(19)
(11) EP 0 343 641 A2

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(43) Date of publication:
29.11.1989 Bulletin 1989/48

(21) Application number: 89109404.7

(22) Date of filing: 24.05.1989
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)4B61L 25/08, B61L 27/00
(84) Designated Contracting States:
DE FR GB

(30) Priority: 27.05.1988 JP 129511/88

(71) Applicant: MITSUBISHI DENKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
Chiyoda-ku Tokyo (JP)

(72) Inventor:
  • Sasaki, Koutarou Mitsubishi Denki K. K.
    Kamakura-shi Kanagawa-ken (JP)

(74) Representative: Goddar, Heinz J., Dr. et al
FORRESTER & BOEHMERT Franz-Joseph-Strasse 38
80801 München
80801 München (DE)


(56) References cited: : 
   
       


    (54) Train diagram production system


    (57) A basic diagram including a drawing concerning train service is patterned by a reading unit to obtain a drawing having a fixed form, the patterned image is photoelectrically converted to produce image data, a recognition unit recognizes individual train diagram data, i.e., the train No., kind of train, arrival and departure times at each station and arrival/departure lines at each station from the image pattern, and a data processor memorizes individual train diagram data and edits these data to a desired form.




    Description

    Background of the Invention


    [Field of the Invention]



    [0001] This invention relates to a train diagram produc­tion system for producing train diagrams provided in a train service control system for controlling train service.

    [Description of the Prior Art]



    [0002] In the prior art, the train diagram control function in a train service control system is realized by inputting basic diagrams to a computer through a machine function of input means. Such data input operation is performed by manually inputting an enormous number of basic train diagrams. Further, the operation of developing the input basic train diagrams into individual data such as sequence diagrams, train diagrams and station diagrams for realizing train pursuit function, automatic route control function, guide broadcast function, etc. is performed by manually inputting data to the com­puter through the machine function.

    [0003] Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing a prior art train diagram production system. Referring to the Figure, designated at H is a hand representing manual operation, at 1 a produced train diagram with drawing concerning train service, at 2 diagram data of each train (i.e., such data as train No., kind of train, scheduled times of arrival and departure at each station, arrival/departure line, entrance, departure and increase and decrease of coaches, at 3 man machines as input means for inputting train diagram data 2 to the computer (i.e., data processor), at 4 source data (i.e., basic diagram data) produced by inputting train diagram data 2 through man machines 3, 5 basic diagrams such as sequence diagrams, train diagrams, station diagrams, etc. obtained through development of the source data, and at 6 a diagram image of a display diagrams 5 displayed on graphic display as display means.

    [0004] Now, a prior art train diagram production system will now be explained with reference to the flow chart of Fig. 5. First, the basic diagram 1 is produced manually (STEP S1), the basic diagram 1 is then developed into train diagram data 2 for each train (STEP S2), data of diagram data 2 is input for train by train to the computer through the man machines 3 (STEP S3). Subsequently, diaphragm data 4 is edited according to instructions from the man machines 3 to produce the source data 4 (STEP S4), and then the source data 4 is developed to obtain the display diagrams 5 such as sequence diagrams, train diagrams and station diagrams (STEP S5). The data input in step S3 does not include data related to other trains (i.e., increase or decrease of coaches and connection), so that editing operation for deve­loping data into sequence data, train data, station data, etc. as data related to other trains is done through the man machines 3 in the step S5. At the instant when data is correctly developed in the step S5, drawing image 6 can be displayed on graphic dis­play 7 or the like (STEP S6).

    [0005] As has been shown, the prior art train diagram production system includes the operation of developing basic diagram data into train diagram data for each train, operation of inputting train diagram data for each train and operation of editing diagram data related to other trains from the train diagram data. Thus, the production of train diagrams requires a great deal of man-hour, and it is difficult to obtain train diagrams of a desired form of expression. Further, time loss is involved due to erroneous input of data of the like during operation, and it is dif­ficult to improve the diagram production efficiency

    Summary of the Invention



    [0006] An object of the invention is to provide a train

    [0007] The invention has been intended to solve the above problems, and its object is to provide a train diagram production system, which can collectively perform the operation of inputting train diagram data obtained from basic diagram data and operation of editing diagram data related to other trains and permits improvement of the diagram production effici­ency.

    [0008] According to the invention, there is provided a train diagram production system, which develops a basic diagram including a drawing concerning train service into individual train diagram data of the train No., kind of train, arrival and departure times at each station and arrival/departure lines in each station, edits desired data such as diagram data related to other trains on the basis of said indivi­dual train diagram data and displays said desired data on display means, said train diagram production system comprising a reading unit for patterning said basic diagram into a drawing of a predetermined form and photoelectrically converting the patterned image to produce image data, a recognition unit for recog­nizing individual train diagram data from said image data, and a data processor for storing said individual train diagram data and editing said individual train diagram data into a desired form to provide the edited data.

    [0009] With this construction, the reading unit converts the basic diagram into image image data. The recog­nition unit decodes the image data and recognizes individual train diagram data. The data processor edits other-train-related diagrams of various forms from the individual diagram data to let the edited data be displayed on a display.

    [0010] The above and other objects, features and advan­tages of the invention will become more apparent from the following description when taken in con­junction with the accompanying drawings.

    Brief Description of the Drawings



    [0011] 

    Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing a train service control system adopting an embodiment of the train diagram production system according to the invention;

    Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a reading/re­cognition system shown in Fig. 1;

    Fig. 3 is an example of patterned basic diagram including drawing;

    Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing a prior art train diagram production system; and

    Fig. 5 is a flow chart for explaining the opera­tion of the prior art train diagram production system.


    Description of the Preferred Embodiments



    [0012] Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing a train service control system adopting an embodiment of the train diagram production system according to the invention. In the Figure, reference numeral 11 designates a data processor system for processing data necessary for train service control and effecting control there­of, and 12 a reading/recognition system for reading the patterned basic data and recognizing train diagram data. The data processor system includes input means 8 for designating the form of editing, a host computer 13 for performing central data processing, magnetic disks 14 and 15 for memorizing data necessary for train service control, a CRT 16 as display means for displaying train diagrams and the like, an X-Y plotter 17 for graphically displaying train diagrams and station control units 18 to 21 for transmitting signals for controlling various systems and units provided in respectively corresponding stations. The reading/recognition system 12 includes a reading unit 22, for instance an image scanner, for reading out patterned basic diagram data and a recognition unit 23 for recognizing train diagram data from read-­ out image data. The recognition unit 23 includes a magnetic disk 24 for storing judgement data necessary for recognition, a communication control unit 25 for controlling communication with the data processor unit 11 and a CPU 26 for recognizing diagrams from image data and developing the recognized data to obtain train diagrams.

    [0013] Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the reading/­recognition system 12 shown in Fig. 1. In the Figure, reference numeral 30 designates a casing of the reading/recognition system, and 31 an inlet, into which a sheet of a patterned basic diagram 32 is inserted.

    [0014] Fig. 3 is a patterned basic diagram as a drawing of a predetermined form. In this basic diagram, various items are expressed as follows.

    (1) The train No. like the prior art, is expres­sed by a combination of four numerals 1 to 9 and one alphabet letter. Examples of the train No. ex­pression are 1234A and 4321B.

    (2) Train arrival and departure times at each station are expressed by points in a graph, in which the ordinate is taken for stations and the abscissa for time. The arrival time is expressed as a dot as labeled a, while the departure time is expressed as a circle as labeled s.

    (3) The train service conditions are expressed in conformity to the hitherto used form of expression. For example, the entrance of train is expressed by a triangle mark as labeled e, and the departure of train is expressed by a large circle as labeled d. Further, the increase and decrease of train coaches are expressed as symbols.

    (4) The train arrival lines, as in the conven­tional expression, are expressed by numerals, for instance, as "3" in station A, "2" in station B and "4" in station C.

    (5) The kind of train is expressed by a symbol provided subsequent to the train No. For example, the limited express is expressed by "Limited Ex", express train by "Ex", local express as "Lc", sure send as "SS", and normal train as "n".



    [0015] Now, the operation of the train service control system shown in Fig. 1 will be described. As shown in Fig. 2, the patterned basic diagram 32 is inserted into the reading/recognition system 12 through the inlet 31. In the reading/recognition system 12, the reading unit 22 reads out the inserted basid diagram 32 and provides image data. From the image data the CPU 26 of the recognition unit 23 recognizes train diagram data on the basis of judgement data of the magnetic disk 24. The data processor system 11 accommodates the train diagram data in the magnetic disks 14 and 15. The host computer 13 adits diagram data related to other trains according to the train diagrams and in a programmed procedure. The other-­train-related diagram data is obtained by developing the train diagram data into sequence data, train data, station data, etc. and serve as train diagrams on the servicing side.

    [0016] If there is any particularly desired form of edition, for instance the display of express train stations, it is instructed from input means 8, and the host computer 13 provides data by using the mag­netic disks 14 and 13 as data base. When an error is produced during the development of data, an error message or the like is displayed on the CRT 16 con­nected to the host computer 13 to let the error be corrected. The edited other-train-related diagram date may be displayed on the CRT 16 or on the X-Y plotter so that it can be recognized as drawing image.

    [0017] When a message that a train diagram is executed is given from the input unit 8, the host computer 13 selects a pertinent one or ones of station control units 18 to 21 and transmits a control signal P to the pertinent stations. In this way inter-station contact can be done concerning the arrival, departure and passage of trains.

    [0018] In the above embodiment, an image scanner is utilized for reading out the patterned basic diagram. However, this is by no means limitative, and it is possible to permit diagram image to be input in a conversation form by connecting a work station for drawing control provided with a mouth function.

    [0019] As has been described in the foregoing, with the train diagram production system according to the invention, there are provided a reading unit for patterning the basic diagram into a drawing of a predetermined form and photoelectrically converting the patterned image to produce image data, a recogni­tion for recognizing individual train diagram data from the image data, and a data processor for storing the individual train diagram data and editing the individual train diagram data into a desired form to provide the edited data.

    [0020] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, in the claims and/or in the accompanying drawings may, both, separately and in any combination thereof, be material for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.


    Claims

    1. A train diagram production system, which develops a basic diagram including a drawing concern­ing train service into individual train diagram data of the train No., kind of train, arrival and departure times at each station and arrival/departure lines in each station, edits desired data such as diagram data related to other trains on the basis of said individual train diagram data and displays said desired data on display means, said train diagram production system comprising:
    a reading unit for patterning said basic diagram into a drawing of a predetermined form and photo­electrically converting the patterned image to produce image data;
    a recognition unit for recognizing individual train diagram data from said image data; and
    a data processor for storing said individual train diagram data and editing said individual train diagram data into a desired form to provide the edited data.
     
    2. The train diagram production system according to claim 1, wherein a desired form of edition concern­ing diagrams is instructed to said data processor from input means, and the edited data is displayed as data including image data on display means.
     
    3. The train diagram production system according to claim 1, wherein when a said individual train diagram data is executed, said data processor transmits a station control signal to related stations according to said other-train-related diagram data.
     




    Drawing