Device and method for determining the quality of a model railway decoder

Abstract

A device for determining the quality of a digital electrical model railway decoder (12), preferably integrated into a model railway article (14), comprising a data processing device (38), a digital electrical control unit (20) which is in communication connection with the latter or is comprised by the latter and which is in communication connection with the model railway decoder (12) via a first transmission path, wherein the model railway decoder (12) is in communication connection with the data processing device (38) and / or the control unit (20) via a second transmission path, wherein test information can be transmitted from the data processing device (38) to the model railway decoder (12) via one of the transmission paths, wherein, upon receipt of the test information, the model railway decoder (12) can transmit relevant control information to the data processing device (38) and / or the control unit (20) via the second transmission path,wherein the test information is transmittable via the first transmission path and the control information via the second transmission path, and wherein the control information confirms the receipt of the test information and a determination of the quality of the model railway decoder (12) is made as to which portion of a plurality of test information items is received by the model railway decoder (12).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device and a method for determining the quality of a digital electric model railway decoder, preferably integrated into a model railway article.

[0002] With digital model railways, a variety of model railway items, particularly electrically powered vehicles, can be operated in a single circuit. The vehicles can assume different operating states, for example, travel at different speeds. This is made possible by the fact that each vehicle includes a model railway decoder designed to receive commands, which can control a drive device of the vehicle to achieve a specific travel speed. Furthermore, the vehicle can have functional devices such as an optical or acoustic signal generator, a smoke generator, or an electromagnetically actuated coupling, which can also be controlled by the decoder. It is also known that the model railway decoder can transmit feedback to the digital control unit of the model railway layout in response to commands transmitted to it.Feedback includes, for example, the communication of an address or the operating status of the decoder. A realistic simulation is achieved, for example, by the decoder transmitting virtual consumption values of operating materials to the control unit.

[0003] In practice, the problem is that both the transmission of commands by the control unit and the transmission of responses by the model railway decoder are subject to interference. In model railway vehicles, insufficient electrical contact between the vehicles and the track interferes with the reception of the command, and the transmission of the response is often disrupted by interference currents from a drive system of the vehicle, as well as from the drive systems of the other vehicles. Therefore, the transmission quality also decreases with the size of the model railway layout.

[0004] If an expected response to a command addressed to the model railway decoder is missing, it is unclear whether the transmission of the command to the model railway decoder failed, whether the command was properly received by the model railway decoder, whether the response was properly sent, or whether the transmission of the response to the control unit via the track failed. Therefore, it would be desirable to be able to determine the quality of the model railway decoder, specifically its ability to receive and process commands addressed to it and to properly send a corresponding response.

[0005] A method for controlling a model railway vehicle is shown in DE 10 2004 016 636 A1, in which data can be transmitted to a model railway vehicle via a wireless transmission channel.

[0006] EP 2 431 083 A1 describes a method for controlling a digital model railway, in which the model railway vehicles each comprise a decoder that can be addressed using a decoder address.

[0007] Further methods for controlling model railways are described in EP 1 555 054 A1 and EP 2 942 093 A1.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a device and a method with which the quality of a model railway decoder can be determined.

[0009] This object is achieved by a device according to the invention for determining the quality of a digital electrical model railway decoder, preferably integrated into a model railway article, comprising a data processing device, a digital electrical control unit which is in communication connection with the latter or is comprised by the latter and which is in communication connection with the model railway decoder via a first transmission path, wherein the model railway decoder is in communication connection with the data processing device and / or the control unit via a second transmission path, wherein test information can be transmitted from the data processing device to the model railway decoder via one of the transmission paths, wherein, upon receipt of the test information, the model railway decoder can transmit relevant control information to the data processing device and / or the control unit via the second transmission path,wherein the test information is transmittable via the first transmission path and the control information via the second transmission path, and wherein the control information confirms the receipt of the test information and a determination of the quality of the model railway decoder is made as to which portion of a plurality of test information items is received by the model railway decoder.

[0010] The present invention incorporates the consideration that an assessment of the quality of the model railway decoder can be made if test information is sent to it via one transmission link, and the model railway decoder's ability to receive and utilize the test information can be verified via the second transmission link. If the model railway decoder receives the test information, for example, sent by the control unit, it transmits related control information via the second transmission link, whereby the proper receipt of the test information by the data processing device and / or the control unit can be determined. The transmission links differ in particular with regard to the carrier medium and / or the protocol with which the test information and the control information are transmitted.Accordingly, it is preferably provided that one of the transmission links ensures the possibility of a more robust, secure data transmission, whereby the quality of the transmission via the respective other transmission link can be checked in conjunction with the model railway decoder's ability to send and / or receive information. This is particularly advantageous when a plurality of model railway decoders are to be checked for quality, whereby a standardized device can be used to check the model railway decoders.

[0011] In this context, any command addressed to the model railway decoder can be considered "test information." This particularly applies to commands that can also be used in regular game operation. However, independent test information intended solely for measurement purposes is also conceivable.

[0012] With regard to a test of the model railway decoder simulating the game operation, it is advantageous if the device has a track which at least partially forms the first transmission path and if the model railway decoder, in particular the model railway article, is electrically connected to the track.

[0013] The device can include a disturbance element connected to the first transmission path for distorting information transmitted over the first transmission path. The disturbance element is, for example, a so-called "track simulator" or "large-scale layout simulator." This makes it possible for the device to use a relatively short track, yet simulate a large-scale layout via the disturbance element. The disturbing influence of a long track, a plurality of track circuits, and a plurality of model railway items with corresponding model railway decoders can thus be simulated.

[0014] It is advantageous if the second transmission path comprises a wireless transmission path. In this case, it can be assumed that the quality of data transmission over the second transmission path is higher than over the first transmission path, which spans a track. The more robust data transmission over the second transmission path allows the quality of the transmission over the first transmission path to be verified.

[0015] The device advantageously comprises a transmission element for wireless data transmission, which is or can be connected to the model railway decoder, preferably in the model railway article, for signal transmission, or which is integrated into the model railway decoder, wherein the control information or the test information can be transmitted via the transmission element. If the model railway decoder itself is not capable of wireless data transmission via the second transmission path, the corresponding transmission element can be used with the model railway decoder. It is advantageous if the transmission element is also positioned in the model railway article and is directly electrically connected to the model railway decoder, thereby ensuring reliable data transmission between the model railway decoder and the transmission element.Alternatively, the model railway decoder itself is equipped with a transmission element suitable for wireless data transmission, which is integrated into the decoder.

[0016] It is advantageous if the wireless transmission path includes or forms a WLAN connection.

[0017] A simulation of the game operation is achieved by transmitting the test information over the first transmission path and the control information over the second transmission path. The data processing device causes the control unit to transmit the test information over the first transmission path, in particular over the track, to the model railway decoder. The control information is transmitted over the second transmission path, in particular over a WLAN connection, to the control unit and / or the data processing device.

[0018] The control information confirms receipt of the test information, and the quality of the model railway decoder is determined based on the proportion of a plurality of test information pieces received by the model railway decoder. Several pieces of test information are transmitted to the model railway decoder, which may, for example, be identical. Upon receipt, the model railway decoder sends a respective confirmation using the control information via the second transmission path. In a particularly simple case, only one bit is transmitted as control information, which is sufficient as an acknowledgment of receipt. The quality of the model railway decoder can be determined by calculating the ratio between the number of test information pieces received and the number of test information pieces sent.

[0019] Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that, after receiving the test information, the model railway decoder can transmit verification information to the control unit via the first transmission path. It can be provided that the content of the verification information is known or unknown to the control unit.

[0020] In an advantageous embodiment of the device, it is advantageous if the verification information is compared with the test information, and the quality of the model railway decoder is determined by calculating the ratio between the signal strength of the verification information and the signal strength of the test information. In particular, an ASK method (ASK = Amplitude Shift Key) is used here, whereby the information can, in particular, comprise only one bit. A comparison of the signal strengths of the verification information and the test information can be performed, and in this way, for example, the transmission power of the model railway decoder can be determined.

[0021] Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the verification information matches the control information and / or the test information, and that the control unit and / or the data processing device determines the quality of the model railway decoder by checking the verification information for consistency with the control information and / or the test information. For example, the content of the verification information transmitted by the model railway decoder is known. In this case, the quality of the model railway decoder can be determined by checking the verification information for consistency with the test information.If the content of the verification information is unknown, the model railway decoder transmits a control information that matches the verification information via the second, more robust transmission path. Upon receipt, the verification information is checked for consistency with the control information. A PSK (Phase Shift Key) method is used, in particular, in which the contents of the various pieces of information and a checksum (CRC = Cyclic Redundancy Check or similar) are checked for consistency.

[0022] It is advantageous if the receipt of the verification information is temporally related to the receipt of the control information, and the verification information is only considered valid if it is received within a specified time window with the control information. This ensures that the verification information can be clearly assigned to a previously sent check information. This is important, for example, when several consecutive check information items are transmitted to the model railway decoder.

[0023] In another advantageous embodiment of the device, it can be provided that the test information is transmittable via the second transmission path, and the control information is transmittable from the model railway decoder to the control unit via the first transmission path. The data processing device can initiate the transmission of the test information, even without or bypassing the control unit. In this case, it is assumed, in particular, that the transmission quality via the second transmission path is higher than via the first transmission path, so that proper reception of the test information by the model railway decoder can be assumed. The ability of the model railway decoder to transmit data can be checked using the control information, in particular the transmission power of the model railway decoder.

[0024] It is advantageous if response information can be transmitted to the control unit whose content is or includes the expected control information, and if the quality is determined by checking the response information for consistency with the control information. The response information tells the control unit, for example, which control information should be sent by the model railway decoder. The control information is checked for consistency with the response information, in particular using a PSK method.

[0025] It is advantageous if the data processing device can provide a report comprehensively containing the results of the model railway decoder's quality assessment. This allows an operator to be informed about the model railway decoder's quality. The report can be provided in physical form, for example, as a printout. A non-physical form is also possible, particularly in a transmittable and / or storable file.

[0026] Accordingly, it is advantageous if the data processing device includes a non-volatile memory unit for storing the report. Saving the report, as well as storing the report in physical form, can also be used for documentation purposes at a later date. For example, decoders are tested for quality before sale to determine whether they meet a specified quality. If it turns out after a decoder has been sold that this does not appear to be the case, the initial proper functioning of the model railway decoder can be checked using the saved or otherwise stored report. This also applies in particular to "model railway decoder types", whereby a model railway decoder or prototype is randomly tested for compliance with the requirements and identical model railway decoders are brought onto the market at a later date.

[0027] Preferably, the data processing device includes a display unit for displaying the report. This allows the operator to see the results of the model railway decoder quality check immediately after the measurement, for example. Alphanumeric characters and / or diagrams or graphs can be provided for the display.

[0028] As already mentioned, it can be provided that different test information can be transmitted to the model railway decoder. This makes it possible to test different properties of the model railway decoder.

[0029] Advantageously, the test information(s) can be specified and / or modified by an operator on the data processing device. This makes the device user-friendly and versatile. The operator is given the opportunity to specifically check desired properties of the model railway decoder. An input unit for the operator is preferably provided for interaction with the data processing device.

[0030] As mentioned at the beginning, the present invention also relates to a method.

[0031] A method according to the invention, which achieves the object stated at the outset, for determining a quality of a digital electrical model railway decoder, preferably integrated into a model railway article, provides that test information is transmitted to the model railway decoder via a first transmission path and that, upon receipt of the test information, the model railway decoder transmits relevant control information via a second transmission path, wherein the control information confirms receipt of the test information and a determination of the quality of the model railway decoder is carried out as to which proportion of a plurality of test information items is received by the model railway decoder.

[0032] The advantages already mentioned in connection with the explanation of the device according to the invention can also be achieved by implementing the method. Reference can be made to the above explanations in this regard.

[0033] Advantageous embodiments of the method according to the invention result from advantageous embodiments of the device according to the invention. Reference is also made to the above explanations in this regard.

[0034] The following description of the single figure of the drawing serves to explain the invention in more detail. The drawing shows an advantageous embodiment of a device 10 according to the invention, with which the quality of a digital electric model railway decoder included in a model railway article can be tested. The device can be used to implement an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention.

[0035] The model railway decoder 12 (hereinafter referred to as decoder) to be tested for quality is located in a model railway article 14. In this case, the model railway article 14 is a locomotive 16 of a model railway.

[0036] The device 10 comprises a track 18 on which the locomotive 16 is positioned and which is only partially shown. The locomotive 16, and thus the decoder 12, are electrically connected to the track 18 in a conventional manner.

[0037] Furthermore, the device 10 comprises a digital electrical control unit 20, as is usually used in the play operation of the locomotive 16.

[0038] The control unit 20 is connected to track 18 via connecting lines 22, 24. A disturbance element 26 is connected to the connecting lines 22, 24. The disturbance element 26 is a large-scale layout simulator that can be used to falsify information transmitted from the control unit 20 to track 18. In this way, a model railway layout with a long track length, a plurality of circuits, and a variety of model railway accessories is simulated. The length of track 18 can be kept short. Additional model railway accessories are not required.

[0039] The track 18 is part of a first transmission path via which information can be transmitted from the control unit 20 to the decoder 12 and / or vice versa.

[0040] The control unit 20 comprises a transmitting element 28, via which commands, and in particular the verification information discussed here, can be transmitted to the decoder 12. Furthermore, the control unit 20 comprises an ASK detection element 30 and a PSK detection element 32. Responses from the decoder, such as the verification information mentioned here, can be analyzed by the ASK detection element 30 and the PSK detection element 32, respectively.

[0041] The transmitting element 28, the ASK detection element 30 and the PSK detection element 32 are, for example, components of a processor 34 of the control unit 20 and are integrated in the processor 34 via software or hardware.

[0042] The control unit 20 comprises a communication element 36 for communication with external devices. These include, in particular, a data processing device 38 of the device 10. The data processing device 38 is coupled to a WLAN access point 40, or such an access point is integrated into the data processing device 38. The communication element 36 is also communicatively connected to the access point 40, whereby wired or wireless data transmission is possible.

[0043] Overall, a communication network 42 schematically illustrates that a communication connection exists between the control unit 20 and the data processing device 38, and that a communication connection with external devices can exist between the two. This includes, in particular, the locomotive 16, as explained below.

[0044] In another embodiment of the device according to the invention, the control unit 20 can be integrated into the data processing device 38 or encompassed by it, thereby achieving a simple and compact design of the device 10. The physical separation of the control unit 20 from the data processing device 38, in contrast, offers the advantage that a commercially available data processing device 38 with a control unit 20 intended and suitable for normal game operation can be used.

[0045] In this case, the data processing device 38 comprises a computer 44 with a processor on which a computer program is stored in an executable manner. The computer program can transmit data to the control unit 20 and to the decoder 12. Conversely, data can be received and processed by the computer program. A non-volatile memory unit 46 is integrated into the computer 44.

[0046] The data processing device 38 includes a display unit 48 coupled to the computer 44. An input unit 50 is also provided, which forms an interface for an operator to operate the data processing device 38.

[0047] The device 10 comprises a transmission element 52, which in this case is formed separately from the decoder 12 and is electrically connected to it. The transmission element 52 is designed for wireless data transmission. In particular, the transmission element 52 is a WLAN transmission element, with which data can be exchanged with the access point 40 via a bidirectional WLAN connection 54.

[0048] Device 10 makes it possible to check the quality of decoder 12, in particular its ability to receive and process data addressed to it, as well as to transmit data properly and with appropriate performance. Device 10 serves, in particular, to check a specific decoder 12 or a decoder type to determine whether it meets the requirements placed on the decoder 12 or a decoder of the same type during normal game operation.

[0049] For this purpose, a plurality of measurements can be performed with the device 10, each of which transmits a piece of test information to the decoder 12. The test information can be transmitted repeatedly, for example, to perform a plurality of similar measurements.

[0050] The operator has the option of selecting and specifying the test information(s) via input unit 50. The test information(s) can also be modified.

[0051] Test information is transmitted, triggered by the computer program of the computer 44, to the decoder 12 via a first transmission path or via a second transmission path. The first transmission path exists between the control unit 20 and the decoder 12 via the connecting lines 22, 24 and the track 18. The second transmission path exists via the WLAN connection 54 and the transmission element 52 to the decoder 12.

[0052] The measurements are based on the assumption that the transmission of information via the second transmission path with WLAN connection 54 is more reliable than via the first transmission path with track 18.

[0053] For example, a measurement is intended to determine the quality of decoder 12 and to be able to receive test information. For this purpose, test information is transmitted from data processing device 38 via control unit 20 to decoder 12 via the first transmission path. Upon receipt of the test information, decoder 12 transmits related control information via the second transmission path with the aid of transmission element 52. The control information can, for example, consist solely of the transmission of a bit that acknowledges receipt of the test information.

[0054] The quality of the model railway decoder 12 is determined by the computer program based on the proportion of a plurality of test information items received by the decoder 12. This proportion can be calculated based on the transmitted control information. Accordingly, it can be determined to what extent the decoder 12 correctly recognized the test information addressed to it.

[0055] A different type of measurement tests the ability of decoder 12 to properly transmit feedback to test information. The measurement includes the ability of decoder 12 to properly process test information addressed to it, as well as the transmission power of decoder 12.

[0056] In this case, control unit 20 transmits check information to decoder 12. Receipt is acknowledged by decoder 12 via control information transmitted over the second transmission path. Additionally, verification information is transmitted to control unit 20 over the first transmission path.

[0057] Several variants can exist for further evaluation. For example, an ASK method is used, in which the signal strength of the verification information is compared to the signal strength of the test information. This calculation can be performed, for example, by the ASK detection element 30 in the processor 34. The greater the signal strength ratio, the higher the quality of the decoder 12.

[0058] In the latter case, the control information transmitted over the second transmission path is used to temporally correlate the receipt of the verification information with the receipt of the control information. The verification information is only considered valid—i.e., in response to a specific check information—if it is received within a specified time window with the receipt of the control information.

[0059] In a different variant, information known to the control unit 20 is transmitted from the decoder 12 as verification information. In particular, using a PSK method, the PSK detection element 32 checks whether the check information matches the verification information. If yes, the test is considered passed; otherwise, it is failed. A temporal correlation is achieved, as in the example mentioned above, by using the control information to check the temporal relationship, and the verification information can be assigned to a specific check information.

[0060] It can be provided that the content of the verification information is unknown to the control unit 20. In this case, after receiving the test information, the decoder 12 transmits a check information item that matches the verification information via the second transmission path. By comparing the verification information received at the control unit 20 with the check information, in particular using the PSK method by the PSK detection element 32, the verification information can be checked for correctness. If the result is positive, the test is considered passed; otherwise, it is considered failed. Here, too, the verification information is temporally related to the check information to ensure the assignment of the verification information to a specific test information item.

[0061] While in the latter example several data (e.g. bits) are transmitted via the second transmission path, in the two previous examples it can be provided that only one bit is transmitted as control information, with which the decoder 12 acknowledges receipt of the test information.

[0062] If a different measurement is performed, the data processing device 38 triggers a transmission of the test information via the access point 40 and the second transmission path with the WLAN connection 54 to the decoder 12. In addition, response information is transmitted to the control unit 20. The response information contains the content of the control information to be expected from the decoder 12. After receiving the test information, the decoder 12 transmits the control information via the first transmission path to the control unit 20. The control information is checked for consistency with the response information. If the test is positive, the test is considered passed; otherwise, it is considered failed.

[0063] It has been described that the verification of the various information (control information, verification information, response information, test information) can be performed in the control unit 20. Alternatively or additionally, a verification can be performed by the computer program in the computer 44.

[0064] The computer program can provide the result of determining the quality of decoder 12 in the form of a report. The report can be displayed, for example, on display unit 48. Alternatively or additionally, the report can be output in physical form, for example, using a printer not shown in the drawing. Alternatively or additionally, the report can be stored in storage unit 46 and / or transmitted to an external receiver.

[0065] Storing the report in the storage unit 46 and / or physically depositing the report serves in particular as proof in the event of subsequent complaints about the quality of the decoder 12.

[0066] For example, before a decoder of a certain type is brought to market, the device 10 is used to test the quality of the decoder 12. If it is suspected that the decoders released onto the market and used in gaming operations do not appear to meet the requirements, the report can be reviewed to ensure that the randomly selected and tested decoder 12 or a prototype has actually passed the required measurements. List of reference symbols 10 Device 12 (model railway) decoders 14 model railway items 16 locomotives 18 track 20 Control unit 22, 24 connecting cable 26 Disturbance element 28 transmitting link 30 ASK detection element 32 PSK detection element 34 processors 36 communication link 38 Data processing facility 40 access points 42 Communication network 44 computers 46 storage unit 48 display unit 50 input unit 52 transmission element 54 Wi-Fi connection

Claims

[1] Device for determining the quality of a digital electrical model railway decoder (12), preferably integrated into a model railway article (14), comprising a data processing device (38), a digital electrical control unit (20) which is in communication connection with the latter or is comprised by the latter and which is in communication connection with the model railway decoder (12) via a first transmission path, wherein the model railway decoder (12) is in communication connection with the data processing device (38) and / or the control unit (20) via a second transmission path, wherein test information can be transmitted from the data processing device (38) to the model railway decoder (12) via one of the transmission paths, wherein, upon receipt of the test information, the model railway decoder (12) can transmit relevant control information to the data processing device (38) and / or the control unit (20) via the second transmission path,wherein the test information is transmittable via the first transmission path and the control information via the second transmission path, and wherein the control information confirms the receipt of the test information and a determination of the quality of the model railway decoder (12) is made as to which portion of a plurality of test information items is received by the model railway decoder (12). [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized by that the device has a track (18) which at least partially forms the first transmission path and that the model railway decoder (12), in particular the model railway article (14), is electrically connected to the track (18). [3] Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the device (10) comprises an interference element (26) connected into the first transmission path for falsifying information transmitted via the first transmission path. [4] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the second transmission path comprises a wireless transmission path. [5] Device according to claim 4, characterized by that the device (10) comprises a transmission element (52) for wireless data transmission, which is or can be connected to the model railway decoder (12), preferably in the model railway article (14), in a signal-effective manner, or which is integrated into the model railway decoder (12), and that the control information or the test information can be transmitted via the transmission element (52). [6] Device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized by that the wireless transmission path comprises or forms a WLAN connection (54). [7] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that verification information can be transmitted from the model railway decoder (12) to the control unit (20) after receipt of the test information via the first transmission path. [8] Device according to claim 7, characterized by that the verification information is compared with the test information and the quality of the model railway decoder (12) is determined by forming a ratio of a signal strength of the verification information and a signal strength of the test information. [9] Device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized by that the verification information corresponds to the control information and / or the test information and that the control unit (20) and / or the data processing device (38) determines the quality of the model railway decoder (12) by checking the verification information for correspondence with the control information and / or the test information. [10] Device according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized bythat the receipt of the verification information is temporally related to the receipt of the control information and that the verification information is only considered valid if it is received within a specified time window with the control information. [11] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the test information can be transmitted via the second transmission path and the control information can be transmitted from the model railway decoder (12) to the control unit (20) via the first transmission path. [12] Device according to claim 11, characterized by that response information can be transmitted to the control unit (20), the content of which is or includes the expected control information, and that the quality is determined by checking the response information for agreement with the control information. [13] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the data processing device (38) can provide a report comprising the result of the determination of the quality of the model railway decoder (12). [14] Device according to claim 13, characterized by that the data processing device (38) comprises a display unit (48) for displaying the report. [15] Device according to claim 13 or 14, characterized by that the data processing device (38) comprises a non-volatile memory unit (46) for storing the report. [16] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that different test information can be transmitted from the data processing device (38) to the model railway decoder (12). [17] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the test information or test information can be specified and / or changed by an operator on the data processing device. [18] Method for determining a quality of a digital electric model railway decoder, preferably integrated into a model railway article, wherein test information is transmitted to the model railway decoder via a first transmission path, wherein upon receipt of the test information, the model railway decoder transmits relevant control information via a second transmission path, and wherein the control information confirms receipt of the test information and a determination of the quality of the model railway decoder is made as to which portion of a plurality of test information items is received by the model railway decoder.

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