The TIMSTAR system is built around the following components:

» TIS (Train Information Server)

» SMS (System Messaging Server)

» WNG (Wireless Network Gateway)

» TIMSTAR Console Software (Client Software)

Train Information Server

The Train Information Server (TIS) is the nucleus of the TIMSTAR fixed base system. It has a communications interface to: (1) the Wireless Network Gateway (WNG) for receiving train location packets and sending wireless messages to trains; (2) The customer's existing local/wide-area network (LAN/WAN) for viewing train location; (3) the System Messaging Server (SMS) for sending public announcements to the customer station platforms through the Customer's network or for initiating on-train announcements via the WNG.

The TIS software provides the Customer Operations personnel with train location, performance monitoring and information reporting/archiving using GPS location information received from the on-train equipment. This software may be configured to generate “events” based on pre-defined criteria, such as trains arriving and/or departing stations, passing specific locations, operating behind schedule, etc. This information can then be delivered over the network to client applications or used to initiate specific actions, such as generating an automated arrival or delay announcement on-board a train or at a train station regarding a specific train operating on the customer's corridor. Event criteria are fully customizable to meet the customer's needs. GeoFocus technical staff can provide the required Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) and Geographical Information System (GIS) expertise to achieve timely and accurate delivery of automated messages. These include safety and security announcements, train delays and special customer-defined announcements through the System Messaging Server.

System Messaging Server

Any message event, as determined by the TIS computer, will be handled by the GeoFocus System Messaging Server (SMS). The SMS software provides an interface to the station platform public announcement and variable message sign equipment via the GeoFocus Platform Display System (PDS). On-train announcements and messages may also be initiated and communicated from the SMS via the Wireless Network Gateway (WNG).

This system is fully automatic and initiates messages based on train location or triggered events. However the SMS is also designed to allow operators, with proper authorization, to send manual or emergency messaging to any/all station platforms or trains from any computer on the network running the TIMSTAR console application software.

The system provides an easy-to-use graphical user interface. It allows operators to select from a set of canned messages accessed from a drop-down menu. Messages are created from live voice talent and may be recorded in multiple languages with male or female voices. Visual messages are synchronized with audio messages for full ADA compliance. Messages are fully customizable and are mutually determined with the customer during the initial design phase.

Wireless Network Gateway

The Wireless Network Gateway (WNG) serves as the intermediary between wireless communications providers and the Train Information Management System.

The WNG has a modular architecture that allows multiple wireless providers to be supported concurrently.

The WNG manages the TCP/IP connections between the Train Information Management System and train borne equipment. As packets arrive at the Train Information Management System from train borne equipment via a wireless provider, the WNG translates the packets from various formats specific to each wireless provider into XML packets that are forwarded to other components of the Train Information Management System.

Similarly, for outgoing packets, the WNG translates XML packets that originate from other components of the Train Information Management System to the various formats specific to each wireless provider and forwards them to their intended destinations.

The WNG maintains collections of entities with which it is communicating and monitors the status of each entity.

TIMSTAR™ Console Software

The TIMSTAR Console Software shares information located on the Train Information Server (TIS) to provide users easy access to all the information required to monitor trains, movement progress, arrival times, and passenger message information. This information is constantly being updated by the system so the Console operator is able to see near real-time train information. The Console is a “client” of the “server”. Many clients can be attached to the server at any given time. The result is that many Console operators can view the same information at the same time.

The PC-based TIMSTAR Console acts as a container to hold the various modules used by the program. These modules are designed to enable the user to view and, in some cases, change train or passenger message information. Since all of the modules are visible to the Console, the user simply clicks on a module shortcut icon to change the information being viewed.

The following figures provide examples of screen displays and corresponding information available from the various TIMSTAR console modules.

» Trains Module

» Reports Module

» Announcement Module

» Train Schedule Module

» Administration Module

» Bus Schedule Module

Trains Module

The Trains Module provides real-time representation of a customer's corridors and trains within those corridors. Included is a highly intuitive graphic display monitor, which continuously updates the following text information:

• Station crossing and names
• A train's relative position with respect to stations, crossings sidings and signals
• Train numbers and GeoFocus equipment numbers
• At-A-Glance overview of each corridor including stations and trains
• Traditional Railroad Block diagram format
• Optional area GIS maps, sidings and speed restricted sections of tracks
• All corridors and the trains within each corridor
• Connection status of wireless network between system and each train

The Tabular Display monitors each train in the corridor updating and displaying:

• Corridor name
• Train number
• Unique GeoFocus equipment number
• GPS generated mile marker locations of individual trains
• Speed of each train and its operational status
• Next station for each train
• Estimated Time of Arrival at the next station
• Status if late trains and delay times

Reports Module

The Reports Module gives customers the ability to generate reports for analysis, performance monitoring and fathering of historical archival information including:

• Graphical reports – Stringline displays of incremental (station to station) and overall (origin to destination) on-time performance
  
  
• Tabular reports – Textual arrival and departure reports used to determine which trains are usually late or how much time a train spends at a given station.
  
  
• Custom reports may be created to increase the customer's ability to query database based on their specific requirements.

Announcement Module

This module provides the ability to send messages to trains or stations and administer audio and textual information used to generate those messages. The Station/On Train Announcement module allows the system to:

• Send messages to train or station Public Address (PA) Systems
• Enables user to send their own customized messages
• Determines which messages are sent and which trains or stations will receive them
• Determine when and how often to generate messages
• Provide multiple language capability
• Allow independence of the messaging equipment located on the trains

Train Schedule Module

The Train Schedule Module provides the users with information about train arrival times on a per train and station-by-station basis. It also includes a fare calculator of specific train fares between two sleeted stations. The module allows for:

• Schedule and fare management
• Normal and special (weekend, holiday, evening) trains and schedules
• Single one-way, round trip and multi-trip fares
• Reduced fares for seniors, disabled, students, military, families or special groups

Administration Module

This is used to modify console users, user groups and functional access privileges to the GeoFocus system. This module allows users to:

• Access security via user name and password
• Obtain additional security via login restricted to specific workstation network addresses
• Define a unique number for each modified train
• Enable or disable wireless communication with each train
• Display active users and network addresses of where connected

Bus Schedule Module

A Bus Schedule Module may also be included to provide the user with information on connecting or shuttle bus service. Example of information the bus schedule module could include are:

• Bus service schedules for each connecting bus or transit system route
• Ability to update schedule tables
• Detailed route diagrams that show major intersections and stops along the routes
• Easy for Customer Service Agents to switch between bus and train schedules