Interlocking logic operation method and system based on target controller

By configuring a logic interpreter in the communication unit of the target controller, interlocking logic operations are implemented, which solves the problem of poor versatility of the target controller, reduces project costs, and improves the system's response speed and compatibility.

CN121879255APending Publication Date: 2026-04-17CASCO SIGNAL LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
CASCO SIGNAL LTD
Filing Date
2025-12-31
Publication Date
2026-04-17

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing target controllers lack interlocking logic operation capabilities, resulting in poor versatility, high maintenance costs, and difficulty in adapting to rapidly changing market demands.

Method used

A logic interpreter is configured in the communication unit of the target controller. By writing Boolean logic expressions and converting them into binary configuration data, the interlocking logic operation function is realized, reducing the data interaction between the security host and the target controller and simplifying the complexity of the interlocking logic operation of the security host.

Benefits of technology

It implements the interlocking logic operation function of the target controller, reduces project costs, improves the versatility and scalability of the system, shortens the response time of signal equipment, and has good compatibility and economy.

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Abstract

The invention discloses an interlocking logic operation method and system based on a target controller. The method comprises the steps that S10, a Boolean logic expression is compiled according to application requirements; s20, converting the Boolean logic expression into binary configuration data containing logic description, and taking the binary configuration data as a configuration input file of a logic interpreter; s30, the logic interpreter reads the configuration input file and analyzes the configuration input file to obtain a plurality of logic operation expressions and an input logic variable, an output logic variable and a delay Boolean variable contained in each logic operation expression; s40, the logic interpreter receives the control command from the security host or the signal state collected from the signal equipment to update the value of the input logic variable; and S50, the logic interpreter sequentially executes the operation process of each logic operation expression and generates an operation result. According to the invention, the interlocking logic operation function of the target controller is realized, the data volume of interaction between the security host and the target controller is reduced, and the project cost is reduced.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of rail transit signal control, and in particular to an interlocking logic operation method and system based on a target controller. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the safety host and the target controller are two important components in the field of rail transit signal control. The safety host mainly undertakes interlocking logic operations, while the target controller is a programmable safety control (controller) subsystem specifically designed for centralized (end-of-line) real-time control and status acquisition of various trackside signaling equipment.

[0003] The target controller typically does not have interlocking logic operation capabilities, but it can communicate securely with the security host, receive signal device action commands generated by the security host through interlocking logic operation, control indoor and outdoor signal devices in real time, and collect the status of indoor and outdoor signal devices, convert them into representation information and upload them to the security host for interlocking logic operation.

[0004] As owners increasingly demand faster response times for signal systems and require lower project costs, target controllers with lightweight interlocking logic operation capabilities are emerging.

[0005] Existing solutions for implementing interlocking logic operations on target controllers embed the input, output, and processing procedures of a specific function's logic operations into software, thereby achieving certain application functions. However, when application requirements change, the original software design may no longer meet the new requirements, necessitating iteration. This approach suffers from poor versatility, high maintenance costs, and increasingly difficulty adapting to rapidly changing market demands. The statements herein provide only background information related to this invention and do not necessarily constitute prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a method and system for interlocking logic operation based on a target controller, so as to realize the interlocking logic operation function of the target controller, reduce the amount of data exchanged between the security host and the target controller, simplify the complexity of interlocking logic operation on the security host, and reduce project costs.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, this invention provides an interlocking logic operation method based on a target controller. The communication unit of the target controller is configured with a logic interpreter, which includes: S10, writing Boolean logic expressions according to application requirements; S20, converting the Boolean logic expressions into binary configuration data containing logical descriptions, as a configuration input file for the logic interpreter; S30, the logic interpreter reads the configuration input file and parses it to obtain multiple logic operation expressions, as well as input logic variables, output logic variables, and delay Boolean variables contained in each logic operation expression; S40, the logic interpreter receives control commands from a security host or signal states collected from signal devices to update the values ​​of the input logic variables; S50, the logic interpreter sequentially executes the operation process of each logic operation expression and generates an operation result.

[0008] In some embodiments, step S20 specifically includes: S21, using an offline tool to preprocess the parentheses between the 'AND', 'OR', and 'NOT' operators in the Boolean logic expression; S22, converting the preprocessed Boolean logic expression into the binary configuration data.

[0009] In some embodiments, the interlocking logic operation method based on the target controller further includes step S23: the communication unit reads the feature value in the configuration input file to determine whether the logic interpreter function needs to be executed; if the feature value is read and the feature value matches the preset value, then steps S30 to S50 are executed; if the feature value is not read or the feature value does not match the preset value, then other tasks are executed.

[0010] In some embodiments, step S30 specifically includes the following steps: S31, initializing all the input logic variables, output logic variables and delay Boolean variables required for the interlocking operation according to the configuration input file; S32, refreshing the memory of the input logic variable storage area.

[0011] In some embodiments, initializing the input logic variable includes initializing the input logic variable with a value based on the security side value defined in the binary configuration data; initializing the time value of the delay Boolean variable includes initializing the delay Boolean variable with a value based on the time value in the binary configuration data.

[0012] In some embodiments, during the execution of the logic interpreter in each cycle, a logical operation is performed on any logical operation expression, including the following steps: S51, obtaining the total number N of logical terms contained in the current logical operation expression; S52, performing a Boolean logical operation on the Kth logical term to obtain a first operation result; S53, determining whether the first operation result of the Kth logical term is TRUE or FALSE; if the first operation result of the Kth logical term is TRUE, then the operation result of the current logical operation expression is TRUE, and step S54 is executed; S54, setting the operation result of the current logical operation expression to TRUE, and ending the calculation of the current logical operation expression.

[0013] In some embodiments, if the first operation result of the Kth logical item is FALSE, then it is determined whether the current Kth logical item is the last one in the logical operation expression; if it is not the last one, then the K+1th logical item continues to be executed in step S52; if it is the last one, then step S55 is executed; step S55 includes setting the operation result of the current logical operation expression to FALSE and ending the calculation of the current logical operation expression.

[0014] In some embodiments, performing a logical operation on any logical term in the logical operation expression includes the following steps: S521, obtaining the total number M of logical variables contained in the current logical term; S522, checking the value of each logical variable contained in the current logical term one by one, and if the value of any logical variable is FALSE, then proceeding to step S524; S523, if the Jth logical variable is TRUE, then checking the value of the J+1th logical variable, until all logical variable values ​​have been checked; if the value of all logical variables is TRUE, then proceeding to step S525.

[0015] In some embodiments, step S524 includes setting the result of the operation of the current logical item to FALSE and ending the calculation of the current logical item; step S525 includes setting the result of the operation of the current logical item to TRUE and ending the calculation of the current logical item.

[0016] In some embodiments, the interlocking logic operation method based on the target controller further includes: S61, updating the value of the output Boolean variable to the storage area of ​​the output logic variable according to the operation result; S62, performing other tasks after completing the logic operation of the logic interpreter in this cycle.

[0017] The present invention also provides an interlocking logic operation system based on a target controller, comprising: a target controller, which includes a communication unit, the communication unit being communicatively connected to a security host and a signaling device, for receiving control commands sent by the security host and acquiring representation information of the signaling device; and a logic interpreter, configured within the communication unit, for executing the interlocking logic operation method based on the target controller as described above.

[0018] In some embodiments, the interlocking logic operation system based on the target controller further includes: an offline tool module for preprocessing the parentheses between the 'AND', 'OR', and 'NOT' operators in the Boolean logic expression.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the interlocking logic operation method and system based on the target controller of the present invention have at least the following beneficial effects: (1) Compared with the traditional signal scheme, by configuring a logic interpreter in the communication unit of the target controller, the interlocking logic operations of some specific applications are decoupled from the interlocking logic operations of the security host, reducing the amount of data exchanged between the security host and the target controller and simplifying the complexity of the interlocking logic operations on the security host. (2) Based on the logic interpreter on the target controller, the interlocking logic operation function in some application scenarios can be fully configured on the target controller. The logic interpreter function implementation no longer requires a security host, and the project cost is further reduced. (3) Transforming the Boolean logic expressions associated with the application design into part of the system binary configuration data not only realizes the interlocking logic operation function, but also continues the universality and scalability of the target controller system, which facilitates project implementation; (4) By configuring the interlocking logic operation function of the application on the target controller near the signal equipment side, the data transmission link can be effectively shortened, and the response time of the signal equipment can be effectively shortened; at the same time, no changes need to be made to the existing system, which has good compatibility and economy. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a module of an interlocking logic operation system based on a target controller according to the present invention; Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating an interlocking logic operation method based on a target controller according to the present invention. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the workflow of the logic interpreter within one cycle in an interlocking logic operation method based on a target controller according to the present invention; Figure 4This is a flowchart illustrating the logical operation performed on any of the logical operation expressions in a target controller-based interlocking logic operation method of the present invention. Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of performing a logical operation on any logical item in the logical operation expression in a target controller-based interlocking logical operation method according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The following detailed description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, further illustrates the interlocking logic operation method and system based on a target controller proposed in this invention. The advantages and features of this invention will become clearer from the following description. It should be noted that the drawings are in a very simplified form and use non-precise proportions, used only to facilitate and clearly illustrate the embodiments of this invention. Please refer to the drawings to make the objectives, features, and advantages of this invention more apparent and understandable. It should be understood that the structures, proportions, sizes, etc., depicted in the accompanying drawings are only for illustrative purposes to aid those skilled in the art and are not intended to limit the implementation conditions of this invention. Therefore, they have no substantial technical significance. Any modifications to the structure, changes in proportions, or adjustments to the size, without affecting the effects and objectives achieved by this invention, should still fall within the scope of the technical content disclosed in this invention.

[0022] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 1 An interlocking logic operation system 100 based on a target controller is provided for embodiments of the present invention. It includes: a target controller 101, which includes a communication unit 110. The communication unit 110 is communicatively connected to a security host 102 and a signal device 103, respectively. The communication unit 110 is used to receive control commands sent by the security host 102 and to collect representation information from the signal device 103; and a logic interpreter 120, configured within the communication unit 110, used to execute the interlocking logic operation method based on the target controller of the present invention, so as to realize the interlocking logic operation function of the target controller, reduce the amount of data exchanged between the security host 102 and the target controller 101, simplify the complexity of interlocking logic operations on the security host 102, and thus reduce project costs.

[0023] Furthermore, the interlocking logic operation system 100 based on the target controller also includes an offline tool module 104, used to preprocess the parentheses between the 'AND', 'OR', and 'NOT' operators in the Boolean logic expression. In some embodiments, the offline tool module is an XMLCT tool, which is a tool developed by CASCO Signal Co., Ltd. for the system 100, and can perform preprocessing of the parentheses between the 'AND', 'OR', and 'NOT' operators in the Boolean logic expression. In other embodiments, general offline tools (such as SageMath) can also be used to perform preprocessing of the Boolean logic expression, and this invention does not limit this.

[0024] Based on the target controller-based interlocking logic operation system 100 provided in the above embodiments, this embodiment of the invention also provides a target controller-based interlocking logic operation method, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the method includes the following steps: S10, application designers write Boolean logic expressions according to application requirements; S20, the Boolean logic expressions are converted into binary configuration data containing logical descriptions, which serves as the configuration input file for the logic interpreter; S30, the logic interpreter 120 reads the configuration input file and parses it to obtain multiple logical operation expressions, as well as the input logical variables, output logical variables, and delayed Boolean variables contained in each logical operation expression; S40, the logic interpreter 120 receives control commands from the security host 102 or signal status collected from the signal device 103 to update the values ​​of the input logical variables; S50, the logic interpreter 120 sequentially executes the operation process of each logical operation expression and generates the operation result. This embodiment separates the interlocking logic operation into two parts: logic description and logic execution. The parsing of the logic description can be achieved through existing communication units or the logic interpreter 120, without requiring additional hardware modifications to the target controller. The logic execution part executes the logic operations described in the binary configuration data through the logic interpreter 120 in the target controller 101. This decouples the interlocking logic operation from the security host, reducing the amount of data exchanged between the security host 102 and the target controller 101, and simplifying the complexity of the interlocking logic operation on the security host 102. Furthermore, by configuring the interlocking logic operation function of the application on the target controller 101 near the signal device 103, this embodiment effectively shortens the data transmission link and reduces the response time of the signal device 103.

[0025] Specifically, step S20 includes: S21, using an offline tool to preprocess the parentheses between the 'AND', 'OR', and 'NOT' operators in the Boolean logic expression; and S22, converting the preprocessed Boolean logic expression into the binary configuration data.

[0026] In one specific embodiment, the following expression is used as an example: After preprocessing in step S21, it is converted into the following format: In this context, the terms on the right side of the equals sign are input logical variables, and the terms on the left side of the equals sign are input logical variables. " indicates "or", " " " indicates "AND". Then, in step S22, the preprocessed Boolean logic expression is converted into the binary configuration data. The data structure of the binary configuration data is related to the application design of the communication unit 110, and the specific conversion steps can be obtained from general knowledge; this invention does not limit this.

[0027] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the interlocking logic operation method based on the target controller further includes: step S23, whereby the communication unit reads the feature value in the configuration input file to determine whether the logic interpreter function needs to be executed; if the feature value is read and matches the preset value, then steps S30 to S50 are executed; if the feature value is not read or does not match the preset value, then other tasks are executed. This is because in practical applications, the logic interpreter 120 function is designed as an optional function of the target controller 101, and it is not required to be enabled in all application scenarios. When the communication unit 110 starts, it determines whether the logic interpreter function needs to be executed based on the binary configuration data.

[0028] Further, step S30 specifically includes the following steps: S31, initializing all the input logic variables, output logic variables, and delay Boolean variables required for the interlocking operation according to the configuration input file; S32, refreshing the memory of the input logic variable storage area to ensure timeliness and avoid outdated data. Outdated data can lead to security issues. If outdated data is found, the logic interpreter 120 should be directed to a safe state to ensure operational safety.

[0029] In some embodiments, the initialization of the input logic variables includes assigning initial values ​​to the input logic variables according to the safety side values ​​(false values) defined in the binary configuration data; the initialization of the time values ​​of the delayed Boolean variables includes assigning initial values ​​to the delayed Boolean variables according to the time values ​​in the binary configuration data. This initialization process ensures that the input logic variables begin operation from the defined safe state and provides the delayed variables with initial time parameters. This avoids unexpected outputs due to the uncertainty of variable states at system startup, and provides a time base for subsequent logic operations, thereby improving the determinism and safety of the initial state of the logic interpreter 120.

[0030] Furthermore, after the logic interpreter 120 has completed the operation of all Boolean logic expressions, the interlocking logic operation method based on the target controller further includes: S61, updating the value of the output Boolean variable to the storage area of ​​the output logic variable according to the operation result; S62, executing other tasks after completing the logic operation of the logic interpreter in this cycle, which not only ensures the consistency of the logic interpretation operation within the same cycle, but also isolates the logic operation from other functions in time to avoid mutual interference.

[0031] In one specific embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, the main workflow of the logic interpreter 120 within one cycle includes the following steps: S101: Read the contents of the configuration input file to determine whether the logic interpreter function needs to be executed; if the logic interpreter function is to be executed, then execute S102. S102. Initialize all logic variable storage resources required for interlocking logic operations according to the configuration input file; S103. Perform necessary memory refresh on the logical variable storage area; S104. Update the input logic variable information based on the drive message sent by the security host and the representation information obtained from the signal device. S105. Read the composition information of the logical operation expressions from the configuration input file, and execute the operation process of each logical operation expression in sequence. S106. Update the storage area of ​​the output logical variable according to the result of the logical operation; S107. After completing the execution of the logic interpreter in this cycle, execute other tasks.

[0032] In some embodiments, during the execution of the logic interpreter 120 in each cycle, a logical operation is performed on any one of the logical operation expressions, such as... Figure 4 As shown, it includes the following steps: S51. Obtain the total number N of logical items (Items) contained in the current logical operation expression; for example, the example in step S21. This Boolean logic expression contains three logical terms, namely: , , ,Right now ; S52. Perform Boolean logic operations on the Kth logical item to obtain the first operation result; S53. Determine whether the first operation result of the Kth logic is TRUE or FALSE; if the first operation result of the Kth logic item is TRUE, then the operation result of the current logic operation expression is TRUE, and execute step S54; S54. Set the result of the current logical operation expression to TRUE, and end the calculation of the current logical operation expression.

[0033] Further, in step S53, if the first operation result of the Kth logical item is FALSE, then it is determined whether the current Kth logical item is the last one in the logical operation expression; if it is not the last one (i.e., If the K+1th logical item is the last one, then step S52 is executed. If the K+1th logical item is the last one, then step S55 is executed. Step S55 includes setting the result of the current logical operation expression to FALSE and ending the calculation of the current logical operation expression.

[0034] In some embodiments, a logical operation is performed on any logical term in the logical operation expression, such as... Figure 5 As shown, it includes the following steps: S521. Obtain the total number M of logical variables (Var) contained in the current logical item; S522. Check the value of each logical variable contained in the current logical item. If the value of any logical variable is FALSE, then execute step S524. S523. If the Jth logical variable is TRUE, then check the value of the J+1th logical variable until all logical variable values ​​have been checked; if all logical variables are TRUE, then proceed to step S525.

[0035] Further, step S524 includes: setting the operation result of the current logical item operation to FALSE, and ending the calculation of the current logical item; step S525 includes setting the operation result of the current logical item operation to TRUE, and ending the calculation of the current logical item.

[0036] When application requirements change, the interlocking logic operation method and system based on the target controller of the present invention does not need to iterate the embedded logic interpreter of the target controller. It only needs to update the Boolean logic expression and regenerate the system configuration data. The system has good adaptability to complex and ever-changing application requirements, and the overall transformation scheme has good economic efficiency.

[0037] It should be noted that, in this invention, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only the expressly listed elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0038] Although the present invention has been described in detail through the preferred embodiments above, it should be understood that the above description should not be considered as a limitation of the present invention. Various modifications and substitutions to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art after reading the above description. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for interlocking logic operation based on a target controller, wherein the communication unit of the target controller is configured with a logic interpreter, characterized in that, include: S10. Write Boolean logic expressions according to application requirements; S20. Convert the Boolean logic expression into binary configuration data containing a logic description, and use it as the configuration input file for the logic interpreter; S30. The logic interpreter reads the configuration input file and parses it to obtain multiple logical operation expressions, as well as the input logical variables, output logical variables and delay Boolean variables contained in each logical operation expression; S40. The logic interpreter receives control commands from the security host or signal status collected from the signal device and updates the value of the input logic variable. S50. The logic interpreter sequentially executes the operation process of each of the logical operation expressions and generates the operation result.

2. The interlocking logic operation method based on the target controller as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Step S20 specifically includes: S21. Use an offline tool to preprocess the parentheses between the 'AND', 'OR', and 'NOT' operators in the Boolean logic expression; S22. Convert the preprocessed Boolean logic expression into the binary configuration data.

3. The interlocking logic operation method based on the target controller as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The method also includes step S23, whereby the communication unit reads the feature value in the configuration input file to determine whether the logic interpreter function needs to be executed; if the feature value is read and the feature value matches the preset value, then steps S30 to S50 are executed; if the feature value is not read or the feature value does not match the preset value, then other tasks are executed.

4. The interlocking logic operation method based on the target controller as described in claim 3, characterized in that, Step S30 is as follows: S31. Initialize all the input logic variables, output logic variables and delay Boolean variables required for the interlocking operation according to the configuration input file; S32. Refresh the memory of the input logic variable storage area.

5. The interlocking logic operation method based on the target controller as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The initialization of the input logic variable includes initializing the input logic variable with a value according to the security side value defined in the binary configuration data; the initialization of the time value of the delay Boolean variable includes initializing the delay Boolean variable with a value according to the time value in the binary configuration data.

6. The interlocking logic operation method based on the target controller as described in claim 1, characterized in that, During the execution of the logic interpreter in each cycle, a logical operation is performed on any of the logical operation expressions, including the following steps: S51. Obtain the total number N of logical terms contained in the current logical operation expression; S52. Perform Boolean logic operations on the Kth logical item to obtain the first operation result; S53. Determine whether the first operation result of the Kth logic is TRUE or FALSE; if the first operation result of the Kth logic item is TRUE, then the operation result of the current logic operation expression is TRUE, and execute step S54; S54. Set the result of the current logical operation expression to TRUE and end the calculation of the current logical operation expression.

7. The interlocking logic operation method based on the target controller as described in claim 6, characterized in that, If the first operation result of the Kth logical item is FALSE, then determine whether the current Kth logical item is the last one in the logical operation expression; if it is not the last one, then continue to execute step S52 for the K+1th logical item; if it is the last one, then execute step S55; step S55 includes setting the operation result of the current logical operation expression to FALSE and ending the calculation of the current logical operation expression.

8. The interlocking logic operation method based on the target controller as described in claim 7, characterized in that, Performing a logical operation on any logical term in the logical expression includes the following steps: S521. Obtain the total number M of logical variables contained in the current logical item; S522. Check the value of each logical variable contained in the current logical item. If the value of any logical variable is FALSE, then execute step S524. S523. If the Jth logical variable is TRUE, then check the value of the J+1th logical variable until all logical variable values ​​have been checked; if all logical variables are TRUE, then proceed to step S525.

9. The interlocking logic operation method based on the target controller as described in claim 8, characterized in that, Step S524 includes setting the result of the operation of the current logical item to FALSE and ending the calculation of the current logical item; Step S525 includes setting the result of the operation of the current logical item to TRUE and ending the calculation of the current logical item.

10. The interlocking logic operation method based on the target controller as described in claim 3, characterized in that, Also includes: S61. Update the value of the output Boolean variable to the storage area of ​​the output logical variable according to the calculation result; S62. After completing the logical operations of the logic interpreter in this cycle, execute other tasks.

11. An interlocking logic operation system based on a target controller, characterized in that, include: The target controller includes a communication unit that is communicatively connected to a security host and a signal device, and is used to receive control commands sent by the security host and collect representation information from the signal device. A logic interpreter, configured within the communication unit, is used to execute the interlocking logic operation method based on the target controller as described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The interlocking logic operation system based on a target controller as described in claim 11, characterized in that, Also includes: The offline tool module is used to preprocess the parentheses between the 'AND', 'OR', and 'NOT' operators in the Boolean logic expression.