Method and apparatus for automatic and semi-automatic control of track-guided toys and model vehicles
US6908066B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 4, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jun 21, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 4, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA63H2019/243
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A method and an arrangement for the accurate, realistic automatic or semiautomatic control of track-guided toys, in particular electrically operated model railways and trains. Type- and/or geometry-specifying memory components, readable by non-contact, are disposed at or in each track, track piece, buffer, signal and/or switch that is to be included in the structure, such that each memory component and hence each track in addition exhibits an identification code that is not repeated within the series of such codes. Furthermore the rolling stock, preferably the locomotives, are equipped with a memory-reading device as well as a data-transmission device for revertive communication. After a first trip around the route, an electronic representation of the route configuration is available and can be preserved in a central memory. During subsequent trips around the route, the momentary position on the roadway or of the train is determined by reading memory components and revertive signalling to the central memory or a central control system, such that on the basis of prespecifiable tasks associated with operation of the railway, taking into account the route and velocity information as w…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.