EP1961469A2 - Method and system for highly realistic line-bound models in gaming environments - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves recording natural sound developed during activating, moving and adjusting of mechanical components e.g. entry door (2), of a role model. The sound is transmitted and stored in a sound file of a memory that is located in the model. The sound file is opened after releasing the movement of the parts. The noise is reproduced by a sound transducer device (10). The memory and the transducer device are activated using a digital encoder by a signal. Sound preceding and/or lagging the actual movement is picked up and acoustically reproduced based on a control command from the file. An independent claim is also included for an arrangement for configuring a reality-close play operation of a rail-guided model.

Description

The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for realistic game operation design of track-guided models, in particular electrically operated model trains and model trains, which have at least one actuator for moving or adjusting mechanical elements in or on the model, wherein the at least one actuator preferably designed as a piezo drive and a digital decoder is driven, according to the preamble of claim 1 or 11.

From the DE 100 21 927 A1 is a method for faithful, realistic close to automatic or semi-automatic control of track-guided toys, especially electric motor model railways and model trains previously known. This document also shows an arrangement for carrying out such a method and rolling stock, in particular locomotives for use in a method for controlling model trains and model trains.

According to the local solution type and / or geometry specifying, contactless readable memory modules are arranged on or in each track, track, buffer, signal and / or switch to be installed, each memory module and thus each track additionally has a running, non-repeating marking ,

Furthermore, the rolling stock, preferably the locomotives, equipped with a memory reader and a data transmission device for feedback. After a first driving on the track section of the route structure is available as an electronic image and can be held in a central memory. During the subsequent route driving, the respective instantaneous position of the train or the train is determined by memory module reading and feedback to the central memory or a central control system, whereby one or several functions based on predefinable tasks for carrying out the railway operation taking into account the route and speed information as well as special functions Machines are automatically controlled and controlled.

An additional scanner, e.g. a magnetic field sensor, which is integrated in the rolling material, additionally provides the possibility of detecting changes in direction, in particular when first driving on and scanning in the track or the track image, so that the track mapping is possible in a short time and with little computational effort.

According to the currently traveled or passed sections and / or an assigned special function can according to DE 100 21 927 A1 at defined points the triggering of noise, in particular train announcements or the like take place. It is also possible to trigger a light action of the train or the machine when reaching a track section with a defined signal image.

At the model railway toy after DE 102 04 539 A1 is shown a mechanical actuator for a pantograph or pantograph, where there is a piezoelectric element is used as an actuator.

The piezoelectric element is connected via a spring arm with a pulley. A rope which can be wound up and unwound on the pulley attaches to a lever arm of the current collector, in order then to lift or lower it. The piezoelectric actuator with a clutch disc is in the lower part, ie located in the chassis of the corresponding model locomotive, the pulley is located with rope and lifting mechanism in the upper housing part. The aforementioned clutch then leads to a frictional connection, so that the movement of the piezoelectric actuator can be transferred to the pulley.

Furthermore, it is well known in the art to provide model locomotives with noise generators to operate in e.g. a steam locomotive model to simulate a typical acoustic backdrop.

From the foregoing, it is therefore an object of the invention to provide a further developed method and an associated arrangement for realistic game operation design of track-guided models, especially electrically powered model trains and model trains, where there existing actuators for moving or adjusting mechanical elements as possible in their acoustic function model model should come close.

The solution of the object of the invention is according to the method with a teaching according to claim 1 and based on the arrangement with the combination of features according to claim 11, wherein the dependent claims represent at least expedient refinements and developments.

According to the invention, the natural noise produced when activating, moving and / or adjusting a mechanical element of the model model is first recorded, digitized and transmitted and stored in a sound file of a storage unit located in the model.

With the triggering of a movement of the corresponding element in the model, e.g. a pantograph, the corresponding Soundfile is then opened in accordance with the process and reproduced by means of a sound converter device. With motion or action end of the sound file is closed.

The control of the memory unit and the sound transducer device via a signal or a signal sequence by resorting to a known digital decoder, being read on the basis of the respective control command from the sound file of the actual movement preceding and / or lagging noises and reproduced acoustically. A previous noise is, for example, the starting of a compressor to generate compressed air or to switch on an engine that has sufficient torque only after reaching a minimum speed. A lagging noise is, for example, the discharge of compressed air from a hydraulic boiler or the skipping of a spark in the form of electrical discharge when approaching the power rail of a pantograph to the overhead line.

It will be clear from the foregoing that the basic idea of the invention is the coordination and the achievement of an execution conformity of sound and action, whereby in addition also optical events can be triggered.

By means of an interface provided on the respective model, there is the possibility of saving new or changed sound files, so that further possibilities for playing open up.

Ausgestaltend a sound space sound can be generated over several, provided on the model spaced sound transducer means, so that a further acoustic model fidelity results.

Furthermore, it is possible to provide on the model a device for locating the model position relative to the game environment in order to trigger or release a correct activation of the respective mechanical element. For example, the means for locating can determine on which car side the platform is located so that only the doors facing the platform side can be opened.

As mechanical elements which undergo a movement process, e.g. Locomotive pantograph, entrance doors, but also model people for use. For example, after opening an entrance door, a model person may move into the door area, so that here, e.g. Getting out is imitated. This entry or exit of persons can be accompanied by typical noises.

In a further embodiment of the invention, it is possible to make the opening of the doors on a random basis, but the closing to execute together. Of course, opening and closing of the entrance doors of a sequence of trains can also be synchronized.

In the arrangement for realistic game operation design of track-guided models, in particular electrically operated model trains and model trains, which have at least one actuator for moving or adjusting mechanical elements in or on the model, wherein the at least one actuator is preferably designed as a piezo drive and can be controlled via a digital decoder, There is at least one memory unit in the model for at least one soundfile, whereby the soundfile contains the natural noises created when activating, moving and / or adjusting a mechanical element of the model prototype.

The digital decoder communicates with the memory unit and the actuator to control actuator and noise on the basis of a command. Furthermore, at least one sound transducer device located in the model is connected to the sound file memory unit.

The mechanical element may be an entry door of a model car or a model locomotive, wherein the entrance door via a linkage with the actuator is in communication, which is preferably located in the roof or floor area, to ensure a clear view and related loyalty to the model.

If the mechanical element is a pantograph or a pantograph of a model locomotive, this is also actuated via a linkage with an actuator in communication, wherein the actuator and linkage are preferably arranged in the roof area of the model.

Due to the fact that according to the invention the sound converter device is located in the floor area of the model or the sound radiation direction is oriented towards the track, a diffuse sound distribution results, giving the impression that the respective sound actually originates from the object optically recognized as a moving element.

The memory unit, the decoder and a sound board are located in the floor area of a model car and an actuator board in the roof area of the model car. This sandwich arrangement with functional separation ensures a clear view through the window areas of the wagon.

It is also possible to provide a localization sensor on the model to detect the position of the platform when entering a station so that only applicable mechanical elements, e.g. Entrance doors on the correct side can be activated or activated.

With the presented invention teaching succeeds to lift pantographs of an electric locomotive not only prototypically individual and lower, but to combine this movement with a prototypical noise.

In one embodiment using the inventive concept entry doors are individually opened and closed in a D-Zugwagen, and accompanied by a matching natural door-closing noise. The proposed mechanism also ensures a locking of the doors during driving. The arrangement of the individual assemblies in the floor and roof area ensures the desired free view through the car, i. no mechanics are visible in the interior. The presented game operation can be supplemented by a section-wise switchable interior lighting or a direction-dependent switched cab lighting for model locomotives. All the functions mentioned above can be selected and triggered with the help of the digital decoder.

To visualize the spark when approaching a pantograph to the catenary not only acoustically by noise, but also optically, with the help of a light emitting diode, a flash of light can be generated, the light emitting diode is expediently arranged so concealed in the upper housing part of the corresponding locomotive that only a light exit gap remains, which is oriented to the busbar of the pantograph.

By arranging a plurality of sound transducers, e.g. Disposed in the length distributed over a wagon, a stereo effect can be simulated acoustically when successively closing the associated doors.

The invention will be explained below with reference to an embodiment and with the aid of figures.

Fig. 1

eine Prinzipdarstellung eines Modellbahn-D-Zugwaggons und

Fig. 2

eine Prinzipdarstellung einer Modellbahn-Elektrolok mit zwei Pantograf-Stromabnehmern.

Hereby show:

Fig. 1

a schematic diagram of a model train D-train cars and

Fig. 2

a schematic diagram of a model railway electric locomotive with two pantograph pantographs.

According to the embodiment Fig. 1 are in the car 1 two access doors 2 available, which can be opened and closed in each case via a linkage 3 by means of a piezoelectric actuator 4.

The control electronics for the piezoelectric actuators 4 is located on a circuit board located below the roof 5. 6 This circuit board 6 contains the necessary electronic components and a digital decoder that detects commands via the track 7 and evaluates.

In the bottom area 8, which is designed as a double floor, there is a further printed circuit board 9 with a memory unit for at least one sound file. A power amplifier, which is likewise arranged on the printed circuit board 9, is connected on the output side to a sound converter device 10.

In order to ensure the unhindered exit of the sound, 1 longitudinal slots (not shown) are provided on the underbody of the car.

The Schallabstrahlrichtung the sound transducer device 10 is symbolized by the arrow representations, that is directed to the track 7 out, so that there is a diffuse sound distribution.

The control of the doors 2 and the transducer 10 is carried out in accordance with the procedure, i. The closing of the doors is accompanied by a corresponding noise.

The electrolok 11 according to Fig. 2 has two pantographs 12, wherein the left pantograph 12 is in lowered and the right pantograph 12 in the extended position.

In the roof area 5 of the electric locomotive 11 piezo actuators 4 are in turn located with associated linkage 3, wherein the linkage 3 are coupled on the output side to the respective current collector 12. A printed circuit board 6 with the drive circuit for the piezoelectric actuators 4 is arranged in the roof area, so that long cable paths are eliminated.

Another circuit board 9 is located on the chassis inside the Elektrolok 11. This printed circuit board 9 has the decoder, the memory unit for the at least one sound file and possibly an amplifier circuit, the memory unit or the amplifier circuit being connected to the sound converter device 10. This sound transducer device 10 is in the embodiment in the upper, front roof area of the electric locomotive befindlich, but the Schallabstrahlrichtung is also oriented downwards and is in such a position that the sound leakage takes place unhindered if possible.

Although in the Fig. 2 not shown, the entrance doors there may also be associated with piezo actuators to remotely open and close, in conjunction with retrieving a matching sound file.

Claims (16)

Method for realistic game operation design of track-guided models, in particular electrically operated model trains and model trains, which have at least one actuator for moving or adjusting mechanical elements in or on the model, wherein the at least one actuator is preferably designed as a piezo drive and can be controlled via a digital decoder
characterized in that
the natural noise produced when activating, moving and / or adjusting a mechanical element of the model model is recorded and transmitted and stored in a sound file of a storage unit located in the model,
with the triggering of a movement of the corresponding element in the model, the associated sound file is opened in accordance with the procedure and reproduced by means of a sound transducer device and closed with movement or action end of the sound file;
the control of the memory unit and sound transducer means via a signal or a signal sequence with the digital decoder, which are read from the sound file and the actual movement preceding and / or lagging noises and acoustically reproduced based on the respective control command. Method according to claim 1,
characterized in that
be switched on or triggered in parallel or depending on the achieved movement states of the mechanical elements or optical signals or lighting effects. Method according to claim 1 or 2,
characterized in that
By means of an interface provided on the model, a saving of new or changed sound files is made. Method according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
A sound space sound is generated via a plurality of sound converter devices provided at a distance from the model. Method according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
provided on the model means for locating the model position relative to the game environment to trigger or enable correct activation of the respective mechanical element. Method according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
as a mechanical element, a locomotive pantograph or pantograph is driven. Method according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
as a mechanical element entrance doors are controlled. Method according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
as mechanical elements model persons are controlled. Method according to claim 7,
characterized in that
when opening the doors these are randomly controlled, but when closing them together. Method according to claim 7,
characterized in that
the opening and closing of the access doors of a train sequence takes place jointly and synchronously. Arrangement for realistic game mode design of track-guided models, in particular electrically operated model trains and model trains, which have at least one actuator for moving or adjusting mechanical elements in or on the model, wherein the at least one actuator is preferably designed as a piezo drive and can be controlled via a digital decoder,
characterized in that
at least one memory unit is provided in the model for at least one sound file, wherein the sound produced during the activation, movement and / or adjustment of a mechanical element of the model model is stored in the sound file,
the digital decoder is in communication with the memory unit and the actuator to control actuator and noise in accordance with a command compliant with execution, and at least one modeled sound transducer device is connected to the sound file memory unit. Arrangement according to claim 11,
characterized in that
the mechanical element is an entrance door of a model car or a model locomotive, which communicates via a linkage with the actuator, which is preferably arranged in the roof or floor area, to ensure a clear view. Arrangement according to claim 11,
characterized in that
the mechanical element is a current collector or pantograph of a model locomotive which is connected to the actuator via a linkage, which is preferably arranged in the roof area of the model. Arrangement according to claim 12,
characterized in that
the sound conversion device is located in the bottom region of the model, wherein the Schallabstrahlrichtung is oriented to the track. Arrangement according to claim 14,
characterized in that
the memory unit, the decoder and a sound board are located in the bottom area of the model and an actuator board in the roof area of the model. Arrangement according to one of claims 11 to 15,
characterized in that
a localization sensor is provided on the model to detect the position of the platform when entering a station, so that only applicable mechanical elements, such as entrance doors, can be activated on the correct side.

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