JPH10108985A - Built-up block and built-up toy system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a built-up block capable of building up a built-up toy with high degree of freedom in respect of action, control or the like, simple wiring and programming. SOLUTION: A drive blocks 46a-c, a power source block 47 and an infrared ray communication block 48 are joined with each other between base blocks 49a, 49b. A power source wire and a network wire of the respective blocks 46a-c, 47, 48 are interconnected through a power source wire and network wire in the base blocks 49a, 49b. An infrared ray communication block 48 gives and receives the control information of the drive blocks 46a-c to and from a remote controller. The drive blocks 46a-c is controlled by binding four network variables of the remote controller with the network variables of the drive blocks 46a-c.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an assembly block and an assembly type toy system using the assembly block.
The present invention relates to an assembly block capable of constructing a toy having a high degree of freedom in combination, and an assembly type toy system using the assembly block.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Many toys constructed by assembling parts by a user (child) have been known. For example, a plastic model corresponds to this, but this plastic model is finished only in a predetermined shape, and cannot be finished in a shape desired by the user, and has a low degree of freedom.

There is a building block as an assembling toy having a relatively high degree of freedom in shape. The user can freely create various types of shapes by combining a minimum number of types of assembly blocks by the user, and can exert the user's creativity.
Further, there is also known a block having a fitting portion for maintaining the connection between the assembly blocks firmly.

[0004]

However, although the blocks have the degree of freedom as described above, the toys completed by assembling the assembly blocks do not involve active actions such as operation and lighting of lights. And could not attract the interest of relatively older users. As a solution to this problem, there has been known an assembling type toy having an assembling type and an active portion such as a driving portion and a lamp. However,
The assembling toy having such an active portion has a simple operation, and can be controlled only to turn ON / OFF the operation by remote control, and has a low degree of freedom.

[0005] Therefore, attempts have been made to produce an assembling toy which has solved the drawback that the degree of freedom in operation and control is low. However, when trying to increase the degree of freedom in operation and control, wiring for driving and control is correspondingly complicated, and these wirings must be connected between assembly blocks. It becomes a complicated structure. In order to increase the degree of freedom in operation and control, it is necessary to provide a programmable control unit.
This complicates the procedure for programming the controller, making it virtually impossible for users of the age group targeted by the knockdown toy to do so.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems of the conventional assembling toy, and an object of the present invention is to provide a high degree of freedom in operation, control, and the like, and to achieve a simple operation. An object of the present invention is to provide an assembly block capable of building an assembling toy by wiring and programming. Another object of the present invention is to provide an assembling toy system using the assembling block.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An assembly block according to the present invention has at least one of a plurality of functions necessary for constructing an assembly type toy. The functions necessary to construct the assembling toy are developed by the function developing means in each of the building blocks. Examples of the function expressing means include a driving means and a sensor means. here,
The drive means specifically means a motor, a buzzer, a solenoid, a lighting device, or the like that exerts an action on the outside of the assembly block. Further, the sensor means specifically refers to a sensor such as a proximity sensor, a direction sensor, a volume, a switch, an optical sensor, etc., which can take in information from the outside of the assembly block into the assembly block.

[0008] In the present invention, the function expressing means is controlled by the control means. The control means controls the function expressing means according to the control program. The control program can be stored in the storage means. Further, the assembly block of the present invention has communication means for communicating with another assembly block. As this communication means, a wireless configuration using, for example, radio waves, infrared rays, or the like can be employed in addition to ordinary wired communication. The communication unit is used, for example, when transmitting data obtained by the sensor unit to another assembly block, or when transmitting control data in the driving unit from another assembly block.

A voltage is supplied to the function developing means, the control means, and the communication means from a power supply provided in the same assembly block as necessary, and the power supply is provided in the assembly block. There are cases where the battery is a provided battery, a rechargeable battery, and the like, and cases where the battery is a power source which converts a voltage supplied from an external power supply into a predetermined voltage and supplies the predetermined voltage.

[0010] Further, the assembly block of the present invention has coupling means for physically coupling with another assembly block to construct an assembling toy system. The coupling means is configured to maintain the electrical connection when the communication means is a wire such as a network line. Further, when a voltage is supplied from an external power supply to the function realizing means, the control means, the communication means, and the like, the electric connection of the power supply line for supplying the voltage is maintained.

The assembling toy system of the present invention is constructed by assembling assembling blocks capable of exhibiting the above-described functions. In the prefabricated toy system of the present invention, a network is configured by the communication means of each prefabricated block. On this network, a plurality of network variables are defined for each building block. These network variables are connected to each other by binding. The specific function of each assembly block is determined by this binding.

In the prefabricated toy system according to the present invention, the control program of the control means for controlling the function manifesting means in each of the assembly blocks can be transferred by the program transfer means connected to the network. The program transfer means may be constituted by a personal computer, for example, or dedicated hardware may be used. Further, in the system of the present invention, the definition and binding of the network variables described above can be performed by the program transfer means.

In the prefabricated toy system of the present invention, the control of the function developing means of each of the building blocks is performed in accordance with the control program executed by the control means as described above. Alternatively, an external control means for controlling the toy system under the instruction of the user may be provided. The external control means is connected to a network and sends out control information for the function developing means of a predetermined assembly block via the network. This external control means can be constituted by, for example, a personal computer having a communication function.

[0014]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a basic configuration of an assembly block according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the assembly block of the present invention includes a microcomputer 1 functioning as a control unit, and the microcomputer 1 is connected to a memory 2 as a storage unit for storing a control program. The control program is stored in the memory 2 from outside the assembly block by the program transfer means as described later. The memory 2 is configured by an IC such as a ROM, a RAM, and an EEPROM, and is also used as a work area necessary for executing a program. Further, two network lines 3 are connected to the microcomputer 1, and the microcomputer 1 and the network lines 3 constitute communication means. By combining the communication means of a plurality of assembly blocks, a network is formed in the assembly type toy system of the present invention.

The microcomputer 1 is supplied with a current from a power supply unit 4. In the example of FIG. 1, the power supply unit 4 converts a current supplied from two power supply lines 5 into a voltage required for the microcomputer 1. And supply.

An interface unit 6 is connected to the microcomputer 1.
Is connected to the driving means 7 and the sensor means 8. The interface unit 6 processes signals so that information can be exchanged between the microcomputer 1 and the driving unit 7 and the sensor unit 8. A voltage is supplied from the power supply unit 4 to the interface unit 6, the driving unit 7, and the sensor unit 8 as needed.

FIG. 2 shows a mode of connection of the assembly blocks. Each assembly block can be connected one to many,
In the case where the power supply line 5 and the network line 3 are separately provided and connected as shown in FIG. 5A, and when the power supply line and the network line are connected in common as shown in FIG. As shown in c), there is a mode in which a power supply is separately provided for each block, and communication between each assembly block is performed by radio waves, infrared rays, or the like.

FIG. 3 schematically shows an assembling toy constructed by connecting assembly blocks using a network.
In such an assembling toy, information is exchanged between the assembling blocks via a network. According to this network, one assembly block can exchange information with the assembly block of another assembly type toy, and a plurality of toys having an organic relationship with each other, such as a so-called battle type toy, can be created. Can be configured.

FIG. 4 shows the means of connection between the assembly blocks, that is, the manner of physical connection between the assembly blocks.
FIG. 1A shows a mode in which two assembly blocks that do not require connection of a power supply line and a network line are connected. In this connection mode, the protrusions 11b and the recesses 12b are provided on the surfaces 11a and 12a of the assembly blocks 11 and 12 to be connected, respectively, and the assembly blocks 11 and 12 are fitted by fitting the protrusions 11b and the recesses 12b.
Is performed.

FIG. 4B shows a concave electrode 14 formed in a concave portion on the upper surface of the assembly block 13 and a magnet 15 provided therein to attract a flat electrode 16 formed on the lower surface of the other assembly block 17. Thus, a magnetic circuit is formed, and thereby the physical and electrical coupling of the assembly blocks 13 and 17 is performed.

FIG. 4C shows a state in which a screw 19 is provided downward from the upper surface of the assembly block, and a locking member 20 made of a conductive material is attached to the tip of the screw 19. The other assembly block 18 to which the member 20 is to be connected
Are locked in the locking recesses 21 on the upper surface of the. Lock recess
The inner surface of 21 is made of conductive metal, and the locking member 20 and screw
Electrical connection to 19 is maintained. Therefore, the power supply line or the network line between the assembly blocks is
The connection can be made via the locking member 20 and the screw 19.

FIG. 4 (d) shows an embodiment in which connection is performed by fitting a concave portion and a convex portion as in FIG. 4 (a), but connection of a power supply line or a network line is required. . That is, the concave portion 25 is formed in the pedestal portion 24 of one assembly block 22, the electrode 27 is formed on the side portion of the concave portion 25, and the electrode 28 is provided on the side portion of the convex portion 26 of the other assembly block 23. . Then, by fitting the concave portion 25 and the convex portion 26, the assembly blocks 22, 2
In addition to performing the connection 3, the electrical connection between the electrode 27 and the electrode 28 is performed.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment in which a plurality of assembly blocks are connected to a relatively large base block. In the embodiment shown in the drawing, the assembly blocks 30, 31 are attached to the base block 29.
Has been fixed. The base block 29 is a portion serving as a base when assembling other assembly blocks, and has a function of electrically connecting the assembly block 30 and the assembly block 31, and a power supply line and a network line are provided inside the base block 29. Have been. Base block 29 and assembly blocks 30, 31
4 (a) to 4 (d).

FIG. 6 shows an embodiment in which the assembly blocks 32 and 33 are connected by a flat cable 34. The flat cable 34 includes a power line and a network line, and provides an electrical connection between the assembly blocks 32 and 33. Further, by adjusting the length of the flat cable 34, the flat cable 34 also has a function of fixing the adjacent assembly blocks 32, 33 or the assembly blocks 32, 33 arranged so as to sandwich the other assembly blocks so as not to come off. be able to.

Next, a program in each assembly block will be described. As described above, the function of each assembly block is determined in advance by the type of function expressing means of the assembly block. The programs to be executed by the control means and the communication means to fulfill this function are stored in advance in the storage means in the assembly block. This program includes:
There are a portion that is completed inside the assembly block and a portion that needs to exchange information with another assembly block outside, and when information needs to be exchanged with the outside, communication by communication means is performed. .

This communication is performed using network variables defined on a network formed by connecting the communication means of each assembly block to each other. The function of each assembly block is specifically determined by connecting each network variable of each assembly block to which assembly block network. Such a connection between network variables is called a binding.

The binding between network variables will be described with reference to FIG. In the figure, the network variables are represented by white arrows, and the direction of the information is represented by the direction of the arrow. That is, the assembly block A
Performs communication using the output network variables a-out1 and a-out2 and the input network variables a-in1 and a-in2.
The same applies to the assembly blocks B and C. For each building block binding, it is possible to output from one network variable to multiple network variables,
In addition, input from a plurality of network variables to one network variable is possible. Further, it is possible to input from a plurality of network variables to a plurality of network variables. The definition and binding of such network variables are performed by, for example, a program transfer unit connected to a network. The program transfer means is constituted by a personal computer or dedicated hardware as described above.

In FIG. 7, the solid line connecting the network variables does not represent the actual wiring but merely indicates the input / output destination of the information. Information is exchanged via the Internet.

The network variables a-out2, c-out1, and c-in1 to which nothing is connected are defined for each assembly block, but are used in a program bound as shown in FIG. Network variables that are not used, and these unused network variables may be used when the specific function of the function expressing means is changed.
In other words, what kind of network variables are defined for each assembly block determines the function originally provided by the assembly block, and the function provided by the assembly block depends on the mode of network variable binding. Which one of them is to be used is determined.

FIG. 8 shows a specific example of binding between network variables. In the figure, an assembly block 3 having a motor 35 with a drive wheel 35a attached as a function manifesting means is shown.
6, an assembly block 38 provided with an optical sensor 37 as a function manifesting means, and an assembly block 40 provided with a proximity sensor 39 constitute one assembly type toy. The assembly block 36 is controlled by the network variables "forward" and "reverse" which cause the motor 35 to rotate forward and reverse, respectively.
The assembly block 38 outputs a network variable “light detection” indicating that the light sensor 37 has detected light of a predetermined level or more. Similarly, the assembly block 40 outputs a network variable “obstacle detection” indicating that the proximity sensor 39 has detected the presence of an obstacle within a predetermined distance. Then, the network variable “light detection” of the assembly block 38 and the assembly block 36
Is bound to the network variable "forward" of
The network variable “obstacle detection” of the assembly block 40 and the network variable “reverse” of the assembly block 36 are bound. By such a binding of network variables, a toy that moves forward when exposed to light and moves backward when an obstacle is detected is completed. As described above, by combining the building blocks having various function expression means and combining the network variables, it is possible to configure a toy that operates independently.

The toy shown in FIG. 9A uses an assembly block 43 functioning as a remote controller instead of the assembly blocks 38 and 40 in FIG. The assembly block 43 includes two volumes 41, 42 and two switches 44, 45 as function expressing means. Assembly block 43 includes network variables "switch 1" and "switch 2" indicating that switches 44 and 45 are set to ON, respectively.
The network variables “Volume 1” and “Volume 2” representing the respective values of the volumes 41 and 42 are output. The network variable “switch 1” is bound to the network variable “forward” in the assembly block 36, and the network variable “switch 2” is bound to the network variable “invert”. With this configuration, switch 44 is turned ON.
When the switch 2 is turned on, the toy that moves forward is completed.

FIG. 9 (b) shows a toy constructed so that the function of the remote controller shown in FIG. 9 (a) is performed by a personal computer 57. In addition to the assembling block 36 shown in FIG. 9 (a), FIG. 8 includes an assembly block 38 having the optical sensor 37 of FIG. 8 and an assembly block 40 having the proximity sensor 39. The network variable "light detection" of the assembly block 38 is bound to the network variable "sensor 1" of the personal computer 57, and the network variable "obstacle detection" of the assembly block 39 is connected to the network variable "sensor 2" of the personal computer 57. Be bound. The network variables “command 1” and “command 2” of the personal computer 57 are bound to the network variables “forward” and “reverse” of the assembly block 36, respectively.

With the configuration using the personal computer 57, the motor 35 of the assembly block 36 is controlled based on the information from the optical sensor 37 of the assembly block 38 or the information from the proximity sensor 39 of the assembly block 40. The optical sensor 37 or the proximity sensor 39
The operation of the assembling block 36 can be controlled based on the judgment of the user of the toy without depending on the information from the toy.

The programming method using the network variables as described above is based on LON (Local Operating Network)
LON is introduced in a large number of documents (for example, All About Lon,
Kenro Sakagami, COMPUTER DESGINE, JUNE, 1991).

In FIG. 9B, the personal computer 57 has been described as an alternative to the assembly block 43 functioning as a remote controller. However, the personal computer 57 can be regarded as the above-mentioned external control means. That is, by the binding of the network variables as shown in FIG. 9 (b), the operation is performed autonomously by the control program normally executed by the control means similarly to the toy of FIG. When the user inputs control information from the keyboard of the personal computer 57, the motor as the function expressing means of the assembly block 36 is operated.
35 controls can be changed. Further, the personal computer 57 can also be used as a program transfer unit for defining and binding network variables.

[0036]

Next, an embodiment of an assembling toy system using an assembling block according to the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, a toy of the bulltoza 100 shown in FIG. 11 will be described as an example. FIG. 10 shows components required for assembling the bulldozer 100 of the present embodiment. FIG. 10A shows the drive block 46a. The drive block 46a has a DC-motor (not shown) therein, as described later, and a shaft 56 is attached to the motor. In this embodiment, three drive blocks 46a to 46c are used. As described below, the drive blocks 46a and 46b perform exactly the same function,
The drive block 46c performs a different function from the drive blocks 46a and 46b. FIG. 10B shows a power supply block 47 for supplying power to other assembly blocks, and FIG. 10C shows an infrared communication block 48 having an infrared transmitting / receiving section 48a for communication. FIG. 4D shows a base block 49a for attaching and fixing another block. In this embodiment, two identical base blocks 49a and 49b are used.
FIG. 5E shows an infrared remote controller 50 having the volumes 50a, 50b, and 50c. The blocks shown in FIGS. 10 (a) and (c) to (e) are assembly blocks according to the present invention.

FIGS. 10 (f) to 10 (j) show parts necessary for assembling the bulldozer 100.
Wheel 52, track 53, blade 54, and flat cable 55.

FIG. 11 shows the appearance of the bulldozer 100 assembled using the parts of FIG. 10, wherein FIG. 11 (a) is a side view, FIG. 11 (b) is a rear view, and FIG. 11 (c) is a bottom view. . In the bulldozer 100 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 11A to 11C, three drive blocks 4 are provided between two base blocks 49a and 49b.
6a to 6c, a power supply block 47, and an infrared communication block 48 are attached. These building blocks 46a-c, 47,
48 and the base blocks 49a and 49b are connected in any of the modes shown in FIGS. 4B to 4D, and the power supply lines and the network lines of the respective blocks 46a to 47c are connected to the base blocks 49a and 49b. Connected to a power line and a network line.

The two drive blocks 46a and 46b are attached to the rear of the base blocks 49a and 49b, and the sprockets 51 are attached to the shaft 56 thereof. Also, the power supply block 47
Is attached to one base block 49b, and the infrared communication block 48 and the drive block 46c are attached to the other base block 49a. Two drive blocks 46
between a and 46b, and power supply block 47 and infrared communication block
48 are connected in the manner shown in FIG.

Wheels 52, 52... Are mounted outside the two base blocks 49a, 49b.
The blade 54 is attached to the. Finally, the flat cable 55 is connected between the two base blocks 49a and 49b, and the power supply line and the network line in each of the base blocks 49a and 49b are connected. Thereby, the wiring of the power supply line and the network line in this embodiment is completed. In this embodiment, the flat cable 55 also has a function of fixing the two base blocks 49a and 49b.

FIGS. 12 (a) and 12 (b) show driving blocks, respectively.
It is the top view and side view which show schematic structure inside 46a-c. The drive blocks 46a to 46c are provided with a DC-motor to which a circuit board 67 and a worm 61 are attached, as shown in FIGS.
62, and the worm 61 is screwed to a wheel 68 attached to a wheel shaft 68a. A slit disk 63 is mounted on the wheel shaft 68a, and two photo interrupters 64a and 64b are mounted on the peripheral edge of the slit disk 63. Photo interrupters 64a and 64b are shaft 56
It is provided to detect the rotation angle of.

FIG. 13 schematically shows the circuits of the drive blocks 46a to 46c. As shown in the drawing, the drive blocks 46a to 46c are provided with a CPU 70 constituting control means and communication means, and the CPU 70 includes the above-described photo interrupters 64a and 64b.
Is connected. In addition, the CPU 70 has a MOS-FET
The bridge 71 is connected, and the bridge 71
-The motor 62 is driven. Further, an RS-485 interface 72 constituting a communication unit is connected to the CPU 70. In this embodiment, a stabilizing circuit 73 functioning as a power supply unit is provided. The stabilizing circuit 73 converts a voltage supplied from the power supply block 47 via a power supply line into a necessary voltage, It supplies to 62 mag.

FIG. 14 schematically shows a configuration in which a block having the circuit of FIG. 13 is used in the rotation speed control mode. The rotation speed control mode is a mode as the drive blocks 46a and 46b in the present embodiment, and the drive blocks 46a and 46b function as a drive source for performing movements such as forward, backward, and turning of the bulldozer 100 of the present embodiment. This is the mode in the case of making it. In the rotation speed control mode, "correction",
“Negative correction”, “positive speed” and “negative speed” are used as network variables.

FIGS. 15A to 15D show the input waveforms to the four FETs of the MOS-FET bridge 71 (FIG. 13) in the rotation speed control mode. When rotating the motor 62 in the direction of clockwise, V _A and V _D as shown in FIG. 15 (a)
In the case where a rectangular wave is input to the switch and the image is rotated in a counterclockwise direction, the rectangular wave is input to V _B and V _C as shown in FIG. Further, as shown in FIGS. 15B and 15D, when rotating the motor 62 at the maximum speed, a direct current is used.

On the other hand, FIG. 16 schematically shows a configuration when a block having the circuit of FIG. 13 is used in the angle control mode. In this embodiment, the angle control mode is the drive block.
This is a mode as 46c, and a driving block 46c as a driving source for moving the blade 54 of the
This is a mode when the function is performed. In the angle control mode, “positive correction”, “negative correction”, “positive position”, and “negative position” are used as network variables.

FIGS. 17 (a) and 17 (b) show the input waveforms from the photo interrupters 64a and 64b (FIG. 13) when detecting the rotation angle of the motor 62 in the angle control mode, respectively. And B phase. As shown in the figure, the rotation angle of the motor 62 is detected based on the phase difference between the A phase and the B phase. The CPU 70 determines the rotation angle of the motor 62 based on the A-phase and B-phase input waveforms, and determines the input waveform to the MOS-FET bridge 71 based on the result.

FIG. 18 schematically shows a circuit of the infrared communication block 48. The infrared transmitting / receiving section 48a in the infrared communication block 48 includes an infrared diode 75a for receiving a signal based on infrared rays, and an infrared LED 75b for transmitting a signal based on infrared rays.
And is constituted by. The infrared diode 75a and the infrared LED 75b are connected to the CPU 76, respectively. Further, an RS-485 interface 77 constituting a communication unit is connected to the CPU 76. Further, in this embodiment,
A stabilizing circuit 78 functioning as a power supply unit is provided. The stabilizing circuit 78 converts a voltage supplied from the power supply block 47 via a power supply line into a necessary voltage, and outputs the CPU 76, an infrared diode 75a, and an infrared LED 75b. , RS-485 interface
77 mag. In this embodiment, the infrared communication block 48 is used to exchange control information with the infrared remote controller 50.

FIG. 19 schematically shows the circuit of the power supply block 47. As shown in the figure, in the present embodiment, the power supply block 47 is constituted by a rechargeable battery 81 and a charging circuit 82, and when the bulldozer 100 is not used, the charging block 82
1 is charged, and power is supplied from the rechargeable battery 81 when the bulldozer 100 is used.

FIG. 20 shows an infrared remote controller 50 (FIG.
The circuit of 13) is schematically shown. In the present embodiment, FIG.
As shown in the figure, the regulators 50a, 50b and 50c are connected to a CPU 86 via an A / D converter 85, and the CPU 86 is connected to an infrared diode 87a and an infrared LED 87b of an infrared transceiver 87. I have. The A / D converter 85 is a volume 50a, 50b
And the position information of 50c are input to the CPU 86 as digital values, and the CPU 86
The control information of the motor 62 to be transmitted to 46a, 46b and 46c is generated and transmitted from the infrared LED 87b to the infrared diode 75a of the infrared communication block 48. This control information is transmitted to the drive blocks 46a, 46b, 46c via a network constituted by communication means of each block.

FIG. 21 shows how the network variables of the drive blocks 46a, 46b and 46c are bound to the network variables of the infrared remote controller 50. The volume 50c of the remote controller 50 defines the position of the blade 54 of the bulldozer 100, and the position information is output as a network variable "Volume 1". This variable "Volume 1" is the driving block 46c
Is bound to the input network variable "positive position".

The volume of the remote controller 50
Numeral 50a defines the forward and backward movements of the bulldozer 100 and its speed, and its position information is output as a network variable "Volume 2". This variable “Volume 2” is bound to the input network variable “positive speed” of the drive block 46a and the input network variable “negative speed” of the drive block 46b. Here, the variable “Volume 2” is bound to the “negative speed” instead of the variable “positive speed” of the drive block 46b because the drive block 46a and the drive block 46b are opposite to each other as shown in FIG. Because they are combined.

Further, the volume of the remote controller 50
50b defines the traveling direction of the bulltoza 100,
The position information is output as a network variable “Volume 3”. This variable "Volume 3" is the driving block
The input network variable “positive correction” of 46a is bound to the input network variable “positive correction” of the drive block 46b.

In this embodiment, the definition and binding of such network variables are performed by a personal computer (not shown) having a wireless or wired communication means for connecting to a network.

By such binding of network variables, forward, backward, right turn, left turn, and blade
A bulltozer 100 that can move up and down 54 times is completed. As described above, in the bulldozer 100 of the present embodiment, complicated operations can be performed by simple wiring using the power supply line and the network line. Further, by using an assembly block having a similar function and simply adding other simple parts, it can be changed to, for example, an automobile, a truck, an excavator, a locomotive, or the like.

[0055]

The assembly block according to the present invention is a network for communicating between the function expression means for expressing various functions of the assembly type toy, the control means for controlling the function expression means, and other assembly blocks. And a communication means for performing the communication via the communication device, it is possible to assemble a toy having a high degree of freedom in operation and control with simple wiring. Also,
Since each assembly block has a common function among various toys, various different assembly toys can be obtained by appropriately combining relatively few types of assembly blocks according to the purpose.

Further, since the prefabricated toy system of the present invention can perform complicated operations and controls with very simple programming, it can be easily accepted by users of relatively young age groups. Further, by improving the programming, complicated operations, controls, and the like according to the age group can be performed. Therefore, the assembly block and the assembly type toy system of the present invention are educational toys suitable for users of a wide range of ages.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a basic configuration of an assembly block according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a mode of connection of assembly blocks.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an assembling toy constituted by assembling building blocks using a network.

FIGS. 4A to 4D are diagrams showing aspects of physical connection between assembly blocks.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an embodiment in which a plurality of assembly blocks are connected to a base block.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an aspect in which the assembly blocks are connected by a flat cable.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of binding between network variables.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of binding between network variables.

9A is a diagram showing a specific example of binding between a network variable of a remote controller and a network variable of an assembly block, and FIG. 9B is a diagram showing a specific example of binding a network variable between a personal computer and an assembly block. It is a figure showing an example.

FIG. 10 is a view showing parts necessary for assembling the bulltozer according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 11A to 11C are a side view, a rear view, and a bottom view, respectively, showing the appearance of a bulldozer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 12A and 12B are driving blocks 46a to 46c, respectively.
It is the side view and top view which show schematic structure inside.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a circuit of a drive block.

14 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration in a case where a block having the circuit of FIG. 13 is used in a rotation speed control mode.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating input waveforms to four FETs of a MOS-FET bridge when a drive block is used in a rotation speed control mode.

16 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration in a case where a block having the circuit of FIG. 13 is used in an angle control mode.

FIGS. 17 (a) and (b) are diagrams showing input waveforms from a photo interrupter when detecting the rotation angle of a motor in an angle control mode.

FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram of a circuit of an infrared communication block.

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram of a circuit of a power supply block.

FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram of a circuit of the infrared remote controller.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a state of binding between network variables of a drive block and network variables of an infrared remote controller.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Microcomputer 2 ... Memory 3 ... Network line 4 ... Power supply part 6 ... Interface part 7 ... Driving means 8 ... Sensor means 46a, 46b, 46c ... Driving block 47 ... Power supply block 48 ... Infrared communication block 48a ... Infrared transmitting / receiving part 49a, 49b Base block 50 Remote controller 75a Infrared diode 75b Infrared LED 77 RS-485 interface 100 Bullet

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code FI A63H 33/06 A63H 33/06 Z

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. An assembly block that performs at least one of a plurality of functions necessary to construct an assemblable toy, a function manifesting means for exhibiting a function of the assembly block, and the function An assembly block comprising: control means for controlling the expression means; and communication means for performing communication with another assembly block. 2. The assembly block according to claim 1, further comprising coupling means for physically coupling with another assembly block. 3. The assembly block according to claim 1, further comprising a power supply unit for supplying a voltage to at least one of the function expressing unit, the control unit, and the communication unit. 4. The assembly block according to claim 1, further comprising a storage unit for storing a control program in said control unit. 5. The assembly block according to claim 1, wherein said function expression means is a drive means for exerting an effect on the outside of said assembly block. 6. The assembly block according to claim 5, wherein said driving means is selected from a motor, a buzzer, a solenoid, and a lighting device. 7. The assembly block according to claim 1, wherein said function expression means is a sensor means for taking in information from the outside of said assembly block into said assembly block. . 8. The assembly block according to claim 7, wherein said sensor means is selected from a proximity sensor, a direction sensor, a volume, a switch, and an optical sensor. 9. An assembling toy system comprising a plurality of identical or different assembling blocks according to claim 1, wherein said communication means constitutes a network. Toy system. 10. The assembly according to claim 9, wherein a plurality of network variables are defined for each of said assembly blocks on said network, and a function of each of said assembly blocks is determined by a binding of said network variable. Type toy system. 11. A program transfer unit connected to the network for transferring a control program in the control unit of each of the assembly blocks and for defining and binding the network variables. The assembled toy system according to claim 10, wherein 12. The system according to claim 9, further comprising an external control unit connected to said network, wherein said external control unit is capable of controlling the function manifesting means of each of said assembly blocks even during execution of said control program. 12. The toy system according to any one of claims 11 to 11.