Systems and methods for radio control and operation of a miniature toy vehicle including interchangeable bodies

Abstract

A radio control system for a single or multi-controller, single or multi-receiver independently controlled system providing digital and proportional control without mutual interference, especially suited for a miniature toy vehicle. The controller may operate on multiple frequencies (channels) selected by the user. The receivers may receive on multiple frequencies (channels) selected by the user. When the receiver is first turned on, it reads the channel select switch and sets its receiver accordingly then normal remote control signals may be received such as speed, steering and digital commands. Commands are sent in bursts with an error checking protocol implemented. Commands are not executed by the receiver unless they are received error free. If the receiver fails to receive error-free command bursts within a short period of time (less than one second), it shuts off all motors and controls and go into a dormant state awaiting an error-free command burst. If error-free command bursts are not received within an extended period of time such as two minutes, the receiver completely shuts off thereby conserving battery power. The receiver includes a long-life rechargeable battery system that lasts for the normal lifetime of the car. The vehicle includes a simplified steering system that provides full proportional control without requiring position feedback.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 288,684 (Attorney Docket No. 020864-000300US) filed May 3, 2001 which is herein incorporated by reference for all purposes.[0002] 1. Field of the Invention[0003] The present invention relates to a radio control system in which a plurality of receivers are independently controlled by a plurality of radio controllers without mutual interference, and a toy vehicle including the same.[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art[0005] Radio control systems are well known for many applications including toys such as, for example, toy cars, toy boats and toy airplanes. However, such systems are usually large, complex and require the user to change components to set the operating frequencies so that they do not mutually interfere with each other.[0006] Existing small products have tried to imitate typical / normal use of a vehicle. They were only successful in providing part of the...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0019] More specifically, it is an object of the present invention to provide a control system for a radio controlled device that permits the proportional and digital control of many functions for a plurality of systems without mutual interference between them.

[0020] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a simplified method for the users to set up the system in a multiple transmitter and receiver environment.

[0023] According to a feature of the present invention, the command burst sent by a controller is encoded in such a way as to contain error control information without excessive overhead such that the receiver may easily check the integrity of the received burst and reject any bursts that are not entirely error free.

[0029] In accordance with another feature of the present invention, a standard chassis of each vehicle type (including but not limited to) such as Racer, Sedan, Sports car, SUV, Truck, Van, Tank, F1 etc. is utilized, and thus allows multiple styles of color, appearance, versions, brands, banners on vehicle bodies to be attached to the chassis.

Problems solved by technology

However, such systems are usually large, complex and require the user to change components to set the operating frequencies so that they do not mutually interfere with each other.

They were only successful in providing part of the experience but could not provide a completely self contained and independently controlled vehicle.

They are primarily meant for outdoor use as they are large and fast.

They generally do not work well in confined or limited spaces.

Previous inventions were unable to provide the means to realistically control a vehicle.

There is no means to operate the vehicles independently of the groove in a track.

Existing remote controlled vehicles which have internal power sources have used non-rechargeable batteries that required frequent replacement or rechargeable batteries that were large, had a limited life span and required frequent recharging.

The problem that until now has not been overcome is to make a vehicle for confined spaces that is completely controllable and can be used independently or with any track, play set, or racing environment.

Thus, a miniature vehicle with proportional control of the steering and speed has not been successfully designed.

This provides only limited control since it is not proportional;

This type does not allow proportional speed and has no steering function;

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