VITAL NETWORK INTERLOCKING (VNI): AN ALTERNATIVE VITAL INTERLOCKING CONTROL SYSTEM
G E Clark · 1997
Present Control Systems use vital relays or CPU logic. A new method called Vital Network Interlocking (VNI) is proposed. The VNI concept utilizes a network to inter-connect vital interlocking functions. The VNI idea uses solid state logic functions called conveyors and receptors which share information located on a network. Conveyors perform a function similar to relay coils while receptors perform a function similar to relay contacts. Each interlocking function such as track detection switch position etc. are converted to logic identities which are then placed on the network. Each logic identity placed on the network would be available to be used in conjunction with other logic identities residing on the network to form a VNI system