RU96438U1 - SIMULATOR FOR TRAINING OPERATION OF A SATELLITE COMMUNICATION STATION - Google Patents

Abstract

 A simulator for training the operation of a satellite communications station, containing individual testing devices, a teacher’s console consisting of a personal computer, a display, a projector and a signal converter, including a computer interface unit, an interface with individual testing devices, a program-controlled switch for testing devices and an electrically programmable read-only memory device, characterized in that between the teacher's remote control and individual devices and testing included a patch panel for the distribution of trunk lines extending from the computer, and several controls are introduced into each individual testing device.

Description

The invention relates to technical training tools, built on the basis of a computer, and can be used to automate the training of communication specialists operating a satellite communications station, as well as for didactic research.

The computer complex of wireless telegraphists is known (magazine of the USSR Ministry of Defense "Technique and Armament" No. 10, 1989, pp. 10-11 and No. 12, 1990, pp. 10-12) containing a microcomputer with a built-in interface board, a control panel a radio class and Morse code sensors installed at the workplaces of trainees connected to a microcomputer.

The main disadvantage of the complex is the impossibility of training specialists in the operation of a satellite communications station. The complex does not have multiplexing in the transmission of signals from a computer, as a result of which a large number of connecting lines are required for its installation, which complicates the design.

A well-known complex for controlling the knowledge of students (ed. St. No. 2163731), containing a personal computer, individual testing devices and interface units. Each testing device contains a single-chip microcomputer, operational and permanent storage devices, an alphanumeric indicator, an interface unit with a signal converter, a keyboard and an audible warning device.

The main disadvantages of this complex are the design complexity, which complicates the installation of the class for training a group of specialists, and the inability to train the operation of a satellite communications station.

A well-known class for the training of telegraphists and telegraphs (patent No. 73527), which contains individual testing devices and a teacher’s console. The teacher’s console includes a personal computer, a display, a multimedia projector, and a signal converter. The signal converter consists of a unit for interfacing with a computer, a unit for interfacing with individual testing devices, a software-controlled switch for testing devices, a software-controlled driver for address commands, a message generator, and an electrically reprogrammable read-only memory device. Each individual testing device contains a switch of operating modes, head phones (headphones), a telegraph apparatus, a telegraph key, a Morse code sensor, and devices for interfacing with a signal converter.

The main drawbacks of the class for training telegraph operators and wireless telegraph operators are the complexity of the design and the inadequacy for training the operation of a satellite communications station.

The closest in technical essence to the claimed invention is an interactive lecture class (patent No. 66583), containing individual testing devices and a teacher’s console. The teacher's remote control includes a personal computer, a display, a multimedia projector and a signal converter. The signal converter consists of a unit for interfacing with a computer, a unit for interfacing with individual testing devices, a software-controlled switch for testing devices, and an electrically reprogrammable read-only memory device. Each individual testing device is made in the form of a single button.

The main disadvantages of the interactive lecture class is the inability to learn how to operate a satellite communications station.

The technical problem to which this invention is directed is to create a simple and easy-to-use structure for the automated training of a group of specialists in the operation of a satellite communications station.

The problem is solved using the proposed simulator for training the operation of a satellite communications station.

The simulator for teaching the operation of a satellite communications station contains individual testing devices and a teacher’s console. The teacher’s console includes a personal computer, a display, a multimedia projector, and a signal converter. The signal converter consists of a unit for interfacing with a computer, a unit for interfacing with individual testing devices, a software-controlled switch for testing devices, and an electrically reprogrammable read-only memory device. In addition, a patch panel is included between the teacher’s console and the individual test devices, and several controls are included in each individual test device.

Through the use of a patch panel, distribution of connecting lines extending from the computer is carried out, and it is convenient to connect individual testing devices to the computer. By introducing the controls into them, an imitation of the construction of satellite communication stations is achieved.

Figure 1 shows a structural diagram of a simulator for training the operation of a satellite communications station; figure 2 is a diagram of a patch panel; figure 3 is a diagram of one of the individual testing devices; figure 4 is a drawing of the front panel of one of the individual testing devices.

A simulator for training the operation of a satellite communications station (Fig. 1) contains M identical individual testing devices 1 in 1.1-1. M and a teacher’s console 2 in a personal computer 3, display 4, multimedia projector 5 and signal converter 6. Signal Converter 6 contains a unit for interfacing with a computer 7, a unit for interfacing with individual testing devices 8, a program-controlled switch of testing devices 9, and an electrically reprogrammable read-only memory device 10. V The simulator also includes a patch panel 11 connected between the individual testing devices and the teacher's console.

The software-controlled test device switch 9 contains N identical key elements 9.1-9.N. This switch is controlled using the interface unit 7 according to the program of computer 3. The output signal of each key element of the switch of the testing devices 9 through the address lines acts on the switching panel 11, which distributes the signals for controlling individual testing devices 1.

The outputs of the individual testing devices 1 are combined and through the switching panel 11 they generate signals that act on the interface unit 8, in which the status of the individual testing devices is generated, transmitted to the interface unit with computer 7 and to computer memory 3. Data processing results the computer displays on the display 4 and the multimedia projector 5.

The electrically reprogrammable read-only memory 10, which is part of the signal converter 6, is designed to record the program in the interface unit 7 after turning on the power of the computer 3.

The implementation of the patch panel 11 and its connections with individual testing devices 1 using the example of 8-bit data lines (1-8) is carried out according to the scheme shown in figure 2. Sixteen address lines (9-24) are redistributed in the patch panel to control six individual testing devices 1.1-1.6. Each address line prepares 8 bits of data for polling. In individual testing devices, 21 governing bodies are used. The first five individual testing devices (1.1-1.5) use 3 address lines corresponding to the number of data bits 8 + 8 + 5 = 21. The sixth individual testing device 1.6 uses five address lines corresponding to the remaining number of data bits 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 = 15 and one separate address line. As a result, the individual testing device 1.6 manages 15 + 8 = 23 bits of data (the extra two bits are not used, they are reserve).

The implementation of individual testing devices 1 (figure 1) can be carried out on the example of the circuit shown in figure 3 for an individual testing device 1.1.

The main elements of the circuit are the controls (S1-16, S17, S18-20, S21-24), simulating buttons, toggle switches and cable connectors of the satellite communications station. Individual testing devices can be implemented as separate mock-ups, for example, with the front panel pattern shown in FIG. 4. The designations of the controls of this figure correspond to the inscriptions of the controls in the diagram of FIG. 3.

The controls S1-16 (figure 3) model 15 buttons block VPU and the US button (figure 4). The controls S18-20 (figure 3) simulate the power on toggle switches of the BSP, PP and STPP blocks (figure 4). The controls S17 and S21-24 (figure 3) model the corresponding cable connectors of the blocks (figure 4).

The semiconductor diodes VD1-21 in the circuit (Fig. 3) provide isolation of the controls among themselves, as a result of which, in the presence of 24 lines (8 - data, plus 16 - addresses) according to the computer program, information is independently read from 8 × 16 = 128 controls, i.e. from 128/21 = 6 individual testing devices. The saving factor in cable connections with such an organization of information retrieval is 128/24 = 5.3. When using 32-bit data reading and 24 address lines, the savings coefficient in cable connections will be a large value: (32x24) / (32 + 24) = 13.7. This will correspond to 768/21 = 36 individual testing devices.

The simulator for training the operation of a satellite communications station operates as follows.

After turning on the power, the personal computer 3 (Fig. 1) sends a command to the interface unit with the computer 7 to record the program stored in the electrically reprogrammable read-only memory 10, after which it proceeds to receive data from the individual testing devices 1, during which the following processes proceed.

According to the program of computer 3, the interface unit with the computer 7 alternately generates pulses that provide, using the switch of the testing devices 9, connection to the interface unit 8 through the patch panel 11 of one of the N groups of controls of the testing devices 1 consisting of K pieces. Depending on whether the circuits of these controls are closed or open, one or another binary code combination of K elements is created at the outputs of the patch panel 11 and the inputs of the interface unit 8. In the memory of computer 3, using the interface unit with computer 7, N pieces of K - bit words are sequentially written in one cycle. As a result, tracking occurs at discrete time instants with the required frequency determined by the program of computer 3 over the state of testing devices 1, the number of which M can be equal to the smallest integer quotient of dividing the product N and K by the number of controls in each individual testing device.

Analysis of the results of monitoring the state of the controls is carried out by computer 3 in real time. Using graphic and text displays on the display 4 and the multimedia projector 5, sound messages and prints, individual data on the performed manipulations with the controls, assessments for completing tasks, recommendations for eliminating errors, rating data on the competition, etc. are issued.

The use of a simulator for teaching the operation of a satellite communications station is possible in a wide variety of modes determined by a computer program. The main of these modes can be training, prompting and control.

In the training mode, the task of the trainees is to accurately execute the voice or text commands of the computer. For example, the computer command “Turn on the power of the transceiver” sounds. Trainees toggle switch "Network" block PP on the layout (figure 4) should put in the upper position. If the action is performed correctly, the computer issues the following command. In case of improper operation, a corresponding computer reaction is provided.

In the "prompt" mode, students independently carry out tasks for setting up a satellite communications station. Based on the results of certain operations, the computer approves the actions of the trainees or provides prompts in case of incorrect operations.

For example, the students were given the task of preparing the station for switching on to work with terminal equipment when powered by 220V AC.

The most optimal procedure would be:

- connect the “⊥” terminal of the BSP unit and the grounding pin “ШЗ” with the ground wire;

- connect the power cable to the connectors “EXIT. 27V” of the BSP unit and “X2” of the BOPP unit;

- connect a permanent communication line to the “X29” connectors of the PP unit and “PLC” of the VPU unit;

- connect the cable to the connectors “X28” of the software unit and “OA” of the TLF unit;

- connect the 220V power cable to the “BX.220” connector of the BSP unit and the “~ 220V” power outlet.

Moreover, the first of these paragraphs is permissible to execute in random order, and the last paragraph 8 should be strictly final.

If the student violates this rule, the computer will respond with the prompt “Your actions are incorrect, disconnect the power cable from the network and first make all other cable connections!”.

In control mode, students complete the task with subsequent evaluation, without any intermediate reactions from the computer. Final grades are determined by several criteria. The completeness of the task, the optimality of the configuration actions, the time of the task, etc. can be taken into account. The computer can report gross violations in the learner’s actions, give a command to suspend the task and recommend switching to the training mode.

The simulator operating modes considered can be implemented in software by modeling the operation of both directions and satellite communication networks. Moreover, it is possible to choose for individual testing devices as correspondents for the computer itself or for other trainees.

The technical capabilities of the simulator for training in the operation of a satellite communications station have been tested in conjunction with the software ("Training complex of a satellite communications station." ROSPATENT. Certificate on official registration of the computer program No. 2007610120 of January 9, 2007)

Claims (1)

A simulator for training the operation of a satellite communications station, containing individual testing devices, a teacher’s console consisting of a personal computer, a display, a projector and a signal converter, including a computer interface unit, an interface with individual testing devices, a program-controlled switch for testing devices and an electrically reprogrammable read-only memory device, characterized in that between the teacher's remote control and individual devices and testing, a patch panel is included for distributing trunks extending from the computer, and several controls are introduced into each individual testing device.