Method and programming device for automatically programming a balise of a train control system

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for automatically programming a balise (7) of a train control system, in which at least one identification means (9) of the balise (7) is automatically detected, in which a telegram file assigned to the balise (7) is determined in a project database (11) on the basis of the detected identification means (9), in which a test value, in particular a hash value, of the telegram file determined in the project database (11) is temporarily stored, in which the determined telegram file is transferred to the balise (7), in which, after the transfer has taken place, a telegram file is automatically read from the balise (7), in which a match between the transferred telegram file and the read telegram file is automatically checked by whether a test value, in particular a hash value, of the read telegram file is equal to the temporarily stored test value.The method according to the invention has the advantage that it enables error-free programming of balises. The invention also relates to a programming device (1).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to both a method and a programming device for automatically programming a balise of a train control system.

[0002] Balises are a type of transponder installed in the track area of ​​railway infrastructure. They store operational information, such as position data, and transmit it to rail vehicles passing the balise. Upon passing, the rail vehicle activates the balise and then transmits a digital telegram containing the operational information wirelessly to the rail vehicle via an air interface. A large number of balises are installed at various locations within the railway infrastructure, each storing and transmitting its own specific operational information to the passing rail vehicle. Therefore, it is crucial for the safety and functionality of the railway infrastructure that each balise contains the correct operational information.Consequently, the programming of the balises, in which the correct railway operational information is stored on each balise, is crucial for the safety of the train control system and the railway infrastructure. Errors in the programming process must be avoided at all costs. Technical background

[0003] Methods and facilities of the type mentioned above are known, for example, from DE 10 2009 029 857 A1 or EP 0 793 191 A1. Summary of the invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a method and a device of the type mentioned above which ensure a high level of safety when programming a balise.

[0005] The problem is solved according to the invention by a method for automatically programming a balise of a train control system, in which at least one identification means of the balise is automatically recorded, in which a telegram file assigned to the balise is determined in a project database based on the recorded identification means, in which a check value, in particular a hash value, of the telegram file determined in the project database is temporarily stored, in which the determined telegram file is transferred to the balise, in which, after the transfer has taken place, a telegram file is automatically read from the balise, in which a match between the transferred telegram file and the read telegram file is automatically checked by whether a check value, in particular a hash value, of the read telegram file is equal to the temporarily stored check value.

[0006] Furthermore, the problem is solved according to the invention by a programming device for automatically programming a balise of a train control system, with at least one acquisition device for automatically acquiring at least one identification means of the balise, with at least one project database with at least one telegram file assigned to the balise, which can be determined based on the acquired identification means of the balise, with at least one storage device for temporarily storing at least one check value, in particular a hash value, of the telegram file determined in the project database, with at least one transmission device for transferring the determined telegram file to the balise, with at least one read device for automatically reading a telegram file from the balise, and with at least one verification device, which is thereby configured to automatically check whether a check value, in particular a hash value,The value of the read telegram file is equal to the cached check value.

[0007] The solution according to the invention has the advantage that it can be carried out essentially automatically and potential sources of error, such as human error, can be excluded.

[0008] To uniquely identify the balise, an identification means of the balise is automatically detected according to the invention. The identification means of the balise can, for example, be a type plate or nameplate on which an identification number is indicated. The balise can be uniquely identified using this at least one identification number. Alternatively, the identification means can also be in the form of a barcode or Data Matrix code that can be read.

[0009] Subsequently, according to the invention, a telegram file associated with the balise is located in a project database using the determined identification means. This telegram file contains the railway operational information that the specific balise is intended to hold. The telegram files stored in the project database have already been verified, so it can be assumed that the data is secure and therefore correct. A check value, in particular a hash value, of this program file is also recorded and stored or temporarily stored according to the invention. The check value is already present in the project database and is, for example, part of the program file. Although the check value could theoretically also be calculated after the program file has been identified, this is unusual and would contradict an existing security concept.

[0010] The determined telegram file is then transferred to the balise. This can be done, for example, using a suitable programming device, as described in DE 10 2009 029 857 A1 or EP 0 793 191 A1. To verify the correct transfer of the telegram file to the balise, the telegram file is read from the balise again, according to the invention. The transferred telegram file then matches the read telegram file by checking whether a test value of the read telegram file is identical to the temporarily stored test value. The test value of the read telegram file is read from the balise. Using these test values ​​makes it particularly easy to verify whether the telegram file stored on the balise corresponds to the telegram file determined in the project database for the balise.A hash value, for example an MD4 hash, which is typically a 32-digit hexadecimal number, is used as a check value. For example, in the case of MD4, the equality of the two check values ​​means that all 32 digits of the hexadecimal number are identical. This can be verified very reliably and accurately using a computer. Once this equality of the check values ​​has been established, the programming of the balise according to the invention is complete. Embodiments of the invention

[0011] The solution according to the invention can be further developed by advantageous embodiments, which are described below.

[0012] This allows for the creation of an image of the optically recognizable identification device mounted externally on the balise, and the identification device's character string to be determined from this image. This has the advantage that even a numerical sequence that is otherwise difficult to read can be automatically transcribed. For example, an OCR (Optical Character Reading) method can be used to determine the character string, ensuring particularly reliable and error-free recognition.

[0013] To increase the security of balise identification, two different balise identification methods can be captured essentially simultaneously. This simultaneous capture significantly enhances security because it increases the likelihood of errors being detected. However, this requires two identification methods to be present on the balise, which is often the case, for example, with a Eurobalise. These two identification methods could be, for instance, a balise ID and a serial number.

[0014] In an advantageous configuration, a test report can be automatically generated and saved if the test values ​​match. This has the advantage that the correct programming of the balise can be verified later, for example, during an inspection or railway approval of the system. The test reports for all balises in the project database can be stored together, e.g., directly within the project database. Furthermore, at least one recorded identification feature of the balise can be included in the test report. This improves documentation. For example, the generated image of the identification feature can be included in the report.

[0015] To rule out faulty programming, an error message can be issued if the test values ​​do not match.

[0016] In an advantageous embodiment of the programming device according to the invention, it can be configured to execute the method according to the invention in accordance with one of the embodiments described above.

[0017] Furthermore, the programming device can include at least one receiving device in which the balise and / or a programming device can be arranged in a predetermined position. This ensures that the balise is in a position where the identification means(s) can be reliably read. A defined positioning of the balise is particularly important for identification means in the form of externally mounted plates. This ensures that when the identification means is automatically detected, e.g., by an image, the contained character string can also be captured and determined.

[0018] To further enhance security, the programming device can comprise at least two separate detection means, in particular a camera device with two separate optical sensors, designed for the essentially simultaneous detection of at least two identification means of the balise. This increases the error detection, as described above.

[0019] Furthermore, a computer program product with program instructions for carrying out the aforementioned method according to the invention and / or its exemplary embodiments is claimed. The method according to the invention and / or its exemplary embodiments can be carried out by means of the computer program product when the computer program product is executed on a computer. Such a computer can, for example, be used in the commissioning and assembly of a railway system. Exemplary embodiments of the drawing

[0020] The invention will now be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021] They show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a programming device according to the invention in a side view; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of the programming device in Fig. 1 in a top view. Detailed description of the exemplary implementations

[0022] A programming device 1 according to the invention in the exemplary embodiment in the Figures 1 and 2 The programming device 1 comprises a programming device 2, a base frame 3, a camera device 4 and a computer 5. Furthermore, the programming device 1 has a first receiving device 6 in which a balise 7 is arranged, and a second receiving device 14 in which the programming device 2 is arranged.

[0023] The programming device 2 is designed for transferring and reading telegram files to and from the balise 7 and is known per se. The programming device 2 is sometimes referred to as TPG and is described by way of example in EP 0 793 191 A1. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the first receiving device 6 in the form of frame brackets is arranged on the programming device 2, in which the balise 7 can be positioned in a predetermined and essentially unambiguous programming position. The programming device 2 comprises a transmission device 12 for transferring telegram files to the balises and a reading device 13 for reading the telegram files from the balises 7.

[0024] The base frame 3 is in turn equipped with a second receiving device 14, also in the form of frame brackets, for receiving the programming device 2. This allows the programming device 2 to be positioned in a predetermined programming position, so that the balise 7 also assumes a predetermined programming position relative to the base frame 3. The camera assembly 4 is also arranged on the base frame 3, essentially opposite the identification means 9 of the balise 7.

[0025] In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, the camera device 4 comprises two optical sensors 8 which are arranged so that they can detect the two identification means 9 of the balise 7.

[0026] The computer 5 is connected via a cable connection 10 to both the camera unit 4 and the programming device 2 and, in addition to the usual input devices, such as keyboard and mouse, and output devices, such as monitor and speakers, also includes a project database 11. The project database 11 contains a large number of telegram files for many balises 7 of a railway system (not shown) equipped with a train control system (not shown). The computer 5 includes a verification device (not shown) that can be used to check whether two test values ​​from telegram files are equivalent.

[0027] The following describes how the balise 7 can be automatically programmed using the programming device 1 according to the invention in the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures.

[0028] First, the balise 7 and the programming device 2 are positioned in the predetermined programming positions in the receiving device 6 on the programming device 2 and in the receiving device 14 on the base frame 3, respectively. These programming positions are selected such that the optical sensors 8 of the camera unit 4 are at an optimal distance from the identification elements 9 of the balise 7 in order to create an image of the identification elements 9. The identification elements 9 are each designed as plates permanently attached to the balise 7, displaying character sequences. The identification elements 9 are configured differently from one another, for example, one as the balise ID and the other as the serial number of the balise 7.

[0029] Once the balise 7 is positioned, the automatic programming process is started. This can be done, for example, by entering a command on computer 5.

[0030] Subsequently, an image of both identification devices 9 is simultaneously created using the camera device 4 and transmitted from the camera device 4 to the computer 5. Based on the image(s), the serial number and the balise ID of the corresponding balise 7 are automatically determined using text recognition, for example, via an OCR procedure. Simultaneous capture of both identification devices 9 ensures that both identification devices 9 belong to the same balise.

[0031] In project database 11, computer 5 checks whether the determined balise ID and serial number belong to the same balise 7 in project database 11. If so, a corresponding telegram file is retrieved from project database 11 and transmitted to programming device 2. In addition to the railway operational information to be transferred, such as position data, the retrieved telegram file also contains a check value, in particular a hash value, such as MD4. This check value is temporarily stored on computer 5.

[0032] Subsequently, the computer 5 initiates the transmission of the telegram file determined for the balise 7 through the programming device 2 and carries it out accordingly.

[0033] After the completed transfer of the determined telegram file to the Balise 7, a programming check of the Balise 7 is initiated. For this purpose, the programming device 2 first reads the telegram file now stored on the Balise 7 and transmits it to computer 5. The read telegram file also contains a check value. This check value is compared by the verification unit of computer 5 with the stored check value. If the two check values ​​match, it is ensured that the correct telegram file has been uploaded to the Balise 7.

[0034] After successful programming of the Balise 7, computer 5 can generate and save a test log containing various information such as the programming and test times and the images of the captured identification means 9. This test log can be saved on computer 5 and read out again at a later time.

[0035] If the verification device of computer 5 does not detect a match between the two test values, no test report is issued, but rather an error message.

Claims

1. Method for automatically programming a balise (7) of a train control system, in which at least one identification means (9) of the balise (7) is automatically recorded, in which a telegram file assigned to the balise (7) is determined in a project database (11) on the basis of the recorded identification means (9), in which a check value, in particular a hash value, of the telegram file determined in the project database (11) is temporarily stored, in which the determined telegram file is transferred to the balise (7), in which, after the transfer has taken place, a telegram file is automatically read from the balise (7), in which a match between the transferred telegram file and the read telegram file is automatically checked by whether a check value, in particular a hash value, of the read telegram file is equal to the temporarily stored check value.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized by the fact thatWhen the identification means (9) is detected, an image of an optically recognizable identification means (9) arranged on the outside of the balise (7) is generated and a string of characters of the identification means (9) is determined on the basis of the image.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that two different means of identification (9) of the balise (7) are essentially detected simultaneously.

4. Method according to one of the above claims, characterized by the fact that If the test values ​​match, a test report is generated and saved.

5. Method according to claim 4, characterized by the fact that The test report lists at least one recorded identification means (9) of the balise (7).

6. Method according to any of the above claims, characterized by the fact that If the test values ​​do not match, an error message is issued.

7. Programming device (1) for automatically programming a balise (7) of a train control system, comprising at least one acquisition device for automatically acquiring at least one identification means (9) of the balise (7), comprising at least one project database (11) with at least one telegram file assigned to the balise (7), which can be determined on the basis of the acquired identification means (9) of the balise (7), comprising at least one storage device for temporarily storing at least one check value, in particular a hash value, of the telegram file determined in the project database (11), comprising at least one transmission device (12) for transferring the determined telegram file to the balise (7), comprising at least one read device (13) for automatically reading a telegram file from the balise (7), and comprising at least one verification device.which is thereby designed to automatically check whether a check value, in particular a hash value, of the read telegram file is equivalent to the cached check value.

8. Programming device (1) according to claim 7, characterized by the fact that the programming device (1) is designed to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

9. Programming device (1) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized by the fact that the programming device (1) comprises at least one receiving device (6, 14) in which the balise (7) and / or a programming device can be arranged in a predetermined position.

10. Programming device (1) according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized by the fact thatthe programming device (1) comprises at least two separate detection means, in particular a camera device (4) with two separate optical sensors (8), which are designed to detect at least two identification means (9) of the balise (7) essentially simultaneously.

11. Computer program product comprising program instructions for carrying out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

12. Computer program product that can be directly loaded into the internal memory of a computer (5) and comprises program instructions for carrying out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6 when the product is running on the computer (5).

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