FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10, Rule 13]
TRAIN INFORMATION MANAGEMENT DEVICE, TEST TERMINAL DEVICE,
TRAIN INFORMATION MANAGEMENT DEVICE TESTING SYSTEM, AND
TEST 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
1008310, JAPAN
THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE
INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED

2
DESCRIPTION
Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a train
5 information management device to be installed on a train,
and to a test terminal device, a train information
management device testing system, and a test method.
Background
10 [0002] A train information management device to be
installed on a train conventionally has multiple
computational functions and exchanges data between the
computational functions using variables to thereby perform
various processing. These computational functions are
15 tested in such a manner that a value is set to an input
variable of a computational function under test, and a
check is then made on a value of an output variable that
has been set by the computational function under test. In
this respect, if the input variable of the computational
20 function under test is overwritten by a computational
function other than the computational function under test,
such test will fail to be accomplished as intended. The
input variable can avoid having an unintended value by
modification such as modification to suspend the operation
25 of the computational functions other than the computational
function under test. This will however need modification
of the software under test for purposes of testing, which
is time consuming and requires effort, and moreover,
prevents guaranteeing the sameness between the software
30 after the modification and the software under test.
[0003] To address such problem, Patent Literature 1
discloses a technology in which an image generation device
has normal image generation mode and debug mode, and

3
verifies operation in debug mode using test data that has
been stored in advance.
Citation List
5 Patent Literature
[0004] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application
Laid-open No. 2012-32567
Summary of Invention
10 Problem to be solved by the Invention
[0005] However, according to the foregoing conventional
technology, switching means included in the image
generation device switches the mode between normal image
generation mode and debug mode. Allowing a train
15 information management device also to similarly switch the
mode may allow the train information management device to
unexpectedly switch the mode during running of the train,
thereby presenting a problem in that the operation of the
train may be affected. In addition, the foregoing
20 conventional technology requires test data to be stored in
advance. Thus, when the data for use in a test needs to be
changed to desired data, the stored data needs to be
changed. This presents a problem in being time consuming
and requiring effort.
25 [0006] The present disclosure has been made in view of
the foregoing, and it is an object of the present
disclosure to provide a train information management device
that allows a desired test to be performed without changing
the configuration of software under test and without
30 affecting the operation of a train.
Means to Solve the Problem
[0007] In order to solve the above-described problems

4
and achieve the object, a train information management
device according to the present disclosure undergoes a test
conducted by a test terminal device. The train information
management device includes: at least one computation
5 processing unit to perform computation processing using a
value of a variable; a data management unit to store a
first combination, the first combination including a
variable name or information that enables identification of
a variable and a value of a first variable, the value of
10 the first variable being the value of the variable; an
input data management unit to store a second combination,
the second combination being obtained from the test
terminal device and including the variable name or the
information that enables identification of the variable and
15 a value of a second variable, the value of the second
variable being the value of the variable; an operation mode
management unit to manage an operation mode of the train
information management device; a variable selection unit to
select, based on the operation mode, either the value of
20 the first variable or the value of the second variable as
the value of the variable; and a data acquiring and setting
unit to specify the variable name or the information that
enables identification of the variable to the variable
selection unit, to obtain, from the variable selection unit,
25 the value of the variable selected, and to set the value of
the variable obtained, to the computation processing unit.
Effects of the Invention
[0008] A train information management device of the
30 present disclosure provides an advantage in allowing a
desired test to be performed without changing the
configuration of software under test and without affecting
the operation of a train.

5
Brief Description of Drawings
[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example
configuration of a train including a train information
5 management device according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of
computation processing performed in the train information
management device according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example
10 configuration of a train information management device
testing system according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating example
configurations of the train information management device
and of a test terminal device according to the first
15 embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating example
configurations of a data management unit and of an input
data management unit included in the train information
management device according to the first embodiment.
20 FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of test
script stored in a test conduction management unit of the
test terminal device according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a diagram for describing operations when a
test is being conducted by the test terminal device, in the
25 train information management device according to the first
embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of an
operation mode management unit of the train information
management device according to the first embodiment.
30 FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of an
input data management unit of the train information
management device according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a

6
computation processing unit of the train information
management device according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a
data acquiring and setting unit of the train information
5 management device according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a
variable selection unit of the train information management
device according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of
10 the test terminal device according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of
configuration of a processing circuitry that implements the
train information management device according to the first
embodiment when the processing circuitry is implemented by
15 a processor and a memory.
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of
configuration of a processing circuitry that implements the
train information management device according to the first
embodiment when the processing circuitry is formed using a
20 dedicated hardware element.
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an illustrative
image of variables stored in the input data management unit
of the train information management device according to a
second embodiment.
25 FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of
relationships between types of devices and identifiers
(IDs) for use in a tag, where the type of device is a
parameter used in the tag processed by the train
information management device according to the second
30 embodiment.
FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of
relationships between variable names associated with a
propulsion control device and IDs for use in a tag, where

7
the variable name is a parameter used in the tag processed
by the train information management device according to the
second embodiment.
FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of
5 relationships between variable names associated with a
brake control device and IDs for use in a tag, where the
variable name is a parameter used in the tag processed by
the train information management device according to the
second embodiment.
10 FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of
the input data management unit of the train information
management device according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of
the variable selection unit of the train information
15 management device according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example
configuration of a train information management device
testing system according to a third embodiment.
FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example
20 configuration of a train information management device
testing system according to a fourth embodiment.
FIG. 24 is a block diagram illustrating example
configurations of the train information management device,
a test terminal device, and a terminal device according to
25 the fourth embodiment.
Description of Embodiments
[0010] A train information management device, a test
terminal device, a train information management device
30 testing system, and a test method according to embodiments
of the present disclosure will be described in detail below
with reference to the drawings.
[0011] First Embodiment.

8
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example
configuration of a train 1 including at least one train
information management device 10 according to a first
embodiment. The train 1 includes the train information
5 management device 10. The train information management
device 10 is connected to devices installed on the train 1,
such as a propulsion control device 2, a door control
device 3, and a brake control device 4 via an intra-train
network 30 to monitor and control these devices. The train
10 information management device 10 obtains information about
states of devices such as the propulsion control device 2,
the door control device 3, and the brake control device 4
via the intra-train network 30, and sends a result of
performing necessary computation processing to the devices
15 via the intra-train network 30 to thereby control these
devices. The train information management device 10 is
installed, in general, on vehicles such as the lead vehicle
and the last vehicle, on which a cab (not illustrated) and
the like are installed in the train 1. The number of the
20 train information management devices 10 to be installed on
the train 1 is, however, not limited to two as illustrated
in FIG. 1.
[0012] Computation processing performed in the train
information management device 10 will now be described.
25 FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of computation
processing performed in the train information management
device 10 according to the first embodiment. Computation
processing performed in the train information management
device 10 may be divided into multiple computation
30 processings internally in the train information management
device 10. FIG. 2 illustrates the multiple computation
processings as computation processings A to D. The
computation processings A to D each have a function to

9
obtain a value that has been set to a specific variable, as
input data, to set a value to another variable, and to thus
output the value of the another variable as output data,
i.e., as a result of that computation processing. The
5 train information management device 10 allows data to be
provided to and received from computation processing in
such a manner that output data that is a result of
computation processing from specific computation processing
is used as input data to another computation processing.
10 FIG. 2 illustrates an example in which computation
processing B sets output data to a variable "p",
computation processing C sets output data to a variable "q",
and computation processing D sets output data to a variable
"r". Computation processing A obtains input data from the
15 variables p, q, and r, and sets output data to a variable
"s".
[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates a situation in which the input
data to computation processings B, C, and D are obtained
from outside the train information management device 10,
20 that is, via the intra-train network 30. FIG. 2 also
illustrates a situation in which the variable s has output
data that has been set in computation processing A, and is
output to outside the train information management device
10, that is, via the intra-train network 30. As
25 illustrated in FIG. 2, the train information management
device 10 uses the results of computation processings of
computation processings B, C, and D as the input data to
computation processing A via the variables p, q, and r.
Each of the computation processings is implemented in
30 software on a processor, in the processor or the like
included in the train information management device 10.
[0014] In this respect, computation processing A is
tested in the train information management device 10 by

10
checking whether the value of the output data has an
expected value for values that can be given as the input
data to computation processing A. Specifically,
computation processing A is tested in such a manner that
5 values are set to the variables p, q, and r, which are
input data to computation processing A; the value of the
variable s is read, to which the output data, i.e., the
result of computation processing of computation processing
A, has been set; and it is checked whether the value of the
10 variable s is equal to an expected value. To this end, the
train information management device 10 has a mechanism to
allow the values of the variables p, q, and r to be changed
according to an external command.
[0015] A specific configuration for testing the train
15 information management device 10 will next be described.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example configuration
of a train information management device testing system 50
according to the first embodiment. The train information
management device testing system 50 includes the train
20 information management device 10, a test terminal device 20,
the intra-train network 30, and a test communication line
40. The train information management device testing system
50 is a system in which the test terminal device 20 tests
the train information management device 10. The train
25 information management device 10 is tested by the test
terminal device 20. In the train information management
device testing system 50, the train information management
device 10 and the test terminal device 20 are connected to
each other by the intra-train network 30 and by the test
30 communication line 40. The test terminal device 20 sends a
combination of a variable name and a value of a variable to
the train information management device 10 using the test
communication line 40 to thereby rewrite the value of the

11
variable stored in the train information management device
10. The test terminal device 20 is also capable of
referring to data being transmitted on the intra-train
network 30.
5 [0016] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating example
configurations of the train information management device
10 and of the test terminal device 20 according to the
first embodiment. The train information management device
10 includes a computation processing unit 11, a data
10 acquiring and setting unit 12, a data management unit 13,
an input data management unit 14, an operation mode
management unit 15, and a variable selection unit 16. The
test terminal device 20 includes a test conduction
management unit 21, an input data transmission unit 22, and
15 an operation mode instruction unit 23. Note that multiple
test communication lines 40 may be used as illustrated in
FIG. 4, or a single test communication line 40 may be
shared as illustrated in FIG. 3.
[0017] The computation processing unit 11 performs
20 computation processing using a value of a variable.
Specifically, in the computation processing, the
computation processing unit 11 specifies a variable name to
the data acquiring and setting unit 12 to thus request a
value of a variable associated with that variable name, and
25 performs computation processing using, as input data
thereto, the value of the variable that has been set by the
data acquiring and setting unit 12. Note that the train
information management device 10 includes one or more
computation processing units 11, and each of the
30 computation processing units 11 corresponds to one
computation processing illustrated in FIG. 2.
[0018] The data acquiring and setting unit 12 specifies
a variable name to the variable selection unit 16 based on

12
a request from the computation processing unit 11 to thus
request a value of a variable. The data acquiring and
setting unit 12 obtains, from the variable selection unit
16, a value of a variable selected by the variable
5 selection unit 16, and sets the value of the variable
obtained, to the computation processing unit 11.
[0019] The data management unit 13 stores the value of
the variable to be processed by each of the computation
processing units 11 of the train information management
10 device 10. The data management unit 13 stores first
combinations, each of which includes a variable name and a
value of a first variable, which is a value of a variable.
[0020] The input data management unit 14 stores
combinations each including a variable name and a value of
15 a variable, as input data to be provided to one under test
of the computation processing units 11 (hereinafter
referred to simply as the computation processing unit 11
under test), sent from the test terminal device 20. The
input data management unit 14 stores second combinations,
20 which are obtained from the test terminal device 20 and
each of which includes a variable name and a value of a
second variable, which is a value of a variable.
[0021] Configurations of the data management unit 13 and
of the input data management unit 14 will next be described.
25 FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating example configurations of
the data management unit 13 and of the input data
management unit 14 included in the train information
management device 10 according to the first embodiment.
Let X denote the top address of the data storage area for
30 storing variables to be managed by the data management unit
13. The input data management unit 14 reserves a data
storage area having a same structure as the structure of
the data management unit 13 to prevent the data storage

13
area thereof from overlapping the data storage area of the
data management unit 13. For example, let Y denote the top
address of the data storage area for storing variables to
be managed by the input data management unit 14. The input
5 data management unit 14 has an area for storing the values
of the variables respectively corresponding to the values
of the variables managed by the data management unit 13 to
have an address relatively the same as the address relative
to the top address of the area in which the values of the
10 variables are managed by the data management unit 13. For
example, when the area for storing the value of the
variable p in the data management unit 13 has an address
X+P, the input data management unit 14 uses an address Y+P
for the area for storing the value of a variable p2, which
15 corresponds to the value of the variable p in the input
data management unit 14.
[0022] Returning to the description with reference to
FIG. 4, the operation mode management unit 15 manages the
operation mode of the train information management device
20 10 according to a command of operation mode from the test
terminal device 20. The train information management
device 10 has operation modes of test mode when a test of
the train information management device 10 is conducted and
normal mode when a test of the train information management
25 device 10 is not conducted. The operation mode management
unit 15 receives a notification of test mode when a test is
conducted and a notification of normal mode when a test is
not conducted, as a notification of the operation mode of
the train information management device 10.
30 [0023] The variable selection unit 16 selects, and
thereby obtains, the value of a variable associated with
the variable name specified by the data acquiring and
setting unit 12 from either the data management unit 13 or

14
the input data management unit 14, based on the operation
mode of the train information management device 10, managed
by the operation mode management unit 15. The variable
selection unit 16 selects, as the value of the variable,
5 either the value of the first variable stored in the data
management unit 13 or the value of the second variable
stored in the input data management unit 14, based on the
operation mode. Specifically, the variable selection unit
16 selects the value of the first variable stored in the
10 data management unit 13 in normal mode as the value of the
variable, and selects the value of the second variable
stored in the input data management unit 14 in test mode as
the value of the variable.
[0024] The test conduction management unit 21 stores
15 input-output data as a test script including changes in
time series for use in a test, where the input-output data
is a set of combinations each including a variable name and
a value of a variable, and expected values, where the
combinations are for use as the input data to the
20 computation processing unit 11 under test in the train
information management device 10, and the expected values
are expected values of the output data from that
computation processing unit 11. The test conduction
management unit 21 conducts a test on the train information
25 management device 10 using a test script. The test
conduction management unit 21 rewrites, according to the
description of the test script, the value(s) of the
variable(s) to be input to the computation processing unit
11 that is to be tested in the train information management
30 device 10, and obtains the value of the variable to which a
result of computation processing from the computation
processing unit 11 under test has been set. The test
conduction management unit 21 checks whether the

15
computation processing unit 11 is operating as expected by
comparing the value of the variable obtained, to which a
result of computation processing from the computation
processing unit 11 has been set, with the expected value in
5 the test script.
[0025] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of
the test script stored in the test conduction management
unit 21 of the test terminal device 20 according to the
first embodiment. For example, the test conduction
10 management unit 21 sends values of p=0, q=0, and r=1
illustrated in the No. 1 row as the input data, i.e., the
combinations each including a variable name and a value of
a variable, from the test script illustrated in FIG. 6 to
the train information management device 10 via the input
15 data transmission unit 22. The test conduction management
unit 21 determines that the computation processing unit 11
under test is operating as expected in the train
information management device 10 when the value of the
variable s, which is the output data from the train
20 information management device 10, is equal to the expected
value of 2. The test conduction management unit 21
determines that the computation processing unit 11 under
test is not operating as expected in the train information
management device 10 when the value of the variable s,
25 which is the output data from the train information
management device 10, is different from the expected value
of 2. As described above, the test conduction management
unit 21 stores the second combinations, each including a
variable name and a value of a second variable, where the
30 value of the second variable is a value of a variable for
use in the computation processing to be performed when the
train information management device 10 is tested. The test
conduction management unit 21 thus controls the test of the

16
train information management device 10.
[0026] The input data transmission unit 22 sends, under
control of the test conduction management unit 21, a
combination of a variable name and a value of a variable as
5 the input data to be provided to the computation processing
unit 11 under test depending on the state of performing the
test in the train information management device 10. The
input data transmission unit 22 thus causes data stored in
the input data management unit 14 of the train information
10 management device 10 to be changed. Thus, the input data
transmission unit 22 sends the second combinations to the
train information management device 10.
[0027] The operation mode instruction unit 23 notifies,
under control of the test conduction management unit 21,
15 the operation mode management unit 15 whether the train
information management device 10 is being tested.
Specifically, the operation mode instruction unit 23
notifies the operation mode management unit 15 that the
operation mode is test mode when the train information
20 management device 10 is being tested, and that the
operation mode is normal mode when the train information
management device 10 is not being tested. Thus, the
operation mode instruction unit 23 notifies the train
information management device 10 that the operation mode is
25 test mode indicating that a test is being conducted when
the test conduction management unit 21 tests the train
information management device 10.
[0028] Operations of the train information management
device 10 and of the test terminal device 20 will next be
30 described. FIG. 7 is a diagram for describing operations
when a test is being conducted by the test terminal device
20, in the train information management device 10 according
to the first embodiment. In FIG. 7, computation processing

17
units 11A to 11D are configured similarly to the
computation processing unit 11 illustrated in FIG. 4. In
addition, although the illustration is simplified in FIG. 7,
the variable s, i.e., the area in which the value of the
5 variable s is written, is in fact included in the data
management unit 13 similarly to the case of other variables
p, q, and r. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an
operation of the operation mode management unit 15 of the
train information management device 10 according to the
10 first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an
operation of the input data management unit 14 of the train
information management device 10 according to the first
embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an
operation of the computation processing unit 11 of the
15 train information management device 10 according to the
first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an
operation of the data acquiring and setting unit 12 of the
train information management device 10 according to the
first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an
20 operation of the variable selection unit 16 of the train
information management device 10 according to the first
embodiment. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an
operation of the test terminal device 20 according to the
first embodiment.
25 [0029] The test conduction management unit 21 of the
test terminal device 20 receives an instruction to start a
test of the train information management device 10 from a
maintenance person or the like of the railroad company that
operates the train 1. The test conduction management unit
30 21 controls the operation mode instruction unit 23 to cause
the operation mode instruction unit 23 to notify the
operation mode management unit 15 of the train information
management device 10 that the operation mode is test mode

18
with a constant period T1 (step S601).
[0030] The operation mode management unit 15 of the
train information management device 10 maintains the
operation mode of the train information management device
5 10 at test mode for a time period T2 after receiving a
notification of test mode sent from the operation mode
instruction unit 23 of the test terminal device 20. Note
that the time period T2 is longer than one period of the
constant period T1. When the time period T2 has elapsed
10 since the last reception of notification of test mode, or
when a notification of normal mode is received from the
operation mode instruction unit 23 of the test terminal
device 20, the operation mode management unit 15 sets the
operation mode of the train information management device
15 10 at normal mode. As described above, the test terminal
device 20 sends a notification of test mode with a
predetermined period, and when the operation mode
management unit 15 receives a notification of test mode,
the operation mode management unit 15 maintains the
20 operation mode of the train information management device
10 at test mode for a predetermined time longer than one
period of a predetermined period.
[0031] The operation mode management unit 15 receives a
notification of test mode from the operation mode
25 instruction unit 23 of the test terminal device 20 (step
S101: Yes), and when the time period T2 has not elapsed
since the last reception of notification of test mode (step
S102: No), the operation mode management unit 15 maintains
the operation mode of the train information management
30 device 10 at test mode (step S103). When the operation
mode management unit 15 receives a notification of normal
mode from the operation mode instruction unit 23 of the
test terminal device 20 (step S101: No), the operation mode

19
management unit 15 sets the operation mode of the train
information management device 10 at normal mode (step S104).
Alternatively, when the operation mode management unit 15
has received a notification of test mode from the operation
5 mode instruction unit 23 of the test terminal device 20
(step S101: Yes) and the time period T2 has elapsed since
the last reception of notification of test mode (step S102:
Yes), the operation mode management unit 15 sets the
operation mode of the train information management device
10 10 at normal mode (step S104).
[0032] When the operation mode of the train information
management device 10 has changed from normal mode to test
mode, this means that the operation mode was normal mode in
the previous time (step S201: Yes), and the input data
15 management unit 14 accordingly sets, that is, copies, the
values of corresponding variables managed by the data
management unit 13 as the values of all the variables to be
managed by the input data management unit 14 (step S202).
Note that when the operation mode was also test mode in the
20 previous time (step S201: No), the input data management
unit 14 skips the operation of step S202. In obtaining the
operation mode of the train information management device
10, the input data management unit 14 may refer to the
operation mode of the train information management device
25 10 managed by the operation mode management unit 15 via the
variable selection unit 16, or may directly refer to the
operation mode of the train information management device
10 managed by the operation mode management unit 15
although FIG. 4 omits illustration of connection
30 relationship therebetween. This enables selection of
values same as the values of the variables that have been
used by the corresponding computation processing unit 11 in
normal mode, thereby enabling the train information

20
management device 10 to continue to operate correctly even
when values of the variables managed by the input data
management unit 14 have been selected to be used as the
values of the variables for use by the computation
5 processing unit 11 under test before combinations each
including a variable name and a value of a variable are set
to the input data management unit 14 from the test terminal
device 20. As described above, when the operation mode has
changed from normal mode to test mode, combinations each
10 including a variable name and a value of a variable other
than the second combinations obtained from the test
terminal device 20 are obtained and stored such that the
input data management unit 14 obtains the first
combinations from the data management unit 13 and stores
15 the first combinations. When the operation mode is test
mode, the variable selection unit 16 selects values of the
second variables stored in the input data management unit
14 or values of the first variables.
[0033] The test conduction management unit 21 of the
20 test terminal device 20 selects one set of input-output
data from the test script. For example, the input-output
data of No.1 illustrated in FIG. 6 includes p=0, q=0, and
r=1 specified as the input data and s=2 specified as the
output data. The input data transmission unit 22 of the
25 test terminal device 20 sends the input data of the set of
the input-output data selected by the test conduction
management unit 21 to the train information management
device 10 (step S602). The input data sent from the input
data transmission unit 22 is a list of combinations each
30 including a variable name and a value of a variable, and is,
for example, a set of (p, 0), (q, 0), and (r, 1) for the
case of p=0, q=0, and r=1 given in the No.1 row illustrated
in FIG. 6.

21
[0034] When the train information management device 10
is in test mode, the input data management unit 14 of the
train information management device 10 waits for reception
of the input data from the input data transmission unit 22
5 of the test terminal device 20 (step S203), and updates the
values of the corresponding variables stored therein based
on the input data sent from the input data transmission
unit 22 of the test terminal device 20 (step S204).
Specifically, the input data management unit 14 writes the
10 values of the variables into the areas of variables p2, q2,
and r2 corresponding to the input data, i.e., the
combinations each including the variable name and the value
of the variable. FIG. 7 denotes by p2, q2, and r2 the
variables respectively corresponding to the variables p, q,
15 and r and stored in the input data management unit 14 to
distinguish the variables stored in the input data
management unit 14 from the variables p, q, and r stored in
the data management unit 13.
[0035] The computation processing unit 11A specifies
20 variable names to the data acquiring and setting unit 12,
and requests the values of the variables p, q, and r as the
input data (step S301). Note that the illustration of FIG.
7 focuses on the operation of selection performed by the
variable selection unit 16, and illustration of the data
25 acquiring and setting unit 12 is accordingly omitted. In
fact, however, the data acquiring and setting unit 12 is
disposed between the computation processing unit 11A and
the variable selection unit 16.
[0036] The data acquiring and setting unit 12 specifies
30 variable names to the variable selection unit 16, and
requests the values of the variables p, q, and r (step
S401).
[0037] When the variable names are specified and the

22
values of the variables p, q, and r are requested from the
data acquiring and setting unit 12, the variable selection
unit 16 refers to the operation mode of the train
information management device 10 managed by the operation
5 mode management unit 15 (step S501). When the train
information management device 10 is in test mode (step
S502: Yes), the variable selection unit 16 selects the
values of the variables p2, q2, and r2 stored in the input
data management unit 14 as the values of the variables p, q,
10 and r (step S503). When the train information management
device 10 is in normal mode (step S502: No), the variable
selection unit 16 selects the values of the variables p, q,
and r stored in the data management unit 13 as the values
of the variables p, q, and r (step S504). The variable
15 selection unit 16 outputs the values of the variables p, q,
and r selected, to the data acquiring and setting unit 12
as the response to the request for the values of the
variables p, q, and r made by the data acquiring and
setting unit 12.
20 [0038] The data acquiring and setting unit 12 obtains
the values of the variables p, q, and r from the variable
selection unit 16 (step S402). The data acquiring and
setting unit 12 sets the values of the variables p, q, and
r obtained from the variable selection unit 16 to the
25 variables p, q, and r to be used as the input data in the
computation processing unit 11A as the response to the
request for the values of the variables p, q, and r made by
the computation processing unit 11A (step S403).
[0039] The computation processing unit 11A performs
30 computation processing using the variables p, q, and r as
the input data (step S302), and sets the result of the
computation processing to the variable s as the output data
(step S303). As described above, when the computation

23
processing is performed using the values of the second
variables as the values of the variables, the computation
processing unit 11A sets the result of the computation
processing to the variable s, from which the test terminal
5 device 20 can obtain information of a value.
[0040] The test conduction management unit 21 of the
test terminal device 20 obtains the value of the variable s
that has been set by the computation processing unit 11A of
the train information management device 10 via the intra10 train network 30 (step S603). The test conduction
management unit 21 compares the value of the variable s
obtained, with an expected value to determine whether there
is a match, that is, whether the computation processing
unit 11A is operating as expected (step S604).
15 [0041] The test terminal device 20 and the train
information management device 10 repeat the foregoing
operations for the entire input-output data included in the
test script stored in the test conduction management unit
21 of the test terminal device 20. That is, when the tests
20 have not yet been finished for the entire input-output data
included in the test script (step S605: No), the test
conduction management unit 21 of the test terminal device
20 controls the operation mode instruction unit 23 to cause
the operation mode instruction unit 23 to notify the
25 operation mode management unit 15 of the train information
management device 10 that the operation mode is test mode
with the constant period T1 (step S601). When the tests
have been finished for the entire input-output data
included in the test script (step S605: Yes), the test
30 conduction management unit 21 of the test terminal device
20 controls the operation mode instruction unit 23 to cause
the operation mode instruction unit 23 to notify the
operation mode management unit 15 of the train information

24
management device 10 that the operation mode is normal mode
(step S606).
[0042] A case will next be described in which connection
between the test terminal device 20 and the train
5 information management device 10 is disconnected during a
test of the train information management device 10. The
operation mode instruction unit 23 of the test terminal
device 20 notifies the operation mode management unit 15 of
the train information management device 10 that the
10 operation mode is test mode with the constant period T1 as
described above when the train information management
device 10 is being tested. Disconnection of connection
between the train information management device 10 and the
test terminal device 20 prevents the operation mode
15 management unit 15 from receiving a notification of test
mode from the operation mode instruction unit 23. This
enables the operation mode management unit 15 to switch the
operation mode of the train information management device
10 from test mode to normal mode when at least the time
20 period T2 has elapsed since the disconnection of connection
between the train information management device 10 and the
test terminal device 20.
[0043] A case will now be described in which, unlike the
present embodiment, the area for use in storing the values
25 of the variables is not changed depending on the operation
mode of the train information management device 10. In
this case, the train information management device 10 would
be configured to exclude the input data management unit 14,
the operation mode management unit 15, and the variable
30 selection unit 16 from the configuration illustrated in FIG.
7. The input data transmission unit 22 of the test
terminal device 20 sends input data to the data management
unit 13. In the train information management device 10,

25
however, the computation processing units 11B to 11D
perform a usual operation, thereby causing the values of
the variables p, q, and r stored in the data management
unit 13 to be overwritten with output data generated
5 through the usual operation of the computation processing
units 11B to 11D. In such case, it would be indeterminable
whether the values of the variables p, q, and r for use by
the computation processing unit 11A are values sent from
the input data transmission unit 22 or values output from
10 the computation processing units 11B to 11D. This would
prevent the test conduction management unit 21 of the test
terminal device 20 from correctly determining whether the
computation processing unit 11A of the train information
management device 10 is operating as expected even when the
15 value of the variable s is obtained. A method is
conceivable to stop computation processing of the
computation processing units 11B to 11D to cause the input
data sent from the input data transmission unit 22 to be
used as the values of the variables p, q, and r for use by
20 the computation processing unit 11A. This will however
need modification of the software under test for purposes
of testing, which will be time consuming and require effort,
and moreover, prevent guaranteeing the sameness between the
software resulting from the modification and the software
25 under test.
[0044] In contrast, in the present embodiment, the train
information management device 10 includes the input data
management unit 14, the operation mode management unit 15,
and the variable selection unit 16, and thereby allows a
30 test to be conducted for each computation processing unit
11 under test without changing the configuration of the
software under test. In addition, the train information
management device 10 is capable of returning to normal mode

26
even when connection between the train information
management device 10 and the test terminal device 20 is
unintentionally disconnected.
[0045] Note that the test terminal device 20 may be made
5 unconnected to the intra-train network 30 when no test is
conducted on the train information management device 10.
Similarly, the train information management device 10 may
be made unconnected to the test communication line 40 when
no test is conducted by the test terminal device 20. This
10 can prevent the train information management device 10 from
unexpectedly turning into test mode.
[0046] A hardware configuration of the train information
management device 10 according to the first embodiment will
next be described. In the train information management
15 device 10, the computation processing unit 11, the data
acquiring and setting unit 12, the data management unit 13,
the input data management unit 14, the operation mode
management unit 15, and the variable selection unit 16 are
implemented in a processing circuitry. The processing
20 circuitry may be a combination of a memory storing a
program and a processor that executes the program stored in
the memory, or may be a dedicated hardware element. The
processing circuitry is also called control circuit.
[0047] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of
25 configuration of a processing circuitry 90, which
implements the train information management device 10
according to the first embodiment, when the processing
circuitry is implemented by a processor 91 and a memory 92.
The processing circuitry 90 illustrated in FIG. 14 is a
30 control circuit, and includes the processor 91 and the
memory 92. When the processing circuitry 90 includes the
processor 91 and the memory 92, each functionality of the
processing circuitry 90 is implemented in software,

27
firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The
software or firmware is described in the form of a program,
and is stored in the memory 92. Each functionality is
implemented in the processing circuitry 90 in such a manner
5 that the processor 91 reads and executes a program stored
in the memory 92. That is, the processing circuitry 90
includes the memory 92 for storing a program that causes
processing of the train information management device 10 to
be performed. It can also be said that this program is a
10 program for causing the train information management device
10 to perform each functionality to be provided by the
processing circuitry 90. This program may be provided
using a storage medium storing the program, or may be
provided using another means such as a communication medium.
15 [0048] It can also be said that the foregoing program is
a program that causes the train information management
device 10 to perform a first step in which the data
management unit 13 stores a first combination, the first
combination including a variable name or information that
20 enables identification of a variable and a value of a first
variable, the value of the first variable being a value of
the variable, a second step in which the input data
management unit 14 stores a second combination, the second
combination being obtained from the test terminal device 20
25 and including the variable name or information that enables
identification of the variable and a value of a second
variable, the value of the second variable being the value
of the variable, a third step in which the operation mode
management unit 15 manages an operation mode of the train
30 information management device 10, a fourth step in which
the variable selection unit 16 selects, based on the
operation mode, either the value of the first variable or
the value of the second variable as the value of the

28
variable, and a fifth step in which the data acquiring and
setting unit 12 specifies the variable name or the
information that enables identification of the variable to
the variable selection unit 16, obtains, from the variable
5 selection unit 16, the value of the variable selected, and
sets the value of the variable obtained, to the computation
processing unit 11.
[0049] In this respect, the processor 91 is, for example,
a central processing unit (CPU), a processing unit, a
10 computing unit, a microprocessor, a microcomputer, a
digital signal processor (DSP), or the like. In addition,
the memory 92 is, for example, a non-volatile or volatile
semiconductor memory such as a random access memory (RAM),
a read-only memory (ROM), a flash memory, an erasable
15 programmable ROM (EPROM), or an electrically erasable
programmable ROM (EEPROM) (registered trademark); a
magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact
disc, a MiniDisc, a digital versatile disc (DVD), or the
like.
20 [0050] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of
configuration of a processing circuitry 93, which
implements the train information management device 10
according to the first embodiment, when the processing
circuitry is formed using a dedicated hardware element.
25 The processing circuitry 93 illustrated in FIG. 15 is, for
example, a single circuit, a set of multiple circuits, a
programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an
application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field
programmable gate array (FPGA), or a combination thereof.
30 The processing circuitry 93 may be implemented partially in
a dedicated hardware element and partially in software or
firmware. Thus, the processing circuitry 93 can implement
each functionality described above by a dedicated hardware

29
element, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.
[0051] The test terminal device 20 has a similar
hardware configuration. In the test terminal device 20,
the input data transmission unit 22 is an interface capable
5 of sending input data to the train information management
device 10. The operation mode instruction unit 23 is an
interface capable of notifying the train information
management device 10 of an operation mode. The test
conduction management unit 21 is implemented in a
10 processing circuitry. The processing circuitry may be a
combination of a memory storing a program and a processor
that executes the program stored in the memory, or may be a
dedicated hardware element. The processing circuitry is
also called control circuit.
15 [0052] As described above, according to the present
embodiment, the train information management device 10
allows a test to be conducted for each function under test,
that is, for each of the computation processing units 11,
without changing the configuration of software under test.
20 In addition, the train information management device 10 is
capable of returning to normal mode even when connection
between the train information management device 10 and the
test terminal device 20 is unintentionally disconnected.
The train information management device 10 is also usable
25 in a case where the operation mode needs to be returned to
normal mode, such as, for example, during a test performed
with the train information management device 10 installed
on the train 1 in a vehicle factory. Thus, the train
information management device 10 is capable of conducting a
30 desired test without changing the configuration of software
under test and without affecting the operation of the train
1.
[0053] Second Embodiment.

30
The configuration of the input data management unit 14
of the first embodiment requires the input data management
unit 14 to have a storage area having a same capacity as
the capacity of the data management unit 13. The data
5 management unit 13 stores all the variables to be processed
by the train information management device 10, whereas the
computation processing unit 11 under test uses a part of
the types of variables as the input data during a test.
That is, merely a part of the variables stored in the input
10 data management unit 14 are used in an actual test. In a
second embodiment, the input data management unit 14
accordingly has a capacity less than the capacity of the
data management unit 13 in the train information management
device 10.
15 [0054] In the second embodiment, a block diagram for
illustrating the configurations of the train information
management device 10 and of the test terminal device 20
will be similar to the block diagram of FIG. 4 illustrating
the configurations of the train information management
20 device 10 and of the test terminal device 20 of the first
embodiment. In contrast to the first embodiment, in which
a variable name is used for identification of a variable, a
tag is used instead for identification of a variable in the
second embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an
25 illustrative image of variables stored in the input data
management unit 14 of the train information management
device 10 according to the second embodiment. In the
second embodiment, the input data management unit 14 stores
the input data received from the input data transmission
30 unit 22 of the test terminal device 20 in a form of
combinations each including a tag for identifying a
variable and a value of the variable. A tag for
identifying a variable is information that enables

31
identification of a variable. Note that the input data
transmission unit 22 is configured to send combinations
each including a tag for identifying a variable and a value
of the variable as the input data to be sent to the input
5 data management unit 14. The input data management unit 14
can specify an address in the storage area of the input
data management unit 14 using the tag.
[0055] When the operation mode of the train information
management device 10 is test mode, in a process of
10 obtaining, for example, a value of the variable p2, the
variable selection unit 16 of the train information
management device 10 searches the storage area of the input
data management unit 14 using a tag associated with the
variable p2. When the searched-for tag exists in the
15 storage area of the input data management unit 14, the
variable selection unit 16 selects and obtains the value of
the variable paired with that tag from the input data
management unit 14. When the searched-for tag does not
exist in the storage area of the input data management unit
20 14, the variable selection unit 16 selects and obtains the
value of the variable paired with that tag from the data
management unit 13.
[0056] In the second embodiment, the input data
management unit 14 stores only combinations each including
25 a tag and a value of a variable, which are the input data
sent from the input data transmission unit 22 of the test
terminal device 20. The variable selection unit 16 selects
and obtains the value of the variable associated with each
tag not stored in the input data management unit 14 from
30 the data management unit 13 even when the operation mode of
the train information management device 10 is test mode.
This eliminates the need for the input data management unit
14 to copy the values of corresponding variables from the

32
data management unit 13 when the operation mode has changed
from normal mode to test mode, which is needed in the first
embodiment.
[0057] A method for identifying a variable in the second
5 embodiment will next be described. Information obtained
from monitoring of a device managed by the train
information management device 10, command information with
respect to that device, and the like are processed in a
form of variables. Monitoring information, command
10 information, and the like with respect to devices of a same
type are processed in terms of a same type of information,
i.e., a same set of variables. Thus, identification of the
type of device and then further identification of a
variable processed for that type of device enables
15 identification of the type of variable. In addition,
devices are installed on vehicles that form the train 1. A
same type of multiple devices may be installed on a single
vehicle. A device of a specific type is thus designated by
a vehicle number that identifies a vehicle and by a serial
20 number in the train 1. In view of the foregoing points in
combination, a variable to be processed in association with
the train 1 is identifiable by parameters of a type of
device, a vehicle number, a serial number in the vehicle,
and a variable type.
25 [0058] A method for converting a variable into a tag
will next be described. To convert the foregoing
parameters into a tag, an ID for use in the tag is
determined for the type of device and for the variable type
of each device. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an
30 example of relationships between types of devices and IDs
for use in the tag, where the type of device is a parameter
used in the tag processed by the train information
management device 10 according to the second embodiment.

33
FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of
relationships between variable names associated with the
propulsion control device 2 and IDs for use in the tag,
where the variable name is a parameter used in the tag
5 processed by the train information management device 10
according to the second embodiment. FIG. 19 is a diagram
illustrating an example of relationships between variable
names associated with the brake control device 4 and IDs
for use in the tag, where the variable name is a parameter
10 used in the tag processed by the train information
management device 10 according to the second embodiment.
In FIG. 17, an ID for use in the tag is defined for each
type of device. In FIG. 18, an ID for use in the tag is
defined for each variable name associated with the
15 propulsion control device 2, which is one of devices. In
FIG. 19, an ID for use in the tag is defined for each
variable name associated with the brake control device 4,
which is one of devices. As illustrated in FIG. 17, the
IDs for use in the tag differ from one another depending on
20 the type of device, thereby allowing a same ID to be used
as an ID for use in the tag associated with a variable name
for each corresponding device as illustrated in FIGS. 18
and 19.
[0059] A method of forming a tag will next be described.
25 For example, a tag can be generated from a combination of
parameters digitized with the foregoing four IDs. The
amount of information to be allocated can be varied
depending on the range of specifiable value of each
parameter. Although a tag can be given any length, a
30 specific case of 32-bit length will be described below in
view of factors such as the variables to be processed by
the train information management device 10 and process
operability.

34
[0060] For example, method #1 is a method to allocate
eight bits to each parameter. That is, eight bits are
allocated for the type of device, eight bits are allocated
for the vehicle number, eight bits are allocated for the
5 serial number in the vehicle, and eight bits are allocated
for the variable type. The tag in this case is expressed
as Equation (1).
[0061] Tag=(type of device)×224+(vehicle
number)×216+(serial number in vehicle)×28+(variable type)
10 … (1)
[0062] A configuration as expressed by Equation (1)
provides high readability by using hexadecimal notation.
Note that allocation of a same number of bits to each
parameter may result in excess and/or deficiency in the
15 value range of the parameter. For example, the value range
may be insufficient for the variable type, and the value
range may be excessive for the vehicle number.
[0063] Next, method #2 is a method to allocate the
number of bits taking into account the amount of
20 information required for each parameter. For example, six
bits are allocated for the type of device, seven bits are
allocated for the vehicle number, five bits are allocated
for the serial number in the vehicle, and 14 bits are
allocated for the variable type. The tag in this case is
25 expressed as Equation (2).
[0064] Tag=(type of device)×226+(vehicle
number)×219+(serial number in vehicle)×214+(variable type)
… (2)
[0065] Note that the foregoing allocation is by way of
30 example, and is not limited thereto. Method #2 allows
allocation of a number of bits depending on the target to
be processed.
[0066] In this respect, the variable selection unit 16

35
needs to search the information stored in the input data
management unit 14 using a tag associated with the variable
p2 when the value of the variable p2 is to be obtained in
test mode. Linear search to sequentially check all the
5 entries requires a longer search time in proportion as the
number of entries increases. As such, the variable
selection unit 16 can increase the speed of tag search by
employing, for example, a common technique called hash
search.
10 [0067] An operation of the train information management
device 10 according to the second embodiment will next be
described. Note that the operation of the test terminal
device 20 will be described in the context of use of input
data including combinations each including a tag and a
15 value of a variable of the second embodiment, different
from combinations each including a variable name and a
value of a variable of the first embodiment. The flow of
operation itself is, however, similar, and detailed
description will be omitted. FIG. 20 is a flowchart
20 illustrating an operation of the input data management unit
14 of the train information management device 10 according
to the second embodiment. FIG. 21 is a flowchart
illustrating an operation of the variable selection unit 16
of the train information management device 10 according to
25 the second embodiment. Note that the operation mode
management unit 15, the computation processing unit 11, and
the data acquiring and setting unit 12 of the train
information management device 10 operate similarly to the
operation mode management unit 15, the computation
30 processing unit 11, and the data acquiring and setting unit
12 in the first embodiment.
[0068] When the train information management device 10
is in test mode, the input data management unit 14 of the

36
train information management device 10 waits for reception
of the input data from the input data transmission unit 22
of the test terminal device 20 (step S203), and stores
values of the variables based on the input data sent from
5 the input data transmission unit 22 of the test terminal
device 20 (step S211). Specifically, the input data
management unit 14 stores the input data, i.e., the
combinations of tags and the values of the variables.
[0069] The computation processing unit 11A specifies
10 variable names to the data acquiring and setting unit 12,
and requests the values of the variables p, q, and r as the
input data (step S301).
[0070] The data acquiring and setting unit 12 specifies
variable names to the variable selection unit 16, and
15 requests the values of the variables p, q, and r (step
S401).
[0071] When the variable names are specified and the
values of the variables p, q, and r are requested from the
data acquiring and setting unit 12, the variable selection
20 unit 16 refers to the operation mode of the train
information management device 10 managed by the operation
mode management unit 15 (step S501). When the train
information management device 10 is in test mode (step
S502: Yes), the variable selection unit 16 searches the
25 input data management unit 14 to check whether the tags
associated with the respective variables exist (step S511).
When the tags associated with the respective variables
exist in the input data management unit 14 (step S511: Yes),
the variable selection unit 16 selects the values of the
30 variables p2, q2, and r2 stored in the input data
management unit 14 as the values of the variables p, q, and
r (step S503). When the tags associated with the
respective variables do not exist in the input data

37
management unit 14 (step S511: No), or when the train
information management device 10 is in normal mode, the
variable selection unit 16 selects the values of the
variables p, q, and r stored in the data management unit 13
5 as the values of the variables p, q, and r (step S504).
[0072] The operations of the train information
management device 10 and of the test terminal device 20
thereafter are similar to the corresponding operations in
the first embodiment.
10 [0073] As described above, in the second embodiment, the
data management unit 13 stores a first combination
including information that enables identification of a
variable and a value of a first variable, where the
information that enables identification of a variable is a
15 tag for identifying a variable, and the value of the first
variable is the value of the variable. The input data
management unit 14 stores only a second combination
obtained from the test terminal device 20 and including
information that enables identification of a variable and a
20 value of a second variable, which is the value of the
variable. The data acquiring and setting unit 12 specifies
information that enables identification of a variable to
the variable selection unit 16, obtains, from the variable
selection unit 16, a value of the variable selected, and
25 sets the value of the variable obtained, to the computation
processing unit 11. When the operation mode is test mode,
the variable selection unit 16 conducts a search to check
whether the input data management unit 14 stores the second
combination corresponding to the information that enables
30 identification of a variable, specified by the data
acquiring and setting unit 12. The variable selection unit
16 selects the value of the second variable from the input
data management unit 14 when that second combination is

38
stored, and selects, from the data management unit 13, the
value of the first variable associated with the information
that enables identification of a variable, specified by the
data acquiring and setting unit 12 when that second
5 combination is not stored.
[0074] Note that, in the test terminal device 20, the
test conduction management unit 21 stores the second
combination including information that enables
identification of a variable and a value of the second
10 variable, where the value of the second variable is a value
of the variable for use in computation processing performed
in a test of the train information management device 10,
and the test conduction management unit 21 controls the
test of the train information management device 10.
15 [0075] As described above, according to the present
embodiment, the input data management unit 14 in the train
information management device 10 forms a tag taking into
account the train-specific data structure, and manages only
the combinations each including a tag and a value of a
20 variable, where the tag is associated with a variable name
of the variable to be included in the input data to the
computation processing unit 11 under test. This enables
the train information management device 10 to manage the
input data for use in a test, using a memory having a
25 smaller capacity, and to perform higher-speed access than
when the input data management unit 14 manages the entire
data.
[0076] Third Embodiment.
In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the
30 train information management device 10 and the test
terminal device 20 are connected to each other by the
intra-train network 30 and by the test communication line
40. A third embodiment will be described with respect to a

39
configuration in which the test communication line 40 has
been removed from the train information management device
testing system 50.
[0077] FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example
5 configuration of a train information management device
testing system 50a according to the third embodiment. The
train information management device testing system 50a
includes the train information management device 10, the
test terminal device 20, and the intra-train network 30.
10 In the third embodiment, the train information management
device 10 and the test terminal device 20 are configured
similarly to the train information management device 10 and
the test terminal device 20 in the first embodiment except
that, in the third embodiment, the input data transmission
15 unit 22 of the test terminal device 20 and the input data
management unit 14 of the train information management
device 10 communicate with each other, and the operation
mode instruction unit 23 of the test terminal device 20 and
the operation mode management unit 15 of the train
20 information management device 10 communicate with each
other, via the intra-train network 30.
[0078] This eliminates the need for the train
information management device testing system 50a to
individually provide the test communication line 40,
25 thereby allowing reduction in the number of network
interfaces on the train information management device 10
and on the test terminal device 20 from two to one. The
train information management device testing system 50a can
thereby be configured more simply than the train
30 information management device testing system 50 of the
first embodiment and of the second embodiment.
[0079] Fourth Embodiment.
In the first through third embodiments, the test

40
terminal device 20 notifies the train information
management device 10 of the operation mode. A fourth
embodiment will be described with respect to a case in
which the train information management device 10 is
5 notified of the operation mode from outside the train
information management device 10 and outside the test
terminal device.
[0080] FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example
configuration of a train information management device
10 testing system 50b according to the fourth embodiment. The
train information management device testing system 50b
includes the train information management device 10, a test
terminal device 20b, a terminal device 25, the intra-train
network 30, and the test communication line 40. FIG. 24 is
15 a block diagram illustrating example configurations of the
train information management device 10, the test terminal
device 20b, and the terminal device 25 according to the
fourth embodiment. The train information management device
10 is similar to the train information management device 10
20 of the first through third embodiments. The terminal
device 25 includes the operation mode instruction unit 23.
The test terminal device 20b is configured such that the
operation mode instruction unit 23 has been removed from
the test terminal device 20 illustrated in FIG. 4. The
25 test terminal device 20b, which conducts a test of the
train information management device 10, includes the test
conduction management unit 21. The test conduction
management unit 21 stores second combinations, each
including a variable name or information that enables
30 identification of a variable, and a value of a second
variable, which is a value of the variable for use in
computation processing to be performed when the train
information management device 10 is tested. The test

41
conduction management unit 21 thus controls the test of the
train information management device 10. The test terminal
device 20b also includes the input data transmission unit
22 for sending the second combinations to the train
5 information management device 10.
[0081] In the fourth embodiment, the operation mode
instruction unit 23 of the terminal device 25 sends a
notification of test mode to the train information
management device 10. Thus, the terminal device 25 sends,
10 to the train information management device 10, a
notification of test mode indicating that a test is being
conducted. As described above, the train information
management device 10 returns to normal mode when at least
the time period T2 has elapsed since a notification of test
15 mode has no longer been received. This eliminates the need
for the operation mode instruction unit 23 of the terminal
device 25 to send a notification of normal mode when the
train information management device 10 is not tested.
[0082] In the first embodiment, the test conduction
20 management unit 21 of the test terminal device 20 receives
an instruction to start a test of the train information
management device 10 from a maintenance person or the like
of the railroad company that operates the train 1. In the
fourth embodiment, the test conduction management unit 21
25 of the test terminal device 20b receives an instruction to
start a test of the train information management device 10
through an instruction from the operation mode instruction
unit 23 of the terminal device 25. In the fourth
embodiment, for example, a maintenance person or the like
30 of the railroad company that operates the train 1 operates
the terminal device 25. This enables the train information
management device testing system 50b to operate similarly
to the train information management device testing system

42
50 of the first embodiment and the like.
[0083] In the fourth embodiment, the terminal device 25
capable of sending a notification of the operation mode
sends a notification of test mode with a predetermined
5 period, and when the operation mode management unit 15
receives the notification of test mode, the operation mode
management unit 15 maintains the operation mode of the
train information management device 10 at test mode for a
predetermined time longer than one period of the
10 predetermined period.
[0084] Note that during running of the train 1 and/or
during operation of the train 1, the train information
management device 10 may ignore a notification of test mode
from the terminal device 25. This can prevent the train
15 information management device 10 from unexpectedly turning
into test mode.
[0085] A hardware configuration of the test terminal
device 20b will next be described. In the test terminal
device 20b, the input data transmission unit 22 is an
20 interface capable of sending input data to the train
information management device 10. The test conduction
management unit 21 is implemented in a processing circuitry.
The processing circuitry may be a combination of a memory
storing a program and a processor that executes the program
25 stored in the memory, or may be a dedicated hardware
element. The processing circuitry is also called control
circuit. A hardware configuration of the terminal device
25 will next be described. In the terminal device 25, the
operation mode instruction unit 23 is an interface capable
30 of notifying the train information management device 10 of
the operation mode.
[0086] As described above, according to the present
embodiment, the terminal device 25 including the operation

43
mode instruction unit 23 notifies the train information
management device 10 and the test terminal device 20b that
the operation mode is test mode. Such operation can also
provide an advantage similar to the advantages such as the
5 advantage of the first embodiment.
[0087] The configurations described in the foregoing
embodiments are merely examples. These configurations may
be combined with another known technology, and
configurations of different embodiments may be combined
10 together. Moreover, part of such configurations may be
omitted and/or modified without departing from the spirit
thereof.
Reference Signs List
15 [0088] 1 train; 2 propulsion control device; 3 door
control device; 4 brake control device; 10 train
information management device; 11, 11A, 11B, 11C, 11D
computation processing unit; 12 data acquiring and setting
unit; 13 data management unit; 14 input data management
20 unit; 15 operation mode management unit; 16 variable
selection unit; 20, 20b test terminal device; 21 test
conduction management unit; 22 input data transmission
unit; 23 operation mode instruction unit; 25 terminal
device; 30 intra-train network; 40 test communication
25 line; 50, 50a, 50b train information management device
testing system.

We Claim:
[Claim 1] A train information management device that
undergoes a test conducted by a test terminal device, the
5 train information management device comprising:
at least one computation processing unit to perform
computation processing using a value of a variable;
a data management unit to store a first combination,
the first combination including a variable name or
10 information that enables identification of a variable and a
value of a first variable, the value of the first variable
being the value of the variable;
an input data management unit to store a second
combination, the second combination being obtained from the
15 test terminal device and including the variable name or the
information that enables identification of the variable and
a value of a second variable, the value of the second
variable being the value of the variable;
an operation mode management unit to manage an
20 operation mode of the train information management device;
a variable selection unit to select, based on the
operation mode, either the value of the first variable or
the value of the second variable as the value of the
variable; and
25 a data acquiring and setting unit to specify the
variable name or the information that enables
identification of the variable to the variable selection
unit, to obtain, from the variable selection unit, the
value of the variable selected, and to set the value of the
30 variable obtained, to the computation processing unit.
[Claim 2] The train information management device according
to claim 1, wherein

45
the operation mode management unit receives a
notification of a test mode or a notification of a normal
mode as a notification of the operation mode of the train
information management device, the test mode being an
5 operation mode when the test is conducted, the normal mode
being an operation mode when the test is not conducted, and
the variable selection unit selects the value of the
first variable stored in the data management unit as the
value of the variable when the train information management
10 device is in the normal mode, and selects the value of the
second variable stored in the input data management unit as
the value of the variable when the train information
management device is in the test mode.
15 [Claim 3] The train information management device according
to claim 2, wherein
either the test terminal device or a terminal device
capable of sending a notification of the operation mode
sends the notification of the test mode with a
20 predetermined period, and
when the operation mode management unit receives the
notification of the test mode, the operation mode
management unit maintains the operation mode of the train
information management device at the test mode for a
25 predetermined time longer than one period of the
predetermined period.
[Claim 4] The train information management device according
to claim 2 or 3, wherein
30 when the operation mode has changed from the normal
mode to the test mode, a combination of the variable name
and a value of the variable other than the second
combination obtained from the test terminal device is

46
obtained and stored in such a manner that the input data
management unit obtains the first combination from the data
management unit and stores the first combination, and
when the operation mode is the test mode, the variable
5 selection unit selects either the value of the second
variable stored in the input data management unit or the
value of the first variable.
[Claim 5] The train information management device according
10 to claim 2 or 3, wherein
the input data management unit stores only the second
combination, obtained from the test terminal device and
including the information that enables identification of
the variable and the value of the second variable, and
15 when the operation mode is the test mode, the variable
selection unit conducts a search to check whether the input
data management unit stores the second combination
corresponding to the information that enables
identification of the variable, specified by the data
20 acquiring and setting unit, and the variable selection unit
selects the value of the second variable from the input
data management unit when the second combination is stored,
and selects, from the data management unit, the value of
the first variable associated with the information that
25 enables identification of the variable specified when the
second combination is not stored.
[Claim 6] The train information management device according
to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein
30 when the computation processing unit performs
computation processing using the value of the second
variable as the value of the variable, the computation
processing unit sets a result of the computation processing

47
to a variable from which the test terminal device can
obtain information of a value.
[Claim 7] A test terminal device for conducting a test of a
5 train information management device, the test terminal
device comprising:
a test conduction management unit to store a second
combination to control the test of the train information
management device, the second combination including a
10 variable name or information that enables identification of
a variable and a value of a second variable, the value of
the second variable being a value of a variable for use in
computation processing performed in the test of the train
information management device;
15 an input data transmission unit to send the second
combination to the train information management device; and
an operation mode instruction unit to provide the
train information management device with a notification of
a test mode indicating that a test is being conducted, the
20 notification to be provided when the test conduction
management unit tests the train information management
device.
[Claim 8] A train information management device testing
25 system comprising:
the train information management device according to
any one of claims 1 to 6; and
the test terminal device according to claim 7.
30 [Claim 9] A train information management device testing
system comprising:
the train information management device according to
any one of claims 1 to 6;

48
the test terminal device for conducting a test of a
train information management device, the test terminal
device including a test conduction management unit to store
a second combination to control the test of the train
5 information management device, and an input data
transmission unit to send the second combination to the
train information management device, the second combination
including a variable name or information that enables
identification of a variable and a value of a second
10 variable, the value of the second variable being a value of
a variable for use in computation processing performed in
the test of the train information management device; and
a terminal device to provide the train information
management device with a notification of a test mode
15 indicating that a test is being conducted.
[Claim 10] A test method for a train information
management device that undergoes a test conducted by a test
terminal device, the test method comprising:
20 a first step of storing a first combination by a data
management unit, the first combination including a variable
name or information that enables identification of a
variable and a value of a first variable, the value of the
first variable being a value of a variable;
25 a second step of storing a second combination by an
input data management unit, the second combination being
obtained from the test terminal device and including the
variable name or the information that enables
identification of the variable and a value of a second
30 variable, the value of the second variable being the value
of the variable;
a third step of managing an operation mode of the
train information management device by an operation mode

49
management unit;
a fourth step of selecting by a variable selection
unit, based on the operation mode, either the value of the
first variable or the value of the second variable as the
5 value of the variable;
a fifth step of specifying the variable name or the
information that enables identification of the variable to
the variable selection unit, obtaining, from the variable
selection unit, the value of the variable selected, and
10 setting the value of the variable obtained, to a
computation processing unit, by a data acquiring and
setting unit; and
a sixth step of performing computation processing
using the value of the variable by at least one computation
15 processing unit.
[Claim 11] The test method according to claim 10,
wherein
in the third step, the operation mode management unit
20 receives a notification of a test mode or a notification of
a normal mode as a notification of the operation mode of
the train information management device, the test mode
being an operation mode when the test is conducted, the
normal mode being an operation mode when the test is not
25 conducted, and
in the fourth step, the variable selection unit
selects the value of the first variable stored in the data
management unit as the value of the variable when the train
information management device is in the normal mode, and
30 selects the value of the second variable stored in the
input data management unit as the value of the variable
when the train information management device is in the test
mode.

50
[Claim 12] The test method according to claim 11,
wherein
either the test terminal device or a terminal device
5 capable of sending a notification of the operation mode
sends the notification of the test mode with a
predetermined period, and
in the third step, when the operation mode management
unit receives the notification of the test mode, the
10 operation mode management unit maintains the operation mode
of the train information management device at the test mode
for a predetermined time longer than one period of the
predetermined period.
15 [Claim 13] The test method according to claim 11 or 12,
wherein
in the second step, when the operation mode has
changed from the normal mode to the test mode, a
combination of the variable name and a value of the
20 variable other than the second combination obtained from
the test terminal device is obtained and stored in such a
manner that the input data management unit obtains the
first combination from the data management unit and stores
the first combination, and
25 in the fourth step, when the operation mode is the
test mode, the variable selection unit selects either the
value of the second variable stored in the input data
management unit or the value of the first variable.
30 [Claim 14] The test method according to claim 11 or 12,
wherein
in the second step, the input data management unit
stores only the second combination, obtained from the test

51
terminal device and including the information that enables
identification of the variable and the value of the second
variable, and
in the fourth step, when the operation mode is the
5 test mode, the variable selection unit conducts a search to
check whether the input data management unit stores the
second combination corresponding to the information that
enables identification of the variable, specified by the
data acquiring and setting unit, and the variable selection
10 unit selects the value of the second variable from the
input data management unit when the second combination is
stored, and selects, from the data management unit, the
value of the first variable associated with the information
that enables identification of the variable specified when
15 the second combination is not stored.
[Claim 15] The test method according to any one of
claims 10 to 14, wherein
in the sixth step, when the computation processing
20 unit performs computation processing using the value of the
second variable as the value of the variable, the
computation processing unit sets a result of the
computation processing to a variable from which the test
terminal device can obtain information of a value.