Model control system

Abstract

To provide a model control system capable of more complicated control.SOLUTION: A model control system includes a wireless network in which a control device, a sensor, and an operation unit are configured as nodes and a communication form is a mesh, a model train, and a rail. The model train has an identification means of the model train for the sensor to acquire identification information. The sensor transmits identification information of the model train to the control device. The operation unit disposed on the rail operates to switch the traveling direction of the model train. The control device includes a recording unit, a position recognition unit, and a control instruction unit. The recording unit records information of the rail, position information of the sensor, and information of a route on which the model train moves. The position recognition unit recognizes the position of the model train from the identification information received from the sensor and the position information of the sensor. The control instruction unit controls the operation unit based on the position and the route of the model train.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a model control system for controlling a model train or a model vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Regarding the control of model railway systems, for example, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known as prior art. In this technology, a control signal is sent to a model train via rails. In addition, as a system using a mesh network, for example, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 2 is known as prior art. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-175148 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-186753 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the conventional technology of Patent Document 1 has a problem in that it is difficult to perform complex control because the control signal is sent to the model train via the rails that are powered. The object of the present invention is to provide a model control system that allows for more complex control. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The first model train control system of the present invention comprises a wireless network with a mesh communication topology, configured with control devices, sensors, and operating units as nodes, a model train, and rails. The model train is equipped with two or more operating units. One or more sensors and one or more operating units are arranged on the rails, and the model train moves on the rails. The model train has a model train identification means for the sensors to acquire identification information. The sensors transmit the model train's identification information to the control device. The operating units arranged on the rails operate to switch the model train's direction of travel. The control device has a recording unit, a position recognition unit, and a control instruction unit. The recording unit records rail information, sensor position information, and information on the route along which the model train will travel. The position recognition unit recognizes the position of the model train from the identification information received from the sensors and the sensor position information. The control instruction unit controls the operating units based on the model train's position and route.

[0006] The second model control system of the present invention comprises a wireless network with a mesh communication topology, with control devices, sensors, and operating units as nodes, a model vehicle, and a roadway. The model vehicle is equipped with two or more operating units. One or more sensors are arranged on the roadway, and the model vehicle moves on the roadway. The model vehicle has a model vehicle identification means for the sensor to acquire identification information. The sensor transmits the model vehicle's identification information to the control device. The control device has a recording unit, a position recognition unit, and a control instruction unit. The recording unit records information about the roadway, position information from the sensor, and information about the route along which the model vehicle will travel. The position recognition unit recognizes the position of the model vehicle from the identification information received from the sensor and the position information from the sensor. The control instruction unit controls the operating unit based on the position and route of the model vehicle. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The model control system of the present invention uses a wireless network with a mesh communication topology, with the control device, sensors, and operating units as nodes. The control device also has location information for the sensors, and the sensors acquire and transmit identification information for the model trains or car models. This allows the control device to recognize the location of each model train or car model and control its operation. Therefore, the model control system of the present invention enables more complex control. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a model control system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a processing flow of the model control system. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a model control system according to a first modified example. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a computer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail. Components having the same functions are given the same numbers, and duplicated explanations will be omitted. [Example]

[0010] FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a model control system according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 2 shows an example of the processing flow of the model control system. The model control system 10 includes a wireless network 400 having a mesh communication topology and configured with a control device 100, sensors 150-1...B, operating units 160-1...C, 171-1...N, 172-1...N, 180-1...N, and 190-1...N as nodes, model trains 200-1...N, and rails 500. The model control system 10 may also include repeaters 140-1...A as nodes of the wireless network 400. Here, A, B, C, and N are integers, a is an integer between 1 and A, b, b1, b2, and b3 are integers between 1 and B, c is an integer between 1 and C, and n, n1, and n2 are integers between 1 and N. The model control system 10 assumes that N model trains 200-1, . . . , N run simultaneously.

[0011] The wireless network 400 may use a communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) Mesh. However, other communication standards may be used as long as a mesh-like communication configuration can be formed. The repeater 140-a is a node for relaying signals of the wireless network 400. It is disposed to relay communications between the sensor 150-b and the operating unit 160-c, which are located far from the control device 100, and the model train 200-n, which is running at a distant location. Although not explicitly shown in FIG. 1 , the control device 100, the repeaters 140-1,...,A, the sensors 150-1,...,B, the operating units 160-1,...,C, 171-1,...,N, 172-1,...,N, 180-1,...,N, and 190-1,...,N function as nodes and therefore have communication functions for the wireless network 400. The sensors 150-1,...,B and the operating units 160-1,...,C, 171-1,...,N, 172-1,...,N, 180-1,...,N, and 190-1,...,N may also function as repeaters. Whether or not each of the sensors 150-1,...,B operates as a repeater can be set individually.

[0012] Although only a portion of the rail 500 below the model train 200-n is shown in FIG. 1, the rail 500 is formed to include a loop so that the model train 200 can run continuously. In addition, points (branching points) are also provided to form multiple loops. One or more sensors 150-1, ..., B and one or more operating units 160-1, ..., C are arranged on the rail, and the model trains 200-1, ..., N move on the rail 500. The operating units 160-1, ..., C arranged on the rail switch the points of the rail 500 and change the traveling direction of the model trains 200-1, ..., N.

[0013] The sensors 150-1,...,B are arranged on the rail 500 to detect the position of the model train 200. For example, the sensor 150-b1 is arranged before the points so that the time required to switch the points can be secured when the passing of the model train 200-n is detected. The sensor 150-b2 may be arranged at a position where the model train 200-n starts to decelerate so that it can stop at the station. And another sensor 150-b3 may be arranged at a position where the model train 200-n will stop or immediately adjacent to the position where it will stop.

[0014] Furthermore, a sensor 150-b may also be placed just before the merging point on the rails 500. A sensor 150-b1 is placed on one of the routes just before the merging point, and a sensor 150-b2 is placed on the other route. If the sensor 150-b2 detects the model train 200-n2 within a predetermined time after the sensor 150-b1 detects the passage of the model train 200-n1, the control device 100 may instruct the model train 200-n2 to stop temporarily or to slow down.

[0015] The model train 200-n has an identification means for the model train 200-n that allows the sensors 150-1, ..., B to acquire identification information. The sensors 150-1, ..., B transmit the identification information for the model train 200-n to the control device 100. The identification means may be NFC (Near Field Communication), RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator), a two-dimensional barcode, or the like. When NFC is used, a tag may be mounted on the model train 200-n, and the sensors 150-1, ..., B may be used as NFC readers. When RSSI is used, a radio wave transmitter may be attached to the model train 200-n, and the sensors 150-1, ..., B may be used as signal strength measuring devices. When a two-dimensional barcode is used, the two-dimensional barcode may be attached to the model train 200-n, and the sensors 150-1, ..., B may be used as cameras. The identification means may be any means other than those described above as long as it can identify the model train 200-n.

[0016] The model train 200-n is equipped with two or more operating units. In Fig. 1, the model train 200-n is equipped with operating units (headlights) 171-n and 172-n, an operating unit (motor) 180-n, and an operating unit (sound generating unit) 190-n. Although not shown in Fig. 1, the model train 200-n may also be equipped with an operating unit (interior light).

[0017] The control device 100 has a recording unit 190, a position recognition unit 110, and a control instruction unit 120. The recording unit 190 records information about the rails 500, position information about the sensors 150-1, ..., B, and information about the route traveled by the model trains 200-1, ..., N. The information about the route traveled by the model trains 200-1, ..., N includes information about the travel of the route, such as the time to stop at stations and the traveling speed. The control device 100 may be a terminal such as a personal computer or a smartphone.

[0018] The processing flow of the model control system 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. As described above, the sensors 150-1, ..., B are arranged on the rail 500 to detect the position of the model train 200. The sensors 150-1, ..., B continuously repeat detection (S151). When the sensors 150-1, ..., B detect a train, they acquire identification information of the train 200-1, ..., N and transmit the identification information to the control device 100 (S152). The position recognition unit 110 recognizes the position of the model train 200-n from the identification information received from the sensor 150-b and the position information of the sensor 150-b (S110). The control instruction unit 120 controls the operating units (headlights) 171-n, 172-n, the operating unit (motor) 180-n, the operating unit (sound generating unit) 190-n, etc., or the operating unit (point) 160-c based on the position and route of the model train 200-n (S120).

[0019] For example, the sensor 150-c located before the point detects the passing of the model train 200-n (S151) and transmits identification information (S152). The position recognition unit 110 recognizes the position of the model train 200-n from the position information of the sensor 150-c (S110). The control instruction unit 120 controls the operation unit (point) 160-c based on the route of the model train 200-n recorded in the recording unit 190 (S120).

[0020] The operating units (headlights) 171-n, 172-n may be provided with multiple types of light sources. For example, they may be provided with a headlight light source that is turned on when the train is traveling in the direction of travel, and a taillight light source that is turned on when the train is traveling in the opposite direction. The operating unit (motor) 180-n drives the wheels of the model train 200-n. The operating unit (sound generating unit) 190-n reproduces sounds (engine sounds, motor sounds, etc.) that correspond to the traveling speed. By producing sounds that correspond to the traveling speed, a realistic effect can be achieved.

[0021] The control instruction unit 120 may individually instruct the operation units (headlights) 171-n and 172-n, the operation unit (motor) 180-n, and the operation unit (sound generation unit) 190-n. When individually instructing, for example, the control instruction unit 120 may transmit identification information and an instruction (e.g., a running direction and speed) of the operation unit (motor) 180-n. The control instruction unit 120 may also transmit identification information and an instruction (e.g., turn on the headlights) of the operation unit (headlight) 171-n.

[0022] Furthermore, the control instruction unit 120 may group the operating units and give instructions to them. For example, the operating units (headlights) 171-n and 172-n, the operating unit (motor) 180-n, and the operating unit (sound generation unit) 190-n mounted on the model train 200-n may be grouped together. In this case, the control instruction unit 120 identifies the identification information of the model train 200-n and transmits an instruction. The operating units (headlights) 171-n and 172-n, the operating unit (motor) 180-n, and the operating unit (sound generation unit) 190-n mounted on the model train 200-n with the identified identification information perform operations corresponding to the instruction. Since there is no need to issue instructions to each individual operating unit, complex control can be performed with simple instructions.

[0023] For example, assume that the model train 200-n is stopped and the operating units (headlights) 171-n and 172-n are turned off. At this time, when the control instruction unit 120 specifies the identification information of the model train 200-n and specifies the traveling direction, the operating unit (headlight) 171-n arranged in the traveling direction of the specified model train 200-n turns on its headlight, and the operating unit (headlight) 172-n arranged opposite the traveling direction turns on its taillight. The operating units (headlights) 171-n and 172-n may be set to selectively turn on either the headlight or the taillight when the identification information and traveling direction of the model train 200-n are specified. The operating unit (motor) 180-n runs the model train 200-n in the specified direction (if a speed is also specified, it may run at the specified speed; if a speed is not specified, it may run at a predetermined speed).

[0024] Furthermore, for example, when the control instruction unit 120 specifies the identification information of the model train 200-n and specifies the running speed, the operation unit (sound generating unit) 190-n mounted on the specified model train 200-n reproduces a sound corresponding to the running speed. The operation unit (sound generating unit) 190-n may be set to reproduce a sound corresponding to the specified speed when the identification information and speed of the model train 200-n are specified. The operation unit (motor) 180-n causes the model train 200-n to run at the specified running speed.

[0025] The model control system 10 uses a wireless network with a mesh communication topology, with the control device, sensors, and operating units as nodes. The control device also has location information for the sensors, and the sensors acquire and transmit identification information for the model trains. This allows the control device to recognize the location of each model train and control its operation. Therefore, the model control system 10 allows for more complex control to be easily performed. [Variation 1]

[0026] FIG. 3 shows an example of the configuration of a model control system of Modification 1, and FIG. 2 shows an example of the processing flow of the model control system. The model control system 11 includes a wireless network 400 with a mesh communication topology, configured with a control device 101, sensors 150-1...B, and operating units 171-1...N, 180-1...N, 185-1...N, and 190-1...N as nodes, model cars 300-1...N, and a roadway 501. The model train has been changed to a model automobile. The operating units (points) for switching the rail points have been eliminated, and the model car 300-n is equipped with an operating unit (handle) 185-n. The model control system 11 may also include repeaters 140-1...A as nodes of the wireless network 400. The other configurations are basically the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0027] The model vehicle 300-n is equipped with two or more operating units. One or more sensors are arranged on the road 501, and the model vehicles 300-1, ..., N move on the road 501. The model vehicles 300-1, ..., N have model vehicle identification means that allow the sensors 150-1, ..., B to acquire identification information. The sensors 150-1, ..., B transmit the identification information of the model vehicles 300-1, ..., N to the control device 100. The control device 101 has a recording unit 191, a position recognition unit 111, and a control instruction unit 121. The recording unit 191 records information about the road 501, position information about the sensors 150-1, ..., B, and information about the route along which the model vehicles 300-1, ..., N move. The position recognition unit 111 recognizes the position of the model vehicle 300-n from the identification information received from the sensor 150-b and the position information of the sensor 150-b. The control instruction unit 121 controls the operation units 171-1, . . . , N, 180-1, . . . , N, 185-1, . . . , N, and 190-1, .

[0028] When the control instruction unit 121 identifies the identification information of the model vehicle 300-n and sends an instruction, the operating units 171-n, 180-n, 185-n, and 190-n mounted on the model vehicle 300-n with the identified identification information perform an operation corresponding to the instruction.

[0029] The model control system 11 uses a wireless network with a mesh communication format, with the control device, sensors, and operating units as nodes. The control device also has location information for the sensors, and the sensors acquire and transmit identification information for the model vehicles. This allows the control device to recognize the location of each model vehicle and control its operation. Therefore, the model control system 11 makes it easy to perform more complex control.

[0030] [Processor, program, recording medium]

[0031] The processing of the above-mentioned control device can be carried out by loading a program that executes each step of the above-mentioned method into the recording unit 2020 of the computer 2000 shown in Figure 4, and operating the control unit 2010, input unit 2030, output unit 2040, display unit 2050, etc.

[0032] The program describing the processing contents can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, which may be, for example, a magnetic recording device, an optical disk, a magneto-optical recording medium, a semiconductor memory, or any other suitable recording medium.

[0033] The program may be distributed, for example, by selling, transferring, lending, etc. a portable recording medium such as a DVD or CD-ROM on which the program is recorded. Furthermore, the program may be stored in a storage device of a server computer, and then transferred from the server computer to another computer via a network, thereby distributing the program.

[0034] A computer that executes such a program may first temporarily store the program recorded on a portable recording medium or transferred from a server computer in its own storage device. Then, when executing a process, the computer reads the program stored on its own recording medium and executes the process in accordance with the read program. Alternatively, the computer may read the program directly from a portable recording medium and execute the process in accordance with the program. Furthermore, the computer may execute the process in accordance with the program each time a program is transferred from a server computer to the computer. The server computer may not transfer the program to the computer, but may instead execute the process through a so-called ASP (Application Service Provider) service, which realizes the processing function by issuing an execution instruction and obtaining the results. Furthermore, the server computer may execute the process on a terminal using a so-called SaaS (Software as a Service) service, which allows users to use part of the server computer along with the program. In this embodiment, the program includes information used for computer processing that is equivalent to a program (such as data that is not a direct instruction to the computer but has properties that define computer processing).

[0035] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the device is configured by executing a predetermined program on a computer, but at least a part of the processing contents may be realized by hardware. [Explanation of symbols]

[0036] 10,11 Model control system 100,101 Control device 110, 111 Position recognition unit 120, 121 Control instruction unit 140 Repeater 150 Sensor 160,171,172,180,185,190 Operating part 190,191 Recording section 200 Model train 300 Model trains 400 Wireless network 500 Rail 501 Road

Claims

1. a wireless network having a mesh communication format configured with control devices, sensors, and operating units as nodes; a model train equipped with two or more of the operating units; a rail on which one or more of the sensors and one or more of the operating units are arranged and on which the model train moves; Equipped with the model train has an identification means for the model train for the sensor to acquire identification information; The sensor transmits identification information of the model train to the control device; the operating unit disposed on the rail operates to change the direction of travel of the model train; The control device a recording unit for recording the rail information, the sensor position information, and the route information of the model train; a position recognition unit that recognizes the position of the model train based on the identification information received from the sensor and the position information of the sensor; a control instruction unit that controls the operation unit based on the position and the route of the model train; have A model control system characterized by:

2. 2. The model control system of claim 1, When the control instruction unit specifies the identification information of the model train and transmits an instruction, The operating unit mounted on the model train with the specified identification information performs an operation corresponding to the instruction. A model control system characterized by:

3. 3. The model control system according to claim 2, The operating unit mounted on the model train includes a motor for driving wheels and headlights disposed at both ends, When the control instruction unit specifies the identification information of the model train and instructs the direction of travel, the headlights arranged in the direction of travel of the specified model train turn on their headlights, and the headlights arranged in the opposite direction to the direction of travel turn on their taillights. A model control system characterized by:

4. 4. The model control system according to claim 2 or 3, The operating unit mounted on the model train includes a motor for driving wheels and a sound generating unit for reproducing sounds corresponding to the running speed, When the control instruction unit specifies the identification information of the model train and instructs the running speed, the sound generation unit mounted on the specified model train reproduces a sound corresponding to the running speed. A model control system characterized by:

5. a wireless network having a mesh communication format configured with control devices, sensors, and operating units as nodes; a model vehicle equipped with two or more of the operating units; One or more of the sensors are arranged on a road on which the model vehicle moves; Equipped with the model vehicle has an identification means for the model vehicle for the sensor to acquire identification information; The sensor transmits identification information of the model vehicle to the control device; The control device a recording unit for recording the road information, the position information of the sensor, and information on the route along which the model vehicle travels; a position recognition unit that recognizes the position of the model vehicle based on the identification information received from the sensor and the position information of the sensor; a control instruction unit that controls the operation unit based on the position of the model vehicle and the route; have A model control system characterized by:

6. 6. The model control system according to claim 5, When the control instruction unit specifies the identification information of the model vehicle and transmits an instruction, The operating unit mounted on the model vehicle having the specified identification information performs an operation corresponding to the instruction. A model control system characterized by:

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