Sound recording and reproduction system for model train using integrated digital command control

Abstract

A system is provided for recording, storing and reproducing sound for playing back in an environment requiring simulated sounds, voices, and / or sound effects. Sounds are recorded on a chip and played back in an asynchronous manner from the chip as a result of activation of a switch or inertial movement within the system. A Hall-effect sensor, reed switch or momentary switch or the like may be implemented for enabling activation of the recorded sound from the chip for broadcasting. A compander compresses the sound on the chip and expands the compressed sound for playback. Employing the above system for audio storage, a sound, motor and special effects controller may be created for model train applications as well. The different functions of the sound unit are controlled through a discrete bi-polar digital command control signal using a unique address for each unit. A synchronous means of play back may also be employed when the system is used with the bi-polar signal using a sensor. In addition to the analog sound storage, the same concepts and ideas may be applied to a digital sound recording and play back device as well.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION DATA[0001]This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08 / 289,257, filed on Aug. 11, 1994, now abandoned.This application is a divisional application of U.S. Reissued Pat. No. U.S. RE38,660 E issued on Nov. 23, 2004 as a reissue of U.S. Pat. No. 5,855,004 issued on Dec. 29, 1998. U.S. Pat. No. 5,855,004 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08 / 289,257, filed on Aug. 11, 1994, now abandoned.<?insert-end id="INS-S-00001" ?>BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention generally relates to a modular device, system and method for storing, playing back and recording audio data. More specifically, the present invention relates to a modular device, system and method for reproducing audio data, such as voice and sound effects in a realistic manner.[0003]It is, of course, generally known to generate simulated sounds in response to external stimuli, such as motion. One common industry in which sound p...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0040]It is, therefore, an advantage of the present invention to create a modular sound recall and play back circuit to adapt to a variety of applications for producing sound.

[0041]Still further, an advantage of the present invention is to provide a system and a method to internally activate audio in the first embodiment without the need to externally trigger the at least one sound.

[0042]And, another advantage of the present invention is to provide a system and a method to trigger or activate the sound module using the same circuit design.

[0043]Another advantage of the present invention is it will decode multiple broadcasted digital packets of which one will match the sound units preset address.

[0044]Another advantage of the present invention is that it may see one match for the sound unit's preset address and may activate an appropriate sound, light or other special effect or institute changes upon motor speed or direction based upon the information contained within the digitally addressed and decoded broadcasted packets.

[0045]Another advantage is that each model train operator has independent control of the following functions of their particular sound unit: all sound functions, model train motor control, and on-board special effects.

Problems solved by technology

There has not been a means to integrate all simulated controllable functions a model train may have into a model locomotive or car.

In the '216 patent, there is no means to execute sound effects at the model train enthusiast's discretion or to control speed, direction or other onboardon-board special effects.

It cannot select from a set of speed sound effects that give a better simulation of different speeds and work loadswork-loads.

The '216 patent system does not allow for any random play-back or variance of the predetermined menu of sound effects.

The '216 patent also is deficient in that it is not able to discretely control sound effects, or regulate the speed of a model locomotive, control direction and other onboard special effects at any random location.

Because the '216 patent makes use of the variable track supplied power to supply voltage for the circuitry and regulation of the chuff or diesel sound effects, it is unable to operate at slow prototype speeds in a model setting.

Another deficiency of the '431 patent is that, in its preferred embodiment, only two addresses are possible: a master and a slave.

For the operator of DC powered trains, these deficiencies make the device unsuitable.

Due to the need to control the reverse unit and the DC offset, any other type of model trains, that require DC current for motor power cannot use this system.

In addition, to the limitation of operating AC powered trains only, the quantity of locomotives the hobbyist may operate with this system is limited to ten.

There are additional operational limitations to this system: it requires a hands on approach to access a switch, to place the locomotive in a programming mode, a manual switch needs to be accessed, the inability to tailor locomotive motor performance characteristics such as acceleration and / or deceleration, and the inability to tailor sound performance to personal preferences.

This patent makes use of a Digital Command Control format, but is limited in scope due to its limited address capabilities and the lack of hobbyist programmable features to enhance performance of the locomotives and sound systems.

Furthermore, the '996 patent lacks the ability to operate other brands of Digital Command Control receivers which limits it usage.

This system, although flexible, appears to be limited in its address capabilities due to the method of selecting addresses for each receiver, and the quantity of data bits appears to affect the amount of power available to power motors and ancillary devices.

This system's deficiencies include no easy way to change a locomotives address, limited in band widthband-width for address range, operating characteristics of the motor controller are limited to: direction and deceleration only, and no provisions for additional features to be actuated remotely, such as operation of a sound unit or special lighting effects.

As seen by the above patents, prior art exists; however, each makes use of a proprietary format that only operates each manufacturer's or inventor's devices and are limited in operational characteristics.

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