Balise Telegram Sequence Verification System for ETCS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current test methods for verifying the correct sequence and transmission of balise and loop telegrams in rail traffic systems, particularly for ETCS, are inadequate as they cannot simulate real conditions and vehicle speeds, necessitating extensive off-peak time test drives.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a control unit, programmable signal generator, balise, antenna loops, and an analysis unit that allows for the simulation of balise and loop telegram transmission under real conditions, using a controllable RF element to mimic train speed and multiplexed telegram generation for accurate sequence testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If extensive test drives are conducted to verify balise groups and telegrams under real conditions, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but loss of time and productivity deteriorate due to night-time testing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the train control system environment using a computer-based simulation that replicates balise groups, telegram transmission, and onboard unit processing. This virtual model allows comprehensive testing without physical test drives, eliminating the need for night-time field tests while maintaining verification accuracy through controlled simulation scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary verification of balise group configurations and telegram sequences through computer-based simulation before actual deployment or night-time test drives. By pre-testing virtual scenarios, the system identifies and resolves issues in advance, reducing or eliminating the need for extensive field testing under real conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If proprietary national train control systems are replaced with uniform ETCS, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but device complexity increases due to standardized balise and loop requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal testing platform that can verify multiple ETCS configurations, balise group arrangements, and telegram types through a single computer-based system. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for separate testing procedures for different national systems, simplifying the verification process while maintaining compatibility with standardized ETCS requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex physical testing mechanisms with computer-based simulation. Instead of physically deploying and testing balise groups and telegrams through mechanical test drives, the system uses software to model and verify the entire train control interaction, significantly reducing planning and execution complexity while maintaining comprehensive verification capability.
3Reliability
If night-time test drives are conducted to avoid off-peak traffic, then reliability of testing conditions is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to limited testing windows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual replica of real-world train control conditions that can be tested indefinitely in a computer environment. This copy allows unlimited testing iterations without being constrained by night-time windows or traffic conditions, dramatically increasing productivity while maintaining the reliability of verification through accurate simulation of ETCS protocols and balise behaviors.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the verification of balise and loop telegram transmission and reception by an onboard unit under real conditions, allowing for efficient testing at any time, reducing the need for night-time test drives and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first antenna loop (34) for receiving the balise telegram emitted by the balise (26)
Implementation Method 2
a second antenna loop (36) for radiating the balise telegram received on the first antenna loop (34) to the vehicle antenna (8)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention discloses a system (20) for testing the correct sequence and transmission of balise telegrams (16) and loop telegrams (18) intended for an onboard unit (OBU) for controlling a vehicle (2), in particular in the context of rail-bound traffic according to ETCS, comprising: a) a control unit (22) with a telegram memory for storing the series of balise telegrams (16) and loop telegrams (18) intended for a train journey along a track section or for storing a series of telegram codes representing these balise telegrams (16) and loop telegrams (18); b) a programmable signal generator (24) which processes the balise telegrams (16) for transmission by a balise (26), wherein the signal generator (24) has at least one telegram generator instance (30a to 30e) whose output signal can be multiplexed to the balise (26) as a balise telegram (16) and may be pre-processed.the telegram code is converted into the corresponding balise telegram (16); c) a balise (26) provided for transmitting the transmitted balise telegrams (16); d) a first antenna loop (34) for receiving the balise telegram (16) transmitted by the balise (26); e) a second antenna loop (36) for transmitting the balise telegram (16) received by the first antenna loop (34), wherein a controllable RF element (40) for controllable activation of the transmission of the balise telegram (16) to the second antenna loop (36) is connected between the first and the second antenna loop (34, 36); f) a vehicle antenna (8) associatable with the onboard unit (OBU) for detecting the balise telegrams (16) radiated by the second antenna loop (36); and g) an analysis unit (22) that compares the series of balise telegrams (16) received by the vehicle antenna (8) with the intended series of balise telegrams (16).