The Future of Real-Time Information Systems
Real-time information systems are essential for improving passenger satisfaction, operational efficiency and safety in the rail industry, writes Thomas Auner, CSO and Partner, cn-mobilit.
cn-mobility.eu
Today, train operators and passengers alike expect instant access to accurate, up-to-date information to ensure smooth journeys and a seamless customer experience. Whether it’s updates on delays, platform changes or service disruptions, real-time communication has become a necessity – not just for convenience, but also security and trust.
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This evolution in expectations demands modernisation, and cn-mobility is at the forefront of these advancements. Our vision is a world in which travelling by train is a pleasure for everyone.
By prioritising software intelligence and leveraging open interfaces, our solutions ensure flexibility, scalability and compatibility across rail systems. Gone are the days of relying on proprietary hardware and exclusive communication protocols. Instead, our approach integrates cutting-edge technologies to meet the dynamic needs of today’s rail networks.
Until recently, cn-mobility’s solutions incorporated components from various hardware manufacturers. However, we decided to no longer wait for others to improve their products, but instead take action ourselves. We brought in-house a team of highly experienced engineers, which has enabled us to develop our own complete audio solution. This was launched in February.
Rethinking Audio Technology
There’s always been this antiquated idea that you need a separate device for each purpose, but we see things differently. With this in mind, our team developed the InnoCom PD audio amplifier, which can be supplied in combination with a driver intercom, saving hardware and costs.
Our multifunctional electronic announcement system device (amplifier and cab unit) enables seamless integration of multiple audio components for easy communication between staff and passengers.
Until now, you had to buy what was available – there was nothing to configure, to choose or to expand, which is why we created a highly modular and flexible design for our amplifier. This can be configured to individual requirements, as well as easily repaired. Furthermore, the device can be completely dismantled, maximising recyclability and improving sustainability.
The InnoCom Product Range
Our InnoCom PI intercom was developed to create an optimal interface between passengers and staff.
It offers advanced echo, noise and interference cancellation to ensure clear communication, especially in demanding environments, in addition to a maximum speaker output transmission of 16kHz (standard: 8kHz). The frequency response is also linearised, which significantly improves speech intelligibility.
The intercom station includes a redundant network connection and power supply, and to add more flexibility, an external power supply without power over ethernet (PoE) is optional.
A feature we’re particularly proud of is our Auracast standard, which we’ve integrated into our passenger intercoms. Auracast is a relatively new Bluetooth derivative that offers people with hearing impairments the opportunity to listen to an Auracast stream. This might be for announcements from the passenger information system, the train driver or even from the control centre, via a modern hearing aid or headphones.
An added benefit to Auracast is that it works wirelessly, so you don’t have to lay a complex inductive hearing loop in a vehicle.
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