U.S. patent application number 10/893074 was filed with the patent office on 2005-02-03 for apparatus for projecting image from a model vehicle.
This patent application is currently assigned to SMK CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Asada, Noriyoshi.
Application Number | 20050022688 10/893074 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34100918 |
Filed Date | 2005-02-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050022688 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Asada, Noriyoshi |
February 3, 2005 |
Apparatus for projecting image from a model vehicle
Abstract
A model apparatus is provided in that images from a model
vehicle can be continuously watched on a monitor even when the
model vehicle travels through a place surrounded by a shielding
material. An image signal transmission route from the model vehicle
to the monitor uses conductive rail lines for guiding the model
vehicle and supplying drive power to a drive motor, so that even
when there is an electromagnetic shielding material in the vicinity
of a place where the model vehicle travels, the images can be
continuously displayed on the monitor.
Inventors: |
Asada, Noriyoshi; (Tokyo,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DARBY & DARBY P.C.
P. O. BOX 5257
NEW YORK
NY
10150-5257
US
|
Assignee: |
SMK CORPORATION
Tokyo
JP
TOMY Company, LTD.
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
34100918 |
Appl. No.: |
10/893074 |
Filed: |
July 15, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
105/26.05 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 19/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
105/026.05 |
International
Class: |
B61C 001/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 28, 2003 |
JP |
2003-281082 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A model apparatus comprising: a track composed of a conductive
rail track connected to a drive power supply for guiding a model
vehicle; a drive motor mounted on the model vehicle for driving the
model vehicle to travel on the track by receiving drive power via a
contact portion of the model vehicle on the track; an imaging
camera mounted on the model vehicle for picking up images from the
inside of the model vehicle; a monitor for displaying the images
picked up by the imaging camera at a position separate from the
model vehicle; an FM modulation circuit unit mounted on the model
vehicle for outputting a modulated image signal to the contact
portion by FM-modulating the image signal produced by the imaging
camera; and an FM demodulation circuit unit connected to the track
for demodulating the modulated image signal received from the track
and outputting to the monitor.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the model vehicle is
a model train, and the contact portion is a wheel rolling in
contact on the track.
3. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the model train
comprises a plurality of vehicles connected to each other, and the
model vehicle having the drive motor mounted thereon comprises an
auxiliary battery mounted thereon for supplying electric power to
the imaging camera and the FM modulation circuit unit.
4. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the wheel of the
model vehicle having the drive motor outputs the modulated image
signals.
5. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the FM modulation
circuit unit comprises a matching transformer for converting
modulated image signals produced in an unbalanced form into those
in a balanced form so as to be output to each wheel contacting a
pair of rail tracks.
6. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the FM modulation
circuit unit comprises a matching transformer for converting
modulated image signals produced in an unbalanced form into those
in a balanced form so as to be output to each wheel contacting a
pair of rail tracks.
7. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the FM modulation
circuit unit comprises a matching transformer for converting
modulated image signals produced in an unbalanced form into those
in a balanced form so as to be output to each wheel contacting a
pair of rail tracks.
Description
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
[0001] The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn. 119 to Japanese patent application No. 2003-281082 filed on
Jul. 28, 2003. The content of the application is incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a model apparatus in that a
model train is driven along a track, and more specifically it
relates to a model apparatus in that images viewed from the inside
of the model train are displayed on a monitor separated from the
model train.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] A model apparatus has been known, in which a model train
traveling on a railroad has an imaging camera at the head thereof
for picturing images of the traveling direction so that one can see
images of the traveling direction as if he or she were sitting on a
driver's seat by displaying the images on a monitor installed at a
position separated from the model train, in Japanese Unexamined
Patent Application Publication No. 11-319332, for example.
[0006] This conventional model apparatus 100 will be described with
reference to FIG. 4. To a railroad 102, on which a model train 101
travels, an AC power supply 103 for driving the model train 101 and
a train controller 104 having a control unit 104a housed therein
are connected.
[0007] The control unit 104a includes an operation signal processor
105 for receiving operation signals representing various operations
of the train controller 104 so as to display the operational
contents by flashing lamps of the train controller 104 and a
digital control-signal converter 106 for converting an operational
signal into a digital control-signal so as to be fed to the
railroad 102.
[0008] The model train 101 includes a decoder 108 for receiving a
digital control signal via wheels 107 rolling on the railroad 102,
a drive motor 109 controlled by the decoder 108, a CCD camera 110
for imaging the traveling direction of a train, a transmitter 111
connected to the output of the CCD camera 110 and having a sending
antenna 111a, and a power supply filter 115 for supplying DC
voltages to the decoder 108, the CCD camera 110, and the
transmitter 111 by converting AC voltages supplied to the railroad
102 via the wheels 107 into the DC voltages, these elements being
mounted on the model train 101.
[0009] At a position separated from the model train 101, for
example, in the vicinity of the train controller 104, a tuner 112
having a receiving antenna 112a and a monitor 113 connected to the
output of the tuner 112 are arranged.
[0010] On the model train 101 having the drive motor 109 mounted
thereon, a weight 114 made of a metal block shown in FIG. 4 is
generally mounted so as to increase the self-weight of the model
train 101. Thereby, the AC power supply voltage is transmitted to
the decoder 108 and the power supply filter 115 without attenuating
the AC power supply voltage by contact resistance due to the
reduction in the contact resistance between the wheel 107 and the
railroad 102, and also the model train 101 can efficiently travel
without slippage between the railroad 102 and the wheel 107
drivingly connected to the drive motor 109.
[0011] In a model apparatus 100 structured in such a manner, when
the train controller 104 is operated so as to produce control
signals of acceleration and deceleration of the model train 101,
digital control signals converted by the digital control-signal
converter 106 are entered to the decoder 108 via the railroad 102
and the wheels 107. The decoder 108 controls the rotation of the
drive motor 109 based on the digital control signals so that the
model train 101 is accelerated or decelerated in accordance with
the control signal.
[0012] The CCD camera 110 mounted at the front of the model train
101 produces a photo-electrically converted image signal of a
progress direction to the transmitter 111, which in turn sends the
high-frequency signal modulated from the image signal from the
sending antenna 111a.
[0013] The high-frequency signal sent from the sending antenna 111a
is received to the receiving antenna 112a by the tuner 112 tuning
on a channel of the sending frequency band of the transmitter 111
so as to produce the demodulated image signal on the monitor
113.
[0014] Thereby, one can operate the train controller 104 viewing
images of the progress direction as if he or she were sitting on
the driver's seat of the model train 101.
[0015] In the conventional model apparatus 100 described above, an
image signal picked up by the CCD camera 110 is transmitted as a
radio signal from the sending antenna 111a adjacent to the model
train 101 to the receiving antenna 112a adjacent to the monitor
113, wherein when the model train 101 passes thorough a tunnel and
a bridge made of conductive materials, these materials block off
the high-frequency radio signal, so that the image signal is
temporarily cut off and the image on the monitor 113 is hard to
watch. Since only a radio signal with weak power can be used
especially in a general model apparatus, this problem becomes
noticeable furthermore in surroundings that electromagnetic waves
exist in the vicinity.
[0016] Also, in order to transmit an image signal to the monitor
113 by a wireless system, expensive circuit elements such as the
transmitter 111, the sending and receiving antennas 111a and 112a,
and the tuner 112 are required so as to increase the entire cost of
the model apparatus 100.
[0017] Moreover, attaching the sending antenna 111a to the model
train 101 impairs the appearance of a model of an actual
object.
[0018] Also, mounting the weight 114 on the model train 101 for
increasing its self weight requires additional components and an
assembling process for fixing them to the model train 101.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0019] The present invention has been made in view of such
problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a
model apparatus in that images from a model train can be
continuously watched on a monitor even when the model train travels
through a place surrounded by a shielding material.
[0020] In order to solve the problem described above, according to
the present invention, an FM modulated image signal from an imaging
camera is entered to a track composed of a conductive rail line via
a contact portion, and an FM demodulation circuit connected to the
track demodulates the modulated image signal so as to be fed to a
monitor. Since the image signal is entered to the FM demodulation
circuit connected to the track as the FM-modulated image signal,
the image signal is transmitted from a model train to the monitor
without being affected by noise due to a drive power supply and a
drive motor connected to the track.
[0021] According to the present invention, the image signal
transmission route from the model train to the monitor uses the
track composed of the conductive rail line for guiding the model
train and supplying drive power to the drive motor, so that
components required for a radio transmission system are eliminated
so as to reduce the cost of the model apparatus.
[0022] Also, even when there is an electromagnetic shielding
material in the vicinity of a place where the model train travels,
the image can be continuously displayed on the monitor.
[0023] Since the model train is not required to have a sending
antenna mounted thereon, the model train may have a shape similar
to a real train.
[0024] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the FM
modulated image signal may be output to a rail track via wheels
rolling in contact with the track. Because of rolling contact
between the wheels and the rail track, although the contact
pressure is not stable, the FM modulated image signal is
transmitted to the track, so that the image signal can be
demodulated without being affected by changes in the contact
pressure. Since the wheels of the model train are used, the
modulated image signal can be output to the track without impairing
appearance of the model.
[0025] Also, since the model train travels on the track with a
plurality of wheels, the modulated image signal can be output to
the track via the plurality of wheels in parallel, so that even
when contact failure is produced between a specific wheel and the
track, the modulated image signal can be securely output to the
track.
[0026] According to another emdobiment of the present invention,
the model train having the drive motor mounted thereon may include
an auxiliary battery mounted thereon, so that the train weight is
increased without mounting a weight thereon and slippage between
the wheels and the track is reclosed.
[0027] Since the train weight is increased without mounting the
weight thereon for preventing derailing of the model train and
reducing the slippage between the wheels and the track, the weight
is not necessary to be prepared and assembled on the train.
[0028] According to a further embodiment of the present invention,
the contact pressure between the wheels of the model train having
the drive motor and the auxiliary battery mounted thereon and the
track may be large, so that the attenuation of the modulated image
signal due to the contact resistance is small when the signal is
output to the track.
[0029] Further, the modulated image signal can be output to the
track by reducing the influence due to the contact resistance
between the wheels of the model train and the track. Also, since
the wheels of the model train having the drive motor have greater
transition so signal noise, which may interference with the
modulated image signal, caused by the slipping of the wheels where
the track may not be produced.
[0030] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
the modulated image signal may be output in a balanced form to a
pair of rail tracks via the wheels of the model train. Since the
modulated image signal is output in a balanced form to the pair of
rail tracks, even when wheels are placed on the pair of rail tracks
without considering the direction of the model train relative
thereto, the FM modulation circuit, the pair of rail tracks, and
the FM demodulation circuit are matched together, so that the
modulated image signal can be securely demodulated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an entire model apparatus
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a model train of the
present invention;
[0033] FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of an FM modulation
circuit unit of the present invention; and
[0034] FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of a conventional model
apparatus.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0035] A model apparatus according to an embodiment of the present
invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.
As shown in FIG. 1, the model apparatus according to the embodiment
is a model apparatus 1 in that a model train 2 scaled down from a
real railroad train is driven to travel on rail tracks 3 and 3,
which are tracks downsized in the same scale, and a DC power supply
4 is connected to the rail tracks 3 and 3 via a controller 5 as a
drive power supply for the model train 2.
[0036] The DC power supply 4 is a power supply with a 5 V DC, for
example, and applies a DC voltage, in which polarity and voltage
are controlled by the controller 5, between a pair of the parallel
rail tracks 3 and 3. The DC power supply 4 also supplies operating
power to an FM demodulation circuit unit 6, which will be described
later and is accommodated within a common control box 10 together
with the DC power supply 4 and the controller 5.
[0037] The pair of rail tracks 3 and 3 are depicted as a continuous
loop, for example an ellipse, in the drawing; alternatively, one
end thereof may be terminated.
[0038] As shown in FIG. 2, the model train 2 is composed of three
trains including a front train (i.e., an engine) 2A, an
intermediate train 2B, and a rear end train (i.e.caboose) 2C, which
are connected to each other. On the rear end train 2C, a drive
motor 7 is mounted for driving the entire model train 2. To the
drive motor 7, a DC voltage, which is supplied between the rail
tracks 3 and 3, is applied via wheels 8C and 8C of the rear end
train 2C. The drive motor 7 rotates in a forward or reverse
direction in accordance with the polarity of the DC voltage applied
between the rail tracks 3 and 3, and rotates at a rotation speed
approximately proportional to the voltage. The rotation of the
drive motor 7 is transmitted to the wheels 8C and 8C, which are
drive wheels, through a worm gear (not shown) . Therefore, the
travel direction and speed of the model train 2 are controlled by
operating the above-mentioned controller 5 so as to control the
voltage and polarity to be supplied between the rail tracks 3 and
3.
[0039] A low-pass filter 9 is connected to a power line connecting
to the drive motor 7 in series so as to prevent high-frequency
component noise produced by the drive of the drive motor 7 from
flowing between the rail tracks 3 and 3.
[0040] On the front train 2A, a C-MOS camera 11 is mounted so as to
pick up images of the progress direction of the model train 2. The
output of the C-MOS camera 11 is connected to an FM modulation
circuit unit 12 mounted on the intermediate train 2B so as to
output a photo-electrically converted image signal.
[0041] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the FM modulation circuit unit
12. The image signal produced by the C-MOS camera 11 is amplified
by a low-frequency amplifier circuit 13 composed of an
operationalamplifier so as to enter a clamp circuit 14. The clamp
circuit 14 clamps a synchronization signal contained in the image
signal so as to be output to an FM modulation circuit 16 via a
buffer 15. The buffer 15 coverts impedance so as to match with the
input impedance of the FM modulation circuit 16.
[0042] To the FM modulation circuit 16, an oscillation circuit 17
is connected for producing a constant high-frequency signal as a
carrier wave. The FM modulation circuit 16 FM-modulates the carrier
wave as a signal wave by the image signal received from the buffer
15 so as to produce the modulated signal to a balun transformer
18.
[0043] The balun transformer 18 is a matching converter for
connecting the output of the FM modulation circuit 16, which is an
unbalanced line, to a balanced line, and outputs the modulated
image signal to a pair of signal-output lines 19 and 19, which are
balanced lines.
[0044] The pair of signal-output lines 19 and 19 are to be
connected to the both sides of the wheels 8 and 8 rolling in
contact on the rail tracks 3 and 3, respectively. In FIG. 2, not
only to wheels 8B and 8B of the intermediate train 2B having the FM
modulation circuit unit 12 mounted thereon, but also to wheels 8C
and 8C of the rear end train 2C having the drive motor 7 mounted
thereon, the branched signal-output lines 19 and 19 are
electrically connected. Therefore, the modulated image signals are
output to the pair of rail tracks 3 and 3 from a plurality of the
lateral wheels 8 and 8, respectively.
[0045] The circuits of the C-MOS camera 11 and the FM modulation
circuit unit 12 are operated by two auxiliary batteries 20 and 20
mounted on the rear end train 2C as power supplies. As shown in
FIG. 2, the output from the two auxiliary batteries 20 connected in
series is entered to a booster circuit 21 mounted on the
intermediate train 2B. The booster circuit 21 is for boosting the
3V DC voltage of the auxiliary battery 20 to 5V, and the 5V DC
voltage is output to the C-MOS camera 11 and the FM modulation
circuit unit 12 via the low-pass filter 22 in order to be used as
operating voltages thereof. The low-pass filter 22 cut the noise
produced by the booster circuit 21.
[0046] As shown in FIG. 1, the modulated image signal produced in
the pair of rail tracks 3 and 3 is entered to the FM demodulation
circuit unit 6 connected to the rail tracks 3 and 3. The FM
demodulation circuit unit 6 demodulates the modulated image signal
to an image signal by FM detection. The modulated image signal is
superimposed on the DC voltage of the DC power supply 4 to be
applied to the pair of rail tracks 3 and 3. Although the modulated
image signal entering the FM demodulation circuit unit 6 contains
noise due to changes in voltage levels by the rolling contact
between the wheels 8 and the rail tracks 3 and due to the
rotational operation of the drive motor 7, because of the modulated
image signal due to FM modulation, the effect of the noise is
eliminated during demodulation, enabling the image signal to be
demodulated continuously and securely.
[0047] The image signal produced from the FM demodulation circuit
unit 6 is output in the monitor 23 connected to the output of the
FM demodulation circuit unit 6. Thereby, images of the progress
direction of the model train 2 can be watched at a position
separated from the model train 2. In the drawing, the monitor 23 is
located in the vicinity of the controller 5 for controlling the
travel of the model train 2, for example, so that the controller 5
can be operated as if the progress direction were viewed from a
train driver's seat.
[0048] According to the embodiment, since on the rear end train 2C
having the drive motor 7 mounted thereon, the two auxiliary
batteries 20 and 20 for supplying electric power to the C-MOS
camera 11 and the FM modulation circuit unit 12 are mounted, it is
not necessary to have a weight for increasing the weight of the
train in contrast to a conventional one. The contact resistance
between the wheels 8C and the rail tracks 3 is thereby reduced, so
that the modulated image signal can be entered to the rail tracks 3
without attenuating the signal. Moreover, since the drive wheels 8C
cannot slip on the rail tracks 3, the model train 2 can be
efficiently driven to travel, and furthermore noise produced by
slipping in contact between the drive wheels 8C and the rail tracks
3 is prevented from being superimposed on the modulated image
signal.
[0049] In the model apparatus 1 described above, a DC voltage is
applied to the rail tracks from the DC power supply for driving the
model train to travel; alternatively, an AC voltage may be applied
thereto from an AC power supply as long as the modulated FM signal
can be demodulated.
[0050] The FM modulation circuit and the drive motor may be mounted
on any train, so that they may be mounted on the front train having
the imaging camera mounted thereon. Therefore, it is not
necessarily to have a plurality of trains connected to each other,
and only one train may be used.
[0051] Furthermore, the direction picked up by the imaging camera
is not limited to the progress direction of the model train, and
any direction may be picked up. Therefore, the camera is not
necessarily to be mounted on the head of the model trains, and may
be arranged at any arbitrary position and in any arbitrary
direction.
[0052] According to the embodiment described above, the model
apparatus is exemplified; alternatively, a model apparatus may be
applied in that a train such as a racing car is driven to travel on
a model roadway with a conductive track.
[0053] Moreover, the controller for controlling the travel of the
model train is not necessarily required, so that a model apparatus
in that a model train travels at a constant speed may be applied to
the present invention.
* * * * *