US20050022688A1 - Apparatus for projecting image from a model vehicle - Google Patents
Apparatus for projecting image from a model vehicle Download PDFInfo
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- US20050022688A1 US20050022688A1 US10/893,074 US89307404A US2005022688A1 US 20050022688 A1 US20050022688 A1 US 20050022688A1 US 89307404 A US89307404 A US 89307404A US 2005022688 A1 US2005022688 A1 US 2005022688A1
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- model
- model vehicle
- track
- train
- image signal
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- A63H19/00—Model railways
- A63H19/16—Parts for model railway vehicles
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a model apparatus in that a model train is driven along a track, and more specifically it relates to a model apparatus in that images viewed from the inside of the model train are displayed on a monitor separated from the model train.
- a model apparatus in which a model train traveling on a railroad has an imaging camera at the head thereof for picturing images of the traveling direction so that one can see images of the traveling direction as if he or she were sitting on a driver's seat by displaying the images on a monitor installed at a position separated from the model train, in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 11-319332, for example.
- This conventional model apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 4 .
- an AC power supply 103 for driving the model train 101 and a train controller 104 having a control unit 104 a housed therein are connected.
- the control unit 104 a includes an operation signal processor 105 for receiving operation signals representing various operations of the train controller 104 so as to display the operational contents by flashing lamps of the train controller 104 and a digital control-signal converter 106 for converting an operational signal into a digital control-signal so as to be fed to the railroad 102 .
- the model train 101 includes a decoder 108 for receiving a digital control signal via wheels 107 rolling on the railroad 102 , a drive motor 109 controlled by the decoder 108 , a CCD camera 110 for imaging the traveling direction of a train, a transmitter 111 connected to the output of the CCD camera 110 and having a sending antenna 111 a , and a power supply filter 115 for supplying DC voltages to the decoder 108 , the CCD camera 110 , and the transmitter 111 by converting AC voltages supplied to the railroad 102 via the wheels 107 into the DC voltages, these elements being mounted on the model train 101 .
- a tuner 112 having a receiving antenna 112 a and a monitor 113 connected to the output of the tuner 112 are arranged.
- a weight 114 made of a metal block shown in FIG. 4 is generally mounted so as to increase the self-weight of the model train 101 .
- the AC power supply voltage is transmitted to the decoder 108 and the power supply filter 115 without attenuating the AC power supply voltage by contact resistance due to the reduction in the contact resistance between the wheel 107 and the railroad 102 , and also the model train 101 can efficiently travel without slippage between the railroad 102 and the wheel 107 drivingly connected to the drive motor 109 .
- a model apparatus 100 structured in such a manner, when the train controller 104 is operated so as to produce control signals of acceleration and deceleration of the model train 101 , digital control signals converted by the digital control-signal converter 106 are entered to the decoder 108 via the railroad 102 and the wheels 107 .
- the decoder 108 controls the rotation of the drive motor 109 based on the digital control signals so that the model train 101 is accelerated or decelerated in accordance with the control signal.
- the CCD camera 110 mounted at the front of the model train 101 produces a photo-electrically converted image signal of a progress direction to the transmitter 111 , which in turn sends the high-frequency signal modulated from the image signal from the sending antenna 111 a.
- the high-frequency signal sent from the sending antenna 111 a is received to the receiving antenna 112 a by the tuner 112 tuning on a channel of the sending frequency band of the transmitter 111 so as to produce the demodulated image signal on the monitor 113 .
- an image signal picked up by the CCD camera 110 is transmitted as a radio signal from the sending antenna 111 a adjacent to the model train 101 to the receiving antenna 112 a adjacent to the monitor 113 , wherein when the model train 101 passes thorough a tunnel and a bridge made of conductive materials, these materials block off the high-frequency radio signal, so that the image signal is temporarily cut off and the image on the monitor 113 is hard to watch. Since only a radio signal with weak power can be used especially in a general model apparatus, this problem becomes noticeable furthermore in surroundings that electromagnetic waves exist in the vicinity.
- attaching the sending antenna 111 a to the model train 101 impairs the appearance of a model of an actual object.
- the present invention has been made in view of such problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a model apparatus in that images from a model train can be continuously watched on a monitor even when the model train travels through a place surrounded by a shielding material.
- an FM modulated image signal from an imaging camera is entered to a track composed of a conductive rail line via a contact portion, and an FM demodulation circuit connected to the track demodulates the modulated image signal so as to be fed to a monitor. Since the image signal is entered to the FM demodulation circuit connected to the track as the FM-modulated image signal, the image signal is transmitted from a model train to the monitor without being affected by noise due to a drive power supply and a drive motor connected to the track.
- the image signal transmission route from the model train to the monitor uses the track composed of the conductive rail line for guiding the model train and supplying drive power to the drive motor, so that components required for a radio transmission system are eliminated so as to reduce the cost of the model apparatus.
- the image can be continuously displayed on the monitor.
- the model train may have a shape similar to a real train.
- the FM modulated image signal may be output to a rail track via wheels rolling in contact with the track. Because of rolling contact between the wheels and the rail track, although the contact pressure is not stable, the FM modulated image signal is transmitted to the track, so that the image signal can be demodulated without being affected by changes in the contact pressure. Since the wheels of the model train are used, the modulated image signal can be output to the track without impairing appearance of the model.
- the modulated image signal can be output to the track via the plurality of wheels in parallel, so that even when contact failure is produced between a specific wheel and the track, the modulated image signal can be securely output to the track.
- the model train having the drive motor mounted thereon may include an auxiliary battery mounted thereon, so that the train weight is increased without mounting a weight thereon and slippage between the wheels and the track is reclosed.
- the train weight is increased without mounting the weight thereon for preventing derailing of the model train and reducing the slippage between the wheels and the track, the weight is not necessary to be prepared and assembled on the train.
- the contact pressure between the wheels of the model train having the drive motor and the auxiliary battery mounted thereon and the track may be large, so that the attenuation of the modulated image signal due to the contact resistance is small when the signal is output to the track.
- the modulated image signal can be output to the track by reducing the influence due to the contact resistance between the wheels of the model train and the track. Also, since the wheels of the model train having the drive motor have greater transition so signal noise, which may interference with the modulated image signal, caused by the slipping of the wheels where the track may not be produced.
- the modulated image signal may be output in a balanced form to a pair of rail tracks via the wheels of the model train. Since the modulated image signal is output in a balanced form to the pair of rail tracks, even when wheels are placed on the pair of rail tracks without considering the direction of the model train relative thereto, the FM modulation circuit, the pair of rail tracks, and the FM demodulation circuit are matched together, so that the modulated image signal can be securely demodulated.
- FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an entire model apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a model train of the present invention
- FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of an FM modulation circuit unit of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of a conventional model apparatus.
- the model apparatus according to the embodiment is a model apparatus 1 in that a model train 2 scaled down from a real railroad train is driven to travel on rail tracks 3 and 3 , which are tracks downsized in the same scale, and a DC power supply 4 is connected to the rail tracks 3 and 3 via a controller 5 as a drive power supply for the model train 2 .
- the DC power supply 4 is a power supply with a 5 V DC, for example, and applies a DC voltage, in which polarity and voltage are controlled by the controller 5 , between a pair of the parallel rail tracks 3 and 3 .
- the DC power supply 4 also supplies operating power to an FM demodulation circuit unit 6 , which will be described later and is accommodated within a common control box 10 together with the DC power supply 4 and the controller 5 .
- the pair of rail tracks 3 and 3 are depicted as a continuous loop, for example an ellipse, in the drawing; alternatively, one end thereof may be terminated.
- the model train 2 is composed of three trains including a front train (i.e., an engine) 2 A, an intermediate train 2 B, and a rear end train (i.e.caboose) 2 C, which are connected to each other.
- a drive motor 7 is mounted for driving the entire model train 2 .
- a DC voltage which is supplied between the rail tracks 3 and 3 , is applied via wheels 8 C and 8 C of the rear end train 2 C.
- the drive motor 7 rotates in a forward or reverse direction in accordance with the polarity of the DC voltage applied between the rail tracks 3 and 3 , and rotates at a rotation speed approximately proportional to the voltage.
- the rotation of the drive motor 7 is transmitted to the wheels 8 C and 8 C, which are drive wheels, through a worm gear (not shown) . Therefore, the travel direction and speed of the model train 2 are controlled by operating the above-mentioned controller 5 so as to control the voltage and polarity to be supplied between the rail tracks 3 and 3 .
- a low-pass filter 9 is connected to a power line connecting to the drive motor 7 in series so as to prevent high-frequency component noise produced by the drive of the drive motor 7 from flowing between the rail tracks 3 and 3 .
- a C-MOS camera 11 On the front train 2 A, a C-MOS camera 11 is mounted so as to pick up images of the progress direction of the model train 2 .
- the output of the C-MOS camera 11 is connected to an FM modulation circuit unit 12 mounted on the intermediate train 2 B so as to output a photo-electrically converted image signal.
- FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the FM modulation circuit unit 12 .
- the image signal produced by the C-MOS camera 11 is amplified by a low-frequency amplifier circuit 13 composed of an operationalamplifier so as to enter a clamp circuit 14 .
- the clamp circuit 14 clamps a synchronization signal contained in the image signal so as to be output to an FM modulation circuit 16 via a buffer 15 .
- the buffer 15 coverts impedance so as to match with the input impedance of the FM modulation circuit 16 .
- an oscillation circuit 17 is connected for producing a constant high-frequency signal as a carrier wave.
- the FM modulation circuit 16 FM-modulates the carrier wave as a signal wave by the image signal received from the buffer 15 so as to produce the modulated signal to a balun transformer 18 .
- the balun transformer 18 is a matching converter for connecting the output of the FM modulation circuit 16 , which is an unbalanced line, to a balanced line, and outputs the modulated image signal to a pair of signal-output lines 19 and 19 , which are balanced lines.
- the pair of signal-output lines 19 and 19 are to be connected to the both sides of the wheels 8 and 8 rolling in contact on the rail tracks 3 and 3 , respectively.
- the branched signal-output lines 19 and 19 are electrically connected. Therefore, the modulated image signals are output to the pair of rail tracks 3 and 3 from a plurality of the lateral wheels 8 and 8 , respectively.
- the circuits of the C-MOS camera 11 and the FM modulation circuit unit 12 are operated by two auxiliary batteries 20 and 20 mounted on the rear end train 2 C as power supplies. As shown in FIG. 2 , the output from the two auxiliary batteries 20 connected in series is entered to a booster circuit 21 mounted on the intermediate train 2 B.
- the booster circuit 21 is for boosting the 3V DC voltage of the auxiliary battery 20 to 5V, and the 5V DC voltage is output to the C-MOS camera 11 and the FM modulation circuit unit 12 via the low-pass filter 22 in order to be used as operating voltages thereof.
- the low-pass filter 22 cut the noise produced by the booster circuit 21 .
- the modulated image signal produced in the pair of rail tracks 3 and 3 is entered to the FM demodulation circuit unit 6 connected to the rail tracks 3 and 3 .
- the FM demodulation circuit unit 6 demodulates the modulated image signal to an image signal by FM detection.
- the modulated image signal is superimposed on the DC voltage of the DC power supply 4 to be applied to the pair of rail tracks 3 and 3 .
- the modulated image signal entering the FM demodulation circuit unit 6 contains noise due to changes in voltage levels by the rolling contact between the wheels 8 and the rail tracks 3 and due to the rotational operation of the drive motor 7 , because of the modulated image signal due to FM modulation, the effect of the noise is eliminated during demodulation, enabling the image signal to be demodulated continuously and securely.
- the image signal produced from the FM demodulation circuit unit 6 is output in the monitor 23 connected to the output of the FM demodulation circuit unit 6 .
- images of the progress direction of the model train 2 can be watched at a position separated from the model train 2 .
- the monitor 23 is located in the vicinity of the controller 5 for controlling the travel of the model train 2 , for example, so that the controller 5 can be operated as if the progress direction were viewed from a train driver's seat.
- the two auxiliary batteries 20 and 20 for supplying electric power to the C-MOS camera 11 and the FM modulation circuit unit 12 are mounted, it is not necessary to have a weight for increasing the weight of the train in contrast to a conventional one.
- the contact resistance between the wheels 8 C and the rail tracks 3 is thereby reduced, so that the modulated image signal can be entered to the rail tracks 3 without attenuating the signal.
- the model train 2 can be efficiently driven to travel, and furthermore noise produced by slipping in contact between the drive wheels 8 C and the rail tracks 3 is prevented from being superimposed on the modulated image signal.
- a DC voltage is applied to the rail tracks from the DC power supply for driving the model train to travel; alternatively, an AC voltage may be applied thereto from an AC power supply as long as the modulated FM signal can be demodulated.
- the FM modulation circuit and the drive motor may be mounted on any train, so that they may be mounted on the front train having the imaging camera mounted thereon. Therefore, it is not necessarily to have a plurality of trains connected to each other, and only one train may be used.
- the direction picked up by the imaging camera is not limited to the progress direction of the model train, and any direction may be picked up. Therefore, the camera is not necessarily to be mounted on the head of the model trains, and may be arranged at any arbitrary position and in any arbitrary direction.
- the model apparatus is exemplified; alternatively, a model apparatus may be applied in that a train such as a racing car is driven to travel on a model roadway with a conductive track.
- controller for controlling the travel of the model train is not necessarily required, so that a model apparatus in that a model train travels at a constant speed may be applied to the present invention.
Abstract
A model apparatus is provided in that images from a model vehicle can be continuously watched on a monitor even when the model vehicle travels through a place surrounded by a shielding material. An image signal transmission route from the model vehicle to the monitor uses conductive rail lines for guiding the model vehicle and supplying drive power to a drive motor, so that even when there is an electromagnetic shielding material in the vicinity of a place where the model vehicle travels, the images can be continuously displayed on the monitor.
Description
- The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Japanese patent application No. 2003-281082 filed on Jul. 28, 2003. The content of the application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to a model apparatus in that a model train is driven along a track, and more specifically it relates to a model apparatus in that images viewed from the inside of the model train are displayed on a monitor separated from the model train.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- A model apparatus has been known, in which a model train traveling on a railroad has an imaging camera at the head thereof for picturing images of the traveling direction so that one can see images of the traveling direction as if he or she were sitting on a driver's seat by displaying the images on a monitor installed at a position separated from the model train, in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 11-319332, for example.
- This
conventional model apparatus 100 will be described with reference toFIG. 4 . To arailroad 102, on which amodel train 101 travels, an AC power supply 103 for driving themodel train 101 and atrain controller 104 having a control unit 104a housed therein are connected. - The control unit 104 a includes an
operation signal processor 105 for receiving operation signals representing various operations of thetrain controller 104 so as to display the operational contents by flashing lamps of thetrain controller 104 and a digital control-signal converter 106 for converting an operational signal into a digital control-signal so as to be fed to therailroad 102. - The
model train 101 includes adecoder 108 for receiving a digital control signal viawheels 107 rolling on therailroad 102, adrive motor 109 controlled by thedecoder 108, aCCD camera 110 for imaging the traveling direction of a train, atransmitter 111 connected to the output of theCCD camera 110 and having asending antenna 111 a, and apower supply filter 115 for supplying DC voltages to thedecoder 108, theCCD camera 110, and thetransmitter 111 by converting AC voltages supplied to therailroad 102 via thewheels 107 into the DC voltages, these elements being mounted on themodel train 101. - At a position separated from the
model train 101, for example, in the vicinity of thetrain controller 104, atuner 112 having a receiving antenna 112a and amonitor 113 connected to the output of thetuner 112 are arranged. - On the
model train 101 having thedrive motor 109 mounted thereon, aweight 114 made of a metal block shown inFIG. 4 is generally mounted so as to increase the self-weight of themodel train 101. Thereby, the AC power supply voltage is transmitted to thedecoder 108 and thepower supply filter 115 without attenuating the AC power supply voltage by contact resistance due to the reduction in the contact resistance between thewheel 107 and therailroad 102, and also themodel train 101 can efficiently travel without slippage between therailroad 102 and thewheel 107 drivingly connected to thedrive motor 109. - In a
model apparatus 100 structured in such a manner, when thetrain controller 104 is operated so as to produce control signals of acceleration and deceleration of themodel train 101, digital control signals converted by the digital control-signal converter 106 are entered to thedecoder 108 via therailroad 102 and thewheels 107. Thedecoder 108 controls the rotation of thedrive motor 109 based on the digital control signals so that themodel train 101 is accelerated or decelerated in accordance with the control signal. - The
CCD camera 110 mounted at the front of themodel train 101 produces a photo-electrically converted image signal of a progress direction to thetransmitter 111, which in turn sends the high-frequency signal modulated from the image signal from thesending antenna 111 a. - The high-frequency signal sent from the sending
antenna 111 a is received to the receiving antenna 112 a by thetuner 112 tuning on a channel of the sending frequency band of thetransmitter 111 so as to produce the demodulated image signal on themonitor 113. - Thereby, one can operate the
train controller 104 viewing images of the progress direction as if he or she were sitting on the driver's seat of themodel train 101. - In the
conventional model apparatus 100 described above, an image signal picked up by theCCD camera 110 is transmitted as a radio signal from thesending antenna 111 a adjacent to themodel train 101 to the receiving antenna 112 a adjacent to themonitor 113, wherein when themodel train 101 passes thorough a tunnel and a bridge made of conductive materials, these materials block off the high-frequency radio signal, so that the image signal is temporarily cut off and the image on themonitor 113 is hard to watch. Since only a radio signal with weak power can be used especially in a general model apparatus, this problem becomes noticeable furthermore in surroundings that electromagnetic waves exist in the vicinity. - Also, in order to transmit an image signal to the
monitor 113 by a wireless system, expensive circuit elements such as thetransmitter 111, the sending and receivingantennas 111 a and 112 a, and thetuner 112 are required so as to increase the entire cost of themodel apparatus 100. - Moreover, attaching the sending
antenna 111 a to themodel train 101 impairs the appearance of a model of an actual object. - Also, mounting the
weight 114 on themodel train 101 for increasing its self weight requires additional components and an assembling process for fixing them to themodel train 101. - The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a model apparatus in that images from a model train can be continuously watched on a monitor even when the model train travels through a place surrounded by a shielding material.
- In order to solve the problem described above, according to the present invention, an FM modulated image signal from an imaging camera is entered to a track composed of a conductive rail line via a contact portion, and an FM demodulation circuit connected to the track demodulates the modulated image signal so as to be fed to a monitor. Since the image signal is entered to the FM demodulation circuit connected to the track as the FM-modulated image signal, the image signal is transmitted from a model train to the monitor without being affected by noise due to a drive power supply and a drive motor connected to the track.
- According to the present invention, the image signal transmission route from the model train to the monitor uses the track composed of the conductive rail line for guiding the model train and supplying drive power to the drive motor, so that components required for a radio transmission system are eliminated so as to reduce the cost of the model apparatus.
- Also, even when there is an electromagnetic shielding material in the vicinity of a place where the model train travels, the image can be continuously displayed on the monitor.
- Since the model train is not required to have a sending antenna mounted thereon, the model train may have a shape similar to a real train.
- According to an embodiment of the present invention, the FM modulated image signal may be output to a rail track via wheels rolling in contact with the track. Because of rolling contact between the wheels and the rail track, although the contact pressure is not stable, the FM modulated image signal is transmitted to the track, so that the image signal can be demodulated without being affected by changes in the contact pressure. Since the wheels of the model train are used, the modulated image signal can be output to the track without impairing appearance of the model.
- Also, since the model train travels on the track with a plurality of wheels, the modulated image signal can be output to the track via the plurality of wheels in parallel, so that even when contact failure is produced between a specific wheel and the track, the modulated image signal can be securely output to the track.
- According to another emdobiment of the present invention, the model train having the drive motor mounted thereon may include an auxiliary battery mounted thereon, so that the train weight is increased without mounting a weight thereon and slippage between the wheels and the track is reclosed.
- Since the train weight is increased without mounting the weight thereon for preventing derailing of the model train and reducing the slippage between the wheels and the track, the weight is not necessary to be prepared and assembled on the train.
- According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the contact pressure between the wheels of the model train having the drive motor and the auxiliary battery mounted thereon and the track may be large, so that the attenuation of the modulated image signal due to the contact resistance is small when the signal is output to the track.
- Further, the modulated image signal can be output to the track by reducing the influence due to the contact resistance between the wheels of the model train and the track. Also, since the wheels of the model train having the drive motor have greater transition so signal noise, which may interference with the modulated image signal, caused by the slipping of the wheels where the track may not be produced.
- According to another embodiment of the present invention, the modulated image signal may be output in a balanced form to a pair of rail tracks via the wheels of the model train. Since the modulated image signal is output in a balanced form to the pair of rail tracks, even when wheels are placed on the pair of rail tracks without considering the direction of the model train relative thereto, the FM modulation circuit, the pair of rail tracks, and the FM demodulation circuit are matched together, so that the modulated image signal can be securely demodulated.
-
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an entire model apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a model train of the present invention; -
FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of an FM modulation circuit unit of the present invention; and -
FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of a conventional model apparatus. - A model apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. As shown in
FIG. 1 , the model apparatus according to the embodiment is amodel apparatus 1 in that amodel train 2 scaled down from a real railroad train is driven to travel onrail tracks rail tracks controller 5 as a drive power supply for themodel train 2. - The DC power supply 4 is a power supply with a 5 V DC, for example, and applies a DC voltage, in which polarity and voltage are controlled by the
controller 5, between a pair of theparallel rail tracks common control box 10 together with the DC power supply 4 and thecontroller 5. - The pair of
rail tracks - As shown in
FIG. 2 , themodel train 2 is composed of three trains including a front train (i.e., an engine) 2A, anintermediate train 2B, and a rear end train (i.e.caboose) 2C, which are connected to each other. On therear end train 2C, adrive motor 7 is mounted for driving theentire model train 2. To thedrive motor 7, a DC voltage, which is supplied between therail tracks wheels rear end train 2C. Thedrive motor 7 rotates in a forward or reverse direction in accordance with the polarity of the DC voltage applied between therail tracks drive motor 7 is transmitted to thewheels model train 2 are controlled by operating the above-mentionedcontroller 5 so as to control the voltage and polarity to be supplied between therail tracks - A low-pass filter 9 is connected to a power line connecting to the
drive motor 7 in series so as to prevent high-frequency component noise produced by the drive of thedrive motor 7 from flowing between therail tracks - On the
front train 2A, a C-MOS camera 11 is mounted so as to pick up images of the progress direction of themodel train 2. The output of the C-MOS camera 11 is connected to an FMmodulation circuit unit 12 mounted on theintermediate train 2B so as to output a photo-electrically converted image signal. -
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the FMmodulation circuit unit 12. The image signal produced by the C-MOS camera 11 is amplified by a low-frequency amplifier circuit 13 composed of an operationalamplifier so as to enter aclamp circuit 14. Theclamp circuit 14 clamps a synchronization signal contained in the image signal so as to be output to anFM modulation circuit 16 via abuffer 15. Thebuffer 15 coverts impedance so as to match with the input impedance of theFM modulation circuit 16. - To the
FM modulation circuit 16, anoscillation circuit 17 is connected for producing a constant high-frequency signal as a carrier wave. TheFM modulation circuit 16 FM-modulates the carrier wave as a signal wave by the image signal received from thebuffer 15 so as to produce the modulated signal to abalun transformer 18. - The
balun transformer 18 is a matching converter for connecting the output of theFM modulation circuit 16, which is an unbalanced line, to a balanced line, and outputs the modulated image signal to a pair of signal-output lines - The pair of signal-
output lines wheels rail tracks FIG. 2 , not only towheels intermediate train 2B having the FMmodulation circuit unit 12 mounted thereon, but also towheels rear end train 2C having thedrive motor 7 mounted thereon, the branched signal-output lines rail tracks lateral wheels - The circuits of the C-
MOS camera 11 and the FMmodulation circuit unit 12 are operated by twoauxiliary batteries rear end train 2C as power supplies. As shown inFIG. 2 , the output from the twoauxiliary batteries 20 connected in series is entered to abooster circuit 21 mounted on theintermediate train 2B. Thebooster circuit 21 is for boosting the 3V DC voltage of theauxiliary battery 20 to 5V, and the 5V DC voltage is output to the C-MOS camera 11 and the FMmodulation circuit unit 12 via the low-pass filter 22 in order to be used as operating voltages thereof. The low-pass filter 22 cut the noise produced by thebooster circuit 21. - As shown in
FIG. 1 , the modulated image signal produced in the pair ofrail tracks rail tracks rail tracks wheels 8 and therail tracks 3 and due to the rotational operation of thedrive motor 7, because of the modulated image signal due to FM modulation, the effect of the noise is eliminated during demodulation, enabling the image signal to be demodulated continuously and securely. - The image signal produced from the FM demodulation circuit unit 6 is output in the
monitor 23 connected to the output of the FM demodulation circuit unit 6. Thereby, images of the progress direction of themodel train 2 can be watched at a position separated from themodel train 2. In the drawing, themonitor 23 is located in the vicinity of thecontroller 5 for controlling the travel of themodel train 2, for example, so that thecontroller 5 can be operated as if the progress direction were viewed from a train driver's seat. - According to the embodiment, since on the
rear end train 2C having thedrive motor 7 mounted thereon, the twoauxiliary batteries MOS camera 11 and the FMmodulation circuit unit 12 are mounted, it is not necessary to have a weight for increasing the weight of the train in contrast to a conventional one. The contact resistance between thewheels 8C and therail tracks 3 is thereby reduced, so that the modulated image signal can be entered to therail tracks 3 without attenuating the signal. Moreover, since thedrive wheels 8C cannot slip on therail tracks 3, themodel train 2 can be efficiently driven to travel, and furthermore noise produced by slipping in contact between thedrive wheels 8C and therail tracks 3 is prevented from being superimposed on the modulated image signal. - In the
model apparatus 1 described above, a DC voltage is applied to the rail tracks from the DC power supply for driving the model train to travel; alternatively, an AC voltage may be applied thereto from an AC power supply as long as the modulated FM signal can be demodulated. - The FM modulation circuit and the drive motor may be mounted on any train, so that they may be mounted on the front train having the imaging camera mounted thereon. Therefore, it is not necessarily to have a plurality of trains connected to each other, and only one train may be used.
- Furthermore, the direction picked up by the imaging camera is not limited to the progress direction of the model train, and any direction may be picked up. Therefore, the camera is not necessarily to be mounted on the head of the model trains, and may be arranged at any arbitrary position and in any arbitrary direction.
- According to the embodiment described above, the model apparatus is exemplified; alternatively, a model apparatus may be applied in that a train such as a racing car is driven to travel on a model roadway with a conductive track.
- Moreover, the controller for controlling the travel of the model train is not necessarily required, so that a model apparatus in that a model train travels at a constant speed may be applied to the present invention.
Claims (7)
1. A model apparatus comprising:
a track composed of a conductive rail track connected to a drive power supply for guiding a model vehicle;
a drive motor mounted on the model vehicle for driving the model vehicle to travel on the track by receiving drive power via a contact portion of the model vehicle on the track;
an imaging camera mounted on the model vehicle for picking up images from the inside of the model vehicle;
a monitor for displaying the images picked up by the imaging camera at a position separate from the model vehicle;
an FM modulation circuit unit mounted on the model vehicle for outputting a modulated image signal to the contact portion by FM-modulating the image signal produced by the imaging camera; and
an FM demodulation circuit unit connected to the track for demodulating the modulated image signal received from the track and outputting to the monitor.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the model vehicle is a model train, and the contact portion is a wheel rolling in contact on the track.
3. An apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the model train comprises a plurality of vehicles connected to each other, and the model vehicle having the drive motor mounted thereon comprises an auxiliary battery mounted thereon for supplying electric power to the imaging camera and the FM modulation circuit unit.
4. An apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the wheel of the model vehicle having the drive motor outputs the modulated image signals.
5. An apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the FM modulation circuit unit comprises a matching transformer for converting modulated image signals produced in an unbalanced form into those in a balanced form so as to be output to each wheel contacting a pair of rail tracks.
6. An apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the FM modulation circuit unit comprises a matching transformer for converting modulated image signals produced in an unbalanced form into those in a balanced form so as to be output to each wheel contacting a pair of rail tracks.
7. An apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the FM modulation circuit unit comprises a matching transformer for converting modulated image signals produced in an unbalanced form into those in a balanced form so as to be output to each wheel contacting a pair of rail tracks.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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JP2003-281082 | 2003-07-28 | ||
JP2003281082A JP3742978B2 (en) | 2003-07-28 | 2003-07-28 | Model device |
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US20050022688A1 true US20050022688A1 (en) | 2005-02-03 |
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Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US10/893,074 Abandoned US20050022688A1 (en) | 2003-07-28 | 2004-07-15 | Apparatus for projecting image from a model vehicle |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20050022688A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP3742978B2 (en) |
DE (1) | DE102004036571A1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20060255246A1 (en) * | 2004-12-28 | 2006-11-16 | Michael Hetherington | Image-based tracking system for model train control |
WO2013078273A1 (en) * | 2011-11-22 | 2013-05-30 | Bartlett, William | Wireless video system for model railroad engines |
US20150108285A1 (en) * | 2003-11-26 | 2015-04-23 | Lionel Llc | Model Train Control System |
US9764353B2 (en) | 2010-09-30 | 2017-09-19 | Abb Research Ltd. | Method of producing a layer of a vulcanized silicone rubber composition having an improved adhesion to the substrate surface |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP4495040B2 (en) * | 2005-06-23 | 2010-06-30 | 株式会社関水金属 | Decoder mounting device for model railway vehicles |
JP6685575B2 (en) * | 2016-01-29 | 2020-04-22 | 大鉄工業株式会社 | Rail monitoring device |
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US4555725A (en) * | 1983-08-24 | 1985-11-26 | Deutz-Allis Corporation | Agricultural implement steering guidance system and method |
US4638287A (en) * | 1983-03-01 | 1987-01-20 | Aisin Seiki Kabushikikaisha | Vehicle-loaded display device |
US4713685A (en) * | 1984-10-05 | 1987-12-15 | Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. | Video monitoring apparatus |
US4986187A (en) * | 1988-12-27 | 1991-01-22 | Lionel Trains, Inc. | Toy vehicle assembly with video display capability |
US5065232A (en) * | 1988-09-22 | 1991-11-12 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Electronic still camera system |
US6151065A (en) * | 1995-06-20 | 2000-11-21 | Steed; Van P. | Concealed integrated vehicular camera safety system |
US6830224B2 (en) * | 2001-02-26 | 2004-12-14 | Railroad Transportation Communication Technologies (Rtct) Llc | Rail communications system |
-
2003
- 2003-07-28 JP JP2003281082A patent/JP3742978B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2004
- 2004-07-15 US US10/893,074 patent/US20050022688A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2004-07-28 DE DE102004036571A patent/DE102004036571A1/en not_active Ceased
Patent Citations (7)
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US4638287A (en) * | 1983-03-01 | 1987-01-20 | Aisin Seiki Kabushikikaisha | Vehicle-loaded display device |
US4555725A (en) * | 1983-08-24 | 1985-11-26 | Deutz-Allis Corporation | Agricultural implement steering guidance system and method |
US4713685A (en) * | 1984-10-05 | 1987-12-15 | Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. | Video monitoring apparatus |
US5065232A (en) * | 1988-09-22 | 1991-11-12 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Electronic still camera system |
US4986187A (en) * | 1988-12-27 | 1991-01-22 | Lionel Trains, Inc. | Toy vehicle assembly with video display capability |
US6151065A (en) * | 1995-06-20 | 2000-11-21 | Steed; Van P. | Concealed integrated vehicular camera safety system |
US6830224B2 (en) * | 2001-02-26 | 2004-12-14 | Railroad Transportation Communication Technologies (Rtct) Llc | Rail communications system |
Cited By (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20150108285A1 (en) * | 2003-11-26 | 2015-04-23 | Lionel Llc | Model Train Control System |
US9937430B2 (en) * | 2003-11-26 | 2018-04-10 | Lionel Llc | Model train control system |
US20060255246A1 (en) * | 2004-12-28 | 2006-11-16 | Michael Hetherington | Image-based tracking system for model train control |
US7394051B2 (en) * | 2004-12-28 | 2008-07-01 | P.I. Engineering, Inc. | Image-based tracking system for model train control |
US9764353B2 (en) | 2010-09-30 | 2017-09-19 | Abb Research Ltd. | Method of producing a layer of a vulcanized silicone rubber composition having an improved adhesion to the substrate surface |
WO2013078273A1 (en) * | 2011-11-22 | 2013-05-30 | Bartlett, William | Wireless video system for model railroad engines |
US8953041B1 (en) | 2011-11-22 | 2015-02-10 | Richard Johnson Bartlett, Sr. | Wireless video for model railroad engines providing an engineer's view |
JP2015512272A (en) * | 2011-11-22 | 2015-04-27 | バートレット, リチャードBARTLETT, Richard | Wireless video system for model railway engine |
CN109104593A (en) * | 2011-11-22 | 2018-12-28 | 威廉·巴特利特 | Wireless video system for model railway locomotive |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
JP2005046315A (en) | 2005-02-24 |
DE102004036571A1 (en) | 2005-03-03 |
JP3742978B2 (en) | 2006-02-08 |
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Owner name: TOMY COMPANY, LTD., JAPAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:ASADA, NORIYOSHI;REEL/FRAME:015606/0290 Effective date: 20040705 Owner name: SMK CORPORATION, JAPAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:ASADA, NORIYOSHI;REEL/FRAME:015606/0290 Effective date: 20040705 |
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