Design of a Vital Operator Interface for a System Critical Command and Control Centre
Brief
Define the functional and architectural specifications of a Vital Operator Interface for Command and Control of Critical Systems in large railway installations.
Project challenge
to define the functional models of a complex system, to determine the safety architecture in accordance with the European legislation on railway systems, to define the algorithmic logical framework appropriate to the level of safety required to mitigate risks.
Solution
NIER proceeded to comprehensively define the specifications of the Vital Operator Interface system, detailing the functional and architectural requirements of the product and the interfaces and communication protocols involved in an integrated context. In addition, in line with the established architecture and in accordance with the maximum security level to be achieved for a viable system, NIER defined the algorithms for implementing the system’s logical framework and designed the calculation paradigms needed to achieve all the required functionality.
Execution phases
Collection of client specifications and deployment of the VMI within its integrated operational context.
Drafting of specifications for the interface with the outside world and definition of the communication protocols required for integration into a critical and complex railway system.
Definition of the functional model of the Vital Operator Interface (VMI) according to the requirements so that all functionality is detailed and described in terms of data flows and processing.
Definition of the operating and failure modes of the Vital Operator Interface.
Definition of the architectural model of the Vital Operator Interface in compliance with European legislation on railway systems and definition of the safety logical framework appropriate to the level of safety required for risk mitigation.
Drafting of specifications for the interfaces within the VMI and definition of the communication protocols necessary for the integration of all the architectural components defined in the model.
Definition of the specific algorithms governing the operation of the VMI according to the functional and architectural models.
Achieved results
The work completed by NIER enabled the client to activate the Vital Operator Interface software designed in functional, architectural and logic computing terms. The software includes algorithms for safe command and control of vital railway signalling equipment, vital hardware diagnostics, management of safe operating modes and dynamic mechanisms to guarantee the integrity of displayed information. Furthermore, NIER’s solution offers the ability to safely manage signalling commands planned in advance of execution, streamlining the signalling operators’ procedures and ensuring full support for their tasks, which can be safely performed via a vital electronic interface.
