Control, sound, and operating system for model trains

Abstract

The present invention provides a model train operating, sound and control system that provides a user with increased operating realism. Disclosed is 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 (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. Another novel feature disclosed is 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. The present invention also discloses 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. Novel coupler designs and circuits, as well as a novel smoke unit, are also disclosed.

What is claimed is:  
     
         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 and outputs the modulated signal to the train track layout.    
     
     
         2 . The model train system of  claim 1 , wherein the modulated signal has a wide bandwidth.  
     
     
         3 . The model train system of claims  1  or  2 , wherein the modulated signal is a spread spectrum signal.  
     
     
         4 . A speed control circuit for model trains comprising: 
 a motor;    a motor drive circuit for controlling the motor's speed;    a speed sensor for sensing a current speed of the model train; and    a processor coupled to the speed sensor for comparing the current speed to a desired speed, and for controlling the motor drive circuit so that the motor's speed is adjusted to match the desired speed.    
     
     
         5 . The speed control circuit of  claim 4 , wherein the speed of the model train is maintained at substantially the desired speed regardless of changes in the model train's work load.  
     
     
         6 . A sound system for model trains comprising: 
 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.    
     
     
         7 . The sound system of  claim 6  further comprising a model train on the train track layout capable of receiving the modulated signal from the train track layout and processing the modulated signal in order to retrieve the sounds and play them through a speaker located on the model train.  
     
     
         8 . The sound system of claims  6  or  7 , wherein the external source is any one of a CD player, cassette tape player, MP3 player, DVD player, mini-disc player, or memory stick.  
     
     
         9 . The sound system of claims  6  or  7 , wherein the external source is a computer.  
     
     
         10 . The sound system of  claim 9 , wherein the sounds are downloaded from the Internet.  
     
     
         11 . The sound system of  claim 6 , wherein the modulated signal has a wide bandwidth.  
     
     
         12 . The sound system of claims  6  or  7 , wherein the modulated signal is a spread spectrum signal.  
     
     
         13 . The sound system of claims  6  or  7 , wherein the external source is a microphone.  
     
     
         14 . The sound system of claims  6  or  7 , wherein the modulated signal is an FM signal.  
     
     
         15 . The sound system of  claim 14 , wherein the external source is any one of a CD player, cassette tape player, MP3 player, DVD player, mini-disc player, or memory stick.  
     
     
         16 . The sound system of  claim 14 , wherein the external source is a computer.  
     
     
         17 . The sound system of claims  14  or  16 , wherein the sounds are downloaded from the Internet.  
     
     
         18 . An electrically operated model train coupler comprising: 
 a knuckle assembly movable between an open position and a closed position;    a movable plunger assembly mechanically couplable to said knuckle assembly,    wherein said movable plunger assembly includes a cap configured to engage said knuckle assembly at a locking position of said plunger assembly for locking said knuckle assembly in said closed position;    a solenoid assembly for driving said movable plunger assembly toward or away from said locking position; and    a guide member for guiding said cap toward and away from said locking position.    
     
     
         19 . The coupler of  claim 18 , wherein application of a voltage to the solenoid assembly causes the solenoid assembly to generate a magnetic field which attracts the plunger assembly, thereby causing the plunger assembly to move toward or away from said locking position.  
     
     
         20 . The coupler of  claim 19 , wherein the applied voltage to the solenoid assembly is less than or equal to approximately  6  volts.  
     
     
         21 . A smoke unit for model trains capable of simulating steam or smoke emitting from said train comprising: 
 a holding unit for holding a smoke-producing substance;    at least one resistor coupled to the holding unit for heating the smoke-producing substance until the smoke-producing substance begins to smoke; and    a fan for blowing the smoke.    
     
     
         22 . The smoke unit of  claim 21  wherein the amount of smoke produced is proportional to the amount of heat applied by the resistor.  
     
     
         23 . The smoke unit of  claim 21  wherein the resistor is heated by application of a voltage thereto, such that the greater the voltage applied, the hotter the resistor becomes.  
     
     
         24 . The smoke unit of  claim 23  wherein the hotter the resistor becomes, the more smoke is generated.  
     
     
         25 . The smoke unit of claims  21 ,  22 ,  23 , or  24 , further comprising an electronic brake on the fan for periodically stopping the fan from blowing the smoke.  
     
     
         26 . A model train control system comprising: 
 a track interface unit;    a remote control unit for communicating with the track interface unit;    a train track layout coupled to the track interface unit; and    an accessory interface unit coupled to the track interface unit and to one or more accessories located on or around the train track layout;    wherein the remote control unit has a memory for storing the identity of one or more of said accessories, such that a command entered on the remote control unit controls said one or more accessories.    
     
     
         27 . The model train control system of  claim 26 , wherein the command is received by the track interface unit, which communicates said command to the accessory interface unit for controlling said one or more accessories.  
     
     
         28 . A model train comprising: 
 a processor;    a speed control circuit;    a sound system circuit for playing sounds that simulate real-life train operation sounds; and    a smoke unit for producing smoke from the model train;    wherein the speed control circuit monitors the speed of the model train and provides the speed to the processor, which then controls the sound system circuit and smoke unit such that the train operation sounds and the smoke correspond to the speed of the model train.    
     
     
         29 . The model train of  claim 28 , wherein as the speed of the model train increases, the sound system circuit plays train operation sounds which simulate a train moving at an increased speed, and the smoke unit produces an increased amount of smoke.  
     
     
         30 . A model train control system for controlling model trains on a train track layout, comprising: 
 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.    
     
     
         31 . The model train control system of  claim 30 , wherein as the speed of the model train increases, the sound system circuit plays train operation sounds which simulate a train moving at an increased speed, and the smoke unit produces an increased amount of smoke.  
     
     
         32 . A model train sound recording system comprising: 
 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.    
     
     
         33 . The model train sound recording system of  claim 32 , wherein the external sound source is any one of a CD player, tape cassette player, mini-disc player, MP3 player, DVD player or memory stick.  
     
     
         34 . The model train sound recording system of  claim 32 , wherein the external sound source is a computer.  
     
     
         35 . The model train sound recording system of  claim 34 , wherein the sounds are downloaded from the Internet.  
     
     
         36 . A model train sound recording system comprising: 
 an external sound source; and    a track interface unit for receiving sounds from the external sound source and storing the sounds in a memory located in the track interface unit.    
     
     
         37 . The model train sound recording system of  claim 36 , further comprising a train track layout coupled to the track interface unit and a model train on the train track layout, wherein the sounds stored in the memory are retrieved by a processor in the track interface unit and sent down rails of the train track layout, the sounds being received by the model train and played through a sound system circuit located in the model train.  
     
     
         38 . The model train sound recording system of claims  36  or  37 , wherein the external sound source is any one of a CD player, tape cassette player, mini-disc player, MP3 player, DVD player or memory stick.  
     
     
         39 . The model train sound recording system of claims  36  or  37 , wherein the external sound source is a computer.  
     
     
         40 . The model train sound recording system of  claim 39 , wherein the sounds are downloaded from the Internet.  
     
     
         41 . A model train sound system comprising: 
 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.    
     
     
         42 . The model train sound system of  claim 41 , wherein the Doppler effect simulation is based on a fixed distance travelled by the model train around said train track layout.  
     
     
         43 . The model train sound system of  claim 42 , wherein said fixed distance is set by entering (1) a start Doppler loop command and (2) a stop Doppler loop command on said remote control unit, whereby the distance travelled by the model train on the train track layout during the interval between said start Doppler loop command and said stop Doppler loop command is the fixed distance.  
     
     
         44 . A model train system comprising: 
 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 train interface unit processes said commands and outputs the commands to the train track layout, and (2) the track interface unit provides an acknowledge signal to the remote control unit which indicates that the track interface unit successfully received and processed said command.    
     
     
         45 . The model train system of  claim 44  further comprising a model train operating on said train track layout, wherein said model train receives said command and outputs an acknowledge signal back to the track interface unit which indicates that the model train successfully received said command.  
     
     
         46 . The model train system of  claim 45 , wherein said model train processes and executes said command.  
     
     
         47 . The model train system of claims  45  or  46 , wherein said track interface unit outputs a signal to said remote control unit indicating that the model train successfully received said command.  
     
     
         48 . The model train system of  claim 46 , wherein said track interface unit outputs a signal to said remote control unit indicating that said model train successfully executed said command.  
     
     
         49 . The model train system of claims  45  or  46 , wherein operating information concerning said model train is outputted by said model train to said track interface unit.  
     
     
         50 . The model train system of claims  45  or  46 , wherein diagnostic information concerning said model train is outputted by said model train to said track interface unit.  
     
     
         51 . The model train system of  claim 49 , wherein said operating information (1) is received and processed by said track interface unit, and (2) said track interface unit outputs a signal containing said operating information to said remote control unit.  
     
     
         52 . The model train system of  claim 50 , wherein said diagnostic information (1) is received and processed by said track interface unit, and (2) said track interface unit outputs a signal containing said diagnostic information to said remote control unit.  
     
     
         53 . The model train system of  claim 44  further comprising an accessory interface unit coupled to said track interface unit, whereby operating information concerning one or more accessories coupled to said accessory interface unit is outputted by said accessory interface unit to said track interface unit.  
     
     
         54 . The model train system of  claim 53 , whereby said track interface unit outputs a command in response to said operating information.  
     
     
         55 . The model train system of  claim 53 , whereby said operating information is received by said track interface unit and the track interface unit outputs a signal containing said operating information to said remote control unit.  
     
     
         56 . The model train system of  claim 44 , whereby said acknowledge signal is displayed on said remote control unit.  
     
     
         57 . The model train system of  claim 47 , whereby said signal indicating that the model train successfully received said command is displayed on said remote control unit.  
     
     
         58 . The model train system of  claim 48 , whereby said signal indicating that said model train successfully executed said command is displayed on said remote control unit.  
     
     
         59 . The model train system of  claim 51 , whereby said signal containing said operating information is displayed on said remote control unit.  
     
     
         60 . The model train system of  claim 52 , whereby said signal containing said diagnostic information is displayed on said remote control unit.  
     
     
         61 . The model train system of  claim 55 , whereby said signal containing said operating information is displayed on said remote control unit.  
     
     
         62 . A sound system for model trains comprising: 
 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.    
     
     
         63 . The sound system of  claim 62  further comprising a model train on the train track layout capable of receiving the sounds from the train track layout and playing the sounds through a speaker located on the model train.  
     
     
         64 . The sound sytem of claims  62  or  63 , wherein the external source is any one of a CD player, cassette tape player, MP3 player, DVD player, mini-disc player, or memory stick.  
     
     
         65 . The sound system of claims  62  or  63 , wherein the external source is a computer.  
     
     
         66 . The sound system of  claim 65 , wherein the sounds are downloaded from the Internet.  
     
     
         67 . The sound system of claims  62  or  63 , wherein the external source is a microphone.  
     
     
         68 . A speed control circuit for model trains comprising: 
 a motor;    means for adjusting the motor's speed;    means for sensing a current speed of the model train; and    a processor for comparing the current speed to a desired speed and for controlling the means for adjusting so that the motor's speed substantially matches the desired speed.    
     
     
         69 . The speed control circuit of  claim 69  further comprising means for sensing load conditions of the model train, whereby said processor takes the load conditions into account when controlling the means for adjusting.  
     
     
         70 . A model train system comprising: 
 a train track layout;    a track interface unit coupled to said train track layout;    an information appliance coupled to said track interface unit; and    a model train operating on said train track layout, the model train providing operating information to said track interface unit through said train track layout.    
     
     
         71 . The model train system of  claim 70 , wherein said track interface unit provides said operating information to said information appliance.  
     
     
         72 . The model train system of  claim 71 , wherein said information appliance uploads said operating information to the Internet.  
     
     
         73 . The model train system of claims  70 ,  71 , or  72 , wherein said information appliance is a computer.  
     
     
         74 . The model train system of  claim 70 , wherein said information appliance downloads information from the Internet and said downloaded information is provided to said model train through said track interface unit and said train track layout.  
     
     
         75 . The model train system of  claim 74 , wherein said information appliance is a computer.  
     
     
         76 . A model train comprising: 
 a processor;    a communication circuit;    a memory;    a sound system circuit; and    a smoke system driver circuit;    wherein said communication circuit extracts a command from a modulated signal and provides said command to said processor for execution of said command by said model train.    
     
     
         77 . The model train of  claim 76  further comprising a coupler drive circuit and a light driver circuit.  
     
     
         78 . The model train of claims  76  or  77  wherein said modulated signal is a spread spectrum signal.  
     
     
         79 . A model train comprising a processor, a smoke system driver circuit coupled to said processor, and a smoke unit coupled to said smoke system driver circuit, wherein said processor controls said smoke system driver circuit so that said smoke unit outputs a volume of smoke based on the model train's speed.  
     
     
         80 . The model train of  claim 79 , wherein said the volume of outputted smoke changes when the model train's load changes.  
     
     
         81 . The model train of  claim 79  further comprising a sound system circuit coupled to said processor, wherein said processor controls said sound system circuit so that the sound system circuit outputs sounds based on the model train's speed.  
     
     
         82 . The model train of  claim 81 , wherein the outputted sounds change when the model train's load changes.  
     
     
         83 . The model train of  claim 82 , wherein the volume of outputted smoke changes when the model train's load changes.  
     
     
         84 . The model train of  claim 83 , wherein the outputted sound is a chuff sound and the smoke is outputted in puffs.  
     
     
         85 . The model train of  claim 84 , wherein the chuff sounds and the puffs of smoke correspond to the speed of the train.  
     
     
         86 . The model train of  claim 85 , wherein as the model train's load changes, there is a corresponding change in the chuff sounds and the puffs of smoke.  
     
     
         87 . A model train comprising a processor, a sound system circuit coupled to said processor, and a speed sensing circuit coupled to said processor, wherein the processor controls the sound system circuit to output sounds based on a signal received from the speed sensing circuit indicating the model train's speed.  
     
     
         88 . The model train of  claim 87 , wherein the model train's speed drops rapidly and the processor controls the sound system circuit to output a braking sound.  
     
     
         89 . The model train of  claim 87 , wherein the model train's speed drops abruptly and the processor controls the sound system circuit to output a crashing sound.  
     
     
         90 . A model train system comprising: 
 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.    
     
     
         91 . The model train system of  claim 90 , wherein the series of commands saved by the track interface unit is recalled by a recall command from the remote control unit.