Control, sound, and operating system for model trains
DC CAFCFirst Claim
1. A model train system comprising:
- a remote control unit that outputs commands;
a track interface unit that receives the commands; and
a train track layout coupled to the track interface unit;
wherein the track interface unit converts the commands into a modulated signal, injects the modulated signal into a power signal so as to form an integrally formed command/power signal, and outputs the integrally formed command/power signal to the train track layout.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A model train operating, sound and control system provides a user with increased operating realism. A novel remote control communication capability between the user and the model trains includes a handheld remote control on which various commands may be entered, and a Track Interface Unit that retrieves and processes the commands. The Track Interface Unit converts the commands to modulated signals (preferably spread spectrum signals) which are sent down the track rails. The model train picks up the modulated signals, retrieves the entered command, and executes it through use of a processor and associated control and driver circuitry. A speed control circuit located inside the model train is capable of continuously monitoring the operating speed of the train and making adjustments to a motor drive circuit. Circuitry is connected to the Track Interface Unit to an external source, such as a computer, CD player, or other sound source, so that real-time sounds stream down the model train tracks for playing through the speakers located in the model train. Coupler designs and circuits, as well as a smoke unit, can also be used with the model train system.
194 Citations
56 Claims
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1. A model train system comprising:
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a remote control unit that outputs commands;
a track interface unit that receives the commands; and
a train track layout coupled to the track interface unit;
wherein the track interface unit converts the commands into a modulated signal, injects the modulated signal into a power signal so as to form an integrally formed command/power signal, and outputs the integrally formed command/power signal to the train track layout.- View Dependent Claims (2)
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3. A model train system comprising:
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a remote control unit that outputs commands;
a track interface unit that receives the commands; and
a train track layout coupled to the track interface unit;
wherein the track interface unit converts the commands into a modulated signal and outputs the modulated signal to the train track layout, wherein the modulated signal is a spread spectrum signal.
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4. A model train control system for controlling model trains on a train track layout, comprising:
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a track interface unit coupled to said train track layout;
a remote control unit for communicating with the track interface unit; and
a model train comprising;
a processor;
a speed control circuit;
a sound system circuit; and
a smoke unit;
wherein a speed command entered on the remote control unit is communicated to the track interface unit, which passes the command to the model train via rails on the train track layout, the processor in the model train receiving the command and in turn commanding the speed control circuit to drive the model train to a speed indicated in the speed command, the processor further (1) controlling the sound system circuit to play sounds corresponding to the model train speed, and (2) controlling the smoke unit to produce smoke corresponding to the model train speed. - View Dependent Claims (5)
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6. A model train system comprising:
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a remote control unit for outputting commands;
a track interface unit that receives the commands; and
a train track layout coupled to said track interface unit;
whereby (1) the track interface unit processes said commands and outputs the commands to the train track layout, said track interface unit being configured to receive and process data corresponding to at least one of operating and diagnostic information of a model train located on said train track layout.- View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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26. A model train system comprising:
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a train track layout;
a track interface unit coupled to said train track layout; and
a model train operating on said train track layout, the model train including a circuit configured to provide at least one of diagnostic and operating information to said track interface unit through said train track layout. - View Dependent Claims (27, 28, 29, 30, 31)
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32. A model train system comprising:
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a remote control unit;
a track interface unit that receives commands from said remote control unit;
a train track layout coupled to said track interface unit; and
a model train operating on said train track layout, the model train capable of performing the commands from the remote control unit;
whereby the track interface unit saves a series of commands entered on the remote control unit such that the series of commands may be repeated at a later time. - View Dependent Claims (33)
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34. A model train system comprising:
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a data unit for outputting data; and
a track interface unit for receiving the data, wherein the track interface unit is configured to convert the data into a modulated signal, inject the modulated signal into a power signal so as to form an integrally formed command/power signal, and output the integrally formed command/power signal to a train track layout. - View Dependent Claims (35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56)
said model train system further comprising a train track layout and a model train on the train track layout capable of receiving the integrally formed command/power signal from the train track layout and processing the integrally formed command/power signal in order to retrieve the sounds and play them through a speaker located on the model train, said model train being configured to convert the digital signal back to an analog signal. -
55. The model train system of claim 34, wherein said external sound source includes an audio output, said audio output being one of line level audio and headphone.
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56. The model train system of claim 49, wherein the Doppler effect simulation is based on the speed at which the model train moves around the train track layout.
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Specification