In an aspect, a transformable toy is provided and includes a first rotary member and a second rotary member, which are rotatable relative to one another between first and second rotary positions. A projection member is rotationally fixed to the first rotary member, and is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. A helical guide is connected and a helical guide follower are connected to the the second rotary member and the projection member. Relative rotation between the first rotary member and the second rotary member between the first and second rotary positions drives relative rotation between the helical guide and the helical guide follower, which in turn drives the projection member to move between the retracted and extended positions.

In an aspect, a transformable toy is provided and includes a first rotary member and a second rotary member, which are rotatable relative to one another between first and second rotary positions. A projection member is rotationally fixed to the first rotary member, and is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. A helical guide is connected and a helical guide follower are connected to the the second rotary member and the projection member. Relative rotation between the first rotary member and the second rotary member between the first and second rotary positions drives relative rotation between the helical guide and the helical guide follower, which in turn drives the projection member to move between the retracted and extended positions.

An image capturing apparatus includes a main frame and a lens module, a middle pillar, a module board, a first housing, and a second housing assembled to the main frame respectively. The main frame has a side wall, and the first housing covers the module board. The first housing, the module board, and the middle pillar are located on a same longitudinal axis of the main frame. The first housing and the module board are opposite to the middle pillar with the main frame interposed therebetween. The module board is located between the first housing and the main frame, and the lens module is located on a horizontal axis of the main frame. The first housing and the second housing encapsulate the main frame, and the side wall leans against the first housing and the second housing.

A portal unit for toys, the portal unit having a housing, a display apparatus that is arranged at a portion of the housing, a receptacle for at least one toy, and a toy recognition device. In embodiments, the display apparatus has a liquid crystal display and a background illumination device; wherein the liquid crystal display is transparent; wherein the display apparatus forms an interior space, of which at least one inner wall is visible from the outside; and wherein the background illumination device is arranged at a distance from the liquid crystal display on a rear wall of the interior space.

A portal unit for toys, the portal unit having a housing, a display apparatus that is arranged at a portion of the housing, a receptacle for at least one toy, and a toy recognition device. In embodiments, the display apparatus has a liquid crystal display and a background illumination device; wherein the liquid crystal display is transparent; wherein the display apparatus forms an interior space, of which at least one inner wall is visible from the outside; and wherein the background illumination device is arranged at a distance from the liquid crystal display on a rear wall of the interior space.

An educational device includes a housing and a computer system disposed within the housing, The computer system comprises at least one processor-readable storage medium, at least one processor in communication with the at least one processor-readable storage medium, and a plurality of sets of processor-executable application instructions. The educational device also includes a display screen that is in operational communication with the at least one processor. A reader is in signal communication with the at least one processor and disposed within the housing, a location of the reader within the housing being indicated on an exterior of the housing by an indicator marker. A plurality of alphabet tags separate from the housing, not connected to a power source, are also provided. When a first alphabet tag of the plurality of alphabet tags is brought proximate to the indicator marker and the location of the reader within the housing, the first alphabet tag transmits first data to the reader. The at least one processor performs operations of receiving the first data from the reader, associating the first data from the first alphabet tag with a first set of processor-executable application instructions of the plurality of sets of processor-executable application instructions on the at least one processor-readable storage medium, and executing the first set of processor-executable application instructions based on receipt of the first data.

An educational device includes a housing and a computer system disposed within the housing, The computer system comprises at least one processor-readable storage medium, at least one processor in communication with the at least one processor-readable storage medium, and a plurality of sets of processor-executable application instructions. The educational device also includes a display screen that is in operational communication with the at least one processor. A reader is in signal communication with the at least one processor and disposed within the housing, a location of the reader within the housing being indicated on an exterior of the housing by an indicator marker. A plurality of alphabet tags separate from the housing, not connected to a power source, are also provided. When a first alphabet tag of the plurality of alphabet tags is brought proximate to the indicator marker and the location of the reader within the housing, the first alphabet tag transmits first data to the reader. The at least one processor performs operations of receiving the first data from the reader, associating the first data from the first alphabet tag with a first set of processor-executable application instructions of the plurality of sets of processor-executable application instructions on the at least one processor-readable storage medium, and executing the first set of processor-executable application instructions based on receipt of the first data.

A planar touch sensor (an electrostatic capacitance sensor) for detecting a contact by a user on a body surface is installed on a robot. Pleasantness and unpleasantness are determined in accordance with a place of contact and a strength of contact on the touch sensor. Behavioral characteristics of the robot change in accordance with a determination result. Familiarity with respect to the user who touches changes in accordance with the pleasantness or unpleasantness. The robot has a curved form and has a soft body.

A planar touch sensor (an electrostatic capacitance sensor) for detecting a contact by a user on a body surface is installed on a robot. Pleasantness and unpleasantness are determined in accordance with a place of contact and a strength of contact on the touch sensor. Behavioral characteristics of the robot change in accordance with a determination result. Familiarity with respect to the user who touches changes in accordance with the pleasantness or unpleasantness. The robot has a curved form and has a soft body.

A reversible toy has a main body. The main body has a first configured unit and a second configured unit joined with each other. Each of the first and the second configured units is made of elastomer. One of the first and the second configured units is filled in the other one of the first and the second configured units to form a reversible opening formed in a bottom of the main body, and positions of the first and the second configured units are interchangeable via the reversible opening.