Dynamic self-teaching train track layout learning and control system

• US 6,848,657 B2
• Filed: 01/16/2003
• Issued: 02/01/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 01/17/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Liontech Trains LLC
• Original Assignee: The Creative Train Co LLC
• Inventors: Young, Neil, Kovach, Louis G. II
• Primary Examiner(s): Le, Mark T.
• Application Number:
  US10/346,558
• Publication Number:
  US 20030155470A1
• Time in Patent Office: 747 Days
• Field of Search: 246/182.C, 246/122.A, 246/124, 246/122.R, 246/4, 246/5, 246/108, 246/123, 246/162, 246/220, 701/19, 701/35, 346/8, 340/995.1, 340/995.16, 340/995.17, 340/995.18
• US Class Current: 246/1.00R
• 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 initially determining the layout of at least a portion of a track, comprising:

providing a plurality of position detection elements for use in detecting a vehicle on multiple blocks of said track, each of said position detection elements being associated with a different one of said blocks;

moving said vehicle along said multiple blocks of said track; and

recording, without said layout being pre-stored, the interconnection of said blocks to determine said layout.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

providing an ID from each of said position detection elements; and

associating said ID with one of said blocks of said track.

3. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

determining a direction of said vehicle; and

recording adjacent block locations in accordance with said direction.

4. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

moving said vehicle through each of the positions of a track switch;

determining a block corresponding to each position of said track switch from a position detection element detection after said vehicle passes said switch.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein said position detection elements are sensors, and further comprising:

detecting said vehicle on one of said blocks from a signal from one of said sensors.

6. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

detecting said vehicle on one of said blocks from a signal from said vehicle, wherein said vehicle detects said position detection element.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein said recording further comprises:

building a table of blocks, with adjacent blocks on each side, from sequential detections of blocks in each direction.

8. A method for initially determining the layout of at least a portion of a track, comprising:

providing a plurality of position detection elements for use in detecting a vehicle on multiple blocks of said track, each of said position detection elements being associated with a different one of said blocks;

moving said vehicle along said multiple blocks of said track;

recording, without said layout being pre-stored, the interconnection of said blocks to determine said layout;

providing an ID from each of said position detection elements;

associating said ID with one of said blocks of said track;

determining a direction of said vehicle;

recording adjacent block locations in accordance with said direction;

moving said vehicle through each of the positions of a track switch; and

determining a block corresponding to each position of said track switch from a position detection element detection after said vehicle passes said switch.

9. An apparatus for initially determining the layout of at least a portion of a track, comprising:

a plurality of position detection elements for use in detecting a vehicle on multiple blocks of said track, each of said position detection elements being associated with a different one of said blocks;

a vehicle which is movable along said multiple blocks of said track;

a transmitter for sending information about said vehicle and said position detection element; and

a controller configured to receive said information and record the interconnection of said blocks, without said layout being pre-stored, to determine said layout.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 further comprising:

a direction detector for detecting a direction of said vehicle; and

said transmitter being configured to transmit said direction to said controller.

11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said direction detector is said position detection element.

12. The apparatus of claim 9 further comprising:

a speed detector for detecting a speed of said vehicle.

13. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said transmitter is connected by a wire to said controller, and is configured to transmit signals on said wire.