Rail Vehicle Driver Identification System Automation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing driver identification systems for rail vehicles require the use of a standard key and a badge with an electronic chip for cabin access and data entry, leading to inefficiencies and time wastage, as they limit the use of more modern identification methods and manual settings for driving parameters.

Innovation Solution

A driver identification system utilizing contactless technologies such as RFID or NFC for driver data reading and automatic cabin parameter configuration, eliminating the need for a standard key and electronic chip, and enabling automated setting of driving preferences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a standard key and badge with electronic chip are used for driver identification and cabin access, then the system ensures reliable authentication and data transmission, but the process requires multiple manual steps and increases activation time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication reliabilityVSAvoidactivation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the authentication function and parameter configuration function into a single automated process. The contactless reader simultaneously performs driver identification and automatic configuration of cabin parameters, merging multiple manual steps into one integrated operation that reduces activation time while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements self-service automation where the driver identification automatically triggers the configuration of cabin parameters without requiring manual driver input. The system autonomously retrieves driver preferences and applies settings, eliminating the need for the driver to manually configure each parameter after authentication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If manual login and sequential parameter setting are required, then the driver can consciously configure each parameter, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter configuration easeVSAvoidsetup time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system stores driver preferences and cabin parameters in advance in a database or memory. When the driver is identified, the system retrieves pre-configured parameters and automatically applies them, eliminating the need for the driver to manually set each parameter during the activation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system autonomously performs the parameter configuration task by automatically retrieving stored driver preferences and applying them to the cabin settings. This self-service mechanism eliminates manual driver intervention for parameter setting, significantly reducing setup time while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If a badge with electronic chip is used for identification, then driver data can be transmitted to onboard equipment, but the system limits the use of more modern identification technologies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentification technology adaptabilityVSAvoiddata transmission time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based badge reading system with a contactless identification system using modern technologies such as RFID or NFC. This substitution enables faster data transmission and allows the system to accommodate various modern identification devices while maintaining compatibility with existing onboard equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If both a standard key and badge are required for cabin access and activation, then security is enhanced, but the process requires multiple steps and increases complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess securityVSAvoidaccess process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the cabin access function and driver identification function into a single integrated process. The contactless reader performs both authentication and parameter configuration in one operation, reducing the number of separate steps and devices required while maintaining appropriate security levels through automated verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This solution enhances driver convenience by automating the configuration of cabin and driving parameters, improving operational efficiency and reducing activation time, while ensuring compatibility with modern identification technologies.

Implementation Method 1

The contactless reading device is used to acquire driver data from a personal identification device of the driver, in a contactless manner. The use of contactless reading devices allows using innovative techniques such as RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) or NFC (Near Field Communication) devices for identifying the driver

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRFID (Radio Frequency Identification): Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The use of contactless reading devices allows using innovative techniques such as RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) or NFC (Near Field Communication) devices for identifying the driver and further activating the rail vehicle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNFC (Near Field Communication): Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3379496B1Driver identification system for rail vehicles
Publication Date: 2024.05.15 ALSTOM TRANSPORT TECH SAS
  • EP3379496B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3379496B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Driver identification system for rail vehicles comprising: - a contactless reading device (2) placed next to an entry door (4) of a rail vehicle; - a personal identification device (6) associated with an identification code of a driver of the rail vehicle, said identification code being associated with driver data; wherein the contactless reading device (2) is arranged to acquire wirelessly said identification code; send wirelessly the identification code to an electronic control unit (13) of the cabin (1), said control unit (13) being arranged to automatically un-blocking the entry door (4) and to set cabin and driving parameters of the rail vehicle based on the driver data.