Computer-implemented method for producing measurement data relating to a railroad network or vehicles traveling on a track - Patents.com

Abstract

A computer-implemented method for generating measurement data relating to a railway network or to vehicles traveling on a track, comprising: determining measurement values ​​using sensors located on the vehicles or on the track; requesting from a computation unit located on the vehicle time values ​​describing a time instant t and / or position values ​​describing a position and / or a measurement pattern by a sensor computation unit in communication with the sensors; transmitting the time values ​​and / or position values ​​and / or measurement pattern from the computation unit to the sensor computation unit; assigning the measurement values ​​to the time values ​​or position values ​​or measurement pattern by the sensor computation unit, whereby the time values ​​and / or position values ​​and / or measurement pattern describe measurement times or measurement positions; and storing the measurement data comprising the measurement values ​​and the time values ​​and / or position values ​​and / or measurement pattern in a database.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] The present invention relates to a computer-implemented method for producing measurement data relating to a railway network, or to vehicles traveling on a track, where measurements are obtained using sensors located on the vehicles or on the track.

[0003] The term railway network can be understood as essentially a body of track including rails and sleepers laid in the body of track, together with switches, overhead lines, overhead poles and other equipment. The term railway network can also include the surrounding environment of the body of track. It may be a measurement space in which the question of the definition of the term railway network can be answered, this measurement space around the sensors being describable by the measurements determined by the sensors.

[0004] The term vehicle includes any vehicle capable of moving on a track. A vehicle may be, for example, a locomotive, a freight car, an inspection car or a measuring wheel.

[0005] A vehicle may be capable of moving on a path not established by a trajectory. A vehicle may be, for example, a drone, an airborne object, or a car traveling on a road.

[0006] The sensors may be arranged in a fixed position on the track or may be arranged non-fixedly on the vehicle.

[0007] The sensors arranged on the track detect measurements, which describe the current state of the track or the state of the track over a measurement period. The sensors arranged on the track can determine, for example, measurements related to the deformation and / or acceleration and / or force states of the track and parts of the track, such as rails. The sensors arranged on the vehicle can determine, for example, measurements related to the acceleration and / or motion states, such as the energy consumption of the vehicle and parts of the vehicle. The measurements given here by way of example should in no way be understood as limiting.

[0008] One skilled in the art can select appropriate sensors to determine a desired measurement of a track or vehicle, or a portion of a track or a portion of a vehicle.

[0009] The method according to the invention is in principle also applicable to measurements made by several sensors.

[0010] The technical problem of the invention disclosed herein is to provide a method for producing synchronized measurements. The technical problem of the invention disclosed herein is to provide a method for producing measurements that are synchronized in particular with respect to time and / or location, so that these measurements are comparable. This method allows an unambiguous and sufficiently accurate assignment of the measurements to the measurement location.

[0011] The above mentioned technical problem is solved by claim 1. The solution of the method according to the invention is that the measurement values ​​are linked to a unique time and / or position value. This solution can be realised in different ways, which are explained hereinafter.

[0012] In the solution presented hereinafter, it is assumed that a measurement made by a sensor at a time instant t is linked to a unique time value set by a unique calculation unit.

[0013] When the method according to the invention is applied to several sensors, a unique time value set by the calculation unit is linked to the measurements made by these sensors at the instant t.

[0014] The statement that there is a unique time value describing a time point t is understood to mean that in the method according to the invention, the time point t is described by a unique time value. The time value can be increased by a time increment to describe a period, in which case there is always only one time value at each time point t+1. The time point t is described by one unique time value, whereas another time point t+1 or t-1 is described by another unique time value. These unique time values ​​are output by a unique calculation unit.

[0015] According to the invention, this is achieved in that the sensor computing unit, which is in communication with the sensor, requests a unique time value describing the instant t from a computing unit arranged in the vehicle and transmits this time value from the computing unit to the sensor computing unit, where the measured value is assigned to the unique time value describing the instant t, whereby this time value describes the measurement instant or measurement position, and the measurement data comprising this measured value and the time value are stored in a database.

[0016] The basic technical solution of the method according to the invention assumes that, unlike the methods according to the prior art, the sensor time values ​​set by the individual sensors are not treated as relevant time values, which are not accurate enough, since according to the prior art these sensor measurements are not tied to selected, essentially arbitrary, untraceable time values ​​or are subject to fluctuations due to the operation of the sensors.

[0017] In particular, when performing measurements with multiple sensors, the processing of multiple sensor time values ​​describing a time instant t, set by the sensor time values ​​of individual sensors or groups of sensors, can lead to measurements that were actually performed at the same time being introduced into the method as measurements performed at different times, since the sensor time values ​​output by the individual sensors are different.

[0018] In the solution according to the invention, it is assumed that the measured value is linked to a unique time value, set by a calculation unit, describing the instant t. A person skilled in the art can design this one calculation unit, if necessary, such that the time value output from this one calculation unit is sufficiently accurate. Configuring the generation of the individual sensor time values ​​sufficiently accurately would be a complex and simply unfeasible process compared to configuring the only time value output from this calculation unit sufficiently accurately. The method according to the invention therefore has the technical effect of efficiency.

[0019] The above description of the advantageous effects of the method according to the invention essentially relates to a vehicle with a calculation unit. This technical effect of efficiency can also be obtained in another sense when there are several vehicles and a calculation unit is arranged on each vehicle. For example, in the case of several vehicles, the advantageous efficiency can also be obtained by the fact that only exactly this number of calculation units need to be controlled so that a sufficiently accurate output of the time values ​​is achieved. These measurement data generated by the individual vehicles or by the individual calculation units can be compared.

[0020] According to the general teaching, a position in a railway network can be determined via a time value t. By linking a measurement to a unique time value that describes the instant t sufficiently accurately, it is possible to determine the measured position sufficiently accurately. In some cases, the determination of the position can be supplemented by other methods according to the prior art, in particular by using the time value.

[0021] The linking of the time value with the measurement value may be configured such that the sensor computing unit controlling the sensor requests a possibly unique time value from the computing unit and, after transmission of the unique time value from the computing unit to the sensor computing unit, links this time value to the measurement value.

[0022] The measurement values ​​thus produced are independent of the sensor time values ​​possibly produced by the sensor. The method following the method according to the invention can have the feature that the set time values ​​are processed only by the calculation unit.

[0023] The output of a unique time value by the calculation unit and the association of the measured values ​​with the unique time value allows for the synchronization of these measured values.

[0024] When considering one sensor, the synchronization of multiple measurements at individual time points in a period that includes multiple time points is possible.

[0025] When considering several sensors, it is possible to synchronize the determination of a first measurement value determined by a first sensor with the determination of a second measurement value determined by a second sensor, and to compare the first and second measurements determined at a time t described by a unique time value.

[0026] The method according to the invention is further not limited to sensors that output a sensor time value together with the measurement value: the method according to the invention can be implemented independently of the characteristics of the sensor that outputs a sensor time value.

[0027] According to general teaching, sensors are known which output a sensor time value in addition to the measured value. From the viewpoint of the inventor, it is precisely this sensor time value that is not accurate enough for railway-specific application processing, and therefore it is proposed to combine the measured value with a time value generated by a calculation unit. The sensor time value generated by the sensor is essentially of no importance when the method according to the invention is applied. This sensor time value may be erased when the method according to the invention is carried out. However, the measurement data may also include the sensor time value.

[0028] The method according to the invention is potentially distinguished by a high efficiency: a step of synchronizing the sensor time values ​​can be omitted, since the individual sensor time values ​​are not synchronized, but rather the measurement values ​​are linked to a unique time value that is set centrally by the calculation unit and describes the instant t.

[0029] The advantageous effects of the method according to the invention are explained on the basis of the example of determining the position of a vehicle in a railway network, which the skilled person can also obtain by application in sensors other than the sensors for determining the position, so that the advantageous effects are also obtained for the operation of these different sensors.

[0030] According to the general teaching, the position of a vehicle in a railway network can be determined by means of a number of sensors. Matching of individual position values ​​determined via individual sensors or derivable from individual measurements is performed under application of prior art methods, which allows the vehicle's position to be determined sufficiently accurately. However, these methods are not sufficiently accurate in the view of the inventor of the method discussed herein, since all these prior art methods are based on the position determination under the use of individual sensor time values ​​of individual sensors. The individual sensor time values, according to the inventor's experience, have time differences, which make the prior art position determination methods inaccurate.

[0031] A possible application of the method according to the invention for localization of a vehicle is that the measurements determined by the sensors for localization are assigned a unique time value set by the calculation unit. Thus, all measurements for localization determined by several sensors or by one sensor are assigned a unique time value. With reference to the description herein, this assignment of a unique time value also includes the creation of a measurement at a time t that is defined in the method according to the invention only by a unique time value.

[0032] When a sensor is used, it is ensured that the measurement values ​​are determined with this one sensor at the times t, t+n (where n=1, 2, 3...) set by the calculation unit. When several sensors are used, the above-mentioned time differences are prevented.

[0033] When applying the method according to the invention, the vehicle localization can be performed more accurately.

[0034] The solution according to the invention is obtained in that a unique position value describing the position is requested from a calculation unit arranged in the vehicle by a sensor calculation unit communicating with the sensor and this position value is transmitted from the calculation unit to the sensor calculation unit, whereupon the measured value is assigned to the position value in the sensor calculation unit, whereby this position value describes the measurement position and the measurement data comprising this measurement value as well as time values ​​and / or position values ​​and / or measurement patterns are stored.

[0035] According to general teachings, various methods are known for determining positions in a railway network, which provide different forms of position data. The determination of the position data is not part of the method according to the invention. Reference is made here to the relevant prior art.

[0036] Similar to the unique time values ​​described above, a unique position value describes a unique position. Further unique position values ​​describe further unique positions.

[0037] As with the unique time value, the measurement value can be linked to a unique position value set by the calculation unit, whereby the above-mentioned problem underlying the invention disclosed herein is solved in a similar manner.

[0038] A user can see all of the above methods of linking a measurement or multiple measurements to a unique time value or a unique position value together. The measurement data thus created may include a measurement or multiple measurements, a time value, and a position value.

[0039] The above-mentioned association of a measured value or a number of measured values ​​with a unique time value is configured in such a way that a measured value determined at a time t described by the unique time value is assigned to this unique time value. Additionally or alternatively, a unique position value describing a position can be assigned to the measured value or a number of measured values.

[0040] According to a general teaching, the determination of measurements at time instants t1, t2...tn (where n=1, 2, 3...) or at measurement locations can be described by a measurement pattern.

[0041] The solution according to the invention is obtained in that a unique measurement pattern is requested from a calculation unit arranged in the vehicle by the sensor calculation unit, which is in communication with the sensor, and this measurement pattern is transmitted from the calculation unit to the sensor calculation unit, whereby the measured values ​​are assigned to the measurement pattern, whereby this measurement pattern describes the measurement time or measurement position, and measurement data comprising this measurement value as well as time values ​​and / or position values ​​and / or the measurement pattern are stored.

[0042] The measurement pattern may comprise information at which time points t1, t2...tn (with n=1, 2, 3...) and / or at which locations measurements were determined by the sensors. By central setting of the unique measurement pattern by the calculation unit, it is achieved that a measurement value by one sensor or multiple measurement values ​​by multiple sensors are only made according to the unique measurement pattern. This includes that only measurement data is stored in the database, which measurement data comprises only a measurement value made according to the unique measurement pattern or multiple measurement values ​​made according to the unique measurement pattern.

[0043] The above description includes method steps in which unique time values ​​and / or unique position values ​​and / or unique measurement patterns are queried by the sensor computing unit from the computing unit. This method step can also be omitted.

[0044] Using the methods according to the prior art, the position of the vehicle on the track can be determined sufficiently accurately via time and / or position values. The determination of the position of the calculation unit may be determined particularly accurately if the determination of the position of the vehicle is performed via this very calculation unit and the processed time values ​​are sufficiently accurate. The latter can be achieved and generated by the output of time values ​​by the calculation unit. The setting of only one time value and / or only one position value and / or only one measurement pattern by the calculation unit and the determination of the position by a further calculation unit may lead to inaccuracies that are easy to avoid, since operational variations or latencies between the calculation units used may occur.

[0045] The method according to the invention has the technical advantage that the position of the sensor and thus the measurement position at which the measurement is performed can be determined sufficiently accurately, since this determination takes place via values ​​or mathematical functions output by the calculation unit, in particular via time values ​​and / or position values ​​and / or measurement patterns output by the calculation unit.

[0046] The time values ​​and / or position values ​​and / or patterns set by the calculation unit are not relevant for the timing control of the sensors.

[0047] The method according to the invention may be characterized in that the time value is generated according to a network protocol, for example the Network Time Protocol (NTP), the Precision Time Protocol (PTP), etc., or according to a set time format.

[0048] The unique time value may be present in different time formats, in which case the unique point in time is set centrally by the calculation unit in different formats. The step of requesting a time value as described above implies that the sensor calculation unit requests the time value in the required time format.

[0049] The method according to the invention may have the feature that the measurement data comprises a uniform time format.

[0050] These measurement data can be stored in the above-mentioned format together with the time values. Converting the time format contained in the measurement data to a unified time format does not affect the above-mentioned operation of the method according to the invention, since the time values ​​are not changed by the change of the time format.

[0051] The method according to the invention may be characterized in that the position values ​​are relative position information in a track network and / or absolute position information and / or position information defined according to an associated standard.

[0052] The method according to the invention may be characterized in that the measurement pattern comprises information on the calculation of the measurement values ​​per period, or on the measurement locations at which the measurement values ​​were determined, or on the calculation of the measurement values ​​over a distance travelled by the vehicle.

[0053] The measurement pattern may comprise a mathematical function of which time values ​​and / or positions the measurements are taken at, where this time value and / or position is set centrally by a calculation unit. There is only one time value or one position.

[0054] The method according to the invention may be characterized in that it matches a reference time value at a time t with a unique time value and, if appropriate, minimizes the time difference between this time value and the reference time value by successively modifying, in accordance with mathematical teachings, the time increment of the time value subsequent to the time t during an adjustment period.

[0055] The proposed method of matching and also aligning a time value with a reference time value can essentially be implemented independently of the above-mentioned association of a measurement value or a number of measurements with a unique time value or a unique position value or a unique measurement pattern. The method of matching and also aligning a time value with a reference time value can be implemented as an independent method.

[0056] The reference time values ​​may be defined, for example, by atomic clocks, which may be interrogable via data communication means according to the general teaching. Since such interrogation is not possible at all locations of the railway network, a permanent match between the time values ​​and the atomic time is not possible. Time differences may therefore occur. The alignment of the time values ​​in the adjustment periods is explained on the basis of the figures in the following description of the figures.

[0057] The method according to the invention may be characterized in that the change in the time increment is performed linearly or according to a mathematical function, where the method according to the prior art is applicable.

[0058] The method according to the invention can also be characterized independently of the method for producing synchronized measurement values ​​described above, in that the sensor identification is read out from the sensor by the sensor calculation unit and this sensor identification is transmitted to the calculation unit.

[0059] The reading out of the sensor identification and its transmission to the computing unit can be carried out as an independent method, which makes it possible to prevent the sensor from being exchanged by unauthorized persons.

[0060] The method according to the invention may be characterized in that an improved measurement value is produced from a first measurement value determined by a first sensor and a second measurement value determined by a second sensor, the improved measurement value being determined by averaging the first and second measurement values ​​or by interpolating between the first and second measurement values.

[0061] The method according to the present invention may be characterized in that improved measurement data is generated from first measurement data comprising measurement values ​​made by a first sensor at a time specified by a unified time format and second measurement data comprising measurement values ​​made by a second sensor at a time specified by a unified time format, the improved measurement data being determined by averaging the first measurement data and the second measurement data or by interpolating between the first measurement data and the second measurement data.

[0062] The first sensor and the second sensor may be different sensors.

[0063] The above-mentioned first sensor and the above-mentioned second sensor may for example relate to the same sensor for which measurements are taken at different times. With reference to known methods, in particular in a calibration run, the first sensor and the second sensor may relate to the same sensor.

[0064] The above-mentioned method steps may also relate to a comparison of a first measurement value or first measurement data with a second measurement value or second measurement data, where these measurement values ​​or measurement data are determined via different measurement methods or measurement systems.

[0065] Basically, improved measurement data are generated from the first and second measurement data, where any differences between the first and second measurement data are interpolated or smoothed according to mathematical methods known from the prior art. The simplest form of such mathematical smoothing is the formation of an average value from the two measurement values ​​without taking into account the individual measurement values. This average value formation can be supplemented by a first weighting of the first measurement value and a second weighting of the second measurement value.

[0066] The method according to the invention may have the feature of matching the measured value with reference measurements describing the reference object and assigning the measured value to the reference object under a specified degree of similarity.

[0067] The term measurement value mentioned above can be understood as one measurement value or multiple measurements value at a point in time and / or as a time or spatial development of the measurement values ​​over a period of time that can be described by means of a mathematical function that can be determined under the application of general teachings.

[0068] The method according to the invention may be characterized in that it assigns a centrally determined time value or a centrally determined position value to one measured value or to several measured values ​​(or vice versa).The method according to the invention may be characterized in that it assigns several measured values ​​to several centrally determined time values ​​or to several centrally determined position values ​​(or vice versa).

[0069] A measurement value that is assigned to one or more time points or locations is at least more accurate with respect to the assignment mentioned, and possible inaccuracies in the determined measurement value are reduced.

[0070] Correspondingly, the reference measurement value can be understood as a reference measurement value determined at a reference time and / or a time or spatial development of the reference measurement value in a reference period, which can also be described within the scope of the general teaching.

[0071] Thus, each match between the measured value and the reference measured value or between the measured data and the reference measured data is more accurate.

[0072] In the railway industry, the time and / or location development of the measurement values ​​with the time and / or location development of the reference time values ​​is applied, by way of example and therefore without limitation, when locating objects in the railway network. For example, the location can be carried out via a match between the time and / or location development of the measurement values ​​related to the gauge and the corresponding reference measurement values. The above-mentioned measurements related to the gauge are mentioned here only by way of example and without limitation as measurements suitable for locating. In addition or alternatively to the measurements related to the gauge, measurements such as GPS signals can also be used according to the general teaching.

[0073] By centrally setting the time values ​​as described above, the required measurements can be determined more accurately at a point in time. Furthermore, the temporal and / or spatial evolution of the measurements can be determined more accurately. Subsequent methods, such as localization, based on methods based on a comparison of the measurements with reference measurements, can be performed more accurately overall, since the calculation of the measurements is less susceptible to inaccuracies.

[0074] The above description relates to measured and reference measured data, those skilled in the art can also apply this description to the processing of measured and reference measured data.

[0075] The method according to the invention may further comprise the feature of matching the measurement data with reference measurement data describing a reference object and assigning the measurement data to the reference object under a specified degree of similarity.

[0076] According to the above definition, measurement data differs from measurement data in that measurement data comprises in addition to one or more measurement values ​​time values ​​and / or position values ​​and / or measurement patterns.

[0077] The invention will be further explained based on the following illustrated embodiments. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0078] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 shows an arrangement in a vehicle for carrying out the method according to the invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 4 illustrates a further embodiment of the method according to the invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 illustrates a further embodiment of the method according to the invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 illustrates a further embodiment of the method according to the invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 illustrates a further embodiment of the method according to the invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 illustrates a further embodiment of the method according to the invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 illustrates the technical operation of the method according to the invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 illustrates a further embodiment of the method according to the invention.

[0079] It should be noted that the illustrated embodiments only show possible embodiments, and the present invention is not limited to these specific illustrated implementation variations, but also possible combinations of individual implementation variations and combinations of the embodiments with the general description above. These other possible combinations do not need to be explicitly mentioned, because these other possible combinations are within the capabilities of a person skilled in the art based on the teachings of the technical acts of the present invention.

[0080] The scope of protection is specified by the claims. However, the description and the drawings should be taken into account for interpreting the claims. Individual features or combinations of features of the different embodiments shown and described may themselves be independent inventive solutions. The problem underlying the independent inventive solution is described in the description.

[0081] In these figures, the following elements are labeled with the reference numbers previously described: 1 Computing Unit 2 (unallocated) 3,4,5 Sensors in Vehicles 6 Sensors in orbit 7 orbit 8,9 Graphs of measurements according to the prior art 10, 11 Graphs relating to measured values ​​according to the method according to the invention 12,13 Reference graph 14 period

[0082] A method according to the invention for generating measurement data based on a track processing machine is presented. The measured values ​​processed in this way describe a railway network or a vehicle running on a track. The measured values ​​can be determined by sensors 3, 4, 5 arranged on the vehicle or by a sensor 6 arranged on the track 7.

[0083] In Fig. 1, sensors 3, 4, 5 are exemplarily arranged on the vehicle. The sensors 3, 4, 5 arranged on the vehicle can determine, for example, measurements related to the positioning of the vehicle in the rail network. In the following description, even if reference is made to sensors for determining measurements related to the positioning of the vehicle, the sensors can also provide measurement data which are incorporated into the control of the (partial) equipment on the vehicle, even for the calculation of measurements for determining the relative or absolute position of a piece of equipment. The method according to the invention is not limited to the relevant measurements or to the positioning of such sensors.

[0084] The method according to the invention is also applicable to sensors 6 placed in orbit 7 .

[0085] The method according to the invention is applicable to prior art sensors for determining relevant measurements in the railway industry.

[0086] A time value describing the instant t is requested from the calculation unit 1 arranged in the vehicle by a sensor calculation unit (not shown in FIG. 1) which is in communication with the sensor. In the method according to the invention, only one time value describing the instant t is transmitted from the calculation unit 1 to the sensor calculation unit. By means of the sensor calculation unit, the measured values ​​made by the sensors 3, 4, 5 are assigned to time values. Furthermore, the measurement data can be determined in accordance with the above description.

[0087] The sensor 3 is, for example, a sensor for determining the distance traveled by the vehicle. According to general teaching, from the distance traveled the position of the vehicle in the rail network can be calculated.

[0088] The sensor 4 is for example a sensor for determining the track gauge, the change in track gauge over time being, according to the prior art, an input parameter for vehicle localization.

[0089] Sensor 5 is a GPS sensor, which, in conjunction with the availability of a GPS signal, allows localization of the vehicle.

[0090] According to the general teaching, the position of the vehicle at a time t can be determined from the above-mentioned exemplary measurement values ​​and / or from the time evolution of these measurement values. However, this presupposes that the individual measurement signals are actually determined at a unique time t. The method according to the invention achieves this exclusively by creating a unique time value, which in the method according to the invention describes the time t. By exclusively creating the measurement value with a time value describing this time value and by linking the measurement value to this unique time value, time differences in the creation of the measurement values ​​are prevented.

[0091] A possible embodiment of the method according to the invention is shown in figure 2, in which the essential components for carrying out the method according to the invention are also indicated.

[0092] The arrangement of components for implementing the method according to the invention comprises at least one sensor for determining measured values, a sensor calculation unit and a calculation unit. Only the basic structure and the basic arrangement of the mentioned components are shown in Fig. 2. The disclosure of the present invention does not exclude that the mentioned components can also be integrated in one or more electronic components.

[0093] Measurements describing the state of the track or the vehicle are determined by sensors. The user may use sensors according to the prior art to implement the method according to the invention.

[0094] The sensors can be arranged, for example, on the vehicles and can determine measurements relating to the state of the vehicles or the rail network, as well as on the track and can determine measurements relating to the state of the rail network, in particular the roadbed or the vehicles, as sensors arranged exactly there.

[0095] At least one measurement value and possibly a sensor time value are transmitted to a sensor calculation unit. If the sensor is located on the vehicle, this data transmission is preferably, but not exclusively, performed via a cabled network after the sensor calculation unit is also located on the vehicle. If the sensor is located on the track, this data transmission is preferably performed wirelessly, in particular cabled data transmission is not feasible. The used forms and paths of data transmission, in particular cabled data transmission forms such as cables, switches, etc., are preferably standardized to prevent latency between data transmission paths. Essentially, a person skilled in the art can, with his or her expertise, establish suitable data transmission means and design the established data transmission to be less susceptible to disturbances such as latency.

[0096] The method according to the invention allows the use of sensors which provide a sensor time value in addition to the measured value or which do not provide a sensor time value. The characteristics of the sensors which can provide a sensor time value are not important for the method according to the invention.

[0097] The method according to the invention may include a method step in which the sensor calculation unit requests a time value from the calculation unit. During this request, the characteristics of the requested time value are specified so that this time value is present in the required time format for further data processing. This is done according to the general teachings on the definition of communication protocols, for example the Network Time Protocol (NTP) or the Precision Time Protocol (PTP).

[0098] The calculation unit transmits the time value to the sensor calculation unit, taking into account the necessary communication protocol. This transmitted time value is the only relevant time value during the implementation of the method according to the invention. During the implementation of the method according to the invention, no further time values ​​are processed in a relevant manner. That is to say, these further time values, such as, for example, sensor time values, do not influence further method steps and in particular do not have a significant effect on the synchronization of the measured values, which can be achieved by the method according to the invention.

[0099] The computing unit may be controlled such that in a communication protocol requested by the sensor computing unit, the computing unit provides a time value, the characteristics of which may be adapted to each query.

[0100] The calculation unit may be controlled such that it provides the time values ​​in a fixed format.

[0101] In the sensor calculation unit, the measured values ​​are combined with time values. The measurement data generated from this is transmitted to a calculation unit and, if necessary, stored in a database. The database is not shown in FIG.

[0102] A computational unit may contain several units, each having a separate task (pattern, database, ...).

[0103] In connection with the above explanation regarding the presence of the further time value, it should be noted that the measurement data can essentially include a sensor time value, but the sensor time value is no longer relevant during the basic implementation of the method according to the invention or the subsequent methods, which can also be implemented without the sensor time value being the further time value.

[0104] Since further time values, such as the sensor time value, are not important when carrying out the method according to the present invention, the sensor time value can be erased or the measurement data can be configured so that it only contains the measurement value and the time value.

[0105] Fig. 2 shows an arrangement in which only one sensor 10 is connected to the sensor computing unit 1 and only one sensor 20 is connected to the sensor computing unit 2. This exemplary arrangement does not exclude an arrangement of multiple sensors with each sensor computing unit. In this sense, multiple sensor computing units may be connected to one computing unit, which in turn is connected to one sensor or multiple sensors. Fig. 2 shows an exemplary connection of two sensor computing units to one computing unit.

[0106] According to a general teaching, sensors may require time values ​​in different formats, in particular as defined by the communication protocol. With reference to Fig. 2, processing of the measured values ​​of sensor 10 requires time values ​​in NTP format, while processing of the measured values ​​of sensor 20 requires PTP time values. The time protocols mentioned here are to be understood as merely exemplary. Generally, processing of the measured values ​​of the sensors may require a set time format. Time values ​​are created in the computation unit and transmitted to the sensor computation unit in the required format.

[0107] The measurement data may include a unified time format. The association of the measurement value with a unique time value that may exist in different time formats allows the measurement data to be stored in a unified time format.

[0108] The method step of querying the time values ​​may be omitted, as explained above in the general description. Within the framework of the disclosure of the present invention, it is also possible for the time values ​​to which the measurements are assigned to be set by a central computing unit. This setting may be, for example, a timing control or a measurement pattern or a number of time values.

[0109] Timing control is understood to mean taking multiple measurements over a period of time. In the case of a measurement pattern, the multiple measurements over a period of time are represented by a mathematical function.

[0110] FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a method according to the invention, in which the sensor computation unit does not interrogate time values.

[0111] The above description concerns the calculation of the measurement values ​​per period. Similarly, the calculation of the measurement values ​​per distance interval can be defined. The calculation of the measurement values ​​per distance interval can be defined, for example, by a distance measuring wheel or another sensor as well as a position determination system.

[0112] Fig. 4 shows a further embodiment of the method according to the invention. The implementation possibilities of the method shown according to Fig. 4 are not limited to the above-mentioned combination of measurements, possibly from multiple sensors, with a unique time value (see Fig. 2). The method shown in Fig. 4 can be regarded as a possible advantageous effect of the above-mentioned method of combining measurements, possibly from multiple sensors, with a unique time value. The method described in Fig. 4 can also be implemented as an independent method.

[0113] A time value is generated by a calculation unit. However, the time value output by the calculation unit may differ from a reference time, such as, for example, atomic clock time. The user can solve the problem that arises here of preventing such time differences by matching the time value with a reference time value. Preferably, this matching is performed permanently in order to prevent time differences from occurring. However, such a matching requires a data connection between the calculation unit and the unit that generates the reference time, which is only present to a very limited extent in the railway industry. Such a data connection does not exist, for example, in tunnels.

[0114] 4 includes a diagram in which the time values ​​set by the calculation unit are plotted on the x-axis and the reference time values ​​are plotted on the y-axis. The graph representing the time difference between the time values ​​and the reference time transitions in the absence of a time difference through the zero point and has a slope of 1:1.

[0115] The method shown in FIG. 4 can be divided into the following phases, not all of which are part of the method according to the invention:

[0116] In phase 1, the reference time value and the time value coincide. The graph (or its line) extends through the zero point and has a slope of 1:1.

[0117] In phase 2, a time difference occurs between the reference time value and the time value. The graph (solid line) deviates from the dashed line showing the agreement between the reference time value and the time value. In the method shown in FIG. 4, the time value increases in smaller time increments compared to the reference time value. Therefore, the graph extends below the dashed line in phase 2. The graph extends with a smaller slope compared to the dashed line in phase 2.

[0118] For example, it is assumed that in phase 2 there is no data connection between the calculation unit that outputs the time value and the unit that outputs the reference time, and therefore no time difference can be ascertained. At the transition from phase 2 to phase 3, this time difference can be ascertained. This time difference is shown in FIG. 4 by the distance of the graph from the dashed line.

[0119] In phase 3, the time values ​​are aligned to the reference time in a "sliding" manner under application of the method according to the invention. This "sliding" alignment can be performed under application of a method according to the general teachings. By way of example and without limitation, mention may be made here of the method RFC5905, described for example on the website http: / / www.ntp.org / . Phase 4, which follows phase 3, is characterized in that only one time value coincides with the reference time.

[0120] The advantageous effect of the method according to the invention is also explained as follows: the prior art method is based on linking the measured values ​​determined by the individual sensors to individual sensor time values. Since each individual sensor time value may have a time difference with respect to a reference time, the individual time values ​​of the individual sensors have to be aligned by an individual, separate method similar to the above-mentioned method. In the case of a large number of sensors and when a large number of time differences occur at different times, a large number of alignments of the sensor time values ​​to the reference time value must be performed, which therefore cannot be tracked by a person skilled in the art anymore.

[0121] In contrast to this, when applying the method according to the invention, only one time value needs to be aligned to a reference time, and in contrast to the above-mentioned methods according to the prior art, this alignment is traceable.

[0122] 5 and 6 show a method for the creation of a measurement value by a sensor, which is linked to a unique time value set by a central computing unit. The communication between the sensor computing unit and the sensor is shown with respect to a time defined by a unique time value. Here, the communication between the sensor computing unit and the sensor with respect to a position defined by a unique position value is considered to be similar.

[0123] Fig. 5 is described as follows: As shown in Fig. 2 and described above, the sensor calculation unit receives a unique time value (or position value). The sensor calculation unit outputs an instruction to the sensor to determine a measurement value at this unique time point (or at this unique position value) and transmit this measurement value to the sensor calculation unit. In the sensor calculation unit, the determined measurement value is linked to the unique time value (or unique position value), possibly under the creation of measurement data. The method shown in Fig. 5 is based on the use of a sensor with unset timing control of the calculation of the measurement values.

[0124] 6 focuses on the use of a sensor with set timing control of the calculation of the measurement value. The sensor calculation unit gives the command to make a measurement value at time T1. Since the timing control and time T1 are coincident, the sensor can determine and transmit a measurement value to the calculation unit at time t1, which is equal to time T1.

[0125] However, it is possible that the timing control and the time T2 do not coincide. Nevertheless, the virtually generated measurement value at the time t2 is transmitted to the calculation unit in order to generate a measurement value at the same time t2 as the time T2 at which the measurement value should be determined according to the command. The virtually generated measurement value at the time t2 is an averaged or interpolated measurement value from a number of measurement values ​​determined in a period including the time T2 equal to t2. In Fig. 6, by way of example, the measurement values ​​generated at the time t2.1 or t2.2 are entered, where the times t2.1 and t2.2 are included in this period.

[0126] Furthermore, from one measurement value and one time value, measurement data including the measurement value and the time value can be generated.

[0127] FIG. 7 shows, inter alia, the technical operation of the method according to the invention within the framework of a match between determined measured values ​​and reference measured values.

[0128] Figure 7 contains three diagrams. Diagram 3 shows the evolution over time of the measured values ​​determined using the prior art method. On the x-axis time is plotted and on the y-axis the measured values ​​are plotted, this principle also applies to diagrams 1 and 2. Diagram 3 contains two graphs 8, 9 which show the measured values ​​determined by the prior art method as a function of time.

[0129] As detailed above, in the prior art methods there is a technical problem that in practice only one time point is described by different time values, which is illustrated in the diagram by the different temporal positions of the time point t1 of graphs 8 and 9 on the time axis x.

[0130] Diagram 2 of Fig. 7 shows the time evolution of measured values ​​produced under application of the method according to the invention, in particular by the assignment of a unique time value describing the time t1. The method according to the invention has the technical effect that the time t1 is described by a unique time value and that only this unique time value is assigned to the measured value. This is shown in diagram 2 of Fig. 7 in that the time t1 of graphs 10 and 11 is assigned to the same position on the x-axis, which is the time axis.

[0131] Diagram 1 includes graphs 12 and 13 as reference measurements.

[0132] A possible technical effect of the description of a point in time t1 by several time values ​​according to the prior art may be that a graph 8, 9 of a certain period 14 cannot be assigned to a reference graph 12, 13 of this period. In the case where the graphs 8, 9 relate to the time evolution of measurements for describing a position, such as GPS signals, track gauges, etc., the vehicle may be located with difficulty or not at all or possibly incorrectly. In the course of the reference graphs 12, 13, it is not possible to find a single period in which the graphs 8, 9 are similar to the two reference graphs 12, 13 with a high degree of similarity.

[0133] Experiments have shown that the graphs 10, 11 of the measurements determined under application of the method according to the invention can be matched at an acceptable cost with the reference graphs 12, 13. In the already mentioned cases where the graphs 10, 11 describe the measurements for localization, the vehicle can be located sufficiently accurately.

[0134] Localization under matching of graphs 8, 9 with reference graphs 12, 13 can only be performed effectively if the time difference between instant t1 of graph 8 and instant t1 of graph 9 is minimized. The process of minimizing such a time difference includes, for example, the identification of such a time difference, which alone is subject to inaccuracies that affect subsequent matching.

[0135] The above description of Figure 7 is directed to the display of measurements or reference measurements as a function of time. Those skilled in the art can apply this description to the display of measurements as a function of position as well.

[0136] In addition to Figures 2 and 3, reference is made to the embodiment of the method according to the invention shown in Figure 8. This embodiment is essentially similar to the embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0137] In the sense of the disclosure of the present invention, the sensor 10, the sensor calculation unit 1 and the calculation unit may be formed as components. The sensor 10 transmits measurement values ​​and sensor time values ​​to the sensor calculation unit 1. The sensor calculation unit 1 transmits the measurement values ​​in the form of measurement data and the sensor time values ​​as time values ​​to the calculation unit.

[0138] The central calculation unit transmits the time values ​​determined from the sensor time values ​​to the sensor calculation unit 2. This method step can be performed as a result of an interrogation of the time values, which is not necessarily necessary, as has been explained in sufficient detail above.

[0139] The method illustrated in FIG. 8 differs from the method described above in that the time values ​​are generated based on the sensor time values.

Claims

1. 1. A computer-implemented method for producing measurement data relating to a rail network, or to vehicles traveling on a track, comprising:

1. A method for determining measurements using sensors located on the vehicle or on the track, comprising the steps of: a sensor calculation unit in communication with the sensor requests from a calculation unit arranged in the vehicle time values ​​describing a time instant t and / or position values ​​describing a position and / or a measurement pattern, and transmits said time values ​​and / or said position values ​​and / or said measurement pattern from said calculation unit to the sensor calculation unit, the sensor calculation unit assigns the measured values ​​to the time values ​​or the position values ​​or the measurement pattern, whereby the time values ​​and / or the position values ​​and / or the measurement pattern describe a measurement time point or a measurement position, storing measurement data comprising said measurement values ​​and said time values ​​and / or said position values ​​and / or said measurement pattern in a database; A method comprising:

2. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the time value is generated according to a network protocol, such as NTP, PTP, or according to a set time format.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the measurement data includes a unified time format.

4. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the position values ​​are relative position information in a rail network and / or absolute position information and / or position information defined according to a relevant standard.

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the measurement pattern includes information regarding the calculation of the measurement value for each period of time.

6. 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising matching said time value with a reference time value at a time t and minimizing the time difference between said time value and said reference time value by modifying the time increment of said time value subsequent to said time t during an adjustment period.

7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the change in the time increment occurs linearly or according to a mathematical function.

8. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a sensor identification is read from the sensor by the sensor computation unit and the sensor identification is transmitted to the computation unit.

9. creating an improved measurement from the first measurement and the second measurement, the improved measurement being determined by averaging the first measurement and the second measurement or by interpolating between the first measurement and the second measurement; and / or 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising the steps of: generating improved measurement data from first measurement data including measurement values ​​made by a first sensor at a time point specified by a unified time format; and second measurement data including measurement values ​​made by a second sensor at a time point specified by a unified time format; and the improved measurement data is calculated by averaging the first measurement data and the second measurement data or by interpolating the first measurement data and the second measurement data.

10. Matching said measurement data with reference measurement data describing a reference object and assigning said measurement data to the reference object under a specified degree of similarity; or 3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, which comprises matching said measurement data with reference measurement data describing a reference object and assigning the measurement data to the reference object under a specified degree of similarity.

Images