Figure data input device

A system for using a figure data input device comprising:

• a collection of figure pieces, the collection containing a plurality of figure pieces in each of a variety of types of objects, each figure piece being composed of a figure portion replicating the outward appearance of an object and a storage unit for storing data identifying the type of object category to which said figure portion belongs, which are combined into one body;
• a mounting board having a plurality of sectional mounting planes provided in such a manner that one figure piece can be placed on each of said plurality of sectional mounting planes;
• a reading device, incorporated in said mounting board and having a respective one-to-one correspondence with each of said plurality of sectional mounting planes, for reading out type identifying data stored in said storage unit of said figure piece and a placement location of said figure piece, when placed on said mounting board;
• and
• a programmable machine running an environmental simulation program for receiving data from said reading device;
• wherein once said figure piece is placed on said mounting board, said reading device reads said type of said figure portion from said storage unit and provides data regarding the placement location of said figure piece to said programmable machine.