Abstract: A responsive construction toy is disclosed. The responsive construction toy, also known as LumenLinks™, comprises at least one active rod and at least one connector. The active rod has an optics end and a push-pull transducer. The active rod illuminates with varying intensity and color to signify magnitude and direction of force on the active rod. Three dimensional structures such as trusses, buildings, and towers can be built by connecting active rods and connectors. When a structure is built, the forces on each active rod can be visually interpreted, thus providing an educational toy that has both tangible and concrete elements as well as responsiveness and feedback.

Abstract: A state change device and system for the tactile display of information is disclosed. The state change device uses a novel pin and driving coil arrangement combined with a bistable plate to create a high state and a low state where the pin either protrudes from a surface or is recessed below the surface. The state change device may be combined with other similar devices to create a Braille character and may be further combined to create a Braille reader where transient information is displayed on the Braille reader from a computing device or processor. The state change device makes possible low cost Braille displays that are reliable, compact, quickly refreshable and with more characters than current Braille displays, thus providing new life and opportunity for both the Braille alphabet and those that require the use of such.