FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10, Rule 13]
TRAIN EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, INFORMATION COLLECTION
APPARATUS, GROUND SYSTEM, AND TRAIN EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT
METHOD;
MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION, A CORPORATION ORGANISED
AND EXISTING UNDER THE LAWS OF JAPAN, WHOSE ADDRESS IS 7-3,
MARUNOUCHI 2-CHOME, CHIYODA-KU, TOKYO 100-8310, JAPAN
THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE
INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED.
2
DESCRIPTION
TRAIN EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, INFORMATION COLLECTION
APPARATUS, GROUND SYSTEM, AND TRAIN EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT
5 METHOD
Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a train
equipment management system, an information collection
10 apparatus, a ground system, and a train equipment
management method.
Background
[0002] A plurality of devices is installed in each car
15 included in a train. When a failure occurs in a device, it
may be useful in identifying the cause of the failure if it
is known what kind of train the failed device was actually
used in and what kind of train operation the failed device
was used for. However, in the case where a device
20 installed in a car is removed for repair, maintenance, or
the like, the device may not be returned to the original
car. In addition, when train formation is changed, the
relative position of each car may be changed in the train
formation. Currently, individual information for
25 identifying individual devices installed in a car is not
managed. Therefore, it has not been possible to determine
what kind of train a device was used in and what kind of
train operation the device was used for.
[0003] Patent Literature 1 discloses a technique for
30 managing histories of a plurality of machine tools in which
consumable parts are used, accumulated hours of use, and
the like, by attaching a radio frequency identifier (RFID)
tag to each consumable part, and writing a usage history to
3
each RFID tag when the consumable parts are attached to the
machine tools.
Citation List
5 Patent Literature
[0004] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application
Laid-open No. 2012-48287
Summary
10 Technical Problem
[0005] However, many devices are installed in a train.
When the technique described in Patent Literature 1 is
applied to a train, there has been a problem that it is
difficult to apply the technique described in Patent
15 Literature 1 to a railroad car, which is used for decades,
in the case where an RFID tag is attached to each device
installed in the train and a usage history is surely
written to each RFID tag attached to each device. This is
because the recording area of the RFID tag is limited.
20 [0006] The present invention has been made in view of
the above, and an object of the present invention is to
obtain a train equipment management system capable of
managing usage histories of devices installed in a train.
25 Solution to Problem
[0007] In order to solve the above-described problem and
achieve the object, a train equipment management system
according to the present invention includes: an information
collection apparatus to collect individual identification
30 numbers for identifying devices from identification tags
attached to the devices installed in a train, collect
device operation information indicating an operating
condition of each device, and transmit, for each device,
4
the individual identification number, the device operation
information, a car number for identifying a car in which
each device is installed, and a formation number for
identifying the train, to a ground system; and the ground
system to manage the formation number, the 5 car number, and
the device operation information in association with the
individual identification number of each device.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
10 [0008] According to the present invention, a train
equipment management system has the effect of enabling
management of usage histories of devices installed in a
train.
15 Brief Description of Drawings
[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration
example of a train equipment management system.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration
example of an information collection apparatus.
20 FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of
attaching device boxes to a train.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration
example of a ground system.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating examples of
25 information to be managed by a train equipment management
unit.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a
screen to be displayed on a display unit of a display
control unit.
30 FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating operation in which
a condition monitoring unit acquires and transmits
individual identification numbers.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating operation in which
5
the condition monitoring unit receives individual
identification numbers from an adjacent condition
monitoring unit and transfers the received individual
identification numbers.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating 5 operation in which
the condition monitoring unit acquires and transmits device
operation information.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating operation of the
condition monitoring unit connected to a train integrated
10 management device.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating operation in which
the train integrated management device receives first
device operation information.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating operation in which
15 the train integrated management device transmits
transmission information including device operation
information and the like to a ground system.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating operation in which
the train integrated management device transmits anomaly
20 information on a device to the ground system.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a first example of
analysis operation to be performed by an analysis unit of
the ground system.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a second example
25 of the analysis operation to be performed by the analysis
unit of the ground system.
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example in which
processing circuitry included in the information collection
apparatus includes a processor and a memory.
30 FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example in which
the processing circuitry included in the information
collection apparatus includes dedicated hardware.
6
Description of Embodiments
[0010] Hereinafter, a train equipment management system,
an information collection apparatus, a ground system, and a
train equipment management method according to an
embodiment of the present invention will 5 be described in
detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the
present invention is not limited to the embodiment.
[0011] Embodiment.
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration
10 example of a train equipment management system 3 according
to an embodiment of the present invention. The train
equipment management system 3 includes an information
collection apparatus 1 and a ground system 2. The
information collection apparatus 1 is installed in a train,
15 and collects an individual identification number and device
operation information. The individual identification
number is information for identifying a device that is an
on-board device installed in the train. The device
operation information is information indicating an
20 operating condition of the device. The individual
identification number is, for example, the serial number of
the device. The device operation information includes, for
example, a record of a control signal of the device and a
value output from the device, but is not limited thereto.
25 Various types of information can be used as the device
operation information as long as the information is to be
used for analyzing operation of the device, such as an
intermediate calculation value calculated by the device.
The information collection apparatus 1 transmits, to the
30 ground system 2, the individual identification number, the
device operation information, a car number, and a formation
number, for each device. The car number is information for
identifying a railroad car in which each device is
7
installed. The formation number is information for
identifying the train. Note that in the following
description, a railroad car is simply referred to as a car.
The ground system 2 acquires the individual identification
number, the device operation information, 5 the car number,
and the formation number from the information collection
apparatus 1. The ground system 2 manages the formation
number, the car number, and the device operation
information in association with the individual
10 identification number of each device. Note that FIG. 1
illustrates the single information collection apparatus 1
connected to the single ground system 2 as an example,
while the ground system 2 can be connected to a plurality
of the information collection apparatuses 1.
15 [0012] The configuration of the information collection
apparatus 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram
illustrating a configuration example of the information
collection apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment.
The information collection apparatus 1 includes a plurality
20 of car information collection units 110 each included in
device boxes 11 to 16, a train integrated management device
150, and a communication device 160. Although not
illustrated in FIG. 2, the device boxes 11 to 16 each
include the car information collection unit 110 having the
25 same configuration, while the types, numbers, and the like
of devices included in the device boxes 11 to 16 differ
between the device boxes 11 to 16.
[0013] The device boxes 11 to 16 are each attached to a
corresponding car of the train. FIG. 3 is a diagram
30 illustrating an example of attaching the device boxes 11 to
16 to a train 4 according to the present embodiment. FIG.
3 illustrates an example in which two device boxes are
attached under the floor of each of cars 5 to 7 included in
8
the train 4. The single train includes the cars 5 to 7.
Note that the number of cars to be included in the train 4
is not limited to three. In FIG. 2, the device box 11
includes the car information collection unit 110, devices
121 to 125, and identification tags 131 5 to 135 attached to
the respective devices. The car information collection
unit 110 includes a reading unit 111 and a condition
monitoring unit 112.
[0014] The devices 121 to 125 are on-board devices
10 installed in the car. Each of the devices 121 to 125 may
be an independent device, or may be a part or the like
included in a single device. Examples of the devices 121
to 125 include a brake, a variable voltage variable
frequency (VVVF) inverter, a protective device, and a
15 static inverter (SIV). Alternatively, in the case where a
device including the devices 121 to 125 is a brake, a VVVF
inverter, a protective device, an SIV, or the like, the
devices 121 to 125 may be parts, electronic substrates,
modules, and the like.
20 [0015] Individual identification numbers for identifying
respective devices to which the identification tags 131 to
135 are attached are stored in the identification tags 131
to 135. The identification tags 131 to 135 are, for
example, wireless tags. The wireless tag is, for example,
25 an RFID tag. Note that the identification tags 131 to 135
are not limited to wireless tags, and two-dimensional codes
or the like may be used as long as the codes can be read by
the single reading unit 111 in the device box 11. For
example, when the devices 121 to 125 are manufactured, the
30 individual identification numbers, that is, serial numbers
of the devices 121 to 125 are stored in the identification
tags 131 to 135, respectively, and the identification tags
131 to 135 are attached to the devices 121 to 125,
9
respectively. Note that the identification tags 131 to 135
illustrated in FIG. 2 are large relative to the actual size
of the devices 121 to 125, respectively, but in reality,
the identification tags 131 to 135 are sufficiently smaller
than the devices 121 to 5 125, respectively.
[0016] The reading unit 111 reads the individual
identification numbers of the devices 121 to 125 from the
identification tags 131 to 135 attached to the devices 121
to 125, respectively. In the case where the identification
10 tags 131 to 135 are wireless tags, the reading unit 111 can
read the individual identification numbers of the devices
121 to 125 from a plurality of the identification tags 131
to 135, respectively, at a time by emitting radio waves
over a wide range. The reading unit 111 outputs the read
15 individual identification numbers to the condition
monitoring unit 112.
[0017] The condition monitoring unit 112 has the
function of communicating with the devices 121 to 125, and
collects data for grasping operating conditions of the
20 devices 121 to 125, that is, first device operation
information indicating the operating conditions of the
devices 121 to 125. When the condition monitoring unit 112
is installed in a car, a car number of the car is input to
the condition monitoring unit 112, so that information on
25 the car number is held in the condition monitoring unit 112.
Note that each time the cars are uncoupled for repair,
maintenance, or the like in the formation of the train 4
and a train is made up in a new formation, a new car number
is input to the condition monitoring unit 112, and
30 information on the car number is held in the condition
monitoring unit 112.
[0018] The condition monitoring unit 112 operates in
conjunction with power supply to the car. When the power
10
to the car is turned on, power is supplied from the car to
the condition monitoring unit 112, and the condition
monitoring unit 112 supplies power to the reading unit 111.
When power is supplied from the condition monitoring unit
112, the reading unit 111 reads 5 the individual
identification numbers of the devices 121 to 125 from the
identification tags 131 to 135 attached to the devices 121
to 125, respectively. In the case where the devices 121 to
125 are replaced during repair work, maintenance work, or
10 the like, when the power to the car is turned on after the
work, the reading unit 111 is supplied with power from the
condition monitoring unit 112, and reads the individual
identification numbers of the devices 121 to 125 from the
identification tags 131 to 135 attached to the devices 121
15 to 125, respectively.
[0019] The condition monitoring unit 112 has a wireless
communication function, and communicates with the adjacent
condition monitoring unit 112 located on the first car side
where the train integrated management device 150 is
20 installed. The condition monitoring unit 112 transmits, to
the adjacent condition monitoring unit 112 located on the
first car side, the individual identification numbers
collected from the reading unit 111, the first device
operation information collected from the devices 121 to 125,
25 and the car number held in the condition monitoring unit
112. In the examples of FIGS. 2 and 3, the car 7 to which
the device boxes 15 and 16 are attached is defined as the
first car, and information is transmitted from the device
box 11 toward the device box 16.
30 [0020] When receiving the individual identification
numbers, the first device operation information, and the
car number from the adjacent condition monitoring unit 112
located on a side opposite to the first car side where the
11
train integrated management device 150 is installed, the
condition monitoring unit 112 communicates with the
adjacent condition monitoring unit 112 located on the first
car side where the train integrated management device 150
is installed. The condition monitoring 5 unit 112 transfers
the received individual identification numbers, first
device operation information, and car number to the
adjacent condition monitoring unit 112 located on the first
car side.
10 [0021] The condition monitoring unit 112 connected to
the train integrated management device 150 transmits, to
the train integrated management device 150, the individual
identification numbers collected by itself, the first
device operation information, the car number held in the
15 condition monitoring unit 112, and the individual
identification numbers, the first device operation
information, and the car numbers transferred from the other
condition monitoring units 112. In this way, the condition
monitoring unit 112 of the car information collection unit
20 110 transmits the individual identification numbers, the
first device operation information, and the car number to
the train integrated management device 150 directly or via
the condition monitoring unit 112 of another car
information collection unit 110. An example in which the
25 condition monitoring unit 112 communicates with another
condition monitoring unit 112 has been described, but the
present invention is not limited thereto. The condition
monitoring unit 112 may transmit the individual
identification numbers, the first device operation
30 information, and the car number through a repeater provided
for in-train communication with the train integrated
management device 150.
[0022] The train integrated management device 150 is,
12
for example, a Train Control and Monitoring System (TCMS).
The train integrated management device 150 has the function
of monitoring and controlling the states of the devices
installed in the cars 5 to 7 of the train 4. The train
integrated management device 150 constantly 5 performs cable
communication or wireless communication with the device to
monitor the state of the device and collect second device
operation information indicating the operating condition of
the device. The content of the second device operation
10 information is different from that of the above-described
first device operation information. The second device
operation information is necessary for train operation
control, and is managed by the train integrated management
device 150. Examples of the second device operation
15 information include a control command output by each device
and information about feedback on the command. The train
integrated management device 150 collects the second device
operation information from the condition monitoring unit
112 by a route different from a route by which the first
20 device operation information is acquired. When the train
integrated management device 150 acquires the individual
identification numbers, the first device operation
information, and the car numbers from all the condition
monitoring units 112, the train integrated management
25 device 150 transmits, for each device, the individual
identification number, device operation information
including the first device operation information and the
second device operation information, the car number, and a
formation number for identifying the train 4 to the ground
30 system 2 via the communication device 160. In addition,
the train integrated management device 150 may transmit
train speed information and train position information
(kilometrage information) in association with a time stamp.
13
Furthermore, the train integrated management device 150 may
transmit the train speed information, a train weight, a
passenger density, weather-related information such as a
temperature in the train and an outside temperature, and
the like, as operation auxiliary 5 information, in
association with the time stamp. The train integrated
management device 150 performs, for example, known
compression processing for reducing a data communication
volume and known encryption processing for enhancing
10 security, on the information to be transmitted.
[0023] The communication device 160 is a device that
communicates with the ground system 2. The communication
device 160 transmits the information collected by the train
integrated management device 150 to the ground system 2.
15 Communication between the information collection apparatus
1, that is, the communication device 160 and the ground
system 2 may be wireless communication or cable
communication. The wireless communication may be public
wireless communication, dedicated line communication,
20 millimeter-wave transmission, or the like.
[0024] The information collection apparatus 1
periodically transmits the individual identification
numbers, the device operation information, the car numbers,
and the formation number to the ground system 2. As a
25 result, the ground system 2 can manage the individual
identification numbers, the device operation information,
the car numbers, and the formation number in association
with each other.
[0025] The configuration of the ground system 2 will be
30 described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a
configuration example of the ground system 2 according to a
second embodiment. The ground system 2 includes an
acquisition unit 20, a train equipment management unit 23,
14
an analysis unit 29, and a display control unit 30. The
acquisition unit 20 includes a communication device 21 and
a conversion unit 22. The train equipment management unit
23 includes a train operation information storage unit 24,
a device operation information 5 storage unit 25, a
deployment information management unit 26, a manufacturing
information management unit 27, and a design information
management unit 28. The display control unit 30 includes a
reception unit 31, a control unit 32, and a display unit 33.
10 [0026] The acquisition unit 20 acquires, from the
information collection apparatus 1, the information
collected by the information collection apparatus 1.
Specifically, the acquisition unit 20 acquires, from each
train, the individual identification number, the device
15 operation information, the car number, and the formation
number for each device installed in each train. The
communication device 21 is a device that communicates with
the information collection apparatus 1. The communication
device 21 receives, from the information collection
20 apparatus 1, the information collected by the information
collection apparatus 1. Communication between the
information collection apparatus 1 and the ground system 2,
that is, the communication device 21 may be wireless
communication or cable communication. The wireless
25 communication may be public wireless communication,
dedicated line communication, millimeter-wave transmission,
or the like. Note that FIG. 4 illustrates the
communication device 21 that receives information from the
information collection apparatus 1 of the single train 4,
30 but this is an example, and the communication device 21 can
receive information from the information collection
apparatuses 1 of a plurality of trains.
[0027] For example, the conversion unit 22 performs, on
15
the information received by the communication device 21,
known decompression processing and known decryption
processing corresponding to the compression processing and
the encryption processing, respectively, performed by the
train integrated management device 150. 5 The conversion
unit 22 sorts the acquired information, and outputs the
sorted information to the train equipment management unit
23. Specifically, the conversion unit 22 outputs the
individual identification numbers, the formation number,
10 and the car numbers to the deployment information
management unit 26 of the train equipment management unit
23, and outputs the individual identification numbers and
the device operation information to the device operation
information storage unit 25 of the train equipment
15 management unit 23.
[0028] The train equipment management unit 23 manages
link relationships between the information acquired from
the information collection apparatus 1, information on the
manufacturing of the device, information on design of the
20 device, train operation information on each train, and the
like. For example, the train equipment management unit 23
manages the formation number and the car number in
association with the individual identification number of
each device, and manages the device operation information
25 in association with the individual identification number of
each device. The train equipment management unit 23
manages train operation information that is information
indicating the operation history of a train with a
formation number. The train equipment management unit 23
30 manages manufacturing information including a model
indicating the type of a device corresponding to an
individual identification number and the production
histories of parts used to manufacture the device
16
corresponding to the individual identification number, in
association with the individual identification number. The
train equipment management unit 23 manages design
information including information on the types of parts
used for a device of a model in association 5 with the model.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating examples of information to
be managed by the train equipment management unit 23
according to the present embodiment.
[0029] The train operation information storage unit 24
10 acquires train operation information on each train from a
train operation management system 40, and stores the train
operation information. The train operation information
includes information such as a train schedule code for
identifying a train schedule that is a train operation plan,
15 a formation number indicating a train to be operated, a
time stamp indicating the time of creation of the train
operation information, a station code indicating a station
where the train arrives and departs in the operation plan,
the time when the train arrives at each station, and the
20 time when the train departs from each station. The train
operation information storage unit 24 manages the history
of the train operation information for each train, that is,
each formation number. Note that the time stamp is
represented as “TimeStamp” in FIG. 5. The same applies to
25 the subsequent drawings.
[0030] The device operation information storage unit 25
stores the device operation information on each device in
association with the individual identification number
acquired from the information collection apparatus 1. The
30 device operation information includes information such as a
time stamp indicating the time when the device operation
information was collected by the information collection
apparatus 1 and one or more operation parameters which are
17
data indicating the actual operation state of the device.
That is, the device operation information storage unit 25
stores the time stamps, the operation parameters, and the
like in association with the individual identification
5 numbers.
[0031] The deployment information management unit 26
stores, for each device, deployment information on the
formation number of a train in which each device is
installed, the car number of a car in which each device is
10 installed, and the like. The deployment information
includes information such as the formation number, the car
number, a time stamp indicating the time when the
individual identification number was read, and a route
identifier (ID) indicating an operation route of a train in
15 which the device is installed, for each individual
identification number. The deployment information
management unit 26 manages the history of the
correspondence between a device indicated by an individual
identification number and a train and a car in which the
20 device is installed.
[0032] The manufacturing information management unit 27
stores manufacturing information that is information on the
manufacturing of a device. Examples of the manufacturing
information include an individual identification number, a
25 model indicating the type of a device indicated by the
individual identification number, a version to be changed
in the case where, for example, the design of the device is
changed or parts for the device are changed, a production
lot of each part used, the individual identification number
30 of an electronic substrate used, the individual
identification number of a module used, and an other-device
individual identification number indicating the individual
identification number of a device used for the device
18
indicated by the individual identification number. The
manufacturing information management unit 27 manages the
relationship between a device to be managed by use of the
individual identification number and a device to be managed
at a lower level, such as parts used for 5 the device to be
managed. The manufacturing information management unit 27
manages constituent elements of a device in a hierarchical
structure as in manufacturing information (1) and
manufacturing information (2) illustrated in FIG. 5. Note
10 that FIG. 5 illustrates a hierarchical structure with two
layers as an example, but the hierarchical structure may
have three or more layers. Regarding a method of
registering the manufacturing information in the
manufacturing information management unit 27, a
15 manufacturing information acquisition unit 50, which is
installed in a production line, acquires information on the
manufacturing of a device, and registers the acquired
information in the manufacturing information management
unit 27 via a manufacturing information registration unit
20 51. In the case of a manually produced device, a producer
inputs information on the production of the device to the
manufacturing information acquisition unit 50. The
manufacturing information acquisition unit 50 registers the
information on the production of the device input by the
25 producer, in the manufacturing information management unit
27 via the manufacturing information registration unit 51.
[0033] The design information management unit 28 stores
design information on each device. For example, the design
information includes information such as the model of a
30 device, a drawing number for identifying a design drawing
of the device, the version of the device, the types of
parts to be used, and the model of another device to be
used for the device of the model. The design information
19
management unit 28 manages the relationship between a
device to be managed by use of a model and a device to be
managed at a lower level, such as the model of another
device to be used for the device to be managed. The design
information management unit 28 manages constituent 5 elements
of a device in a hierarchical structure as in design
information (1) and design information (2) illustrated in
FIG. 5. Note that FIG. 5 illustrates a hierarchical
structure with two layers as an example, but the
10 hierarchical structure may have three or more layers.
Regarding a method of registering the design information in
the design information management unit 28, a designer
inputs the design information to a design information
registration unit 60. The design information registration
15 unit 60 registers the design information input by the
designer in the design information management unit 28.
[0034] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the train operation
information and the deployment information are linked by at
least the formation number, the deployment information and
20 the device operation information are linked by at least the
individual identification number, and the deployment
information and the manufacturing information are linked by
at least the individual identification number, in the train
equipment management unit 23. Furthermore, the
25 manufacturing information and the design information are
linked by at least the model and the version, manufacturing
information (1) and manufacturing information (2) are
linked by at least the parent-child relationship between
individual identification numbers, and design information
30 (1) and design information (2) are linked by at least the
parent-child relationship between models, in the train
equipment management unit 23. In this way, the train
equipment management unit 23 manages various types of
20
information in association with each other.
[0035] Since the train equipment management unit 23
manages various types of information in association with
each other, a user can check the various types of
information associated with each other 5 by specifying
specific information. The train equipment management unit
23 manages, for example, the individual identification
number of a device, the car number of a car in which the
device is installed, a formation number, and time
10 information (for example, the time when the individual
identification number was read or the time when the
individual identification number was received) in
association with each other. Therefore, when the user
specifies an individual identification number, the train
15 equipment management unit 23 can create device installation
history data as the history of trains and cars in which the
device with the individual identification number was
installed. In addition, the train equipment management
unit 23 also manages the train operation information.
20 Therefore, when the user specifies an individual
identification number, the train equipment management unit
23 can create the device installation history data and also
create train operation information data on a train in which
the device was installed from the train operation
25 information by using the formation number and the time
information included in the device installation history
data. The train equipment management unit 23 receives
device operation information on devices from the
information collection apparatuses 1 of a plurality of
30 trains, and manages the received device operation
information. Thus, when the user specifies an individual
identification number, the train equipment management unit
23 can create device operation information history data on
21
the device.
[0036] Furthermore, when the user specifies an
individual identification number, the train equipment
management unit 23 can create train operation/device
operation history data on the device 5 by associating the
time information of the train operation information data on
a train in which the device was installed with the time
stamp of the device operation information history data on
the device. In addition, the train equipment management
10 unit 23 can include operation auxiliary information in the
history data by associating the time information of the
train operation information data on a train in which the
device was installed with the time stamp of the operation
auxiliary information.
15 [0037] Furthermore, the train equipment management unit
23 can register information related to train position
information in advance by a user operation. Examples of
the information related to a specific train position
(kilometrage) include an upward slope, a downward slope,
20 and a curve of a track. The user registers the inclination
of the upward slope and the downward slope, and also
registers the curve radius of the track and the like for
the curve of the track, in the train equipment management
unit 23. As a result of registering the information
25 related to a specific train position, the train equipment
management unit 23 can create data indicating the
relationship between train operation/device operation
history data on the device and specific train position
information such as an inclination and a curve or the
30 relationship between pieces of device operation information
on a plurality of devices of the same type in the specific
train position information such as an inclination and a
curve.
22
[0038] The analysis unit 29 analyzes the device
operation information managed by the train equipment
management unit 23. The analysis unit 29 uses the
information managed by the train equipment management unit
23 to, for example, estimate deterioration 5 of devices and
analyze an impact to be caused when a failure occurs. The
analysis unit 29 clusters target data for data analysis
based on a condition received from the user such as an
individual identification number, a formation number, a
10 train schedule code, a part lot number of a part used at
the time of manufacturing, or a model managed by the train
equipment management unit 23, or a combination thereof.
The analysis unit 29 performs deterioration estimation and
impact analysis based on known methods. The analysis unit
15 29 performs analysis by a known method such as the fault
tree analysis (FTA).
[0039] The display control unit 30 is a user interface
that displays, for example, information relevant to the
condition specified by the user among the information
20 managed by the train equipment management unit 23, and the
result of analysis performed by the analysis unit 29. The
display control unit 30 may be in the form of a Web
application to be implemented by a Web browser or the like,
or may be in the form of an application to be installed in
25 a personal computer. The reception unit 31 receives an
operation to specify, for example, an object to be
displayed, such as a device or parts, or a condition from
the user. Note that the reception unit 31 may receive a
condition for analysis to be performed in the analysis unit
30 29 from the user. The control unit 32 performs control in
such a way as to search the train equipment management unit
23 for information matching the object or condition
received by the reception unit 31 and display the
23
information matching the object or condition on the display
unit 33. Alternatively, the control unit 32 outputs an
analysis condition received by the reception unit 31 to the
analysis unit 29. The control unit 32 acquires an analysis
result from the analysis unit 29 as 5 a response to the
analysis condition. The display unit 33 is a monitor to be
used for displaying information under the control of the
control unit 32. Note that the reception unit 31 and the
display unit 33 may each include a touch panel.
10 [0040] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a
screen to be displayed on the display unit 33 of the
display control unit 30 according to the present embodiment.
In the display control unit 30, the control unit 32
displays a clustering axis selection area 34, a data
15 analysis axis selection area 36, an incidental information
selection area 37, and a graph display area 38 on the
display unit 33. The clustering axis selection area 34
includes a clustering axis combination type input area 35.
[0041] The reception unit 31 receives an operation from
20 the user by means of the clustering axis selection area 34,
the clustering axis combination type input area 35, the
data analysis axis selection area 36, and the incidental
information selection area 37. The user designates, in the
clustering axis selection area 34, information stored in
25 the train equipment management unit 23, that is,
information to be displayed in the graph display area 38,
so that the reception unit 31 receives the designation from
the user. For example, the reception unit 31 receives
designation of a formation number through formation ID
30 designation, designation of an individual identification
number through device ID designation, and designation of
parts used for each device through part ID designation.
For example, the parts refer to a part A and the like
24
illustrated in FIG. 5. In addition, the reception unit 31
receives designation of a route ID illustrated in FIG. 5
through route type designation, designation of the model of
a device through device type designation, and designation
of another model illustrated in FIG. 5 5 through part type
designation. In addition, the reception unit 31 receives
designation of a train schedule code illustrated in FIG. 5
through train operation information designation, and
designation of time of train operation through time
10 designation. The time of train operation refers to, for
example, an early-stage train schedule or a late-night
train schedule. In addition, the reception unit 31
receives designation of other items illustrated in FIG. 5,
such as a station code and a car number, through other
15 condition designation.
[0042] When the user designates a plurality of pieces of
information in the clustering axis selection area 34 and
the reception unit 31 receives the designation, the
reception unit 31 specifies a range of possible values for
20 each piece of information in the clustering axis
combination type input area 35 to receive the setting of an
OR condition or AND condition for the relationship between
the pieces of information. The user designates, in the
data analysis axis selection area 36, the purpose of
25 analyzing the information to be displayed in the graph
display area 38, so that the reception unit 31 receives the
designation from the user. When movement status analysis
is specified in the reception unit 31, the control unit 32
outputs a condition specified by the user to the analysis
30 unit 29. The analysis unit 29 searches the train equipment
management unit 23 based on the condition acquired from the
control unit 32, acquires information from the train
equipment management unit 23, and outputs the acquired
25
information to the control unit 32. The control unit 32
performs control in such a way as to display a graph on the
display unit 33 by using the information acquired from the
analysis unit 29. When deterioration estimation or impact
analysis is specified in the reception unit 5 31, the control
unit 32 performs control in such a way as to instruct the
analysis unit 29 to perform deterioration estimation or
impact analysis based on a condition specified by the user,
and display, on the display unit 33, an analysis result
10 that is the result of the deterioration estimation or
impact analysis performed by the analysis unit 29. The
user chooses, in the incidental information selection area
37, whether to superimpose and display pieces of
information on an anomaly and the like that have occurred
15 during train operation in the graph display area 38, the
pieces of information being stored in the train operation
information storage unit 24 and the device operation
information storage unit 25, so that the reception unit 31
receives the choice from the user.
20 [0043] For example, suppose that deterioration of the
parts A used in the same devices installed in cars of
trains operated on the same route is estimated. In the
clustering axis selection area 34, the user designates a
desired route through the route type designation,
25 designates a desired device through the device ID
designation, and designates the part A through the part ID
designation. The reception unit 31 receives the
designation of these items, and outputs the received
information to the control unit 32. The control unit 32
30 outputs the information acquired from the reception unit 31
to the analysis unit 29, and instructs the analysis unit 29
to perform deterioration estimation. The analysis unit 29
searches the train equipment management unit 23 based on
26
the information acquired from the control unit 32, acquires
information from the train equipment management unit 23,
and outputs the information to the control unit 32. The
control unit 32 performs control in such a way as to
display a graph on the display unit 5 33 by using the
information acquired from the analysis unit 29. As
illustrated in FIG. 6, the control unit 32 displays graphs
on the display unit 33 by using the acquired multiple
pieces of information. Here, assume the case where the
10 graphs displayed in the graph display area 38 can be
classified into two tendencies as illustrated in FIG. 6.
In order to search for the cause of the different
tendencies, the user designates the lot number of the part
A included in the manufacturing information through the
15 other condition designation in the clustering axis
selection area 34. The reception unit 31 receives the
designation, and outputs the received information to the
control unit 32. The control unit 32 outputs the
information acquired from the reception unit 31 to the
20 analysis unit 29, and instructs the analysis unit 29 to
perform deterioration estimation. The analysis unit 29
searches the train equipment management unit 23 based on
the information acquired from the control unit 32, acquires
information from the train equipment management unit 23,
25 and outputs the information to the control unit 32. The
control unit 32 performs control in such a way as to
display a graph on the display unit 33 by using the
information acquired from the analysis unit 29. The user
can check a phenomenon of grouping the loci of the
30 deterioration estimation graphs into devices in which the
parts A of lot number (1) are used and devices in which the
parts A of lot number (2) are used.
[0044] Furthermore, as an example of another use, the
27
user designates an early-morning train schedule, a latenight
train schedule, or the like through the train
operation information designation in the clustering axis
selection area 34. The reception unit 31 receives the
designation, and outputs the received 5 information to the
control unit 32. The control unit 32 outputs the
information acquired from the reception unit 31 to the
analysis unit 29, and instructs the analysis unit 29 to
perform deterioration estimation. The analysis unit 29
10 searches the train equipment management unit 23 based on
the information acquired from the control unit 32, acquires
information from the train equipment management unit 23,
and outputs the information to the control unit 32. The
control unit 32 performs control in such a way as to
15 display a graph on the display unit 33 by using the
information acquired from the analysis unit 29. The user
can check a phenomenon of grouping the loci of the
deterioration estimation graphs for devices according to
the cumulative tendency of the train schedule to which a
20 train formation has been applied.
[0045] In addition, as an example of another use, the
control unit 32 can also create the installation history or
the like of a device. For example, when a desired device
is designated through the device ID designation, the
25 control unit 32 can also display formations or cars in
which the device was installed in time series by using an
individual identification number as a key. The control
unit 32 can check the history of the device being removed
and installed in a different formation and being removed
30 for maintenance, by creating the installation history of
the device. In addition, the control unit 32 can identify
a formation number of a train in which the device with the
individual identification number is installed, and utilizes
28
the first device operation information on the device in
combination with the second device operation information
acquired by the train integrated management device of the
formation. Furthermore, the control unit 32 can check the
train operation information on a train in 5 which the device
is installed by designating a formation number (formation
ID) and train operation information to create the train
operation history of the device.
[0046] In this way, even in the case of devices
10 installed in trains that run on the same route, the user
can grasp the states of the devices by examining the states
of train schedules based on which the trains are operated
and individual differences between the devices at the time
of manufacturing the devices.
15 [0047] In the case where an anomaly is detected in a
device or a part, the user designates impact analysis in
the data analysis axis selection area 36 so as to search
the range of the impact of the detected anomaly. The case
where an anomaly is detected refers to the case where an
20 anomaly is detected in the train integrated management
device 150, or the case where in performing deterioration
estimation, the analysis unit 29 has detected a device that
indicates an operation parameter exceeding a deterioration
threshold set for operation parameters of certain device
25 operation information. In the case where the user has
designated impact analysis in the data analysis axis
selection area 36, the control unit 32 outputs the
information acquired from the reception unit 31 to the
analysis unit 29, and instructs the analysis unit 29 to
30 perform impact analysis. The analysis unit 29 searches the
train equipment management unit 23 based on the information
acquired from the control unit 32, acquires information
from the train equipment management unit 23, and outputs
29
the information to the control unit 32. The control unit
32 performs control in such a way as to display a graph on
the display unit 33 by using the information acquired from
the analysis unit 29. As a result, the user can grasp
other devices showing 5 the same tendency.
[0048] In this way, the ground system 2 manages
formation numbers, car numbers, and device operation
information in association with individual identification
numbers. In addition, the ground system 2 manages train
10 operation information indicating the operation history of a
train with a formation number. Furthermore, the ground
system 2 manages manufacturing information including a
model indicating the type of a device corresponding to an
individual identification number and the production
15 histories of parts used at the time of manufacturing the
device corresponding to the individual identification
number, in association with the individual identification
number. In addition, the ground system 2 manages design
information including information on the types of parts
20 used in a device of a model in association with the model.
[0049] The ground system 2 can analyze device operation
information and display an analysis result. In addition,
the ground system 2 can display information relevant to
conditions specified by the user, among the information
25 managed by the ground system 2. In the case where the
ground system 2 has detected any anomaly or deterioration
by using items and the like included in the manufacturing
information and design information on a device and train
operation information, the ground system 2 can detect
30 another device that has the risk of occurrence of the same
event. As a result, the user can prevent occurrence of a
new anomaly or take prompt action when an anomaly occurs,
by using the result of detection performed by the ground
30
system 2.
[0050] Operation of each device included in the train
equipment management system 3 will be described. FIG. 7 is
a flowchart illustrating operation in which the condition
monitoring unit 112 according to the 5 present embodiment
acquires and transmits individual identification numbers.
When the power to a car is turned on (step S1), power is
supplied from the car to the condition monitoring unit 112
of the car information collection unit 110, and the
10 condition monitoring unit 112 supplies power to the reading
unit 111 connected thereto (step S2). The condition
monitoring unit 112 transmits, to the reading unit 111, a
read command to read individual identification numbers from
identification tags. The reading unit 111 reads an
15 individual identification number from one or more
identification tags attached to each device. The condition
monitoring unit 112 receives the read individual
identification numbers from the reading unit 111 (step S3).
The condition monitoring unit 112 stores the received
20 individual identification numbers in a memory (not
illustrated) (step S4). The condition monitoring unit 112
transmits the individual identification numbers to the
adjacent condition monitoring unit 112 installed in a car
included in a train (step S5). In the case where there is
25 a difference between the individual identification numbers
received this time and individual identification numbers
received the previous time, the condition monitoring unit
112 may transmit, to the adjacent condition monitoring unit
112, only an individual identification number corresponding
30 to the difference. As a result, the condition monitoring
unit 112 can reduce the amount of information to be
transmitted.
[0051] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating operation in
31
which the condition monitoring unit 112 according to the
present embodiment receives individual identification
numbers from the adjacent condition monitoring unit 112 and
transfers the received individual identification numbers.
The condition monitoring unit 112 receives 5 individual
identification numbers from the adjacent condition
monitoring unit 112 (step S11). In the case where the
condition monitoring unit 112 having received the
individual identification numbers is not connected to the
10 train integrated management device 150, the condition
monitoring unit 112 transfers the received individual
identification numbers to the adjacent condition monitoring
unit 112 located on the opposite side (step S12). The
condition monitoring unit 112 transfers the individual
15 identification numbers to the condition monitoring unit 112
other than the condition monitoring unit 112 having
transmitted the individual identification numbers. It is
possible to avoid transferring the individual
identification numbers on a circulation route, by
20 transferring the individual identification numbers from the
condition monitoring unit 112 to another condition
monitoring unit 112 in, for example, descending order of
car numbers of cars in which the condition monitoring units
112 are installed. The condition monitoring unit 112
25 determines a transfer destination by using, for example, an
identifier of the condition monitoring unit 112, which will
be described below.
[0052] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating operation in
which the condition monitoring unit 112 according to the
30 present embodiment acquires and transmits device operation
information. The condition monitoring unit 112 collects
first device operation information on a periodic basis,
such as at intervals of a millisecond, from a device
32
connected by wired transmission or wireless transmission,
and stores the first device operation information in the
memory (not illustrated) (step S21). If a first period,
which is a processing period for collectively transmitting
the first device operation information, 5 has not elapsed
(step S22: No), the condition monitoring unit 112 waits
until the first period elapses. When the first period has
elapsed (step S22: Yes), the condition monitoring unit 112
reads an identifier for identifying the own unit from the
10 memory (step S23). The condition monitoring unit 112 reads
the first device operation information from the memory, and
transmits its own identifier and the first device operation
information to the adjacent condition monitoring unit 112
(step S24). The condition monitoring unit 112 transmits
15 the identifier and the first device operation information
to the adjacent condition monitoring unit 112 by the same
route as the route of transmission of individual
identification numbers.
[0053] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating operation of
20 the condition monitoring unit 112 connected to the train
integrated management device 150 according to the present
embodiment. The condition monitoring unit 112 connected to
the train integrated management device 150 acquires
formation information from the train integrated management
25 device 150 (step S31). The formation information includes
a list of devices installed in the train, and includes
information on the types and number of devices installed in
each car. The condition monitoring unit 112 connected to
the train integrated management device 150 receives
30 individual identification numbers from the adjacent
condition monitoring unit 112 (step S32). If collection of
individual identification numbers corresponding to all the
devices included in the formation information has not been
33
completed (step S33: No), the condition monitoring unit 112
connected to the train integrated management device 150
returns to step S32, and continues the operation of step
S32. When collection of the individual identification
numbers corresponding to all the devices 5 included in the
formation information has been completed (step S33: Yes),
the condition monitoring unit 112 connected to the train
integrated management device 150 transmits the collected
individual identification numbers as an individual
10 identification number list to the train integrated
management device 150 (step S34). At this time, if the
condition monitoring unit 112 connected to the train
integrated management device 150 cannot receive an
individual identification number of any device even after
15 the elapse of a certain period of time, the condition
monitoring unit 112 connected to the train integrated
management device 150 may determine that the device is out
of order and perform time-out processing in which only the
received individual identification numbers are transmitted
20 in the form of an individual identification number list to
the train integrated management device 150.
[0054] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating operation in
which the train integrated management device 150 according
to the present embodiment receives first device operation
25 information. The train integrated management device 150
receives first device operation information from the
adjacent condition monitoring unit 112 (step S41). The
received first device operation information includes first
device operation information collected by the condition
30 monitoring unit 112 connected to the train integrated
management device 150, and first device operation
information transferred directly or indirectly from the
other condition monitoring units 112 to the condition
34
monitoring unit 112 connected to the train integrated
management device 150. The train integrated management
device 150 stores the received first device operation
information in a memory (not illustrated) (step S42). As a
result, the first device operation 5 information on the
devices installed in the cars 5 to 7 of the train 4 are
stored in the memory of the train integrated management
device 150 from moment to moment.
[0055] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating operation in
10 which the train integrated management device 150 according
to the present embodiment transmits transmission
information including device operation information and the
like to the ground system 2. If a second period, which is
a processing period for transmitting acquired information
15 to the ground system 2, has not elapsed (step S51: No), the
train integrated management device 150 waits until the
second period elapses. When the second period has elapsed
(step S51: Yes), the train integrated management device 150
generates transmission information including, for example,
20 an individual identification number, device operation
information including the first device operation
information and the second device operation information, a
car number, a formation number, and a time stamp indicating
transmission time, for each device (step S52), and
25 transmits the transmission information to the ground system
2 (step S53). At this time, if the train integrated
management device 150 has received the individual
identification number list from the condition monitoring
unit 112 connected thereto, the train integrated management
30 device 150 transmits the individual identification number
list to the ground system 2 only once after the power to
the car is turned on.
[0056] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating operation in
35
which the train integrated management device 150 according
to the present embodiment transmits anomaly information on
a device to the ground system 2. When the train integrated
management device 150 has received a notification of
occurrence of an anomaly from a device (5 step S61), when the
train integrated management device 150 has analyzed the
first device operation information acquired from the
condition monitoring unit 112 connected thereto to detect
an anomaly (step S62), or when the train integrated
10 management device 150 has analyzed the collected second
device operation information to detect an anomaly (step
S63), the train integrated management device 150 transmits
anomaly information to the ground system 2 (step S64). At
this time, the train integrated management device 150 may
15 display the detected anomaly on a display unit or the like
(not illustrated) of the train integrated management device
150 to notify the user.
[0057] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a first
example of analysis operation to be performed by the
20 analysis unit 29 of the ground system 2 according to the
present embodiment. When a set execution trigger, such as
reference time for daily processing or the like or the time
when the power to the train is turned on, has not occurred
(step S71: No), the analysis unit 29 waits until the
25 execution trigger occurs. When the execution trigger has
occurred (step S71: Yes), the analysis unit 29 analyzes the
device operation information, and performs deterioration
estimation (step S72). It is not realistic for the
analysis unit 29 to constantly estimate deterioration of
30 all the devices. Therefore, the analysis unit 29 performs
deterioration estimation for devices such as a device that
has been operating for a certain period of time or more, a
device installed in a formation that has traveled a certain
36
distance or more, and a device that has not been inspected
for a certain period of time or more since the previous
inspection. The analysis unit 29 may also perform
deterioration estimation for, for example, a device having
a high risk for a service level contract 5 for device
operation. In the case where the analysis unit 29 has
estimated that a device will be deteriorating over time to
the extent equivalent to or exceeding a preset threshold,
as a result of deterioration estimation, the analysis unit
10 29 performs impact analysis on the assumption that the same
event may also occur in other devices (step S73).
[0058] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a second
example of the analysis operation to be performed by the
analysis unit 29 of the ground system 2 according to the
15 present embodiment. When the analysis unit 29 has received
the anomaly information from the train integrated
management device 150 (step S81), or when deterioration of
a device estimated in deterioration estimation performed by
the analysis unit 29 exceeds the threshold, that is, when
20 the analysis unit 29 has detected such a deterioration of a
device (step S82), the analysis unit 29 selects candidates
for a factor part that has caused the anomaly or
deterioration, by a known method such as FTA (step S83).
The analysis unit 29 selects devices that use parts of the
25 same model and same lot as the selected factor part from
the train equipment management unit 23 (step S84).
Specifically, the analysis unit 29 selects the devices that
use parts of the same model and same lot as the selected
factor part from the manufacturing information management
30 unit 27, and selects models that use parts of the same
model from the design information management unit 28. The
analysis unit 29 performs, for the selected devices,
detailed analysis of the possibility of occurrence of the
37
same event as that having occurred in the device showing
the anomaly or deterioration (step S85). The analysis unit
29 displays, on the display control unit 30, an analysis
result showing a value exceeding the threshold or an
analysis result showing a normal value 5 if the analysis
result indicates a device that shows a sign of anomaly or
deterioration and requires attention (step S86). The user
checks the analysis result displayed on the display control
unit 30. As a result, the ground system 2 can select an
10 individual that is applied to the same part, the same
design, or the same route and has a causal relationship in
terms of information on design, manufacturing, operation,
and the like based on information stored in the train
equipment management unit 23 by using the anomaly or
15 deterioration of a single device as a base point. Thus, it
is possible to perform predictive maintenance.
[0059] Next, the hardware configuration of the
information collection apparatus 1 will be described. In
the information collection apparatus 1, the train
20 integrated management device 150 is implemented by a
computer or the like. The communication device 160 is
implemented by a communication interface. The reading unit
111 is a reader that reads information from the
identification tag. Some functions of the condition
25 monitoring unit 112 are implemented by a communication
interface. The other functions of the condition monitoring
unit 112 are implemented by processing circuitry. The
processing circuitry may be a memory and a processor that
executes a program stored in the memory, or may be
30 dedicated hardware.
[0060] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example in
which the processing circuitry included in the information
collection apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment
38
includes a processor and a memory. In the case where the
processing circuitry includes a processor 91 and a memory
92, each function of the processing circuitry of the
information collection apparatus 1 is implemented by
software, firmware, or a combination 5 of software and
firmware. The software or firmware is described as a
program, and stored in the memory 92. The processor 91
reads and executes the program stored in the memory 92 to
implement each function in the processing circuitry. That
10 is, the processing circuitry includes the memory 92 for
storing programs. As a result of execution of the programs,
the information collection apparatus 1 is caused to perform
processing. In addition, it can also be said that these
programs cause a computer to execute the procedure and
15 method for the information collection apparatus 1.
[0061] Here, the processor 91 may be a central
processing unit (CPU), a processing device, an arithmetic
device, a microprocessor, a microcomputer, a digital signal
processor (DSP), or the like. Furthermore, for example, a
20 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
25 disk, a mini disk, or a digital versatile disc (DVD) is
applicable to the memory 92.
[0062] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example in
which the processing circuitry included in the information
collection apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment
30 includes dedicated hardware. In the case where the
processing circuitry includes dedicated hardware, for
example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a
programmed processor, a parallel-programmed processor, an
39
application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field
programmable gate array (FPGA), or a combination thereof is
applicable to a piece of processing circuitry 93
illustrated in FIG. 17. The functions of the information
collection apparatus 1 may be separately 5 implemented by the
piece of processing circuitry 93, or may be collectively
implemented by the piece of processing circuitry 93.
[0063] Note that some of the functions of the
information collection apparatus 1 may be implemented by
10 dedicated hardware, and some of the other functions thereof
may be implemented by software or firmware. Thus, the
processing circuitry can implement each of the abovedescribed
functions by dedicated hardware, software,
firmware, or a combination thereof.
15 [0064] Next, the hardware configuration of the ground
system 2 will be described. In the ground system 2, the
communication device 21 is implemented by a communication
interface. The train equipment management unit 23 is a
memory. The reception unit 31 is an input interface. The
20 display unit 33 is a monitor such as a liquid crystal
display (LCD). The conversion unit 22, the analysis unit
29, and the control unit 32 are implemented by processing
circuitry. As with the above-described processing
circuitry of the information collection apparatus 1, the
25 processing circuitry of the ground system 2 may be a memory
and a processor that executes a program stored in the
memory as illustrated in FIG. 16, or may be dedicated
hardware as illustrated in FIG. 17.
[0065] As described above, according to the present
30 embodiment, the information collection apparatus 1
installed in the train 4 collects individual identification
numbers for identifying devices from identification tags
attached to the devices installed in the train 4, collects
40
device operation information indicating the operating
condition of each device, and transmits, to the ground
system, the individual identification number, the device
operation information, a car number for identifying a car
in which each device is installed, and 5 a formation number
for identifying the train, for each device. As a result,
the ground system 2 can manage the usage histories of the
devices installed in the train by managing the formation
number, the car numbers, and the device operation
10 information in association with the respective individual
identification numbers of the devices.
[0066] The configurations set forth in the above
embodiment show examples of the subject matter of the
present invention, and it is possible to combine the
15 configurations with another technique that is publicly
known, and is also possible to make omissions and changes
to part of the configurations without departing from the
gist of the present invention.
20 Reference Signs List
[0067] 1 information collection apparatus; 2 ground
system; 3 train equipment management system; 4 train; 5
to 7 car; 11 to 16 device box; 20 acquisition unit; 21,
160 communication device; 22 conversion unit; 23 train
25 equipment management unit; 24 train operation information
storage unit; 25 device operation information storage
unit; 26 deployment information management unit; 27
manufacturing information management unit; 28 design
information management unit; 29 analysis unit; 30 display
30 control unit; 31 reception unit; 32 control unit; 33
display unit; 34 clustering axis selection area; 35
clustering axis combination type input area; 36 data
analysis axis selection area; 37 incidental information
41
selection area; 38 graph display area; 40 train operation
management system; 50 manufacturing information
acquisition unit; 51 manufacturing information
registration unit; 60 design information registration
unit; 110 car information collection 5 unit; 111 reading
unit; 112 condition monitoring unit; 121 to 125 device;
131 to 135 identification tag; 150 train integrated
management device.
42
We Claim :
1. A train equipment management system comprising:
an information collection apparatus to collect
individual identification numbers for identifying devices
from identification tags attached to the 5 devices installed
in a train, collect device operation information indicating
an operating condition of each device, and transmit, for
each device, the individual identification number, the
device operation information, a car number for identifying
10 a car in which each device is installed, and a formation
number for identifying the train, to a ground system; and
the ground system to manage the formation number, the
car number, and the device operation information in
association with the individual identification number of
15 each device.
2. The train equipment management system according to
claim 1, wherein
the ground system manages train operation information
20 indicating an operation history of the train with the
formation number.
3. The train equipment management system according to
claim 1 or 2, wherein
25 the ground system manages manufacturing information
including a model indicating a type of a device
corresponding to the individual identification number and
production histories of parts used to manufacture the
device corresponding to the individual identification
30 number in association with the individual identification
number, and manages design information including
information on each type of part that is to be used for a
device of the model in association with the model.
43
4. The train equipment management system according to any
one of claims 1 to 3, wherein
the ground system analyzes the device operation
information, and displays an 5 analysis result.
5. The train equipment management system according to any
one of claims 1 to 3, wherein
the ground system displays information relevant to a
10 condition specified by a user, among the information
managed by the ground system.
6. An information collection apparatus comprising:
a plurality of car information collection units each
15 including a reading unit and a condition monitoring unit,
the reading unit being configured to read individual
identification numbers for identifying devices from
identification tags attached to the devices installed in a
train, the condition monitoring unit being configured to
20 collect first device operation information indicating an
operating condition of each device; and
a train integrated management device to perform
control in such a way as to collect second device operation
information indicating an operating condition of each
25 device from each device when controlling each device and
transmit, for each device, the individual identification
number, device operation information including the first
device operation information and the second device
operation information, a car number for identifying a car
30 in which each device is installed, and a formation number
for identifying the train, to a ground system via a
communication device.
44
7. The information collection apparatus according to
claim 6, wherein
the car information collection unit transmits the
individual identification numbers and the first device
operation information to the train integrated 5 management
device directly or via another car information collection
unit.
8. The information collection apparatus according to
10 claim 7, wherein
the car information collection unit transmits the
first device operation information with a first period, and
the train integrated management device transmits, for
each device, the individual identification number, the
15 device operation information, the car number, and the
formation number to the ground system via the communication
device with a second period.
9. A ground system comprising:
20 an acquisition unit to acquire, for each device
installed in a train, an individual identification number
for identifying a device installed in the train, device
operation information indicating an operating condition of
each device, a car number for identifying a car in which
25 each device is installed, and a formation number for
identifying the train, from each train; and
a train equipment management unit to manage the
formation number and the car number in association with the
individual identification number of each device, and manage
30 the device operation information in association with the
individual identification number of each device.
10. The ground system according to claim 9, wherein
45
the train equipment management unit manages train
operation information indicating an operation history of
the train with the formation number.
11. The ground system according to claim 5 9 or 10, wherein
the train equipment management unit manages
manufacturing information including a model indicating a
type of a device corresponding to the individual
identification number and production histories of parts
10 used to manufacture the device corresponding to the
individual identification number in association with the
individual identification number, and manages design
information including information on each type of part that
is to be used for a device of the model in association with
15 the model.
12. The ground system according to any one of claims 9 to
11, further comprising:
an analysis unit to analyze the device operation
20 information; and
a display unit to display a result of analysis
performed by the analysis unit.
13. The ground system according to any one of claims 9 to
25 11, further comprising:
a display unit to display information relevant to a
condition specified by a user, among the information
managed by the train equipment management unit.
30 14. A train equipment management method comprising:
a first step of, by an information collection
apparatus, collecting individual identification numbers for
identifying devices from identification tags attached to
46
the devices installed in a train, collecting device
operation information indicating an operating condition of
each device, and transmitting, for each device, the
individual identification number, the device operation
information, a car number for identifying 5 a car in which
each device is installed, and a formation number for
identifying the train, to a ground system; and
a second step of, by the ground system, managing the
formation number, the car number, and the device operation
10 information in association with the individual
identification number of each device.