Signal monitoring device, signal monitoring system, and signal system

Abstract

To provide a method by which the state of a signal is monitored while the cost being suppressed.SOLUTION: A signal monitoring device 1 comprises a current acquisition part 1A to acquire a total current detection result after receiving an output of a current sensor measuring the whole total current in the signal, a voltage acquisition part 1B to receive an output of plural voltage sensors measuring each individual operational voltages of plural signal displays, a state determination part 1C to determine the display state of the signal based on total current detection results acquired by the current acquisition part 1A and individual voltage detection results acquired by the voltage acquisition part 1B, an information generating part 1D to generate state information indicating the state of the signal based on a determination result by the state determination part 1C and an information output part 1E outputting state information generated by the information generating part 1D.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a signal monitoring device, a signal monitoring system, and a signal system for monitoring the state of a signal installed beside a railway track.

Background Art

[0002] In order to control the passage of trains on a railway, signals are installed at various locations beside the railway track so that they can be easily seen by train drivers. A signal is a device that can switch between a plurality of signal displays by turning on / off a plurality of signal lights. Conventionally, a device for monitoring the state of such a signal has been used (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the device described in Patent Document 1, the energization state of the signal lights such as the bulbs or LEDs of the signal in each signal display is measured, and abnormality detection of the signal is performed based on the measurement result.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Here, when measuring the energization state of a signal, in many cases, the measurement is performed by current sensors and voltage sensors installed for each signal display. And the device for monitoring the state of the signal is configured to perform abnormality detection by receiving the outputs of those plurality of current sensors and voltage sensors. Here, current sensors and voltage sensors are often expensive, and in the above device that requires a plurality of such current sensors and voltage sensors, the cost related to the state monitoring of the signal tends to be high.

[0005] Accordingly, the present invention focuses on the above circumstances, and aims to provide a traffic signal monitoring device, a traffic signal monitoring system, and a traffic signal system that can monitor the state of a traffic signal while suppressing costs.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the traffic signal monitoring device is installed on a railway, and when the operating current in a traffic signal that is installed on the railway and can switch a plurality of signal displays by using the lighting / non-lighting of a plurality of signal lamps is divided into groups with a number smaller than the total number of all signal displays, the aforesaid measures the partial total current for each group or the total current of the entire plurality of signal displays, receives the outputs of a small number of current sensors less than the total number of all signal displays, and obtains a total current detection result regarding the partial total current or the total current; a current acquisition unit provided in the same number as the current sensors; receives the outputs of a plurality of voltage sensors that measure the individual operating voltages of the plurality of signal displays respectively, and obtains an individual voltage detection result regarding the individual operating voltage; a voltage acquisition unit provided in the same number as the voltage sensors; based on the total current detection result acquired by the current acquisition unit and the individual voltage detection result acquired by the voltage acquisition unit, a state determination unit that determines the display state of the traffic signal; an information generation unit that generates state information representing the state of the traffic signal based on the determination result by the state determination unit; and an information output unit that outputs the state information generated by the information generation unit. The state determination unit has the aforesaid a lighting and extinguishing determination criterion for determining the lighting and extinguishing of the signal display corresponding to the individual voltage detection result, the aforesaid Based on the lighting and extinguishing determination criterion, any one of the plurality of signal displays is a point is determined as to whether it is in the lit state, whether the plurality of signal displays are all in the extinguished state (extinguishing abnormality), or whether there is an overlighting abnormality in which two or more of the plurality of signal displays are in the lit state.

[0007] According to the above traffic signal monitoring device, the same number of current acquisition units as the current sensors receive the outputs of a smaller number of current sensors than the total number of display values. That is, according to the above traffic signal monitoring device, since the number of current sensors to be installed can be suppressed, the cost can be reduced accordingly, and the state of the traffic signal can be monitored.

[0008] Here, the state determination unit, for the total current detection result, based on the lighting-off determination criterion the aforesaid has a failure determination criterion for determining whether there is a lighting failure where sufficient current does not flow even though the lighting state has been determined or a non-failure state where sufficient current flows, a voltage determination criterion for determining whether the individual voltage detection result corresponding to the lighting state is a normal value or an alarm value requiring an alarm, and a current determination criterion for determining whether the total current detection result in the non-failure state is a normal value or an alarm value requiring an alarm. The state determination unit determines whether the one signal display determined to be in the lighting state is in the lighting failure or the non-failure state based on the failure determination criterion, and when determined to be in the non-failure state, it is preferable to determine whether there is a lighting alarm that requires an alarm although the one signal display is lit based on the voltage determination criterion and the current determination criterion.

[0009] According to this configuration, regarding the display state of the traffic signal, by making a determination using the lighting-off determination criterion, the failure determination criterion, the voltage determination criterion, and the current determination criterion, it is possible to specifically determine whether it is a lighting failure, a multi-lighting failure, normal lighting of one signal display, a lighting failure, or a lighting alarm. In addition, by determining not only the lighting failure but also the lighting alarm, it is possible to effectively capture the signs of failure in the traffic signal.

[0010] Further, the voltage determination criterion indicates a voltage normal range in which the individual voltage detection result is determined to be a normal value, the current determination criterion indicates a current normal range in which the total current detection result is determined to be a normal value, and when the individual voltage detection result of the one signal display is within the voltage normal range and the total current detection result that is not a failure is within the current normal range, the state determination unit determines that the lighting is normal, and when the individual voltage detection result of the one signal display is outside the voltage normal range or the total current detection result that is not a failure is outside the current normal range, it is preferable to determine the lighting alarm.

[0011] According to this configuration, for one signal display in the lighting state, by comparing the individual voltage detection result and the total current detection result without failure with the voltage normal range and the current normal range, it is possible to determine with high accuracy whether it is in the normal lighting or the lighting alarm.

[0012] Further, the state determination unit has a matrix table in which four voltage states of the extinguishing abnormality, the multiple lighting abnormality, and the voltage normality and voltage alarm determined based on the voltage determination criterion for the individual voltage detection result, and three current states of the lighting failure determined based on the failure determination criterion and the current normality and current alarm determined based on the current determination criterion for the total current detection result are combined in a table format, and identifiers are assigned to each column of the table. The state determination unit identifies which column of the matrix table the determination results of the total current detection result and the individual voltage detection result based on the lighting on / off determination criterion, the voltage determination criterion, the failure determination criterion, and the current determination criterion correspond to, thereby determining whether the display state is the extinguishing abnormality, the multiple lighting abnormality, the lighting failure, the lighting alarm, and the aforesaid normal lighting, and the aforesaid delivers the determination result of the display state to the information generation unit together with the identifier of the identified of the aforesaid matrix table column, and it is preferable that the information generation unit generates the state information by associating the determination result with the identifier.

[0013] According to this configuration, regarding the display state of the signal, by comparing the determination results of the total current detection result and the individual voltage detection result with the matrix table, it is possible to determine whether it is a lamp-off abnormality, a multi-lamp abnormality, a normal lighting, a lighting failure, or a lighting warning while suppressing the processing load. Further, since the state information is generated by associating the determination result with the identifier in the corresponding column in the matrix table, the display state of the signal can be grasped well at the output destination of the state information.

[0014] In addition, in order to solve the above problems, the signal monitoring system is installed on a railway, and when the operating current in a signal that is installed on the railway and can switch a plurality of signal displays using the lighting / non-lighting of a plurality of signal lamps is divided into groups with a number smaller than the total number of signal displays the aforesaid measures the partial total current for each group or the total total current of the plurality of signal displays, a smaller number of current sensors than the total number of signal displays, and a plurality of voltage sensors that measure the individual operating voltages of the plurality of signal displays, and is characterized by including the above-described signal monitoring device.

[0015] In addition, in order to solve the above problems, the signal system is installed on a railway, and when the operating current in a signal that is installed on the railway and can switch a plurality of signal displays using the lighting / non-lighting of a plurality of signal lamps is divided into groups with a number smaller than the total number of signal displays the aforesaid measures the partial total current for each group or the total total current of the plurality of signal displays, a smaller number of current sensors than the total number of signal displays, and a plurality of voltage sensors that measure the individual operating voltages of the plurality of signal displays, and is characterized by including the above-described signal monitoring device.

[0016] According to the above signal monitoring system and signal system, since both include the above-described signal monitoring device, the state of the signal can be monitored while suppressing the cost.

Effects of the Invention

[0017] According to the above traffic signal monitoring device, traffic signal monitoring system, and traffic signal system, the state of the traffic signal can be monitored at a reduced cost.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a signal monitoring device, a signal monitoring system, and a signal system will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an embodiment of a signal monitoring device, a signal monitoring system, and a signal system.

[0021] In this FIG. 1, a signal monitoring system 7 including a signal monitoring device 1 and a signal system 8 including such a signal monitoring system 7 are shown. The signal system 8 includes a signal 81, a signal power supply 82, one current sensor 2, five voltage sensors 3, and a signal monitoring device 1 as main components. And in this signal system 8, one current sensor 2, five voltage sensors 3, and a signal monitoring device 1 construct a signal monitoring system 7.

[0022] The signal 81 is installed beside the railway line so as to be easily visible to the driver, and represents that five signal displays can be switched using the lighting / non-lighting of a plurality of signal lights. In this embodiment, using the lighting / non-lighting of four signal lights, namely, one red light (R), two yellow lights (Y), and one green light (G), five signal displays, namely, R display, YY display, Y display, YG display, and G display, can be switched.

[0023] The signal power supply 82 supplies an AC power supply to the five signal displays via an open / close contact 821. In the signal system 8, one of the five open / close contacts 821 is selectively closed and the other open / close contacts 821 are opened, so that one signal display can be switched and displayed.

[0024] The current sensor 2 is a well-known sensor provided on one of the main lines leading from the signal machine power supply 82 to the five open / close contacts 821, and measures the current flowing through the main line. Thereby, the current sensor 2 measures the operating current in the signal machine 81 for the total current I of the five signal displays in total. Also, the current sensor 2 is preferably a clamp-type current sensor, but other non-contact current sensors or contact-type current sensors may also be used. In this way, in the present embodiment, one current sensor 2, which is fewer than the five, which is the total number of signal displays in the signal machine 81, is provided.

[0025] The voltage sensor 3 is a well-known sensor provided in five numbers so as to measure the contact voltage of each of the five open / close contacts 821. Thereby, the five voltage sensors 3 measure the individual operating voltages V(R), V(YY), V(Y), V(YG), V(G) of each of the five signal displays.

[0026] The signal machine monitoring device 1 is a device that monitors the state of the signal machine 81 when the total current I is input from one current sensor 2 and the five individual operating voltages V(R), ···, V(G) are input from the five voltage sensors 3. Hereinafter, the configuration of this signal machine monitoring device 1 will be described in detail.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of an embodiment of the signal machine monitoring device.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 2, the signal machine monitoring device 1 includes a current signal processing unit 11, a voltage signal processing unit 12, an MPU 13, an RS485 transmission unit 14, a power supply unit 15, an oscillator 16, and a reset IC 17.

[0029] The current signal processing unit 11 is connected to the current sensor 2 and processes the signal of the total integrated current I (current waveform) detected by the current sensor 2. Here, in the example shown in FIG. 2, one current signal processing unit 11 is provided, but a plurality of them may be provided. That is, the signal lamp monitoring device 1 shown in FIG. 2 is configured to be connectable to only one current sensor 2, but may be configured to be connectable to a plurality of them. In the example shown in FIG. 2, only one current sensor 2 is installed to detect the total integrated current I of the signal lamp 81, and the signal lamp monitoring device 1 is provided with only one current signal processing unit 11, which is the same number as the current sensor 2.

[0030] The current signal processing unit 11 includes a half-wave rectifier circuit 111, an integration circuit 112, a first non-inverting amplifier 113, and a second non-inverting amplifier 114. The half-wave rectifier circuit 111 is a circuit that performs half-wave rectification on the current waveform detected by the current sensor 2, and the integration circuit 112 is a circuit that performs integration processing on the rectified waveform to make it uniform into a DC waveform. The first non-inverting amplifier 113 is a non-inverting amplifier circuit that amplifies the DC waveform passing through the integration circuit 112 by a predetermined multiple (for example, 3.3 times). The second non-inverting amplifier 114 is a non-inverting amplifier circuit that further amplifies the DC waveform amplified by the first non-inverting amplifier 113 by a predetermined multiple (for example, 40 times). The second non-inverting amplifier 114 amplifies the DC waveform so that it can be converted into a digital signal with sufficient accuracy in the subsequent AD converter even when the DC current value represented by the DC waveform is small.

[0031] The voltage signal processing unit 12 is connected to the voltage sensor 3 and processes the signals of the individual operating voltages V(R), ···, V(G) (voltage waveforms) detected by the voltage sensor 3. Five voltage signal processing units 12 are provided, which is the same number as the voltage sensors 3.

[0032] Each voltage signal processing unit 12 includes a transformer 121, a half-wave rectifier circuit 122, an integrating circuit 123, and a non-inverting amplifier 124. The transformer 121 receives the voltage waveform detected by the voltage sensor 3 in a state electrically insulated from the voltage sensor 3. The half-wave rectifier circuit 122 is a circuit that performs half-wave rectification on the voltage waveform received by the transformer 121, and the integrating circuit 123 is a circuit that performs integration processing on the rectified waveform to equalize it to a DC waveform. The non-inverting amplifier 124 is a non-inverting amplifier circuit that amplifies the DC waveform passing through the integrating circuit 123 by a predetermined multiple (for example, 3.6 times). The non-inverting amplifier 124 amplifies so that even when the DC voltage value represented by the DC waveform is small, it can be converted into a digital signal with sufficient accuracy in the subsequent AD converter.

[0033] The MPU 13 is a microprocessor having a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like. The MPU 13 is executed by a program stored in a memory that incorporates various operations and the like described later. The MPU 13 also includes AD converters 131, 132, 133 and UARTs 134, 135.

[0034] The AD converter 131 receives the DC current waveform amplified by the first non-inverting amplifier 113 in the current signal processing unit 11 and converts the analog signal into a digital signal. The AD converter 132 receives the DC current waveform amplified by the second non-inverting amplifier 114 in the current signal processing unit 11 and converts the analog signal into a digital signal. The AD converter 133 receives the DC voltage waveform amplified by the non-inverting amplifier 124 in the voltage signal processing unit 12 and converts the analog signal into a digital signal. Also, the same number of AD converters 131 and 132 as the number of current signal processing units 11 are provided, and the same number of AD converters 133 as the number of voltage signal processing units 12 are provided. In the case of FIG. 1, one channel each of the AD converters 131 and 132 is provided, and five channels of the AD converter 133 are provided.

[0035] UART134 is an interface circuit that converts parallel data to be transmitted to the RS485 transmission unit 14 into serial data and converts the serial data received from the RS485 transmission unit 14 into parallel data. UART134 outputs the state information representing the state of the traffic signal 81 calculated by the MPU13 as serial data. Also, UART134 inputs various instruction signals and the like regarding the monitoring of the traffic signal 81 received by the RS485 transmission unit 14 and outputs them into the MPU13 as parallel data. UART135 converts parallel data into serial data for serial communication with the PC5 for various settings. Also, it converts the serial data received from the PC5 into parallel data.

[0036] The RS485 transmission unit 14 outputs the information and the like input from the UART134 to the external device 4. Also, the RS485 transmission unit 14 outputs various instruction signals and the like input from the external device 4 to the UART134. In this embodiment, communication between the traffic signal monitoring device 1 and the external device 4 is performed according to the RS485 standard, but it may be other communication standards regardless of whether it is wired or wireless, not limited to the RS485 standard.

[0037] The power supply unit 15 converts the power supplied from the power supply 6 into the voltage and the like required by each block of the traffic signal monitoring device 1 and supplies it.

[0038] The oscillator 16 is composed of, for example, a crystal oscillator and generates a clock signal for the operation of the MPU13.

[0039] The reset IC17 is a well-known circuit that monitors that the output voltage of the power supply 6 has become equal to or higher than the operating voltage of the MPU13 and activates the MPU13 by releasing the reset signal to the MPU13.

[0040] The external device 4 receives the information output by the signal monitoring device 1. The external device 4 includes an RS485 transmission unit 41 and a microcomputer circuit 42. The RS485 transmission unit 41 receives the information output from the signal monitoring device 1. The microcomputer circuit 42 includes a microprocessor or the like, and performs processes such as internal storage and transmission to a monitoring center based on the information received from the signal monitoring device 1.

[0041] The PC 5 is a computer that serves as a terminal for various settings of the signal monitoring device 1. The PC 5 is connected when settings or the like are required. The power supply 6 supplies power (for example, DC 5V) to the signal monitoring device 1.

[0042] In the present embodiment, in the signal monitoring device 1 described above, the functional blocks described below are constructed.

[0043] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the functional blocks of the signal monitoring device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0044] The signal monitoring device 1 of the present embodiment includes one current acquisition unit 1A, five voltage acquisition units 1B, a state determination unit 1C, an information generation unit 1D, and an information output unit 1E.

[0045] One current acquisition unit 1A is a functional block constructed by a current signal processing unit 11 and the AD converters 131 and 132 of the MPU 13. The current acquisition unit 1A is one functional block provided in the same number as the current sensor 2 that receives the output of the current sensor 2 that measures the operating current in the signal lamp for the total current I of the five signal displays, and obtains a total current detection result regarding the total current I.

[0046] The five voltage acquisition units 1B are each functional blocks constructed by a voltage signal processing unit 12 and the AD converter 133 of the MPU 13. The voltage acquisition unit 1B is five functional blocks provided in the same number as the voltage sensors 3 that receive the outputs of the five voltage sensors 3 that measure the individual operating voltages V(R), ···, V(G) of the five signal displays, and obtain individual voltage detection results.

[0047] Here, in the present embodiment, the traffic signal 81 operates with an alternating current and an alternating voltage having a period selected from the 1 / 50 second period and the 1 / 60 second period, which are the periods of two types of commercial power frequencies in Japan, as the total current I and the individual operating voltages V(R), ···, V(G). At this time, the current acquisition unit 1A and the voltage acquisition unit 1B use an integer multiple of the least common multiple of the above two types of periods as the sampling time, and acquire the detection result based on the sampling values at regular intervals during the sampling time. Specifically, 200 milliseconds, which is an integer multiple (here, 2 times) of 100 milliseconds, which is the least common multiple of the 1 / 50 second period and the 1 / 60 second period, is adopted as the sampling time. Then, during this 200 milliseconds, the average value of 200 sampling values obtained at 1 millisecond intervals is acquired as the detection result by the current acquisition unit 1A and the voltage acquisition unit 1B. In the current acquisition unit 1A and the voltage acquisition unit 1B, the average values of the total current I and the individual operating voltages V(R), ···, V(G) that have been converted into digital values through rectification and amplification are sequentially acquired as the detection results at 200 millisecond intervals. The acquired detection results are stored in the internal memory of the MPU13. In the present embodiment, 100 milliseconds, which is the least common multiple of the periods of 50 Hz and 60 Hz, is set as the sampling time, but it is not necessary to be the smallest as long as it is a common multiple. By setting the reference of the sampling time to 100 milliseconds, it is possible to process data that is a multiple of 5 waveforms in a 50 Hz area and a multiple of 6 waveforms in a 60 Hz area. Therefore, it is possible to measure without any missing peaks in the waveform of the measurement data, and the influence due to the difference in the frequencies of the two can be excluded.

[0048] The state determination unit 1C is a functional block constructed by the operation of the MPU13. The state determination unit 1C determines the display state of the traffic signal based on the total current detection result acquired by the current acquisition unit 1A and the individual voltage detection result acquired by the voltage acquisition unit 1B. The determination here is performed using various determination criteria described later and the matrix table described later in which the voltage state and the current state are combined in a tabular form.

[0049] The information generation unit 1D is a functional block constructed by the operation of the MPU 13, and is a functional block that generates state information representing the state of the traffic signal 81 based on the determination result by the state determination unit 1C. Further, in the present embodiment, the state information generated by the information generation unit 1D also includes the total current detection result and the individual voltage detection result used in the determination by the state determination unit 1C. In the present embodiment, the information generation unit 1D appropriately reads out the detection results stored in the internal memory of the MPU 13 and uses them for generating state information.

[0050] The information output unit 1E is a functional block constructed by the UART 134 and the RS485 transmission unit 14 in the MPU 13, and outputs the state information generated by the information generation unit 1D. In the present embodiment, in response to an instruction from the external device 4, the state information is read out from the internal memory of the MPU 13 and output to the external device 4.

[0051] Next, the operation of the traffic signal monitoring device 1 having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 11.

[0052] FIG. 4 is a schematic flowchart showing the flow of processing from the acquisition of the detection result to the generation of the state information of the traffic signal in the traffic signal monitoring device shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. Further, FIG. 5 is a time chart showing an example of the time change of the detection result in the traffic signal monitoring device shown in FIGS. 1 to 3.

[0053] When the power is turned on and the traffic signal monitoring device 1 is activated, first, the acquisition process S11 by the current acquisition unit 1A and the voltage acquisition unit 1B is executed. In this acquisition process S11, the total current detection result and the individual voltage detection result for the total current I of the entire traffic signal 81 and the individual operating voltages V(R), ···, V(G) are acquired every sampling time and stored in the internal memory of the MPU 13.

[0054] Next, the state determination process S12 is executed by the state determination unit 1C. In the state determination process S12, the current display state of the traffic signal is determined based on the total current detection result acquired by the current acquisition unit 1A and the individual voltage detection result acquired by the voltage acquisition unit 1B.

[0055] In the example shown in FIG. 5, the time variations of the individual voltage detection results V(R)’, ···, V(G)’ regarding the individual operating voltages V(R), ···, V(G) for five signal displays of R display, YY display, Y display, YG display, and G display are illustrated. Also, the time variation of the total current detection result I’ regarding the total current I of the traffic signal 81 is illustrated. In the example here, in a series of signal operations with the passage of time, for example, in the leftmost period in FIG. 5, the traffic signal 81 is in the R display, and accordingly, the total current detection result I’ has a current value corresponding to the lighting of one signal lamp. Also, the individual voltage detection result V(R)’ of the R display increases, and the individual voltage detection results V(YY)’, ···, V(G)’ of the other four signal displays are “0”. Also, in the period adjacent to its right, the traffic signal 81 is in the YY display, and accordingly, the total current detection result I’ has a current value corresponding to the lighting of two signal lamps. Also, the individual voltage detection result V(YY)’ of the YY display increases, and the individual voltage detection results V(R)’, V(Y)’ ···, V(G)’ of the other four signal displays are all “0”.

[0056] In the state determination process S12, the display state is determined based on the total current detection result I' and the individual voltage detection results V(R)', ···, V(G)' obtained by the current acquisition unit 1A and the voltage acquisition unit 1B according to the display state of the traffic signal 81. Here, in this embodiment, it is determined which of the five states of normal lighting, lighting failure, extinguishing abnormality, multi-lighting abnormality, and lighting warning is the display state of the traffic signal 81. Normal lighting is a state in which one of the five signal displays is lit normally. Lighting failure is a state in which the total current detection result I' does not reach a sufficient current required for lighting regardless of the individual voltage detection results V(R)', ···, V(G)'. Extinguishing abnormality is an abnormal state in which all five signal displays are in an extinguished state. Multi-lighting abnormality is an abnormal state in which two or more of the five signal displays are in a lit state. Lighting warning is a state in which one signal display is lit and there is no failure or abnormality, but the total current detection result I' and the individual voltage detection results V(R)', ···, V(G)' deviate from the regulations and require a warning. Also, the so-called normal lighting here is preset according to lighting devices such as light bulbs and LEDs so that the lighting or extinguishing of the traffic signal can be correctly visually recognized. In the state determination process S12, the state determination unit 1C uses various determination criteria and matrix tables it has to determine which of the above five states is the display state of the traffic signal 81.

[0057] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing determination criteria for the individual voltage detection results obtained by the voltage acquisition unit, and FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing determination criteria for the total current detection result obtained by the current acquisition unit. Also, FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a matrix table used for determining the display state of the traffic signal in the state determination unit. Note that in FIG. 6, for the individual voltage detection results, the distinction between the five signal displays is abstracted, and the subscripts (R), ···, (G), etc. indicating the signal displays are omitted. Hereinafter, for the individual voltage detection results, basically, "V'" without a subscript will be used for the description.

[0058] First, as shown in FIG. 6, the state determination unit 1C has a lighting / extinguishing determination criterion V1 and a voltage determination criterion V2 for the individual voltage detection result V'.

[0059] The point lighting / dimming determination criterion V1 is a reference value for determining the point lighting / dimming of the signal display, and consists of a first lighting threshold value V11 and a second lighting threshold value V12. As shown in the graph G1 showing the point lighting / dimming of the signal display in FIG. 6, when the individual voltage detection result V’ exceeds the first lighting threshold value V11, it is determined that the signal display corresponding to the individual voltage detection result V’ is in the lighting state. Also, when the individual voltage detection result V’ is below the second lighting threshold value V12, it is determined that the signal display corresponding to the individual voltage detection result V’ is in the extinguished state.

[0060] The voltage determination criterion V2 is a reference value for determining whether the individual voltage detection result V’ corresponding to the lighting state is a normal value or an alarm value requiring an alarm, and shows the voltage normal range VA1 determined as a normal value for the individual voltage detection result V’. The voltage determination criterion V2 consists of a first lower limit value V21 of the normal range, a second lower limit value V22 of the normal range, a first upper limit value V23 of the normal range, and a second upper limit value V24 of the normal range. For the individual voltage detection result V’ corresponding to the lighting state, as shown in FIG. 6, when each process shows a trapezoidal change of rising → constant → falling, the determination is made by comparing each value of the voltage determination criterion V2.

[0061] FIG. 6 shows in graph G2 the determination by the voltage determination criterion V2 for the individual voltage detection result V’ showing a trapezoidal change. As shown in this graph G2, when the individual voltage detection result V’ during rising and constant is equal to or greater than the second lower limit value V22 of the normal range and equal to or less than the first upper limit value V23 of the normal range, it is determined to be normal. When it is outside this range, it is determined that an alarm is required. Also, for the individual voltage detection result V’ during falling, when it is equal to or less than the second upper limit value V24 of the normal range and equal to or greater than the first lower limit value V21 of the normal range, it is determined to be normal. When it is outside this range, it is determined that an alarm is required.

[0062] Next, as shown in FIG. 7, the state determination unit 1C has a failure determination criterion I1 and a current determination criterion I2 for the total current detection result I’.

[0063] The failure determination criterion I1 is a reference value for determining whether the signal 81 is in a lighting failure state or a non-failure state, and consists of a first failure threshold I11 and a second failure threshold I12. In FIG. 7, the failure / non-failure of the signal 81 is shown in the graph G3. When the lighting state is determined based on the above-mentioned point light-off determination criterion V1, if the total current detection result I' exceeds the first failure threshold I11, it is determined that the signal 81 is in a non-failure state. Also, when the total current detection result I' when the lighting state is determined is below the second failure threshold I12, it is determined that the signal 81 is in a lighting failure state.

[0064] The current determination criterion I2 is a reference value for determining whether the total current detection result I' when the lighting state is determined is a normal value or an alarm value requiring an alarm, and indicates a current normal range IA1 in which the total current detection result I' is determined to be a normal value. The current determination criterion I2 consists of a first lower limit value I21 of the normal range, a second lower limit value I22 of the normal range, a first upper limit value I23 of the normal range, and a second upper limit value I24 of the normal range. For the total current detection result I' in the lighting state, as shown in FIG. 7, when showing a trapezoidal change of rising → constant → falling, each process is compared with each value of the current determination criterion I2 for determination.

[0065] In FIG. 7, the determination by the current determination criterion I2 for the total current detection result I' showing a trapezoidal change is shown in the graph G4. As shown in this graph G4, when the total current detection result I' during rising and constant is equal to or greater than the second lower limit value I22 of the normal range and equal to or less than the first upper limit value I23 of the normal range, it is determined to be normal. When outside this range, it is determined that an alarm is required. Also, for the total current detection result I' during falling, when it is equal to or less than the second upper limit value I24 of the normal range and equal to or greater than the first lower limit value I21 of the normal range, it is determined to be normal. When outside this range, it is determined that an alarm is required.

[0066] Based on the determination results of the above-mentioned determination criteria for the individual voltage detection result V' and the total current detection result I', the display state of the signal 81 is determined. For the determination at this stage, the matrix table M1 shown in FIG. 8 is used.

[0067] The matrix table M1 is a correspondence table that combines, in tabular form, four voltage states for five individual voltage detection results V' and three current states for one total current detection result I'.

[0068] The four voltage states consist of a lamp-off abnormality and a multi-lamp abnormality determined based on the lamp-off determination criterion V1, and a voltage normality and a voltage warning determined based on the voltage determination criterion V2. The lamp-off abnormality refers to a state in which all of the five individual voltage detection results V' are determined to be in the lamp-off state, and the multi-lamp abnormality refers to a state in which two or more of the individual voltage detection results V' are determined to be in the lit state. The voltage normality refers to a state in which only one of the individual voltage detection results V' is determined to be in the lit state and the said individual voltage detection result V' is determined to be normal. The voltage warning refers to a state in which only one of the individual voltage detection results V' is determined to be in the lit state and the said individual voltage detection result V' is determined to require a warning.

[0069] The three current states consist of a lighting failure determined based on the failure determination criterion I1, and a current normality and a current warning determined based on the current determination criterion I2. The lighting failure is a state in which the total current detection result I' is small and determined to be a failure. The current normality is a state in which the total current detection result I' is large and determined to be non-failed and the said total current detection result I' is determined to be normal. The current warning is a state in which the total current detection result I' is determined to be non-failed and the said total current detection result I' is determined to require a warning.

[0070] And in this matrix table M1, when the voltage state is a lamp-off abnormality, when it is a multi-lamp abnormality, and when the current state is a lighting failure, all of these are judged as failures regarding the display state of the signal 81 as indicated by an 'x' mark in Fig. 8. Also, when the voltage state is a voltage warning, or when the current state is a current warning, it is judged as requiring a warning regarding the display state of the signal 81 as indicated by a 'Δ' mark in Fig. 8. And only when the voltage state is voltage normal and the current state is current normal, it is judged as normal regarding the display state of the signal 81 as indicated by a '〇' mark in Fig. 8.

[0071] In the state determination process S12 of FIG. 4, it is identified which column of the matrix table M1 the determination results for the five individual voltage detection results V' and the determination result for the one total current detection result I' correspond to. Thereby, it is grasped which of failure, warning required, and normal the current display state of the signal 81 is.

[0072] Here, in the present embodiment, identifiers are assigned to each column of the above matrix table M1.

[0073] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the identifiers assigned to each column of the matrix table shown in FIG. 8.

[0074] In the example of FIG. 9, identifiers consisting of 12 numbers "11, ···, 43" are assigned to 12 columns in the matrix table M1. In this identifier, the identifiers "11, 12, 13" correspond to the out - light abnormality among the failures, and the identifiers "41, 42, 43" correspond to the multi - light abnormality among the failures. Also, the identifiers "21, 31" correspond to the lighting failure among the failures. Further, "22, 32, 33" correspond to the lighting warning that requires a warning for at least one of the current and voltage, and only the identifier "23" corresponds to normal lighting.

[0075] In the present embodiment, it is identified which column with such an identifier in the matrix table M1 the determination results for the five individual voltage detection results V' and the determination result for the one total current detection result I' correspond to. Thereby, regarding the failure of the signal indication, not only is it simply determined as a failure, but also the types of failures such as the above - mentioned out - light abnormality, multi - light abnormality, and lighting failure are determined.

[0076] In the state determination process S12 of FIG. 4, when it is determined which of the display states of the traffic signal 81 is a lamp-off abnormality, a multi-lamp abnormality, a lighting failure, a lighting warning, and a normal lighting, next, the information generation process S13 by the information generation unit 1D shown in FIG. 3 is performed. In this information generation process S13, state information representing the state of the traffic signal 81 is generated based on the determination result in the state determination process S12. At this time, for the lighting failure, the lighting warning, and the normal lighting, the one signal display for which the determination is obtained is also included in the state information. Further, in the present embodiment, this state information also includes the total current detection result I' and the individual voltage detection result V' used in the determination in the state determination process S12. Then, the generated state information is stored in the internal memory of the MPU 13.

[0077] After the end of the information generation process S13, the process returns to the acquisition process S11 and the subsequent processes are repeated. In the traffic signal monitoring device 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the process represented by the flowchart of FIG. 4 described above is continuously executed until the power is turned off. By this process, the state information of the traffic signal 81 is generated as follows.

[0078] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing how the state information of the traffic signal is generated by the process represented by the flowchart of FIG. 4 according to the time chart shown in FIG. 5.

[0079] In the process here, state information J(R), ···, J(G) is generated according to the five signal indications of the traffic signal 81. As shown in FIG. 10, such a process is performed for the individual voltage detection results V' and the total current detection result I' of the five signal indications. At this time, the state information J(R), ···, J(G) generated for one signal indication is held in the internal memory of the MPU 13 until the next switching is performed. Then, when new state information J(R), ···, J(G) is generated upon switching, the stored content of the internal memory is updated by this new state information J(R), ···, J(G). Further, in the present embodiment, when a multi-lamp abnormality or a lamp-out abnormality is determined, state information J(E) representing the abnormality is generated and stored. On the other hand, for the determination of a lighting failure, a lighting warning, and normal lighting performed after one signal indication is specified, state information J(R), ···, J(G) including the one signal indication for which the determination has been made is generated and stored as described above.

[0080] In the present embodiment, the state information of the traffic signal 81 generated and stored in this way is output by the information output unit 1E shown in FIG. 3 in response to a read request from the external device 4 shown in FIG. 2.

[0081] FIG. 11 is a schematic flowchart showing the flow of the process in which the information output unit shown in FIG. 3 outputs the state information of the traffic signal in response to a read request.

[0082] The process of this flowchart starts when the traffic signal monitoring device 1 is powered on and starts up. Then, first, initialization S21 of each element is performed, and thereafter, it enters a determination standby state S22 for determining whether a read request has been sent from the external device 4 shown in FIG. 1. When there is no read request from the external device 4 (NO determination), the determination standby state S22 continues. When a read request is sent from the external device 4 (YES determination), at that time, information output processing S23 for the state information stored for each signal indication as shown in FIG. 10 is executed.

[0083] According to the traffic signal monitoring device 1 of the embodiment described above, the traffic signal monitoring system 7 including the traffic signal system 8, and the traffic signal system 8, the following effects can be achieved. That is, according to the present embodiment, the same number of current acquisition units 1A as the current sensors 2 receive the outputs of a smaller number of current sensors 2 than the total number of display values. That is, according to the present embodiment, since the number of current sensors 2 to be installed can be suppressed, the cost can be reduced accordingly, and the state of the traffic signal 81 can be monitored.

[0084] Here, in the present embodiment, the state determination unit 1C determines an extinguishing lamp abnormality or a multi-lamp abnormality based on the lighting and extinguishing determination criterion V1. Further, for one traffic signal display in the lighting state, the state determination unit 1C determines a lighting failure or non-failure based on the failure determination criterion I1, and for a traffic signal display in a non-failure state, determines a lighting alarm based on the voltage determination criterion V2 and the current determination criterion I2. According to this configuration, regarding the display state of the traffic signal 81, by making a determination using the above four determination criteria, it is possible to specifically determine whether it is an extinguishing lamp abnormality, a multi-lamp abnormality, normal lighting of one traffic signal display, a lighting failure, or a lighting alarm. Further, by determining not only a lighting failure but also a lighting alarm, it is possible to effectively detect a sign of a failure in the traffic signal 81.

[0085] Further, in the present embodiment, the voltage determination criterion V2 indicates the normal voltage range VA1 for the individual voltage detection result V', and the current determination criterion I2 indicates the normal current range IA1 for the total current detection result I'. The state determination unit 1C determines normal lighting when the individual voltage detection result V' is within the normal voltage range VA1 and the non-failure total current detection result I' is within the normal current range IA1. Further, the state determination unit 1C determines a lighting alarm when the individual voltage detection result V' is out of the normal voltage range VA1 or the non-failure total current detection result I' is out of the normal current range IA1. According to this configuration, for one traffic signal display in the lighting state, by comparing the individual voltage detection result V' and the non-failure total current detection result I' with the normal voltage range VA1 and the normal current range IA1, it is possible to determine with high accuracy whether it is in a normal lighting state or a lighting alarm state.

[0086] Further, in the present embodiment, the state determination unit 1C combines, in tabular form, four voltage states for the individual voltage detection result V' and three current states for the total current detection result I', and has a matrix table M1 in which identifiers are assigned to each column of the table. The state determination unit 1C determines the display state of the traffic signal 81 by identifying which column of the matrix table M1 the determination results of the total current detection result I' and the individual voltage detection result V' correspond to. Then, the state determination unit 1C delivers the determination result of the display state to the information generation unit 1D together with the identifier of the identified column, and the information generation unit 1D generates state information by associating the determination result with the identifier. According to this configuration, regarding the display state of the traffic signal 81, the determination can be made with a reduced processing load by comparing the determination results of the total current detection result I' and the individual voltage detection result V' with the matrix table M1. Further, since the state information is generated by associating the determination result with the identifier of the corresponding column in the matrix table M1, the display state of the traffic signal 81 can be grasped well at the output destination of the state information. Therefore, even when the traffic signal 81 temporarily falls into a state of lamp-out abnormality, multi-lamp abnormality, lighting failure, and lighting warning and then returns to a normal lighting state, the output destination of the state information can also grasp the return well.

[0087] Note that the embodiments described above merely show typical forms of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, various modifications can be made and implemented without departing from the gist of the present invention. As long as the configuration of the traffic signal monitoring device of the present invention is still provided by such modifications, of course, it is included in the scope of the present invention.

[0088] For example, in the above-described embodiment, as an example of the traffic signal monitoring device, a traffic signal monitoring device 1 that monitors the state of a traffic signal 81 that can switch between five signal displays of R display, YY display, Y display, YG display, and G display is exemplified. However, the traffic signal monitoring device is not limited to this, and it does not matter the specific number and type of the displays that can be displayed on the traffic signal that is the monitoring target.

[0089] In the above-described embodiment, as an example of the current acquisition unit, a current acquisition unit 1A is exemplified which receives the output of one current sensor 2 that measures the total current I of a plurality of signal displays and obtains a total current detection result I' regarding the total current I. However, the current acquisition unit is not limited to this. The current acquisition unit may be one that receives the outputs of a smaller number of current sensors than the total number of signal displays, measures the partial total current for each group when dividing the plurality of signal displays into groups with a smaller number than the total number of displays, and obtains a total current detection result regarding the partial total current. As an example of a smaller number of current sensors than the total number of displays, the following examples can be given in accordance with the above-described embodiment. That is, cases where current sensors are provided for each of two groups of "R,YY" and "Y,YG,G", or cases where current sensors are provided for each of three groups of "R", "YY", and "Y,YG,G", etc. are given as examples.

[0090] In the above-described embodiment, as an example of the information generation unit, an information generation unit 1D is exemplified which generates the state information of the traffic signal 81, stores it in the internal memory of the MPU 13, and appropriately updates the stored content. However, the information generation unit is not limited to this, and it may be one that stores and accumulates the generated state information in the internal memory instead of updating the stored content of the internal memory.

[0091] In the above-described embodiment, as an example of the state determination unit, a state determination unit 1C is exemplified which determines extinguishing abnormality, multiple lighting abnormality, normal lighting, lighting failure, and lighting warning based on the lighting and extinguishing determination criterion V1, the failure determination criterion I1, the voltage determination criterion V2, and the current determination criterion I2. However, the state determination unit is not limited to this, and as long as it determines the display state of the traffic signal based on the total current detection result and the individual voltage detection result, the specific determination content and the like are not questioned. However, as described above, the display state of the traffic signal 81 can be determined in detail by the determination using the above four determination criteria, and the sign of a failure in the traffic signal 81 can be effectively detected by the determination of the lighting warning.

[0092] Further, in the above-described embodiment, as an example of the state determination unit, a state determination unit 1C is exemplified in which a voltage determination criterion V2 indicates a normal voltage range VA1, a current determination criterion I2 indicates a normal current range IA1, and the individual voltage detection result V' and the total current detection result I' are compared with these ranges. However, the state determination unit is not limited to this, and does not question the specific criterion content of the voltage determination criterion and the current determination criterion, and the determination content based thereon, etc. However, as described above, it is possible to determine normal lighting and lighting alarms with high accuracy by comparing with the above-described ranges.

[0093] Further, in the above-described embodiment, as an example of the state determination unit, a state determination unit 1C is exemplified which has a matrix table M1 with identifiers and determines the display state by comparing the determination results of the total current detection result I' and the individual voltage detection result V' with the matrix table M1. And, as an example of the information generation unit, an information generation unit 1D is exemplified which generates state information by associating the determination result regarding the display state with the identifier in the matrix table M1. However, the state determination unit and the information generation unit are not limited to this. The state determination unit may not use the above-described matrix table for determining the display state, and the information generation unit may generate only the determination result regarding the display state as the state information. However, as described above, by the state determination unit 1C using the matrix table M1 with identifiers to determine the display state, it is possible to perform the determination while suppressing the processing load for the determination of the display state. Also, as described above, it is possible to grasp well at the output destination of the state information the display state of the traffic signal 81 and the return from a temporary extinguishing abnormality or the like by the state information in which the determination result and the identifier are associated.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0094] 1 Traffic signal monitoring device 1A Current acquisition unit 1B Voltage acquisition unit 1C State determination unit 1D Information generation unit 1E Information output unit 2 Current sensor 3 Voltage sensor 4 External device 5 PC 6 Power supply 7 Signal light monitoring system 8 Signal light system 11 Current signal processing unit 12 Voltage signal processing unit 13 MPU 14,41 RS485 transmission unit 15 Power supply unit 16 Oscillator 17 Reset IC 42 Microcontroller circuit 81 Signal light 82 Signal light power supply 111 Half-wave rectifier circuit 112 Integrating circuit 113 First non-inverting amplifier 114 Second non-inverting amplifier 121 Transformer 122 Half-wave rectifier circuit 123 Integrating circuit 124 Non-inverting amplifier 131,132,133 AD converter 134,135 UART 821 Switching contact S11 Acquisition process S12 State determination process S13 Information generation process S21 Initialization S22 Judgment waiting state S23 Information output process I Total overall current I’ Total current detection result I1 Fault judgment criterion I11 First fault threshold I12 Second fault threshold I2 Current judgment criterion I21,V21 First lower limit value of normal range I22,V22 Second lower limit value of normal range I23,V23 First upper limit value of normal range I24,V24 Second upper limit value of normal range IA1 Current normal range Individual operating voltages of V(R), V(YY), V(Y), V(YG), and V(G) Individual voltage detection results of V’, V(R)’, V(YY)’, V(Y)’, V(YG)’, and V(G)’ V1 single - light - off determination criterion V11 first lighting threshold V12 second lighting threshold V2 voltage determination criterion VA1 normal voltage range M1 matrix table Status information of J(R), J(YY), J(Y), J(YG), J(G), and J(E) Graphs of G1, G2, G3, and G4

Claims

1. A signal lamp installed on a railway, measuring the operating current in the signal lamp that can switch between a plurality of signal displays using the lighting / non-lighting of a plurality of signal lights, when the operating current is divided into groups with a number less than the total number of all signal displays, measuring the partial total current for each group or the overall total current of the plurality of signal displays, receiving the outputs of a small number of current sensors less than the total number of all signal displays, obtaining a total current detection result regarding the partial total current or the overall total current, and a current acquisition unit provided in the same number as the current sensors, receiving the outputs of a plurality of voltage sensors that measure the individual operating voltages of each of the plurality of signal displays, obtaining an individual voltage detection result regarding the individual operating voltage, and a voltage acquisition unit provided in the same number as the voltage sensors, a state determination unit that determines the display state of the signal lamp based on the total current detection result obtained by the current acquisition unit and the individual voltage detection result obtained by the voltage acquisition unit, an information generation unit that generates state information representing the state of the signal lamp based on the determination result by the state determination unit, and an information output unit that outputs the state information generated by the information generation unit, wherein the state determination unit has a lighting and extinguishing determination criterion for determining the lighting and extinguishing of the signal display corresponding to the individual voltage detection result regarding the individual voltage detection result, and based on the lighting and extinguishing determination criterion, determines whether any one of the plurality of signal displays is in a lit state, whether there is an extinguishing abnormality where all the plurality of signal displays are in an extinguished state, or whether there is a multi-lighting abnormality where two or more of the plurality of signal displays are in the lit state. A signal lamp monitoring device characterized by this.

2. The state determination unit further has a failure determination criterion for determining whether there is a lighting failure where sufficient current does not flow despite the lit state being determined based on the lighting and extinguishing determination criterion for the total current detection result, or whether there is no failure where sufficient current flows, a voltage determination criterion for determining whether the individual voltage detection result corresponding to the lit state is a normal value or a warning value requiring a warning, and a current determination criterion for determining whether the total current detection result in the non-failure state is a normal value or a warning value requiring a warning. The signal light monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein the state determination unit determines whether the one signal indication determined to be in the lit state is in a lighting failure or a non-failure based on the failure determination criterion, and when it is determined to be in a non-failure, based on the voltage determination criterion and the current determination criterion, it is determined whether the one signal indication is in a lighting warning that requires a warning although it is lit.

3. The voltage determination criterion indicates a voltage normal range in which the individual voltage detection result is determined to be a normal value, The current determination criterion indicates a current normal range in which the total current detection result is determined to be a normal value, The state determination unit determines that the lighting is normal when the individual voltage detection result of the one signal indication falls within the voltage normal range and the total current detection result that is non-faulty falls within the current normal range, and determines the lighting warning when the individual voltage detection result of the one signal indication falls outside the voltage normal range or the total current detection result that is non-faulty falls outside the current normal range. The signal light monitoring device according to claim 2, characterized in that.

4. The state determination unit combines, in tabular form, four voltage states of the individual voltage detection result, namely, the extinguishing abnormality, the multiple lighting abnormality, and the voltage normality and voltage warning determined based on the voltage determination criterion, and the total current detection result, namely, the lighting failure determined based on the failure determination criterion, and the current normality and current warning determined based on the current determination criterion, and has a matrix table in which identifiers are assigned to each column of the table. The state determination unit identifies which column of the matrix table the determination results of the total current detection result and the individual voltage detection result based on the lighting and extinguishing determination criterion, the voltage determination criterion, the failure determination criterion, and the current determination criterion correspond to, thereby determining which of the extinguishing abnormality, the multiple lighting abnormality, the lighting failure, the lighting warning, and the lighting normality the display state is, and delivers the determination result of the display state to the information generation unit together with the identifier of the identified column of the matrix table. The signal light monitoring device according to claim 3, characterized in that the information generation unit generates the state information by associating the determination result with the identifier.

5. A current sensor that measures the operating current in a signal installed on a railway and representing that a plurality of signal displays can be switched using the lighting / non-lighting of a plurality of signal lights, for the partial total current for each group or the overall total current of the plurality of signal displays when the plurality of signal displays are divided into groups with a number smaller than the total number of all displays; A plurality of voltage sensors that measure the individual operating voltages of each of the plurality of signal displays; A signal monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 4; A signal monitoring system, characterized by comprising the above.

6. A signal installed on a railway and representing that a plurality of signal displays can be switched using the lighting / non-lighting of a plurality of signal lights; A current sensor that measures the operating current in the signal for the partial total current for each group or the overall total current of the plurality of signal displays when the plurality of signal displays are divided into groups with a number smaller than the total number of all displays; A plurality of voltage sensors that measure the individual operating voltages of each of the plurality of signal displays; A signal monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 4; A signal system, characterized by comprising the above.

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