TEST INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, TEST INFORMATION MANAGEMENT FACILITY, INFORMATION IMPLEMENTATION FACILITY AND TEST INFORMATION MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES

Abstract

A test information management system (10) comprises a train information processing unit that transmits and receives data to and from a vehicle device in a second train network in a first train-internal network and manages the operation of the vehicle device; and a test information management unit (20-1, 20-2) that includes a device model execution unit capable of performing processing identical to that performed by the train information processing unit and the vehicle device, and which performs control to distribute data sent from a data transmission source or data received from the device model execution unit to a data transmission destination based on a communication state between the train information processing unit and the vehicle device.

Description

Area

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a test information management system for performing a test on a device, a test information management device, an information conversion device, and a test information management method. background

[0002] Situations such as restrictions on international business travel due to the coronavirus pandemic and the goal of conducting efficient combination tests are leading to an increasing need for remote combination tests with actual machines, involving a variety of devices intended for use in rail vehicles at domestic and foreign manufacturers. Furthermore, the Shift2Rail project, a European research project in the field of railways, also mentions the need for remote combination tests with actual machines for devices intended for use in rail vehicles, and appropriate measures are required.Regarding the combination test with actual machines, for example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a technique capable of reducing the influence of a delay in acquiring data by switching and using processing results depending on the results of a server processing time estimation unit. Citation listPatent literature

[0003] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent No. 5949506 Brief description of the inventionProblem to be solved by the invention

[0004] However, the conventional technique described above has a problem in that when target devices that transmit and receive data with each other exist in different networks and a delay occurs in communication between the networks, the real-time characteristics between the target devices that exchange data with each other are deteriorated.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of these circumstances and aims to provide a test information management system capable of reducing the influence of a communication delay and continuously performing a combination test even when the devices intended for the combination test are present in different networks and are subject to the communication delay. Means of solving the problem

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problem and achieve the object, the test information management system of the present disclosure includes: a train information processing device that transmits and receives data to and from an on-board device in a first train-internal network and manages the operation of the on-board device; and a test information management device that has a device model execution unit capable of executing processing identical to the processing executed by the train information processing device and the on-board device, and that performs control to distribute data sent from a transmission source of the data or data received by the device model execution unit to a transmission destination of the data based on a communication state between the train information processing device and the on-board device. Effects of the invention

[0007] The test information management system of the present disclosure has the effect of being able to reduce the influence of the communication delay and to continuously perform the combination test even when the devices intended for the combination test are present in different networks and are subject to the communication delay. Short description of the drawings Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an exemplary configuration of a test information management system according to a first embodiment. Fig. Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of a train control system installed on a typical train. Fig. Figure 3 is a first diagram showing an example of a typical combination test with actual machines. Fig. Figure 4 is a second diagram showing an example of a typical combination test with actual machines. Fig. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operations of the test information management system according to the first embodiment. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an exemplary configuration of a test information management device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an exemplary configuration of an information conversion device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an exemplary configuration of a train information processing device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing the operations of an on-vehicle device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the operations of the information converting device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of protocol conversion for data communication performed by the information conversion device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the operations of the train information processing device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 13 is a first flowchart showing the operations of the test information management device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 14 is a second flowchart showing the operations of the test information management device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 15 is a first diagram illustrating a concept in which the test information management device according to the first embodiment distributes data obtained as a result of execution of a device model by the device model execution unit. Fig. 16 is a second diagram illustrating the concept in which the test information management device according to the first embodiment distributes the data obtained as a result of the execution of the device model by the device model execution unit. Fig. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of the processing circuit in which a processor and a memory implement the processing circuit of the test information management device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of the processing circuit in which dedicated hardware implements the processing circuit of the test information management device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 19 is a diagram showing an exemplary configuration of an information conversion device according to a second embodiment. Fig. 20 is a flowchart illustrating the operations of the information conversion device according to the second embodiment. Fig. 21 is a diagram illustrating a concept in which difference data is extracted from the data received by the information conversion device and only the difference data is transmitted and received in a test information management system according to the second embodiment. Fig. 22 is a diagram showing an exemplary configuration of an information conversion device according to a third embodiment. Fig. 23 is a flowchart illustrating the operations of the information conversion device according to the third embodiment. Fig. 24 is a diagram showing an example in which the information converting means according to the third embodiment selects data from a set of data received from the test information managing means. Fig. 25 is a diagram showing an exemplary configuration of a test information management system according to a fourth embodiment. Fig. 26 is a diagram showing an exemplary configuration of a test information management device according to a fifth embodiment. Fig. 27 is a diagram showing an exemplary configuration of a test information management system according to a sixth embodiment. Description of embodiments

[0008] Hereinafter, a detailed description will be given of a test information management system, a test information management device, an information conversion device, and a test information management method according to embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the drawings. First embodiment.

[0009] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an exemplary configuration of a test information management system 10 according to a first embodiment. The test information management system 10 includes test information management devices 20-1 and 20-2, information conversion devices 30-1 and 30-2, train information processing devices 40-1 and 40-2, and on-board devices 50-1 and 50-2. The test information management system 10 is a system for remotely conducting a combination test using actual machines, such as the train information processing devices 40-1 and 40-2, the on-board devices 50-1 and 50-2, and the like, to be installed on a train (not shown).

[0010] In the following description, the test information management devices 20-1 and 20-2 may be referred to as test information management devices 20 when no distinction is required between them. Similarly, the information conversion devices 30-1 and 30-2 may be referred to as information conversion devices 30, the train information processing devices 40-1 and 40-2 may be referred to as train information processing devices 40, and the on-board devices 50-1 and 50-2 may be referred to as on-board devices 50 when no distinction is required.

[0011] In the test information management system 10, the information conversion device 30-1, the train information processing device 40-1, and the on-board device 50-1 are connected to an internal train network 60-1. In the following description, the information conversion device 30-1, the train information processing device 40-1, and the on-board device 50-1, which are connected to the internal train network 60-1, may be collectively referred to as the internal train network 60-1. The information conversion device 30-2, the train information processing device 40-2, and the on-board device 50-2 are connected to an internal train network 60-2. In the following description, the information conversion device 30-2, the train information processing device 40-2 and the vehicle device 50-2 connected to the train-internal network 60-2 may be collectively referred to as the train-internal network 60-2.The in-train networks 60-1 and 60-2 simulate in-train networks to be used in an actual train.

[0012] In the following description, the in-train networks 60-1 and 60-2 may be referred to as in-train networks 60 when no distinction between them is required. Additionally, one of the in-train networks 60-1 and 60-2 may be referred to as the first in-train network, and the other as the second in-train network. The information conversion device 30 included in the first in-train network may be referred to as the first information conversion device, and the information conversion device 30 included in the second in-train network may be referred to as the second information conversion device.

[0013] The train-internal networks 60 are connected to an off-train network 70, which is distinct from the train-internal networks 60. The test information management devices 20 are located in the off-train network 70 and can be in the form of a server or a cloud. The off-train network 70 is, for example, the Internet, but this is only a non-limiting example. In the test information management system 10, the train information processing devices 40 and the on-board devices 50, which are located in different on-train networks 60, transmit and receive data via the test information management devices 20.

[0014] In Fig. 1, the test information management devices 20, the train information processing devices 40, and the on-board devices 50 included in the test information management system 10 are each shown in duplicate; however, this number is a non-limiting example. The number may be one or three or more. Additionally, the train-internal networks 60 may include three or more, to which the train information processing devices 40, the on-board devices 50, and the like are connected, which are to be subjected to a combination test by the test information management system 10. The test information management system 10 includes one or more information conversion devices 30 for each train-internal network 60.

[0015] This describes a system installed on an actual train. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an exemplary configuration of a train control system 100 installed on a typical train 800. The train control system 100 includes train information processing devices 400-1 and 400-2, drive control devices 501-1 and 501-3, door control devices 502-1, 502-2, and 502-3, and brake control devices 503-1, 503-2, and 503-3. The train information processing devices 400-1 and 400-2, the drive control devices 501-1 and 501-3, the door control devices 502-1, 502-2, and 502-3, and the brake control devices 503-1, 503-2, and 503-3 are connected to an intra-train network 600.The train information processing devices 400-1 and 400-2 are connected to devices such as the drive control devices 501-1 and 501-3, the door control devices 502-1, 502-2 and 502-3, and the brake control devices 503-1, 503-2 and 503-3 installed on the train 800 via the train-internal network 600, and monitor and control these devices.

[0016] In Fig. 2, the train information processing devices 400-1 and 400-2 correspond to the train information processing devices 40-1 and 40-2 in Fig. 1, and the drive control devices 501-1 and 501-3, the door control devices 502-1, 502-2 and 502-3 and the brake control devices 503-1, 503-2 and 503-3 correspond to the vehicle devices 50-1 and 50-2 in Fig. 1. In the following description, the drive control devices 501-1 and 501-3, the door control devices 502-1, 502-2, and 502-3, and the brake control devices 503-1, 503-2, and 503-3 may be collectively referred to simply as "devices." The train information processing devices 400-1 and 400-2 collect device information, such as indicating device states, via the train-internal network 600 and check the function or state of the devices. Furthermore, the train information processing devices 400-1 and 400-2 transmit calculation results calculated based on the collected device information to the devices, thus controlling the devices. In the train control system 100, the numerous devices installed on the train 800 are connected to the train-internal network 600 and are centrally managed by the train information processing devices 400-1 and 400-2, each of which functions as a monitoring device.

[0017] Usually, during the test phase before commissioning of train 800, on which the train information processing devices 400-1 and 400-2 and the devices are installed, as in Fig. 2, a combination test was conducted with actual machines to ensure that the train information processing devices 400-1 and 400-2 and the devices connected to each other operate without problems. Fig. Figure 3 is a first diagram showing an example of a typical combination test with actual machines. Fig. 3 shows an example in which the train information processing devices 400-1 and 400-2, the drive control device 501-1, the door control device 502-1, and the brake control device 503-1 are directly connected to each other via the train-internal network 600 and are subjected to the combination test. In the example of Fig. 3, the train information processing devices 400-1 and 400-2 and the devices are hard-wired together, so there is no communication delay. However, the test can only be performed if all train information processing devices 400-1 and 400-2 and the devices are located at the same location.

[0018] Fig. Figure 4 is a second diagram showing an example of a typical combination test with actual machines. Fig. 4 shows an example in which the train information processing device 400-1 and the vehicle device 500-1, which are connected to the train-internal network 600-1, as well as the train information processing device 400-2 and the vehicle device 500-2, which are connected to the train-internal network 600-2, are connected to each other via the train-external network 700 and are subjected to a combination test. In the example of Fig. 4, the combination test can be performed at a remote location using the train information processing device 400-1 and the on-board device 500-1, as well as the train information processing device 400-2 and the on-board device 500-2. However, since the train information processing device 400-1 and the on-board device 500-1, as well as the train information processing device 400-2 and the on-board device 500-2, are connected via the train-external network 700, the problem of communication delay arises. Furthermore, there is a safety risk because communication in the train-external network 700 also takes place using the data communication protocols used in the train-internal networks 600-1 and 600-2. Fig. 4, the off-train network 700 may be a dedicated network, but establishing or using a dedicated network incurs additional costs.

[0019] In the present embodiment, a method is described in which the test information management system 10 reduces the influence of the communication delay and continuously performs the remote combination test even when the train-internal networks 60-1 and 60-2, as shown in Fig. 1, are connected to each other via the train-external network 70.

[0020] In Fig. 1, the train information processing devices 40 periodically collect the device information of the on-board devices 50 and manage and monitor the respective device information of the on-board devices 50. In addition, the train information processing devices 40 generate control command information and similar data for the on-board devices 50 based on the device information collected by the on-board devices 50 and transmit the control command information and similar data to the on-board devices 50. The train information processing devices 40 may also be referred to as train information management devices. In the example of Fig. 1, the train information processing device 40-1 transmits and receives data to and from the on-board devices 50-1 and 50-2 and manages the operations of the on-board devices 50-1 and 50-2. Furthermore, the train information processing device 40-2 transmits and receives data to and from the on-board devices 50-1 and 50-2 and manages their operations.

[0021] The vehicle devices 50 periodically transmit their own states, the reaction states to the control command information, and similar data to the train information processing device 40. In addition, after receiving the control command information from the train information processing device 40, the vehicle devices 50 each operate on the basis of this control command information.

[0022] Upon receiving data such as control command information from an associated train information processing device 40 or device information from an associated on-board device 50, each information conversion device 30 does not perform any processing if the destination of the data is located on the same train-internal network 60 as the associated train information processing device 40 or the associated on-board device 50. However, it converts the communication protocol of the data and transmits the data whose communication protocol has been converted to the test information management devices 20 if the destination of the data is the train-external network 70.In addition, after receiving the data from the test information management devices 20 in the train-external network 70, each information conversion device 30 converts the communication protocol of the data and distributes the data whose communication protocol has been converted to the train information processing device 40 or the on-board device 50 in the corresponding train-internal network 60. The information conversion device 30 manages the addresses or similar information of the devices and equipment that are the destinations of the data and performs destination management so that a data distribution destination can be uniquely identified.

[0023] Each of the test information management devices 20 includes a device model execution unit capable of executing processing identical to that performed by the train information processing device 40 and the on-board device 50, and performs control to distribute the data sent from a transmission source or the data received by the device model execution unit to the data transmission destination based on a communication state between the train information processing device 40 and the on-board device 50. Specifically, the test information management device 20 registers the received data in a database.Upon receiving a data subscription request from the information conversion device 30, the test information management device 20 distributes the data to the information conversion device 30, which is the request source of the data subscription request, once the data that is the target of the data subscription request has been updated and registered. Furthermore, the test information management device 20 manages and estimates a communication delay between the test information management device 20 and the information conversion device 30. The communication delay corresponds, for example, to the delay time.The test information management device 20 transfers the data to the device model execution unit, which is capable of performing processing identical to that of the train information processing device 40 and the on-board device 50. The device model execution unit executes a device model using the data. If the estimated communication delay exceeds a predetermined delay threshold, the test information management device 20 registers the processing result of the device model execution unit as data in the database, whereby the device model execution unit substitutively performs the update of the data.

[0024] Fig. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operations of the test information management system 10 according to the first embodiment. The following describes, by way of example, the case where the train information processing device 40-1 controls the operations of the on-board devices 50.

[0025] In the test information management system 10, the train information processing device 40-1 collects device information from the on-board devices 50 (step S101). The train information processing device 40-1 acquires the device information directly from the on-board device 50-1 because it is located on the same train-internal network 60 as the on-board device 50-1. The train information processing device 40-1 acquires the device information from the on-board device 50-2 via the test information management devices 20 and the information conversion device 30-1 via the train-external network 70. The processes in the test information management devices 20 are substantially similar to the processes in steps S104 and S105 described later, although the data flow is reversed. A detailed description of these processes will not be given here.

[0026] The train information processing device 40-1 generates control command information and management information based on the collected device information and transmits the generated control command information and management information to the on-board devices 50 (step S102). The control command information is processing execution requests that the train information processing devices 40 transmit to the on-board devices 50. The management information is information about the results of processing the operating states of the on-board devices 50. Note that the data transmitted from the train information processing device 40-1 to the on-board devices 50 may include only the control command information or the management information.

[0027] The information conversion device 30-1 checks the destination of the data received from the train information processing device 40-1. If the destination is the on-board device 50-1 in the same train-internal network 60-1 as the train information processing device 40-1, it performs no processing because the data arrives directly; however, if the destination is the on-board device 50-2 in a different train-internal network 60-2 than the train information processing device 40-1, it converts the communication protocol of the data and transmits the converted data to the test information management devices 20 in the train-external network 70 (step S103). The information conversion device 30-1 creates a routing table or the like in advance about which network the train information processing devices 40 and the on-board devices 50 that are the destination of the data are connected to.The method for creating the routing table in the information conversion device 30-1 may be an existing, conventional method and is not particularly limited.

[0028] Each of the test information management devices 20 registers the received data in the database and distributes the received data to the information conversion device 30 which is the request source of the data subscription request when the received data is the target of the data subscription request (step S104).

[0029] The test information management device 20 executes processing similar to that of the train information processing device 40 or the on-board device 50 in the device model using the received data (step S105). The device model can simulate and execute the processing of the train information processing device 40 or the on-board device 50 in software form.

[0030] After receiving the data distributed from the test information management devices 20, the information conversion device 30-2 converts the communication protocol of the received data and distributes the data whose communication protocol has been converted to the train information processing device 40-2 or the on-board device 50-2 (step S106).

[0031] The on-vehicle device 50-2 operates based on the received control command information and transmits its own device information indicating the operating state to the train information processing device 40-1 (step S107).

[0032] A description of the configurations of the individual devices comprising the test information management system 10 is then given. Fig. 6 shows an exemplary configuration of each of the test information management devices 20 according to the first embodiment. The test information management device 20 includes a communication unit 21, a database processing unit 22, a storage unit 23a that stores the database 23, a device model execution unit 24, a communication delay estimation unit 25, a data switching decision unit 26, and a data distribution unit 27.

[0033] The communication unit 21 performs wireless communication with the information conversion device 30, receives the data from the information conversion device 30, and distributes the data to the information conversion device 30. Specifically, the communication unit 21 transmits and receives data whose transmission source or transmission destination are the train information processing device 40 and the on-board device 50.

[0034] The database processing unit 22 registers the data received from the communication unit 21 in the database 23. In addition, the database processing unit 22 forwards the data received from the communication unit 21 to the device model execution unit 24.

[0035] The database 23 stored in the storage unit 23a is a storage area in which the data received from the communication unit 21 and registered by the database processing unit 22, or the data obtained from the device model execution unit 24 and registered by the data switching decision unit 26, are stored. The storage unit 23a manages the status of each data and the operation time to determine whether the data registered and tested in the database 23 is the data received from the communication unit 21 or the data updated by the device model execution unit 24. This allows the storage unit 23a to later provide information, for example, about the time and timing at which the data obtained as a result of the device model execution unit 24 executing the device model is used when the test is performed in the test information management system 10.

[0036] The device model execution unit 24 can execute processing identical to that performed by the train information processing device 40 and the on-board device 50, and executes the device model using the data retrieved from the database processing unit 22. The device model execution unit 24 executes different device models individually depending on the train information processing device 40 and the on-board device 50. Although Fig. 6 shows only one device model execution unit 24 for the sake of simplicity of description, the test information management device 20 actually includes as many device model execution units 24 as there are corresponding train information processing devices 40 and on-board devices 50. The device model execution unit 24 may have a format in which one device model execution unit 24 includes a plurality of device models corresponding to the train information processing devices 40 and the on-board devices 50 and can execute the plurality of device models. The device model execution unit 24 may function as software that executes the operations of the train information processing device 40 and the on-board device 50. The device model execution unit 24 may execute the processing in real time using the retrieved data or use a previously calculated result that was processed before the operation of the test information management system 10.The device model execution unit 24 passes an execution result, that is, the data obtained as a result of the execution of the device model, to the data switching decision unit 26.

[0037] The communication delay estimation unit 25 monitors an update cycle of the data registered in the database 23 and estimates and manages a communication delay between the test information management device 20 and the information conversion device 30 in each in-train network 60. The communication delay estimation unit 25 estimates the delay time and forwards the estimated delay time to the data switching decision unit 26. Note that the communication delay estimated by the communication delay estimation unit 25 may include a processing delay in each device in addition to the delay in each in-train network 60 and the out-of-train network 70.

[0038] The data switching decision unit 26 performs control based on the delay time estimated by the communication delay estimation unit 25 to register the data obtained from the device model execution unit 24, that is, the execution result of the device model execution unit 24, in the database 23. Specifically, the data switching decision unit 26 registers the data representing the execution result of the device model execution unit 24 in the database 23 when the delay time estimated by the communication delay estimation unit 25 exceeds a predetermined delay threshold. Thus, the test information management device 20 can provide a result of the processing actually to be performed by the train information processing device 40 and the on-board device 50.Regarding the operations of the communication delay estimation unit 25 and the data switching decision unit 26, the communication delay estimation unit 25 may determine whether the estimated delay time exceeds the predetermined delay threshold, and if the delay time exceeds the predetermined delay threshold, inform the data switching decision unit 26 of this fact. In this case, the data switching decision unit 26 registers the data representing the execution result of the device model execution unit 24 in the database 23 after receiving notification from the communication delay estimation unit 25 that the delay time exceeds the predetermined delay threshold.

[0039] The data distribution unit 27 manages the data subscription requests of each of the information conversion devices 30, and when the data that is the target of the data subscription request is updated in the database 23, performs control to distribute the data to the information conversion device 30 that is the request source of the data subscription request via the communication unit 21. That is, the data distribution unit 27 performs control to distribute the data to the in-train network 60-1 or the in-train network 60-2. Note that, as described above, the storage unit 23a manages whether the data registered in the database 23 is the data received from the communication unit 21 or the data updated by the device model execution unit 24.Therefore, when distributing the data updated by the device model execution unit 24, the data distribution unit 27 can add information indicating that the distributed data is the data updated by the device model execution unit 24 to the data. Thus, the information conversion device 30, the train information processing device 40, and the like that have received the data can recognize that the received data is the data updated by the device model execution unit 24 and can manage a test state in the test information management system 10.

[0040] Fig. Figure 7 shows an exemplary configuration of each of the information conversion devices 30 according to the first embodiment. The information conversion device 30 includes a communication unit 31, a data management unit 32, a protocol conversion unit 33, and a data distribution management unit 34.

[0041] The communication unit 31 performs wired communication with the train information processing device 40 and the on-board device 50 in the same train-internal network 60 as the corresponding information conversion device 30, performs wireless communication with the test information management devices 20 in the train-external network 70, and transmits and receives the data to and from each device and each device.

[0042] The data management unit 32 manages the destination of the data received from the communication unit 31, i.e., the transmission destination. The data management unit 32 does not perform any processing if the destination of the data received by the communication unit 31 is located in the same train-internal network 60 as the corresponding information conversion device 30. The data management unit 32 forwards the data to the protocol conversion unit 33 if the destination of the data received by the communication unit 31 is located in a different train-internal network 60 than that of the corresponding information conversion device 30, i.e., in the train-external network 70.

[0043] When transmitting data from the in-train network 60 to the out-of-train network 70, the protocol conversion unit 33 performs protocol conversion to adapt the communication protocol of the data. When transmitting data from the out-of-train network 70 to the in-train network 60, the protocol conversion unit 33 also performs protocol conversion, but in the opposite manner to the protocol conversion described above. That is, the protocol conversion unit 33 performs a first protocol conversion when the transmission source of the data is located in the same in-train network 60 as the corresponding information conversion device 30 and the transmission destination of the data is located in a different in-train network 60 than that of the corresponding information conversion device 30.In addition, the protocol conversion unit 33 performs a second, opposite protocol conversion on the data if the transmission source of the data is located in a different train-internal network 60 than that of the corresponding information conversion device 30 and the transmission destination of the data is located in the same train-internal network 60 as the corresponding information conversion device 30. The protocol conversion unit 33 performs the first protocol conversion for the data to be transmitted to the test information management device 20 and the second protocol conversion for the data received from the test information management device 20.

[0044] The data distribution management unit 34 performs control to distribute the data converted by the protocol conversion unit 33 to the transmission destination via the communication unit 31. The transmission destination is either the train information processing device 40, the on-board device 50, or the test information management device 20.

[0045] Fig. Figure 8 shows an exemplary configuration of each of the train information processing devices 40 according to the first embodiment. The train information processing device 40 includes a communication unit 41, a control command information generation unit 42, a management information generation unit 43, and a data management unit 44.

[0046] The communication unit 41 transmits and receives data to and from the in-vehicle devices 50 and the information conversion device 30. The control command information generation unit 42 generates control command information representing processing execution requests to the in-vehicle devices 50 based on the device information representing the data received from the in-vehicle devices 50. The management information generation unit 43 aggregates the states of the in-vehicle devices 50 based on the device information representing the data received from the in-vehicle devices 50 and generates in-vehicle device 50 management information representing the results of processing the operating states of the in-vehicle devices 50.The data management unit 44 stores the control command information generated by the control command information generation unit 42 and the management information generated by the management information generation unit 43, and performs control to transmit the information to each vehicle device 50 via the communication unit 41.

[0047] A description of the processes of the individual facilities of the test information management system 10 is then given. Fig. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the operations of each of the on-board devices 50 according to the first embodiment. As described above, the on-board device 50 corresponds to the drive control device 501-1, the door control device 502-1, the brake control device 503-1, and the like installed in the train 800.

[0048] The on-board device 50 collects data such as information indicating its own control states and operational information (step S201). The on-board device 50 transmits the collected data as device information to the train information processing devices 40 (step S202). When the on-board device 50 sends the device information to the train information processing devices 40 in another train-internal network 60, the device information actually passes through the information conversion device 30 and the test information management devices 20 in the train-external network 70. The on-board device 50 receives the control command information or management information from the train information processing devices 40 (step S203).When the on-board device 50 receives the control command information or management information from the train information processing device 40 in another train-internal network 60, the control command information or management information actually passes through the test information management devices 20 in the train-external network 70 and the information conversion device 30. The on-board device 50 performs processing based on the received control command information (step S204). The on-board device 50 thereby controls its own operation. The on-board device 50 regularly and repeatedly performs the above-described processes.

[0049] Fig. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operations of each of the information conversion devices 30 according to the first embodiment. The information conversion device 30 performs data communication protocol conversion such that the direction of conversion is reversed depending on whether the data is received from the train-internal network 60, i.e., the train information processing device 40 or the on-board device 50, or whether the data is received from the train-external network 70, i.e., the test information management devices 20.

[0050] If the communication unit 31 has received the data from the train information processing device 40 or the on-board device 50 (step S301: Yes), the data management unit 32 checks the destination of the data (step S302). If the destination of the data is the local network, i.e., the train-internal network 60 (step S303: No), the data management unit 32 does not perform any processing. If the destination of the data is the internet, i.e., the train-external network 70 (step S303: Yes), the data management unit 32 forwards the data to the protocol conversion unit 33. The protocol conversion unit 33 converts the communication protocol of the data from the protocol of the train-internal network 60 to the protocol of the train-external network 70 (step S304). The protocol conversion unit 33 forwards the converted communication protocol data to the data distribution management unit 34.The data distribution management unit 34 transmits the data whose communication protocol has been converted to the test information management devices 20 via the communication unit 31 (step S305).

[0051] If the communication unit 31 receives the data from the test information management devices 20 (step S301: No), the data management unit 32 forwards the data to the protocol conversion unit 33 because the destination of the data is the local network, i.e., the train's internal network 60. The protocol conversion unit 33 converts the communication protocol of the data from the protocol of the train's external network 70 to the protocol of the train's internal network 60 (step S306). The protocol conversion unit 33 forwards the data whose communication protocol has been converted to the data distribution management unit 34. The data distribution management unit 34 distributes the data whose communication protocol has been converted to the train information processing device 40 or the on-board device 50 via the communication unit 31 (step S307).

[0052] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of data communication protocol conversion performed by each of the information conversion devices 30 according to the first embodiment. Fig. Figure 11 shows an example of the communication protocols for the data transmitted and received in the test information management system 10, in which the Train Real-time Data Protocol (TRDP) is used in the train-internal network 60 and the Message Queueing Telemetry Transport (MQTT) is used in the train-external network 70. In the example in Fig. 11, the protocol conversion unit 33 of each of the information conversion devices 30 converts the communication protocol of the data from TRDP to MQTT or from MQTT to TRDP. Specifically, Fig. 11 shows an example in which the data is transmitted from the train information processing device 40-1 to the vehicle device 50-2.

[0053] In this case, the information conversion device 30-2, which is an MQTT subscriber, detects in advance that data #A is to be distributed to the on-board device 50-2 and submits a data subscription request (subscribe) for the data #A to the test information management device 20-1 acting as an MQTT broker. Upon receiving the data #A from the train information processing device 40-1, the information conversion device 30-1, which is an MQTT publisher, converts the communication protocol of the data #A from TRDP to MQTT and publishes the data #A whose communication protocol has been converted to the test information management device 20-1. When the data #A in the database 23 is updated after receiving the data #A from the information conversion device 30-1, the test information management device 20-1 distributes (publishes) the data #A to the information conversion device 30-2.After receiving the data #A from the test information management device 20-1, the information conversion device 30-2 converts the communication protocol of the data #A from MQTT to TRDP and distributes the data #A whose communication protocol has been converted to the on-vehicle device 50-2.

[0054] As described above, the test information management system 10 eliminates the need to connect the facilities and devices via a dedicated network because the data is distributed via the test information management device 20, and facilitates the establishment of the network connection because the in-train network 60 only needs to be connected to the off-train network 70. Furthermore, the test information management system 10 can ensure data security from the perspective of security and the like because a general-purpose communication protocol such as MQTT can be used when the data passes through the off-train network 70, instead of TRDP, which is the communication protocol specific to the in-train network 60.

[0055] Fig. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the operations of each of the train information processing devices 40 according to the first embodiment. In the train information processing device 40, the communication unit 41 receives the device information from the on-vehicle devices 50 (step S401). The control command information generation unit 42 generates control command information based on the device information received from the communication unit 41 (step S402). The management information generation unit 43 generates management information based on the device information received from the communication unit 41 (step S403). The data management unit 44 stores and manages the control command information generated by the control command information generation unit 42 and the management information generated by the management information generation unit 43 (step S404).The communication unit 41 retrieves the control command information and management information from the data management unit 44 and transmits the control command information and management information to the on-board device 50, which is the transmission source of the device information, as the destination (step S405). The train information processing device 40 generates and transmits the control command information and management information based on the data of the on-board devices collected in a certain cycle.

[0056] Fig. 13 is a first flowchart illustrating the operations of each of the test information management units 20 according to the first embodiment. The communication unit 21 receives the data from the information conversion unit 30 (step S501). The database processing unit 22 registers the data received from the communication unit 21 in the database 23 (step S502). Furthermore, the database processing unit 22 forwards the data received from the communication unit 21 to the device model execution unit 24 (step S503).

[0057] The device model execution unit 24 executes the device model using the data retrieved from the database processing unit 22 and performs processing on the device model similar to that of the train information processing device 40 or the on-board device 50 (step S504). The device model execution unit 24 forwards the data obtained as a result of executing the device model to the data switching decision unit 26.

[0058] The communication delay estimation unit 25 monitors the update cycle of the data in the database 23 and estimates and manages a communication delay with the information converter 30 (step S505). The communication delay estimation unit 25 forwards the estimated communication delay to the data switching decision unit 26. The data switching decision unit 26 compares the communication delay estimated by the communication delay estimation unit 25 with a predetermined delay threshold (step S506).

[0059] If the communication delay exceeds the delay threshold (step S506: Yes), the data switching decision unit 26 registers the data retrieved by the device model execution unit 24 in the database 23 (step S507). If the communication delay does not exceed the delay threshold (step S506: No), the data switching decision unit 26 skips the process in step S507. When the data that is the target of the data subscription request is updated in the database 23, the data distribution unit 27 distributes the data via the communication unit 21 to the information conversion device 30 that is the request source of the data subscription request (step S508).

[0060] Fig. 14 is a second flowchart illustrating the operations of each of the test information management devices 20 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 14 shows the operations of the test information management device 20 when periodically receiving data from the information conversion device 30. When the test information management device 20 periodically receives data from the information conversion device 30 (step S601: Yes), the device model execution unit 24 continues to perform processing in the device model similar to that of the train information processing device 40 or the on-board device 50 (step S602). This means that even if the data is not actually retrieved from the database processing unit 22, the device model execution unit 24 executes processing in the device model similar to that of the train information processing device 40 or the on-board device 50 based on, for example, previously retrieved data.The device model execution unit 24 passes the data obtained as a result of the execution of the device model to the data switching decision unit 26.

[0061] The communication delay estimation unit 25 monitors the update cycle of the data in the database 23 and checks whether the test information management device 20 has received the next data within the estimated communication delay (step S603). If the test information management device 20 has not received the next data within the estimated communication delay (step S603: No), the communication delay estimation unit 25 notifies the data switching decision unit 26. Based on the notification from the communication delay estimation unit 25 that the test information management device 20 has not received the next data within the estimated communication delay, the data switching decision unit 26 registers the data retrieved from the device model execution unit 24 in the database 23 (step S604).When the data targeting the data subscription request is updated in the database 23, the data distribution unit 27 distributes the data to the information conversion device 30, which is the request source of the data subscription request, via the communication unit 21 (step S605). Note that if the test information management device 20 does not periodically receive the data from the information conversion device 30 (step S601: No) or if the test information management device 20 has received the next data within the estimated communication delay (step S603: Yes), the processes in this case are the same as normal processes, and thus the processes shown in [step S603] are implemented. Fig. 14 processes shown end.

[0062] As described above, the test information management device 20 substitutes the result of the execution of the device model by the device model execution unit 24 for an actual result of the processing by the train information processing device 40 or the on-board device 50. This allows the test information management system 10 to continuously perform the remote combination test with actual machines using the train information processing device 40 and the on-board device 50, even when the communication delay increases in the system configuration in which the plurality of train-internal networks 60 are connected to each other via the train-external network 70.That is, the test information management device 20 manages the communication delays in sending and receiving data between the test information management device 20 and the in-train network 60-1, and between the test information management device 20 and the in-train network 60-2, as communication states, and distributes the data received from the device model execution unit 24 to a data transmission destination when each of the communication delays exceeds a predetermined delay threshold. The test information management device 20 registers the data sent from the data transmission source or the data received from the device model execution unit 24 in the database 23 and distributes the data that is the target of the data subscription request and registered in the database 23 to the data subscription request request source.

[0063] Fig. 15 is a first diagram illustrating a concept in which the test information management device 20 according to the first embodiment distributes the data obtained as a result of the execution of the device model by the device model execution unit 24. Fig. 15 corresponds to the processes of the test information management device 20 shown in the flowchart in Fig. 13 are shown. Fig. 15 shows an example in which data such as the control command information is transmitted from the train information processing device 40-1 in the train-internal network 60-1 to the on-board devices 50-2 in the train-internal network 60-2, and the data such as the device information is transmitted as a response from the on-board devices 50-2 to the train information processing device 40-1. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 15, the test information management device 20-1 distributes the data transmitted from the train information processing device 40-1 or the on-board device 50-2 when the communication delay is short. On the other hand, when the communication delay is long, in order to continue system operation, the test information management device 20-1 registers the data representing the execution result of the device model execution unit 24 in the database 23 and distributes this data to the train information processing device 40-1 in the on-board network 60-1 instead of the device information, that is, the operation results of the on-board device 50-2 in the train's on-board network 60-2. If the data arriving late due to the communication delay is identical to the data representing the execution result of the device model execution unit 24, the test information management device 20-1 discards the data.However, if the late-arriving data differs from the data representing the execution result of the device model execution unit 24, the test information management device 20-1 updates the data in the database 23 and distributes the updated data to the train information processing device 40-1 in the train-internal network 60-1.

[0064] Fig. 16 is a second diagram illustrating a concept in which the test information management device 20 according to the first embodiment distributes the data obtained as a result of the execution of the device model by the device model execution unit 24. Fig. 16 corresponds to the processes of the test information management device 20 shown in the flowchart in Fig. 14 are shown. Fig. 16 shows an example in which data is periodically transmitted from the train information processing device 40-1 in the train-internal network 60-1 to the vehicle device 50-2 in the train-internal network 60-2. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 16, the test information management device 20-1 monitors the periodic reception of data and estimates a communication delay. If the test information management device 20-1 fails to receive the data to be received in a constant cycle in a timely manner, it forwards the data obtained as a result of the device model execution unit 24 to ensure periodic data transmission without waiting for the actual reception of the data from the train information processing device 40-1. This allows the test information management device 20-1 to reduce the influence of the communication delay.

[0065] Note that in the present embodiment, the case where the stand-alone information conversion device 30 converts the communication protocol in the test information management system 10 was described. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. The test information management system 10 may also install the function of the information conversion device 30 on the train information processing device 40 or the on-board device 50.

[0066] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the case where the test information management devices 20-1 and 20-2 perform similar operations was described, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, when the number of train information processing devices 40 and on-board devices 50 included in the test information management system 10 is large, the test information management devices 20-1 and 20-2 may halve the train information processing devices 40 and on-board devices 50 for which the device model is to be executed by the device model execution unit 24, and execute the device models corresponding to the different train information processing devices 40 and on-board devices 50.

[0067] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the application of the test information management system 10 was exemplified by the combination test with actual machines, such as the train information processing devices 40 and the on-board devices 50 used in a train, that is, devices and devices in the railway field. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. The test information management system 10 can also be applied to combination tests with actual machines, such as devices in other fields, including automobiles, robots, and machines in factories. Furthermore, the test information management system 10 can be applied not only to combination tests with actual machines used in a newly developed train, but also, for example, to confirm the effect of a countermeasure against a fault that occurred during train operation.

[0068] The following describes the hardware configuration of each device constituting the test information management system 10 according to the first embodiment. In the test information management device 20, the communication unit 21 is a communication module capable of wireless communication with the information conversion device 30 in the train-external network 70. The storage unit 23a is a memory. The database processing unit 22, the device model execution unit 24, the communication delay estimation unit 25, the data switching decision unit 26, and the data distribution unit 27 are implemented by processing circuits. The processing circuits may include a memory that stores a program and a processor that executes the program stored in the memory, or may include dedicated hardware.The processing circuits are also called control circuits.

[0069] Fig. Fig. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a processing circuit 90 in which a processor 91 and a memory 92 implement the processing circuit of the test information management device 20 according to the first embodiment. Fig. The processing circuit 90 shown in Figure 17 is a control circuit and includes the processor 91 and the memory 92. In the case where the processing circuit 90 includes the processor 91 and the memory 92, each function of the processing circuit 90 is implemented by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software or firmware is described as a program and stored in the memory 92. In the processing circuit 90, the processor 91 reads and executes the program stored in the memory 92 to implement each function. This means that the processing circuit 90 includes the memory 92 in which a program is stored by which the processing of the test information management device 20 is executed. One could also say that this program causes the test information management device 20 to execute each function implemented by the processing circuit 90.This program may be provided either through a storage medium that stores the program or through other means such as a communications medium.

[0070] It could also be said that the program causes the test information management device 20 to perform the following steps: a train information processing step in which the train information processing device 40 sends and receives data in the first train-internal network to the on-board device 50 in the second train-internal network and manages the operations of the on-board device 50;and a test information management step in which the test information management device 20, with the device model execution unit 24 capable of executing processing corresponding to that of the train information processing device 40 and the on-vehicle device 50, executes control to distribute the data sent from the transmission source of the data or the data received from the device model execution unit 24 to the transmission destination of the data based on a communication state between the train information processing device 40 and the on-vehicle device 50.

[0071] The processor 91 is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a processing unit, an arithmetic unit, a microprocessor, a microcomputer, a digital signal processor (DSP), or the like. The memory 92 corresponds, for example, to a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a flash memory, an erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), or an electrically erasable EPROM (EEPROM, registered trademark), a magnetic disk, a flexible floppy disk, an optical disk, a CD, a mini-disc, a DVD, or the like.

[0072] Fig. Fig. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a processing circuit 93 in which dedicated hardware implements the processing circuit of the test information management device 20 according to the first embodiment. Fig. The processing circuit 93 shown in Figure 18 corresponds, for example, to a single circuit, a combined circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel-programmed processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or a combination thereof. Some functions of the processing circuit 93 may be implemented by dedicated hardware, while other functions may be implemented by software or firmware. Thus, the processing circuit 93 may implement the functions described above using dedicated hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

[0073] Although the hardware configuration of the test information management device 20 has been described, the same applies to the hardware configurations of the information conversion device 30 and the train information processing device 40. In the information conversion device 30, the communication unit 31 is a communication module that can perform wireless communication with the test information management device 20 in the train-external network 70 and wired communication with the train information processing device 40 and the on-board device 50 in the train-internal network 60. The data management unit 32, the protocol conversion unit 33, and the data distribution management unit 34 are implemented by processing circuits.In the train information processing device 40, the communication unit 41 is a communication module that can perform wired communication with the information conversion device 30 in the train's internal network 60. The control command information generation unit 42, the management information generation unit 43, and the data management unit 44 are implemented by processing circuits. As in the test information management device 20, the processing circuit may include a memory that stores a program and a processor that executes the program stored in the memory, or may include dedicated hardware. The processing circuit is also referred to as a control circuit.

[0074] As described above, in the present embodiment, the test information management device 20 in the train-external network 70 monitors the communication delay to the information conversion device 30 in the train-internal network 60 and uses the data obtained as a result of the device model execution, which is similar to processing by the train information processing device 40 or the on-board device 50, when the communication delay exceeds the predetermined delay threshold. This allows the test information management system 10 to continuously perform the remote combination test with actual machines. The system can reduce the influence of the communication delay and continuously perform the combination test even when the devices under test are located on different networks and a communication delay occurs.The test information management system 10 can be applied to combination tests with actual machines used in a train system with real-time requirements.

[0075] In addition, the test information management system 10 enables secure communication without using a dedicated network because the data communication protocol is converted when the data is transferred to the train-external network 70. Furthermore, the system facilitates system construction because it can be used as a system via a database in a cloud. Second embodiment.

[0076] In the first embodiment, when transmitting data to the test information management device 20 in the train-external network 70, the communication protocol of the data is converted by the information conversion device 30, and then the data whose communication protocol has been converted is transmitted. In the second embodiment, the case where the information conversion device additionally extracts and transmits difference data between the latest and previous data will be described.

[0077] Fig. 19 is a diagram showing an exemplary configuration of an information conversion device 30a according to the second embodiment. Fig. 19 has a configuration in which a difference extraction unit 35 is added to the information conversion device 30 of the first embodiment of Fig. 7 was added. The difference extraction unit 35 extracts difference data between the latest data received from the communication unit 31 and the data previously received from the communication unit 31.

[0078] The protocol conversion unit 33 performs data communication protocol conversion of the differential data extracted by the differential extraction unit 35. In addition, the protocol conversion unit 33 performs data communication protocol conversion of the differential data when the data received from the communication unit 31 is the differential data.

[0079] The data distribution management unit 34 transmits the differential data extracted by the differential extraction unit 35 and converted by the protocol conversion unit 33 to the test information management device 20 in the off-train network 70 via the communication unit 31. In addition, the data distribution management unit 34 combines the differential data received by the communication unit 31 and converted by the protocol conversion unit 33 with the previously received data to restore the original data. The original data is the latest data before the differential data was extracted by the information conversion device 30a in each of the on-train networks 60, which are different from each other.

[0080] It should be noted that the test information management system 10 according to the second embodiment has a configuration in which the information conversion devices 30-1 and 30-2 of the Fig. 1 may be replaced by the information conversion devices 30a-1 and 30a-2 having the same configuration as the information conversion device 30a.

[0081] Fig. Fig. 20 is a flowchart illustrating the operations of the information conversion device 30a according to the second embodiment. Fig. The flowchart shown in Fig. 20 shows the addition of steps S311 and S312 to the flowchart showing the operations of the information converting device 30 of the first embodiment in Fig. 10. In the information conversion device 30a, the data management unit 32 forwards the data to the difference extraction unit 35 if the destination of the data is the Internet, i.e., the off-train network 70 (step S303: Yes). The difference extraction unit 35 extracts difference data between the most recent and previously received data (step S311). The difference extraction unit 35 forwards the extracted difference data to the protocol conversion unit 33.

[0082] In addition, the protocol conversion unit 33 converts the communication protocol of the data from the protocol of the external train network 70 to the protocol of the internal train network 60 (step S306). The protocol conversion unit 33 forwards the data whose communication protocol has been converted to the data distribution management unit 34. Note that, in practice, the data to be converted by the protocol conversion unit 33 in step S306 is the differential data. The data distribution management unit 34 combines the differential data with the previously received data to restore the original data (step S312). The data distribution management unit 34 distributes the data whose communication protocol has been converted to the train information processing device 40 or the on-board device 50 via the communication unit 31 (step S307).

[0083] Fig. 21 is a diagram showing a concept in which a difference data is extracted from the data received by the information converting means 30a and only the difference data is transmitted and received in the test information managing system 10 according to the second embodiment. Fig. Figure 21 shows an example where the data is distributed from the train-internal network 60-1 to the train-internal network 60-2. In Fig. 21, if the difference data is not extracted, the operations are the same as those of the information conversion device 30 of the first embodiment. In this case, the data of the same size is transmitted from the train information processing device 40-1 in the train-internal network 60-1 to the vehicle device 50-2 in the train-internal network 60-2. Fig. 21, when extracting the differential data, the information conversion device 30a-1 extracts a portion of the data updated by the previously transmitted data, that is, the differential data, and transmits only the differential data. The test information management device 20a-1 controls to distribute the differential data to the information conversion device 30a-2. The information conversion device 30a-2 combines the differential data received from the test information management device 20a-1 with the previously received data to restore the original data.That is, the information converting means 30a-1 and 30a-2 each extract from the latest data the difference data between the latest data and the previously transmitted data, convert the communication protocol of the difference data, and transmit the difference data whose communication protocol has been converted, and further convert the communication protocol of the received difference data and combine the difference data whose communication protocol has been converted with the received data to restore the latest data.

[0084] In this embodiment, the difference extraction unit 35 extracts the first difference data between the first most recent data and the previously transmitted first data from the first most recent data to be transmitted to the test information management device 20. The protocol conversion unit 33 performs a first protocol conversion of the first difference data extracted by the difference extraction unit 35. The data distribution management unit 34 controls the distribution of the first difference data, which has undergone the first protocol conversion in the protocol conversion unit 33, via the communication unit 31. When the communication unit 31 receives second difference data from the test information management device 20 from another information conversion device 30a, the protocol conversion unit 33 performs a second protocol conversion of this second difference data.The data distribution management unit 34 combines the second differential data subjected to the second protocol conversion in the protocol conversion unit 33 with previously received second data to restore the second latest data, and distributes the restored data via the communication unit 31.

[0085] As described above, the test information management system 10 in the second embodiment can reduce the communication data volume and shorten the communication delay compared to the system of the first embodiment because the information conversion device 30a only transmits and receives the differential data. Since the data transmitted and received in the test information management system 10 includes various data types, the information conversion device 30a can either transmit multiple differential data as a data set or transmit each differential data individually depending on the data type.

[0086] The hardware configuration of the information conversion device 30a is similar to the hardware configuration of the information conversion device 30 of the first embodiment. In the information conversion device 30a, the communication unit 31 is a module that can enable wireless communication with the test information management device 20 in the train-external network 70 and wired communication with the train information processing device 40 and the on-board device 50 in the train-internal network 60. The data management unit 32, the protocol conversion unit 33, the data distribution management unit 34, and the difference extraction unit 35 are implemented by processing circuits. The processing circuits may include a memory with a program and a processor that executes this program, or they may use dedicated hardware. The processing circuit is also referred to as a control circuit. Third embodiment.

[0087] The test information management systems 10 according to the first and second embodiments have a configuration in which a plurality of test information management devices 20-1 and 20-2 are provided in the train-external network 70. This allows the information conversion devices 30 of the first and 30a of the second embodiments to select data depending on the communication delay to each test information management device 20.

[0088] Fig. 22 is a diagram showing an exemplary configuration of an information conversion device 30b according to the third embodiment. Fig. The information conversion device 30b shown in Fig. 22 has a configuration in which a communication delay management unit 36 ​​and a payload data determination unit 37 are added to the information conversion device 30a of the second embodiment of Fig. 19. The communication delay management unit 36 ​​measures and manages the communication delays between the information conversion device 30b and the plurality of test information management devices 20. Based on the delays measured by the communication delay management unit 36, the payload data determination unit 37 selects data with a smaller communication delay from the data received from the test information management devices 20 and discards data with a larger communication delay.

[0089] The test information management system 10 according to the third embodiment has a configuration in which the information conversion devices 30-1 and 30-2 are replaced by information conversion devices 30b-1 and 30b-2 having the same configuration as the information conversion device 30b.

[0090] Fig. Fig. 23 is a flowchart illustrating the operations of the information conversion device 30b according to the third embodiment. Fig. The flowchart shown in Fig. 23 shows the addition of steps S321 and S322 to the flowchart of the information conversion device 30a of the second embodiment in Fig. 20. The communication delay management unit 36 ​​measures and manages the communication delays between the information conversion device 30b and the test information management devices 20 (step S321). The payload data acquisition unit 37 selects and uses data with a smaller communication delay from the data received from the test information management devices 20 (step S322).

[0091] Fig. 24 is a diagram showing an example in which the information converting means 30b-1 according to the third embodiment selects the data from the data received from the test information managing means 20-1 and 20-2. Fig. 24 is a diagram for describing which of the data received from the test information management devices 20-1 and 20-2 is used by the information conversion device 30b-1 based on the communication delays between the information conversion device 30b-1 and the test information management devices 20-1 and 20-2. When the communication delays between the information conversion device 30b-1 and the test information management devices 20-1 and 20-2 are both small, no problem arises because it makes no difference whether the information conversion device 30b-1 uses the data received from the test information management device 20-1 or the data received from the test information management device 20-2. On the other hand, when one of the communication delays is large, that is,When the communication delay between the information conversion device 30-1 and the test information management device 20-1 is short, and the communication delay between the information conversion device 30-1 and the test information management device 20-2 is long, the information conversion device 30b-1 first receives the data from the test information management device 20-1 and obtains the data from the test information management device 20-2 with a delay. In such a case, the information conversion device 30b-1 determines that the communication delay in the network over which the data from the test information management device 20-2 is transmitted is long, and processes the data from the test information management device 20-1.That is, the information conversion devices 30b-1 and 30b-2 manage the respective communication delays in the transmission and reception of data between the information conversion device 30b-1 and the plurality of test information management devices 20, and between the information conversion device 30b-2 and the plurality of test information management devices 20, and each uses the data received from one of the test information management devices 20 with a lower communication delay.

[0092] Note that in the Fig. In the configuration shown in Figure 22, the payload determination unit 37 of the information conversion device 30b transmits the result of determining the data to be used to the data distribution management unit 34. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. The payload determination unit 37 may report the result of determining the data to be used to at least one of the data management unit 32 and the protocol conversion unit 33. In this case, the information conversion device 30b may skip the processing of the data management unit 32 and the protocol conversion unit 33 with respect to the data to be ultimately discarded, thereby reducing the processing load.

[0093] It has been described that the information conversion device 30b has the configuration in which the communication delay management unit 36 ​​and the payload data determination unit 37 are added to the information conversion device 30a of the second embodiment in Fig. 19, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The information conversion device 30b may also have a configuration in which the communication delay management unit 36 ​​and the payload data determination unit 37 are added to the information conversion device 30 of the first embodiment in Fig. 7 should be added.

[0094] As described above, the test information management system 10 in the third embodiment can continuously perform real-time operations via the train-external network 70 even when the communication delay between a particular test information management device 20 and the information conversion device 30b increases, because the information conversion device 30b can use data from another test information management device 20 with a lower communication delay. The test information management system 10 can also be applied in cases where the test information management device 20 operates as a redundant system.

[0095] The hardware configuration of the information conversion device 30b is similar to that of the information conversion device 30 of the first embodiment. In the information conversion device 30b, the communication unit 31 is a communication module that can enable wireless communication with the test information management device 20 in the train-external network 70 and wired communication with the train information processing device 40 and the on-board device 50 in the train-internal network 60. The data management unit 32, the protocol conversion unit 33, the data distribution management unit 34, the difference extraction unit 35, the communication delay management unit 36, and the payload data acquisition unit 37 are implemented by processing circuits that include either a memory and a processor that executes the program stored in the memory, or dedicated hardware.The processing circuit is also called the control circuit. Fourth embodiment.

[0096] In the first to third embodiments, it was assumed that the test information management devices 20 are arranged in the train-external network 70. In the fourth embodiment, the case in which the test information management devices 20 are arranged in a train will now be described.

[0097] Fig. Figure 25 shows an example of the configuration of a test information management system 10c according to the fourth embodiment. In this test information management system 10c, the test information management device 20-1 is arranged in the train 80-1 and connected to the information conversion device 30-1, while the test information management device 20-2 is arranged in the train 80-2 and connected to the information conversion device 30-2. The test information management system 10c assumes a network configuration in which the trains 80-1 and 80-2 communicate directly with each other via radio or via an infrastructure.With such a network configuration, when there are delays in the radio data communication between the trains 80-1 and 80-2, the individual devices and equipment of the test information management system 10c can perform similar processing as in the first embodiment, thus enabling continued operation as the test information management system 10c.

[0098] The following describes the data flow in the test information management system 10c of the fourth embodiment. Assume that data such as control command information is sent from the train information processing device 40-1 to the on-board device 50-2. In this case, when the train information processing device 40-1 sends the data, the information conversion device 30-1 receives the data via the train's internal network 60-1. The information conversion device 30-1 converts the communication protocol of the received data and sends the data with the converted protocol to the test information management device 20-1. The test information management device 20-1 distributes the received data to the information conversion device 30-2, either directly or via the information conversion device 30-1.The information conversion device 30-2 distributes the data received directly or indirectly from the test information management device 20-1 to the vehicle device 50-2 via the in-train network 60-2. The operations of the individual devices correspond to those of the first embodiment when the test information management device 20-1 forwards the received data directly to the information conversion device 30-2.

[0099] Assume that the device information is sent from the on-board device 50-2 to the train information processing device 40-1 in response to control command data. In this case, when the on-board device 50-2 sends the data, the information conversion device 30-2 receives the data via the train's internal network 60-2, converts the communication protocol, and transmits the data with the converted protocol to the test information management device 20-2. The test information management device 20-2 distributes the received data to the information conversion device 30-1, either directly or via the information conversion device 30-2. The information conversion device 30-1 forwards the data received directly or indirectly from the test information management device 20-2 to the train information processing device 40-1 via the train's internal network 60-1.The operations of the individual devices correspond to those of the first embodiment when the test information management device 20-2 forwards the received data directly to the information conversion device 30-1.

[0100] As described above, the test information management system 10c in the fourth embodiment achieves the same effects as the system 10 of the first embodiment, even when the test information management devices 20 are arranged in the trains 80-1 and 80-2. Note that although the test information management system 10c of the fourth embodiment was described with reference to the first embodiment, the test information management system 10c is also applicable to the second and third embodiments. Fifth embodiment.

[0101] In the fifth embodiment, the case where the test information management device learns the device model is described.

[0102] Fig. Fig. 26 shows an example of the configuration of a test information management device 20d according to the fifth embodiment. The test information management device 20d has a configuration in which a device model learning unit 28 is added to the test information management device 20 of the first embodiment. Fig. 6 is added. Each time the data is received from the train information processing device 40 and the on-board device 50, the device model learning unit 28 learns a relationship between input data to the train information processing device 40 and output data from the train information processing device 40, learns a relationship between input data to the on-board device 50 and output data from the on-board device 50, learns the device model included in the device model execution unit 24, and automatically updates the device model. Examples of a learning method in the device model learning unit 28 include machine learning, but this is only an example and is not limiting. The device model learning unit 28 can automatically generate the device model by performing machine learning on the response data of each device when specific data is updated.In this case, the test information management device 20d stops the execution of the device model in the device model execution unit 24 at the start of the operation and executes the device model in the device model execution unit 24 after the device model learning unit 28 learns the device model and after sufficient learning.

[0103] This allows the test information management device 20d to perform alternative processing using the device model without having to prepare the device model in advance.

[0104] The hardware configuration of the test information management device 20d is similar to that of the test information management device 20 of the first embodiment. In the test information management device 20d, the communication unit 21 is a communication module capable of wireless communication with the information conversion device 30 in the train-external network 70. The memory 23a is a memory. The database processing unit 22, the device model execution unit 24, the communication delay estimation unit 25, the data switching decision unit 26, the data distribution unit 27, and the device model learning unit 28 are implemented by processing circuits. The processing circuits may include a memory that stores a program and a processor that executes the program stored in the memory, or may include dedicated hardware. The processing circuit is also referred to as a control circuit. Sixth embodiment.

[0105] In the sixth embodiment, the case where the test information management system does not include the information conversion device is described.

[0106] Fig.27 shows an example of the configuration of a test information management system 10e according to the sixth embodiment. The test information management system 10e includes the test information management devices 20-1 and 20-2, the train information processing devices 40-1 and 40-2, and the on-board devices 50-1 and 50-2. In the test information management system 10e, the test information management devices 20, the train information processing devices 40, and the on-board devices 50 communicate with each other via the dedicated network 71. In this case, the test information management device 20 processes the data whose communication protocol is not converted; however, the operations themselves are the same as in the first embodiment and the like.In the test information management system 10e, the test information management device 20 monitors the data in the dedicated network 71, receives the data, and registers the received data in the database 23. In addition, the test information management device 20 executes the device model using the data whose communication protocol is not converted, uses the execution result as data according to the communication delays, and distributes the data to the train information processing device 40, the on-board device 50, and the like.

[0107] As described above, the test information management system 10e can achieve the same effects as that of the first embodiment even if the dedicated network 71 is used.

[0108] The configurations described in the above embodiments are merely exemplary and may be combined with other known techniques, the embodiments may be combined with each other, and parts of each configuration may be omitted or changed without departing from the essence. List of reference symbols

[0109] 10, 10c, 10e test information management system; 20, 20-1, 20-2, 20d test information management means; 21, 31, 41 communication unit; 22 database processing unit; 23 database; 23a storage unit; 24 device model execution unit; 25 communication delay estimation unit; 26 data switching decision unit; 27 data distribution unit; 28 device model learning unit; 30, 30-1, 30-2, 30a, 30a-1, 30a-2, 30b, 30b-1 information conversion means; 32, 44 data management unit; 33 protocol conversion unit; 34 data distribution management unit; 35 difference extraction unit; 36 communication delay management unit; 37 payload data acquisition unit; 40, 40-1, 40-2, 400-1, 400-2 Train information processing device; 42 Control command information generation unit; 43 Management information generation unit; 50-1, 50-2, 500-1, 500-2 On-board device; 60-1, 60-2, 600, 600-1, 600-2 In-train network; 70, 700 Out-of-train network;71 Dedicated network; 80-1, 80-2, 800 Train; 100 Train control system; 501-1, 501-3 Drive control device; 502-1, 502-2, 502-3 Door control device; 503-1, 503-2, 503-3 Brake control device.; QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] JP 5949506

[0003]

Claims

[1] Test information management system comprising: a train information processing device for transmitting and receiving data to and from a vehicle device in a first train-internal network and for managing operation of the vehicle device; and a test information management device having a device model execution unit capable of executing processing identical to the processing executed by the train information processing device and the on-board device, and capable of executing control to distribute data sent from a transmission source of the data or data received by the device model execution unit to a transmission destination of the data based on a communication state between the train information processing device and the on-board device. [2] The test information management system according to claim 1, wherein the test information management unit manages, as a communication state, a communication delay in transmission and reception of the data between the test information management unit and the first in-train network and a communication delay in transmission and reception of the data between the test information management unit and the second in-train network, and distributes the data obtained from the device model executing unit to the transmission destination of the data when each of the communication delays exceeds a predetermined delay threshold. [3] The test information management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the test information management means registers the data sent from the transmission source of the data or the data obtained from the device model execution unit in a database, and distributes to a request source of a data subscription request for the data the data that is the target of the data subscription request and is registered in the database. [4] The test information management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the test information management means learns a device model included in the device model execution unit. [5] Test information management system according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the test information management device is arranged in an external train network that is different from the first internal train network and the second internal train network, and the test information management system also includes: a first information conversion device for converting a communication protocol of the data in the first train-internal network when the data is transmitted and received between the train information processing device and the test information management device; and a second information conversion device for converting a communication protocol of the data in the second in-train network when the data is transmitted and received between the test information management device and the on-board device. [6] Test information management system according to claim 5, wherein the test information management device comprises a plurality of test information management devices in the train-external network, and the first information conversion device and the second information conversion device respectively manage the communication delays in the transmission and reception of the data between the first information conversion device and the plurality of test information management devices and between the second information conversion device and the plurality of test information management devices, and each use the data from one of the test information management devices with a lower communication delay. [7] The test information management system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the first information converting means and the second information converting means each extract from the latest data difference data between the latest data and previously transmitted data, convert a communication protocol of the difference data and transmit the difference data whose communication protocol has been converted, and further convert the communication protocol of the received difference data and combine the difference data whose communication protocol has been converted with previously received data to restore the latest data. [8] Test information management device comprising: a communication unit for transmitting and receiving data whose transmission source or transmission destination is a train information processing device and a vehicle device, wherein the train information processing device is a device for transmitting and receiving the data to and from the vehicle device in a first train-internal network and for managing an operation of the vehicle device; a storage unit storing a database to enable the registration of data; a device model execution unit capable of executing processing identical to that executed by the train information processing device and the on-board device; a database processing unit for registering the data received from the communication unit in the database and outputting the data to the device model execution unit; a communication delay estimation unit for monitoring an update cycle of the data registered in the database and estimating communication delays in the communication between the test information management device and the first in-train network and the communication between the test information management device and the second in-train network; a data switching decision unit for performing control based on the communication delays estimated by the communication delay estimation unit to register data obtained from the device model execution unit in the database; and a data distribution unit for controlling, when the data in the database is updated, the distribution of the data updated in the database to the first in-train network or the second in-train network via the communication unit. [9] The test information management device according to claim 8, wherein the data switching decision unit registers the data obtained from the device model execution unit in the database when each of the communication delays estimated by the communication delay estimation unit exceeds a predetermined delay threshold. [10] Test information management device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the data sent from the data transmission source or the data received from the device model execution unit are registered as the data in the database, and the data distribution unit performs control to distribute the data that is the target of a data subscription request and registered in the database to a request source of the data subscription request for the data via the communication unit. [11] Test information management device according to one of claims 8 to 10, comprising: a device model learning unit for learning a device model included in the device model execution unit. [12] Information conversion device comprising: a communication unit for transmitting and receiving data to and from each of a train information processing device, an on-board device, and a test information management device, wherein the train information processing device is a device for managing the operation of the on-board device, and the test information management device is a device that controls the transmission and reception of the data to and from the information conversion device based on a communication delay between the test information management device and the information conversion device; a data management unit for managing a transmission destination of the data received by the communication unit; a protocol conversion unit for performing a first protocol conversion that converts a communication protocol of the data when a transmission source of the data is located on a same first in-train network as the information conversion device and a transmission destination of the data is located on a second in-train network different from the first in-train network, and for performing a second protocol conversion, opposite to the first protocol conversion, on the data when the transmission source of the data is located on the second in-train network and the transmission destination of the data is located on the first in-train network; and a data distribution management unit for controlling the data converted by the protocol conversion unit to distribute the data to the transmission destination via the communication unit. [13] Information conversion device according to claim 12, wherein the test information management device is arranged in a train-external network that is different from the first train-internal network and the second train-internal network, and the train information processing device and the on-board device, which are located in mutually different train-internal networks, transmit and receive data to and from each other via the test information management device, and the protocol conversion unit performs the first protocol conversion on the data to be transmitted to the test information management device and performs the second protocol conversion on the data received from the test information management device. [14] Information conversion device according to claim 13, wherein the test information management device comprises a plurality of test information management devices in the train-external network, and the information conversion device further comprises: a communication delay management unit for measuring and managing the communication delays between the information conversion device and the plurality of test information management devices; and a payload acquisition unit for utilizing the data from one of the test information management devices with a lower communication delay. [15] Information conversion device according to claim 13 or 14, further comprising: a difference extraction unit for extracting, from first latest data to be transmitted to the test information management device, first difference data between the first latest data and previously transmitted first data, wherein the protocol conversion unit performs the first protocol conversion on the first difference data extracted by the difference extraction unit, the data distribution management unit performs control to distribute the first differential data subjected to the first protocol conversion in the protocol conversion unit via the communication unit, and when the communication unit receives from the test information management device second difference data extracted by another information conversion device, the protocol conversion unit performs the second protocol conversion on the second difference data, and the data distribution management unit performs control to combine the second differential data subjected to the second protocol conversion in the protocol conversion unit with previously received second data to restore second latest data and distribute the second latest data via the communication unit. [16] A test information management method for a test information management system, comprising: a train information processing step in which a train information processing device in a first train-internal network transmits and receives data to and from a vehicle device in a second train-internal network and manages an operation of the vehicle device; and a test information management step in which a test information management device having a device model execution unit capable of executing processing identical to the processing executed by the train information processing device and the on-board device performs control to distribute data sent from a transmission source of the data or data received by the device model execution unit to a transmission destination of the data based on a communication state between the train information processing device and the on-board device. [17] The test information management method according to claim 16, wherein in the test information management step, the test information management means manages, as a communication state, a communication delay in transmission and reception of the data between the test information management means and the first in-train network and a communication delay in transmission and reception of the data between the test information management means and the second in-train network, and distributes the data obtained from the device model executing unit to the transmission destination of the data when each of the communication delays exceeds a predetermined delay threshold. [18] The test information management method according to claim 16 or 17, wherein in the test information management step, the test information management means registers the data sent from the transmission source of the data or the data obtained from the device model executing unit in a database, and distributes to a request source of a data subscription request for the data the data that is the target of the data subscription request and is registered in the database. [19] The test information management method according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein in the test information management step, the test information management means learns a device model included in the device model execution unit. [20] A test information management method according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein in the test information management step, the test information management device is arranged in an external train network different from the first internal train network and the second internal train network, and the test information management procedure further comprises: a first information conversion step in which a first information conversion device converts a communication protocol of the data in the first train-internal network when the data is transmitted and received between the train information processing device and the test information management device; and a second information conversion step in which a second information conversion device converts a communication protocol of the data in the second train-internal network when the data is transmitted and received between the train information processing device and the on-board device. [21] A test information management method according to claim 20, wherein the test information management device comprises a plurality of test information management devices in the train-external network, and in the first information conversion step and the second information conversion step, the first information conversion means and the second information conversion means respectively manage the communication delays in the transmission and reception of the data between the first information conversion means and the plurality of test information management means and between the second information conversion means and the plurality of test information management means, and each use the data from one of the test information management means having a lower communication delay. [22] The test information management method according to claim 20 or 21, wherein in the first information converting step and the second information converting step, the first information converting means and the second information converting means each extract from the latest data difference data between the latest data and previously transmitted data, convert a communication protocol of the difference data and transmit the difference data whose communication protocol has been converted, and further convert the communication protocol of the received difference data and combine the difference data whose communication protocol has been converted with previously received data to restore the latest data.

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