Train Communication Path Routing Without Relay Infrastructure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vehicle communication systems for trains require additional time and effort to install and operate relay devices for quick information transmission from on-vehicle devices to central devices, which hampers the efficiency and reliability of communication.

Innovation Solution

The system enables inter-vehicle communication between trains to consolidate information and transmit it directly to the central device via terrestrial communication devices, using path determiners and priority determiners to optimize information transmission paths and priorities based on operating information and properties of the data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If relay devices are installed to enable quick information transmission from on-vehicle devices to central devices, then information transmission speed is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation transmission speedVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses opposing trains as intermediary carriers to transmit failure information. Instead of installing dedicated relay devices, the system leverages existing trains passing through the area to carry information from the incident location to the central device, eliminating the need for additional infrastructure while maintaining fast transmission speed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes the trains' own communication capabilities and existing infrastructure to perform the relay function. Trains equipped with onboard communicators serve themselves as information carriers, using their regular movement and communication systems without requiring external relay devices or additional installation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If relay devices are deployed for quick information transmission, then communication reliability is improved, but installation time and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-establishes communication protocols and identifies potential information carrier trains in advance. When a failure occurs, the nearest suitable train is already prepared and can immediately carry the information, eliminating the need for last-minute relay device installation while ensuring reliable transmission

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

By using passing trains as intermediaries, the system achieves reliable information transmission without requiring permanent relay infrastructure. The trains naturally follow predetermined routes and schedules, providing consistent and reliable information carriage without installation time or operational complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If conventional relay devices are used for information transmission, then information can be transmitted quickly, but the system requires additional infrastructure that increases cost and complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation transmission efficiencyVSAvoidsystem implementation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes existing trains serve multiple functions: their regular transportation role plus an additional information carriage role. By equipping trains with onboard communicators that can detect and transmit failure information, the system achieves high transmission efficiency without needing dedicated relay infrastructure, as the trains' existing movement patterns and routes are utilized for both purposes

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the trains' own communication systems and onboard equipment to perform the relay function. Trains with failure detection capabilities can independently identify issues and transmit information using their existing communication infrastructure, eliminating the need for separate relay devices and simplifying system implementation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3632769B1Vehicle communication system
Publication Date: 2024.08.28 KK TOSHIBA
  • EP3632769B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3632769B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3632769B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A vehicle communication system according to an embodiment includes a central device and an on-vehicle device. A path determiner of the central device determines an information transmission path between a plurality of vehicles for consolidating information in a vehicle that performs a wireless communication with a terrestrial communication device out of the vehicles based on at least operating information on the vehicles. An on-vehicle communicator of the on-vehicle device acquires the information transmission path directly from the central device via the terrestrial communication device or indirectly from the central device via the terrestrial communication device and a second vehicle, and transmits and receives predetermined information to and from the terrestrial communication device or the second vehicle based on the acquired information transmission path.