Method and programming device for automatic programming of transponders of train control system

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for automatically programming a transponder (7) of a train control system, in which at least one identification means (9) of the transponder (7) is automatically detected, and in which a telegram file associated with the transponder (7) is determined in an item database (11) on the basis of the detected identification means (9), a check value, in particular a hash value, of a telegram file determined in the item database (11) is temporarily stored, the determined telegram file is transferred to the transponder (7), and the telegram file is automatically read from the transponder (7) after the transfer is completed, by judging whether the verification value, especially the hash value, of the read telegram file is equal to the temporarily stored verification value or not, the consistency of the transmitted telegram file and the read telegram file is automatically verified. The method according to the invention has the advantage that the error-free programming of the transponder can be realized. The invention also relates to a programming device (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method and apparatus for automatic programming of transponders for train control systems. Background Technology

[0002] A transponder is a transceiver installed in the track area of ​​railway equipment to store railway operation information, such as location data, and transmit it to passing trains. When a train passes, the transponder is activated by the train and then sends a digital telegram containing railway operation information to the train via an air interface in a contactless manner. Numerous transponders are installed in different locations within railway equipment, each storing and transmitting specific railway operation information to passing trains. Therefore, ensuring that each transponder stores accurate railway operation information is crucial for the safe operation of railway equipment. Thus, transponder programming that stores correct railway operation information in the appropriate transponder is extremely important for the safety of train control systems and railway equipment. Programming errors must be absolutely avoided.

[0003] For example, methods and apparatus of the aforementioned type are known from documents DE 10 2009 029 857 A1 and EP 0 793 191 A1. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus of the aforementioned type that can ensure a high degree of security during the programming process of a transponder.

[0005] The aforementioned technical problem is solved according to the present invention by an automatic programming method for a transponder in a train control system.

[0006] Among them, at least one identification device automatically detects the transponder.

[0007] Specifically, based on the detected identification device, the telegraph file associated with the transponder is determined in the project database.

[0008] Specifically, the checksums, especially hash values, of the telegram files identified in the project database are temporarily stored.

[0009] The determined telegram file is transmitted to the transponder.

[0010] The telegram file is automatically read from the transponder after transmission is complete.

[0011] Specifically, the system automatically verifies the consistency between the transmitted and read telegram files by determining whether the checksum, especially the hash value, of the read telegram file is equal to the temporarily stored checksum.

[0012] The technical problem described herein is solved by a programming device for automatic programming of a transponder in a train control system, the programming device comprising:

[0013] At least one detection device for automatically detecting at least one identification device of the transponder.

[0014] At least one project database has at least one telegram file associated with the transponder, the telegram file being determined based on the detected identification device of the transponder.

[0015] At least one storage device is used to temporarily store at least one checksum, particularly a hash value, of the identified telegram files in the project database.

[0016] At least one transmission device is used to transmit the determined telegram file to the transponder.

[0017] At least one reading device is used to automatically read the telegram file from the transponder, and

[0018] At least one verification device is designed to automatically verify the consistency between the transmitted telegram file and the read telegram file by determining whether the check value, in particular the hash value, of the read telegram file is equal to a temporarily stored check value.

[0019] The advantage of the technical solution according to the present invention is that it can be executed substantially automatically and can avoid potential sources of error, such as human error.

[0020] To first clearly identify the transponder, the present invention automatically detects the transponder's identification device. The transponder identification device may be, for example, a transponder type nameplate or identification plate indicating an identification number. The transponder can be clearly identified based on at least one identification number. Alternatively, the identification device may also be in the form of a readable barcode or data matrix code.

[0021] Subsequently, according to the present invention, the telegram file associated with the transponder is determined in the project database based on the identified identification device. This telegram file contains railway operation information that the specific transponder should contain. All telegram files stored in the project database have been verified, thus ensuring data security and accuracy. According to the present invention, the checksum, particularly the hash value, of the program file is also detected and stored or temporarily stored. This checksum already exists in the project database and, for example, is part of the program file. Although theoretically the checksum could be calculated after the program file is determined, this is not customary and would violate existing security protocols.

[0022] The determined telegram file is then transmitted to the transponder. This can be achieved, for example, by the corresponding programming apparatus described in documents DE 10 2009029857A1 or EP 0 793 191 A1. To subsequently check whether the telegram file has been correctly transmitted to the transponder, the telegram file is reread from the transponder according to the invention. The consistency between the transmitted and read telegram files is then verified by determining whether the checksum of the read telegram file is equal to, i.e., identical to, a temporarily stored checksum. The checksum of the read telegram file is obtained by the transponder. By using the checksum, it is particularly simple to verify whether the telegram file stored on the transponder matches the telegram file determined for the transponder in the project database. This checksum is, in particular, a hash value, such as an MD4 hash value, typically a 32-bit hexadecimal number. Equal values ​​of the two checksums for MD4 mean that all 32-bit hexadecimal numbers are completely identical. This verification can be performed automatically with computer assistance, ensuring accurate results. When the checksum values ​​are confirmed to be equal, the programming of the transponder according to the invention is complete.

[0023] The technical solution according to the present invention can be improved by the preferred design schemes described below.

[0024] Therefore, when detecting the identification device, an image of the optically recognizable identification device arranged outside the transponder can be generated, and the string of the identification device can be determined based on the image. This has the advantage of automatically reading even difficult-to-detect numerical sequences. For example, OCR (Optical Character Recognition) methods can be used to determine the string for particularly reliable and error-free identification.

[0025] To improve security when detecting the identification devices of a transponder, it is possible to detect two different identification devices of the transponder essentially simultaneously. Simultaneous detection significantly improves security because it increases the false disclosure rate. However, this often requires two identification devices on the transponder, as is frequently the case, for example, with European transponders. These two identification devices can be, for example, a transponder identification number and a serial number.

[0026] In a preferred design, a verification report is automatically generated and stored when the verification values ​​match. This has the advantage of subsequently verifying the correctness of the transponder's programming, for example, during equipment acceptance or railway technical certification processes. Therefore, verification reports for all transponders existing in the project database can be stored together, for example, directly in the project database. Furthermore, the verification report can also list at least one detected transponder identification device. This facilitates better documentation. For example, images of the generated identification devices can be included in the report.

[0027] To eliminate programming errors, an error message can be output when the checksums are inconsistent.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment of the programming apparatus according to the invention, a method according to the invention according to any of the foregoing embodiments may be provided.

[0029] Furthermore, the programming device may include at least one receiving device within which the transponder and / or programmer can be arranged in a predetermined position. This ensures that the transponder is in a position that reliably reads the identification device. In particular, the fixed positioning of the transponder within the identification device in the form of an external nameplate is especially important. This ensures that the contained string can be detected and determined during automatic detection of the identification device, for example, by means of an image.

[0030] To further enhance security, the programming device may include at least two independent detection devices, particularly a camera device with two independent optical sensors, designed to detect at least two identification devices of the transponder substantially simultaneously. As described above, this improves the false disclosure rate.

[0031] Furthermore, a computer program product having program instructions for performing the aforementioned methods and / or embodiments thereof is claimed. When said computer program product is run on a computer, the methods and / or embodiments thereof according to the invention can be implemented, respectively. Such a computer can be used, for example, in the commissioning and installation of railway technical equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0032] The present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] In the attached diagram:

[0034] Figure 1 A side view schematic diagram showing an exemplary embodiment of the programming device according to the present invention;

[0035] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 A top view of the programming device shown. Detailed Implementation

[0036] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 The programming device 1 of the present invention in the exemplary embodiment shown includes a programmer 2, a base frame 3, a camera device 4, and a computer 5. The programming device 1 also has a first receiving device 6 and a second receiving device 14, in which a transponder 7 is arranged and the programmer 2 is arranged.

[0037] Programmer 2 is known to be designed for transmitting telegram files to or reading telegram files from transponder 7. This programmer 2 is sometimes referred to, for example, as a TPG, as described in document EP 0 793 191 A1. In the embodiment shown in the figures, a first receiving device 6 in the form of an angled frame is arranged on programmer 2, in which transponder 7 can be positioned in a predetermined and substantially unique programming location. Programmer 2 includes a transmission device 12 for transmitting telegram files to the transponder, and a reading device 13 for reading telegram files from the transponder 7.

[0038] The base frame 3 also has a second, angled frame-like receiving device 14 for accommodating the programmer 2. Thus, the programmer 2 can also be positioned at a predetermined programming location, thereby placing the transponder 7 in the same predetermined programming position relative to the base frame 3. The camera device 4 is also arranged on the base frame 3, substantially opposite the identification device 9 of the transponder 7.

[0039] In an exemplary embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the camera device 4 includes two optical sensors 8 arranged such that they can detect the two identification devices 9 of the transponder 7.

[0040] Computer 5 is connected to both camera device 4 and programmer 2 via cable connection device 10. In addition to conventional input devices such as keyboard and mouse, and output devices such as monitor and speakers, it is equipped with a project database 11. This database stores telegram files of multiple transponders 7 of railway technical equipment (not shown), which is equipped with a train control system (not shown). Computer 5 includes a verification device (not shown) to check whether the checksums of two telegram files are the same.

[0041] The following describes how the transponder 7 can be automatically programmed using the programming device 1 of the present invention in an exemplary embodiment.

[0042] First, the transponder 7 and programmer 2 are respectively positioned at predetermined programming locations in the receiving device 6 on the programmer 2 and the receiving device 14 on the base frame 3. These programming locations are chosen such that the optical sensor 8 of the imaging device 4 maintains an optimal distance from the identification device 9 of the transponder 7, allowing an image of the identification device 9 to be created. The identification devices 9 are designed as tags fixedly arranged on the transponder 7, displaying a string of characters. Here, these identification devices 9 are designed differently from each other; for example, one is designed as the transponder's ID, and the other as the serial number of the transponder 7.

[0043] After the transponder 7 has completed its positioning, the automatic programming process is initiated. This can be done, for example, through input on the computer 5.

[0044] Subsequently, images of both identification devices 9 are simultaneously created using camera device 4 and transmitted from camera device 4 to computer 5. Based on one or more images, the serial number and ID of the corresponding transponder 7 are automatically determined using text recognition, such as OCR methods. Simultaneous detection of both identification devices 9 ensures that the two identification devices 9 belong to the same transponder.

[0045] Computer 5 checks in project database 11 whether the identified transponder's ID and serial number belong to the same transponder 7 in project database 11. If they belong to the same transponder in project database 11, the associated telegram file in project database 11 is determined and transmitted to programmer 2. In addition to the railway operation information to be transmitted, such as location data, the determined telegram file also includes a checksum, particularly a hash value, such as MD4. This checksum is temporarily stored in the computer.

[0046] The computer 5 then initiates and accordingly executes the transmission of the telegram file determined by the programmer 2 for the transponder 7.

[0047] After the confirmed telegram file has been transmitted to transponder 7, the programming of transponder 7 is checked. To do this, programmer 2 then reads the telegram file now stored on transponder 7 and sends it to computer 5. The read file also contains a checksum. This checksum is compared with a stored checksum using the verification device on computer 5. If the two checksums match, it ensures that the correct telegram file has been uploaded to transponder 7.

[0048] After the transponder 7 is successfully programmed, the computer 5 can generate and store a verification report. This report contains various information, such as the programming time, the verification time, and the image of the detected identification device 9. This verification report can be stored on the computer 5 and retrieved at a later time.

[0049] If the verification device of computer 5 does not confirm that the two verification values ​​are consistent, it will not output a verification report, but will output an error message instead.

Claims

1. A method for automatic programming of a transponder (7) for a train control system, in, Automatically detect at least one identification device (9) of the transponder (7). Among them, the telegram file associated with the transponder (7) is determined in the project database (11) based on the detected identification device (9). Among these measures, the checksums, especially the hash values, of the telegram files identified in the project database (11) are temporarily stored. The determined telegram file is transmitted to the transponder (7). The telegram file is automatically read from the transponder (7) after transmission is completed. Specifically, the system automatically verifies the consistency between the transmitted and read telegram files by determining whether the checksum, especially the hash value, of the read telegram file is equal to the temporarily stored checksum.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, When detecting the identification device (9), an image of the optically recognizable identification device (9) arranged outside the transponder (7) is generated, and the string of the identification device (9) is determined based on the image.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Essentially, the transponder (7) detects two different identification devices (9) simultaneously.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, A verification report is generated and stored when the verification values ​​are consistent.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The verification report lists at least one of the detected identification devices (9) of the transponder (7).

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, An error message is output when the checksums are inconsistent.

7. A programming device (1) for automatically programming a transponder (7) of a train control system, the programming device comprising: At least one detection device for automatically detecting at least one identification device (9) of the transponder (7), At least one project database (11) has at least one telegram file associated with the transponder (7), the telegram file being determined based on the detected identification device (9) of the transponder (7). At least one storage device is used to temporarily store at least one checksum, particularly a hash value, of the identified telegram files in the project database (11). At least one transmission device (12) is used to transmit the determined telegram file to the transponder (7). At least one reading device (13) is used to automatically read the telegram file from the transponder (7), and At least one verification device is designed to automatically verify the consistency between the transmitted telegram file and the read telegram file by determining whether the check value, in particular the hash value, of the read telegram file is equal to a temporarily stored check value.

8. The programming device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The programming device (1) is configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

9. The programming device (1) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The programming device (1) includes at least one receiving device (6, 14) within which the transponder (7) and / or programmer can be arranged in a predetermined position.

10. The programming apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that, The programming device (1) includes at least two independent detection devices, particularly a camera device (4) with two independent optical sensors (8), the detection devices being designed to detect at least two identification devices (9) of the transponder (7) substantially simultaneously.

11. A computer program product having program instructions for performing the method of any one of claims 1 to 6.

12. A computer program product capable of being directly loaded into the internal memory of a computer (5), and comprising program instructions for performing the method of any one of claims 1 to 6 when the computer program product is run on the computer (5).

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