To support the rapid rollout of the European Train Control System Level 2 (ETCS L2) on the German railway network, this paper outlines a step towards automating the data point (DP) plan review process. It includes the collection of requirements, the investigation of methods and an approach for the development of algorithms for an automated completeness review of ETCS L2 DP plans. The approach proposes a combination of different methods for rule-based and knowledge-based formalization, facilitating the integration of process understanding and domain expertise. In accordance with the gathered functional and non-functional requirements, the developed approach supports the development of algorithms for an automated completeness review of any given plan. The developed approach is used to exemplarily develop algorithms for the automated completeness review of DP plans for exits of ETCS L2 and the developed algorithms are manually applied to two different infrastructure layouts. Based on the findings of the research, development and possible application, possible further development steps enhancing the developed approach are suggested. The implementation of the developed algorithms will provide support for human plan reviewers, leading to an acceleration of the rollout of ETCS in Germany, contributing to interoperability and thus increasing the railway capacity in Europe.
Vogel et al. (Thu,) studied this question.