A CTCS 3-level train control system function verification method based on 5G-R

Abstract

The application discloses a CTCS 3-level train control system function verification method based on 5G-R, relates to the technical field of train operation control, and comprises the following steps: a train control system simulation test platform is constructed; ATP real-time record test automatic execution is performed through an automatic test control module, train control system test results are obtained; wireless communication function analysis and non-wireless communication function analysis are performed on the train control system test results, wireless communication function analysis results and non-wireless communication function analysis results are obtained; the wireless communication function analysis results and the non-wireless communication function analysis results are presented on the train control system simulation test platform, and a test report is automatically generated. According to the control instructions in the test script, the script execution is automatically controlled, repeated error operations during manual testing are avoided, the pressure of testers during full-function massive testing is reduced, equipment defects can be found in time and corrected in time. The setting of test scene control and test task assignment can improve the test execution efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of train operation control technology, and more specifically to a functional verification method for a CTCS3-level train control system based on 5G-R. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, in the existing CTCS-3 level train control system, GSM for Railway (GSM-R) is used as the train-to-ground wireless communication network. With the iterative upgrades of communication technology and the increasing maturity of 5G network construction, 5G for Railway (5G-R) has become the next-generation railway communication mobile system to replace GSM-R. Before GSM-R is phased out, 5G-R and GSM-R will coexist for a considerable period. This means that current onboard equipment needs to simultaneously support call management functions for both GSM-R and 5G-R networks. The system functional testing phase not only needs to verify the functions of onboard equipment under 5G-R, but also needs to verify the onboard functions of the Train Overspeed Protection System (ATP) under simultaneous dual-network coverage. Numerous overlapping and repetitive cases bring new challenges to testing and analysis.

[0003] However, to date, there has been a large body of research on testing and analysis techniques for the CTCS-3 level train control system. Regarding test data collection, many studies use DMI images recorded by cameras as a major source of data for result analysis. They use cameras to record DMI display videos and study how to utilize image recognition technology to improve the accuracy of DMI image recognition, and how to use image processing and recognition techniques to identify the patterns and states of each DMI zone. This analysis method has high requirements for camera placement and angle, increasing the difficulty of recognition, increasing coding workload, and hindering analysis efficiency, thus limiting its application in actual testing. In terms of test analysis methods, expert systems are frequently used. To achieve automated analysis, some have proposed writing separate code for each case for verification, requiring rewriting the code when adding new cases.

[0004] In the existing conventional testing process, test execution relies on manual operation, which is inefficient. Test result analysis mainly involves testers manually searching and verifying each record item in a large number of records using recording tools. This requires high skill from testers, is extremely inefficient, and is prone to oversights.

[0005] During test result analysis, cameras were used to identify DMIs (Distributed Management Interfaces), but the accuracy of this identification was affected by the environment. If only manual analysis of the 5G-R-based train control system functions were performed, the workload would increase dramatically due to the surge in test cases and scripts, making oversights and errors more likely. Automated analysis using an expert system is feasible, but for a complex system like the train control system, the numerous expert rules could lead to a combinatorial explosion. Furthermore, writing separate codes for each case for automated verification is not conducive to future expansion, resulting in large amounts of code and low efficiency.

[0006] The existing analysis logic determines whether the device achieves the expected results after script execution. However, due to communication issues, it cannot be guaranteed that the onboard equipment receives the specified message or instruction, leading to incorrect judgments about the onboard equipment's functions. The existing CTCS-3 level train control system's test result analysis for wireless communication functions only requires testing functions under the GSM-R network. For the analysis of wireless communication functions in train control systems compatible with both 5G-R and GSM-R, it is also necessary to analyze the correctness and differences under different networks. Existing analysis methods cannot meet the analysis requirements of 5G-R-based train control systems.

[0007] Therefore, how to automatically execute functional tests of the CTCS-3 level train control system based on 5G-R is a problem that urgently needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0008] In view of this, the present invention provides a functional verification method for a CTCS3 level train control system based on 5G-R, in order to solve the problems existing in the background art.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0010] A functional verification method for a CTCS3-level train control system based on 5G-R, comprising:

[0011] A train control system simulation test platform is constructed; the train control system simulation test platform includes the ATP on-board equipment under test, the on-board equipment interface simulation environment, the automatic test control module, and the test analysis module.

[0012] The automatic test control module performs real-time ATP-recorded tests automatically to obtain the test results of the train control system.

[0013] The test results of the train control system were analyzed for both wireless communication function and non-wireless communication function, and the analysis results for wireless communication function and non-wireless communication function were obtained.

[0014] The analysis results of the wireless communication function and the non-wireless communication function are presented on the train control system simulation test platform, and a test report is automatically generated.

[0015] The vehicle-mounted equipment interface simulation environment includes an RBC module, which simulates a real RBC and communicates with the ATP vehicle-mounted equipment under test through 5G-R and GSM-R networks, respectively.

[0016] When the automatic test control module performs automatic execution, it reads the ATP status in real time through the ATP recording unit, including mode, speed, DMI prompt information, and SoM status, and outputs test instructions.

[0017] The output test commands are set according to the ATP status and test command script to output control commands, including cockpit control commands, DMI control commands, and simulated RBC control commands. After setting the test scenario and test task, the automatic test control module automatically selects the required control scripts from the script library and executes them automatically.

[0018] The automatic test control module is connected to the DMI via a network cable. The DMI is implemented based on the Linux operating system and supports the VNC protocol. The automatic test control module performs DMI button operations through a custom button protocol. Operations on the driver's cab include driver's cab switch, equipment power on / off, activation and deactivation of sleep signals, steering handle status, and traction / braking level. Operations on the simulated RBC include loading test scripts, opening / closing the simulated RBC, and setting and canceling normal message sending. The test control script works in conjunction with existing train control system scripts to complete the functional testing of the 5G-R train control system.

[0019] The test analysis module includes a wireless communication function analysis module and a non-wireless communication function analysis module. During real-time testing, the wireless communication analysis module automatically analyzes message sending cycles, wireless connection status, and interaction logic to help testers promptly identify disconnection and virtual connection issues during testing. After testing, the wireless communication analysis module compares the test records under GSM-R and 5G-R, including test records during GSM-R and 5G-R handover, to analyze whether the ATP performance at the functional level is consistent under different networks. For non-wireless communication functions, the test records, DMI frequency recording identification, and verification scripts in the non-wireless communication function analysis module are used to verify each case function one by one to determine whether the expected effect of the case has not been achieved or whether erroneous results have occurred.

[0020] The analysis of wireless communication function of the test results of the train control system specifically involves: combining the simulated RBC and on-board recorder, and combining the DMI radio icon and network connection icon to determine whether there are abnormal states such as abnormal number of registered radios, false connections, broken links, and message retransmissions, and providing real-time alarm prompts.

[0021] The comparison of differences includes periodic message analysis and message logic analysis; the periodic message extraction includes the mean and maximum values ​​of message interaction cycles; the logic analysis includes the differences in call establishment time, handover time, connection release time, and message response time; the magnitude of the differences is determined by a significance test.

[0022] The development of the train control system simulation test platform utilizes the C# language and relies on the Visual Studio development environment. The DMI screen video display is remotely displayed on the computer screen based on the VNC protocol. The radio registration icon and network connection status icon have regular shapes, and target recognition is performed using the matchTemplate method provided by OpenCV.

[0023] Before the train control system simulation test platform presents the analysis results of the wireless communication function and the non-wireless communication function, it also includes matching the abnormal time point of wireless communication with the test case time to confirm whether the test case was successfully tested.

[0024] As can be seen from the above technical solution, the present invention discloses a functional verification method for a CTCS3-level train control system based on 5G-R, which has the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0025] 1. This invention proposes an automated method for functional verification. Based on control instructions within the test script, it automatically controls script execution, avoiding repetitive errors caused by manual testing, reducing the workload of testers during large-scale, full-function testing, and enabling timely detection and correction of equipment defects. The settings for test scenario control and test task assignment further improve test execution efficiency.

[0026] 2. This invention proposes a test result verification method for train control systems applicable to 5G-R. The test results are verified through test record files and test verification scripts, and the wireless communication functions are analyzed and compared in depth. This method can assist testers in discovering test problems, improve test analysis efficiency, and promote system improvement and perfection.

[0027] 3. The functional analysis method for train control systems applicable to 5G-R proposed in this invention can effectively cover the testing scope of 5G-R-based train control systems. It is also user-friendly for testers, helping them to discover hidden test problems that are difficult to find in daily test analysis, thereby improving test analysis efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the method flow provided by the present invention.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the train control system simulation test platform provided by the present invention.

[0031] Figure 3 The flowchart for the functional verification of the 5G-R train control system provided by this invention. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0033] This invention discloses a functional verification method for a CTCS3-level train control system based on 5G-R, such as... Figure 1 As shown, it includes:

[0034] Construct a simulation test platform for train control systems; such as Figure 2 As shown, the train control system simulation test platform includes the ATP on-board equipment under test, the on-board equipment interface simulation environment, the test script generation module, the automatic test control module, and the test analysis module;

[0035] The automatic test is executed automatically by the ATP real-time recording through the automatic test control module to obtain the test results of the train control system;

[0036] The test results of the train control system were analyzed for both wireless communication function and non-wireless communication function, and the analysis results for wireless communication function and non-wireless communication function were obtained.

[0037] The simulation test platform for train control systems presents the analysis results of wireless communication and non-wireless communication functions and automatically generates test reports.

[0038] After the analysis results of wireless communication functions and existing functions are presented on the platform, testers are allowed to make optimizations and adjustments. Finally, a test report is automatically generated, which reports the execution time, number of executions, and pass rate of test cases.

[0039] Among them, the vehicle-mounted equipment interface simulation environment: Based on the existing CTCS-3 level train control system simulation test platform, since the ATP vehicle-mounted equipment has changed the wireless communication and radio modules to support 5G-R and GSM-R network communication, in order to achieve test flexibility and test coverage, the test interface environment especially needs to access the 5G-R wireless communication network and develop a corresponding 5G-R simulated RBC. The simulated RBC module simulates the real RBC and realizes communication interaction with the vehicle-mounted equipment through the 5G-R network and GSM-R network respectively.

[0040] Before the automatic testing by the automatic test control module, a test script generation module is included. This module converts test cases into executable test scripts. The script generation module processes existing and newly added test cases separately to generate automatically executable test scripts. The test scripts include ATP interface data scripts, control command scripts, and verification scripts. The ATP interface data scripts include track circuit information, transponder information, and radio information. The control command scripts include cockpit control commands, DMI control commands, and simulated RBC control commands. The verification scripts contain verification of position, speed, mode, expected message, braking level, DMI display, and SoM status.

[0041] This invention proposes an automatic test script generation module. For existing test script libraries, these libraries are loaded into a test script conversion tool, which identifies call commands and communication session management packets within the scripts and converts them into call commands and session management packets suitable for 5G-R networks based on testing requirements. For new test cases, wireless messages and transponder message information are injected into existing templates based on the standardized descriptions of the cases to generate ATP interface data scripts. Combining the established correspondence between natural language and execution / verification commands, an input-output-based test case mapping method is used to obtain the corresponding case input-output conversion actions and states. The resulting execution commands and verification states are then converted into test execution and verification files suitable for train control systems on 5G-R networks. Finally, testers adjust and verify these files, significantly improving the efficiency of test script development. The test execution script defines the operations to be performed on the DMI, driver's cab, and simulated RBC at specified times, locations, or other specified conditions. Other specified conditions include: mode switching, speed changes, brake output, and DMI prompts to the driver. Operations on the control panel include controlling the control panel switches, powering on / off the equipment, activating and deactivating sleep signals, controlling the steering handle status, and adjusting traction and braking levels. Operations on the simulated RBC include loading test scripts, opening / closing the simulated RBC, and setting and canceling normal message sending. This invention proposes an automatic test script generation method, which significantly saves writing time compared to manually writing test scripts, and especially avoids some common errors that occur during manual script writing, preventing repeated mistakes. The automatically generated test scripts not only include ATP interface data scripts but also test execution and verification scripts, enabling automated execution and verification of subsequent tests, thus improving testing efficiency.

[0042] The automatic test control module performs automated test execution control. During automatic execution, the control unit reads the ATP status in real time through the ATP recording unit, including mode, speed, DMI prompts, and SoM status. Test command output is based on the ATP status and test command script settings, including control commands such as dashboard control commands, DMI control commands, and simulation RBC control commands. This module can control test scenarios. Each case script includes not only the execution script, the original script, and the verification script, but also retains the test case description as a key attribute. For custom scenarios, test scripts can be added manually or automatically added to the execution position after filtering cases. This enables continuous and uninterrupted testing, improving testing efficiency. After setting the test scenario and test task in this module, the required control scripts are automatically selected from the script library and executed automatically.

[0043] The test analysis module is divided into a wireless communication function analysis module and a non-wireless communication function analysis module. When conducting functional testing of the 5G-R train control system, the wireless communication function is the focus of analysis. The simulated RBC has security layer and application layer data recording functions. By comparing the data recorded by the onboard end and the simulated RBC end, it can analyze which messages were not replied to and which messages were not received, accurately locating problems. During real-time testing, the wireless communication analysis module automatically analyzes message sending cycles, wireless connection status, and interaction logic, helping testers to promptly identify issues such as disconnections and fickle connections during testing. After testing, the wireless communication analysis module compares the test records under GSM-R and 5G-R, including test records during GSM-R and 5G-R handover, analyzing whether the ATP performance at the functional level is consistent under different networks. This helps testers locate differences, find the causes, and promote system function improvement. When analyzing the existing functions of the train control system, after the case test is completed, the case functions are verified one by one using onboard records, DMI images, and verification scripts to determine whether the expected results of the case have not been achieved or whether erroneous results have occurred. DMI images are divided into image displays and text displays. The text display provides some indication of the status of the on-board equipment. In some important situations, such as when the on-board equipment shuts down or the recording unit connection is interrupted due to various reasons specified in the regulations, or when the DMI power is cut off, OCR technology is used to recognize the DMI text and make supplementary judgments on the on-board status.

[0044] In a specific embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, during testing, the recording and reading unit reads the ATP's records in real time, including mode, speed, DMI prompts, and SoM status information, to determine the current state of the ATP. The test control script defines the operations to be performed on the DMI, driver's cab, and simulated RBC at specified times, locations, or other specified conditions. Other specified conditions include: mode switching, speed change, brake output, and DMI prompts instructing the driver to operate. The automatic test control module is connected to the DMI via a network cable. The DMI is implemented based on the Linux operating system and supports the VNC protocol. The module implements DMI button operations through a custom DMI button protocol. Driver's cab operations include driver's cab switch, equipment power on / off, sleep signal activation and deactivation, steering handle status, and traction / braking level. Simulated RBC operations include loading the test script, opening / closing the simulated RBC, and setting and canceling normal message sending. By cooperating with the existing train control system scripts, the test control script completes the functional testing of the 5G-R train control system, providing data sources for subsequent verification of test results through test execution scripts and test verification scripts.

[0045] In a specific embodiment, the analysis of the wireless communication function of the train control system test results is as follows:

[0046] When analyzing wireless communication, it is necessary to combine simulated RBC and vehicle recording, along with DMI radio icons and network connection icons, to determine if there are any abnormal states such as abnormal radio registration numbers, false connections, broken links, or message retransmissions, and to provide real-time alarm prompts. The test platform was developed using the C# language and the Visual Studio development environment. The DMI screen video display is remotely displayed on the computer monitor based on the VNC protocol. In this case, the DMI recognition can ignore the impact of factors such as external light and camera angle on recognition accuracy. The radio registration icon and network connection status icon have regular shapes, and target recognition can be performed using the matchTemplate method provided by OpenCV, without the need for deep learning, thus improving analysis efficiency. For ATP vehicle-mounted equipment compatible with 5G-R and GSM-R, the wireless communication function analysis module analyzes the correctness of communication under each network and during handover, as well as the differences in wireless communication function at the wireless communication level under the same test scenario under the two networks. The difference analysis includes periodic message analysis and message logic analysis. Periodic message extraction includes the average and extreme values ​​of message interaction cycles. Logic analysis includes differences in call establishment time, handover time, link release time, and message response time. The magnitude of the difference is determined by a significance test.

[0047] In one specific embodiment, before the train control system simulation test platform presents the analysis results of wireless communication function and non-wireless communication function, it also includes matching the abnormal time point of wireless communication with the test case time to reconfirm whether the test case was successfully tested.

[0048] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on its differences from other embodiments. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to interchangeably. For the apparatus disclosed in the embodiments, since they correspond to the methods disclosed in the embodiments, the description is relatively simple; relevant parts can be referred to the method section.

[0049] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A functional verification method for a CTCS3-level train control system based on 5G-R, characterized in that, include: A train control system simulation test platform is constructed; the train control system simulation test platform includes the ATP on-board equipment under test, the on-board equipment interface simulation environment, the automatic test control module, and the test analysis module. The automatic test control module performs real-time ATP-recorded tests automatically to obtain the test results of the train control system. The test results of the train control system were analyzed for both wireless communication function and non-wireless communication function, and the analysis results for wireless communication function and non-wireless communication function were obtained. The analysis results of the wireless communication function and the non-wireless communication function are presented on the train control system simulation test platform, and a test report is automatically generated; The output test command is the output control command set according to the ATP status and test command script. The control commands include the cockpit control command, DMI control command, and simulation RBC control command. After setting the test scenario and test task, the automatic test control module automatically selects the corresponding control script from the script library and executes it automatically.

2. The functional verification method for a CTCS3-level train control system based on 5G-R according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vehicle-mounted equipment interface simulation environment includes an RBC module, which simulates a real RBC and communicates with the ATP vehicle-mounted equipment under test through 5G-R and GSM-R networks, respectively.

3. The functional verification method for a CTCS3-level train control system based on 5G-R according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the automatic test control module performs automatic execution, it reads the ATP status in real time through the ATP recording unit, including mode, speed, DMI prompt information, and SoM status, and outputs test instructions.

4. The functional verification method for a CTCS3-level train control system based on 5G-R according to claim 1, characterized in that, The automatic test control module is connected to the DMI via a network cable. The DMI is implemented based on the Linux operating system and supports the VNC protocol. The automatic test control module performs DMI button operations through a custom button protocol. Operations on the driver's cab include driver's cab switch, equipment power on / off, activation and deactivation of sleep signals, steering handle status, and traction / braking level. Operations on the simulated RBC include loading test scripts, opening / closing the simulated RBC, and setting and canceling normal message sending. The test control script works in conjunction with existing train control system scripts to complete the functional testing of the 5G-R train control system.

5. The functional verification method for a CTCS3-level train control system based on 5G-R according to claim 1, characterized in that, The test analysis module includes a wireless communication function analysis module and a non-wireless communication function analysis module. During real-time testing, the wireless communication analysis module automatically analyzes message sending cycles, wireless connection status, and interaction logic to help testers promptly identify disconnection and virtual connection issues during testing. After testing, the wireless communication analysis module compares the test records under GSM-R and 5G-R, including test records during GSM-R and 5G-R handover, to analyze whether the ATP performance at the functional level is consistent under different networks. For non-wireless communication functions, the test records, DMI frequency recording identification, and verification scripts in the non-wireless communication function analysis module are used to verify each case function one by one to determine whether the expected effect of the case has not been achieved or whether erroneous results have occurred.

6. The functional verification method for a CTCS3-level train control system based on 5G-R according to claim 1, characterized in that, The analysis of wireless communication function of the test results of the train control system specifically involves: combining the simulated RBC and on-board recorder, and combining the DMI radio icon and network connection icon to determine whether there are abnormal states such as abnormal number of registered radios, false connections, broken links, and message retransmissions, and providing real-time alarm prompts.

7. The functional verification method for a CTCS3-level train control system based on 5G-R according to claim 5, characterized in that, The comparison of differences includes periodic message analysis and message logic analysis; the periodic message extraction includes the mean and maximum values ​​of message interaction cycles; the logic analysis includes the differences in call establishment time, handover time, connection release time, and message response time; the magnitude of the differences is determined by a significance test.

8. The functional verification method for a CTCS3-level train control system based on 5G-R according to claim 6, characterized in that, The development of the train control system simulation test platform utilizes the C# language and relies on the Visual Studio development environment. The DMI screen video display is remotely displayed on the computer screen based on the VNC protocol. The radio registration icon and network connection status icon have regular shapes, and target recognition is performed using the matchTemplate method provided by OpenCV.

9. The functional verification method for a CTCS3-level train control system based on 5G-R according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before the train control system simulation test platform presents the analysis results of the wireless communication function and the non-wireless communication function, it also includes matching the abnormal time point of wireless communication with the test case time to confirm whether the test case was successfully tested.

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