Model vehicle detection of ID and direction

• US 20040200933A1
• Filed: 04/30/2004
• Published: 10/14/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 01/17/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Liontech Trains LLC
• Original Assignee: Louis G. Kovach, II, Neil Young
• Inventors: Young, Neil, Kovach, Louis G. II
• Granted Patent: US 7,028,955 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 246/122A
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 19/24 Electric toy railways; Systems therefor

Abstract

A method and apparatus for determining a model vehicle layout by moving a vehicle around the track and noting when the vehicle passes track position detection elements. The vehicle can either detect the position detection elements, or the position detection elements can be sensors which detect the vehicle. By noting the order of the position detection elements as detected, and the direction of the vehicle, the layout of the track can be determined. In one embodiment, the position detection elements are sensors along the track which detect an emitted ID from the vehicle, and also detect the speed and direction of the vehicle. This information is then relayed to a control system. In another embodiment, the vehicle detects the position detection element, and relays this information, along with the train ID, speed and direction, to the control system. In another aspect of the invention, a particular type of vehicle at a particular location can be identified, and can be used to selectively operate accessories adjacent that portion of the track. The invention also can provide automated route generation, the route between A and B meeting input route parameters (e.g., backing into destination) can be automatically determined. Also, default accessory and switch selection can be automatically provided to a hand-held controller based on what the vehicle is approaching.

Claims

1. A method for detecting a model vehicle on a track, comprising:

transmitting a position detection element ID to a vehicle controller when said vehicle passes a position detection element adjacent said track;

determining a direction of said vehicle;

transmitting said direction, along with a vehicle ID, to said vehicle controller.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein said position detection element is a sensor, and further comprising:

detecting said vehicle ID and direction of said vehicle with said sensor.

3. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

detecting said position detection element ID with said vehicle; and

transmitting said position detection element ID from said vehicle, along with said vehicle ID and said direction of said vehicle.

4. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

detecting a speed of said vehicle; and

transmitting said speed to said vehicle controller.

5. An apparatus for detecting a model vehicle on a track, comprising:

a position detection element adjacent said track;

a vehicle having a vehicle ID;

a vehicle controller;

a transmitter configured to transmit a position detection element ID to a vehicle controller when said vehicle passes a position detection element adjacent said track;

a sensor configured to determine a direction of said vehicle; and

said transmitter being further configured to transmit said direction, along with a vehicle ID, to said vehicle controller.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said position detection element is a sensor configured to detect said vehicle ID and direction of said vehicle.

7. The apparatus of claim 5 further comprising:

a sensor mounted on said vehicle configured to detect said position detection element ID; and

said transmitter being mounted on said vehicle and being configured to transmit said position detection element ID from said vehicle, along with said vehicle ID and said direction of said vehicle.

8. The apparatus of claim 5 further comprising:

a speed detector configured to detect a speed of said vehicle; and

said transmitter being configured to transmit said speed to said vehicle controller.

9. A method for providing information about a device on a model track layout, comprising:

transmitting, from said device, an indication of the type of device;

transmitting, from said device, at least one characteristic of said device.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein said device is a car of a train, and said characteristic includes a type of car.

11. The method of claim 9 wherein said transmitting is wireless to a detector adjacent a track.

12. The method of claim 9 wherein said transmitting is along the rails of a train track.

13. A device for use on a model track layout, comprising:

a memory for storing an indication of the type of device and at least one characteristic of said device; and

a transmitter configured to transmit, from said device, said indication of the type of device and said at least one characteristic of said device.