Control, sound, and operating system for model trains
First Claim
1. A model train comprising:
- a processor that receives user commands to (1) play existing sound files and (2) save new sound files;
memory means for storing said existing sound files and saving said new sound files; and
a sound system circuit for playing back said sound files;
the processor retrieving said sound files from said memory means for playback on said sound system and commanding said memory means to save said new sound files.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A model train operating, sound and control system that provides a user with increased operating realism. A novel remote control communication capability between the user and the model trains. This feature is accomplished by using 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 in the form of data bit sequences (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 that is capable of continuously monitoring the operating speed of the train and making adjustments to a motor drive circuit, as well as a novel smoke unit. Circuitry for connecting the Track Interface Unit to an external source, such as a computer, CD player, or other sound source, and have real-time sounds stream down the model train tracks for playing through the speakers located in the model train.
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Citations
31 Claims
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1. A model train comprising:
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a processor that receives user commands to (1) play existing sound files and (2) save new sound files; memory means for storing said existing sound files and saving said new sound files; and a sound system circuit for playing back said sound files; the processor retrieving said sound files from said memory means for playback on said sound system and commanding said memory means to save said new sound files. - View Dependent Claims (2)
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3. A sound system for model trains comprising:
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an external sound source for providing sounds; and a track interface unit coupled to said external sound source that receives sounds from said external sound source and outputs said sounds in digital signal format for playback through a model train located on a train track layout coupled to said track interface unit. - View Dependent Claims (4, 5, 6)
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7. A sound system for model trains comprising:
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an external sound source for providing sounds; a track interface unit coupled to said external sound source for receiving said sounds; and a train track layout coupled to said track interface unit; wherein the track interface unit converts the sounds into a modulated signal and outputs the modulated signal to the train track layout. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A model train sound recording system comprising:
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a train track layout; an external sound source; a track interface unit coupled to the external sound source and to the train track layout; and a model train on the train track layout comprising a processor, memory, and sound system circuit; whereby the track interface unit receives sounds from the external sound source and sends the sounds down rails of the train track layout, where the sounds are received by the model train'"'"'s processor and stored in the memory for playback through the sound system circuit. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22)
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23. A model train sound system comprising:
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a train track layout; a remote control unit that outputs a Doppler effect command; a track interface unit coupled to said train track layout that receives said Doppler effect command and converts it to a modulated signal which is outputted to said train track layout; and a model train on said train track layout capable of playing train sounds, said model train picking up said modulated signal from said train track layout and retrieving the Doppler effect command from said modulated signal, such that the model train plays one or more train sounds that simulate the Doppler effect. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25)
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26. A sound system for model trains comprising:
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an external sound source for providing sounds; a track interface unit coupled to said external sound source for receiving said sounds; and a train track layout coupled to said track interface unit; wherein the track interface unit provides the sounds to the train track layout. - View Dependent Claims (27, 28, 29, 30, 31)
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Specification