DE102018109882A1 - System for programming - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system (10) for programming. The programming system (10) has an input unit (12) in which programming instructions can be entered, the system (10) issuing these programming instructions in a programmed order, the programming instructions being inputted with one or more command blocks (14) stored in the input unit (12) can be inserted, wherein between the input unit (12) and at least one command stone (14) a positive and / or non-positive connection can be produced. The system (10) is easily applicable to children. In this case, the programming is unambiguous and is in particular without interference or interference. It can be made very diverse different programming, which are also storable.

Description

The present invention relates to a programming system according to the preamble of claim 1.

Programming is in the broadest sense the activity of creating a program that can be executed by a computing device. The computer device can then execute this program itself, for example in the form of an app on a smartphone (mobile computer device), or the computer device controls with the program then external electrical or electronic devices, such as robots, image output units such as monitors or monitors, peripheral device, such as inkjet -, laser or 3D printers, lighting equipment or electrical or electronic game equipment.

The programming is usually done in a text editor, in which the programming commands are entered in a specific syntax, which are then in turn implemented by a compiler or interpreter in the program.

The syntax is mostly provided by common programming languages such as Fortran, Pascal, C, Java Python, PHP and the like.

The disadvantage of text-based programming is that it is not very intuitive and usually has to be learned with difficulty.

Systems for programming have already been developed, especially for children, which allows more intuitive programming by inserting command stones into an input unit.

The US 2014/0274412 A1 describes in this regard an input unit with slots in which command stones can be stored. These command blocks have various symbols, including arrows for directions of movement, to illustrate the respective command. The command blocks have RFID markers which are read out by the input unit.

A disadvantage of this solution is that the command stones can be plugged into the slots as desired, resulting in a square slot to four different arrangement options of the command stone. As a result, a user ultimately does not know which arrow symbolizes which movement direction, whereby the programming remains indefinite. In addition, there may be interference between different command stones.

In an improved embodiment in this regard, according to the system "Cubetto" the company Primo HQ, Unit 19 . 14 Southgate Road, London, N1 3LY provided that the slots have an asymmetrical shape, in the stamps of the command stones are pluggable. The top surfaces of the command stones are above the stamp and symbolize by their outer circumference certain directions of movement. There are no other commands than movements. In addition, the command stones can easily fall out of the input unit when playing.

The object is therefore to provide a system for programming that overcomes at least one of the above-mentioned disadvantages. In particular, the system should be easily applicable to children. In addition, the programming should preferably be unambiguous and in particular interference-free or interference-free.

This object is achieved with the system according to the invention according to claim 1. Advantageous further developments are specified in the subclaims and in the following description together with the figures.

It has been recognized by the inventor that this task can be solved in a surprising manner in a particularly simple manner if the command stones can be inserted into the input unit in such a way that they can not fall out by themselves, even if the input unit is turned upside down. As a result, the system can be recorded particularly safely for children, without the danger that programming will be lost unintentionally.

The inventive system for programming with an input unit in which programming commands are entered, the system outputs these programming commands in a programmed order, wherein the input of the programming commands one or more command stones consist in the Insertion unit can be inserted, thus characterized by the fact that between the input unit and at least one command stone a positive and / or non-positive connection can be produced. For example, the connection may be in the form of a compression connector as used by ^LEGO® and its derivatives. Here, arranged on a stone nubs are clamped by clamping elements of another stone and thereby held. Preferably, a positive and / or non-positive connection can be produced between the input unit and all command blocks.

The output of the programming commands to an element to be controlled can be wired or wireless, for example by means of WLAN in the usual manner.

In an advantageous development it is provided that at least one command block is an electrically passive element. Thus, either the command block has no electrical and / or electronic elements contributing to the programming or the electrical or electronic elements that contribute to the programming are electrically passive elements. This makes a particularly secure programming possible because no interference or other interference can occur. For this embodiment of the command stones as electrically passive elements is independent of the design of the system that between input unit and command stones a positive and / or non-positive connection can be produced, claimed independent protection. Preferably, all command blocks are passive electrical elements.

In an advantageous development, it is provided that the input unit has first electrical contacts and the command blocks second electrical contacts, which are contacted with each other when inserting the command stones in the input unit. This makes it particularly safe to record the programming commands. When using contactless communication means, such as RFID markers, however, an influence by adjacent slots is not excluded.

In an advantageous development, it is provided that the command blocks have third electrical contacts with which command blocks are electrically contactable with one another. As a result, several command blocks can be reliably detected on a slot without being influenced by adjacent slots. As a result, a command combination can be made, as far as this is technically reasonable and executable. For example, several identical instructions may be combined to increase the intensity or duration of the instruction to be executed. Different commands could also be combined, such as a sound output combined with a simultaneous light output.

In an advantageous development it is provided that at least between two command blocks a positive and / or non-positive connection can be produced, wherein the two command blocks are preferably stackable. As a result, two command stones are kept very safe, so that their arrangement in the game can not be lost.

In an advantageous development, it is provided that the system is adapted to multiply the execution time and / or the intensity of a programming command as a function of the number of identical command blocks contacted with one another. As a result, commands can be repeated or intensified without requiring additional slots on the input unit.

In an advantageous development, it is provided that at least one command block is designed to emit light, wherein the command block is preferably self-illuminating and / or can be illuminated by the input unit, wherein the command stone is designed in particular translucent. This can be given very simple feedback to the user.

In an advantageous development it is provided that the programming commands are stored in the input unit, wherein different command instructions are assigned different programming commands. This eliminates the need for a complex readout method because the more or less complex instructions need only be linked to a command-coded command representative that is easily readable.

In an advantageous development, it is provided that the system is designed to allow the command block to output light when the programming command associated with the command block is output. Then a very simple debugging or controlling the programming is possible for the user.

In an advantageous development, it is provided that at least one command block has a passive electrical element, preferably from the group: resistor, capacitor and coil, which is provided by the Input unit is contactable. As a result, the readout of the command stone by the input unit is particularly simple and secure.

In an advantageous development, it is provided that the command blocks have an n-fold symmetry axis, where n- is preferably 2 or 4. Then the command stone is particularly easy to plug in without the user having to pay attention to its exact orientation.

In an advantageous development it is provided that the system has a controller for the speed of the programming commands to be executed, wherein the controller is preferably designed as a sliding or rotary control or push-button. Then the execution of the programmed commands can be adapted very easily. For example, it could be a rotary encoder as an incremental encoder with a push function. When connecting the input unit to an element to be controlled (for example, a robot), the speed could be set to default because such a knob has no stop, so it can be turned infinitely. When rotating the regulator, an e. G. the tone of a tone can be increased or decreased, thereby giving the user a feedback of the set speed. If the tone is e.g. has no more interval, then the maximum speed would be set.

In an advantageous development, it is provided that different command blocks have different colors, symbols and / or shapes, wherein the symbols or shapes are selected such that their meaning does not change when the command block is rotated about its axis. As a result, programming by the user can be very simple and intuitive, without the possibility of multiple meanings or vaguenesses.

In an advantageous development, it is provided that the system is adapted to determine the programming command assigned to a command block by reading out the color, the symbol or the form of the command block, in particular by the input unit. Then the programming command is particularly easy represented by the command stone.

In an advantageous development, it is provided that the system is adapted to carry out the readout by moving a color, image recognition and / or shape sensor parallel to the command blocks inserted on the input unit, preferably via the command blocks. Then, the reading can be done very easily and safely, where the user can consciously control the reading if necessary. For example, the sensor could be part of a bridge which is movably arranged on the input unit.

In an advantageous development, it is provided that the input unit has separate areas for a main program and at least one secondary program. Then recurrent command groups can be swapped out so that more space is available for the main program. In addition, control loops can be set up.

In an advantageous development, it is provided that the input unit has slots for the command blocks, which are arranged linearly adjacent, wherein preferably all slots of a programming area are arranged linearly adjacent, in particular all slots of the input unit are arranged linearly adjacent. This makes the programming particularly intuitive, since visual and haptic forward programming can be done. "Linearly adjacent" means that these Steckbetätzte lie like a string of pearls in a row on a straight line. Not only can all the slots of the input unit be arranged linearly, for example, but also only the slots of a programming area, for example the main program and / or a subprogram, could be arranged, while the individual program areas are arranged offset from one another in order to make them visually better spatially separate.

In an advantageous development, it is provided that adjacent slots on the input unit are arranged so that command blocks can not be plugged across adjacent slots. As a result, incorrect programming can be particularly easily prevented. This can be done, for example, that the distance between adjacent slots does not match the plug-in grid of command stones. For example, with a slot size of 2 between two slots, a distance of ½ could be left. Or it can be done by the distance between two slots is at least so large that the plug-in grid of the command stone is too small to bridge this distance and at the same time plugged into both slots.

In an advantageous development, it is provided that the system is designed to at least one programming command from the group: forward movement, backward movement, left rotation (left rotation on the spot), right rotation (right rotation on the spot), movement forward to the right , Move to the left forward, move to the right backward, move backward to the left, continue to execute the command (a previously given command will continue to be executed, even if subsequent commands are issued until the command "halt command" arrives, simultaneously non-colliding Commands can be executed), halt command (see "continue command"), pause, sound output, output light, output electric signal (as control signal for self-powered elements), output electric power (energy for not yourself with energy supplied elements), wait for sensor input, If / Then / Else command, Zufal Command to process jump in a program, for example, in a secondary program or the main program, as well as negation of an aforementioned programming command and modification of at least one parameter of an aforementioned program command. Then you can implement a variety of programming.

The modification of a parameter of a programming command can be done for example by a command stone with rotary potentiometer or button, the parameter can be modified continuously.

For example, the command "Wait sensor input" can be used to automatically control movements. For example, if a controllable element (eg, a robot) has different motion sensors associated with different directions of motion and the command "wait for sensor input" is given, the system waits until one of these sensors detects movement, whereby the controllable element then automatically associates with it Exercise movement. In addition, there could also be a sensor in the form of a picture or gesture recognition, by means of which the movements forward, backward, left and right can be directly shown and executed with corresponding gestures.

For example, the If / Then / Else command can be used to wait for a sensor input to execute a subsequent command. This sensor could be located directly on the controllable element or on another element. In contrast to the command "Wait sensor input", no automatic command execution is executed here, but one of two subsequently programmed commands is executed. More specifically, the command of the "If / Then / Else" command is executed directly if the demand "If" is satisfied, and the command of the next-but-one command is executed if the demand "If" is not satisfied. The requirement "If" in turn is determined by an associated sensor perception, wherein the sensor could be present, for example, in the form of a distance sensor, a tone sensor or the like. Alternatively, the "If" could be defined by a separate command stone, so first the "If / Then / Else" command stone, then the "If" definition command stone and then "Then" and "Else" command stones stuck would.

The command "jump to a program" can be used to program loops and jumps. This means that any jumping from one programming area of the input unit to another or else to the beginning of the same programming area can take place. In this case, different programming range jumps are preferably associated with different colors, wherein the programming ranges are preferably likewise designed in these colors, as a result of which particularly intuitive programming can take place.

In an advantageous development, it is provided that the system is adapted to carry out with the programming commands a control of an element from the group: robot, image output unit, peripheral device, electrical or electronic game device, music device, such as sequencer or synthesizer. As a result, the programming can be used in many ways.

In an advantageous development it is provided that the system has a means for storing the sequence of command stones, wherein the means for storing preferably have at least one receptacle which is adapted to produce a positive and / or non-positive connection with the command stones, wherein the Recording is designed in particular as a bridge stone, which can be plugged onto the inserted in the input unit command stones. Then used programming can easily be used repeatedly, in between other programming can be used without the original programming can be lost. There is a mechanical equivalent of an electrical or electronic storage, so to speak. In an advantageous development, it is provided that for the optical separation between the main program area and the subprogram area there is an area in which no attachment of command stones can take place.

• 1 das erfindungsgemäße System in einer ersten bevorzugten Ausführungsform,
• 2a, 2b ein mit dem erfindungsgemäßen System nach 1 steuerbarer erster Roboter in zwei unterschiedlichen perspektivischen Ansichten,
• 3 ein mit dem steuerbarer Roboter nach 2 ausführbares Spiel,
• 4 das erfindungsgemäße System nach 1 mit einem ersten Programmierungsbeispiel,
• 5 das erfindungsgemäße System nach 1 mit einem zweiten Programmierungsbeispiel,
• 6 das erfindungsgemäße System nach 1 mit einem dritten Programmierungsbeispiel,
• 7 das erfindungsgemäße System in einer zweiten bevorzugten Ausführungsform,
• 8a das erfindungsgemäße System in einer dritten bevorzugten Ausführungsform,
• 8b das erfindungsgemäße System nach 8a in einer Explosionsansicht,
• 9 das erfindungsgemäße System nach 8 in einer alternativen Ausführungsform und
• 10 ein erstes Speicherelement für die Programmierung der erfindungsgemäßen Systeme in einem Anwendungsfall
• 11 ein zweites Speicherelement für die Programmierung der erfindungsgemäßen Systeme in einem Anwendungsfall,
• 12 ein mit dem erfindungsgemäßen System nach 1 steuerbarer zweiter Roboter in einer perspektivischen Ansicht,
• 13 das erfindungsgemäße System nach 1 mit einem vierten Programmierungsbeispiel,
• 14 das erfindungsgemäße System nach 1 mit einem fünften Programmierungsbeispiel und
• 15 das erfindungsgemäße System in einer vierten bevorzugten Ausführungsform.

The features and further advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the following with reference to the description of preferred embodiments in conjunction with the figures. Here are purely schematic:

• 1 the system according to the invention in a first preferred embodiment,
• 2a . 2 B a with the inventive system according to 1 controllable first robot in two different perspective views,
• 3 one with the controllable robot 2 executable game,
• 4 the system according to the invention 1 with a first programming example,
• 5 the system according to the invention 1 with a second programming example,
• 6 the system according to the invention 1 with a third programming example,
• 7 the system according to the invention in a second preferred embodiment,
• 8a the system according to the invention in a third preferred embodiment,
• 8b the system according to the invention 8a in an exploded view,
• 9 the system according to the invention 8th in an alternative embodiment and
• 10 a first memory element for the programming of the systems according to the invention in one application
• 11 a second memory element for programming the systems according to the invention in an application,
• 12 a with the inventive system according to 1 controllable second robot in a perspective view,
• 13 the system according to the invention 1 with a fourth programming example,
• 14 the system according to the invention 1 with a fifth programming example and
• 15 the system according to the invention in a fourth preferred embodiment.

In the 1 to 6 is a first preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention 10 shown in different views.

It can be seen that the system 10 an input unit 12 and at least one command stone 14 having.

Furthermore, it can be seen that the input unit 12 two different areas 16 . 18 has, namely an area 16 for a main program and an area 18 for a side program.

The area 16 for the main program has a power supply, a processor unit, means for command recognition and a communication unit (not shown), wherein the communication unit wirelessly based on WLAN.

The two areas 16 . 18 are connected together by an electrical connection, not shown, so that both the power supply and the means for command recognition of the area 16 of the main program with the area 18 the auxiliary program are electrically connected.

Furthermore, the area indicates 16 of the main program an on / off switch 20 , a status indicator 22 in the form of an LED and a push-turn control 24 on. In addition, there are still mating surfaces 26 for attachable bricks according to the LEGO ^{® system} and comparable modular systems.

Both the area 16 of the main program as well as the area 18 of the auxiliary program have slots 28 . 30 for the command stones 14 on. These slots 28 . 30 are next to each other in a row, so arranged linear adjacent.

The main program area 16 is set up so that after execution of all there befindliches command stones 14 the controller stops. On the other hand is the Nebenprogrammbereich 18 set up so that after completion of all there command stones 14 automatically into the main program area 16 is returned to the command stone 14 that on the command stone 14 follows, through which the ancillary program area 18 was called.

There are different command stones 14 , which visually differ from one another by their coloring (see later explanations). In addition, the command stones are different 14 also in that the differently colored command stones 14 embody different programming commands.

Here are the command stones 14 in the form of conventional stones which can be plugged on one another according to the ^{LEGO® system} and comparable modular systems, ie they have a body 40 on top four pimples 42 protrude. These command stones 14 So have a grid of 2x2 pimples 42 on. At the bottom of the body 40 are to the pimples 42 corresponding clamping connectors (not shown) arranged so that two command stones 14 can be put over each other. Through the pimples 42 and corresponding terminal connector forms a positive and positive connection, resulting in the connection of the two command stones 14 does not solve by itself again, especially when turning the associated command stones 14 ,

The slots 28 . 30 the input unit 12 also have pimples 44 on, so the command stones 14 with the input unit 12 also form a non-positive and positive connection when plugging.

The design of the command stones 14 and the slots 28 . 30 concerning the pimples 42 . 44 and corresponding clamping connector corresponds to the system LEGO ^® and comparable modular systems, as for example in DE 1 076 007 A is shown so that with respect to this embodiment on the DE 1 076 007 A reference is made to the full content of such content.

In addition, the command stones 14 still electrical contacts (not shown) on which the slots 28 . 30 have corresponding electrical contacts (not shown). These contacts could, for example, according to the EP 2 889 535 A2 be designed, the content of which is hereby incorporated in full.

Furthermore, the command stones in their interior passive electrical elements, preferably in the form of at least one electrical resistance (not shown), which is electrically connected to the electrical contacts of the respective command stone.

According to an advantageous embodiment, each command stone also has a light source (not shown), for example in the form of an LED. The color of the lamp may be white or the color of the respective command stone 14 or any other color, which does not have the color impression of the respective command stone in the luminous state 14 changes too much.

Alternatively, the command stones could 14 also be designed translucent and the slots 28 . 30 have white or bright bulbs on top of the command stones 14 to be illuminated from below.

In the event that exist in addition to the passive electrical element and light sources, different contacts for the lamps and for the passive electrical element should exist.

On the other hand, the bulbs with resistors may be connected as passive electrical elements. Then, lower resistance values make lighter-opaque materials shine brighter. Thus, for example, one could combine lower resistance values with darker command brick colors, so that a similar brightness impression results regardless of the color.

In every command stone 14 , which embodies a different programming command, is now arranged such a different passive electrical element that upon electrical contacting of the command stone by the input unit 12 the respective programming command is uniquely determinable. It should be taken into account that accordingly 4 also a stack of command stones 14 can be done, wherein the passive electrical elements are connected in series.

For example, the command stones 60 . 62 . 64 . 66 have the following resistance values for movements: Command Stone 60 forward movement 1 ohm Command Stone 62 regression 20 ohms Command Stone 64 turn left 400 ohms Command Stone 66 right turn 8 kohms.

In addition, combinations may also be provided in the form of forward to left or left and rear to right or left combinations of command stones. However, these commands can also be implemented as a combination, namely as a series execution or synchronous execution.

Then the input unit 12 by the voltage drop across the respective slot 28 . 30 up to 19 identical command blocks stacked on top of each other 60 . 62 . 64 . 66 differ, since only in each case 20 stacked command stones 60 . 62 . 64 the resistance value of the command stone 62 . 64 . 66 with the next higher resistance value. For safety, but you should open the pile 15 command stones 60 . 62 . 64 . 66 restrict to prevent measurement errors.

On the other hand, the resistance spacings can also be made narrower if the values are set such that identical values do not result despite amplification by series connection.

More command stones 14 With different programming commands you could again equip with correspondingly higher or lower resistance values. On the other hand, it is also possible to use coils and capacitors whose values are to be interpreted in a correspondingly distinguishable manner.

In addition to the above command stones 60 . 62 . 64 . 66 For example, the following additional command blocks can be used for movements 14 to be provided: Command Stone 68 random motion 160 kOhm Command Stone 70 Spend light 3.2 MOhm Command Stone 72 Break 6.4 MOhm Command Stone 74 Output sound 0.05 ohms Command Stone 76 Wait for sensor input 2.5 μOhm Command Stone 78 Jump into the side program 0.125 μOhm Command Stone 80 Continue to execute the command 0.1 μF Command Stone 81 Command stop 2 μF Command Stone 82 output electrical signal 40 μF Command Stone 84 output electric power 800 μF Command Stone 86 Negation of an aforementioned programming instruction 16,000 μF Command Stone 88 Modification of at least one parameter of an aforementioned programming command 640,000 μF, the command stones 80 . 82 . 84 . 86 . 88 no resistors, but capacitors included. Instead of the pause command stone 72 could also be just a slot released, because the resistance of this pause command stone 72 is interpreted as "infinite".

In order for a user to be able to intuitively and easily carry out the desired programming, each one has a different command token 14 assigned a custom color: Command Stone 60 forward movement green Command Stone 62 regression blue Command Stone 64 turn left yellow Command Stone 66 right turn red Command Stone 68 random motion four color segments: green, blue, yellow, red Command Stone 70 Spend light pink Command Stone 72 Break medium gray Command Stone 74 Output sound Light Blue Command Stone 76 Wait for sensor input beige Command Stone 78 Jump into the side program White Command Stone 80 Continue to execute the command orange Command Stone 81 Command stop brown Command Stone 82 output electrical signal lime Command Stone 84 output electric power black Command Stone 86 Negation of an aforementioned programming command violet Command Stone 88 Modification of at least one parameter of an aforementioned programming command turquoise.

This can be the command stone 14 plugged in any orientation on the slots 28 . 30 , he always keeps the same meaning for the user.

The determination of the programming made by the system 10 now like this:

After all desired command stones 14 in the respective slots 28 . 30 of the area 16 of the main program and the area 18 of the auxiliary program, it becomes on / off switch 20 set to "On" and the input unit 12 activated. Subsequently, the push-turn control 24 pressed, reducing each individual slot 28 . 30 one after the other and the determined programming commands are determined and output. The speed of the control commands issued, for example the speed of the movements, can be adjusted by turning the push-dial 24 be set.

The reading takes place in such a way that by applying voltage to the command stones 14 over the respective slot 28 . 30 The command detection means by measuring the falling voltage and the current flowing now accurately determine which command blocks 14 and how many of them each on a slot 28 . 30 are plugged. As every command stone 14 a programming command is uniquely assigned, the means for command recognition can determine therefrom the exact programming command.

This programming command is transmitted to the processor unit of the input unit, which generates a machine-readable control command from it and outputs it via the communication unit, which preferably communicates wirelessly, for example via WLAN, but could also communicate by wire, to an object to be controlled 100 ,

During the reading out and outputting becomes the respective command stone 14 Illuminated, allowing the user to easily debug by comparing with the one illuminated by the command stone 14 controlled functions of the controllable object 100 can perform.

Such a controllable object 100 is in the 2a . 2 B shown by way of example. It can be seen that this is a robot 100 is. However, other controllable objects, such as image output units, peripheral devices, electrical or electronic game devices and the like are more with the system according to the invention 10 controllable.

It can be seen that the robot 100 a body 102 has, at the bottom 104 two wheels 106 . 108 are separately driven by two associated electric motors (not shown), whereby both forward and reverse trips, as well as left and right (forward and backward) and a turning to the right and left are feasible when the robot 100 from the input unit 10 receives the corresponding control command.

Furthermore, the robot points 100 plug surfaces 110 . 112 . 114 for building blocks 116 . 118 on, with which the robot 100 can be modified, wherein the building block 118 by means of the coupling pin 120 with the plug-in surface 114 is connectable.

The robot 110 has a speaker 122 over which he can output sounds, and an indicator 124 in the form of an LED display, over which light or pictures, writing and signs can be issued, if the robot 100 from the input unit 10 receives the corresponding control command. In addition, a current output via the electrical voltage poles 126 . 128 possible if the robot 100 from the input unit 10 receives the corresponding control command.

Furthermore, the robot has four direction indicators 130 . 132 . 134 . 136 and associated sensors 138 . 140 . 142 . 144 , This allows the robot 100 independently perform the respective movement when the robot 100 from the input unit 10 receives the control command "wait for sensor input" and the sensor assigned to the respective movement 138 . 140 . 142 . 144 , which is designed as a focused motion detector or distance detector detects a movement that a user, for example, with his hand in front of the sensors 138 . 140 . 142 . 144 performs to the robot 100 to control it.

Furthermore, the robot has 100 an on / off switch 145 , Besides, the robot could 100 at its front 146 and back 148 each have short feet (not shown) to the robot 100 balance.

Inside the robot 100 are a power supply, communication means to the wireless control commands of the input unit 12 for receiving, and a control unit for controlling the functions of the robot 100 arranged, which are not shown in detail.

With the help of appropriate control commands, a user can now use the robot 100 about for example the in 3 shown playing field 200 move to perform tasks given to him by the playing field 200 be specified.

The playing field 200 has different grid-like arranged fields 202 which can define tasks for the user by means of symbols, images or terms.

In 3 is for example the drawn direction of movement T to reach the destination X specified. To perform this task, the robot must 100 Go two steps forward, then make a turn to the right and then go two steps forward again.

This could be done by having in the area 16 of the main program one after the other the command stones 60 . 60 . 66 . 60 . 60 to be ordered.

The programming commands, the command stones 60 . 66 are assigned, are set up so that the corresponding movement always in the grid of the game field 200 remains. Depending on the via the push-dial 26 Therefore, the duration of the issued control command is such that a forward movement always leads from one field to the adjacent field and not beyond. The rotation to the right or left is carried out so that in each case a rotation takes place at the point in the direction mentioned by 90 °.

Two consecutively inserted command stones 60 thus cause the robot 100 exactly from the first field 202a to the second field 202b and from there to the third field 202c moves, with a short pause after each movement, as with successively inserted command stones 14 yes only the reading of the programming command of a first command stone 14 and then converting and outputting the corresponding control command before the next command block 14 is read out.

If, on the other hand, two command stones 14 are put on top of each other, then their programming commands are read out simultaneously converted into a corresponding control command and output. So instead of the command stones 14 on five adjacent slots 28 to arrange the command stones 14 on three adjacent slots 28 arranged as sequence command stones 60 + 60, 66, 60 + 60, with the command stones 60 So are each superimposed, then no breaks between the forward movements, but the robot 100 each moves two playing field 202 forward.

In 4 is a first embodiment of the programming with the system according to the invention 100 shown, taking on the slots 28 of the area 16 of the main program the command stones 60 . 78 and in a slot 30 of the area 18 for the ancillary program the command stone 84 are plugged.

This will cause the following programming command chain to be detected: "move forward", "jump to slave program" and jump into the area 18 of the auxiliary program "output electrical power". From this, the following control command chain with intervening short interruptions to the robot accordingly 100 transmitted: forward movement over a grid and power over the electrical voltage poles 126 . 128 output, whereby a not shown electrically operable auxiliary element of the robot 100 can be operated.

In 5 is a second embodiment for programming with the system according to the invention 100 shown. This arrangement of command stones 14 is adapted to realize a program loop, whereby, for example, an automatic control loop can be generated.

This is in the range 16 of the main program a command stone 78 and in the area 18 of the sub program a command stone 76 and a command stone 78 arranged one after the other.

As a result, the following programming command chain is detected: "jump to the slave program" and after the jump in the area 18 of the auxiliary program "Wait for sensor input" and again "jump to the slave program", which jumps back to "wait for sensor input" and turn "jump to the slave program". It is thus an endless loop. From this, the following control command chain with intervening short interruptions to the robot accordingly 100 transmitted: "perform movement according to the direction indicator 130 . 132 . 134 . 136 in accordance with the sensor detecting a movement 138 . 140 . 142 . 144 "," Perform movement according to direction indicator 130 . 132 . 134 . 136 in accordance with the sensor detecting a movement 138 . 140 . 142 . 144 "," Perform movement according to direction indicator 130 . 132 . 134 . 136 in accordance with the sensor detecting a movement 138 . 140 . 142 . 144 Etc. etc. This control loop is only activated by switching off the robot 100 or the input unit 12 interrupted, so that the robot 100 continuously over the playing field 200 could control by hand.

In 6 is a third embodiment for programming with the system according to the invention 100 shown.

It can be seen that in the area 16 of the main program successively a command stone 60 , two stacked command stones 62 and four stacked command stones 64 on the slots 28 are plugged.

This identifies the following programming command chain: "Move Forward", "Move Backward" x2, and "Turn Left" 4 , From this, the following control command chain with intervening short interruptions to the robot accordingly 100 transmitted: forward movement over a grid, backward movement over two rasters and rotation to the left over 360 °.

In 7 is a second preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention 300 shown.

It can be seen that the design of the system 300 only by that of the system 100 distinguishes that the command stones 302 have a nibble grid of 1x1, so only a quarter as large as the command stones 14 of the system 100 , The slots are also corresponding 304 . 306 reduced, making a total of the same length of the input unit 308 twice the number of command stones 302 can be arranged so that the length of the producible program can be doubled.

In the 8a and 8b is a third preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention 400 shown in different views.

It can be seen that here are the command stones 402 in their shape according to the command stones 302 are formed. However, these command blocks 402 no contacts, bulbs and passive electrical elements on, every different command stone 402 is only once again assigned a specific color, as it is related to the command stones 14 already explained.

Furthermore, it can be seen that the input unit 404 from a stop module 406 , a first module module 408 , a major program area 410 , a secondary program area 412 and a sensor bridge 414 exists, with these parts over pins 416 are intertwined, as it is in 8b is shown.

Main program area 410 and ancillary program area 412 again have slots 418 . 420 for the command stones 402 on. Also, the side of the main program area 410 and ancillary program area 412 each tours 422 . 423 in the form of lateral grooves 422 . 423 arranged, in which the sensor bridge can intervene, so that the sensor bridge 414 about main program area 410 and ancillary program area 412 is slidable.

The sensor bridge 414 has as a means for command recognition a color sensor (not shown) and a power supply (not shown) and communication means (not shown) for control command output, which communication is preferably wireless, for example as WLAN communication. There is also a start button 424 and an arrow 426 to indicate the required direction of movement R , In addition, the sensor bridge points 414 a processor unit that converts the recognized programming commands into control instructions. Furthermore, the control bridge 414 Means for detecting the module block 408 on. This in turn can be achieved by color recognition or recognition of a code 427 or an RFID tag or the like.

The programming is now done by the command stones 402 as desired on the slots 418 . 420 from main program area 410 and ancillary program area 412 be plugged.

Subsequently, the sensor bridge 414 , above the module block 408 adjacent to the stop module 406 is placed by pressing the start button 424 activated, which makes it the module block 414 based on the detected code 427 detects, which in the present example represents movements. As a result, the sensor bridge knows 414 in that all programming commands are to be interpreted as movement commands. Alternatively, a second module module can also be used 428 be provided for sounds, as it is in 9 is shown. Other possible module modules (not shown) could stand for light and the like. This allowed very complex sounds and displays to be programmed.

Then the user would use the sensor bridge 414 completely in the programming direction R about main program area 410 and ancillary program area 412 draw, with the built-in color detector the respective command stones 402 detected and the corresponding control commands could be generated.

Here, no interruptions between individual control commands must be provided because the entire program could be read in and compiled at once, so that the control commands could then be output without interruption, for example the robot 100 to control.

In 9 is shown in the system 400 also different module modules 408 . 428 with independent main program areas 410 . 430 and ancillary program areas 412 . 432 could be used. Switching takes place here automatically by detecting the module block 428 through the sensor bridge 414 ,

Instead of the different colors, the command stones could 402 also have different shapes, for example on the top, of the sensor bridge 414 be recognized, or there are for example at the top of different symbols, such as " V "Forwards," R "For backwards," L "For left and" R "Arranged for right, which are recognized. Such symbols and shapes can also be designed so that their meaning is independent of the orientation of the command stones 402 is.

If the sensor bridge 414 not about the command stones 402 drives, but next to it, with the groove not behind but in front of the slots 418 . 420 There would be enough space for stacking of command stones 402 ,

In 10 is a first memory element 500 shown in abbreviated form as it is for the systems 10 . 300 and 400 is easy to use to save the programmed programming reproducible.

It can be seen that the memory element 500 as rail type LEGO ^® and comparable plug systems with nubs 502 at the top 504 and clamp connectors (not shown) at the bottom 506 is formed, wherein the memory element 500 has such a length as the length of the slots 28 . 30 for main program area 16 and ancillary program area 18 equivalent.

Then the memory element 500 simply via main program area 16 and ancillary program area 18 on the command stones 14 pressed on and with the command stones 14 together from the input unit 12 be removed. As a result, the programming can be easily stored and later back to the input unit 12 be used.

This in 11 shown second memory element 600 not just a programming (like the memory element 500 ), but up to four different programs according to the system 10 or up to 8 different programs according to the system 300 save.

In 11 it can be seen that here are the command stones 14 programming by hand on top 602 of the memory element 600 were arranged. This is especially useful if in the programming superimposed command stones 14 were used (not shown). For optical separation of main program area 16 and ancillary program area 18 is also an area here 604 provided, a putting on of command stones 14 avoided.

This second memory element 600 also has clamp connectors (not shown) at the bottom 606 so that programming could be stored there as well, as in 10 is shown.

In 12 is a second preferred embodiment of a controllable element according to the invention 700 shown in the form of a robot.

It can be seen that this robot 700 by the robot 100 to 2 differentiates that here the sensors 702 . 704 not certain predetermined directions of movement are permanently assigned, but readable slots 706 . 708 , according to the slots 28 . 30 the input unit 12 , (For the sake of clarity, there are only two sensors each 702 . 704 and their assigned slots 706 . 708 shown.) on these slots 706 . 708 are again command stones 14 attachable, whose command after activation by the associated sensor 702 . 704 is read out, in which case at the same time also a lighting of the respective command stone 14 he follows. The sensors 702 . 704 are also distance detectors here.

In the programming example shown are in the main program area 16 the input unit 12 a forward command block 60 and a sensor input command block 76 arranged and in the secondary program area 18 two left-turn command blocks 64 , On the slot 706 in the forward direction of the robot 700 again, there is a jump to the slave program command block 78 arranged.

After activating the input unit 12 the robot drives 700 Now forward and waiting for the sensor input of the sensor 702 , If this sensor 702 an obstacle, such as a wall (not shown), perceives, then becomes the slot 706 read out, causing a jump in the secondary program area 18 he follows. This turns the robot 700 two times by 90 ° to the left, ie a total of 180 °. This can avoid an obstacle. So here is an event based programming done.

The fourth programming example after 13 shows an infinite loop within the same programming range 16 , More specifically, there is a forward command 60 and subsequently a jump to the main program block 90 , This causes an endless movement forward, because after execution of the forward command automatically jump back to the beginning of the main program area 16 and takes place and thereby again the forward command is executed again.

In 14 For example, in a fifth programming example, If / Then / Else programming is shown. More specifically, here is the input unit 12 in the main program area 16 following sequence of command stones 14 plugged in: forward command 60, If / Then / Else command 92 , Jump to the slave program command block 78 and a jump to the main program command block 90 , In the secondary program area 18 are two left-turn command blocks 64 , For example, this programming could be done with the robot 100 be used.

After activation of the input unit 12 thus becomes the robot 100 move one grid forward. Subsequently, a check of the sensor 140 , If this sensor 140 perceives an obstacle, for example in the form of a wall, then jumps into the Nebenprogrammbereich 18 , whereby the robot 100 a turn of two times 90 °, ie 180 ° completes. Subsequently, a jump takes place into the main program area 16 , whereby this jump always after complete execution of the command stones in the Nebenprogrammbereich 18 he follows. This jump is always to the command-line following the command-stone that jumped into the subprogram area. In the present case, the jump was made by the command stone 78 on which the command stone 90 follows. Thus, the return to the command stone 90 who, in turn, at the start of the main program and thus the command stone 60 points.

Alternatively, if such an automatism of transition between ancillary program area 18 and main program area 16 would not be desirable because, for example, the "Else" command would not match as a return address, then a final jump to the main program command might also be required 90 in the secondary program area 18 be provided, thereby automatically jumping to the beginning of the main program area 16 would be done.

If, on the other hand, there is no sensor perception, that is, there is no obstacle, then the jump to the auxiliary program command block 78 skipped and jumped to the main program command block, a jump to the beginning of the main program area, whereby the main program is processed from the beginning with the forward by one grid.

In 15 Finally, a fourth preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention 800 shown.

It can be seen that here is the input unit 802 three different programming areas 804 . 806 . 808 has, namely the main program area 804 , and the two ancillary program areas 806 . 808 , These three program areas 804 . 806 . 808 different colors are assigned, for example black for the main program area 804 , knows for the one side program area 806 and gray for the other side program area 808 ,

In addition, there are jumps in the program command blocks, namely jump in the one side program 78 Dyeed white jump into the other side program 94 which is colored gray, and jump to the main program 90 ,

One recognizes that thereby an alternating jumping into the Nebenprogrammbereiche 806 . 808 and back to the main program area 804 can be done, for this purpose, for simplicity, no further command stones 14 are shown.

In the example 800 after 15 is the input unit 802 as a block with the program areas 804 . 806 . 808 educated. However, it could also be a pluggability between the program areas 804 . 806 . 808 exist, so the program area 804 . 806 . 808 can be combined as required. This arrangement could also be arbitrary in series or in a grid, if appropriate plug-in capabilities are provided. For this purpose, a common base plate (not shown) could exist, to which the program areas 804 . 806 . 808 even attachable. For this, the electronic circuitry of the program area could 804 . 806 . 808 also exist wirelessly.

From the foregoing, it has become clear that with the present invention, a system 10 . 300 . 400 is provided for programming, which is easily applicable to children, the programming is unique and in particular interference-free. Very diverse different programming is possible.

Unless otherwise indicated, all features of the present invention may be freely combined. The features described in the description of the figures can, unless stated otherwise, be freely combined with the other features as features of the invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

first preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention

12

input unit

14

command Stein

16

Area for a main program

18

Area for a side program

20

On / off switch

22

Status display

24

Push knob

26

Plug-in stones for attachable bricks according to the LEGO ^{® system} and comparable modular systems

28, 30

Slots for command blocks in the main program area 16 or ancillary program area 18

40

Body of the command stone 14

42

Pimples of the command stone 14

44

Pimples of the slots 28 . 30

60

Command stone, forward movement, 1 ohm, green

62

Command stone, backward movement, 20 ohms, blue

64

Command stone, left turn, 400 ohms, yellow

66

Command stone, clockwise rotation, 8 kOhm, red

68

Command stone, random motion, 160 kOhm, four color segments: green, blue, yellow, red

70

Command stone, output light, 3.2 MOhm, pink

72

Command stone, pause, 6.4 MOhm, medium blue

74

Command stone, sound output, 0.05 ohms, light blue

76

Command block, wait for sensor input, 2.5 μOhm, beige

78

Command block, jump to slave program, 0.125 μOhm, white

80

Command block, continue command, 0.1 μF, orange

81

Command block, command hold, 2 μF, brown

82

Command stone, output electrical signal, 40 μF, light green

84

Command stone, output electric power, 800 μF, black

86

Command block, negation of an aforementioned programming command, 16,000 μF, purple

88

Command block, modification of at least one parameter of an aforementioned programming command, 640,000 μF, turquoise

90

Jump to the main program

92

If / Then / Else command

94

Jump into the other side program

100

object to be controlled, robot, according to the first embodiment

102

body

104

bottom

106, 108

two wheels

110, 112, 114

Plug-in blocks for building blocks 116 . 118

116, 118

building blocks

120

coupling pin

122

speaker

124

Display, LED display

126, 128

electrical voltage poles

130, 132, 134, 136

direction indicators

138, 140, 142, 144

the direction indicators 130 . 132 . 134 . 136 assigned sensors

145

On / off switch

146

front

148

back

200

matchfield

202

grid-like arranged fields

202a

first playing field

202b

second playing field

202c

third field of play

300

second preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention

302

command stones

304, 306

slots

308

input unit

400

third preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention

402

command stones

404

input unit

406

stop block

408

first module module for motion

410

Main program area

412

In addition to the program area

414

sensor bridge

416

pencils

418, 420

slots

422, 423

Guides, side grooves

424

start button

426

Arrow to display the required

427

codes

428

second module for sounds

430

Main program area

432

In addition to the program area

500

first memory element

502

burl

504

top

506

bottom

600

second memory element

602

top

604

separation area

606

bottom

700

to be controlled object, robot, according to the second embodiment

702, 704

distance sensors

706, 708

the distance sensors 702 . 704 assigned slots

800

fourth preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention

802

input unit

804

Main program area

806

a secondary program area

808

other secondary program area

R

movement direction

T

movement direction

X

Endpoint

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 2014/0274412 A1 [0007]
• DE 1076007A [0051]
• EP 2889535 A2 [0052]

Claims (11)

A system (10; 300; 400; 800) for programming with an input unit (12; 308; 404; 802) capable of inputting programming instructions, the system (10; 300; 400; 800) outputting these program instructions in a programmed order wherein for inputting the programming commands there are one or more command blocks (14; 302; 402) insertable into the input unit (12; 308; 404; 802), characterized in that between input unit (12; 308; 404; 802) and at least one command stone (14; 302; 402) can be produced in a positive and / or non-positive connection. System (10; 300; 800) after Claim 1 characterized in that a) the input unit (12; 308; 802) has first electrical contacts and the command blocks (14; 302) second electrical contacts which, upon insertion of the command blocks (14; 302) into the input unit (12; 308; 802), and / or b) the command blocks (14; 302) have third electrical contacts with which command blocks (14; 308) are electrically contactable with each other. System (10; 300; 400; 800) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least between two command blocks (14; 302; 402) a positive and / or non-positive connection can be produced, wherein the two command stones (14; 402) are preferably stackable, wherein the system (10; 300; 400; 800) is particularly adapted to multiply the execution time of a program instruction depending on the number of identical instruction blocks (14; 302; 402) contacted together. System (10; 300; 400; 800) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that c) at least one command stone (14; 302) is designed to emit light, wherein the command stone (14; 302) preferably self-luminous and / or by the Wherein the command block (14; 302) is in particular translucent, and / or d) the programming commands are stored in the input unit (12; 308; 404; 802), whereby different command blocks (14; 302; 402) different programming commands are assigned. System (10; 300; 800) after Claim 4 CHARACTERIZED IN THAT the system is configured to allow the command block (14; 302) to output light when the programmer command associated with the command block (14; 302) is issued. A system (10; 300; 400; 800) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that e) at least one command block (14; 302) is an electrical passive element, the command block (14; 302) preferably being a passive electrical element, in particular from the group: resistor, capacitor and coil, which can be contacted by the input unit, and / or f) the command blocks (14; 302; 402) have an n-fold symmetry axis, where n-preferred is 2 or 4, and / or g) the system (10; 300; 400; 800) has a controller (24; 414) for the speed of the programming commands to be executed, the controller preferably being designed as a shift (414) or rotary control (24). System (10; 300; 400; 800) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that different command blocks (14; 302; 402) have different colors, symbols and / or shapes, wherein the symbols or shapes are selected such that the meaning of which does not change when the command block (14; 302; 402) is rotated about its axis, wherein the system (400) is preferably adapted to program the programming command associated with a command block (402) by reading out the color, the symbol or the shape the command stone (402), in particular by the input unit (404, 414) to determine. System (400) Claim 7 , characterized in that the system is adapted to perform reading by moving a color, image recognition and / or shape sensor (414) in parallel with the command blocks (402) inserted on the input unit (404). System (10; 300; 400; 800) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that h) the input unit (12; 308; 404; 802) separate areas for a main program (16; 410; 804) and at least one secondary program (16; 18; 412; 806, 808) and / or i) the input unit (12; 308; 404; 802) has slots (28, 30; 304, 306; 418, 420) for the command blocks (14; 302; 402) are arranged linearly adjacent, wherein preferably all slots (28, 30, 304, 306, 418, 420) of a programming area (16, 18, 804, 806, 808) are arranged linearly adjacent, wherein in particular all slots (28, 30; 304, 306; 418, 420) of the input unit (12; 308; 402) are arranged linearly adjacent. System (10; 300; 400) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that k) adjacent slots are arranged on the input unit so that command blocks can not be plugged across adjacent slots, and / or i) the system (10; 400), at least one programming command from the group: forward movement (60), rearward movement (62), left-hand rotation (64), right-hand rotation (66), rightward-forward movement, left-forward movement, right-rearward movement, Move left backwards, continue command (80), hold command (81), pause (72), output sound (74), output light (70), output electric signal (82), output electric power (84), sensor input wait (76), If / Then / Else command, random command (68) to process jump to a program (78) and negation (86) of an aforementioned program command and modification (88) of at least one parameter of an aforementioned program command. System (10; 300; 400) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that m) the system (10; 300; 400) is adapted, with the programming commands a control of an element from the group: robot (100, 200), And / or n) the system (10) comprises means for storing (500, 600) the sequence of command blocks (14), the means for Save (500, 600) preferably have at least one receptacle which is adapted to produce a positive and / or non-positive connection with the command stones (14), wherein the receptacle is designed in particular as a bridge stone (500), which in the input unit (12) plugged command stones (14) can be plugged.

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