Rail Communication via Public Mobile Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data communication networks for rail traffic require complex and expensive infrastructure, limiting their usability where specialized infrastructure is not available, and fail to efficiently enable emergency calls, group calls, and connections to responsible dispatchers or control centers.
Innovation Solution
A network architecture that uses a central distribution computer to manage and establish communication channels between communication units, allowing for voice and data communication over TETRA, LTE, GSM, or analogue radio networks, with SMS or SDS for signaling, enabling registration, group calls, and emergency calls with minimal infrastructure requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a specialized rail-specific communication infrastructure (GSM-R) is implemented, then data communication functionality for rail transport is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling standard public mobile networks (GSM, UMTS, LTE) to perform rail-specific communication functions. The mobile device in the rail vehicle uses existing public network infrastructure for both general mobile communication and rail-specific functions like emergency calls, group calls, and dispatcher connections, eliminating the need for dedicated rail infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mediation layer through the mobile network's switching center and the rail vehicle's mobile device. This intermediary approach allows conversion between public network protocols and rail-specific communication requirements, enabling functionality without direct rail infrastructure while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If a specialized rail-specific communication infrastructure is implemented, then emergency call and group call functionality is improved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables emergency call and group call functionalities using standard public mobile networks. The mobile device leverages existing network resources for these specialized rail functions, eliminating the need for expensive dedicated infrastructure while maintaining emergency response capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows the public mobile network to serve rail transport communication needs independently. The network's existing emergency call and group call capabilities are utilized directly by rail vehicles without requiring separate rail-specific infrastructure investments.
3Quantity of substance
If standard public mobile networks (GSM, UMTS, LTE) are used without specialized infrastructure, then infrastructure cost is reduced, but data channel establishment capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical infrastructure setup with software-based solutions. Data channels are established through signaling messages (SMS/SDS) and software protocols rather than physical infrastructure configuration, simplifying deployment on standard public networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device acts as an intermediary that translates between public network data channels and rail-specific communication requirements. This mediation layer enables seamless data channel establishment using existing public network resources without requiring specialized rail infrastructure.
4Reliability
If GSM-R network is used, then rail-specific communication standards are met, but adaptability to different network environments is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by designing the system to operate across multiple network types (GSM, UMTS, LTE, analog). The mobile device and base network combination provides rail-specific functionality while adapting to various public network environments, eliminating dependency on a single specialized network standard.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts to different network environments by selecting appropriate communication methods based on available infrastructure. The mobile device can switch between various network types and protocols, providing flexible adaptability while maintaining rail-specific communication capabilities.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 4a~4d
AI summary
The invention relates to a network for data communication and data exchange between communication units (1, 2), comprising a base network (3), communication units (1, 2) connected to the base network (3), namely a control center (1) and a mobile terminal (2), wherein communication channels (51, 52) are available from the base network (3) to the mobile terminals (2) via transmitting stations (41) via radio, namely a voice channel (51) and a data channel (52), wherein the base network (3) establishes a communication channel (51, 52) upon request from a communication unit (1, 2). According to the invention, a central distribution computer (6) is connected to the base network (3) for establishing, terminating, and managing one or more communication channels (51, 52) for data and/or voice communication via the base network (3) between the distribution computer (6) and the communication units (1, 2).The distribution computer (6) can be activated upon receipt of a request (7) from a communication unit (1, 2) via a data channel (52) and establishes and maintains voice communication via a voice channel (51) both to the requesting communication unit (21) and to one or more communication units (1, 2) specified or determinable by the respective request (7), and the distribution computer (6) forwards incoming voice messages to the other communication units (1, 2) specified or determined by the respective request (7) while the voice channels (51, 51') established in this way exist.