstract: Embodiments provide an illuminated design in a liquid light wall. According to an embodiment, there is provided a liquid light wall including a front wall with a plurality of circular openings through which transparent pipettes may be inserted. The pipettes are filled with a colored liquid. The colored liquid can be edible. A light source shines light from behind the front wall, transferring the light through the pipettes, showcasing a design. The pipettes can be readily removed from the circular openings. Embodiments provide for a modular design of the liquid light wall such that multiple modules can be attached to one another.

Abstract: One variation of a conductive construction tape for electrifying a stack of bricks in a studded-brick building system includes: a tape substrate defining a first linear array of perforations that each define a circular cross-section configured to receive a stud extending from a brick in the studded-brick building system and offset from an adjacent perforation in the linear array by a standard stud offset distance between studs extending from the brick; and a conductive tape layer applied over the tape substrate; an electrically-conductive material extending along the first linear array of perforations and cooperating with the tape substrate to define a total nominal thickness less than a thickness of the studded building brick; wherein the perforated conductive tape is configured to transiently install horizontally between bricks in the stack of bricks to communicate electrical current laterally across the stack of bricks.

Abstract: An electronic building-block module includes a main body, multiple projections spacedly arranged on a top surface of the main body, a circuit board, multiple main connectors and multiple sub connectors; the electronic building-block module has multiple recesses which are provided at a bottom portion of the main body for respectively accommodating the multiple projections; the main body has a cavity therein, the circuit board is located within the cavity; each of the multiple projections has a cylindrical shape with an upper opening, the multiple main connectors are respectively located within the upper opening of the multiple projections; the multiple sub connectors are respectively located within a lower opening of the multiple recesses; the multiple main connectors of one electronic building-block module are respectively in nested connection with the multiple sub connectors of another electronic building-block module.

Abstract: Circuit blocks are provided. A circuit block may include a substrate and at least one electrical component mounted on the substrate. The circuit block may also include a non-conductive frame coupled to the substrate, and at least one post coupled to the substrate and extending from the substrate and through at least a portion of the frame in a first direction substantially perpendicular to the major surface of the substrate. Moreover, the circuit block may include a contact coupled to a second, opposite surface of the substrate and including a corner section projecting outwardly from the frame and extending in at least two directions substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the at least one post. The block may also include at least one magnet positioned proximate the flexible corner section of the contact and configured to magnetically attract at least one other circuit block.

Abstract: Method, modules and a system formed by connecting the modules for controlling payloads are disclosed. An activation signal is propagated in the system from a module to the modules connected to it. Upon receiving an activation signal, the module (after a pre-set or random delay) activates a payload associated with it, and transmits the activation signal (after another pre-set or random delay) to one or more modules connected to it. The system is initiated by a master module including a user activated switch producing the activation signal. The activation signal can be propagated in the system in one direction from the master to the last module, or carried bi-directionally allowing two way propagation, using a module which revert the direction of the activation signal propagation direction. A module may be individually powered by an internal power source such as a battery, or connected to external power source such as AC power.

Abstract: Method, modules and a system formed by connecting the modules for controlling payloads are disclosed. An activation signal is propagated in the system from a module to the modules connected to it. Upon receiving an activation signal, the module (after a pre-set or random delay) activates a payload associated with it, and transmits the activation signal (after another pre-set or random delay) to one or more modules connected to it. The system is initiated by a master module including a user activated switch producing the activation signal. The activation signal can be propagated in the system in one direction from the master to the last module, or carried bi-directionally allowing two way propagation, using a module which revert the direction of the activation signal propagation direction. A module may be individually powered by an internal power source such as a battery, or connected to external power source such as AC power.

Abstract: Method, modules and a system formed by connecting the modules for controlling payloads are disclosed. An activation signal is propagated in the system from a module to the modules connected to it. Upon receiving an activation signal, the module (after a pre-set or random delay) activates a payload associated with it, and transmits the activation signal (after another pre-set or random delay) to one or more modules connected to it. The system is initiated by a master module including a user activated switch producing the activation signal. The activation signal can be propagated in the system in one direction from the master to the last module, or carried bi-directionally allowing two way propagation, using a module which revert the direction of the activation signal propagation direction. A module may be individually powered by an internal power source such as a battery, or connected to external power source such as AC power.

Abstract: Method, modules and a system formed by connecting the modules for controlling payloads are disclosed. An activation signal is propagated in the system from a module to the modules connected to it. Upon receiving an activation signal, the module (after a pre-set or random delay) activates a payload associated with it, and transmits the activation signal (after another pre-set or random delay) to one or more modules connected to it. The system is initiated by a master module including a user activated switch producing the activation signal. The activation signal can be propagated in the system in one direction from the master to the last module, or carried bi-directionally allowing two way propagation, using a module which revert the direction of the activation signal propagation direction. A module may be individually powered by an internal power source such as a battery, or connected to external power source such as AC power.

Abstract: Method, modules and a system formed by connecting the modules for controlling payloads are disclosed. An activation signal is propagated in the system from a module to the modules connected to it. Upon receiving an activation signal, the module (after a pre-set or random delay) activates a payload associated with it, and transmits the activation signal (after another pre-set or random delay) to one or more modules connected to it. The system is initiated by a master module including a user activated switch producing the activation signal. The activation signal can be propagated in the system in one direction from the master to the last module, or carried bi-directionally allowing two way propagation, using a module which revert the direction of the activation signal propagation direction. A module may be individually powered by an internal power source such as a battery, or connected to external power source such as AC power.

Abstract: Method, modules and a system formed by connecting the modules for controlling payloads are disclosed. An activation signal is propagated in the system from a module to the modules connected to it. Upon receiving an activation signal, the module (after a pre-set or random delay) activates a payload associated with it, and transmits the activation signal (after another pre-set or random delay) to one or more modules connected to it. The system is initiated by a master module including a user activated switch producing the activation signal. The activation signal can be propagated in the system in one direction from the master to the last module, or carried bi-directionally allowing two way propagation, using a module which revert the direction of the activation signal propagation direction. A module may be individually powered by an internal power source such as a battery, or connected to external power source such as AC power.

Abstract: Multiple units are removably connectable to provide desired functions, such as light, power, data, or other functions.

Abstract: Method, modules and a system formed by connecting the modules for controlling payloads. An activation signal is propagated in the system from one module to the modules connected to it. Upon receiving an activation signal, the module (after a pre-set or random delay) activates a payload associated with it, and transmits the activation signal (after another pre-set or random delay) to one or more modules connected to it. The system is initiated by a master module including a user activated switch producing the activation signal. The activation signal can be propagated in the system in one direction from the master to the last module, or carried bi-directionally allowing two way propagation, using a module which revert the direction of the activation signal propagation direction. A module may be individually powered by an internal power source such as a battery, or connected to an external power source such as AC power.

Abstract: A lamp adapter apparatus includes a socket mount, a first mechanical connector, and an alternating current/direct current (AC/DC) adapter. The socket mount has a mount housing that carries a socket connector. The socket connector is configured to be releasably secured to a bulb receptacle of a lamp and receive AC electrical power from the lamp. The AC/DC adapter is connected between the socket connector and the first mechanical connector and converts the AC electrical power supplied from the lamp into the DC electrical power. A powered toy building block is connectable to the first mechanical connector of the lamp adapter apparatus and thereby receives electrical power from the lamp.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes a housing, a display, a communication interface, a processor, and a plurality of detection components each of which is located proximate a respective face of the housing. At least two of the faces of the housing proximate to which two of the respective detection components are located are adjoining faces lying in planes that cut one another, the apparatus thereby supporting a two-dimensional arrangement of apparatuses. The apparatus and other apparatuses may be formed into an arranged group of apparatuses, and in such instances, the processor is configured to receive corresponding indications from the detection components, and data from the other apparatuses in the group via the communication interface. The processor is configured to calculate an output as a function of the number of apparatuses and their arrangement, and configured to communicate the calculated output via the display.

Abstract: Nanoplasmonic cavities for photovoltaic applications include at least one transparent conductive substrate. A first plasmonic electrically conductive nanostructure layer is associated with the transparent conductive substrate. At least one photoabsorber layer is associated with the first plasmonic electrically conductive nanostructure layer. At least one electron transfer layer is associated with the photoabsorber layer. A second plasmonic electrically conductive nanostructure layer is associated with the electron transfer layer. Multiple nanoplasmonic cavities can be electrically connected to provide greater photovoltaic efficiency.

Abstract: An illuminated-display unit useable to provide artwork with rotating, glowing effects is described. The illuminated-display unit includes a base, a plate, and a dome. The base has a top surface with a central receptacle and an annular channel, a control panel, and light sources housed therein. The plate is disposed within the receptacle and the dome is disposed on the base to engage the annular channel and thereby accept the plate within its interior. Ink drawings or artwork are drawn on surfaces of the plate and the dome. The light sources are illuminated to provide internally reflected light within the plate and base. The ink on the plate and base refracts the internally reflected light and/or chemically or physically reacts thereto to provide a glowing effect. The dome and/or the plate are rotatable manually or mechanically to provide an animated effect to the illuminated display.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are provided for assembling a story, which then may be played for a user, such as a child. In particular, an embodiment of the invention is directed to an audio or audio-visual story-telling system with functionality for seamlessly creating an entertaining, “customized” audio (or audio-visual) story for a user, using a variety of subject matter chosen by the user. In some embodiments, the system, which may be embodied as a child's toy, allows the user, such as a child, to select the subjects, themes, or other attributes of a story by arranging visual cues with images (including video or animated images) thereon to make up the parts of the story. Once selected or arranged, the user pushes play and the toy reads or plays a custom story to the user that includes their selected subjects and themes, in an embodiment.

Abstract: A simplified modularized contact type of conductive building block includes: a brick, at least one pair of conductive pieces, a circuit board and a base. The brick includes at least one pair of studs projected from a top thereof. The conductive piece has an insertion electrode and a connection electrode respectively disposed at two ends thereof and a contact electrode disposed between the insertion electrode and the connection electrode. The conductive pieces are inserted through the insertion through holes of the circuit board. The circuit board includes a positive electrode circuit and a negative electrode circuit respectively contacted with the at least one pair of the conductive pieces. The conductive pieces are further inserted through the through holes of the base. The circuit board and the base are fixed in the brick.

Abstract: A plaything including unit blocks connected to each other using a connection tube is provided. Each unit block includes a spherical capsule and a plurality of connection members protruding at regular angular intervals from the surface of the spherical capsule. A shock detector emitting light in response to an external shock is installed inside the unit block. When connecting the unit blocks, the connection members of different unit blocks are inserted into the same connection tube from opposite directions. A structure formed by only one unit block or by connecting two or more unit blocks may be used as an educational tool or a shaking tool shaken in a manner of jig fishing.

Abstract: A simplified modularized contact type of conductive building block includes: a brick, at least one pair of conductive pieces, a circuit board and a base. The brick includes at least one pair of studs projected from a top thereof. The conductive piece has an insertion electrode and a connection electrode respectively disposed at two ends thereof and a contact electrode disposed between the insertion electrode and the connection electrode. The conductive pieces are inserted through the insertion through holes of the circuit board. The circuit board includes a positive electrode circuit and a negative electrode circuit respectively contacted with the at least one pair of the conductive pieces. The conductive pieces are further inserted through the through holes of the base. The circuit board and the base are fixed in the brick.

Abstract: Disclosed is a block toy for music education which recognizes combined melody blocks so as to replay sounds in order having the same pitch as the melody blocks, thereby playing a melody. The corresponding melody block is lit up to display a playing melody block while playing a melody. It is possible to differentiate each melody block by detecting, with a mechanical switch, uneven patterns formed at the lower sides of melody blocks. Since music can be visually understood, the block toy can help the emotion and music education of children.

Abstract: A toy construction system comprising toy construction elements, the toy construction elements comprising coupling means for releasably interconnecting the toy construction elements, comprising one or more marker construction elements comprising such coupling means and each having a visual appearance recognisable by an image processing means, and a data processing system comprising image capturing means, image processing means, and display means, wherein the data processing system is adapted to capture an image of a toy construction model constructed from the toy construction elements, to process the captured image to detect at least a presence of at least one of the marker construction elements within the captured image; responsive to the detected marker construction element, to generate a computer-generated image; and to display on said display means a composite image comprising the captured image having superimposed the generated computer-generated image.

Abstract: A toy construction system comprising a set of toy construction elements with coupling means for releasably interconnecting the toy construction elements; and a data processing system comprising image capturing means, processing means, and display means, wherein the data processing system is adapted to capture an image of a partial toy construction model constructed from a subset of the toy construction elements; process the captured image to detect at least a position and an orientation of the partial toy construction model; identify a user selection indicative of a user selection of at least one of a set of subsequent construction elements, each subsequent construction element being connectable to the partial toy construction model; responsive to the detected position and orientation of the partial toy construction model, display on said display means a composite image comprising the captured image having superimposed an image of at least the selected subsequent construction element.

Abstract: A toy construction system includes a plurality of interconnectable building elements; a control system that generates an electromagnetic signal; a vibration speaker including a moveable permanent magnet; and a support building element mechanically linked to the permanent magnet of the vibration speaker. The vibration speaker includes a coil that is moveable relative to the permanent magnet. One or more of the coil and the permanent magnet vibrate in a manner that is based on the electromagnetic signal. The vibration speaker also includes a sound producer that is mechanically linked to the coil to vibrate with the coil as the coil vibrates. The coil vibrates relative to the permanent magnet to produce an audible sound, and the permanent magnet vibrates to cause the support building element to vibrate and animate interconnectable building elements linked to the support building element.

Abstract: An illuminable building block is disclosed. The illuminable building block has a cell body, at least one circuit board, at least one illuminating device, at least one photo sensing device, at least one circuit control module, and at least one assembly portion. The cell body has an accommodating space, and the circuit board is located therein. The at least one illuminating device is disposed at the inner surface of the circuit board, and each photo sensing device corresponds to at least one illuminating device. The at least one circuit control module is used for illuminating the illuminating device.

Abstract: A building block set comprises a plurality of transparent blocks each having a hollow internal cavity with a light source fitted within each cavity and first and second electrically conductive connectors extending through each block and into the internal cavity with a circuit within the cavity for illuminating the light in response to an electronic input to either connector.

Abstract: A toy building block of a type which may be interconnected with similarly configured blocks has a hollow box-shaped structure having a top with cylindrical stud coupling members, and sides which together with the top define a downwardly opening cavity into which the cylindrical studs of a like configured block may be inserted for frictional interconnection. One or more integrated circuit chips are embedded within the molding material of the block, and leads incorporated within the block studs and sides provide electrical interconnection between blocks when like configured blocks are brought into frictional interengagement. In a described embodiment, components of a digital video recording system are apportioned to different blocks which when interconnected provide the complete system functionality.

Abstract: The invention relates to a building block system having modules that can be plugged together, wherein electronic and mechanical components required for motion and control are provided in the modules. The object of the invention is to provide a building block system, which facilitates constructing mobile models from simple building blocks. According to the invention, the object is achieved by a building block system having movable modules, wherein the building block system includes at least one energy module, at least one control module having a micro-controller, at least one movement module having an integrated servo motor, and a plurality of connection modules that can be randomly connected with each other, wherein the modules are connectable through plug connections enabling current flow between adjacent modules.

Abstract: A mobile power station assembly for powered toy blocks includes a battery housing having first and second ends with battery contacts therein, first and second connectors arranged on the first and second ends, and a switch controlling electrical power application from the battery contacts to the first and second connectors. Toy building blocks attached to the first and second connectors can receive electrical power therefrom, and can include side extensions covering opposite sides of the battery housing.

Abstract: A building block includes a hollow brick and a power supply base. The brick has at least two studs extended from a top thereof, at least two tubes corresponding to the studs defined in a bottom thereof and at least two electricity connection units corresponding to the studs disposed therein. The electricity connection unit has a rod connected with a positive conducting member and a negative conducting member. A light member is connected with the positive and negative conducting members. A first positive contact and a second positive contact are respectively located at two ends of the positive conducting member, and a first negative contact and a second negative contact are respectively located at two ends of the negative conducting member. The light member generates light when the bricks are connected to each other by engaging the studs with the tubes.

Abstract: A lamp adapter apparatus includes a socket mount, a first mechanical connector, and an alternating current/direct current (AC/DC) adapter. The socket mount has a mount housing that carries a socket connector. The socket connector is configured to be releasably secured to a bulb receptacle of a lamp and receive AC electrical power from the lamp. The AC/DC adapter is connected between the socket connector and the first mechanical connector and converts the AC electrical power supplied from the lamp into the DC electrical power. A powered toy building block is connectable to the first mechanical connector of the lamp adapter apparatus and thereby receives electrical power from the lamp.

Abstract: A toy construction system comprising a plurality of construction elements including one or more function construction elements for performing corresponding functions and including control connection means for communicating with one or more other construction elements; a data processing system providing a programming environment for generating one or more logic commands for controlling the one or more function elements; and an interface construction element comprising first connection means for providing a data-flow connection with the data processing system and for receiving said logic command from the data processing system, a processing unit adapted to convert said logic command into a control signal for controlling a function of said at least one function construction element, and second connection means for providing a control connection with the at least one function construction element via the control connection means of the function construction element, and for outputting the control signal.

Abstract: A toy building system comprising a plurality of building elements including one or more function building elements (210) each for performing a corresponding function, and one or more control building elements (400) each for controlling one or more function building elements, each building element including at least one connector for electrically connecting the building element with another building element via a corresponding connector of the other building element, the connector including at least one control signal contact. Each control building element includes a main output connector adapted to output a control signal for controlling at least one function building element; and each function building element includes an input connector for receiving a control signal and is adapted to perform a function responsive to the received control signal. Each function building element further includes an output connector adapted to forward the received control signal.

Abstract: Method, modules and a system formed by connecting the modules for controlling payloads. An activation signal is propagated in the system from one module to the modules connected to it. Upon receiving an activation signal, the module (after a pre-set or random delay) activates a payload associated with it, and transmits the activation signal (after another pre-set or random delay) to one or more modules connected to it. The system is initiated by a master module including a user activated switch producing the activation signal. The activation signal can be propagated in the system in one direction from the master to the last module, or carried bi-directionally allowing two way propagation, using a module which revert the direction of the activation signal propagation direction. A module may be individually powered by an internal power source such as a battery, or connected to an external power source such as AC power.

Abstract: A construction includes a plurality of interconnectable building elements, the plurality of interconnectable building elements including a first building element and a second building element, the first and second building elements including a first and second coupling devices for releasably interconnecting the first and second building elements. The first building element is a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) functional building element. The PLMN functional building element includes: at least one of the first and second coupling devices; a radiofrequency transceiver module; and an identification module including or configured to receive at least one of a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card or a Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM) card. The radiofrequency transceiver module and the identification module are configured to attach the PLMN functional building element to a PLMN as a mobile device.

Abstract: A toy building block of a type which may be interconnected with similarly configured blocks has a hollow box-shaped structure having a top with cylindrical stud coupling members, and sides which together with the top define a downwardly opening cavity into which the cylindrical studs of a like configured block may be inserted for frictional interconnection. One or more integrated circuit chips are embedded within the molding material of the block, and leads incorporated within the block studs and sides provide electrical interconnection between blocks when like configured blocks are brought into frictional interengagement. In a described embodiment, components of a digital video recording system are apportioned to different blocks which when interconnected provide the complete system functionality.

Abstract: A building block includes: a brick, at least one pair of fixation posts, a circuit board and a base. The brick includes at least one pair of studs projected from a top thereof. A stud hole penetrates through each stud. The fixation post includes an insulating piece and a conductive piece. A top of the insulating piece is disposed in the stud hole and the conductive piece is disposed in the insulating piece. The conductive piece has an insertion electrode, a contact electrode and a connection electrode extended from a top, a side and a bottom thereof, respectively. The circuit board and the base are sleeved on the fixation posts. The circuit board includes a positive electrode circuit and a negative electrode circuit respectively contacted with the pair of the fixation posts and a functional unit electrically connected with both electrode circuits.

Abstract: The power brick assembly includes a solar energy collecting plate carried on a carrier for collecting solar energy to generate electrical energy. A first connecting port is mounted on the carrier so that the carrier is movable relative to the first connecting port. A mechanical rotary power generating unit includes a second connecting port mounted on a brick-like casing and connected electrically and detachably to the first connecting port so that the first connecting port is movable relative to the second connecting port. The brick-like casing receives a battery module for supplying electric power, a driving module for generating a mechanical rotary power output in response to an electric power input, and a control module operable to output the electric power input based on one of the electrical energy from the solar energy collecting plate and the electric power from the battery module.

Abstract: Magnetic and electronic toy construction systems and elements are provided that include an assembly of at least two panels that have at least three magnets located around the perimeter of the panel such that the dipole axes of magnets in a single panel are coplanar and intersect to define a polygon. When attaching two adjacent panels, at least two ferromagnetic spheres are used such that the dipole axes of one magnet from each of the adjacent panels are collinear, and such that the dipole axes are collinear with the centers of the ferromagnetic spheres. In this manner, several panels configured in this way may be nested together to form great varieties of constructions.

Abstract: A toy brick includes a housing adapted for releasable engagement to at least one other toy brick and having at least one translucent portion, at least one lighting device arranged inside the housing and adapted to generate light viewable through the at least one translucent portion, at least one battery arranged inside the housing and electrically connected to the at least one lighting device, and at least one switch arranged inside the housing and operable from outside the housing to illuminate the at least one lighting device. The at least one switch can be a motion-activated switch.

Abstract: A toy brick includes a housing, a first coupling element, an operating assembly, and a power source. The first coupling element releasably couples the housing to the housing of at least one other toy brick. The operating assembly is carried by the housing. The operating assembly includes user reprogrammable computing control element, and at least one sensing element capable of sensing an input value, the at least one sensing element operably coupled to the computing control element. The user reprogrammable computing and control element is configured generate an actuator output based at least in part on the sensed input value. The operating assembly also includes at least one actuator operably coupled to the computing control element to receive the actuator output. A power source is coupled to the operating assembly to supply electrical power thereto.