System and Method for Model Train Control

Abstract

A system and method is provided for using a model train module to control at least one feature of the model train and receive information on the model train, where individual model train commands are transmitted simultaneously using different protocols (e.g., TMCC, Bluetooth, RF, etc.), thereby allowing the user to control different model trains having different communication protocols. In a preferred embodiment, identifying information is also acquired from the model train and provided to the remote control, thereby allowing the remote control to provide identifying information to the user (e.g., train name, train number, status of virtual consumables, etc.) and a train-specific user interface (e.g., one that includes controls and/or identifying information for a specific type of train).

Claims

1. A model train control system comprising: a model train module located remotely from a remote control and a model train and configured to communicate with both said remote control and said model train, comprising: a memory device for storing at least a program, said program being configured to control at least one feature on said model train in response to at least one command received from said remote control and to provide information on said model train to said remote control in response to data received from said model train; a transceiver configured to both receive said at least one command from said remote control and to transmit said information on said model train to said remote control via a first wireless protocol; a plurality of transmitters for transmitting signals for controlling said at least one feature on said model train in response to said at least one command received from said remote control, wherein each one of said plurality of transmitters is configured to simultaneously transmit individual ones of said signals via a different one of a plurality of protocols, said model train being configured to receive at least one of said signals via at least one of said plurality of protocols and to transmit said data to said model train module via said at least one of said plurality of protocols; at least one receiver for receiving said data from said model train; and a processor operatively coupled to said memory, said transceiver, said plurality of transmitters, and said at least one receiver; wherein said processor is configured to use said at least one program to (a) generate said signals for controlling said at least one feature on said model train in response to said at least one command received from said remote control and (b) generate said information on said model train in response to said data.

2. The model train control system of claim 1, wherein said first wireless protocol is a wireless fidelity (WiFi) protocol.

3. The model train control system of claim 1, wherein said plurality of protocols comprises at least an RF protocol and a Bluetooth protocol.

4. The model train control system of claim 1, wherein said at least one command comprises at least one of a command for controlling movement of said model train and a command for controlling sounds produced by said model train.

5. The model train control system of claim 1, wherein said data received from said model train comprises at least one of data identifying said model train, data on movement of said model train, data on sounds produced by said model train, and at least one model train virtual consumable.

6. The model train control system of claim 5, wherein said model train module further comprises a second transceiver comprising one of said plurality of transmitters and said receiver.

7. The model train control system of claim 1, further comprising a remote control program that can be downloaded on said remote control, wherein said remote control comprises a smart phone and said remote control program uses a display on said smart phone to provide a user with a user interface for controlling said model train.

8. The model train control system of claim 7, wherein said remote control program is configured to download via the Internet different user interfaces depending on said information received from said model train module.

9. The model train control system of claim 7, wherein said remote control program is configured to provide said user with different controllable features of said train on said display of said smart phone in response to said information received from said model train module.

10. The model train control system of claim 9, wherein said user interface further provides said user with a status of at least one consumable of said model train, wherein said status is based on said information received from said model train module and said at least one virtual consumable comprises at least one of fuel level and water level.

11. A method for controlling a model train, comprising: using a transceiver on a model train module to both receive at least one command from a remote control and to transmit information on said model train to said remote control via a first wireless protocol, wherein said model train module is remotely located from both said remote control and said model train; using a plurality of transmitters on said model train module for transmitting signals for controlling at least one feature on said model train in response to said at least one command received from said remote control, wherein each one of said plurality of transmitters is configured to simultaneously transmit individual ones of said signals via a different one of a plurality of protocols, said model train being configured to receive at least one of said signals via at least one of said plurality of protocols and to transmit data to said model train module via said at least one of said plurality of protocols; and using at least one receiver to receive said data from said model train; wherein said model train module is configured to (a) generate said signals for controlling said at least one feature on said model train in response to said at least one command received from said remote control and (b) generate said information on said model train in response to said data received from said model train.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein said first wireless protocol is a wireless fidelity (WiFi) protocol.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein said plurality of protocols comprises at least an RF protocol and a Bluetooth protocol.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein said at least one command comprises a command for controlling movement of said model train or a command for controlling sounds produced by said model train.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein said data received from said model train comprises data that identifies at least one feature of said model train selected from a list of features comprising a type of said model train, movement of said model train, sound levels of said model train, and status of a model train virtual consumable.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein said model train virtual consumable comprises at least one of fuel level and water level.

17. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of downloading a remote control program from the Internet on said remote control, wherein said remote control comprises a smart phone and said remote control program uses a display on said smart phone to provide a user with a user interface for controlling said model train.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising the step of downloading a particular user interface depending on said information received from said model train module.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein said particular user interface provides said user with controllable features that are specific to said model train and differ from at least one other model train.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein said particular user interface provides said user with a status of at least one virtual consumable of said model train on said display of said smart phone, wherein said status is based on said information received from said model train module.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates a model train system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the model train system includes at least one model train, a model train track, a model train module, and a remote control;

[0012] FIG. 2 shows an exemplary block diagram of one of the model trains illustrated in FIG. 1;

[0013] FIG. 3 shows an exemplary block diagram of the remote control illustrated in FIG. 1;

[0014] FIG. 4 shows an exemplary block diagram of the model train module illustrated in FIG. 1;

[0015] FIG. 5 illustrates a model train module communicating with a model train via at least one of a plurality of signals transmitted simultaneously in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, where each one of the plurality of signals is transmitted via a different protocol (e.g., TMCC, RF, Bluetooth, etc.);

[0016] FIG. 6 illustrates a remote control (e.g., smartphone, etc.) in communication with a host via a wide area network (e.g., the Internet) in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and

[0017] FIGS. 7A-13 provide exemplary application-based screen shots that can be shown to the user on the remote control shown in FIG. 6 in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0018] The present invention relates to model train control system and, in particular, to a system and method for using a model train module located remotely from, and in communication with, both a remote control and a model train to control at least one feature of the model train and provide information on the model train to the remote control, where individual model train command are transmitted simultaneously using different protocols (e.g., TMCC, Bluetooth, RF, etc.) to interact with different model trains having different communication protocols.

[0019] It should be appreciated that while the present invention is described herein in terms of a model train traveling on a model train track, the present invention is not so limited. For example, the invention could be used in conjunction with any model vehicle, including, but not limited to, model cars, trucks, boats, airplanes, helicopters, or drones, traveling along a defined route (e.g., a racetrack, etc.) or an undefined route (e.g., an open area, air space, etc.). The invention could also be used in conjunction with model train accessories, including different rail cars, bridges, crossings, or any other accessory commonly used in conjunction with a model train track.

[0020] It should also be appreciated that while a preferred remote control is a smartphone capable of downloading and updating an application, the present invention is not so limited. For example, the invention could be used in conjunction with any wired or wireless computing device (e.g., tablet, personal computer, laptop, dedicated Lionel remote control, etc.). The remote control, however, should preferably be configured to download at least one application (or program) from a host device (e.g., website, server, etc.) via the Internet, where the application is configured to control various features of the model train (e.g., speed, direction, sound, etc.).

[0021] In one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, the system 10 includes at least one model train 140 operating on at least one model train track 110. The model train 140 (e.g., an engine, etc.) may travel around the model train track 110 by itself or together with at least one other model train 120 (e.g., rail car, consist, etc.), where either the first model train 140 pulls the second model train 120, or the second model train 120 pushes the first model train 140. In a preferred embodiment, the model train(s) (e.g., 120, 140) are controlled by a remote control 130 that either communicates directly with the model train(s) (e.g., 120, 140) (e.g., via either at least one wired or wireless communication path) or communicates with the model train(s) (e.g., 120, 140) indirectly, via at least one model train module 150 (e.g., via either at least one wired or wireless communication path).

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the model train module 150 is configured to generate and send signals to the model train 140 either autonomously or in response to commands received from the remote control 130. For example, the model train module 150 may generate and send signals to the model train 140 to change directions, play at least one sound, turn on at least one light, produce a quantity of smoke or steam, etc. The signals can be sent to the model train 140 via the model train track 110, itself, and/or via at least one wireless communication protocol (e.g., Bluetooth, RF, etc.).

[0023] As discussed in greater detail below, the model train module 150 is preferably configured to transmit a command to the model train 140 via a plurality of signals where (a) each signal is transmitted at substantially the same time (i.e., simultaneously) and (b) each signal is sent using a different transmission protocol. For example, if the model train module receives a command from the remote control 130 to turn on a particular light, a first signal instructing the model train 140 to turn on that light may be generated and sent over the track using a first communication protocol (e.g., TMCC), a second signal concerning the same may be generated and sent using a second communication protocol (e.g., Bluetooth), a third signal concerning the same may be generated and sent using a third communication protocol (e.g., RF), and so forth. This would allow the model train 140, which may only be configured to receive and/or transmit via a single communication protocol, to receive at least one signal.

[0024] By using this one-to-many methodology for transmissions (generating and transmitting a plurality of signals in response to receiving a single command from the remote control) the system can ensure that the model train 140 will receive the command regardless of its communication protocol, where the other signals are simply ignored. It should be appreciated, however, that the model train module 150 may also be configured to generate and transmit signals autonomously (e.g., instructing the model train 140 to identify itself, etc.). This allows, for example, the model train module 150 to not only identify the model train 140 but to receive data on the model train (e.g., operating status, etc.) and to communicate such information to the remote control 130. As discussed in greater detail below, such information can be used to acquire and provide the proper user interface to the user and to provide the user with information on the train (e.g., train type, name, and number, status of certain lighting, sound, and smoke or steam, status of a virtual consumable (e.g., water level, fuel level, etc.), etc.).

[0025] FIG. 2 provides an exemplary block diagram of a model train 140 (e.g., engine, etc.) that may include a processor 210, a motor 220, a smoke production device 230, at least one light 240, at least one speaker 250, a memory device 260, and at least one transceiver 270, 280, or circuitry that can be used to transmit and/or receive at least one command and/or data, either wirelessly or wired, using a known protocol (e.g., TMCC, RF, Bluetooth, etc.). The memory device 260 may be configured to store at least one program and other information (e.g., data, etc.), which may be stored in the memory device 260 at the factory (e.g., preprogrammed) or anytime thereafter (e.g., received from a website, a server, a remote control, etc.), and may be used to operate the train and/or features thereof (e.g., speed, direction, sounds, lights, smoke, etc.).

[0026] The processor 210 may be configured (e.g., using the program and/or data stored in memory 260) to control the motor 220 to traverse the model train 140 along the train track 110. Similarly, the processor 210 may be configured to control the smoke production device 230 (e.g., to produce puffs of smoke) and to control at least one other feature (e.g., at least one light 240, play at least one sound on the speaker 250, etc.). It should be appreciated that the processor 210 may be configured to control these features autonomously (on its own), in response to commands and/or data received from a remote control 130, in response to command and/or data received from the model train module 150, or a combination thereof.

[0027] It should be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to a model train having the components illustrated in FIG. 2. For example, a model train having fewer, additional, and/or different components is within the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, the model train 140 may further include at least one other memory device, which may be a dedicated device (not shown) or included within the processor 210 (e.g., RAM, ROM, etc.) for storing at least one program, commands, data, sound files, etc.

[0028] FIG. 3 provides an exemplary block diagram of a remote control 130 (e.g., a smartphone, tablet, etc.) that may include a processor 310, a keyboard 320, at least one microphone 330, a display 340, at least one speaker 350, a memory device 360, and at least one transceiver 370, 380, or circuitry that can be used to transmit and/or receive at least one command and/or data, either wirelessly or wired, using a known protocol (e.g., WiFi, Bluetooth, etc.). As with the model train, the memory device may be configured to store at least one program (e.g., application, etc.) and other information (e.g., commands, data, etc.), which may be downloaded from a website (or server), received from a remotely located device (e.g., model train, model train module, etc.), or entered by (or received from) the user.

[0029] In one embodiment of the present invention, a first transceiver 370 is used to communicate directly with a device on or associated with the model train track, such as a model train or a model train accessory (not shown) via Bluetooth (e.g., Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)) and a second transceiver 380 is used to communicate with a host (e.g., website, server, etc.) via the Internet and/or the model train module 150 via WiFi. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the remote control 130 could use the second transceiver 380 to communicate with a website 600, or a server 620 associated therewith, via the Internet 610 to download an application stored in a memory device 660. This would allow the remote control 130 to use identifying information received from the model train module 150 to download a model train application or to update the same (e.g., to provide different user interfaces for different types of trains, etc.).

[0030] It should be appreciated that this same transceiver (or a different one in other embodiments) could also be used to communicate with the model train module 150, e.g., to transmit model train commands, to receive information on a model train, etc. This would allow the user to control the model train 140 via the model train module 150 and to receive information on the train (e.g., from the model train module 150), which can then be used to provide the user with identifying information and to download and/or provide the user with a proper model train user interface (e.g., one specific to the train that is being operated).

[0031] It should be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to a remote control having the components illustrated in FIG. 3. For example, a remote control having fewer, additional, and/or different components is within the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, the remote control 130 may not have a keyboard 320 but instead a touch screen (not shown), allowing the user to enter information by touching the display 340.

[0032] Traditionally, a dedicated remote control is used to communicate with a model train via a wired or wireless communication path. As shown in FIG. 1, the remote control 130 may transmit commands (e.g., start, stop, throttle, etc.) to the model train 140 either directly or via the intermediary device 150. For example, a wireless protocol (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.) may be used to transmit commands from the remote control 130 directly to the model train 140 or to the model train 140 via the model train module 150, where the commands (or conversions thereof) are provided to the model train 140 via the model train tracks 110 or wirelessly (e.g., Bluetooth, RF, etc.).

[0033] In one embodiment of the present invention, both the remote control 130 and the model train 140 are equipped with transceivers (e.g., Bluetooth transceivers) so that they can communicate with each other directly, without the need for a model train module. As discussed above, with respect to the remote control, this can be accomplished using a traditional smartphone (e.g., Apple iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, etc.) and an application that can be downloaded from a website or server (see, e.g., FIG. 6). The application can then be configured to work with the smartphone (or circuitry included therein) to control various aspects of the model train. This can be done via direct communication with the model train (e.g., using Bluetooth) or indirect communication via the model train module (e.g., using Wi-Fi). Either way, the application can be configured to provide the user with the proper user interface based on information received concerning the model train, which can be entered manually by the user or received automatically from the model train module.

[0034] For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the model train module 150 may include a power on/off 460, various switches and/or LEDs 470 (for user configuration and indications thereof), a memory 480, a processor 410, and a plurality of transceivers (420-450), where each transceiver is configured to communicate via a certain communication protocol. For example, a first transceiver 420 may be configured to transmit and/or receive signals using a TMCC protocol, a second transceiver 430, may be configured to transmit and/or receive signals using a Bluetooth protocol, a third transceiver 440 may be configured to transmit and/or receive signals using an RF protocol, and the fourth transceiver 450 may be configured to transmit and/or receive signals using a Wi-Fi protocol. This would allow the model train module to not only communicate with the remote control (e.g., via Wi-Fi), but to communicate with different model trains using different communication protocols (e.g., TMCC, Bluetooth, etc.).

[0035] For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the model train module 150 may be configured to interrogate the train 140 to receiving identifying information if the train 140 is so equipped. This interrogation, which the model train module 150 may do autonomously or in response to a command received from the remote control (not shown), is preferably accomplished by sending an interrogation signal via a plurality of different protocols (e.g., a TMCC protocol 520, an RF protocol 530, a Bluetooth protocol 540, etc.). If the model train 140 is so equipped, the model train will respond with identifying information via a particular protocol (e.g., a model train with Bluetooth may respond with identifying information via Bluetooth, etc.). This identifying information (or data) may then be stored on the model train module 150 (or in its memory 480) and transmitted to the remote control (not shown).

[0036] It should be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to a model train module having the components illustrated in FIG. 4. For example, a model train module having fewer, additional, and/or different components is within the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, the model train 140 may further include at least one other memory device, which may be a dedicated device (not shown) or included within the processor 410 (e.g., RAM, ROM, etc.) for storing at least one program, commands, data, sound files, etc. The program stored therein may be used, for example, to generate the plurality signals in response to a command received from the remote control and/or to generate model train information for the remote control in response to data received from the model train.

[0037] As discussed above, information on the model train can be used by the remote control to provide the user with both identifying information and a proper user interface. For example, as shown in FIG. 7A, if the model train is a Long Island Legacy Alco S2 Switcher, the remote control may be configured to provide the user with not only information that identifies the train but information that identifies its features, most of which are user configurable (or can be interacted with). This may include, but is not limited to, information on connection type (A), ID number (B), engine name and number (C), engine image (D), speed step counter or target speed (E), warning sounds (e.g., bell, horn, whistle) (F), throttle slider (G), icon keypad (H), auxiliary buttons (I), brake (J), direction (K), system halt (L), device addressing (M), and navigation buttons (N).

[0038] While some of these are merely providing information (e.g., ID number (B), engine name and number (C), engine image (D), etc.), others are interactable. For example, if the user selects the brake (J), the portion of the screen designated for warning sounds (F) and brake (J) (see FIG. 7A) are replaced with brake slider (see FIG. 7B), where the slider 710 can be moved down to stop the train. Clicking on Closed 720 will result in reversion to the previous screen (see FIG. 7A). Obviously, other features are interactable as well including, but not limited to, warning sounds (F), throttle slider (G) icon keypad (H), and direction (K). In one embodiment of the present invention, as discussed above, these commands are sent to the model train module where they are used to generate a plurality of signals. For example, if the user chooses to change directions (K), a corresponding command would be sent to the model train module and corresponding signals (plural) would be generated and transmitted (preferably simultaneously) where each signal complies with a different communication protocol (e.g., TMCC, Bluetooth, RF, etc.) (see FIG. 5).

[0039] By receiving identifying data from the model train and generating and providing corresponding identifying information to the remote control, this allows the remote control to automatically provide the user with information on the model train. For example, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, this can be done by providing the user with different train images (750, 750), different train numbers (e.g., Eng. 0044 vs. 4019) (740, 740), and different train descriptions (e.g., Long Island Alco S2 vs. Union Pacific BigBoy) (740, 740). It can also be used to provide the user with different user interfaces for controlling different train features.

[0040] For example, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, a steam engine may include the ability to turn Smoke On, Smoke Off, and Blowdown, whereas such features are not available on an electric engine. Similarly, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, a subway has the option of Doors Open and Doors Close, whereas such features are not available on a diesel engine. As shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, similar differences can be seen when it comes to lighting, where a steam engine has Doghouse On and Doghouse Off whereas an electric engine has Strobe On and Strobe Off. The differences are even more pronounced when controlling different rail cars. For example, in a passenger car (see FIG. 12A) the user can make Station announcements, Lights On, and Lights Off, whereas a crane car (see FIG. 12B) allows the user to switch between Big Hook and Small Hook, between Raise and Lower, and Outriggers. And if the train is configured to identify itself, all of this can be done (or provided to the user) automaticallynot manually as previously required. Such information also allows the train to provide information on virtual consumables, such as water and fuel. This can be seen in FIG. 13, where the user is provided with Fuel Level and Water Level.

[0041] It should be appreciated that other virtual consumables generally known to those skilled in the art (e.g., coal, etc.) are within the spirit and scope of the present invention. It should also be appreciated that the foregoing exemplary screen shots are just thatexemplaryand other or different screen shots and functionalities are within the spirit and scope of the present invention. The screen shots provided in FIGS. 7A-13 are merely to illustrate the advantages of receiving information from the model train (e.g., via the model train module), which can then be used to provide the user with not only identifying information but also a specific (or custom) user interface for that particular model train and/or accessory.

[0042] Having thus described several embodiments of a system and method for using a model train module to control and receive identifying information from a model train, where control signals are transmitted via a plurality of protocols and identifying information is used by the remote control to provide a train-specific interface to the user, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that certain advantages of the system and method have been achieved. It should also be appreciated that various modifications, adaptations, and alternative embodiments thereof may be made within the scope and spirit of the present invention. The invention is solely defined by the following claims.