Abstract: Systems and methods discussed herein are related to read data stored on phonographic records. In various examples, systems and methods may describe a needle assembly able to pivot with respect to a record player body, and include a gate able to block light transmitted from a light emitter. The record player may include a motor and a set of wheels such that it can travel around a stationary phonographic record, and a microcontroller capable of determining a target linear travel speed of the record player and receive and transmit data from the phonographic record.

Abstract: A process executing on an acceleration sensitive sound producing apparatus, comprising: generating accelerometer output signals comprising magnitude and direction of acceleration sensed by a three axis accelerometer; processing, by a microcontroller, the accelerometer output signals into a pulse width modulation timer input signal; modulating, by an interrupt timer, a pulse width modulation timer according to the pulse width modulation timer input signal; generating, by the pulse width modulation timer, a pulse width modulation timer output signal; regulating, by the pulse width modulation timer, playback speed of stored sound according to the pulse width modulation timer input signal, comprising: increasing playback speed when the magnitude of acceleration increases, decreasing playback speed when the magnitude of acceleration decreases; and/or increasing playback speed when change in the direction of acceleration increases, decreasing playback speed when change in the direction of acceleration decreases; pl

Abstract: The device includes an accelerometer for sensing a parameter of movement, such as direction and/or magnitude. A pre-recorded sound is played in response to the sensed movement. The speed and/or pitch at which the pre-recorded sound is played is a function of the sensed movement parameter. There may be one or more pre-recorded sounds from which playback is chosen. In one embodiment, hardwired circuits set the characteristics of the generated sound in accordance with the accelerometer output. In a second embodiment, the software selects which pre-recorded sound to play and sets the characteristics of the sound based upon parameters sensed by the accelerometer.

Abstract: A system includes a drivable surface that includes location encoding markings. A mobile agent is provided that includes a drive motor, an imaging system for taking images of the markings, a vehicle wireless transceiver, and a microcontroller operatively coupled to the motor, the imaging system, and the vehicle wireless transceiver. A basestation is provided that includes a controller operatively coupled to a basestation wireless transceiver. Via wireless communication between the wireless transceivers of the mobile agent and the basestation, an action to be implemented by the mobile agent can be determined by the basestation and communicated to the mobile agent, whereupon the microcontroller of the mobile agent controls detailed movement of the mobile agent on the drivable surface based on images taken of the markings of the drivable surface by the imaging system to cause the mobile agent to implement the action on the drivable surface.

Abstract: A system includes a drivable surface that includes location encoding markings. A mobile agent is provided that includes a drive motor, an imaging system for taking images of the markings, a vehicle wireless transceiver, and a microcontroller operatively coupled to the motor, the imaging system, and the vehicle wireless transceiver. A basestation is provided that includes a controller operatively coupled to a basestation wireless transceiver. Via wireless communication between the wireless transceivers of the mobile agent and the basestation, an action to be implemented by the mobile agent can be determined by the basestation and communicated to the mobile agent, whereupon the microcontroller of the mobile agent controls detailed movement of the mobile agent on the drivable surface based on images taken of the markings of the drivable surface by the imaging system to cause the mobile agent to implement the action on the drivable surface.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to a system for use with a model railroad which models, for one or more of the model rail cars, the actual sounds made by the real rail car(s) modeled thereby and having certain characteristics, including general operational characteristics, wear, age, defects, etc., when subjected to various physical stresses/actions during operation. The disclosed system senses similar physical stresses/actions as applied to a model of the rail car during modeled operation thereof and generates corresponding simulations of the actual sounds which would be made by the actual rail car under similar operational conditions, wherein the generation of the simulated sounds may account for the characteristic of the rail car (age, wear, defects), regardless of whether the model of the rail car models those characteristics.

Abstract: On-board model railroad speaker enclosure designs are presented that allow maximum sized speakers, improve impedance matching of sound to the outside of the locomotive, and isolate back and front speaker waves while maintaining the standard horizontal drive-train in model train locomotives.

Abstract: A toy snake that reproduces the natural movement of a snake as it moves across surface is described. The toy snake comprises a head that is pivotally mounted to a tail and a motor unit located within the head. In a preferred embodiment a body is employed to pivotally mount the head to the tail. The motor unit comprises at least two independently driven wheels located towards opposite sides of the head and the motor unit is configured to introduce a periodic oscillation between the operation of the independently driven wheels. The motor unit may also be configured to operate a tongue that extends out from the head to further increase the realistic nature of the toy. Embodiments of the snake may be adapted for use on land or water.

Abstract: On-board model railroad speaker enclosure designs are presented that allow maximum sized speakers, improve impedance matching of sound to the outside of the locomotive, and isolate back and front speaker waves while maintaining the standard horizontal drive-train in model train locomotives.

Abstract: A combined seat with compression device for interactively actuating a sound effects unit incorporated into a ride on toy vehicle as a user bounces up and down on the combined seat with compression device. The toy includes a frame for a ride-on toy vehicle, a sound effects unit having a housing secured to the frame, a seat secured to the frame and movable between first and second positions, an actuating mechanism attached at the seat for engagement with the sound effects unit, and a deformable compression device positioned at the seat capable of depressing as the seat is moved from the first the position to the second position to interactively activate the sound effects unit.

Abstract: On-board model railroad speaker enclosure designs are presented that allow maximum sized speakers, improve impedance matching of sound to the outside of the locomotive, and isolate back and front speaker waves while maintaining the standard horizontal drive-train in model train locomotives.

Abstract: On-board model railroad speaker enclosure designs are presented that isolate back and front speaker waves. In one example, a first speaker may be disposed inside of a model steam locomotive tender, and a second speaker disposed inside of the model steam locomotive. Bass sounds and mid-range sounds may be separately directed to the first and second speakers, and isolated from mixing with one another.

Abstract: The model train control system includes a remote control device that receives user input with respect to various train functions such as desired speed and effects, and that generates commands based on that input in order to cause the model train to perform in a desired manner. In an embodiment of the invention, the model train controller comprises control input devices that permit user control over corresponding control features of the model train. A touch screen display may be coupled to the housing and adapted to receive user selections regarding the control features. A processor is operatively coupled to the control input devices and the touch screen display. The processor is adapted to generate at least one model train command to be transmitted to the model train based at least in part on a user input received from either one of the control input devices or the touch screen display.

Abstract: An entertainment device is provided comprising the combination of an article of footwear and a self-propelled toy vehicle whose operation may be rudimentarily controlled by the actuation of one or more sensors mounted to the outsole or upper of the article of footwear.

Abstract: A model railroad remote object comprises a proximity detector, an on-board accessory, and an on-board processor. The proximity detector changes state based on proximity of the detector to a proximity source. The accessory, which is located on or within the remote object, exhibits a behavior based on a parameter. The processor, which is operatively connected to the proximity detector and the accessory, affects the value of the parameter of the accessory based on the state of the proximity detector. By way of illustration and not limitation, the on-board accessory may be an audio device, the behavior may be emission of sound, and the parameter may be sound volume.

Abstract: A toy vehicle and a track are provided. The track includes a first recess underneath a first rack and a second recess underneath a second rack opposite the first rack, and the vehicle includes a first coupler with a first lateral portion for insertion into the first recess and a second lateral portion for insertion into the second recess, such that the first lateral portion is adapted to move in the first recess and the second lateral portion is adapted to move in the second recess during motion of the vehicle along the track so as to secure the vehicle to the track. Also, magnet-coupling elements may be provided. Further, the vehicle includes gears disposed near the bottom of the vehicle, and the track includes a pair of opposed racks to cooperate with teeth of the gears to impart motion to the vehicle along the track.

Abstract: An electronic sound chip stores digitized sounds. A PIC processor controls sound card operation, utilizing a free comparator present in the PIC processor that detects variable DC offsets, and thereby activates at least one “voice” or channel of sound. The system self-calibrates on the initial power on, and the calibration values are measured and stored internally in non-volatile storage for later comparison against the DC offset to frequency thresholds. The system detects loss of power, which mutes the audio during power interruptions for seamless model train direction control.

Abstract: On-board model railroad speaker enclosure designs are presented that allow maximum sized speakers, improve impedance matching of sound to the outside of the locomotive, and isolate back and front speaker waves while maintaining the standard horizontal drive-train in model train locomotives.

Abstract: A model railroad remote object comprises a proximity detector, an on-board accessory, and an on-board processor. The proximity detector changes state based on proximity of the detector to a proximity source. The accessory, which is located on or within the remote object, exhibits a behavior based on a parameter. The processor, which is operatively connected to the proximity detector and the accessory, affects the value of the parameter of the accessory based on the state of the proximity detector. By way of illustration and not limitation, the on-board accessory may be an audio device, the behavior may be emission of sound, and the parameter may be sound volume.

Abstract: A model vehicle control apparatus. A button controls an aspect of the model vehicle system, or multiple aspects, such as both sound and control. The button is configured to provide more than two outputs depending upon the manner of activation by a user based on pressure or position (more than ON/OFF). Signals corresponding to those outputs are then transmitted to a model vehicle, accessory, or other apparatus in the system. In one embodiment, the button is a pressure-sensitive button. Variations in the pressure select among multiple different possible outputs. For example, a number of sounds can be stored in a memory, with varying pressures selecting different sounds to be played. These sounds can vary non-linearly, not just getting louder, but also changing in type, pitch, etc. Thus, by a variation in pressure, a user can play the sound like a musical instrument. A second embodiment would allow for control of speed and direction of model vehicle, engines and accessories.

Abstract: A model train on-board microprocessor provides basic lighting and motor operation and control. A socket provides a seamless instant remote control upgrade using industry standard remote control devices. The device provides new and useful functions and features for more prototypical operation by augmenting the industry standard remote control device capabilities. These new functions and features are made accessible from the remote control device companion transmitter with unique keypad sequences.

Abstract: A security alarm device is replicated in a toy vehicle. The security device includes a remote control which also can control vehicle functions. The remote control may control alarm arm and disarm, alarm and vehicle sounds such as arm, disarm, alarm set off, engine revving, tire screeching, motor drive, and vehicle lights. The security alarm device includes an LED which indicates whether the alarm is armed or unarmed, and a motion sensor which sets the alarm off (e.g., emitting a siren sound) when the toy vehicle is moved in its armed state.

Abstract: A toy assembly that includes a remotely controlled vehicle is disclosed. In one embodiment, the toy assembly includes a remote control that can be used to control a toy vehicle. In one embodiment, the remote control includes a chip with pre-recorded content stored thereon. In one embodiment, the remote control can be coupled to an audio amplifier that can generate audible outputs. In another embodiment, the remote control can be used in a hand-held configuration.

Abstract: A control and motor arrangement for use in a model train includes a control arrangement integrally constructed with a motor. The control arrangement receives rotational speed and positional information from the motor and uses this information to determine how much power to supply to the motor, thus controlling the rotational speed of the motor. In this way, the control arrangement maintains a constant motor speed, if desired. In addition, the speed and positional information is optionally provided to a sound control arrangement for use in selecting appropriate sound effects.

Abstract: This invention relates to an inexpensive toy track vehicle with optical sensors for use on a printed track, and a method for controlling the vehicle on a printed track.

Abstract: A musical toy includes a train-like vehicle traveling on a track which includes visual indicia representative of a standard nine note musical staff. Note tiles having first fastener halves may engage with second fasteners at predetermined locations on the track corresponding with the locations of notes on the represented staff. Switch operators extending down from the train may engage the note tiles to play the music so represented by the note tiles and track in the staff and note configuration.

Abstract: An electronic control system for model railroads incorporates a motor control unit, an electronic state generator that generates particular operating state signals responsive to multiple reset conditions. A first reset condition initiates sequencing of motor control states and a second super reset condition independently controls system initialization conditions increasing the overall number and accessibility of controller generated operating states.

Abstract: Electronic circuits and methods are disclosed for remote control of a locomotive in a model railroad layout having an interruptible DC power supply coupled to the railroad track. The locomotive motor is isolated from the track so as to allow use of polarity reversals on the track power signal for controlling remote effects in the locomotive such as sound and visual effects. An on-board electronic state generator is provided in the locomotive for maintaining one at a time of a predetermined set of states, at least one of the states having a corresponding remote effect associated therewith. Remote control signals such as a pulsed reversal in polarity of the DC track power signal (PRP) or high voltage pulse (HVP) are used to clock the state generator to a desired state, thereby permitting control of a plurality of remote effects using only the traditional DC power supply interface.

Abstract: An electrical circuit for a model railroad includes a DC variable-voltage power source having a pair of output terminals connected to respective rails of a model railroad track. A capacitor and a normally-closed switch are connected in series across the output terminals. The improvement comprises an accessory circuit having first and second input lines, each connected to a separate one of the respective rails. The accessory circuit includes an AC-pass filter at the input lines and a rectifier section coupled to the AC-pass filter. A relay circuit is coupled to the rectifier section and includes an electrical contact switched between a first state, e.g., open, and a second state, e.g., closed. An electrically-powered accessory such as a whistle or horn is coupled to the contact and is energized when the contact switches from the first state to the second state.

Abstract: A base supports a closed loop trackway path within which a plurality of recesses are formed. A plurality of tiles shaped in correspondence to the various recesses are receivable within the recesses to lie within the trackway path. The recesses and tiles are shaped in distinctive shapes corresponding to various parts of speech. Each tile bears a visible word as well as a bar code encoded symbol set corresponding to the visible word. In addition, tiles bearing nouns are provided with pictorial representations of the nouns. A toy vehicle includes a drive mechanism for moving the vehicle upon the trackway path across the tiles. The vehicle further includes a sound circuit and bar code reader which is used to scan the bar codes of the tiles and audibilize the corresponding words. The recesses within the trackway path are arranged to assure the correct syntax of sentences formed by the words upon the various tiles.

Abstract: A sound generating apparatus for movable objects, particularly model trains, generates audible sounds from digital signal representations of actual train sounds prestored in a memory mounted on the object. In one embodiment, the stored digital sound representations are divided into sets, with each set assigned to a different speed range of movement of the object. Each set includes a plurality of subsets, each containing distinct sound representations which can vary in volume and/or pitch. A central processing unit selects the appropriate set from the memory in response to the actual speed of movement of the object and randomly selects the subsets within the selected set as long as the object remains in a given speed range. In another embodiment, a single set is formed of a plurality of subsets. Each subset contains an identical number of sound representations which vary from subset to subset and within each subset in volume and/or pitch.

Abstract: A horn control system for model vehicles on a track includes a sound generation unit mounted on the model vehicle which generates different sounds based on the combination of two inputs, the speed of the vehicle and an operator initiated horn signal. The type of sound is also preferably varied based on how long the horn button is depressed.

Abstract: A digital sound reproducing system which produces a plurality of sound effects from digital data stored at predetermined addresses in a digital sound memory. A controller connected to the digital sound memory causes recall of a sound data from a predetermined sequence of addresses when triggered. This recalled sound data is converted into an analog audio signal for reproduction by a speaker. In a first embodiment the digital sound reproducing system is disposed in the car of a model train. Magnets disposed between the tracks trigger corresponding sound effects when the digital sound reproducing system detects passage of the magnets. A speed sensor detects the rotation rate of a wheel of the car to permit sound effects to be synchronous with the rate of speed of the model train. The digital sound reproducing system may alternately be disposed in a fixed structure and triggered by a command signal or by detection of passage of the model train.