U.S. patent application number 10/210582 was filed with the patent office on 2003-03-20 for method of and an apparatus for using a graphical handheld computer for model railroad programming and control.
Invention is credited to Ring, Timothy W..
Application Number | 20030051631 10/210582 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26905299 |
Filed Date | 2003-03-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030051631 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ring, Timothy W. |
March 20, 2003 |
Method of and an apparatus for using a graphical handheld computer
for model railroad programming and control
Abstract
An apparatus for use in controlling model train layouts. The
apparatus includes a handheld computer having at least one
communications port disposed thereon. A custom software program is
disposed within such handheld computer for generating and
communicating control signals to a model train layout. An
electronic interface communicates the control signals generated
between such handheld computer and such model train layout.
Inventors: |
Ring, Timothy W.;
(Schererville, IN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JAMES RAY & ASSOCIATES
2640 Pitcairn Road
Monroeville
PA
15146
US
|
Family ID: |
26905299 |
Appl. No.: |
10/210582 |
Filed: |
July 31, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60309071 |
Jul 31, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
105/1.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 19/24 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
105/1.5 |
International
Class: |
B61D 017/00 |
Claims
I claim:
1. An apparatus for use in controlling model train layouts, said
apparatus comprising: (a) a handheld computer, said computer having
at least one communications port disposed thereon; (b) a custom
software program disposed within said handheld computer for
communicating control signals to a model train layout; and (c) an
electronic interface for communicating said control signals between
said handheld computer and such model train layout.
2. An apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said handheld
computer includes a touch sensitive screen.
3. An apparatus, according to claim 2 wherein said handheld
computer includes a screen capable of displaying graphics.
4. An apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus
further includes a speed control knob.
5. An apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus
further includes a throttle speed control mechanism.
6. An apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said handheld
computer further includes a help button.
7. An apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said model train
layout is controlled by at least one of hardwired, RF, infrared and
other known types of communications.
8. An apparatus, according to claim 7, wherein said model train
layout is controlled by hardwired communications.
9. An apparatus, according to claim 3, wherein said graphics are
displayed in color.
10. An apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein up to 30 units can
be controlled simultaneously with said apparatus.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority from my earlier filed
provisional application Serial No. 60/309,071 filed Jul. 31,
2001.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates, in general, to model railroading
and, more particularly, this invention relates to a method of and
an apparatus which enables controlling a predetermined number of
model trains operating on a track system using a graphical handheld
computer for the selection and control of such model trains.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The model train industry, as is generally well recognized in
the art, has always sought additional ways to make model trains run
more realistically like real trains. Before digitally controlled
trains, there were a number of limitations on the way the train
engines could be run. For example, two trains on the same
electrically connected track had to run in the same direction, as
well as, at the same speed.
[0004] On the other hand, with Digitally Controlled Trains (DCT)
each train engine is equipped with a decoder, which decodes
electrical messages sent over the train track. This allows the
train engines to be individually controlled. Individual control
provides the train operator with more realistic train operation.
With digital control, a model train user could select the address
of an engine, and control the speed, direction, or accessories on
one engine. Also, the user could use their control to release one
engine and acquire control of another.
[0005] The widely accepted standard for controlling model trains
was generated by the NMRA (National Model Railroad Association).
The standard the NMRA generated is called DCC (Digital Command
Control). This standard spells out the electrical signal
specification and software protocols, which vendors of DCC
equipment should comply to in order that many vendors can build
model train equipment, which is compatible with other DCC systems.
To date, several vendors manufacture decoders for engines, power
units that drive the DCC signal onto the train track, and
throttles, which are used to control the engines.
[0006] Prior to the present invention, the throttles available have
control knobs and may have a line or two of text display, which is
used to program or control the engines, or accessories. A typical
scenario of controlling an engine with one of these controllers is
as follows. First, the operator must know the address of the
locomotive (Model Train Engine). The operator must then enter the
address into the throttle, sometimes by using rotary knobs or other
type of controls. Then the user must acquire the Loco. The typical
controller has a knob to control the locomotive speed, and a toggle
switch, which is used to choose the locomotive's direction. At this
point the operator must rotate the throttle knob to the position
which corresponds to the present locomotive's velocity, to finish
acquiring the Loco. Furthermore, the operator must have had the
direction switch (forward/reverse) in the proper position, which
represents the direction the Loco is presently traveling. Now the
operator can adjust the speed of the engine. The typical throttle
has function keys or buttons, which can be used to activate
locomotive accessories like the engine lights or sounds.
[0007] Becoming more popular, at the present time, and lower in
cost are Pocket Computers or PDA s. Some examples of available
Pocket Computers are the Palm, Visor, HP Jornada, Casio Cassiopeia,
etc. These Pocket Computers all have in common powerful CPU s, the
ability to have new software programs readily installed on them (to
increase their capabilities), touch screens, pixel capable graphic
screens, have one or more communication ports, are portable, and
have large amounts of memory for programs and data.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention provides an apparatus for use in
controlling model train layouts. This apparatus includes a handheld
computer having at least one communications port disposed thereon.
A custom software program is disposed within such handheld computer
for generating and communicating control signals to a model train
layout and an electronic interface is provided for communicating
the control signals generated between such handheld computer and
such model train layout.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0009] It is, therefore, one of the primary objects of the present
invention to provide an apparatus and method for use with a
graphical handheld computer to enable an operator to simultaneously
control a plurality of trains of a model railroad.
[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide an
apparatus and method for use with a graphical handheld computer
which will give the operator of a model railroad the capability of
operating such railroad in a manner substantially similar to the
operation of a real railroad.
[0011] Still another object of the present invention is to provide
an apparatus and method for use with a graphical handheld computer
to control model train layouts through a communications port with
an electronic interface and custom software.
[0012] A further object of the present invention is to provide an
apparatus and method for use with a graphical handheld computer
which will make controlling locomotives and accessories easier and
quicker by equipping such graphical handheld computer with a touch
sensitive graphic capable screen.
[0013] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an
apparatus and method for use with a graphical handheld computer
which will enable the operator to control a model train layout
using hard wired, RF, inferred, or other types of communications to
control such model train layout.
[0014] In addition to the various objects and advantages of the
present invention which have been described in some detail above,
it should be noted that various other objects and advantages of the
instant invention will become more readily apparent to those
persons who are skilled in the relevant art from the following more
detailed description of such invention, particularly, when such
description is taken in conjunction with the attached drawing
figures and with the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a mobile crane
accessory control example according to one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a graphical locomotive
consist example according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a graphical locomotive
control example with a locomotive selection window according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a throttle with a
forward/reverse direction switch according to an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of the hand held computer
hardware used in the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of one example of a
presently preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of an alternate
embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 8 is an illustration of a hand held computer which can
used in the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 9 is an illustration of a throttle with a push
button/knob combination control according to an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0024] FIG. 10 is an illustration of a computer having an added
control feature which can be used in the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 11 is a pictorial view of the hand held computer
hardware according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 12 is a pictorial view of an alternative hand held
computer which can be used in the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 13 is a pictorial view of a model train layout which
can be controlled according to the instant invention.
[0028] FIG. 14 is a pictorial view of another alternative
embodiment of a hand held computer which can be used according to
an embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 15 is a pictorial view of another model train layout
which can be controlled according to the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 16 is a pictorial view of another locomotive which can
be controlled with the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram according to a presently
preferred embodiment of the invention showing a complete
system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF A PRESENTLY PREFERRED AND VARIOUS ALTERNATIVE
EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0032] Prior to proceeding to more detailed description of the
present invention is should be noted that identical components
which have identical functions have been identified with identical
reference numerals throughout the several views illustrated in the
drawings for the sake of clarity and understanding of the
invention.
[0033] Reference is now made, more particularly, to FIGS. 1-17 of
the drawings. Illustrated therein, for example, is a graphical
handheld computer, generally designated 10, for model railroad
programming and control. Such graphical handheld computer 10
includes software programmed therein and an electrical interface 12
(FIGS. 10) for one of the several Pocket PC s (PDA s) presently
available on the market.
[0034] The software developed for the Pocket PC would preferably be
programmed in C or C++ language. This would allow the programmer to
have the best ability to create portable code. Portable code would
be code which could be compiled on one compiler, like Code Warrior,
to be used on the Palm device, or with only slight modification
could be compiled with Microsoft Windows CE embedded visual tools
if it were to execute on the HP Jornada, Casio Cassiopeia, etc. The
software for these devices could, for example, be supplied on
diskette. The user would typically connect his Pocket Pc to a
desktop PC with a communications cable (not shown). The user would
run an application, which could automatically load the contents of
the software diskette first to the desktop PC and then to the
Pocket PC. An alternate method of installing software on the Pocket
PC would be to load a desktop PC with the software via the internet
and then load the software through the Pocket PC's communication
cable. Yet, another alternative would be to supply the software
program on a permanent memory device such as a flash disk, Compact
FLASH etc, which would be compatible with the particular Pocket PC.
The method of supplying the software on a permanent memory device
like Compact FLASH would eliminate the requirement for a desktop PC
and would be the simplest method of software installation.
[0035] One possible use for the Pocket PC with the proper
electrical interface is shown in figure x. This figure shows how
the Pocket PC could be used to program DCC decoders. In this
example the Pocket PC would use a RS323 serial interface to
communicate with the microcontroller. Since the RS232 serial port
most Pocket PCs are equipped with, do not have acceptable timing or
voltage levels to program DCC, the interface electronics would be
required to translate the timing and voltages to the proper levels.
One method of accomplishing such a task would be to convert the
+/-12 Volt RS232 levels to zero to five-volt levels, which a
microcontroller could receive and transmit. The code in the
microcontroller could generate timing required by the DCC
specification. Furthermore, the output of the microcontroller would
have to go to more electronics so its zero to five volt signals
coming from the microcontroller could be converted to the proper
DCC levels.
[0036] One such system which has throttles networked together is
produced by Digitrax Digitrax builds a system in which multiple
throttles talk on a pier-to-pier network that has a communication
protocol similar to Ethernet. Digitrax calls this network LocoNet.
The Pocket PC could have an interface to such a network and be used
as a throttle with other Digitrax throttles. A block diagram of
such an interface is shown in FIG. 10. In this example the Pocket
PC would use a RS232 serial interface to communicate on the LocoNet
network. Since the RS232 serial port most Pocket PCs are equipped
with, do not have acceptable timing or voltage levels for LocoNet
interface electronics would be required to translate the timing and
voltages to the proper levels. One method of accomplishing such a
task would be to convert the +/-12 Volt Rs232 levels to zero to
five-volt levels, which a microcontroller could receive and
transmit. The code in the microcontroller could generate any timing
required by LocoNet. Furthermore, the output of the microcontroller
would have to go to more electronics so its zero to five volt
signals could be converted to the proper LocoNet levels. The final
electronics would probably be open collector transistors because
this is a requirement of the LocoNet specification.
[0037] Another possible application for the Pocket PC is a
controller also shown in FIG. 10. In this example the RS232 serial
port would connect to a DCC controller box. The controller box
would receive the serial commands to control DCC equipment. A
microcontroller in the controller box would keep track of the Locos
running and generate the required refresh signals, which would be
sent to the section of train track. The microcontroller would also
monitor the serial port the Pocket PC is connected to for new
throttle or accessory commands. Because Model Railroad track is
exposed metal, short circuits are likely. Therefore, there would be
a necessity for the controller to have short circuit protection
built in.
[0038] The features Handheld PCs come with can be very beneficial
to the Model Railroader like Touch Screen, possible Color Graphics,
communications port, etc. and can be used to control engines or
accessories. Accessories could include but not be limited to turn
outs (switch tracks), Crane (mobile or stationary), Coal (bulk
commodity) handling facilities, block signals, lighted accessories,
sound devices, crossing gates etc.
[0039] One feature, which could make the Pocket PCs even more
desirable for a Digital Model Train Throttle is the addition of a
speed control knob 14. An example of such a knob 14 added onto the
Pocket PC is shown in FIG. 10. Preferably the knob 14 would be of
the continually rotating type, which produces electrical pulses
proportional to the amount of rotation. A microcontroller in the
base unit would count the pulses from the knob 14 and convert them
into change in position numbers and transit the numbers back to the
Pocket PC via a communication port. A continuously rotary knob 14
would be preferred because if the user was controlling one engine
which the user intends to leave running and acquires another engine
which is running at full speed, it would not be necessary to turn
the knob to some predetermined position for speed matching before
control of the locomotive was allowed.
[0040] Because existing controllers have only Knobs, Pushbuttons,
Lights and simple text displays it is difficult to use such
equipment to control the Digitally controlled engines. As the
Graphical User Interface (GUI) has made Personal Computers (PC s)
easier to use, the Pocket Computer's GUI will make using digitally
controlled model train equipment easy also. The Pocket Computer can
be programmed with custom software, written for the model train
user, and custom electrical interfaces can be built, so that
communication ports can be used to control the Digital Trains.
[0041] A Pocket Computer with interfacing electronics, and custom
software developed specifically for Model Train Control offers a
much improved throttle and accessory control device as compared to
existing controllers. The touch screen and graphics capabilities of
the Pocket Computers make presently difficult tasks such as
selecting a locomotive to control, simple and quick. One such
example of using the Pocket PC for a throttle is as follows.
Locomotives to be controlled are displayed graphically on the
screen. The graphics can be iconic or picture like. The touch
screen makes acquiring a locomotive as simple as touching the icon
or picture of the engine the user would like to control. The Pocket
PC can be programmed to automatically send the appropriate signals
to release the presently acquired locomotive if desired, and in its
memory it can remember the locomotive's speed and direction, which
the user is trying to select. Therefore, the Pocket PC can
automatically set an indicator to the new locomotive speed and
also, set the direction indicator appropriately too. This type of
throttle can be much simpler and quicker to use than existing
throttles. The entire process to acquire a locomotive can be
reduced to touching the appropriate position on the Pocket PCs
touch screen once. Furthermore, the screen can be programmed with
useful text to indicate functionality to the user. For instance,
two buttons on the touch screen could be labeled Lights On and
Lights Off. By simply touching either button the lights could be
turned on or off.
[0042] In addition to controlling the locomotives, the Pocket PC
can be equally useful to control accessories. One such accessory
could be a digitally controlled motorized crane FIG. 1. A model
railroad crane may have three or more axis that can be controlled.
If pictures of the crane's controllable axesare shown on the Pocket
PC's display, graphical buttons on the touch screen can be used to
easily control the cranes movement.
[0043] Because the Pocket PCs are programmable computers they can
be used to add realism to a model train layout by keeping track of
things like fuel consumption. Since the Pocket PC is commanding the
locomotives speed, the Pocket PC can make a fuel consumption
calculation and display remaining fuel. If the Loco being
controlled was a Steam Engine the Pocket PC can display coal and
water levels.
[0044] A complete system could be built with the handheld computer
as a throttle that is shown in FIG. 17. In this configuration a PC
or Embedded PC could be used as a DCC Master. In this configuration
the handheld computers would communicate with the DCC Master via a
wireless network (such as wireless Ethernet IEEE specification
802.11 b) and the DCC Master would receive signals from one or more
handheld computers and create the DCC signal required to run DCC
locomotives and accessories.
[0045] To follow is a comparison of operation between known devices
and the apparatus of the present invention.
[0046] Existing Devices
[0047] Select a locomotive to control with a DigiTrax UT2
throttle.
[0048] 1. Release control of one locomotive (Dispatch a locomotive)
to select a different locomotive by pressing shift button
simultaneously with the dispatch button.
[0049] 2. Rotate two dials to an address of a locomotive. Note: you
must remember the address programmed into each engine you would
like to control.
[0050] 3. Press the Acquire button.
[0051] 4. If the Speed and/or the direction controls are not in the
proper position (the position such that the locomotive being
acquired has the same speed and direction), then they must first be
set in the proper positions.
[0052] 5. Now the user can change the speed and direction or
operate the controls
[0053] 6. Try to remember which function keys F1, F2 etc. control
which locomotive," functions such as Bell, Horn, Headlight Dimmer,
Dynamic Break Sound Etc,
[0054] 7. To activate functions greater than F2 (i.e. F3) two keys
must be pressed simultaneously.
[0055] Other Presently Known More Advanced Devices
[0056] 1. Release control of selected locomotiv
[0057] 2. Key in address of the locomotive to control By using a 10
digit keypad and pressing an enter key. Note: you must remember the
address programmed into each engine you would like to control Note:
usually the address is four digits so this requires five
keystrokes.
[0058] 3. Adjust the directio
[0059] 4. Now the user can change the speed and direction or
operate the controls.
[0060] 5. Try to remember which function keys F1, F2 etc. control
which locomotive functions such as Bell, Horn, Headlight Dimmer,
Dynamic Break Sound Etc.
[0061] With The Present Invention
[0062] 1. Press the location on the screen to select a
locomotive.
[0063] 2. Press the picture of the locomotive to be controlled.
Note: If a locomotive was already being controlled the invention
software will automatically dispatch the locomotive and acquire the
newly selected locomotive. Note: no matter how many address digits
are used this procedure usually only requires two press on the
touch screen.
[0064] 3. The screen will only display the proper number of
buttons, labeled in English (or any other language), to control the
installed features of the newly selected locomotive. Note: for each
new locomotive added to apparatus of the invention ,a single, one
time only configuration would need to be completed.
[0065] 1. Select a picture from a list of available
locomotives.
[0066] 2. Enter any locomotive name (usually Road Name and cab
number i.e. NS1234)
[0067] 3. Enter locomotive address. Note: you only need to know the
locomotive address once. The Pocket PC will remember the address
and relate it to the locomotive picture.
[0068] 4. Define the function buttons by entering a name for the
function and the proper DCC signal to activate for that function.
Note: the operator only needs to know the functions and related DCC
signals at this time.
[0069] It is possible to automate the task of configuring a
locomotive as described above. If the locomotive came with a
picture and function button information in a computer type format,
then the configuration could be automated. Example: by simply
making a connection from the locomotive or accessory to the
handheld PC, the configuration could take place
programmatically.
[0070] While a presently preferred embodiment as well as a number
of alternative embodiments of the present invention have been
described in considerable detail above it should be obvious that
various other modifications and adaptations of the instant
invention can be made by those persons skilled in the relevant
model railroading art without departing from either the spirit of
the invention or the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *