WO1993006577A1 - Systeme de commande a distance pour autorail miniature - Google Patents

Systeme de commande a distance pour autorail miniature Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1993006577A1
WO1993006577A1 PCT/US1992/007814 US9207814W WO9306577A1 WO 1993006577 A1 WO1993006577 A1 WO 1993006577A1 US 9207814 W US9207814 W US 9207814W WO 9306577 A1 WO9306577 A1 WO 9306577A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
electrically actuated
remote control
control system
actuated device
signal
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1992/007814
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English (en)
Inventor
Michael S. Hamilton
Original Assignee
Hamilton Michael S
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Hamilton Michael S filed Critical Hamilton Michael S
Publication of WO1993006577A1 publication Critical patent/WO1993006577A1/fr

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
    • A63H19/00—Model railways
    • A63H19/24—Electric toy railways; Systems therefor
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
    • A63H30/00—Remote-control arrangements specially adapted for toys, e.g. for toy vehicles
    • A63H30/02—Electrical arrangements

Definitions

  • the invention relates to remote control systems for model railroads or other similar electrically operated toys.
  • various other electrical and electro- mechanical devices are utilized to create a realistic effect in the model railroad layout. For instance, the use of crossing lights and a crossing gate, as well as actuated track switching components, serve to accentuate this realistic effect. Other devices such as water wheels, lighted billboards, street lights, etc. may also be utilized in the layout.
  • each of the devices used in association with the model railroad are hard wired to a centralized control box.
  • the size of the control box may become cumbersome due to the increased number of switches necessary as the number of utilized devices increases.
  • the control box must be located in. a stationary position due to the complexity of wiring each of the actuated devices, thus preventing the operator from operating the model railroad from various positions throughout the railroad layout.
  • the present invention provides a remote control system for use with a model railroad or the like for controlling operation of at least one electrically actuated device associated with the model railroad.
  • the remote control system comprises a control unit from which an operator may generate address and other control signals associated with an electrically actuated device desired to be actuated.
  • a processor unit is coupled to the control unit for receiving and storing the address generated from the control unit.
  • the processor unit further generates an actuation signal to the device being addressed in response to receiving an execution or other control signal from the control unit.
  • Uniquely addressable receiver cards are associated with each of the electrically actuated devices for actuating the devices in response to receiving an actuation signal for that particular address.
  • Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of the remote control system according to the present invention
  • Fig. 2 shows a flow diagram of the operation of the remote control system of the present invention
  • Fig. 3 shows a functional block diagram of a hand ⁇ held control unit according to the present invention
  • Fig. 4 shows a detailed electrical schematic corresponding to the functional block diagram of the control unit illustrated in Fig. 3;
  • Fig. 5 shows a functional block diagram of a receiver card according to the present invention
  • Fig. 6 shows a detailed electrical schematic corresponding to the functional block diagram of the receiver card illustrated in Fig. 5;
  • Fig. 7 shows a functional block diagram of a processor unit according to the present invention.
  • Figs. 8A-8D show a detailed electrical schematic of the processor unit as illustrated in Fig. 7.
  • Fig. 9 shows a functional block diagram of an electrical mechanical relay card according to the present invention.
  • Figs. 10A-10C show a detailed electrical schematic of the relay card illustrated in Fig. 9.
  • the Solo Commander remote control system 10 of the present invention is illustrated in Fig. 1.
  • the system includes a portable hand-held control unit 20 for use by an operator.
  • the control unit includes a digital display 22 for displaying digital numerals 23 that correspond to an address of a particular device to be actuated by the operator.
  • a keypad 24 is provided for selection of the desired device to be actuated by the operator.
  • the keypad 24 is a conventional telephone-type keypad for numerically selecting a two digit address associated with the device desired to be actuated.
  • Additional switches 26 are provided with the control unit 24 for initiating various operations such as generating an execution signal for carrying out the actuation of the device selected, reversing the polarity of the electrical power applied to the tracks in order to reverse the model train, and various other conventional operations associated with model railroading.
  • a rotating switch 28 such as a knob or dial is provided for increasing or decreasing the electrical power applied to the tracks in order to increase or decrease the speed of the model train engine.
  • a control unit data port 29 is provided on the control unit 20 for transmitting any control signals generated from the control unit for downline processing and for receiving any return signals.
  • the data port 29 is a multi-pin cable connector for connection to a multi-wire cable 30 which couples the control signals being sent to and being received from downline processing components described hereinafter.
  • Other communicative coupling systems which may be utilized in conjunction with the present invention include a radio frequency transceiving system, or optical frequency transceiving system, such as fiber optics or infra-red light transmission systems.
  • a processor unit 40 includes a power switch 41 and a processor unit data port 42, which according to a preferred embodiment is a multi-pin cable connector.
  • the processor unit 40 also includes card receiving slots 46 for receiving circuit cards 44 which will be described hereinafter.
  • the processor unit includes circuitry which decodes binary coded decimal (BCD) signals which correspond to the numeric address selected at the control unit 20. The selected address is stored in memory at the processor unit 40 so that the subsequent execution signal, reverse polarity signal, speed control signal, etc., are forwarded to the desired device to be actuated.
  • BCD binary coded decimal
  • a cable bus 50 such as a ribbon cable, is coupled to a data port 48 at the processor unit 44 for carrying processed signals to and from the processor unit.
  • a ribbon cable is used for the cable bus 50 because of its flexibility and adaptability to a model railroad layout.
  • a receiver circuit card 60 is associated with each of the devices (not shown) utilized in the railroad layout.
  • the receiver card 60 is coupled to the cable bus 50 by a cable 62 via a bus clamp 64 and a data port 66.
  • Each of the receiver cards 60 have a unique address which may be accessed by the control unit 20 as described above.
  • the receiver cards 60 are operable for actuating the associated devices in response to the operator selecting the unique address at the control unit 20, the address being stored or latched at the processor unit 40, and receiving an actuation signal from the processor unit after the operator generates an execution command at the control unit.
  • the receiver card operates to actuate the device by either passing an electrical pulse or applying a constant electrical energy to the device.
  • FIG. 2 is an operational flow chart showing one set of steps taken in actuating a particular device utilizing the system 10 of the present invention.
  • the operator turns the power on at switch 41.
  • a system reset 201 is initiated by the processor unit 40 so that all circuits in the system 10 are reset.
  • the display 22 of the control unit 20 should read (0,0) at 202. If the display does not read (0,0), the processor unit determines whether a previous command has been executed at 203. If no previous command has been executed, the processor unit may initiate another system reset. If a previous command has been executed or the display reads (0,0), at 204 the operator enters the numeral l's count digit of the address of the associated with the device to be actuated. At 205 a modification is made as to whether the l's count of the address is displayed at the control unit. If the l's count of the address is not displayed, the operator must re-enter the l's count of the address.
  • the operator may enter the 10's count of the address corresponding to the device desired to be actuated at 206.
  • a verification is sent by the processor unit whereby the 10's count of the address is displayed at the control unit. If the 10's count of the address is not displayed, the operator must re-enter the 10's count of the address.
  • the processor unit 40 After the address has been entered by the operator and the address is correctly displayed at the control unit, the processor unit 40 stores the device address entered at 208. At 209, a check is made as to whether the device receiver card indicates a correct response. This correct response may be in the form of an LED associated with the receiver card being lit in response to the control unit selecting that particular address. In an alternate embodiment, the LED may be located at the control unit 20 for displaying the same information. If the receiver card does not indicate the correct response, the operator must re-enter the entire address starting at 204. If the receiver card indicates a correct response, the operator may then select the option which is to be carried out at 210, i.e. pulse actuation, reverse electrical polarity, increase or decrease electric power applied for speed control, or general device actuation.
  • pulse actuation i.e. pulse actuation, reverse electrical polarity, increase or decrease electric power applied for speed control, or general device actuation.
  • Fig. 3 shows a functional block diagram of the hand ⁇ held control unit 20 of the present invention.
  • the control unit provides the electrical interface between the operator and the commands to be executed. Initially, the operator enters the unique address of the device to be controlled on the keypad 24. This data is transferred from the keypad on an eight line bus 300 to a key entry and data word circuit 302. The data word circuit codes the entered address in digital form and presents the BCD equivalent of the address onto a four line bus 304 for transmission to the processor unit 40 via the data port 29.
  • the processor unit 40 decodes the BCD data word which represents the address of the device to be actuated and a reflection of that address device number is transmitted back to the operator at the control unit 20 for visual verification.
  • This information is transmitted from the data port 29 through an eight line bus 306 to a display decode circuit 308.
  • the display decode circuit generates a current source corresponding to the address to be displayed.
  • the electric current flow provided by the display decode circuit is provided to a current limit circuit 312 via a fourteen line bus 310.
  • the current limit circuit determines and provides via the bus 314 the appropriate current to provide adequate brightness for the digital numerals 23 of the display 22.
  • Electrical power to the control unit 20 is provided through the conversion of an AC power input (18 VAC) to DC power.
  • the AC input is provided on line 316 to a DC power supply 320.
  • the power supply operates in part to convert the AC input to a DC voltage which in turn is provided to all required digital and analog components via line 322.
  • the AC voltage input power and current are received from the processor unit 40 via the data port 29 on the designated pins.
  • a system ground is provided on line 318. Filtration of AC voltage of frequencies which would be detrimental to the digital circuits of the system 10 are filtered to ground potential through capacitors provided in the DC power supply 320 whose farad values are predetermined for the desired effect.
  • Preset switch positions which the operator may select may be entered by providing either a fixed analog voltage or a ground potential on lines 334 and 338 to the data port 29 via the mechanical switches 330 and 326. These voltages are constant with regard to the frequency of changes in the data words provided by the data word circuit 302. By activating switch 330, the operator may alter the polarity of the voltage applied to the tracks of the railroad, while the actuation of switch 326 may correspond to a selected option. Once the operator has entered the address of the device which is to be actuated, the operator may actuate the execution switch 328. The execution of a desired command to the device selected is accomplished by presenting an electrical ground potential at a normally open contact point associated with the switch 328.
  • the negative direction from the DC power source at that point to ground potential will then be transmitted to the data port 29 on line 340 for additional conduction to the processor unit 40.
  • the DC voltage which regulates the speed of the model engine on the tracks is generated through both the control unit 20 and the processor unit 40 by the manipulation of the rotary switch 28.
  • a speed control resistor Rx is also varied.
  • the speed control resistor Rx As the speed control resistor Rx is advanced, it electrically stimulates a transistor Q into a state of conduction which provides a voltage and current flow via the two line bus 336 to the processor unit 40 through the data port 29.
  • the processor unit receives this variable voltage and current source as a stimulus for a transistor associated therewith (Qx) . This transistor in turn will conduct, thus providing a current flow and voltage source to the bus 50 for transmission to all receiver circuit cards 60.
  • Fig. 4 shows a detailed electrical schematic corresponding to the functional block diagram of control unit 20 illustrated in Fig. 3.
  • Figs. 5 and 6 a functional block diagram and a detailed electrical schematic, respectively, of the receiver card 60 according to the present invention are shown.
  • the processing unit 40 of the system 10 converts the address received from the control unit 40 and presents this information as an eight bit digital data word to the receiver card via the cable bus 50, cable 62, and data port 66.
  • the eight bit address data word is transferred to a decode circuit 502 via bus 500.
  • the decode circuit includes two BCD to decimal decoder integrated circuits 5021, 5022 which decode four bit binary coded decimal words into a voltage on one of ten different pins coupled to associated buses 504, 506.
  • a data word of n o" would cause a logic voltage to appear at pin 3 of decoder 5021, or a BCD data word of M 5" would cause pin 6 of decoder 5021 to rise to a predetermined voltage and the "0" logic count out on pin 3 to go to ground or a zero voltage state.
  • the output of the decoder 5021 represents a decoded value from 0-9 in the units or l's count of the address selected, and decoder 5022 in turn decodes its respective input to represent a voltage on bus 506 with 0-9 in the l's count of address selected.
  • the decoders 5021, 5022 provide a data word between 00 and 99, which correspond to 99 possible device addresses.
  • the numeric digits decoded by each of the decoders 5021, 5022 are transferred to an option/decode control circuit 507 where they are compared in a pair of count latches 5071, 5072.
  • the comparator 5071 matches the l's count of the address, while the comparator 5072 matches the 10's count of the address. If the correct address is stored in the count comparators 5071, 5072, an LED associated with an indicator circuit 522 is activated.
  • the selected device address value is applied to CMOS circuits 5073, 5074 as logic voltages.
  • a strobe or execute voltage goes from ground to a logic high voltage on line 536 and is applied to an input of the CMOS circuit 5074, with the output thereof applied to the input of CMOS circuit 5073.
  • the CMOS circuit 5073 produces an address valid decode voltage, which is provided to CMOS circuits 5075, 5076 and 5077 for further implementation.
  • the CMOS circuit 5075 inverts a ground voltage on the option select line 538 to a logic voltage, thus enabling a comparison by CMOS circuit 5076 to energize a CMOS D-type flip-flop 5121 to an active state via line 508.
  • a logic high voltage on select line 538 will be inverted by CMOS circuit 5075 to a ground potential and disable CMOS circuit 5076 from receiving the execute signal.
  • the same logic voltage at CMOS 5075 will then be compared with a valid address decode voltage from the CMOS circuit 5073 and instead initiate a change of state by the CMOS D-type flip-flop 5122, by being decoded and passed by a CMOS circuit 5077 via line 509.
  • Any positive state voltage at the output of flip-flop 5121 is amplified through a voltage and current CMOS circuit 5123 in order to provide the necessary potential for electro-mechanical circuit 514, specifically discrete device 5141, to conduct to an "on" state.
  • the discrete device 5141 may be a transistor which is provided with sufficient current flow capacity when conducting to power a small electro-mechanical device such as relay 5142.
  • a field Upon sensing the flow of electrical current through the coils associated with relay 5142, a field will develop causing the internal contact points 540, 542, 544, 546, 547, 548 at relay 5142 to short, thus providing contact closure for device operation.
  • Electro-mechanical circuit 516 with discrete device 5161 operates in a virtually identical manner as the electro-mechanical circuit 514, with the exception of a selection of either a fixed voltage from flip-flop 5122 or a bypass via line 560 to a voltage pulse equal in time width of duration to the address decode voltage pulse at CMOS circuit 5073. Using this pulse option, the current flow into the discrete device 5161 will be of a short pulse width, which will cause relay 5162 to operate the associated electro-mechanical contacts 550, 552, 554, 556, 558, 560 momentarily.
  • a small AC voltage and current are extracted from the data port 66 through line 532 and provided to the power supply 528»
  • the AC voltage is converted by DC regulator 5281 to provide CMOS voltage levels at line 524 which are suitable for the power requirements by the CMOS integrated circuits described above.
  • AC frequencies that might be present on the DC power voltage are conducted to ground potential through a capacitor 525.
  • System ground levels are kept as close as possible through the ground potential available on lines 526 and 534.
  • the receiver card 60 may be used to provide variable voltage and current flow for controlling the speed of the engine.
  • the variable DC voltage required to change engine speed is received at circuit 518 via line 5181 from the data port 66 and the ground reference is received via line 5182 also from the data port.
  • Fig. 7 a functional block diagram of the processor unit 40 according to the present invention is shown.
  • Figs. 8A-8D show a detailed electrical schematic of the processor unit 40 as illustrated in Fig. 7.
  • the system processor unit 40 provides the interpretation of signals, both in digital and analog voltage forms and converts those voltage characteristics into decoded data words for the selected device address.
  • the processor unit processes the execution signal generated by the control unit 20 so as to implement the command desired in association with the decoded device address.
  • a strobe timing circuit 716 receives a data available signal on line 717.
  • a CMOS circuit 7161 is utilized to sense the data available signal from the data port 42 when the data word representing the device address is available and present from the bus 304 associated with the control unit 20. This signal is a timed pulse of a duration set by discrete values within the control unit, and is present as a logic voltage providing a window through which to scan input conductors associated with a data word sample and hold circuit 702.
  • a CMOS D-type flip-flop 7162 operates to provide a toggle pattern of selecting either of two AND circuits 7163, 7164 by changing the flip-flop output state on each voltage output from the CMOS circuit 7161.
  • the AND circuits 7163, 7164 respond to the output from the flip-flop 7162, and combine that output with the window pulse presented from the CMOS circuit 7161. Since the AND circuits will transfer only positive values at both input pins, only one of the AND circuits 7163, 7164 will be active. The appropriate active output will then enable a determination as to whether the keyed data word provided from the data port 42 is a 10's unit value or a l's unit value.
  • CMOS circuits 7021 and 7022 associated with the data word sample and hold circuit 702 are each clocked to accept the address data and latched to that value until a different data value is presented and clocked by the AND circuits 7163, 7164.
  • the address data values now stored in the data word sample and hold circuits 702 are thereafter transferred to three locations.
  • the address data stored in the CMOS circuits 7021, 7022 are transmitted back to data port 42 via bus 704 for routing to the control unit 20 in the form of verification of the address selected at the control unit.
  • the latched address is also transmitted to a BCD decode to decimal circuits 708 and BCD to decimal card select circuit 718 via bus 706.
  • the address data word is received in binary coded decimal format and is decoded such that the 10's value of the address is converted into only one active voltage and applied to one of possible ten conductors 719.
  • the conductors 719 are connected to an optional card connector circuit 720, which has ten individual card edge connectors for one of ten cards to be selected. As long as a "zero" 10's count is selected, i.e. a device having an address from 0 through 9, an active signal is sent on line 709 to a CMOS circuit 7081 of the BCD decode to decimal circuit 708. If a "1". is keyed into the 10's count of the address, then a decimal weight of 1 to 9 or 10-90 is automatically assigned to the edge connectors of the connector circuit 720 for further implementation.
  • the stored data word representing the device address to be selected is routed to bus 50 for connection to each of the receiver cards 60.
  • the previously mentioned window of opportunity to extract the data word which corresponds to the address of the device to be selected is generated by the strobe timing circuit 716.
  • the window of opportunity provides a finite time in which to execute a selected command.
  • the operator of the system 10 will initially press the execute button 328 which is on the control unit 20.
  • An execute signal in the form of a ground potential is applied to a CMOS circuit 7165 of the strobe timing circuit on line 719.
  • the circuit 7165 inverts the positive to negative transition to a negative to positive transition. This transformed signal will then be applied to CMOS circuits 7166, 7167 and 7168.
  • CMOS circuit 7168 is a timer which receives a positive voltage thirty times each second from power supply and square wave circuit 726, and specifically from circuit 7261 associated therewith. Once a positive transition and voltage is received from circuit 7261 on line 7262, the timer 7168 will count and apply a sufficient voltage on its output pins in up-counting sequence for each use sensed from the thirty pulses per second. A calculated timed pulse of positive value is then set up between CMOS circuit 7169 and the circuit 7168 in order to produce a strobe signal on line 721.
  • CMOS circuit 7169 receives the start of the window by changing the state of its output pins from a ground to the DC supply value, and is held at that value until timer 7168, through its progressive timing output, changes that value back to a ground potential or zero state.
  • the number of pulses per second that are allowed to clock at the timer 7168 will determine the timed value of the execute window at circuit 7169.
  • This value will hereinafter be referred to as "strobe” and is preset with the selection of timer 7168 appropriate pin assignment to provide a pulse for the BCD decode to decimal circuit 708.
  • This strobe signal is also sent out on line 721 for all receiver cards to monitor via the bus 50.
  • CMOS circuits 7162, 7166, and 7169 are formatted in such a way as to change their output state from a ground potential to a logic voltage potential upon a rising edge from ground applied to their respective clock pins. In this manner, a positive edge rise on the clock pin will result in a steady or hold voltage out another edge rise on each of the clock pins will, if the circuit is properly configured, reverse the voltage output state as being on and change again to the original output setting of a ground potential on the respective output pins.
  • CMOS integration circuitry may change internal states of voltage potentials due to a misrepresentation of edges from noise factors arriving at random on their respective clock inputs, certain precautions must be taken in sequential designs to ensure that all circuity operates from an initial known state.
  • AC voltage components may be present on DC conductors. For this reason, all integrated circuits which may see a sine wave's rising edge and interpret that change as an edge trigger, must be held in an off situation until that voltage period passes.
  • a power up reset circuit 722 is provided for holding the system electronics in a non- operation state.
  • a circuit 7221 is provided to produce an active logic reset voltage equal to the DC supply until the discharging of the associated capacitor reduces the DC voltage components to or near zero.
  • the reset voltage is determined from the specific values of the resistor and capacitor associated with circuit 7221.
  • circuit 7222 converts the capacitor discharge time into a digital "hold off" level that is transmitted to any CMOS integrated circuits that could operate on a misinterpretation of AC power up noise as a valid command. Once a near ground discharge state has occured, the circuit 7222 will then convert that new voltage value into one that releases the circuity for normal operation.
  • Transistor Qx 730 is used for receiving the speed control signals generated by the control unit 20. As previously described, the processor unit 40 receives a variable voltage and current from the control unit as a stimulus for transistor 730. Thereafter, transistor 730 will conduct, thus providing a current flow and voltage source to be applied to the bus 50 for transmission to all of the receiver cards 60.
  • Relay coil drivers circuit 712 and board relay circuits 714 comprise an electro-mechanical pulse circuit 711.
  • the system according to the present invention uses electro-mechanical components, such as relays, in order to provide a pulse of energy to the devices desired to be actuated.
  • CMOS circuits 7082 and 7083 serve as decoding circuits which sample the binary data word from the bus 706 during the strobe time frame, and thereafter pass the corresponding decimal equivalent to the proper electro-mechanical component 714 for execution.
  • the window of the sampling time i.e. the conditions which must equal the correct values for the window or strobe time to commence, originates at circuits 7168 and 7169 of the strobe timing circuit 716.
  • the CMOS circuit 7081 When all of the conditions for the strobe time are satisfied, the CMOS circuit 7081 produces a ground potential at its output pin, and this voltage change is interpreted as a signal to enable the circuit 7082 to scan or sample all of the contents or voltage and ground patterns being received at the bus 706.
  • the operating conditions at which the CMOS circuit 7081 will respond are as follows: the voltage at pin 8 for a decode of "0" in the 10's is present; the power up reset time at pin 2 has passed; and a strobe pulse at pin 1 to commence the scan or sample time is at a ground potential.
  • the circuit 7083 provides the logic conversion from a sampling of voltage values at its input lines.
  • the input lines together represent a binary value depending on the configuration of voltages and grounds at the strobe or sampling time.
  • a conversion to presenting a decimal voltage relating to one of nine conductors is then carried out within the circuit 7083. Since the full value of the input lines may be a total of 15 possible decimal lines and the circuit 7083 is capable of producing only 9 possible decimal lines, the circuit 7082 is utilized to inhibit the circuit 7083 from executing any value beyond 9.
  • the circuits 7121 and 7122 accept a voltage and small current flow level and convert the same into a format which provides for the conduction of higher current values.
  • These circuits are implemented to conduct current flows through the electro-mechanical relay coils to ground potential. This conduction will then induce magnetic fields in the relay devices to produce desired contact point closures. This conduction of current flow at the circuits 7121 and 7122 remains until the circuit 7083 decodes and alters the decimal equivalent.
  • Each of the relays of the board relay circuits 714 represent the electro-mechanical devices that provide a pulsed contact closure for a variety of control operations.
  • the strobe time is the amount of conduction allowed any relay coil to be active. Therefore, each electro-mechanical device will be pulsed at the appropriate time of selection.
  • Fig. 9 shows a functional block diagram of an electrical/mechanical relay card 44 according to the present invention.
  • Figs. 10A-10C show a detailed electrical schematic of the relay card illustrated in Fig. 9.
  • the electrical/mechanical relay card 44 is used to supply additional contact switch point closures when an increased number of control functions are desired.
  • Each relay card 44 preferably has 10 separately controllable DPDT relays associated with it, each relay on the card being uniquely addressable. The relays themselves remain in an on state if commanded to do so, thus supplying continuous electrical flow for device utilization, until another command is sent to reset or turn off the relay.
  • a total of nine relay cards 44 may be utilized by manually inserting them into designated edge connectors 720 within the card slots 46 of the processor unit 40.
  • Each of the relay cards 44 are addressable from the control unit 20 by entering any value 1-9 in the 10's count unit. Thereafter, by pressing any value 0-9 in the l's count unit, any one of the ten individual relays may be accessed on that particularly selected relay card. Once a relay card has been selected, the operator of the system may turn that particular relay on or off by pressing the execute button on the control unit 40.
  • the contact points of all of the relays on the relay card 44 are wired to an edge connector for wiring to the specific devices desired to be actuated.
  • a strobe circuit 812 determines from appropriate signals received from the edge connector 720 if the operation to be executed will turn a relay component to an on or set state, or if the operation will turn a relay component to an off or reset state. This determination is then sent to either relay ID decode set circuit 802 or relay ID decode reset circuit 804 for interrogation of the data word. The timing of the strobe pulse is determined by evaluation of the strobe input by the strobe circuit 812. Several conditions must be met for further processing the selection and execution of the addressed relay. Initially, the particular relay card 44 must be selected, then the operator must decide to set or reset the desired relay by entering the command. Also, the processor unit 40 must be sending a strobe pulse to the relay card, and the unit power up period must have passed.
  • the strobe circuit 812 sends a signal to either decode set circuit 802 and decode reset circuit 804 to interrogate the BCD data word value for conversion to a decimal equivalent.
  • the decimal equivalent of producing a digital voltage on one of ten conductors is then executed by either decode circuit 806 or decode circuit 808, depending on whether the command received from the edge connector 720 was to produce a set or reset condition.
  • the decoded set or reset conditions are then presented to decode set/reset circuit 814.
  • the set/reset circuit receives a voltage pulse on either the set or reset inputs associated therewith. This pulse is then converted internally to produce either a voltage of digital value, or a ground potential of constant state.
  • This output value will not change until another decoded value is sent by either decode set circuit 806 or decode reset circuit 807.
  • the constant value is then sent from the set/reset circuit 814 to be amplified by coil driver circuits 820, 822 to provide sufficient potential to conduct current flow through the various relay coils 824.
  • This system is operable for producing the capability of having all of the relay coils K1-K10 of circuit 824 on or conducting at the same time. Any combination of relay coils may be commanded for a variety of possibilities by the command entries entered at the control unit 20.
  • the relay coils are thereafter connected to an edge connector 830 for further interconnection to the device or devices desired to be actuated.
  • a power supply circuit 826 and associated AC filters 828 are provided for supplying DC power to the relay coils.

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Abstract

Le système de commande à distance (10) utilisé avec un autorail de modèle réduit ou autre permet de commander le fonctionnement d'au moins un dispositif actionné électriquement et associé à l'autorail. Le système de commande à distance (10) comprend une unité de commande (20) depuis laquelle un opérateur peut produire des signaux d'adresse et autres signaux de commande associés à un dispositif actionné électriquement et qu'il désire activer. Un processeur (40) est couplé à l'unité de commande (20) pour recevoir et stocker le signal d'adresse généré par l'unité de commande (20). Le processeur (40) génère en outre un signal d'actionnement qui est envoyé au dispositif adressé en réponse à la réception d'un signal d'exécution ou autre signal provenant de l'unité de commande (20). Des cartes de réception (60) adressables de manière unique sont associées à chacun des dispositifs électriques pour les actionner en réponse à la réception d'un signal d'actionnement pour cette adresse particulière.
PCT/US1992/007814 1991-09-17 1992-09-16 Systeme de commande a distance pour autorail miniature WO1993006577A1 (fr)

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US76100791A 1991-09-17 1991-09-17
US761,007 1991-09-17

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2485821A2 (fr) * 2009-10-06 2012-08-15 Learning Curve Brands, Inc. Jouet interactif
EP2485821A4 (fr) * 2009-10-06 2013-10-16 Learning Curve Brands Inc Jouet interactif

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