Multi-channel proportional user interface for physical control applications
First Claim
1. A method for using proportional commands to control a train layout comprising:
- providing a proportional control input for generating a proportional signal in response to an input action;
using a command station to process said proportional signal into a track control waveform for said train layout;
communicating said track control waveform to said train layout;
using a decoder to receive said track control waveform from said train layout and to decode said track control waveform to control a device for proportional effect.
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Abstract
New techniques are presented for providing proportional activation of model railroad functions and effects with control keys on a model railroad layout control system. This permits for example a throttle device connected to a digital layout control system to provide for a “playable” or variable-pitch whistle sound effect where prior art was severely limited in providing this effect realistically. This invention allows proportional keys with the added ability to control multiple aspects of any effect and to latch proportional values at any state. This invention also allows the expansion of the wireless and Internet connection capabilities of the network of a layout control system so the new proportional capabilities can be carried across these connections.
80 Citations
47 Claims
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1. A method for using proportional commands to control a train layout comprising:
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providing a proportional control input for generating a proportional signal in response to an input action; using a command station to process said proportional signal into a track control waveform for said train layout; communicating said track control waveform to said train layout; using a decoder to receive said track control waveform from said train layout and to decode said track control waveform to control a device for proportional effect. - 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, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 43)
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37. An apparatus for generating proportional commands and for controlling devices in a train layout system, comprising:
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a control input having a proportional key for generating an input signal proportional to an input force and for outputting a digital signal; a bi-directional transceiver for transmitting said digital signal to a command station for processing the digital signal and for generating a control signal for controlling said train layout system; a decoder for receiving and decoding said control signal and controlling a device for proportional effect. - View Dependent Claims (38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 44, 45, 46, 47)
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Specification