AC/DC/DCC model train on board sound module with wireless control

Abstract

A method, apparatus and system for AC or DC track powered model trains which increases the number of remote control functions available to the powered engines via an on-board sound decoder module. The functions include sound functions, including bell, whistle, brakes, announcements, and the like, and any other functions programmed into the on-board sound decoder module. The invention is compatible with traditional AC, DC, and DCC systems and allows the hobbyist to use a wireless controller to operate the engines and associated functions in a remote fashion.

1 . An apparatus for providing a new control capability for DC model trains and for AC model trains driven by DC motors, said apparatus comprising: 
 a) a wireless transmitter;    b) a wireless receiver;    c) full bridge rectifier;    d) pulse width modulator (PWM);    e) two-channel analog-to-digital converter (A/D); and    f) a micro-controller unit (MCU):    
   
   
       2 . The apparatus in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein said wireless transmitter comprises: 
 a) a wireless signal generation device which generates a binary code,    b) an antenna,    c) and user selection means.    
   
   
       3 . The wireless signal generation device which generates a binary code in accordance with  claim 2 , wherein said wireless signal generation device is a five-function chip and wherein said binary code is a 5-bit binary code.  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus in accordance with  claim 2 , wherein said user selection means are pushbuttons.  
   
   
       5 . The apparatus in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein said model trains are DCC controlled.  
   
   
       6 . The apparatus in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein said model trains are AC powered model trains driven by DC motors:  
   
   
       7 . The apparatus in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein said model trains are DC powered model trains:  
   
   
       8 . The apparatus in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein said MCU provides automatic detection means wherein said means is selected from the group consisting of: 
 model trains under DCC control, AC powered model trains driven by a DC motor, and DC powered model trains:    
   
   
       9 . The apparatus in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said MCU provides automatic detection means wherein said means is selected from a group consisting of: 
 model trains under DCC control, AC powered model trains driven by a DC motor, or DC powered trains:    
   
   
       10 . A method for providing a new control capability for DC model trains and for AC model trains driven by DC motors; said method comprising the steps of: 
 a) transmitting wirelessly a digital control function wherein a transmitter transmits to a function receiver;    b) receiving a control signal via said wireless function receiver;    c) feeding digital signals directly to the I/O port of the microcontroller of the on-board sound unit;    d) detecting and controlling said model trains using a micro-controller unit (MCU), wherein said digital control function provides an on-board function.    
   
   
       11 . The method in accordance with  claim 10 , wherein said model trains are DCC controlled:  
   
   
       12 . The method defined by  claim 10 , wherein said model trains are AC powered model trains driven by DC motors:  
   
   
       13 . The method in accordance with  claim 10 , wherein said model trains are DC powered model trains.  
   
   
       14 . The method in accordance with  claim 10 , wherein said MCU provides automatic detection means wherein said means is selected from the group consisting of: 
 model trains under DCC control, AC powered model trains driven by a DC motor, and DC powered model trains:    
   
   
       15 . The method in accordance with  claim 10 , wherein said MCU provides automatic detection means wherein said means is selected from the group consisting of; 
 model trains under DCC control, AC powered model trains driven by a DC motor, and DC powered model trains:    
   
   
       16 . A system for providing a new control capability for DC model trains and for AC model trains driven by DC motors, said system comprising: 
 a) a wireless transmitter;    b) a two-channel analog-to-digital converter (A/D);    c) a micro-controller unit (MCU);    d) a pulse width modulator (PWM);    e) a wireless receiver; and    f) a full bridge rectifier with filter which converts track power to DC to power the PWM circuit and microcontroller (MCU).    
   
   
       17 . The system in accordance with  claim 16 , wherein said model trains are DCC controlled.  
   
   
       18 . The system in accordance with  claim 16 , wherein said model trains are AC powered model trains driven by DC motors:  
   
   
       19 . The system in accordance with  claim 16 , wherein said model trains are DC powered model trains.  
   
   
       20 . The system in accordance with  claim 16 , wherein said MCU provides automatic detection means wherein said means is selected from the group consisting of: 
 model trains under DCC control, AC powered model trains driven by a DC motor, and DC powered model trains:    
   
   
       21 . The system in accordance with  claim 16 , wherein said MCU provides automatic detection means wherein said means is selected from the group consisting of: 
 model trains under DCC control, AC powered model trains driven by a DC motor, and DC powered model trains:    
   
   
       22 . A program when executed on a computer associated with the on-board sound module on model trains causes the computer to perform the steps of: 
 a) receiving a digital control signal;    b) decoding said digital control signal; and    c) using said digital control signal, controlling on-board train functions;    
   
   
       23 . The program in accordance with  claim 22 , wherein said model trains are DCC controlled.  
   
   
       24 . The program in accordance with  claim 22 , wherein said model trains are DC powered model trains:  
   
   
       25 . The program in accordance with  claim 22 , wherein said model trains are AC powered model trains driven by DC motors:  
   
   
       26 . The program in accordance with  claim 22 , wherein said program provides automatic detection means wherein said means is selected from the group consisting of: 
 model trains under DCC control, AC powered model trains driven by a DC motor, and DC powered model trains:    
   
   
       27 . The program in accordance with  claim 22 , wherein said program provides automatic detection means wherein said means is selected from the group consisting of: 
 model trains under DCC control, AC powered model trains driven by a DC motor, and DC powered model trains.