Virtual Train Control System Interoperability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current train control systems face challenges in achieving interoperability between different suppliers and rail properties, requiring customization for specific operational and safety requirements, and struggle with efficient data exchange between physical elements, leading to complexity in implementation and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A virtual train control system is implemented in a cloud computing environment, where physical train control elements interact with corresponding virtual elements through pre-defined interfaces and protocols, allowing for bidirectional communication and simplifying the integration of safety rules, enabling interoperability between different suppliers and rail properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical train control elements directly interact with each other, then safety functions can be implemented, but interoperability between different suppliers and rail properties becomes difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtual train control system as an intermediary layer between physical train control elements from different suppliers. This virtual system receives data from physical elements through pre-defined interfaces and protocols, processes the information according to safety rules, and generates control commands that are sent back to physical elements. This mediator approach enables interoperability while maintaining safety functions, as the virtual system standardizes interactions without compromising the reliability of underlying physical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the train control system into distinct virtual and physical layers. The virtual train control system handles high-level control logic, safety rules, and interoperability protocols, while physical elements focus on executing specific control commands and providing sensor data. This segmentation allows each layer to be independently designed, tested, and maintained, facilitating interoperability between different suppliers while ensuring safety through the virtual layer's standardized safety rules.
2Productivity
If train control systems are customized for specific operational and safety requirements, then operational efficiency improves, but implementation and maintenance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual train control system provides a universal platform that can be configured to meet different operational and safety requirements through software configuration rather than hardware customization. The system uses pre-defined interfaces and protocols that work across multiple rail properties and suppliers, while allowing customization of safety rules and operational parameters. This universality reduces implementation and maintenance complexity compared to fully customized systems, as the core architecture remains consistent across different deployments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables customization of operational efficiency through parameter changes in the virtual control system rather than structural modifications. Safety rules, operational constraints, and control parameters can be adjusted in the virtual environment to meet specific rail property requirements, while the underlying system architecture remains unchanged. This approach maintains low implementation and maintenance complexity while allowing flexible adaptation to different operational needs.
3Measurement precision
If data exchange between physical train control elements is frequent and detailed, then control precision improves, but communication overhead and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of physical train control elements in the virtual train control system. These virtual elements receive data from their physical counterparts through standardized interfaces and maintain synchronized state information. The virtual system processes control logic and generates commands, which are then sent back to physical elements. This copying approach enables precise control by maintaining detailed virtual representations without requiring constant direct communication between all physical elements, thereby reducing communication overhead while preserving control precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and an apparatus for a train control system are disclosed, and are based on virtualization of train control logic and the use of cloud computing resources. A train control system is configured into two main parts. The first part includes physical elements of the train control system, and the second part includes a virtual train control system that provides the computing resources for the required train control application platforms. The disclosed architecture can be used with various train control technologies, including communications based train control, cab-signaling and fixed block, wayside signal technology. Further, the disclosure describes methodologies to convert cab-signaling and manual operations into distance to go operation.