Background
For the aim of still delivering more and more cost efficient and correct consulting, Atkins Danmark is developing advanced CAE-tools. These tools are particularly aimed for designing and verifying signal interlocking systems.

The ALMOND project
The ALMOND project is a R&D project (Research & Development) which aim is to make three related tools, all based on the novel technology array based logic.

Tool A - requirement
By drawing a geometric representation of a station on our new CAE tool, we can obtain a list of all objects (signals, point etc.) and the topology of the station. By associating each object with a set of predefined constraints, it is possible automatically to derive a list of all possible train routes. Each train route is represented by all the constraints or requirements for that particular train route. In other words, we can automatically obtain a schedule of all the possible train routes, which includes all the requirements for a certain station. In Denmark this is called a train route schedule.

Tool B - modeling interlocking systems
Today, most of the interlocking systems in Denmark are based on relay technology. On that background we are creating a tool that translates a set of CAD drawings into a mathematical and logical model, which describes the possible states of a designed interlocking system. From this model, it will be possible to derive relations between the states of the signals, points and other objects. In this way, logical consistency and other simple checks can be made during the design phase. This tool is made for relay systems, but it is possible to implement a tool for converting other formal descriptions of interlocking systems into a logical model, for example a PLC program. In this way, we can obtain a logical model that is equivalent to the PLC program.

Tool C - verification
Tool C will compare the results from Tool A and B, so it automatically can verify that the designed interlocking system (Tool B) satisfies the requirements based on Tool A. It will simply take each train route and prove that all the requirements are implemented correctly.

Further perspectives
This project is aimed to fulfil our current needs for computer support when designing and verifying interlocking systems. But we see other possible areas, where we can use the technology and representation, for example, calculating ATP instructions or a support system for the train dispatchers. Associates This project is based on 5 years of research at the Department of Electric Power Engineering at the Technical University of Denmark, concluded with a Ph.D. thesis in 1998. In 1998, the Danish Agency for Trade and Industry funded this project for a period of three years. On that background, we have made a contract with a Danish company - Array Technology - who implements all the basic software.