Model train command protocol using front and back error bytes
View Patent ↗A model train command protocol using front and back error bytes is disclosed. The front error byte is used to encode the data so that it is securely transmitted. The back error byte checks for proper transmission of the data itself. The entire encoded data sequence is known as a signature. The signature is sent by a user via a remote base through a communication link in a model train system. A receiver located within the model train system decodes the signature and executes the command.
1. A method for encoding a variable length signature in a model train communication system, said method comprising:
generating a first error field and a second error field located on the ends of a data field, where wherein the second error field is the inverse of the first error field;
generating a function field located in between said first and second error fields, wherein said function field indicates the manner in which said data field is encoded; and
generating a count field located in between said first and second error fields, wherein said count field indicates the number of bytes of said command data being transmitted,
wherein said signature is transmitted through a communication link in a model train system.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein said data field comprises a desired command for a model train system.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein said data field comprises information regarding the model train layout for a model train system.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein said function field is chosen randomly from a group of functions.
5. The method of claim 4 wherein said functions comprise inverse, XOR, rotation, and bit position swapping.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein said function field specifies the inverse of the function/count field at some location in said data field.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein said function field further specifies the location of a random field in said data field.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein said first error field is used to XOR said function, count, and data field.
9. A method for decoding a variable length signature in a model train communication system, said method comprising:
comparing a first error field in relation to a second error field, where wherein the second error field is the inverse of the first error field;
comparing the number of bytes received to a count field, wherein said count field indicates the expected number of bytes to be received;
comparing said first error field in relation to a data field; and
analyzing a function/count field located in between said first and second error fields to decode a data field, wherein said signature is received by a communication link in a model train system.
10. The method of claim 9 wherein said data field comprises a desired command for a model train system.
11. The method of claim 9 wherein said data field comprises information regarding the model train layout for a model train system.
12. The method of claim 9 wherein said function field is chosen randomly from a group of functions.
13. The method of claim 9 wherein said function field specifies the inverse of the function/count field at some location in said data field.
14. The method of claim 9 wherein said function field further specifies the location of a random field in said data field.
15. The method of claim 9 wherein said first error field is used to XOR said function, count, and data field.
16. An apparatus for encoding a variable length signature in a model train communication system containing a processor having a memory storing a program, said memory including encoded commands for:
generating a first error field and a second error field located on the ends of a data field, wherein the second error field is the inverse of the first error field;
generating a function field located in between said error fields, wherein said function field indicates the manner in which said data field is encoded; and
generating a count field located in between said error fields, wherein said count field indicates the number of bytes of said command data being transmitted,
wherein said signature is transmitted through a communication link in a model train system.
17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said data field comprises a desired command for a model train system.
18. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said data field comprises information regarding the model train layout for a model train system.
19. An apparatus for decoding a variable length signature in a model train communication system containing a processor having a memory storing a program, said memory including encoded commands for:
comparing a first error field in relation to a second error field, wherein the second error field is the inverse of the first error field;
comparing the number of bytes received to a count field, wherein said count field indicates the expected number of bytes to be received;
comparing said first error field in relation to a data field; and
analyzing a function/count field located in between said first and second error fields to decode a data field,
wherein said signature is received by a communication link in a model train system.
20. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein said data field comprises a desired command for a model train system.
21. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein said data field comprises information regarding the model train layout for a model train system.