Monitoring system, alarm method, and program

Abstract

To provide a monitoring system capable of generating an alarm to a person in a dangerous state by appropriately detecting a dangerous state on a platform even in the case that a vehicle such as a train does not exist at the platform, an alarm method and a program.SOLUTION: When a monitoring system detects a detection object while a train does not exist at a platform, a platform alarm device is actuated to generate an alarm.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a monitoring system, an alarm method, and a program for detecting an object on a station platform using a predetermined detection device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, technologies for detecting targets in a predetermined area on a station platform have been proposed. For example, in order to prevent collisions between trains and passengers, a warning system has been proposed in which, when a train is approaching a platform and a passenger is detected entering an edge of the platform that has been designated as a no-entry area, a warning device outputs a warning (see Patent Document 1). Such a system is particularly effective for so-called one-man operation (one-man operation) in which a conductor is not on board and the driver alone operates a vehicle such as a train, tram, or trolleybus, and performs safety checks when passengers get on and off. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-19374 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, when there are no trains or other vehicles on the station platform or when no trains are passing through the platform, users do not often recognize the platform edge as a dangerous area. Therefore, in order to prevent the alarm system from issuing an alarm unnecessarily, conventional alarm systems do not operate when there are no trains on the platform. In other words, conventional alarm systems start operating when a train approaches the platform and stop operating when the train leaves the platform, so when there are no trains on the platform, the alarm system does not monitor the platform edge.

[0005] However, on platforms without safety features such as platform fences, there are cases where, for example, people wait at the edge of the platform to take photos of the train, children or small children stop near the edge of the platform, people engrossed in their smartphones remain near the edge of the platform, or strollers or wheelchairs are mishandled and become stuck at the edge of the platform. In all of these cases, there is a risk of people falling off the platform, and there is also a risk of a collision when a train approaches. Even in these dangerous situations, conventional alarm systems are unable to properly alert people at the edge of the platform.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a monitoring system, an alarm method, and a program that can appropriately detect a dangerous situation on a platform even when a vehicle such as a train is not on the platform, and issue an alarm to people in that dangerous situation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A monitoring system according to one aspect of the present invention is a monitoring system that uses a predetermined detection device to detect a target at a platform edge on the track side defined on a platform of a station where a vehicle enters. The monitoring system includes a platform alarm device provided near the platform, and an alarm control unit that activates the platform alarm device when the target is detected while the vehicle is not present on the platform.

[0008] An alarm method according to another aspect of the present invention is a method applied to a monitoring system that uses a specified detection device to detect a detection target at the end of a platform on the track side defined on the platform of a station where a vehicle enters, and in which one or more processors execute an alarm step that activates a platform alarm device installed near the platform when the detection target is detected while the vehicle is not present on the platform.

[0009] A program according to another aspect of the present invention is a program applied to a monitoring system that uses a specified detection device to detect a detection target at the end of a platform on the track side defined on the platform of a station where a vehicle enters, and is a program that causes one or more processors to execute an alarm step that activates a platform alarm device installed near the platform when the detection target is detected while the vehicle is not on the platform.

[0010] The present invention can also be understood as an invention of a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium on which the program is stored. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, there is provided a monitoring system, an alarm method, and a program that can appropriately detect a dangerous situation on a platform even when a vehicle such as a train is not on the platform, and issue an alarm to people in that dangerous situation. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a monitoring device in a monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an external view of a platform showing the installation positions of detection sensors and platform alarm devices of the monitoring system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an external view of a platform showing the installation positions of the detection sensors and platform alarm devices of the monitoring system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for alarm processing executed in the monitoring system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing another example of the procedure of the alarm process executed in the monitoring system according to the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are merely examples of the present invention and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0014] [Monitoring System 100] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a monitoring system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention (an example of a monitoring system according to the present invention).

[0015] The monitoring system 100 is a system that performs detection processing to detect a detection target (described below) on a station platform PF1. As shown in Fig. 1, the monitoring system 100 includes a monitoring device 10, a detection sensor 20 (an example of a detection device of the present invention), a platform warning device 30 (an example of a platform warning device of the present invention), a track warning device 40, a vehicle detection sensor 50, and a track circuit device 60. These are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a network such as a wired LAN or a wireless LAN.

[0016] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the detection sensor 20 is installed above the station platform PF1. For example, the detection sensor 20 is attached to the roof frame or the structure of the station building. The detection sensor 20 is a detection device used to detect the detection target in a predetermined detection area 21 (see Figure 3) defined on the top surface of the platform PF1.

[0017] In this embodiment, the detection area 21 is an area near the edge of the top surface of platform PF1 on the track side (hereinafter referred to as the platform edge), for example, an area on the top surface of platform PF1 extending from the platform edge to a position a predetermined distance (approximately 80 cm to 100 cm) inward. This detection area 21 is a dangerous area where accidents such as falling from platform PF1 or coming into contact with a train are likely to occur. In the monitoring system 100, the detection sensor 20 is used to detect people, animals, wheelchairs, strollers, carry-on bags, briefcases, umbrellas, and other luggage that are present in the detection area 21 as the detection target.

[0018] In Japan, the detection area 21 is sometimes defined based on the tactile paving blocks for guiding the visually impaired, which are installed at a position separated from the platform edge by the predetermined distance. For example, the detection area 21 is defined as the area from the platform edge to the tactile paving blocks.

[0019] The detection sensor 20 is, for example, a detection device that uses a so-called distance sensor, and not only measures the distance to the detection target using the distance sensor, but also uses the measured distance to determine whether the detection target is present in the detection area 21, or to determine the type of the detection target.

[0020] In this embodiment, the detection sensor 20 is a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) that emits laser light from above the platform PF1 toward the detection area 21 and scans a space included in a scanning range SA (see FIG. 2) set at a predetermined scanning angle (detection range angle). Note that the detection sensor 20 is not limited to a distance sensor using laser light, and it is also possible to apply a detection device that uses, for example, a distance sensor that scans the scanning range SA with electromagnetic waves such as millimeter waves or infrared rays, or a distance sensor that scans the scanning range SA with ultrasonic waves or pulse waves.

[0021] As shown in Fig. 2, a plurality of detection sensors 20 are installed in a line along the longitudinal direction of platform PF1. The number of detection sensors 20 installed is preferably at least enough to cover the length of the train cars stopping at platform PF1, or enough to cover the entire length of platform PF1. Fig. 2 shows a state in which two detection sensors 20 are installed. The detection sensors 20 are installed along the longitudinal direction of platform PF1 so that the scanning ranges SA partially overlap.

[0022] The detection sensor 20 scans the scanning range SA with laser light, and calculates the distance to the reflection point of the laser light (the distance to the top surface of the platform PF1 or the distance to the detection target) based on the time from when the laser light is emitted to when the reflected light is received, or the amount of change in the phase of the reflected light, and outputs detection data including the distance to the monitoring device 10 each time it scans.

[0023] In addition, the detection sensor 20 is not limited to a detection device that uses the distance sensor, but may also be, for example, a detection device that analyzes an image of the detection area 21 captured by an imaging device such as a camera, and detects a detection target in the detection area 21.

[0024] The platform alarm device 30 is installed near the platform PF1. The platform alarm device 30 is an alarm device including an operation light 31 that is turned on when the monitoring system 100 is operating, a warning light 32 that is turned on when a dangerous event occurs in the detection area 21, and a speaker 33 for announcing an alarm. The operation light 31 and the warning light 32 are, for example, rotating indicator lights. When the platform alarm device 30 receives an operation lighting signal from the monitoring device 10, it activates a switch installed in the power line of the operation light 31 to turn on the operation light 31. When the platform alarm device 30 receives an alarm signal from the monitoring device 10, it activates a switch installed in the power line of the warning light 32 to turn on the warning light 32. When the platform alarm device 30 receives an alarm signal from the monitoring device 10, it turns on the power of the speaker 33 and outputs predetermined announcement information or an alarm sound from the speaker 33.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 3, the platform warning device 30 is installed at a position facing the platform edge of platform PF1 and beyond the tracks. The platform warning device 30 is supported by a support pillar or the like at a height that allows it to be seen by station staff and passengers from platform PF1. When a train has arrived at platform PF1 or is passing by, the platform warning device 30 is blocked by the train. In this case, station staff and passengers cannot see the platform warning device 30 from platform PF1. For this reason, the platform warning device 30 may be installed on platform PF1 rather than on the track side.

[0026] A plurality of platform warning devices 30 are installed in a line along the longitudinal direction of the platform PF1 or the tracks. In this embodiment, the number of installed platform warning devices 30 is, for example, the same as the number of detection sensors 20. Fig. 2 shows a state in which two platform warning devices 30 are installed. Each platform warning device 30 is arranged at a position corresponding to the detection sensor 20, specifically, at the same position as the detection sensor 20 in the left-right direction of Fig. 2 when viewed from the width direction of the platform PF1. In other words, the platform warning device 30 is located directly opposite each of the plurality of detection sensors 20, in the area from the edge of the platform to the track side.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 4 , the track warning device 40 (40A, 40B) is a warning device that includes an operation light 41 that is turned on when the monitoring system 100 is operating, and a warning light 42 that is turned on when a dangerous event occurs in the detection area 21. The operation light 41 has the same configuration and purpose as the operation light 31 of the platform warning device 30, and turns on the operation light 41 when an operation lighting signal is received from the monitoring device 10. The warning light 42 has the same configuration and purpose as the warning light 32 of the platform warning device 30, and turns on the warning light 42 when a warning signal is received from the monitoring device 10.

[0028] The track warning device 40 is installed at a position on platform PF1 a predetermined distance in the direction of travel of the train from the leading edge of the train. The track warning device 40 is installed at a height visible to the train driver.

[0029] A plurality of track warning devices 40 are installed in a line along the longitudinal direction of the track. In this embodiment, at least two track warning devices 40 are installed. For example, one track warning device 40A is installed in a position visible to the driver when the train arrives at platform PF1 and stops, and the other track warning device 40B is installed in a position visible to the driver when the rear end of the train passes the front end of platform PF1. In other words, track warning device 40B is installed at a position approximately the entire length of the train from the front end of platform PF1 in the direction of travel. Note that three or more track warning devices 40 may be installed. For example, one or more other track warning devices 40 may be installed between track warning device 40A and track warning device 40B.

[0030] Vehicle detection sensors 50 (50A, 50B) are provided near both longitudinal ends of platform PF1. The vehicle detection sensors 50 are arranged at positions where they can detect the front end of a train that has entered platform PF1 and stopped at a predetermined stopping position, and at positions where they can detect the rear end of the train. Vehicle detection sensor 50A detects the front end of a train stopped at the stopping position in the direction of travel, and vehicle detection sensor 50B detects the rear end of a train stopped at the stopping position in the direction of travel. While detecting a vehicle, the vehicle detection sensors 50 output a detection signal to the monitoring device 10.

[0031] The track circuit device 60 is installed on the railway. The track circuit device 60 includes a track circuit. The track circuit is an electric circuit that applies a voltage to rails within a predetermined section of the railway. When a train is present in the predetermined section, the train's wheels short-circuit the rails, turning off the relay contacts, and when no train is present, the voltage turns on the relay contacts. In other words, the track circuit device 60 detects a train when it enters the predetermined section. The relay contacts are connected to signal lights installed on the railway. When a train is present in the predetermined section, a signal light in a danger color (e.g., red) is turned on, and when no train is present in the predetermined section, a signal light in a safety color (e.g., green) is turned on.

[0032] The track circuit device 60 is installed at a predetermined distance (e.g., several hundred meters) from the rear end of platform PF1 in the direction opposite to the train's direction of travel so that the position of the train can be identified before the train enters platform PF1. Furthermore, the relay contacts of the track circuit device 60 are connected not only to the signal lights but also to the monitoring device 10. Therefore, the monitoring device 10 can determine that the train has entered the predetermined section at the timing when it receives a contact signal input from the track circuit device 60. In other words, the monitoring device 10 can detect a train approaching platform PF1 in advance based on the contact signal input from the track circuit device 60.

[0033] In this embodiment, at least two track circuit devices 60 are provided along the longitudinal direction of the track. The track circuit devices 60 are arranged at a predetermined interval along the longitudinal direction of the track. The vehicle state determination unit 115 (see FIG. 1), which will be described later, calculates the running speed of a train approaching platform PF1 based on the time difference when the contact signals are received from each track circuit device 60 and the predetermined interval (distance), and can determine whether the train is a stopping train that will stop at the station or a passing train that will pass through the station without stopping.

[0034] In this embodiment, the track circuit device 60 is used as a means for detecting a train approaching platform PF1. However, instead of the track circuit device 60, it is also possible to use, for example, a train detection device using a surveillance camera, a pulse detection device that detects the position of a train by measuring the distance to platform PF1 based on the time it takes for an emitted pulse wave to be reflected by a vehicle and received by a receiver, or a detection device that detects the position of a train based on position information received from a GPS.

[0035] The monitoring device 10 is installed, for example, in a station office within a station. The monitoring device 10 detects the detection target remaining in the detection area 21 on the station platform PF1 based on detection data acquired from the detection sensor 20. In other words, the monitoring device 10 determines whether the detection target is present in the detection area 21. When the monitoring device 10 detects the detection target in the detection area 21, it activates the platform warning device 30 and the track warning device 40 to notify station staff and train drivers that the detection target is present in the detection area 21, creating a dangerous situation, and also notifying the detection target remaining in the detection area 21 of the dangerous situation.

[0036] The specific configurations of the monitoring device 10 and the detection sensor 20 will be described below.

[0037] [Detection sensor 20] The detection sensor 20 scans a scanning range SA (see FIG. 2) set at a predetermined scanning angle (detection range angle) with a laser beam, and detects the emission angle of the laser beam (laser emission angle) and the distance to the detection target corresponding to this laser emission angle. For example, the detection sensor 20 calculates the distance to the reflection point of the laser beam (detection target) by measuring the round-trip time from when the laser beam is emitted until the laser beam is reflected by the detection target and returns to a light receiving unit (not shown) of the detection sensor 20. Alternatively, the detection sensor 20 calculates the distance to the reflection point of the laser beam (detection target) based on the amount of phase change between the emitted laser beam and the reflected light.

[0038] The detection sensor 20 continuously emits laser light at a predetermined angle (e.g., 0.1667 degrees) in the scanning range SA, which is, for example, 0 to 150 degrees. The detection sensor 20 also scans the scanning range SA at a predetermined cycle (e.g., 25 Hz) to detect the laser emission angle and the distance to the detection target corresponding to the laser emission angle. The predetermined angle indicates the angular resolution of the detection sensor 20, and the predetermined cycle indicates the frequency of laser light scanning by the detection sensor 20 (scan frequency).

[0039] Each detection sensor 20 transmits the detection data including the separation distance corresponding to each laser emission angle detected by scanning with the laser light to the monitoring device 10. Furthermore, each detection sensor 20 transmits an identification ID (sensor identification ID) of the detection sensor 20 together with the detection data to the monitoring device 10. The detection data is generated every time the scanning range SA is scanned and transmitted to the monitoring device 10.

[0040] [Monitoring device 10] 1, the monitoring device 10 is a computer such as an information processing device that includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a timer 13, and an alarm unit 14. The monitoring device 10 is not limited to a single computer, but may be a computer system in which multiple computers operate in cooperation. Furthermore, various processes executed by the monitoring device 10 may be executed in a distributed manner by one or multiple processors.

[0041] The timer 13 measures time. The alarm unit 14 includes a buzzer that emits an alarm sound, a speaker that outputs an alarm message, and an alarm light that turns on when an alarm is issued. When the control unit 11 determines that a dangerous state exists, such as a person remaining in the detection area 21, the alarm unit 14 is activated based on a command signal from the control unit 11 to notify station staff of the dangerous state. Note that the alarm unit 14 does not have to be provided in the monitoring device 10, and may be installed in a station office or within the station premises.

[0042] The storage unit 12 is a non-volatile storage unit such as a flash memory that stores various types of information. For example, the storage unit 12 stores programs for causing the control unit 11 to execute various processes such as the alarm process (see FIG. 5) described below. For example, the programs are non-temporarily recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD or DVD, and are read by a reading device (not shown) such as a CD drive or DVD drive electrically connected to the monitoring device 10 and stored in the storage unit 12. The storage unit 12 also stores detection data received from the detection sensor 20, etc.

[0043] The control unit 11 has control devices such as a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM. The CPU is a processor that executes various types of arithmetic processing. The ROM is a non-volatile storage unit that pre-stores programs such as a BIOS and an OS that cause the CPU to execute various types of arithmetic processing. The RAM is a volatile or non-volatile storage unit that stores various types of information and is used as a temporary storage memory (work area) for the various types of processing executed by the CPU. The control unit 11 controls the monitoring device 10 by having the CPU execute various programs pre-stored in the ROM or the storage unit 12.

[0044] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 11 includes various processing units, such as a detection data acquisition unit 111, an object detection unit 112, a lighting control unit 114, a vehicle state determination unit 115, an alarm control unit 116 (an example of an alarm control unit of the present invention), and a detection sensitivity setting unit 118 (an example of a detection sensitivity setting unit of the present invention). The control unit 11 functions as each of the processing units by executing each process in accordance with the program using the CPU. Furthermore, some or all of the processing units included in the control unit 11 may be configured with electronic circuits. The program may also be a program for causing multiple processors to function as each of the processing units.

[0045] The detection data acquiring unit 111 receives detection data transmitted from the detection sensor 20 and acquires the separation distance for each laser emission angle included in the detection data. The detection data acquiring unit 111 also acquires the sensor identification ID of the detection sensor 20 transmitted together with the detection data. Upon receiving the detection data transmitted from the detection sensor 20, the detection data acquiring unit 111 associates the separation distance for each laser emission angle included in the detection data with the sensor identification ID, and stores them sequentially in the storage unit 12.

[0046] The object detection unit 112 performs a process of detecting the detection object in the detection area 21 based on the separation distance for each of the laser emission angles detected by the detection sensor 20. In other words, the object detection unit 112 performs a process of determining whether or not the detection object is present in the detection area 21 based on the separation distance for each of the laser emission angles.

[0047] For example, suppose the detection target enters the detection area 21 defined on the platform PF1 and remains there. In this case, of the multiple laser beams emitted into the detection area 21 at the predetermined angle, the reflected beam from the detection target reaches the detection sensor 20 earlier. Therefore, of the multiple separation distances corresponding to the laser beams detected by the detection sensor 20, the separation distance corresponding to at least one reflected beam is shorter than the separation distance when reflected on the upper surface of the platform PF1 (hereinafter referred to as the reference distance). Therefore, when the detection sensor 20 detects a separation distance shorter than the reference distance, the object detection unit 112 determines that some kind of obstacle exists in the detection area 21. In other words, the object detection unit 112 detects an obstacle in the detection area 21.

[0048] The detection target detected by the target detection unit 112 is a mass having a certain size in width and height. Therefore, the number of the reflected light beams whose separation distance is shorter than the reference distance is proportional to the width of the detection target in the scanning direction. In this embodiment, the target detection unit 112 calculates the width of the obstacle based on the number of the reflected light beams whose separation distance is shorter than the reference distance and the angular resolution of the detection sensor 20, and determines that the detection target is present in the detection area 21 if the width is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. In other words, the target detection unit 112 detects the detection target in the detection area 21.

[0049] If the width is less than the set threshold value, the object detection unit 112 determines that there is some kind of obstacle in the detection area 21, but determines that it is an obstacle that is not subject to judgment, such as dust that is smaller than the detection target, and does not determine that it is the detection target.

[0050] The set threshold is a factor that specifies the detection sensitivity, i.e., the detection resolution, of the detection process by the object detection unit 112. In other words, the set threshold corresponds to the detection sensitivity of the present invention. In this embodiment, the set threshold is set to a threshold that can identify people, animals, wheelchairs, strollers, carry-on bags, briefcases, umbrellas, and other luggage, which are exemplified as the detection objects.

[0051] For example, the set threshold may be set to a value that allows detection of the smallest size object among the plurality of objects defined as the detection targets. In this case, the set value of the set threshold is set to a first threshold that is determined based on the width of the smallest size object. For example, the first threshold is set to a value that is approximately 70% of the width of the smallest size object. In this embodiment, the set threshold is set to the first threshold during the period from when the train approaches the station to when it stops at a predetermined stopping position on platform PF1, or during the period from when the train departs platform PF1 to when it leaves the station, or during the period from when a passing train passes through the station.

[0052] Furthermore, the set threshold may be set to a value that allows detection of an object of a predetermined size larger than the smallest size among the plurality of objects defined as the detection targets. In this case, the set value of the set threshold is set to a second threshold that is determined based on the width of the object of the predetermined size. For example, the second threshold is set to a value that is approximately 70% of the width of the object of the predetermined size. Specific examples of objects of the predetermined size include people, wheelchairs, strollers, etc. In this embodiment, the set threshold is set to the second threshold while there is no train present on platform PF1 of the station so that at least objects of the predetermined size can be detected even when there is no train present.

[0053] In addition, when it is necessary to exclude a predetermined height from the detection target by the object detection unit 112, such as snow accumulated at the edge of the platform or garbage present at the edge of the platform, the object detection unit 112 may determine whether the change (difference) between the reference distance and the separation distance is equal to or greater than the predetermined height, and may determine that the detection target is present in the detection area 21 only if the change is equal to or greater than the predetermined height.

[0054] Here, a state in which the detection target remains in the detection area 21 continuously for a certain period of time or more is considered to be a more dangerous state than a state in which the detection target temporarily enters the detection area 21. Even when there are no trains on platform PF1, if, for example, a person who has entered the detection area 21 because they are distracted by their smartphone, a person who has entered the detection area 21 and is waiting to take pictures of a train, or a child who has carelessly entered the detection area 21 out of the sight of their guardian remains in the detection area 21 for a certain period of time or more, this is a dangerous state in which a fall accident is likely to occur, and further, a collision accident with a train that subsequently enters platform PF1 is likely to occur.

[0055] Therefore, in this embodiment, when there is no train on platform PF1, the object detection unit 112 may determine that the object is present in the detection area 21 if the object is continuously detected at the same position within the scanning range SA by the detection sensor 20 for a predetermined set time. The set time is an example of a predetermined time of the present invention, and is set appropriately depending on the number of users and characteristics of the station.

[0056] On the other hand, during the period from when the train approaches the station until it stops at platform PF1, from when the train departs platform PF1 until it leaves the station, and from when a passing train enters the station until it passes, there is an extremely high risk of a collision accident if the detection object is present in the detection area 21. Therefore, in this case, the object detection unit 112 immediately determines that the detection object is present in the detection area 21 when the separation distance becomes shorter than the reference distance.

[0057] Furthermore, while passengers are getting on or off the train stopped at the stop position on platform PF1, the passengers enter the detection area 21. Therefore, the object detection unit 112 does not perform detection in the detection area 21 while passengers are getting on or off the train.

[0058] When there is no train on platform PF1, a user may temporarily enter the detection area 21 while moving on platform PF1. Therefore, even if the detection object is detected when there is no train on platform PF1, if it is determined that the detection object is moving within the scanning range SA, the object detection unit 112 may not determine that the detection object is present in the detection area 21.

[0059] When the monitoring system 100 is operating, the lighting control unit 114 lights up the operation light 31 of the platform warning device 30 and the operation light 41 of the track warning device 40. As described above, the operation lights 31 and 41 are turned on when the monitoring system 100 is operating so that station staff and train drivers can easily confirm that the monitoring system 100 is operating.

[0060] The vehicle state determination unit 115 determines the running state of the train. Specifically, the vehicle state determination unit 115 determines the running state of the train as one of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth states. The first state is a state in which the train is not present at the station and is not approaching the station. The second state is a state in which the train approaches the station and arrives at a position a predetermined distance (e.g., several hundred meters) before the station, until the train stops at the stop position set on platform PF1 of the station. The third state is a state in which the train is stopped at the stop position on platform PF1. The fourth state is a state in which the train stopped at the stop position starts moving and exits platform PF1 of the station. The fifth state is a state in which the train has completely exited the station.

[0061] The vehicle state determination unit 115 determines whether the running state of the train is in the first state based on the contact signal obtained from the track circuit device 60 and the output signal from the vehicle detection sensors 50 (50A, 50B) provided on the platform PF1. When a train is not detected by the track circuit device 60 and when a train is not detected by the vehicle detection sensors 50 (50A, 50B), the vehicle state determination unit 115 determines that the running state of the train is in the first state.

[0062] Furthermore, the vehicle state determination unit 115 determines whether the running state of the train is in the second state based on the contact signal obtained from the track circuit device 60 and the output signal from the vehicle detection sensors 50 (50A, 50B) provided on platform PF1. When a train is detected by the track circuit device 60 but not by the vehicle detection sensors 50 (50A, 50B), the vehicle state determination unit 115 determines that the running state of the train is in the second state. Also, when a train is detected by the track circuit device 60 and only by the rear vehicle detection sensor 50B, the vehicle state determination unit 115 determines that the running state of the train is in the second state.

[0063] Furthermore, the vehicle state determination unit 115 determines whether the running state of the train is in the third state based on the output signals from the vehicle detection sensors 50 (50A, 50B) provided on platform PF1. When a train is detected by the two vehicle detection sensors 50 (50A, 50B) and this detection state continues for a predetermined time, it can be determined that the train is stopped at the stop position on platform PF1. In this case, the vehicle state determination unit 115 determines that the running state of the train is in the third state.

[0064] Furthermore, the vehicle state determination unit 115 determines whether the running state of the train is in the fourth state based on the output signals from the vehicle detection sensors 50 (50A, 50B) provided on platform PF1. If the rear vehicle detection sensor 50B no longer detects the train, but only the front vehicle detection sensor 50A detects the train, it can be determined that the train has started moving and is beginning to depart platform PF1. In this case, the vehicle state determination unit 115 determines that the running state of the train is in the fourth state.

[0065] Furthermore, the vehicle state determination unit 115 determines whether the running state of the train is in the fifth state based on the output signals from the vehicle detection sensors 50 (50A, 50B) provided on platform PF1. When the train is no longer detected by the rear vehicle detection sensor 50B, and then the train is no longer detected by the front vehicle detection sensor 50A, and this state continues for a predetermined time, it can be determined that the train has completely left the station. In this case, the vehicle state determination unit 115 determines that the running state of the train is in the fifth state.

[0066] In this embodiment, the vehicle state determination unit 115 determines whether a train approaching the station is the stopped train or the passing train, in addition to the first to fifth states. Specifically, the vehicle state determination unit 115 calculates the running speed of the train approaching platform PF1 based on the time difference when the contact signals are received from each track circuit device 60 and the predetermined interval (distance), and determines that the train is the stopped train if the running speed is less than a reference value, and determines that the train is the passing train if the running speed is equal to or greater than the reference value.

[0067] When the object detection unit 112 detects the detection object in the detection area 21, the alarm control unit 116 outputs the alarm signal and the alert signal to the platform alarm device 30, thereby activating the platform alarm device 30. Specifically, the alarm control unit 116 turns on the alarm light 32 of the platform alarm device 30, and also outputs an alarm sound and a predetermined alarm message from the speaker 33 of the platform alarm device 30. This notifies station staff, users on platform PF1, and the like that a dangerous situation exists.

[0068] In this embodiment, even in the first state in which no train is present on platform PF1, the alarm control unit 116 activates the platform alarm device 30. Specifically, the alarm control unit 116 activates the platform alarm device 30 by outputting the alarm signal and the alarm activation signal to the platform alarm device 30 associated with the sensor identification ID of the detection sensor 20 that detected the detection target. Note that a correspondence table between the sensor identification IDs of the detection sensors 20 and the alarm identification IDs of the platform alarm devices 30 provided at positions corresponding to the detection sensors 20 is stored in the storage unit 12. Therefore, the alarm control unit 116 extracts from the correspondence table the alarm identification ID that corresponds to the sensor identification ID acquired from the detection sensor 20 that detected the detection target, and outputs the alarm signal and the alarm activation signal to the platform alarm device 30 to which the alarm identification ID is assigned. Of course, the alarm control unit 116 may output the alarm signal and the alarm activation signal to all platform alarm devices 30.

[0069] Furthermore, in the first state, when the object detection unit 112 detects the detection object in the detection area 21, the alarm control unit 116 outputs an alarm signal to all track warning devices 40 to turn on the alarm lights 42 of the track warning devices 40. This notifies the drivers of trains that have passed through or departed from the station that a dangerous situation has occurred on platform PF1.

[0070] The alarm control unit 116 activates the home alarm device 30 when, in the first state, the detection state in which the detection object is detected by the object detection unit 112 continues for the set time, i.e., when the detection object is detected by the object detection unit 112 for the predetermined time.

[0071] However, even in this case, when the vehicle state determination unit 115 determines that the running state of the train has changed from the first state to the second state, that is, when a train is detected by the track circuit of the track circuit device 60, and the detection object is detected by the object detection unit 112, the platform alarm device 30 is immediately activated without waiting for the set time to elapse.

[0072] When the train stops at the predetermined stopping position on platform PF1 and passengers are getting on and off through the doors that are subsequently opened, the alarm control by the alarm control unit 116 is temporarily suspended. Then, when the doors are closed and the train is ready to depart, the alarm control by the alarm control unit 116 is resumed.

[0073] As another embodiment of the warning control unit 116, for example, when the vehicle state determination unit 115 determines that the train entering platform PF1 is a passing train, the warning control unit 116 causes the platform warning device 30 to output a first warning corresponding to the passing train. On the other hand, when the train entering platform PF1 is the stopped train, the warning control unit 116 causes the platform warning device 30 to output a second warning corresponding to the stopped train. For example, the first warning is a warning with a stronger message than the second warning, strongly impressing the driver with the need to avoid danger. Furthermore, the second warning is a warning with a weaker message than the first warning, merely calling attention to danger.

[0074] The detection sensitivity setting unit 118 performs processing to set or change the set threshold value that indicates the detection sensitivity (detection resolution) of the detection processing by the object detection unit 112. In this embodiment, the set threshold values ​​are the above-mentioned first threshold value (an example of the first sensitivity of the present invention) that is determined depending on the size of the detection object, and the above-mentioned second threshold value (an example of the second sensitivity of the present invention).

[0075] When it is desired to detect a relatively small size of the detection target in the detection process by the object detection unit 112, the set threshold is set to the first threshold in order to increase the detection sensitivity. In this embodiment, the set threshold is set to the first threshold during the period from when the train approaches the station until it stops at platform PF1, the period from when the train departs platform PF1 until it leaves the station, and the period from when a passing train enters the station until it passes through.

[0076] Furthermore, when it is desired to detect a relatively large size of the detection target in the detection process by the target detection unit 112, the set threshold is set to the second threshold which is larger than the first threshold in order to reduce the detection sensitivity. In this embodiment, while there is no train on platform PF1, the set threshold is set to the second threshold.

[0077] [Alarm processing] An example of the procedure of alarm processing executed in the monitoring system 100 will be described below with reference to the flowcharts of Figures 5 and 6, and an alarm method of the present invention will be described. The alarm processing is performed to control alarms issued by the platform alarm device 30 and the track alarm device 40 while the monitoring system 100 is in operation. In each figure, S1, S2, ... indicate the numbers (step numbers) of the processing procedures.

[0078] Note that one or more steps included in the alarm processing described below may be omitted as appropriate. Furthermore, the steps in the alarm processing may be executed in a different order as long as the same operational effect is achieved. Furthermore, the following description will be given using an example in which a processor corresponding to the control unit 11 executes the processing of each step in the alarm processing, but the steps in the alarm processing may be executed in a distributed manner by multiple processors.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 5, in step S1, the control unit 11 starts monitoring by the monitoring system 100, for example, when the current time reaches the start time of the train operation period.

[0080] Furthermore, the control unit 11 turns on the operation lights 31 and 41, which indicate that the monitoring system 100 is operating (S2).

[0081] In the next step S3, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the determination result by the vehicle state determination unit 115 is the first state. As described above, the first state is a state in which no train is present on platform PF1 of the station and no train is approaching the station, which is essentially an absence state in which no train is present on platform PF1.

[0082] When the control unit 11 determines that the object is in the first state, the control unit 11 sets the set value of the set threshold to the second threshold, which is larger than the first threshold, in order to lower the detection sensitivity of the detection process by the object detection unit 112 (S4). As described above, the second threshold is a threshold that enables detection of the detection object (specifically, a person, a wheelchair, a stroller, etc.) that is equal to or larger than the predetermined size, and prevents detection of the detection object that is smaller than the predetermined size.

[0083] On the other hand, when the control unit 11 determines that the state is not the first state, the control unit 11 sets the set value of the set threshold to the first threshold which is smaller than the second threshold (S7) in order to increase the detection sensitivity of the detection process by the object detection unit 112. For example, during the second state from when the train approaches the station and is detected by the track circuit of the track circuit device 60 until the train stops at platform PF1, during the fourth state from when the train is ready to depart (for example, when the doors are closed before the train departs) until the train starts moving from platform PF1 and leaves the station, and during the period from when a passing train approaches the station and the second state is entered to when the passing train passes platform PF1 and completely leaves the station, it is determined that the state is not the first state, and the set threshold is set to the first threshold.

[0084] The larger the set threshold, the lower the detection sensitivity, and the object detection unit 112 of the control unit 11 will be able to detect only relatively large objects. In the first state, by limiting the objects to be detected in the detection area 21 to those of a relatively large size (the predetermined size), an alarm is not issued unnecessarily when part of a piece of baggage or a stroller, or when debris such as fallen leaves, temporarily enters the detection area 21. In other words, in the first state, the set threshold is set to the second threshold in step S4, giving priority to issuing an alarm when the need for an alarm is low and reducing or preventing false alarms due to the detection of debris, etc.

[0085] Conversely, the smaller the set threshold value, the higher the detection sensitivity, and the object detection unit 112 of the control unit 11 can detect the detection object having a relatively small size. When the first state is not established, it is preferable to prioritize safety and include the detection object in the detection area 21 up to a relatively small size (a size smaller than the predetermined size). By setting the set threshold value to the first threshold value in step S7, even if a part of baggage, a part of a stroller, a part of a person's body, etc. enters the detection area 21 in a dangerous state before a train approaches or a dangerous state while a train is approaching, it is possible to detect them and issue an alarm.

[0086] In addition, when the train arrives at the station and is stopped at the stopping position on platform PF1, which is the third state, passengers are in the process of getting on and off the train. In this case, even if the detection object is detected by the detection process by the object detection unit 112, it is not determined that the detection object is present in the detection area, and the control unit 11 may not activate the alarm devices 30, 40.

[0087] When the set threshold is set to the second threshold in step S4, the control unit 11 determines in the next step S5 whether or not the detection target has been detected in the detection area 21. That is, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the detection target is present in the detection area 21. The detection process at this time is the detection process in the first state, which is the detection process using the second threshold, and only detection targets of the predetermined size or larger are detected.

[0088] If the detection target is not detected in step S5, the control unit 11 returns to step S3 and performs the processes from step S3 onwards. On the other hand, if the detection target is detected in step S5, the control unit 11 determines whether the detection state in which the detection target is being detected has continued for the preset time (S6). In other words, the control unit 11 determines whether the detection duration in which the detection state is maintained has reached the preset time.

[0089] If it is determined in step S6 that the duration of the detection state has exceeded the set time, the control unit 11 proceeds to step S10 and outputs an alarm signal or the like to activate the platform alarm device 30 and the track alarm device 40 to issue an alarm. Thereafter, if the alarm cancellation condition is met (S11), for example, by pressing the alarm cancellation button, the control unit 11 stops outputting the alarm signal or the like and cancels the alarm (S12), and unless it is determined in step S13 that monitoring has ended, returns to step S3 and executes the processes from step S3 onwards.

[0090] In step S10, the control unit 11 may output the alarm signal and the alert signal only to the home alarm device 30 corresponding to the detection sensor 20 that detected the detection target within the scanning range SA, thereby activating the home alarm device 30. Of course, all alarm devices 30 may be activated, or the home alarm device 30 corresponding to the detection sensor 20 that detected the detection target may be activated with a stronger alarm intensity than the other alarm devices 30. For example, it may be possible to increase the illumination intensity or the volume of the speaker 33 compared to the other alarm devices 30.

[0091] In step S6, if the duration of the detection state has not exceeded the set time, the control unit 11 proceeds to step S9. In step S9, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the track circuit of the track circuit device 60 has detected a train. Here, if the track circuit has detected a train, the control unit 11 immediately outputs the alarm signal, etc., without waiting for the duration of the detection state to exceed the set time, and activates the platform alarm device 30 and the track alarm device 40 to issue an alarm (S11). On the other hand, if the track circuit has not detected a train, the process returns to step S5, and the processes from step S5 onwards are executed.

[0092] When the set threshold is set to the first threshold in step S7, the control unit 11 determines in the next step S8 whether or not the detection target has been detected in the detection area 21. That is, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the detection target is present in the detection area 21. The detection process at this time is a detection process when the state is not the first state, is a detection process using the first threshold, and also detects a detection target of the minimum size that is less than the predetermined size.

[0093] If the detection target is not detected in step S8, the control unit 11 returns to step S3 and performs the processes from step S3 onwards. On the other hand, if the detection target is detected in step S8, the control unit 11 immediately outputs the alarm signal or the like without waiting for the duration of the detection state to elapse the set time, and activates the platform alarm device 30 and the track alarm device 40 to issue an alarm (S11).

[0094] In step S9, when the track circuit detects a train, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 11 may determine whether the train approaching the station is the passing train (S91), and if it is determined to be the passing train, set the warning content (warning pattern) output from each warning device 30, 40 to the first warning corresponding to the passing train (S92). In this case, in step S10, a warning with a strong message that emphasizes danger avoidance is issued. On the other hand, if the control unit 11 determines that the train is not the passing train but the stopping train that has arrived at the station and is stopping, set the warning content to the second warning corresponding to the stopping train (S93). In this case, in step S10, a warning with a weaker message than the first warning, and merely calling attention to danger, is issued.

[0095] As described above, in the monitoring system 100 according to this embodiment, when the detection target is detected while there is no train on platform PF1, the platform alarm device 30 is activated and an alarm is issued. This makes it possible to properly detect a dangerous situation on platform PF1 even when there is no train on platform PF1 and to reliably convey an alarm to people in that dangerous situation. As a result, safety is maintained on platform PF1 even when there is no train.

[0096] Furthermore, in the monitoring system 100, the home alarm device 30 corresponding to the detection sensor 20 that detected the detection target is activated, so that an alarm can be reliably transmitted to people in danger.

[0097] Furthermore, in the monitoring system 100, when the first state is in effect, the home alarm device is activated on the condition that the duration of the detection state in which the detection target is detected has exceeded the set time. Therefore, when the first state is in effect, it is possible to reduce or prevent the issuance of an alarm or false alarms when the need for an alarm is low.

[0098] Furthermore, in the monitoring system 100, even if the duration of the detection state has not elapsed the set time, if it detects that a train is approaching platform PF1, the platform alarm device 30 is activated without waiting for the set time to elapse, thereby improving safety on platform PF1.

[0099] Furthermore, in the monitoring system 100, when the train entering platform PF1 is the passing train, the first alarm is output from the platform alarm device 30, and when the train entering platform PF1 is the stopped vehicle, the second alarm is output from the platform alarm device 30. As a result, different alarms are issued depending on whether the train is passing or stopping, so that users on platform PF1 can be made aware of the alarms.

[0100] Furthermore, in the monitoring system 100, when there is no train on platform PF1, the set threshold is set to the second threshold, and as described above, when there is a state other than the first state (including a state when there is a train on platform PF1), the set threshold is set to the first threshold. Therefore, when in the first state, it is possible to reduce or prevent the issuance of alarms or false alarms when there is little need for an alarm, and when not in the first state, it is possible to prioritize safety and appropriately convey an alarm to users in a dangerous state.

[0101] In the above-described warning process, the procedures and processes of steps S3, S4, and S7 may be omitted. Also, the procedure and process of step S6 or the procedure and process of step S9 may be omitted.

[0102] In the above-described embodiment, a monitoring system 100 including a monitoring device 10, a detection sensor 20, and each alarm device 30, 40, etc., is exemplified, but the present invention can also be understood as a monitoring device 10 equipped with a control unit 11 including an object detection unit 112 and an alarm control unit 116.

[0103] [Notes on the Invention] The following is a summary of the invention extracted from the above-described embodiment. Note that the configurations and processing functions described in the following supplementary notes can be selected and combined as desired.

[0104] <Appendix 1> A monitoring system that uses a predetermined detection device to detect a detection target at a platform edge on the track side defined on a platform of a station where a vehicle enters, a platform alarm device provided near the platform; a warning control unit that activates the platform warning device when the detection object is detected while the vehicle is not on the platform.

[0105] <Appendix 2> A plurality of the platform alarm devices are installed along the platform, The monitoring system described in Appendix 1, wherein the alarm control unit identifies the position of the detection object detected by the detection device and activates the home alarm device corresponding to the position of the detection object.

[0106] <Appendix 3> A plurality of the detection devices are installed along the platform, The monitoring system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the alarm control unit activates the home alarm device associated with the detection device that detected the detection target.

[0107] <Appendix 4> The monitoring system according to any one of appendices 1 to 3, wherein the alarm control unit activates the home alarm device when the detection state in which the detection object is detected continues for a predetermined period of time.

[0108] <Appendix 5> The monitoring system described in Appendix 4, wherein the alarm control unit activates the platform alarm device without waiting for the predetermined time to elapse if it detects that the vehicle is approaching the platform before the predetermined time has elapsed.

[0109] Appendix 6 The monitoring system described in any one of Appendices 1 to 5, wherein the alarm control unit causes the platform alarm device to output a first alarm corresponding to the passing vehicle when the vehicle entering the platform is a passing vehicle, and causes the platform alarm device to output a second alarm corresponding to the stopped vehicle when the vehicle entering the platform is a stopped vehicle.

[0110] Appendix 7 Further, a detection sensitivity setting unit is provided to set the detection sensitivity of the detection object, 7. The monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the detection sensitivity setting unit sets the detection sensitivity to a predetermined first sensitivity when the vehicle is present on the platform, and sets the detection sensitivity to a second sensitivity lower than the first sensitivity when the vehicle is not present on the platform.

[0111] Appendix 8 A method applied to a monitoring system that detects a detection target at a platform edge on the track side defined on a platform of a station where a vehicle enters, using a predetermined detection device, comprising: An alarm method in which one or more processors execute an alarm step of activating a platform alarm device provided near the platform when the detection object is detected while the vehicle is not present on the platform.

[0112] Appendix 9 A program applied to a monitoring system that detects a detection target at a platform edge on the track side defined on a platform of a station where a vehicle enters, using a predetermined detection device, A program for causing one or more processors to execute an alarm step of activating a platform alarm device provided near the platform when the detection object is detected while the vehicle is absent from the platform, or a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having the program stored thereon. [Explanation of symbols]

[0113] 10: Monitoring device 11: Control section 20: Detection sensor 21: Detection area 30: Home alarm system 40: Track warning device 60: Track circuit device 100: Surveillance system 111: Detection data acquisition unit 112: Target detection unit 114: Lighting control unit 115: Vehicle state determination unit 116: Alarm control unit 118: Detection sensitivity setting section PF1: Platform SA: Scanning range

Claims

1. A monitoring system that uses a predetermined detection device to detect a detection target at a platform edge on the track side defined on a platform of a station where a vehicle enters, a platform alarm device provided near the platform; a warning control unit that activates the platform warning device when the detection object is detected while the vehicle is not on the platform.

2. A plurality of the platform alarm devices are installed along the platform, The monitoring system according to claim 1 , wherein the alarm control unit identifies a position of the target detected by the detection device and activates the home alarm device corresponding to the position of the target.

3. A plurality of the detection devices are installed along the platform, The monitoring system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the alarm control unit activates the home alarm device associated with the detection device that detected the detection target.

4. The monitoring system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the alarm control unit activates the home alarm device when a detection state in which the detection target is detected continues for a predetermined time period.

5. 5. The monitoring system according to claim 4, wherein the alarm control unit activates the platform alarm device without waiting for the predetermined time to elapse if it detects that the vehicle is approaching the platform before the predetermined time has elapsed.

6. The monitoring system described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the alarm control unit causes the platform alarm device to output a first alarm corresponding to the passing vehicle when the vehicle entering the platform is a passing vehicle, and causes the platform alarm device to output a second alarm corresponding to the stopped vehicle when the vehicle entering the platform is a stopped vehicle.

7. Further, a detection sensitivity setting unit is provided to set the detection sensitivity of the detection object, 3. The monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the detection sensitivity setting unit sets the detection sensitivity to a predetermined first sensitivity when the vehicle is present on the platform, and sets the detection sensitivity to a second sensitivity lower than the first sensitivity when the vehicle is not present on the platform.

8. A method applied to a monitoring system that detects a detection target at a platform edge on the track side defined on a platform of a station where a vehicle enters, using a predetermined detection device, comprising: An alarm method in which one or more processors execute an alarm step of activating a platform alarm device provided near the platform when the detection object is detected while the vehicle is not present on the platform.

9. A program applied to a monitoring system that detects a detection target at a platform edge on the track side defined on a platform of a station where a vehicle enters, using a predetermined detection device, A program for causing one or more processors to execute an alarm step of activating a platform alarm device provided near the platform when the detection object is detected while the vehicle is absent from the platform.

Images