Abstract: A method for updating firmware on a control module of a modular assembly system is provided. Information related to noise sampled from the control module is obtained. A first encryption key is calculated based on the information. Firmware to be updated on the control module is received from a host of the modular assembly system. The firmware is encrypted based on at least a second encryption key. In response to determining that the received firmware can be decrypted, the decrypted firmware is loaded into the control module. At least one of the obtaining, calculating, receiving, determining, and loading is performed by the control module.

Abstract: A method for registering one of a plurality of assembly modules operatively coupled to one another in a modular assembly system is provided. A first message including a first identifier of the assembly module is received from one of the plurality of assembly modules. A second message including a second identifier for the assembly module is transmitted to the assembly module. The second identifier is generated based on at least the first identifier. A third message including the second identifier is received from the assembly module. In response to determining that the third message is received, the assembly module is registered as a new assembly module of the modular assembly system. At least one of the receiving, transmitting, determining, and registering is performed by a control module of the plurality of assembly modules.

Abstract: A toy construction set includes first and second construction elements, a pin, and a fastener including a body and a head. Each of the first and second construction elements includes through-holes and grooves on two major surfaces, respectively, of the construction element. A thickness of each groove is substantially the same. At at least one end of each groove, an edge of the groove is curved. The pin includes a body having a cavity and a member. A first portion of an edge of the member is curved, and a second portion of the edge of the member is straight. A thickness of the member is not larger than the thickness of each groove. The member of the pin is fixed in place in one of the grooves of the first construction element when the first and second construction elements are coupled by the pin and the fastener so as to constrain the pin from rotating with respect to an axis of the body of the pin.

Abstract: A modular assembly toy system includes assembly modules each including at least one connection interface and one or more connectors each configured to mechanically and electrically connect two of the assembly modules via the respective connection interfaces. The assembly modules include a control module and an analyzing module. The control module includes a control module communication unit configured to obtain a set of host instructions from one or more hosts and a control module processor configured to generate a set of operation instructions for control each assembly module based on at least the set of host instructions. The analyzing module includes an analyzing module sensor configured to obtain a sensor signal, an analyzing module processor configured to analyze the sensor signal to generate a first analyzing result, and an analyzing module communication unit configured to transmit the sensor signal or the first analyzing result to at least one of the hosts.

Abstract: A connection structure includes two connection interfaces and a connector. Each connection interface includes planar contacts arranged at a center and one or more concentric rings on a circuit board and first lock mechanisms arranged on a first casing. The connector includes a second casing including two open ends and second lock mechanisms arranged on the second casing and pins. Each pin includes two ends each exposed by one of the two open ends of the second casing, respectively. When the connector is plugged into the two connection interfaces at orientations relative to one another, the pins of the connector are in contact with the planar contacts of each connection interface so that the two connection interfaces are electrically connected, and the second lock mechanisms of the connector are interlocked with the first lock mechanisms of each connection interface so that the two connection interfaces are mechanically connected.