Interoperability Specification Research Articles

Research on noise and vibration reduction at DB to improve the environmental friendliness of railway traffic

One of the most prominent keywords relating to the environmental friendliness of railway traffic is noise reduction. Thus, the research and development programme “Low Noise Railway” of Deutsche Bahn (DB) is under way to treat the noise of the vehicles and infrastructure. The noise reduction of the trains and the rail/wheel system are being tackled within several projects. The direct noise experienced by railway-lineside residents due to train movements on the track can be reduced by minimising the sound radiation directly at the source. This is the first-choice solution, as it proves to be the most effective countermeasure regarding a cost–benefit relation. The limit values for the noise emission as specified in the technical specification for interoperability are an essential criterion to be confirmed during the procurement process of railway vehicles. A recently developed acoustical quality management scheme establishes systematic noise management to complete the vehicle procurement process in the phases of concept, design, construction and manufacturing. In freight traffic quiet railway wheels for block brake operation will play an important role in the future to meet the goal of a low-noise railway system. A first attempt to realise successfully the low-noise potential of such optimised wheels was performed, even if with mixed results. To show ways of reducing the noise of the cooling ventilation in locomotives, DB is a partner in a development project led by Siemens. A notable 8 dB(A) noise reduction was measured. Concerning bridge noise, a project was started based on an effective and cost-efficient combination of experiments and simulations in order to develop specifications for the construction of generic low-noise bridges.

High speed train noise emission: Latest investigation of the aerodynamic/rolling noise contribution

The aim of this paper is to discuss the quantification of aeroacoustic and rolling noise sources emitted by high-speed trains externally. This work relies on the comparison of experimental data obtained in the DEUFRAKO Annex K and K2 projects and those produced more recently. These are firstly measurements obtained within the NOEMIE project dedicated to the High Speed Technical Specifications for Interoperability involving the measurement of the acoustic emission of different rolling stock travelling at 250, 300 and 320 km/h (TGV-Duplex, ICE3, Thalys). Additionally, measurements are considered that are obtained in the framework of an SNCF acoustic test campaign performed on a TGV-Duplex at speeds up to 350 km/h. These comprise source localisation using two-dimensional acoustic array measurements and assessment of the wayside noise increase as a function of the speed. The conclusions drawn in the DEUFRAKO K project are compared with the new set of data. A detailed analysis of the results is also provided, supported by complementary measurements (wheel and rail measurements) and simulations (TWINS calculations).

Improvement of the noise Technical Specifications for Interoperability: The input of the NOEMIE project

The Technical Specifications for Interoperability (TSI) are the technical application documents of both European Directives 96/48/EC (high-speed, HS) and 2001/16/EC (conventional rail, CR). In that respect, noise emission levels of the railway system are considered to be a basic parameter for the acceptance of the rolling stock subsystem. The rolling noise, caused by the combination of wheel and rail roughness, is considered to be the main noise generation mechanism involved at both conventional and high speeds. Moreover, the track influence is such that the noise emission limit values cannot easily be set up without a tight definition of a reference track, allowing the noise values to be consistent and reproducible on several test sites. Such track conditions imposed by acceptance tests for rolling stock interoperability are described. In that respect, the NOise Emission Measurements for high speed Interoperability in Europe (NOEMIE) test campaign was launched to provide trackside noise emission values of several high-speed trains at speeds up to 320 km/h. Several existing tracks were realised therefore in five European countries and compared with the reference-track definitions. A new measurement method, based on rail roughness and track vibration response has been developed, leading to an improved common reference-track definition, called TSI +, for both the HS and CR TSI.

Inter-operability framework towards virtual integration of SMEs in the manufacturing industry

A Virtual Enterprise (VE), which is a dynamic and temporal network of independent companies, relies on an inter-operability framework to realise collaborative relationships with trading partners and to facilitate the virtual manufacturing processes. Investing in inter-operability in order to enhance information-sharing applications is a challenge to many Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) that are planning to participate effectively in the VE. This paper reviews the major industry standards for the implementation of inter-operable systems and examines the decision factors for selecting the appropriate inter-operability specifications, with a focus on business connectivity, system scalability and information security. Based on the analysis, we outline a virtual integration infrastructure for SMEs that enables collaborative demand forecasting and production planning processes within the VE environment. This suggestion is further justified by a business case study.

DELIVERing library resources to the virtual learning environment

PurposeExamines a project to integrate digital libraries and virtual learning environments (VLE) focusing on requirements for online reading list systems.Design/methodology/approachConducted a user needs analysis using interviews and focus groups and evaluated three reading or resource list management systems.FindingsProvides a technical specification for an online reading list system, subsequent work to develop a rights management system and a “library area” within the VLE where electronic resources can be placed. Discusses other relevant developments towards the integration of digital libraries and virtual learning environments, including the IMS specification for Resource List Interoperability (RLI).Research limitations/implicationsResults could be compared to findings from other institutions. The evaluation work could be brought up to date with new developments in the two commercial reading list systems.Practical implicationsProvides an evaluation of three reading list management systems including TalisList, Sentient Discover and an open source solution, Bookworm.Originality/valuePractical information of value to learning technologists and librarians, recognising the importance of presenting library resources in the VLE in a systematic way.

Representing topological relationships among heterogeneous Geometry-Collection features

Topological relationships between two spatial features represent important knowledge in Geographical Information Systems (GIS). In the last few years, many models that represent topological relationships have been proposed. But these models cannot represent the topological relationships between heterogeneous geometrycollection features, which are composed of different dimensional geometries. In this paper, the formal definition of regular heterogeneous geometrycollection and regularization rules are given. Based on the spatial model, two methods for representing topological relationships between these complex features are proposed. The first method is Dimensionally Extended Nine-Intersection Model Based on Components (DE-9IMBC) that extends Dimensionally Extended Nine-Intersection Model (DE-9IM) and takes into account the topological relationships between components of these complex features. The advantage of DE-9IMBC is that, a large number of different topological relationships can be checked. The second method extends the definitions of topological relationships in Open Geodata Interoperability Specification (OpenGIS), and redefines the seven named topological relationships: {Disjoint, Touches, Within, Crosses, Overlaps, Contains and Equal}, to represent the topological relationships between heterogeneous geometrycollection features. It is proven that the seven extended topological relationships are complete and mutually exclusive, and they are suitable for being embedded in spatial query languages.

Increasing accessibility by pooling digital resources

There are now many CALL authoring packages that can create interactive websites and a large number of language teachers are writing materials for the whole range of such packages. Currently, each product stores its data in different formats thus hindering interoperability, pooling of digital resources and moving between software packages based in different technology. The use of Extensible Mark-up Language (XML) for data storage goes a long way to solve this problem and allows for the easy conversion of exercises. Starting from a desire to develop a common format between Hot Potatoes, WELTS (part of the WELL project) and the Interactive Language Learning package from London Metropolitan University, a new version of the Interactive Language Learning software, now renamed Guildhall Interactive Software for Multimedia On-line (GISMO), has made such conversion possible. Given the immense resources required to develop the critical mass of material required to make online CALL relevant to an individual’s teaching practice, such a common approach is required to facilitate the pooling of resources. Should a bureaucratic or financial decision in an institution result in a change of software, teachers need to be able to easily convert their legacy material. XML technology can facilitate interoperability, thereby increasing potential accessibility by allowing teachers and students to have the use of a greater amount of pedagogical material. It is further proposed, using these developments, to create a large pool of exercises for practice and assessment that is independent of the delivery approach employed. This will obviate the need for teachers to keep reproducing basic language learning material and allow for the expansion of online CALL into more imaginative areas. This possibility introduces the question of standards within XML and whether it is necessary to further specify how the material is stored, perhaps using a standard such as the ‘IMS Question & Test Interoperability Specification’ or whether XML is a sufficient standard in itself.

Train noise reduction scenarios for compliance with future noise legislation

The Technical Specification for Interoperability (TSI) for high-speed trains on the European market includes limits on noise emission. These and other future restrictions on exterior noise of high-speed and intercity trains will require that train manufacturers implement noise control measures early in the design phase. A fundamental problem faced by manufacturers during the design process is determining how much noise reduction is required for each of the various noise sources on the train in order to achieve an optimal balance. To illustrate this process, estimates are presented of the contributions from different sources on existing Bombardier trains, based on measured data, numerical calculations and empirical formulae. In addition, methods of achieving the required noise reductions for different sources are briefly discussed along with targets for future exterior noise emission. Measurement results presented demonstrate the importance of track quality in noise emission. Noise restrictions, including future legislation, must give proper recognition to this important parameter.

Optical Domain Service Interconnect (ODSI): defining mechanisms for enabling on-demand high-speed capacity from the optical domain

Signaling and control mechanisms at the electro-optical boundary, such as IP routers, will one day interconnect with the intelligent optical switched network. Creating this open boundary between the electrical and optical domains is the central goal of the Optical Domain Service Interconnect, a coalition of more than 100 companies formed in 2000. ODSI is working to provide an interface to the optical network that can quickly implement and deploy bandwidth on demand. The initiative previously defined a specification for interoperability. Once in use, network elements at the edge of the intelligent optical network can establish optical paths in real time, as demanded by bandwidth demands or needed to support new and innovative high-speed services.

A Distributed Geographic Information System on the Common Object Request Broker Architecture (CORBA)

A distributed geographic information system (distributed GIS) has strengths in system reliability, efficiency, resource sharing, and flexibility for incremental system growth. However, developing a distributed GIS is a challenging task. The major challenges are with generating efficient system-wide query strategies, synchronizing operations executed at different sites, handling heterogeneity, managing transactions, and so on. In this paper, an experimental system is reported. This work is aimed at addressing the fundamental issues in building a distributed GIS. This system is designed and implemented based on the Common Object Request Broker Architecture (CORBA), and the Open GeoData Interoperability Specification (OGIS). First, the use of the CORBA model for a distributed GIS is discussed. The major system components are described, including the local GISs, the object request broker (ORB), and the service objects. Subsequently, a query optimization algorithm is presented. Then system synchronization, heterogeneity handling and transaction management are described. Some important implementation issues and the results of system tests are presented. Finally lessons learned from building the experimental system are summarized.

Ensuring interoperability in a home networking system: a case study

One of the main problems in home networked systems is the wide diversity of technologies, application requirements and cost allowance for devices and systems in general. This is translated to a division into different islands of technology that goes down to single manufacturer systems, thus blocking the way to the system integration as the main reason for the existence of the network. It is widely accepted that achieving the interworking is the most important aspect of a system specification. Object-oriented modelling associated with proper application management mechanisms for trading and binding provides the best approach to standardisation work on home systems interworking. We take here as an example the work toward an interoperability specification for an energy management system. The system described spans several communication media and brings together several consumer and producer entities. The system aims to provide increased comfort while either minimising the usage of resources or their cost for the same level of usage. Results from installed and running systems show the success of the approach.

Interdiffusion processes and oxidation phenomena in NiCr/Au films : A. Scatamacchia and G. Ottaviani. Solid St. Technol. 116 (February 1980)

One of the most prominent keywords relating to the environmental friendliness of railway traffic is noise reduction. Thus, the research and development programme “Low Noise Railway” of Deutsche Bahn (DB) is under way to treat the noise of the vehicles and infrastructure. The noise reduction of the trains and the rail/wheel system are being tackled within several projects.The direct noise experienced by railway-lineside residents due to train movements on the track can be reduced by minimising the sound radiation directly at the source. This is the first-choice solution, as it proves to be the most effective countermeasure regarding a cost–benefit relation.The limit values for the noise emission as specified in the technical specification for interoperability are an essential criterion to be confirmed during the procurement process of railway vehicles. A recently developed acoustical quality management scheme establishes systematic noise management to complete the vehicle procurement process in the phases of concept, design, construction and manufacturing.In freight traffic quiet railway wheels for block brake operation will play an important role in the future to meet the goal of a low-noise railway system. A first attempt to realise successfully the low-noise potential of such optimised wheels was performed, even if with mixed results.To show ways of reducing the noise of the cooling ventilation in locomotives, DB is a partner in a development project led by Siemens. A notable 8 dB(A) noise reduction was measured.Concerning bridge noise, a project was started based on an effective and cost-efficient combination of experiments and simulations in order to develop specifications for the construction of generic low-noise bridges.