Train DMI Redundancy Control via Primary-Standby Identifier Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing train control systems lack efficient dual-system hot standby functionality, leading to reduced switching efficiency and potential data loss due to the need for a switching circuit during main control unit failures.

Innovation Solution

A train control DMI data redundancy control method and system where the driver machine interface simultaneously receives data from two main control units, identified as primary and standby systems using primary-standby system identifiers, allowing seamless switching without affecting displayed content and eliminating the need for a switching module.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a switching circuit is configured to switch between main control units, then failover capability is achieved, but switching efficiency is reduced and real-time performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefailover capabilityVSAvoidswitching time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The standby main control unit performs preliminary actions by pre-processing data and maintaining readiness state in advance. When switching is needed, the standby unit is already prepared to take over immediately without requiring time-consuming switching operations, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and switching time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a complete copy of the main control unit functionality in the standby unit. Both units simultaneously receive and process data from the DMI, with the standby unit maintaining an identical operational state to the active unit. This copying approach enables instantaneous failover without switching delays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If a switching circuit is configured to switch between main control units, then failover capability is achieved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefailover capabilityVSAvoidswitching circuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and removes the switching circuit from the system architecture. Instead of using a separate switching mechanism to transfer control between units, the system allows both main control units to simultaneously maintain communication with the DMI. The standby unit directly takes over data reception and processing without needing a switching circuit, thereby eliminating the associated complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Both main control units are designed with universal functionality to independently communicate with the DMI. Each unit possesses complete capabilities to handle data transmission and processing, eliminating the need for specialized switching circuitry. This multi-functionality approach allows either unit to immediately assume the active role without additional switching components.

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

3Device complexity

If only one main control unit communicates with the DMI at a time, then data transmission is simplified, but switching efficiency is reduced and data loss may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission structureVSAvoidswitching efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The standby main control unit continuously receives and processes data from the DMI in parallel with the active unit, maintaining uninterrupted data flow. This continuous parallel operation ensures that when switching is required, the standby unit already has the latest data state, enabling seamless transition without data loss or efficiency degradation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The standby unit performs preliminary data reception and processing in advance while the active unit is operating. This preliminary action ensures the standby unit is always synchronized and ready to immediately continue data transmission without interruption, maintaining high switching efficiency while keeping the transmission structure relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3828055B1Train control DMI data redundancy control method and system
Publication Date: 2022.09.28 CRSC RESEARCH & DESIGN INSTITUTE GROUP CO LTD
  • EP3828055B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3828055B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3828055B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present invention proposes a train control DMI data redundancy control method and system; the DMI simultaneously receives and processes two sets of data in a mutual primary-standby relationship, the DMI judges the primary-standby relationship based on a parsing result of the data, and the DMI displays primary system data; the system comprises two main control units, configured to respectively send data to the DMI, the two sets of data being in a mutual primary-standby relationship; and the DMI, configured to simultaneously receive and process the two sets of data in a mutual primary-standby relationship, judge the primary-standby relationship based on a parsing result of the data, and display primary system data; the DMI simultaneously receives the data sent by the two main control units, and respectively uses the two main control units as a primary system and a standby system according to two primary-standby system identifiers; when the primary system is abnormal, the two primary-standby system identifiers change, and the driver machine interface switches the primary system and the standby system after identifying change of the two primary-standby system identifiers, without affecting content displayed by the DMI, and without configuring a switching module, which has a simple structure and high switching efficiency.