Dynamic self-teaching train track layout learning and control system

A method for determining the layout of at least a portion of a track, comprising:

• providing a plurality of position detection elements for use in detecting a vehicle on multiple blocks of said track;
• moving said vehicle along said multiple blocks of said track;
• recording the interconnection of said blocks to determine said layout;
• providing an ID from each of said position detection elements;
• associating said ID with one of said blocks of said track;
• determining a direction of said vehicle;
• recording adjacent block locations in accordance with said direction;
• moving said vehicle through each of the positions of a track switch;
• and
• determining a block corresponding to each position of said track switch from a position detection element detection after said vehicle passes said switch.

An apparatus for determining the layout of at least a portion of a track, comprising:

• a plurality of position detection elements for use in detecting a vehicle on multiple blocks of said track;
• a vehicle which is movable along said multiple blocks of said track;
• a transmitter for sending information about said vehicle and said position detection element;
• and
• a controller configured to receive said information and record the interconnection of said blocks to determine said layout.

An apparatus for use in a model vehicle layout, comprising:

• an accessory mounted adjacent a track of said vehicle layout;
• a vehicle having a vehicle ID;
• a position detection element having an position detection element ID;
• a transmitter configured to transmit said vehicle ID and said position detection element ID;
• a controller, configured to determine if said vehicle ID corresponds to a group of vehicles designated to activate said accessory, and to send an activating signal to said accessory upon a match.

An apparatus for detecting a model vehicle on a track, comprising:

• a position detection element adjacent said track;
• a vehicle having a vehicle ID;
• a vehicle controller;
• a transmitter configured to transmit a position detection element ID to a vehicle controller when said vehicle passes a position detection element adjacent said track;
• a sensor configured to determine a direction of said vehicle;
• and
• said transmitter being further configured to transmit said direction, along with a vehicle ID, to said vehicle controller.

A method for selecting a control input for a model vehicle control system, comprising:

• determining a location of said vehicle;
• determining a direction of said vehicle;
• determining a next controlled device to be encountered by said vehicle in said direction;
• selecting a control input corresponding to said next controlled device;
• and
• associating said control input with a user input on a user interface.