(19)
(11)EP 3 164 791 B1

(12)EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION

(45)Mention of the grant of the patent:
04.11.2020 Bulletin 2020/45

(21)Application number: 15747379.4

(22)Date of filing:  01.07.2015
(51)International Patent Classification (IPC): 
G06F 3/0488(2013.01)
G06F 3/044(2006.01)
A63F 13/98(2014.01)
G06F 3/039(2013.01)
A63F 13/214(2014.01)
(86)International application number:
PCT/DK2015/050196
(87)International publication number:
WO 2016/000720 (07.01.2016 Gazette  2016/01)

(54)

PATTERN RECOGNITION WITH A NON-DETECTABLE STENCIL ON THE TOUCH-SENSITIVE SURFACE

MUSTERERKENNUNG MIT NICHT ERKENNBARER SCHABLONE AUF EINER BERÜHRUNGSEMPFINDLICHEN OBERFLÄCHE

RECONNAISSANCE DE MOTIF AVEC UN POCHOIR NON DÉTECTABLE SUR LA SURFACE TACTILE


(84)Designated Contracting States:
AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

(30)Priority: 03.07.2014 DK 201470414

(43)Date of publication of application:
10.05.2017 Bulletin 2017/19

(73)Proprietor: LEGO A/S
7190 Billund (DK)

(72)Inventors:
  • FOGTMANN, Maiken Hillerup
    DK-7100 Vejle (DK)
  • LAULUND, Jens Valentin
    DK-8722 Hedensted (DK)
  • MATHIASEN, Daniel W.
    DK-8722 Hedensted (DK)

(74)Representative: Guardian IP Consulting I/S 
Diplomvej, Building 381
2800 Kgs. Lyngby
2800 Kgs. Lyngby (DK)


(56)References cited: : 
WO-A1-2013/087930
US-A1- 2010 045 627
US-A1- 2012 194 457
US-A1- 2007 184 900
US-A1- 2012 062 490
  
      
    Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to the European patent granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention).


    Description


    [0001] The present invention relates to a method of providing input to an electronic unit comprising a touch-sensitive surface that is configured for registering application of touch by a flexible unit and a toy comprising an electronic unit comprising a touch-sensitive surface and a structure.

    Background



    [0002] A touch-sensitive screen, also designated a touch screen, comprises a touch-sensitive surface wherein, by means of a finger or a pointing device, one is capable of navigating on the unit, and wherein the touch-sensitive surface is configured for being able to register a finger or a pointing device. That registration may be based on resistive technology that requires a lighter pressure on the surface, but the registration may also be based on capacitive technology, whereby sensing in the form of a capacitive change, either by light touch or with no direct application of touch to the capacitive screen, can be registered. Interactive, touch-sensitive surfaces are now getting very widespread and are used eg on smartphones and tablet computers.

    [0003] Toys are available where physical figures interact with such touch-sensitive, interactive screens, such as tablet computers. Those physical figures have built-in touch points whereby the touch-sensitive, interactive screen is capable of registering the physical figure which, via the software, is subsequently able to perform the programmed effects by the presence of the physical figure. For instance, figures in the form of cars, animals or individuals are known, and when the figure is located on a tablet, the figure has various capabilities on the screen.

    [0004] Similar techniques are disclosed in patent application no. US 2012/0062490, US 2012/0194457 and US 2014/0078069.

    [0005] However, in many cases it is desirable to increase the scope for variation.

    [0006] US 2007/0184900 A1 discloses a card having a pattern defined therein, the card being overlaid on a touch screen. The defined pattern is used to activate portions of the touch screen by guiding user interaction with a touch pad or touch screen. The activated portions of the touch pad or touch screen launch responsive activity in a computer program implemented on a game console.

    [0007] WO 2013/087930 A1 discloses The invention relates to a system for triggering at least one touch event on a resistive and/or capacitive input interface. The system comprises at least one layer of an electrically nonconductive medium, and contact surfaces are present on the medium as geometric shapes and/or lines, said medium being in contact with the input interface.

    [0008] However, in many cases it is desirable to increase the scope for variation.

    Brief description of the invention



    [0009] It is therefore the object of the invention to provide a method that increases the scope for variation available for play.

    [0010] As set forth above, this is accomplished by the method comprising the following steps: to provide a structure configured from a material that cannot be registered by the touch-sensitive surface, and which structure has a top side and a bottom side having an area that is smaller than the area of the touch-sensitive surface, and wherein the area of the bottom side is delimited by an outer periphery on the structure, and wherein the structure comprises, either at the periphery or within the periphery, at least two marked positions, which position is configured with a view to the deployment of flexible units;; to deploy the structure on the touch-sensitive surface; to deploy the one or more flexible units in the at least one marked position such that the touch-sensitive surface is capable of registering the position of the one or more flexible units; to move the two or more flexible units across along the touch-sensitive surface whereby the structure follows the movement across along the touch-sensitive surface; to recognize the registered specific pattern; to register the movement of the specific pattern.

    [0011] Hereby an increased scope of variation is obtained for the interaction between a physical, three-dimensional structure and the virtual world.

    [0012] According to one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the following step: to register the specific pattern that is formed by marked positions with flexible units that are in contact with the touch-sensitive surface.

    [0013] Hereby the option is enabled to create, on one's own, completely unique patterns and hence to create new functions in the virtual world.

    [0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises to provide a structure comprising at least two marked positions.

    [0015] Hereby an increased scope for variation is accomplished in respect of the movement pattern on the touch-sensitive surface.

    [0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises to provide at least two structures.

    [0017] Hereby further variation is obtained in the options available for combination.

    [0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises to provide one or more flexible units wherein the one or more flexible units is/are constituted by one or more fingertips.

    [0019] Hereby direct interaction is accomplished between the user, a physical figure/structure, and the virtual world.

    [0020] According to a further aspect of the invention, it relates to a toy comprising an electronic unit comprising a touch-sensitive surface and a structure, characterised in that the structure is made of a material that cannot be registered by the touch-sensitive surface, and which structure has a top side and a bottom side having an area that is smaller than the area of the touch-sensitive surface, and wherein the area of the bottom side is delimited by an outer periphery on the structure, and wherein the structure comprises, either at the periphery or within the periphery, at least one marked position, which position is configured with a view to the deployment of a flexible unit; and wherein the electronic unit is configured to be able register application of touch by a flexible unit, and wherein the registration of the flexible unit on the touch-sensitive surface is conditioned by the configuration of the marked position, the flexible unit abutting on the top side of the structure and extending past the top side of the structure and to the bottom side to the effect that the flexible unit is capable of coming into contact with the touch-sensitive surface and the electronic unit is configured to recognize the registered, specific pattern when the two or more flexible units move across along the touch-sensitive surface, such that the structure 1 follows the movement across along the touch-sensitive surface; and to recognize the registered, specific pattern; and to register the movement of the specific pattern across along the touch-sensitive surface .

    [0021] Hereby increased scope for variation is obtained for registering and recognizing specific input to an electronic unit and thereby for creating new functions.

    [0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the structure comprises at least two marked positions. Hereby the option of a predefined specific pattern is provided.

    [0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the structure consists of a toy building set that comprises at least two toy building blocks, each of said toy building blocks being provided with one or more complementarily configured coupling means to the effect that the at least two toy building blocks can be interconnected to form a structure, and that the at least one toy building element comprises one or more marked positions for positioning of one or more flexible units.

    [0024] According to an embodiment of the invention, the one or more toy building elements comprise(s) at least two different types of coupling means, such as couplings studs and complementary coupling means.

    [0025] According to an embodiment of the invention, the at least one marked position is constituted by one or more C- or U-shaped cut-outs and/or one or more through-going holes.

    [0026] According to an embodiment of the invention, the one or more marked positions for positioning of flexible units comprise(s) one or more edges whereby the flexible units are prevented from moving relative to the structure in a plane in parallel with the touch-sensitive surface to the effect that, when one or more flexible units is/are moved across along the touch-sensitive surface, the structure will follow the movement of the one or more flexible units.

    [0027] According to an embodiment of the invention, the one or more edges is/are arranged as an inner delimitation to the effect that the flexible units are restricted/prevented from a movement in direction between the positions, meaning that the flexible units squeeze against each other on the edges of the positions whereby the structure follows the movement of the flexible units across along the touch-sensitive surface.

    [0028] According to an embodiment of the invention, the one or more edges is/are located as an outer delimitation to the effect that the flexible units are restricted/prevented from a movement in direction away from it/the remaining positions, meaning that the flexible units press away from each other on the edges of the positions whereby the structure follows the movement of the flexible units across along the touch-sensitive surface.

    [0029] According to an embodiment of the invention, the one or more marked positions for positioning of one or more flexible units comprise(s) an edge, wherein such edge is slanting to the effect that the one or more marked positions is/are frusto-conically oriented with smallest radius facing downwards, whereby the one or more flexible units extend(s) past the top side of the structure and to the bottom side of the structure whereby a flexible unit can abut on the slanting edge and come into contact with the touch-sensitive surface through the small radius when the structure is deployed on the touch-sensitive surface.

    [0030] According to an embodiment of the invention, the at least one toy building element is a toy building plate.

    [0031] According to an embodiment of the invention, the at least one toy building element comprising one or more marked positions comprise(s) a flange comprising coupling means, wherein the flange is configured for coupling with a toy building plate whereby the bottom side of the at least one toy building element is in plane with the bottom side of the toy building plate whereby they combine to form the bottom side of the structure.

    List of figures



    [0032] An embodiment of the invention will now be explained in further detail with reference to the drawings, wherein

    Figure 1 illustrates a structure, in a perspective view, built from toy building elements comprising marked positions for positioning of two fingers on a touch-sensitive surface;

    Figure 2 illustrates a structure, in a perspective view, with a marked position configured as a through-going hole for positioning of a flexible unit;

    Figure 3 illustrates a structure, seen from above, with a marked position configured as a through-going hole for positioning of a flexible unit;

    Figure 4 illustrates an electronic unit;

    Figure 5 illustrates structures with varying specific patterns.


    Detailed description with reference to the figures



    [0033] The present invention relates to a method of providing input to an electronic unit 50 comprising a touch-sensitive surface 60 that is configured for registering application of touch by one or more flexible units 40, and a toy comprising an electronic unit 50 and a structure 1.

    [0034] Touch applied to the touch-sensitive surface may be registered in different ways. The registration may be based on resistive technology that requires a lighter pressure to the surface, but the registration may also be based on capacitive technology, whereby sensing in the form of a capacitive change, either by light touch or with no direct application of touch to the capacitive screen, can be registered. The touch applied may thus be a physical contact or a capactive contact.

    [0035] Figure 1 illustrates a structure 1 built from toy building elements 5, 10, 20, and a section of an electronic unit 50 comprising a touch-sensitive surface 60.

    [0036] An electronic unit 50 comprising a touch-sensitive surface 60 can be a tablet having a pressure-sensitive and/or touch-sensitive screen, wherein, by means of a finger or a pointing device, one may navigate on the unit. For instance, it may be a capacitive touch-screen that responds to a change in the capacitance of the screen surface.

    [0037] The structure 1 is built from material that cannot itself be registered by the touch-sensitive surface 60. Nor does the structure 1 have any means for activation of a touch-sensitive surface 60. Rather the structure 1 comprises one or more marked positions for positioning of flexible units 40, wherein the flexible units 40 can be registered by the touch-sensitive surface 60.

    [0038] In figure 1, the flexible units 40 are illustrated as fingers to the effect that the user's fingers can be positioned in two marked positions where the fingers extend from the top side of the structure to the bottom side of the structure, and that the fingers are thereby able to come into contact with the touch-sensitive surface 60, or that the fingers are capable of coming close to the touch-sensitive surface whereby their positions can be registered.

    [0039] The electronic unit 50 is configured for being able to register the specific patterns that are formed by the flexible units 40 on the touch-sensitive surface 60.

    [0040] Thereby the flexible units 40, in the shown example the user's fingers, become the connecting link between the physical world and the virtual world, the fingers' positions being defined by the physical three-dimensional structure 1, following which the electronic unit comprising the touch-sensitive surface can register the fingers' mutual positions and their movement across the touch-sensitive surface, whereby the structure 1 and the electronic unit with the touch-sensitive surface 60 are able to interact.

    [0041] The structure 1, illustrated in figure 1, may be constructed from toy building elements, wherein the lower part of the structure comprises a toy building element in the form of a building plate 10, two toy building elements 20 (as shown in figures 2 and 3), where the two toy building elements 20 comprise marked positions 23 for positioning of two flexible units 40, illustrated as the fingers of the user.

    [0042] The structure comprises a toy building element 5 that can visually illustrate the properties of the structure in the virtual world.

    [0043] A marked position 23 is to be understood as a position configured for positioning of a flexible unit 40 that can be registered/recognized by an electronic unit 50 upon contact with the touch-sensitive surface 60. A marked position 23 can have many different configurations, see figures 5a, 5b, and 5c; for example be in the shape of a C- or U-shaped cut-out and/or of through-going holes, either a smaller hole restricted such that only one flexible unit is able to touch the touch-sensitive surface through the hole, or a larger hole providing space enough for several flexible units to be able to come into contact with a touch-sensitive surface. A marked position is arranged on/in the structure, either at the periphery or within the periphery of the structure. A marked position in the form of a hole thus comprises both circular and oval shapes. A marked position may be marked with a particular colour, an arrow or other visual marking.

    [0044] However, a capacitive sensing of a flexible unit does not require direct application of touch to the touch-sensitive surface for registering the position of the flexible unit on the touch-sensitive surface, but merely a registration of the presence of a flexible unit.

    [0045] Figure 5 shows three different configurations of a structure 1, wherein the marked positions 23 combine to form variable, specific patterns.

    [0046] Figure 5a illustrates an embodiment wherein the structure 1 comprises two marked positions 23, in the form of a quadrangle and a star, respectively. Those two marked positions are connected to each other by means of a hinge 80 and combine to form a recognizable, variable, specific pattern.

    [0047] Figure 5b illustrates an embodiment in which the structure 1 comprises three marked positions 23, as a U-shaped cut-out along the periphery of the element, a circular hole and a triangular position, respectively, wherein the triangular, marked position 23 is movable relative to the two remaining, marked positions. The position of the three marked positions provides a recognizable, variable, specific pattern.

    [0048] The structure illustrated in figure 5c further comprises a distance-adjusting element 90 to enable the one marked position 23 to be shifted relative to the two marked positions 23 configured such that they are constituted by a larger oval hole, meaning that the one marked position can be adjusted away from or closer to the two remaining marked positions in the shown embodiment.

    [0049] Thus, three marked positions may be a combination of two marked positions forming a fixed, specific pattern, and wherein the third marked position is movable relative to the two others so that a structure (as illustrated in figures 5b and 5c) with three marked positions can give a recognizable, but variable, specific pattern; eg figure 5b shows a variable pattern with two points at fixed mutual distance and a third position in a given radius compared to the pivot point of the position which, in the shown position, is not a marked position, but rather a hinge, to the effect that the pivot point sits at a fixed distance from the two mutually fixed positions. The registration of a given, specific pattern may thus be a statistic or dynamic configuration.

    [0050] Figures 2 and 3 show a structure in the form of a toy building element 20, shown in perspective view and from above, wherein the toy building element 20 comprises a marked position 23 configured as a through-going hole for positioning of a flexible unit.

    [0051] Besides, the structure comprises a top side in the form of a slanting edge 25, a bottom side 28, outer periphery 29, a flange 26, and coupling means 21 in the form of coupling studs.

    [0052] The method of providing input to an electronic unit 50 thus comprising, with reference to the figures, a touch-sensitive surface 60 which is configured for registering application of touch by a flexible unit 40, comprises the following steps: to provide a structure 1 configured from a material that cannot be registered by the touch-sensitive surface 60, and which structure 1 has a top side in the form of an edge 25, and a bottom side 28 having an area that is smaller than the area of the touch-sensitive surface 60, and wherein the area of the bottom side 28 is delimited by an outer periphery 29 on the structure 1, and wherein the structure 1 comprises, either at the periphery 29 or within the periphery 29, at least one marked position 23, which position is configured with a view to the deployment of a flexible unit 40; to provide one or more flexible units 40 that comprise(s) material that can be registered by the touch-sensitive surface 60, wherein the one or more flexible units 40 extend(s) past the top side of the structure 1 and to the bottom side of the structure, to the effect that the registration of a flexible unit 40 is conditioned by the configuration of the at least one marked position 25; to deploy the structure 1 on the touch-sensitive surface 60; to deploy the one or more flexible units 40 in the at least one marked position 23 such that the touch-sensitive surface 60 is capable of registering the position of the one or more flexible units 40.

    [0053] The electronic unit 50 comprises means to register the specific pattern that is formed by marked positions 23 with flexible units 40 that are in contact with the touch-sensitive surface 50.

    [0054] Also, the electronic unit 50 is configured to recognize the registered, specific pattern when the one or more flexible units 40 move(s) across along the touch-sensitive surface 60 whereby the structure 1 follows the movement across along the touch-sensitive surface 60; and to recognize the registered, specific pattern; and to register the movement of the specific pattern across along the touch-sensitive surface 60.

    [0055] According to an embodiment of the method, the method comprises to provide a structure 1 comprising at least two marked positions 23.

    [0056] According to a further embodiment of the method, the method further comprises to provide at least two structures 1 at the same time on the touch-sensitive surface 60.

    [0057] According to an embodiment of the method, the method comprises to provide one or more flexible units 40 wherein the one or more flexible units is/are constituted by one or more fingertips.

    [0058] The touch-sensitive surface comprises a multi-touch-functionality whereby the surface is capable of registering plural flexible units 40 in simultaneous contact with the touch-sensitive surface 60.

    [0059] Figure 1 illustrates a structure 1 built from toy building elements, but it is possible to configure other constructions of a structure for exercising the method. For instance, a structure may also be configured from a coherent material with one or more marked positions 23, and also a toy building element may comprise at least two marked positions 23.

    [0060] The toy building elements 10, 20 illustrated in figures 1 and 2 comprise complementarily configured coupling means to the effect that the toy building elements can be interconnected. In the specific embodiment as shown in figure 1, the two types of toy building elements combine to form a plane bottom, and they combine to constitute the bottom side of the structure 1. Thus, the structure has a plane bottom side and can be deployed in a stable manner on the touch-sensitive surface.

    [0061] The coupling means 21 can be configured as coupling studs and complementary coupling means.

    [0062] As mentioned above, figures 2 and 3 show a structure in the form of a toy building element 20. The toy building element 20 comprises a marked position 23 configured as a through-going, circular hole for positioning of a flexible unit.

    [0063] Also, the toy building element 20 comprises, at the periphery of the circular, through-going hole, a top side in the form of a slanting edge 25. The slanting edge slants downwards and inwards towards the middle of the hole's centre whereby an approximately frusto-conical hole is formed with the smallest radius facing downwards towards the bottom side of the toy building element, whereby a flexible unit can abut on the top side of the structure on the slanging edges and may come into contact with the touch-sensitive surface through the small radius when the structure is deployed on a touch-sensitive surface as illustrated in figure 1.

    [0064] A marked position 23 should be configured such that a flexible unit is retained in a specific position relative to the structure and such that the structure follows the movement of a flexible unit.

    [0065] A marked position 23 for positioning of flexible units 40 comprises edges 25 such that a flexible unit 40 is prevented from moving relative to the structure 1 in a plane in parallel with the touch-sensitive surface 60 whereby, when one or more flexible units 40 is/are moved across along the touch-sensitive surface 60, the structure 1 will follow the movement of the one or more flexible units 40.

    [0066] According to an embodiment, one or more edges is/are arranged as an inner delimitation to the effect that the flexible units are restricted/prevented from a movement in direction between the positions, meaning that the flexible units squeeze against each other on the edges of the marked positions whereby the structure follows the movement of the flexible units across along the touch-sensitive surface.

    [0067] According to a further embodiment, the one or more edges 25 is/are located as an outer delimitation to the effect that the flexible units are restricted/prevented from a movement in direction away from it/the remaining positions, meaning that the flexible units press away from each other on the edges of the positions whereby the structure follows the movement of the flexible units 40 across along the touch-sensitive surface 60.

    [0068] The registered positions of the flexible units on the touch-sensitive surface of the electronic unit combine to form a specific pattern, and that specific pattern can be registered by the software for the electronic unit 50. A specific pattern formed by the flexible units 40 can define both a fixed mutual distance between the flexible units, and any mutual angles, but optionally also a variable, specific pattern, meaning where two or more marked positions are movable relative to each other in a restricted movement.

    [0069] When the flexible units 40 are registered on the touch-sensitive surface, the software for the electronic unit 50 will generate an activity and/or effect that correspond(s) to the registered pattern. When the structure 1 is moved with the fingers across the touch-sensitive surface, the movement will likewise become registered on the electronic unit 50, and the touch-sensitive surface 60 will perform an activity and/or effect corresponding to the registered pattern and the position and movements of the pattern performed by the flexible units 40.

    [0070] The toy building element 20, shown in figures 2 and 3, further comprises a bottom side 28, an outer periphery 29 and a flange 26 comprising coupling means.

    [0071] The flange 26, in the embodiment shown in the figures, comprises coupling studs on the top side of the flange and complementary coupling means on the bottom side whereby the flange is configured for coupling with a toy building plate 10 as illustrated in figure 1 to the effect that the bottom side 28 of the toy building element is in plane with the bottom side of the toy building plate whereby they combine to form the bottom side of the structure. The flange 26 enables the formation of a structure having a greater plane bottom side.

    [0072] According to one embodiment, the marked positions may be constituted by one or more C- or U-shaped cut-outs and/or one or more through-going holes. However, it should be possible to retain the flexible units in a concrete pattern relative to the structure, while at the same time they can be moved across the touch-sensitive surface and entrain the structure at the same time, while simultaneously maintaining the concrete pattern formed by the flexible units.

    [0073] In figures 2 and 3, only one marked position 23 is shown in the form of a circular, through-going hole. However, it will also be possible to configure a marked position in some other manner, eg as a larger through-going hole with room for plural flexible units, an elongate hole with two diametrically oppositely located positions which corresponds to two combined U-shaped cut-outs (see figure 5c). In case of a minimum of two marked positions, flexible units will still be guided in a specific position, and, due to the configuration, the marked positions will also have significance to a specific pattern registered on the touch-sensitive surface. Thus, positions define distance between the flexible units that are registered by the touch-sensitive surface.

    [0074] Figure 4 illustrates an electronic device 50 comprising a touch-sensitive surface 60 in the form of a screen and a processor (CPU) 70, wherein the electronic unit is configured for, via a structure 1 comprising a marked position 23, converting a specifically registered pattern created by the structure to an image on the touch-sensitive surface whereby the physical structure with marked positions is registered on the touch-sensitive, interactive surface and, via the software in the electronic unit, can then execute the programmed effects by the presence of the physical structure, to the effect that each specific pattern provides input and subsequent specific effect on the screen.


    Claims

    1. A method of providing input to an electronic unit (50) comprising a touch-sensitive surface (60) that is configured for registering application of touch by a flexible unit (40), wherein the method comprises the following steps:

    - to provide a structure (1) configured from a material that cannot be registered by the touch-sensitive surface (60), and which structure has a top side and a bottom side having an area that is smaller than the area of the touch-sensitive surface, and wherein the area of the bottom side is delimited by an outer periphery on the structure, and wherein the structure comprises, either at the periphery or within the periphery, at least two marked positions (23), which positions are configured for deployment of flexible units;

    - to deploy the structure on the touch-sensitive surface (60);

    - to deploy two or more flexible units (40) comprising material that can be registered by the touch-sensitive surface in the at least two marked positions

    ∘ such that the two or more flexible units extend(s) past the top side of the structure (1) and to the bottom side of the structure, to the effect that the registration of a flexible unit (40) is conditioned by the configuration of the at least one marked position (23); and

    ∘ such that the touch-sensitive surface is capable of registering the position of the two or more flexible units (40)

    - to move the two or more flexible units (40) across along the touch-sensitive surface (60), whereby the structure (1) follows the movement across along the touch-sensitive surface (60);

    - to recognize the registered specific pattern;

    - to register the movement of the specific pattern.


     
    2. A method according to claim 1, characterised in that the method further comprises the following step:

    - to provide at least two structures (1) for deployment on the touch-sensitive surface (60).


     
    3. A method according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the flexible units are fingers or pointing devices.
     
    4. A toy comprising an electronic unit (50) comprising a touch-sensitive surface (60) and a structure (1), wherein the structure is made of a material that cannot be registered by the touch-sensitive surface (60), and which structure (1) has a top side and a bottom side having an area that is smaller than the area of the touch-sensitive surface (60), and wherein the area of the bottom side is delimited by an outer periphery on the structure, and wherein the structure comprises, either at the periphery or within the periphery, at least two marked positions (23), which positions are configured for deployment of a flexible unit (40); and wherein the electronic unit (50) is configured to be able to register application of touch by two or more flexible unit(s) (40), and wherein the registration of the flexible unit on the touch-sensitive surface (60) is conditioned by the configuration of the marked position (23), as the flexible unit (40) abutting on the top side of the structure and extending past the top side of the structure and to the bottom side to the effect that the flexible unit (40) is capable of coming into contact with the touch-sensitive surface (60), and wherein
    the electronic unit (50) is configured to recognize the registered, specific pattern when the two or more flexible units (40) move across along the touch-sensitive surface (60), such that the structure 1 follows the movement across along the touch-sensitive surface (60); and to recognize the registered, specific pattern; and to register the movement of the specific pattern across along the touch-sensitive surface (60).
     
    5. A toy according to one or more of claims 4, characterised in that the structure (1) consists of a toy building set that comprises at least two toy building elements (20), each of said toy building elements (20) being provided with one or more complementarily configured coupling means (21) to the effect that the at least two toy building blocks can be interconnected to form a structure (1); and that the each toy building elements (20) comprises one or more marked positions (23) for positioning of two or more flexible units (40).
     
    6. A toy according to claim 5, characterised in that the one or more toy building elements (20) comprise(s) at least two different types of coupling means, such as couplings studs and complementary coupling means.
     
    7. A toy according to one or more of claims 4-6, characterised in that the at least one marked position (23) is constituted by one or more C- or U-shaped cut-outs and/or one or more through-going holes.
     
    8. A toy according to one or more of claims 4-7, characterised in that the two or more marked positions (23) for positioning of flexible units (40) comprise(s) one or more edges whereby the flexible units (40) are prevented from moving relative to the structure in a plane in parallel with the touch-sensitive surface (60) to the effect that, when one or more flexible units (40) is/are deployed in the one or more marked positions and moved across along the touch-sensitive surface (60), the structure will follow the movement of the one or more flexible units (40).
     
    9. A toy according to claim 8, characterised in that the one or more edges is/are arranged as an inner delimitation to the effect that the flexible units (40) are restricted/prevented from a movement in direction between the marked positions, meaning that the flexible units (40) squeeze against each other on the edges of the marked positions (23) whereby the structure follows the movement of the flexible units (40) across along the touch-sensitive surface (60).
     
    10. A toy according to claim 8, characterised in that the one or more edges is/are located as an outer delimitation to the effect that the flexible units (40) are restricted/prevented from a movement in direction away from it/the remaining marked positions, meaning that the flexible units (40) press away from each other on the edges of the marked positions whereby the structure follows the movement of the flexible units (40) across along the touch-sensitive surface (60).
     
    11. A toy according to claim 8, characterised in that the one or more marked positions (23) for positioning of one or more flexible units (40) comprise(s) an edge, wherein such edge is slanting to the effect that the one or more marked positions (23) is/are frusto-conically oriented with smallest radius facing downwards, whereby the one or more flexible units (40) extend(s) past the top side of the structure and to the bottom side of the structure whereby a flexible unit (40) can abut on the slanting edge and come into contact with the touch-sensitive surface (60) through the small radius when the structure is deployed on the touch-sensitive surface (60).
     
    12. A toy according to one or more of claims 5-11, characterised in that the at least one toy building element (20) is a toy building plate.
     
    13. A toy according to one or more of claims 5-12, characterised in that the at least two toy building element (20) comprising one or more marked positions (23) comprise(s) a flange comprising coupling means (21), wherein the flange is configured for coupling with a toy building plate whereby the bottom side of the at least one toy building element is in plane with the bottom side of the toy building plate whereby they combine to form the bottom side of the structure.
     
    14. A toy according to one or more of claims 5-13, characterised in that the touch-sensitive surface (60) comprises a screen whereby it can convert a registered, specific pattern to an image on the touch-sensitive surface (60).
     


    Ansprüche

    1. Verfahren zum Bereitstellen der Eingabe einer elektronischen Einheit (50), umfassend eine berührungsempfindliche Oberfläche (60), die zum Registrieren der Berührungsanwendung durch eine flexible Einheit (40) konfiguriert ist, wobei das Verfahren die folgenden Schritte umfasst:

    - Bereitstellen einer Struktur (1), die aus einem Material konfiguriert ist, das von der berührungsempfindlichen Oberfläche (60) nicht registriert werden kann und dessen Struktur eine Oberseite und eine Unterseite mit einer Fläche aufweist, die kleiner als die Berührungsoberfläche ist, und wobei die Fläche der Unterseite durch einen äußeren Umfang an der Struktur begrenzt ist und wobei die Struktur entweder am Umfang oder innerhalb des Umfangs mindestens zwei markierte Positionen (23) umfasst, wobei die Positionen zum Einsatz flexibler Einheiten konfiguriert sind;

    - Einsetzen der Struktur auf der berührungsempfindlichen Oberfläche (60);

    - Einsetzen von zwei oder mehr flexiblen Einheiten (40), die Material umfassen, das von der berührungsempfindlichen Oberfläche an mindestens zwei markierten Positionen registriert werden kann

    o sodass sich die zwei oder mehr flexiblen Einheiten über die Oberseite der Struktur (1) und zur Unterseite der Struktur hinaus erstrecken, mit dem Effekt, dass die Registrierung einer flexiblen Einheit (40) durch die Konfiguration der mindestens einen markierten Position (23) bedingt ist; und

    ∘ sodass die berührungsempfindliche Oberfläche die Position der zwei oder mehr flexiblen Einheiten (40) registrieren kann

    - Bewegen der zwei oder mehr flexiblen Einheiten (40) entlang der berührungsempfindlichen Oberfläche (60), wobei die Struktur (1) der Bewegung entlang der berührungsempfindlichen Oberfläche (60) folgt;

    - Erkennen des registrierten spezifischen Musters;

    - Registrieren der Bewegung des spezifischen Musters.


     
    2. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Verfahren weiter den folgenden Schritt umfasst:

    - Bereitstellen von mindestens zwei Strukturen (1) für den Einsatz auf der berührungsempfindlichen Oberfläche (60).


     
    3. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei die flexiblen Einheiten Finger oder Zeigervorrichtungen sind.
     
    4. Spielzeug, umfassend eine elektronische Einheit (50), umfassend eine berührungsempfindliche Oberfläche (60) und eine Struktur (1), wobei die Struktur aus einem Material besteht, das von der berührungsempfindlichen Oberfläche (60) nicht registriert werden kann, und wobei die Struktur (1) eine Oberseite und eine Unterseite mit einer Fläche aufweist, die kleiner als die Fläche der berührungsempfindlichen Oberfläche (60) ist, und wobei die Fläche der Unterseite durch einen Außenumfang an der Struktur begrenzt ist und wobei die Struktur, entweder am Umfang oder innerhalb des Umfangs, mindestens zwei markierte Positionen (23) umfasst, wobei diese Positionen für den Einsatz einer flexiblen Einheit (40) konfiguriert sind; und wobei die elektronische Einheit (50) konfiguriert ist, um die Berührungsanwendung durch zwei oder mehr flexible Einheiten (40) registrieren zu können, und wobei die Registrierung der flexiblen Einheit auf der berührungsempfindlichen Oberfläche (60) durch die Konfiguration der markierten Position (23) bedingt ist, während die flexible Einheit (40) an der Oberseite der Struktur anliegt und sich über die Oberseite der Struktur hinaus und zur Unterseite erstreckt, mit dem Effekt, dass die flexible Einheit (40) mit der berührungsempfindlichen Oberfläche (60) in Kontakt kommen kann, und wobei
    die elektronische Einheit (50) konfiguriert ist, um das registrierte spezifische Muster zu erkennen, wenn sich die zwei oder mehr flexiblen Einheiten (40) entlang der berührungsempfindlichen Oberfläche (60) bewegen, sodass die Struktur (1) der Bewegung entlang der berührungsempfindlichen Oberfläche (60) folgt; und um das registrierte, spezifische Muster zu erkennen; und um die Bewegung des spezifischen Musters entlang der berührungsempfindlichen Oberfläche (60) zu registrieren.
     
    5. Spielzeug nach einem oder mehreren der Ansprüche 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Struktur (1) aus einem Spielzeugbausatz besteht, der mindestens zwei Spielzeugbauelemente (20) umfasst, wobei jedes der Spielzeugbauelemente (20) mit einem oder mehreren komplementär konfigurierten Kopplungsmitteln (21) bereitgestellt ist, mit dem Effekt, dass die mindestens zwei Spielzeugbausteine miteinander verbunden werden können, um eine Struktur (1) zu bilden; und dadurch, dass jedes Spielzeugbauelement (20) eine oder mehrere markierte Positionen (23) zum Positionieren der zwei oder mehr flexiblen Einheiten (40) umfasst.
     
    6. Spielzeug nach Anspruch 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das eine oder die mehreren Spielzeugbauelemente (20) mindestens zwei unterschiedliche Arten von Kupplungsmitteln umfassen, wie Kupplungsbolzen und komplementäre Kupplungsmittel.
     
    7. Spielzeug nach einem oder mehreren der Ansprüche 4 bis 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die mindestens eine markierte Position (23) aus einem oder mehreren C- oder U-förmigen Ausschnitten und/oder einem oder mehreren Durchgangslöchern besteht.
     
    8. Spielzeug nach einem oder mehreren der Ansprüche 4 bis 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die zwei oder mehr markierten Positionen (23) zum Positionieren von flexiblen Einheiten (40) einen oder mehrere Ränder umfassen, wodurch die flexiblen Einheiten (40) daran gehindert werden, sich relativ zur Struktur in einer Ebene parallel zur berührungsempfindlichen Oberfläche (60) zu bewegen, mit dem Effekt, dass, wenn eine oder mehrere flexible Einheiten (40) in der einen oder den mehreren markierten Positionen eingesetzt wird/werden und entlang der berührungsempfindliche Oberfläche (60) bewegt wird/werden, die Struktur der Bewegung der einen oder mehreren flexiblen Einheiten (40) folgen wird.
     
    9. Spielzeug nach Anspruch 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der eine oder die mehreren Ränder als innere Abgrenzung angeordnet sind, mit dem Effekt, dass die flexiblen Einheiten (40) eine Bewegung in Richtung zwischen den markierten Positionen einschränken/verhindern, was bedeutet, dass die flexiblen Einheiten (40) an den Rändern der markierten Positionen (23) gegeneinander drücken, wodurch die Struktur der Bewegung der flexiblen Einheiten (40) entlang der berührungsempfindlichen Oberfläche (60) folgt.
     
    10. Spielzeug nach Anspruch 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die eine oder die mehreren Ränder als äußere Begrenzung angeordnet sind, mit dem Effekt, dass die flexiblen Einheiten (40) an einer Bewegung in Richtung weg davon/von den verbleibenden markierten Positionen beschränkt/gehindert werden, was bedeutet, dass die flexiblen Einheiten (40) an den Rändern der markierten Positionen voneinander weggedrückt werden, wodurch die Struktur der Bewegung der flexiblen Einheiten (40) entlang der berührungsempfindlichen Oberfläche (60) folgt.
     
    11. Spielzeug nach Anspruch 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die eine oder mehreren markierten Positionen (23) zum Positionieren einer oder mehrerer flexibler Einheiten (40) einen Rand umfassen, wobei ein solcher Rand geneigt ist, mit dem Effekt, dass die eine oder die mehreren markierten Positionen (23) frustokonisch ausgerichtet sind, wobei der kleinste Radius nach unten zeigt, wodurch sich die eine oder mehreren flexiblen Einheiten (40) über die Oberseite der Struktur hinaus und zur Unterseite der Struktur erstrecken, wodurch eine flexible Einheit (40) an dem geneigten Rand anliegt und durch den kleinen Radius mit der berührungsempfindlichen Oberfläche (60) in Kontakt kommen kann, wenn die Struktur auf der berührungsempfindlichen Oberfläche (60) eingesetzt wird.
     
    12. Spielzeug nach einem oder mehreren der Ansprüche 5 bis 11, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das mindestens eine Spielzeugbauelement (20) eine Spielzeugbauplatte ist.
     
    13. Spielzeug nach einem oder mehreren der Ansprüche 5 bis 12, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die mindestens zwei Spielzeugbauelemente (20), die eine oder mehrere markierte Positionen (23) umfassen, einen Flansch umfassen, der Kupplungsmittel (21) umfasst, wobei der Flansch zum Koppeln mit einer Spielzeugbauplatte konfiguriert ist, wodurch die Unterseite des mindestens einen Spielzeugbauelements in einer Ebene mit der Unterseite der Spielzeugbauplatte ist, wodurch sie zusammen die Unterseite der Struktur bilden.
     
    14. Spielzeug nach einem oder mehreren der Ansprüche 5 bis 13, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die berührungsempfindliche Oberfläche (60) einen Bildschirm umfasst, wodurch es ein registriertes spezifisches Muster in ein Bild auf der berührungsempfindlichen Oberfläche (60) umwandeln kann.
     


    Revendications

    1. Procédé consistant à fournir une entrée à une unité électronique (50) comprenant une surface tactile (60) qui est configurée pour enregistrer une application de contact par une unité flexible (40), dans lequel le procédé comprend les étapes suivantes consistant à :

    - fournir une structure (1) configurée à partir d'un matériau qui ne peut pas être enregistré par la surface tactile (60), et laquelle structure présente un côté supérieur et un côté inférieur présentant une zone qui est plus petite que la zone de la surface tactile, et dans lequel la zone du côté inférieur est délimitée par une périphérie extérieure sur la structure, et dans lequel la structure comprend, soit au niveau de la périphérie, soit à l'intérieur de la périphérie, au moins deux positions marquées (23), lesquelles positions sont configurées pour le déploiement d'unités flexibles ;

    - déployer la structure sur la surface tactile (60) ;

    - déployer deux unités flexibles ou plus (40) comprenant un matériau qui peut être enregistré par la surface tactile dans les au moins deux positions marquées

    ∘ de sorte que les deux unités flexibles ou plus s'étendent au-delà du côté supérieur de la structure (1) et jusqu'au côté inférieur de la structure, avec pour effet que l'enregistrement d'une unité flexible (40) est conditionné par la configuration de l'au moins une position marquée (23) ; et

    ∘ de sorte que la surface tactile est capable d'enregistrer la position des deux unités flexibles ou plus (40)

    - déplacer les deux unités flexibles ou plus (40) le long de la surface tactile (60), selon lequel la structure (1) suit le mouvement le long de la surface tactile (60) ;

    - reconnaître le motif spécifique enregistré ;

    - enregistrer le mouvement du motif spécifique.


     
    2. Procédé selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que le procédé comprend en outre l'étape suivante consistant à :

    - fournir au moins deux structures (1) pour le déploiement sur la surface tactile (60).


     
    3. Procédé selon la revendication 1 ou 2, dans lequel les unités flexibles sont des doigts ou des dispositifs de pointage.
     
    4. Jouet comprenant une unité électronique (50) comprenant une surface tactile (60) et une structure (1), dans lequel la structure est faite d'un matériau qui ne peut pas être enregistré par la surface tactile (60), et laquelle structure (1) présente un côté supérieur et un côté inférieur présentant une zone qui est plus petite que la zone de la surface tactile (60), et dans lequel la zone du côté inférieur est délimitée par une périphérie extérieure sur la structure, et dans lequel la structure comprend, soit au niveau de la périphérie, soit à l'intérieur de la périphérie, au moins deux positions marquées (23), lesquelles positions sont configurées pour le déploiement d'une unité flexible (40) ; et dans lequel l'unité électronique (50) est configurée pour être capable d'enregistrer une application de contact par deux unités flexibles ou plus (40), et dans lequel l'enregistrement de l'unité flexible sur la surface tactile (60) est conditionné par la configuration de la position marquée (23), tandis que l'unité flexible (40) vient en butée sur le côté supérieur de la structure et s'étendant au-delà du côté supérieur de la structure et jusqu'au côté inférieur avec pour effet que l'unité flexible (40) est capable d'entrer en contact avec la surface tactile (60), et dans lequel
    l'unité électronique (50) est configurée pour reconnaître le motif spécifique enregistré lorsque les deux unités flexibles ou plus (40) se déplacent le long de la surface tactile (60), de sorte que la structure (1) suit le mouvement le long de la surface tactile (60) ; et pour reconnaître le motif spécifique enregistré ; et pour enregistrer le mouvement du motif spécifique le long de la surface tactile (60).
     
    5. Jouet selon une ou plusieurs des revendications 4, caractérisé en ce que la structure (1) consiste en un ensemble de construction de jouet qui comprend au moins deux éléments de construction de jouet (20), chacun desdits éléments de construction de jouet (20) étant pourvu d'un ou plusieurs moyens de couplage configurés de manière complémentaire (21) avec pour effet que les au moins deux blocs de construction de jouet peuvent être interconnectés pour former une structure (1) ; et en ce que les chaque éléments de construction de jouet (20) comprennent une ou plusieurs positions marquées (23) pour positionner deux unités flexibles ou plus (40).
     
    6. Jouet selon la revendication 5, caractérisé en ce que les un ou plusieurs éléments de construction de jouet (20) comprennent au moins deux types différents de moyens de couplage, tels que des plots de couplage et des moyens de couplage complémentaires.
     
    7. Jouet selon une ou plusieurs des revendications 4 à 6, caractérisé en ce que l'au moins une position marquée (23) est constituée par une ou plusieurs encoches en forme de C ou de U et/ou un ou plusieurs trous traversants.
     
    8. Jouet selon une ou plusieurs des revendications 4 à 7, caractérisé en ce que les deux positions marquées ou plus (23) pour positionner des unités flexibles (40) comprennent un ou plusieurs bords selon lesquels les unités flexibles (40) sont empêchées de se déplacer par rapport à la structure dans un plan en parallèle avec la surface tactile (60) avec pour effet que, lorsqu'une ou plusieurs unités flexibles (40) est/sont déployée(s) dans les une ou plusieurs positions marquées et déplacée(s) le long de la surface tactile (60), la structure suivra le mouvement des une ou plusieurs unités flexibles (40).
     
    9. Jouet selon la revendication 8, caractérisé en ce que les un ou plusieurs bords est/sont agencé(s) comme une délimitation intérieure avec pour effet que les unités flexibles (40) sont limitées/empêchées d'effectuer un mouvement dans une direction entre les positions marquées, ce qui signifie que les unités flexibles (40) se pressent les unes contre les autres sur les bords des positions marquées (23) selon lesquelles la structure suit le mouvement des unités flexibles (40) le long de la surface tactile (60).
     
    10. Jouet selon la revendication 8, caractérisé en ce que les un ou plusieurs bords est/sont situé(s) comme une délimitation extérieure avec pour effet que les unités flexibles (40) sont limitées/empêchées d'effectuer un mouvement dans une direction à l'opposé de celles-ci/des positions marquées restantes, ce qui signifie que les unités flexibles (40) se pressent à l'opposé les unes des autres sur les bords des positions marquées selon lesquelles la structure suit le mouvement des unités flexibles (40) le long de la surface tactile (60).
     
    11. Jouet selon la revendication 8, caractérisé en ce que les une ou plusieurs positions marquées (23) pour positionner une ou plusieurs unités flexibles (40) comprennent un bord, dans lequel un tel bord est incliné avec pour effet que les une ou plusieurs positions marquées (23) est/sont orientée(s) de manière tronconique avec le rayon le plus petit orienté vers le bas, selon lequel les une ou plusieurs unités flexibles (40) s'étendent au-delà du côté supérieur de la structure et jusqu'au côté inférieur de la structure selon lequel une unité flexible (40) peut venir en butée sur le bord incliné et entrer en contact avec la surface tactile (60) à travers le petit rayon lorsque la structure est déployée sur la surface tactile (60).
     
    12. Jouet selon une ou plusieurs des revendications 5 à 11, caractérisé en ce que l'au moins un élément de construction de jouet (20) est une plaque de construction de jouet.
     
    13. Jouet selon une ou plusieurs des revendications 5 à 12, caractérisé en ce que les au moins deux éléments de construction de jouet (20) comprenant une ou plusieurs positions marquées (23) comprennent une bride comprenant un moyen de couplage (21), dans lequel la bride est configurée pour se coupler avec une plaque de construction de jouet selon laquelle le côté inférieur de l'au moins un élément de construction de jouet est dans un plan avec le côté inférieur de la plaque de construction de jouet selon laquelle ils se combinent pour former le côté inférieur de la structure.
     
    14. Jouet selon une ou plusieurs des revendications 5 à 13, caractérisé en ce que la surface tactile (60) comprend un écran selon lequel il peut convertir un motif spécifique enregistré en une image sur la surface tactile (60).
     




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    Cited references

    REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION



    This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

    Patent documents cited in the description