Method for controlling the flow of individuals entering and leaving an enclosure, associated signalling system and railway car provided with such a system

Abstract

Method for regulating the flow of individuals entering and exiting an enclosure through an opening, comprising the following steps: - controlling a first signaling mode on a set of signaling device(s) (11) arranged at the opening; - triggering the switch to a second signaling mode on the set of signaling device(s); - measuring the flow of individuals exiting the enclosure through the opening; the switch from the first mode to the second signaling mode being triggered based on at least the measurements of the flow of individuals exiting.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of regulating the flow of individuals entering and leaving an enclosure.

[0002] More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for regulating a flow of individuals entering and leaving an enclosure through an opening, said method comprising the following steps implemented by an electronic signaling system: control the implementation of a first signaling mode on a set of signaling device(s) arranged at least at the opening; trigger the switching from the first signaling mode to a second signaling mode on the set of signaling device(s), the second mode being different from the first mode.

[0003] Such processes are implemented in particular in rail transport.

[0004] For example, for subway doors with rubber interfaces (joining edges) at which they close, it is known to have lines of LEDs (from the English "Light-Emitting Diode") on these interfaces which turn green when the doors open, then turn white while the doors are open at rest, then turn red some time before they close, the red becoming flashing when the doors are about to close.

[0005] US 5,176,082 A discloses a passenger loading and unloading control system for high-volume passenger vehicles, such as subway trains, which electronically counts passengers in each compartment and pre-positions passengers who intend to alight at the next passenger loading and unloading platform, and which electronically counts and pre-positions a number of passengers at the next platform for boarding.

[0006] However, there remains a need to further optimize the regulation of incoming and outgoing flows in rail transport in particular, and more generally in enclosures including an opening allowing the entry and exit of flows of individuals.

[0007] To this end, according to a first aspect, the invention proposes a method for regulating a flow of individuals comprising the steps of claim 1.

[0008] The invention thus makes it possible to control the signaling and trigger the switching of signaling in a manner adapted to current flows, which results in better regulation of traffic and its smoothing.

[0009] In embodiments, the method for regulating the flow of incoming and outgoing individuals according to the invention further comprises one or more of the following characteristics: the implementation of the first signage mode comprises the implementation of the signage of the first type on the first subset and the implementation of the signage of the second type on the second subset and the implementation of the second signage mode comprises the implementation of the signage of the second type on the first subset and the implementation of the signage of the first type on the second subset; the switching from the first mode to the second signage mode is triggered according to at least one additional parameter determined on the basis of said measurements among the set of parameters comprising: a number of individuals entering the enclosure, their speed, their flow rate, a total number of individuals present in the enclosure, the proportion between individuals leaving and those starting to enter;the mobile enclosure is a railway vehicle car and the command to implement the first signaling mode is triggered when the doors open following arrival at the station to signal that individuals wishing to exit should exit and / or that individuals wishing to enter should wait; and the switch to the second signaling mode is triggered, before the doors close before departure from the station, to signal that individuals wishing to enter should enter and / or that individuals wishing to exit should wait. the second signaling mode comprises the display of light signals adapted to guide individuals from their entry into the enclosure through the opening to an area further inside the enclosure than the opening area, in order to free access to the enclosure. ;

[0010] According to a second aspect, the present invention provides an electronic signaling system comprising the features of claim 6.

[0011] In embodiments, the electronic signaling system according to the invention further comprises one or more of the following characteristics: the electronic signaling system is adapted to, when implementing the first signaling mode, implement the signaling of the first type on the first subset and implement the signaling of the second type on the second subset, and adapted to, when implementing the second signaling mode, implement the signaling of the second type on the first subset and implement the signaling of the first type on the second subset.

[0012] According to a third aspect, the present invention proposes a railway vehicle car delimiting a mobile enclosure comprising an opening for the entry and exit of a flow of individuals, said car comprising an electronic signaling system according to the second aspect of the invention, comprising a set of signaling device(s) arranged at least at the level of the opening of the mobile enclosure.

[0013] These characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of example, and made with reference to the appended drawings, in which: there figure 1 is a schematic view of a signaling system in one embodiment of the invention; figure 2 is a partial view of a subway car equipped with a signaling system in one embodiment of the invention, in a signaling state while stopped in a station; figure 3 is a partial view of the subway car of the figure 2 in another signaling state while stopped in the station; figure 4 schematically represents a top view of the car of the figure 2 ; there figure 5 represents a signaling cycle implemented when a metro car stops at a station in one embodiment of the invention; figure 6 is a flowchart of steps implemented in one embodiment of the invention.

[0014] There figure 1 represents a view of an electronic signaling system 10 in one embodiment of the invention. This signaling system 10 is adapted to control the signaling intended for individuals entering and leaving an enclosure through an opening.

[0015] The signaling system 10 comprises a set of electronic signaling device(s) 11, an electronic pilot unit 12 and an electronic unit for measuring the flow of individuals 13.

[0016] The set of signaling device(s) 11 comprises one or more signaling devices arranged at least at the level of the opening of the enclosure whose incoming and outgoing flows are to be regulated, so as to be visible to entering and / or exiting individuals.

[0017] Such signaling devices 11 are adapted to provide signaling intended for individuals entering and / or leaving the enclosure, using visual signals displayed on electronic display screens and / or using the emission of lights of variable color and intensity and / or using sound signals emitted using loudspeakers etc. In the particular example described in more detail below with reference to figures 2 à 5 , the signaling devices are of the signaling emission type based on light signals.

[0018] The set of signaling device(s) 11 is adapted to operate according to several signaling modes, depending on commands received from the pilot block 12.

[0019] The individual flow measurement block 13 is adapted to detect individuals leaving the enclosure and / or to detect individuals entering the enclosure and to transmit the detection information in real time to the pilot block 12.

[0020] The pilot block 12 is adapted to receive the detection information from the measurement block 13, to process it and extract one or more parameters determined as a function of this information, to select a signaling mode from among those which can be implemented by the set of signaling device(s) 11, as a function of defined criteria and conditions and to transmit the command corresponding to the selected mode to the set of signaling device(s) 11.

[0021] The signaling device(s) 11, pilot block 12 and individual flow measurement block 13 are adapted to exchange data between them via wired or wireless telecommunications links, for example radio. They therefore comprise the corresponding telecommunications modules.

[0022] The invention will now be described in a particular embodiment applying to a metro train comprising cars transporting passengers.

[0023] Each of these cars 1 as partially represented in figure 2 delimits an enclosure within which passengers are transported between metro stations. Each car 1 comprises, in a known manner, a roof, a floor, fixed side walls and sliding doors. The doors 3, once open, delimit an opening 2 through which individuals inside the car can get off car 1 and individuals on the platform outside car 1 can get on car 1.

[0024] Pilot block 12, not shown in figure 2 , is for example arranged under the floor. The measuring block 13 comprises for example a set of sensor(s) adapted to detect the passage of individuals. In the present case, a set 13 of two ultrasonic sensor systems are arranged on the upper part of the opening 2, so as to detect the passage of individuals crossing the opening 2 under the sensors, and arranged in a manner offset from each other along a Y axis (i.e. their orthogonal projection on the Y axis is not merged at the same point), which is perpendicular to the plane of the doors. They are adapted to emit all periods of duration T (for example T of value equal to the values ​​used in the ultrasonic car reversing sensors) of the ultrasounds and to capture the returning ultrasounds resulting from the reflection of the emitted ultrasounds, and to transmit to the pilot block 12 the information relating to the emitted and captured data, in particular the times and intensities of emission and capture).The pilot block 12 is adapted to, based on the information thus received, estimate a parameter relating to the flows of individuals entering and / or exiting as a function of this information, for example the number of individuals exiting the car 1. Indeed, the offset arrangement along Y of the ultrasonic sensor systems allows the pilot block 12 to determine whether an individual is detected as crossing the opening, and whether he is entering or exiting: if he is detected first by the sensor system closest (along the Y axis) to the outside of the car, then by the sensor system furthest (along the Y axis) from the outside of the car, this means that the individual is entering; and conversely, if he is detected first by the sensor system furthest (along the Y axis) from the outside of the car, then by the sensor system closest (along the Y axis) to the outside of the car, this means that the individual is exiting.In embodiments, the pilot block 12 is adapted to determine, as a function of the received ultrasound measurements, other parameters relating to the flow of individuals entering and / or the flow of individuals exiting: the exit speed of the individuals (for example averaged over the values ​​since the last opening of the doors), and / or the exit speed of the individuals (for example averaged over the values ​​since the last opening of the doors), the exit flow rate (i.e. value of people exiting per second), a total number of individuals located in the car (calculated as a function of successive entries and exits over the stops in the stations), and / or a number of individuals entering the car 1 and / or the entry speed of the individuals and / or the entry flow rate (i.e. value of people entering per second).

[0025] In the embodiment considered in figure 2 , the set of signaling device(s) 11 comprises: a system of LEDs 4.1, here in the form of a strip, arranged on the inner face of the perimeter of the opening 2 (here the perimeter of the interior walls of the car 1 framing the opening inside the car 1); a system of LEDs 4.2, here in the form of a strip, arranged on the outer face of the perimeter of the opening 2 (here the perimeter of the doors of the car 1).

[0026] The light strips are therefore arranged in the particular example considered so as to frame the doors on at least three of their sides, or even four. Other embodiments are of course possible.

[0027] The steps of a method 100 implemented by the signaling system 10 are now described, comprising a set of electronic signaling device(s) 11, a pilot electronic unit 12 and an electronic unit for measuring the flow of individuals 13 with reference to the figure 6 , as well as to figures 2, 3 , 4 And 5 .

[0028] In step 101, the subway train enters the station and stops. 5 individuals wish to either get into car 1 or get out of car 1.

[0029] Just before the doors of the car 1 begin to open or at the moment when they begin to open, the pilot unit 12 commands a first signal to the set of electronic signaling devices 11.

[0030] This first signage, intended to attract the attention of individuals 5, is for example the following: flashing (for example with a flashing frequency in a range of 1 to 2 seconds of the LEDs of the LED systems 4.1 and 4.2, the light emitted by the LED system 4.1 being green, that of the LED system 4.2 being red, as shown in figure 2 And 4(when we are in the "on" period of the flashing). In the figures, the green color is represented by dots, the red color by lines.

[0031] The color green, respectively red, is classically associated in road and pedestrian signs, in particular, with the fact that advancement is possible, respectively prohibited and is therefore also used here. However, other colors or signals can be used, for example blue, respectively orange.

[0032] Individuals 5 in car 1 see the green flash, which indicates to them that the descent will be possible.

[0033] Individuals 5 on the platform see the red flashing light, which indicates to them that boarding is not permitted.

[0034] The measuring block 13 sends in real time to the collection block 12 the information relating to the ultrasonic data emitted and captured from the start of the opening of the doors. The collection block 12 updates, as a function of this information, as and when the values ​​of one or more of the parameters describing the flow of individuals leaving the train or entering the train, as seen previously: the number of individuals leaving the train since the opening of the doors and / or the exit speed of the individuals (for example averaged over the values ​​since the last opening of the doors), the exit flow rate (i.e. value of person leaving per second) and / or a number of individuals entering the car 1, and / or the entry speed of the individuals and / or entry flow rate.

[0035] As soon as the car doors are fully opened, the driver unit 12 commands a second signal to the set of electronic signaling devices 11 (the first signal will therefore have lasted the time T1 necessary for the doors to be fully opened). This second signal is, for example, the continuous lighting of the LEDs of the LED systems 4.1 and 4.2, the light emitted by the LED system 4.1 being green, that of the LED system 4.2 being red, as shown in figure 2 And 4 .

[0036] Individuals 5 on board car 1 wishing to get off, who therefore benefit, in front of them, from the green lighting of the LED system 4.1, then get off. Individuals 5 on platform 6 wishing to get into the car therefore see the red lighting of the LED system 4.2 in front of them, and wait.

[0037] Collection block 2 continues to update the values ​​of the calculated parameter(s) based on the ultrasonic information transmitted by measurement block 13.

[0038] This updated value or these updated values ​​is or are further used by the collection block 12 to verify a signage switching condition.

[0039] As long as this signage switching condition is not verified, the second signage remains implemented.

[0040] In a step 102, as soon as the signaling switching condition is verified, the collection block 12 commands a third signaling to the set of electronic signaling devices 11 (the second signaling will therefore have lasted the time T2a). This third signaling is for example the continuous lighting of the LEDs of the LED systems 4.1 and 4.2, the light emitted by the LED system 4.1 being red, that of the LED system 4.2 being green, as shown in figure 3 .

[0041] Individuals 5 on board car 1 see the red light of LED system 4.1: getting off is now indicated as not permitted. Individuals 5 on platform 6 wishing to board the car see the green light of LED system 4.2, which indicates that getting on is permitted.

[0042] At the end of a duration T2b, in a step 103, the collection block 12 commands a fourth signal to the set of electronic signaling devices 11 (the third signal will therefore have lasted the time T2b). This fourth signal, intended to attract the attention of the individuals 5, is for example the following: flashing of the LEDs of the LED systems 4.1 and 4.2, the light emitted by the LED systems 4.1 and 4.2 being red, to signal that neither boarding nor descent is now authorized, and to signal the imminent closing of the doors.

[0043] The doors close. As soon as the doors close, collection block 12 commands the fourth signal to stop, which will have lasted for a time T3. Then the train starts again.

[0044] For example, durations T1 and T3 are fixed.

[0045] The durations T2a and T2b are variable and depend on the incoming and / or outgoing flows. T2a must be greater than a minimum value T2a_min and less than a maximum value T2a_max, both of which are set previously.

[0046] The sum of T2a and T2b is equal to the duration T2 which can also vary between a lower limit and an upper limit set by the operating rules of the metro train, and which can in particular depend on the time and the expected crowds.

[0047] The signal switching condition may be a function of the parameter(s) updated by the collection block 12 based on the ultrasonic measurement information, the lower and upper limits of T2, the proportion between people descending and those starting to ascend.

[0048] In one embodiment, this failover condition is defined as follows: as long as the duration of the second signage is less than T2a_min, stay on the second signage; → if the current duration of the second signage is between T2a_min and T2a_max, switch to the third signage as soon as the flow of individuals leaving remains less than D0 for a duration t0 (D0 and t0 threshold values ​​set beforehand) and; ∘ as soon as the duration of the second signage exceeds T2a_max, switch to the third signage if the second signage is still applied.

[0049] Another condition for switching, cumulative or alternative, is for example that the switching is triggered as soon as the ratio between people finishing descending and those starting to ascend is sufficiently low (i.e. falls below a predetermined threshold).

[0050] The present invention thus makes it possible to regulate traffic by adapting the signage to the characteristics of the flow entering or exiting the car 1 to improve fluidity.

[0051] It also allows traffic to be regulated by separate signs intended for individuals in cars and for individuals on the platform, in order to regulate entry and exit.

[0052] In one embodiment, an additional or alternative type of signaling controlled by the collection block 12 may be provided on the ground, on the floor of the car or on the floor of the platform (such as the ground arrows shown in figure 4 in the direction of descent so as to be able to provide a luminous image drawing for example one or more arrows in one direction, for example that of getting out of the car, and alternatively one or more arrows in the other direction, at the time of getting in), on the ceiling or the side walls of the car 1, on the seats. In one embodiment, the luminous signals, for example in the form of waves, can further accompany the individuals entering the car, from the opening of the car, then draw a path in the car, to accompany and guide them from their entry into the car to an area somewhat distant from the opening (so as to reduce the congestion at the entrance of the car 1 and facilitate exchanges).

[0053] In this case, the pilot block 12 (not shown on the figure 2 ) is embedded in the car. Depending on the embodiments, all the driver blocks for the cars of the train will be grouped into a single module ensuring the functions of these driver blocks. The module will be embedded in the train or located in the station depending on the embodiments.

[0054] In one embodiment, the driver block 12 comprises a memory and a processor. The memory comprises software instructions of a computer program. The processor is adapted to execute this program and the execution of the program implements the steps indicated above incumbent on the driver block 12.

[0055] In another embodiment, the driver block 12 is implemented as a programmable logic component, such as an FPGA (FPGA for short). Field Programmable Gate Array ), or in the form of a dedicated integrated circuit, such as an ASIC (from the English Applications Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0056] In another embodiment, the ultrasonic sensors are arranged not on the upper part of the opening, but on the sides at the opening. In one embodiment, the unit for measuring the flow of people is based not on ultrasonic measurements, but on other technologies, alone or in combination, such as infrared detection, thermography or even video image capture and analysis of the captured images...

[0057] The invention has been described in an embodiment relating to a metro car. It is of course applicable to any type of rail transport car. It is also applicable to the regulation of other enclosures, mobile or not, for example a bus, an elevator cabin, a cable car, rides, monuments etc.

Claims

1. Method for controlling a flow of individuals (5) entering and exiting an enclosure through an opening, said method comprising the following steps carried out by an electronic signalling system (10): - controlling the implementation of a first signalling mode on a set of signalling devices (11) arranged at least at the opening; - triggering the switchover from the first signalling mode to a second signalling mode on the set of signalling devices, the second mode being different from the first mode; said method comprising a step, carried out by the electronic signalling system (10), involving: - measuring the flow of individuals exiting the enclosure through the opening; - during the step of triggering the switchover from the first signalling mode to the second signalling mode, the switchover from the first signalling mode to the second signalling mode is triggered according to at least the measurements carried out of the flow of individuals exiting; according to which the first signalling mode signals that entry is not permitted and exit is permitted, while the second signalling mode signals at least that entry is permitted; and according to which the set of signalling devices (11) comprises at least one first subset of signalling devices (4.1) arranged such that the signalling of said first subset is delivered faced with the flow of individuals exiting and a second subset of signalling devices (4.2) different from the first subset of signalling devices (4.1), the second subset of signalling devices (4.2) being arranged such that the signalling of said second subset is delivered faced with the flow of individuals entering, and according to which, for at least one of the first and second signalling modes, the implementation of said mode comprises implementing signalling of a first type on the first subset and implementing signalling of a second type, different from the first type, on the second subset.

2. Method for controlling the flow of individuals entering and exiting according to Claim 1, wherein implementing the first signalling mode comprises implementing signalling of the first type on the first subset (4.1) and implementing signalling of the second type on the second subset (4.2) and implementing the second signalling mode comprises implementing signalling of the second type on the first subset and implementing signalling of the first type on the second subset.

3. Method for controlling the flow of individuals entering and exiting according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the switchover from the first signalling mode to the second signalling mode is triggered according to at least one additional parameter determined based on said measurements from the set of parameters comprising: a number of individuals entering the enclosure, their speed, their throughput, a total number of individuals present in the enclosure, the proportion of individuals exiting and those starting to enter.

4. Method for controlling the flow of individuals entering and exiting according to one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein: - the mobile enclosure is a rail vehicle carriage (1), - the command for implementing the first signalling mode is triggered when the doors (3) are opened following the arrival of the rail vehicle at a passenger interchange station in order to indicate that individuals wishing to exit should do so and / or that individuals wishing to enter should wait; and - the switchover to the second signalling mode is triggered before the door closed prior to the departure of the rail vehicle from the passenger interchange station in order to indicate that individuals wishing to enter should do so and / or that individuals wishing to exit should wait.

5. Method for controlling the flow of individuals entering and exiting according to one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the second signalling mode comprises displaying light signals designed to guide individuals from their entry into the enclosure through the opening to an area further inside the enclosure than an area comprising the opening, in order to free up access to the enclosure.

6. Electronic signalling system (10) comprising a set of signalling devices arranged at least at the opening of an enclosure, said system comprising a control unit designed to control the implementation of a first signalling mode on the set of signalling devices (11) arranged at least at the opening and to trigger the switchover from the first signalling mode to a second signalling mode on the set of signalling devices, the second mode being different from the first mode; said system comprising means for measuring the flow of individuals exiting the enclosure through the opening; the control unit being configured, upon triggering of the switchover from the first signalling mode to the second signalling mode, to trigger said switchover from the first signalling mode to the second signalling mode according to at least the measurements carried out of the flow of individuals exiting, the first signalling mode indicating that entry is not permitted and that exit is permitted, while the second signalling mode indicates at least that entry is permitted; and the set of signalling devices (11) comprising at least one first subset of signalling devices (4.1) arranged such that the signalling of said first subset is delivered faced with the flow of individuals exiting and a second subset of signalling devices (4.2) different from the first subset of signalling devices (4.1), the second subset of signalling devices (4.2) being arranged such that the signalling of said second subset is delivered faced with the flow of individuals entering, and according to which, for at least one of the first and second signalling modes, the implementation of said mode comprises implementing signalling of a first type on the first subset and implementing signalling of a second type, different from the first type, on the second subset.

7. Electronic signalling system (10) according to Claim 6, the control unit being configured, when the first signalling mode is implemented, to implement signalling of the first type on the first subset (4.1) and implement signalling of the second type on the second subset (4.2), and designed, when the second signalling mode is implemented, to implement signalling of the second type on the first subset and implement signalling of the first type on the second subset.

8. Rail vehicle carriage (1) delimiting a mobile enclosure comprising an opening for the entry and exit of a flow of individuals, said carriage comprising an electronic signalling system (10) according to one of Claims 6 or 7 comprising a set of signalling devices (11) arranged at least at the opening of the mobile enclosure.

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