EP1280589A2

EP1280589A2 - Method for original-true, reality-close automatic or semiautomatic control of rail-guided toys, especially model railroads and trains driven by electric motors, array for implementing said method, track, track parts or turnouts used in said method

Info

Publication number: EP1280589A2
Application number: EP01936323A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Andreas König
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2000-05-05
Filing date: 2001-05-04
Publication date: 2003-02-05
Also published as: WO2001087444A3; US6908066B2; WO2001087444A2; US20030148698A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and an array for original-true, reality-close automatic or semiautomatic control of rail-guided toys, especially model railroads and model trains driven by electric motors. According to the invention, type or geometry-specifying, contactless readable storage modules (2) are mounted in or on each track, track part, buffer block, signal and/or turnout to be built, wherein each storage module (2) and each track has a continuous, non-repeating identification. The rolling material, preferably the locomotives, are provided with a storage reading device (4) and a (5) data transmission device for feedback. After the route has been traversed for the first time, the structure of the route is available in the form of an electronic representation and can be stored in a central storage (6). In case the route is subsequently traversed, the momentary position of the railroad or train can be determined by reading the storage module. The corresponding momentary position of the railroad or train can be detected by reading the storage module and providing feedback to the central storage or a central control system, wherein one or more machines are automatically controlled on the basis of presettable tasks for executing railroad operation taking into account information pertaining to the route and speed and special functions.

Description

Method for true-to-original, realistic automatic or semi-automatic control of track-guided toys, in particular model trains and model trains operated by an electric motor, arrangement for carrying out such

Method, tracks, track pieces or switches for use in a method for controlling track-guided toys and rolling stock, in particular locomotives, also for use in a method for controlling

Model trains and fashion trains

description

The invention relates to a method for true to the original, realistic automatic or semi-automatic control of track-guided toys, in particular model trains and model trains operated by an electric motor, and an arrangement for carrying out such a method. Furthermore, the invention proposes tracks, track pieces or switches for use in an automatic control method for model trains and model trains as well as rolling stock, in particular locomotives, for the same purpose. In addition, the invention relates to a method for controlling a toy with at least one track-guided toy vehicle that can be moved on a roadway and a method for determining the position of a toy vehicle and / or for detecting a course of the roadway with at least one track-guided toy vehicle that can be moved on a roadway. Furthermore, the invention proposes arrangements for realistic, automatic or semi-automatic control of track-guided toy vehicles and roadway components for track-guided toy vehicles and toy vehicles that can be used for this purpose.

Digital model railway controls have been state of the art for several years. In such controls, the full is always Driving voltage, e.g. 16 V, on the track. The rails also serve to transmit digital data and form a so-called data bus.

The driving voltage is overlaid by corresponding digital control commands. These digital control commands are issued by a controller in a digital transmission format, e.g. MRA / DCC, coded and decoded in the respective model. For decoding, each locomotive has a so-called locomotive decoder, which outputs the direction, speed and additional functions, such as lighting or automatic coupling, according to the user's commands. Such decoders can also be used in other functional items, e.g. Cranes, switches or the like are used to trigger control commands remotely.

The advantage of digital systems is that all control commands are fed through the track. Accordingly, the entire system can be operated with locomotives, functional models and switches via a two-pole connection cable. The elaborate cabling that is otherwise common with analog technology is no longer required.

Because the individual decoders can be addressed specifically via a freely programmable address, several locomotives can run on a circuit completely independently of one another and can also be parked as desired. Track separation points ^' are no longer required.

The digital technology presented thus offers significant advantages both in the construction of the facility and in game operation, but there are still no systems which meet the requirements of practice and which are inexpensive to implement and which enable position detection of the rolling stock, ie the trains, on the route. It is only the exact position determination of the vehicles and the determination of the actual speed that enables an action control, for example the output of defined stop commands, compliance with specified speeds, the specification of defined routes and so on. Ultimately is straight In large systems, checking and monitoring the train operation with actual position detection or position assignment is very important, so that malfunctions can be identified and possible collisions in model train operation can be avoided.

From the foregoing, it is therefore an object of the invention to provide a method and an arrangement for the automatic or semi-automatic control of track-guided toys, in particular model trains and model trains operated by electric motors, which are as true to the original as possible and which make it possible in a cost-effective manner, in an exact manner carry out a position detection of the rolling material, and the possibility is created to record the route or track diagram in a simple manner when driving the route itself and to a central memory

Execution of control and inspection tasks to hand over, so that a complex manual route recording after installation of a system is not necessary. Furthermore, according to the invention, a track, track piece, switch or the like for use in the method mentioned and rolling material suitable for this purpose are to be specified.

The object of the invention is achieved on the process side in accordance with the teaching according to patent claim 1 and with regard to the arrangement with the means according to patent claim 10.

Regarding the tracks, track pieces, switches or the like, which are suitable for use in the method according to the invention, reference is made to claim 11 and with respect to the rolling stock to claim 15.

The subclaims include at least expedient refinements and developments of the invention.

The basic idea of the invention according to the teaching of the claims is to achieve a detection and feedback of the current position of the rolling material on the track, so that on the given feedback possibility realistic driving is possible, in which, in addition to the position, the absolute model speed is also fixed, for example, stopping precisely in front of signals, controlling speed restrictions via signals or from a central control, as well as actions of standing trains before signals, e.g. the output of light and sound signals, but also waiting times at the activated exit signal. Such driving operation with detection of the exact position down to the decimeter range also prevents flanking, crossing or frontal driving with a correspondingly higher level of safety during play.

With the teaching according to the invention, the advantages of an already existing digital control can be raised to a significantly higher level of use, for example the programming of individual and location-based residence times, an automatic, digital block point operation, and the assignment of three-dimensional images of the locomotive and the train on a display in the sense of a virtual model train and the like. In a conceivable embodiment of the invention, the control software can be operated via a public network, e.g. the Internet, are transmitted, so that a quasi remote-controlled play of several users who are located in distant places and which play the game e.g. viewing via a web cam is possible.

Characterized in that, using the method according to the invention and the associated arrangement, an exact track diagram including e.g. the position of buffers and the position can be determined with the required accuracy, a shunting operation can be implemented with the compilation of certain train sequences as well as an exact stopping of a locomotive e.g. in front of a bumper.

The positions of the vehicles, ie the rolling stock and their functional states, can be recorded and displayed on an operating display, which can be designed in the form of a touch screen, for example.

In order to increase operational safety, there is also the possibility of specifying warnings for critical functional states with position information so that the user and operator of the system can react and intervene immediately. Taking into account the time and location recording, a step-by-step reduction or adaptation of the train speed in braking sections or speed limits with subsequent acceleration in the sense of intelligent braking or intelligent train operation can be carried out in conjunction with an associated control program.

The operation of the game is also made very interesting by the fact that the user has the option of setting temporary speed limits on existing construction sites on the route or also maximum speeds for each train, e.g. Freight train, passenger train, express train, to specify. A particularly interesting aspect is the possibility of digitally controlled parallel exits of several trains with adapting speed.

Due to the time and position recording, a real train operation according to a model railroad-compatible schedule is possible.

According to the invention, each track, piece of track or switch, but also selected buildings and other system parts, are connected to a contactlessly readable memory module, in particular a transponder, data and / or geometry-specifying data being stored in the memory module or transponder, as well as each one Track clearly defining identification is present. The rolling stock is equipped with a memory reader and a data transmission device for the feedback of the read out and possibly decoded information. The memory reader is able to take over the data from the identification means, for example the transponder, without contact. The transponder used with preference is a microelectronic circuit with a transmitting and receiving antenna, control logic and a data and energy store. This transponder can be completely injected, for example, into the track bed or a holding device for this purpose, or can otherwise be connected to the respective track or track piece already in the manufacturing process.

According to the invention, permanently programmed transponders can be used, but there is also the possibility of using transponders which allow the stored information to be overwritten with the aid of a special programming device.

It is preferred to use transponders which take the energy required for the information transmission from the electromagnetic field which arises when the memory reader comes into contact with the transponder or approaches it. In this case, the write and

Reading antenna of the memory reader in the transponder area, so that the existing energy storage, e.g. a capacitor is charged. The transponder then sends the content of a data memory, i.e. the type and / or geometry-specifying information about the respective track including individual identification to the memory reader. The dialog or the data transmission is repeated cyclically as long as the transponder or the memory reader is in the transmission area with respect to one another, with data security being ensured during the transmission by a predetermined data protocol.

After a system with the special tracks, track sections and / or points, containing the contactlessly readable memory modules, has been set up or retrofitted, the route is driven for the first time with rolling stock of the type described above, ie with at least one memory reader. When driving on the route the The track plan is virtually scanned and entered into a higher-level control system using the data transmission device. This is possible due to the individual identification (track length and track type) and the defined geometry of each track or track section. In this way, the control system and the control software available there receive an exact electronic image of the system with all elements, for example also signals, switches, bumpers, which can also be equipped with transponders. The electronic system would therefore be able to operate its own trains.

In the case of larger systems with very high accuracy or resolution requirements, there is still the possibility of providing a defined and geometrically precisely determined reference point in order to enable calibration with the aid of this point, and a comparison of the individual values also in later operation Arithmetic position determination determined position points when crossing or approaching the reference point can be realized.

An additional sensor, such as a magnetic field sensor, which can be integrated in the rolling stock, makes it possible to detect changes in direction, especially when driving and scanning the route or the track diagram for the first time, so that route detection can be carried out in a shorter time and with less ^" computational effort ,

A similar additional sensor system is able to detect changes in the vertical route, e.g. Incline or incline to be determined in order to be able to control systems on several levels. For example, an electronic inclination sensor is used here, which changes the direction of information about the data transmission device in the track-bound mobile machine in predefinable time periods or when certain threshold values are exceeded, i.e. the locomotive issues.

In one embodiment of the invention, memory readers and data transmission devices are not only in the mobile Machines, ie the locomotives, but also in the wagon material, so that an automatic maneuvering, for example putting together tank wagon trains, stake wagons and so on is possible.

The data transmission, i.e. the feedback can be done via the two-wire bus e.g. in NMRA-DCC format or wirelessly, whereby it is important to ensure real-time capability taking into account the actual model train speeds.

According to the method, special functions are then selected using the system control and using a personal computer and the control software available there, selected tracks, signals, switches and / or track sections

Execution of realistic rail operations ^' assignable. Such special functions can include, for example, travel authorizations, speed specifications, start-stop requests, braking and / or acceleration tasks and the like.

When driving on a route, the memory modules, in particular transponders, are activated and read out one after the other and, using the route image or route stored in the central memory, the position of the train or train is continuously determined via feedback to the central memory, using tasks that can be specified to carry out the railway operation under Consideration of the route and speed information as well as the special functions one or more machines are checked and controlled automatically.

In the arrangement according to the invention for true to the original, realistic automatic or semi-automatic control of track-guided toys, in particular model trains and model trains operated by an electric motor, at least one contactlessly readable memory module in or on the track, track piece, buffer block, signal and / or switch is assumed, the one in the memory of the Content stored in the memory chip specifies the respective type of product and has clear individual identification. The type specification for a track or piece of track relates, for example, to the length, curve radius, branch radius or branch angle for switches, as well as the radius of the main track and the radius of the branch track for curved switches.

Furthermore, the arrangement has at least one memory reader in the rolling model material, in particular the electrical machine, which furthermore has a data transmission device for forwarding the detected contents when the memory modules are passed over or reached.

The arrangement also includes a higher-level central control and storage unit for determining the position and determining the speed, taking into account a detected or predetermined track diagram. As mentioned, transponders are preferably used as memory modules, which e.g. in the bedding of the track or with other of the aforementioned products are only destructively connected. The individual identification, which is stored in the transponder, represents a running, non-repeating sequence of numeric or alphanumeric characters.

According to the invention, the rolling stock, in particular locomotive, has an electronic unit for activating and scanning transponder contents, as well as a decoder and the aforementioned data transmission device. The data transmission device is connected to the decoder, to which the scanned transponder contents are fed, the data transmission device being designed as a wired or wireless interface.

In addition, a sensor for detecting changes in the movement of the locomotive in the vertical and / or horizontal direction can be contained in the rolling material.

Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to specify or to create a method and components that can be used for this purpose, with which a user is provided with a number of options which increase the incentive to play.

This object of the invention is achieved by the features of claim 19.

An advantage resulting from the features of this claim is that a semi or fully automatic control of track-guided toy vehicles on a model system is possible. The position determination or observation of processes of the toy, which is formed by the roadway or the toy vehicle itself, made possible with this method, at the same time allows the visualization of these processes on a commercially available computing unit, in particular on a personal computer. In addition to these observation and visualization options, it is of course also possible to carry out active interventions or influences on the processes based on the evaluation unit, which is preferably designed in the form of a personal computer.

This object of the invention is also achieved independently by the features of claim 20.

The advantages resulting from the combination of features of this claim lie in the fact that an almost fully automatic scanning or detection of an arbitrarily constructed roadway course is made possible by simply driving through the entire route network. The read identifiers can be transferred to a central evaluation device in a simple manner and can be used by the latter for a wide variety of evaluations, in particular for generating a virtual system image.

A further development according to claim 21 is of advantage because the scanning of a route can be carried out almost completely independently of user activities. In addition, the current position of the toy vehicle can be determined at any time. With the optional measures according to claim 22, the accuracy can be increased and / or error corrections can be carried out in the control and / or observation processes.

The measures according to claim 23 and / or 24 can be used to visualize roadway images, functional states and toy vehicles in accordance with the respective wishes or requirements.

Through the further measures according to claim 25, the game action can be invigorating actions, such as. • Information announcements, light signals, traffic signs and the like. , to be activated.

By means of the measures according to claim 26, the realistic sequence of traffic systems can be implemented by means of specifications in the form of timetables.

Independently of this, the object of the invention is also achieved by the features of claim 27.

The advantages resulting from the combination of features of this claim lie in the fact that with relatively little hardware-technical effort, in particular with little wiring effort, a highly developed control and / or observation of toys, in particular by means of roads, track-guided toy vehicles, is made possible.

An independent solution to the problem of the invention is also defined by the features of claim 28.

The advantages that can be achieved from the combination of features of this claim lie in the fact that the identification carrier required in a comparatively large number is assigned to the relatively large number of roadway components required, thereby keeping the overall costs of the system according to the invention low can. In addition, the arrangement of a track length measuring device enables a higher resolution of the position determination.

An independent solution to the problem of the invention is defined by the features according to claim 29.

The advantages resulting from the combination of features of this claim are that it creates a cost-effective basis for the automated control and monitoring of processes in game operation. Since the label carrier only has to reproduce the identifier of the type of a roadway component, label carriers available as standard, which are relatively inexpensive, can be used. Due to the relatively small amount of data, label carriers with a low storage capacity can be used. The respective

The identifier can then be used as a pointer to data blocks or data records with comparatively more extensive data, such as Geometry data can be used.

The further development according to claim 30 achieves a high degree of flexibility in the assignment of functions or actions to certain road sections.

The configuration according to claim 31 makes it possible to avoid user-related incorrect assignments of identification carriers to roadway components.

The features of claim 32 make it possible to determine the relative position of a toy vehicle with reference to the roadway component.

A high level of interference immunity or transmission security of the type-specific identifiers is achieved by the measures according to claim 33.

The geometry of a complex route network can be determined with the aid of a computer by assigning the geometry data to the identifiers for an evaluation device. In the embodiment according to claim 35, it is advantageous that such identifiers can be reliably detected using standard sensors.

In the embodiment according to claim 36, it is advantageous that the label carriers do not have to be assigned an independent energy supply, but rather the label carriers are designed as passive electronic components.

In the possible embodiment according to claim 37 or 38, it is advantageous that detection of the identifiers is reliable even with high electromagnetic interference fields.

In the development according to claim 39 or 40, it is advantageous that the direction of a toy vehicle relative to the route can be determined with reference to a single roadway component.

The object of the invention is also achieved independently by the features of claim 41.

The advantages resulting from the features of this claim are that a reader with an associated data transmission device is sufficient to be able to determine a position.

In the development according to claim 42 or 43, it is advantageous that an external influence on the reading device by adjacent identification carriers can be avoided in a simple manner.

The cabling effort for setting up a data transmission path from the toy vehicle to the evaluation unit controlling the sequence is superfluous due to the configuration according to claim 44. The measures according to claim 45 make it possible in a simple manner to set up a unidirectional or bidirectional transmission path between the toy vehicle and an evaluation unit.

The optional further development according to claim 46 or 47 enables additional information, such as height differences or changes in direction, to be recorded.

Finally, a possible further development according to claim 48 is advantageous, since it enables error corrections to be carried out and / or a high-resolution position determination is made possible.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with the aid of exemplary embodiments and with the aid of figures.

The figures here show basic representations of the attachment of transponders in or on the track as well as a locomotive approaching a transponder.

In a simplified representation, they show:

Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of the attachment of a transponder in or on the track and a

Locomotive approaching transponder;

2 shows a basic illustration of the components required for the method according to the invention for controlling a track-guided toy;

3 shows a further exemplary embodiment of the arrangement of the components essential for the method according to the invention;

4 shows a roadway component with a marking carrier permanently installed in a rail;

5 shows a roadway component with a marking carrier installed in the track substructure; 6 shows a roadway component with an identification carrier installed in a threshold;

7 shows a roadway component with an identification carrier fastened to a track substructure;

8 shows a roadway component with a label carrier designed as a barcode on the track substructure;

9 shows a roadway component with an identification carrier designed as a barcode on a threshold;

10 shows a basic illustration of a part of a roadway designed for branching a roadway with several

Marking carriers;

11 shows a basic illustration of a roadway component designed for branching a roadway with a direction marking carrier.

In or on track 1 is in the respective track section or on

Track type and geometry specifying a transponder 2 arranged or permanently connected to the track by the manufacturer, e.g. injected into the bedding or integrated into part of the track substructure. In addition to the data specifying the type and geometry, the transponder 2 also has a further individual identification, which is not repeated.

The locomotive 3 has a memory reader with antenna 4 and a data transmission device 5. The data transmission device 5 establishes a wireless connection to one

Receiver 6 and central memory, which can be part of a personal computer. The track diagram is shown on a monitor 7 and the current position of the rolling material on the route can be displayed.

At the moment when the locomotive 3 enters the transmission range of the transponder 2, the high-frequency field, which is emitted via the antenna 4, excites that in the transponder 2 integrated receiving antenna, so that data can be read from the transponder 2 in a next step and recorded by the antenna 4 of the memory reader. The data and information obtained then reach the receiving device 6 via a wireless transmission link 8, which is able to determine the position and speed of the locomotive or the train based on the known route.

The type- and geometry-specifying data stored in the transponder can be derived, for example, from the article designation of the track or track section, whereby the individual identification is a consecutive number that is only assigned once, so that each track section reaching the end user is clearly defined and in its geometry is determined.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, a wireless transmission link is assumed, it also being possible to use an existing digital two-wire bus system for the feedback. In addition, transponders can also be integrated into signals, switches or other railway equipment to trigger special functions when these resources are reached, to start a defined control or switchover or to check the functionality of the equipment.

Overall, with the invention described above, it is possible to design a real model train driving operation in which a very precise position detection of the rolling material is possible. Complex changes or an additional power supply to the track for the memory modules to be provided there are not necessary due to the properties of passive transponders, so that the equipment costs are limited. Encapsulated transponders in the smallest version have a diameter of approximately 2 mm and a length of approximately 10 mm and have a weight of approximately 0.1 to 0.25 g. The read distance from transponders currently on the market for encapsulated versions is in the range of approximately 200 to 400 mm, which is sufficient for the application cases given here.

It should be noted that in the following embodiments, the same parts are provided with the same reference numerals or the same component designations, and the disclosures contained in this description can be applied analogously to the same parts with the same reference numerals or the same component designations. The location information selected in the following description, such as above, below, laterally etc. refer to the figure described and illustrated immediately and are to be transferred to the new position in the event of a change of position. Furthermore, individual features or combinations of features for these exemplary embodiments can also represent independent, inventive or inventive solutions.

2 shows a basic illustration of the components essential for the method according to the invention for controlling a track-guided toy.

A toy vehicle 101 is located on a piece of a roadway component 102 forming a roadway, to which identification carriers 103 are attached, which are provided with an identifier 104 or represent an unmistakable, unique identifier for them themselves. To detect the identifiers 104, the toy vehicle 101 is equipped with a reading device 105, the identification carriers 103 being read contactlessly. The signals of the reading device 105 corresponding to the identifier 104 are sent via a decoder 106 in a data transmission device 107 and via a transmission link 108 to an evaluation unit 109. The transmission link 108 can be wired or wireless. In the case of model railways, wired transmission, e.g. over the rails of the tracks. With wireless execution of the

Transmission path 108 is the data exchange between the data transmission device 107 and the evaluation unit 109, for example via radio with the aid of appropriate antennas. The Evaluation unit 109 can be implemented, among other things, by control software in a personal computer, the information being able to be displayed on a monitor 110. Optionally, the toy vehicle 101 can have a direction sensor 111, with which changes in direction can be determined, an inclination sensor 112 and a distance length measuring device 113, with which the distance covered on the road can be determined. The vertical position or the height of the toy vehicle 101 can be determined in the evaluation unit 109 from the data of the inclination sensor 112 and of the line length measuring device 113, especially in the case of roadways laid out in several planes.

At least the type data of the roadway component 102 are stored in the identification carriers 103 of a roadway component 102. Different types of roadway components 102 would be e.g. straight road components, branches, e.g. Turnouts, crossings, or curve pieces and similar components. The identifier 104 of a type of roadway component is encoded by a running, non-repeating sequence of numeric or alphanumeric characters.

Transponders designed as passive electronic components are preferably used as identification carriers 103. The transponder is excited to transmit the identifier 104, which can thus be detected by the reader 105, by means of a radio-frequency field that is generated by an antenna of the reader 105. In this case, the identifier 104 is designed as an electrically or magnetically detectable feature. The transponder, which is designed as a label carrier 103, has a transmitting and receiving antenna, control logic and a data and energy store, although a separate or self-sufficient power supply is not necessary. The energy taken from the electromagnetic field of the transmission antenna of the reading device 105 is sufficient as electrical operating energy for the transponder. Due to the small distances between the roadway components 102 of toys, the distances between the identification carriers 103 implemented as transponders are also relatively small and there is therefore the danger that several identification carriers 103 can be read out simultaneously by a reading device 105. In order to prevent this, the reading device 105 is designed with a limited spatial range for reading out the identification carriers 103. This can be achieved in that the transmission power of the transmission antenna of the reading device 105 is reduced accordingly. The spatial range can be restricted to a range from 0 mm to 50 mm, preferably from 0 mm to 30 mm, in accordance with the size ratios customary for model railways.

Of course, it is also possible to construct systems from identification carriers 103 and reading devices 105 that use other features to implement an identification 104. The identification carrier 103 could thus be formed by a bar code, in particular by a bar code that is only visible under UV light. A corresponding reading device 105 would in this case be implemented by a bar code scanner. In another embodiment of the invention, it is also possible to use a reader 105 designed for ultrasound scanning to recognize the roadway components 102. In this case, the roadway component 102 itself is the identification carrier in which its outer shape is used for recognition.

3 shows a further exemplary embodiment of the arrangement of the components essential for the method according to the invention. The toy vehicle 101 moves on a roadway component 102 which is designed as a track, as is customary, for example, in model railways. The toy vehicle can be supplied with the driving voltage necessary for the operation of the engine via the rails of the track, but the signal exchange between the toy vehicle 101 and the evaluation unit 109 can also be carried out. The signals of the data transmission device 107 reach the wheels of the toy vehicle 101 and the rails of the roadway component 102 and beyond Follow via the transmission link 108 to the signal converter 114. The signals are converted by the signal converter 114 into a format that can be processed by the evaluation unit 109 and are forwarded to this. The signal converter 114 can optionally be designed as an independent component or as an interface card that is built into a personal computer. The transmission path 108 for transmitting the signals between the tracks of the roadway component 102 and the signal converter 114 can of course be implemented both wirelessly and by wire.

4 to 7 show different arrangements of identification carriers 103 in a roadway component 102, as is used for model railways. Here, a roadway component 102 consists of a track 120, formed from rails 121 and sleepers 122 and a track substructure 123. The identification carriers 103 are preferably designed as transponders.

In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 4, the identification carrier 103 is permanently installed in a rail 121. In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 5, the identification carrier 103 is injected into the track substructure 123. It is also possible to install the identification carrier 103 in the threshold 122 (FIG. 6). In the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, the identification carriers 103 are thus only separably connected to the roadway component 102 in a destructive manner. According to FIG. 7, however, it is also possible to subsequently attach a marking carrier 103 to a track substructure 123. For this purpose, a fastening device 124 is provided on the track substructure 123 of the carriageway component 102, with the aid of which the identification carrier 103 can be fastened to the carriageway lower part 102. This can be done by the manufacturer in the production of the carriageway components 102, but it is also possible for the label carrier 103 to be installed subsequently by the user. This allows the user to individually retrofit the toy with identification carrier 103.

Of course, it is also possible, however, to place the identification carrier 103 on the one with the roadway component 102 To attach connected part or to fix the identification carrier 103 in another toy component assigned to the roadway component 102, such as a traffic light system or a traffic sign or such toy components.

8 and 9 show exemplary embodiments of a roadway component 102, in which the identification carriers 103 are formed by a barcode. The identification carrier 103 is attached to the track substructure 123 (FIG. 8) or to a threshold 122 (FIG. 9). In order not to disturb the external appearance of the roadway component 102, this bar code is designed such that it is not visible to the human eye, e.g. can only be read under UV light.

10 and 11 show the simplified representation of a roadway component 102 which is used for branching a roadway, as it is e.g. is realized in the case of model railways by a switch, with the arrangement of a plurality of identification carriers 103. In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 10, an identification carrier 103 is arranged on each of the end regions. The individual identifier 104 of each of the identification carriers 103 makes it possible for the approaching toy vehicle to determine the relative spatial position of the carriageway component 102 by means of the reading device and the corresponding evaluation in the evaluation unit in connection with the geometry data of the carriageway component 102.

11 shows a roadway component designed as a branch with a directional identification carrier 126 formed from three identification carriers 103. By arranging at least three identification carriers 103, it is possible for an approaching toy vehicle from the signal transit times between the reading device and the individual identification carriers 103 the relative spatial position of the road component 102 men to determ ^¬. For this it is necessary that the geometry data and the relative position of the direction identification carrier 126 are stored in the evaluation unit. It goes without saying also possible direction identification substrate 126 are constructed to be used that do not slow of an array of a plurality of labeling 103, but identification substrate 103, carrying a physical characteristic can be determined from the spatial 5 ^'Liehe position.

In order to be able to determine the position of the toy vehicle in the evaluation unit, it is necessary that, in addition to the type-specific geometry data,

10 such as the length, the radius, the branch angle, the branch radius, the crossing angle and / or the angle of inclination, the relative position of the identification carriers 103, in particular distances 125 (FIG. 10), from the front end regions are also available in the evaluation unit. These distances 125

15, like the geometry data, are each uniform for one type of roadway component.

With the components shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 and the arrangements of the identification carrier 103 corresponding to FIG. 4

20 to 11 it is possible to drive a lane on a lane

To control toy vehicle 101 semi-automatically or automatically. For this purpose, the roadway components 102 (FIGS. 2, 3) are provided with an identification carrier 103, the identification 104 of which at least designates the type of the roadway component 102, and the play

25 vehicles 101 are equipped with a reading device 105 for these identification carriers 103. A roadway is constructed, as is customary in model construction, by different types of roadway components 102. This is e.g. around straight track sections, switches, crossings etc. The control is however

30 also suitable for toy vehicles in which the carriageway is not formed by track-like guidance, but in which the guidance by e.g. an electronic or ferromagnetic guidance system arranged in a recessed manner in the roadway is formed.

^• 35

Within the scope of the invention it is of course possible to assign the identification carriers, in particular a transponder, to a toy vehicle and to drive a plurality of reading devices. to be arranged on the web side. These reading devices are preferably integrated in the roadway components and are in an electrically conductive connection with the rails of a built-up track system. The rail network of this track system is used as a two-wire bus or as a feedback bus to the higher-level evaluation unit. For this purpose, control signals can be modulated onto the travel voltage applied to the rail system. It is essential that the evaluation unit, in particular the personal computer, is connected to the rails, for example via an interface card or some other adapter device. The control elements present in a standard model train, such as so-called locomotive mice, control desks and the like, should preferably be used. continue to be usable. These standard control systems can then be used in addition or as an alternative to the input devices

Evaluation unit, which is formed for example by a conventional keyboard, can be used.

If a toy vehicle travels a newly built road for the first time, reading the type-specific identifications of the road components with the reader makes it possible to record the entire road course. If the corresponding geometric data or the directional information for each type of roadway component are stored in the evaluation unit, as explained in the figure descriptions of FIGS. 10 and 11, then by assigning type-specific geometry data to individual roadway components, when driving past detected sequence of individual identifiers a virtual image of the road can be generated. With the inclusion of the information from the inclination measurement with the inclination sensor and the route length measurement with the corresponding route length measuring device on the toy vehicle, an overall three-dimensional image of the course of the road can be generated by correspondingly linking these data. In this way, individual identification of the roadway components is only present in the virtual image of the roadway course generated in the evaluation unit. The corresponding data can, for example, be in a table in which one individual marking of a roadway component, the corresponding type-specific identifications and their geometry or direction data are assigned. Further functions can also be assigned to individual roadway components in this table. Functions of this type make it possible for the toy vehicles to achieve realistic driving operation by individual sections of the route or roadway components, for example driving authorizations, speed requirements, start / stop requests, braking and / or acceleration tasks and the like. be assigned to.

The current position of the toy vehicle can be determined at any time by continuously transmitting the identifiers of the roadway components from the reader of the toy vehicle to the evaluation unit. At the same time, the movements of the toy vehicles on the roadway or relative to other toy components can be monitored and influenced by the predetermined functions. By capturing the virtual image in the evaluation unit and determining the position of the toy vehicles, it is thus also possible to display a roadway image on a monitor using a personal computer. At the same time, it is also possible to represent the functional states of all components or the functional states of the toy vehicle and this itself realistically. By assigning functions for route sections or individual roadway components, defined signal images can also be determined or light actions of the toy vehicle can be triggered. The control by means of a program stored in the evaluation unit also makes it possible to implement a schedule-controlled operation for the toy vehicles on the course of the road.

In a possible embodiment variant of the invention, the roadway components only carry identifications which contain the type of the roadway component, but not an individual identifier. If, in this case, a toy vehicle, as is often the case, is removed from the road and put on again at a completely different location, the problem arises that for this In accordance with the evaluation options of the evaluation unit, the toy vehicle initially only knows the type of roadway component on which the toy vehicle is located, but not the actual instantaneous position on the corresponding individual roadway component. The identification of the actual position on the course of the lane can be done both semi-automatically and automatically. On the one hand, the operator can indicate his actual position to the toy vehicle via the control program on the personal computer. On the other hand, it is possible to start the toy vehicle from the initially unknown position and to carry out a program-controlled comparison of the continuously lengthening sequence of identifications of the roadway components with the pattern of the sequences of the roadway components stored in the evaluation unit. The number of options for matching the new sequence of identified roadway components with individual sections of the already known roadway course becomes smaller and smaller with increasing length of this sequence until there is finally only one possibility for it and the current position of the toy vehicle is thus identified.

In a further embodiment variant, it is also possible to dispense with the attachment of a label carrier for at least one type of roadway component. In any case, this is the case with roadway components that are designed for a straight direction of travel. Since all other types are equipped with a label carrier, the current position of the toy vehicle clearly results from the identifier of the road component last equipped with a label carrier and the distance covered in relation to this, which is measured by the track length measuring device in the toy vehicle.

For the sake of order, it should finally be pointed out that, for a better understanding of the structure of the toy, this or its components have been partially shown to scale and / or enlarged and / or reduced. The object on which the independent inventive solutions are based can be found in the description.

Above all, the individual in FIGS. 2; 3; 4, 5, 6, 7; 8, 9; 10, 11 shown form the subject of independent, inventive solutions. The relevant tasks and solutions according to the invention can be found in the detailed descriptions of these figures.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 track

2 transponders

3 locomotive

4 antenna

5 Data transmission device for feedback

6 receiver and central memory

7 monitor

8 wireless transmission link

101 toy vehicle

102 roadway component

103 label holder

104 identifier

105 reader

106 decoders

107 Data transmission device

108 transmission link

109 evaluation unit

110 monitor

111 direction sensor

112 inclination sensor

113 track length measuring device 120 track

121 rail

122 threshold

123 track substructure

124 fastening device

125 distance

126 Directional identification carrier

Claims

claims

1.Procedure for true to the original, realistic automatic or semi-automatic control of track-guided toys, in particular model trains and model trains operated by an electric motor, with the following steps: - Arranging a type and / or geometry-specifying, contactlessly readable memory block preferably for each track, track section, buffer block, signal to be installed and / or switch, each memory module and thus each track additionally having a running identification and the type, geometry and identification data are stored in the memory module;

Equipping the rolling stock, preferably the track-bound mobile machines, with a memory reader and a data transmission device for feedback; - Driving on the route for the first time and automatically recording and generating an electronic image of the route structure by reading the memory contents from the memory modules of the tracks passed, transferring them to and storing them in a central memory, which is in particular a component of a personal computer;

Allocation of special functions, such as, in particular, authorizations, speeds, start-stop and / or braking acceleration tasks with regard to selected tracks, signals, switches and / or sections of track for carrying out the railway operation;

Driving on the route and determining the current position of the train or train by reading memory modules and reporting back to the central memory, whereby one or more machines are automatically checked based on predefinable tasks for carrying out the train operation taking into account the route and speed information as well as the special functions and be controlled.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that in addition at least when first driving the route direction change by means of a sensor, preferably magnetic field sensor, are detected and transmitted.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in addition, changes in the vertical route are detected and transmitted by means of an inclination sensor at least when first driving.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by ongoing detection of the location and speed data and comparison of expected data after the route stored in the central memory, so that an accident and / or a change of direction is recognizable.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that actions are triggered at defined points, in particular noises, train announcements or the like, according to the currently traveled or passed route section and / or an assigned special function.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the track diagram and the respective functional states are shown with train detection on a monitor image of a personal computer, wherein the image of the train preferably largely corresponds to the real representation.

7. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that a light action of the train or the machine is triggered when reaching a track section with a defined signal image.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a schedule-controlled operation takes place via the position detection of the trains and trains.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the feedback takes place with technology known per se by means of standard NMRA-DCC or another bus or via a wireless link.

10. Arrangement for true to the original, realistic automatic or semi-automatic control of track-guided toys, especially those operated by an electric motor

Model trains and model trains, comprising the following means: at least one contactlessly readable memory module in or on the track, track section, buffer block, signal and / or switch or similar device, the content stored in the memory specifying the respective type and having a clear individual identification; at least one memory reader in the rolling model material, in particular the electrical machine, which has a data transmission device for forwarding the detected content when driving over or reaching the memory modules, and a higher-level central control and storage unit for determining the position and speed of the rolling model material.

11. Track, track piece or switch for use in a method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by a transponder in which at least the type or geometry data of the track, track piece or switch and an individual identification are stored.

12. Track according to claim 11, characterized in that the transponder is introduced into the bedding or the track substructure or is only separably connected to this or this in a destructive manner.

13. Track according to claim 11, characterized in that the individual identification is a running, non-repeating sequence of numeric or alphanumeric characters.

14. Track according to claim 11, characterized in that the geometry data include the track length, the track radius, the branch angle and / or branch radius, the crossing angle and / or the radius of the main track and the branch track in the case of turnouts.

15. Rolling material, in particular locomotive for use in a method according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by a unit for activating and scanning transponder contents and a decoder and a data transmission device for the scanned information and / or data.

16. Rolling material according to claim 15, characterized in that the data transmission device is connected to the decoder, to which the scanned transponder contents are supplied, the data transmission device being designed as a wired or wireless interface.

17. Rolling material according to claim 15 or 16, characterized by a sensor for detecting changes in the movement of the locomotive in the vertical and / or horizontal direction.

18. Track according to one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that the transponder has a transmitting and receiving antenna, control logic and a data and energy store, the electrical operating energy being taken from the electromagnetic field when the transponder is in the range of Radiation from a transmitter antenna arrives.

19. Method for controlling a toy with at least one track-guided toy vehicle that can be moved on a roadway, with the following steps: a) arranging at least one contactlessly readable identification carrier (103) with an unmistakable identifier (104) on at least one of the toy components; b) arrangement of at least one reading device (105) for the identification carrier (103); c) construction of a data transmission device (107) between the reading device (105) and an evaluation unit (109); d) movement of the toy vehicle (101) along a roadway for the relative movement between at least one reading device (105) and at least one identification carrier (103); e) automatic detection of the identifiers (104) of the identification carriers (103) and transmission of the identifiers (104) to the evaluation unit (109); f) assigning functions and / or type-specifying data to the individual identifiers (104); g) determining the respective current position of the toy components which can be moved relative to one another, at least the movement of a toy component relative to other toy components being monitored and / or influenced on the basis of specifiable functions.

20. Method for determining the position of a toy vehicle and / or for detecting a course of the road with at least one track-guided toy vehicle that can be moved on a road, with the following steps: a) arrangement of at least one contactlessly readable identification carrier (103) with an unmistakable identification (104) on at least one of the toy components; b) arrangement of at least one reading device (105) for the identification carrier (103); c) construction of a data transmission device (107) between the reading device (105) and an evaluation unit (109); d) movement of the toy vehicle (101) along a roadway for the relative movement between at least one reading device (105) and at least one identification carrier (103); e) automatic detection of the identifications (104) of the identification carriers (103) and transmission of the identifications (104) to the evaluation unit (109); f) assigning functions and / or type-specifying data to the individual identifiers (104); g) Creation or calculation of one of the identifiers recorded

(104) corresponding image of the roadway and / or the relative position of the toy vehicle (101) and output of at least the roadway image obtained and / or the relative position of the toy vehicle (101) on an output device, in particular on a monitor (110) of the evaluation unit (109).

21. The method according to claim 19 or 20, characterized by driving on the roadway by the toy vehicle (101) with movement of the identification carrier (103) and the reading devices

(105) relative to one another and by continuously recording the identifiers (104) from the identification carriers (103) moving past the reading device (105).

22. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 21, characterized by a detection or measurement of distance covered from the moving toy vehicle (101) and transmission of the detected signals or values to the evaluation unit (109).

23. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 22, characterized by an at least symbolic representation of the roadway image and the respective functional states and the game vehicle (101) on a monitor image of a personal computer.

24. The method according to claim 23, characterized by a representation of the real image largely corresponding to at least the toy vehicle (101).

25. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 24, characterized in that an action of the toy vehicle (101) is triggered when a section of the route is reached with a defined signal image.

26. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 25, characterized in that a schedule-controlled operation takes place based on the position detection of the toy vehicles (101).

27. Arrangement for realistic, automatic or semi-automatic control of track-guided toys, in particular toys operated by an electric motor, comprising the following means:

- At least one contactlessly readable identification carrier (103) on a toy component, such as on a roadway component (102) or toy vehicle (101) or the like. , wherein the identifier (104) of the identification carrier (103) specifies the respective type of the toy component;

- At least one reading device (105) in a toy component, in particular the toy vehicle (101), which comprises or is connected to a data transmission device (107) for forwarding the detected contents when the identification medium (103) is passed over or reached, and

- A superordinate central evaluation unit (109) for determining the position and / or determining the speed of the toy vehicles (101) relative to the road surface thereof.

28. Arrangement for realistic, automatic or semi-automatic control of track-guided toys, in particular toys operated by an electric motor, comprising the following means: - At least one contactlessly readable identification carrier (103) in the roadway components (102) with the exception of the roadway components (102) designed for a straight direction of travel, the identifier (104) of the identification carrier (103) specifying the respective type of the roadway component (102) ;

- at least one reading device (105) for the identification carriers (103) in the toy vehicle (101);

- At least one track length measuring device (113) in the toy vehicle (101); - A data transmission device (107) in the toy vehicle (101) for forwarding the detected identifiers (104) and route lengths, and

- A higher-level central evaluation unit (109) for determining the position and / or speed of the toy vehicles (101).

29. Roadway component for track-guided toy vehicles (101), in particular for use in a method according to one of claims 19 to 26, characterized in that an identification carrier (103) with an identifier (104) from which at least the type data of the roadway component ( 102) can be derived or by which the respective type is clearly defined.

30. Roadway component according to claim 29, characterized in that the identification carrier (103) with a toy component, which can be assigned to the roadway component (102), for example a model tree, a model stone, a guide device or the like. is connected or is connected to a part connected to the roadway component (102).

31. Roadway component according to claim 29 or 30, characterized in that the identification carrier (103) is only destructively connected to it.

32. Roadway component according to one of claims 29 to 31, characterized in that the position of the identification carrier (103) relative to the roadway component (102), in particular the distance (125) to the front end areas, is specific to the type.

33. Roadway component according to one of claims 29 to 32, characterized in that the identifier (104) for a type of roadway component (102) is encoded by a sequence of numeric or alphanumeric characters.

34. Roadway component according to one of claims 29 to 33, characterized in that the identifiers (104) geometry data, such as

Lengths and / or radii and / or branch angles and / or branch radii and / or crossing angles and / or inclination angles are assigned.

35. Roadway component according to one of claims 29 to 34, characterized in that the identifier (104) for a type of roadway component (102) is an electrically and / or magnetically detectable feature.

36. Roadway component according to one of claims 29 to 35, characterized in that the identification carrier (103) has a transmitting and receiving antenna, control logic and a data and energy store, the electrical operating energy being taken from the electromagnetic field when the identification Drawing carrier (103) in the area of emitted radiation from a reader (105).

37. Roadway component according to one of claims 29 to 34, characterized in that the identifier (104) for the type of roadway component (102) is an optically detectable feature, in particular a bar code that is only visible under UV light.

38. Roadway component according to one of claims 29 to 34, characterized in that the type-specific identifier (104) of a roadway component (102) is a feature detectable by ultrasound scanning.

39. Roadway component according to one of claims 29 to 38, characterized in that a marking carrier (103) is formed with an identifier identifying the end (104) on at least two mutually spaced ends.

40. Roadway component according to one of claims 29 to 39, characterized in that a direction marking carrier (126), from which the spatial position of the toy component is detectable, is formed.

41. Toy vehicle, in particular for use in a method according to one of claims 19 to 26, characterized in that it has a reader (105) for detecting roadway components (102) associated with identifiers (104) and a data transmission device (107) for the recorded information and / or data includes.

42. Toy vehicle according to claim 41, characterized in that the reading device (105) has a limited spatial range for reading the identification carrier (103).

43. Toy vehicle according to claim 41 or 42, characterized in that the reading device (105) is designed with a spatial range for reading the identification carrier (103) in the range from 0 mm to 50 mm, preferably from 0 mm to 30 mm ,

44. Toy vehicle according to one of claims 41 to 43, characterized in that the data transmission device (107) when placed on the roadway, in particular on the rails of a track system, is in electrically conductive connection therewith.

45. Toy vehicle according to one of claims 41 to 44, characterized in that the data transmission device (107) with a decoder (106), which is designed in particular as a coding / decoding circuit or a modulator / demodulator circuit, is connected or comprises, wherein the Data transmission device (107) with sliding contacts to form a wired or with an antenna to form a wireless transmission link (108).

46. Toy vehicle according to one of claims 41 to 45, characterized in that a sensor for detecting the movements of the toy vehicle (101) is formed in the vertical and / or horizontal direction.

47. Toy vehicle according to one of claims 41 to 46, characterized in that an inclination sensor (112) is formed.

48. Toy vehicle according to one of claims 41 to 47, characterized in that a track length measuring device (113) is designed.