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Model train control system

  • US 10,434,429 B2
  • Filed: 07/06/2015
  • Issued: 10/08/2019
  • Est. Priority Date: 11/26/2003
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A model train control system comprising:

  • a remote control comprising;

    a housing;

    a touch-screen display coupled to said housing for permitting user control over various train features and for displaying train information;

    a first memory device for storing said train information;

    a first processor disposed within said housing and being operatively coupled to said touch-screen display and said first memory device, said first processor configured to transmit commands in response to user interactions with icons on said touch-screen display; and

    a first transceiver configured to communicate said commands via a wireless protocol; and

    a programmable model train module configured to transmit signals to a model train for controlling features of a model train, comprising;

    a second memory device for storing at least a program;

    a second transceiver configured to receive said commands from said first transceiver via said wireless protocol; and

    a second processor operatively coupled to said second transceiver and said second memory device;

    said second processor configured to use said program to control said features of said model train by converting said commands into said signals, said signals being recognizable by said model train;

    wherein said first processor is configured to download a remote control application and at least one update to said program from at least one server via the Internet, to store said remote control application in said first memory device, and provide said update to said model train module via said first transceiver, said program being stored in said second memory device, said remote control application transmitting said commands to said programmable model train, and said programmable model train module using said program to convert said commands received from said remote control into said signals recognizable by said model train, said model train using said signals to control at least lights and a motor on said model train;

    wherein said remote control application is programmable, allowing a user to configure said icons for at least different light settings, a first one of said icons being configured for a first light setting, said first light setting being selected from a plurality of light settings, and a second one of said icons being configured for a second light setting, said second light setting being selected from said plurality of light settings;

    wherein a first one of said commands corresponds to said first light setting, a second one of said commands corresponds to said second light setting, and said first and second ones of said commands are distinguishable from commands corresponding to non-selected ones of said plurality of light settings.

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