Train Communication System Network Interface Reduces Circuit Scale
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of vehicle-mounted devices in trains leads to a larger circuit scale and size of the vehicle information control apparatus due to the need for more connection terminals, which complicates manufacturing and workability.
Innovation Solution
A train communication system that converts signals between vehicle-mounted devices and the vehicle information control apparatus into a network transmission format, allowing for communication over a network connectable by multiple devices, thereby reducing the number of physical connections and terminals required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of vehicle-mounted devices is increased to provide more functions (display devices for in-vehicle guide or advertisement display), then the functionality and versatility of the train communication system is improved, but the circuit scale of the vehicle information control apparatus increases, resulting in increase in size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by implementing a standardised network interface (Ethernet-based) that can universally connect multiple vehicle-mounted devices of different types (display devices, guide devices, advertisement devices) through a common communication protocol. This allows the vehicle information control apparatus to handle diverse devices through a single unified interface rather than requiring dedicated connection terminals for each device type, thereby preventing size increase while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a network communication system as an intermediary between the vehicle information control apparatus and multiple vehicle-mounted devices. This network layer acts as a mediator that consolidates multiple communication channels into a single infrastructure, allowing the control apparatus to interact with numerous devices through a unified network interface rather than requiring individual connection terminals for each device
2Reliability
If connection terminals are provided for each vehicle-mounted device to ensure reliable communication, then the reliability of signal transmission is improved, but the device complexity and circuit scale increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual signal transmission channels into a single network-based communication infrastructure. Instead of providing separate connection terminals and wiring for each vehicle-mounted device, the system combines all communications through a unified Ethernet network, thereby reducing circuit scale while maintaining reliable signal transmission through standardized networking protocols
Solution Approach 2:
The network interface serves as a universal communication channel that can reliably transmit signals to and from multiple different types of vehicle-mounted devices simultaneously. This single multi-functional interface replaces what would otherwise require multiple dedicated connection terminals, reducing device complexity while ensuring reliable communication across all devices
Data Source
AI summary
A train communication system which performs communication between a vehicle-mounted device and a TCMS includes one or a plurality of the vehicle-mounted devices and the TCMS. The vehicle-mounted device converts a signal to the TCMS into a signal in a network transmission format which is a format used for transmission over a network connectable by a plurality of vehicle-mounted devices and transmits the signal via the network and converts a signal in the network transmission format received from the TCMS via the network into a signal in an original format. The TCMS converts a signal to the vehicle-mounted device into a signal in the network transmission format and transmits the signal via the network, and converts a signal in the network transmission format received from the vehicle-mounted device via the network into a signal in an original format.