EPCOMP - data preparation for EPIS 4.0X
- On-board computers (systems) of the EPIS 4.0x series are designed especially for use in urban transport companies. Therefore, in order for them to work properly, the necessary data must be prepared for them. The data preparation is carried out in the software supplied by us called EPCOMP (EPIS COMPOSER), now 2.0 in several versions. As the on-board computer manages vehicle information systems including internal LCDs for passengers, check-in (providing zone information), controls automatic turnout setting, manages preference at junctions and provides direct communication with stop panels, a number of other auxiliary programs are also available, including analysis of on-board computer data.
The principle of EPCOMP II
The data for the EPIS 4.0x on-board computers is prepared using the EPCOM composer program version 2.0. This allows the integration of all outputs related to data preparation for dispatching, for vehicles (can be done in separate programs) and for the traffic path (turnouts, intersection preferences).
The basic philosophy of EPCOMP is the independence of the system operator from its supplier.
Data processing procedure using EPCOMP version 2.0.
The basic input to the program is the data export from the timetable software. Today, the standard in the Czech Republic is from FS Skeleton and ASW JŘ (Chaps) and possibly from others. It is also possible to load the chart defined in excel.
The basic outputs are then data for:
- on-board computers - determines all on-board computer behaviour
- dispatching - on the basis of these data the SPRINTER-MHD dispatching software then evaluates all movements of public transport vehicles
- data for the check-in system - cooperates with our BackOffice
- data for the passenger tracking system - ADA
- if necessary, the number of outputs can be extended, e.g. for stop panels
EPCOMP II can integrate previously developed programs:
- Data processing for automatic turnout setting (also available in the separate Frogs software),
- data processing for preference solutions at junctions (also available in the separate Crux software),
- data processing for radio communication preparation (defines code messages between vehicle and control room),
- control of driver messages - triggering predefined messages (by the driver or from the control room),
- control of the camera system and presetting of the displayed screens in the camera system (possible in the independent software Videoklient),
- passenger counting system - SW ADA,
- SW for processing data from the on-board computer - aRNE.
Description of EPCOMP 2.0 functions
Basic program tabs
The individual tabs of EPCOM 2.0 are:
- Program - contains information about the application, settings and the option to exit the application.
- Transportation - contains processing of lines, stops, fare zones, destinations, service notes, services, diversions and other information needed for schedules.
- Commands - includes processing of audible and visual commands, sounds, directional indicators (signs and displays), and IBIS bus control (IPIS).
- Depot - handles vehicle-related settings, i.e., arrangement of boards and displays in the vehicle, driver list, vehicle list, etc.
- On-board PC - includes on-board PC settings as critical event settings.
- Sprinter - contains information about line management.
- Data - exports and imports files.
Basic view of the "Transport" menu of EPComp.
Basic transport menu
Timetable management can be found in the menu under "Transport" where the different parts of the timetable are located. All these items are mainly used to view and control the data created in the timetable.
Basic view of the "Transport" menu of EPComp.
Example of working with stops:
Example of working with stops in EPCOMP version 2.0.
Traffic path
It is part of the Transport module and is used to manage intersections and turnouts. This is where you will find Intersections, Intersection Rules, Turnouts, and Turnout Rules. All of these items are mainly used to view and control the data about intersections and turnouts.
Defining properties of intersections.