Train Instrument Addressing via Terminal Role Switching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for on-board instruments in trains face challenges in assigning identification numbers as the number of bits for instrument numbers is fixed, leading to issues when the number of instruments exceeds the representable limit, requiring increased terminals which in turn increases the size and complexity of the instruments.
Innovation Solution
The system allows for an increase in the number of bits for instrument numbers without adding more terminals by using a signal output device that generates additional digital signals, allowing the display devices to set their identification information using a combination of input and output terminals, thereby expanding the representable range without physical expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of bits for instrument numbers is increased to accommodate more on-board instruments, then the representable range of identification information is improved, but the number of terminals required increases leading to larger component size and increased device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a parallel terminal structure to a serial communication structure. Instead of using multiple terminals in parallel to represent bit values, the system uses a single communication line to transmit multiple bits sequentially over time. This dimensional change from spatial (parallel terminals) to temporal (serial transmission) allows increased identification capacity without increasing terminal count.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically assigns communication roles to terminals. A terminal can function as either a data transmission line or an acknowledgment line depending on the communication phase. This dynamic role assignment allows the same physical terminal to serve multiple functions, effectively increasing the information capacity without adding more physical terminals.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of terminals is increased to capture more bit values, then the number of representable instruments is improved, but the mounting area and instrument size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts a spatial problem into a temporal solution. Instead of expanding the spatial arrangement of terminals to accommodate more bits, the system uses time-division multiplexing to transmit multiple bit values sequentially through a limited number of terminals. This reduces the mounting area by eliminating the need for additional parallel terminals.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication terminals are designed to perform multiple functions: data transmission, acknowledgment signaling, and address recognition. By making terminals multi-functional, the system reduces the total number of terminals needed, thereby reducing the mounting area while maintaining the ability to represent a large number of instruments.
3Loss of information
If more terminals are added to support higher bit counts, then the identification capacity is improved, but the connector size and overall instrument footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the bit value representation function from the terminal count. Instead of requiring one terminal per bit, the system separates the transmission of multiple bit values through a single terminal over time. This extraction allows identification capacity to be increased without proportionally increasing the number of terminals and associated connector volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic communication cycles where terminals alternately transmit data bits and receive acknowledgment signals. This periodic action allows multiple bits to be communicated through the same terminal at different time intervals, increasing identification capacity without requiring additional terminals or increasing instrument footprint.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Provided are: a variable terminal group (17) including one or more first terminals each usable as an input terminal or an output terminal and one or more second terminals each usable as an input terminal; a switching unit (13) that switches the first terminals to the input terminal or the output terminal; a setting unit (12) that controls the switching unit (13) based on an instruction signal indicating the number of first terminals to be used as the output terminal, and if at least one of the first terminals is used as the output terminal, outputs a first signal to the first terminal that is used as the output terminal via the switching unit (13); and a storage unit (15) capable of storing a second signal value and a third signal value, the second signal value being a signal value of a second signal input from the input terminal, the third signal value being a signal value obtained by arraying a plurality of the second signal values based on a first signal value that is a signal value of the first signal. The setting unit (12) reads the second signal value or the third signal value from the storage unit (15) based on the instruction signal, and acquires information on the signal value of the second signal input.