Abstract:
A play equipment controller for activating a plurality of functions in play equipment includes at least one control and analysis module configured for controlling activation and task allocation of individual devices having functions, the at least one control and analysis module including a primary power supply configured to relay power indirectly to the individual devices as needed; and at least one base module configured to be coupled with the at least one control analysis module directly or via another base module and to indirectly connect at least one individual device to the at least one control and analysis module. The at least one base module includes at least one connection module configured for at least indirectly connecting at least one individual device to the at least one base module.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The invention relates to a play equipment controller for activating a variety of functions in an item of play equipment, in particular in a model railway. In addition, the invention relates to a control and analysis module for such a play equipment controller. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0004]    The activation of play equipment via a suitable control electronics system is currently to ensure above all that the play equipment displays the most realistic possible functionality, which re-creates reality very well. To achieve this in the case of model railways as play equipment, for example, a variety of control and analysis devices is currently necessary. These must be individually connected to the individual equipment in a complex manner. In a suitable device for data processing and control of the model railway system, for example in a computer system, the function of the individual devices of the model railway system must be activated accordingly, for which the connection location, the function of the individual device, and the wiring performed, and/or a corresponding identification of the individual equipment must always be considered precisely. Overall, this is extraordinarily complex both in construction and also in the programming of the control software. Possible changes in the hardware, for example due to track modification, and due to buildup and dismantling of the model railway system in the case of small systems, therefore require complex reconfiguration of the entire system before it can be used for playing. 
         [0005]    A further grave disadvantage is that persons who start with comparatively small model railway systems or starter sets and later wish to construct larger systems or wish to continually expand existing systems are forced to rework the complete control structure in all details in every case and/or to acquire for this purpose new equipment sets and/or entirely new control software with corresponding hardware components. This is extraordinarily complex and costly. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The present invention provides a play equipment controller, in particular for a model railway, which avoids these disadvantages, and which provides a system which is simple to operate, and which can be adapted easily and efficiently to different system sizes. 
         [0007]    The play equipment controller according to the present invention is used for activating a variety of functions in play equipment, in particular in a model railway. The task allocation and the activation of the individual functions and, if needed, the analysis of return information are performed in this case via at least one control and analysis module, which is configured accordingly in individual devices, for example in a train controller, in signals, switches, lights, or the like. The at least one control and analysis module of the play equipment controller is also provided with a primary power supply which can be implemented, for example, via a battery or a network connection. If needed, power can thus be relayed indirectly to the individual devices via the control and analysis module. The play equipment controller further includes at least one base module for coupling to the control and analysis module, directly or via a further base module. The base module(s) is then configured for the indirect connection of the individual devices. Thus, a modular structure results in which one or, in the case of large items of play equipment, multiple control and analysis modules can be coupled to one another. One or more base modules may then be connected to the control and analysis module(s), which in turn have receptacles for at least one, but typically a variety of, connection modules for at least indirectly connecting at least one of the terminals to the base module. The structure of the play equipment controller may thus be implemented as completely modular. 
         [0008]    An individual device or, as explained in greater detail hereafter, a plurality of individual devices is typically connected to a connection module. The connection module itself is then coupled to the base module, for example, in that the base module is constructed so that it is configured to receive multiple connection modules. The connection module is configured in this case as a universal electronic component, which can process both analog and also digital data. It is then coupled via the base module to the control and analysis module, from which it receives the corresponding tasks, which activate the functions of the individual devices connected thereto accordingly. As already mentioned, the base module is typically configured in this case for receiving multiple receptacle modules, for example, a number of 16 parts. The base module can additionally have a further terminal for a power supply, which is useful in particular if multiple base modules are used, in which case the power supply via the control and analysis module would not be sufficient for the entire structure. 
         [0009]    If needed, the connection module may additionally be connected to a distributor element, which is configured for connecting multiple terminals to the connection module. Connections may thus be saved overall to connect, for example, a streetlight, house lights, or the like on a model railway system via the distributor element to a single connection module and therefore save connection spaces on the base module. As already mentioned, the connection module is configured as a universal electronic component and can accordingly process both digital and analog data. The structure can be configured so that plug-and-play capable individual devices can be connected via the connection module and/or the distributor element. In particular, the connection can be performed via a suitable plug system, preferably via the plug connection for which a patent was applied for in German patent application number 10 2013 012 683.5. 
         [0010]    In another embodiment the individual devices are not connected directly, but rather via an adapter element, to the connection module or the distributor element. Such an adapter element is suitable in particular for connecting individual devices from existing systems, which are not plug-and-play capable, to the play equipment controller. Accordingly, a conversion of signals of individual devices which are not plug-and-play capable into plug-and-play signals is configured in the adapter element. Items of play equipment of different sizes having differing numbers of functions or individual devices having the functions, respectively, can be activated using the play equipment controller in a completely modular manner. Depending on the size, only the corresponding number of base modules and connection modules must be kept available for this purpose. In the case of normal system sizes, a single control and analysis module is typically sufficient. If a much larger system size is conceived, the number of the control and analysis modules can then also be increased accordingly and therefore the possibility for accommodating functions can be improved. 
         [0011]    In this embodiment, the structure is configured so that simple plugging in of the functions is sufficient to perform a simple and reliable control, which reacts accordingly to the connected individual devices without special control software already having to know these individual devices before they are connected. For this purpose, it can be provided that, in the region of the claimed plug provided in the aforementioned German publication, corresponding functionalities such as identifications for the individual device connected to the plug, drivers for this individual device, or the like are stored, to thus minimize the effort in the region of the control and analysis module. 
         [0012]    For the play equipment controller, the operation of the control and analysis module can be performed via an operating element having a graphic user interface. Such an operating element having a graphic user interface is suitable in order, for example, to visualize individual devices connected to the control and analysis module via the base module and the connection modules, to then graphically activate them in a simple manner, and also to be able to see the completed activation. The operating element can be connected wirelessly to the control and analysis module so that, for example, an activation is made possible from any arbitrary point of the play equipment or its surroundings. 
         [0013]    The operating element can be configured as an Internet-capable terminal, with the graphic interface being available in a web browser. This structure is particularly simple and efficient. Graphic operation and activation of the individual devices of the play equipment can be performed via a web browser in any Internet-capable terminal such as a computer, a tablet, or a smart phone without having to perform a corresponding adaptation of the size to the respective display screen by way of a special device-specific application. This is simple, since a comprehensible and convenient control can be performed without an adaptation to the specific device of the operating element, without the typically differing sizes of the display screens causing problems. 
         [0014]    A further advantage of the displacement of the graphic user interface into a web browser is that any Internet-capable device having a web browser can be used immediately for operation, without having to be previously configured or corresponding software having to be loaded. 
         [0015]    The control and analysis module for the play equipment controller can have a transmitter for transmitting control signals to reception-capable individual devices and/or further control and analysis modules. Such a transmitter, which can be configured as a plug-on infrared transmitter, can supply, for example, simple starter sets of model railway systems, which are available on the market, with the desired signals, since they usually operate with infrared control and are regularly actuated by hand using an infrared remote control. Such an actuation can be transferred easily into the control and analysis module, without further elements such as the base module or the like then being necessary for the operation of such a simple system. Nonetheless, the possibility also exists of later expanding the structure of the play equipment controller, originating from this one control and analysis module, accordingly with the base module and the connection modules, so that the controller grows with the system if the system becomes larger. The transmitter can also be configured as a WLAN transmitter. Various functionalities can also be activated via a WLAN. In particular, a coupling between various control and analysis modules of the play equipment controller can be performed via WLAN, if a plurality of these modules are provided. Such coupling via WLAN has the advantage over a coupling, which is also conceivable via a plug connection such as a LAN line, in that it implements the structure in very large systems having multiple control and analysis modules positioned independently of one another. Cable, for example flat band cable or LAN cable, then no longer necessarily has to be laid between the control and analysis modules. Notwithstanding this, a hardware connection can also additionally or alternatively be performed thereto. 
         [0016]    With connected control and analysis modules, the further control and analysis module, which is coupled on via the transmitter or the plug unit, is subordinate to the primary control and analysis module in control technology. A structure thus results in which the first existing control and analysis module always maintains the upper hand over the other control and analysis modules, so that an overall control of the system, even if multiple control and analysis modules are present, can always be performed via this primary control and analysis module and the operating element connected thereto. The other control and analysis modules do assume individual tasks of the control, but the coordination still lies with the primary control and analysis module, so that the operation also remains accordingly simple and adapted among one another in the case of the use of multiple control and analysis modules. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]    The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0018]      FIG. 1  is perspective view of an embodiment of a play equipment controller according to the present invention in the case of an item of play equipment of moderate size; 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a play equipment controller similar to the one shown in  FIG. 1  with an item of play equipment of a very small size; and 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a play equipment controller similar to the one shown in  FIG. 1  with an item of play equipment of a very large size. 
       
    
    
       [0021]    Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate embodiments of the invention and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0022]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a play equipment controller  1  can be recognized, which in this case is to be implemented to activate a model railway system of moderate size. The core of the play equipment controller  1  is formed by a control and analysis module  2 . This control and analysis module  2  has an electrical power supply  3 , which can be implemented, for example, via a battery or a network connection. The entire task allocation of the play equipment controller  1  is controlled in the electronic components of the control and analysis module  2  and the possibly returning items of information are analyzed. The control and analysis module  2  thus practically forms the intelligent core of the play equipment controller  1 . An operating element  5  can be coupled to the control and analysis module  2  via an indicated wireless connection  4 , for example, via WLAN. Multiple conceivable operating elements  5  are shown in the illustration of  FIG. 1 . The operating element identified with  5 . 1  is to have a separate graphic user interface configured for the play equipment controller  1 . It can be a type of graphic panel or simplified tablet computer. It exclusively has a web browser, in which a communication with the control and analysis module  2  runs via the WLAN connection  4 . In this case, single individual devices  9 ,  9 ′, which will be explained hereafter and are indirectly connected to the control and analysis module  2 , are displayed accordingly and can be activated. Instead of this special operating console  5 . 1  as an operating element, the use of a commercially available tablet computer  5 . 2 , smart phone  5 . 3 , or desktop computer  5 . 4 , is also conceivable. As soon as the operating element  5  has a web browser, the graphic interface can be displayed accordingly therein, so that the individual devices  9 ,  9 ′ which are indirectly connected to the control and analysis module  2  can be activated accordingly. 
         [0023]    In the embodiment of the play equipment controller  1  described in the illustration of  FIG. 1 , the control and analysis module  2  is connected to a base module  6 . This base module  6 , a plurality of which can also be provided, if needed, as indicated by dashed lines in  FIG. 1 , in turn has connections  7  for connection modules  8 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , a majority of the connections  7  are occupied with connection modules  8  in the base module  6 , which directly follows the control and analysis module  2 . Only two of the connections  7  are free. In contrast, in the illustration of the exemplary figure in dashed lines, all connections  7  are still free in the optionally shown base elements  6 . In principle, an arbitrary number of base modules  6  can be connected to the control and analysis module  2 , as indicated in principle in  FIG. 1 . In the case of a larger number of base modules  6 , it is useful in this case to provide an additional power supply  14 , for example on the second optional base module  6 , to thus accordingly relieve the power supply of the control and analysis module  3  and also be able to provide sufficient power to a plurality of individual devices  9 ,  9 ′. 
         [0024]    A plurality of individual devices  9 ,  9 ′ can be seen below the play equipment controller  1  in  FIG. 1 . As can be seen, a train, a signal, and a switch  9  are indicated as individual devices on the bottom right. A fire department vehicle, a further signal, and a barrier are located adjacent thereto, which also form individual devices  9 . These individual devices  9  shown in  FIG. 1  are configured in this case as plug-and-play capable terminals. They are provided with corresponding connecting cables and are plugged in particular via a plug identified with  10  into the connection modules  8 , and specifically—in contrast to what is indicated in principle by the one plug—each of the individual devices  9  is plugged into a separate connection module  8 . 
         [0025]    The connection modules  8  are constructed as universal electronic components for processing digital and analog signals of the individual devices  9  and for the individual devices  9 . Ideally, the plug-and-play capable individual devices  9  can be plugged in via the plug  10 . The plug  10  can be configured in the manner described in German application DE 10 2013 012 683.5, which is incorporated herein by reference. In addition to this individual connection of the individual devices  9  to one connection module  8 , it can also be provided, as shown in  FIG. 1 , that further individual devices  9 , for example a streetlight indicated by the light bulb, a house light, or the like, can be connected via a distributor element  11 , which is in turn is connected via the plug  10  to a connection module  8 . In this way, multiple independent functionalities can be allocated accordingly via the distributor element  11 , to thus be able to be connected to a single connection module  8 . 
         [0026]    This applies accordingly to the individual devices  9  shown in the middle, which again approximately correspond in their form to the individual devices  9  of the two left blocks. In addition thereto, it is also conceivable that individual devices which are not plug-and-play capable, which are identified in the illustration with  9 ′, can be connected as shown here via the distributor element  11 , but in principle also directly via the plug  10 . Such individual devices  9 ′ are frequently present in existing model railway systems and could also be referred to as old devices in the meaning of play equipment controller  1 . To still be able to use these devices, adapter elements  12  can be provided between the distributor element  11  and the individual devices  9 ′ which are not plug-and-play capable, these adapter elements converting the signals accordingly and thus in practice “making” the existing old devices into plug-and-play capable individual devices  9 , or at least relaying the signals. 
         [0027]    Another embodiment of the play equipment controller  1  can be seen in  FIG. 2 . This variant exclusively uses the control and analysis module  2  and also typically an operating element  5  (not shown here). A transmitter  13 , which is constructed in or such that it can be plugged onto the control and analysis module  2 , and which can be configured as an infrared transmitter  13  and thus is also provided in the control and analysis module  2  of the illustration of  FIG. 1 , can emit infrared signals to activate simple starter sets of model railways or other play equipment available on the market. For this purpose, a manually-operated remote control is otherwise used. However, the control and analysis module  2  of the play equipment controller  1  also enables precise and reliable activation here, which can be performed very conveniently via an operating element  5  having web browser. In addition, it offers the possibility, in the event of a later enlargement of the play equipment, of expanding the play equipment controller  1  accordingly, by adding one or more base modules  6  having the corresponding connections, so that the play equipment controller  1  can “grow” together with the play equipment. 
         [0028]    Finally, a larger system is shown  FIG. 3 , which is activated in this case by three control and analysis modules  2 , which each have different numbers of multiple base modules  6  having the respective indicated connection modules  8 . In this way, very large systems may be activated via a single operating element  5  (not shown here). The play equipment controller  1  is thus completely modularly scalable in accordance with the system size. 
         [0029]    Due to the resulting conversion of the plug-and-play concept and the simple activation of the universal control and analysis module(s), for example via any arbitrary web browser, very simple operation is possible so that greater technical knowledge is not necessary, and simple and rapid implementation and use of the play equipment, in particular a model railway system, can be performed without soldering and wiring of control and analysis modules  2  or the like. 
         [0030]    While this invention has been described with respect to at least one embodiment, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.