Train integration management device and train configuration recognition method

Abstract

A train integration management device (6) comprises: an ETBN (4) that is a communication device mounted on each of the carriages of a train, and that recognizes a carriage constituting the train and transmits train configuration information indicating the configuration of the train; and a central processing device (5) that is mounted on each carriage of the train, and that, if a specified input signal is acquired, or if a change in the configuration of the train is detected on the basis of train configuration information received from an ETBN (4) which is a communication device, performs off-line carriage recognition processing for recognizing, in the train, an off-line carriage for which the power supply is off.

Description

Integrated train management device and train configuration recognition method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an integrated train management device mounted on a train and a train configuration recognition method.

[0002] Conventionally, if an integrated train management system does not accurately grasp the overall length of a train, i.e., the number of cars comprising the train, the information about the cars displayed on the train's display also becomes inaccurate, preventing the crew from correctly recognizing the train's configuration. Furthermore, information about the overall length of a train, i.e., the number of cars comprising the train, is important for accurately grasping the distance to the following train during train operation control. One method for recognizing the train's configuration is to check the network status of a communication device mounted on each car. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for an in-train network control method that can respond to changes in the network configuration, even when trains are coupled or separated.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-267772

[0004] However, with the above-mentioned conventional technology, when offline vehicles with their power turned off are connected to a train, even if the network status of the communication devices installed in each vehicle can be confirmed, there is a problem in that the vehicles that make up the train cannot be correctly identified.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide an integrated train management device that can improve the accuracy of recognizing the number of cars that make up a train.

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objectives, the train integrated management device disclosed herein is characterized by comprising: a communication device that is mounted on each car of the train and recognizes the cars that make up the train and transmits train configuration information that indicates the train configuration; and a central processing unit that is mounted on each car of the train and performs offline vehicle recognition processing to recognize offline cars that are powered off on the train when a specified input signal is acquired or when a change in the train configuration is detected based on the train configuration information received from the communication device.

[0007] The integrated train management device of the present disclosure has the effect of improving the accuracy of recognizing the number of cars that make up a train.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a train on which an integrated train management device according to the first embodiment is installed. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining, as a comparative example, a case in which offline vehicle recognition processing is not performed when a central processing unit detects a change in train configuration based on train configuration information. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the operation performed by a central processing unit according to the first embodiment.

[0009] Hereinafter, an integrated train management device and a train configuration recognition method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0010] First Embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a train 1 equipped with integrated train management devices 6-1 to 6-6 according to a first embodiment. The train 1 is made up of train sets 2-1 to 2-3. The train set 2-1 is made up of cars 3-1 to 3-2, the train set 2-2 is made up of cars 3-3 to 3-4, and the train set 2-3 is made up of cars 3-5 to 3-6. The car 3-1 is equipped with an ETBN (Ethernet (registered trademark) Train Backbone Node) 4-1 and a central processing unit 5-1. The car 3-2 is equipped with an ETBN 4-2 and a central processing unit 5-2. The car 3-3 is equipped with an ETBN 4-3 and a central processing unit 5-3. The car 3-4 is equipped with an ETBN 4-4 and a central processing unit 5-4. The car 3-5 is equipped with an ETBN 4-5 and a central processing unit 5-5. The vehicle 3-6 is equipped with an ETBN 4-6 and a central processing unit 5-6.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the ETBN 4-1 and the central processing unit 5-1 constitute an integrated train management device 6-1, the ETBN 4-2 and the central processing unit 5-2 constitute an integrated train management device 6-2, the ETBN 4-3 and the central processing unit 5-3 constitute an integrated train management device 6-3, the ETBN 4-4 and the central processing unit 5-4 constitute an integrated train management device 6-4, the ETBN 4-5 and the central processing unit 5-5 constitute an integrated train management device 6-5, and the ETBN 4-6 and the central processing unit 5-6 constitute an integrated train management device 6-6. In the following explanation, when formations 2-1 to 2-3 are not distinguished, they will be referred to as formation 2; when cars 3-1 to 3-6 are not distinguished, they will be referred to as car 3; when ETBNs 4-1 to 4-6 are not distinguished, they will be referred to as ETBN 4; when central processing units 5-1 to 5-6 are not distinguished, they will be referred to as central processing unit 5; and when train integrated management units 6-1 to 6-6 are not distinguished, they will be referred to as train integrated management unit 6.

[0012] In the example of Fig. 1, the train 1 is composed of three formations 2, but it may be composed of two or fewer formations 2, or four or more formations 2. Furthermore, although each formation 2 constituting the train 1 is composed of two cars 3, the number of cars 3 constituting each formation 2 may be three or more. Furthermore, the number of cars 3 constituting each formation 2 may be the same for all formations 2, or may be different for each formation 2.

[0013] The formation 2 is the smallest unit of a group of cars required for the train 1 to function properly by itself. The ETBN 4 is a communication device mounted on each car 3 of the train 1, and is a router that performs communication between the cars 3 and between the formations 2. The central processing unit 5 is mounted on each car 3 of the train 1, and monitors and controls the status of the train 1.

[0014] Next, we will explain the operation of the integrated train management device 6 to recognize the number of cars 3 that make up the train 1, i.e., the length of the train 1. In this embodiment, since the length of the cars 3 is known, once the number of cars 3 that make up the train 1 is known, the length of the train 1 can be calculated by multiplying the length of the cars 3 by the number of cars 3 that make up the train 1.

[0015] In the train 1, all of the train integrated management devices 6 may recognize the number of cars 3 constituting the train 1, or, to reduce the processing load on the train 1, the train integrated management devices 6 of one or more specific cars 3 of the train 1 may recognize the number of cars 3 constituting the train 1. The train integrated management devices 6 of the specific cars 3 of the train 1 refer to, for example, the cars 3 at both ends of the train 1, i.e., the train integrated management devices 6 of the car 3 at the leading car of the train 1 and the train integrated management device 6 of the car 3 at the trailing car of the train 1, and in the example of FIG. 1 , these are the train integrated management devices 6-1 and 6-6. The train integrated management device 6 of the specific car 3 of the train 1 may be only one of the train integrated management devices 6-1 and 6-6. However, as shown in FIG. 1 , depending on how the formations 2-1 to 2-3 are connected, the formation 2-2 may be the leading or trailing car of the train 1. Therefore, the cars 3-3 and 3-4 equipped with the train integrated management devices 6-3 and 6-4, respectively, may be the leading or trailing car of the train 1. Therefore, even when the integrated train management device 6 of a specific car 3 of the train 1 performs an operation to recognize the number of cars 3 that make up the train 1, all of the integrated train management devices 6 can perform an operation to recognize the number of cars 3 that make up the train 1. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which all of the integrated train management devices 6 perform an operation to recognize the number of cars 3 that make up the train 1.

[0016] In the train 1, the ETBN 4 can grasp the network configuration of the ETBN 4 by the ETBN 4 of the train 1 by communicating with the ETBN 4 of an adjacent car 3. The ETBN 4 can grasp the presence of the ETBN 4 of an adjacent car 3, for example, by sending and receiving a Hello Message. Note that the method by which the ETBN 4 grasps the network configuration of the ETBN 4 may be any known method, and is not particularly limited. The ETBN 4 monitors the network configuration of the ETBN 4 installed in each car 3 of the train 1, and recognizes the cars 3 that constitute the train 1 based on the network configuration of the ETBN 4. At this time, the ETBN 4 cannot recognize the ETBN 4 of a car 3 that is powered off or a faulty ETBN 4, and therefore detects the network of the ETBN 4 that is operating normally as the ETBN 4 network. The ETBN 4 transmits train configuration information indicating the configuration of the cars 3 of the train 1, which is obtained by grasping the network configuration of the ETBN 4, to the connected central processing unit 5. In this way, the ETBN 4 recognizes the network configuration of the ETBN 4 in the train 1, i.e., the cars 3 that make up the train 1, and transmits train configuration information indicating the configuration of the train 1.

[0017] In addition, the period for monitoring the network configuration of the ETBN 4 installed in each car 3 of the train 1 and the period for transmitting the train configuration information to the central processing unit 5 may be the same or different. The ETBN 4 monitors the network configuration of the ETBN 4 installed in each car 3 of the train 1 at a first period and transmits the train configuration information to the central processing unit 5 at the first period or a second period that is longer than the first period. For example, if the ETBN 4 monitors the network configuration of the ETBN 4 installed in each car 3 of the train 1 at a first period and transmits the train configuration information to the central processing unit 5 at a second period, the ETBN 4 may transmit the train configuration information obtained by monitoring the network configuration of the ETBN 4 installed in each car 3 of the train 1 to the central processing unit 5 once every several times. The first period and the second period can be set by a person in charge of the railway company operating the train 1, a manufacturer of the integrated train management device 6, or the like, taking into consideration the processing load of the integrated train management device 6, but are not limited to this.

[0018] When the central processing unit 5 receives a specified input signal, it performs offline vehicle recognition processing to recognize offline vehicles whose power is off in the train 1. The specified input signal is, for example, a DI (Digital Input) signal. When the central processing unit 5 receives, as an input signal, a signal that is received when the power of the central processing unit 5 is turned on, a signal that is received when a vehicle 3 is separated in the train 1, or a signal that is received when a vehicle 3 is coupled in the train 1, it performs offline vehicle recognition processing.

[0019] The offline vehicle recognition process performed by the central processing unit 5 may be, but is not limited to, a method of recognizing the location of offline vehicles from voltage drop values ​​using a known TCR (Train Configuration Recognition) circuit, as described in documents such as International Publication No. 2009 / 069328. When the central processing unit 5 performs the offline vehicle recognition process using a TCR circuit, it is assumed that the entire train 1 forms a single loop circuit. In this case, multiple central processing units 5 in the train 1 cannot simultaneously perform offline vehicle recognition process using TCR circuits. Therefore, even if multiple train integrated management devices 6 in the train 1 operate to recognize the number of cars 3 constituting the train 1, one central processing unit 5 in the train 1 performs offline vehicle recognition process using a TCR circuit and outputs the results of the offline vehicle recognition process to another central processing unit 5, or multiple central processing units 5 take turns performing offline vehicle recognition process using TCR circuits. When multiple integrated train control devices 6 in a train 1 perform an operation to recognize the number of cars 3 that make up the train 1, this includes cases where all integrated train control devices 6 perform an operation to recognize the number of cars 3 that make up the train 1, as well as cases where the integrated train control devices 6 of specific cars 3 in the train 1 perform an operation to recognize the number of cars 3 that make up the train 1. In a method in which one central processing unit 5 performs offline vehicle recognition processing using a TCR circuit and outputs the results of the offline vehicle recognition processing to another central processing unit 5, the processing time can be shortened. In a method in which multiple central processing units 5 perform offline vehicle recognition processing using TCR circuits in turn, the processing time is longer, but because the results of the offline vehicle recognition processing of each central processing unit 5 can be used, erroneous recognition due to sudden noise, etc. can be eliminated and the accuracy of the offline vehicle recognition processing can be improved.

[0020] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in addition to when the central processing unit 5 receives a specified input signal, when it detects a change in the configuration of the train 1 based on the train configuration information received from the ETBN 4, it performs offline vehicle recognition processing to recognize offline vehicles that are powered off in the train 1. Specifically, when there is a difference between the latest train configuration information received from the ETBN 4 and the previous train configuration information, the central processing unit 5 determines that there has been a change in the configuration of the train 1 and performs offline vehicle recognition processing. When there is no difference between the latest train configuration information received from the ETBN 4 and the previous train configuration information, the central processing unit 5 determines that there has been no change in the configuration of the train 1 and does not perform offline vehicle recognition processing.

[0021] Here, as a comparative example, a case will be described in which the central processing unit 5 does not perform offline vehicle recognition processing when it detects a change in the configuration of the train 1 based on the train configuration information received from the ETBN 4. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining, as a comparative example, a case in which the central processing unit 5 does not perform offline vehicle recognition processing when it detects a change in the configuration of the train 1 based on the train configuration information. Note that FIG. 2 simplifies the illustration compared to FIG. 1 and omits the illustration of the central processing unit 5 and other components, but in reality, it is assumed that the central processing unit 5 is installed in each vehicle 3, as in FIG. 1 . Furthermore, even if the ETBN 4 is faulty or offline, the ETBN 4 is provided with a bypass circuit, so the ETBN 4 can communicate with a normally operating ETBN 4 via the bypass circuit of the faulty or offline ETBN 4.

[0022] In the example of Figure 2, the actual configuration of train 1 is assumed to be the same as in Figure 1, with train sets 2-1 to 2-3, but with train set 2-3 offline and ETBN 4-2 of car 3-2 of train set 2-1 failing, as shown in Figure 2(a). For example, in the state shown in Figure 2(a), ETBN 4-1 recognizes that the network of ETBN 4 is made up of ETBNs 4-1, 4-3, and 4-4. ETBN 4-1 transmits train configuration information to central processing unit 5-1 indicating that the network of ETBN 4 is made up of ETBNs 4-1, 4-3, and 4-4, i.e., that train 1 is made up of cars 3-1, 3-3, and 3-4.

[0023] The central processing unit 5-1 receives train configuration information from the ETBN 4-1. The central processing unit 5-1 recognizes the configuration of train 1 as shown in FIG. 2(b) because the train configuration information received from the ETBN 4-1 indicates that the network of ETBN 4 is made up of ETBNs 4-1, 4-3, and 4-4, i.e., that train 1 is made up of cars 3-1, 3-3, and 3-4, and because the central processing unit 5-1 does not acquire the prescribed input signal even though it detects a change in the configuration of train 1 based on the train configuration information received from the ETBN 4 and therefore does not perform offline vehicle recognition processing. In other words, a difference occurs between the actual configuration of train 1 and the configuration of train 1 recognized by the central processing unit 5.

[0024] For example, if train 1 is traveling toward train set 2-1, train 1 is actually composed of three train sets 2-1, with its tail located at the rear of train set 2-3. However, in the case shown in Figure 2, central processing unit 5-1 mistakenly recognizes train 1 as consisting of two train sets 2-1 and its tail located at the rear of train set 2-2. In such a case, a ground control center (not shown) that manages the operation of train 1 needs to reduce the intervals between trains 1 in order to efficiently operate multiple trains 1 based on the length of train 1 from train 1. However, if a train 1 recognizes its length as shorter than its actual length, the intervals between train 1 and other trains 1 may be shorter than the intervals specified for operation. Furthermore, because the display device in the driver's cab (not shown) of train 1 displays the configuration of train 1 as shown in Figure 2(b), the train 1 crew may make an error in determining whether train 1 has passed a railroad crossing, rail points, etc., or in determining the stopping position of train 1 on the station platform.

[0025] Therefore, in this embodiment, the central processing unit 5 performs offline vehicle recognition processing not only when it acquires a specified input signal, but also when it detects a change in the configuration of the train 1 based on the train configuration information received from the ETBN 4.

[0026] 3 is a diagram for explaining the operation performed by the central processing unit 5 according to the first embodiment. The ETBN 4 updates the train configuration information based on the transmission and reception of Hello Messages at a specified cycle, and transmits the train configuration information to the central processing unit 5. The example in FIG. 3 shows that the ETBN 4 updates and transmits train configuration information #1, #2, and #3 to the central processing unit 5 in this order.

[0027] The central processing unit 5 stores the train configuration information upon receiving it. The central processing unit 5 stores the train configuration information each time it receives it. The central processing unit 5 stores at least two sets of train configuration information. The central processing unit 5 may store three or more sets of train configuration information, but for simplicity of explanation, only the latest train configuration information and the next most recent previous train configuration information are stored here. When the central processing unit 5 newly stores the latest train configuration information, it stores the latest train configuration information that it has stored as the previous train configuration information and discards the previous train configuration information that it has stored.

[0028] When the central processing unit 5 only stores train configuration information #1, there is no train configuration information to compare with train configuration information #1, so it does nothing. When the central processing unit 5 stores train configuration information #2, which is the latest train configuration information, and train configuration information #1, which is the previous train configuration information, it compares train configuration information #2 with train configuration information #1 and determines whether there is a difference between them. When the central processing unit 5 compares train configuration information #2 with train configuration information #1 and determines whether there is a difference between them, it does not perform offline vehicle recognition processing. When the central processing unit 5 stores train configuration information #3, which is the latest train configuration information, and train configuration information #2, which is the previous train configuration information, it compares train configuration information #3 with train configuration information #2 and determines whether there is a difference between them. When the central processing unit 5 compares train configuration information #3 with train configuration information #2 and determines whether there is a difference between them, it does not perform offline vehicle recognition processing. Thereafter, the central processing unit 5 repeatedly performs the above operations. If there is a difference between the latest train configuration information received from the ETBN 4 and the previous train configuration information, the central processing unit 5 determines that there has been a change in the configuration of the train 1 and performs offline vehicle recognition processing.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the integrated train management device 6 according to the first embodiment. The ETBN 4 determines whether a specified period has elapsed (step S1). The specified period is based on the first cycle described above. If the specified period has not elapsed (step S1: No), the ETBN 4 waits. If the specified period has elapsed (step S1: Yes), the ETBN 4 recognizes the network configuration of the ETBN 4 in the train 1 (step S2). The ETBN 4 updates the train configuration information and transmits the train configuration information to the central processing unit 5 (step S3). Note that, in this example, the cycle in which the ETBN 4 recognizes the network configuration and the cycle in which the ETBN 4 transmits the train configuration information to the central processing unit 5 are the same, that is, the first cycle.

[0030] Upon receiving the train configuration information from the ETBN 4, the central processing unit 5 stores the received train configuration information (step S4). The central processing unit 5 determines whether a specified input signal has been acquired or whether the train configuration information has changed (step S5). As described above, the specified input signal refers to a signal acquired when the central processing unit 5 is powered on, a signal acquired when a car 3 is separated from a train 1, or a signal acquired when a car 3 is coupled to a train 1. If the central processing unit 5 determines that the specified input signal has not been acquired and that the train configuration information has not changed (step S5: No), it does nothing. In this case, the integrated train management device 6 returns to the operation of step S1. If the central processing unit 5 acquires a specified input signal or determines that the train configuration information has changed (step S5: Yes), it performs offline vehicle recognition processing to recognize the location of the offline vehicle (step S6). The central processing unit 5 transmits the offline vehicle information to the ETBN 4 (step S7). In addition, when the central processing unit 5 receives the specified input signal and determines that there has been a change in the train configuration information, it also determines step S5: Yes and performs the above operation.

[0031] The ETBN 4 updates the train configuration information based on the offline vehicle information received from the central processing unit 5. The ETBN 4 transmits the updated train configuration information to the central processing unit 5 (step S8).

[0032] In this way, the central processing unit 5 transmits the position information of the offline vehicles obtained by performing the offline vehicle recognition process to the ETBN 4. The ETBN 4 updates the train configuration information that it has recognized using the position information of the offline vehicles received from the central processing unit 5, and transmits the updated train configuration information to the central processing unit 5. This allows the integrated train control device 6 to eliminate differences in recognition of the configuration of the train 1 between the ETBN 4 and the central processing unit 5. Furthermore, by obtaining the updated train configuration information from the ETBN 4, the central processing unit 5 can recognize that the ETBN 4 has updated the train update information.

[0033] Next, the hardware configuration of the integrated train control device 6 will be described. In the integrated train control device 6, the ETBN 4 is realized by a communication interface. The central processing unit 5 is realized by a processing circuit. The processing circuit may be a processor and memory that executes a program stored in a memory, or may be dedicated hardware.

[0034] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a processing circuit 90 that realizes the integrated train management device 6 according to the first embodiment is configured with a processor 91 and a memory 92. When the processing circuit 90 is configured with the processor 91 and the memory 92, each function of the processing circuit 90 of the integrated train management device 6 is realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software or firmware is written as a program and stored in the memory 92. In the processing circuit 90, each function is realized by the processor 91 reading and executing the program stored in the memory 92. In other words, the processing circuit 90 includes the memory 92 for storing a program that results in the processing of the integrated train management device 6 being executed. It can also be said that these programs cause a computer to execute the procedures and methods of the integrated train management device 6.

[0035] The above program can also be said to be a program that causes the train integrated management device 6 to execute the following steps: a first step in which the ETBN 4 is installed in each car 3 of the train 1, recognizes the cars 3 that make up the train 1, and transmits train configuration information that indicates the configuration of the train 1; and a second step in which the central processing unit 5 is installed in each car 3 of the train 1, and, when it acquires a specified input signal or detects a change in the configuration of the train 1 based on the train configuration information received from the ETBN 4, performs offline vehicle recognition processing to recognize offline cars in the train 1 that are powered off.

[0036] Here, the processor 91 may be a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a processing device, an arithmetic device, a microprocessor, a microcomputer, or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), etc. The memory 92 may be, for example, a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a flash memory, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), or an EEPROM (Electrically EPROM), a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact disk, a minidisk, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc).

[0037] 6 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the processing circuitry 93 that realizes the integrated train management device 6 according to the first embodiment is configured with dedicated hardware. When the processing circuitry 93 is configured with dedicated hardware, the processing circuitry 93 illustrated in FIG. 6 corresponds to, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof. Each function of the integrated train management device 6 may be realized by the processing circuitry 93 separately, or all functions may be realized collectively by the processing circuitry 93.

[0038] It should be noted that some of the functions of the integrated train management device 6 may be realized by dedicated hardware and some by software or firmware. In this way, the processing circuit can realize each of the above-described functions by dedicated hardware, software, firmware, or a combination of these.

[0039] As described above, according to this embodiment, in the integrated train management device 6, the ETBN 4 recognizes the network configuration of the ETBN 4 in the train 1, thereby recognizing the cars 3 that make up the train 1 and transmitting the train configuration information to the central processing unit 5. The central processing unit 5 performs offline vehicle recognition processing to recognize the locations of offline cars when it receives a specified input signal or when there is a change in the train configuration information received from the ETBN 4. In this way, the central processing unit 5 performs offline vehicle recognition processing to recognize the locations of offline cars when it receives a specified input signal, i.e., when the power to the central processing unit 5 is turned on or when the train 1 is split or coupled, and also when there is a change in the train configuration information received from the ETBN 4. This allows the central processing unit 5 to improve the accuracy of recognizing the number of cars 3 that make up the train 1. The central processing unit 5 can accurately recognize the number of cars 3 that make up the train 1 even if the ETBN 4 fails while the train 1 is in operation. Furthermore, the integrated train management device 6 eliminates discrepancies in the recognition of the train 1 configuration between the ETBN 4 and the central processing unit 5.

[0040] Second Embodiment In the first embodiment, the central processing unit 5 determines whether or not the train configuration information has changed, but it is also possible for the ETBN 4 to determine whether or not the train configuration information has changed.

[0041] The ETBN 4 stores the train configuration information previously transmitted to the central processing unit 5. When transmitting the latest train configuration information to the central processing unit 5, the ETBN 4 compares the latest train configuration information with the previously transmitted train configuration information and determines whether there are any differences. If there are no differences, the ETBN 4 transmits the latest train configuration information as is to the central processing unit 5. If there are any differences, the ETBN 4 considers that there has been a change in the configuration of train 1 and transmits the train configuration information to the central processing unit 5, including information indicating that there has been a change in the configuration of train 1.

[0042] The central processing unit 5 checks whether the train configuration information received from the ETBN 4 includes information indicating that there has been a change in the configuration of train 1. If the train configuration information received from the ETBN 4 does not include information indicating that there has been a change in the configuration of train 1, the central processing unit 5 determines that there has been no change in the configuration of train 1. If the train configuration information received from the ETBN 4 includes information indicating that there has been a change in the configuration of train 1, the central processing unit 5 determines that there has been a change in the configuration of train 1 and performs offline vehicle recognition processing.

[0043] As described above, in the second embodiment, the ETBN 4 monitors the configuration of the network of the ETBN 4 installed in each car 3 of the train 1, recognizes the cars 3 that make up the train 1 based on the configuration of the ETBN 4, and when there is a change in the configuration of the train 1, includes information indicating the change in the configuration of the train 1 in the train configuration information and transmits this information to the central processing unit 5. When the train configuration information received from the ETBN 4 includes information indicating a change in the configuration of the train 1, the central processing unit 5 performs offline vehicle recognition processing. Even in this case, the integrated train management device 6 can obtain the same effects as in the first embodiment.

[0044] Third Embodiment In the first embodiment, it is assumed that the cars 3 constituting the train 1 have the same length, but the integrated train management device 6 can calculate the length of the train 1 even when the cars 3 constituting the train 1 have different lengths.

[0045] For example, assume that there are two types of cars 3 that make up train 1: cars A and cars B. When ETBN 4 transmits train configuration information to central processing unit 5, it also transmits information about the types of each car 3 that make up train 1. From the train configuration information received from ETBN 4, central processing unit 5 can determine how many cars A and how many cars B are connected to train 1. Therefore, central processing unit 5 can calculate the length of train 1 by "length of car A x number of cars A included in train 1 + length of car B x number of cars B included in train 1." Note that the types of cars 3 included in train 1 are not limited to two types, and three or more types are also possible.

[0046] As described above, in the third embodiment, the ETBN 4 transmits train configuration information including information on the type of each vehicle 3. The central processing unit 5 holds information on the vehicle length of each vehicle 3 for each type, and calculates the train length of the train 1 from the number of vehicles 3 for each type and the vehicle length of each vehicle 3 for each type using the information included in the train configuration information. This allows the integrated train management device 6 to improve the accuracy of calculating the train length of the train 1 even when the train 1 includes vehicles 3 of multiple types.

[0047] The configurations shown in the above embodiments are merely examples, and may be combined with other known technologies, or different embodiments may be combined with each other. It is also possible to omit or modify parts of the configurations as long as they do not deviate from the gist of the invention.

[0048] 1 Train, 2-1 to 2-3 Formation, 3-1 to 3-6 Vehicle, 4, 4-1 to 4-6 ETBN, 5, 5-1 to 5-6 Central processing unit, 6, 6-1 to 6-6 Train integrated management device, 90, 93 Processing circuit, 91 Processor, 92 Memory.

Claims

1. An integrated train management system comprising: a communication device mounted on each vehicle of a train, which recognizes the vehicles that make up the train and transmits train configuration information indicating the train configuration; and a central processing unit mounted on each vehicle of the train, which, when it receives a specified input signal or detects a change in the train configuration based on the train configuration information received from the communication device, performs offline vehicle recognition processing to recognize offline vehicles in the train that are powered off.

2. The train integrated management device described in claim 1, characterized in that the communication device monitors the network configuration of the communication device installed in each vehicle of the train, recognizes the vehicles that make up the train based on the network configuration of the communication device, and transmits the train configuration information, and if there is a difference between the latest train configuration information received from the communication device and the previous train configuration information, the central processing unit determines that there has been a change in the train configuration and performs the offline vehicle recognition processing.

3. The train integrated management device described in claim 1, characterized in that the communication device monitors the network configuration of the communication device installed in each vehicle of the train, recognizes the vehicles that make up the train based on the network configuration of the communication device, and when there is a change in the train configuration, includes information indicating that there has been a change in the train configuration in the train configuration information and transmits it, and when the train configuration information received from the communication device includes information indicating that there has been a change in the train configuration, 4. A train integrated management device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the communication device monitors the network configuration of the communication device installed in each car of the train at a first period, and transmits the train configuration information at the first period or a second period that is longer than the first period.

5. The train integrated management device according to claim 1, characterized in that the central processing unit performs the offline vehicle recognition processing when it receives, as the input signal, a signal obtained when the power supply to the central processing unit is turned on, a signal obtained when the vehicle is separated on the train, or a signal obtained when the vehicle is coupled on the train.

6. A train integrated management device as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the central processing unit transmits information on the position of the offline vehicle obtained by performing the offline vehicle recognition process to the communication device, and the communication device updates the train configuration information recognized by the device itself using the information on the position of the offline vehicle received from the central processing unit, and transmits the updated train configuration information to the central processing unit.

7. A train integrated management device as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the communication device transmits the train configuration information including information on the type of each vehicle, and the central processing unit holds information on the vehicle length of each vehicle for each type, and uses the information included in the train configuration information to calculate the train length of the train from the number of vehicles for each type and the vehicle length of each vehicle for each type.

8. A train configuration recognition method comprising: a first step in which a communication device is mounted on each vehicle of the train, recognizes the vehicles that make up the train, and transmits train configuration information that indicates the configuration of the train; and a second step in which a central processing unit is mounted on each vehicle of the train, and, when it acquires a specified input signal or detects a change in the train configuration based on the train configuration information received from the communication device, performs offline vehicle recognition processing to recognize offline vehicles in the train that are powered off.

9. The train configuration recognition method described in claim 8, characterized in that in the first step, the communication device monitors the network configuration of the communication device installed in each car of the train, recognizes the cars that make up the train based on the network configuration of the communication device, and transmits the train configuration information; and in the second step, if there is a difference between the latest train configuration information received from the communication device and the previous train configuration information, the central processing unit determines that there has been a change in the train configuration and performs the offline vehicle recognition processing.

10. The train configuration recognition method described in claim 8, characterized in that in the first step, the communication device monitors the network configuration of the communication device installed in each car of the train, recognizes the cars that make up the train based on the network configuration of the communication device, and when there is a change in the train configuration, includes information indicating that there has been a change in the train configuration in the train configuration information and transmits it; and in the second step, the central processing unit performs the offline vehicle recognition processing if the train configuration information received from the communication device includes information indicating that there has been a change in the train configuration.

11. A train configuration recognition method as described in any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that in the first step, the communication device monitors the network configuration of the communication device installed in each car of the train at a first period, and transmits the train configuration information at the first period or a second period that is longer than the first period.

12. The train configuration recognition method described in claim 8, characterized in that in the second step, the central processing unit performs the offline vehicle recognition processing if it receives, as the input signal, a signal obtained when the central processing unit is powered on, or a signal obtained when the vehicle is separated in the train, or a signal obtained when the vehicle is coupled in the train.

13. A train configuration recognition method as described in any one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that it includes: a third step in which the central processing unit transmits to the communication device information on the position of the offline vehicle obtained by performing the offline vehicle recognition process; and a fourth step in which the communication device updates the train configuration information recognized by the device itself using the information on the position of the offline vehicle received from the central processing unit, and transmits the updated train configuration information to the central processing unit.

14. A train configuration recognition method as described in any one of claims 8 to 13, characterized in that in the first step, the communication device transmits the train configuration information including information on the type of each vehicle, and in the second step, the central processing unit holds information on the vehicle length of each vehicle for each type, and uses information included in the train configuration information to calculate the train length of the train from the number of vehicles for each type and the vehicle length of each vehicle for each type.

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