Automated Software Distribution for Track-Guided Vehicle Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current software distribution methods for track-bound vehicles are labor-intensive and prone to errors, requiring manual installation and configuration by maintenance personnel, which complicates logistics and increases the risk of errors, especially for critical components related to security and safety.
Innovation Solution
A software distribution method that allows components to load installation software based on the network address of a first distribution server unit, eliminating the need for manual intervention by providing the network address to the component via a configuration server, enabling automated software distribution over the communication network, such as an Ethernet network using TCP/IP protocol.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual software installation by maintenance personnel is used, then software can be installed on components, but logistical and maintenance costs increase and error susceptibility increases
Solution Approach 1:
The component performs self-configuration by automatically receiving and executing configuration data and/or software from the maintenance computer via the communication network, eliminating the need for manual intervention by maintenance personnel and reducing errors associated with manual installation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of software installation with an automated electronic data transmission process over the communication network, where configuration data is transmitted digitally and automatically applied to the component
2Ease of manufacture
If software is pre-installed by the component manufacturer, then components are delivered ready-to-use, but the software cannot be specifically tailored for the rail-bound vehicle operation
Solution Approach 1:
The component is prepared in advance with the capability to receive and execute configuration data and/or software remotely, allowing it to be delivered in a neutral state and then specifically configured for the rail-bound vehicle operation through automated network-based configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The component's software configuration is made dynamic and changeable after delivery through remote updates via the maintenance computer and communication network, allowing the software to be adapted specifically for the rail-bound vehicle operation rather than being fixed at manufacturing
3Reliability
If manual software distribution is used, then software can be updated, but time consumption and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The automated configuration process allows for continuous and prompt software distribution and updates via the communication network without interruption by manual steps, enabling rapid deployment of security and safety software updates across multiple components simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the time-consuming manual process of software distribution with automated electronic data transmission over the communication network, dramatically increasing the speed of software updates while maintaining reliability through automated error-free transmission
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a software distribution method for a communication network (11) of a track-guided vehicle (1) and to a software distribution system (10) for a track-guided vehicle (1). In the software distribution method, a component (22, 24, 26, 28) is connected to an access point (31, 33, 35, 37) of the communication network (11). In order to simplify and increase the reliability of a software distribution, the method comprises: providing (CC) a network address of a first distribution server unit (60) by means of a configuration server unit (40) that is connected to the communication network (11) by data technology, and loading (C4) an installation software by means of the component (22, 24, 26, 28) of the first distribution server unit (60) on the basis of the network address.