A modular playing block system is provided. The block system comprises at least one storage container. The at least one storage container is has a hole. The block system also comprises a plurality of connectors, wherein each of the plurality of connectors is inserted in a hole of the plurality of holes to form different arrangements, and each of the plurality of connectors act as a support for the arrangements.

Systems and methods which provide for interactive haptic proxies for hand-graspable virtual reality (VR) objects using reconfigurable artifacts and facilitated through use of a haptic reconfigurable artifact toolkit are described. Embodiments provide a haptic reconfigurable artifact toolkit including a set of reconfigurable artifacts for use in forming reconfigurable artifact-based haptic proxies, a set of haptic hardware components for use with respect to reconfigurable artifact-based haptic proxies, and a haptic reconfigurable artifact software platform configured to facilitate generation of reconfigurable artifact-based haptic proxies using items of the set of reconfigurable artifacts and the set of haptic hardware components. Reconfigurable artifacts may be shaped to form reconfigurable artifact-based haptic proxies covering a wide range of hand-grasp postures.

The method of creating a three-dimensional (3D) puzzle of an object includes receiving a 3D model of the object; sequentially extracting a plurality of preliminary segments from the 3D model, and generating a plurality of two-dimensional (2D) printable segments corresponding to the plurality of preliminary segments. The plurality of printable segments may be configured to be printed to create a plurality of printed segments that may be configured to be selectively coupled together to form a 3D representation of the object.

An interconnectable toy building block, including a body portion defining an upper surface, a lower surface, and at least one side surface. The body portion is defined about a longitudinal axis, which extends between the upper surface and the lower surface. A bore is formed in the body portion, and is open to the upper surface and to the lower surface. A longitudinal axis of the bore is disposed parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body portion. A light conducting prong is disposed within the bore, such that the top surface of the prong is disposed within the bore beneath a height of the upper surface, and the bottom surface of the prong is disposed beneath the lower surface and the prong extends outwardly from the lower surface. An upper portion of the bore is not filled by the prong.

A puzzle kit and a puzzle constructed from said puzzle kit. The puzzle kit comprises a three dimensional substrate having an outer surface, and a plurality of puzzle pieces that cannot interlock. Each puzzle piece has a first surface and an opposite second surface and a thickness defined between the first and second surfaces. Each puzzle piece comprises first attachment means and the outer surface of the substrate defines a plurality of complementary second attachment means, such that the first attachment means and the second attachment means magnetically attach each puzzle piece to the outer surface. The first attachment means comprises a projection extending from the second surface of the puzzle piece. The second attachment means comprises a hole to partly receive the projection.

An arch puzzle includes a base having a substantially flat upper surface, a first ridge protruding upward from the upper surface at a first side, and a second ridge protruding upward from the upper surface at a second side. A notch is defined the first and second ridge. An arch support has a semi-circular block shape, dimensioned to receive a 6 protractor on a face thereof. A plurality of arch pieces each have a keystone shape, and are preferably identically shaped. At least a first pair of shims each include an elongated body having a tapered upper surface and a horizontal lower surface. Each of the shims have an opening at a second end of the shim to facilitate removal of the shims from the puzzle.

Systems and methods which provide for interactive haptic proxies for hand-graspable virtual reality (VR) objects using reconfigurable artifacts and facilitated through use of a haptic reconfigurable artifact toolkit are described. Embodiments provide a haptic reconfigurable artifact toolkit including a set of reconfigurable artifacts for use in forming reconfigurable artifact-based haptic proxies, a set of haptic hardware components for use with respect to reconfigurable artifact-based haptic proxies, and a haptic reconfigurable artifact software platform configured to facilitate generation of reconfigurable artifact-based haptic proxies using items of the set of reconfigurable artifacts and the set of haptic hardware components. Reconfigurable artifacts may be shaped to form reconfigurable artifact-based haptic proxies covering a wide range of hand-grasp postures.

This invention relates to a three-dimensional puzzle apparatus in which pieces twist to fit together in a helical fashion to complete a three-dimensional puzzle.

An arch puzzle includes a base having a substantially flat upper surface, a first ridge protruding upward from the upper surface at a first side, and a second ridge protruding upward from the upper surface at a second side. A notch is defined the first and second ridge. An arch support has a semi-circular block shape. A plurality of arch pieces have a keystone shape. At least a first pair of shims each include an elongated body having a tapered upper surface and a horizontal lower surface.

A puzzle kit and a puzzle constructed from said puzzle kit. The puzzle kit comprises a three dimensional substrate having an outer surface, and a plurality of puzzle pieces that cannot interlock. Each puzzle piece has a first surface and an opposite second surface and a thickness defined between the first and second surfaces. Each puzzle piece comprises first attachment means and the outer surface of the substrate defines a plurality of complementary second attachment means, such that the first attachment means and the second attachment means magnetically attach each puzzle piece to the outer surface. The first attachment means comprises a projection extending from the second surface of the puzzle piece. The second attachment means comprises a hole to partly receive the projection.