FIELD

The present disclosure relates to educational toys, in particular to systems and kits for specifying a sequence of movement of an object. BACKGROUND

Coding is a central element in technical & information education. However, as concepts underlying can be abstract, it can be difficult for a child at an early developmental age to understand. Educational games have been developed in an attempt to assist such learning of coding.

One type of educational game is a semi-virtual coding board game with a scanner for reading physical instruction cards into a portable electronic device with a display. The cards may be structured in a certain sequence, this sequence causing a graphical element to move and performs actions on the screen of the portable electronic device in accordance with the scanned sequence transmitted via wireless transmission from the scanner. Another type of educational game used in an attempt to teach coding is a physical toy which receives input from physical cards or blocks which are placed in a desired sequence into recesses formed in the toy. Alternatively, recesses for receiving the physical cards or blocks may be formed in a separate master console which sends a wireless transmission from the console to the physical toy of the various steps in the sequence. However, both of these approaches have significant disadvantages. Further interaction with a virtual character (even in an educational context) is not desirable in view of children already having a significant amount of "screen time" in watching cartoons and playing interactive games. As to the physical toy with the physical card or blocks placed in sequence in a predetermined console, to complete a mission with more complexity, this may be either difficult visualise or more physical card or blocks / larger console are required, which will increase the cost and space required.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide a system which addresses or ameliorates at least some of these deficiencies.

SUMMARY According to one aspect, there is provided an educational system for teaching programming skills. The system may comprise a plurality of elements wherein each element displays thereon human readable indicia representing at least one or more machine readable instructions encoded therein, a housing having a planar surface with at least first and second independently movable members thereunder, wherein the first and the second independently movable members intersect, an object movably supported on the planar surface by at least two or more abutment members such that the object is engageable with the intersection of the first and second movable members and rotatable thereabout, an input device configured to detect the machine readable instructions from each element in a series of elements selected from the plurality of elements, and a controller configured to receive the machine readable instructions from the input device and to sequentially adjust the location of the intersection of the movable members under the housing and the location of the object engaged therewith.

Changing the direction of movement of the intersection of the movable members may rotate the object for changing the orientation thereof. The two or more abutment members may be sized and located relative to each other such that upon a change in the direction of movement of the intersection of the movable members the object is rotated to a predetermined orientation.

Preferably, the abutment members may comprise at least one or more projections extending from the object, and a contact pad located toward the front of the object, said contact pad being engageable with the intersection of the first and second moveable members.

The surface area of the contact pad upon which the object is rotatable may be relatively larger than the surface area of the projection in contact with the planar surface.

Preferably, a predetermined height of at least one or more abutment members elevates at least a portion of the object above the planar surface for rotation of the object about the intersection of the movable members.

The at least one or more projections may be spaced apart from the contact pad.

Optionally, the projection tapers to contact the planar surface and wherein the contact pad is substantially annular.

The system may further comprise a retention member located the intersection of the independently movable members, wherein the first independently movable member is configured to drive the retention member transversely across the housing, and the second independently movable member is configured to drive the retention member longitudinally along the housing.

The second independently movable member which drives the retention member longitudinally across the housing may be housed within the first independently movable member. The first independently movable member and the second independently movable member together define an addressable matrix of positions comprising row and column values.

Preferably, the object is magnetically engageable with the retention member at which the movable members intersect.

The system may further include a plurality of items locatable about the planar surface at predetermined positions for movement of the object thereabout.

Preferably, the locations of the items on the planar surface correspond to the location of the same items in one of a plurality of pictorial representations provided.

The machine readable instructions are parameters selected from a group comprising left, right, up, down directions, one or more numerical values which act as a multiplier of a predetermined movement distance, initialisation or termination.

The controller may be further configured to receive direct input from a user via the input device.

Additionally, the user input may comprise a scalar multiple of a predetermined distance and the machine readable instructions of the plurality of elements are selected from the group comprising left, right, up, down directions, initialisation or termination. According to another aspect, there is provided a kit for teaching programming skills. The kit may comprise a plurality of elements wherein each element displays thereon human readable indicia corresponding to at least one or more machine readable instruction encoded therein, a housing having a planar surface with at least first and second independently movable members thereunder, wherein the first independently movable member extends transversely across the housing to intersect with the second independently movable longitudinal member, an object movably supported on the planar surface by at least two or more abutment members such that the object is engageable with the intersection of the first and second movable members and rotatable thereabout, an input device configured to detect the machine readable instructions from each element in a series of elements selected by the plurality of elements, and a controller configured to receive the machine readable instructions from the input device and to sequentially adjust the location of the intersection of the movable members under the housing and the object engaged therewith.

The two or more abutment members may be sized and located relative to each other such that upon a change in the direction of movement of the intersection of the movable members the object is rotated to a predetermined orientation.

Preferably, the abutment members may comprise at least one or more projections extending from the object, and a contact pad located toward the front of the object, said contact pad being engageable with the intersection of the first and second moveable members.

The surface area of the contact pad upon which the object is rotatable is relatively larger than the surface area of the projection in contact with the planar surface.

Preferably, a predetermined height of at least one or more abutment members may elevate at least a portion of the object above the planar surface for rotation of the object about the intersection of the movable members.

The kid may further comprise a retention member located at which the independently movable members intersect, wherein the first independently movable member is configured to drive the retention member transversely across the housing, and the second independently movable member is configured to drive the retention member longitudinally along the housing.

The retention member which is driven transversely across the housing is housed within the first independently movable member. Preferably, the object is magnetically engageable with the retention member at which the movable members intersect.

The first independently movable member and the second independently movable member together define an addressable matrix of positions comprising row and column values.

The system may further include a plurality of items locatable about the planar surface at predetermined positions for movement of the object thereabout.

The locations of the items on the planar surface correspond to the location of the same items in one of a plurality of pictorial representations provided. Additionally, the machine readable instructions are parameters selected from a group

comprising left, right, up, down directions, one or more numerical values which act as a multiplier of a predetermined movement distance, initialisation or termination.

The controller may be further configured to receive direct input from a user via the input device. Optionally, the user input may comprise a scalar multiple of a predetermined distance and the machine readable instructions of the plurality of elements are selected from the group comprising left, right, up, down directions, initialisation or termination.

According to yet another aspect, there is provided an educational system for teaching programming skills. The system may comprise a plurality of elements wherein each element displays thereon human readable indicia representing at least one or more machine readable instructions encoded therein, a housing having a planar surface with at least first and second independently movable members thereunder, wherein the first and the second independently movable members intersect, at least two objects movably supported on the planar surface, each object being selectively engageable or disengageable with a retention member positioned at the intersection of the first and second movable members, an input device configured to detect the machine readable instructions from each element in a series of elements selected from the plurality of elements, a controller configured to receive the machine readable instructions from the input devices to selectively engage the retention member with one of the objects for adjusting the location thereof by sequentially adjusting the location of the intersection of the movable members under the housing.

The first independently movable member may be configured to move the retention member transversely across the housing, and the second independently movable member is configured to move the retention member longitudinally along the housing.

Preferably, the second independently movable member which is driven longitudinally across the housing is housed within the first independently movable member.

Each of the at least two objects are sequentially engageable with the retention member of the intersection of the first and second independently movable members.

Preferably, the engagement and disengagement of one of the at least two objects with the retention member is controlled according to one or more machine readable instructions encoded within an element of the plurality of elements. The retention member is movable towards and away from planar surface for engagement and disengagement of one of the at least two objects with the retention member.

Preferably, the retention member is magnet.

Optionally, the retention member is an actuable electromagnet for engagement and disengagement of one of the at least two objects therewith.

The object is movably supported on the planar surface by at least two or more abutment members such that the object is engageable with the intersection of the first and second movable members and rotatable thereabout; wherein changing the direction of movement of the intersection of the movable members rotates the object to change the orientation thereof. The two or more abutment members may be sized and located relative to each other such that upon a change in the direction of movement of the intersection of the movable members the object is rotated to a predetermined orientation.

Preferably, the abutment members may comprise at least one or more projections extending from the object, and a contact pad located toward the front of the object, said contact pad being engageable with the intersection of the first and second moveable members.

Preferably, the surface area of the contact pad upon which the object is rotatable is relatively larger than the surface area of the projection in contact with the planar surface.

Preferably, a predetermined height of at least one or more abutment members elevates at least a portion of the object above the planar surface for rotation of the object about the intersection of the movable members.

Optionally, the at least one or more projections may be spaced apart from the contact pad. Alternatively, the projection may taper to contact the planar surface and wherein the contact pad may be substantially annular.

The machine readable instructions are parameters selected from a group comprising left, right, up, down directions, one or more numerical values which act as a multiplier of a predetermined movement distance, engagement with an object or disengagement with an object, initialisation or termination.

The objects are magnetically engageable with the retention member. According to yet another aspect, there is provided an educational system for teaching programming skills. The system may comprises a plurality of elements wherein each element displays thereon human readable indicia representing at least one or more machine readable instructions encoded therein, a housing having a planar surface with at least first and second independently movable members thereunder, wherein the first and the second independently movable members intersect, an object movably supported on the planar surface and engageable with the intersection of the first and second movable members, an input device configured to detect the machine readable instructions from each element in a series of elements selected from the plurality of elements, and a controller configured to receive the machine readable instructions from the input device and to sequentially adjust the location of the intersection of the movable members under the housing and the location of the object engaged therewith.

The input device and the controller may be attached to the housing.

The first independently movable member may extends transversely across the housing, and the second independently movable member extends longitudinally along the housing.

Preferably, the independently movable members together define an addressable matrix of positions comprising row and column values.

The object may be magnetically engageable with the intersection of the movable members.

The machine readable instructions may be encoded magnetically, optically or physically in the elements.

The object may be selected from the group comprising a vehicle, an animal, a person, a monster and a robot.

The object may be a device for marking a sheet supported on the surface of the planar housing.

Optionally, the object may be a device for marking the planar surface of the housing. The object may be a pen or a pencil.

The system may further include a plurality of items locatable about the planar surface at predetermined positions for movement of the object thereabout.

Preferably, the locations of the items on the planar surface correspond to the location of the same items in one of a plurality of pictorial representations provided. The machine readable instructions may be parameters selected from a group comprising left, right, up, down directions, one or more numerical values which act as a multiplier of a predetermined movement distance, initialisation or termination.

According to another aspect, there is provided a kit for teaching programming skills. The kit may comprises a plurality of elements wherein each element displays thereon human readable indicia corresponding to at least one or more machine readable instruction encoded therein, a housing having a planar surface with at least first and second independently movable members thereunder, wherein the first independently movable member extends transversely across the housing to intersect with the second independently movable longitudinal member at an intersection of the first independently movable member and the second independently movable member, an object movably supported on the planar surface and engageable with the intersection of the first independently moveable member and the second independently moveable member, an input device configured to detect the machine readable instructions from each element in a series of elements selected by the plurality of elements, and a controller configured to receive the machine readable instructions from the input device and sequentially adjust the location of the intersection of the longitudinal and transverse members under the housing and the location of the object engaged therewith.

According to still another aspect, there is provided a method for moving an object on a housing according to a sequence of commands selected from a plurality of possible commands. The method may comprises selecting one or more elements from a plurality of elements, wherein each element displays thereon human readable indicia representing at least one or more machine readable instructions encoded therein, detecting the machine readable instructions from the selected one or more elements at an input device and communicating the machine readable instructions to a controller, sequentially adjusting by the controller the location of the intersection of one or more movable members disposed under a housing and the location of the object engaged with that intersection according to the detected machine readable instructions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features of the disclosure can be obtained, a more particular description of the principles briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only exemplary embodiments of the disclosure and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the principles herein are described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings.

Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be explained in further detail below by way of examples and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which :- Fig 1 depicts an exemplary embodiment of the system of the present disclosure in one configuration in an assembled state.

Fig 2 is an exploded version of the embodiment depicted in Fig 1 .

Figs 3A -3D are perspective views of exemplary physical objects depicted in the system shown in Fig 1 . Fig 4a depicts the front and rear faces of exemplary "mission cards" which may be used with the system depicted in Fig 1 .

Fig 4b depicts the front and rear faces of further exemplary "mission cards" which may be used with a simplified system similar to that depicted in Fig 1 .

Fig 5a is an exemplary view of the programming elements which may be used with the system depicted in Fig 1 .

Fig 5b is an exemplary view of an alternative embodiment of programming elements which may be used with the system depicted in Fig 1.

Fig 6a is a perspective under plan view of the internal portions of the housing with the cover having been removed. Fig 6b is a perspective under plan view of the internal portions of the housing in another embodiment of the housing with the cover having been removed.

Fig 7 is an exemplary view of a flowchart describing various steps in using the system depicted in Fig 1 .

Fig. 8 is a perspective under plan view of the internal portions of the housing in a further embodiment of the housing with the cover having been removed.

Fig. 9 is a perspective under plan view of the internal portions of the housing in a still embodiment of the housing with the cover having been removed. Fig. 10 is a perspective view of an exemplary object.

Fig. 11 is an exemplary view of a dimensional drawing of the object depicted in Fig.10.

Fig.12A to 12D shows another embodiment of an exemplary object.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Various embodiments of the disclosure are discussed in detail below. While specific implementations are discussed, it should be understood that this is done for illustration purposes only. A person skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other components and configurations may be used without parting from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

The disclosed technology addresses the need in the art for a fun and versatile way to encourage children to understand fundamentals of programming.

Referring to Fig 1 , there is depicted an exemplary embodiment of the system of the present disclosure. The system 10 comprises a housing 20 which has a planar surface 22 on which a number of markings (or holes) 24 are used to delineate rows and columns.

An object 29 can guided on the surface to pass between the items or obstacles 26 from an originating position to a final position on the planar surface. It would be appreciated that this object may be a vehicle and animal, a person or a monster, or any other similar avatar or figurine which could be moved from the originating position to the final position as described further herein.

In the arrangement depicted, the housing 20 further includes an input device 30 which is formed as part of the housing, although persons skilled in the art would appreciate that such input device could be removed from the housing without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

As depicted, there is also shown a plurality of elements 50 and cards 40 which will be discussed in more detail in due course. The input device may detect information corresponding to machine instructions which is encoded in the elements. This may be detected magnetically, optically, or physically by interacting with protrusions/recesses formed in the elements at appropriate locations. Alternatively, it would be appreciated that the information can be encoded in the form of a barcode or other machine readable indicia. Referring now to Fig 2, there is depicted an exploded version of the system depicted in Fig 1 in which the various components can be seen in more detail. In particular, it can be seen that the drawer 28 is received within the housing and provides a useful storage place for the cards 40, elements 50 and items/obstacles 24. It would also be appreciated that the planar surface depicted could include various graphical scenes without departing from the present disclosure. The object 29, items/obstacles 26 and the planar surface 22 could be selected so as to have the same "theme", for example, in the embodiment depicted this theme is a dog moving through the items of fences and tunnels from the start to a home position. Referring now to Figs 3A to 3D, there are depicted a number of exemplary obstacles: 26a is a tunnel, 26b is a house, 26c is a corner and 26d being a wall. It would be appreciated that these obstacles are indicative only and are shown for reference with a variety of other obstacles also possible without departing from the present disclosure. Such objects can be included on the planar surface to provide further interest and engagement of the participants with the disclosure. Referring now to Fig 4a, there is shown exemplary representations of "mission" cards in which the parameters for interacting with the system are represented.

As depicted, the mission cards set out a number of different levels, with an increasing level of complexity in the number and or sequence of movements required to fulfil the "mission".

In the mission cards depicted on the left hand side of the page, the sequence of actions required to fulfil the mission to move the object from the start position to the end position needs to be determined by the child using basic logical analysis.

On the right hand side of the page, corresponding to the obverse side of the cards, the answer sequences required to complete the "mission" are presented visually in two different ways.

Viewing the mission card depicted in the top row of the Figures, it can be seen that the dog 41a on the left hand side needs to move to the same square as the house 42a - three squares to the right.

The solution to this mission (the programming sequence required to move the dog from the start position to the final position) is shown on the card on the right hand side of the page. As shown, the sequence of actions the dog needs to take requires the start element, the right direction element, the multiplier "three" element and the "go" element to be entered. These sequences are depicted in the middle portion of the answer side of the mission card 44b as well as a corresponding grid representation shown below at location marked 45a (the latter being without the start/go commands).

Similarly, referring to the mission card located in the middle of the figure, the dog 41 b needs to return home 42b avoiding the fence 43b which is in the way. It can be seen that the starting position of the dog has been moved three squares up (relative to the starting position of the dog on the first card) and therefore it is necessary for the dog to take appropriate movements from this position.

Referring now to the answer and programming sequence required on the obverse side of the card for this mission, it can be seen that the series of commands 44b are represented in a row as well as a graphical representation of the series of commands required is shown in the grid representation at 45b below.

That is, the sequence specified is that the program needs to start to receive the program; move up one space; move to the right three spaces; move down three spaces and then execute the program. Once each of these instructions have been entered into the system, the real world object will be moved accordingly.

Finally, referring to the lowest mission on the card, it can be seen that the dog 41 c needs to move in a relatively complicated series of movements in order to get "home" to the top right position in the grid. Turning to the obverse side of the card, again the commands required are specified at 44c, together with an accompanying graphical depiction of the various commands at 45c.

As can be seen, the dog has to proceed to the right two; up two; to the right two; down one; to the right two; and up three in order to reach the home destination.

Of course, it would be appreciated that the exemplary embodiments depicted are by no means limiting, and any number of possible "missions" could be specified. Each of these missions are made up of the concept of having an object move a number of squares in a particular direction, with or without obstacles. Accordingly, changes to the obstacles, the programming cards and the object could be made such that the child could be exposed to programming the movement and actions of any one of a monster, a person, or another figurine on the planar surface of the housing. Similarly, although not shown, it would be appreciated that a marking object such as a pen or pencil could be moved across the planar surface in a similar way as the dog 41 a, 41 b, 41 c or other object. In this way, the object would be the pen or pencil. If the object is replaced by a marking object such as this, it would be appreciated that this is essentially using the programming sequence to program a plotter.

Referring now to Fig 4b, there is shown exemplary representations of "mission" cards in which the parameters for interacting with the system are represented in a further embodiment.

As depicted, the mission cards set out a number of different levels, with an increasing level of complexity in the number and or sequence of movements required to fulfil the "mission". These mission cards are different to those mission cards depicted in Fig 4a, for use with another smaller) housing and different elements 50 which are depicted in Fig 5b and discussed in more detail below.

In the mission cards depicted on the left hand side of the page in Fig 4a, the sequence of actions required to fulfil the mission to travel from the start position to the end position needs to be determined by the child using basic logical analysis.

On the right hand side of the page, corresponding to the obverse side of the cards, the answer sequences required to complete the "mission" are presented visually in two different ways.

Viewing the mission card depicted in the top row of the Figures, it can be seen that we need to get from Point A (41 d) on the left hand side to the finish (42d), two squares to the right. This is an easy mission to complete.

The solution to this mission (the programming sequence required to move from the start position to the final position) is shown on the obverse side of the card shown on the right hand side of the page. As shown, the sequence of actions that need to be performed requires the start element, the right direction element, the multiplier "two" element and the "go" element to be entered. These sequences are depicted in the lower portion of the answer side of the mission card 44d as well as a corresponding grid representation shown below at location marked 45d (the latter being without the start/go commands).

Similarly, referring to the mission card located in the middle of the figure, we need to travel from Point C (41 e) to the finish (42e), avoiding the squares 43e in between.

Referring now to the answer and programming sequence required on the obverse side of the card for this mission, it can be seen that the series of commands 44e are represented in a row as well as a graphical representation of the series of commands required is shown in the grid representation at 45e below. That is, the sequence specified is that the program needs to start to receive the program; move up one space; move to the left three spaces; move down one spaces and then execute the program. Once each of these instructions have been entered into the system, the real world object will be moved accordingly. Finally, referring to the lowest mission on the card, it can be seen that in "hard mode" we need to travel from Point B (41 f) to the Finish (42f). Turning to the obverse side of the card, again the commands required are specified at 44f, together with an accompanying graphical depiction of the various commands at 45f .

As can be seen, to move we have to start, move down two, left two and then go in order to reach the finish destination.

Of course, it would be appreciated that the exemplary embodiments depicted are by no means limiting, and any number of possible "missions" could be specified, with various levels of difficulty associated therewith.

Referring now to Fig 5a, there is depicted a plurality of programming elements 50 which are discussed in more detail. These elements as depicted include human readable letters, direction arrows or numbers which correspond to the encoded machine readable information that is contained in the element. Persons skilled in the art would appreciate that other information could also be depicted without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

One element is a start element 51 which engages at a protrusion 51 b with a corresponding recess formed in the other elements 50. In this way, the start element will always be the very first element in the series.

The start element 51 in this case is shown to engage with the up direction arrow 52 at a recess 52a. This direction arrow 50 is also engageable with a numerical value element 53, in this case the number four 53, at the right hand side of the start element. Again, this arrangement is mediated by a protrusion on the numerical element 53b interacting with a recess on the directional element 52b.

Similarly, the right directional element 54 is engageable with the up direction element 52 and the numerical value element 55 with a value of five, as well as the down element 56 via corresponding protrusions and recesses. Finally, the down direction element 56 is shown engageable with the go command element 58 and the numerical value element 57 with a value of two. In this way, the steps in a simple program can be assembled by arranging the elements together. This series of steps can correspond to the number of steps and direction movements required to transport the object from the starting position to the final position on the planar surface. It would be appreciated that the distance that a single unit of each of the programming elements represents could be adjusted according to the size of the planar surface and housing without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

It would be appreciated in the arrangement of programming elements depicted in Fig 5a, the following sequence would be detected: · the input device is primed to receive the program once the start element is detected,

• move up four units,

• move right five units,

• move down two units,

• commence this sequence once the go element is scanned. In this way, the directional and numerical element(s) can be used to specify a wide variety of commands in virtually unlimited arrangements, which enables the child to become familiar with the concept of programming a sequence of instructions.

In an alternative embodiment, to specify multiple units of movement, signals may be directly received at the input device 30, together with or in addition to scanning individual elements having numerical values. For example, a direction element may be scanned once or multiple times, or a direction element and a numerical element followed by actuation of a button on the input device by the user; or by scanning a direction element and then actuation of a button on the input device a plurality of times to specify movement direction and distance.

The concept of specifying a series of commands which are then acted upon by an object forms the foundation of understanding how the operation of programs in a computer work.

It would be appreciated that the programming elements could interact with the input device in any one of a number of ways without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the programming elements could be encoded with magnetic, physical, or optic inputs which are able to be detected by the input device. In the embodiments depicted, it would be appreciated that the programming elements, size and shape can be configured so as to be received in a recess of the housing for ease of input of the information contained in these elements to the input device.

The physical shape of the various elements control how the elements combine - that is the location of the corresponding recesses and protrusions.

This, together with the large size, bright numerical indicia and directions printed on the blocks assist in guiding the development of the logic in the child and to formulate the series of commands in a correct sequence- (START- COMMANDS (directions/numbers)-GO)

Referring to Fig 5b, a simplified version of the programming elements 50 may also be provided in an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure, corresponding to the missions depicted in Fig 4b.

These elements as depicted include human readable letters, direction arrows or numbers which correspond to the encoded machine readable information that is contained in the element. Persons skilled in the art would appreciate that other information could also be depicted without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

One element is a start element 51 which is shown arranged at the start of a series which specifies instructions starting from the location of the object at Point A (as encoded by Point A element 52.)

In the sequence depicted, the Point A element 52 is above the down arrow element 54 and right arrow 56, and Go element 58 in the sequence of instructions which has been arranged for a particular mission.

Additional elements Point C 59a, left direction 59b, up direction 59c, Point B 59d and Point D 59e have not been utilised in his particular sequence of instructions but are included for completeness. In this way, the directions and steps in a simple program can be assembled by arranging the elements together. This series of steps can correspond to the direction movements required to transport the object from the starting position or particular point to the final position or other particular point on the planar surface.

The concept of specifying a series of commands which are then acted upon by an object forms the foundation of understanding how the operation of programs in a computer work. It would be appreciated that the programming elements could interact with the input device in any one of a number of ways without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the programming elements could be encoded with magnetic, physical, or optic inputs which are able to be detected by the input device. In the embodiments depicted, it would be appreciated that the programming elements, size and shape can be configured so as to be received in a recess of the housing for ease of input of the information contained in these elements to the input device.

This, together with the large size, points and directions printed on the blocks assist in guiding the development of the logic in the child and to formulate the series of commands in a correct sequence- (START- COMMANDS (directions/numbers)-GO).

Referring now to Fig 6a, there is depicted the underside of an embodiment of the housing depicted in Fig 1 , with the external cover having been removed to demonstrate how the sequence of instructions specified by arranging the elements is executed in the physical world.

As can be seen, there is included a battery 60 which supplies power to a first motor 62 and second motor 64 under the control of a controller 66.

This controller controls the operation of two switches 68 and 69 to thereby turn on and off the power to the motors 62, 64. As may be appreciated by persons skilled in the art, the controller 66 may be a microprocessor, such as an Arduino series microcomputer. Not shown but visible in the perspective view of Fig 1 , the input device 30 is in electrical communication with the controller 66.

The first motor 62 is attached to a gear box 72 which is in turn attached to a toothed belt 74. Rotation of the motor 62 is transmitted via the gear box to a gear which meshes with the belt 74, causing the belt to move across the planar surface. The member 80 is attached to and moves with the belt, in this case in a direction extending transversely across the housing. Similarly, motion of the second motor 64 is transmitted via the gear box 76 to a second belt 78 upon activation of the switch 69 by the controller 66, to cause motion of the belt 78 relative to the planar surface.

Attached to the second belt 78 is another member or rod 82 which moves as the belt moves.

The members or rods 80, 82 are attached to each other at an intersection point 86 in such a way that they can move relative to each other. Hence, when the belt 74 is moving under the operation of the motor 62, the transversely extending member can be moved left or right on the longitudinally extending member 82, thereby moving the intersection point 86 left or right.

If the belt 78 is also moved under the operation of the motor 64, then the intersection point moves up and down on the transversely extending member 80. This movement may occur simultaneously or sequentially.

As depicted, there is also included a magnet 88 at the intersection point which is thereby translated under the operation of the first and second members 80 and 82. This magnet may be engaged with the object 29 on the top of the housing, thereby moving this object with the movement of the first and second members. Accordingly, it would be appreciated that operation of either or both of the motors means that the position of the magnet 88 at the intersection point of the members can be changed to almost any point on the planar surface. Thus an X-Y plotter is essentially formed by the operation of transverse and longitudinally extending members which operate underneath the housing.

Accordingly, the present disclosure teaches a way of essentially teaching a child to programme the movements of an X-Y plotter in engaging and fun way. It would be appreciated that variations in the arrangements of the members 80 and 82 could be deployed, provided that these were able to be positioned at various locations about the housing without detracting from the present disclosure. For example the first member could be independently controlled so as to be movable along the second member in the form of a self-contained block, with the first member not needing to extend all the way across the housing.

Referring to Fig 6b, it is depicted an exemplary representation of another embodiment of the underside of the housing depicted in Fig 1 , with the external cover having been removed to demonstrate how the sequence of instructions specified by arranging the elements is executed in the physical world. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment depicted in Fig 6a, with the members 80 and 82 intersecting at a point 86. However, as shown two transversely extending belts 78a/78b are attached at either end of the members 82 such that both ends of the member are moved up and down the housing together on operation of the motors 62, 64 and gear boxes (not marked). Similarly, longitudinally extending belts 74a, 74b are attached at either to member 80 to provide movement of the transversely extending member 80.

Other aspects of the embodiment are similar to those depicted in Fig 6a. Distance measuring units 81 (a) (to measure the movement along the X axis) and 81 (b) (to measure the movement along the Y axis) are provided for greater accuracy in the positioning of the members 80 and 82. LED Indicator 83 are provided on the reader to provide feedback on successful scanning of the programming elements. In the embodiment depicted, numerous printed circuit boards 89a, 89b are visible, in electrical communication with the motors 62, 64, reader 30, battery 60. It would be appreciated that these two circuit boards 89a, 89b could readily be combined into one circuit board and located at another position under the housing without affecting the scope of the present disclosure.

Turning to Fig 7, a simple flow chart of the present disclosure is provided. At step 710, the start element is scanned by the operator into the input device, signalling the commencement of the programming sequence.

At step 712, a direction or numerical element or other appropriate instruction may be chosen and scanned or otherwise passed to the input device to read. At step 714, optionally, in addition to the above, direct input may be received by the input device. Once the data has been verified as being read at 716 (which may be signified by triggering a light or sound), the data can be saved as an instruction or code at step 718. If the data from the numerical or bar code is incorrect or has not been read, this may also be re-entered (and may be advised to the operator using lights or sound).

Alternatively, instead of scanning of a numerical element, similar signals may be generated directly by an operator input for receipt by the input device at step 714. For example, user actuation of a button at or near the input device a plurality of times, may be used for specifying a scalar multiple of a predetermined distance which the intersection of the movable member should move. It would be appreciated that in this embodiment, the direction may still be specified by scanning of the direction element by the input device. At step 716, the information that has been provided by reading of the various elements is evaluated to determine whether the instructions should be executed. If not, then further directions or number elements can be reviewed. (This essentially involves considering whether the "go" element has been scanned - which signifies the end of the stage or providing instructions by the operator).

Assuming that the "go" command has been provided at 720, then the input device can provide the instructions to the controller, which then controls the operation of the motors to operate the transverse and longitudinal members as previously described with respect to Fig 6 as shown at step 722, before the program and actions finish (Step 724).

Referring now to Fig 8, there is depicted an exemplary representation of further embodiment of the underside of the housing of the system depicted in Fig 1 , which is also similar to the embodiment depicted in Fig 6b.

In the embodiment depicted in Fig 8, there is provided a belt 242 which extends transversely in the direction of along the x-axis of the housing. Another belt 252 extends in the direction of along the y-axis of the housing. The moveable member 254 is moveable to various positions along the x-axis of the housing and under the planar surface by actuating the motor 240 to move the belt 242. The belt 252 extending along the y-axis of the housing in the embodiment depicted in Fig 8 operates within the movable member 254 to move the retention member/the movable head 260 along the y-axis direction upon operation of the motor and gears 250.

Preferably the moveable head 260 which is supported on the movable member 254 as depicted has a magnetic portion 261 for engaging an object located above the planar surface of the housing. It would be appreciated that this magnetic portion could be a magnet, or electromagnet, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Adjustment of the relative position of the retention member/the moveable head 260 with respect to the x and y axis of the housing by movement of the movable member and moveable head within the movable member (respectively) in turn adjusts the position of the object which is magnetically engaged with the moveable head on the planar surface.

To ensure that the position of the moveable head can be controlled with sufficient precision, advantageously the system 200 includes two supporting rods 244a and 244b which extend in the direction of along the x-axis and upon which the moveable member 254 is driven in both directions along the x-axis by the motor 250. It would be appreciated that other arrangements are also possible.

The system 200 also comprises extremity sensors 248a and 248b for detecting the extreme positions of the movable head 260 in the x-axis direction and extremity sensors 258a and 258b to define the extreme positions of the movable head 260 in the y-axis direction. Additional means for accurately monitoring the position of the moveable head 260 such as distance measures 246 and 256 may optionally be included.

LED indicator 233 may also be included to provide visible information as to the status of the overall system. A button 232 may also be included for activating the scanner and controller to receive the machine readable information from the elements presented by the user which specify the sequential locations of the moveable head 260. Optionally, additional instructions could be generated by user actuation of the button 232. For example, user actuation of the button a plurality of times, may be used for specifying a scalar multiple of a predetermined distance which the movable head 260 should move.

Now referring to Fig. 9, there is depicted an exemplary representation of still another embodiment of the underside of the housing of the system depicted in Fig 1 .

This embodiment of the system 300 is similar to the embodiment depicted in Fig 8. In this system 300, stepping motors 340 and 350 are attached to belts 342 and 352 respectively to drive the belts 342 and 352 to move in the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction. An AC/DC transformer 310 is also included to supply power to the stepping motors. The stepping motors 340 are able to provide more accuracy in adjusting the locations of the retention member/moveable head 360 (and specifically the magnetic portion 361 therefore) than conventional motors used in the embodiments previously depicted. The system 300 further includes an additional motor 363 attached to the moveable head 360. This motor 363 is configured to move a magnetic portion 361 of the moveable head 360 upward and downward so as to engage or disengage respectively with an object located above the planar surface.

Inclusion of the capacity for selective engagement/disengagement means that the locations of more than one object can be adjusted in a series of sequential steps by movement of the retention member or moveable head 360.

For example, a first object engaged with the magnetic portion 361 of the moveable head 360 is moved to a desired place according to the series of instructions provided to the controller by the operator by scanning a particular series of elements. Then, a disengage/engage instruction may be provided to operate a second object (for example by scanning an element which has a "CHANGE" indicia or similar). Once this instruction is received, the controller may be configured to operate the motor 363 to drive the magnetic portion 361 of the moveable head 360 downwardly to disengage from the first object.

Then the magnetic portion 361 of the moveable head 360 may be positioned at another location via movement of the movable member comprising rods 354a and 354b on the rods 344a and 344b and movement of the moveable head 360 within the rods 354a and 354b. At this location, the moveable head/retention member 360 may then be moved closer to the planar surface 22 which is supporting the second object. Then, the second object may be engaged (e.g. via magnetic, electromagnet, attraction or similar means) with the movable head 360 for moving simultaneously therewith.

Alternatively it would be appreciated that the configuration depicted in Fig. 6a, Fig. 6b or Fig. 8 could also be utilised for providing the movement of the movable head, together with the inclusion of a means for selective activation/deactivation of the magnetic attraction. This may take the form of an operable electromagnetic force; or alternatively, may include a motor to move the magnetic portion toward and away from the planar surface.

Figs. 10 and 11 , depict an exemplary representation of embodiment of an object which may be supported on the planar surface.

In the embodiment depicted, the object 400 has a projection 401 and a pad 403 which extend from the object and support the object on the planar surface. In the embodiment depicted, the object 400 is in form of a robot, although it would be appreciated that many other forms of the object could be used without departing from the scope of the disclosure. As shown, the pad 403 is a substantially circular and supports the object and provides magnetic coupling with the moveable head. The projection 401 is spaced apart from the pad 403. Optionally, the projection is positioned at the back portion of the object and the pad is positioned at the front portion of the object.

The projection 401 and the pad 403 as shown are configured in such a way so that when changing the direction of movement of the moveable head, such as from moving along x-axis direction to moving long y-axis direction, the object rotates and changes its orientation so as to face forward (in the direction of movement). This is consistent with the "real world" behaviour of objects which generally tend to move in the direction they are facing.

The object accordingly may be caused to rotate around the pad 403 due to an unequal force couple operating on the object. As would be appreciated by persons skilled in the art, an unequal force couple may result from differences in the surface areas of the supporting members, relative positioning of the supports relative to the centre of mass or other such changes to the object's properties which cause differences during dynamic movement.

In the embodiment depicted, the pad 403 of object 400 has relatively larger surface area of than that of the projection 401 in contact with the planar surface for engagement with the moveable head. As shown in Fig. 11 , the vertical height of the projection 401 may be substantially the same as that of the magnetically attracted core 402. For example, the height of the projection 401 may be 1 .6mm, the height of the magnetically attracted core 402 may be 1 .4mm and the height of the pad 403 may be 0.5mm. However, it would be appreciated that the vertical height of the projection may be larger or smaller than that of the magnetically attracted core 402, with such height able to be selected relative to the position of the centre of mass of the object to assist in rotation of the object.

Figs. 12A to 12D show another embodiment of the object. Similarly, the object 500 has a projection 501 and in this case an annular pad 503 which extends from the object to support the object on the planar surface. In this embodiment, the projection 501 and the annular pad 503 are proximate to each other. As depicted the annular pad extends around the magnetically attracted core 502 to space it further away from the movable head, to facilitate the rotation of the object upon the changing of direction of movement of the moveable head.

It would be appreciated that more than one projection could be possible and other positions of the projection and the pad are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The present disclosure provides a way of developing the concept of programming for young children. It is a versatile, friendly and fun way of allowing the child to develop their cognition and playing skills by encouraging them to consider what steps are required to move an object from a first position to a final positon. Variations in forms of the type of object, the complexity and instructions required, the obstacles present, the scene and the numbers of commands mean that a variety of levels are available, with the options being essentially unlimited.

The inclusion of objects which are configured to rotate in the direction of movement through configuration of supporting structures, the mass centre and other modifications provide the ability for the object to be more realistic when moving. Additionally, the optional capacity for the moveable head to engage and disengage from the object means that multiple objects may be supported on the planar surface, which facilitates further engagement and allows for more complex programming scenarios to be developed. It also allows multiple players to join activities. Through operation of the present system enables a child to learn the fundamentals of programming a series of instructions, without interacting with a mobile phone or tablet screen, but by controlling something in the physical world. However, it would be appreciated that such configuration would not necessarily be mandatory, and a variety of other configurations would be possible.

For example, it is envisaged that the controller and the input device could be located at a distance away from the housing, and transmitting the commands to the switches and motors of the X-Y plotter depicted in Fig 6 via wireless or wired communication without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

It is appreciated that a person skilled in the art would understand that the directions, missions, obstacles and objects depicted are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered limiting. The above embodiments are described by way of example only. Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of the disclosure as defined in the appended claims.

For clarity of explanation, in some instances the present technology may be presented as including individual functional blocks including functional blocks comprising devices, device components, steps or routines in a method embodied in software, or combinations of hardware and software.

Methods according to the above-described examples can be implemented using computer- executable instructions that are stored or otherwise available from computer readable media. The computer executable instructions may be, for example, binaries, intermediate format instructions such as assembly language, firmware, or source code. Examples of computer- readable media that may be used to store instructions, information used, and/or information created during methods according to described examples include flash memory, non-volatile memory, and so on.

Devices implementing methods according to these disclosures can comprise hardware, firmware and/or software, and can take any of a variety of form factors. Functionality described herein also can be embodied in peripherals or implemented on a circuit board among different chips or different processes executing in a single device, by way of further example.

The instructions, media for conveying such instructions, computing resources for executing them, and other structures for supporting such computing resources are means for providing the functions described in these disclosures. Although a variety of examples and other information was used to explain aspects within the scope of the appended claims, no limitation of the claims should be implied based on particular features or arrangements in such examples, as one of ordinary skill would be able to use these examples to derive a wide variety of implementations.

Further and although some subject matter may have been described in language specific to examples of structural features and/or method steps, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to these described features or acts. For example, such functionality can be distributed differently or performed in components other than those identified herein. Rather, the described features and steps are disclosed as examples of components of systems and methods within the scope of the appended claims.