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`
`US 20020196250Al
`
`(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2002/0196250 A1
`
`Anderson ct al.
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Dec. 26, 2002
`
`(54)
`
`PARTS ASSEMBLY FOR VIRTUAL
`REPRESENTATION AND CONTENT
`
`CREATION
`
`(75)
`
`inventors: Glen J. Anderson, Sioux City. IA (US);
`Russell F. McKnight, Sioux City, [A
`(US)
`Correspondence Address
`GATEWAY, INC.
`ATTN: SCOTT CHARLES RICHARDSON
`6,10 GATEWAY DRIVE
`MAIL DROP y_04
`N. SIOUX CITY, SD 57049 (US)
`'
`
`(73) Assignee: Gateway, Inc.
`
`(21) Appl. No.2
`
`09/885,399
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Jun. 20, 2001
`
`Publication Classification
`
`Int. Cl.7 ..................................................... 006T 17/00
`(51)
`(52) US. Cl.
`.............................................................. 345/420
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`Asystem and method for rendering a virtual model employs
`construction elements capable of identifying themselves that
`are assembled together to form a physical model. At least
`one controller, which may be disposed within a construction
`element of the assembled physical model, obtains the iden-
`tities of at
`least a portion of the assembled construction
`elements and detects connections between these identified
`elements. The controller lltett communicates the identities of
`
`the construction elements and their associated connections
`with each other to an information handling system suitable
`for executing a program of instructions for rendering the
`virtual model corresponding to the assembled physical
`models
`
`102
`
`112
`
`
`LEGO A/S EX. 2107
`.
`.
`.
`Rubtcon Communtcattons, LP V. LEGO A/S
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`IPR2016—01187
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`.
`.
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`Patent Application Publication Dec. 26, 2002 Sheet 1 of 7
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`US 2002/0196250 A1
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`INFORMA TION
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`HANDLING
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`108
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Dec. 26, 2002 Sheet 2 0f 7
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`US 2002/0196250 A1
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`Patent Application Publication Dec. 26, 2002 Sheet 3 0f 7
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`US 2002/0196250 A1
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`Patent Application Publication Dec. 26, 2002 Sheet 4 of 7
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`US 2002/0196250 A1
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`FIG. 3
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`Patent Application Publication Dec. 26, 2002 Sheet 5 of 7
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`US 2002/0196250 A1
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`Patent Application Publication Dec. 26, 2002 Sheet 6 0f 7
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`US 2002/0196250 A1
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`700
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`ASSEMBLE CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS
`
`INTO PHYSICAL MODEL
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`RENDER
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`MANIPULA TE/MODIFY
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`US 2002/0] 96250 Al
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`Dec. 26, 2002
`
`PARTS ASSEMBLY FOR VIRTUAL
`REPRESENTATION AND CONTENT CREATION
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0001] The present invention generally relates to systems
`and methods for generating virtual models utilizing infor-
`mation handling systems, and more particularly to a system
`and method for generating a virtual model using input from
`a physical model assembled from construction elements that
`are capable of detecting connection with each other.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0002] The increasing pervasiveness of media such as
`computer gaming, computer animation and the like requires
`the development of easy-to-use, and cost elfective methods
`of rendering three-dimensional graphics. Presently, virtual
`models (i.e., models generated by computers) employing
`three‘dimensional graphics are rendered using two basic
`methods.
`
`In the first method, a user, such as a computer game
`[0003]
`designer, computer animator, or the like, designs the model
`by manually drawing each element of the model using a
`specialized software application. This method allows sub—
`stantial artistic freedom, but can be labor intensive and time
`consuming, especially for large projects such as animated
`movie or complex gaming applications requiring the ren-
`dering of large numbers ofsophisticated models. Further, all
`but
`the most sophisticated software applications utilizing
`this method cannot produce detailed animated models that
`are capable of realistic motion.
`
`[0004] The second method was developed by animators
`primarily to overcome limitations of manually drawing the
`object using the first method. This second method, known in
`the art as “digitizing”, involves generating a three-dimen-
`sional image of an object, person, or the like by measuring
`the location of points on the object using a scanning device
`or "digitizer” to create a mesh representation of the object
`that
`is manipulable by a computer system. Digitizing of
`objects allows three-dimensional mesh models ofobjects to
`be created more efficiently than possible by manually draw-
`ing the object using the lirst method. However, because the
`model created is a representation of a real object, person, or
`the like, the creative freedom of the user is more limited.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0005] The present invention is directed to a system and
`method capable ofelficiently and cost effectively generating
`a three-dimensional virtual model representing a real object
`wherein the object represented may be assembled by the
`user in a variety of configurations. In this manner, the system
`and method provide a greater degree ofartistic freedom than
`present digitization techniques, and allow physical creations
`to be translated to an electronic medium without the use of
`external scanning devices, and optionally shared as a
`recorded file.
`
`In exemplary embodiments, construction elements
`[0006]
`that are capable of identifying themselves are assembled
`together to form a physical model. At least one controller,
`which may be disposed within a construction element of the
`assembled physical model, obtains the identities of at least
`a portion of the assembled construction elements and detects
`
`connections between these elements. The controller then
`communicates information providing the identities of the
`construction elements and their associated connections with
`each other to an information handling system capable of
`executing a program of instructions for using the commu-
`nicated information to render a virtual model corresponding
`to the assembled physical model.
`In embodiments of the
`invention, a self-contained power system may be provided
`for powering the construction elements and controller.
`
`[0007] Embodiments of the system and method of the
`present invention may be adapted for use in entertainment
`and/or educational purposes, for example, as a child’s toy or
`game. Other embodiments ofthe system and method may be
`adapted for professional and industrial design applications
`for generating sophisticated three-dimensional virtual mod-
`els in applications such as computer gaming, eompttter
`animation and the like.
`
`to be understood that both the foregoing
`is
`It
`[0008]
`general description and the following detailed description
`are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of
`the invention as claimed. The accompanying drawings,
`which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the
`specification, illustrate an embodiment of the invention and
`together with the general description, serve to explain the
`principles of the invention.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0009] The present invention may be better understood by
`those- skilled in the art by reference to the accompanying
`figures in which:
`
`[0010] FIG. 1 is an isometric view illustrating a system for
`generating a virtual model using input from construction
`elements that are assembled into a physical model in accor-
`dance with an exemplary embodiment of the present inven-
`Mon;
`
`[0011] FIGS. 2A and 28 are diagrammatic views illus-
`trating the generation of a virtual model by assembly of
`construction elements into a physical model in accordance
`with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
`
`[0012] FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic view illustrating move-
`ment of the virtual model in response to movement of the
`physical model or construction elements of the physical
`model;
`
`[0013] FIG. 4 is an isometric View illustrating the assem-
`bly of construction elements of an exemplary system in
`accordance with the present
`invention, wherein a single
`controller is provided by a master construction element to
`which other construction elements are assembled;
`
`[0014] FIG. 5 is an isometric view illustrating the assem-
`bly of construction elements of an exemplary system in
`accordance with the present
`invention, wherein each con-
`struction element is provided with a separate controller;
`
`[0015] FIG. 6 is an isometric view illustrating exemplary
`connectors of the construction elements shown in FIGS. 1
`though 5;
`
`[0016] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for
`generating a virtual model using input from construction
`elements that are assembled into a physical model in accor-
`dance with an exemplary embodiment of the present inven-
`tion; and
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`US 2002/0196250 A1
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`[0017] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary
`information, appliance suitable for implementation of the
`system and method of the present invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`INVENTION
`
`[0018] Reference will now he made in detail to the pres~
`ently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of
`which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
`
`[0019] Referring now to FIG. 1, a system in accordance
`with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is
`described. The system 100 inclttdcs a plurality of construc-
`tion elements 102 that may be assembled together for
`forming a physical model 104. Construction elements 102
`are preferably sized to be easily manipulated by the user,
`although large construction elements are contemplated and
`would not depart from the scope and spirit of the invention.
`At least some of construction elements 102 are capable of
`identifying themselves within the physical model 104. For
`instance, each construction element may include a memory
`device such as a ROM (Read-Only-Memory) device, PROM
`(Programmable Read-Only-Memory)
`device, EPROM
`(Erasable Programmable Read-Only-Memory) device or the
`like, which is capable of providing the identity and, option-
`ally,
`information providing attributes to the construction
`element 102.
`
`least one
`[0020] A controller 106 is disposed within at
`construction element 102 to be assembled into the physical
`model 104. The controller 106 obtains the identities of at
`least a portion of the assembled constntction elements 102,
`and detects connections between the construction elements
`102 for which identities are obtained For
`instance,
`the
`controller may interrogate the memory device of each con-
`struction element 102 assembled into the physical model
`104 for obtaining the identity of the construction element
`102 and connections of the construction element 102 with
`adjacent construction elements 102. Connections among
`construction elements 102 may be wired or wireless. For
`example, in embodiments of the invention, controller 106
`may sense the presence and connection of construction
`elements 102 by detecting the proximal distance of the
`elements from each other, and/or by sensing mechanical
`displacement within connectors
`
`[002.1] Controller 106 periodically communicates infor-
`mation including the obtained identities of the assembled
`construction elements 102 and information identifying their
`associated connections with other elements 102 to an infor-
`mation handling system 108 (eg, via a wireless transmis-
`sion, a wired connection, or the like). For instance, control-
`ler 108 may include, or be coupled to a radio transmitter for
`transmitting the information wirelessly to a receiver coupled
`to the information handling system 108 (see FIG. 8).
`In
`embodiments of the invention,
`the radio transmitter and
`receiver may utilize any of a variety of transmission stan-
`dards such as Bluetooth, Home RF SWAP(Shared Wireless
`Access Protocol), DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Tele-
`phone), and the like, for encoding, transmitting, receiving,
`and decoding the communicated infomiation. Information
`handling system 108 may then execute a software applica-
`tion providing a program of instructions for rendering a
`virtual model 110 corresponding to the assembled physical
`model 104 utilizing the information communicated by con-
`
`troller 106. Preferably, the software application assembles
`the virtual representations of construction elements .102 in
`the same manner that
`the construction elements 102 are
`assembled in physical model 104. This assembly is accom-
`plished by connecting the virtual representations of con-
`struction elements 102 in the same manner as the construc-
`tion elements 102 are themselves connected using the
`connection information received from controller 106.
`
`in some instances.
`It will be appreciated that
`[0022]
`incomplete or conflicting information describing physical
`model 104 may be provided by controller 106. For instance.
`information provided by controller 106 may leave some
`ambiguity about the physical arrangement of construction
`elements 102 within physical model 104 (e.g., a construction
`element 102 is not functioning properly and does not pro-
`vide
`its
`identity, one or more construction elements
`assembled into the model are “dumb" construction elements
`and do not include a memory device, controller, or the like,
`connection information provided by controller 106 cannot
`be properly interpreted, etc). In such cases,
`the software
`application may provide options for completing the virtual
`model. For example, the application may simply select the
`most probable configuration of construction elements 102
`based on the information received. The application may also
`query the user [or corrected information, instruct the user to
`reassemble physical model 104, for example, using different
`construction elements 102, or perform some like function
`for correcting the received information so that virtual model
`112 may be correctly rendered.
`
`[0023] As shown in FIGS. 2A and 215, virtual model 110
`may be displayed by a display .112 of information handling
`system 108. Virtual model 110 may further be stored in
`memory of information handling system 108, stored to a
`removable medium by information handling system 108, or
`communicated to other information handling systems via a
`network for later use by the user or third parties (see FIG.
`8). For instance, an electronic file similar to a CAD (Com-
`puter Aided Drafting) file may be saved to memory, on
`which is stored the information received from controller 106
`and, optionally,
`information delineating the revisions or
`modifications made to virtual model 112 by the user after it
`is rendered. 1n embodiments of the invention, this file may
`be provided to a manufacturer (eg, a company providing
`system 100 to the user), whereupon the manufacturer may
`use virtual model 112 as a template for production. Such
`production may, for example, employ computer aided manu-
`facturing techniques such as computer aided machining and
`the like for elficiently producing the item or items desired.
`Examples of items that may be produced in this manner
`include custom designed toys, furniture, clothing, and the
`like, models used for engineering prototyping or testing,
`architectural models, and the like. In one business model, the
`user may pay a fee for production of items from virtual
`model 112, thereby providing an ellicient method wherein
`custom items may be manttfactured which would otherwise
`not be marketed.
`
`In embodiments of the invention, a self-contained
`[0024]
`power system may be provided for furnishing electrical
`power to the construction elements 102 (e.g., for powering
`memory devices within the construction elements 102) and
`controller 106. The power system may utilize electrical
`storage devices 114 such as batteries or the likc, disposed
`within one or more of the construction elements 102. Elec-
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`trical power may be transmitted to other construction ele—
`ments through connections between the elements when
`assembled (see FIG. 4). Alternately, one or more of the
`construction elements 102 may include or be coupled to an
`AC (Altemating Current) converter so that the power system
`may utilize an external AC power source.
`
`the software
`[0025] As shown in FIGS. 2A and 28,
`application may render virtual model 112 in real time upon
`receiving information from controller 106. The software
`application may then revise or update the virtual model as
`additional information is received from controller 106, for
`example as the physical model 104 is completed or revised.
`in this manner, the user may view virtual model 1.10 as he
`or she assembles construction elements 102 into physical
`model 104. Alternately, the software application may store
`information communicated by the controller 106 and render
`virtual model 110 only when physical model [04 is fully
`assembled.
`
`In embodiments of the invention, each construction
`[0026]
`element 102 includes a memory device (see FIGS. 4, 5 and
`6) for storing the identity of the construction element. The
`memory device may additionally store actual attributes of
`the construction element (eg, size, color, number of con-
`nectors, etc.). and, optionally, attributes to be assigned to the
`representation of the construction element within the virtual
`model 110 (e.g., virtual size, virtual shape, color, shape,
`surface texture, weight, electrical properties, thermal prop-
`erties, and mechanical properties, dynamic properties, etc.)
`Alternately, the software application may include a database
`or databases containing attributes, and, optionally, virtual
`attributes for each construction element 102 within the
`system 100. Utilizing the identity information communi-
`cated by controller 106, the software application may inter-
`rogate this database for assigning the appropriate attributes
`to the virtual representation of each identified construction
`element 102 assembled into physical model 104,
`
`[0027] Capabilities or behaviors of virtual model 112 may
`be enabled or disabled based upon the construction elements
`102 used.
`In one embodiment, construction elements 102
`may have electronically encoded characteristics that allow
`the user to select properties for their appearance in virtual
`model 112. For example.
`the user may select color and
`material properties for elements of virtual model 112 by
`selecting constmction elements 102 with the desired char-
`acteristics for the physical model 104. Thus, a first construc-
`tion element 102 may be rendered in virtual model 112 as
`having a surface of black rubber, while a second construc-
`tion element 102 may be rendered as having a surface of
`chrome because those surface characteristics are provided
`by the construction elements 102 used. Similarly, non-
`motorized or non-moving construction elements 102 may be
`encoded as having motorized or moving behaviors, which
`may be enabled in the virtual representation of the element
`102. For example, a construction element 102 might be
`provided with the behavior of a “motorized axle.” When
`wheel construction elements are attached to this construction
`element,
`the virtual model of a vehicle rendered may be
`provided with motor power
`for movement. Additional
`encoding of construction elements 102 may be interpreted
`by the software application for providing special eli‘ects for
`virtual model 112 (e.g., a construction element comprised of
`a horn provides sound, a construction element comprised of
`a wing provides flight, a construction element comprised of
`
`rocket engine provides sound, movement and smoke
`a
`etfect, etc). In this manner, virtual model 112 may exceed
`the capabilities of the physical model 104 from which it is
`rendered in a virtual setting (e.g., the rendered virtual model
`112 could be depicted as flying with no visible means of
`support).
`
`[0028] Alternately, characteristics of the virtual represen-
`tation of each construction element 102 may be selected by
`the user from options presented by the software application.
`Thus, virtual model 112 may be initially rendered without
`surface characteristics, and the user prompted to select the
`surface characteristics of the virtual representation of each
`construction element
`[02, or the virtual model 112 as a
`whole, from a style sheet providing a list of possible surface
`characteristics for elements within the system 100.
`
`[n exemplary embodiments, capabilities or charac-
`[0029]
`teristics of construction elements 102 may be periodically
`revised or upgraded. For example, a construction element
`102 corresponding to the engine of an aircraft model may be
`upgraded from a piston engine to a turbine engine, In one
`business model, users may pay to upgrade the construction
`elements 102 of their systems 100 to provide more complex
`behavior, or to utilize newly created software. The charac-
`teristics or behaviors of each construction element 102 may
`be indicated by indicia on the surface of the element. If the
`characteristics or behaviors are changed. the indicia may be
`revised accordingly.
`
`[0030] Once rendered, virtual model 112 may be manipu-
`lated or modified by the user. For instance, characteristics of
`the virtual representation of each construction element 102
`may be selected by the user from options presented by the
`software application. Thus, virtual model 112 may be ini-
`tially rendered without surface characteristics, and the user
`prompted to select the surface characteristics of the virtual
`representation of each construction element 102, or the
`virtual model 112 as a whole, from a style sheet providing
`a list of possible surface characteristics for elements within
`the system 100.
`
`the user may
`[n embodiments of the invention,
`[0031]
`further select characteristics affecting the appearance of the
`entire virtual model 112. For example, using sliding scales
`to interpolate the virtual representations of construction
`elements 102, the user may give the virtual model 112 a
`futuristic appearance, a curved “art nouveau” appearance, an
`antique appearance, or the like. Similarly,
`the user may
`apply effects to the virtual model using a variety of tech-
`nologies known in the art of three-dimensional graphics.
`Such effects include, but are not
`limited to, changing the
`color of the model, changing the texture of the surface ofthe
`model, modifying the shape of the model (e.g., converting
`rectangular shapes to smooth curves, etcr), adding graphics
`to the model, adding motion to the model, and providing
`backgrounds against which the model is displayed.
`
`Software applications executed by information
`[0032]
`handling system 108 may allow users to assign back-
`grounds, which would appear behind the virtual model 112
`when rendered. For instance, groups of environments may
`be made available to the user based upon the type of model
`constructed (e.g., race tracks for automobiles, cityscapes for
`buildings, natural settings for animals, etc.). lfvirtual model
`[.12 is animated, these backgrounds may change accordingly
`with the animated movements of virtual models. Further,
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`once animated virtual models 112 are rendered in accor-
`dance with the present
`invention,
`they may be made to
`interact with each other to create an animated movie, video
`game, or the like. Such animated movies or video games
`may include voice-overs and sound effects, which may be
`added using techniques currently known to those of skill in
`the art of computer animation. Further. users may allow
`virtual models “2 to interact with each other to create
`virtual representations of these interactions. For instance,
`users may create virtual models of characters that have
`various attributes and capabilities, based upon the parts used
`and interaction among the attributes of the parts used. These
`characters may interact with other characters, created by
`Other people, via a network such as the Internet or the like
`(i.e., online gaming).
`
`include
`[0033] Construction elements 102 may further
`sensors capable of sensing and optionally measuring
`attributes (e.g., orientation, motion, speed, rotation, accel-
`eration, temperature, strain, etc.) of the construction element
`102 and/or physical model 104. For example, an inclinom-
`eter may be utilized for detecting the orientation of a
`construction element 102 to gravity so that virtual model 112
`is rendered in the correct orientation. Similarly, an acceler-
`ometer may be provided for detecting movement of the
`construction element 102 and/or physical model 104 so that
`virtual model 112 is rendered in motion relative to a virtual
`background. Further, construction elements 102 may be
`comprised of two or more articulated components capable of
`movement with respect with each other. For example, a
`construction element 102 may comprise two components
`hinged together (e.g., a door), a component supporting a
`wheel on an axle, two components that slide with respect to
`one another (e.g., a double hung window), or the like.
`Sensors such as, for example, a Linear Variable Differential
`Transformer (LVD'I‘),
`a Rotational Variable DilIerential
`Transformer (RVDT), or the like may be utilized for sensing
`and optionally measuring the relative position, orientation.
`speed, acceleration, or the like of one component with
`respect to the other.
`
`[n exemplary embodiments, the sensors are peri-
`[0034]
`odically interrogated by controller 106, and information
`describing the sensed attribute obtained. Alternately,
`the
`sensors may continuously update attribute measurements
`provided to controller 106. The controller 106 may then
`communicate this information to the information handling
`system, where it is used to render virtual model 112, so that
`virtual model represents the sensed attribute.
`
`In FIG. 3, an example of the movement of a
`[0035]
`rendered virtual model
`in response to a corresponding
`movement of a physical model is shown. One or more of
`construction elements 102 may include a sensor 118 capable
`ofdetecting movement of the construction element 102 or of
`the assembled physical model 104. Sensor [18 is periodi-
`cally interrogated by controller 106,
`and information
`describing the movement of the construction element 102
`obtained, in this case, indicating translation of the construc-
`tion element 102 from a
`first position 120 to a second
`position 122. The controller 106 communicates this infor-
`mation to the information handling system 108, whereupon
`virtual model 112 is translated from a first position 124
`corresponding to the first position 120 of physical model 120
`to a second position 126 corresponding to the second
`position of physical model [04. Movement of the virtual
`
`model 112 may be scaled compared to movement of the
`physical model 104 if desired by the user, or if deemed
`necessary for display of virtual model 112 by display 114.
`
`in exemplary embodi-
`It will be appreciated that,
`[0036]
`ments of the invention, sensors 118 integrated into construc-
`tion elements 102 may provide information for animating
`virtual model 112. For instance, the rotation of a construc-
`tion element representing the wheel of an automobile may
`be detected and interpreted by the software application as
`indicating movement of a virtual model of an automobile.
`Similarly, a sensor 118 suitable for sensing the rotation of a
`construction element
`representing a propeller may be
`detected and interpreted to indicate flight of a virtual model
`of an aircraft.
`
`[0037] Referring now to FIG. 4. a system in accordance
`with an exemplary embodiment ofthe invention is described
`wherein a master construction element provides a main
`system controller. System 400 includes construction ele-
`ments 402 that may be assembled to a master or base
`construction element 402 for assembly of a physical model
`as described in the discussion of FIGS. 1 through 3. Master
`construction element 404 includes a system controller 406
`(e.g., a microcontroller, microprocessor. or the like) while
`construction elements 402 each include memory devices or
`sub-controllers 408 (e.g., a microcontroller, a ROM, PROM,
`EPROM, or the like) for storing the identity of the construc-
`tion element 402, and, optionally,
`information assigning
`desired attributes to the construction element 502. Prefer-
`ably. memory device 408 may also be capable of sensing
`connection of other construction elemean 402 to connectors
`of the construction element 402 in which it is disposed and
`identifying those connectors used in making the connection.
`whereupon this connection information may be stored in
`memory. Memory devices 402 are also capable of commu-
`nication with controller 406 when construction elements 402
`are assembled to master construction element 404. For
`instance, controller 406 may communicate with memory
`devices via a wired bus connection established through the
`interconnection of construction elements 402 assembled to
`master construction element 404. Alternately, the memory
`device 408 ofcach construction element 402 may include or
`be coupled to a transmitter or transceiver such as a Bluetooth
`radio, or the like, suitable for short-distance wireless com-
`munication with a receiver or second transceiver within the
`system controller 406.
`
`[0038] System 400 may further include a self-contained
`power system for furnishing electrical power to the con-
`struction elements 402 for powering memory devices 408.
`and for providing electrical power to master construction
`element for powering controller 406.
`In the embodiment
`shown in FIG. 4, the power system includes an electrical
`storage device 410 such as a battery or the like, disposed
`within the master construction element 404. Preferably,
`electrical power from the storage device 410 is furnished to
`construction elements 402 assembled to master construction
`element 404 via connections between the assembled ele-
`ments (see FIG. 6).
`
`[0039] Controller 406 interrogates the memory device 408
`of eachconstruction element 402 for obtaining the identity
`of the construction element 402 and connections of the
`construction element 402 with adjacent construction ele-
`ments 402. For instance, when construction elements 402
`
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`Page 12 of 17
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`US 2002/0196250 Al
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`Dec. 26, 2002
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`are connected together within the physical model being
`assembler], the memory device 408 within each construction
`element 402 may determine the identity of other construc-
`tion elements 402 to which it
`is connected and the identi-
`fication of connectors utilized in making the connections to
`those construction elements 402. Controller 406 may then
`periodically interrogate memory devices 408 for the identi-
`ties of assembled construction elements 402 and the asso-
`ciated identity of the connectors used for connections
`between those elements 402. Controller 406 may next
`assemble an element map for the physical model, which is
`transmitted to the information handling system so that a
`virtual model
`corresponding to
`the
`physical model
`assembled from construction elements 402 & 404 may be
`rendered. As construction elements 402 are added to,
`moved, or retnoved from the physical model during its
`construction, controller may periodically update the element
`map to reflect
`the alterations allowing the information
`handling system to automatically update the virtual model
`rendered.
`
`[0040] Turning now to FIG. 5, a system in accordance
`with a second exemplary embodiment the present invention
`is described wherein a plurality of construction elements
`within the system are provided with controllers. System 500
`includes construction elements 502 that may be assembled
`to form a physical model as described in the discussion of
`FIGS. 1 through 3. As shown, each construction element
`502 of system 500 includes a controller 504 comprised of a
`micro-controller, micro-processor, or the like, and a memory
`(cg, a ROM, PROM, EPROM, or the like) for storing the
`identity of the construction element 502, and, optionally,
`information assigning desired attributes to the construction
`element 502. Each controller 504 may further include a
`transmitter or transceiver such as a Bluetooth radio or the
`like for communication with the information ha