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.

1 - 91 . (canceled)  
   
   
       92 . A model train comprising: 
 a memory; and    a processor configured to download data from an external device and store said data in said memory and/or to upload data to an external device.    
   
   
       93 . The model train of  claim 92 , wherein said processor is configured to download data from an external device and store said data in said memory and to upload data to an external device.  
   
   
       94 . The model train of  claim 92 , wherein said data is at least one of a sound file, train diagnostic file and train operational file.  
   
   
       95 . The model train of  claim 92 , wherein said external device includes a communication device.  
   
   
       96 . The model train of  claim 95 , wherein said communication device is at least one of a computer and telephone.  
   
   
       97 . The model train of  claim 95 , wherein said model train uploads and/or downloads data to and/or from a digital communication protocol via said communication device.  
   
   
       98 . The model train of  claim 97 , wherein said digital communication protocol includes the Internet.  
   
   
       99 . The model train of  claim 92 , wherein said data includes a sound file and said processor is further configured to download and playback said sound file in real time.  
   
   
       100 . The model train of  claim 99 , wherein said external device includes a sound source, said sound source includes at least one of a computer, CD player, cassette player, MP3 player, DVD player, mini-disc player, memory stick, microphone and Internet.  
   
   
       101 . The model train of  claim 92 , wherein said processor is further configured to download and/or execute a software patch or upgrade from the external device.  
   
   
       102 . The model train of  claim 101 , wherein said data includes a train diagnostic file, wherein said software path or upgrade is downloaded based on the train diagnostic file uploaded to said external device.  
   
   
       103 . The model train of  claim 102 , wherein said external device includes a computer.  
   
   
       104 . The model train of  claim 103 , wherein said software patch or upgrade is downloaded from the Internet via said computer.  
   
   
       105 . A model train system comprising: 
 a model train; and    a track interface unit coupled to said model train so as to enable data transfer therebetween,    said model train including: 
 a memory; and  
 a processor configured to download data from an external device through said track interface unit and store said data in said memory and/or to upload data through said track interface unit to an external device.  
   
   
   
       106 . The model train system of  claim 105 , further comprising an external device coupled to said model train through said track interface unit.  
   
   
       107 . The model train system of  claim 105 , further comprising track rails on which the model train is adapted to be located, said track interface unit transferring data with said model train through said track rails.  
   
   
       108 . The model train system of  claim 107 , further comprising an external device coupled to said model train through said track interface unit and said track rails.  
   
   
       109 . The model train system of  claim 107 , wherein said track interface unit transfers data with said model train through said track rails via spread spectrum signaling.  
   
   
       110 . The model train of  claim 105 , wherein said processor is configured to download data from an external device and store said data in said memory and to upload data to an external device.  
   
   
       111 . The model train of  claim 105 , wherein said data is at least one of a sound file, train diagnostic file and train operational file.  
   
   
       112 . The model train of  claim 105 , wherein said external device includes a communication device.  
   
   
       113 . The model train of  claim 112 , wherein said communication device is at least one of a computer and telephone.  
   
   
       114 . The model train of  claim 112 , wherein said model train uploads and/or downloads data to and/or from a digital communication protocol via said communication device.  
   
   
       115 . The model train of  claim 114 , wherein said digital communication protocol includes the Internet.  
   
   
       116 . The model train of  claim 105 , wherein said data includes a sound file and said processor is further configured to download and playback said sound file in real time.  
   
   
       117 . The model train of  claim 116 , wherein said external device includes a sound source, said sound source includes at least one of a computer, CD player, cassette player, MP3 player, DVD player, mini-disc player, memory stick, microphone and Internet.  
   
   
       118 . The model train of  claim 105 , wherein said processor is further configured to download and/or execute a software patch or upgrade from the external device.  
   
   
       119 . The model train of  claim 118 , wherein said data includes a train diagnostic file, wherein said software path or upgrade is downloaded based on the train diagnostic file uploaded to said external device.  
   
   
       120 . The model train of  claim 119 , wherein said external device includes a computer.  
   
   
       121 . The model train of  claim 120 , wherein said software patch or upgrade is downloaded from the Internet via said computer.