CN102823158A

CN102823158A - Method and apparatus related to on-board message repeating for vehicle consist communications system

Info

Publication number: CN102823158A
Application number: CN2011800157604A
Authority: CN
Inventors: E.A.小史密斯; D.M.佩尔茨; R.C.帕兰蒂
Original assignee: General Electric Co
Current assignee: General Electric Co
Priority date: 2010-01-25
Filing date: 2011-01-25
Publication date: 2012-12-12
Also published as: BR112012018391A2; WO2011091391A2; CN105128889A; AU2011207466B2; EA024596B1; AU2011207466A1; EA032066B1; WO2011091391A3; EA201290578A1; EP2529493A2; CO6592081A2; EA201591548A3; EA201591548A2

Abstract

A communications method for a vehicle consist (10) comprising a lead (14) and a remote (12A/12B/12C) powered vehicle, the lead (14) vehicle comprising first (29A) and second (29B) antennas each associated with a radio, and the remote vehicle (12A/12B/12C) comprising third (29A) and fourth (29B) antennas each associated with a radio.; The method comprises transmitting an outbound message from the lead (14) vehicle, receiving the outbound message at the third antenna (29A) and supplying a signal to the associated radio for producing a first received signal, and receiving the outbound message at the fourth antenna (29B) and supplying a signal to the associated radio for producing a second received signal, determining a first and second signal quality metric for the respective first and second received signals, selecting the first or second received signal for processing by the remote vehicle (12A/12B/12C) in response to the first and second signal quality metrics.

Description

The method and apparatus that relates to the vehicle-mounted forwards that is used for vehicle marshalling communication system

Background technology

The distributed power railroad train operation is supplied motive power and braking maneuver by pilot engine (or guidance unit) and with the separated one or more remote locomotives of guidance unit (or remote unit) in the train.In a configuration, distributed power train be included in the train head end terminal (EOT) position of pilot engine, train remote locomotive and be arranged on the one or more trains middle part locomotive between train head end and the end.The long train marshalling list that can be preferably used for distributed train operation improves that train is controlled and performance, and especially moves in the mountain terrain for train.

In distributed power train, each pilot engine and remote locomotive are to train supply motive power and braking maneuver.Start command messages and brake command message to send by the operator in the pilot engine and through RF communication system (the LOCOTROL distributed power communication system of prior art for example; The General Electric company of Schenectady can obtain from the New York) be supplied to remote locomotive, this RF communication system to comprise the reception and the transfer equipment at radio frequency link (channel) and guidance unit and remote unit place.The receiving remote locomotive is made response applying tractive effort or braking force to train to these orders, and the notice guidance unit receives and fill order.Guidance unit also sends other message to remote unit, and it comprises status request message.Remote unit is made response through the state response message is sent it back guidance unit.

In having the train of two or more direct-coupled remote locomotives, the control signal that the locomotive of coupling transmits via connection MU (a plurality of unit) line through them and as one man working.A control remote unit of being appointed as about distributed power communication system in these locomotives.Have only this control remote unit to be configured to receive guidance unit is made response by the order of guidance unit transmission and through suitable response message ground.

One of most critical aspect of train operation is the measurable and successful operation of Pneumatic brake systems.Pneumatic brake systems comprises water brake and the car brake at each railcar place in each locomotive (it comprise pilot engine with all remote locomotives).The guidance unit water brake is controlled in response to the position of locomotive brake handle by locomotive operator, and the railcar brake is controlled in response to the position of Braking mode handle.Water brake can also be controlled by the Braking mode handle.

Braking mode handle or controller are controlled the pressure in the FLUID TRANSPORTATION brake pipe that extends train length and are become fluid to be communicated with car brake system and be used in response to the pressure variation of brake pipe in each railcar place application car brake or releasing car brake.Particularly, the control valve at each railcar place (typically comprising a plurality of valves and interconnection pipeline) is made response through brake (in response to reducing of brake pipe fluid pressure) or through brake off device (in response to the increase of brake pipe fluid pressure) to the variation in the brake pipe fluid pressure.Fluid in the brake pipe comprises forced air routinely.The operator of the Braking mode handle in the pilot engine is controlled at guidance unit place initiation pressure and descends, and it propagates into the train end along brake pipe.The control valve pressure sensor at each railcar place descends and will be supplied to the wheel braking cylinder from the forced air of partial orbit car storage vault in response to this, itself so that to railcar wheel pulling brake-shoe (brake shoe).The railcar storage vault is recharged by the air that withdraws from brake pipe in non-running under braking interim.

Braking is removed also and to be realized through control Braking mode handle that pressure in the brake pipe increases by pilot operationp person and arrange.Pressure sensor increases and removes from the railcar wheel as the response brake-shoe at the railcar place.

In distributed power train, remove the adjusting Brake pipe pressure and realize that except the application reconciliation of railcar brake, guidance unit is arranged remote unit brake application and releasing through sending appropriate signals to remote unit via communication channel.As further describe hereinafter, because guidance unit and remote unit all participate in, thereby brake application and releasing be affected along train length more quickly.Utilize some restrictions of keeping Train Control as required, in distributed power train, brake command or braking are removed can also be by pilot engine and remote locomotive domination.

Can adopt two kinds of patterns to use the railcar brake, that is, and service brake application or emergency brake application.In service brake application, braking force puts on railcar so that train deceleration or train is parked in along the station of the site of advancing of track.During service brake application, Brake pipe pressure reduces and in response to this brake progressively lentamente.Operator's speed that controlled pressure reduces through operation Braking mode joystick.Punishment brake application (penalty brake application) is a form of service brake application; Wherein brake pipe is reduced to zero pressure; But find time with set rate, unlike the emergency brake application of describing like hereinafter, and railcar does not make brake pipe release during the punishment brake application.

Emergency brake application is found time immediately or is released through the brake pipe that guidance unit (with the remote unit of distributed-power vehicle) is located and orders the application immediately of railcar brake.When railcar sensed the predetermined pressure changing down of indicating emergency brake application, railcar also made brake pipe release and finds time to propagate along train to quicken brake pipe.Unfortunately, extend (run) several thousand yards, do not occur emergency brake application at once along the whole length of brake pipe because brake pipe passes train.Thereby being applied to the braking force heterogeneity each railcar place stops train.

On distributed power train, release through the brake pipe that makes pilot engine and remote locomotive place and to realize braking, thereby quicken that brake pipe is released and the brake application at each railcar place, especially near those terminal railcars of train.As can recognize, in conventional train, only release and need reduce, thereby the brake application away from the railcar place of guidance unit is slowed down along the Brake pipe pressure that train length propagates at the brake pipe at guidance unit place.For the distributed power train that between guidance unit and remote unit, has the communication link of operation; When the Braking mode joystick of train operator through place, operation guide unit (for example provides brake application; Service brake application or emergency brake application) when ordering, brake pipe is released and the brake application order is sent to each remote unit through radio frequency communication link.As response, each remote unit also makes brake pipe release.Thereby the braking maneuver at each remote locomotive place in response to by the signal of communication system transmits after the braking maneuver of guidance unit.

The braking that causes at the guidance unit place is removed and also is sent to remote unit through radio frequency link, makes the brake pipe of all locomotives nominal pressure that recharges, thereby reduces the brake pipe reloading time.

If emergency brake application causes at the pilot engine place by train operator or in response to the fault state that detects, RF communication system sends emergency brake signal each in the remote locomotive through radio frequency link.As response, remote locomotive makes the brake pipe emptying.This technology allows to carry out quickly emergency brake application because the brake pipe of the whole locomotives in the locomotive is drained, rather than as the brake pipe of only pilot engine in conventional train be drained.

Fig. 1 and 2 schematically illustrates exemplary distribution formula power train 10, and it is being gone by arrow 1 indicated direction, wherein from guidance unit 14 (Fig. 1) or the one or more remote unit 12A-12C of control tower 16 (Fig. 2) control.Locomotive 15 is controlled via the MU line 17 that connects these two unit by guidance unit 14.As describe hereinafter, the communication system that instruction of the present invention can be applied to distributed power train 10 and operate thus.

Should be appreciated that unique difference between the system of Fig. 1 and 2 is to replace and some interlocking of the system of Fig. 1 is excluded from sending by the control tower 16 of Fig. 2 of the order of the guidance unit 14 of Fig. 1 and message.Typically, control tower 16 is communicated by letter with guidance unit 14, this guidance unit 14 and then be linked to remote unit 12A-12C.

In one embodiment, the communication channel of communication system comprises the single half-duplex communication channel with three kHz bandwidth, and wherein message and order are included in a serial binary data flow that goes up the modulation of use frequency shift keying and encode in four available carrier wave frequencies.The address about transport-type (for example, message, order, alarm), substantive message, order or alarm, receiving element, the address of transmitting element, the initial sum position of rest of routine and the information of error detection/correction position are carried in multiple bit position.By message and the details of order and transformat argumentation in detail in the U.S. Patent number of owning together 4,582,280 of single message and order that system provides, it is herein incorporated by reference.

The distributed power train 10 of Fig. 1 and 2 also comprises between between the remote unit 12A/12B and a plurality of railcars 20 between (Fig. 1's) remote unit 12C.The setting of illustrated

locomotive

14 and 12A-12C and railcar 20 is exemplary in Fig. 1 and 2, because the present invention can be applied to other locomotives/railcar setting.Railcar 20 provides Pneumatic brake systems (not shown in Fig. 1 and 2), and it uses the railcar aor brake in response to the pressure in the brake pipe 22 descends, and when the pressure in the brake pipe 22 rises, removes aor brake.Brake pipe 22 has extended train length and has been used for carrying the air pressure variations by independent air damping control 24 regulations of guidance unit 14 and

remote unit

12A, 12B and 12C.

In some applications, the outer repeater 26 (further describing hereinafter) of car is arranged in the radio communication range of train 10 and is used between guidance unit 14 and

remote unit

12A, 12B and 12C, transmitting signal of communication.

Guidance unit 14 provides stand-

alone transceiver

28A and 28B with

remote unit

12A, 12B and 12C, and it is used for receiving and transmit communications signals through communication channel with

corresponding antenna

29A and 29B operation.Each provides transceiver 28 the outer repeater 26 of car and control tower 16, and it is used for through communication channel reception and transmit communications signals with antenna 29 operations.

Guidance unit transceiver 28 is related with vectoring station 30, be used for from guidance unit 14 generate orders and message and in the future the order and the message of bootstrap unit 14 issue remote unit 12A-12C, and from its reception response message.

As in this article other are local or describe automatically as required, in vectoring station 30, control to generate in response to the operator of motive power guidance unit 14 in and braking control and order.The outer repeater 26 of each remote unit 12A-12C and car comprises distant station 32, is used to handle, transmit from the transmission of guidance unit 14 and/or to making response from the transmission of guidance unit 14 and being used to send response message and order.Vectoring station 30 and distant station 32 are in response to the independent signal from

transceiver

28A and 28B.

Four main types of the wireless radio transmission of being carried by communication system comprise: the link message of (1) each from guidance unit 14 to remote unit 12A-12C; Its " link " guidance unit 14 and remote unit 12A-12C; Promptly; Disposing or be provided with communication system supplies guidance unit 14 and remote unit 12A-12C to use; (2) link response message; The reception and the execution of its indication link message, (3) from the order of guidance unit 14, and its one or more functions of controlling one or more remote unit 12A-12C are (for example; The application of motive power or braking) and (4) by the state and the alert message of one or more remote unit 12A-12C transmission, it is used the operations necessary information updating guidance unit 14 relevant with one or more remote unit 12A-12C or makes guidance unit 14 provide the operations necessary information relevant with one or more remote unit 12A-12C.

Each message of sending from guidance unit 14 is broadcast to all remote units the remote unit 12A-12C with order and comprises that the guidance unit identifier supplies remote unit 12A-12C to be used for confirming that sending guidance unit is the guidance unit of identical train.The sure order of confirming to make remote unit 12A-12C execution reception.

The message of a transmission from remote unit 12A-12C and alarm also comprise the address of transmitting element.Because the previous link process of accomplishing, receiving element (that is, pilot engine or another remote locomotive) can confirm whether it is the expection recipient of the transmission of reception through the sign of transmitting element in the inspection message.

These four type of messages, it comprises the address information that comprises in each, guarantees safe transmissions links, its wireless radio transmission distance at train 10 is interior interrupts because of interference signal to hang down probability.Message allows from guidance unit 14 control remote unit 12A-12C and to guidance unit 14 the remote unit operation information to be provided.

As above-described, although sending and be transferred to remote unit 12A-12C by guidance unit 14, most of order is used for carrying out a situation that exists remote unit 12A-12C to give an order to other remote units and guidance unit 14.If remote unit 12A-12C detects the condition of authorizing emergency brake application, this long-range every other unit that emergency brake command is transferred to train.Order comprise train pilot engine sign and therefore will carry out at each remote unit place, send like order by guidance unit.

In whole description of the present invention, term " radio link ", " RF link " and " RF communication " and similar term description method for communicating between two links in network.Should be appreciated that be not limited to radio or RF system etc. and be intended to contain message according to the communication link between the node in the system of the present invention (locomotive) can be through it and be delivered to another or a plurality of other all technology of node from a node; It unrestrictedly comprises, magnetic system, sound system and optical system.Equally, system of the present invention uses between node together with radio (RF) link wherein and wherein multiple assembly and so compatible embodiment of link describe; Yet this description is not intended to and limits the present invention to this specific embodiment.

In distributed power train, in response to the order that the operator causes, the communication system at guidance unit place will represent radio frequency (RF) transmission of messages of order to each remote unit.Such order can comprise locomotive throttle or traction order and air damping, dynamic brake and electric braking order.Under the situation of air damping order, when receiving message, carry out the command response of brake command at each remote unit place with acceleration orbit car place, because sensing Brake pipe pressure at them, remote unit changes received RF message before.For example, if the operator provides brake application order, the brake pipe at guidance unit place is released and pressure reduces along train length and propagates up to arriving the train end car.According to train length,, pressure can pass by some seconds before reducing the last railcar of arrival.The brake pipe at pilot engine and remote locomotive place is released, and (latter is in response to RF message) brake pipe of having quickened each railcar place is released and brake application, especially near the terminal railcar of train.Thereby the braking maneuver at remote locomotive place in response to by the RF signal of communication system transmits after the braking maneuver of guidance unit.

The braking that causes at the guidance unit place is removed and also is sent to remote unit through radio frequency link so that from the brake pipe of all locomotives its nominal pressure that recharges, thereby reduces the brake pipe reloading time.

If train operator causes emergency brake application at the pilot engine place, communication system is sent emergency brake signal each in the remote locomotive through radio frequency link.Remote locomotive makes the brake pipe emptying that carrying out more fast of emergency brake application is provided because the brake pipe of the whole locomotives in the locomotive is drained, rather than as the brake pipe of the only pilot engine in conventional train be drained.

The message of generally, sending through communication system allows to apply more uniformly, and tractive effort can improve braking ability with the slower speed realization brake application that the speed rather than the air-pressure brake pipe signal of RF signal are propagated along train to railcar and because of each locomotive.

When distributed power train moves in each remote unit is supposed to into the environment of the command messages that reception sent by guidance unit; For example go and when not having the near-end barrier of radiofrequency signal, communication system is operated with normal mode along straight relatively track length when train.In this pattern, expectation does not have loss of communications, interference or transmits message (because message its intended destination of no show when transmitting for the first time).The most of message of sending with normal mode is controlled according to fixing priority messaging protocol, according to this agreement, and the command messages that each remote unit sends in response to guiding behind the predetermined space of transmission command and transmission state message.Thereby each remote unit is assigned time slot, and from this time slot of transmission measurement of guidance unit command messages, each remote unit transmits its message in the meantime.

The sequential chart of Fig. 3 (wherein to comprising the railroad train descriptive system of guidance unit and four remote units) illustrates and the related notion of fixed priority messaging protocol that is used for proper communication.The notion of describing in conjunction with Fig. 3 can be applied to comprise the train greater or less than four remote locomotives.

According to this scheme, at time t=650 millisecond, guidance unit transmission command message (for example, brake command, traction order, dynamic brake commands, etc.), it is supposed to by all remote locomotives in the distributed power train and receives.As can in Fig. 3, see, each transceiver (being also referred to as radio) has distributed 30 ms intervals to open, and exemplary command message length is 193 milliseconds.From guiding transmission through behind the predetermined space, for example as after in Fig. 3, indicate 50 milliseconds, first remote locomotive is transmission command message and its status message (for example, first remote locomotive just releases brake pipe in response to brake command) again.Status message is intended to make the response train notified operator of first remote unit to order to pilot engine.Be also noted that each remote unit transmits the command messages with its status message again and orders the possibility that is received by all remote locomotives with maximization.It is illustrated in Fig. 3 that to open time, message duration etc. be exemplary and can change according to the application and the specification of the parts that comprise communication system.

The second remote locomotive forward command message and its status message of predetermined delay (for example 50 milliseconds) back transmission that is finishing from first remote transmission.Order is transmitted with the state transfer process lasting up to all remote locomotives forward command message and transmit their corresponding status messages.The message end condition long-rangely occurs when having transmitted its state last, and guidance unit freely transmits another command messages to remote locomotive after this.In Fig. 3 embodiment, message stops appearing at t=2896 millisecond or 2271 milliseconds after the initial transmission of guidance unit.

When guidance unit transmission command message, guidance unit will not know that whether message received up to from each remote unit receiving remote status message (the wherein reception of status message directive command message and execution) or one or more accepting state message from remote unit (status message lacks indication and do not receive command messages) not by all remote units in the train.Thereby according to an embodiment of communication system, receive command messages in order to ensure each remote unit, it is transmitted by each remote unit.

Notice that one or more remote status message can not be directed the unit and receive, this is possible.When situation when being such, guidance unit is transmission command message and wait the response status message from each remote unit in the train again.The characteristic of the present invention that will describe has hereinafter increased the possibility that receives all status messages at the guidance unit place, thereby has reduced the probability of transmission again, and does not have obviously to influence the overall transfer sequential of command messages and status message.

Except that above-described fixed priority protocol, some order (for example, emergency brake application) classifies as high priority command messages and according to the priority protocol different with fixed priority protocol transmission.More another command messages (for example, the communication system inspection) is according to the transmission of these orders of control and other priority protocol operations of replying of remote unit.

When distributed power train passed some topography and geomorphology or have the orbital segment near nature or artificial obstacle's thing, the horizon communication link between transmitting element and the receiving element can be interrupted.Thereby order and status message possibly not be received the unit reliably and receive, and receiving element is that pilot engine is directed against the message of sending from remote unit, and remote locomotive is to the message of sending from guidance unit.Although high-power robustness transceiver can successfully transfer signals to receiving element under some operating condition, such equipment can be relatively costly.In addition; In the certain operations sight; Even high-power transceiver also can't successfully be realized communication; When for example crossing the warp rail section of natural obstacles such as contiguous for example mountain range when long train driving, wherein the communication path between guidance unit and the one or more remote unit receives the obstruction on mountain range.And, when train passes through tunnel, some transceiver can not with other transceiver communications on the locomotive.

In order to improve system reliability, the distributed power train communication system one embodiment comprises the outer transponder 26 (referring to Fig. 1) of car, be used to receive the message and forwarding (transmission again) message of sending and supply remote unit 12A-12C to receive from guidance unit 14.Can put into practice this embodiment along for example passing the track length in tunnel.In such embodiment; The outer transponder 26 of car (for example comprises antenna 29; The leakage coaxial cable of installing along length of tunnel) with distant station 32, is used to receive and transmit again guiding message by all the remote unit 12A-12C receptions in the RF communication range of repeater antennae 29.

Summary of the invention

According to an embodiment; The present invention includes the communication means that is used to comprise the vehicle marshalling that guides power car and remote power vehicle; Wherein this guiding power car comprises the first and second separated antennas, and each antenna is related with radio, and the remote power vehicle comprises the third and fourth separated antenna; Each antenna is related with radio, and this method comprises.This method further comprises: transmission comes the outbound message of bootstrap power car; At remote power vehicle place, receive this outbound message and will represent its signal provision to be used to produce the first reception signal for related radio at third antenna; And receive this outbound message and will represent its signal provision to be used to produce the second reception signal for related radio at the 4th antenna; Confirm that first receives first signal quality metrics of signal; Confirm that second receives the secondary signal quality metric of signal; Select first to receive the signal or the second reception signal confession remote power vehicle processing in response to first signal quality metrics and secondary signal quality metric; Transmission is from the message that enters the station of remote power vehicle; At guiding power car place, receive this message and will represent its signal provision to be used to produce the 3rd reception signal for related radio of entering the station at first antenna; And receive this outbound message and will represent its signal provision to be used to produce the 4th reception signal for related radio at second antenna; Confirm that the 3rd receives the 3rd signal quality metrics of signal; Confirm that the 4th receives the 4th signal quality metrics of signal; And select the 3rd to receive signal or the 4th and receive signal and supply the guiding power car to handle in response to the 3rd signal quality metrics and the 4th signal quality metrics.

According to another embodiment, the present invention includes the communication system that is used to have the vehicle marshalling that guides power car and remote power vehicle, each comprises the place ahead antenna and rear antenna this guiding power car and remote power vehicle.This system further comprises: communication channel; The guiding power car is used for supplying the remote power vehicle to receive through this traffic channel outbound message; First radio, its is used for related with the place ahead antenna in the remote power vehicle receives the first reception signal in response to outbound message; And second radio; Its is used for related with the rear antenna in the remote power vehicle receives the second reception signal in response to outbound message, and wherein first radio confirms that first receives first signal quality metrics of signal and the secondary signal quality metric that second radio is confirmed the second reception signal; Comparator is used for comparison first signal quality metrics and secondary signal quality metric; Processor is used for handling and has first of better signal quality tolerance and receive signal or second and receive of signal; The remote power vehicle is used for supplying the guiding power car to receive through the traffic channel message that enters the station; The 3rd radio, its is used in response to enter the station message sink three reception signal related with the place ahead antenna in the guiding power car; And the 4th radio; Its is used in response to enter the station message sink four reception signal related with the rear antenna in the guiding power car, wherein the 3rd radio confirms that the 3rd receives the 3rd signal quality metrics of signal and the 4th signal quality metrics that the 4th radio is confirmed the 4th reception signal; Comparator is used for comparison the 3rd signal quality metrics and the 4th signal quality metrics; And processor, be used to handle the 3rd reception signal or the 4th and receive signal with better signal quality tolerance.

According to another embodiment, the present invention includes the communication means that is used for vehicle marshalling, this vehicle marshalling comprises: the guiding power car, its have first antenna related with first transceiver and with the second related antenna of second transceiver; And the remote power vehicle, its have the third antenna related with the 3rd transceiver and with the 4th related antenna of the 4th transceiver.This method further comprises: via first antenna transmission from the outbound message of first transceiver or via the outbound message of second antenna transmission from second transceiver, this outbound message comprises a plurality of message byte; Receive this outbound message at third antenna with the 4th antenna and related the 3rd transceiver and the 4th transceiver place; When receiving, confirm correct byte and the error byte in the outbound message at the 3rd transceiver place; When receiving, confirm correct byte and the error byte in the outbound message at the 4th transceiver place; And the message of using the message of comfortable the 3rd transceiver place reception and one correct combination of bytes in the message that the 4th transceiver place receives to rebuild.

According to another embodiment, the present invention includes the communication means that is used for the vehicle marshalling, this vehicle marshalling comprises guiding power car and a plurality of remote power vehicle.This method further comprises: transmission is from the outbound message of this guiding power car, and this outbound message comprises a plurality of message byte, one or more receptions in a plurality of remote power vehicles and transmit this outbound message again; Locate to receive the outbound message that occurs first for one in a plurality of remote power vehicles; Locate to receive the outbound message that occurs for the second time for one in a plurality of remote power vehicles; Correct byte and error byte in the outbound message of confirming to occur first; Correct byte and error byte in the outbound message of confirming to occur for the second time; And use from the message of locating to make up reconstruction of correct byte in a plurality of remote power vehicles that occur first or the outbound message that occur the second time.

Description of drawings

When considering when the following figure reading of combination and in view of following detailed description, it is more obvious with use more easily to understand the present invention and its other advantage, wherein:

Fig. 1 and 2 is illustrating of the adaptable distributed-power vehicle of instruction of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is the sequential chart of normal message priority that is used for the prior art of communication system.

Fig. 4 be according to instruction of the present invention, the sequential chart of the vehicle-mounted message priority agreement that is used for using with the train that comprises four remote units.

Fig. 5 is the form according to the time sequence parameter of instruction of the present invention, the vehicle-mounted message priority agreement of diagram.

Fig. 6 be according to instruction of the present invention, the sequential chart of another embodiment of the vehicle-mounted message priority agreement that is used for using with the train that comprises four remote units.

Fig. 7 be according to instruction of the present invention, the sequential chart of the vehicle-mounted message priority agreement that is used for using with the train that comprises three remote units.

Fig. 8 is the sequential chart according to the outer message forwarder system of car of instruction of the present invention.

Fig. 9 is the time sequence parameter form relatively of the normal priority message agreement of diagram, vehicle-mounted transponder message priority agreement and the outer transponder message priority agreement of car.

Figure 10 is the illustrating of distributed power train according to another embodiment of the invention.

Figure 11 and 12 is flow charts of describing according to the treatment step of two embodiment of the present invention.

According to common practice, the characteristic of multiple description is not drawn in proportion, stresses the special characteristic relevant with the present invention but be depicted as.Reference numeral is indicated similar elements in accompanying drawing and text.

Embodiment

Before detailed description is used for the concrete grammar and equipment according to the priority message agreement of vehicle-mounted message forwarder of the present invention system, should be noted that the present invention mainly is the combination of the novelty of the hardware and software element relevant with said method and apparatus.Therefore; These hardware and software elements are by the conventional element representative among the figure; It only illustrates those details relevant with the present invention, so that of no usely for the those skilled in that art with rights and interests described herein conspicuous CONSTRUCTED SPECIFICATION is covered the disclosure.

According to embodiments of the invention; In distributed power train (the for example distributed power train 10 of Fig. 1), comprise the priority message agreement that is used for vehicle-mounted message forwarder system; When each continuous remote unit 12A-12C receives and again during message transfer, crosses over (leapfrog) downwards from head end along train to the train end from the message of guidance unit 14 transmission.

In addition; When train get into pilot engine unit wherein can get nowhere with the environment of each remote unit direct communication in the time (for example; When train gets into the tunnel), communication system can instruction according to the present invention automatically switch to the priority protocol that is used for vehicle-mounted forwards (OBMR).For example, when exceed the pre-determined constant duration interruption of (for example a minute) of communication system experience, such switching appears.In one embodiment, in a single day the OBMR agreement is activated, and it continues 15 minutes effectively, and communication system is got back to the operation of normal priority messaging protocol after this, that is, describe as combining Fig. 3.In another embodiment, communication system can be configured to continuous OBMR operation or the OBMR operation can manually be activated by the pilot engine operator.

Fig. 4 diagram is used to comprise the exemplary OBMR agreement of the train of guidance unit and four remote units.In this pattern, guidance unit transmission command message (that is, give at the remote unit place function make new advances order message or request remote unit state information and comprise the state updating message of the order of nearest previous transmission).First remote unit receives the departures command messages and transmits this message and supplies to be received by other remote units in the train.

As illustrated in Fig. 4, guidance unit is transmitted in behind the time t=0 625 milliseconds and locates beginning.This is exemplary at interval and representative receives message and transmission from the predetermined minimum interval between the order subsequently of guidance unit at the guidance unit place.Notice that exemplary 50 milliseconds finish transmission of messages and the interval delay of message between transmitting again, and make exemplary 30 milliseconds of radio (transceiver) of distribution open time delay.Generally, the command messages that is sent by guidance unit, the message of being sent by remote unit and the interval between the transmission of messages are fixed on length.Yet, these length can be as required for concrete application change of the present invention and can be different between different rail operations persons.

Different with above-described normal communication mode, according to one embodiment of present invention, the first long-range return state message of when receiving, not transmitting from outbound message that pilot engine at that time sends.On the contrary; First remote unit (and each long-range unit subsequently) is transmitted outbound message; Allow outbound message to propagate thus, and do not cause from the time punishment of (that is, on the direction of pilot engine) status message transmission of entering the station of each remote unit along train length.As can see from Fig. 4; Each remote unit is at its corresponding predefine time slot (predetermined time interval after receiving outbound message; After the outbound message of another remote unit transmission, or at another remote unit after the transmission response) in transmit outbound message again.Thereby message is crossed over downwards along train and is supplied each remote unit to receive.When outbound message by last long-range when transmitting again, do not have status message to get back to pilot engine.

The prerequisite of some embodiment of the present invention is a train, and each locomotive receives (for example, " hearing ") from the pilot engine and the message of sending from remote locomotive, although always this can be not real owing to interference, low signal intensity etc.The signal sequence parameter at guidance unit described above and remote unit place and action are based on this prerequisite.For example, if remote unit fails to receive guiding message, then, guidance unit finds this situation when failing to receive the response from this remote locomotive.Pilot engine is taked corrective action, and it comprises and transmits origination message again.

And; Can see from Fig. 4; Each remote locomotive from receive from pilot engine or from before remote locomotive message (from receive outbound message or from the reception message that enters the station) wait for the scheduled time, wherein " before " refers to early to receive message and transmission response message or the locomotive of the message that receives of transmission again.Yet if remote locomotive does not before receive message, it significantly can't transmission response message or transmits origination message again.In these cases, expectation will not receive this response from the remote locomotive of the response of locomotive before.Expect the remote locomotive of this response therefore will be from receiving the last Messages-Waiting scheduled time up to the message of sending himself or transmit origination message again.

When that kind described above was provided with communication system, each configuration of locomotives became its position in train of reaction.Thereby each message of being sent by locomotive comprises the identifier that transmits locomotive.Each receives each locomotive of message and can therefore confirm the locomotive of message transfer and can confirm that the transmission locomotive is with respect to the position of the position that receives locomotive in the train.

When last long-range (n is long-range) receives command messages, last long-range with its status message (that is, enter the station message) send it back previous (n-1) long-range.According to standard practices, when configuration communication system or link guidance unit and remote unit, leave guidance unit remote unit farthest and be configured to last long-rangely, that is, it is last long-range in the train for last long-range " knowing ".Thereby when last remote unit received outbound message, it made response with its status message.Remote unit 3 (under the situation of n=4) receives from the status message of remote unit 4 and stores the time slot of the status message of reception up to its appointment; Transmit remote unit 4 status messages and additional himself status message at this slot time place remote unit 3; (that is, long-range to second) transmitted this two status messages on the direction of guidance unit.On the direction of guidance unit, the status message that remote unit 2 receives from remote unit 4 and 3, and transmit these status messages, add the status message of himself.Process continues to arrive guidance unit as cascade message up to the status message of each remote unit, and it comprises the status message from each remote unit.

As can see that from Fig. 4 this occurs in the t=4377 millisecond, or from beginning to transmit the departures command messages to receive total consuming time 3752 milliseconds of all status messages at guidance unit.

S.O.P. according to the distributed power train communication system; At first from the guidance unit message transfer or when message is transmitted by remote unit in succession remote unit do not receive under the situation of outbound message, the receiving remote unit will be to guidance unit report status message.If guidance unit expectation does not receive command messages from each status message and any remote unit in the remote unit in the remote unit then can confirm which is from the status message (each remote unit status comprises identifiers of remote units) that receives.If thereby guidance unit does not receive from one or more long-range status messages, order is transmitted by guidance unit again.According to an embodiment, inform that through indication suitable on the guidance unit display this remote unit of pilot operationp person lacks.

As can recognize by those skilled in that art; Except that the receiving remote unit of expection; Status message by the remote unit transmission also can be received by remote unit; That is be place, at a remote unit of contiguous transmission remote unit on the direction of the guidance unit of train at the expection receiving element.For example, in the distributed power train with four remote units of Fig. 4,

remote unit

2 and 3 all can receive the status message by remote unit 4 transmission.Long-range 4 status messages of remote unit 2 storage up to the transmission time slot of its appointment or up to from receive from last long-range message to fixed time of message transfer at interval.Thereby but twice of remote unit 2 receiving remotes 4 status message: (1) is when at first by remote unit 4 transmission, and (2) are when being transmitted by remote unit 3 again.Repeatedly the ability of accepting state message improves the probability of guidance unit reception from the status message of each remote unit that receives command messages.

In one embodiment, like what just described at preceding text, these two message of the byte-by-byte comparison of remote unit that reception message is twice.Each byte of message comprises error detection code (for example, parity check), thereby allow to confirm that each byte is faultless (the parity check indication occurs wrong) or comprise mistake (at least one mistake appears in the parity check indication).If the byte in first message not through byte identical in the parity check and second message through parity check, then unsanctioned byte is replaced by the correct byte from this second message in this first message.

In another embodiment, receive message and

related transceiver

28A and 28B through any locomotive in

remote locomotive

15,12A, 12B and 12C and the pilot engine 14 handle this message at antenna 29A and 29B.Referring to Fig. 1.According to circumstances, handle these two message, these two message of wherein byte-by-byte comparison through vectoring station 30 or distant station 32.Each byte of each message comprises error detection code (for example, parity check), thereby allows to confirm that byte is that faultless (the parity check indication does not have wrong the existence) or byte comprise at least one mistake (there is at least one mistake in the parity check indication).If the byte in first message not through byte identical in the parity check and second message through parity check, then in this first message unsanctioned byte by from the correct byte replacement of this second message message with combination correction.Handle the message of this correction then through related vectoring station 30 or distant station 32.

Fig. 5 is the form of indication to relative transmission sequence, time of delay and the message content of the message priority agreement of the vehicle-mounted message of train (it comprises a pilot engine and four remote locomotives, as illustrated in Fig. 4) forwarding.Yet, when remote unit transmits, from the 3rd row beginning of Fig. 5 for successively decreasing during each long-range time delay of transmitting subsequently as the hereinafter explanation.

In illustrated embodiment, it is 50 milliseconds since the end of a unit transmission and from the time delay between another unit transmission.When the transmission of each remote unit, reduced 50 milliseconds for each the long-range time delay subsequently that will transmit, thereby each remote unit transmits in order when allowing 50 milliseconds between the transmission of keeping each unit.If remote unit is transmission after the time delay of its qualification, then each subsequently long-range is recognized this and when receiving the transmission of unit subsequently, correspondingly adjusts himself time delay.

For example, if remote unit 1 does not transmit, remote unit 2 bootstrap unit end of transmission before its transmission is waited for 100 milliseconds.If remote unit 2 transmission, then each remote unit that transmits subsequently recognizes that these two long-rangely should transmits and deduct 100 milliseconds from its time delay in this time frame; Remote unit 3 is 50 milliseconds (150-100 millisecond) transmission after remote unit 2 ends of transmission, and its medium-long range 4 transmission delays are adjusted to 100 milliseconds (200-100 milliseconds) after long-range 2 ends of transmission, etc.

(and remote unit 1 does not transmit) then remote unit 3 are arranged in after the guidance unit end of transmission 150 milliseconds and transmission and when remote unit 3 transmission, each remote unit that transmits is subsequently recognized that three remote units should transmit and deducted 150 milliseconds from its time delay in this time frame but if remote unit 2 does not transmit.

Finally; If

remote unit

1,2 and 3 does not transmit; Then the remote unit 4 bootstrap unit ends of transmission wait for that 200 milliseconds transmit and when long-range 4 transmission, each remote unit that transmits subsequently will recognize that four remote units should transmits in this time frame and each thus deduct 200 milliseconds from its time delay.

In another example, if guidance unit and the transmission of first remote unit, then second remote unit transmits at the 100-50=50 millisecond that finishes from first remote transmission.If third and fourth remote unit also deducts that 50 milliseconds and they are configured to respectively that remote unit 2 does not transmit then 100 milliseconds and 150 milliseconds of transmission finishing from first remote transmission from their timing period.

When the 50 milliseconds of transmission after first remote transmission finishes of second remote unit; All subsequently long-range time delays from their previous adjustment (that is, since remote unit 1 transmission cause before deduct 50 milliseconds adjustment) deduct 50 milliseconds and the 3rd remote unit and transmit at the 100-50=50 millisecond that finishes from second remote transmission.If the 4th remote unit also deducts 50 milliseconds and be arranged to that remote unit 3 does not transmit then millisecond transmission in 150-50 millisecond=100 of finishing from second remote transmission from delay of its previous adjustment.

When the 50 milliseconds of transmission after second remote transmission finishes of the 3rd remote unit, then all subsequently long-range deduct the 100-50=50 millisecond transmission that 50 milliseconds and the 4th remote unit are finishing from the 3rd remote transmission from time delays of their previous adjustment once more.

Generally, when the transmission of each remote unit and message are received by every other remote unit, then also not each remote unit of message transfer during the time delay of its assignment, deduct 50 milliseconds.This shortening during the time delay has reduced message and has crossed over the needed time up and down along train.

Consider the sight that one or more remote units do not transmit.For example suppose guidance unit transmission command message and remote unit 1 50 milliseconds of transmission command message after command messages finishes.Therefore at this time point, each remote unit is heard from the transmission of remote unit 1 and is deducted 50 milliseconds from the time delay of its assignment.The further 50 millisecond not transmission of hypothesis remote unit 2 after remote unit 1 finishes its transmission.Therefore remote unit 3 postpones its time to reduce to the 150-50=100 millisecond, and wherein reducing 50 milliseconds is because the transmission of remote unit 1.Remote unit 3 will be after the last end of transmission 100 milliseconds of transmission, this is the transmission from remote unit 1 in this case.

Opposite hypothesis remote unit 1 does not transmit from the message of guidance unit and remote unit 2 message transfer not.Remote unit 3 therefore in the bootstrap unit 150 milliseconds of the end of transmission locate transmission.Remote unit 4 deducts 150 milliseconds (owing to recognizing that long-

range

1,2 and 3 should transmit this time frame) from the time delay of its assignment; The 200-150=50 millisecond.Remote unit 4 will be after remote unit 3 ends of transmission 50 milliseconds of transmission.

As can see that 50 ms intervals are to slide at interval, and make no matter when transmission signals of remote unit, next long-rangely before causing its transmission, finish to wait for 50 milliseconds from transmission.If remote unit not transmission signals then subsequently remote unit to transmission or each remote unit that should transmission signals wait for they less than during 50 milliseconds the assignment time delay.

According to the version of the OBMR agreement that combines Figure 4 and 5 to describe, status message transmit on by the direction of remote unit at guidance unit during, the departures command messages is also transmitted by remote unit and maximizes the chance that each remote unit receives command messages.This sight (it illustrates in Fig. 6) makes command messages and the time lengthening guidance unit place receiving remote status message between of transmission from guidance unit, and being of value to increases the probability that each remote unit receives outbound message.

Fig. 7 is the sequential chart for the message priority agreement of the vehicle-mounted message forwarder of the train that comprises pilot engine and three remote locomotives.As combine Fig. 4 above-described, comprise that the realization principle of distributed power train of three remote units is identical with the enforcement of four remote unit distribution formula power trains.As can recognize that illustrated embodiment in Fig. 6 (wherein remote unit transmission command message) again can also be applied to comprise the train of guidance unit and three remote locomotives train of any amount of remote unit (or comprise) by those skilled in that art.

Fig. 8 is the sequential chart of proper communication sequential agreement when message forwarder 26 is operated outside the car that is used in preceding text combination Fig. 1 description.The command messages that guidance unit is received during the time interval 202 and transmitted again by message forwarder 26 in transmission during the time interval 200.In four remote units each receives the command messages transmitted and makes response with its status message during its distributed time slot.During the time interval 206, transponder 26 receives all remote unit status and transmits them again and is used for being received by guidance unit 14, and message interval finishes after this.

The utility message of quoting among Fig. 8 210 is the message that is sent to all guidance units in the a-n radio range a-n of transponder 26 by transponder 26, and it makes all receive guidance unit delay transmission.For example, this utility message prevents that guidance unit outside in the tunnel and remote unit at tunnel internal from transmitting simultaneously.

Fig. 9 is the normal messages agreement, OBMR agreement of the present invention of prior art and the message delay time of the normal messages sequential agreement when message forwarder is operated outside with car relatively.

In other embodiments; Communication system of the present invention further comprises antenna/radio diversity characteristic and/or signal selection characteristic, and it helps overcoming the signal transmission path fault that is for example caused by multipath signal propagation, signal reflex and signal jam (for example owing to be used for by the pantograph of aerial cable to the locomotive installation of locomotive supplied with electric power).

Each two-shipper car marshalling comprises the place ahead locomotive 250A/250B/250C and rear locomotive 252A/252B/252C (referring to Figure 10); Method, radio 260A/260B/260C and back method, radio 262A/262B/262C before each locomotive further comprises; The 266A/266B/266C operation of method, radio combination antenna and each back method, radio combine antenna 268A/268B/268C operation before each, are respectively applied for the message of reception from other locomotives transmissions of train 270.The marshalling locomotive is coupled by MU (a plurality of unit) cable 253A/253B/253C.Railway saying according to routine; The place ahead locomotive 250A/250B/250C is designated as " A " unit, and it is through being caused by the train operator in " A " unit and being supplied to the control signal control of locomotive 252A/252B/252C or " B " unit to be somebody's turn to do " B " unit through MU cable 253A/253B/253C.

Notice that notion described herein also is applied to single locomotive, it comprises two radio and two related antennas, each end that is positioned at locomotive, and wherein pantograph or another barrier are between these two antennas.

When activating communication system, preceding method, radio 260A/260B/260C in each locomotive marshalling and back method, radio 262A/262B/262C are activated.Thereby two radio in each marshalling all receive the message by other unit transmission in the train 270.Preceding method, radio 260A/260B/260C and back method, radio 262A/262B/262C confirm the signal quality metrics (for example signal strength signal intensity, the error rate or valid data receive) of the message of each reception.Comparison signal quality metric in comparator/processor 276A/276B/276C, and the message with better signal quality tolerance is selected as operation information and supplies the locomotive marshalling to use.

According to embodiment, all message of radio 260A/260B/260C and back method, radio 262A/262B/262C place's reception are forwardly confirmed that signal quality metrics comes to be this marshalling selection operation message.For example; The radio message of each reception can be proved to be correct through the signal quality metrics that makes message be subordinated to wrong detection and correcting algorithm, handles the signal of confirming that each radio service in marshalling receives according to the present invention afterwards, is marshalling selection operation message from this.

Alternatively, replace handling whole signal and be used for confirming signal quality metrics, only analyze the signal quality metrics that first group of message digit confirmed message.Message with better signal quality tolerance is selected as the operation information of marshalling.

Typically, the antenna/radio 266B/260B of outbound message from antenna/radio 268A/262A transmission of guiding marshalling and status message from long-range marshalling transmits with 266C/260C.In yet another embodiment; For the interference of the correct reception that minimizes the signal that possibly interrupt receiving, a desired orientation in response to the signal of transmission among among the antenna 266A/266B/266C (with the radio 260A/260B/260C of correspondence) or the antenna 268A/268B/268C (with the radio 262A/262B/262C of correspondence) is selected as transmit antenna.Notice that antenna 266A/266B/266C is arranged on the rear end that related locomotive is organized into groups near the front end setting (supposing the travel direction by arrow 11 indications) and the antenna 268A/268B/268C of the locomotive marshalling of association.

Radio 260A/260B/260C/262A/262B/262C confirms the anticipated orientation of transmission signals (for example, entering the station or setting off based on the type of info that comprises in signal and/or the signal) and selects the most approaching reception antenna/wireless transmit antenna/radio of expecting.For example, be that guiding marshalling and expectation are transmitted outbound message to the locomotive marshalling that comprises locomotive 250B and 252B if comprise the locomotive marshalling of locomotive 250A and 252A, then antenna/radio 268A/262A is selected as operational antennas.When comprising pantograph 280, each locomotive is used for that this characteristic can be especially useful during to the locomotive supply of current from built on stilts current source (not shown in Figure 10).According to this embodiment, select antenna (with the radio of correspondence) to make the sense of expecting away from pantograph.As other example, transmit a signal to the locomotive marshalling that comprises locomotive 250A and 252A if comprise the remote locomotive marshalling of locomotive 250B and 252B, then antenna/radio 266B/260B elects operational antennas/radio as.

Figure 11 is the flow chart that diagram is used for realizing according to one embodiment of present invention the method for signal selection function.In one embodiment, the method for Figure 11 is implemented in microprocessor and the related memory component of (for example, in locomotive 260A/260B/260C/262A/262B/262C) in the locomotive of railroad train.In such embodiment, the representative of the step of Figure 11 is stored in memory component and exercisable program in microprocessor.When in microprocessor, implementing, program code makes microprocessor be configured to create logic and arithmetical operation comes the process chart step.The present invention also can embody in the form of computer program code with the known computer language that comprises instruction, and this instruction for example is included in the tangible mediums such as floppy disk, CD-ROM, hard drives, removable media or any other computer-readable recording medium.When in program code is loaded into by the general or special-purpose computer of microprocessor control and by it, carrying out, computer becomes and is used to put into practice equipment of the present invention.For example; The present invention can also embody in the form of computer program code; No matter whether it is through optical fiber or be stored in the storage medium or through some transmission medium (for example through electrical wiring or cable) via electromagnetic radiation; This storage medium is loaded into computer and/or is carried out by computer, and wherein when computer program code is loaded in the computer or is carried out by computer, this computer becomes and is used to put into practice equipment of the present invention.

The flow chart of Figure 11 is in step 300 beginning, and wherein communication system is activated, thereby preceding method, radio (260A/260B/260C among Figure 10) and back method, radio (262A/262B/262C among Figure 10) in each locomotive marshalling are activated.Like what indicate in step 302, the radio device (radios) in each marshalling all receives the message by other unit transmission in the train 270.Like what indicate in step 304, preceding method, radio and back method, radio are all confirmed the signal quality metrics (the for example reception of signal strength signal intensity, the error rate or valid data) of the message of each reception.Being selected as (referring to step 310) operation information in step 306 comparison signal quality metric and message with better signal quality tolerance supplies the locomotive marshalling to use.

The flow chart of Figure 12 is described the antenna/radio diversity characteristic of one embodiment of the present of invention.In step 330, produce another locomotive that signal is used for being transferred to train.In step 332, confirm the anticipated orientation of the signal (entering the station or setting off of the type of info that for example, comprises based on signal and/or signal) of transmission.In step 334, transmit antenna/radio is selected as the most approaching expection reception antenna/wireless antenna/radio.

Some embodiment of this paper has been described about railroad train.Only if other regulation (for example in claim), any embodiment among such embodiment is also applicable to the rail vehicle marshalling, or more generally, and applicable to other vehicles marshallings, " vehicle marshalling " a group of referring to go together along route links vehicle.For example, " rail vehicle marshalling " is one group of link vehicle that the one group of track in edge or other guide rails go together.As another example, " marshalling of ocean vehicle " is to be linked at the one group of boats and ships that goes along the water route together.Other embodiment of this paper have been described about locomotive in addition.Only if other regulation (for example in claim), any embodiment among such embodiment is also applicable to the power rail vehicle, or more generally, applicable to other power cars." power car " can self-propelled vehicle (ocean, road, cross-country, etc.)." power rail vehicle " is to be configured to along pair of tracks or the self-propelled vehicle of other guide rails.

Although describe the present invention with reference to various embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand and can make multiple change and its element and can be replaced by equivalent element and do not depart from scope of the present invention.Scope of the present invention further comprises any combination of the element of the various embodiments of setting forth from this paper.In addition, can make modification so that concrete condition is adapted to instruction of the present invention and does not depart from its essential scope.Therefore, regulation the invention is not restricted to openly be used for as expection the specific embodiment of the optimal mode of embodiment of the present invention, and the present invention will comprise all embodiment in the scope that falls into accompanying claims.

Claims

1. communication means that the vehicle that is used to comprise guiding power car and remote power vehicle is organized into groups; Wherein, Said guiding power car comprises the first and second separated antennas that each antenna is related with radio; And said remote power vehicle comprises the third and fourth separated antenna that each antenna is related with radio, and said method comprises:

Transmission is from the outbound message of said guiding power car;

At said remote power vehicle place; Receive said outbound message at said third antenna place and will represent its signal provision give related radio be used to produce first and receive signal, and receive said outbound message at said the 4th antenna place and will represent its signal provision give related radio be used to produce the second reception signal;

Confirm that said first receives first signal quality metrics of signal;

Confirm that said second receives the secondary signal quality metric of signal; Select said first reception signal or the said second reception signal to supply said remote power vehicle to handle in response to said first signal quality metrics and secondary signal quality metric;

Transmission is from the message that enters the station of said remote power vehicle;

At said guiding power car place; Receive at the said first antenna place said enter the station message and will represent its signal provision give related radio be used to produce the 3rd and receive signal, and receive said outbound message at the said second antenna place and will represent its signal provision give related radio be used to produce the 4th reception signal;

Confirm that the said the 3rd receives the 3rd signal quality metrics of signal;

Confirm that the said the 4th receives the 4th signal quality metrics of signal; And

Select said the 3rd reception signal or the 4th reception signal to supply said guiding power car to handle in response to said the 3rd signal quality metrics and said the 4th signal quality metrics.

2. communication means as claimed in claim 1, wherein, each comprises in signal strength signal intensity, the error rate and the signal to noise ratio said first signal quality metrics, secondary signal quality metric, the 3rd signal quality metrics and the 4th signal quality metrics.

3. communication means as claimed in claim 1; Wherein, the said step of confirming said first signal quality metrics, secondary signal quality metric, the 3rd signal quality metrics and the 4th signal quality metrics further comprises confirms that corresponding first receives signal, second and receive signal, the 3rd and receive at least one in said first signal quality metrics, secondary signal quality metric, the 3rd signal quality metrics and the 4th signal quality metrics of section that signal and the 4th receives signal.

4. one kind is used to comprise that guiding is organized into groups and the communication means of the vehicle marshalling of long-range marshalling; Said guiding marshalling comprises the place ahead power car and rear power car; Said long-range marshalling comprises the place ahead power car and rear power car; Wherein, said the place ahead power car of each in said guiding marshalling and the said long-range marshalling and each of said rear power car all comprise antenna and related radio, and said method comprises:

Transmission is from the outbound message of said guiding marshalling;

In said long-range marshalling place; In said the place ahead the said antenna place of power car receive said outbound message and will receive signal provision give related radio be used to produce first and receive signal, and at said rear the said antenna place of power car receive said outbound message and with said reception signal provision give related radio be used to produce second and receive signal;

Confirm that said first receives first signal quality metrics of signal;

Confirm that said second receives the secondary signal quality metric of signal;

Select said first reception signal or the said second reception signal to supply said long-range marshalling to handle in response to said first signal quality metrics and said secondary signal quality metric;

Transmission is from the message that enters the station of said long-range marshalling;

In said guiding marshalling place; In said the place ahead the said antenna place of power car receive said enter the station message and will receive signal provision give related radio be used to produce the 3rd and receive signal, and at said rear the said antenna place of power car receive said enter the station message and will receive signal provision give related radio be used to produce the 4th reception signal;

Select said the 3rd reception signal or the 4th reception signal to supply said guiding marshalling to handle in response to said the 3rd signal quality metrics and said the 4th signal quality metrics.

5. communication means as claimed in claim 4, wherein, each comprises in signal strength signal intensity, the error rate and the signal to noise ratio said first signal quality metrics, secondary signal quality metric, the 3rd signal quality metrics and the 4th signal quality metrics.

6. communication means as claimed in claim 4; Wherein, the said step of confirming said first signal quality metrics, secondary signal quality metric, the 3rd signal quality metrics and the 4th signal quality metrics further comprises confirms that corresponding first receives signal, second and receive signal, the 3rd and receive said first signal quality metrics, secondary signal quality metric, the 3rd signal quality metrics and the 4th signal quality metrics that signal and the 4th receives the section of signal.

7. communication means that the vehicle that is used to comprise guiding power car and at least two long-range marshallings is organized into groups; Each long-range marshalling comprises the place ahead power car and rear power car; Wherein, In said the place ahead power car, said rear power car and the said guiding power car each comprises and being used for through traffic channel and the antenna and related radio that receive signal that said method comprises:

A place in said long-range marshalling:

Generation will be through the message of said traffic channel;

Confirm to be used to receive the expection radio of said signal; And

In response to the said signal of said definite step transmission from said the place ahead power car or said rear power car.

8. communication means as claimed in claim 7; Wherein, The said step of transmission further comprises a transmission from said the place ahead power car or said rear power car, in said the place ahead power car or the said rear power car said one near with the related said antenna of said radio that is used to receive said signal.

9. communication means as claimed in claim 7; Wherein, The said step of confirming further comprises confirms that said expection radio is on the direction that enters the station of said long-range marshalling or on the outbound direction, and the said step of said transmission comprises that further the said the place ahead of selection power car transmits home signal and selects said rear power car to transmit exit signal.

10. communication system that the vehicle that is used to have guiding power car and remote power vehicle is organized into groups, each comprises the place ahead antenna and rear antenna said guiding power car and remote power vehicle, said communication system comprises:

Communication channel;

Said guiding power car is used for supplying said remote power vehicle to receive through said traffic channel outbound message;

First radio, its is used for related with the said the place ahead antenna in the said remote power vehicle receives the first reception signal in response to said outbound message; And second radio; Its is used for related with the said rear antenna in the said remote power vehicle receives the second reception signal in response to said outbound message; Wherein, said first radio confirms that said first receives first signal quality metrics of signal and the secondary signal quality metric that said second radio is confirmed the said second reception signal;

The comparator that is used for more said first signal quality metrics and said secondary signal quality metric;

Be used for handling and have one the processor that said first of better signal quality tolerance receives signal or the said second reception signal;

Said remote power vehicle is used for supplying said guiding power car to receive through the said traffic channel message that enters the station;

The 3rd radio, its is used for related with the said the place ahead antenna in the said guiding power car receives signal in response to the said message sink the 3rd that enters the station; And the 4th radio; Its is used for related with the said rear antenna in the said guiding power car receives signal in response to the said message sink the 4th that enters the station; Wherein, said the 3rd radio confirms that the said the 3rd receives the 3rd signal quality metrics of signal and the 4th signal quality metrics that said the 4th radio is confirmed said the 4th reception signal;

The comparator that is used for more said the 3rd signal quality metrics and said the 4th signal quality metrics; And

Be used to handle said the 3rd reception signal or the said the 4th and receive the Signal Processing device with better signal quality tolerance.

11. communication system as claimed in claim 10, wherein, said signal quality metrics comprises in signal strength signal intensity, the error rate and the signal to noise ratio.

12. communication system as claimed in claim 10; Wherein, receive signal, the 3rd from the corresponding first reception signal, second and receive definite said first signal quality metrics of section, secondary signal quality metric, the 3rd signal quality metrics and the 4th signal quality metrics that signal and the 4th receives signal.

13. one kind is used to have, and guiding is organized into groups and the communication system of the vehicle marshalling of long-range marshalling, each in said guiding marshalling and the long-range marshalling comprises the place ahead power car and rear power car, and said communication system comprises:

Communication channel;

Said guiding marshalling is used for supplying said long-range marshalling to receive through said traffic channel outbound message;

First radio, its is used for related with the place ahead antenna in the remote power vehicle of the place ahead receives the first reception signal in response to said outbound message; And second radio; Its is used for related with the rear antenna in the remote power vehicle of said rear receives the second reception signal in response to said outbound message; Wherein, said first radio confirms that said first receives first signal quality metrics of signal and the secondary signal quality metric that said second radio is confirmed the said second reception signal;

Comparator in the said long-range marshalling is used for more said first signal quality metrics and said secondary signal quality metric;

Processor in the said long-range marshalling is used to handle the said first reception signal or said second with better signal quality tolerance and receives signal;

Said long-range marshalling is used for supplying said guiding marshalling to receive through the said traffic channel message that enters the station;

The 3rd radio, its is used in response to said enter the station message sink three reception signal related with the place ahead antenna in the place ahead guiding power car; And the 4th radio; Its is used in response to said enter the station message sink four reception signal related with the rear antenna in the rear guiding power car; Wherein, said the 3rd radio confirms that the said the 3rd receives the 3rd signal quality metrics of signal and the 4th signal quality metrics that said the 4th radio is confirmed said the 4th reception signal;

Comparator in the said guiding marshalling is used for more said the 3rd signal quality metrics and said the 4th signal quality metrics; And

Processor in the said guiding marshalling is used to handle and has better signal quality tolerance

Said the 3rd signal or said the 4th signal.

14. communication system as claimed in claim 13, wherein, said signal quality metrics comprises in signal strength signal intensity, the error rate and the signal to noise ratio.

15. communication system as claimed in claim 13; Wherein, receive signal, the 3rd from the corresponding first reception signal, second and receive definite said first signal quality metrics of section, secondary signal quality metric, the 3rd signal quality metrics and the 4th signal quality metrics that signal and the 4th receives signal.

16. a communication means that is used for the vehicle marshalling, said vehicle marshalling comprises guiding power car, one or more separated middle remote power vehicles and last remote power vehicle, and said method comprises:

Transmission is from the outbound message of said guiding power car;

Each place at said middle remote power vehicle; Receive and store said outbound message, when remote power vehicle place receives said outbound message in the middle of said, finish to wait for very first time and transmit said outbound message then again from it, the wherein said very first time is based on receiving the position of remote power vehicle in said vehicle marshalling and the quantity that receives the said middle remote power vehicle and the middle remote power vehicle between the said guiding power car of said outbound message in the middle of said outbound message said;

At said last remote power vehicle place; When said outbound message transmits by one in the remote power vehicle in the middle of said again, receive said outbound message, when transmitting again, finish second time of waiting for and transmit the message that enters the station in response to said outbound message then from said outbound message, wherein said middle remote power vehicle transmitted said outbound message before the response message that enters the station in response to said outbound message transmission;

Each place of remote power vehicle in the middle of said, makes local echoing message append to the said reception message that enters the station to form the new message and transmit the said new message that enters the station of entering the station the message that enters the station that storage receives;

Receive the said new message that enters the station at said guiding power car place, the wherein said new message that enters the station comprises from each of said intermediate power vehicle and the response of the said outbound message of said last remote power vehicle;

At said guiding power car place; Each that determines whether in the middle of said remote power vehicle receives with said last remote power vehicle replys, and under the situation that one or more the and said last remote power vehicle reception the remote power vehicle is not replied in the middle of said, transmits said outbound message once more.

17. communication means as claimed in claim 16, wherein, said outbound message comprises command messages or state update inquiry information.

18. communication means as claimed in claim 16; Wherein, the said very first time and said second time response in said in the middle of each of remote power vehicle whether transmit said outbound message again with the related assignment timing period of said last remote power vehicle and in response to one or more in the remote power vehicle of said centre.

19. a communication means that is used for vehicle marshalling, said vehicle marshalling comprises: have first antenna related with first transceiver and with the guiding power car of related second antenna of second transceiver; And have the third antenna related with the 3rd transceiver and with the remote power vehicle of related the 4th antenna of the 4th transceiver, said method comprises:

Via said first antenna transmission from the outbound message of said first transceiver or via the outbound message of said second antenna transmission from said second transceiver, said outbound message comprises a plurality of message byte;

Receive said outbound message at said third antenna and said the 4th antenna and said the 3rd related transceiver and the 4th transceiver place;

When receiving, confirm correct byte and the error byte in the said outbound message at said the 3rd transceiver place;

When receiving, confirm correct byte and the error byte in the said outbound message at said the 4th transceiver place; And

The message of using the said message of comfortable said the 3rd transceiver place reception and one correct combination of bytes in the said message that said the 4th transceiver place receives to rebuild.

20. communication means as claimed in claim 19, wherein, each message byte comprises data division and error detection portion may.

21. communication means as claimed in claim 20, wherein, said error detection portion may comprises the parity check part.

22. communication means as claimed in claim 19; It further comprises: via the enter the station message or via said four antenna transmission enter the station message from said four transceiver, said enter the station message comprise a plurality of message byte of said third antenna transmission from said the 3rd transceiver;

In said first antenna and said second antenna and said first related transceiver and the said message that enters the station of second transceiver place reception;

When receiving, confirm correct byte and the error byte in the said message that enters the station at the said first transceiver place;

When receiving, confirm correct byte and the error byte in the said message that enters the station at the said second transceiver place; And

Vehicle place in said guiding power, the message of using the said message of comfortable said first transceiver place reception and one correct combination of bytes in the said message that the said second transceiver place receives to rebuild.

23. a communication means that is used to comprise the vehicle marshalling that guides power car and a plurality of remote power vehicles, said method comprises:

Transmission is from the outbound message of said guiding power car, and said outbound message comprises a plurality of message byte;

One or more receptions in said a plurality of remote power vehicle and transmit said outbound message again;

Locate to receive the said outbound message that occurs first for one in said a plurality of remote power vehicles;

Locate to receive the said outbound message that occurs for the second time for said one in a plurality of remote power vehicles;

Confirm correct byte and error byte in the said said outbound message that occurs first;

Correct byte and error byte in the said outbound message of confirming to occur the said second time; And

Use is from the said outbound message of locating make up reconstruction of correct byte in said a plurality of remote power vehicles of the said outbound message that occurs the said second time that occur first or said.

24. communication means as claimed in claim 23, wherein, each message byte comprises data division and error detection portion may.

25. communication means as claimed in claim 24, wherein, said error detection portion may comprises the parity check part.

26. communication means as claimed in claim 23 further comprises:

Transmission is from one the message that enters the station in said a plurality of remote power vehicles, and the said message that enters the station comprises a plurality of message byte;

Other vehicles in said a plurality of remote power vehicle receive and transmit the said message that enters the station again;

In said a plurality of remote power vehicles one locates or receives at said guiding power car place the said message that enters the station that occurs first;

Locate or receive the said message that enters the station that occurs for the second time for said one in a plurality of remote power vehicles at said guiding power car place;

Confirm correct byte and error byte in the said said message that enters the station that occurs first;

Correct byte and error byte in the said message of confirming to occur the said second time that enters the station; And

Use is located or combination is rebuild at said guiding power car place the message that enters the station from said a plurality of remote power vehicles said one of the correct byte of the said outbound message that occurs the said second time that occur first or said.

27. communication means as claimed in claim 26, wherein, each message byte comprises data division and error detection portion may.

28. communication means as claimed in claim 27, wherein, said error detection portion may comprises the parity check part.

29. communication means that is used for the vehicle marshalling; Said vehicle marshalling comprises the marshalling of guiding power car; Said guiding power car marshalling comprises: the place ahead power car and rear power car, and said the place ahead power car has first antenna related with first transceiver; Said rear power car comprises second antenna related with second transceiver, and said vehicle marshalling further comprises the marshalling of remote power vehicle, and said remote power vehicle marshalling comprises: the place ahead power car with third antenna related with the 3rd transceiver; With the rear power car that comprises four antenna related with the 4th transceiver, said method comprises:

30. communication means as claimed in claim 29, wherein, each message byte comprises data division and error detection portion may.

31. communication means as claimed in claim 30, wherein, said error detection portion may comprises the parity check part.

32. communication means as claimed in claim 29 further comprises:

Via the enter the station message or via said four antenna transmission enter the station message from said four transceiver, said enter the station message comprise a plurality of message byte of said third antenna transmission from said the 3rd transceiver;

The message of using the said message of comfortable said first transceiver place reception and one correct combination of bytes in the said message that the said second transceiver place receives to rebuild.