Patent ID: 7137600
Filing Date: 2006-11-21
Classification: A63H

Abstract:
1. A method for automatic train control in a digitally controlled model railroad system, said method comprising: applying a control voltage to a track of the system, said control voltage being a square-wave operating voltage which is modulated corresponding to control information and has a symmetric amplitude; generating an asymmetric-amplitude control voltage that is otherwise essentially identical to the symmetric control voltage and applying this asymmetric control voltage to a section of the track that is used for influencing train control and is galvanically isolated from the rest of the track; detecting a polarity change of the control voltage applied to the track by means of a digitally controlled motor vehicle running on the track; after each detection of a change of polarity, sampling the voltage level of said control voltage applied to the track independently for one side and the other side of the track by means of said digitally controlled motor vehicle running on the track; comparing the voltage values sampled for each side of the track to each other; evaluating the comparison result with regard to any asymmetry occurring in the amplitude of the control voltage with reference to the side of the track; and depending on the result of the evaluation, influencing the travel behavior of the motor vehicle that is otherwise controlled by the digital control system.