Train Display Unit Consolidating ATC and CCTV Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional on-board computer systems for trains require multiple dedicated screens and displays for various equipment, leading to space constraints and cluttered cockpits, impairing information clarity.

Innovation Solution

The system allows direct information transmission from electronic control and supervision equipment to display units without passing through the central computer, enabling the display of multiple types of information, including ATC, CCTV, and other equipment data, with automatic selection and presentation of relevant information, reducing the need for multiple screens.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple dedicated screens and displays are used for various equipment, then information from different equipment can be displayed, but the cockpit becomes cluttered and space constraints are exacerbated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation display capabilityVSAvoidcockpit space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent consolidates multiple dedicated display screens into a single integrated display unit that can show information from various equipment simultaneously. The display unit presents train management information from the central computer along with equipment information from electronic control equipment, ATC equipment, and CCTV equipment on one screen, thereby reducing the number of screens needed and freeing up cockpit space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The display unit is designed to perform multiple functions by displaying different types of information from different sources. It can show train management information, equipment status, ATC data, and CCTV feeds, replacing multiple specialized screens with a single multi-functional display that adapts to various information presentation needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Loss of information

If multiple dedicated screens are installed for different equipment, then comprehensive information is provided to the driver, but the cockpit layout becomes complex and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation completenessVSAvoidnumber of screens
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple information streams from different equipment into a single display unit. The display unit processes and presents train management information from the central computer, equipment information from electronic control equipment, and additional data from ATC and CCTV systems simultaneously on one screen, maintaining information completeness while reducing screen count.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The display unit serves as a universal display interface that can handle various types of information from multiple sources. It provides a consolidated view of train management, equipment status, automatic train control data, and video surveillance information, eliminating the need for separate dedicated screens for each information type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Stability of the object's composition

If information is transmitted through the central computer for all equipment, then centralized control is maintained, but transmission time and network load increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecentralized controlVSAvoidinformation transmission time
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The display unit acts as an intermediary that can receive information directly from electronic control equipment without requiring all data to pass through the central computer first. This direct communication path reduces transmission time and network load while the display unit still integrates this information with centralized train management data for comprehensive presentation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2133256B1On-board computer system for train management
Publication Date: 2018.08.08 ALSTOM TRANSPORT TECH SAS
  • EP2133256B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2133256B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2133256B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The system (10) has central computers (16) for managing a train or rail transit car (12), and remote input-output modules (20) connected to a multipurpose vehicle bus network (14). Electronic controlling, commanding and monitoring equipments produce information for managing the train or rail transit car. Display units (18) process and display information produced by electronic automatic train control equipments (30) and video monitoring equipments i.e. CCTVs (36), with the information produced by the computers and the electronic controlling, commanding and monitoring equipments.