Software-driven motor and solenoid controller
First Claim
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1. A software module for visually controlling a model train motor and solenoid apparatus, comprising:
- a motor that moves the model train on a track, said track having track turnouts;
a solenoid that controls the track turnouts;
a motor circuit that connects the train motor to a controller;
a solenoid circuit that connects the track turnout solenoid to the controller;
a power circuit for delivering power to said motor and said solenoids;
said software module being located on a computer and further comprising;
a motor module for controlling said motor circuit;
a solenoid module for controlling said solenoid to the controller; and
a menued visual interface that controls said motor and solenoid modules and said power circuit.
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Abstract
An apparatus and method for controlling electrical devices such as electric trains using a computer is disclosed. The invention utilizes standard ports that appear on most computers, and works with standard well-known widely commercially available train sets. The invention has customized software and circuitry for managing the speed and direction of one or more motors, and also for controlling the configuration of track turnouts. The invention can also be configured and updated by the user to fit the characteristics of a user'"'"'s specific layout.
24 Citations
31 Claims
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1. A software module for visually controlling a model train motor and solenoid apparatus, comprising:
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a motor that moves the model train on a track, said track having track turnouts;
a solenoid that controls the track turnouts;
a motor circuit that connects the train motor to a controller;
a solenoid circuit that connects the track turnout solenoid to the controller;
a power circuit for delivering power to said motor and said solenoids;
said software module being located on a computer and further comprising;
a motor module for controlling said motor circuit;
a solenoid module for controlling said solenoid to the controller; and
a menued visual interface that controls said motor and solenoid modules and said power circuit. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31)
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25. A method of operating a software module for visually controlling a model train motor and solenoid apparatus, comprising:
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visually presenting a menued interface to a user;
coordinating said user input with said software module through said visual menued interface;
controlling a motor circuit through a motor module responsive to said user input; and
controlling a solenoid through a solenoid module responsive to said user input.
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Specification