EP1555054A1 - Method for controlling an electric model railway as well as a decoder and a control unit for implementing the method - Google Patents

Abstract

The model railway (10) has a central control unit (18) for the locomotives (14,16), with a communication channel between the control and the decoders (34,36) to carry the digital control signals using the rails (12) and connecting wires (41). A unique identity number is stored at the control for each decoder, with an address, using a bi-directional communication link between the control and the decoders. The locomotive decoders have memories (38,39) where their identities are stored and which cannot be erased.

Description

The invention relates to a method for controlling an electrical Model railway with a decoder-containing model railway items, especially locomotives, and with a central unit that has one Communication channel is in communication with the decoders, wherein the decoders each an address can be assigned and a decoder associated control commands from the center using the respective Address to be transferred to the decoder.

The invention also relates to a decoder and a central unit to carry out the process.

For controlling model railways digital controls are known, the based on that at least each traction vehicle of the model railway a decoder capable of providing control commands to receive and to control the traction vehicle accordingly. In particular, by means of the Decorders the speed and the Direction of travel, the condition of a lighting of the locomotive and in many cases the state of other functions are affected. The Central unit generated, depending on the wishes of the user, Control commands transmitted to the decoder. The user gives his Wishes by means of controls in the center. at Model trains are sent the control commands over the track. The control commands are read by all decoders of the model railway and each decoder decides whether a control command is intended for it or not. For this purpose, each control command from the central unit The decoder address preceded by the decoder for which the control command is provided, clearly determined. The decoder knows its own Address and compares these with the receipt of a control command this prefixed address. If the addresses match, that is the control command determines for him and is evaluated by him.

As addresses usually numbers are used, that is numbers from 1 to about 100 or even up to 1000. The addresses are usually by means of mechanical coding switch from the user to the respective Decoder specified. It can also be provided that the user enter the decoder address electronically. In any case, the must Users can keep track of which decoder which address was assigned. He has to ensure that no address is awarded twice, otherwise contrary to the intention of the user several model railway items are controlled together.

In most cases, every decoder is already in the manufacturing plant assigned an address to test how the decoder works can. Because this address in many cases with one from the user already If the assigned address collides, the user must In any case, the decoder will assign a new address to the decoder.

Another difficulty arises with previous control methods in the case that a user alternatively a model web article on two want to use different model railway facilities, for example on his own facility and on a club grounds. In this case it is required, the address of the decoder to the respective model railway layout adapt.

The object of the present invention is a method for controlling to provide a model railway as well as a decoder and a central unit, by means of which the operation of the model railway is simplified.

This object is according to the invention in a method of the type mentioned solved by giving each decoder and the central unit assigns a characteristic, unique identification number and stores them in the decoder or the central unit, and that one the decoder over a bidirectional communication channel connects to the central unit and to the central unit of each decoder transmits its identification number, and that the central unit the identification number of the decoder automatically an address assigns this address associated with the identification number of the decoder stores and the address along with your own identification number to the decoder who assigns it Address and the identification number of the central unit stores.

In the invention, the idea flows in that on the bidirectional Communication channel which uniquely characterizes the respective decoder Identification number is transferable to the central unit, so that this the identification number of the decoder automatically a Address can assign, in the future of the central unit to control the decoder precedes the control command. For this the central unit transmits the assigned address to the decoder together with the identification number of the central unit. The decoder knows by it the relevant central unit for him as well as him assigned address. Condition for this is that both the decoder as well as the central unit via a unique identification number feature. These identification numbers can be assigned by the manufacturer become.

The decoder then comes at another model railway layout For use, he can from the local central unit a new Address assigned so that it is not required for the user is to change the decoder address manually or electronically.

The central unit can, when using a new decoder based on the recognize this manufacturer-assigned identification number, whether or not it has already assigned an address to this decoder. If the latter is the case, then a free address can be assigned and sent to the Decoder are transmitted.

The operation of a model railway system is designed with the invention Process considerably simpler than that of the prior art is known.

Bidirectional communication channels between a central processing unit and a decoder are the expert, for example from DE 196 04 154 A1 known.

A bidirectional communication between the central unit and the Decoders of the model railway system can be used in the time-multiplexing method known per se be performed. It is advantageous if you from a decoder only at the request of the central unit Signal is transmitted to the control center, so that the decoder only at a request the central unit respond, that is, the central unit forms the so-called communication master.

The communication between the central unit and the decoder is designed in such a way that the central unit can clearly identify whether one concrete request either no decoder responds at all, exactly a decoder responds or more than one decoder responds. For this Each request of the central unit can be a predetermined time interval within which is a response from the decoders is accepted.

The decoder clearly characterizing identification number can be stored indelibly in the decoder.

The same applies to the central unit, its unique identification number can be stored indelibly in the central unit. For this purpose, the decoder and the central unit each with a first memory member are provided.

Preferably, one transmits the identification number of the Central unit repeated at intervals to all decoders. This gives you a new in the game mode of the model railway layout recorded decoder the possibility of the identification number of the authoritative central unit with possibly in the decoder already stored identification number of a central unit to compare. If the identification numbers do not match, so can wait for the newly added to the game mode decoder, until a new address is assigned to him, so that he then call this address reacts.

In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention is provided that the decoder upon receipt of the identification number Check the central unit to see if they have already been saved and if not, their own identification number to the central unit for assigning an address, whereas they do not answer if stored Identification number of the central unit with the stored Identification number of a central unit coincides. Thus, can the central unit after sending out its own Identification number based on any incoming Feedback easily detect whether in the game mode of the Model railway a new decoder was added.

To reduce the number of potentially incoming responses To send out the identification number of the central unit, it is convenient if the central unit has its own identification number to all decoders of the model train transmits connected with the request that this their own identification number to the central unit if they do not contain the identification number of the central unit already stored and have their own identification number in a predetermined by the central unit area, wherein the central unit upon receipt of exactly one identification number of a decoder transfers to this an assigned address, whereas the central unit upon receipt of multiple decoder identification numbers the default range of accepted by the central unit Decoder identification numbers limited until only a single decoder answers. Thus, on structurally simple Be sure that the central unit of a decoder identification number assigns a specific address and then this transmits the identification number having decoder, so that they are there together with the identification number of the central unit can be stored.

To ensure that the number of assigned by the central unit Addresses with the number of decoders involved in game operation matches without a user when removing a decoder It must be said to central office that this decoder is eliminated advantageous if the central unit repeats at intervals checks if the decoders whose addresses are stored in the central unit are still connected to the model system. It can for example be provided that periodically after expiration of about 30 s to about 3 In each case such a test is carried out.

Thus, for example, be provided that the central unit hers known decoder successively at the respective address, to transmit their respective identification numbers to the central unit, the central unit further playing with the decoders under the respective address only maintains, if at their request for each address receives exactly one identification number, the with the decoder identification number stored under this address in the central unit matches.

To further simplify the operation of the model railway for the user, is provided in a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, that one in each decoder one the assigned model railway article storing characterizing plain text names and that one transmits the plain text name to the central unit and there the identification number stored in the decoder, and that one the user on a display panel of the central unit the plain text name to control the decoder displays. Such a design has the advantage that the user does not have numeric addresses must remember, he can rather on the basis of the visible on the display panel Plain text names the respective decoder with the assigned model train article select and submit a control command. Of the Clear text name can be stored by the manufacturer in the decoder become. For example, the plaintext name may be the common name of the model railway item, in the case of a model railway locomotive For example, to act on the name of the locomotive.

It is advantageous if the central unit automatically to the decoder the Request sends their respective plaintext names to the central unit and then receiving the plain text names in the Central unit at the address and the identification number of the respective Decoders saves.

As described above, by means of the decoder, the respective Modellbahnartikel be targeted by the central unit. When Modellbahnartikel come in particular traction vehicles are used, it may, for example, but also to light signal devices or Turnouts, cranes, turntables, traversers or the like. Act, where the model railway articles in many cases have several functional types, which can be controlled by the central unit by means of the assigned decoder are. For example, in many cases, an interior lighting or also an outdoor lighting can be switched on and off, it can Noises are generated, horns, whistles, bells pressed briefly or a smoke generator can be switched on and off. To initiate such functional types have been previous central units via function keys whose assignment to a specific Function type of model railroad article is specified by the decoder, wherein in many cases identical types of functions different Modellbahnartikel were assigned to different function keys. It was therefore necessary for the user to self-book about it lead, which type of function when operating a specific Function key are triggered at a certain model railway article.

To simplify the operation of the model railway system, is therefore at a method of the type mentioned, in particular in a Method, as explained in detail above, proposed that you can control the controllable by a particular decoder functional types of the assigned model railroad article of the central unit, the central unit being the functional types of the operating elements automatically assigns to the central unit. This has the advantage that all functional types of a particular model railroad article unique associated with a control element of the central unit, without the user having to take care of this. Besides, can on structurally simple way to ensure that identical types of functions, for example, the interior lighting or the high beam, different Modellbahnartikel each the same controls the Central unit can be assigned so that a user to control operate the same control element for a particular type of function can. The operation of the model railway is thus considerably simplified.

It is favorable, if one controllable by means of a certain decoder Function types of the model railway article in the decoder in one not erasable memory element stores and on request to the central unit transfers. The storage of the possible functional types can be done by the manufacturer. Such an approach is recommended if between the decoder and the central unit bidirectional communication channel, as described above was explained.

Alternatively and / or additionally, it may be provided that the means a particular decoder controllable functional types of the model railway article under assignment of an article number of the decoder or of the model railway article is stored in a database of the central unit and after entering the article number by the user from the database retrieves. Such a procedure is particularly recommended then, if only one unidirectional communication signal between the central unit and the decoder is present, as in use so far usual decoder is the case. The database can be used in addition to the respective functional types assigned by the manufacturer for testing purposes and user changeable address of the decoder and the Plain text names of the model railway article included.

Another simplification of the operation of the model railway system can be achieved by giving the controls of the central unit assigns a display field and controllable by a decoder Function types on the display field correspond to the assigned operating elements displays. It is particularly advantageous if on the Display field each a function type symbolizing pictograms displayable are. By means of the pictograms a user can click on simple Recognize the type of function he is in the operation of a control element can turn on or off.

The controllable by a decoder functional types of a model railway article can be divided into two groups, namely functional types with permanent function and function types with current function. Function types with continuous functions remain active for as long as they are triggered, until the user presses the corresponding control again, For example, press a key again. This can be, for example Switch on the interior and exterior lighting of a locomotive, during first operation of the control element, the lighting is switched on, and only when you press the control again, the lighting switched off. The same applies, for example, to smoke or noise generators or for shunting a model railway locomotive. In contrast to this are instantaneous functions of the model railway article upon actuation of the respective control element only active until the control element is released again. So should For example, whistles or horns sound only as long as the User actuates the control. To avoid being a user manually the controls of a central unit with a specific Must occupy a mode of operation, a momentary function or a Duration function corresponds, is in a particularly preferred embodiment the process of the invention provided that the by a particular decoder triggerable types of functions respectively a function type as a permanent function or as an instantaneous function associating characterizing function type index and this together is provided with the respective type of function of the central unit, wherein the Central unit with the operating modes associated with controls an operating mode corresponding to the respective function index, wherein the central unit upon actuation of the operating element accordingly the respective operating mode either only an ON or a OFF signal or when the operating element is acted upon by the User an ON signal and when the control is enabled an OFF signal transmits to the decoder. The central unit can thus use of the function type index, if it is an instantaneous function or a permanent function, and accordingly occupies the Central unit their respective controls automatically with a specific Operating mode, so that when the operating element in the case Alternatively, a continuous function may transmit an ON or an OFF signal or in the presence of a momentary function at the admission of the operating element by the user an ON signal to the Decoder is transmitted while releasing this control transmitted by the user an OFF signal to the decoder becomes. In the case of a momentary function, that remains the user by operating the control element selected mode of operation only way long active as the control is pressed.

It is particularly advantageous if the Funktionsartindex together with the respective type of function in the decoder indelibly stored and upon request together with the type of function to the central unit transfers. Such a procedure is recommended if present a bidirectional communication signal between the central unit and the decoder.

Alternatively and / or additionally, it may be provided that the Function type index together with the respective function type under assignment the article number of the decoder or the model railway article in a database of the central unit stores and after entering the Retrieving article number from the database by the user. Such Procedure is recommended especially in the presence of a unidirectional communication channel between the control center and the Decoder, as in conventional decoders. Entering the Function type and the respective function type index in the database can be done in the manufacture of the central unit.

The invention also relates to a decoder for a model railway article a model railway, in particular for a model railway drive vehicle, the Implementation of the above method. For this is the Decoder according to the invention via a bidirectional communication channel connectable to a central unit and comprises a first storage member to indelibly store a unique, the decoder characterizing identification number and preferably also the by means of the decoder controllable functional types of the model railway article, and a second memory for erasable storage of an identification number the connectable to the decoder central unit and an address assigned by the central unit.

By means of the decoder can be a model railway article from the central unit control by transmitting a control command to the decoder, that according to the above-mentioned method of the central unit assigned address is prefixed. The operation of the model railway article makes it very easy. It is for the user merely required the decoder of the model railroad article over the bidirectional Communication channel to connect to the central unit. In the case of a model railway, the bidirectional Communication channel formed on the track of the model railway become. For making a connection of the central unit it is in In this case, only required, the model railway article to the track connect, for example, a model railway locomotive to the track sit up. The central unit periodically sends its own Identification number on the track to all decoders, whereupon the decoders check if they have the identification number of the central unit already saved. If this is not the case, then transfer the Decoder her own identification number over the track to the Central unit, which then the decoder identification number one Address assigns and this over the track to the new in the game operation with recorded decoder transmits, so that this decoder and so that the model railway article for the further game operation of the Central unit can be addressed via the assigned address.

In the first memory element of the decoder, the functional types are also preferred stored the model railway article. The decoder can therefore communicate these types of functions to the central unit, which then reports the types of functions display on a display panel to the user by means of pictograms can, with the central unit also the individual types of functions each assigns a control element of the central unit and the Pictograms are each assigned to a control element. The user therefore recognizes easily on the display panel of the central unit the possible functional modes of the newly added to the game operation with Modellbahnartikels and can control these as desired, by actuating the controls accordingly.

In the first memory of the decoder is in a preferred embodiment In addition to the function types, there is also a function type index stored, which are also transmitted to the central unit and by which the central unit can tell if it is with the respective type of function to a momentary function or to is a permanent function. Accordingly, the central unit automatically assign a specific mode of operation to their controls, so that it is ensured that upon actuation of the respective operating element either a function type only switched on and at a new operation is then turned off again, or, that the Funktionsart only during operation of the operating element is activated.

It is advantageous if in the first memory element of the decoder a the plain text name characterizing the model railway article is storable. This gives the possibility to change the plaintext name of the decoder as well To transmit the central unit, then this on their display panel can show. Assigned addresses are thus not for the user to note, he recognizes the respective model railway article on the basis of Display field displayed plain text name and can thus when using select the respective plain text name for more than one model railroad article Control of the article.

The invention also relates to a model railway article, in particular a locomotive of a model railway, with a decoder, as described above has been described.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a central unit for a model railway, in particular a model railway, to carry out the above described method. The central unit according to the invention is about a bidirectional communication channel with model railroad article decoders connectable and includes a first memory member for indelible Storing a unique, the central unit characterizing Identification number, wherein by means of the central unit identification numbers the decoder connected to it, the Identification numbers of the decoder each assigns an address automatically and the identification numbers of the decoder together with the assigned address in a second memory element of the central unit are storable.

As already explained, such a central unit allows a considerable simplified operation of the model railway, in particular a model railway.

It is advantageous if by the central unit by means of the decoder controllable types of function of the assigned model train items queried and the functional types are the addresses and identification numbers associated with the respective decoder in the second memory element are storable.

The central unit may include controls that correspond to the types of functions can be assigned, and in addition, the central unit can a the Control elements associated display field for displaying the associated with the respective operating element functional types. As operating elements In particular, function keys are used, wherein It is particularly advantageous if the controls automatically with one of the respective associated type of operation corresponding actuation are assignable. The latter gives the possibility, either by means of the controls either an instantaneous function or a permanent function to control the model train article by either at the admission of the control by the user an ON signal and at the subsequent release of the control element an OFF signal from the Central unit is transmitted to the respective decoder to be controlled, or it is at a first actuation of the control element only transmit an ON signal and only at a subsequent second Actuation of an OFF signal.

To using the central unit while maintaining a great ease of use Also to be able to drive decoders, which are only one-way Communication between the central unit and the decoder It is advantageous if the central unit has a database comprises for storing an article number of the decoder or the associated Modellbahnartikels associated types of model railroad article, where the functional types after entering the article number are retrievable from the database. This gives the opportunity, even the Function types of a model railroad article on the display field for display whose decoder does not bring the functional types to the central unit can transfer. Instead, it is only necessary for the user to enter the item number of the model railway item in the central unit, whereupon the function types stored in the database are queried and then graphically displayed on the display panel. In addition to the functional types can also be a manufacturer assigned address of the respective decoder stored in the database and the plain text name of the model railroad article and functional type index, each assigned to a function type.

The following description of a preferred embodiment of Invention is used in conjunction with the drawings for further explanation. In the drawing is schematically illustrated by a single figure a model railway in the form of a model railroad excerpts, which is occupied overall by the reference numeral 10. It includes a track 12, on the two model railway items in the form of a first locomotive 14th and a second locomotive 16 are attached. Stand over the track 12 the two locomotives 14, 16 with a central unit 18 in electrical Connection, which is an operating device for controlling the locomotives 14, 16.

The locomotives 14, 16 each comprise a drive 20 or 21, a smoke generator 22 and 23, an electromagnetically actuated Clutch 24 or 25, an interior light 26 or 27, a high beam 28th or 29 and a horn 30 and 31. The locomotives 14 and 16 have also each a decoder 34 and 36 for decoding digital electrical control signals from the central unit 18 to the respective Decoder 34 and 36 are transmitted.

The decoders 34 and 36 each comprise a first memory element 38 or 39, in which the factory a decoder 34 and 36 respectively uniquely characterizing, globally unique identification number the decoder 34 and 36 is stored. additionally be in the first memory element 38 and 39 by means of the respective decoder controllable functional types of locomotives 14 and 16 stored, So the special functions, in addition to the control of the respective Drive 20 and 21 are provided, in the present embodiment if the functional types are the respective smoke generator, Clutch, interior lights, high beam and horn of the locomotives 14 or 16.

The decoders 34 and 36 are above the track 12 and leads 41 with the central unit 18 in connection, wherein a bidirectional Communication channel between the central unit 18 and the decoders 34 and 36 is formed.

The central unit 18 has a first memory element 44, in which Manufacturer's work a central unit 18 clearly characterizing stored worldwide only once assigned identification number becomes. In addition, the central unit 18 includes a second storage member 46 for storing the identification numbers of the decoders 34 and 36 as well the addresses assigned by the central processing unit 18, such as will be explained in more detail below. In addition, in the second memory member 46 the by means of the decoder 34 and 36 respectively controllable types of functions locomotives 14 and 16 are stored.

The central unit 18 also includes a third memory member 48, in which a database can be stored in the form of article numbers for model railway items, so in particular locomotives, and the article numbers assigned addresses of the respective decoder and their Function types. The stored in the third memory element 48 Database is used, if in the model train 10 decoders are used, the only control commands from the central unit 18th received, but not also transmitted signals to the central unit 18 can. This will be discussed in more detail below.

The central unit 18 has a display field 50 for the graphic display of pictograms as well as to display lettering. Sideways next to the display panel 50 are controls in the form of function keys 52 to 61 arranged as well as a hand controller 63.

All function keys 52 to 61 stand as well as the hand controller 63, the display panel 50 and the memory elements 44, 46, 48 with a Microprocessor 65 of the central unit 18 in electrical connection.

As already explained, the user can use the central unit 18, the Control locomotives 14 and 16 according to his wishes, using means of the manual controller 63 the speed and direction of the respective Locomotive 14 or 16 can set, and by means of the function keys 52 to 61, additional functional types can be switched on and off. From the central unit 18 are for this purpose via the connection line 41st and the track 12 transmit control commands to the decoders 34 and 36, wherein the control commands each preceded by an address of the decoder is. The respective decoder address can be used together with the identification number the central unit 18 in a second memory member 67 and 68, respectively the decoder 34 and 36 are stored.

For example, if the first locomotive 14 is first used by the user, so are in the second memory member 67 initially neither one Decoder address nor an identification number of the associated central unit stored. The newly placed on the rail 12 first Locomotive 14 behaves therefore initially passive. From the central unit 18, which trains the so-called communication master, is in regular Intervals a search for newly added to the game operation Locomotives or other model railway items, the one Decoder have performed. For this purpose, the central unit 18 sends periodically their own identification number on the track 12 to all Decoder of the model railway 10 connected with the request that these transmit their own identification number to the central unit 18, if the identification number is in one of the central unit 18 predetermined range is. Receives the CPU 18 on this No feedback, so there is no new in the Game operation recorded locomotive.

If it receives multiple responses in the form of multiple decoder identification numbers, so it limits the range of requested decoder identification numbers so long, until only a single one Identification number as feedback.

In response to the feedback of a single decoder identification number selects the central unit 18 from a stock available to it If the address of the free decoder addresses is an address, this one indicates the address received Decoder identification number and sends the address directly to the Decoder with the previously detected decoder identification number. Of the Decoder with this identification number stores the assigned to him Address together with the identification number of the relevant ones Central unit 18 in its second memory member 67 from. The decoder 64 then responds to its assigned address and recognizes the for him decisive central unit 18 based on their identification number. The central unit 18, in turn, the decoder 34 is known to which they will in future transmit user-selected control commands can.

Was the first locomotive 14 at an earlier date already on used in another model railway, so are the second Memory member 67 nor the relevant from the previous game mode Central unit assigned address and the identification number of stored at that time central unit. It must therefore be ensured that the decoder 34 when first used in the model railway 10 gets assigned a new address. For this, the central unit sends 18 at regular intervals, for example once a second, a data packet with its own identification number. Everyone Model Railroad Decoder 10 reads this data packet and compares the transmitted identification number of the central unit 18 with the stored in the second memory of the respective decoder Identification Number. The identification numbers differ from each other from, so the respective decoder goes from a change of the central unit out. The decoder then deletes the stored in the second memory element Address as well as the identification number of the central unit and waits for the central unit 18 to explain the above Initialization procedure is performed again by the decoder 34 is assigned a new address so that he then at the game operation can participate.

Is in the second memory member 67 is still an "old" decoder address together stored with an "old" identification number of a central processing unit and decoder 34 gets under this "old" decoder address already a control command, even before he can recognize that in the second memory member 67 stored identification number not with the identification number of the central unit 18 matches, so leads he still the transmitted under the received address control command out. As of the central unit 18, however, at regular intervals the own identification number to all decoders of the model railway 10 is transferred, detects the newly recorded in the game mode Decoder 34 within a very short time that in the second Memory member 67 stored address not from the authoritative for him now CPU 18 has been assigned. He then deletes them Address as well as the stored in the second memory member 67 Identification number and stops the first locomotive 14 until which also takes place at regular intervals, above already explained initialization is performed.

The execution of control commands under one in the second memory element 67 stored address even before the decoder 34 can verify whether the stored in the second memory member identification number with the identification number of the central unit 18 has the Advantage that control commands are executed by the decoder 34 even then if this had previously been switched off for a short time, for example due to a momentary power interruption. Such a power interruption is synonymous with a first-time for the decoder 34 Turn on. Would the decoder 34 after a power interruption first on a verification of the second memory element 67 stored identification number persist through the central unit 18, this would mean that every short-term power interruption the locomotive 14 stops until the central unit 18 Data packet emits, with the help of the decoder 34 said Verification can perform. This would be in the normal game mode of Model train 10 not acceptable. Instead, the decoder 34 leads Control commands to him under the second memory 67 stored Address transferred, even if not yet Verification of the identification number of the central unit 18 performed has been.

At regular intervals, for example every 30 seconds to about every 3 minutes the central unit 18 checks whether the known decoder 34, 36 still available. She calls every decoder under her known Address on, its decoder identification number to the central unit 18 to transmit. Is not a response from a decoder 34 or 36 before, the central unit 18 assumes that the corresponding locomotive 14 or 16 was taken from track 12. The corresponding Decoder address is then no longer driven by the central unit 18.

Receives the CPU 18 at its request at a decoder address several answers, it assumes that an address conflict is present, also in this case, the corresponding decoder address no longer driven by the central unit 18.

If there is only one response after sending a decoder address in the form of a decoder identification number and agrees obtained decoder identification number with the in the second memory element 67 of the central unit 18 stored, the corresponding decoder address assigned identification number, so goes the Central unit 18 assumes that the corresponding decoder continues am Play operation participates.

The locomotives 14 and 16 each have special functions in shape of smoke generators, clutches, interior lights, high beams and Horns 22 to 31. These types of functions are in the second memory member 67 or 68 of the decoder 34 and 36 stored together with a Function type index that indicates whether it is the respective type of function is a momentary function or a permanent function. time functions are the operation of the smoke generators 22, 23, the interior lighting 26, 27 and the high beam 28, 29, while it is at the clutches 24, 25 and horns 30, 31 are instantaneous functions. The function types are combined with the function type index from the respective decoder 34, 36 after its initialization to the central unit 18 transmit that information in their second memory member 46 stores.

After the initialization of the decoder 34 and 36 are of these in addition the respective plain text names of the locomotives 14 and 16 to the Central unit 18 transmitted. These plain text names are used in the production the decoder 34, 36 in the first memory element 38 and 39, respectively stored.

Due to the received functional types, coupled with the respective Function type index, the central unit 18 performs an assignment of the function keys 52 to 61, wherein it is the individual types of a Assigns the function key and the type of actuation of the respective function key adjusted so that in the presence of a permanent function a first-time Pressing the function key generates an ON signal while a subsequent second press of the same function key an OFF signal generated. Is it one instead? Momentary function, then becomes when the admission of the respective Function key generates an ON signal while the subsequent one Release of the function key results in an OFF signal, which is triggered by the Central unit 18 is transmitted to the respective decoder.

The respective types of functions controlled by the function keys 52 to 61 can be provided to the user by means of a pictogram displayed on the display panel 50 along with the plain text name of controlled locomotive 14 and 16. To control the respective Locomotive allows the user to select these from a list of their respective plain text names select that presented to him on the display panel 50 for selection becomes.

Comes for the model railway 10, a decoder used, the only is configured for a unidirectional communication channel, so can the user by means of the function keys 52 to 61, the item number the decoder or the assigned model railroad article in the Enter central unit 18, which then the under the respective Article number stored function types, function type indexes and Retrieves plain text names from the database of the third memory member 48, so that then the central unit 18 also occupy the Make function keys 52 to 61 and the function types on Display field 50 can symbolically.

Claims (30)

A method for controlling an electric model train, each with a decoder Modelbahnartikeln comprehensive, especially traction vehicles, and with a central unit, which communicates with the decoders via a communication channel, the decoder each an address can be assigned and a decoder associated control commands from the central unit using the respective address to the decoder, characterized in that each decoder and the central unit assigns a characteristic, unique identification number and stored in the decoder or the central unit, and that one connects the decoder via a bidirectional communication channel with the central unit and to the Central unit of the decoder each transmits their identification number, and that the central unit automatically assigns the identification numbers of the decoder each an address and assigned to the identification number of the decoder abs abs stores and transmits the address together with its own identification number to the respective decoder, which stores the address assigned to it and the identification number of the central unit. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that a signal is transmitted to the central unit by a decoder only when requested by the central unit. Method according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that an unambiguous, uniquely assigned identification number is stored in the decoder in an indelible manner. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an unambiguous, uniquely assigned identification number is stored in the central unit. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the identification number of the central unit is repeatedly transmitted at intervals to all decoders. Method according to Claim 5, characterized in that the decoders, upon receiving the identification number of the central unit, check whether they have already stored them and transmit their own identification number to the central unit if they have not previously stored the identification number of the central unit, whereas they do not answer, if the stored identification number matches the transmitted identification number of the central unit. A method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the central unit transmits its own identification number to all decoders connected with the request that they transmit their own identification number to the central unit, if they have not yet stored the identification number of the central unit and their own identification number in a predetermined range from the central unit, and that the central unit transmits an assigned address to it upon receipt of exactly one identification number of a decoder, whereas the central unit, upon receipt of a plurality of decoder identification numbers, limits its accepted range of decoder identification numbers until only a single decoder responds. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the central unit repeatedly checks at intervals whether the decoders whose addresses are stored in the central unit are still connected to the model railroad. Method according to Claim 8, characterized in that the central unit successively requests the decoders known to it at the respective address to transmit their respective identification number to the central unit, the central unit only maintaining the further game mode at this address if it is accurate at its request receives an identification number that corresponds to the identification number stored under the respective address in the central unit. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each decoder is assigned to a plaintext name characterizing the assigned model railroad article and stored in the decoder, and that the plaintext name is transmitted to the central unit and stored there associated with the identification number of the decoder, and the user is notified a display field of the central unit displays the plain text name for driving the decoder. Method according to Claim 10, characterized in that the central unit automatically sends to the decoders the request to transmit their respective plaintext names to the central unit and stores the subsequently received plaintext names in the central unit at the address or below the identification number of the respective decoder. Method according to Claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the designation of the model railroad article assigned to the decoder is permanently stored by the manufacturer as plain text names in a non-erasable read memory of the decoder. A method for controlling an electric model train, each with a decoder Modelbahnartikeln comprehensive, especially traction vehicles, and with a central unit, which communicates via a transmission channel with the decoders, the decoder each an address can be assigned and a decoder associated control commands from the central unit using the respective address to the decoder are transmitted, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one provides the central unit controls for triggering functional types of the model train article, and that one inputs the controllable by a particular decoder functional types of the associated model railroad article of the central unit, wherein the central unit automatically assigns the types of functions to the operating elements. Method according to Claim 13, characterized in that the types of functional modes of the model railway article which can be controlled by means of a specific decoder are stored in the decoder and transmitted to the central unit upon request. A method according to claim 13, characterized in that one stores the controllable by a certain decoder functional types of model railroad article with assignment of a part number of the decoder or model railroad article in a database of the central unit and retrieves after entering the article number by the user from the database. Method according to Claim 13, 14 or 15, characterized in that a display field is assigned to the operating elements of the central unit and the functional types controllable by means of a decoder are indicated on the display field correspondingly to the associated operating elements. A method according to claim 16, characterized in that one assigns the control elements each one the respective type of function symbolizing icon and displayed on the display panel. Method according to one of Claims 13 to 13, characterized in that the functional types which can be controlled by means of a specific decoder are each assigned a functional type index which characterizes the type of function as a permanent function or as an instantaneous function and makes this available together with the respective type of function of the central unit, the central unit being the functional types associated with operating elements corresponding to the respective Funktionsartindex mode, wherein the central unit upon actuation of the control element according to the respective mode either only an ON or OFF signal or upon actuation of the operating element by the user an ON signal and upon release of the control element on OFF signal to the decoder transmits. A method according to claim 18, characterized in that one stores the function type index together with the respective type of function in the decoder and transmits on request together with the type of function to the central unit. A method according to claim 18, characterized in that one stores the Funktionsartindex together with the respective type of function with assignment of the article number of the decoder or model railroad article in a database of the central unit and retrieves after entering the article number by the user from the database. Decoder for a model railway article of a model railway, in particular for a model railway drive vehicle, for carrying out the method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the decoder via a bidirectional communication channel with a central unit is connectable and a first memory member comprises for indelibly storing a unique, the decoder a characterizing identification number and a second memory element for erasable storage of the identification number of the central unit which can be connected to the decoder as well as an address assigned by the central unit. Decoder according to Claim 21, characterized in that the functional types of the model railway article which can be controlled by means of the decoder can be stored in the first memory element. Decoder according to Claim 21 or 22, characterized in that a plain-text name characterizing the model railway article can be stored in the first memory element. Modellbahnartikel, in particular traction vehicle of a model railway, with a decoder according to claim 21, 22 or 23. Central unit for a model railway, in particular a model railroad, for carrying out the method according to one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that the central unit is connectable via a bidirectional communication channel with decoders of model railway articles and a first memory member for indelibly storing a unique, the central unit characterizing identification number, which can be queried by the central unit identification numbers of the decoder associated with it, the identification numbers of the decoder each automatically an address assignable and the identification numbers of the decoder can be stored together with the assigned address of the respective decoder in a second memory element of the central unit. Central processing unit according to Claim 25, characterized in that the types of functions of the assigned model train articles that can be controlled by the decoder can be interrogated by the central unit, and that the types of functions assigned to the addresses and identification numbers of the respective decoders can be stored in the second memory element. Central unit according to Claim 26, characterized in that the central unit comprises operating elements which can be assigned to the types of functions. Central unit according to Claim 27, characterized in that the central unit has a display field assigned to the operating elements for displaying the types of function assigned to the respective operating element. Central unit according to Claim 27 or 28, characterized in that the operating elements can be assigned automatically with an actuation type corresponding to the respectively assigned type of function. Central processing unit according to one of claims 25 to 297, characterized in that the central unit comprises a database for storing functional types of the model railway article assigned to a product number of a decoder or a model railroad article, wherein the functional types can be queried from the database after the article number has been entered.

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