Train Guidance Display System Wireless Data Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing systems for updating in-vehicle guidance display information in trains are labor-intensive, prone to human errors, and limit flexibility in train operations, as they require manual updates and constant communication with a base station, making it difficult for trains to operate on different lines.

Innovation Solution

An in-vehicle guidance display system that includes a ground system with a guidance-display-data creation device and an information distribution server, and an on-board system with a central distribution server, train-information central unit, and display terminal devices, which automates the distribution of guidance display data via wireless communication, allowing trains to operate flexibly across different lines.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual update is performed individually for each train using personal computers or dedicated devices, then the guidance display data can be updated, but the work burden on operators increases and human errors may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveupdate reliabilityVSAvoidoperator workload
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses storage media (such as USB drives or memory cards) as portable copies of the database that can be easily transferred between trains. Instead of manually updating each train individually, the updated database is copied to multiple storage media and distributed to different trains, significantly reducing operator workload while maintaining update reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces storage media as an intermediary carrier between the database creator and the trains. This intermediary allows the database to be updated and distributed without requiring direct connection to each train or complex manual input operations, thereby reducing operator burden and potential for human errors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If storage medium replacement is used to update guidance display data, then update work is simplified, but it takes considerable time and the train cannot operate on other lines during update

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveupdate process simplicityVSAvoidupdate time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent prepares multiple storage media with updated database information in advance before the train needs to operate on different lines. By performing the database update preparation beforehand and having ready-to-use storage media, the actual update process becomes rapid and does not delay train operations or line changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of replacing entire storage media, the patent allows for quick copying of database files to existing storage media or direct transfer to the train's system, significantly reducing the time required compared to full storage medium replacement while maintaining the simplicity of the update process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Ease of operation

If wireless communication is used to transmit running data to each train, then manual input by train driver is eliminated, but the train must always communicate with base station which increases communication traffic

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriver operation simplicityVSAvoidcommunication traffic
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses periodic wireless communication where the train receives database updates and operational data at specific intervals or at predetermined locations (such as when passing base stations), rather than maintaining continuous communication. This reduces communication traffic and energy consumption while still providing necessary updates and eliminating manual driver input requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The train's onboard system automatically receives and processes database updates through wireless communication without requiring manual intervention from the driver. The system autonomously manages the communication process, data reception, and database updates, simplifying driver operation while minimizing unnecessary communication traffic through intelligent activation only when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If database on base station is updated to allow train to operate on another line, then train flexibility is improved, but similar problems to manual data update occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrain operational flexibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates portable copies of the complete database on removable storage media that can be easily transferred to different trains. This allows any train to access information about all lines in the railway system, enabling operational flexibility without requiring complex base station database updates or train-specific configurations. The system becomes simpler as the same comprehensive database is copied to multiple trains rather than maintaining complex centralized control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP2682324B1Train information display system and train information display method
Publication Date: 2019.04.24 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP
  • EP2682324B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2682324B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2682324B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A ground system 10 includes a guidance-display-data creation device 11 that creates a dataset including information on a stop station pattern, effective-period related information, and train number information as guidance display data, and an information distribution server 12 that wirelessly distributes all or a part of a dataset included in the guidance display data to an on-board system 20. The on-board system 20 includes a central distribution server 21 that manages the distributed dataset, and when a train number is set, distributes the dataset to each vehicle if the central distribution server 21 holds a dataset corresponding to the train number and within an effective period, and notifies the information distribution server 12 of the train number to acquire a corresponding dataset and distributes the corresponding dataset to each vehicle if the central distribution server 21 does not hold the dataset corresponding to the train number and within the effective period; and a display terminal device 26 that displays a guidance on display devices 27L and 27R based on the dataset distributed from the central distribution server 21.