Remote monitoring method and system for locomotive signal equipment

Abstract

The invention discloses a remote monitoring method and system for locomotive signal equipment, and relates to the technical field of train operation, and the method comprises the steps: 1, locomotive signal equipment information collection: if the signal lamp color and the train operation information of a certain locomotive signal equipment meet preset equipment inspection triggering conditions, the locomotive signal equipment is monitored; if so, acquiring image data corresponding to the locomotive signal equipment, and sending the image data to a data transfer module preset beside the locomotive signal equipment; step 2, data unloading and monitoring implementation: predicting an approaching moment when a train approaches locomotive signal equipment based on train operation information; sending a movement control instruction to the data transfer module; and if the wireless communication relationship is established between the data transfer module and a receiving module preset on the train, the data transfer module is made to send the latest acquired data and a data uploading trigger instruction to the receiving module. The locomotive signal equipment inspection device has the effect of helping workers to inspect locomotive signal equipment in a more convenient and high-benefit mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of train operation technology, and in particular to a remote monitoring method and system for locomotive signaling equipment. Background Art

[0002] Locomotive signals refer to signals that indicate the operating conditions, environment, and mode ahead of the train. They can tell the train how to move, not only avoiding accidents such as collisions, but also guiding the driver to drive safely in bad weather. Therefore, they need to be inspected and maintained regularly.

[0003] The inspection and maintenance of locomotive signal equipment include functional aspects such as signal accuracy and delay, as well as equipment structural integrity and electrical integrity. If these are always dependent on staff going to the site to inspect one by one, it will require huge human and material resources to be invested in railway operations over the years.

[0004] Currently, drones are being used in bridge and geological surveys to help workers collect information remotely, reducing the inconvenience of manual labor. Similarly, the integrity inspection of locomotive signal equipment can also be performed remotely using drones. However, the inventors believe that there are the following difficulties: On any track, in addition to entry and exit signals, there are also interval signal equipment, etc., and the length of each track is very long. In this case, if a drone is launched from a fixed station, the battery life and communication range will be difficult to meet the needs. Moreover, many track sections are located in mountainous areas, and there is signal interference, or even sections with no signal. Therefore, it is necessary to propose a new technical solution. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to help staff check locomotive signal equipment in a more convenient and efficient manner, the present application provides a remote monitoring method and system for locomotive signal equipment.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present application provides a remote monitoring method for locomotive signal equipment, which adopts the following technical solution: A remote monitoring method for locomotive signal equipment, comprising: Step 1: Locomotive signal equipment information collection, which includes: Obtain the signal parameters of the locomotive signal equipment beside the track and analyze them to obtain the current signal light color and train operation information; the train operation information includes at least the current position range and the expected speed range when passing the signal point; If the signal light color and train operation information of a certain locomotive signal device meet the preset equipment inspection trigger conditions, the image data of the corresponding locomotive signal device is obtained and sent to the data transfer module preset next to the locomotive signal device; Step 2: Data transfer and monitoring implementation, which includes: Predicting the approach time of trains to locomotive signal equipment based on train operation information; Sending a movement control instruction to the data transfer module; wherein the movement control instruction is used to make the data transfer module move along the track at the approach moment and accelerate to the speed range expected to pass the signal point; If the data transfer module establishes a wireless communication relationship with the preset receiving module on the train, the data transfer module will send the latest acquired data and data upload trigger instruction to the receiving module.

[0007] Optionally, the method for obtaining signal parameters of the locomotive signal equipment includes: Perform inductive current detection on the power-on circuit of any signal light of the locomotive signal equipment, assign the detection value greater than the reference current threshold as signal A, and assign other detection values as signal B; Add pre-stored traffic light codes to signal A and signal B to generate signal parameters.

[0008] Optionally, the step 1, collecting locomotive signal equipment information, further includes: obtaining detection data from vibration sensors pre-deployed on the track, and analyzing train operation information based on the detection data and historical sample records.

[0009] Optionally, the inspection trigger condition includes that the signal light is yellow, and the image data sent to the data transfer module is a data set of multiple images.

[0010] Optionally, the data transfer module establishes a connection with a receiving module on the train using a UWB mechanism.

[0011] In a second aspect, the present application provides a remote monitoring system using any of the above-described remote monitoring methods for locomotive signal equipment, which employs the following technical solutions: A remote monitoring system comprising: A vision module is arranged on the side of the locomotive signal equipment and is used to collect image data of the locomotive signal equipment; A current sensor for detecting the current of the power circuit of each signal lamp of the locomotive signal equipment; A receiving module, which is deployed on the train and is used to upload detection data of the locomotive signal equipment to the network; and The data transfer module is used to connect to the vision module and to perform wireless data interaction with the receiving module; The visual module includes at least a camera and a local main control box. A buffer pipe is arranged on the side of the track along the track direction. An adaptive slider is slidably connected in the buffer pipe. The data transfer module is installed on the slider and the data is connected to the camera. A traction machine is installed at both ends of the buffer pipe. The traction rope on the traction machine is fixed to the end of the slider. The traction machine and the current sensor are electrically connected to the local main control box. The local main control box is configured as follows: The signal parameters are obtained based on the feedback from the current sensor, and the current signal light color and train operation information are obtained through analysis; If the signal light color and train operation information of a certain locomotive signal device meet the preset equipment inspection trigger conditions, the image data of the corresponding locomotive signal device is obtained and sent to the data transfer module preset next to the locomotive signal device; Predicting the approach time of trains to locomotive signal equipment based on train operation information; Sending a movement control instruction to the data transfer module; wherein the movement control instruction is used to cause the data transfer module to move along the track at the approach time and accelerate to the speed range expected to pass the signal point at the approach time; If the data transfer module establishes a wireless communication relationship with the preset receiving module on the train, the data transfer module will send the latest acquired data and data upload trigger instruction to the receiving module.

[0012] Optionally, the data transfer module includes a UWB transmitting module, a Bluetooth module and a control board, the control board integrates the Bluetooth module and is connected to the UWB module, and the control board is connected to the camera via the Bluetooth module; the receiving module includes a host and a UWB module connected to the host.

[0013] Optionally, it also includes a vibration sensor and a transverse electric cylinder. The transverse electric cylinder is installed on the side of the track and the vibration sensor is installed at the end of the telescopic rod. The detection end of the vibration sensor faces the track. The vibration sensor and the transverse electric cylinder are respectively electrically connected to the local main control box.

[0014] To sum up, the present application includes the following beneficial technical effects: it can detect in advance that a train is about to pass through the locomotive signal equipment, and collect images of each locomotive signal equipment in time. When the train passes through the locomotive signal equipment, the data is sent to the train by accompanying mobile and wireless transmission technology, and then the train directly brings it back or transmits the data back in an area with stable network signals, thereby realizing remote monitoring of the locomotive signal equipment. This method is not limited by the endurance and signal range like drones, and has no effect on whether there is a network signal in the corresponding station area. Therefore, it has better applicability, and does not require the reinstallation of new locomotive signal equipment, and the efficiency is relatively higher. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall architecture of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the camera layout of this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the mobile basis of the data transfer module of this application.

[0016] Explanation of the accompanying reference numerals: 1. vertical pole; 2. ring rail; 3. trolley; 4. camera; 5. buffer pipe; 6. slider. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The following is combined with Figure 1-3 This application is described in further detail.

[0018] The embodiment of the present application discloses a remote monitoring method for locomotive signal equipment.

[0019] Regarding the remote monitoring method of locomotive signal equipment, it can be understood that the target to be inspected in this application is the locomotive signal equipment (lights) beside the track, rather than the signal lights in the driver's cab. The signal lights in the cab can be inspected when the train enters the station and stops; at the same time, it is not limited to entering and leaving the station, but is more suitable for interval locomotive signal equipment. While the train is running on the track, the signal control center (station) and other equipment monitor and analyze the electrical parameters of the track to respond to the train's travel information, and send instructions to the locomotive signal equipment to make it work and guide the train's operation. The interaction between tracks, trains, and locomotive signals is an existing technology, so it will not be described in detail.

[0020] Reference Figure 1 , the method comprises: Step 1: Locomotive signal equipment information collection, which includes: S11. Obtain signal parameters of the locomotive signal equipment beside the track, and parse them to obtain the current signal light color and train operation information; wherein the train operation information at least includes the current position range and the expected speed range when passing the signal point.

[0021] In this embodiment, the method for obtaining the signal parameters of the locomotive signal equipment beside the track includes: a-1) Perform inductive current detection on the power-on circuit of any signal light of the locomotive signal equipment, for example, by installing a current sensor and passing a wire through it. This method does not require changing the original circuit structure of the locomotive signal equipment, will not cause signal light failure, and is applicable to a large number of existing signal equipment in use, making it suitable for promotion and application.

[0022] Afterwards, the detection values greater than the reference current threshold are assigned as signal A, and the other detection values are assigned as signal B.

[0023] It can be understood that when any lamp is powered on and changes from an off state to a lit state, current will flow through its power-on wire. Therefore, after setting a current threshold that is smaller than the minimum current in the power-on state, it is possible to determine whether the signal light is turned on by comparing the value. Therefore, signal A can be on and signal B can be off.

[0024] It should be noted that each locomotive signal device has multiple signal lights, which can be lit individually or in combination. Taking the current track signal background as an example: the locomotive signal light colors include green, yellow, red, double yellow, green and yellow, and yellow flashing yellow.

[0025] a-2) Add pre-stored traffic light codes to signal A and signal B to generate signal parameters.

[0026] That is, each traffic light has its own code. For example, red, yellow, and green are coded with R, Y, and G respectively. Therefore, the signal parameters are actually composed of one or more codes + corresponding on / off. On and off can be replaced by 1 / 0.

[0027] S12. If the signal light color and train operation information of a locomotive signal device meet the preset equipment inspection trigger conditions, the image data of the corresponding locomotive signal device is obtained and sent to the data transfer module preset next to the locomotive signal device; that is, this method does not require staff to go to the signal point site, and the on-site images are automatically collected and gradually transmitted back.

[0028] The above-mentioned inspection triggering conditions include the signal light containing yellow, or the train's current position interval being less than the standard threshold, such as: 2km; Among them, the yellow color is chosen because the yellow light indicates that there are other trains in the section ahead and it is necessary to switch to other lines. In this case, the train will slow down. The lower the speed, the easier it is to transfer data in this method, which will be explained later.

[0029] Reference Figure 2 Regarding the acquisition of image data, specifically: Pole 1, which is set up on the side of the locomotive signal equipment; a ring rail 2, which is mounted on the pole 1 and surrounds the locomotive signal equipment; The trolley 3 is mounted on the ring track 2 and moves along the ring track 2. For example, a rack structure is formed on the inner side of the ring track. The bottom of the trolley is buckled with the ring track, and the trolley is equipped with a small motor and the motor output shaft is fixed with a gear, and the gear meshes with the rack structure. A camera 4 is mounted on the trolley 3 with its lens facing the locomotive signaling equipment; and The local main control box is installed beside the track and built into a protective cabinet.

[0030] The local master control box is connected to the vehicle 3 and camera 4 and has an integrated wireless communication unit. When conditions are met, the local master control box controls the vehicle 3 to move the camera 4 in a circular motion and capture the locomotive signal equipment, thereby obtaining the aforementioned image data. The local master control box then transmits the data to the data transfer module via the wireless communication unit.

[0031] Step 2: Data transfer and monitoring implementation, which includes: S21. Predict the approach time of the train to the locomotive signal equipment based on the train operation information.

[0032] Example prediction: It is known that the railway department will dispatch trains. Whether a track will run high-speed trains, EMUs or other types of trains is planned, and locomotive signal equipment is needed to guide the operation of each train. Therefore, it is at least possible to know what type of train will pass through any track at a certain time; and each type of train has its own speed range.

[0033] Before a train enters the next section, the light color of the signal locomotives passing through it will change in advance. The light change advance time minus the speed is determined by the relevant departments, and the light change advance time can be calculated from this. The light change time plus the light change advance time gives the predicted approach time. Of course, the advance light change time can also be fixed, which is simpler and does not require consideration of the speed range. Simply add the light change time and the fixed advance time to the predicted approach time.

[0034] Moreover, speed * time = distance, that is, speed range * advance time, so the current position range of the train can also be obtained.

[0035] S22. Send a movement control instruction to the data transfer module; wherein the movement control instruction is used to make the data transfer module move along the track at the time of approach and accelerate to the speed range expected to pass the signal point at the time of approach.

[0036] Reasons for the above settings: Normally, a train does not stop when passing a locomotive signal device. Therefore, if the data transfer module is connected to the train with a data cable, it is impossible to bring data back through the train. Therefore, wireless data transmission is the only option. However, at high speeds, if the data transfer module is fixed, there is a high probability that the connection will be disconnected just after uploading a little data. To avoid this situation, this method requires that the data transfer module can be moved with the train to maintain a stable connection for a short period of time to facilitate data transmission to the train.

[0037] S23. If the data transfer module establishes a wireless communication relationship with the preset receiving module on the train, the data transfer module is instructed to send the latest acquired data and a data upload trigger instruction to the receiving module.

[0038] According to the above settings, this method can detect in advance that a train is about to pass through the locomotive signal equipment, and collect images of each locomotive signal equipment in time. When the train passes the locomotive signal equipment, the data is sent to the train using accompanying mobile and wireless transmission technology, and then the train directly brings the data back or transmits the data back in an area with stable network signals, thereby realizing remote monitoring of the locomotive signal equipment. This method is not limited by the endurance and signal range like drones, and has no effect on whether there is a network signal in the corresponding station area. Therefore, it has better applicability, does not require the reinstallation of new locomotive signal equipment, and is relatively more efficient.

[0039] Reference Figure 3 In one embodiment of the present method, the above setting in the data transfer module: A buffer pipe 5 is arranged along the track side, an adaptive slider 6 is slidably connected inside the buffer pipe 5, and the data transfer module is installed on the slider 6; a traction machine is installed at both ends of the buffer pipe 5, and the traction rope on the traction machine is fixed to the end of the slider 6.

[0040] When the data transfer module needs to move, the traction machine that matches the train's forward direction is turned on, and the slider 6 is quickly pulled by the traction rope to move. The traction machine is electrically connected to the local main control box through a frequency converter for movement control.

[0041] It should be noted that the length of the buffer pipe 5 should be greater than the distance the data transfer module is expected to move with the train, so that it can gradually slow down and return to the starting position after deceleration. The starting position is close to the camera 4 to facilitate data reception.

[0042] In one embodiment of this method, the image data sent to the data transfer module is a collection of multiple images. Specifically, camera 4 can capture snapshots at a preset frequency, or it can capture video and then extract the required frames from the video. These multiple images are stitched together to form a real-time view of each position of the locomotive signal equipment.

[0043] The above settings can significantly reduce the amount of data that the data transfer module needs to transmit and shorten the duration of the connection with the receiving module on the train.

[0044] Furthermore, the data transfer module is configured to include a UWB transmitter module, a Bluetooth module, and a control board. The control board is a circuit board consisting of a processor and associated peripheral circuits, on which the Bluetooth module is integrated and connected to the UWB transmitter module. Correspondingly, the train's receiving module includes a UWB receiver module and a host computer with networking capabilities, which is connected to the UWB receiver module via a USB port or other means.

[0045] Usage process: The data transfer module establishes a connection with the camera via Bluetooth, and after obtaining the data, it sends the data to the UWB receiving module on the train through the UWB transmitting module.

[0046] The reason for using UWB transmission technology is that its high-speed transmission efficiency can better meet the needs of transmitting data to high-speed trains.

[0047] In this method, the electrical equipment near the locomotive signal equipment needs to be powered. One way to power the equipment is to deploy solar cells, and another way is to use a cable grid for power supply. The power supply technology is an existing technology and will not be described in detail.

[0048] In another embodiment of the present method, it is considered that there are various locomotive signal mechanisms currently available. In addition to the automatic block type, where the locomotive signal equipment automatically changes lights (e.g., to red) after the train passes a signal point, there are other situations where the signal light may remain green for consecutive sections that are continuously idle. In such situations, it is difficult to further interpret train operation information from the signal light, that is, to know the train's arrival location in advance. Therefore, the present method further includes: Acquire detection data from vibration sensors pre-deployed on the track, and analyze train operation information based on the detection data and historical sample records.

[0049] It's understandable that when a train travels on the track, the track vibrates, and a timeline recording of this vibration waveform can be used. Furthermore, the waveform changes with varying speeds and distances from the test point. Therefore, simply testing and uploading selected samples allows us to compare real-time test data with historical sample records, analyze the similarity using a similarity algorithm, and identify the sample with the highest matching score. This allows us to obtain train operation information based on the corresponding conditional information. An example of a similarity algorithm is the cosine similarity algorithm.

[0050] It should be noted that if this method is implemented in this way, a high-performance host should be deployed near the locomotive signal equipment, rather than just using the above-mentioned local main control box, to ensure timeliness of information acquisition; the vibration sensor is connected back to the local main control box.

[0051] In addition to directly fixing the vibration sensor to the track with screws, another way to install the vibration sensor is: install a base next to the track, place a horizontal electric cylinder on the base, and point the telescopic end of the horizontal electric cylinder toward the track. The vibration sensor is installed on the end with a fixing plate, and the detection head of the vibration sensor faces the track. The horizontal electric cylinder is connected to the local main control box.

[0052] When the signal light switches or the preset duration remains unchanged, the transverse electric cylinder pushes the vibration sensor into contact with the track for at least 5 seconds before retracting. This approach reduces interference caused by other vibrations and minimizes the risk of damage to the vibration sensor.

[0053] In one embodiment of the present method, regarding the acceleration example of the data transfer module: if the train speed is 100 km / h, it starts to start and gradually accelerates 10 seconds before the train approaches, with an acceleration of 0.278 m / s2 , the corresponding control inverter can gradually accelerate to the target speed by increasing the frequency parameter; deceleration is the opposite.

[0054] The embodiment of the present application also discloses a remote monitoring system using any of the above-described remote monitoring methods for locomotive signal equipment.

[0055] The remote monitoring system includes: A vision module is arranged on the side of the locomotive signal equipment and is used to collect image data of the locomotive signal equipment; A current sensor for detecting the current of the power circuit of each signal lamp of the locomotive signal equipment; A receiving module, which is deployed on the train and is used to upload detection data of the locomotive signal equipment to the network; and The data transfer module is used to connect to the vision module and to perform wireless data interaction with the receiving module; The visual module at least includes a camera 4 and a local main control box, and the arrangement of the camera 4 is as described in the above method.

[0056] The local master control box configuration is: The signal parameters are obtained based on the feedback from the current sensor, and the current signal light color and train operation information are obtained through analysis; If the signal light color and train operation information of a certain locomotive signal device meet the preset equipment inspection trigger conditions, the image data of the corresponding locomotive signal device is obtained and sent to the data transfer module preset next to the locomotive signal device; Predicting the approach time of trains to locomotive signal equipment based on train operation information; Sending a movement control instruction to the data transfer module; wherein the movement control instruction is used to cause the data transfer module to move along the track at the approach time and accelerate to the speed range expected to pass the signal point at the approach time; If the data transfer module establishes a wireless communication relationship with the preset receiving module on the train, the data transfer module will send the latest acquired data and data upload trigger instruction to the receiving module.

[0057] The configuration of the data transfer module and the vibration sensor has been described in the aforementioned embodiment of the method, and thus will not be repeated here.

[0058] The above are all preferred embodiments of the present application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, any equivalent changes made based on the structure, shape, and principle of the present application should be included in the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A remote monitoring method for locomotive signal equipment, characterized in that: include: Step 1: Locomotive signal equipment information collection, which includes: Obtain the signal parameters of the locomotive signal equipment beside the track and analyze them to obtain the current signal light color and train operation information; the train operation information includes at least the current position range and the expected speed range when passing the signal point; If the signal light color and train operation information of a certain locomotive signal device meet the preset equipment inspection trigger conditions, the image data of the corresponding locomotive signal device is obtained and sent to the data transfer module preset next to the locomotive signal device; Step 2: Data transfer and monitoring implementation, which includes: Predicting the approach time of trains to locomotive signal equipment based on train operation information; Sending a movement control instruction to the data transfer module; wherein the movement control instruction is used to make the data transfer module move along the track at the time of approach and accelerate to the speed range expected to pass the signal point; If the data transfer module establishes a wireless communication relationship with the preset receiving module on the train, the data transfer module will send the latest acquired data and data upload trigger instruction to the receiving module.

2. The remote monitoring method for locomotive signal equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The signal parameter acquisition method of the locomotive signal equipment includes: Perform inductive current detection on the power-on circuit of any signal light of the locomotive signal equipment, assign the detection value greater than the reference current threshold as signal A, and assign other detection values as signal B; Add pre-stored traffic light codes to signal A and signal B to generate signal parameters.

3. The remote monitoring method for locomotive signal equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The step 1, collecting locomotive signal equipment information, further includes: obtaining detection data from vibration sensors pre-deployed on the track, and analyzing train operation information based on the detection data and historical sample records.

4. The remote monitoring method for locomotive signal equipment according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The inspection triggering condition includes that the signal light is yellow, and the image data sent to the data transfer module is a data set of multiple images.

5. The remote monitoring method for locomotive signal equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that: The data transfer module establishes a connection with the receiving module on the train using the UWB mechanism.

6. A remote monitoring system using the remote monitoring method for locomotive signal equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: include: A vision module is arranged on the side of the locomotive signal equipment and is used to collect image data of the locomotive signal equipment; A current sensor for detecting the current of the power circuit of each signal lamp of the locomotive signal equipment; A receiving module, which is deployed on the train and is used to upload detection data of the locomotive signal equipment to the network; and The data transfer module is used to connect to the vision module and to perform wireless data interaction with the receiving module; The visual module comprises at least a camera (4) and a local main control box, a buffer pipe (5) is arranged on the side of the track along the track direction, an adaptive slider (6) is slidably connected in the buffer pipe (5), the data transfer module is installed on the slider (6) and the data is connected to the camera (4), a traction machine is installed at both ends of the buffer pipe (5), a traction rope on the traction machine is fixed to the end of the slider (6), the traction machine and the current sensor are electrically connected to the local main control box, and the local main control box is configured as follows: The signal parameters are obtained based on the feedback from the current sensor, and the current signal light color and train operation information are obtained through analysis; If the signal light color and train operation information of a certain locomotive signal device meet the preset equipment inspection trigger conditions, the image data of the corresponding locomotive signal device is obtained and sent to the data transfer module preset next to the locomotive signal device; Predicting the approach time of trains to locomotive signal equipment based on train operation information; Sending a movement control instruction to the data transfer module; wherein the movement control instruction is used to cause the data transfer module to move along the track at the approach time and accelerate to the speed range expected to pass the signal point at the approach time; If the data transfer module establishes a wireless communication relationship with the preset receiving module on the train, the data transfer module will send the latest acquired data and data upload trigger instruction to the receiving module.

7. The remote monitoring system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The data transfer module includes a UWB transmitting module, a Bluetooth module and a control panel, wherein the control panel integrates the Bluetooth module and is connected to the UWB module, and the control panel is connected to the camera (4) via the Bluetooth module; the receiving module includes a host and a UWB module connected to the host.

8. The remote monitoring system according to claim 6, characterized in that: It also includes a vibration sensor and a transverse electric cylinder. The transverse electric cylinder is installed on the side of the track and the vibration sensor is installed at the end of the telescopic rod. The detection end of the vibration sensor faces the track. The vibration sensor and the transverse electric cylinder are respectively electrically connected to the local main control box.

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