EP1074965A2 - Information pillar for transport systems passengers informations - Google Patents

Abstract

The information pillar has a processor (1), an arrangement (3,5) for audible and/or visual output, whereby a customer calls up the information via a control elements (19), a radio receiver (6-8) for receiving digital radio signals that the processor adapts for visible and/or audible reproduction.

Description

State of the art

The invention is based on an information column Presentation of passenger information according to the type of independent claim.

It is already known that at airports and train stations Stations are set up for passengers with which the Query passengers departure or departure and arrival times can. These stations can either be operated or they only output a given information. The Information and the information necessary for the information pillar electrical energy is delivered to these stations via cables transfer.

Advantages of the invention

The information column according to the invention for the representation of Passenger information with the characteristics of the independent Claim has the advantage that the Information on the information pillar with which passengers be informed about departure and arrival times, be transmitted wirelessly. This is the installation of these information pillars flexible because it is now possible that anywhere in the wireless coverage area Information the information pillars are placed. So are also remote and remote stops for Trams or buses with such information pillars provided.

Another advantage is that the wireless Transfer of information to the information pillar Cabling for the transmission of information is saved. This makes the installation of the information columns extremely inexpensive and simple.

By those listed in the dependent claims Measures are advantageous training and Improvements to those specified in the independent claim Information column for displaying passenger information possible.

It is particularly advantageous that the information column Has transmitter with which an emergency call can be sent. This makes the safety of stops crucial increased, because the waiting passengers can with this Senders make an emergency call, or the information pillar recognizes itself a situation that requires an emergency call makes.

Another advantage is that the information column is a Fuse element to automatically in the event of a failure a restart of the information processing of the Trigger information column. This measure makes the Information column self-sufficient as the maintenance needs of the Information pillar can be significantly reduced and the functionality is increased.

In addition, it is advantageous that the information column has a proximity switch to when approaching through people the information processing units of the Information pillar, such as a processor, means for acoustic and / or visual representation, the Switch on fuse element and a radio receiver. In In this way, energy is saved because the essential ones energy-consuming components of the information pillar are only activated if there are also people for the Interesting information pillar. This property is particularly important if the information column is not on Power supply network is connected.

It is also advantageous that the information with the HTML (Hyper Text Mark up Language) can be displayed. In order to will advantageously be a flexible and well known format used for the presentation of the information so that the Creator of information on known software tools Presentation of the information can use.

It is also advantageous that the information using DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) in the form of MOT (Multimedia Object Transfer) objects to the information pillar be sent. MOT objects have the advantage that they are from the file size (maximum 268 MByte) as well as the file content are freely configurable. This means that any information on the Information columns are sent, for example HTML pages.

It is also advantageous that the information is dependent displayed by the time. So that the Passengers who use the information pillar only for those current time relevant information transmitted. Thereby the passengers gain time because they recognize it immediately important information for them. In addition, the Acceptance of such a pillar of information increased, if only for important information is presented to the passengers.

It is also an advantage that the software included in the information column is running, using wireless Data transmission is renewed, making it extremely easy and easy maintenance of this software is made possible.

In addition, it is advantageous that the information column has a camera, whereby by means of a Signal processing a hazard monitoring is possible. This ensures the protection and security of the Passengers using the information column increased significantly.

It is advantageous that the information column is a Has locating device with which the location of the Information pillar is determined. This makes it possible that the information pillar is mobile or at least portable is interpreted or that the information column is in Vehicles, such as trains.

It is also advantageous that the information column is a has its own energy supply device, so that the Information pillar becomes independent from the power grid Places, such as at distant and remote stops, where there is no power supply, these information pillars to set up.

drawing

An embodiment of the invention is in the drawing shown and in the following description explained. FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a Information column, Figure 2 is a DAB frame, Figure 3 Block diagram of a proximity switch and Figure 4 a Power supply to the information pillar.

Description of the embodiment

An information pillar for passengers has the task of Passengers over e.g. Departure and arrival times of the Inform means of transport. To such information pillars flexible, cheap and if possible at all locations one Setting up transport systems is a wireless one Transfer of information to these information pillars advantageous. To have an existing infrastructure for the to use this information wirelessly, offers DAB as an available, already used one Broadcast transmission method convenient ways Data information without much additional effort transfer. In addition, everyone else Radio transmission method with which data is transmitted can, are suitable, for example, in addition to the Broadcast transmission procedures also include the mobile radio procedures like GSM and UMTS suitable for individual information pillars to provide with data.

GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) and UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunication System) are far widespread cellular digital wireless Radio system standards with which besides voice signals also transmit other data signals such as text and image data become. These systems are duplex transmission systems, being communicating with each other can send and receive at the same time.

DAB is a digital broadcasting method, whereby in addition to the actual audio program with additional data information be transmitted. DAB is especially for the mobile Suitable receiver because the properties of DAB on mobile Reception are designed. In particular, by distributing the Information on many carrier frequencies, the Information on the different carrier frequencies not disturb each other, it is achieved that a frequency selective attenuation the whole signal not so far attenuates that reception is no longer possible, but with frequency-selective attenuation, only the Information that is transmitted on the frequency that this shows strong damping, get lost. By error correcting codes can be this part of the information but can be reconstructed in the receiver. It's called Distribution of the signals on different carrier frequencies Orthogonal frequency division multiplex (OFDM = Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplex).

These error correcting codes require that in the transmitter added additional data to the data to be transferred redundancy is added. This Redundancy is either at one end of a data block added, or the redundancy is determined by means of a given rule at different positions between the Data added. The recipient then uses this Corrected redundancy errors.

In addition to DAB, there are also other digital ones Broadcasting methods such as DVB (Digital Video Broadcasting) and DRM (Digital Radio Mondial) for such a Suitable for data transmission. These procedures differ differ from each other essentially Frame structure, a different bandwidth and one different transmission frequency range of DAB, but also Here, for example, with error correcting codes and OFDM worked. Analog broadcasting methods sometimes point digital carriers, such as the well-known radio Data signal, which also leads to such an information transmission can be used.

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an information column, whereby this information pillar uses DAB the information which receives the information pillar to passengers will represent. Some of the functional units of the Information pillar, which are described below connected to a bus 41. The functional units that are shown in Figure 1, are also with the Concept of information processing of the information pillar summarized.

An antenna 8, with which the DAB signals are received, is connected to a radio frequency receiving part 7, which received DAB signals are filtered in a compared to Receiving frequency converts lower intermediate frequency, demodulated and digitized. The radio frequency receiving part 7 is connected via its output to a DAB decoder 6. The DAB decoder 6 arrives from the high-frequency receiving part 7 Data stream that consists of the digitized data that the Has determined high-frequency receiving part 7. The Antenna 8, the radio frequency receiving part 7 and the DAB decoder 6 together are the radio receiver of the Information pillar.

The DAB decoder 6 decodes the data stream and determines the Information that exists in DAB frames and that in MOT objects are divided.

Figure 2 shows such a DAB frame 10, the one Has frame head 11, which is used for synchronization. Then follows the so-called Fast Information Channel 16, which is here indicates whether the information column is relevant Information is located in the MOT objects. There are also individual information columns or whole groups of Information pillars individually addressable.

Each information column is given an address that is a numerical code that is in the respective information column is stored so that the respective information column by comparing the address received with the DAB signals and with the saved own address that for the relevant information pillar relevant data the DAB signals takes. The DAB decoder 6 is used with a Software equipped that the address of the information pillar and / or a group of information columns. Then the DAB decoder 6 performs a comparison of the values that the DAB decoder 6 in Fast Information Channel 16 and in Finds data fields 21 and that of the DAB decoder 6 has saved, by, and decoded if they match the DAB decoder 6 the data in the MOT objects.

The MOT objects are located in data fields 21 and the following before, the MOT objects themselves header information have information about the file size the user data are available. In addition, the data are as HTML files before, so that known from the Internet multimedia presentation of information is used and the widely used creation programs for HTML files can be used.

The task of the DAB decoder 6 is now from the MOT objects 21 to determine the useful data and to a Processor 1 to be transferred via bus 41. The processor 1 provides the user data at a predetermined time, which also is contained in the user data by means of means 3 and 5 for visual and / or acoustic representation the processor 1 has an internal clock.

The processor 1 periodically transmits via the bus 41 Signal to a fuse element 42. The fuse element 42 has a counter to count the time between two signals sent by processor 1 pass. Exceeds the time a value specified in the fuse element, then the fuse element 42 triggers a restart Information processing from the information pillar.

In a further embodiment, the processor 1 can Fuse 42 transmit a particular signal that the securing element 42 with one in the securing element 42 permanently stored signal compares. The comparison shows Differences, then the securing element 42 triggers one Restart the information column. This method is still stricter, because the processor 1 must also do the right thing here Signal in the correct form to the fuse element 42 transfer. For a digital signal, this means that none Bit errors may occur.

Alternatively, the securing element can be connected directly via a Data output of processor 1 must be connected, and the periodic signaling then takes place via the change between logical one and logical zero.

It is also possible to use the securing element as a Execute software program. Because this software program must be independent of the other software programs, because otherwise a failure of these software programs would also occur the security element as a software program in A so-called multi-tasking operating system will be affected implemented on the processor 1 that it allowed multiple software programs to appear run in parallel at the same time. This is achieved by Operating system the independent software programs individual Cyclically allocates time slots. An example of one Multi-tasking operating system is the well-known UNIX operating system.

A software program that the process of Controls information processing in the information column, then the software program that is the securing element periodically send data. Do the dates agree with the Backup element matched stored data, then if nothing happens, there is a difference, then that solves Fuse element a restart of the information column.

The processor 1 is also connected via the bus 41 to a GPS receiver 4 connected. The GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver 4 delivers by evaluating the received GPS data location information for the information pillar on Processor 1. This makes it possible for the information column changes their location and then to a central office transmits a transmitter 17 and an antenna 18, the Transmitter 17 is connected to bus 41. The processor 1 calls when a mobile operation of the information pillar the location information of the GPS receiver 4 is present periodically. The location information is important for the Central, because the central sends the ones to be displayed Information on the information pillars using DAB and the The head office has to decide which information for which Information pillar are important. For example, the Place where there is an information column, which Passenger information is displayed, i.e. which trains from take the next stop.

The transmitter 17 receives the data from the processor 1 are shipping. The processor 1 transmits by means of the transmitter 17 and the antenna 18 connected to the transmitter 17 Location information for a head office. Farther the processor 1 uses the transmitter 17 and the antenna 18 for Sending emergency calls. Such calls are in the Information column permanently stored so that the processor 1 automatically in the event of an emergency using the transmitter 17 and the antenna 18 can send. The transmitter 17 is for example a transmitter station based on the well-known GSM standard. The data that goes from processor 1 to transmitter 17 come, are modulated, amplified and integrated into one Transmitting frequency implemented.

Via an input device 19 which e.g. is a keyboard, the user makes inputs to the information column. Such inputs concern e.g. an emergency call. The Input device 19 is connected to bus 41, see above that the signals from the input device 19 via the bus 41 get to processor 1, which according to the input by a user triggers an action. These actions include e.g. the presentation of certain information or just sending an emergency call. With the input device is it is still possible to switch on the information column, so that information is presented to a user.

The processor 1 is also connected via the bus 41 Signal processing 9 for a camera 20 connected to the evaluate captured images. Signal processing 9 has software with which image recognition is possible is, with features and / or stored images of possible sources of danger in signal processing 9 are included to by comparing one with the Camera 20 captured image and a stored image an identification of the possible sources of danger to make. The camera 20 with its signal processing 9 sent e.g. a signal to the processor 1 when the Camera 20 a source of danger, e.g. Fire, detected.

Signal processing 5 is also connected to bus 41 connected to the data coming from processor 1 for representation 3, for example a loudspeaker and one Monitor, processed.

Otherwise, the radio receiver 6, 7 and 8 Renewal of the software of the information column used. To the new software in the MOT objects Transfer information columns. The DAB decoder 6 has one Decoding software with which the DAB decoder 6 recognizes that the received data have new software, and with which the DAB decoder 6 is the data that the new software can include, decode. In the software on the DAB decoder 6 is running, decryption data is thus available, so that only those data are correctly decrypted that were also encrypted accordingly. With that the Software of the information pillar against unauthorized access and Manipulation protected.

In Figure 3, a block diagram is shown, the structure from a proximity switch for the information column. A sensor 30 detects whether one or more people are approach. An infrared sensor is used for this.

A person emits thermal energy in the infrared range is measurable and thus by means of an infrared sensor can be measured. Sensor 30 detects one incoming infrared source, then the output signal of the Sensor 30 compared with a predetermined value, which in a memory 32 is stored. The default value is like this dimension that a clear measured value of the sensor 30 larger than the given value. With that Measured value fluctuations of the sensor 30 are eliminated. It will thus reducing the sensitivity of the sensor 30 in order to to eliminate small measured values.

This comparison takes place by means of a grain parator 31. A comparator is a circuit that makes a comparison of carries out two electrical signals and a corresponding one Output signal delivers. Such an output signal is e.g. B. the difference between the two signals or a fixed signal, its size from the comparison of the two input signals depends.

The output signal of the comparator 31 leads to a Switch 2, which when the output signal is a certain Has size, the power supply for that Information processing 33 of the information pillar, which in Figure 1 was shown, turns on. The switch is on Relays, i.e. an electromechanical switch, but also Circuit breakers from semiconductor technology, such as Example a thyristor are used.

The size of the output signal of the comparator 31 is only large enough when the sensor 30 delivers a measured value, which lies above the value stored in the memory 32. Is the Measured value of the sensor 30 below the predetermined value, which in the Memory 32 is stored, then the output signal of the Comparator 31 to such a size that the switch 2nd remains open and the information processing 33 is de-energized remains. The sensor 30, the memory 32, the comparator 31 and the switch 2 are always powered by the power supply 28 supplied so that these elements are always in operation so people approaching the information column can be detected.

If the people leave the information column, then delivers the sensor 30 no longer has a measured value above that in the memory 32 is stored value, and the comparator 31 supplies Output signal so that the switch 2 opens again and the information processing 33 is de-energized again. Around here the immediate shutdown after leaving the Avoiding people can be a time delay circuit be added, which causes the Information processing 33 after a predetermined time is switched off after leaving the people.

As an alternative to an infrared sensor, a capacitive one Sensor can be used. With such a capacitive Sensor is placed between the floor and an isolated part of the Information column applied a voltage so that a electrical field is present at the information column. There there are separate charges, there is a capacity before that of the dielectric constant between Information column and soil is affected. Without people if the dielectric constant of the air is present, occur Add people, the dielectric constant is changed and thus the capacity. If this capacity becomes one electrical oscillator, i.e. a vibration-generating Circuit, integrated, is the frequency change of the Vibrations that the oscillator generates on approaching closed or removing people. The block diagram Figure 3 remains for this alternative, it only changes the physical principle that sensor 30 uses.

In Figure 4 is an energy supply device with the information column is shown. On Solar collector 12 converts received solar energy into electrical energy around. The current goes through a switch 15 to the information pillar 14 and permanently to one Accumulator 13 so that the accumulator 13 is charged. If the accumulator 13 is charged, the accumulator switches 13 the line from the solar panel 12, so that none Overcharge occurs. For this purpose, a Usual charging circuit used.

Returns the solar panel 12 due to the lack of Switch 15 turns off solar power on the accumulator 13, so that the accumulator 13 in this Time the information column 14 is powered. The Switch 2 is located behind the switch 15, so that a Proximity switch 40 is always powered while an information processing 50 of the information pillar only then be powered when the proximity switch 40 the power supply for information processing 50 switches on the information column. The proximity switch points the sensor 30, the memory 32, the comparator 31 and the Switch 2 on.

Such an energy supply device is with the Information pillar mainly used at stops, where there is no connection to the power supply network, for example at rural bus stops. In buildings or at stops where a connection to the Power grid is in place, the Information column connected to the power supply network.

Claims (12)

Information column for the representation of Passenger information, the information pillar one Processor (1), wherein the information column means (3, 5) for optical and / or acoustic output, wherein a user by means of controls (19) Information pillar Information from the information pillar retrieves, characterized in that the information pillar a radio receiver (6, 7, 8) for receiving digital Has radio signals that the information column by means of Radio receiver (6, 7, 8) receives information that the Information column the information by means of the processor (1) for acoustic and / or visual display (3, 5) adapts and that the information pillar is the information by means of the acoustic and / or optical means Representation (3, 5). Information column according to claim 1, characterized characterized in that the information column has a transmitter (17) having an antenna (18) to make an emergency call to ship. Information column according to claim 2, characterized characterized that the information pillar a Fuse element (42) which in the event of an error in the Information processing (33) in the information column Restart of information processing (33) caused. Information column according to claim 3, characterized characterized in that the information pillar a Proximity switch (40) which the Information processing (33) of the information pillar turns on when at least one person approaches. Information column according to claim 4, characterized characterized in that the proximity switch (40) has a sensor (30), a memory (32), a comparator (31) and one Has switch (2). Information column according to claim 5, characterized characterized in that the information column the information in Displays HTML format. Information column according to claim 6, characterized characterized that the information pillar the information by means of the radio receiver as MOT objects (21) receives. Information column according to claim 7, characterized characterized that the information pillar the information depending on the time. Information column according to claim 8, characterized characterized that the information pillar their software renewed by data in the radio signals. Information column according to claim 9, characterized characterized in that the information column is a camera (20) has by means of a signal processing (9) for Danger monitoring serves. Information column according to claim 10, characterized characterized in that the information pillar a Locating device (4) to the location of the To determine information pillar. Information column according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the information pillar has an energy supply device.

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