GB2616815A

GB2616815A - Automating a model train

Info

Publication number: GB2616815A
Application number: GB2310694.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Williams Phil; John Jones Peter
Original assignee: M R Innovations Ltd
Current assignee: M R Innovations Ltd
Priority date: 2022-07-12
Filing date: 2023-07-12
Publication date: 2023-09-20
Also published as: GB202210236D0; WO2024013674A1

Abstract

A system and method for operating a model railway train which is fitted with a sensor trigger means, such as a magnet, providing the ability to record a journey and accurately and repeatedly play back that journey. The system comprises: a plurality of sensors which are positioned at locations 19 on a model railway track and a controller 10 which has a memory means 66 for recording a model railway train start position on the track. An energising means for the model railway train which when operated causes the start time to be recorded. A signal is transmitted from a sensor to a remote processor when the sensor detects the sensor trigger means, the sensor is operative to switch an electrical load across rails thereby causing an instantaneous increase, pulse or spike in current drawn from a supply. A detector is operative to detect an increase in current signal; a recorder records the time of detection of the increased current signal; and a processor derives from the time of detection of the increased current signal an indication of the journey time of the model railway train. An advantage of the invention is that control is achieved without complex wiring.

Description

Automating A Model Railway

Field

The invention relates to a system and method for recording a journey travelled by a model train or a model car, over a defined path or track. More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention also relates to a method for determining the journey time of the model train or model car, over the defined path or track.

The invention is particularly well suited for use in model railway layouts, formed from several metres or tens of metres of track, as it provides a precise indication of a location of the model train or carriage within the model railway layout, and this has been found to be especially advantageous in controlling model trains and ancillary equipment using automated controllers.

Background

Verifying the location of model trains, within a model railway layout or installation, has been difficult especially in larger scale railway layouts. Where model railway installations were often separated into several independent zones each zone required its own wiring and logic control.

As a consequence of this, the cost for operating model trains in larger scale model railway installations was often very expensive, particularly as the size and complexity of model railway installations consisted of different zones, as each zone required a dedicated logic control and its own wiring. Therefore, as the size and complexity of model railway layouts grew the ability to locate the precise whereabouts of a model train became increasingly difficult.

The present invention overcomes these problems and eliminates the need for complex wiring and so removes the cost of additional controllers.

Because it was often difficult to locate the position of a train it was also difficult to determine to control ancillary devices, such as lights, points (also known as turnouts) and level crossings.

Prior Art

United states patent application US 5 417 388 (Stillwell) describes a train detection circuit for determining whether a particular section or block of railroad track is occupied by a train. In one embodiment, a bias current generator is used to provide a low current signal that flows through the rails and through the wheels and axles of a railroad model train or car. The bias current is directed into a train detection circuit which measures the magnitude of the received bias current. If the bias current is greater than a certain magnitude, that is indicative of a particular block being occupied by a train.

Japanese patent application JP 2018175148 (Kyosan Electric MFG) provides a railway model system capable of automatically coping with a situation in which a model train enters a particular section by mistake.

Summary of the Invention

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a system for operating a model railway train which is fitted with a sensor trigger means, the system comprises: a plurality of sensors which are positioned at locations on a model railway track; a memory means for recording a model railway train start position on the track; an energising means for supplying electric current to rails in the track to power the model railway train; and a signal is transmitted from a sensor when the sensor detects the sensor trigger means at a start time which is recorded the memory means, the sensor is operative to switch the electric current supplied across rails thereby causing an instantaneous increase in current drawn from a supply to a load; a detector is operative to detect the increase in current through the load and to output an increased current signal to a processor; a recorder records the time of detection of the increased current signal; and a processor derives from the time of detection of the increased current signal a journey time of the model railway train from the start time (datum).

Preferably the increased current signal is transmitted via the rails or optionally the increased current signal is transmitted via at least one independent hardwire connection from the sensor to the controller.

Where a hardwire connection is used all the sensors are connected to the hardwire connection as a common line.

An advantage of the invention is that control is achieved without complex wiring, or an external laptop or similar computing means thereby overcoming many problems familiar to model railway enthusiasts. Consequently, the invention removes the need for costly computers and software packages and the cumbersome and time-consuming installation of under-table wiring and junction boxes.

Optionally an additional wire may be provided between sensors and the controller in order to improve the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the signal, indicative of an increase in current, to the remote processor.

In some embodiments the processor may be housed in a handheld electronic device, such as a smartphone, which includes a wireless receiver that is operative to receive a signal, from the sensor that is transmitted directly from the sensor or via a wireless transmitter.

The wireless transmitter preferably operates using a wireless protocol technology, such as Bluetooth® receiver to receive signal transmitted from a Bluetooth trans-m itter.

Signals transmitted to the remote processor may be transmitted as a very high frequency (VHF) signal from a wireless transmitter. Alternatively, the VHF signal may be transmitted via the model railway track or the separate common line.

In some embodiments the system includes a handheld device comprising a mobile communication device with a display, such as smartphone. The smartphone is operative in accordance with application specific software (APP), to display a user menu which may include control features on a touch panel display, such as a speed potentiometer, a train direction control switch and a record/playback button as keypad.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of operating a model railway train which is fitted with a sensor trigger means, comprises the steps of: positioning a plurality of sensors at locations on a model railway track; placing the model railway train on the track at a start position; recording the start position and the start time as start data in a memory; energising the model railway train at a start time; causing a sensor to transmit a signal to a remote processor, when the sensor detects the trigger means, by switching an electrical load across rails thereby causing an instantaneous increase in current drawn from a supply; detecting the signal; recording the time of detection of the signal; and deriving from the time of detection of the increased current signal a journey time of the model railway train from the start time (datum).

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of operating a model railway train which is fitted with a sensor trigger means, comprising the steps of: positioning a plurality of sensors at locations on a model railway track; placing the model railway train on the track at a start position; energising the model railway train and recording a first sensor encountered as a datum position for the recording, as the journey progresses the sensor trigger means causes all subsequent sensors to transmit a signal to a remote processor, when a sensor detects the trigger means, by switching an electrical load across rails thereby causing an instantaneous increase in current drawn from a supply; detecting the signal; recording the time of detection of the signal; and deriving from the time of detection of the increased current signal a journey time of the model railway train from the start time (datum).

It will be understood that aspects on the system may also be included as modified steps to the method.

Playback Mode Any small inaccuracies in journey times, for example during acceleration or deceleration, which have previously occurred, are removed when the model train passes each successive sensor at a checkpoint, because the processor is programmed to remove any discrepancy derived by comparing a recorded journey time, at a specific checkpoint, with a playback journey time at the same checkpoint.

When greater precision is required, sensors are positioned closer one to another, where precision is less important, for example in long uninterrupted runs, fewer sensors are required.

It can be seen therefore that in a preferred embodiment, the invention uses an analogue approach by detecting an increase in a current signal and a digital storage and processing system to overcome the problems associated with prior art systems.

Preferably an initial manual sequence of train movements is recorded, in the recording mode, and then may be played back as many times as a user requires with assured and repeatable accuracy.

Advantages of the invention include the ability to plan and control a model train journey where manual operations of starting, acceleration, deceleration, running at constant speed, reversing, stopping and waiting are included in one or more train operating sequences.

Likewise, as accuracy of train control is improved, the control and synchronisation of ancillary devices, such as activation of points, barriers and lights may also be stored in the memory means, during a recording mode and used for subsequent playback mode as many times as required by the operator.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only and with reference to the Figures, in which:

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1A is an overall diagrammatic view of the system connected to a simplified model train layout; Figure 1B is an overall diagrammatic view of another embodiment of the system connected to a simplified model train layout in which at least one separate wire connects all the sensors to a controller, which includes a processor; Figure 2 is a diagrammatic sectional view through a railway track and how a sensor is fitted between rails as a checkpoint; Figure 3 shown an example of the sensor including printed circuit boards (PCBs) which act as switches and other components, such as a Hall effect device; and Figure 4 shows a graph indicating the increase in current signal drawn by a sensor against time.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiment of the Invention With reference to the Figures, Figure 1A shows an overview of one example of the system. Train controller 10 has the following controls: a speed potentiometer 12, a direction switch 14 and a record/playback button as keypad 16.

Sensors 18 are mounted on small, printed circuit boards 19 (PCBs) which are positioned at locations (or checkpoints) around the track and are fitted between each of the two rails A or under or alongside the rails A. Sensors 18 derive current from rails A. Sensors 18 include a magnetically operated switch 20, such as a reed relay or a Hall effect device. When activated, sensor 18 causes switch to connect a load across the rails A for a shod interval giving rise to an increased current signal, as shown in Figure 4.

In some embodiments of the train controller 10 communicates with a handheld device 80 which may be a dedicated device or mobile communication device 80 with a display 82, such as smartphone 80. The smartphone is operative in accordance with application specific software (APP), to display a user menu which may include control features on a touch panel display 86, such as a speed potentiometer 87 and a train direction control switch 88 and a record/playback button 89 including a keypad 85.

Referring to Figure 2, it is seen that shape of the rails A allow the printed circuit boards 19 (with the sensor 18 mounted thereon) effectively to sit between the two rails thereby tightly gripping and locating the printed circuit boards 19.

The printed circuit board 19 has an aperture 300 to receive a securing means such as a tack or screw. This enables the rails A to be fixed to a support surface, such as table, with a centre screw 30. This ensures components on the printed circuit board 19 are in electrical contact with the rails A by way of electrical connectors 32A and 32B. Importantly these features avoid the need for additional wiring or soldering. Ideally electrical contacts 32A and 32B are pointed or sharpened to ensure a tight fit between rails A and so achieve good electrical contact.

If desired, the electrical connectors 32A and 32B may be soldered as permanent checkpoints for extra reliability. Ideally electronic components, such as diodes 36 and switches 38 are mounted in the sensor 18. Components are ideally mounted on an underside of the PCB 19 to prevent then fouling with the sensor trigger means (magnet) which is typically supported on an underside of a carriage, or any coupling parts between carriages. Connectors 32A and 32B connect across rails A and have diodes 36 to correct for reversal of direct current (DC) voltage when the model train is reversing or moving forwards.

Fitted on the checkpoint is a magnetic sensor either a hall effect device or a reed switch or an optical device that switches in a load resistance across the tracks.

Ideally the load resistance is switched into circuit for a fixed time interval, typically between 1 mS and 10 mS, preferably 10 mS but this time interval may be varied, regardless of the speed of the train.

A current sensor 65 in the train controller 10 senses an increased current signal and transmits this as pulse 70 and a low pass filter 68 confirms that a model train has passed over a sensor 18 in a checkpoint.

An example of sensor 18 is shown in Figure 3. A sensor trigger means (not shown) is connected to an underside of a model train locomotive, its tender or a carriage (not shown). An example of a sensor trigger means is a magnet, typically a permanent magnet or optionally an electromagnet. When the sensor trigger means passes over a checkpoint, it triggers sensor 18 and activates it giving rise to an instantaneous increase in current drawn from the train controller 10, as described above. This increase in current occurs only during detection of the sensor trigger means by the sensor 18 and therefore the train controller 10 has data relating to the journey time with respect to the start time (datum).

It should be noted that other types of sensor trigger means could be used with a suitably modified sensor, such as an optical sensor, infra-red (IR) sensor or any other proximity type sensing arrangement.

In the layout shown in Figure 1A there are several checkpoints each with its own sensor PCB 19 supporting a separate sensor 18. During a recording stage (described below) a first encountered sensor may be chosen as a datum or checkpoint zero. This ensure there is a specific start position when playing back a sequence (as explained in detail below).

An alternative embodiment is depicted in Figure 1B in which like pads bear the same reference numerals as in Figure 1A. Figure 1B shows an overall diagrammatic view of a system, connected to a simplified model train layout in which at least one separate wire 105 connects all the sensors 119 to a controller 110.

Alternatively, a special datum checkpoint maybe fitted, for example a printed circuit board with component which have a unique load characteristic, such as one which transmits a double current pulse or an inverted current signal or otherwise modified current signal which is detected by the control 10. However, in most cases commencing playback from an original position is satisfactory.

In another embodiment shown in Figure 1B at least one separate wire 88 connects sensor in PCB 19 to the controller. Optionally the wire or wires (rather than the rails) transmits the sensor derived pulse when triggered.

In another embodiment the controller 10 has a wireless transmitter (not shown) that is operative to transmit (relay) signals to a wireless receiver in a handheld device 80, such as a smartphone, which is operative to receive the signal from the sensor when triggered to indicate that the model train has passed.

Some of the advantages of fitting checkpoints include: 1) No external wiring is required.

2) No track cutting is required.

3) No complex programming is required.

4) No battery maintenance of sensors is required.

5) No soldering is required.

6) Unreliable radio paths are avoided during set up.

7) No electronic knowledge is required.

It is appreciated that any number of checkpoints the printed circuit board 19 devices may be fitted in a layout.

When the train passes over a checkpoint and the sensor switches in the extra load the current (M) rises shown as pulse 70 in Figure 4. The current rise typically lasting 5 mS giving sufficient time for the current sense circuit in the control unit 10 to register the checkpoint crossing event.

Figure 4 shows a graph indicating the increase in current signal drawn by a sensor against time.

The invention will now be described, in operational mode, and with specific reference to Figures 1A and 1B.

Recording Mode It is necessary to decide a suitable start position and place the model train (not shown) in the same start position between the same two checkpoints so that the recording can commence.

In the example a keypad 16 is shown as a means to select the different functions but these could also be separate dedicated buttons.

For the purposes of explanation keypad 16 is manually operated. Button 2 is a record means and button 3 is a play back means. For simplicity the track layout is in the form of a loop and has one station stop 100.

The model train (not shown) has a magnet fixed to its underside which is operative to trigger the sensor 18. The model train may be driven to a suitable starting point anywhere on the layout.

In use, the user presses button 2 to record and drive the model train as desired; this includes accelerating, decelerating, reversing, stopping and waiting as required in a particular operation.

The first checkpoint 19A encountered resets memory 66. From this instant to a journey end the controller 10 records train activity against journey time in memory 66. In the working example a rate of sampling by controller 10 is every 100mS. The controller therefore effectively 'stretches' the checkpoint signal so that it is recognised by the sampling. However, this sampling rate may be varied.

Recording therefore consists of the following steps: 1) Noting the first sensor encountered as a start point or datum 2) Acceleration rate 3) Deceleration rate 4) Constant speed 5) Waiting times while stopped 6) Direction of travel 7) Checkpoint crossings By using the controller 10 a user is able to record data which ideally includes: a) The memory location of stored data, b) The demand speed c) The track voltage d) Journey time from the start point or datum e) Check point count A journey of 100 metres typically requires uses 32000 memory locations and scale speeds of 0 MPH to 100 MPH. Whilst desired, the end of a journey does not have to be at the start location or even in the same zone as the start location where recording commenced; unless the user wants to repeat playback continuously.

In a typical layout the checkpoints may be placed at say, 2m intervals. To improve accuracy the spacing around a point of interest, such as a station, can be less, so for example every 300 mm. This provides more signals and therefore more rapid error compensation.

Playback When playback is selected the information stored in the memory 66 is used to control an overall layout, such as shown in Figure 1A, and model train speed and direction together with any waiting times (of a train at a station) and any other infrastructure events, such as switching of lights, signals and points.

It may be necessary to drive the train manually to the original recording start point, before pressing playback as the first checkpoint encountered on playback has to be the same one as in the recording.

Crossing the first checkpoint sets the journey time to 'zero' or datum both on playback and in record mode and this ensures synchronising both record and playback.

In practice errors may occur between the playback position and the original record position due to: 1) Temperature variations may affect the model train armature resistance 2) Friction variations in wheel bearings of the model train and rolling stock 3) Friction between wheels and the rails 4) Variations in track voltage 5) Wheel slippage 6) Variations in loads.

These errors are corrected by comparing the recorded information when any checkpoint is crossed on record with the checkpoint information crossing on playback. This ensures that the playback profile matches the recording as closely as possible. The larger the spacing between checkpoints the greater the risk of errors. Thus having checkpoints closer together, for example at a station, means that stopping points are accurate. Any errors that occur between record and playback, memory locations, train speed and journey time are corrected.

Importantly checkpoints tie the playback sequence to the recorded sequence. However, the system may include a specified tolerance to accept a user defined error.

The positioning of the checkpoints is important in the areas where accuracy is required for slowing down and stopping such as at: 1) Stations 2) Railway Points 3) Signals 4) Buffers In order to reduce costs a user may prefer to use as few checkpoints as possible. However, it is appreciated that there is a trade-off of number of checkpoints used when compared to positioning accuracy needs to be considered.

In tests with a number of model trains using a controller 10 with back EMF feedback speed compensation, then with a speed repeatability a variation of ± 1% is achievable. If a stopping accuracy of ± 5mm is to be realised, then the maximum distance between checkpoints is 0.5m. Atypical station may be around 1 metre long and if three checkpoints are used, as shown in FigurelA, with a speed error of 2% is used, then the stopping error will be around ±0.3 m x 2% which is 6.6mm which for most practical purposes is acceptable.

Away from a station a train might be required to stop at a signal where a stopping error of up to ± 50mm is acceptable and typical spacing of 3m between checkpoints is possible. It is also worth noting that fitting additional magnets to an underside of the model train, tender or carriages has the effect of multiplying the number of checkpoints.

When the first checkpoint is encountered both on record and playback, a clock is set to zero and begins counting up. The speed of travel is set by the speed controller 10 and its value is converted to a digital value and stored every 100mS providing that value is changing.

In the constant speed interval, the information recorded is as follows 1) Memory location 2) Demand train speed value 3) Actual train speed 4) Start time 5) Journey time finish 6) Check point data The check point data on playback is compared with the value from the recording and the appropriate corrections are made to ensure that positioning accuracy is as high as possible by adjusting the time count and/or the demand speed voltage.

It is appreciated that variation may be made to the aforementioned embodiments, without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined by the claims.

Claims

Claims 1. A system for operating a model railway train which is fitted with a sensor trigger means, the system comprises: a plurality of sensors which are positioned at user defined locations on a model railway track; a memory means for recording a model railway train start position on the track; and an energising means for supplying electric current to rails in the track to power the model railway train which when operated causes the start time to be recorded; and a signal is transmitted from a sensor to a remote processor when the sensor detects the sensor trigger means at a start time which is recorded by the memory means, the sensor is operative to switch the electric current supplied al load across rails thereby causing an instantaneous increase in current drawn from a supply to a load; a detector is operative to detect an increase in current through the load and to output an increased current signal to a processor; a recorder records the time of detection of the increased current signal; and a processor derives from the time of detection of the increased current signal a journey time indication of the speed of the time of the model railway train from the start time (datum).
2. A system for operating a model railway train according to claim 1 wherein the increased current signal is transmitted via the rails from the sensor to the controller.
3. A system for operating a model railway train according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the increased current signal is transmitted via at least one independent hardwire connection from the sensor to the controller.
4. A system for operating a model railway train according to claim 3 wherein all the sensors are connected to the hard-wire connection as a common line.
5. A system for operating a model railway train according to any preceding claim wherein the sensor trigger means is from the group comprising: a magnet, a Hall effect sensor, an optical sensor and a proximity sensor.
6. A system for operating a model railway train according to any preceding claim wherein the processor is operative to compare a playback journey time of the model railway train with the recorded journey time and to derive a correction factor to tie a playback journey accurately to the recorded journey of the model railway train.
7. A system for operating a model railway train according to any preceding claim wherein the processor is housed in a handheld device which includes a wireless receiver that is operative to receive a signal, from the sensor that is transmitted from a wireless transmitter.
8. A system for operating a model railway train according to claim 7 wherein the wireless transmitter, that transmits the signal from the sensor, and the wireless receiver, in the handheld device, communicate using a wireless protocol technology, such as Bluetooth®.
9. A system for operating a model railway train according to any preceding claim wherein signals transmitted to the remote processor are transmitted as a very high frequency (VHF) signal.
10. A system for operating a model railway train according to claim 9, when dependent upon any of claims 1 to 6 wherein the very high frequency (VHF) signal is transmitted via the model railway track.
11. A system for operating a model railway train according to claim 9, when dependent upon either claim 7 or 8 wherein the very high frequency (VHF) signal is transmitted from the wireless transmitter.
12. A system for operating a model railway train according to any of claims 7 to 11 wherein the handheld device is a mobile communication device with a display, such as smartphone.
13. A system for operating a model railway train according to claim 12 wherein the handheld device is a mobile communication device includes a display.
14. A system for operating a model railway train according to claim 13 wherein the mobile communication device is a smartphone and is operative in accordance with application specific software (APP), to display a user menu.
15. A kit for retro-fitting to an existing railway layout includes a plurality of sen-sors, according to claim 1, a processor and a handheld device, according to claim 7.
16. A method of operating a model railway train which is fitted with a sensor trigger means, comprises the steps of: positioning a plurality of sensors at locations on a model railway track; placing the model railway train on the track at a start position; recording the start position using a controller and the start time as start data in a memory; energising the model railway train at a start time; causing a sensor to transmit a signal to a remote processor, when the sensor detects the sensor trigger means, by switching an electrical load across rails thereby causing an instantaneous increase in current drawn from a supply; detecting the signal; recording the time of detection of the signal; and deriving from the time of detection of the increased current signal a journey time of the model railway train from the start time (datum).
17. A method for operating a model railway train according to claim 16 includes the steps of storing journey time data and speed data in a memory.
18. A method for operating a model railway train according to claim 16 or 17 using a sensor trigger means from the group comprising: a magnet, a Hall effect sensor, an optical sensor and a proximity sensor
19. A method for operating a model railway train according to any of claims 16 to 18 wherein a comparison with an actual location of the model railway train, is made with the estimated location of the model railway train and a correction factor is derived.
20. A method for operating a model railway train according to claim 19 wherein the correction factor is fed back to the processor and is used to derive an updated estimated location of the model railway train.
21. A method for operating a model railway train according to any of claims 16 to 20 uses a second transmitter to transmit signals to the remote processor via a wireless protocol technology, such as Bluetooth®.
22. A method for operating a model railway train according to any of claims 16 to 21 includes use of the memory to store data indicative of: an acceleration rate and/or data indicative of a deceleration rate and/or data indicative of duration of constant speed and/or data indicative of duration when stopped and/or data indicative of direction of travel and/or data indicative of checkpoint crossings and/or data indicative of a demand speed and/or data indicative of track voltage.
23. A method of operating a model railway train according to any of claims 16 to 22 including the step of using recorded data to control a subsequent operation of the model train.
24. A method for operating a model railway train according to any of claims 16 to 23 includes use of a handheld device, such as a smartphone, which includes a wireless receiver that is operative to receive a signal, from the sensor that is transmitted from a wireless transmitter.
25. A method of operating a model railway train according to any of claimsl6 to 24 wherein recorded data is used to control a subsequent operation of the model train in a model railway layout.