TRAIN INFORMATION MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE APPARATUS, CENTRAL DEVICE, DISPLAY DEVICE, TRAIN INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, TRAIN INFORMATION MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE METHOD, AND STORAGE MEDIUM

A train information management assistance apparatus includes an acquisition unit and a generation unit. The acquisition unit acquires internal signal definition information and on-board device installation information. The internal signal definition information is information in which an internal signal that is a signal for use inside a train information management apparatus to be installed in a train are defined in association with an on-board device installed in the train. The on-board device installation information is information in which the number of the on-board device installed in each car of the train is defined. The generation unit generates, based on the internal signal definition information and the on-board device installation information, packet definition information for identifying a position of the internal signal associated with the on-board device inside a packet transmitted and received inside the train information management apparatus.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a train information management assistance apparatus that assists in designing signals for use in a train information management apparatus, to a central device, to a display device, to a train information management system, to a train information management assistance method, and to a train information management assistance program.

BACKGROUND

Conventionally, a train information management apparatus is installed in a train and manages states and the like of on-board devices installed in the train. The train information management apparatus internally includes devices such as a central device and a network that connects the devices such as the central device with each other. The devices such as the central device perform various communication via the network. Here, signals for use inside the train information management apparatus by the devices such as the central device are defined by a designer or the like of the train information management apparatus. The designer needs to designate storage positions etc. on packets for storing signals indicating various information. However, as the number of on-board devices to be managed increases, man-hours increase and error is likely to occur. In response to such problems, Patent Literature 1 discloses a technique for assisting in designing plant signals for use in a monitoring control system that performs monitoring control for plant equipment.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

According to the above-described conventional technique, identification information is assigned to each device, and information indicating a name, a state, and the like is input for each piece of identification information. However, the train to be managed by the train information management apparatus includes a plurality of cars, and the number of cars constituting a train composition and the combination of cars are appropriately changed in accordance with the operations of the train. Thus, if the above-described conventional technique is applied to the design of signals for use in the train information management apparatus, a list of pieces of identification information of on-board devices installed in the train needs to be changed in accordance with the train composition, and there is a problem in that man-hours increase and error is likely to occur.

The present disclosure has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a train information management assistance apparatus that can assist in designing signals for use in a train information management apparatus while reducing man-hours of a designer and occurrence of error.

Means to Solve the Problem

To solve the above problems and achieve an object, a train information management assistance apparatus according to the present disclosure includes: an acquisition unit to acquire internal signal definition information and on-board device installation information, the internal signal definition information being information in which an internal signal that is a signal for use inside a train information management apparatus to be installed in a train is defined in association with an on-board device installed in the train, the on-board device installation information being information in which a number of the on-board device installed in each car of the train is defined; and a generation unit to generate, based on the internal signal definition information and the on-board device installation information, packet definition information for identifying a position of the internal signal associated with the on-board device within a packet transmitted and received inside the train information management apparatus.

Effects of the Invention

The train information management assistance apparatus of the present disclosure has an effect of capable of assisting in designing the signals for use in the train information management apparatus while reducing the man-hours of the designer and the occurrence of the error.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, a description will be given in detail of a train information management assistance apparatus, a central device, a display device, a train information management system, a train information management assistance method, and a train information management assistance program according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

First Embodiment

FIG.1is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a train information management system1according to a first embodiment. The train information management system1includes a train information management apparatus10and a train information management assistance apparatus60. The train information management apparatus10manages states etc. of on-board devices50installed in a train2. Examples of the on-board devices50include, but are not limited to, a Brake Control Unit (BCU)51, a DOOR52, an Automatic Train Control (ATC)53, and the like. The BCU51controls an operation of a brake (not illustrated). For example, opening and closing of the DOOR52are controlled by a door control device (not illustrated). Although simplified inFIG.1, in the present embodiment, the following description assumes that the train2includes a plurality of cars and has installed therein a plurality of BCUs51, a plurality of DOORs52, a plurality of ATCs53, or the like. Note that, the present embodiment is also applicable to the train2configured as a single-car train, and is also applicable to a configuration in which the number of some of the on-board devices50installed is one.

The train information management apparatus10includes central devices20, a display device30, and a network40.

Each of the central devices20executes calculation processing in the train information management apparatus10. Specifically, the central device20acquires, via the network40, state information indicating operation states and the like from the on-board devices50installed in the train2, and manages the states of the on-board devices50. The central device20generates command information for each of the on-board devices50based on the state information and the like of the on-board devices50, and transmits the command information to each of the on-board devices50via the network40. Additionally, the central device20stores, in a packet100, internal signals that have been obtained by calculation based on the pieces of state information and the like of the on-board devices50, and transmits, via the network40, the internal signals to other devices inside the train information management apparatus10. The internal signal is a signal for use inside the train information management apparatus10and whose storage position inside the packet100is specified. Thus, the central device20shares the internal signals, which have been obtained by the calculation, inside the train information management apparatus10. For example, the central device20transmits, via the network40, the pieces of state information of the on-board devices50to the display device30. The central device20may transmit, via the network40, the pieces of state information of the on-board devices50to another central device20. Note that the train information management apparatus10includes two central devices20in the example ofFIG.1, the central devices20may perform the same operation, or one of the central devices20may perform main processing in the train information management apparatus10and the other of the central devices20may operate for backup.

As will be described later, the display device30includes a display unit for displaying the states of the on-board devices50to a train driver and the like, and displays the state information of the on-board devices50and the like acquired from the central devices20via the network40.

The network40is an in-train network in which the devices are connected to each other inside the train information management apparatus10. Additionally, the on-board devices50are connected to the network40. The network40is, for example, Ethernet (registered trademark), but is not limited thereto.

The on-board devices50such as the BCU51, the DOOR52, and the ATC53are connected to the network40. The on-board devices50transmit, via the network40, the state information indicating their operation states and the like to the central devices20. Additionally, the on-board devices50each perform processing based on the command information acquired from the central devices20via the network40, thus implementing control for the train2by the train information management apparatus10. Hereinafter, when the BCU51, the DOOR52, and the ATC53are not distinguished from one another, they will be described as the on-board devices50.

The train information management assistance apparatus60is an apparatus used for designing the system of the train information management apparatus10. The train information management assistance apparatus60generates packet definition information103in which the storage positions for the internal signals in the packet100are defined, for the packet100that stores the internal signals used by the train information management apparatus10to be installed in the train2. Specifically, the train information management assistance apparatus60receives an input of internal signal definition information101and on-board device installation information102that are defined by a designer of the train information management apparatus10, and outputs the packet definition information103. Here, a description will be given of the internal signal definition information101, the on-board device installation information102, and the packet definition information103.FIG.2is a diagram illustrating an example of the internal signal definition information101that is input to the train information management assistance apparatus60according to the first embodiment.FIG.3is a diagram illustrating an example of the on-board device installation information102that is input to the train information management assistance apparatus60according to the first embodiment.FIG.4is a diagram illustrating an example of the packet definition information103that is output from the train information management assistance apparatus60according to the first embodiment.

The internal signal definition information101is information in which the internal signals, which are the signals for use inside the train information management apparatus10to be installed in the train2, are defined in association with the on-board devices50installed in the train2, by the designer of the train information management apparatus10. The internal signal definition information101is information in which, for each of signal names of the internal signals, the on-board device50associated with a corresponding one of the internal signals and the number of bits in the packet100used for the corresponding internal signal are defined. The example ofFIG.2indicates that an internal signal having a signal name ASP is associated with the BCU51, and the number of bits of one internal signal is 8 bits. The number of bits is the number of bits used for one internal signal in the packet100, and represents the length of the internal signal. The example ofFIG.2also indicates that an internal signal having a signal name DOOR_STATUS_OPEN is associated with the DOOR52, and the number of bits of one internal signal is 1 bit. The example ofFIG.2also indicates that an internal signal having a signal name ATC_STATUS is associated with the ATC53, and the number of bits of one internal signal is 8 bits. The association of the internal signals with the on-board devices50indicates that the internal signals that are the internal signals of the train information management apparatus10and associated with the on-board devices50present as many as the number of the on-board devices50installed in the train2.

For example, the internal signal having the signal name DOOR_STATUS_OPEN is associated with the DOOR52, and as indicated by the on-board device installation information102, four DOORs52are installed in each car of the train2. Additionally, in the train2, the on-board devices50are distinguished from one another based on on-board device names of the on-board devices50, a car number of a car in which the on-board devices50are installed, and an in-car number in the car. Thus, there are 12 types of internal signals each having the signal name DOOR_STATUS_OPEN, such as a first DOOR52of a first car of the train2, a second DOOR52of the first car of the train2, a third DOOR52of the first car of the train2, a fourth DOOR52of the first car of the train2, . . . , and a fourth DOOR52of the third car of the train2. Each of the internal signals can be identified by identifying the signal name and which one of plurality of the on-board devices50corresponds to the internal signal, as shown in the example of the signal name DOOR_STATUS_OPEN and the third DOOR52of the first car.

The on-board device installation information102is information in which the number of on-board devices50installed in each car of the train2is defined. In the on-board device installation information102, which and how many of the on-board devices50are installed in each car of the train2are defined. The example ofFIG.3indicates that, in the train2, one BCU51is installed in the first car, one BCU51is installed in the second car, and one BCU51is installed in the third car. The example ofFIG.3also indicates that, in the train2, four DOORs52are installed in the first car, four DOORs52are installed in the second car, and four DOORs52are installed in the third car. The example ofFIG.3also indicates that, in the train2, one ATC53is installed in the first car, one ATC53is installed in the third car, and no ATC53is installed in the second car.

The packet definition information103is information for identifying the positions of the internal signals associated with the on-board devices50, inside the packet100transmitted and received inside the train information management apparatus10. The packet definition information103indicates to which text number and which bit position the internal signal associated with each on-board device50is allocated, in the packet100. For example, the packet definition information103indicates that the internal signals having the signal name ASP that are associated with the BCU51are allocated to an area ranging from a bit position 0 of a text number 0 of the packet100to a bit position 7 of a text number 2 of the packet100. Additionally, inside the area for the internal signals, the individual internal signals are arranged in a sequential order from the internal signal corresponding to the on-board device50of the first car of the train2. In this case, the packet definition information103indicates that the internal signal having the signal name ASP with respect to the BCU51of the first car is allocated to an area ranging from the bit position 0 to the bit position 7 of the text number 0 of the packet100, the internal signal having the signal name ASP with respect to the BCU51of the second car is allocated to an area ranging from the bit position 0 to the bit position 7 of the text number 1 of the packet100, and the internal signal having the signal name ASP with respect to the BCU51of the third car is allocated to an area ranging from the bit position 0 to the bit position 7 of the text number 2 of the packet100. As described above, when the information for distinguishing the internal signals from each other is given, the storage positions of the internal signals in the packet100are uniquely identified.

A description will be given of the configuration and operation of the train information management assistance apparatus60.FIG.5is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the train information management assistance apparatus60according to the first embodiment. The train information management assistance apparatus60includes an acquisition unit61, a generation unit62, and an output unit63.

The acquisition unit61acquires the internal signal definition information101and the on-board device installation information102.

The generation unit62generates the packet definition information103, based on the internal signal definition information101and the on-board device installation information102. Specifically, the generation unit62selects one internal signal from the internal signal definition information101, and acquires, from the on-board device installation information102, how many on-board devices50associated with a selected signal that is the selected internal signal are installed in the train2. The generation unit62identifies an area used for the selected signal in the packet100, based on the number of bits of the selected signal and the number of installed on-board devices50. The generation unit62repeatedly performs processing of identifying the area for the number of internal signals defined in the internal signal definition information101, thus generating the packet definition information103.

The output unit63outputs the packet definition information103generated by the generation unit62to the central devices20, the display device30, and the like that are included in the train information management apparatus10. A method according to which the output unit63outputs the packet definition information103to the central devices20and the display device30is not particularly limited. The packet definition information103may be output via communication such as wireless communication or wired communication, or may be output via a storage medium or the like. Note that, although in the example ofFIG.1the train information management assistance apparatus60is connected to the central device20of the train information management apparatus10, it is sufficient that the train information management assistance apparatus60is connected to the central device20when the packet definition information103is output. During the operation of the train2, the train information management assistance apparatus60is not necessarily connected to the central device20of the train information management apparatus10.

FIG.6is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the train information management assistance apparatus60according to the first embodiment.

In the train information management assistance apparatus60, the generation unit62initializes a start position to allocate the internal signals in the packet100. Specifically, the generation unit62sets a packet number to 0 and a start bit position to 0 (step S101).

The acquisition unit61acquires internal signal definition information101from the designer or the like of the train information management apparatus10, and outputs the internal signal definition information101to the generation unit62. The generation unit62selects one internal signal from the internal signal definition information101(step S102). Thus, the generation unit62acquires information indicating the signal name of the selected internal signal, the on-board device50associated with the selected internal signal, and the number of bits of the internal signal. For example, in the example ofFIG.2, the generation unit62acquires information indicating the internal signal having the signal name ASP, the BCU51as the on-board device50associated with the internal signal, and the number of bits of the internal signal being 8 bits.

The acquisition unit61acquires on-board device installation information102from the designer or the like of the train information management apparatus10, and outputs the on-board device installation information102to the generation unit62. The generation unit62acquires, from the on-board device installation information102, how many on-board devices50associated with the selected internal signal are installed in the train2, that is, the number of installed on-board devices50(step S103). For example, in the example ofFIG.3, the generation unit62acquires the information indicating that the number of BCUs51, which are associated with the internal signal having the signal name ASP, installed in the train2is three.

The generation unit62multiplies the number of bits of the selected internal signal by the number of installed on-board devices50to calculate a bit size of an area in the packet100used for the selected internal signal. With the start bit position as a starting point, the generation unit62determines an area corresponding to the calculated bit size as a packet position in the packet100used for the selected internal signal (step S104). For example, in the examples ofFIGS.2to4, the packet position in the packet100used for the selected internal signal can be expressed, with respect to the internal signal having the signal name ASP, as the area ranging from the bit position 0 of the text number 0 of the packet100of the packet number 0 to the bit position 7 of the text number 2 of the packet100of the packet number 0. Note that, in the packet100, each bit position can also be expressed by a serial number of the bit position starting from the bit position 0 of the text number 0. For example, the bit position 7 of the text number 2 can be expressed as a bit position 23 as the serial number of the bit position starting from the bit position 0 of the text number 0. Such an expression method is an effective expression method in performing various calculations in the generation unit62and the like.

If an end bit position of the area in which the bit size calculated with the start bit position as the starting point is provided exceeds the bit position specified by the packet size of the packet100of the current packet number, the generation unit62increments the packet number that is used for identifying the packet100, from the bit position that exceeds the packet size. The packet size of the packet100is, for example, 1400 bytes, but is not limited thereto. Note that, 1 byte is equal to 8 bits. That is, in the example ofFIG.4, 1 byte is equivalent to an area corresponding to one text number.

When there is an internal signal that has not been selected from the internal signal definition information101(step S105: No), the generation unit62updates the start bit position (step S106). Specifically, the generation unit62sets a bit position next to the above-described end bit position as a start bit position of the internal signal to be selected next. For example, inFIG.4, since the end bit position of the internal signal having the signal name ASP is the bit position 7 of the text number 2 of the packet number 0, the generation unit62updates the start bit position to the bit position 0 of the text number 3 of the packet number 0, for the internal signal having the signal name DOOR_STATUS_OPEN to be selected next. Note that, when the updated start bit position exceeds the bit position specified by the packet size of the packet100of the current packet number, the generation unit62performs increments the packet number that is used for identifying the packet100.

As described above, the generation unit62sets a bit position of a bit disposed next to a last bit of an area of a first selected signal in the packet100, as a bit position of a first bit of an area of a second selected signal to be selected next to the first selected signal in the packet100.

The generation unit62repeats the above operation until all the internal signals have been selected from the internal signal definition information101. Specifically, in the example ofFIG.2, the generation unit62selects the internal signal in the order of the internal signal having the signal name DOOR_STATUS_OPEN and next the internal signal having the signal name ATC_STATUS. When all the internal signals have been selected from the internal signal definition information101(step S105: Yes), the generation unit62generates packet definition information103, based on the packet positions determined for all the selected internal signals (step S107). The generation unit62outputs, via the output unit63, the packet definition information103to the central devices20and the display device30that are included in the train information management apparatus10(step S108). Note that, the generation unit62may output, together with the packet definition information103, the internal signal definition information101and the on-board device installation information102to the central devices20and the display device30.

Thus, as illustrated inFIG.4, the train information management assistance apparatus60can provide, in the packet100, an area for three BCUs51corresponding to the number of BCUs51installed in the train2, for the internal signals having the signal name ASP. The train information management assistance apparatus60can also provide, on the packet100, an area for 12 DOORs52corresponding to the number of DOORs52installed in the train2, for the internal signals having the signal name DOOR_STATUS_OPEN. The train information management assistance apparatus60can also provide, on the packet100, an area for two ATCs53corresponding to the number of ATCs53installed in the train2, for the internal signals having the signal name ATC_STATUS.

Here, as a comparative example, a method of designating internal signals using packet numbers will be described. Specifically, the internal signals having the signal name ASP will be described as an example. The internal signals having the signal name ASP present as many as the number of installed BCUs51as in the present embodiment. In the method of designating the internal signals using the packet numbers, it is necessary to distinguish the internal signals from each other by assigning a number after the signal name to indicate each of the internal signals having the signal name ASP, and designate the packet number of the packet in which each of the internal signals is stored. An example is as follows: “signal name=ASP1, packet number=packet 1”, “signal name=ASP2, packet number=packet 1”, “signal name=ASP3, packet number=packet 1”, and the like. Note that, the packet number may be a packet name. In such a case, when the bit positions in the packet in which the internal signals are stored are changed in accordance with, for example, a change in the composition of the train2, or when the number of internal signals is changed in accordance with, for example, a specification change, the information for identifying the internal signals needs to be changed. The internal signals are referred to in various processing, and all of such processing needs to be changed, which needs man-hours and is likely to cause error. Additionally, even for internal signals of the same type, individual signal names need to be designated in order to identify positions of the internal signals in the packet, which makes it difficult to simplify the description of repetitive processing.

On the other hand, the present embodiment enables the identification of the internal signals by designating the signal names, the car numbers of the cars in which the on-board devices50associated with the signal names are installed, and the in-car number. Note that, it is also possible to designate serial numbers of the on-board devices50in the train2instead of the car numbers and the in-car numbers. An example is as follows: “signal name=ASP, serial number of BCU51=0”, “signal name=ASP, serial number of BCU51=1”, “signal name=ASP, serial number of BCU51=2”, and the like. In the present embodiment, no error is involved because the internal signals can be designated as described above, thus making it unnecessary to designate the packet number of the packet100in which the internal signals are stored. Additionally, in the present embodiment, for the internal signals of the same type, the on-board devices50associated with the internal signals can be designated by the serial numbers of the on-board devices50, thus making it possible to simplify the description of repetitive processing.

Next, a description will be given of a configuration of each of the central devices20that are included in the train information management apparatus10and use the packet definition information103generated by the train information management assistance apparatus60.FIG.7is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the central device20according to the first embodiment. The central device20includes a communication unit21, a storage unit22, a control unit23, a packet definition information storage unit24, and a signal storage position identifying unit25.

The communication unit21receives, from each of the on-board devices50installed in the train2, state information indicating an operation state of the on-board device50together with identification information that can identify the installation position of the on-board device50in the train2. The communication unit21transmits command information generated by the control unit23to each of the on-board devices50. Additionally, the communication unit21transmits and receives the packet100to transmit and receive internal signals to and from another central device20. The communication unit21transmits the packet100to output the internal signals to the display device30.

The storage unit22stores the packet100transmitted and received by the communication unit21, the state information and the identification information received by the communication unit21, the command information to be transmitted from the communication unit21, and the like.

The control unit23calculates the pieces of command information, the internal signals, and the like that are signals output to the on-board devices50, based on the pieces of state information, the internal signals, and the like of the on-board devices50connected to the train information management apparatus10. The internal signal may be a specific numerical value or may be selected from specified values. Additionally, the control unit23notifies the signal storage position identifying unit25of the information indicating the type of each of the on-board devices50, and of the identification information of each of the on-board devices50transmitted together with the state information from the on-board device50. Note that, when the identification information of the on-board device50includes the information indicating the type of the on-board device50, it is sufficient that the control unit23notifies the signal storage position identifying unit25of only the identification information of the on-board device50. The control unit23stores the internal signals in the positions identified by the signal storage position identifying unit25to generate the packet100, and controls to transmit the packet100from the communication unit21to the devices included in the train information management apparatus10via the storage unit22.

The packet definition information storage unit24stores the packet definition information103generated by the train information management assistance apparatus60.

The signal storage position identifying unit25identifies, based on the packet definition information103and the pieces of identification information of the on-board devices50, positions where the pieces of state information is stored in the packet100as the internal signals that are signals for use inside the train information management apparatus10. Specifically, the signal storage position identifying unit25identifies the storage positions of the internal signals in the packet100, based on the names of the on-board devices50, the signal names of the internal signals, the serial numbers of the on-board devices50in the train2, and the like. The signal storage position identifying unit25acquires the storage position of the designated internal signal in the packet100in accordance with the calculation formula of Formula (1) below.

When the serial number of the on-board device50is 1, the storage position of the internal signal is the start bit position. The signal storage position identifying unit25acquires the start bit position based on the start position of the internal signal in the packet definition information103, and acquires the number of bits from the internal signal definition information101. The signal storage position identifying unit25acquires the serial numbers of the on-board devices50in accordance with the number of on-board devices50that is counted from the lead car of the train2based on the on-board device installation information102. The central device20may acquire the on-board device installation information102from the train information management assistance apparatus60or from the designer or the like of the train information management apparatus10. For example, when the car number of the train2is G and the in-car number is N, the signal storage position identifying unit25can calculate the serial number of the on-board device50in accordance with Formula (2).

When G is 1, the serial number of the on-board device50is N. Note that, when the central device20receives the packet100from another central device20, the signal storage position identifying unit25can identify, based on the packet definition information103, the signal names of the internal signals, the serial numbers of the on-board devices50in the train2for the on-board devices50corresponding to the internal signals, and the like, from the positions of the internal signals stored in the packet100.

A description will be given of an operation in which the central device20receives the state information from each of the on-board devices50and transmits the packet100using the packet definition information103.FIG.8is a flowchart illustrating an operation in which the central device20of the train information management apparatus10according to the first embodiment transmits the packet100. In the central device20, the communication unit21receives the state information from each of the on-board devices50(step S201). The communication unit21stores the pieces of state information of the on-board devices50in the storage unit22. The control unit23reads the pieces of state information of the on-board devices50from the storage unit22, and calculates internal signals in accordance with specified processing (step S202). The control unit23acquires, from the pieces of state information of the on-board devices50, on-board device names of the on-board devices50, serial numbers of the on-board devices50in the train2, and the like, and notifies the signal storage position identifying unit25of the acquired information. Upon acquiring the information such as the on-board device names of the on-board devices50and the serial numbers of the on-board devices50in the train2from the control unit23, the signal storage position identifying unit25identifies the storage positions of the internal signals that correspond to the on-board devices50, in the packet100, based on the packet definition information103stored in the packet definition information storage unit24(step S203). The signal storage position identifying unit25notifies the control unit23of the identified storage positions of the internal signals. The control unit23generates the packet100in which the internal signals whose values are obtained by the calculation are stored in the storage positions acquired from the signal storage position identifying unit25(step S204). The control unit23stores the generated packet100in the storage unit22. The communication unit21reads the packet100from the storage unit22and transmits the packet100to another central device20, the display device30, and the like inside the train information management apparatus10(step S205).

Next, a description will be given of a configuration of the display device30that is included in the train information management apparatus10, uses the packet definition information103generated by the train information management assistance apparatus60, and receives the packet100from the central device20.FIG.9is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the display device30according to the first embodiment. The display device30includes a communication unit31, a storage unit32, a control unit33, a packet definition information storage unit34, a signal storage position identifying unit35, and a display unit36.

The communication unit31receives the packet100from the central device20.

The storage unit32stores the packet100received by the communication unit31.

The control unit33notifies the signal storage position identifying unit35of the position information on the internal signals stored in the packet100. The control unit33controls the display unit36to display the state information of each of the on-board devices50, based on an arrangement of the on-board devices50in the train2corresponding to the internal signals identified by the signal storage position identifying unit35.

The packet definition information storage unit34stores the packet definition information103generated by the train information management assistance apparatus60.

The signal storage position identifying unit35identifies, based on the packet definition information103and the position information on the internal signals stored in the packet100, an arrangement of the on-board devices50installed in the train2and corresponding to the internal signals. Specifically, the signal storage position identifying unit35identifies the signal names of the internal signals, the on-board devices50corresponding to the internal signals, the serial numbers of the on-board devices50in the train2for the on-board devices50, and the like. At this time, the signal storage position identifying unit35uses the on-board device installation information102, and the display device30may acquire the on-board device installation information102from the train information management assistance apparatus60or from the designer or the like of the train information management apparatus10.

The display unit36is installed in a cab or the like of the train2, and displays state information and the like of the on-board device50to a train driver or the like of the train2. The display unit36performs, under the control of the control unit33, display or the like based on the internal signals stored in the packet100.FIG.10is a diagram illustrating an example of display on the display device30according to the first embodiment. Upon acquiring the information related to the bit positions of the internal signals stored in the packet100from the control unit33, the signal storage position identifying unit35identifies, for the internal signals, the signal names of the internal signals, the serial numbers of the on-board devices50in the train2for the on-board devices50corresponding to the internal signals, and the like, based on the packet definition information103. On the basis of the information acquired from the signal storage position identifying unit35, that is, the signal names of the internal signals and the serial numbers of the on-board devices50in the train2for the on-board devices50corresponding to the internal signals, the control unit33controls the display unit36to perform display for the on-board devices50in accordance with the internal signals.FIG.10illustrates an example in which information indicating whether the DOOR52of the train2is open is linked to a display element indicating a door on the screen of the display unit36, and the internal signal having the signal name DOOR_STATUS_OPEN is associated with the display element. The display unit36includes the display elements indicating doors as many as the number of DOORs52defined in the on-board device installation information102in order to perform display on the screen as illustrated inFIG.10. The DOORs52can be distinguished from each other by the car number and the in-car number in the train2. Since the car number and in-car number of each DOOR52in the train2are associated with the car number and in-car number for designating the internal signal having the signal name DOOR_STATUS_OPEN in the packet100, it is possible to simply associate the internal signals in the packet100with the display elements of the display unit36.

A description will be given of an operation in which the display device30receives the packet100from the central device20and performs display processing on the display unit36using the packet definition information103.FIG.11is a flowchart illustrating an operation in which the display device30of the train information management apparatus10according to the first embodiment receives the packet100and performs display processing. In the display device30, the communication unit31receives the packet100from the central device20(step S301). The communication unit31stores the packet100in the storage unit32. The control unit33reads the packet100from the storage unit32and reads the internal signals from the packet100(step S302). The control unit33notifies the signal storage position identifying unit35of the information on the bit positions in the packet100in which the internal signals are stored. Upon acquiring the information of the bit positions in the packet100from the control unit33, the signal storage position identifying unit35identifies the signal names of the internal signals corresponding to the bit positions in the packet100and the serial numbers of the on-board devices50in the train2, based on the packet definition information103stored in the packet definition information storage unit34(step S303). The signal storage position identifying unit35notifies the control unit33of the identified signal names of the internal signals and the identified serial numbers of the on-board devices50in the train2. Note that, as described above, the car number and the in-car number may be used instead of the serial numbers. The control unit33determines display elements that are display targets included in the display unit36, based on the signal names of the internal signals and the serial numbers of the on-board devices50in the train2, which have been acquired from the signal storage position identifying unit35, and determines display content in accordance with the internal signals (step S304). The display unit36performs display processing for the display elements determined by the control unit33, in accordance with the internal signals determined by the control unit33(step S305).

Next, a description will be given of a hardware configuration of the train information management assistance apparatus60according to the first embodiment. In the train information management assistance apparatus60, the acquisition unit61is an interface that receives data. The output unit63is an interface that outputs data. The generation unit62is implemented by processing circuitry. The processing circuitry may include a memory that stores a program and a processor that executes the program stored in the memory, or may include dedicated hardware. The processing circuitry is also referred to as control circuitry.

FIG.12is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of processing circuitry90when the processing circuitry that implements the generation unit62of the train information management assistance apparatus60according to the first embodiment is implemented by a processor91and a memory92. The processing circuitry90illustrated inFIG.12is control circuitry, and includes the processor91and the memory92. When the processing circuitry90includes the processor91and the memory92, each function of the processing circuitry90is implemented by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software or the firmware is described as a program and stored in the memory92. In the processing circuitry90, the processor91reads and executes the program stored in the memory92to implement functions. That is, the processing circuitry90includes the memory92for storing a program with which processing of the train information management assistance apparatus60is executed as a result. It can also be said that this program is a program for causing the train information management assistance apparatus60to execute functions implemented by the processing circuitry90. This program may be provided by a storage medium storing the program or may be provided through other means such as a communication medium.

It can also be said that the program is a program for causing the train information management assistance apparatus60to execute: a first step of, by the acquisition unit61, acquiring the internal signal definition information101and the on-board device installation information102, the internal signal definition information101being information in which an internal signal that is a signal for use inside the train information management apparatus10to be installed in the train2is defined in association with the on-board device50installed in the train2, the on-board device installation information102being information in which the number of on-board device50installed in each car of the train2is defined; and a second step of, by the generation unit62, generating, based on the internal signal definition information101and the on-board device installation information102, the packet definition information103for identifying the position of the internal signal associated with the on-board devices50, inside the packet100transmitted and received inside the train information management apparatus10.

Here, the processor91is, for example, a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a processing unit, an arithmetic unit, a microprocessor, a microcomputer, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), or the like. Additionally, the memory92corresponds to, for example, a nonvolatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as a Random Access Memory (RAM), a Read Only Memory (ROM), a flash memory, an Erasable Programmable ROM (EPROM), or an Electrically EPROM (EEPROM, registered trademark), a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact disk, a mini disk, a Digital Versatile Disc (DVD), or the like.

FIG.13is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of processing circuitry93when the processing circuitry that implements the generation unit62of the train information management assistance apparatus60according to the first embodiment is constituted by dedicated hardware. The processing circuitry93illustrated inFIG.13corresponds to, for example, a single circuit, a combined circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel-programmed processor, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), or a combination thereof. Some functions of the processing circuitry93may be implemented by dedicated hardware, and the other functions may be implemented by software or firmware. In this manner, the processing circuitry93can implement the above-described functions using dedicated hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

The central device20has a similar hardware configuration. In the central device20, the communication unit21is an interface capable of transmitting and receiving the packet100and the like. The storage unit22and the packet definition information storage unit24are memories. The control unit23and the signal storage position identifying unit25are implemented by processing circuitry. The processing circuitry may include a memory that stores a program and a processor that executes the program stored in the memory, or may include dedicated hardware. The processing circuitry is also referred to as control circuitry.

The display device30also has a similar hardware configuration. In the display device30, the communication unit31is an interface capable of receiving the packet100and the like. The storage unit32and the packet definition information storage unit34are memories. The display unit36is a display such as a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD). The control unit33and the signal storage position identifying unit35are implemented by processing circuitry. The processing circuitry may include a memory that stores a program and a processor that executes the program stored in the memory, or may include dedicated hardware. The processing circuitry is also referred to as control circuitry.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the train information management assistance apparatus60generates the packet definition information103in which the storage positions of the internal signals, for use in the central device20and the display device30, on the packet100are defined, at the time of designing the train information management apparatus10by using the internal signal definition information101and the on-board device installation information102. As a result, the train information management assistance apparatus60can reduce the amount of the man-hours required for definitions such as the definition of the number of the on-board devices50by the designer of the train information management apparatus10, and the definition on the packet100, and can prevent or reduce an increase in time for designing due to the error in description of calculation processing. Additionally, the train information management assistance apparatus60can reduce the man-hours required to design by improving design reusability between different car systems. As described above, the train information management assistance apparatus60can assist in designing signals for use in the train information management apparatus10while reducing the man-hours of the designer of the train information management apparatus10and the occurrence of the error.

Second Embodiment

In the first embodiment, in the packet definition information103generated by the train information management assistance apparatus60, as illustrated inFIG.4, the areas corresponding to the internal signals having the different signal names are sometimes included in the same text number. That is, areas corresponding to internal signals having multiple signal names are sometimes included in a unit of 1 byte. In the second embodiment, a case will be described in which the train information management assistance apparatus60determines the areas corresponding to the internal signals having the different signal names such that the areas corresponding to the internal signals having the different signal names are not included in the same text number, that is, in accordance with a byte boundary.

In the second embodiment, the configurations of the train information management assistance apparatus60and the like are similar to the configurations in the first embodiment.FIG.14is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the train information management assistance apparatus60according to the second embodiment. The flowchart illustrated inFIG.14differs from the flowchart in the first embodiment illustrated inFIG.6in an operation in step S111. When not all the internal signals have been selected from the internal signal definition information101(step S105: No), the generation unit62updates the text number and updates the start bit position (step S111).FIG.15is a diagram illustrating an example of the packet definition information103output from the train information management assistance apparatus60according to the second embodiment. As illustrated inFIG.15, in the train information management assistance apparatus60, when updating the start bit position of the internal signal in the packet100, the generation unit62updates the start bit position such that the start bit position is aligned with the 8-bit boundary. The generation unit62determines the areas corresponding to the internal signals having the different signal names such that the areas corresponding to the internal signals having the different signal names are not included in the areas having the same text number, that is, in accordance with the byte boundary. Note that, similarly to the first embodiment, when the updated start bit position exceeds the bit position specified by the packet size of the packet100of the current packet number, the generation unit62performs processing of incrementing the packet number for identifying the packet100.

As described above, when the packet100is delimited in units of 8 bits as 1 byte, the generation unit62sets the bit position of the first bit of the byte disposed next to the byte to which the last bit of the area of the first selected signal belongs in the packet100, as the bit position of the first bit of the area of the second selected signal to be selected next to the first selected signal in the packet100.

In the packet definition information103of the second embodiment illustrated inFIG.15, unlike the packet definition information103of the first embodiment illustrated inFIG.4, the start bit position of the internal signal having the signal name ATC_STATUS is changed from the bit position 4 of the text number 4 to the bit position 0 of the text number 5. In the first embodiment, the central device20and the display device30using the packet definition information103illustrated inFIG.4need to perform calculation processing by a byte access method and a bitwise operation in order to access internal signals. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, since the central device20and the display device30that use the packet definition information103illustrated inFIG.15can access the internal signals only by the byte access method, the processing amount at the time of execution can be reduced. In the second embodiment, only the start bit position of each internal signal in the packet100is changed, and the operations of the signal storage position identifying unit25of the central device20and the signal storage position identifying unit35of the display device30are similar to the operations thereof in the first embodiment.

Note that, in the present embodiment, the start bit position of each internal signal is aligned in a unit of 1 byte. That is, the area including the area corresponding to each internal signal and a backup area is aligned in units of multiples of 8 bits. However, the present embodiment is not limited thereto. The start bit position of each internal signal may be aligned in units of 2 bytes or 4 bytes. That is, the area including the area corresponding to each internal signal and the backup area may be aligned in units of multiples of 16 bits or in units of multiples of 32 bits.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the train information management assistance apparatus60generates the packet definition information103such that the start bit position of each internal signal is in a unit of 1 byte, that is, the area including the area corresponding to each internal signal and the backup area is in units of multiples of 8 bits. This can reduce the processing amount required for the central device20and the display device30to access the internal signals.

Third Embodiment

In the second embodiment, the start bit position is changed for every internal signal in accordance with the byte boundary. However, the train information management assistance apparatus60may perform the operation of the second embodiment when the internal signal whose number of bits indicated by the internal signal definition information101is an integral multiple of 8 bits, and may perform the operation of the first embodiment in other cases, for example.

That is, when the packet100is delimited in units of 8 bits as 1 byte, if the number of bits of the second selected signal selected after the first selected signal is an integral multiple of 8 bits, the generation unit62sets the bit position of the first bit of the byte disposed next to the byte to which the last bit of the area of the first selected signal belongs in the packet100, as the bit position of the first bit of the area of the second selected signal in the packet100. Additionally, when the packet100is delimited in units of 8 bits as 1 byte, if the number of bits of the second selected signal is other than an integral multiple of 8 bits, the generation unit62sets the bit position of the bit disposed next to the last bit of the area of the first selected signal in the packet100, as the bit position of the first bit of the area of the second selected signal in the packet100. Since the generation unit62has acquired the information of the internal signal definition information101, the generation unit62can determine whether to perform the operation described in the first embodiment or the operation described in the second embodiment, based on, for example, the number of bits of an internal signal to be selected next.

As a result, the effect of reducing the processing amount required for the central device20and the display device30to access the internal signals is reduced as compared with the second embodiment. However, the backup area, which is illustrated inFIG.15, provided in the packet100can be reduced and the size of the packet100can be reduced as compared with the second embodiment.

The configurations described in the above embodiments are illustrative only and may be combined with the other known techniques, the embodiments may be combined with each other, and part of each of the configurations may be omitted or modified without departing from the gist.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST