FR2698473A1 - Display of data relative to network of complex topology - using transparent plastic sheet with normal network marked on it and covering face of CRT display that carries supplementary information - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves a first phase for displaying a series of data with the aid of the first screen while the network presents a first function mode. In the second phase, the second series of data is displayed by either superposition or substitution with the first series. If there is information to be superposed on the diagram it is generated as a video display and appears on the cathode ray tube. The information may be text or graphic information that supplements or alters the diagram marked on the plastic sheet. The video data is transmitted on a computer network, using, for example, the X.25 protocol. USE/ADVANTAGE - In information displays for rail or other network. Allows complex visual display to be widely distributed without overloading communication network.

Description

 The invention relates to a method for displaying data relating to a complex topology network.

 The invention also relates to a device for implementing the method.

 In the context of the present invention, data is understood to mean all types of information: text or graphics.

 The invention applies in particular, although not exclusively, to a metro-type network of a large city and more particularly it relates to a method making it possible to inform users of malfunctions relating to at least part of this network.

 It can apply just as much to other types of networks and for example to a road network inside a city. However, to illustrate the invention, the following is considered the case of a metro-type network.

 Malfunctions are understood to mean, for example, train delays, incidents or accidents, the decommissioning of a station or a section of line.

 This information, according to the invention, will be displayed by one or more video screens or the like, appropriately located inside and / or at the entrance to the stations.

 To illustrate the method of the invention, we will consider that a disturbance occurs on any section of the network connecting two stations. The information must generally be communicated to all the points of the network, because it can interest all users.

To solve this problem, it is possible to use a system displaying, on a panel or on a television, information produced from a central point and broadcast by a telecommunications network. This network can be X25 standard. The Applicant has developed such an alphanumeric display system for the Paths of
Fer Français (SNCF), covering part of the northern network.

However, the textual information does not allow the user to immediately enter:
a) the consequences for him of an announced disturbance: for example an interruption of traffic between two specific stations of the network;
b) the alternative solutions available to him.

The network map, for example the metro map of a big city like Paris, is familiar to the majority of users. A graphic representation of the sections of the network affected by the incident allows at a glance:
a) to note, for a particular user, whether he is affected or not;
b) to find alternative solutions to his normal journey, for example making a change at one station rather than another.

 The proposed system would therefore consist, taking advantage of its findings, to include, for example, with an appropriate graphic, the sections out of service on the general plan of the entire network, in this specific case.

The graphical representation of the network and its possible dysfunctions could be:
- supplemented by one or more lines of classic textual information which would be displayed at the same time as the graphics or alternatively with the graphics (cyclic scrolling for example);
- replaced by textual information when this is preferable to graphic presentation (general malfunction of the network for example).

 However, if this display method seems very attractive and suitable for the envisaged application, there are a certain number of technical problems which the methods and devices of the known art do not make it possible to resolve or at least in an unsatisfactory manner. .

In fact, within the framework of the invention and in particular of the preferred applications envisaged, it is necessary simultaneously:
- remotely control the display at all points on the network: solutions exist for alphanumeric information, as mentioned;
- the representation on a screen of a graphic corresponding, for example, to a dysfunctional section: this representation implies that one is able to represent on the video screen the entire network plan with, in juxtaposition, the graphic corresponding to the incident;
- and the alternative passage from the graphic system to textual information or complementary to the graphic representation by textual overlay.

 However, the representation of the entire plan on a video screen or the like comes up against, with the techniques currently known, a certain number of difficulties which will be explained in the following.

 Representing network lines and stations using a coding system allowing display by remote computer control is within the realm of possible using known digital compression techniques.

We can cite as an example the norms or standards DRCS, TVR of France Telecom (Minitel Photo) or
JPEG.

 Representing the name of the stations, and more generally proceeding to text type displays, is also possible with or without the use of compression techniques. The DRCS standard can also be used if an X25 transmission network is used.

 On the other hand, it is very difficult if not impossible to display these two types of information simultaneously and correctly.

 Known image and text compression algorithms are incompatible. The fusion of the two types of information in an image generally leads to illegible texts.

 In addition, the applications targeted by the invention relate to networks with complex topology. The density of network graphics will lead to additional difficulties: it will not be possible, for example, to represent stations and / or line sections with correct colors.

 One might think that these difficulties could probably be solved by using terminals of the high definition type. However, this solution is, first of all, very expensive. On the other hand, it involves high speed transmissions which require a suitable and also expensive superstructure. Furthermore, the necessary remote transfer algorithms are not currently available in the current state of the art.

 The invention aims to overcome the difficulties of known art which have just been mentioned.

The method for displaying data relating to a network with a complex topology according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises:
a first phase consisting in the display of at least said first series of data using first display means when said network has a first operating mode; and
- a second phase consisting, as desired, of at least one of the following operations, when the network has a second operating mode:
a) display, by superimposition on said first series of data, of data belonging to said second series of data using second display means;
b) display, by substitution of said first series, of data belonging to said second series of data using second display means.

 The invention also relates to a device for implementing the method according to the invention.

 The method of the invention therefore has the advantage of allowing display of good quality graphics without requiring the use of high definition terminals. The method makes it possible in particular to use television sets of standard type. I1 allows, without difficulty, to pass from a first mode indicative of correct operation of the network to a second mode during which network malfunctions are brought to the attention of users. The display during the first mode essentially consists of a permanent or semi-permanent graphic display on which text type data can be superimposed. The display during the second mode can consist of graphic elements and / or text-type data which are superimposed on the permanent or semi-permanent graphic display or replace it. messages.

The invention will be better understood and other characteristics and advantages will appear on reading the following description and the appended figures, among which:
- Figure 1 schematically illustrates a data display device according to a first embodiment according to the invention;
- Figures 2 to 5 illustrate various modes of operation of the device of Figure 1 among those possible;
- Figure 6 schematically illustrates a data display device according to a second embodiment according to the invention;
- Figure 7 schematically illustrates the architecture of an example transmission network for the implementation of the display method according to the invention;
We will first describe the important points of the method for displaying data relating to a network with a complex topology, according to the invention. We will take as a non-limiting example the case of a metro network.

 According to an essential characteristic of the method according to the invention, the display medium of the network plan is dissociated from the display of other data.

 In the context of the present invention, the term "support" is to be understood in its widest sense.

 According to a preferred embodiment of the device implementing the method of the invention which will be described in the following, the support consists of a hardware support representing the network plan, but this is not the only embodiment possible.

 The support is mainly intended for the display of the graphic part (plan and other drawings for example) of the data. If it is a physical medium, the content of the graphics is permanent. We will call it in the following, to simplify, image of the general plan. This image can take various forms.

It can be in particular in color or monochrome, the first representation being generally preferable for a better perception: in the main applications of the method according to the invention, the users are accustomed to a type of representation.

 The other data, essentially of text type, are displayed by video or the like.

The process according to the invention therefore breaks down as follows:
A. The image of the general plan can be "activated" or "deactivated", in the latter case to make room for purely textual information.

 B. On the image of the general plan, when activated, the image of part of the plan can be juxtaposed, by superimposition: for example the image of a section of the network affected by an incident (stop , malfunction, delay, etc.).

 C. The graphical representation of an incident can be supplemented or replaced by a text display.

D. In a preferred variant of the invention, all of the procedures (A.) to (C.) can be controlled remotely by an operator having a very simple command language. The orders thus generated can be conveyed by any telecommunication medium and preferably, by the public telephone network, using, for example, the communication standard
X25, a widely used standard which has proven itself in many applications.

 Naturally, other telecommunication supports can be used. In particular, dedicated private networks can be used.

 In all cases, the method of the invention has the advantage of not requiring a significant transmission rate due to the decoupling between the display means of the graphics and the other display means: only data, essentially of text type, require effective transmission. To this data transmission is added the transmission of the instructions necessary for operation, according to various modes of the display devices. However, these transmissions require only a very weak data flow.

 We will now describe a preferred embodiment of a device for implementing the method according to the invention, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5.

 FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a terminal for displaying data relating to a network of complex topology, for example relating to the metro network of a large city.

 I1 comprises a video monitor 1 which can advantageously be constituted by a conventional television set. Screen 10 is shown. The usual commands (brightness, contrast, etc.). and the power supply were not shown. They are common to known art and it is not necessary to describe them further. The connections between this terminal and a command post, generally centralized, have also not been shown. This aspect will be explained later, in particular in relation to FIG. 7.

 According to an important aspect of the invention, a support of the transparent film (or sheet) 2 type is arranged on the front face of the terminal 1. More specifically, this support covers, as the dotted arrows suggest, the whole of the screen 10, that is to say the front face of the cathode ray tube in the example described.

 On the support 2, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the image 20 of the general plan was printed and more generally all the graphics requiring high definition. Of course, the term "printed" should be understood here in its widest sense. Any known transfer technique can be used.

 As illustrated in FIG. 3, in operating mode of the network which will be called in the following "normal", the terminal receives empty control signals such that the cathode ray tube 10 displays a substantially uniform image and generally of white hue. : high gloss. It follows that the patterns 20 (image of the general plan) stand out well because they are "lit" by transparency.

 It is also possible, as suggested in FIG. 2, to superimpose some data of the text type 11. It suffices to compose at the central control station a message intended to be transmitted to the terminal and displayed at a determined location on the video screen. These techniques are well known per se.

 The whole therefore constitutes a composite image, graphic plus text. In this mode, the cathode ray tube essentially serves as a light source. If necessary, the white shade can be replaced by another clear shade, for example to save the phosphors of the cathode ray tube.

 In a second mode, which will be called disturbed, messages can be superimposed in the same way as the display of text type data 11. FIG. 4 shows the display of a particular message 12: "STOP".

 In addition, the disturbed section, in the example of FIG. 4, can be highlighted by the display in superposition of a graphic element 13 doubling the corresponding graphics written on the support 2.

 It should be understood that this display, even if it is of the graphic type, does not, however, require transmission of data at high speed. On the one hand, it is only a small part of the graphics representing the image of the general plan and, on the other hand, the resolution required is not very important.

 Indeed, if the image representing the general plan must be very clear, the image of the section 13 superimposed is not subject to this requirement. It just needs attention. A low definition in the graphics of element 13 is therefore generally sufficient.

 It is naturally possible to associate with this element of graphics 13 attributes such as color, flashing, etc. The thickness of the lines constituting the graphics 13 may in particular be greater than that of the corresponding graphics inscribed on the support 2. A color not used elsewhere can be selected to attract the attention of the user.

 FIG. 5 illustrates another possibility offered by the method of the invention. In certain circumstances, for example in the event of a complete stop of a network line as suggested in this figure, a message 14 can replace the display of the image of the general plan. To do this, according to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, control signals are transmitted to the terminal such that the screen becomes black or at least dark. Under these conditions, the image of the general plan is no longer or barely visible to observers placed at a reasonable distance from the screen 10: typically more than one meter. If, on the other hand, a message 14 consisting of clear letters on a dark background is displayed on the screen 10, that is to say according to the reverse video technique, only this message is visible to observers. One can, for example, display letters of yellow color to DRCS standards on a black background. This combination of colors makes the display particularly readable. It is assumed that the lines making up the graphics 20 carried by the support 2 are thin enough for them to remain substantially invisible under the aforementioned conditions.

 Naturally, other combinations are possible. It is also possible to write text data on the medium 2 if they are permanent.

This could be the case of data item 11 in FIG. 3 and more generally of the names associated with the stations in the case of a metropolitan network.

 The Applicant has experimented with the method using as support 2, a sheet of plastic material intended for overhead projectors, arranged by simple electrostatic adhesion on the surface of the screen 10. In an industrial embodiment, the plastic sheet will naturally naturally be more great thickness.

 Advantageously, it can also serve as mechanical protection for the screen.

 Although this parameter is not critical, the thickness of the sheet is chosen from a range typically ranging from a few tenths of a millimeter to a few millimeters. Different materials based on hard plastic can be chosen and, for example, without being limiting, a plastic material based on lexan. The choice is within the reach of those skilled in the art, it being understood that it must be worn on a material having good stability over time as regards its optical qualities (transparency in particular).

 For the choice of the terminal, according to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, it is not necessary to use a high definition monitor.

We can be satisfied with a standard television set or, more generally, use video terminals used for other purposes, if they already exist. Only a few minor modifications are to be considered: in particular the installation of transparent supports. Any conventional means (not shown) can be used to fix these supports on the front face of televisions or video monitors. They only have to ensure permanent and precise fixing of the support 2 relative to the screen 10 for the reasons which will be explained later.

 In an alternative embodiment not shown, removable fixing means (screws, clips, etc.) will allow the support to be changed at will. It may be for maintenance reasons or to modify the content of the graphics written on the support.

 FIG. 6 illustrates a second embodiment of the device according to the invention. According to this embodiment, a specific cathode ray tube 3 is used in the sense that it includes a transparent window 30 on its rear glass wall.

 Projection means 4 controlled by signals conveyed by a control bus 40 allow the projection on the front face (not shown) of the tube 3, via this window 30, of a particular image, for example a plan of the network as in the first embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 5, the image of the general plan.

 The electrical connections 31 controlling the cathode ray tube 3 are shown diagrammatically. As before, this is intended for displaying video images, essentially of the text or similar type. The operating modes of the network, normal or disturbed, are similar to those described in relation to Figures 3 to 5, and there is no need to rewrite them.

 The projection means 4 can be constituted by a slide projector. In this case, the projected image can be modified under the control of the signals carried by the link 40.

 The device according to this second embodiment has the advantage of allowing rapid modifications of the graphic elements displayed, but on the other hand requires, unlike the device previously described, to use a non-standard cathode ray tube.

 We will now describe, with reference to FIG. 7, the general architecture of a telecommunication network comprising one or more display devices according to the invention.

 In a preferred variant of the invention, the control of the different display terminals is carried out, centrally, by an operator having a control terminal 5, for example of the microcomputer type or the like. Thanks to this microcomputer 5, the operator addresses one or more display terminals.

In Figure 7, two terminals 1 and 1 'have been shown. In general, the number of terminals is much larger.

 In the example illustrated, the microcomputer 5 is coupled via links 50 to a central server 36 comprising in particular storage means.

Advantageously, the central server 6 stores a certain number of data. We can cite in particular the following data:
- the list and the drawing to control the sections to be displayed (in the example illustrated);
- pre-recorded messages;
- programs making it possible to transmit, as necessary, non-standard messages.

 The control terminal 5 can comprise, for its part, means for storing standard fonts, drawing the sections to be displayed in the event of an incident by simple call to their code, the format of all the standard displays and a representation of the general network plan.

 The signals thus generated are transmitted via links 6, a specialized interface 7 and additional links 70 to a telecommunications network 8, for example to a public network according to the X25 standard. The display terminals 1 and 1 ′ are connected by incorporated specialized interfaces (not shown) and links 100 to the telecommunications network 8.

 It should be understood that the management computer programs operating the assembly, control terminal 5 and server 6, are in particular such that they must be able to correlate the positions of the fixed elements of the graphics 20 of the support 2 (FIG. 4 for example) and the positions of the graphic elements 13 to be displayed on the video screen 10 in disturbed mode.

 This requires that the supports 2 are positioned on the front face of the display terminals 1 (screen 10) in a standardized manner and with the desired precision. It then suffices to record the coordinates of the remarkable points of the graphics carried by the support 2 in one of the storage means in the data processing assembly 5 and 6. This may be, in the example described, the position stations in relation to screen 10.

 The methods of displaying information at determined points on a screen are well known in themselves and within the reach of those skilled in the art.

 Analogously to what has just been described, the device according to FIG. 6 can be implemented within the framework of the telecommunication network of FIG. 7. The images projected on the front face of the screens of the tubes 3 are so. at known positions. If there are several different possible images, the data series corresponding to these images are recorded in the storage means associated with the control terminal 5 or with the server 6. Each of these data series will be associated in a conventional manner with codes to differentiate them. The operator will control the display by the projection means 4 of a determined image, by choosing a particular code made available to it and identifying this image. The programs for managing the data processing set will take this choice into account and in disturbed mode (incident, etc.), will choose among the data to be displayed by the cathode ray tube 3, those which are suitable: in particular taking into account the particular topology of the projected graphics.

 This operating mode can also be useful, even if devices according to the first variant of the invention are used. In fact, if the medium 2 is physically changed to display a graphic having another topology, it is possible to associate, with each different medium 2, also an identification code recorded in the storage means of the assembly 5 and 6.

 Finally, the telecommunications network illustrated in FIG. 7 may include subnetworks in the sense that different displays can be produced on all or part of the terminals.

 First of all, the command to display the video part of the data can naturally be selective.

In a conventional manner, it suffices to associate an address code with the messages to be displayed. Only terminals 1, 1 'recognizing this code will accept particular messages.

 However, it is also possible to associate different graphic images with the terminals.

 Among other possibilities, a composite address code can be used: an address code part, specific to each terminal, and an address code part associated with a group of terminals. In this case, the management programs of the data processing assembly 5 and 6 may automatically take into account the topology of the graphic image, associated at a given time with a predetermined display terminal.

 The invention is not limited to the embodiments which have been precisely described.

 First of all, the architecture of the telecommunication system illustrated in FIG. 7 is susceptible of numerous variants as well as the transmission media, it being understood that a network according to the X25 standard constitutes an advantageous solution within the framework of the applications envisaged by the 'invention.

 The number of display terminals is only limited by the control means, in particular IT means used. Conventionally, depending on the applications envisaged, one can use one to several hundred display terminals.

 The invention is also not limited to remote control, although advantageous. Each terminal can be controlled by local, manual control means or using computer means, duplicating or replacing the remote control means.

 The display terminals can comprise a cathode ray tube as it has been described but also can call upon other technologies: fluorescent screens, etc ..., insofar as these make it possible to satisfy the requirements of the process of l 'invention. We can improve the visibility of the information displayed by any conventional means: screens against stray light, auxiliary lighting, etc.

 Finally, with regard to the targeted applications, as has been recalled, the invention is not limited to metropolitan networks but encompasses all the applications requiring the display of composite information, graphics-texts, relating to topology networks. complex. A first series of applications concerns the networks on which vehicles circulate: metro, urban automobile network, etc. Another series of non-limiting applications concerns networks in which flows of matter or energy circulate that one wishes to display on one or more terminals.

Claims (16)

 1. Method for displaying data relating to a complex topology network, said data to be displayed comprising a first series of data (20) in particular of high resolution graphic type, and a second series of data, in particular of low text type resolution, characterized in that it comprises:  - a first phase consisting in the display of at least said first series of data (20) using first display means (2, 10) when said network has a first operating mode; and  - a second phase consisting, as desired, of at least one of the following operations, when the network has a second operating mode:  a) display, by superimposition on said first series of data (20), of data (12, 13) belonging to said second series of data using second display means;  b) display, by substitution of said first series of data (20), of data (14) belonging to said second series of data using second display means.  2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the first phase further comprises a display operation by superimposition on said first series of data (20), of data (11) belonging to said second series of data on the using second display means.  3. Method according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises a preliminary phase consisting in permanently recording said first series of data (20) on a transparent support (2) and in placing this support (2) transparent on a display screen (10) and in that said first phase consists in controlling said display screen (10) so that its entire surface is uniformly clear in order to illuminate the transparent support (2) and displaying the first series of data (20).  4. Method according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the display of said first series of data is carried out using means (4) allowing the projection of a fixed image on the front face a display screen (3).  5. Method according to any one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that, during the second phase, the display by superposition is carried out by controlling said display screen (10) so as to display from its surface, in predetermined locations, data (12, 13) belonging to said second series of data.  6. Method according to claim 5, characterized in that said second series of data comprises graphical elements (13) superimposed on corresponding elements of said first series of data.  7. Method according to claim 3, characterized in that, during the second phase, the substitution display is carried out by controlling said display screen (10) so that its entire surface is uniformly dark, except of data displayed (14), in light shade, at predetermined locations on its surface, these data (14) belonging to said second series of data, and thus to conceal the data (20) belonging to said first series of data.  8. Method according to claim 4, characterized in that, during the second phase, the display by substitution is carried out by deactivating the means (4) allowing the projection and by controlling the display screen so as to display, in predetermined locations on its surface, data (14) belonging to said second series of data.  9. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said network is a metro network, in that the data (20) belonging to said first series of data comprises at least one map of said metro and in that the data (11 to 14) belonging to said second series of data include text type data (11, 12, 14) and graphic type elements (13).  10. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the first mode of operation of said network is indicative of normal operation and the second mode of disturbed operation, on all or part of it .  11. Device for implementing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that said second display means comprise a display screen (10) controlled by video signals and in that said first display means comprise, in combination, a transparent sheet (2) on which is written said first series of data (20) and said display screen (10); the transparent sheet (2) being arranged on the front face (12) of the display screen.  12. Device according to claim 11, characterized in that the transparent sheet (2) is made of plastic, in that it is fixed to the front face of the display means (10) and in that it serves as mechanical protection to these so-called means (10).  13. Device for implementing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that said second display means comprise a display screen (3) controlled by video signals and in that said first display means comprise, in combination, projection means (4) and said display screen (3), the projection means (4) projecting at least one image to said first series of data on the front face of the display screen (3).  14. Device according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the display screen (10) consists of a cathode ray tube.  15. Device according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that said video control signals are generated by remote control means and in that these control means include data processing and storage means (5, 6).  16. Device according to claim 15, characterized in that said video control signals are transmitted according to the X25 standard.