[Method and Apparatus for Assigning Addresses to Components in a Control System]

• US 20030198298A1
• Filed: 03/30/1999
• Published: 10/23/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 03/25/1999
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cattron North America, Inc. (Cattron Holdings, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: CANAC Incorporated
• Inventors: Horst, Folkert, Szklar, Oleh, Brousseau, Andre, Ethier, Luc
• Granted Patent: US 7,167,510 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 375/259
• CPC Class Codes: B61L 17/00 Switching systems for classification yards
• CPC Class Codes: B61L 3/125 using short-range radio transmission
• CPC Class Codes: B61L 3/127 for remote control of locomotives remote control of locomotives within a train consist B61C17/12

Abstract

Abstract of the Disclosure

The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for remotely controlling device, more particularly to a system and method for controlling locomotives in a railway environment using radio frequency signals. This invention makes use of a remoit (OPP) to set address information in the transmitter unit via a communication channel such as an infrared link. The use of the operator programming unit allows eliminating the need to open the casing of the transmitter during programming thereby reducing the probability of damaging the electrical components of the transmitter. The invention also allows assigning a unique address to a transmitter/receiver pair in a remote control system. Th.

Claims

1. ;

B M;

1.An apparatus for transmitting a signal to a remote receiver, said apparatus comprising;

a)a first input for receiving a certain signal to be transmitted, said signal transmitting unit being operative to transmit said signal;

b)a computer readable storage medium suitable for storing a tag data element;

c)a second input coupled to said computer readable storage medium for receiving a data element indicative of a first identifier , said signal transmitting unit being responsive to the reception of a certain data element to store in at least part of the tag data element an electronic representation of the certain data element indicative of the first identifier;

d)means for generating an output signal, said output signal being derived on the basis of the certain signal and on the basis of the tag data element;

e)an output for outputting the output signal.

2. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said second input comprises an interface suitable for wireless data communication.

3. An apparatus as defined in claim 2, wherein said interface suitable for wireless data communication is an infrared interface.

4. An apparatus as defined in claim 3, wherein said first identifier is the receiver serial number.

5. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said tag data element comprising at least a first portion and a second portion, said certain data element indicative of a first identifier being stored in said first portion, said second portion containing a data element indicative of a second identifier, said second identifier being derived on the basis of an identifier associated to said apparatus.

6. A method for transmitting a signal to a remote receiver, said method comprising the steps of:

a)receiving a certain signal to be transmitted;

b)providing a computer readable storage medium for storing a tag data element;

c)receiving a data element indicative of a first identifier;

d) storing in at least part of the tag data element an electronic representation of the data element indicative of a first identifier;

e)generating an output signal derived on the basis of the certain signal and on the basis of the tag data element;

f)outputting the output signal.

7. A method as defined in claim 6, further providing the step of providing an interface suitable for wireless data communication for receiving the a data element indicative of an first identifier.

8. A method as defined in claim 7, wherein said interface suitable for wireless data communication is an infrared interface.

9. A method as defined in claim 6, wherein said certain data element indicative of a first identifier is associated to the remote receiver.

10. A method as defined in claim 9, wherein said first identifier is the receiver serial number.

11. A method as defined in claim 6, wherein said tag data element comprises at least a first portion and a second portion, said certain data element indicative of a first identifier being stored in said first portion, said second portion containing a data element indicative of a second identifier, said second identifier being derived on the basis of a certain identifier associated to a certain component of a communication system.

12. A remote control system comprising:

-a transmitter for transmitting a signal indicative of an action to be performed remotely, said transmitter including;

a)a first input for receiving a certain signal to be transmitted, said signal transmitting unit being operative to transmit said signal;

b)a computer readable storage medium suitable for storing a tag data element;

c)a second input coupled to said computer readable storage medium for receiving a data element indicative of a first identifier, said signal transmitting unit being responsive to the reception of a certain data element to store in at least part of the tag data element an electronic representation of the certain data element indicative of the first identifier;

d)means for generating an output signal, said output signal being derived on the basis of the certain signal and on the basis of the tag data element;

e)an output for outputting the output signal;

-a remote receiver for sensing said output signal and for implementing locally an action in dependence upon a contents of the output signal.

13. A system as defined in claim 12, wherein said second input comprises an interface suitable for wireless data communication.

14. A system as defined in claim 12, further comprising a programming unit, said programming unit being suitable to transmit to the second input of said transmitter a data element indicative of a first identifier.

15. A system as defined in claim 13, wherein said interface suitable for wireless data communication is an infrared interface.

16. A system as defined in claim 13, wherein said certain data element indicative of a first identifier is associated to the remote receiver.

17. A system as defined in claim 16, wherein said first identifier is the receiver serial number.

18. An apparatus as defined in claim 12, wherein said tag data element comprising at least a first portion and a second portion, said certain data element indicative of a first identifier being stored in said first portion, said second portion containing a data element indicative of a second identifier, said second identifier being associated to said transmitter.

19. A communication device suitable for use in a remote control system, said communication device comprising:

a)a computer readable storage medium suitable for storing a tag data element;

b)an input coupled to said computer readable storage medium for receiving a data element indicative of a first identifier, said signal communication device being responsive to the reception of a certain data element to store in at least part of the tag data element an electronic representation of the certain data element indicative of the first identifier;

c)a means for generating an output signal, said output signal being derived at least in part on the basis of the tag data element;

d)an output for outputting the output signal.

20. A communication device as defined in claim 19, wherein said tag data element comprises at least a first portion and a second portion, said certain data element indicative of a first identifier being stored in said first portion, said second portion containing a data element indicative of a second identifier, said second identifier being derived on the basis of an identifier associated to said communication device.

21. A communication device suitable for use in a remote control system, said communication device comprising:

a)means for storing a tag data element;

b)means for receiving a data element indicative of an first identifier, said signal communication device being responsive to the reception of a certain data element to store in at least part of the tag data element an electronic representation of the certain data element indicative of the first identifier;

c)means for generating an output signal, said output signal being derived at least in part on the basis of the tag data element;

d)means for outputting the output signal.

22. A communication device as defined in claim 21, wherein said tag data element comprises at least a first portion and a second portion, said certain data element indicative of a first identifier being stored in said first portion, said second portion containing a data element indicative of a second identifier, said second identifier being derived on the basis of an identifier associated to said communication device.

23. A method for assigning addresses in a communication system, the communication system comprising a transmitter unit and a receiver unit, said method comprising the step of:

a)providing a receiver identifier uniquely characterizing the receiver unit;

b)providing a transmitter identifier uniquely characterizing the transmitter unit;

c)deriving a transmission address on the basis of the receiver identifier and the transmitter identifier;

d)providing the receiver unit and the transmitter unit with the transmission address.

24. A method as defined in claim 23, wherein said receiver identifier is the receiver serial number.

25. A method as defined in claim 23, wherein said transmitter identifier is the transmitter serial number.

26. 26)A transmitter for remotely controlling a locomotive in which is mounted a slave controller, said transmitter compris578

n interface578 for receiving an identifier of the slave controller via a first communication link;

b)a signal transmitting unit for transmitting a signal over a second communication link different from the first communication link, the second communication link being an RF communication link, the signal being indicative of at least one command for causing an action to be performed by the locomotive, the signal conveying data derived from the identifier of the slave controller received over the first communication link.

27. 27)A transmitter as defined in claim 26, comprising a data storage in communication with said interface for storing the identifier of the slave controller received via the first communication link.

28. 28)A transmitter as defined in claim 27, wherein said data storage is operative to store an identifier of said transmitter.

29. 29)A transmitter as defined in claim 28, wherein said transmitter includes a message builder in communication with said data storage, said message builder being operative to construct a message having a tag portion and a com727 portion, the tag portion conveying data derived from the identifier of the slave controller and data derived from the identifier of said transmitter, the command portion conveying the at least one command.

30. 30)A transmitter as defined in claim 29, including a message encoder in communication with said message builder to encode the message constructed by said message builder.

31. 31)A transmitter as defined in claim 30, wherein said message encoder processes the message constructed by said message builder to reduce an occurrence of consecutiv'"'"' 0"s o'"'"' 1"s in the message constructed by said message builder.

32. 32)A transmitter as defined in claim 30, wherein said signal transmitting unit is in communication with said message encoder for receiving the message encoded by said message encoder and for producing the signal conveying the at least one command on the basis of the message encoded by said message encoder.

33. 33)A transmitter as defined in claim 32, wherein said signal transmitting unit includes a modulator for modulating the message encoded by said message encoder to produce the signal conveying the at least one command.

34. 34)A transmitter as defined in claim 28, wherein said data storage is operative to output the identifier of said transmitter for transmission through said interface.

35. 35)A transmitter as defined in claim 26, wherein the first communication link is an IR communication link.

36. 36)A transmitter as defined in claim 26, wherein the action to be performed by the locomotive is accelerating.

37. 37)A transmitter as defined in claim 26, wherein the action to be performed by the locomotive is braking.

38. 38)A transmitter as defined in claim 29, comprising a user interface for receiving user commands, said user interface being in communication with said message builder.

39. 39)A transmitter as defined in claim 26, wherein the first communication link is an asynchronous transmission link.

40. 40)A transmitter for remotely controlling a locomotive, said transmitter comprising:

a)a data storage for holding an identifier of said transmitter;

b)an interface in communication with said data storage, said interface being operative to establish a first communication link with an external entity for transmitting to the external entity data derived from the identifier of said transmitter via the first communication link;

c)a signal transmitting unit in communication with said data storage, said signal transmitting unit being operative to transmit a signal over a second communication link different from the first communication link, the second communication link being an RF communication link, the signal conveying;

i)at least one command for causing an action to be performed by the locomotive; and

ii)data derived from the identifier of said transmitter.

41. 41)A transmitter as defined in claim 40, wherein said signal transmitting unit is operative to transmit the signal to a slave controller mounted on board the locomotive, said data storage being operative to store an identifier of the slave controller.

42. 42)A transmitter as defined in claim 41, wherein said transmitter further comprises a message builder in communication with said data storage, said message builder being operative to construct a message having a tag portion and a command portion, the tag portion conveying data derived from the identifier of the slave controller and data derived from the identifier of said transmitter, the command portion conveying the at least one command.

43. 43)A transmitter as defined in claim 42, including a message encoder in communication with said message builder to encode the message constructed by said message builder.

44. 44)A transmitter as defined in claim 43, wherein said signal transmitting unit is in communication with said message encoder for receiving the message encoded by said message encoder and for producing the signal conveying the at least one command on the basis of the message encoded by said message encoder.

45. 45)A transmitter as defined in claim 44, wherein said message encoder processes the message constructed by said message builder to reduce an occurrence of consecutiv'"'"' 0"s o'"'"' 1"s in the message constructed by said message builder.

46. 46)A transmitter as defined in claim 44, wherein said signal transmitting unit includes a modulator for modulating the message encoded by said message encoder to produce the signal conveying the at least one command.

47. 47)A transmitter as defined in claim 41, wherein said interface is operative to receive over the first communication link the identifier of the slave controller for storage in said data storage.

48. 48)A transmitter as defined in claim 40, wherein the first communication link is an IR communication link.

49. 49)A transmitter as defined in claim 42, wherein said transmitter further comprises a user interface for receiving user commands, said user interface being in communication with said message builder.

50. 50)A transmitter as defined in claim 40, wherein the first communication link is an asynchronous transmission link.

51. 51)A transmitter as defined in claim 40, wherein the action to be performed by the locomotive is acceleration.

52. 52)A transmitter as defined in claim 40, wherein the action to be performed by the locomotive is braking.

53. b 5)Ab slave controller for use in a locomotive having a controller module, said slave controller comprising:

a)an interface for receiving an identifier of a transmitter via a first communication link;

b)a data storage in communication with said interface, said data storage being suitable for storing the identifier of the transmitter and an identifier of said slave controller

c)a signal receiver unit for receiving a signal from the transmitter over a second communication link different from the first communication link, the second communication link being an RF communication link, the signal conveying a message including a command portion indicative of at least one command for causing at least one action to be performed by the locomotive, the message also including a tag portion including data derived from the identifier of the transmitter and data derived from the identifier of said slave controller;

d)a logical processing unit in communication with said data storage and with said signal receiver unit, said logical processing unit being operative to;

i)perform a validation procedure on the message including comparing the tag portion in the message with the identifier of the transmitter and the identifier of said slave controller in said data storage;

ii)if the validation procedure validates the message, generate control signals directed to the controller module for causing the locomotive to perform the at least one action.

54. 54)A slave controller as defined in claim 53, wherein said data storage is operative to release the identifier of said slave controller to said interface for transmission over the first communication link.

55. 55)A slave controller as defined in claim 54, wherein the validation procedure includes an assessment of an integrity of the signal conveying a message.

56. 56)A slave controller as defined in claim 55, wherein the assessment of the integrity of the signal conveying a message includes processing the signal conveying the message by an error detection algorithm.

57. 57)A slave controller as defined in claim 55, wherein the assessment of the integrity of the signal conveying a message includes processing the signal conveying a message by an error correction algorithm.

58. 58)A slave controller as defined in claim 53, wherein said interface is a serial interface.

59. 59)A slave controller as defined in claim 53, wherein the at least one action to be performed by the locomotive is acceleration.

60. 60)A slave controller as defined in claim 53, wherein the at least one action to be performed by the locomotive is braking.

61. c 61Inc combination:

a)a locomotive having a controller module;

b)a slave controller mounted on board the locomotive;

c)said slave controller comprising;

i)an interface for receiving an identifier of a transmitter via a first communication link;

ii)a data storage in communication with said interface, said data storage being suitable for storing the identifier of the transmitter and an identifier of said slave controller

iii)a signal receiver unit for receiving a signal from the transmitter over a second communication link different from the first communication link, the second communication link being an RF communication link, the signal conveying a message including a command portion and a tag portion, the command portion being indicative of at least one command for causing at least one action to be performed by said locomotive, the tag portion including data derived from the identifier of the transmitter and data derived from the identifier of said slave controller;

iv)a logical processing unit in communication with said data storage and with said signal receiver unit, said logical processing unit being operative to;

(1)perform a validation procedure on the message including comparing data in the tag portion in the message with the identifier of the transmitter and the identifier of said slave controller in said data storage;

(2)if the validation procedure validates the message, generate control signals and directing the control signals to the controller module for causing said locomotive to perform the at least one action.

62. 62)A combination as defined in claim 61, wherein said data storage is operative to release the identifier of said slave controller to said interface for transmission over the first communication link.

63. 63)A combination as defined in claim 61, wherein the validation procedure includes an assessment of an integrity of the signal conveying a message.

64. 64)A combination as defined in claim 63, wherein the assessment of the integrity of the signal conveying a message includes processing the signal conveying a message by an error detection algorithm.

65. 65)A combination as defined in claim 63, wherein the assessment of the integrity of the signal conveying a message includes processing the signal conveying a message by an error correction algorithm.

66. 66)A combination as defined in claim 61, wherein said interface is a serial interface.

67. 67)A combination as defined in claim 61, wherein the at least one action to be performed by the locomotive is acceleration.

68. 68)A combination as defined in claim 61, wherein the at least one action to be performed by the locomotive is braking.

69. d 69)A dremote control system for a locomotive having a controller module, said remote control system comprising:

a)a slave controller for mounting on-board the locomotive;

b)a transmitter for transmitting a wireless signal over a first communication link, the first communication link being an RF communication link, the wireless signal being indicative of at least one command for causing an action to be performed by the locomotive;

c)said slave controller being responsive to the wireless signal to generate control signals for transmission to the controller module to implement the at least one command;

d)said slave controller being operative to output over a second communication link, different from the first communication link, an identifier of said slave controller for transmission to said transmitter;

e)the wireless signal including data derived from the identifier of said slave controller.

70. 70)A remote control system as defined in claim 69, wherein said transmitter includes a data storage for storing the identifier of said slave controller.

71. 71)A remote control system as defined in claim 70, wherein said data storage is adapted to store an identifier of said transmitter.

72. 72)A remote control system as defined in claim 71, wherein said transmitter includes a signal transmitting unit for transmitting the wireless signal over the first communication link.

73. 73)A remote control system as defined in claim 72, wherein said transmitter includes a message builder in communication with said data storage, said message builder being operative to construct a message having a tag portion and a command portion, the tag portion conveying data derived from the identifier of said slave controller and data derived from the identifier of said transmitter, the command portion conveying the at least one command.

74. 74)A remote control system as defined in claim 73, wherein said transmitter has an interface in communication with said data storage for outputting the identifier of said transmitter over a communication link different from said first communication link.

75. 75)A remote control system as defined in claim 74, wherein said interface is operative to receive the identifier of said slave controller and to transmit the identifier of said slave controller to said data storage.

76. 76)A remote control system as defined in claim 75, wherein said interface is an IR interface.

77. 77)A remote control system as defined in claim 76, wherein the at least one action to be performed by the locomotive is acceleration.

78. 78)A remote control system as defined in claim 76, wherein the at least one action to be performed by the locomotive is braking.

79. 79)A remote control system as defined in claim 69, wherein said slave controller includes:

a)a data storage for holding the identifier of said slave controller;

b)an interface in communication with said data storage, said interface operative to output over the second communication link via said interface the identifier of said slave controller.

80. 80)A remote control system as defined in claim 79, wherein said interface is operative to receive over the second communication link an identifier of said transmitter and to direct the identifier of said transmitter to said data storage for storage therein.

81. 81)A remote control system as defined in claim 80, wherein the wireless signal transmitted by said transmitter over the first communication link conveys a message including:

a)a command portion indicative of the at least one command;

b)a tag portion including data derived from the identifier of said transmitter and data derived from the identifier of said slave controller.

82. 82)A remote control system as defined in claim 81, wherein said slave controller includes a signal receiver for receiving the wireless signal transmitted by said transmitter over the first communication link.

83. 83)A remote control system as defined in claim 82, wherein said slave controller includes a logical processing unit in communication with said data storage and with said signal receiver unit, said logical processing unit being operative to:

a)perform a validation procedure on the message including comparing data in the tag portion of the message with the identifier of said transmitter and the identifier of said slave controller in said data storage;

b)if the validation procedure validates the message, generate control signals for transmission to the controller module for causing the locomotive to perform the at least one action.

84. 84)A remote control system for a locomotive having a controller module, said remote control system comprising:

a)a slave controller for mounting on-board the locomotive;

b)a transmitter for transmitting a wireless signal over a first communication link, the first communication link being an RF communication link, the wireless signal being indicative of at least one command for causing an action to be performed by the locomotive;

c)said slave controller being responsive to the wireless signal to generate control signals for transmission to the controller module to implement the at least one command;

d)said slave controller being operative to receive over a second communication link, different from the first communication link, an identifier of said transmitter;

e)the wireless signal including data derived from the identifier of said transmitter.

85. 85)A remote control system as defined in claim 84, wherein said slave controller is operative to output over the second communication link an identifier of said slave controller for transmission to said transmitter.

86. 86)A remote control system as defined in claim 85, wherein said transmitter includes a data storage for storing the identifier of said slave controller.

87. 87)A remote control system as defined in claim 86, wherein said data storage is operative to store the identifier of said transmitter.

88. 88)A remote control system as defined in claim 87, wherein said transmitter includes a signal transmitting unit for transmitting the wireless signal over the first communication link.

89. 89)A remote control system as defined in claim 88, wherein said transmitter includes a message builder in communication with said data storage, said message builder operative to construct a message having a tag portion and a command portion, the tag portion conveying data derived from the identifier of said slave controller and data derived from the identifier of said transmitter, the command portion conveying the at least one command.

90. 90)A remote control system as defined in claim 89, wherein said transmitter has an interface in communication with said data storage for outputting the identifier of said transmitter over a communication link different from said first communication link.

91. 91)A remote control system as defined in claim 90, wherein said interface is operative to receive the identifier of said slave controller and to transmit the identifier of said slave controller to said data storage for storage therein.

92. 92)A remote control system as defined in claim 91, wherein said interface is an IR interface.

93. 93)A remote control system as defined in claim 89, wherein the at least one action to be performed by the locomotive is acceleration.

94. 94)A remote control system as defined in claim 89, wherein the at least one action to be performed by the locomotive is braking.

95. 95)A remote control system as defined in claim 85, wherein said slave controller includes:

a)a data storage for holding the identifier of said slave controller;

b)an interface in communication with said data storage, said interface operative to output over the second communication link via said interface the identifier of said slave controller.

96. 96)A remote control system as defined in claim 95, wherein said interface is operative to receive over the second communication link the identifier of said transmitter and to direct the identifier of said transmitter to said data storage for storage therein.

97. 97)A remote control system as defined in claim 96, wherein the wireless signal transmitted by said transmitter over the first communication link conveys a message including:

a)a command portion indicative of the at least one command;

b)a tag portion including data derived from the identifier of said transmitter and data derived from the identifier of said slave controller.

98. 98)A remote control system as defined in claim 97, wherein said slave controller includes a signal receiver for receiving the wireless signal transmitted by said transmitter over the first communication link.

99. 99)A remote control system as defined in claim 98, wherein said slave controller includes a logical processing unit in communication with said data storage and with said signal receiver unit, said logical processing unit being operative to:

a)perform a validation procedure on the message including comparing data in the tag portion in the message with the identifier of said transmitter and the identifier of said slave controller in the data storage;

b)if the validation procedure validates the message generating control signals for transmission to the controller module for causing the locomotive to perform the at least one action.

100. ee1 00)A method for remotely controlling a locomotive in which is mounted a slave controller, said method comprising:

a)providing a portable transmitter;

b)communicating to the portable transmitter an identifier of the slave controller over a first communication link;

c)transmitting to the slave controller a wireless signal over a second communication link different from the first communication link, the second communication link being an RF communication link, the wireless signal conveying at least one command for causing an action to be performed by the locomotive, the signal further conveying data derived from the identifier of the slave controller received via the first communication link.

101. 1 01)A method as defined in claim 100, wherein said method further comprises storing in a data storage in said portable transmitter the identifier of the slave controller communicated over the first communication link.

102. 1 02)A method as defined in claim 101, wherein said method further comprises storing in the data storage an identifier of the portable transmitter.

103. 1 03)A method as defined in claim 102, wherein the wireless signal conveys a message including:

a)a command portion indicative of the at least one command; and

b)a tag portion including data derived from the identifier of the portable transmitter stored in the data storage and data derived from the identifier of the slave controller stored in the data storage.

104. 1 04)A method as defined in claim 103, including outputting from the portable transmitter over the first communication link the identifier of the portable transmitter for transmission to the slave controller.

105. 1 05)A method as defined in claim 104, wherein the first communication link is an IR link.

106. 1 06)A method for remotely controlling a locomotive in which is provided a controller module, comprising:

a)mounting on board the locomotive a slave controller;

b)interfacing the slave controller with the controller module;

c)communicating to the slave controller over a first communication link an identifier of a remote portable transmitter;

d)storing in a data storage in the slave controller the identifier of the remote portable transmitter;

e)storing in the data storage an identifier of the slave controller;

f)transmitting from the remote portable transmitter a wireless signal over a second communication link different from the first communication link, the second communication link being an RF communication link, the wireless signal conveying a message including;

i)a command portion indicative of at least one command for causing an action to be performed by the locomotive; and

ii)a tag portion;

g)receiving the wireless signal at the slave controller;

h)performing a validation procedure at the slave controller by comparing data in the tag portion of the message in the received wireless signal with the identifier of the remote portable transmitter and the identifier of the slave controller in the data storage;

i)if the validation procedure validates the message in the received wireless signal, generating control signals and directing the control signals to the controller module for causing the locomotive to perform the at least one action.

107. 1 07)A device for synchronizing addresses in a communication control system, the communication control system including a first component having a memory storing a first identifier and a second component having a memory storing a second identifier, said device comprising:

a)a port for establishing a communication link with the first component and for establishing a communication link with the second component;

b)a memory unit;

c)a processing unit operatively coupled to said port and said memory unit, said processing unit being suitable for;

i)establishing a communication link through said port with the first component for acquiring the first identifier from the first component;

ii)storing the first identifier in said memory unit;

iii)establishing a communication link through said port with the second component for transmitting the first identifier stored in said memory unit to the second component, such as to allow the second component to hold the first identifier and the second identifier in a storage unit at the second component.

108. 1 08)A device as defined in claim 107, wherein the first component is a slave controller module and the second component is a transmitter unit.

109. 1 09)A device as defined in claim 107, wherein the first component is a transmitter unit and the second component is a slave controller module.

110. 1 10)A device as defined in claim 107, wherein said port has a first interface for communication with the first component and a second interface for communication with the second component.

111. 1 11)A device as defined in claim 110, wherein at least one of said first interface and said second interface is suitable for wireless data communication.

112. 1 12)A device as defined in claim 111, wherein at least one of said first interface and said second interface suitable for wireless data communication is an infrared interface.

113. 1 13)A device as defined in claim 110, wherein at least one of said first interface and said second interface is suitable for a serial connection.

114. 1 14)A device as defined in claim 107, wherein said processing unit is further suitable for:

a)establishing a communication link with the second component for acquiring the second identifier from the second component;

b)storing the second identifier in said memory unit;

c)establishing a communication link with the first component for transmitting the second identifier stored in said memory unit to the first component, such as to allow the first component to hold the first identifier and the second identifier in a storage unit at the first component.

115. 1 15)A method for synchronizing addresses in a communication control system, the communication control system having a first component associated to a first identifier, a second component associated to a second identifier and an operator programming unit, said method comprising:

i)establishing a communication link between the operator programming unit and the first component for transmitting the first identifier from the first component to the operator programming unit;

ii)establishing a communication link between the operator programming unit and the second component for transmitting the first identifier from the operator programming unit to the second component;

iii)generating an address at the second component on the basis of the first identifier and the second identifier.

116. 1 16)A method as defined in claim 115, wherein the first component is a slave controller module and the second component is a transmitter unit.

117. 1 17)A method as defined in claim 115, wherein the first component is a transmitter unit and the second component is a slave controller module.

118. 1 18)A method as defined in claim 115, wherein said communication link between the operator programming unit and at least one of the first component and the second component is a wireless communication link.

119. 1 19)A method as defined in claim 118, wherein said wireless communication link is an infrared communication link.

120. 1 20)A method as defined in claim 115, wherein said communication link between the operator programming unit and at least one of the first component and the second component is a serial communication link.

121. 1 21)A method as defined in claim 115, wherein said method further comprises:

i)establishing a communication link with the second component for acquiring the second identifier from the second component;

ii)establishing a communication link with the first component for transmitting the second identifier to the first component;

iii)generating an address at the first component on the basis of the second identifier and the first identifier.

122. 1 22)A computer readable storage medium including a program element suitable for execution by a computing apparatus for synchronizing addresses in a communication control system, the communication control system having a first component associated to a first identifier and a second component associated to a second identifier, the computing apparatus comprising:

a)a memory unit;

b)a processing unit in an operative relationship with said memory unit, said processing unit being suitable for;

i)implementing a port for establishing a communication link with the first component and a communication link with the second component;

ii)establishing a communication link through said port with the first component for acquiring the first identifier from the first component;

iii)storing the first identifier in said memory unit;

iv)establishing a communication link through the port with the second component for transmitting the first identifier stored in said memory unit to the second component, thereby allowing the second component to hold the first identifier and the second identifier in a storage unit at the second component.

123. 1 23)A computer readable storage medium as defined in claim 122, wherein the first component is a slave controller module and the second component is a transmitter unit.

124. 1 24)A computer readable storage medium as defined in claim 122, wherein the first component is a transmitter unit and the second component is a slave controller module.

125. 1 25)A computer readable storage medium as defined in claim 122, wherein said port has a first interface for communication with the first component and a second interface for communication with the second component.

126. 1 26)A computer readable storage medium as defined in claim 125, wherein at least one of said first interface and said second interface is suitable for wireless data communication.

127. 1 27)A computer readable storage medium as defined in claim 126, wherein at least one of said first interface and said second interface suitable for wireless data communication is an infrared interface.

128. 1 28)A computer readable storage medium as defined in claim 125, wherein at least one of said first interface and said second interface is suitable for a serial connection.

129. 1 29)A computer readable storage medium as defined in claim 122, wherein said processing unit is further suitable for:

i)establishing a communication link through the port with the second component for acquiring the second identifier from the second component;

ii)storing the second identifier in said memory unit;

iii)establishing a communication link through the port with the first component for transmitting the second identifier stored in said memory unit to the first component, thereby allowing the first component to hold the first identifier and the second identifier in a storage unit at the first component.

130. 1 30)A communication control system comprising:

a)a first component having a memory storing a first identifier;

b)a second component having a memory storing a second identifier;

c)a device for synchronizing addresses between said first component and said second component, said device comprising;

i)a port for establishing a communication link with said first component and a communication link with said second component;

ii)a memory unit;

iii)a processing unit operatively coupled to said port and said memory unit, said processing unit being suitable for;

(1)establishing a communication link through said port with said first component for acquiring the first identifier from the first component;

(2)storing the first identifier in said memory unit;

(3)establishing a communication link through said port with said second component for transmitting the first identifier stored in said memory unit to said second component, such as to allow said second component to hold the first identifier and the second identifier in a storage unit at said second component;

d)said second component being operative for generating an address on the basis of the first identifier and the second identifier.

131. 1 31)A control system as defined in claim 130, wherein said first component is a slave controller module and said second component is a transmitter unit.

132. 1 32)A control system as defined in claim 130, wherein said first component is a transmitter unit and said second component is a slave controller module.

133. 1 33)A control system as defined in claim 130, wherein said port has a first interface for communication with said first component and a second interface for communication with said second component.

134. 1 34)A control system as defined in claim 133, wherein at least one of said first interface and said second interface is suitable for wireless data communication.

135. 1 35)A control system as defined in claim 134, wherein at least one of said first interface and said second interface suitable for wireless data communication is an infrared interface.

136. 1 36)A control system as defined in claim 133, wherein at least one of said first interface and said second interface is suitable for a serial connection.

137. 1 37)A control system as defined in claim 130, wherein said processing unit is further suitable for:

i)establishing a communication link through said port with said second component for acquiring the second identifier from said second component;

ii)storing the second identifier in said memory unit;

iii)establishing a communication link through said port with said first component for transmitting the second identifier stored in said memory unit to said first component, such as to allow said first component to hold the first identifier and the second identifier in a storage unit at the first component.

138. 1 38)A transmitter for remotely controlling a locomotive in which is mounted a slave controller, said transmitter comprising:

a)an interface for receiving an identifier of the slave controller via a first communication link;

b)a signal transmitting unit for transmitting a modulated signal over a second communication link different from the first communication link, the second communication link being an RF communication link, the modulated signal being indicative of at least one command for causing an action to be performed by the locomotive, the modulated signal conveying data derived from the identifier of the slave controller received over the first communication link, said signal transmitting unit including a modulator outputting the modulated signal.

139. 1 39)A transmitter as defined in claim 138, comprising a data storage in communication with said interface for storing the identifier of the slave controller received via the first communication link.

140. 1 40)A transmitter as defined in claim 139, wherein said data storage is operative to store an identifier of said transmitter.

141. 1 41)A transmitter as defined in claim 140, wherein said transmitter includes a message builder in communication with said data storage, said message builder being operative to construct a message having a tag portion and a command portion, the tag portion conveying data derived from the identifier of the slave controller and data derived from the identifier of said transmitter, the command portion conveying the at least one command.

142. 1 42)A transmitter as defined in claim 141, including a message encoder in communication with said message builder to encode the message constructed by said message builder.

143. 1 43)A transmitter as defined in claim 142, wherein said message encoder processes the message constructed by said message builder to reduce an occurrence of consecutiv'"'"' 0"s o'"'"' 1"s in the message constructed by said message builder.

144. 1 44)A transmitter as defined in claim 142, wherein said signal transmitting unit is in communication with said message encoder for receiving the message encoded by said message encoder and for producing the modulated signal conveying the at least one command on the basis of the message encoded by said message encoder.

145. 1 45)A transmitter for remotely controlling a locomotive, said transmitter comprising:

a)a data storage for holding an identifier of said transmitter;

b)an interface in communication with said data storage, said interface being operative to establish a first communication link with an external entity for transmitting to the external entity data derived from the identifier of said transmitter via the first communication link;

c)a signal transmitting unit in communication with said data storage, said signal transmitting unit being operative to transmit a modulated signal over a second communication link different from the first communication link, the second communication link being an RF communication link, the modulated signal conveying;

i)at least one command for causing an action to be performed by the locomotive; and

ii)data derived from the identifier of said transmitter;

d)said signal transmitting unit including modulator releasing the modulated signal.

146. 1 46)A transmitter as defined in claim 145, wherein said signal transmitting unit is operative to transmit the modulated signal to a slave controller mounted on board the locomotive, said data storage being operative to store an identifier of the slave controller.

147. 1 47)A transmitter as defined in claim 146, wherein said transmitter further comprises a message builder in communication with said data storage, said message builder being operative to construct a message having a tag portion and a command portion, the tag portion conveying data derived from the identifier of the slave controller and data derived from the identifier of said transmitter, the command portion conveying the at least one command.

148. 1 48)A transmitter as defined in claim 147, including a message encoder in communication with said message builder to encode the message constructed by said message builder.

149. 1 49)A transmitter as defined in claim 148, wherein said signal transmitting unit is in communication with said message encoder for receiving the message encoded by said message encoder and for producing the modulated signal conveying the at least one command on the basis of the message encoded by said message encoder.

150. 1 50)A transmitter as defined in claim 148, wherein said message encoder processes the message constructed by said message builder to reduce an occurrence of consecutiv'"'"' 0"s o'"'"' 1"s in the message constructed by said message builder.

151. 1 51)A transmitter as defined in claim 149, wherein said modulator modulates the message encoded by said message encoder to produce the modulated signal conveying the at least one command.

152. 1 52)A transmitter as defined in claim 145, wherein said interface is operative to receive over the first communication link the identifier of the slave controller for storage in said data storage.

153. 1 53)A transmitter as defined in claim 152, wherein the first communication link is an IR communication link.

154. 1 54)A transmitter as defined in claim 145, wherein the action to be performed by the locomotive is acceleration.

155. A transmitter as defined in claim 145, wherein the action to be performed by the locomotive is braking.