Passenger information system for a rail vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a passenger information system for a rail vehicle, comprising: several display devices, where each display device is assigned a client which is configured to control the display device, a server that is set up to transmit one or more parameters to the clients, where each client is configured to control its assigned display device based on one or more parameters. The invention further relates to a rail vehicle, a method for passenger information, a computer program and a machine-readable storage medium.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a passenger information system for a rail vehicle, a rail vehicle, a method for passenger information, a computer program and a machine-readable storage medium.

[0002] Patent EP 3 261 896 B1 discloses a method for passenger information for passengers in vehicles, in particular in rail vehicles.

[0003] Patent EP 2 679 464 B1 discloses a carriage of a railway vehicle.

[0004] Modern long-distance train interiors increasingly consist of a multitude of areas, including PRM (Personal Travellers, Restorers, and Riders) sections, elevated seating (with luggage storage underneath the seats, no overhead racks), quiet zones, family zones, compartments for business travelers, multi-purpose areas (bicycle parking in summer, ski racks in winter), vending machines, gender-segregated restrooms, and more. This increasing complexity stems from the prioritization of inclusion; operators aim to better address the needs of diverse passenger groups. Long-distance operators now also assume that passengers will not remain in the same seat for the entire duration of their journey. The overarching goal of this strategic shift for rail operators is to achieve better overall capacity utilization outside of peak hours. The aim is to attract new target groups from competing services (car rental companies, Flixbus, Easyjet).Another consequence of this new approach is the consideration of how a transition from a class-based concept (1st class, 2nd class) to a dynamic zone model (e.g., standard, quiet, business, or family zones, with changing divisions on weekdays or weekends) could be implemented. Conventional passenger information systems, consisting of ceiling displays, have significant limitations in this regard. Information beyond the TSI (Technical Specifications for Interoperability), such as dynamic zones, surrounding information like the direction and available seating in the dining car, the direction of the nearest available restroom (gender-specific), or relevant wayfinding information including accessible exits and connecting options for the next platform, cannot be meaningfully displayed.

[0005] The object underlying the invention is to provide a concept for efficient passenger information.

[0006] This problem is solved by means of the respective subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject matter of dependent claims.

[0007] Following an initial aspect, a passenger information system for a rail vehicle is provided, comprehensively: multiple display devices, where each display device is assigned a client which is configured to control the display device, a server that is set up to transmit one or more parameters to the clients, where each client is configured to control its assigned display device based on one or more parameters.

[0008] According to a second aspect, a rail vehicle is provided, comprising a passenger information system according to the first aspect.

[0009] According to a third aspect, a method for passenger information is provided using the passenger information system according to the first aspect or using the rail vehicle according to the second aspect, comprising the following steps: transmission by the server of one or more parameters to the clients, control by the clients of the respective assigned display device based on the one or more parameters.

[0010] According to a fourth aspect, a computer program is provided, comprising commands which, when executed by the passenger information system according to the first aspect, cause it to execute a procedure according to the third aspect.

[0011] According to a fifth aspect, a machine-readable storage medium is provided on which the computer program is stored according to the fourth aspect.

[0012] The invention is based on the understanding that a passenger information system is used for passenger information. This system comprises several display units, each assigned to a client. This client controls the display unit. Furthermore, a server is provided that transmits one or more parameters to the clients. The clients control their respective assigned display units based on these parameters. This advantageously enables the display units to show different content, for example, by receiving different parameters. Thus, individual, position- and / or situation-dependent display content can be advantageously generated. The concept described here advantageously provides a decentralized software and hardware architecture.For example, it is intended that software implemented on each client will generate display content based on one or more parameters, which will then be displayed by the respective assigned display device. This allows location- and / or situation-dependent content to be displayed individually by each display device.

[0013] The concept described here can be seen in relation to familiar passenger information systems, according to which all display devices in a rail vehicle always show the same thing.

[0014] The concept described here thus provides the technical advantage that passengers of a rail vehicle can be efficiently informed.

[0015] In one embodiment of the passenger information system, it is provided that one or more parameters are selected from the following group of parameters: installation location of the respective associated display device in the rail vehicle, position of the rail vehicle, destination of the rail vehicle, current time, current season, phase of a journey of the rail vehicle, current fault situation, train formation of cars of the rail vehicle, current delay situation.

[0016] This results, for example, in the technical advantage that particularly useful and suitable parameters are provided for control.

[0017] In one embodiment of the passenger information system, the server is configured to receive configuration data from a backend, wherein the configuration data describes the display content to be shown by the display devices, wherein the server is configured to transmit the configuration data to the clients, and wherein the clients are configured to control their respective assigned display devices based on the configuration data in such a way that they display one or more of the display content.

[0018] This results, for example, in the technical advantage that clients can efficiently control their assigned display device. The backend defines what is to be displayed. Depending on the situation and / or context, clients select one or more of these display contents to be shown by their assigned display device. The selection is based primarily on one or more parameters. For example, something different is displayed when the train enters a station than when it is on an open track.Thus, for example, a parameter can be a position of the rail vehicle or a driving phase of the rail vehicle's journey, so that the client knows where the rail vehicle is located or in which driving phase the rail vehicle is located, so that the client selects the display content appropriate to the position or driving phase and controls the respective associated display device in such a way that it displays the selected display content.

[0019] In one embodiment of the passenger information system, it is provided that the clients are each configured to select, based on one or more parameters from the display content, the display content(s) to be shown by the respective assigned display device, wherein the clients are each configured to control the respective assigned display device based on the selection in such a way that it displays the selected content.

[0020] This results, for example, in the technical advantage that the clients can efficiently control their respective assigned display device.

[0021] In one embodiment of the passenger information system, it is provided that the configuration data defines one or more zones to be visually signaled by one or more of the display devices, and in particular directional information for the zones, in the rail vehicle, wherein the clients are each configured to control the respective assigned display device based on the configuration data in such a way that one or more zones are visually signaled by the one or more corresponding display devices, in particular visually signaled across carriages and / or areas.

[0022] This offers the technical advantage, for example, of efficiently informing passengers. In particular, different areas within the train can be freely defined via zones, each serving a different purpose. For instance, a first zone could be designated as a quiet zone, and a second as a family zone, with the zones being adjustable in size depending on the needs and situation. Zones can thus be dynamically adapted. This contrasts with static signage in the train, which, for example, indicates quiet zones and family zones. Such zones cannot simply be changed. In contrast, the zones can be enlarged or reduced accordingly by visually indicating this change via more or fewer display devices.

[0023] In one embodiment of the passenger information system, it is provided that the clients are each configured to control the respective assigned display device based on the installation location of the respective assigned display device in the rail vehicle.

[0024] This results, for example, in the technical advantage that the clients can efficiently control their respective assigned display device.

[0025] This allows clients to know the location of the display unit within the rail vehicle. Depending on the installation location, different display content can be shown by the respective display unit.

[0026] The installation location of the respective assigned display device can also be described as a position of the respective assigned display device in the rail vehicle.

[0027] The installation location or position of a display device is defined, for example, in relation to the train formation of the rail vehicle.

[0028] The installation location can be a parameter and can be sent from the server to the clients. Alternatively, the installation location can be sent separately from the other parameters. For example, the installation location might be sent to the clients after the train consist has been finalized. Alternatively, the installation location might be sent to the clients once the train has its final consist. This means, for instance, that the installation location is sent to the clients only once, and then only until the consist changes. In the latter example, the new installation location or position is then sent to the clients as a parameter.

[0029] In one embodiment of the rail vehicle, it is provided that the display devices are arranged on one or more side walls of one or more passenger compartments of the rail vehicle.

[0030] This results, for example, in the technical advantage that passengers can see the display devices efficiently.

[0031] In one embodiment of the rail vehicle, it is provided that several display devices are grouped together so that the grouped display devices define a common display area.

[0032] This results, for example, in the technical advantage of providing a correspondingly larger display area. In other words, this embodiment provides that the grouped display units are treated as a single display area. The clients are thus specifically configured to control each grouped display unit accordingly.

[0033] In one embodiment of the rail vehicle, it is provided that it includes interior lighting, wherein the clients are each configured to control the respective assigned interior lighting depending on what is to be displayed and / or what is displayed.

[0034] This offers the technical advantage, for example, that the interior lighting can be adjusted to the information being displayed, such as a quiet zone and / or family zone. This, in turn, allows passengers to see the displayed information efficiently.

[0035] Statements made in connection with the passenger information system apply analogously to the rail vehicle and the passenger information procedure, and vice versa. This means, in particular, that the technical characteristics and functionalities of the passenger information system are analogous to the corresponding technical characteristics and functionalities of the rail vehicle and the passenger information procedure, and vice versa.

[0036] The passenger information system, for example, is set up to carry out all steps of the passenger information procedure.

[0037] The rail vehicle is equipped, for example, to carry out all steps of the passenger information procedure.

[0038] The passenger information system, for example, is programmed to run the computer program.

[0039] The rail vehicle is, for example, programmed to execute the computer program.

[0040] The passenger information procedure, for example, is a computer-implemented procedure.

[0041] For example, a backend is provided. For example, the passenger information system includes the backend. For example, the backend is implemented remotely from the train. For example, the server is a train-side server. The server can be called a train server, for example.

[0042] A display device as described includes, for example, one or more display strips.

[0043] The properties, features and advantages of this invention described above, as well as the manner in which they are achieved, will become clearer and more easily understood in connection with the following description of the exemplary embodiments, which are explained in more detail in conjunction with the drawings, wherein Fig. 1 a passenger information system for a rail vehicle, Fig. 2 a rail vehicle, Fig. 3. A flowchart of a passenger information procedure, Fig. 4 a machine-readable storage medium, Fig. 5 the passenger information system of the Fig. 1, which is located in a passenger compartment of a rail vehicle, Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 each two carriages of a rail vehicle with implemented display devices of a passenger information system according to the first aspect show.

[0044] Fig. Figure 1 shows a passenger information system 101 for a rail vehicle, comprising: several display devices 103, where each display device is assigned a Client 105 which is configured, to control the display device a server 107 which is configured to transmit one or more parameters to the clients, where each client is configured to control its assigned display device based on one or more parameters.

[0045] Fig. Figure 2 shows a rail vehicle 201, comprising the passenger information system 101 of the Fig. 1.

[0046] Fig. Figure 3 shows a flowchart of a passenger information procedure using the passenger information system according to the first aspect or using the rail vehicle according to the second aspect, comprising the following steps: 301 transmits one or more parameters from the server to the clients, 303 controls the respective assigned display device from the clients based on the one or more parameters.

[0047] The process includes, for example, a step of receiving the transmitted parameter(s) by the clients of the respective assigned display device.

[0048] Fig. Figure 4 shows a machine-readable storage medium 401 on which a computer program 403 is stored. The computer program 403 comprises instructions which, when executed by the passenger information system according to the first aspect, cause the computer program 403 to execute a procedure according to the third aspect.

[0049] Fig. 5 shows the passenger information system of the Fig. 1, which is installed in a rail vehicle (not shown in detail). Specifically, the display devices 103 and the clients 105 are installed in a passenger compartment 501 or are installed in several passenger compartments (not shown in detail). For example, the display devices 103 are arranged on one or more side walls (not shown) of the passenger compartment(s) 501 of the rail vehicle.

[0050] Server 107 communicates with a remote backend 505, which sends configuration data to Server 107. Server 107 then transmits this configuration data to the clients 105, which use it to control the display devices 103.

[0051] Several seats 503 are shown schematically as an example, arranged within the passenger compartment 501.

[0052] The display devices 103 are thus located, for example, on one or more side walls above seats 503. This has the technical advantage, for example, that passengers can see at least one of the display devices 103 clearly from their seats 503.

[0053] Depending on the time and / or destination of the rail vehicle 501, the individual display units 103 can show different information. The display units 103 can also display different information to each other.

[0054] For example, server 107 sends one or more parameters about the duration of the rail vehicle's journey, with each parameter being selected from the following group of parameters: installation location of the respective associated display device in the rail vehicle, position of the rail vehicle, destination of the rail vehicle, current time, current season, phase of a journey of the rail vehicle, current fault situation, train formation of the rail vehicle's carriages, current delay situation.

[0055] Thus, for example, clients 105 know where the rail vehicle is currently located or in which phase of travel the rail vehicle is located, so that correspondingly different display content can be shown.

[0056] Fig. Figure 6 shows a first car 601 and a second car 603 of a rail vehicle (not shown further). Seats 503 are arranged in both cars 601 and 603. Furthermore, both cars 601 and 603 include display units 103 of a passenger information system according to the first aspect. For clarity, the associated clients and the server are not shown.

[0057] The individual display devices 103 allow zones to be visually signaled: for example, a first zone 605, a second zone 607 and a third zone 609, each represented by different hatching patterns.

[0058] This zone concept is flexible insofar as, by appropriate selection of the display devices 103, more or fewer display devices can visually define a zone, so that the size of the zones 605, 607, 609 can be determined by this, i.e., by the number of display devices 103.

[0059] The display devices can also show 103 different different displays. This depends in particular on their location within the rail vehicle, specifically within cars 601 and 603. For example, the display devices can show the location of each zone 605, 607, and 609, as exemplified in Fig. 6 is shown.

[0060] Furthermore, it shows Fig. 6, that the second zone 607 extends over the two cars 601, 603.

[0061] For example, the first carriage 601 can be reserved for 2nd class. The second carriage 603 can be reserved for 1st class.

[0062] The size of individual zones 605, 607, 609 and / or the number of such zones may, for example, depend on the destination of the rail vehicle and / or may, for example, depend on the current time.

[0063] Fig.Figure 7 shows the two cars 601 and 603, with only two zones, a first zone 605 and a second zone 607, visually indicated by the display device 103. A third zone is not indicated here. The first zone 605 covers both cars 601 and 603.

[0064] The concept described here advantageously enables the efficient transmission of passenger information. For example, it can be implemented that, depending on the journey phase (boarding, departure from the station, clear track, entering the station, alighting), the passenger's position on the train, the train's position on the network, the train's formation, the time, current disruption status, and relevant delays, passenger information is individually generated (by software) for each display. This represents a paradigm shift. In particular, passengers can be efficiently informed based on their specific needs.

[0065] Individual, position- and situation-dependent display content is advantageously enabled by the concept described here. Software located on the client side of each display unit generates the aforementioned location- and situation-dependent content, for example, using a parameterized positioning within the train (e.g., the positioning is parameterized by a parameter ranging from 0 to 1). To avoid bandwidth or unnecessary network load (which could incur costs and lead to a high demand for network resources), as well as for redundancy reasons (fail-safe operation in case of connectivity loss), all necessary display content is located on the client side; only the composition of the display content changes depending on the situation.

[0066] For example, the system includes a frontend, a backend, and a train server. In the backend, route-specific configurations, such as those based on destination, time of day, and season (e.g., country-specific), are configured from a control center via a graphical user interface. Zone divisions can be defined in rules, for example, according to time windows based on time of day, season, and destination.

[0067] Unlike conventional passenger information systems (identical display content for all ceiling displays: train number, next station, final destination, and delays), the display units are individually programmed depending on their installation location, time, train position, etc. The goal of the concept described here, which represents an ambient information approach, is to display information relevant to the specific location. This concept allows for the derivation of the display content priorities required for software development within a temporal and spatial context. For example, during the departure phase from the station, wayfinding information for the next station is less relevant than directional information within the train.

[0068] Customer demands for dynamic zones (e.g., more family zones on weekends) can be implemented to advantage, and directional information can be displayed on the train, e.g., regarding free, unreserved seats, specific zones, the on-board restaurant including occupancy (relevance), or the nearest free toilet (possibly in the adjacent carriage behind the passenger).

[0069] The interaction between carriage layout and ceiling displays is eliminated, eliminating the need for project-, class-, or customer-specific center ceiling designs with their associated development costs, as well as the previously standard ceiling displays themselves (standardization). The arrangement of the display equipment is determined, for example, by the seating layout. The display equipment, especially the display strips, is configured according to customer specifications, and updating the content during passenger compartment modernization is also possible.

[0070] To simplify orientation for passengers, the interior lighting can be controlled by the system to differentiate individual zones by color. This interplay between the passenger information system and interior lighting can be used to minimize the cognitive load on passengers in stressful situations.

[0071] This allows for a comprehensive ambient information approach. It also enables expanded use of the display strip, for example, a strip comprised of multiple display units.

[0072] Using the respective position information as a running parameter of the display devices in the train, it is possible to calculate, in particular, directional information about facilities in the train including their condition or availability, about specific zones and / or areas, about unreserved seats, about PRM ("persons with reduced mobility") facilities, as well as about infrastructure elements at the upcoming platform including their condition / availability / accessibility, in a software-based / automated manner and to display this information context-specifically by the respective display device.

[0073] Parameterization allows displays to be grouped, for example, according to the journey phase. A display grid, i.e., a shared display area, can be defined by a single display unit or by multiple display units. Displaying a seat grid with reservation information is less relevant when the journey is unoccupied. Display content can be restructured. For example, a train formation across multiple rows of seats can be displayed by the display units.

[0074] Regardless of the grammatical gender of a particular term, persons with male, female or other gender identities are included. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 3 261 896 B1

[0002] EP 2 679 464 B1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Passenger information system (101) for a rail vehicle (201), comprising: several display devices (103), wherein each display device (103) is assigned a client (105) which is configured to control the display device (103), a server (107) which is configured to transmit one or more parameters to the clients (105), wherein the clients (105) are each configured to control the respective associated display device (103) based on one or more parameters. [2] Passenger information system (101) according to claim 1, wherein one or more parameters are selected from the following group of parameters: installation location of the respective associated display device (103) in the rail vehicle (201), position of the rail vehicle (201), destination of the rail vehicle (201), current time, current season, phase of a journey of the rail vehicle (201), current fault situation, train formation of cars of the rail vehicle (201), current delay situation. [3] Passenger information system (101) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the server (107) is configured to receive configuration data from a backend (505), wherein the configuration data describes the display content to be shown by the display devices (103), wherein the server (107) is configured to transmit the configuration data to the clients (105), wherein the clients (105) are configured to control the respective assigned display device (103) based on the configuration data such that it displays one or more of the display content. [4] Passenger information system (101) according to claim 3, wherein the clients (105) are each configured to select, based on one or more parameters from the display contents, the display contents or contents to be displayed by the respective assigned display device (103), wherein the clients (105) are each configured to control the respective assigned display device (103) based on the selection such that it displays the respective selection. [5] Passenger information system (101) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the configuration data defines one or more zones to be optically signaled by one or more of the display devices (103), and in particular directional information to the zones, in the rail vehicle (201), wherein the clients (105) are each configured to control the respective assigned display device (103) based on the configuration data in such a way that one or the several zones are optically signaled by the one or the several corresponding display devices (103), in particular being optically signaled across carriages and / or areas. [6] Passenger information system (101) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the clients (105) are each configured to control the respective assigned display device (103) based on an installation location of the respective assigned display device (103) in the rail vehicle (201). [7] Railway vehicle (201) comprising a passenger information system (101) according to any of the preceding claims. [8] Rail vehicle (201) according to claim 7, wherein the display devices (103) are arranged on one or more side walls of one or more passenger compartments (501) of the rail vehicle (201). [9] Rail vehicle (201) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein several display devices (103) are grouped together such that the grouped display devices (103) define a common display area. [10] Rail vehicle (201) according to one of claims 7 to 9, comprising interior lighting, wherein the clients (105) are each configured to control the respective associated display device (103) depending on the interior lighting. [11] Method for passenger information using the passenger information system (101) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 or using the rail vehicle (201) according to any one of claims 7 to 10, comprising the following steps: Transmission (301) by the server (107) of one or more parameters to the clients (105), Control (303) by the clients (105) of the respective assigned display device (103) based on one or more parameters. [12] Computer program (403) comprising instructions which, when the computer program (403) is executed by the passenger information system (101) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, cause it to execute a method according to claim 11. [13] Machine-readable storage medium (401) on which the computer program (403) according to claim 12 is stored.

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