Panel PCs by Advantech are providing a rugged, high resolution solution for passenger information on the new Doha metro system.
Located in the eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula and adjacent to the Persian Gulf, Qatar is a wealthy Middle Eastern country rich in oil and natural gas. With an area less than one-third that of Taiwan and a total population of just over two million, Qatar has repeatedly been appraised by Global Finance Magazine as the richest country in the world.
In 2013, the country launched a comprehensive metro (MRT) construction project in the capital city of Doha. The project aimed to complete four metro lines (Red, Gold, Green, and Blue) across several phases. The Red Line was the first to be completed this year, and tests and trial rides have now begun.
A passenger information system (PIS) featuring detailed pictures and independent operation
Most PIS applications catering to the railway market offer either LED caption or simple displays. Until Advantech’s ARS-P3800, there were no LCD display systems for large-scale railway transit systems that could be independently operated. The Taipei MRT, as one example, uses a dot matrix LED that only displays a limited number of words while making characters appear as jagged particles. The images on display are far less detailed and comprehensive than those appearing on Advantech’s strip-type LCD system. The high-resolution ARS-P3800 colour display not only provides passengers with maps and arrival information, but also plays advertisements. As a multi-purpose machine, it maximises device efficiency.
In most cases, metro trains display passenger information using one or two controllers paired with multiple displays in each car. If a controller fails, all of the displays throughout the entire car can follow suit. The ARS-P3800 is different; it is not just a display screen but also a panel PC. Display in one car does not interfere with displays in other cars.
IP65 rated and reinforced glass to guarantee optimal protection from both water and dust
Because the Red Line is both underground and outdoors on an elevated track, measures had to be taken to prevent desert dust from affecting system operation. The Japanese contractor responsible for handling the metro project put many restrictions on computers placed directly above car doors. Some of these restrictions included: product size, vibration, shock, waterproof, dustproof, screen brightness and operating temperature.
Advantech’s rugged, one-of-a-kind Panel PC ARS-P3800 met the requirements. The strip size (1065 x 342 x 63mm) and thickness of the display had to avoid the door shaft motor above the door, while the length and width ratio needed to be perfectly mounted in limited space. The display complied with the EN 50155 railway application standard to provide adequate shock and impact resistance. The system was IP65 rated and used reinforced glass to guarantee optimal protection from both water and dust. This was particularly important given Qatar’s location.
In terms of screen brightness, railway applications — subways, metros, and light rails — need at least 700 nits to allow passengers to see the screen display under strong light. General displays with only 300 or 400 nits are not up to standard. The ARS-P3800 offers 800 nits for clear and beautiful images with high brightness. Using the ARS-P3800, image details are clear and readability under the Doha strong sunlight is assured. The EN 50155 T1’s operating temperature class (-25°C to 55°C) allows for a wide working range. When the computer overheats, the system automatically shuts down to protect against computer and component damage.
System Overview
This project deployed a managed ethernet switch to connect the six ARS-P3800s in each car to the upper layer train control and management system (TCMS). Once connected, the TCMS server sends commands to the ARS-P3800 to display information or play ads. The Ethernet reacts faster than hardware and the systems connected via RS-485. A high IP-based network management mode means the control centre and driver can easily control the display status of each ARS-P3800 and PIS from a remote location. By using the ARS-P3800, finding and addressing issues as they arise becomes substantially easier.
Project Implementation
- ARS-P3800: EN50155-certified 38” railway panel PC
System Architecture
Railway project cooperation continues
The Red Line, which begins operation in the second half of this year, now features more than one thousand ARS-P3800s installed across 75 trains. The Doha MRT plans on continuing to introduce this product in future railway extensions.
ESIS is the leading supplier of electronic industrial equipment in the Australian market since 1971. Contact us to integrate powerful Panel PCs, HMIs and other electronic equipment with high-quality components and uber-friendly design to track, assess, improve railway industry applications and save money. Connect with our experts to share your queries. Get superior quality electronic equipment to build a highly efficient passenger information system.
Article Courtesy: Advantech.
