System and Method for Controlling Various Model Train Actions

Abstract

A system and method is provided for linking at least one model vehicle action to data acquired by a model vehicle while travelling along a route. Preferred embodiments of the present invention operate in conjunction with a model train traveling along a model train track, where at least one barcode is located. When the model train travels over the barcode, the barcode is scanned, and the barcode data is transmitted to a remote control, where a program is running. The remote control then performs at least one action, where the action is based on the barcode data and the program that is currently running. If a new program is ran, the same barcode data will result in the performance of a different action.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A model train system, comprising:
 a model train configured to be propelled along a model train track having a plurality of rails and a barcode located between a first one of said plurality of rails and a second one of said plurality of rails, said model train comprising:
 at least one barcode reader oriented in a downward direction and configured to read said barcode when said at least one barcode reader is positioned over said barcode, said barcode representing a unique identifier; 
 a transmitter configured to transmit data to a controller; and 
 a processor configured to use said at least one barcode reader to acquire said unique identifier and to use said transmitter to transmit said unique identifier to said controller; and 
   said controller including a user interface, allowing said user to at least control said propulsion of said model train along said model train track, said controller comprising:
 a transceiver configured to communicate with a remote device, said remote device comprising a memory for storing a plurality of programs; 
 a transmitter configured to transmit data to at least control said propulsion of said model train along said model train track; 
 a receiver configured to receive said data from said model train; and 
 a processor configured to use said transceiver to download said plurality of programs from said remote device, to use said receiver to receive said unique identifier from said model train, and to run one of said plurality of programs at a time, said one of said plurality of programs being selected by said user via said user interface; 
 wherein said unique identifier results in performance of a first action when a first one of said plurality of programs is running, and said unique identifier results in performance of a second action when a second one of said plurality of programs is running, said first action being different from said second action. 
   
     
     
         2 . The model train system of  claim 1 , wherein said model train includes at least two barcode readers, a first one of said at least two barcode readers is configured to read a barcode located between said first one and said second one of said plurality of rails and a second one of said at least two barcode readers is configured to read a barcode located between said second one a third one of said plurality of rails. 
     
     
         3 . The model train system of  claim 1 , wherein said transmitter of said model train is a Bluetooth transmitter, said receiver of said controller is a Bluetooth receiver, and said controller is a smartphone. 
     
     
         4 . The model train system of  claim 1 , wherein said controller is a smartphone and said user interface is at least a touchscreen portion of said smartphone. 
     
     
         5 . The model train system of  claim 1 , wherein said transceiver of said controller is configured to communicate with said remote device via the Internet. 
     
     
         6 . The model train system of  claim 1 , wherein said controller is a smartphone and said transceiver of said controller is configured to communicate with said remote device via a radio frequency link. 
     
     
         7 . The model train system of  claim 1 , wherein said transmitter of said controller is further configured to transmit data to said model train, said data including a command to propel said model train along said model train track. 
     
     
         8 . The model train system of  claim 1 , wherein said transmitter of said controller is further configured to transmit data to one other model train physically connected to said model train, said data including a command to propel said one other model train along said model train track. 
     
     
         9 . The model train system of  claim 1 , wherein each one of said plurality of programs is a model train game, and said performance of said first action is displaying at least one image on a screen portion of said controller. 
     
     
         10 . The model train system of  claim 1 , wherein each one of said plurality of programs is a model train game, and said performance of said first action is playing at least one sound on a speaker portion of said controller. 
     
     
         11 . The model train system of  claim 9 , wherein said unique identifier further indicates completion of at least one objective associated with a first model train game when said first one of said plurality of programs is running. 
     
     
         12 . A method of performing actions in a model train system, comprising:
 downloading to a controller a plurality of model train programs from a remote device;   receiving a user request to run one of said plurality of model train programs;   transmitting from said controller instructions to propel a model train along a model train track, said model train track having a plurality of rails;   receiving a unique identifier from said model train, said unique identifier being encoded into a barcode located on said model train track between a first one of said plurality of rails and a second one of said plurality of rails; and   performing by said controller at least one action in response to the reception of said unique identifier when said one of said plurality of model train programs is running;   wherein said unique identifier results in performance of a first action when a first one of said plurality of model train programs is running, and said unique identifier results in performance of a second action when a second one of said plurality of model train programs is running, said first action being different from said second action.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein said step of downloading a plurality of model train programs from a remote device further comprises downloading a plurality of model train games from said remote device. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein said step of transmitting instructions to propel a model train along a model train track further comprises transmitting instructions to propel said model train along said model train track to said model train. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein said step of transmitting instructions to propel a model train along a model train track further comprises transmitting instructions to propel said model train along said model train track to one other model train, said other model train being physically connected to said model train. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein said step of performing at least one action in response to the reception of said unique identifier further comprises displaying at least one image on a screen portion of said controller in response to the reception of said unique identifier. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein said step of performing at least one action in response to the reception of said unique identifier further comprises playing at least one sound on a speaker portion of said controller in response to the reception of said unique identifier. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein said step of performing at least one action in response to the reception of said unique identifier further comprises instructing said model train to play at least one sound in response to receiving said unique identifier. 
     
     
         19 . A model train controller, comprising:
 a model train configured to be propelled along a model train track having a plurality of rails and a barcode located between a first one of said plurality of rails and a second one of said plurality of rails, said model train comprising:
 at least one barcode reader oriented in a downward direction and configured to read said barcode when said at least one barcode reader is positioned over said barcode, said barcode representing a unique identifier; 
 a transmitter configured to transmit data to a controller; and 
 a processor configured to use said at least one barcode reader to acquire said unique identifier and to use said transmitter to transmit said unique identifier to said controller; and 
   said controller including a user interface, allowing said user to at least control said propulsion of said model train along said model train track, said controller comprising:
 a user interface that allows a user to at least control propulsion of a model train along a model train track, said model train track comprising a plurality of rails 
 a plurality of transceivers configured to (i) communicate with a remote device, (ii) transmit data that controls said propulsion of said model train along said model train track, and (iii) receive data from said model train; and 
 a processor configured to use one of said plurality of transceivers to download a plurality of model train programs from said remote device, to use one other one of said plurality of transceivers to receive a unique identifier from said model train, and to run one of said plurality of programs, said one of said plurality of programs being selected by said user via said user interface; 
 wherein said unique identifier is encoded within a barcode located on said model train track between a first one of said plurality of rails and a second one of said plurality of rails, and is scanned by an infrared scanner on said model train; and 
 wherein said unique identifier results in performance of a first action when a first one of said plurality of model train programs is running, and said unique identifier results in performance of a second action when a second one of said plurality of model train programs is running, said first action being different from said second action. 
   
     
     
         20 . The model train controller of  claim 19 , wherein said performance of said first action includes instructing one of said model train and one other model train to at least one of play at least one sound, alter a speed at which said model train is being propelled, produce one of steam and smoke, and turn on at least one light.