Model train wireless bi-directional communication protocol
US7471649B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 25, 2003 |
| Grant date | Dec 30, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 20, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L67/12
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Methods and apparatuses implement a bi-directional model train communications protocol compatible with existing uni-directional communications protocols. In one specific embodiment, the existing uni-directional Lionel Train Master command set is expanded utilizing the checksum error nibble to flag an alternative command signal format. This expanded command set is in turn utilized to transmit a command inquiry signal from the base unit to a specifically addressed element. The addressed element in turn transmits a response based upon the expanded command set. Older model railroad elements not configured to recognize the expanded command set, regard the command inquiry signal as a transmission error and are unaffected. Newer model railroad elements not specifically addressed by the command inquiry signal ignore the command and continue operation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.