The project included a fully redundant central computer system integrated in a control cabinet, two operator workplaces each with two monitors and also an additional operator work place for the input and handling of timetable data. In total 20 LCD displays model type 5, 12 LCD displays model type 4, an information board model type 7, 16 train stop sensors, 4 free standing upright display pillars with 40 inch TFT monitors showing departure and arrival information, 31 advance signage TFT monitors and 2 TFT monitors in the Travel Centers at Ostbahnhof station were included in the delivery package.
For the first time high definition monitors are being used for customer information at the train station. The more brilliant colours available with this technology can be particularly appreciated if graphics, symbols or very small fonts are displayed.
The CIS system installed at these three stations also include an integrated automatic announcement system provided by our affiliated company Hörmann Funkwerk Kölleda. Time critical announcements such as train approach, readiness of trains, address of welcome and connections are made in both German and English from the announcements units.
In addition the system has an interface to the information system of German Railways. Information from the train describers regarding train positions together with the stored timetable data enable the system to set the display units and trigger passenger information announcements at the precisely correct time.
Furthermore new software components are being used for the first time by German Railways. These software components were necessary due to new requirements outlined in the current guidelines published by German Railways.
There are several different important aspects addressed in the newly developed software tools. One aspect being the modification of the CIS software to meet the standards outlined in the new DB Procedure Guidelines RIL 508. Another important aspect is redundancy regarding data storage and lastly the high availability of the system achieved through the use of a LINUX operating (SUSE Linux Enterprise 11) and the most up-to-date operating system components.
Within the framework of this new software development the timetable subsystem CAIMAN was implemented. CAIMAN provides an extremely user friendly person/machine interface for the input and administration of timetable data. With the aid of this interface it is possible to reduce the time required for timetable data administration by up to 65%. Further highlights of the new CIS software Release-2 are the energy saving switching off of display backlighting when the display is not in use, the automatic calculation of the route in order to display stops on different display models and the use of standardised station names using the DB Standards (DS100-Codes).
In a joint effort between Funkwerk ITK and the customer further functionalities were developed and tailored to the customers needs before integrating them in the system. An example of this being the more efficient and user friendly manner in dealing with specific situations found in the regional segment.
