Adjustable transformer for a model vehicle

摘要

A system and method is provided for powering and/or controlling a plurality of model devices, including at least one model vehicle. In one embodiment of the present invention, the system includes an adjustable transformer in communication with at least a model train. The adjustable transformer is configured to convert an AC voltage into first and second AC output voltages based, respectively, on positions of first and second input devices. The adjustable transformer includes a processor configured to receive input signals from the input devices, and to generate corresponding control signals, which are used by drive circuits to convert an AC voltage into first and second outputs. The processor is further configured to display data concerning the first output on a display, and to replace the data concerning the first output with data concerning the second output if a signal is received from a sensor, indicating that the user has interacted with the second input device.

主权项

1. An apparatus for powering at least four model devices, the model devices including at least one model vehicle, comprising:
a transformer for converting a first alternating-current (AC) voltage into a second AC voltage; a first input device for generating a first input signal based on a position of the first input device, the first input device being movable between a plurality of positions; a second input device for generating a second input signal based on a position of the second input device, the second input device being movable between a plurality of positions; a third input device for generating a third input signal based on a position of the third input device, the third input device being movable between a plurality of positions; a fourth input device for generating a fourth input signal based on a position of the fourth input device, the fourth input device being movable between a plurality of positions; a processor for receiving the first, second, third and fourth input signals from the first, second, third and fourth input devices, respectively, and for generating corresponding first, second, third and fourth output control signals; a first output drive circuit for receiving the second AC voltage and the first output control signal and for using the first output control signal to convert the second AC voltage into a first output having a first AC output voltage, wherein the first AC output voltage is one of equal to and less than the second AC voltage; a second output drive circuit for receiving the second AC voltage and the second output control signal and for using the second output control signal to convert the second AC voltage into a second output having a second AC output voltage, wherein the second AC output voltage is one of equal to and less than the second AC voltage; a third output drive circuit for receiving the second AC voltage and the third output control signal and for using the third output control signal to convert the second AC voltage into a third output having a third AC output voltage, wherein the third AC output voltage is one of equal to and less than the second AC voltage; a fourth output drive circuit for receiving the second AC voltage and the fourth output control signal and for using the fourth output control signal to convert the second AC voltage into a fourth output having a fourth AC output voltage, wherein the fourth AC output voltage is one of equal to and less than the second AC voltage; a first sensor in communication with the second input device and the processor; a second sensor in communication with the third input device and the processor; a first set of displays in communication with the processor and for displaying the first AC voltage and a current of the first output; and a second set of displays in communication with the processor and for displaying the fourth AC voltage and a current of the fourth output; wherein the processor is configured to display the second AC voltage and a current of the second output on the first set of displays only if the processor receives a signal from the first sensor indicating that the user is interacting with the second input device, the processor is configured to display the third AC voltage and a current of the third output on the second set of displays only if the processor receives a signal from the second sensor indicating that the user is interacting with the third input device.