Systems and methods for radio control and operation of a miniature toy vehicle including interchangeable bodies

Abstract

A radio control system for a single or multi-controller, single or multi-receiver independently controlled system providing digital and proportional control without mutual interference, especially suited for a miniature toy vehicle. The controller may operate on multiple frequencies (channels) selected by the user. The receivers may receive on multiple frequencies (channels) selected by the user. When the receiver is first turned on, it reads the channel select switch and sets its receiver accordingly then normal remote control signals may be received such as speed, steering and digital commands. Commands are sent in bursts with an error checking protocol implemented. Commands are not executed by the receiver unless they are received error free. If the receiver fails to receive error-free command bursts within a short period of time (less than one second), it shuts off all motors and controls and go into a dormant state awaiting an error-free command burst. If error-free command bursts are not received within an extended period of time such as two minutes, the receiver completely shuts off thereby conserving battery power. The receiver includes a long-life rechargeable battery system that lasts for the normal lifetime of the car. The vehicle includes a simplified steering system that provides full proportional control without requiring position feedback.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A radio control system comprising at least one control set to transmit command signals for operation of a remotely controlled device, the controlled device comprising a receiver to receive the transmitted control signals and a decoder to decode the control signals and act upon the control signals as required either sequentially or concurrently.  
     
     
         2 . A radio control system in accordance with  claim 1  wherein the radio control system comprises a plurality of controlled devices, each controlled device being independently controlled by a respective receiver such that the receivers do not interfere with each other.  
     
     
         3 . A radio control system in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein command bursts are transmitted by the at least one control set encoded such that the receiver may detect errors in the received data burst and thereby reject erroneous data.  
     
     
         4 . A radio control system in accordance with  claim 2 , wherein command bursts are transmitted by the at least one control set encoded such that the corresponding receiver may detect errors in the received data burst and thereby reject erroneous data.  
     
     
         5 . An apparatus for communicating between a plurality of controllers and a plurality of receivers in a radio control system wherein said plurality of receivers are independently controlled by said plurality of controllers, respectively, said apparatus comprising: 
 means in each of said plurality of controllers for generating a radio frequency signal;    said controller including means for a user to set the frequency of operation;    said controller including means of modulating the radio frequency signal;    a receiver in each of said plurality of receivers for receiving said radio frequency signal;    said receiver including means for demodulating said radio frequency signal; and    means of error control to prevent erroneous response to noise or interference.    
     
     
         6 . A radio control system in accordance with  claim 1  wherein the controlled devices comprise a toy vehicle.  
     
     
         7 . A radio controlled toy vehicle comprising: 
 at least one front wheel;    at least one rear wheel;    a motor coupled to at least one of the wheels;    a receiver including a channel selecter;    an antenna coupled to the receiver; and    a steering drive apparatus coupled to the at least one front wheel, the steering drive apparatus comprising a stepper motor.    
     
     
         8 . A radio controlled vehicle in accordance with  claim 7  further comprising at least two bodies that may be individually coupled to a chassis of the vehicle.  
     
     
         9 . A radio controlled vehicle in accordance with  claim 7  further comprising dust cones coupled to each wheel.  
     
     
         10 . A radio controlled vehicle in accordance with  claim 7  wherein the antenna comprises a substantially flat metallic strip.