DE10116554B4 - Use of read-only transponders for model vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

Device for identifying and controlling model vehicles, comprising at least one model vehicle
A machine-readable code attached thereto or in it,
At least two fixed reading devices for reading the machine-readable code when the model vehicle passes by on the respective reading device,
A single central processing unit connected to each of the readers, which transmits the records received by the readers, corresponding to the machine-readable code, for displaying and triggering system-specific switching and control functions,
characterized in that
The machine-readable code is implemented in a read-only transponder,
The readers (3) independent of the traction current system are addressable and connected to the central Auswetegerät (1) via a common BUS line (2),
- And each in the central processing unit (1) received record can be converted according to user request so that user-oriented multi-digit alphanumeric characters, character groups, identifiers and / or symbols for displaying and / or triggering analog or digital control functions are passed.

Description

The The invention relates to a device for identification and for Control of model vehicles according to the preamble of the claim 1.

Such a device is known from CH 672437 A5 , esp. 1 in conjunction with 2 , known. Disadvantages of this are the in terms of reliability not optimal optical detection of attached to the model vehicles codes, the inability of legibility of the vehicle and the lack of their user-oriented conversion (eg display of train numbers, symbols and identifiers such as train start / end, etc.)

Out WO 01/05641 A1 is known per se, contained in model vehicles Codes by means of "transponders" (in general Meaning of "feedback"). The Reading does not happen independently of the railway system, but rather stretched across the rails by evaluating vehicle currents, in which the vehicle decoder belonging and to be supplied with energy from the traction current vehicle "transponder" momentarily feedback data impresses (Short-circuit method).

The stored in classic read-only transponders in a microchip Records are in contrast, in a known manner without rail contact via electromagnetic coupling between transponder and reader, e.g. on a frequency of 125 kHz, read out.

It There are also transponders with electrostatic coupling. According to the state In technology, these systems are due to omission of the antenna coils with transponder and reader cheaper, the transponder more mechanically flexible. Do these properties she for the use attractive on model systems.

To The state of the art includes these transponders on delivery from manufacturer no data records. This is not a disadvantage since providers of transponder reading systems are able to deposit information in such transponders, that you Content corresponds to the classic read-only transponder. For not writable Readers with capacitive data transmission as well as the user, therefore, they have an unchangeable Content and behave in principle as classic read-only transponder. From this aspect, electrostatic transponders are therefore here also understood as a read-only transponder of another type.

To Use the state of the art for Model systems known reading systems Read-only transponder only for Output of a decimal vehicle or decoder number with low Scope or derived two-digit decimal numbers for switching tasks. These known readers usually contain an integrated Evaluation part that checks whether the received transponder record of the reading unit known and with a decimal assigned by the user through an operation Number is connected. For unknown transponders, the user decides if and under which number a new data record in the evaluation part included directory of known transponder should. The resulting combinations record / associated decimal number are stored internally, but only the transponder is output as a whole assigned secondary number. There is direct access to the original transponder contents not available with this indirect method. The solid combination Reader / interpreter restricts the usability in addition because, with economically justifiable effort no multi-digit Numbers, number groups for assigned different tasks, plain texts and / or symbols can be. Furthermore is a combined reader / evaluator operator unfriendly, because every assignment for Each transponder used in the system must be made on each reader.

The The object is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art while avoiding the user-friendliness of the entire system to increase.

Is solved the task through the measures in claim 1. Advantageous embodiments contain the back-related claims 2 to 4.

Transponder reading and evaluation part are functionally separated and connected to each other via a bus. This means that the complete original transponder data records are available on the bus for any access. These can after 1 be processed by a single, common to all readers to the BUS connectable any central evaluation device in favor of a much scalable scope of the output information. Because due to the centralization of the resulting effort only occurs once, this is more economical than the previously known solutions. In addition, ease of use increases because transponder data only has to be assigned to a central, easily accessible location.

The freed from the task of evaluation and thus much simpler, smaller and cheaper readers ( 3 ) now pass the information contained in read-only transponders of any type first serially a bidi Rational reading BUS with basically any structure. At this BUS is a variety of readers of any design without evaluation and a common reading devices all central evaluation device ( 1 ) connected. The central processing unit may be a standalone device within the reading system, a PC running a model railway control program, or a model railroad digital system. Because the stand-alone central device belonging to the reading system can output data in any form, the reading system is independent of all other systems and can be used independently both for feedback and for direct switching and control on analogue or digital model systems ( 1 ).

Of the optionally possible at the BUS Access to the complete original data content of any read-only transponder or on its cleaned up complete payload record central evaluation unit any manipulations of the original records, e.g. manufacturer specific different transponder formats in favor of the availability Uniformly reformat arbitrarily formatted transponders, Compressing and / or regrouping data, forming checksums, the replacement of individual bits to generate specific identifiers, e.g. For an identifier Zuganfang / Zugende, identifier Fahrzeugtyp u.ä. These manipulations can for all over the BUS current data apply or address-oriented to the data of individual Readers limited become.

In Read-only transponders of all types contain stored data records in principle except the user data additional Control information necessary to prepare read payload bit streams are: z. As the header, an end character and parity bits for data backup. With the new system structure can the. central evaluation unit depending on the design of the readers either complete records including of tax information or pure ones already freed from these Passing payload records become. In the first case, the task is the tax information to separate from the user data, in the central processing unit. In the second Case contains the reader an addition that reads the complete set before handing over to the bus in favor of lower data volumes to be transferred from free the tax stamp.

Preferably will benefit as quickly as possible Lesen used 64-bit transponder. These may e.g. 40 useful bits included. The economically justifiable in a central evaluation unit higher technical effort allowed by software controlled conversion of this Bits the output of e.g. a total of 10 digit decimal number. This is divisible into application-oriented groups, in contrast to to known methods so that z. B. the representation of 3- to 8-digit Train numbers as well as additional the independent one Output of 2-digit switching numbers or the output of 4-digit decoder address numbers with additional multi-faceted independent Train, car or switching numbers to allow. Even the numbers decoder addresses of digitally controlled model vehicles with or without Indication belonging decoder or vehicle specific properties is possible.

With 6- to 8-digit numbers are e.g. the issue complete model fairer Computer numbers of locomotives, the model fair issue 6-digit timetable train numbers or the marking of single wagons or vehicle types possible, with z. B. a user-oriented system of existing Rolling material can be built, the u.a. for the automation of maneuvering is usable. The marking of individual vehicles can also for additional or sole formation of a control information / identifier Zuganfang / Zugende be used.

is the central evaluation unit a PC on which a model-train-compatible program runs and eliminates this over appropriate opportunities, can up the state-of-the-art screen instead of numbers as well Any plain text appears. Issued with a four-digit group Decoder address numbers can not only for identification but also for control purposes be, e.g. for influencing the vehicle speed in total or in certain places or for the vehicle-dependent guideway circuit.

To 1 are also on conventional analog systems such number-dependent controls possible.

Become e.g. Decoder address numbers only used for identification / display, can be another independent 2- to 4-digit group e.g. Switch routes, sorting tasks fulfill or an existing 4-digit number group to output in total Expand 6 to 8-digit train or vehicle numbers. All this is with devices after the prior art not possible.

In the conversion of read transponder data sets in user-oriented non-volatile information, both predetermined specifications by the manufacturer of the central processing unit as well as permissive user-oriented determinations by the user are possible. This concerns, for example, the decision as to whether the number of digits to be output numbers and / or number groups, their order and / or importance (eg information / display, switching, taxes, identifiers) is fixed or made variable by the user can. User-oriented definitions can be changed, deleted or transferred at any time.

is the speed of the reading process not prioritized, z. As well as transponders with 128- or 256-bit can be used with which z. B. after conversion and ASCII data can be output.

The Transponders of different types can be placed anywhere be attached by model vehicles or an integral part of electrical equipment be of locomotives.

In The rule is a model plant with only one central processing unit, but a variety of readers be equipped of any design. So that the central processing unit received the origin Everybody must recognize data Reader addressable be. The allocation of an address can be done on the reader itself or by the central evaluation unit. At every transmission a transponder record will be the associated Transfer the reading address with the integral part of every single information package becomes.

read records can from the reader the BUS spontaneously or as a result of a query. In spontaneous operation In a known manner, precautions must be taken against data collisions.

The Query occurs e.g. through the central processing unit Sending out the reader address; This is done in a known manner in the Reget cyclically. For time optimization can only physically available addresses are included in the cycle. Those that are can be dynamically, e.g. through a Power-on initialization process, be set.

at However, the central evaluation unit can also make the least possible use of it Reaction times in a known manner additionally spontaneously in the cycle intervene and retrieve the messages of required readings. This is especially valuable if the central processing unit is a PC or a model railroad digital system that is not contemporaneous with the reading system was turned on and the information level known to him for one or all addresses immediately with the meantime possibly changed must compare current state. The query can only be limited to individual addresses or by a sent out control word z. B. the power-on initialization call, with what except the current addresses also provided all current reading results become.

Becomes a transponder through a standing in the reception area of the reading station Vehicle read continuously, can Model railway-compatible readers to avoid unnecessary Repetitions of the same information also equipped with an old / new comparison be, which prevents continuous repetitions and according to the invention the bus additionally from the central processing unit passes usable acknowledgment signal, as soon as the current transponder leaves the reading area. This creates a clear sign up of the reading point.

Of the Read-BUS is because of the accessibility of the central processing unit on the readers of any type (address assignment, query) designed bidirectionally. The BUS interfaces of readers and central processing unit can e.g. according to RS 485 be designed. A development of the invention provides that others usual on model railways BUS structures, e.g. LocoNet, s88 or other vendor specific BUS protocols, are usable. These can be the BUS interfaces of the reading system are designed so that every single device directly can be connected to any BUS structures or an interface the transition from a bus internally used in the reading system in other bus structures manufactures.

The central processing unit receives records read in the manner described including the associated address, converts this information according to program specifications automatically and / or manual operations in user-friendly information, such as multi-digit train or decoder address numbers and / or switching or control information (eg train start / Zugende) and outputs them in an appropriate form; an independent central evaluation unit of the reading system, eg via a serial output bus, to the 1 eg addressable displays ( 5 ) or addressable number-dependent switching devices ( 6 ) are connectable. For operator guidance, appropriate assistance may be available.

If the central processing unit is a PC on which a model-program-oriented control program is running, the program can evaluate the data records received. In order to adapt the read bus to a serial PC interface, an active interface can be used which, for example, can also handle the data traffic on the read bus and only transmits new information to the PC, which then processes it ( 2 ).

If the central evaluation device is a model railroad digital system, it can, after appropriate processing of received data records z. B. display information in any form on a system-inherent display and / or directly execute controllable and / or switching tasks based on definable specifications. Again, it may be necessary to read the BUS via an interface to the digital system, provided that the readers have no directly connectable interface to the digital system.

is the model railway digital system as well Connected to a PC, it can also receive received transponder data directly pass on to the PC, which saves a PC interface can.

To for overwriting through a new information the last data records received from an address in the central evaluation saved non-volatile become; when switching on after any lengthy breaks are In this case, it corresponds to the final state before switching off. of its design.

read Transponder records but can also in the readers nonvolatile stored and after switching on after any long breaks be retrieved by an automatic initialization process. This is particularly advantageous when transferring the information a digital system, because of this the task of storage is freed from old numbers.

The internal data structure in read-only transponders has manufacturer-dependent differences; For example, the header format and / or the internal data structuring may be different. So that the model railroader does not have to be fixed from the outset on transponders of certain manufacturers, a development of the central evaluation device ( 1 ) recognize differences in the transponder data structure and automatically switch to their formatting when it receives from the readers the uncleaned, original transponder content. This automatic detection and switching allows on model railways a permissive mixed operation of different manufacturer-specific different transponder, among other things, in favor of the optimal utilization of the installation space specified by the vehicle. In this context, read-only transponders are also understood to be read / write transponders described in third-party systems or by the manufacturer of the reading system, since they are read in the system described here like classic read-only transponders only with a primarily unchangeable fixed data record can.

I want to the user specifies transponders of certain manufacturers a training before, the central processing unit formatting also be able to pretend firmly to the preferred product.

A development of the central processing unit also allows the conversion and output of data records in plain text. To 1 existing displays ( 5 ) can also represent such information as text and / or graphic symbols according to the prior art.

A Continuing education of the independent central evaluation device the reading system also looks before, 3- to 4-digit numbers as corresponding multi-digit BCD code Programmable model train control systems independent of normal output bus serial or bit-parallel to pass directly.

Becomes first an independent, belonging to the reading system central evaluation unit used, later but a PC is connected with a model train-fair control program, is as a further education of the reading system belonging to independent central evaluation unit provided, this also later with a built-in serial PC interface for one Direct connection of the To equip PC.

is provided PC connection from the outset, can either an interface between read BUS and serial standard interface the PC take over the data transfer or, if the PC program LocoNet "speaks", can Readers with LocoNet interface It can also be connected directly to a PC operated with a LocoNet interface.

can the LocoNet are not operated directly on the PC and / or should the interfaces of the PC from an interface directly passing the numbers can be kept free the readers be connected to the model railroad digital system, which is to operate a PC, on which runs a model-train-compatible program is a prerequisite. Uses the digital system the LocoNet, can Readers be directly connected with LocoNet interface. Use that Digital system other bus structures, can be an interface to adapt the internal reading BUS to the foreign BUS protocol. By the modellbahngerechte modular configurability of the reader outputs but also the possibility These interfaces for direct connection to other common on model rail feedback protocols interpreted.

If, in addition to locomotives, wagons or groups of wagons are marked, a not always desired sequence of numbers is created when passing over reading points, in which only the last read, eg the number of the last wagon, is stored. A refinement of the central evaluation device therefore provides that for selectable reader addresses, the read operations of further transponders immediately following the reading of the first transponder can be faded out. This is on the one hand for certain reading sites only the record the first read transponder issued, on the other hand, individual vehicles are recognizable and addressable in Rangierbereichen by reading and evaluating all existing transponder.

The Function, with close successive readings with different results only the first read record to hand over the bus, can also be in the readers be placed. With this development, the central processing unit and the BUS occupancy relieved.

For further embodiment of the invention, it is finally provided to use a transponder reader combinable with a simplified central evaluation unit for monitoring and controlling model railway shadow stations ( 4 ). So that at least 4-digit track displays can be used and, if necessary, the points of this area can be controlled, according to the invention, in contrast to known solutions, the complete data sets with multiple-digit conversion must also be used here.

The any reader associated with this particular task Type may be addressless unlike the readers described above be because for this task only a single reader before the first Einfahrweiche a shadow station is sufficient. This eliminates u.a. in favor of Simplification of the central device the entire BUS control and address management. The simplified central evaluation unit can be separated from the user-friendly operability reader at an easily accessible Place to be placed.

The simplified central processing unit gives over as a busbar output BUS every read information so long until it is overwritten by a new read.

read Information must be transported to where the train goes. This information will obtained from occupancy detectors, with which each track of the shadow station Is provided. In contrast to known solutions are the busy messages but not fed to the simplified central processing unit and already linked there with the number information, but the each track supplied to the shadow station assigned displays. These displays get at the same time, each read information, in parallel but this only if in their assigned track section then a Busy message occurs. Subsequently, the takeover is shown in the display new information is blocked until the track is free again is.

Because the non-volatile Storage to be displayed information also in the displays can be laid, the simplified central processing unit can also be used by the function of storage of the state before switching off freed become.

This Concept allowed due to the removal of many terminals and other components in contrast to known solutions that limit to have certain maximum track numbers, the clear and particularly economical construction of arbitrarily extensive shadow station monitoring including the restoration of all displays after any lengthy breaks in operation. Except to display parked trains can this simplified central processing unit also designed to control shadow stations become. These are either from the transformed transponder records additionally train information independent Switching numbers formed or these from the display of the displays Train information derived. With this information can then driveways and park sections are switched.

A Continuing education provides, without access to the simplified central evaluation Control signals from the transfer functions to win the displays, since these only occur when a train his Park area reached. This solution relieves the simplified invention central evaluation unit in principle from all switching functions, simplifying it as opposed to known solutions additionally its construction and wiring.

Embodiments of the invention are in the drawings 1 to 4 shown:

1 : Basic configuration for a stand-alone system

2 : direct connection to a PC running a model-specific control program that can take over and evaluate external number information

3 : Connection to a model railway digital system

4 : Number display and control in model train shadow stations

1 shows the basic configuration of a stand-alone independent reading system with independent central evaluation unit ( 1 ) from which the bidirectional read bus ( 2 ), to which at least up to 128 addressable readers of any type ( 3 ) are connectable.

The central evaluation unit ( 1 ) has for better clarity not shown various displays for addresses, train and / or stock or control numbers and control and operation elements for the central assignment of addresses and the conversion of read transponder records into desired outputable train, Switching and control information. The central evaluation unit ( 1 ) also has a serial unidirectional output bus ( 4 ), on the evaluation devices, eg at any point of the system to be installed displays ( 5 ) or number-dependent switching or control devices ( 6 ) are connectable. In addition, the output of an interface that can be integrated in the central evaluation unit ( 7 ) for the optional connection of a PC.

example 1 also shows that the transponder reading system is basically a from all other systems, e.g. any traction current systems, independent, independent System is and therefore can be used on all analog and digital systems.

2 shows a reading system in which the central processing unit ( 1 ) is a PC on which runs a model-compatible control program that can interpret and use supplied transponder data records. At the BUS ( 2 ) are readers of any type ( 3 ) directly connectable. The connection read BUS ( 2 ) to the serial PC interface provides an interface ( 7 ) ago. On a second PC interface, the model railway digital system is connected, which is a prerequisite for PC operation.

3 shows the reading system, in which the central processing unit ( 1 ) is a digital system that controls a model railway. The bus ( 2 ) can be eg the LocoNet. Are the readers of any type ( 3 ) equipped with a LocoNet interface, they are directly connected to the bus ( 2 ) connectable. If they are not, an interface ( 7 ) interposed for adaptation; the same applies if the digital system uses a different BUS protocol than LocoNet.

4 shows the special design of the read-only transponder system for monitoring and controlling a shadow station. The simplified central processing unit ( 1 ) is via a bus ( 2 ) with only one, here addressless, reader of any type ( 3 ) connected. The output of the simplified central processing unit is a unidirectional output bus ( 4 ), at the five here the tracks ( 9 ) associated displays ( 5 ) with external, assigned to the tracks display fields ( 11 to 15 ) are connected in parallel. Each track ( 9 ) of the shadow station contains a busy detector ( 8th ), which sends its information to the on-track display ( 5 ), which is at the output BUS ( 4 ) pending train number linked to the busy message and an information to the the tracks ( 9 ) associated display fields ( 11 to 15 ) only passes as long as the associated busy message is active.

The simplified central processing unit ( 1 ) can also have a second output bus ( 10 ), via which it outputs switching functions derived from transponder data records, which are connected via a number-dependent switching device ( 6 ) Can influence points and trailing sections.

1

central evaluation

2

bidirectional Read BUS

3

Reader of any kind design type

4

unidirectional Output BUS

5

display

6

number-dependent switching device

7

interface

8th

Occupancy detector

9

track

10

Output BUS for switching functions

11 to 15

display fields

Claims (4)

Device for identifying and controlling model vehicles, comprising at least one model vehicle with - a machine-readable code attached thereto or in it, - at least two stationary readers for reading the machine-readable code when passing the model vehicle on the respective reading device, - a single central processing unit connected to each of the Connected to the reading devices, which corresponds to the machine-readable code, for displaying and triggering system-specific switching and control functions, characterized in that - the machine-readable code is implemented in a read-only transponder, independent of the traction system readers ( 3 ) addressable and via a common bus line ( 2 ) with the central Auswetegerät ( 1 ), and each in the central processing unit ( 1 ) can be converted according to user request so that user-oriented multi-digit alphanumeric characters, character groups, identifiers and / or symbols for displaying and / or triggering analog or digital control functions are passed. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the central evaluation device ( 1 ) an independent device belonging to the reading system ( 1 ) or a PC on which a model track control program is running ( 2 ) or any model railway digital system ( 3 ) can be. Device according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized that read-only transponder can be used with different internal data formatting. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that for monitoring and controlling any extensive shadow stations ( 4 ) a single reader ( 3 ) with a simplified central evaluation unit ( 1 ), which converts transponder data records into at least 4-digit train or decoder address numbers and outputs them permanently to a busbar, on which any number of track displays ( 5 ) which can be connected via track occupancy detectors ( 8th ) are controlled in such a way that they only display the current information valid for the respective track, as long as there is a train there, the results also being used for the analogue or digital control of the driveways and parking sections ( 6 ) can be used.