Abstract:
A toy building system comprising a plurality of building elements including one or more function building elements ( 210 ) each for performing a corresponding function, and one or more control building elements ( 400 ) each for controlling one or more function building elements, each building element including at least one connector for electrically connecting the building element with another building element via a corresponding connector of the other building element, the connector including at least one control signal contact. Bach control building element includes a main output connector adapted to output a control signal for controlling at least one function building element; and each function building element includes an input connector for receiving a control signal and is adapted to perform a function responsive to the received control signal. Bach function building element further includes an output connector adapted to forward the received control signal.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The invention relates to toy building systems comprising building elements with coupling means for releasably interconnecting building elements. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Such toy building systems have been known for decades. The simple building blocks have been supplemented with dedicated building elements with either a specific appearance or a mechanical or electrical function to enhance the play value. Such functions include e.g. motors, switches and lamps, but also programmable processors that accept input from sensors and can activate function elements in response to received sensor inputs. 
         [0003]    Self-contained function building elements exist which have a function device adapted to perform a preconfigured function, an energy source for providing energy to the function device for performing the function, and a trigger responsive to an external trigger event to trigger the function device to perform the function. Typically, such known function building elements are designed for manual activation of the trigger and only provide a limited play value. 
         [0004]    Toy building systems exist that comprise a plurality of building elements including one or more function building elements each for performing a corresponding function, and one or more control building elements each for controlling one or more function building elements, each building element including at least one connector for electrically connecting the building element with another building element via a corresponding connector of the other building element, the connector including at least one control signal contact. 
         [0005]    In order to provide an interesting play experience it is generally desirable to provide such a toy building system which allows a user to construct a large variety of models that differ in appearance as well as functionality. 
         [0006]    Programmable toys are known e.g. from the product ROBOTICS INVENTION SYSTEM from LEGO MINDSTORMS, which is a toy that can be programmed by a computer to perform unconditioned as well as conditioned actions. 
         [0007]    However, it is a problem of the above prior art toy that it requires a relatively complex programming step, e.g. based on user-defined programs created on an external computer and transferred to such a microprocessor controlled toy element, or via a user-interface of the programmable toy itself. Consequently, the generation of such programs requires a relatively high level of familiarity with computers as well as a relatively high level of abstract cognitive capabilities in order to program a desired behaviour, thereby limiting such toys to older children. 
         [0008]    Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a toy construction system that includes functional elements that can be configured and controlled in a variety of different ways and in a manner that can easily be understood by children. 
         [0009]    It is further desirable to provide a toy building system with new building elements that are suitable for use in the system, and that will enhance the play value of the system. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    Embodiments of the invention relate to a toy building system comprising a plurality of building elements including one or more function building elements each for performing a corresponding function, and one or more control building elements each for controlling one or more function building elements, each building element including at least one connector for electrically connecting the building element with another building element via a corresponding connector of the other building element, the connector including at least one control signal contact/terminal; 
         [0000]    wherein each control building element includes a main output connector adapted to output a control signal for controlling at least one function building element; and each function building element includes an input connector for receiving a control signal and is adapted to perform a function responsive to the received control signal;
 
and wherein each function building element further includes an output connector adapted to forward the received control signal.
 
         [0011]    Consequently, a plurality of function building elements can be controlled by a single control building element, simply by connecting one function building element to another so as obtain a sequence or chain of interconnected function building elements. A control signal from the control building element fed into the first of the sequence of function building elements is thus forwarded to all function building elements without the need for additional wiring or programming/configuration. 
         [0012]    The function building element may thus include a function device adapted to perform a preconfigured function, which function may be selected from a variety of possible functions, including e.g. mechanical and/or electrical functions 
         [0013]    In some embodiments, the toy building system further comprises a power supply building element including an energy source for supplying electrical power, in particular for providing power to function building elements for performing their respective functions. The power supply building element further includes an output connector; and wherein at least one connector of a building element further includes a power contact. Hence, the individual function building elements and/or control building elements do not need to have their own energy source, but are supplied from a power supply building element via the same connectors that also provide the control signal, i.e. without the need for further wiring or other connections. 
         [0014]    In particular, in some embodiments at least one output connector of a building element includes a power contact adapted to provide output electrical power for supplying the electrical power to one or more building elements; and wherein an input connector of each building element includes a power contact adapted to receive electrical power and, optionally, to feed the received electrical power to the function building element. 
         [0015]    A power supply building element may provide electrical power only, or the power supply building element may supply both electrical power and a control signal via its output connector. Hence a power supply element may further function as a control building element. 
         [0016]    The connectors may be in the form of a plug or receptacle or any other suitable device for terminating or connecting the conductors of individual wires or cables and for providing a means to continue the conductors to a mating connector. To this end, the connector may include a number of contacts arranged in the connector body in a predetermined manner, i.e. a predetermined number, spacing, arrangement, etc. Each contact may be provided as any suitable conductive element configured to provide electrical contact with a corresponding contact in another connector when the connectors are mated for the purpose of transferring electrical energy and/or a control signal. 
         [0017]    When each function building element includes a stackable connector element including the input and output connectors of the function building element, uniform connection means are provided that allow an easy connection of a plurality of different function and/or control building elements. In particular, a uniform, stackable connector element provides uniform connection means regardless of the shape and size of the function or control building element. 
         [0018]    In particular, in one embodiment each building element including a stackable connector includes a building element body including an electrical circuit; and the stackable connector element is electrically connected to the electrical circuit via an extension cable. Consequently, the building element body may be placed at a position displaced from the connection point where the stackable connector element is connected to, typically a stack of stackable connector elements originating from a power supply building element and/or control building element. Consequently, a greater flexibility in the construction of a toy model is obtained. Furthermore, when the stackable connector element is connected to the building element body of the function or control building element by a flexible extension cable, a greater flexibility in terms of the shape and size of a building element body as well as its placement within a toy construction model is achieved. In particular, the shape, size and placement of the building element body are not limited by a requirement that a connector has to be accessible for connection to another connector. 
         [0019]    When the stackable connector is adapted to receive electrical power from the input connector of the stackable connector and to feed the received electrical power to the output connector of the stackable connector element, no additional wiring is required for the distribution of separate electrical power for those function building elements that require more power than is provided by the control signal. 
         [0020]    In some embodiments, the stackable connector element of each function building element is adapted to receive a control signal from the input connector of the stackable connector element, and to feed the received control signal to the function building element and to the output connector of the stackable connector element so as to provide a direct control signal path from the input connector to the output connector. Hence, a chain of function building elements can easily be established in a uniform manner by stacking connector elements on top of each other or in any other suitable orientation e.g. next to each other. A control building element thus affects all function building elements that branch out from the output connector of the control building element in an uninterrupted sequence/stack. 
         [0021]    One embodiment of a control building element includes a stackable connector element including the main output connector of the control building element and an input connector, and the stackable connector element is adapted to block any control signal output by an output connector connected to the input connector of the stackable control element from being directly fed to the main output connector of the stackable connector element. Hence, the control building element terminates a sequence/stack of function building elements receiving a common control signal. The control building element further provides a base or starting point for a new stack or sequence of function building elements, thereby providing a simple mechanism of grouping function building elements into separately controlled groups, i.e. for controlling which functions in a constructed model are controlled by which control building elements. 
         [0022]    Another embodiment of a control building element includes a stackable connector element including an input connector and an output connector different from the main output connector; wherein the stackable connector element is adapted to receive a control signal from the input connector of the stackable connector element and to feed the received control signal to the output connector of the stackable connector element so as to provide a control signal path from the input connector to the output connector. Hence, in this embodiment, the control building element does not terminate a stack/sequence of function elements controlled by another control building element, but the control signal of the other control element is patched through by the stackable connector element. Instead, the control building element operates—via its main output connector—as the starting point of a new stack of function building elements controlled by this control building element. 
         [0023]    Nevertheless, in some embodiments, the control building element may receive the input control signal received by the input connector of its stackable connector element. Hence, in such an embodiment, the control building element may generate its output control signal responsive to the received control signal, e.g. by performing a predetermined logic function on the input control signal and, optionally, on a further external input signal from a further input interface/sensor. 
         [0024]    Examples of logic functions performed by a control building element include the delay of the output control signal relative to the input control signal, a repetition of the input control signal a predetermined number of times, an output only if the input meets certain criteria e.g. a certain sequence or pattern is received as input, or the input changes in a predetermined way. Further examples include predetermined logic operations based on a comparison of the input control signal and a further activation/trigger input, e.g. a logical ‘and’ operation, a logical ‘and not’ operation, or the like. 
         [0025]    Accordingly, in some embodiments, a control building element includes a further activation/input interface for receiving an external input from a source different from the control building elements, e.g. a trigger responsive to an external trigger action to trigger the function(s) of the function building element(s) controlled by the control building element, a switch for selecting one of plurality of modes of operation, and/or the like. Thus, the control building element is adapted to generate the output control signal responsive to the external input. The external input may be selected from a variety of possible inputs as described herein. Accordingly, the activation/input interface may comprise any suitable circuitry, device or arrangement suitable to detect an input from a user or another device, to sense a property of the environment, or the like. Examples of such activation interfaces include a push button, a slide, or other mechanical switch, a vibration sensor, a tilt sensor, a touch sensor, an impact sensor, a light sensor, a proximity detector, a thermometer, a microphone, a pressure sensor, a pneumatic sensor, a bus bridge, an inductive input, e.g. an input that is activated by a tag, a radio receiver, a camera, a receiver of a remote control system, e.g. an infrared remote control, etc., or a combination thereof. Hence, a simple mechanism for initiating user-defined functions is provided, thereby providing a variety of interesting play scenarios. 
         [0026]    In some embodiments, the toy building system further includes an extension element, the extension element comprising a stackable connector element, a further output connector, and an electrical extension element, such as an extension cable/wire. The stackable connector element includes an input connector and an output connector, and the stackable connector element of the extension element being adapted to receive a control signal from the input connector of the stackable connector element, and to feed the received control signal to the further output connector via the electrical extension element and to the output connector of the stackable connector element. Consequently, the extension element may be used as an extension cable and/or for branching out a parallel stack/sequence of function and/or control building elements. 
         [0027]    When the function building elements and/or control building elements have coupling means for releasably interconnecting the function or control building elements with other building elements, they are compatible with the toy building system and can be used together with other building elements. The invention is generally applicable to toy building systems with building elements having coupling means for releasably interconnecting building elements. Furthermore, when the connectors of the of the building elements described herein are configured such that the input connectors are connectable only to output connectors and output connectors are connectable only to input connectors, a mechanical coding is provided that ensures correct wiring/connection of the connectors so as to avoid malfunction, short circuits, and/or the like. For example, such a mechanical coding may be provided by the form of the connector, the contact arrangement in the connector, the form of contacts, by the provision of additional coupling means, and/or the like. 
         [0028]    It is noted that the toy building sets may comprise further types of construction elements, such as passive construction elements without any electrical connectors and without capabilities of performing or controlling actions/functions, such as conventional building blocks known in the art. 
         [0029]    The present Invention can be implemented in different ways including the toy building set described above and in the following and further product means, each yielding one or more of the benefits and advantages described in connection with the first-mentioned toy building set, and each having one or more preferred embodiments corresponding to the preferred embodiments described in connection with the first-mentioned toy building set and/or disclosed in the dependant claims. 
         [0030]    In particular, according to one aspect, a function building element is provided for a toy building system, the toy building system comprising a plurality of building elements including one or more function building elements each for performing a corresponding function, and one or more control building elements each for controlling one or more function building elements. The function building element includes at least an input connector and an output connector each for electrically connecting the function building element with another building element via a corresponding connector of the other building element, each connector including at least one control signal contact. The input connector is adapted to receive a control signal and the output connector is adapted to forward the received control signal; and wherein and the function building element is adapted to perform a function responsive to the received control signal. 
         [0031]    Furthermore, an embodiment of a control building element is provided for a toy building system, the toy building system comprising a plurality of building elements including one or more function building elements each for performing a corresponding function, and one or more control building elements each for controlling one or more function building elements, each building element including at least one connector for electrically connecting the building element with another building element via a corresponding connector of the other building element, the connector including at least one control signal contact; each function building element including an input connector for receiving a control signal and being adapted to perform a function responsive to the received control signal. The control building element includes a stackable connector element including a main output connector adapted to output a control signal for controlling at least one function building element; wherein the stackable connector element further includes an input connector; and wherein the stackable connector element is adapted to block an control signal output by an output connector connected to the input connector of the stackable control element from being directly fed to the main output connector of the stackable connector element. 
         [0032]    Another embodiment of a control building element is provided for a toy building system, the toy building system comprising a plurality of building elements including one or more function building elements each for performing a corresponding function, and one or more control building elements each for controlling one or more function building elements, each building element including at least one connector for electrically connecting the building element with another building element via a corresponding connector of the other building element, the connector including at least one control signal contact; each function building element including an input connector for receiving a control signal and being adapted to perform a function responsive to the received control signal. The control building element includes a main output connector adapted to output a control signal for controlling at least one function building element; wherein the control building element further includes a stackable connector element including an input connector and an output connector different from the main output connector; wherein the stackable connector element is adapted to receive a control signal from the input connector of the stackable connector element and to feed the received control signal to the output connector of the stackable connector element so as to provide a control signal path from the input connector to the output connector. 
         [0033]    Furthermore, an embodiment of an extension element is provided for a toy building system, the toy building system comprising a plurality of building elements including one or more function building elements each for performing a corresponding function, and one or more control building elements each for controlling one or more function building elements, each building element including at least one connector for electrically connecting the building element with another building element via a corresponding connector of the other building element, the connector including at least one control signal contact; each function building element including an input connector for receiving a control signal and being adapted to perform a function responsive to the received control signal. The extension element comprises a stackable connector element, a further output connector, and an electrical extension element, the stackable connector element including an input connector and an output connector, the stackable connector element of the extension element being adapted to receive a control signal from the input connector of the stackable connector element, and to feed the received control signal to the further output connector via the electrical extension element and to the output connector of the stackable connector element. 
         [0034]    Consequently, a building set is provided with function and control building elements that are interconnectable by a corresponding set of connectors according to a predetermined connection architecture. The building set allows a user to construct a large variety of functions and functional relationships in a uniform manner and with a limited set of different building elements. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0035]      FIG. 1  shows a prior art toy building bricks. 
           [0036]      FIG. 2  schematically shows examples of a function toy building brick. 
           [0037]      FIGS. 3 and 4  schematically show control toy building bricks. 
           [0038]      FIG. 5  schematically shows a power supply building brick. 
           [0039]      FIG. 6  schematically shows an extension building element. 
           [0040]      FIG. 7  schematically show examples of toy models including building bricks described herein. 
           [0041]      FIG. 8  show further examples of toy building bricks. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0042]    Embodiments of the invention will mainly be described using toy building elements in the form of bricks. However, the invention may be applied to other forms of building elements used in toy building sets. 
         [0043]      FIG. 1  shows examples of toy building bricks each with coupling studs on its top surface and a cavity extending into the brick from the bottom. The cavity has a central tube, and coupling studs on another brick can be received in the cavity in a frictional engagement as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,005,282.  FIGS. 1   a - b  show perspective views of an example of such a toy building brick including its top and bottom side.  FIGS. 1   c  and  1   d  show other such prior art building bricks. The building bricks shown in the remaining figures have this known type of coupling means in the form of cooperating studs and cavities. However, other types of coupling means may also be used. 
         [0044]      FIG. 2  schematically show examples of a function building element. 
         [0045]      FIG. 2   a  schematically shows a function building element, generally designated  200 , including a main function building element body in the form of a function brick  201 , and a stackable connector  202  connected to the function brick  201  via flexible cable  203  including wires  212  and  213 . The function brick has coupling studs  205  on its top surface and a corresponding cavity in its bottom surface (not explicitly shown). The function brick  201  includes a function device  204  that receives electric power via terminals  210  of the stackable connector  202  and lines  212  of the extension cable  203 , and a control signal via terminals  211  of the stackable connector  202  and lines  213  of the extension cable  203 , as will be described in more detail below, and the electrical function device  204  performs a preconfigured function, e.g. a mechanical or an electrical function. In one embodiment, the control signals may each have binary values 0 and 1, respectively. 
         [0046]    Examples of a preconfigured mechanical function that the function bricks described herein can perform include movements/motion such as by driving a rotating output shaft, winding-up a string or a chain which enables pulling an object closer to the function brick, fast or slow moving a hinged part of the function brick which enables e.g. opening or closing a door, ejecting an object, etc. Such mechanical motions can be driven by an electric motor as illustrated in  FIG. 2   b .  FIG. 2   b  shows a wiring diagram of an example of a function device  204  that includes a motor  230  driven by the received electrical power via lines  212 . The motor  230  is controlled by a control circuit  231  in response to the control signals C 1 , C 2  received via lines  213 . 
         [0047]    It will be appreciated that the motor may be driven by the power from the power lines  212  or directly by the control signals C 1  and C 2 , as illustrated by  FIG. 2   c . The separate power supply via lines  212  allows a supply in such a way that the polarity of the voltage is constant and well-defined. 
         [0048]      FIG. 2   c  schematically shows a wiring diagram of another example of a function device  204  including a motor  230  that is controlled and driven by the control signals C 1 , C 2 . Hence, in this example, the function device does not receive separate electric power via lines  212 , as the control signal is sufficient to operate the motor. 
         [0049]    Examples of the preconfigured electrical function that the function bricks described herein can perform include operating a switch with accessible terminals, generating a visible light signal, emitting constant or blinking light, activating several lamps in a predetermined sequence, generating an electrical signal, generating an invisible light signal, emitting audible sound such as beep, alarm, bell, siren, voice message, music, synthetic sound, natural or imitated sound simulating and stimulating play activities, recording and playback of a sound, emitting inaudible sound such as ultrasound, emitting a radio frequency signal or an infrared signal to be received by another component, etc. or combinations of the above. 
         [0050]    The function bricks may have a preconfigured function, but functions may also be programmed or otherwise determined or influenced by the user. 
         [0051]      FIG. 2   d  schematically shows a wiring diagram of an example of a function device  204  including an LED  234  that is controlled and driven by the control signals C 1 , C 2 . Hence, in this example, the function device does not receive separate electric power via lines  212 , as the control signal is sufficient to operate the LED. Alternatively, the LED may be driven by the power received via lines  212  via a switch controlled by control signals C 1  and or C 2 . 
         [0052]    In  FIG. 2   e  is Illustrated that the function device  204  can be a switch  271 . The switch  271  can be a normally open or a normally closed switch, and its terminals  272  can be connected to the coupling studs on the top surface or to the surfaces in the cavity that are intended for engaging coupling studs on other building bricks. The switch is controlled by the control signal received via lines  213  via logic circuit  231  as described above. When the switch  271  is closed, the voltage on power lines  212  is applied to the terminals  272 . The logic circuit  231  further receives electrical power from power lines  212 . Generally, the function device may interpret the control signals in different ways. In one embodiment, the control signals C 1  and C 2  may each have binary values 0 and 1, respectively. For example, in the example of  FIG. 2   c , the motor  230  may be controlled according to the following table: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 Control signal value 
                 Motor control 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 (C1, C2) = (0, 0) 
                 Motor OFF 
               
               
                 (C1, C2) = (1, 0) 
                 Motor ON Forward 
               
               
                 (C1, C2) = (0, 1) 
                 Motor ON reverse 
               
               
                 (C1, C2) = (1, 1) 
                 Motor Break 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0053]    In another example where the function device includes a sound generator configurable to play two different sounds, the function device may be adapted to play a selected one of the sounds responsive to e.g. a rising flank (i.e. a transition from 0 to 1) of the individual control signals C 1  and C 2  respectively, e.g. according to 
         [0000]    C 1  0→1 play sound  1 
 
C 2  0→1 play sound  2 .
 
         [0054]    Hence, in general, the function device may include any suitable mechanical and/or electrical device, arrangement or circuitry adapted to perform one or more of the above or alternative functions. Examples of function devices include a light source such as a lamp or LED, a sound generator, loudspeaker, sound card, or other audio source, a motor, a gear, a hinged part, a rotatable shaft, a signal generator, a valve, a pneumatic control, a shape-memory alloy, a piezo crystal, an electromagnet, a linear actuator, a radio, a display, a microprocessor, and/or the like. 
         [0055]    The stackable connector element  202  includes both a male input connector  206  and a female output connector  207 . The connectors are positioned on opposite sides of the connector element, so as to make the connector element stackable. In particular, in the present example, the male input connector is positioned on the bottom side, while the female connector is positioned on the upper side of the stackable connector element. The input and output connectors include four contacts each, designated  210 ,  211 , and  208 ,  209 , respectively. The contacts  210  for receiving electrical power are connected to the corresponding output contacts  208  and to the function device  204  via lines  212 . The contacts  211  for receiving control signals are connected to the corresponding output contacts  209  and to the function device  204  via lines  213 . It is generally preferable that the input and output connectors  206  and  207  are mechanically coded so that the contacts are always connected to the correct corresponding contacts of the corresponding other connector. 
         [0056]    When all function building elements of a toy building set include corresponding stackable connector elements providing and forwarding control and power input in a uniform manner, such function bricks may easily be interchanged within a toy construction built from the building bricks described herein. For example, a function brick including a lamp may simply be replaced by a function brick including a sound source or loudspeaker, without having to change any other part of the construction, since both function bricks are activated in the same way. 
         [0057]    Generally, in one embodiment, each building element described herein, e.g. each function, control, power supply, or extension building element, may have at most one input connector and any number of output connectors. 
         [0058]    It is further understood that each building element may use one or more of the input contacts in its input connector. For example, as described herein, some function building elements may only use the control signals while other function building elements may use both the electrical power and the control signals. Similarly, as will be described in greater detail below, some control building elements may use only the power, while other control building elements may use both the input power and the input control signals. 
         [0059]    It is further understood that the connector element may include further contact points, e.g. signal lines for providing a communication bus between building elements including microprocessors. 
         [0060]      FIGS. 3 and 4  schematically show control toy building elements. 
         [0061]      FIG. 3  schematically shows an example of a control building element, generally designated  300 , including a main control building element body in the form of a control brick  301 , and a stackable connector  302  connected to the control brick  301  via flexible cable  303 . The control brick has coupling studs  305  on its top surface and a corresponding cavity in its bottom surface (not explicitly shown). The control brick  301  includes a control device  304  that receives electric power via terminals  310  of the stackable connector  302  and lines  312  of the extension cable  303 . The control brick  301  further includes a push button  314 , or another input interface for receiving an external input, connected to the control device  304 . 
         [0062]    In general, the control bricks described herein may include one or more input interfaces/sensors responsive to an external physical event. Examples of such external physical events comprise mechanical forces, push, pull, rotation, human manipulation, touch, proximity of an object, electrical signals, radio frequency signals, optical signals, visible light signals, Infrared signals, magnetic signals, temperature, humidity, radiation, etc. and combinations thereof. 
         [0063]    The control brick  301  generates a control signal in response to an activation of the push button  314  and feeds the control signal to the output contacts  309  of the stackable connector element  302  via lines  313  of the extension cable  303 . The output connector  307  of the stackable connector element  302  is thus referred to as the main output connector of the control building element  300 . 
         [0064]    The stackable connector element  302  is similar to the connector element described above and it includes a male input connector  306  with input contacts  310  for electrical power and input contacts  311  for control signals, a female output connector  307  with output contacts  308  for electrical power and output contacts  309  for control signals. The contacts  310  for receiving electrical power are connected to the corresponding output contacts  308  and to the control device  304  via lines  312 . However, in contrast to the connector element of  FIG. 2   a , the contacts  311  for receiving control signals are neither used by the control device  304 , nor are they connected to the corresponding output contacts  309 . Hence, any control signal received via an output connector connected to the input connector  306  is not forwarded to the output connector  309 . 
         [0065]    When each main output connector of the control building elements of a toy building set is arranged as an output connector of a uniform stackable connector element, the control bricks are easily interchangeable. Hence, in a toy construction built with bricks as described herein, several control bricks can be used interchangeably, and a particular control brick can be used in several constructions. Nevertheless, in some embodiments, the main output connector of a control building element may also be implemented as a separate output connector different from the stackable connector element, as will be described in greater detail below. 
         [0066]    The control device  304  may simply translate the external input in a suitable control signal. Alternatively, the control device may perform a logic function on the one or more received external events. Examples of such logic functions comprise a delayed output relative to the input, a repeated control signal upon receipt of a single input, an output only if the input meets certain criteria e.g. a certain sequence or pattern is received as input, etc. 
         [0067]      FIG. 4  illustrate examples of control building elements, generally designated  400 , that have a main output connector  422  separate from the output connector  407  of the stackable connector element  402  of the control building element. 
         [0068]      FIG. 4   a  shows a control building element including a control brick  401  with coupling studs  405  and a control device  404  that receives a control input from an external interface  414  similar to the control building element described above, and generates a corresponding output control signal. Furthermore, the control building element  400  includes a stackable connector element  402 , connected to the control brick  401  via extension cable  403 , the stackable connector element having a male input connector  406  and a female output connector  407 , and including input contacts  410  for electrical power and output contacts  408  connected to the input contacts  410 . The control device  404  thus receives electrical power via the stackable connector element and lines  412  of the extension cable  403 . 
         [0069]    The control building element  400  of  FIG. 4   a  differs from the control building element  300  of  FIG. 3  in that it further comprises a separate female output connector  422  that functions as a main output connector, as the control device  404  feeds its output control signal to the corresponding output contacts  429  of the connector  422 . The control brick  401  further feeds the received electrical power to the corresponding output contacts  428  of the connector  422 , thereby providing an uninterrupted power line through the system. The separate output connector may be connected to or integrated in the brick  401 , or it may be arranged separate from the brick  401 , e.g. connected to the brick  401  by an extension cable. 
         [0070]    Furthermore, in contrast to the control building element  300 , the stackable connector element  402  includes a connection between the control signal input contacts  410  to the corresponding output contacts  409 , thus providing a direct control signal path from its input to the output. 
         [0071]    The input control signal is further fed from contacts  410  via line  413  of the extension cable  403  to the control device  404 . Furthermore, the control device  404  receives electrical power from lines  412 . Accordingly, the control device  404  generates the output control signal based on the input control signal and/or on the external input from interface  414 , e.g. by combining the two control inputs, e.g. by implementing a logic function such as an ‘AND’ function, an ‘OR’ function, and ‘XOR’ function, by using a change in the input control signal as a trigger event, or the like. Generally, the logic function may be a preconfigured logic function, but logic functions may also be programmed or otherwise determined or Influenced by the user. In some embodiments the control device may use the input control signal and/or the external input as a trigger signal for triggering an output control signal or for triggering a control process resulting in an output control signal. For example, the control device may have stored therein an executable program, execution of which may be triggered by a predetermined input control signal and may result in an output control signal or sequence of output control signals. 
         [0072]      FIG. 4   b  shows an embodiment similar to the one in  FIG. 4   b , but where the control device does not receive the input control signal from the stackable connector element  402 . Hence, in this embodiment, the contacts  410  are only connected to the output contacts  408 . 
         [0073]      FIG. 4   c  shows a further embodiment which is similar to the embodiment of  FIG. 4   b , but where the control brick  401  includes two main output connectors  422   a  and  422   b , each receiving electrical power and respective control signals. The control signals fed to the output connectors may be identical or different. Hence, the control building element of  FIG. 4   c  may control two parallel function building elements or stacks of function elements, as illustrated by function bricks  201   a  and  201   b  connected to output elements  422   a  and  422   b , respectively, via their respective stackable connector elements  202   a  and  202   b . For example, the control building element may be an IR receiver of a remote control system which selectively outputs control signals on the different output connectors in response to different received IR signals. Hence, different function building elements may be selectively controlled via a single remote control. 
         [0074]      FIG. 5  schematically shows a power supply building element. The power supply element, generally designated  500 , includes a power supply brick and a female output connector  522  similar to the output connector  422  described above. The power supply brick includes one or more batteries  582  for generating a low-voltage electric power suitable for a toy construction set, e.g. a power of between 4.5V and 9V. Alternatively, the power supply element may include an alternative energy source, e.g. a voltage transformer/converter. The power from the battery  582  is output via output contacts  528  of the output connector  522 . The power supply building element  500  further includes a control switch  514  or other input interface connected to a control device  504  included in the main body  501  that generates a control signal in response to an activation of the control switch  514  and feeds the control signal to contacts  529  of the output connector  522 . Thus the power supply element functions both as a power supply for function and/or control building elements connected to its output connector  522  and as a control element similar to the control element shown in  FIG. 4   b . It is understood that alternative embodiments of the power supply element may not include any control switch and only provide output power but no output control signal. Furthermore, in yet further alternative embodiments, a power supply element may include more than one output connectors. 
         [0075]      FIG. 6  schematically shows an extension building element. The extension element, generally designated  600 , includes a stackable connector  602  and a female output connector  622  connected by ah extension cable  603 . The stackable connector  602  is similar to the stackable connector of a function building element and includes a male input connector  606  and a female output connector  607 . The input connector  606  includes contacts  610  for electrical power and contacts  611  for control signals. Contacts  610  for electrical power are connected with corresponding contacts  608  of the output connector  607 , and via lines  612  of extension cable  603  with contacts  628  of the output connector  622 . Similarly, contacts  611  for control signals are connected with corresponding contacts  609  of the output connector  607 , and via lines  613  of extension cable  603  with contacts  629  of the output connector  622 . Hence, the extension element may be used both as an extension cable and as a branch element, since the input power and control signals are forwarded both to output connector  607  and output connector  622 . 
         [0076]      FIG. 7  schematically show examples of toy models including building elements described herein. 
         [0077]    The toy model shown in  FIG. 7   a  illustrates an example including a power supply brick  501  with an output connector  522  which supplies power to function bricks  201   a - c  and to a control brick  301  of the type shown in  FIG. 3  via their respective stackable connector elements  202   a - c  and  302 . Hence, the function bricks  201   a - c  and the control brick  301  are arranged in a stack in a sequential order defined by the position of their respective stackable connectors within the stack  700 . The power supply brick  501  further provides a control signal to function brick  201   a  via the female connector of the stackable connector element  302 , while the control brick  301  provides a control signal to function bricks  201   b  and  201   c . Since the control signal input and output contacts of the connector element  302  are not connected with each other, the power supply brick  501  does not control function bricks  201   b  and  201   c , i.e. power supply brick  501  only controls function bricks connected higher in the stack  700  than the power supply brick  501  up to the control brick  301 . Furthermore, since the output control signal from control brick  301  is only fed to the contacts of the female output connector of the connector element  302 , the control brick  301  only controls function bricks connected higher in the stack  700  than the control brick  301 . 
         [0078]    The toy model shown in  FIG. 7   b  illustrates another example including a power supply brick  501  with an output connector  522  which supplies power to function bricks  201   a - c  and to a control brick  401  of the type shown in  FIG. 4   a  via their respective stackable connector elements  202   a - c  and  402 . Hence, the function brick  201   a  and the control brick  401  are connected via their respective stackable connector elements in a first stack  790  originating from the power supply brick  501 , while function bricks  201   b  and  201   c  are connected in a second stack  791  originating from the output connector  422  of control brick  401 . Thus, in this example the power supply element provides power to all function and control elements in stack  790  as well as—via control brick  401 —to the elements in stack  791 . 
         [0079]    Control brick  401  controls function bricks  201   b  and  201   c . Furthermore, since the control brick  401  is of the type that receives the control signal from its stackable connector, as was described in connection with  FIG. 4   b , the power supply brick  501  controls both function brick  201   a  and function bricks  201   b  and  201   c . The latter control of function bricks  201   b  and  201   c  is performed indirectly via control brick  401  and in accordance with the specific logic function implemented by control brick  401 . Different control elements may interpret the incoming control signal in different ways when generating its output control signal, e.g. by performing predetermined logic operations and/or by utilising transitions/changes in the incoming control signal(s) as event triggers and/or the like. 
         [0080]      FIG. 8  show further examples of toy building elements. 
         [0081]      FIG. 8   a  shows an example of a power supply brick  501  including a battery (not shown) which provides electrical power from a female output connector  522 . The power supply brick  501  includes a slide switch  514 , and coupling means  505 . 
         [0082]      FIGS. 8   b - c  each shows an example of a motor module  201  as an example of a function building element. The motor module  201  includes a hole  881  for receiving a shaft to be rotated by the motor. The motor module further includes coupling means  205  for connecting the motor module with other building elements. The motor module further includes a stackable connector element  202  as described herein. 
         [0083]      FIG. 8   d  shows an example of a control building element as described in connection with  FIG. 4   c  for providing control signals via two output connectors. The control element includes a control brick  401  with an Infra-red (IR) receiver  414  and is adapted to output, in response to the received IR signal, control signals on two output connectors  422   a  and  422   b , one of which is partly visible, while the other one is hidden in  FIG. 8   d . The control element receives electrical power via the stackable connector element  402 . Furthermore, the control element includes a selector switch  886  for selecting one of two reception frequency channels. Hence the control building element may be used as a receiver of a remote control. 
         [0084]      FIG. 8   e  illustrates an example of a remote controller for activating the remote control receiver of  FIG. 8   d . The remote controller  884  includes an IR transmitter  883  which transmits respective IR signals in response to the operation of one or more buttons/switches  885   a - b , and a frequency selector switch  887 . In one embodiment, the control element of  FIG. 8   d  is configured to output a control signal on its output connector  422   a  in response to an IR signal indicative of an activation of switch  885   a , while the control element of  FIG. 8   d  is configured to output a control signal on its output connector  422   b  in response to an IR signal indicative of an activation of switch  885   b.    
         [0085]      FIG. 8   f  shows an example of a stackable connector  802  for use in the function, control, and/or extension building elements described herein. In particular,  FIG. 8   f  shows the connector element  802 , the flexible extension cable  803 , and the female connector  807  of the stackable connector including contacts  808  for outputting electrical power, contacts  809  for outputting control signals, and further contacts  882  for outputting additional signals, e.g. for use as a high-speed communication line for distributed intelligence. The connector element further includes coupling studs  805  for easy and reliable connection of the connector element to a male connector having one or more corresponding cavities.