EP2258598A1 - System providing assistance in the operation of radio-based railway blocking management - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for radio rail block management, comprising an electronic system formed by an industrial computer with touch screen and a series of programs or applications and an electronic circuit having a receiver of a system. satellite position (GPS or the like), a gyrometer and a series of conditioning circuits of various signals from the train and determining the state of the latter: on, off, position of the doors, etc.

Description

The object of the invention is a system for assisting the management of railway radio blocks, which includes a series of electronic equipment which are installed in a train to make it possible to determine the precise position of the train on the tracks, of provide the trainhandler with various information, provide information to the Rail Service Control Station and exchange information between the train operator and the Railway Control Center. With this equipment, an improvement of the rail operation system of a train service is obtained.

Field of the art

The invention (hereinafter the Help System) solves various problems that arise in the railway operation, for example: the determination of the precise position of all the trains of a railway operator, the transmission of information to the machinist, the communication between the train as a machine and the Control Station of the railway system and the communication by means of messages from the Command Post with the machinist.

For example, it is important to transmit the following information between a train and the Control Station: precise position of the train at all times, service to be performed by the train, waybill or route book to be performed by the operator in the train. current service, operational messages such as indications of contingencies or temporary situations, information on railway facilities, lane layout, lane changes, etc.

In addition, all this information must be transmitted to the machinist with: reliability, clarity, speed and simplicity. The Help System must complement the machinist's work by adding facilities and avoiding distractions from his main duties.

For the controller of the Railway Control Post this information must be: reliable, complete, immediate and clear. The Help System must control the operation of all trains in the service.

For the railway operating company, this system gives more reliability to the service, immediate information, ease of transmitting temporary or variable information, etc. The Help System also represents a security system because it can perform train positioning tasks when current or legacy systems have errors.

History of prior art

The operations mentioned above are currently performed by different methods that are not as reliable.

The positioning of the trains is done by telephone blocking or is based on the installation of detectors on the tracks. These methods are not very precise as to position, although they are very reliable. Lack of precision limits the number of services an operator can provide on a rail line.

Communication between the Order Station and the Machinist is currently performed orally by means of different radio systems. Oral communication is subject to communication protocols, but it is still possible that it presents errors in the transmission of information, omissions of the information transmitted and any possible errors that may occur due to the fallible action of the person. This communication becomes extremely sensitive when, faced with errors in centralized traffic control systems, the Control Station must transmit traffic control orders directly orally to the machinists.

At the present time the information available to the railway machinist is printed on papers, books or documents which he carries with him or which are in the cabin of the train. This leads to problems of manipulation of information, cost and difficulty of updating the documentation and, in general, an abandonment of the documentary system.

To better understand the object of the present invention, a preferred embodiment of practical, susceptible of incidental changes not denaturing its foundation is shown on the plans.

Brief description of the figures

• The figure 1 is the Block Diagram of the Electronic Systems of the Help System. In the figure, the industrial computer (1) joined to the electronic card (2) which has position sensors (GPS) with their antenna (3), inertia sensors (gyrometer) and adapters for other connections (4) such as train signals which determine the state of gates, the state of operation or the stopping of the train, etc. are visible. Furthermore, in the figure appears the optional communication with a mobile communications system (5) of the GSM / GPRS type or the like, with its antenna (6), for simple rolling equipment such as locomotives or maintenance equipment. Other visible elements are the power supply (7), and the communication systems (8) between the different equipment.
• The figure 2 shows the block diagram of the system where it is placed and with which the Help System is related. In the upper part is represented the train with its equipment (1). In the lower part is represented the Control Station (2) of the railway operator with other equipment. In the middle are represented the wireless communication systems where the communications operator (3) should be emphasized. In the train (1), it is possible to see the Help System (4). This equipment communicates with the Euroloop system (6) and other equipment via an Ethernet line (7). All of these devices are connected to a wireless communications equipment (5) charged with wireless transmissions between the train and the Control Station (2). Placed in the Control Station, it is possible to observe the Position Assisted Radio Block (BRAP) System (11) and the Assistance System Remote Configurator (13), in addition to other equipment (14). All these devices communicate through an Ethernet network (15). Communication between the train (1) and the Control Station (2) can be made with short-range communications systems (8) such as Wi-Fi or with long-range communications that require an operator (3). This long-range communication can be done between the train and the operator by wireless means like the GSM / GPRS (9) and between the operator and the Control Station by a cable, such as for example Internet by private line VPN (10). For this purpose, the Command Post will have a Land Communications Module (12) that will manage this communication.
• The figure 3 reflects the general architecture of the software installed in the industrial computer and the elements that compose it. Elements of integration: inter-module communication (1), compilation of software elements (2) and execution or operating system (3). Main modules: positioning (4), history register (5), expert system (6), communications (7), and graphical user interfaces (8). This last module is decomposed in turn into sub-modules: information to the machinist (9), management of Radio Block Assisted by Positioning (10) and embedded electronic library (11).
• The figure 4 corresponds to a possible distribution of the main screen displayed in the industrial computer located in the train and which serves to provide information to the train operator. In the center of the screen (6) usually appears the road map or route book of the service which carries out the train. In this area (6) also messages sent by the Control Station, alarms and other main character information are displayed. In the upper part of the screen are displayed different information: the current date and time (1), the speed limit in the current section (2), the rail service that is performed (3), the status of the GPS and GPRS network (4) and the mileage point where the train is currently located (5). In the lower part, there are the virtual buttons for access to emergency information (SOS button) (7) or access to other information stored in the computer and arranged by the rail operator to inform machinists (button library) (8).

Description of the invention 1. Introduction.

The Radio Rail Block Management Aid System consists of a series of electronic equipment that allows the position of the train to be accurately identified and transmitted to the Railway Control Command Post.

It also has a touch screen so that the machinist can obtain information on: the precise Kilometric Point where the train is located, the maximum speed allowed in the section, the reference points of the route book, the messages received from the Railway Control Post, documents related to driving, etc.

2. General diagram

The electronic equipment that forms part of the Help System which is the subject of the invention can be observed in the figure 1 .

• Un ordinateur avec un écran tactile (1), où sont exécutées toutes les applications décrites dans les paragraphes suivants. On peut utiliser un PC industriel appelé Panel PC ou autre.
• Une carte électronique (2) qui contient un récepteur GPS et son antenne (3), un capteur de virement (gyromètre) et des adaptateurs pour divers signaux de puissance provenant du train ou d'action sur les mécanismes du train.

There are two basic equipment from the physical point of view:

• A computer with a touch screen (1), where all the applications described in the following paragraphs are executed. You can use an industrial PC called Panel PC or other.
• An electronic card (2) which contains a GPS receiver and its antenna (3), a transfer sensor (gyrometer) and adapters for various power signals from the train or action on the mechanisms of the train.

In addition to these two devices there is a power system (7) and the connection with other equipment of the train (4).

By considering the Help System object of the invention in its relation with other equipment embedded in the train or arranged on the ground, we obtain the block diagram of the figure 2 .

• Un système de Blocage par radio Assisté par Positionnement (BRAP) (11) situé dans le Poste de Commande (2) qui se sert des données de position des trains fournis par les Systèmes d'Aide à l'Opération situés dans les différents trains de la compagnie opératrice de chemins de fer,
• Un système de configuration à distance du Système d'Aide (13), aussi situé dans le Poste de Commande, qui permet de modifier les paramètres programmables de fonctionnement du Système d'Aide.

In this figure 2 , it is possible to observe that the Help System communicates through the Ethernet or other line (7) with an Embedded Communications Module (ECM) (5) which is responsible for carrying out the train's communications with the outside. (8 and 9). With regard to this patent, he is in charge of putting the Help System in contact with:

• A Position Assisted Radio Blocking System (BRAP) (11) located in the Control Station (2) which uses the position data of the trains provided by the Operation Assistance Systems located in the various trains of railway operating company,
• A Remote System Help System (13), also located in the Control Station, which allows you to modify the programmable parameters of the Help System operation.

• Un système Euroloop ou autre (6) installé dans les trains et que fournit des informations sur la position du train à partir d'une communication sans fil avec des systèmes disposés sur les voies.
• Un système de communication Train Communication Network (TCN, IEC 61375) ou autre qui fournira des informations sur l'état du train.

The Help System also communicates with different electronic communications systems:

• A Euroloop or other system (6) installed in the trains and that provides information on the position of the train from a wireless communication with systems arranged on the tracks.
• A Train Communication Network (TCN, IEC 61375) or other communication system that will provide train status information.

In addition to the equipment presented in the figure 2 , the Help System has the ability to connect directly to a GSM / GPRS mobile communications module or the like represented in the figure 1 (5) to directly communicate with earth systems. This is useful for installation on auxiliary rolling stock (for example, drummers) that do not have an Ethernet line or the equipment listed in the manual. figure 2 .

3. Description of the Help System modules.

From a general point of view or utility, what is really interesting are the applications or functions that the Help System can perform. All these applications are implemented by means of software located in the industrial computer located in the cab of the trains.

The general diagram of this software has the appearance indicated on the figure 3 .

On the one hand, we can observe the outermost elements that constitute the base or the operating system. This part can not be perceived by the user. It consists of the elements that implement the integration of software modules of the Help System: the common definition of symbols for compilation (2), a system for exchanging variables for communication between modules (1) and the initialization, coordination and controlling the execution context of these modules (3).

On the other hand, we can see the clean elements of applications.

Sub-modules are elements that jointly implement a feature (graphical interface) but have a differentiated purpose in the latter.

A software module is considered as the element of the software that implements a differentiated functionality that corresponds to a certain objective of the final application.

Even if there are relationships between the modules, the principle of designing a modular architecture is to obtain the greatest independence between them. In this way, the operation of each module is affected to a lesser extent by the operations of other modules.

There are five functional modules in the Help System software.

Positioning Module (4): This module calculates the position of the vehicle on the rail network, in terms of mileage, line and track. This is done by using global satellite positioning information, information on the inertia circumstances that affect the vehicle, the data provided by the vehicle odometer, and the plans of the rail network.

Communications Module (7): Its function is to provide services of sending and receiving data with external elements of the Help System: the hardware of the Help System, the on-board devices (EUROLOOP) and controls at the control station.

Rules-based Expert System Module (6): A system that determines when to send information to the Vehicle Position and Status Information Station according to operating rules. These rules must first be established by a Criteria Expert for Communications from the Help System to the Control Station.

User Graphic Interface Module (8): This is the set of elements that constitute the graphical user interface and that allow interaction between the Help System and the machinist. We distinguish, in this set, for their differentiated functionality: the information system to the machinist (39), the positioning assisted radio block system (BRAP) (310) and the embedded electronic library (BEE) (11).

Module of Historics (5): This module has for object the storage in files of information of the state of the System of Help for its later exploitation. This is a relatively large volume of information that will be accessed at times spaced out in time.

The functionality of each module is described in more detail in the following paragraphs.

4. Positioning.

• Un récepteur de position par satellite (GPS ou autre) qui fournit la position absolue du train en termes de latitude et de longitude. Il fournit un positionnement très précis et c'est l'instrument principal pour le calcul de la position.
• Un capteur de virement: gyromètre. La précision d'un système de positionnement par satellite n'est pas suffisante pour déterminer des changements de voie ou de stationnement d'un train dans une plage de voies. Ce capteur permet de mesurer les virements effectués par le train dans les changements de voie et ainsi de discriminer de la voie choisie.
• Information d'Euroloop. Le système Euroloop fournit par des moyens sans fil la position du train dans une boucle de voie. Cette information sert à déterminer les tronçons de voie et la voie utilisée à tout moment. Il est possible d'employer au lieu du système Euroloop un odomètre ou tout autre système de positionnement relatif du train.
• Plans des voies. La position calculée est transférée aux plans de voie fournis par le propriétaire de l'infrastructure ferroviaire pour déterminer le Point Kilométrique (PK) convenu. C'est-à-dire le numéro de point kilométrique lui correspondant dans la dénomination utilisée par le propriétaire de l'infrastructure ferroviaire. Les plans de voies sont divisés en parcours ou en services effectués par l'opérateur ferroviaire. Les parcours sont à leur tour divisés en tronçons entre différentes villes. Les tronçons à leur tour sont divisés en voies qui composent le tronçon, les voies principales du tronçon ou les différentes ramifications de gares ou de stationnements de trains. En résumé, on identifie sur le plan de manière biunivoque chaque position par le point kilométrique convenu et l'identification du parcours, tronçon, numéro de voie ou la relation semblable d'identification.

Positioning is the main application of the Help System. It consists mainly of calculating the position from the following elements:

• A satellite position receiver (GPS or other) that provides the absolute position of the train in terms of latitude and longitude. It provides a very precise positioning and is the main instrument for calculating the position.
• A transfer sensor: gyrometer. The accuracy of a satellite positioning system is not sufficient to determine lane or parking changes of a train in a lane range. This sensor makes it possible to measure the transfers made by the train in the lane changes and thus to discriminate from the chosen lane.
• Euroloop information. The Euroloop system provides by wireless means the position of the train in a lane loop. This information is used to determine the sections of track and the track used at all times. It is possible to use instead of the Euroloop system an odometer or other relative positioning system of the train.
• Track plans. The calculated position is transferred to the lane plans provided by the rail infrastructure owner to determine the agreed Mileage Point (KP). That is the mileage point number corresponding to it in the name used by the owner of the railway infrastructure. The lane plans are divided into routes or services performed by the railway operator. The courses are in turn divided into sections between different cities. The sections in turn are divided into tracks that make up the section, the main tracks of the section or the different branches of stations or train parking. In summary, the position is identified in the one-to-one way by the agreed mileage point and the route identification, stub, lane number or similar identification relation.

The position, in addition to being displayed on the screen, is transmitted by means of the Embedded Communications Module to the Land-Based Positioning-Assisted Radio Block System which employs it to perform an appropriate Management of the System Operation. rail.

5. Communications system.

The communication of a train with the Railway Control Station must take into account, of course, the mobility characteristic. In this invention, the independence of the System Aid or systems based on land-based elements is interesting, why the communication is carried out by wireless means, through each of the existing procedures currently: WIFI, WIMAX , GSM / GPRS, etc. Specifically, in the train, the existence of a wireless communications equipment called Embedded Communications Module that uses different wireless communications depending on the network, the cost of operation, etc. has been considered. The possibility has also been considered that in some railway vehicles, with more limited equipment, the Help System directly uses wireless communication devices (GPRS modem or other).

• Mettre à jour chacune des informations disponibles dans le train: messages, livre d'itinéraires, service, documents de la bibliothèque, etc.
• Transmettre l'information sur l'état du train en temps réel: positionnement, vitesse, état des portes le véhicule, etc.
• Recevoir des messages du Poste de Commande du système ferroviaire pour les afficher sur l'écran.
• Transmettre au Poste de Commande du système ferroviaire la confirmation de la réception de messages et d'autres informations supplémentaires.

Through the Embedded Communications Module or directly via a wireless communication device, a constant information transmission line is created between the Railway Control Station and the train. The Help System uses this communications system to:

• Update each of the information available in the train: messages, route book, service, library documents, etc.
• Transmit information on the train status in real time: positioning, speed, condition of the doors the vehicle, etc.
• Receive messages from the Railway Control Station to display them on the screen.
• Transmit confirmation of receipt of messages and other additional information to the Railway Control Post.

The Help System communicates, in addition to the Control Station in wireless mode, with other elements embedded in the vehicle and connected to the internal network (Ethernet) of the latter. Through an industrial communications mechanism based on the publication and subscription of information variables (OPC or other), the Help System makes available to all equipment connected to the internal network of the train information on the positioning and the state of the train that the positioning module calculates.

6. Expert system.

Position transmission and other train status variables at the Railway Control Station use a simple expert system that determines the rate at which this information is transmitted. The purpose of this expert system is, basically, to vary the frequency of transmission of information. A higher frequency when the position varies rapidly or according to an event and a lower frequency when the train is stationary and its position does not vary. This assumes a saving in the cost of transmission and the density of information flow.

This adequacy of the frequency of transmission to the circumstances of the traffic is determined by an expert in rail traffic operations. This expert establishes a flexible set of rules that establish the different conditions under which status information is to be transmitted. These rules are created by the Help System Remote Configurator and are passed to the Help System.

The expert system, from the conditions established in these rules and their comparison with the circumstances of their environment (time spent, distance traveled, absolute time, absolute position and state of the train: when stopped, running, with doors open, etc.) instructs the communications module to send information on the positioning and state of the train when the rules conditions are met.

7. Information to the machinist.

• Venir de la mémoire interne de l'ordinateur industriel comme bibliothèque électronique.
• Être automatiquement produites par l'ordinateur industriel en fonction de l'opération: position, heure, etc.
• Être reçues du Poste de Commande de l'opérateur ferroviaire: transmission de messages écrits au machiniste.

The touch screen of the industrial computer serves to show information to the machinist. This information can:

• Comes from the internal memory of the industrial computer as an electronic library.
• Be automatically produced by the industrial computer depending on the operation: position, time, etc.
• To be received from the Operator's Control Station railway: transmission of written messages to the machinist.

The figure 4 presents the typical main screen of the operational system.

In the center (6) appears the waybill or route book with their landmarks with the received messages in different colors. In addition, the next event appears in another color or shape.

In the upper part appear different information (1) to (4). In the upper right corner appears the kilometric point (5) in the section of track where the head of the train is located.

In the lower part are the virtual buttons for access to the on-board electronic library (8) and the help for emergencies (7).

Below are described these three graphic utilities in detail, since they form an important part of the invention.

7.a Main screen.

The main screen has the function of showing the machinist information on the evolution of various information during the course.

The information normally appearing on the main screen may be of a general nature, such as the date and time (1), of a general nature in the railway service, such as the train service number (3) currently performed by the train or specific to the Help System.

• Réseau du système de positionnement par satellite (GPS ou autre) (4). Indique au moyen de différentes couleurs si le réseau est disponible ou non à tout moment.
• Réseau du système communications sans fil, GSM/GPRS ou autre (4) par le Module de Communications Embarquée ou directement par le module de communications GSM/GPRS. Ce réseau est progressif, par conséquent, il est représentée par un contrôle analogique: nombre, règle ou cercle gradué.
• Point kilométrique (5) dans lequel se trouve le train à tout moment, indiqué par le point kilométrique dans le tronçon ou voie actuelle avec la précision exprimée par exemple en mètres. Cette valeur est mise à jour constamment, au fur et à mesure que le train se déplace.
• La partie centrale de l'écran principal est occupée par la feuille route ou livre d'itinéraires (6). La feuille route ou livre d'itinéraires contient des informations sur les horaires de passage dans chaque gare, les croisements prévus avec d'autres trains et tout autre information intéressante pour à la conduite du machiniste et la réalisation du service ferroviaire en toute sécurité. Normalement, une feuille de route occupe assez d'espace, ce pourquoi est affichée à l'écran la partie intéressante au moment même, constituée par le dernier point de repère ou dernier l'événement, le prochain événement et les événements suivants ou les points de repère dans le sens de la marche du train. Le prochain événement important est souligné au moyen d'une bande d'une autre couleur. Vers la fin du parcours, quand il reste peu d'événements à afficher, la bande qui souligne le prochain événement se déplace dans la liste jusqu'à conclure avec le dernier événement à la fin de la liste affichée à l'écran. Il est aussi possible d'utiliser d'autres formes ou couleurs pour souligner les événements ou les points de repère de la feuille de route.

The specific information of the Help System is as follows:

• Satellite positioning system network (GPS or other) (4). Indicates in different colors whether or not the network is available at all times.
• Wireless communications system network, GSM / GPRS or other (4) by the Embedded Communications Module or directly by the GSM / GPRS communications module. This network is progressive, therefore, it is represented by an analog control: number, rule or graduated circle.
• Mileage point (5) in which the train is at all times, indicated by the kilometer point in the current section or track with the precision expressed for example in meters. This value is constantly updated as the train moves.
• The central part of the main screen is occupied by the road sheet or route book (6). The road sheet or route book contains information on the times of passage in each station, the planned crossings with other trains and any other information of interest to the driving of the machinist and the realization of the rail service in complete safety. Normally, a road map occupies enough space, which is why the interesting part is displayed on the screen at the moment, constituted by the last or last reference point the event, the next event and the following events or points. in the direction of travel of the train. The next important event is underlined by a band of another color. Towards the end of the journey, when there are few events to display, the band that highlights the next event moves in the list until concluding with the last event at the end of the list displayed on the screen. It is also possible to use other shapes or colors to highlight events or landmarks in the roadmap.

7.b. Exchange of messages.

Another important aspect to emphasize and administer by the Help System is the messages sent from the Order Station and received in the Help System. These messages are normally retransmitted orally by radio, but in this invention is added a procedure to transmit them in writing and thus improve the security and the transmission of messages.

In the Control Station there is a system for generating messages and transmitting to the train. This can be done on a specific train of the rail service, a group of trains that make a certain journey or a concrete train.

• Afficher le message sur le livre de route dans la position qui lui correspond selon le Point Kilométrique auquel il est associé. Il apparaîtra comme un événement de plus, mais en une couleur différente pour remarquer qu'il est différent d'autres points de repère de la feuille de route. Quand le prochain événement qui va se produire est celui annoncé dans le message, celui-ci est souligné dans une couleur différente à la couleur utilisée pour afficher les événements du livre de route.
• Si le message a une plus grande importance, celui-ci peut être affiché dans la presque totalité de l'écran principal et avec une couleur voyante. En plus, le machiniste devra appuyer dans la zone de message de l'écran tactile pour revenir à la situation d'affichage de l'écran habituel avec le message ajouté dans la feuille de route de la manière expliquée dans le paragraphe précédent.
• Dans le cas de messages plus importants, outre tout ce qui a été dit pour les messages précédents, ce message sera affiché à nouveau en occupant la presque totalité de l'écran principal et d'une couleur voyante dans les alentours du Point Kilométrique auquel il est associé. De nouveau, le machiniste appuiera sur l'écran pour indiquer que le message et les données associées à celui-ci lui ont été rappelés à nouveau.
• Pour les messages spécialement importants, les mécanismes d'arrêt du train pourront être activés, comme ouverture de fil de lien, si le machiniste ne reconnaît pas les messages.
• Certains messages peuvent être aussi transmis au machiniste interprétés par l'ordinateur industriel. Ce sont des messages qui font allusion à l'arrêt du train avant un Point Kilométrique, à une restriction de vitesse dans une zone déterminée, ou à des messages et des actions semblables. Ces messages, en plus de s'afficher à l'écran des manières indiquées dans les paragraphes précédents, pourront être interprétés par l'ordinateur industriel pour agir sur le système de freinage du train automatiquement et en indiquant au machiniste l'opération qui va être effectuée ou qui a été effectuée. Ces fonctions peuvent être annulées par le machiniste ou le Poste de Commande en gardant à tout moment un registre des faits qui ont eu lieu: reconnaissance, autorisation, apparition de messages, etc.
• En plus des opérations décrites sur la base de la réception des messages, des alarmes sonores ou lumineuses peuvent être activées si les types de messages le déterminent.

The message received from the Order Station is received in the industrial computer which can perform various operations depending on the type of message sent by the Order Station and indicated in one of the information fields. The possibilities, which are not exhaustive, are as follows:

• Display the message on the waybill in the corresponding position according to the Kilometric Point with which it is associated. It will appear as one more event, but in a different color to notice that it is different from other landmarks in the roadmap. When the next event that will occur is the one announced in the message, this one is underlined in a different color to the color used to display the events of the road book.
• If the message is of greater importance, it can be displayed in almost the entire main screen and with a bright color. In addition, the driver will have to press in the message area of the touch screen to return to the usual screen display situation with the message added in the roadmap as explained in the previous paragraph.
• In the case of larger messages, in addition to what has been said for previous messages, this message will be displayed again by occupying almost the entire main screen and a bright color in the vicinity of the Mileage Point to which it is associated. Again, the operator will press on the screen to indicate that the message and the data associated with it have been recalled to him again.
• For especially important messages, the stopping mechanisms of the train may be activated, such as opening of the link wire, if the operator does not recognize the messages.
• Some messages can also be transmitted to the machinist interpreted by the industrial computer. These are messages that refer to stopping the train before a Kilometric Point, to a speed restriction in a certain area, or to similar messages and actions. These messages, in addition to appearing on the screen in the ways indicated in the preceding paragraphs, can be interpreted by the industrial computer to act on the braking system of the train automatically and indicating to the driver the operation that is going to be carried out or which has been performed. These functions can be canceled by the machinist or the Command Post by keeping at any time a record of the facts that have occurred: recognition, authorization, appearance of messages, etc.
• In addition to the operations described on the basis of the reception of the messages, audible or luminous alarms can be activated if the types of messages determine it.

7.c. Embedded Electronic Library.

The Embedded Electronic Library is a documentation system installed in the Help System industrial computer that can be used by the machinist to obtain information on certain subjects, standards, plans, etc.

These documents and their structure will be determined by the rail operator according to the interests that it considers appropriate and using the tool called Remote Configurator of the Help System described below.

From a functional point of view, the operation on the Embedded Electronic Library is described below.

In a stop situation, by pressing the virtual button called library of the main screen, you can access a browser that allows you to choose different documents in text menu mode or in graphic or mimic menu mode of stations, that is, that is to say by means of a horizontal bar where the stations are displayed according to their arrangement in the path.

The information is presented in the form of a screen of documents (text mode) or as a screen of graphs for documents corresponding to plans, circuits, etc.

All this information can be useful for the machinist, it is easy to configure and can be automatically updated by the Wireless Communications Module Embedded in the train.

Another virtual button called SOS and arranged on the main screen, allows immediate access, regardless of the train running or stopping status, to a single document to contain information of special interest in case of emergency. This document will also be elaborated by the railway operator and chosen to access it by this virtual button by the Remote Configurator of the Help System.

8. History generation.

Much of the information produced in the Help System is stored in a secondary memory (such as a Compact Flash) in the industrial computer, producing a log file. This file can be downloaded to evaluate in detail the operation of the equipment or a certain event.

9. Remote System Configurator Help.

The Help System is a very complex system whose operation can adapt to different needs and new situations. The Help System Remote Configurator software is used to modify: the main parameters, the system for sending the train position, the data in the electronic library, the types of messages, etc.

The appearance of the Help System Remote Configurator main screen displays the different configuration options: general data, expert system rule configuration, embedded electronic library contents, and so on.

From this screen, it is possible to choose, for example, the modification of the main parameters, which displays an electronic form type screen where it is possible to define the general operating parameters, or generate the contents of the library, by allowing the design of all levels of access menus to documents and the definition of documents associated with a selection.

The information produced by the configurator is transmitted to the train by the wireless communications system of the Embedded Communications Module.

Claims (8)

Rail radio block management aid system, characterized in that it consists of an electronic system formed by an industrial computer with touch screen and a series of programs or applications and an electronic circuit with a receiver of a satellite positioning system (GPS or other), a transfer sensor and a series of circuits for preparing different signals of the train and which determine the state of the train: on, off, state of the doors, etc. Rail radio block management aid system according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it enables precise positioning of the trains. The positioning is based on an algorithm that relates data provided by a satellite position receiver (GPS or other), data from a gyrometer, data provided by a Euroloop system or other and plans provided by the owner railway infrastructure. This positioning data refers to the section of track or the train journey and the mileage point agreed or determined by the owner of the railway infrastructure. The calculated position data is displayed on the screen to the machinist and is sent to the Operator's Control Station. Rail radio block management aid system, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it realizes a precise positioning of a train, generalizing to a whole railway operating company and to all the trains of the company, by providing this information to the Control Post in order to make a correct and cost-effective use of the rolling stock at through a rail control application by Position Assisted Block System. Rail radio block management aid system, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it has a message exchange system between the Control Station and the machinist. This system completes the system that can exist of exchange of oral information by adding a written information exchange system. In this way, the transmission of accurate data is improved, such as mileage points, station names, hours, temporary speed restrictions, etc. In addition, the system incorporates a system for viewing these messages when they are received associated with the mileage point where the message is significant. It also has a system for recalling the message when it is activated again in the vicinity of the associated mileage point thanks to the positioning system. The messages can also be interpreted by the computer and produce actions on the train, activate sound or light alarms, etc. Rail radio block management aid system according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it has an information system for the machinist, where the machinist is informed of the exact mileage point where is located or where circulates the train, the information on the parcel bill or the route book of the service to be performed, the maximum speed in the current section that it must not exceed, etc. Rail radio block management aid system according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it has a documentary information system for the machinist, or document library, which allows the machinist to easily access, by electronic and computer means, documents arranged by the railway operator to inform the machinist. A radio railway block management aid system as claimed in claim 1, characterized by an update and configuration system for remotely modifying, through the wireless communications systems disposed in the train, a large amount of system settings and update the document system or embedded library. Rail radio block management aid system according to claim 1, characterized by being able to exchange information with the control station systems for remote configuration of the system, to exchange messages or to send information about the condition of the train, or by means of wireless communication means installed in the train or, when the characteristics of the railway vehicle so require, by means of wireless communication elements directly connected to the train; this one.

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