Activation method for accessories in model vehicle layout

• US 20040200935A1
• Filed: 04/30/2004
• Published: 10/14/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 01/17/2002
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Louis G. Kovach, II, Neil Young
• Original Assignee: Louis G. Kovach, II, Neil Young
• Inventors: Young, Neil, Kovach, Louis G. II
• Application Number:
  US10/837,561
• Publication Number:
  US 20040200935A1
• 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 activating an accessory in a model vehicle layout, comprising:

receiving a first signal indicating a vehicle ID;

receiving a second signal indicating a vehicle location;

sending an activating signal to an accessory adjacent said vehicle location if said vehicle ID corresponds to a group of vehicles designated to activate said accessory.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

storing a table associating vehicle IDs with groups designated to activate at least one accessory; and

comparing received vehicle IDs to said table.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein said vehicle ID identifies a group, with multiple vehicles sharing said vehicle ID.

4. An apparatus for use in a model vehicle layout, comprising:

an accessory mounted adjacent a track of said vehicle layout;

a vehicle having a vehicle ID;

a position detection element having an position detection element ID;

a transmitter configured to transmit said vehicle ID and said position detection element ID;

a controller, configured to determine if said vehicle ID corresponds to a group of vehicles designated to activate said accessory, and to send an activating signal to said accessory upon a match.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 further comprising:

a table associating vehicle IDs with groups designated to activate at least one accessory; and

said controller being configured to compare received vehicle IDs to said table.