Synchronized externally generated sound effects for model trains
View Patent ↗A system for generating realistic train sounds which are synchronized with the motion of a model train. A sensor is placed aboard the model train to sense the position of desired components, such as the driving pistons of a model steam engine. Preferably, sound data is gathered and transmitted as a radio frequency signal from the model train. The radio frequency signal is received by an external receiver/amplifier. This component amplifies the synchronized sounds and plays them through a subwoofer which is capable of producing deep and resonant sound.
1. A system for generating synchronized effects in a model train having a selected moving component, comprising:
a. at least one sensor located on said model train for sensing the position of said selected moving component and generating a synchronized signal corresponding to said position of said selected moving component;
b. memory means located on said model train for storing train sounds;
c. a processor located on said model train for retrieving said train sounds from said memory means and playing them in synchronization with said synchronized signal to create a synchronized train sound signal;
d. a radio transmitter located on said model train for transmitting said synchronized train sound signal;
e. a sound generator located separately from said model train, wherein said sound generator includes,
i. a receiver for receiving said synchronized train sound signal from said model train,
ii. a first speaker for projecting said synchronized train sound signal;
f. a second speaker located on board said model train;
g. a filtering system for separating said synchronized train sound signal into a first component containing higher frequencies and a second component containing lower frequencies;
h. wherein said first component is played over said speaker located on board said model train; and
i. wherein said second component is played over said first speaker.
2. A system for generating synchronized effects in a model train as recited in claim 1 , wherein:
a. said model train is powered by an electric motor; and
b. said at least one sensor is a rotary encoder capable of sensing the angular position and angular velocity of said electric motor.
3. A system for generating synchronized effects in a model train as recited in claim 1 , wherein:
a. said model train includes a plurality of driving wheels;
b. said model train includes a set of linkages connected to and moving in synchronization with said driving wheels; and
c. said at least one sensor is a proximity sensor capable of sensing the position of said set of linkages.
4. A system for generating synchronized effects in a model train as recited in claim 1 , wherein:
a. said model train includes two wheels linked together by an axle; and
b. said at least one sensor comprises a cam located on said axle which actuates a contact switch as said axle rotates.
5. A system for generating synchronized effects in a model train as recited in claim 1 , wherein:
a. said model train includes two wheels linked together by an axle; and
b. said at least one sensor comprises an insulated portion on said axle which breaks an electrical circuit as said axle rotates.
6. A system for generating synchronized effects in a model train as recited in claim 1 , wherein:
a. said model train includes a smoke generator with a fan for expelling smoke; and
b. said synchronized signal is used to control said fan so that said smoke is expelled in synchronization with said synchronized signal.
7. A system for generating synchronized effects in a model train having a selected moving component as recited in claim 1 , wherein said transmitter is a radio transmitter.
8. A system for generating synchronized effects in a model train having a selected moving component as recited in claim 1 , wherein:
a. said model train is traveling along a plurality of rails;
b. said transmitter transmits said synchronized train sound signal to said plurality of rails; and
c. said receiver receives said synchronized sound signal from said plurality of rails.
9. A system for generating synchronized effects in a model train having a selected moving component, comprising:
a. at least one sensor located on said model train for sensing the position of said selected moving component and generating a synchronizing signal corresponding to said position of said selected moving component;
b. memory means located on said model train for storing train sounds;
c. a processor located on said model train for retrieving said train sounds from said memory means and playing them in synchronization with said synchronizing signal to create a synchronized train sound signal, wherein said synchronized train sound signal contains low frequency components and high frequency components;
d. a first speaker located on said model train wherein said first speaker plays said high frequency components;
e. a radio frequency transmitter located on said model train for transmitting said synchronized train sound signal;
f. a sound generator located separately from said model train, wherein said sound generator includes,
i. a receiver for receiving said synchronized train sound signal from said model train,
ii. a second speaker for projecting said synchronized train sounds;
g. a filtering system for separating said synchronized train sound signal into a first component containing higher frequencies and a second component containing lower frequencies;
h. wherein said first component is played over said first speaker located on board said model train; and
i. wherein said second component is played over said second speaker.
10. A system for generating synchronized effects in a model train as recited in claim 9 , wherein said sound generator is configured to primarily project said second component of said synchronized train sound signal.
11. A system for generating synchronized effects in a model train as recited in claim 9 , wherein:
a. said model train is powered by an electric motor; and
b. said at least one sensor is a rotary encoder capable of sensing the angular position and angular velocity of said electric motor.
12. A system for generating synchronized effects in a model train as recited in claim 9 , wherein:
a. said model train includes a plurality of driving wheels;
b. said model train includes a set of linkages connected to and moving in synchronization with said driving wheels; and
c. said at least one sensor is a proximity sensor capable of sensing the position of said set of linkages.
13. A system for generating synchronized effects in a model train as recited in claim 9 , wherein:
a. said model train includes two wheels linked together by an axle; and
b. said at least one sensor comprises a cam located on said axle which actuates a contact switch as said axle rotates.
14. A system for generating synchronized effects in a model train as recited in claim 9 , wherein:
a. said model train includes two wheels linked together by an axle; and
b. said at least one sensor comprises an insulated portion on said axle which breaks an electrical circuit as said axle rotates.
15. A system for generating synchronized effects in a model train as recited in claim 9 , wherein:
a. said model train includes a smoke generator with a fan for expelling smoke; and
b. said synchronized signal is used to control said fan so that said smoke is expelled in synchronization with said synchronized signal.