Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US7298103?ie=ISO-8859-1&dq=%22Meaning-based+advertising+and+document+relevance+determination%22
Timestamp: 2014-03-17 13:26:26
Document Index: 147482

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 13', 'art 5', 'art 1', 'art 10', 'art 11', 'art 12', 'art 14', 'art 15', 'art 2', 'art 3', 'art 6', 'art 7', 'art 8', 'art 4', 'art 5', 'art 1', 'art 10', 'art 11', 'art 12', 'art 1', 'art 2', 'art 3', 'art 4', 'art 5', 'art 6', 'art 7', 'art 8', 'art 9', 'art 16']

Patent US7298103 - Control and motor arrangement for use in model train - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign inAdvanced Patent SearchPatentsA control and motor arrangement in accordance with the present invention includes a motor configured to generate a locomotive force for propelling the model train. The control and motor arragement further includes a command control interface configured to receive commands from a command control unit...http://www.google.com/patents/US7298103?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US7298103 - Control and motor arrangement for use in model trainAdvanced Patent SearchPublication numberUS7298103 B2Publication typeGrantApplication numberUS 11/430,331Publication dateNov 20, 2007Filing dateMay 8, 2006Priority dateNov 4, 1998Fee statusPaidAlso published asUS6765356, US7211976, US7656110, US7880414, US20050023999, US20060202645, US20080041267, US20100094483Publication number11430331, 430331, US 7298103 B2, US 7298103B2, US-B2-7298103, US7298103 B2, US7298103B2InventorsDennis J. Denen, Neil P. Young, Gary L. Moreau, Martin Pierson, Robert GrubbaOriginal AssigneeLionel L.L.C.Export CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManPatent Citations (110), Non-Patent Citations (68), Referenced by (1), Classifications (34), Legal Events (4) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetControl and motor arrangement for use in model trainUS 7298103 B2Abstract A control and motor arrangement in accordance with the present invention includes a motor configured to generate a locomotive force for propelling the model train. The control and motor arragement further includes a command control interface configured to receive commands from a command control unit wherein the commands correspond to a desired speed. The control and motor arrangement still further includes a plurality of detectors configured to detect speed information of the motor, and a process control arrangement configured to receive the speed information from the sensors. The process control arrangement is further configured and arranged to generate a plurality of motor control signals based on the speed information for controlling the speed of said motor. The control and motor arrangement yet still further includes a motor control arrangement configured to cause power to be applied to the motor at different times in response to the motor control signals.
1. A control and motor arrangement for a model toy train comprising:
a motor configured and arranged to generate a locomotive force for propelling a model train;
a transducer operative in providing rotational position information from the motor, the rotational position information being characteristic of rotational position of the train wheels upon which the motor is operating;
a control arrangement, coupled to the transducer to receive the rotational position information and configured and arranged to cause power to be applied to the motor in response to the rotational position information provided by the transducer, wherein the control arrangement is configured and arranged to simulate effects relative to inertia.
2. A control and motor arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the control arrangement is configured and arranged to, in response to power being removed from the model train, supply power to the motor from an alternate power source.
3. A control and motor arrangement according to claim 2, wherein the alternate power source comprises a battery arrangement.
4. A control and motor arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the control arrangement is configured and arranged to, in response to a train start command, gradually supply power to the motor.
5. A control and motor arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the transducer is further operative in providing rotational speed information from the motor, the control arrangement being further configured and arranged to cause power to be applied to the motor in response to at least one of the rotational position information and rotational speed information provided by the transducer.
6. control and motor arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the rotational position information is further characteristic of a position within a rotational cycle of the motor.
7. A control and motor arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the control arrangement is further configured and arranged to control a rate of acceleration of the train to simulate effects of inertia.
8. A control and motor arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the control arrangement is further configured and arranged to control a rate of deceleration of the train to simulate effects of inertia.
9. A control and motor arrangement according to claim 1, further comprising a sound information arrangement operatively coupled to the transducer to receive the rotational position information and to produce simulated railroad sounds corresponding to the rotational position information.
10. A control and motor arrangement according to claim 9, wherein the transducer is further operative in providing rotational speed information from the motor, the sound information arrangement operatively coupled to the transducer to receive the rotational speed information and to produce simulated railroad sounds corresponding to at least one of the rotational position information and the rotational speed information.
11. A control and motor arrangement for a model toy train comprising:
a motor configured and arranged to generate a locomotive force for propelling the model train along a model railroad track;
a power arrangement operatively coupled to the model railroad track and configured and arranged to receive power from the track and supply power to the control and motor arrangement;
a radio control interface configured to receive user commands from a radio controller unit;
a process control arrangement coupled to receive the user commands and at least one of rotational speed and positional information from the motor and configured and arranged to generate motor control signals based thereon;
a motor control arrangement coupled to receive power from the power arrangement and configured and arranged to supply power to the motor responsive to the motor control signals; and
a sound information arrangement, operatively coupled to receive at least one of rotational speed and positional information from the motor and to provide the at least one of rotational speed and positional information to a sound control arrangement for simulating railroad sounds in correspondence thereto.
12. A control and motor arrangement according to claim 11, further comprising a short circuit protection arrangement operatively coupled to the motor and configured and arranged to remove power from the motor in response to a current flow exceeding a defined threshold.
13. A control and motor arrangement according to claim 11, further comprising a memory responsive to the process control arrangement and configured and arranged to store user defined information and to provide the user defined information to the process control arrangement.
14. A control and motor arrangement according to claim 13, wherein the memory comprises a non-volatile memory.
15. A control and motor arrangement according to claim 13, wherein the user defined information includes a mapping of a motor rotational speed to a simulated speed of the train.
16. A control and motor arrangement according to claim 11, further comprising a memory coupled to the process control arrangement and configured and arranged to store data mapping motor rotational speed to simulated speed of the train.
17. A control and motor arrangement according to claim 16, wherein the process control arrangement is further configured to access the memory to select a speed corresponding to a particular user command.
18. A control and motor arrangement according to claim 11, wherein at least one of the user commands defines a desired speed for the train.
19. A control and motor arrangement according to claim 11, wherein at least one of the user commands defines a desired sound effect for the train.
20. A control and motor arrangement according to claim 11, wherein the motor control arrangement is further configured and arranged to supply power to the motor responsive to the motor control signals and the user commands to cause the train to maintain a substantially constant speed on the track.
21. A control and motor arrangement according to claim 11, wherein the process control arrangement is configured and arranged to generate motor control signals that simulate effects relative to inertia.
22. A control and motor arrangement according to claim 11, wherein the process control arrangement is further configured and arranged to control a rate of acceleration of the train to simulate effects of inertia.
23. A control and motor arrangement according to claim 11, wherein the control arrangement is further configured and arranged to control a rate of deceleration of the train to simulate effects of inertia.
24. A control and motor arrangement for a model toy train comprising:
a transducer operative in providing rotational position information from the motor, the rotational position information being characteristic of rotational position of the train wheels;
a control arrangement coupled to the transducer to receive the rotational position information and configured and arranged to cause power to be applied to the motor in response to the rotational position information provided by the transducer;
wherein, the control arrangement being configured and arranged to simulate effects relative to inertia and the control arrangement is configured and arranged to, in response to a train start command, gradually supply power to the motor.
25. A control and motor arrangement according to claim 24, wherein the control arrangement is further configured and arranged to control a rate of acceleration of the train.
26. A control and motor arrangement according to claim 24, wherein the control arrangement is further configured and arranged to control a rate of deceleration of the train.
27. A control and motor arrangement according to claim 24, further comprising a control interface configured to receive user commands.
28. A control and motor arrangement according to claim 27, wherein the control arrangement is coupled to the control interface to receive the user commands and is further configured and arranged to cause power to be applied to the motor in response to the rotational position information and the user commands.
29. A control and motor arrangement according to claim 27, wherein the user commands define a desired speed for the train.
30. A control and motor arrangement according to claim 27, further comprising a memory coupled to the control arrangement and configured and arranged to store data mapping motor rotational speed to simulated speed of the train.
31. A control and motor arrangement according to claim 30, wherein the control arrangement is further configured to access the memory to select a speed corresponding to the user commands.
32. A control and motor arrangement according to claim 30, wherein the memory comprises a non-volatile memory.
33. A control and motor arrangement according to claim 24, further comprising a sound information arrangement operatively coupled to the transducer to receive the rotational position information and to produce simulated railroad sounds corresponding to the rotational position information.
34. A control and motor arrangement according to claim 24, wherein the transducer is further operative in providing rotational speed information from the motor, the sound information arrangement operatively coupled to the transducer to receive the rotational speed information and to produce simulated railroad sounds corresponding to at least one of the rotational position information and the rotational speed information.
35. A control and motor arrangement for a model toy train comprising:
a motor configured and arranged to generate a locomotive force for propelling the model train;
a power arrangement coupled to a model railroad track used by the model train and configured and arranged to supply power to the control and motor arrangement;
a remote control interface configured to receive user commands sent from a remote control unit;
a process control arrangement adapted to receive rotational speed information from the motor and configured and arranged to generate motor control signals based upon the rotational speed information and the user commands;
a motor control arrangement responsive to the motor control signals and coupled to receive power from the power arrangement and configured and arranged to supply power to the motor in accordance with the motor control signals; and
a sound control arrangement operative to receive the rotational speed information and produce simulated railroad sounds corresponding to the rotational speed.
36. A control and motor arrangement according to claim 35, further comprising a memory coupled to the process control arrangement and configured and arranged to store user defined information and to provide the user defined information to the process control arrangement.
37. A control and motor arrangement according to claim 36, wherein the memory comprises a non-volatile memory.
38. A control and motor arrangement according to claim 36, wherein the user defined information includes a mapping of motor rotational speed to simulated speed of the train.
39. A control and motor arrangement according to claim 35, further comprising a memory coupled to the process control arrangement and configured and arranged to store data mapping motor rotational speed to simulated speed of the train.
40. A control and motor arrangement according to claim 39, wherein the process control arrangement is further configured to access the memory to select a speed corresponding to the user commands.
41. A control and motor arrangement according to claim 35, wherein at least one of the user commands defines a desired speed for the train.
42. A control and motor arrangement according to claim 35, wherein at least one of the user commands defines a desired simulated railroad sound for the train.
43. A control and motor arrangement according to claim 35, wherein the motor control arrangement is further configured and arranged to supply power to the motor responsive to the motor control signals and the user commands to cause the train to maintain a substantially constant speed on the track.
44. A control and motor arrangement according to claim 35, wherein the process control arrangement is configured and arranged to generate motor control signals that simulate effects relative to inertia.
45. A control and motor arrangement according to claim 44, wherein the process control arrangement is further configured and arranged to control a rate of acceleration of the train to simulate effects of inertia.
46. A control and motor arrangement according to claim 44, wherein the control arrangement is further configured and arranged to control a rate of deceleration of the train to simulate effects of inertia.
47. A control and motor arrangement according to claim 35, further comprising a short circuit protection arrangement operatively coupled to the motor and configured and arranged to remove power from the motor in response to a current flow exceeding a defined threshold.
48. A control and motor arrangement for a model toy train comprising:
a process control arrangement coupled to receive rotational speed information from the motor and configured and arranged to generate motor control signals based upon the rotational speed information and the user commands;
a motor control arrangement, including a nonvolatile memory responsive to the process control arrangement, the memory configured and arranged to store data values providing a mapping of motor rotational speed to simulated land speed of the model toy train, the motor control arrangement responsive to the motor control signals and coupled to receive power from the power arrangement and configured and arranged to supply power to the motor in response to the motor control signals; and
a sound information arrangement operatively coupled to receive rotational speed information from the motor and to produce simulated railroad sounds corresponding to the rotational speed.
49. A control and motor arrangement according to claim 48, wherein the memory is further configured and arranged to store user defined information and to provide the user defined information to the process control arrangement.
50. A control and motor arrangement according to claim 48, wherein the memory comprises a non-volatile memory.
51. A control and motor arrangement according to claim 48, wherein the process control arrangement is further configured to access the memory to select a speed corresponding to the user commands.
52. A control and motor arrangement according to claim 48, wherein the user commands define a desired speed for the train.
53. A control and motor arrangement according to claim 48, wherein the user commands define a desired simulated railroad sound for the train.
54. A control and motor arrangement according to claim 48, wherein the motor control arrangement is further configured and arranged to supply power to the motor responsive to the motor control signals and the user commands to cause the train to maintain a substantially constant speed on the track.
55. A control and motor arrangement according to claim 48, wherein the process control arrangement is configured and arranged to generate motor control signals that simulate effects relative to inertia.
56. A control and motor arrangement according to claim 48, wherein the process control arrangement is further configured and arranged to control a rate of acceleration of the train to simulate effects of inertia.
57. A control and motor arrangement according to claim 48, wherein the control arrangement is further configured and arranged to control a rate of deceleration of the train to simulate effects of inertia.
58. A control and motor arrangement according to claim 48, further comprising a short circuit protection arrangement operatively coupled to the motor and configured and arranged to remove power from the motor in response to a current flow exceeding a defined threshold.
59. A control and motor arrangement according to claim 48, wherein the control arrangement is configured and arranged to, in response to power being removed from the model train, supply power to the motor from an alternate power source.
60. A control and motor arrangement according to claim 59, wherein the alternate power source comprises a battery arrangement.
61. A control and motor arrangement according to claim 48, wherein the control arrangement is configured and arranged to, in response to a train start command, gradually supply power to the motor.
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This patent application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/894,233, filed Jul. 19, 2004, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/702,466, filed Oct. 31, 2000, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,765,356 on Jul. 20, 2004, which is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/185,558, filed Nov. 4, 1998, now abandoned.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to model railroads. More particularly, the present invention relates to control and motor arrangements for use in model trains.
BACKGROUND Model train systems have been in existence for many years. In a typical model train system, the model train engine is an electrical engine that receives power from a voltage that is applied to the tracks and picked up by the train motor. A transformer is used to apply the power to the tracks. The transformer controls both the amplitude and polarity of the voltage, thereby controlling the speed and direction of the train. In HO systems, the voltage is a DC voltage. In Lionel� systems, the voltage is an AC voltage transformed from the 60 Hz line voltage provided by a standard wall socket.
Some conventional types of model train systems are susceptible to performance degradation related to track irregularities. For example, uneven portions of the track can cause the model train to intermittently lose contact with the track, causing power to be inadvertently removed from the train. Unwanted stopping can result. In addition, upward and downward grades in the track can cause the model train to travel slower or faster than desired due to the effects of gravity. Moreover, certain model train systems fail to adequately simulate the effects of inertia. For example, in some systems, when power is removed from the train, the train stops moving immediately. By contrast, real world trains do not stop immediately when brakes are applied. Accordingly, in some model train systems, play-realism is reduced by these sudden stops.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A control and motor arrangement installed in a model train is presented. A motor control arrangement in accordance with the present invention includes a motor configured and arranged to generate a locomotive force for propelling the model train. The control and motor arragement further includes a command control interface configured to receive commands from a command control unit wherein the commands correspond to a desired speed. The control and motor arrangement in accordance with the present invention still further includes a plurality of detectors configured to detect speed information of said motor and a process control arrangement configured to receive the speed information from the plurality of sensors. The process control arrangement is further configured and arranged to generate a plurality of motor control signals based on the speed information for controlling the speed of said motor. The control and motor arrangement in accordance with the present invention yet still further includes a motor control arrangement configured to cause power to be applied to the motor at different times in response to the motor control signals.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS These and other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 illustrates an example control and motor arrangement installed in a model train, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a profile view, in section, of an example control and motor arrangement for use in a model train, according to another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a plan view of an example control and motor arrangement for use in a model train, according to another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example control arrangement forming part of a control and motor arrangement for use in a model train, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 5A and 5B are portions of a schematic diagram depicting an example circuit arrangement for implementing the control arrangement illustrated in FIG. 4; and
FIGS. 6, 7A-7D, and 8 are portions of a schematic diagram depicting another example circuit arrangement for implementing the control arrangement illustrated in FIG. 4.
The invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms. Specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present invention is believed to be applicable to a variety of model railroad systems. The invention has been found to be particularly advantageous in environments in which it is desirable to operate a model train under a variety of rail conditions. An appreciation of various aspects of the invention can be gained through a discussion of various application examples operating in such environments.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, a control arrangement receives information from a model train motor regarding the current speed and position of the motor. This information is used to maintain a constant operating speed of the motor over a variety of rail conditions, including, for example, changes in grade. The motor realizes higher torque and efficiency. In addition, jerking and other adverse effects commonly associated with low speed operation of the motor are reduced. Furthermore, an inertial effect can be simulated by continuing to operate the motor for a duration after a main power source is disconnected from the motor. In another particular embodiment of the present invention, two or more motors are disposed on opposite surfaces of a control arrangement. Using multiple motors increases the locomotive power available to the model train.
In still another particular embodiment of the present invention, the motor speed and position information, as well as information relating to power consumption by the motor, is provided to a sound control system. The sound control system uses this information in selecting sounds to generate, enhancing the realism of the model railroad system and, for many hobbyists, the level of enjoyment.
Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 depicts a control and motor arrangement installed in a model train 100. The model train 100 includes a platform 102, under which a wheeled carriage 104 is mounted to support the model train 100 on a track (not shown). A control and motor arrangement 106 is mounted on a top surface of the platform 102. The control and motor arrangement 106 includes a control arrangement 108, which is coupled to control the amount of power supplied to a motor 110. This motor 110 can be implemented using any of a variety of motor types, including, for example, a DC can-type, ODYSSEY�-type, or PULLMOR�-type motor, commercially available from Lionel LLC of Chesterfield, Mich. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other motor types can be used in the alternative, and that the preceding examples are provided by way of illustration and not limitation. The control arrangement receives from the motor 110 speed information relating to the current rotational speed of the motor 110 and uses this information to adjust the amount of power applied to the motor 110 using a closed feedback loop.
In addition, the control arrangement 108 optionally further receives from the motor 110 information relating to, for example, the position within the rotational cycle of the motor 110 and/or the amount of power consumed by the motor 110. This information is used in deciding how much power to apply to the motor 110. For example, slow rotation of the motor 110 can indicate that the model train 100 is traveling along an upward slope. To compensate for this slope, the control arrangement 108 supplies additional power to the motor 110. By compensating for variations along the model railroad track, the control arrangement 108 maintains the motor 110 at a constant rotational speed, if the user so desires.
The control arrangement 108 can also be used to produce other effects that enhance the sense of realism a user enjoys when operating the model train 100. For example, a real train is significantly affected by inertia. This effect can be observed both when the train starts and stops moving. When a real train starts moving, it does not accelerate to full speed immediately. On the contrary, the train accelerates slowly due to inertia. This effect can be simulated in the model train 100 by applying power to the motor 110 gradually, even when the user commands the model train 100 to assume fall speed immediately. Just as a real train typically does not accelerate to full speed instantaneously, it does not, under normal operating conditions, immediately halt when power is removed. Rather, inertia causes the train to continue to move for some time before coming to a halt. This gradual stopping can be simulated in the model train 100 by supplying power to the motor 110 from an alternate power source, such as a battery (not shown), for a time after the primary power source is disconnected from the motor 110.
The information provided by the motor 110 to the control arrangement 108 is optionally also provided to other systems in the model train 100, such as a sound control system. The sound control system can use this information in generating realistic sound effects. For example, if the sound control system receives an indication that the motor 110 is drawing a relatively large amount of power without a correspondingly large increase in speed, the sound control system can fairly conclude that the motor 110 has to work harder to maintain the model train 100 at a constant speed. The sound control system can then select or generate a sound effect that simulates the sound of a train engine straining to drive a train up a hill.
FIG. 2 illustrates an example control and motor arrangement 200 for use in a model train. A circular base 202 forms a support structure, upon which a rotor 204 is mounted. The rotor 204 rotates about an axis 206 when the control and motor arrangement 200 is energized, driving a motor shaft 208 into rotation about the axis 206. The motor shaft 208 is supported by a bearing structure comprising spaced apart bearings 210.
When the motor is energized, a plurality of windings 212 wound around respective bobbins 214 interact to generate an electromagnetic field within laminar core components 216 and the base 202. This field interacts with magnets 218 mounted on the rotor 204, causing the rotor 204 to rotate about the axis 206. The motor shaft 208 is thus driven into rotation. FIG. 3 illustrates in plan view one example of a configuration of windings 212 and core components 216. In the particular example illustrated in FIG. 3, a stator winding assembly 300 consists of nine core components 216 and associated bobbins 214 and windings 212.
As the motor shaft 208 rotates, a plurality of rotation sensors, one of which is depicted at reference numeral 220, detect the change in position of the rotor 204. These rotation sensors 220 can be implemented, for example, using conventional Hall effect detectors. The Hall effect detectors sense voltages produced by changes in the electromagnetic field set up by the windings 212. In a particular embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of Hall effect detectors, e.g., three, are evenly disposed around the circumference of the control and motor arrangement 200. With this configuration of rotation sensors 220, the voltage produced in each rotation sensor 220 varies as a function of the position of the rotor 204 with respect to the base 202.
A control circuit arrangement 222 is connected to the motor. The control circuit arrangement 222 receives input from the Hall effect detectors and determines, from the voltages produced in each detector, the position of the rotor 204 in the rotation cycle. In addition, the control circuit arrangement 222 monitors changes in the voltages produced in the detector to infer how quickly the rotor position changes, i.e., the rotational speed of the rotor 204.
The control circuit arrangement 222 uses this speed and positional information to determine whether, and to what extent, to alter the amount of power supplied to the motor. For example, if the control circuit arrangement 222 determines that the rotor 204 is rotating slowly for the amount of power supplied to it, the control circuit arrangement 222 can command that more power be supplied to the motor. According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the speed and positional information is also provided to a sound control arrangement (not shown) to facilitate the generation of sound effects with enhanced realism.
FIG. 4 illustrates in block diagram form an example control circuit arrangement 400 forming part of a control and motor arrangement, according to another embodiment of the present invention. A power arrangement 402 supplies power to the system. The power arrangement 402 receives power from the model railroad track and also includes a battery circuit to supply power in certain situations, such as when the model train travels over an uneven portion of the track and makes only intermittent contact with the track. Power is supplied to a motor control arrangement 404, which creates the rotating magnetic field that drives the motor. The power arrangement 402 also provides power to other components of the system, such as a sound control arrangement.
A radio control interface 406 provides an interface between the control arrangement 400 and a radio controller unit operated by the user. The radio controller unit is used to access various functions, such as speed control, sound effects, and the like. A process control arrangement 408 receives commands from the radio control interface 406 and maintains the speed of the motor at the desired level. For example, if the user commands the model train to run at 40 mph, the process control arrangement 408 maintains the speed at 40 mph, compensating for such factors as upward or downward grades or curves in the track. The process control arrangement 408 also detects faults in the system, such as short circuits. In the event of a short circuit, a short circuit protection arrangement 410 disengages power from the motor when the current flow exceeds a predefined threshold.
The process control arrangement 408 accesses a memory 412, which stores certain user-defined information. For example, the user can define a relationship between the rotational speed of the motor and a corresponding speed of the model train. In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the memory 412 is implemented using a nonvolatile memory to facilitate storage of the user-defined information after power is removed from the system.
A sound information arrangement 414 detects certain operating conditions of the model train and transmits information relating to these conditions to a sound control arrangement (not shown). For example, the sound information arrangement 414 is configured to detect whether the train is traversing a grade and, if so, whether the grade is upward or downward. The sound control arrangement processes this information and selects appropriate sound effects to enhance the sense of realism. For example, if the model train is moving uphill, the process control arrangement 408 senses that more power is required to maintain a constant speed. The process control arrangement 408 thus increases the power supply to the motor. In addition, the sound information arrangement 414 informs the sound control arrangement that more power has been supplied to the motor. The sound control arrangement then selects a sound effect consistent with additional power, such as increased simulated diesel engine noise.
FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate an example circuit arrangement implementing the control arrangement 400 of FIG. 4, according to a particular embodiment of the present invention. Primary power is supplied to the circuit from a connection 502 to a rail power supply. A rectifier arrangement 504 converts the AC voltage between the rails to a DC voltage for use by the train. In addition, a connection 506 to a battery serves as an alternate power source when, for example, contact with the rails is interrupted. With the battery serving as a secondary power source, the train maintains operation in the event of such interruptions. A battery circuit 508 conveys power from the battery to the control arrangement 400.
A motor controller 510 is responsible for generating the rotating magnetic field that drives the train motor. In the specific embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, this magnetic field is generated in three alternating zones. These three zones correspond to three AND gates 512, each of which receives as input a pulse width modulation signal PWM and a control signal OUTi. The control signals OUTi are provided by a process controller 514, the operation of which is discussed in detail below. When the control signal OUTi and the pulse width modulation signal PWM are both active for a particular AND gate 512, power is supplied to a corresponding portion of the motor through a CMOS arrangement 516 and a motor connection 518. As each portion of the motor receives power in turn, a magnetic field is generated in that portion of the motor. A short circuit protection circuit 520 provides a path to ground in the event of a short circuit. The control signals OUTi are generated by the process controller 514 so as to cause the field to rotate around the motor.
To generate the control signals OUTi, the process controller 514 monitors the rotational speed of the motor using an input 522 coupled to, for example, a Hall effect sensor. Monitoring the speed of the motor enables the process controller 514 to maintain a constant speed, if desired, over a variety of track conditions. For example, if the process controller 514 senses that the motor is rotating slowly relative to the amount of power supplied to it, it can infer that the train is traveling uphill or over otherwise challenging terrain and apply more power to the motor. Similarly, if the process controller 514 detects that the motor is rotating quickly relative to the amount of power supplied to it, the process controller 514 can decrease the amount of power supplied to the motor to maintain a constant speed. In this manner, the process controller 514 uses speed control closed loop feedback to maintain the motor at a constant operating speed, regardless of track conditions, when desired.
In addition to the speed of the motor, the process controller 514 optionally receives other inputs that determine the proper amount of power to supply to the motor. For instance, as illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the process controller 514 receives information from a user-operated remote control through a radio control interface 524. This information includes, for example, the desired simulated speed of the train, directional control information, and commands to effect simulation of various sound effects.
The determination of how much power to supply to the motor depends not only on the input from the remote control and the current speed of the motor, but also on certain user-defined information, such as a mapping between a real-world train speed to be simulated and an actual speed of the model train. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, this user-defined information is stored in a non-volatile memory 526, such as a ROM or an EPROM.
According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the process controller 514 outputs speed information to a sound control circuit (not shown) using an output interface 528. The sound control circuit uses the speed information to determine how to generate or select an appropriate, realistic sound effect. For example, a horn can be programmed to sound relatively quietly when the train is running slowly, but forcefully as the train picks up speed.
FIGS. 6-8 depict another example circuit arrangement implementing the control arrangement 400 of FIG. 4, according to still another embodiment of the present invention. In the circuit arrangement illustrated in FIGS. 6-8, prim′ power is supplied to the circuit from a connection 602, illustrated on FIG. 8, to a rail power supply. A full-wave rectifier bridge 604 converts the AC voltage between the rails to a DC voltage for use by the train. In addition, a connection 606 to a battery serves as an alternate power source when contact with the rails is interrupted. The train can thus maintain operation even when such interruptions occur. A battery circuit 608 conveys power from the battery to the control arrangement 400 through a connection 610.
To drive the train motor, the control arrangement generates a rotating field. In the specific embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6-8, the magnetic field is generated in three alternating zones, each corresponding to an AND gate 612. Each AND gate 612 receives as input a pulse width modulation signal PWM and a control signal LOW_1, LOW_2, or LOW_3. These signals are generated by a microprocessor 614, the operation of which is discussed in further detail below. When the control signal LOW_n (where n is 1, 2, or 3) and the pulse width modulation signal PWM are both active for a particular AND gate 612, power is supplied to a corresponding portion of the motor using a respective CMOS arrangement 616. A motor connector 618 provides power to a respective zone of the motor. On FIG. 6, the zones are depicted at reference numerals 620. As each zone of the motor receives power in turn, a magnetic field is generated in that zone. A short circuit protection circuit, depicted at reference numeral 622 on FIG. 8, provides a path to ground in the event of a short circuit. The microprocessor 614 generates the control signals LOW_n so as to cause the field to rotate around the motor.
To generate the control signals LOW_n, the microprocessor 614 monitors the rotational speed of the motor using interfaces (624 of FIG. 6) to Hall effect sensors (not shown). A connector 626 connects the interfaces 624 to the microprocessor 614. By monitoring the motor speed, the microprocessor 614 can use closed loop feedback to adjust the amount of power supplied to the motor in response to changes in motor speed. Thus, the microprocessor 614 can maintain a constant speed over a variety of track conditions, such as changes in grade.
The microprocessor 614 can also receive other inputs to influence the amount of power to be supplied to the motor. For example, a connection 628 to a control interface enables the hobbyist to provide additional information to the microprocessor 614 using a user-operated radio controller. This information includes, for example, the desired simulated speed of the train, directional control information, and commands to effect simulation of various sound effects. User-defined information, such as a mapping between a real-world train speed to be simulated and an actual speed of the model train, also affects the determination of the amount of power to supply to the motor. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6-8, this user-defined information is stored in a non-volatile memory 630.
According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the microprocessor 614 outputs speed information to a sound control circuit (not shown) using an output interface 632. The sound control circuit uses the speed information to determine how to generate or select an appropriate, realistic sound effect. For example, a horn can be programmed to sound relatively quietly when the train is moving slowly, but forcefully as the train speed increases. It should be noted that, in the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 6-8, either resistor R106 or resistor R107 of the output interface 632 is installed. In one embodiment, resistor R106 is installed to allow direct pin control of audio gain control. As an alternative, resistor R107 can be installed instead, allowing gating of the PWM signal.
The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the invention. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that can be made to these embodiments without strictly following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present invention, which is set forth in the following claims.
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Pussel (Germany), Elector Jul./Aug. 1979, pp. 7-84-7-85.2ASTRAC lets you control 5 trains on one track, in different directions, at different speeds-simultaneously!-General Electric, Model Railroader-Nov. 1963-pp. 10-11.3Build the wireless throttle: 2-Finishing the work on the controller and building the power pack by Keith Gutierrez-Model Railroader, Apr. 1983-pp. 68-75.4Builders wireless throttle by Keith Gutierrez, Model Railroader-Mar. 1983-pp. 86-95.5C/MRI-13-The C/MRI: A computer/model railroad interface-Part 13: Simplified wiring and automated diagnostics by Bruce Chubb, Apr. 1986; Model Railroader; pp. 88-94.6Centralized traffic control for the Sunset Valley-Dispatch trains just like the prototype by Bruce Chubb, Model Railroader-Jan. 1984-pp. 186-193.7Commercial Command Control Systems by Andy Sperandeo-Model Railroader, Nov. 1979-pp. 80-81.8CTC-16: A command control system you can build-Part 5-Construction concludes with the receivers-by Keith Gurierrez, Apr. 1989; Model Railroader-pp. 71-77.9CTC-16-Part 1-Introducing the CTC-16: A 16-channel command control system you can build; You can build a 4-channel system for less than $200-by Keith Gutierrez, Model Railroader-Dec. 1979-pp. 64-67.10Is Astrac on the right track?-Answers to questions about General Electric's new carrier control system for model railroads-by Linn H. Westcott, Jun. 1, 1999-Model Railroader-Dec. 1963-pp. 33-37.11Lionel "E-UNITS", undated, pp. 231-234.12Marklin 100 Years of Model Railroading; New Items 1991, Alpha by Marklin-the world of adventure for the little ones in your family-pp. 1-32.13Marklin Digital Ho-Please Climb Aboard!-Marklin Digial HO-The Future of Model Railroading has Begun, 1988/1989E, Copyright by Gebr, Marklin & Cie.GmbH, Postfach 8 60/8 80 D-7320 Goppingen, Federal Republic of Germany; pp. 1-16.14Marklin Digital Zug um Zug, Folge 5, Mehr FahrspaB im Modellbahnfuhrerstand, pp. 12-14, By: F. Roxheimer, Marklin Magazine Jun. 1991. Total pages: 5.15Marklin Digital-1988/1989 E-Everything is digital, Marklin-Gebr, Marklin & Cie. GmbH, Postfach 8 60/8 80, D-7320 Goppingen-pp. 1-8.16Marklin Digital-Everything operates digitally-10102-2000-1990/91E, Marklin-Federal Republic of Germany-Printed in Germany by Repro-Druck, Fellbach. 16601-T108 90 rd; Copyright by Gebr. Marklin & Cie. Gmbh-pp. 1-15.17Messeneuheiten Nurnberger Spielwarenmesse, pp. 8-9, MODELLmodellbahn ELEKTRONIK, Heft 2, Apr., May 1991. Total pages: 11.18Model Railroading Is Fun ; Beginning A New Series: Interfacing A Computer With A Model Railroad, Model Railroader-Bill of Lading-vol. 52, No. 2-Feb. 1985; pp. 2-3.19Model Railroading Is Fun ; Bob Clarke's Ironhead Timber Co. ITC-The Athearn SD40-2: A Kitbasher's Gold Mine Introduction To Small Scale Live Steam Computer Cab Control, Model Railroader-Bill of Lading-vol. 52, No. 10-Oct. 1985; pp. 2-3.20Model Railroading Is Fun ; Foldout-Special: C&NW's 1935 400 Passenger Train; Model Railroader; Cover Story: The Fundy Northern Expands-Detailing Nickel Plate and Southern GP30s How to model a mail crane and catcher, Model Railroader-Bill of Lading-vol. 53, No. 7-Jul. 1986; pp. 2-3.21Model Railroading Is Fun ; Modeling The Western Pacific In Z Scale; The camera as a modeling tool; Good-looking deciduous trees; Drawings of GE's C32-8; Sign-making techniques; MR's latest project railroad is built in three portable boxes, Model Railroader-Bill of Lading-vol. 53, No. 2-Feb. 1986; pp. 2-3.22Model Railroading Is Fun; Build a Whiting Trackmobile; Kitbash Welte Lumber & Millwork; Track plan for an N scale empire; Pagosa Junction, Colorado Summer, 1933, Model Railroader-Bill of Landing-vol. 52, No. 5-May 1985-pp. 2-3.23Model Railroading Is Fun; How do today's train sets measure up?; On the cover: Harry Clark's beautiful Indian Creek Valley Ry-a special color foldout feature; Build a layout over Christmas vacation; MR Visits the TCA toy train museum; Enter MR's shopping spree sweepstakes; MR builds the seaboard central, Model Railroader-Bill of Lading-vol. 53, No. 12-Dec. 1985-pp. 2-3.24Model Railroading Is Fun; How to make string trees; How to build this 650-ton coaling station, Model Railroader-Bill of Lading-vol. 53, No. 6-Jun. 1986-pp. 2-3.25Model Railroading Is Fun; Model Railroader; Modeling Union Pacific's Los Angeles Subdivision; Pachappa Hill Cut Riverside, Calif.; Paint Shop Special: UP's SD40-2s; How to model basic diesel facility; A city scence for the Z scale Western Pacific; Concluding the Bruce Chubb computer series, Model Railroader; Bill of Lading; vol. 53, No. 8; Aug. 1986; pp. 2-3.26Model Railroading Is Fun; Model Railroader; Scratchbuild with Styrene Boxcars of the 1950s; Modernize an MDC Consolidation Photo Contest Winners; Angelo Batistella's Tall Pine RR An American-style layout in Italy, Model Railroader; Bill of Lading; vol. 53, No. 3; Mar. 1986; pp. 2-3.27Model Railroading Is Fun; Rick Shoup's Atlantic & Western-Is pulse power safe? Basics of plastic structure kits Modeling steel trestles; Western Maryland's 12-class Decapods, Model Railroader-Bill of Lading-vol. 52, No. 6-Jun. 1985; pp. 2-3.28Model Railroading Is Fun; The Peninsula Model Railroad Club-Modeling a city scene ABCs of handlaying track; Build your own detectors Looking back with John Page, Model Railroader-Bill of Lading-vol. 52, No. 8-Aug. 1985-pp. 2-3.29Model Railroading Is Fun-Computerized Model Railroading-Detailing an O scale GP40-Lana's N scale railroad NMRA 50<SUP>th </SUP>convention layout tour How to paint your own backdrop, Model Railroader-Bill of Lading-vol. 52, No. 7-Jul. 1985-pp. 2-3.30Model Railroading Is Fun-How to model prairie grass-An art current structure kitbach; Color photography contest winners; Operating night on the Milwaukee, Racine & Troy, Model Railroader-Bill of Lading-vol. 52, No. 3-Mar. 1985-pp. 2-3.31Model Railroading Is Fun-Model Railroader-Cover Story: The Fabulous Franklin & South Manchester-Calvary Covers It All, Model Railroad-Bill of Lading-vol. 53, No. 5-Apr. 1986-pp. 2-3.32Model Railroading Is Fun-Model Railroader-Paint Shop Special Lackawanna's beautiful F3s-The Great Western An O scale basement empire-8 ways to make trees-computer interface update-Add a tunnel to your layout-Railroad in a dining table, Oct. 1992, vol. 59, No. 10; pp. 2-3; Model Railroader.33Model Railroading Is Fun-Model-Ntrak today-Lee Nicholas' Ho Utah Colorado Western Trainland U.S.A.: A Large Lionel Layout The NMRA's 50<SUP>th </SUP>Anniversary Convention Enter Mr.'s Shopping Spree Sweepstakes, Model Railroader-Bill of Lading-vol. 52, No. 11-Nov. 1985-pp. 2-3.34Model Railroading Is Fun-This is Z scale-The ABCs of Z Layouts in odd places Realistic freight cars, Model Railroader-Bill of Lading-vol. 52, No. 4-Apr. 1985-pp. 2-3.35Model Railroading; Golden Anniversary Special, Model 50 years Railroader-Bill of Lading-vol. 51, No. 1-Jan. 1984-pp. 2-3.36The C/MRI: A computer/model railroad interface-C/MRI-9 by Bruce Chubb, Model Railroader-Nov. 1985-pp. 98-102.37The C/MRI: A computer/model railroad interface-Part 10: Computer Cab Control Software by Bruce Chubb, Model Railroader-Dec. 1985-pp. 114-121.38The C/MRI: A computer/model railroad interface-Part 11:Computerized signals-prototype and model systems, and I/O wiring by Bruce Chubb, Model Railroader-Feb. 1986; pp. 74-78.39The C/MRI: A computer/model railroad interface-Part 12: Computerized signals-software by Bruce Chubb, Model Railroad; Mar. 1986; pp. 106-110.40The C/MRI: A computer/model railroad interface-Part 14: Serial interface hardware by Bruce Chubb, Model Railroader-Jun. 1986-pp. 100-105.41The C/MRI: A computer/model railroad interface-Part 15: Serial interface software by Bruce Chubb, Model Railroader-Jul. 1986; pp. 86-91.42The C/MRI: A computer/model railroad interface-Part 2: Building the Universal Bus Extender Card by Bruce Chubb, Model Railroader-Mar. 1985-pp. 92-98.43The C/MRI: A computer/model railroad interface-Part 3: C/MRI-3-Connecting the UBEC to your computer by Bruce Chubb, Model Railroader-Apr. 1985-pp. 90-99.44The C/MRI: A computer/model railroad interface-Part 6: Connecting your railroad to the I/O Cards by Bruce Chubb, Model Railroader-Jul. 1985-pp. 87-91.45The C/MRI: A computer/model railroad interface-Part 7: The Optimized Detector-it's useful even if you aren't computerizing by Bruce Chubb, Model Railroader-Aug. 1985-pp. 87-92.46The C/MRI: A computer/model railroad interface-Part 8: Computer Cab Control-hardware-C/MRI-8 by Bruce Chubb, Model Railroader-Oct. 1985; pp. 66-72.47The C/MRI: C/MRI-4-A computer/model railroad interface-Part 4: Building the I/O circuits by Bruce Chubb, Model Railroader-May 1985-pp. 92-99.48The C/MRI: C/MRI-5-A computer/model railroad interface-Part 5: Testing the system with software by Bruce Chubb, Model Railroader-Jun. 1985; pp. 80-88.49The C/MRI: C/MRI-I-A computer/model railroad interface-Part 1: How to connect a home computer to your layout by Bruce Chubb, Model Railroader-Feb. 1985; pp. 92-97.50The CTC-16: A command control system you can build; Construction begins with the command station-by Keith Gutierrez, Model Railroader-Jan. 1989-pp. 86-93.51The CTC-16: A command control system you can build; Construction continues with the power station by Keith Gutierrez, Model Railroader-Feb. 1989-pp. 89-92.52The CTC-16: A command control system you can build-Building the handheld throttles and connecting the system to the layout-by Keith Gutierrez, Mar. 1989-Model Railroader-pp. 89-93.53The CTC-16: epilogue-Answers to commonly asked questions about this command control system-by Richard C. Kamm and Keith Gutierrez, Model Railroader-Dec. 1989-pp. 132-136.54The Digital Model Train Concluding Part by T. Wigmore, Elektor Electronics Apr. 1990-pp. 24-26.55The Digital Model Train-Part 10-RS232 Interface by T. Wigmore, Elektor Electronics Jan. 1990-pp. 33-43.56The Digital Model Train-Part 11-The Monitor Unit by T. Wigmore, Elektor Electronics Feb. 1990-pp. 53-55.57The Digital Model Train-Part 12-Address Display by T. Wigmore, Elektor Electronics Mar. 1990-pp. 52-54.58The Digital Model Train-Part 1-by T. Wigmore, EE Feb. 1989; pp. 42-46.59The Digital Model Train-Part 2-by T. Wigmore, EE Mar. 1989-pp. 50-53.60The Digital Model Train-Part 3-by T. Wigmore, Elektor Electronics Apr. 1989-pp. 14-18.61The Digital Model Train-Part 4-by T. Wigmore-Elektor Electronics May 1989-pp. 16-17.62The Digital Model Train-Part 5-by T. Wigmore, Elektor Electronics Jul./Aug. 1989-pp. 56-59.63The Digital Model Train-Part 6-by T. Wigmore, Elektor Electronics Sep. 1989-pp. 44-47.64The Digital Model Train-Part 7-by T. Wigmore, Elektor Electronics Oct. 1989-pp. 21-24.65The Digital Model Train-Part 8-by T. Wigmore, Elektor Electronics Nov. 1989-pp. 32-36.66The Digital Model Train-Part 9:Keyboards by T. Wigmore-Elektor Electronics Dec. 1989; pp. 24-28.67Update: The Computer/Model Railroad Interface-A personal computer can do wonders for your railroad's operation by Bruce Chubb, Oct. 1992; Model Railroader; pp. 112-117.68Why computer speed control? The C/MRI: A computer/model railroad interface; Part 16 (conclusion: Digital/analog and analog/digital converters, and computerized throttles by Bruce Chubb, Model Railroad; Aug. 1986; pp. 98-108.Referenced byCiting PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS8620001Dec 23, 2011Dec 31, 2013Harman International Industries, IncorporatedSystem for simulated multi-gear vehicle sound generationClassifications U.S. Classification318/282, 318/286, 446/431, 388/819, 318/400.26, 318/430, 388/828, 446/467, 388/814, 388/831, 388/832, 446/465, 446/280International ClassificationH02P6/08, H02P6/16, A63H19/02, A63H19/24, A63H19/10, H02K21/12, H02P7/298Cooperative ClassificationA63H19/10, H02K21/12, H02P6/08, A63H19/02, A63H19/14, A63H19/24, H02P6/165European ClassificationH02K21/12, H02P6/16B, A63H19/02, A63H19/24, H02P6/08, A63H19/14, A63H19/10Legal EventsDateCodeEventDescriptionApr 22, 2011FPAYFee paymentYear of fee payment: 4Jun 3, 2008ASAssignmentOwner name: GUGGENHEIM CORPORATE FUNDING, LLC, NEW YORKFree format text: CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE SIGNATURE PAGES TO THE SHORT FORM PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ON REEL 020951 FRAME 0794. 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