Abstract: Systems and methods to measure and affect focus, engagement, and presence of users may include measuring a variety of aspects of users engaged in particular activities. Individual user characteristics or preferences and attributes of activities may be taken into account to determine levels of focus for particular users and activities. A variety of sensors may detect aspects of users engaged in activities to measure levels of focus. In addition, a variety of output devices may initiate actions to affect levels of focus of users engaged in activities. Further, a variety of processing algorithms, including machine learning models, may be trained to identify desired levels of focus, to calculate current levels of focus, and to select actions to change or boost levels of focus. In this manner, activities undertaken by users, as well as interactions between multiple users, may be made more engaging, efficient, and productive.

Abstract: A smart block can include a plurality of displays and configurable magnet components to selectively attract or repel other smart blocks. The smart block can include proximity sensors to identify a surface of another smart block close to the smart block to determine if the smart blocks are correctly oriented based on an application or game associated with the operation of the smart blocks. A plurality of smart blocks can be configured to display a portion of a picture (as a puzzle), such that when the smart blocks are oriented correctly they collectively display the complete picture. The smart blocks can be used in conjunction with a smart mat that is configured to move the smart blocks in response to commands received from a remote computing device. The smart blocks and the smart mat can facilitate interactivity with other, remote users, such as between a caregiver and a child.