Onboard equipment

Abstract

In a wireless train control system, it is necessary to clearly indicate to the crew the deactivation of protective patterns for areas that require particular attention. [Solution] The onboard device 30, which controls the speed of the train according to a speed check pattern, sets a protective pattern to deter the train 3 from entering the level crossing 5 as the speed check pattern. After setting the protective pattern, if it receives safety confirmation information that permits entry to the level crossing 5, it cancels the setting of the protective pattern. When the setting is canceled, it continuously performs a warning notification process to alert the crew of the train 3 to be careful when passing through the level crossing 5.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to on-vehicle devices.

Background Art

[0002] As a method for controlling a level crossing in a wireless train control system, a method is known in which, on the vehicle, a protection pattern for stopping before the level crossing is set, and when safety confirmation is obtained by completion of blocking of the level crossing or the like, the protection pattern is released and the level crossing is passed (for example, Patent Document 1 etc.). In this method, even after safety of the level crossing is confirmed and the protection pattern is released, an emergency such as a blocking abnormality or the occurrence of an obstacle may occur. Countermeasures against such an emergency were left to the attention and judgment of the driver, such as immediately operating the brakes to stop the train when the driver visually confirmed it.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] From the perspective of the driver, after the protection pattern is released due to approaching the level crossing, it is necessary to be particularly conscious and pay attention, and to be prepared to operate the brakes as necessary. However, there was a problem that it was difficult to grasp whether the protection pattern was released or not, and when it was released. Such problems are not limited to level crossing roads, but are the same in other locations where there is a risk of falling rocks or landslides, etc., where first a protection pattern is set, and after safety confirmation for passing is obtained, the protection pattern is released and passing becomes possible. Also, it was difficult for not only the driver but also other crew members such as conductors to grasp the release of the protection pattern.

[0005] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a wireless train control system that clearly indicates to the crew the deactivation of protective patterns for areas that require particular attention. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The first invention for solving the above problem is: An on-board device that controls the speed of a train according to a speed check pattern, A setting means (for example, the protection setting unit 202 in Figure 7) sets a protective pattern to deter the train from entering the area of ​​particular concern as the speed check pattern, After setting the protective pattern, if safety confirmation information is received indicating permission to enter the area requiring special attention, a protective release means (for example, protective release unit 204 in Figure 7) releases the setting of the protective pattern, When the aforementioned deactivation is performed, a continuous warning means (for example, the continuous warning unit 206 in Figure 7) continuously executes a warning notification process to prompt the train crew to pay attention to passing the aforementioned points of particular interest, This is an on-board device equipped with [a specific feature / feature].

[0007] According to the first invention, in a wireless train control system, it is possible to clearly indicate to the crew that the protective pattern has been deactivated for areas that require particular attention. Specifically, after setting a protective pattern to deter entry into a high-priority area, which is an area that the crew should pay particular attention to when passing through, the protective pattern is deactivated upon receiving safety confirmation information that permits entry. When the protective pattern is deactivated, a warning notification process is continuously executed to the train crew to remind them to be careful when passing through the high-priority area. The warning notification process makes it easy for the crew to understand that the safety of the high-priority area they are about to approach and pass through has been confirmed and the protective pattern has been deactivated, allowing them to pay particular attention when approaching and passing through the high-priority area. This makes it possible to further improve the safety of trains passing through high-priority areas. In addition, since the warning notification process is performed continuously, the crew's attention can be maintained.

[0008] The second invention is, in the above invention, A passage determination means (for example, the passage determination unit 212 in Figure 7) for determining the passage of the aforementioned points of particular interest, A warning termination means (for example, the warning termination unit 214 in Figure 7) that terminates the warning notification process when the passage is determined, This is an on-board device that further includes the following features.

[0009] According to the second invention, the warning notification process ends when the train passes a key attention point. As a result, the period during which the warning notification process is continuously executed is the period from the deactivation of the protective pattern until the train passes the key attention point. Therefore, the crew only needs to pay special attention while the warning notification process is continuously executed, eliminating the need to be aware of the period during which attention is required.

[0010] The third invention is, in the above invention, An abnormality processing means (for example, the abnormality processing unit 210 in Figure 7) that performs predetermined abnormality processing, which at least includes notifying the crew of the abnormality when abnormality information indicating an abnormality has occurred at the aforementioned point of concern is received. This is an on-board device that further includes the following features.

[0011] According to the third invention, after the protective pattern is deactivated, if abnormality information indicating an abnormality at a key attention point is received, the abnormality is notified to the crew. This allows the crew to know about the abnormality at the key attention point they are approaching or passing through. Since the crew is already consciously paying attention due to the continuously running alert processing, they can take appropriate action, such as immediately applying the brakes to stop the train, upon recognizing the abnormality.

[0012] The fourth invention is, in the above invention, When the aforementioned cancellation is performed, a request processing means (for example, the request processing unit 208 in Figure 7) executes a request process to repeatedly request the ground device that is the source of the safety confirmation information to notify the safety confirmation information, An abnormality processing means (for example, the abnormality processing unit 210 in Figure 7) that performs a predetermined abnormality processing, which at least includes notifying the crew of the occurrence of an abnormality if the safety confirmation information is not notified in response to the request processing, This is an on-board device that further includes the following features.

[0013] According to the fourth invention, after the protective pattern is deactivated, the ground equipment is repeatedly requested to notify safety confirmation information, and if no safety confirmation information is received, the crew is notified of the occurrence of an abnormality. Even if the safety of a key attention point is confirmed, unsafe situations such as the occurrence of obstacles may occur afterward. For this reason, the ground equipment is repeatedly requested to notify safety confirmation information, and if no safety confirmation information is received from the ground equipment, the crew is notified of the occurrence of an abnormality, assuming that the safety of the key attention point has not been confirmed. This allows the crew to take appropriate action, such as applying the brakes to stop the train, thereby further improving safety when passing through key attention points.

[0014] The fifth invention is, in the above invention, The abnormality handling means includes and executes braking control to activate the train's brakes as part of the abnormality handling. It is an on-board device.

[0015] According to the fifth invention, after the protective pattern is deactivated, if abnormality information indicating an abnormality has occurred at a key attention point is received, a braking process is performed to activate the train's brakes. This ensures that the train is stopped and entry into the key attention point is prevented in the event of an abnormality, thereby further improving safety when passing through the key attention point.

[0016] The sixth invention is, in the above invention, The aforementioned area requiring special attention is a railway crossing. The aforementioned safety confirmation information is information obtained upon completion of the closure of the level crossing. It is an on-board device.

[0017] According to the sixth invention, it is possible to make the crew aware that the protective pattern has been released when the level crossing has been fully blocked, and to encourage them to pay particular attention to this, thereby further improving the safety of trains passing through level crossings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] Application examples of a wireless train control system. [Figure 2] Operation example when passing through a level crossing. [Figure 3] Operation example when passing through a level crossing. [Figure 4] Operation example when passing through a level crossing. [Figure 5] Operation example when passing through a level crossing. [Figure 6] Flowchart of on-vehicle control processing. [Figure 7] Functional configuration example of on-vehicle equipment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the applicable forms of the present invention are not limited to the following embodiments. Also, in the description of the drawings, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same elements.

[0020] FIG. 1 is an application example of the wireless train control system 1 in the present embodiment. As shown in the lower part of FIG. 1, the wireless train control system 1 includes a ground device 10 and an on-vehicle device 30 mounted on the train 3. In the drawing, the wireless train control system 1 is illustrated as a range that encloses the level crossing 5 and the level crossing safety equipment 7 for the sake of convenience in order to include the track on which the train 3 runs, but the level crossing 5 and the level crossing safety equipment 7 are not included. However, the level crossing safety equipment 7 may be included in the wireless train control system 1. Wireless communication is possible between the ground device 10 and the on-vehicle device 30 via a wireless communication network (not shown) including a wireless base station installed along the line.

[0021] The ground device 10 is, for example, a central device installed in a train operation command center, and manages and controls train operation based on the running position etc. of each train 3.

[0022] The onboard equipment 30 controls the movement of its own train 3 by communicating wirelessly with the ground equipment 10. For example, it sets a speed check pattern based on the speed limit of the line section and the position of the preceding train, and controls the speed of its own train 3 so that its running speed does not exceed the check speed determined by the speed check pattern.

[0023] Figures 1 to 5 illustrate the operation of the wireless train control system 1, specifically when train 3 passes through a level crossing 5, which is an example of a high-priority area. Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the processing flow performed by the on-board equipment 30 when train 3 passes through level crossing 5. In all of Figures 1 to 5, the lower part shows the positional relationship between train 3 and level crossing 5, with the right direction being the direction of train 3's travel. The upper part shows a speed check pattern with the horizontal axis representing the travel position and the vertical axis representing the check speed. The travel position on the horizontal axis of the speed check pattern corresponds to the position on the track shown at the bottom. The correspondence between the positions where the check speed of the speed check pattern that stops train 3 before level crossing 5 becomes 0 km / h is shown by dashed lines in Figures 1 to 4.

[0024] When train 3 is about to pass level crossing 5, the onboard device 30 sets a protective pattern as the speed check pattern to stop train 3 before level crossing 5 and prevent it from entering level crossing 5, as shown in Figure 1 (step S1 in Figure 6).

[0025] Next, as shown in Figure 2, the on-board device 30 waits for notification of safety confirmation information for the level crossing 5 from the ground device 10. Upon receiving the safety confirmation information (step S3 in Figure 6: YES), it cancels the setting of the protective pattern (step S5 in Figure 6). In other words, it cancels the setting of the protective pattern and sets a speed check pattern for passing through the level crossing 5.

[0026] Safety confirmation information indicates that safety has been confirmed regarding passage through level crossing 5 and that train 3 is permitted to enter level crossing 5. Level crossing 5 is equipped with level crossing safety equipment 7, including a level crossing control device, a level crossing obstacle detection device, and a level crossing obstruction notification device. Each of these devices can communicate with the ground device 10 via wireless or wired communication. The level crossing control device controls the blocking of the level crossing, such as lowering and raising the level crossing barrier installed at level crossing 5 and starting and stopping the sounding of the level crossing warning device, according to the control of the ground device 10, and notifies the ground device 10 of the blocking status, such as completion or incompleteness. The level crossing obstacle detection device detects obstacles such as cars and people within level crossing 5 and notifies the ground device 10 of the detection results. The level crossing obstruction notification device is a push button (emergency button) operated by a person in an emergency, and notifies the ground device 10 whether or not it has been operated.

[0027] The ground device 10 determines that safety has been confirmed for passing through level crossing 5 when it has received notifications of "blocking complete" from the level crossing control device, "no obstacle detected" from the level crossing obstacle detection device, and "no operation" from the level crossing obstruction warning device. It then notifies train 3, which is traveling near level crossing 5, of the safety confirmation. Note that there are level crossings where level crossing obstacle detection devices and level crossing obstruction warning devices are not installed. In such cases, the conditions are determined by excluding the "no obstacle detected" notification and the "no operation" notification from the level crossing obstruction warning device. When these conditions are met, it is determined that safety has been confirmed for passing through level crossing 5, and safety confirmation information is notified to train 3.

[0028] Furthermore, if the ground device 10 receives notification from the level crossing control device that "blocking is not complete," or from the level crossing obstacle detection device that "an obstacle has been detected," or from the level crossing obstruction notification device that "operation has been performed," it will determine that safety regarding passage through the level crossing 5 cannot be confirmed and will notify the train 3 traveling near the level crossing 5 of an abnormality occurring at the level crossing 5.

[0029] When the protective pattern setting is deactivated, the onboard device initiates a warning notification process to alert the driver (crew) of the train 3 to the need to pass through the level crossing 5, as shown in Figure 3 (step S7 in Figure 6), and also initiates a request process to repeatedly request the ground device 10 to notify safety confirmation information (step S9 in Figure 6). In this embodiment, the target of the warning notification process is described as the driver, but other crew members may also be the target of the notification. Crew members include drivers and conductors. Furthermore, in train systems equipped with an automated driving system that conforms to automation level GOA2.5, crew members include personnel other than the driver who are on board the front of the train.

[0030] The purpose of issuing a warning is to inform the driver that the protective pattern for level crossing 5 has been deactivated and that further attention must be paid to the road ahead through visual inspection. This notification can be achieved, for example, by continuously outputting a predetermined message to that effect from a speaker installed in the driver's cab (crew compartment) of the train 3, displaying it as text on a screen, or by illuminating a predetermined warning lamp.

[0031] Then, as shown in Figure 4, if, after the protective pattern is deactivated but before passing the level crossing 5, the ground device 10 does not notify the train of the requested safety confirmation information, or if it receives information indicating an abnormality at the level crossing 5 (step S11 in Figure 6: YES), the onboard device 30 performs abnormality processing such as notifying the crew of the abnormality at the level crossing 5 (step S13 in Figure 6) and applying the brakes to stop the train (step S15 in Figure 6).

[0032] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 5, after the protective pattern is deactivated, and while continuously receiving safety confirmation information from the ground device 10 (step S11 in Figure 6: NO), if it is determined that the vehicle has passed the level crossing 5 (step S17 in Figure 6: YES), the on-board device 30 terminates the ongoing warning notification process (step S19 in Figure 6) and terminates the process of requesting notification of safety confirmation information to the ground device 10 (step S21 in Figure 6).

[0033] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the on-board device 30. According to Figure 7, the on-board device 30 comprises an operation unit 102, a display unit 104, an audio output unit 106, a wireless communication unit 108, a processing unit 200, and a storage unit 300, and can be configured as a type of computer system.

[0034] The operation unit 102 is implemented by an input device such as a button switch or a touch panel, and outputs an operation signal to the processing unit 200 according to the operation performed. The display unit 104 is implemented by a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or a touch panel, or a lamp, and displays various information according to the display signal from the processing unit 200. The audio output unit 106 is implemented by an audio output device such as a speaker, and outputs various audio information according to the audio signal from the processing unit 200. The wireless communication unit 108 is implemented by a wireless communication device and performs wireless communication with external devices such as the ground device 10 via a given communication network.

[0035] The processing unit 200 is implemented by a computing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and based on programs and data stored in the memory unit 300, it issues instructions and transfers data to each part that makes up the on-board equipment 30, thereby performing overall control of the on-board equipment 30. In addition, the processing unit 200 performs various controls related to the operation of the train, such as controlling the speed of the train 3 according to a speed check pattern, by executing the on-board control program 302 stored in the memory unit 300.

[0036] Furthermore, the processing unit 200 functions as a protection setting unit 202, a protection release unit 204, a continuous warning unit 206, a request processing unit 208, an abnormality processing unit 210, a pass-through determination unit 212, and a warning termination unit 214. However, these functional blocks can also be configured as independent arithmetic circuits using ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) or FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), etc.

[0037] The protection setting unit 202 sets a protection pattern as a speed check pattern to deter trains from entering level crossing 5, which is a high-priority area. Specifically, it refers to the level crossing DB (database) 310 based on the train's current position, determines the next level crossing 5 to be passed, and sets a protection pattern to stop before that level crossing 5 (see Figure 1). The level crossing DB 310 stores the installation location and other information for each level crossing 5 located on the line, associated with a level crossing ID.

[0038] The protection release unit 204, after setting the protection pattern, releases the protection pattern setting when it receives safety confirmation information from the ground device 10 granting permission to enter the level crossing 5, which is a high-priority area (see Figure 2). By releasing the protection pattern setting, a speed check pattern for passing through the level crossing 5 is set.

[0039] The continuous warning unit 206 continuously performs a warning notification process to prompt train crew members to pay attention when passing through the area requiring special attention, once the protective pattern has been deactivated. Specifically, the warning notification informs them that since the protective pattern for the level crossing 5 has been deactivated, they need to pay further attention to what is ahead by visual inspection. This notification can be implemented, for example, by displaying a predetermined message on the display unit 104 or by outputting an audio message from the audio output unit 106 (see Figure 3).

[0040] When the protective pattern is deactivated, the request processing unit 208 executes a request process that repeatedly requests the ground device 10, which is the source of the safety confirmation information, to notify it of the safety confirmation information (see Figure 3).

[0041] When the abnormality processing unit 210 receives abnormality information from the ground device 10 indicating an abnormality at the level crossing 5, which is a high-priority attention area, or when it does not receive notification of safety confirmation information in response to a requested processing, it executes a predetermined abnormality processing that includes at least notifying the crew of the abnormality and braking control that activates the train's brakes 32. Specifically, notification of an abnormality to the crew can be achieved, for example, by displaying a predetermined message on the display unit 104 indicating that some kind of abnormality has occurred at the level crossing 5, or by outputting an audio message from the audio output unit 106 (see Figure 4).

[0042] The passage determination unit 212 determines whether the train has passed through the level crossing 5, which is a point of particular concern.

[0043] The warning termination unit 214 terminates the warning notification process when it is determined that the user has passed through the level crossing 5, which is a point of particular concern (see Figure 5).

[0044] Returning to Figure 7, the storage unit 300 is implemented using a storage device such as a hard disk, ROM (Read Only Memory), or RAM (Random Access Memory). It stores programs and data for the processing unit 200 to comprehensively control the on-board device 30, and is also used as a workspace for the processing unit 200. Calculation results performed by the processing unit 200 according to various programs, as well as input data via the operation unit 102 and wireless communication unit 108, are temporarily stored there. In this embodiment, the on-board control program 302, the level crossing DB 310, and the speed check pattern data 320, which is data for the speed check pattern, are stored.

[0045] [Effects and Effects] Thus, according to this embodiment, the wireless train control system 1 can clearly indicate to the crew that the protective pattern has been deactivated for areas that require particular attention. In other words, after setting a protective pattern to deter entry into level crossing 5, which is a high-priority area that requires particular attention from the crew when passing through, the protective pattern is deactivated upon receipt of safety confirmation information granting permission to enter. When the protective pattern is deactivated, a warning notification process is continuously executed to the crew of train 3 to remind them to be careful when passing through level crossing 5. The warning notification process allows the crew to easily understand that the safety of level crossing 5, which they are about to approach and pass through, has been confirmed and the protective pattern has been deactivated, enabling them to pay particular attention when approaching and passing through level crossing 5. This makes it possible to further improve the safety of train 3 when passing through level crossing 5. In addition, since the warning notification process is performed continuously, the crew's attention can be maintained.

[0046] Furthermore, after the protective pattern is deactivated, the ground device 10 is repeatedly requested to notify the ground device 10 of safety confirmation information. If no safety confirmation information is received, the crew is notified of the occurrence of an abnormality. Even if the safety of the level crossing 5 is confirmed, unsafe situations such as the occurrence of obstacles may occur afterward. For this reason, the ground device 10 is repeatedly requested to notify the ground device 10 of safety confirmation information. If no safety confirmation information is received from the ground device 10, the crew is notified of the occurrence of an abnormality, assuming that the safety of the level crossing 5 has not been confirmed. This allows the crew to take appropriate action, such as applying the brakes to stop the train, thereby further improving safety when passing through the level crossing 5.

[0047] [Differentiation] It should be noted that the applicable embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0048] (A) Ground equipment In the above embodiment, when train 3 passes through level crossing 5, the on-board device 30 communicates with the ground device 10, which is a central device installed in a control center or the like. However, the on-board device 30 may also communicate wirelessly directly with the level crossing safety equipment 7. In this case, the level crossing safety equipment 7 corresponds to the ground device, and the on-board device 30 can communicate wirelessly with the level crossing safety equipment 7 at level crossing 5 when approaching the level crossing 5. Then, the ability to confirm safety regarding passage through level crossing 5 based on information received from each device of the level crossing safety equipment 7 (level crossing control device, level crossing obstacle detection device, level crossing obstruction notification device, etc.) corresponds to the reception of safety confirmation information.

[0049] (B) Key points to pay attention to In the above-described embodiment, the level crossing 5 was explained as an example of a location requiring special attention, but other locations may also be designated as locations requiring special attention. For example, the above-described embodiment can be similarly applied to station premises where devices are installed to detect the operation of emergency stop buttons or falls below the platform, to locations where rockfall detection devices are installed due to the risk of rockfalls or landslides on cliffs, to locations where limit obstruction warning devices are installed to detect the presence of obstacles within the building clearance, and to locations where train protection switches are installed to perform emergency stops on trains. [Explanation of symbols]

[0050] 1… Wireless train control system 10…Ground equipment 30...Onboard equipment 200... Processing Unit 202...Protection setting section 204...protection release section 206...Continued Warning Department 208... Request Processing Unit 210…Error Processing Unit 212...Passage determination section 214...End of warning section 300...Storage section 302... On-board control program 310... Railroad Crossing Database 320…Speed ​​verification pattern data 3... train 5…Railway crossings (areas requiring special attention) 7…Level crossing safety equipment

Claims

1. An on-board device that controls the speed of a train according to a speed check pattern, A setting means for setting a protective pattern to deter the train from entering a key attention area as the speed check pattern, A protection release means for releasing the protection pattern setting when safety confirmation information is received after the setting of the protection pattern permitting entry to the area requiring special attention, When the aforementioned deactivation is performed, a continuous warning means is provided to continuously execute a warning notification process to prompt the train crew to be alerted regarding the passage of the aforementioned points of particular concern. An on-board device equipped with the following features.

2. A passage determination means for determining the passage of the aforementioned points of particular attention, A warning termination means for terminating the warning notification process when the passage is determined to have occurred, The vehicle-mounted device according to claim 1, further comprising:

3. An abnormality handling means that, upon receiving abnormality information indicating an abnormality occurring at the aforementioned high-priority attention location, performs a predetermined abnormality handling process which at least includes notifying the crew of the abnormality. The vehicle-mounted device according to claim 1, further comprising:

4. When the aforementioned cancellation is performed, a request processing means executes a request process to repeatedly request the ground device that is the source of the safety confirmation information to notify the safety confirmation information, An abnormality processing means that, if no notification of the safety confirmation information is received in response to the request processing, performs a predetermined abnormality processing, which at least includes notifying the crew of the occurrence of an abnormality. The vehicle-mounted device according to claim 1, further comprising:

5. The abnormality handling means includes and executes braking control to activate the train's brakes as part of the abnormality handling. The on-board device according to claim 3 or 4.

6. The aforementioned area requiring special attention is a railway crossing. The aforementioned safety confirmation information is information obtained upon completion of the closure of the level crossing. The on-board device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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