Central device and communication control method

Abstract

To provide a technique by which a frequency of railroad crossing control communication executed between a central device and a railroad crossing control device can be changed while keeping safety of a railroad crossing.SOLUTION: A central device 3 for periodically performing railroad crossing control communication with a railroad crossing control device 13 via radio communication, is configured to: determine whether or not a prescribed train approaching condition indicating that a train 7 is approaching a railroad crossing 11 of a control object of the railroad crossing control device 13 is satisfied, based on setting course information related to the train 7 acquired from a course control device 5 or travel location information of the train 7; and set a communication cycle with the railroad crossing control device 13 to a prescribed high frequency communication cycle when it is determined that the condition is satisfied.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a level crossing control device, a central device that performs level crossing control communication via wireless, and the like.

Background Art

[0002] In railways, a level crossing control system using wireless communication is known. As an example of such a system, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which a level crossing warning device (level crossing control device) acquires the running position of a train by performing wireless communication with an on-vehicle device mounted on the train, and performs level crossing control such as starting and ending the warning of the level crossing based on the acquired running position.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In addition to a system in which a level crossing control device and an on-vehicle device directly communicate, a system is also known in which a central device, which is a ground device, performs wireless communication with each level crossing control device of each level crossing to centrally control a plurality of level crossings. Conventionally, the wireless communication between the central device and each level crossing control device has been performed at a fixed communication cycle. For this reason, in a conventional system for centrally controlling a plurality of level crossings, there may be an upper limit to the number of level crossings that the central device can control. Also, in a system with a fixed communication cycle, it has been difficult to perform flexible and adaptive operation, such as when it is desired to communicate frequently because the importance of communication has increased, or when it is desired to reduce the communication frequency because the importance of communication has decreased.

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a technique that enables the frequency of level crossing control communication performed between a central device and a level crossing control device to be changed while ensuring the safety of the level crossing.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] A first invention for solving the above problems is a central device that periodically performs crossing control communication via wireless with a crossing control device, based on 1) set route information related to the train that can be obtained from a route control device that controls the route of the train, and / or 2) the running position information of the train, determining means (for example, the train approach condition determination unit 208A in FIG. 7, the train approach condition determination unit 208B in FIG. 15) for determining whether or not a predetermined train approach condition indicating that the train is approaching a crossing that is the control target of the crossing control device is satisfied; communication cycle control means (for example, the communication cycle control unit 212 in FIGS. 7 and 15) for changing the communication cycle of the crossing control communication based on the determination result of the determination means; and a central device comprising the same.

[0007] As another invention, a communication control method by a central device that periodically performs crossing control communication via wireless with a crossing control device, comprising a determination step (for example, step S1 in FIG. 9) of determining whether or not a predetermined train approach condition indicating that the train is approaching a crossing that is the control target of the crossing control device is satisfied based on 1) set route information related to the train that can be obtained from a route control device that controls the route of the train, and / or 2) the running position information of the train; a communication cycle control step (for example, step S3 in FIG. 9) of changing the communication cycle of the crossing control communication based on the determination result of the determination step; and may constitute a communication control method including the same.

[0008] According to the first invention, etc., the frequency of the level crossing control communication, which is wireless communication performed for level crossing control between the central device and the level crossing control device, can be changed. That is, when the train approaching condition indicating that a train is approaching is satisfied, it is the case where the alarm of the level crossing will be started shortly, and it is necessary to perform high-frequency communication to control the start timing of the alarm. Therefore, for example, when the train approaching condition is satisfied, control is performed to shorten the communication cycle of the level crossing control communication to increase the communication frequency, and when the train approaching condition is not satisfied, the communication cycle of the level crossing control communication is lengthened to lower the communication frequency. By changing the communication cycle of the level crossing control communication according to whether a train is approaching the level crossing, that is, whether the alarm will be started shortly, it is possible to adaptively change the frequency of the level crossing control communication between the central device and the level crossing control device while ensuring the safety of the level crossing. As a result, for example, it becomes possible to increase the number of level crossing control devices that the central device can centrally control. In addition, the reduction in the frequency of the level crossing control communication also leads to a reduction in the cost required for wireless communication.

[0009] The second invention is as follows in the first invention. Based on the set route information, the determination means makes the determination with the presence of the level crossing to be controlled by the level crossing control device on the set route of the train as the train approaching condition. It is a central device.

[0010] The level crossing on the set route of the train is a level crossing that the train can pass through. Also, the fact that a route is set means that the train is permitted to travel on the route, and it means that the train is in the process of traveling on the route. Therefore, as in the second invention, by setting the presence of the level crossing to be controlled by the level crossing control device on the set route of the train as the train approaching condition, it is possible to appropriately determine the level crossing control device for which the communication cycle of the level crossing control communication should be changed.

[0011] The third invention is as follows in the first or second invention. When it is determined by the determination means that the condition is satisfied, the communication cycle control means sets the communication cycle to a predetermined high-frequency communication cycle. It is a central device.

[0012] The case where the train approach condition is satisfied means the case where the level crossing will start to give an alarm soon. Therefore, like the third invention, by setting the communication cycle of the level crossing control communication as a high-frequency communication cycle and increasing the communication frequency when the train approach condition is satisfied, it is possible to reduce the frequency of the level crossing control communication while ensuring the safety of the level crossing.

[0013] The fourth invention is as follows in the third invention. Based on the set route information, the determination means determines that there is a level crossing to be controlled by the level crossing control device on the set route of the train, and based on the running position information, the train is located in a predetermined high-frequency communication range that at least includes a predetermined alarm range including the level crossing, and makes the determination with this as the train approach condition. It is a central device.

[0014] When the set route of the train is long, for the level crossing near the end point of the route, it takes a certain amount of time from the route setting until the alarm starts. Therefore, like the fourth invention, by setting as the train approach condition that there is a level crossing to be controlled on the set route of the train and the train is located in a predetermined high-frequency communication range that at least includes a predetermined alarm range including the level crossing, it is possible to adaptively change the communication frequency of the level crossing control communication to a high-frequency communication cycle while ensuring the safety of the level crossing.

[0015] The fifth invention is as follows in the fourth invention. Based on the running position information and the maximum speed of the train, the determination means predicts the arrival prediction time when the train reaches the high-frequency communication range, and determines that the train is located in the high-frequency communication range when the arrival prediction time arrives. It is a central device.

[0016] According to the fifth invention, it is possible to determine that the train is located in the high-frequency communication range when the arrival prediction time arrives.

[0017] The sixth invention is as follows in any one of the third to fifth inventions. The determination means determines whether or not each train satisfies the train approach condition. When the communication cycle control means determines that one or more of the trains satisfy the train approach condition, the communication cycle is set to the high-frequency communication cycle. It is a central device.

[0018] For example, on a double-track line, the routes of trains in the upward direction and the routes of trains in the downward direction do not conflict with each other, so they are set separately. There are cases where the routes of trains in the upward direction and the routes of trains in the downward direction are set simultaneously as routes passing through the same level crossing. Therefore, as in the sixth invention, when one or more trains satisfy the train approach condition, by setting the communication cycle of the level crossing control communication with the level crossing control device to the high-frequency communication cycle, it is possible to adaptively change the frequency of the level crossing control communication while ensuring the safety of the level crossing.

[0019] The seventh invention is in any one of the third to sixth inventions. Alarm termination condition determination means (for example, the alarm termination condition determination unit 210 in FIGS. 7 and 15) that determines whether or not a predetermined alarm termination condition indicating that the train has passed the level crossing is satisfied based on the running position information. further includes Based on the determination result of the alarm termination condition determination means, the communication cycle control means changes the communication cycle, which was the high-frequency communication cycle, to a low-frequency communication cycle with a longer period than the high-frequency communication cycle. It is a central device.

[0020] According to the seventh invention, between the time when the train passes the level crossing and terminates the alarm and the time when the next train satisfies the train approach condition, the communication cycle of the level crossing control communication can be set to the low-frequency communication cycle to reduce the communication frequency. Thereby, while ensuring the safety of the level crossing, the frequency of the level crossing control communication between the central device and the level crossing control device can be adaptively changed.

[0021] The eighth invention is in the seventh invention. Predicting means for predicting the arrival prediction time until a point in time when it is predicted that the following train of the train passing through the level crossing satisfies the train approach condition. Further comprising When it is determined by the alarm termination condition determination means that the condition is satisfied and the arrival prediction time satisfies a predetermined short time condition, the communication cycle control means maintains the communication cycle that was the high-frequency communication cycle. It is a central device.

[0022] For example, when the running interval of trains is relatively short, the time from when the preceding train passes through the level crossing until the following train approaches and satisfies the level crossing approach condition is short. For this short time, setting the communication cycle of the level crossing control communication to a low-frequency communication cycle would result in frequent changes to the communication cycle, which might lead to an increase in the processing load of the central device. Therefore, as in the eighth invention, when the alarm termination condition is satisfied and the arrival prediction time until a point in time when it is predicted that the following train satisfies the train approach condition satisfies the short time condition, by maintaining the communication cycle that was the high-frequency communication cycle, it is possible to avoid frequent changes to the communication cycle of the level crossing control communication and suppress an increase in the processing load of the central device.

[0023] The ninth invention is in any one of the first to eighth inventions, The communication cycle control means changes together the communication cycle of the level crossing control communication related to the level crossing control device and the communication cycle of the level crossing control communication related to a proximity level crossing control device that controls a proximity level crossing that satisfies a predetermined proximity condition with respect to the level crossing that is the control target of the level crossing control device. It is a central device.

[0024] At a nearby level crossing, the timing to satisfy the train approach condition approaches. Therefore, as in the ninth invention, by changing the communication cycle of the level crossing control communication with a certain level crossing control device and also changing the communication cycle of the level crossing control communication with the level crossing control devices of other nearby level crossings, it becomes possible to reduce the processing load of the central device. For example, a plurality of nearby level crossings are grouped as one group, and it is determined whether the train approach condition is satisfied in units of the group, and the communication cycle of the level crossing control communication is changed. In this case, compared with the case where it is determined whether the train approach condition is satisfied for each level crossing and the communication cycle of the level crossing control communication is frequently changed, the processing load of the central device associated with the frequent switching of the communication cycle can be reduced.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025]

Figure 1

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Figure 16

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0026] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the form to which the present invention is applicable is not limited to the following embodiments. Also, in the description of the drawings, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same elements.

[0027] [System Configuration] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the level crossing control system 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the level crossing control system 1 of the present embodiment includes, for example, a central device 3 installed in a central command room, an on-vehicle device 9 mounted on a train 7, and a level crossing control device 13 installed at a level crossing 11. Wireless communication is possible between the central device 3, the on-vehicle device 9, and the level crossing control device 13 via a wireless communication network N. The wireless communication network N is a general-purpose wireless communication network operated by a communication carrier, for example, a mobile wireless communication network. In FIG. 1, one on-vehicle device 9 and one level crossing control device 13 are shown, but of course, the level crossing control system 1 may include a plurality of on-vehicle devices 9 and a plurality of level crossing control devices 13.

[0028] The central device 3 communicates wirelessly with the on-vehicle device 9 to obtain the running position information, which is information on the running position of the train 7. Then, according to the control conditions determined by the running position of the train 7 and the like based on the running position information, the crossing control communication that periodically transmits instructions for crossing control such as the start and end of the warning to the crossing control device 13 is performed to centrally control the warnings of each crossing. The start timing of the warning is, for example, a) when it becomes the scheduled warning start time, which is the arrival time at the warning start point defined for the crossing 11, predicted from the running position of the train 7 based on the running position information and the maximum speed determined according to the type and route of the train 7, or b) when the running position of the train 7 passes the warning start point defined for the crossing 11. If the warning start point is defined within the high-frequency communication range described later (for example, the start point of the high-frequency communication range or the start point of the warning range within the high-frequency communication range), the warning start point becomes the position indicating that the train has reached the high-frequency communication range. In that case, the warning start point can be referred to as the predicted arrival time, which is the predicted time when the train reaches the high-frequency communication range. Also, the end timing of the warning can be when the running position of the train 7 passes the warning end point defined for the crossing 11. Note that the running position information may also be obtained from other devices such as an operation management device installed in the same central command room or the like.

[0029] The crossing control device 13 is installed in the instrument box near the crossing 11 to be controlled, and controls the crossing safety equipment 15 such as the crossing warning device and the crossing barrier. The crossing control device 13 has a wireless communication function and performs warning control of the crossing 11, such as starting and ending the sounding of the crossing warning device and lowering and raising the crossing barrier, according to the instructions for warning control from the central device 3 by crossing control communication.

[0030] Also, the central device 3 obtains the set route information of the train 7 from the route control device 5 that controls the route of the train 7. Then, based on the obtained set route information and / or running position information, it determines whether the train 7 satisfies the train approach condition indicating that the train 7 is approaching the crossing 11 that is the control target of the crossing control device 13, and based on the determination result, changes the communication cycle of the crossing control communication with the crossing control device 13. Hereinafter, two embodiments regarding the train approach condition will be described.

[0031] [First Embodiment] In the first embodiment, the condition for the train approach is that there is a level crossing 11 to be controlled by the level crossing control device 13 on the set route of the train 7.

[0032] When the central device 3 determines that the train approach condition is satisfied, it changes the communication cycle of the level crossing control communication with the level crossing control device 13 to a high-frequency communication cycle (for example, 1 second). The set route of the train 7 can be determined based on the set route information. Further, it is determined whether the warning termination condition indicating that the train 7 has passed the level crossing 11 is satisfied, and when it is determined that the condition is satisfied, the communication cycle of the level crossing control communication with the level crossing control device 13 is changed to a low-frequency communication cycle (for example, 60 seconds) having a longer cycle than the high-frequency communication cycle.

[0033] Whether the warning termination condition is satisfied can be determined based on the running position information. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, for the level crossing 11, a range from the warning start point in front of the level crossing 11 to the warning termination point after passing the level crossing 11 is defined as the warning range for giving a warning. The central device 3 determines that the warning termination condition is satisfied when the train 7 based on the running position information passes the warning termination point. Therefore, it can be said that the high-frequency communication range in the first embodiment is a range including the warning range.

[0034] FIGS. 3 to 6 are diagrams for explaining the change in the communication cycle of the level crossing control communication between the central device 3A and the level crossing control device 13 in the first embodiment. FIGS. 3 to 6 show an example in which the train 7 travels between stations A and B which are single-track sections. Further, three level crossings 11a to 11c are provided between stations A and B, and three level crossing control devices 13 (not shown) each controlling the level crossings 11a to 11c are installed.

[0035] First, in the state of FIG. 3, the train 7 is stopped at station A (departure station), and the route is not set (unset). In this state, since the route of the train 7 is not set, none of the level crossings 11a to 11c satisfies the train approach condition, and the communication cycle of the level crossing control communication with each of the level crossing control devices 13 for the level crossings 11a to 11c is a low-frequency communication cycle.

[0036] Next, as shown in FIG. 4, when a departure route of Station A is set as the route of train 7, since the level crossings 11a to 11c are all on the set route, the train approach conditions are satisfied. The shaded portion in FIG. 4 corresponds to the range where the train approach conditions are satisfied. Therefore, the communication cycle of the level crossing control communication between the level crossing control devices 13 of the level crossings 11a to 11c is changed from the low-frequency communication cycle to the high-frequency communication cycle.

[0037] Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 5, when train 7 departs from Station A and starts running on the set route, the departure signal of Station A shows red. Then, when train 7 passes the first level crossing 11a and the warning termination condition is satisfied and the warning of level crossing 11a ends, the communication cycle of the level crossing control communication between the level crossing control device 13 of level crossing 11a and the device is changed from the high-frequency communication cycle to the low-frequency communication cycle.

[0038] Next, as shown in FIG. 6, when train 7 further runs, passes the second level crossing 11b, and the warning termination condition is satisfied and the warning of level crossing 11b ends, the communication cycle of the level crossing control communication between the level crossing control device 13 of level crossing 11b and the device is changed from the high-frequency communication cycle to the low-frequency communication cycle. Although not shown, the same applies to the third level crossing 11c.

[0039] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the central device 3A in the first embodiment, and shows the functional units according to the first embodiment. According to FIG. 7, the central device 3A includes an operation unit 102, a display unit 104, a communication unit 106, a processing unit 200, and a storage unit 300, and is configured as a kind of computer system.

[0040] The operation unit 102 is realized by an input device such as a button switch, a touch panel, a keyboard, etc., and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the performed operation to the processing unit 200. The display unit 104 is realized by a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or a touch panel, and performs various displays according to the display signal from the processing unit 200. The communication unit 106 is realized by a wired or wireless communication device, and performs wireless communication with external devices such as the level crossing control device 13 and the on-vehicle device 9 via the wireless communication network N.

[0041] The processing unit 200 is implemented by an arithmetic unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), etc., and based on programs, data, etc. stored in the storage unit 300, it gives instructions to and transfers data to each part constituting the central device 3A, and performs overall control of the central device 3A. Further, as a functional unit according to the present embodiment, the processing unit 200 includes a traveling position information acquisition unit 202, a set route information acquisition unit 204, a level crossing control unit 206, a train approach condition determination unit 208A, an alarm termination condition determination unit 210, and a communication cycle control unit 212. However, these functional units can also be configured as independent arithmetic circuits by an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), etc.

[0042] The traveling position information acquisition unit 202 acquires traveling position information 302 related to the traveling position of the train 7. The traveling position information 302 is acquired by performing wireless communication with the on-vehicle device 9 of the train 7, but it may also be acquired from other devices such as an operation management device that manages the occupancy information. The acquired traveling position information 302 is updated and stored in the storage unit 300 at any time.

[0043] The set route information acquisition unit 204 acquires set route information 304 related to the set route of the train 7 from the route control device 5 that controls the route of the train 7. The acquired set route information 304 is updated and stored in the storage unit 300 at any time.

[0044] The level crossing control unit 206 periodically performs level crossing control communication via radio with the level crossing control device 13. Specifically, the level crossing control unit 206 predicts the arrival time at the alarm start point defined for the level crossing 11 based on the running position of the train 7 based on the running position information 302 and the maximum speed determined according to the type and route of the train 7 as an instruction for the start timing of the alarm, and transmits the predicted time as the scheduled alarm start time to the level crossing control device 13 that targets the level crossing 11 for control. This transmission is the level crossing control communication. Alternatively, as an instruction for the start timing of the alarm, it may be transmitted to the level crossing control device 13 that the running position of the train 7 based on the running position information 302 has passed the alarm start point defined for the level crossing 11 and entered the alarm range. This transmission is also the level crossing control communication. Then, as an instruction for the termination timing of the alarm, it is transmitted to the level crossing control device 13 that the running position of the train 7 based on the running position information 302 has passed the alarm termination point and exited the alarm range (see FIG. 2). This transmission is also the level crossing control communication. The alarm range (alarm start point and alarm termination point) of the level crossing 11 is defined as the level crossing management information 306.

[0045] The train approach condition determination unit 208A determines whether or not a predetermined train approach condition indicating that the train 7 is approaching the level crossing 11 that is the control target of the level crossing control device 13 is satisfied based on 1) the set route information 304 related to the train 7 that can be acquired from the route control device 5 that controls the route of the train 7 and / or 2) the running position information 302 of the train 7.

[0046] In the first embodiment, the train approach condition determination unit 208A determines, based on the set route information 304, that there is a level crossing 11 that is the control target of the level crossing control device 13 on the set route of the train 7 as a train approach condition. Specifically, it is determined that the level crossing 11 on the set route of the train 7 based on the set route information 304 satisfies the train approach condition. The installation position of the level crossing 11 is defined as the level crossing management information 306. The train approach condition in the first embodiment is defined as the train approach condition information 308A.

[0047] The alarm termination condition determination unit 210 determines whether or not a predetermined alarm termination condition indicating that the train 7 has passed the level crossing 11 is satisfied based on the running position information 302. Specifically, it is determined that the alarm termination condition is satisfied when the running position of the train 7 based on the running position information 302 has passed the alarm termination point defined for the level crossing 11 (see Figure 2).

[0048] The communication cycle control unit 212 changes the communication cycle of the level crossing control communication based on the determination result of the train approach condition determination unit 208A. For example, when it is determined by the train approach condition determination unit 208A that the train approach condition is satisfied, the communication cycle is set to a predetermined high-frequency communication cycle. Also, based on the determination result of the alarm termination condition determination unit 210, the communication cycle that was the high-frequency communication cycle is changed to a low-frequency communication cycle with a longer cycle than the high-frequency communication cycle.

[0049] Specifically, the communication cycle of the level crossing control communication with the level crossing control device 13 of the level crossing 11 for which it is determined that the train approach condition is satisfied is changed to the high-frequency communication cycle. Also, the communication cycle of the level crossing control communication with the level crossing control device 13 of the level crossing 11 for which it is determined that the alarm termination condition is satisfied is changed to the low-frequency communication cycle (see Figures 3 to 6).

[0050] The storage unit 300 is realized by a storage device such as a hard disk, ROM (Read Only Memory), or RAM (Random Access Memory), and stores programs, data, etc. for the processing unit 200 to integrally control the central device 3. Also, the storage unit 300 is used as a work area for the processing unit 200, and temporarily stores calculation results executed by the processing unit 200 according to various programs, input data via the operation unit 102 and the communication unit 106, etc. In the present embodiment, the storage unit 300 stores the running position information 302, the set route information 304, the level crossing management information 306, and the train approach condition information 308A.

[0051] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the level crossing management information 306. As shown in FIG. 8, the level crossing management information 306 is generated for each level crossing 11, and is associated with the level crossing ID, and stores the installation position, the warning range including the warning start point and the warning end point, the scheduled warning start time, the level crossing control device ID of the level crossing control device 13 that targets the level crossing 11, and the current communication cycle of the level crossing control communication between the level crossing control device 13. The scheduled warning start time is the arrival time at the warning start point defined for the level crossing 11, predicted based on the running position of the train 7 and the maximum speed determined according to the type and route of the train 7.

[0052] FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the communication control process performed by the central device 3A in the first embodiment.

[0053] First, the train approach condition determination unit 208A determines the level crossing 11 that satisfies the train approach condition based on the set route information 304 (step S1). In the first embodiment, since the train approach condition is that there is a level crossing 11 controlled by the level crossing control device 13 on the set route of the train 7, the level crossing 11 on the set route of the train 7 is determined to satisfy the train approach condition. Then, the communication cycle control unit 212 changes the communication cycle of the level crossing control communication with the level crossing control device 13 that targets the level crossing 11 determined to satisfy the train approach condition to the high-frequency communication cycle (step S3).

[0054] Also, the warning end condition determination unit 210 determines the level crossing 11 that satisfies the warning end condition based on the running position information 302 (step S5). Then, the communication cycle control unit 212 changes the communication cycle of the level crossing control communication with the level crossing control device 13 that targets the level crossing 11 determined to satisfy the warning end condition to the low-frequency communication cycle (step S7). When the above processing is performed, the process returns to step S1, and the same processing is repeated.

[0055] [Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the same elements as those in the above-described first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted or simplified. In the second embodiment, the train approach condition is that there is a level crossing 11 to be controlled by the level crossing control device 13 on the set route of the train 7, and the train 7 is located within a predetermined high-frequency communication range including at least a predetermined warning range including the level crossing 11.

[0056] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the high-frequency communication range. As shown in FIG. 10, a warning range similar to the warning range shown in FIG. 2 is defined for the level crossing 11. The high-frequency communication range is defined as a range including the warning range of the level crossing 11 in order to change the communication cycle of the level crossing control communication with the level crossing control device 13 to a high-frequency communication cycle before starting the warning of the level crossing 11. The high-frequency communication range is a range based on the level crossing 11. In the second embodiment, in order to determine whether or not the train 7 is located within the high-frequency communication range, an inner predetermined distance is defined as a range of a predetermined distance in front of the train 7 based on the running position of the train 7. Then, it is determined whether or not the level crossing 11 is on the set route of the train 7 and within the inner predetermined distance of the train 7, thereby determining whether or not the level crossing 11 satisfies the train approach condition. Since the positional relationship between the train 7 and the level crossing 11 is relative, it is not a method of determining based on the train 7, and it may be determined based on the level crossing 11. For example, for each level crossing 11, it may be determined whether or not the train 7 is located within its high-frequency communication range. However, in the second embodiment, among the level crossings 11 on the set route of the train 7, the level crossings 11 within the inner predetermined distance of the train 7 along the set route are extracted to determine the level crossings 11 that satisfy the train approach condition.

[0057] Similar to the first embodiment, when it is determined that the train approach condition is satisfied, the central device 3B changes the communication cycle of the level crossing control communication with the level crossing control device 13 to a high-frequency communication cycle (for example, 1 second). Further, it is determined whether or not a warning termination condition indicating that the train 7 has passed the level crossing 11 is satisfied, and when it is determined that the condition is satisfied, the communication cycle of the level crossing control communication with the level crossing control device 13 is changed to a low-frequency communication cycle (for example, 60 seconds) having a longer cycle than the high-frequency communication cycle.

[0058] Figures 11 to 14 are diagrams for explaining the change in the communication cycle of the level crossing control communication between the central device 3B and the level crossing control device 13 in the second embodiment. Similar to the first embodiment (see FIGS. 3 to 6), an example is shown in which the train 7 travels between stations A and B, which is a single-track section. Also, three level crossings 11a to 11c are provided between stations A and B, and a level crossing control device 13 (not shown) for controlling each of the level crossings 11a to 11c is installed at each of the level crossings 11a to 11c.

[0059] First, in the state of FIG. 11, the train 7 is stopped at station A (departure station), and the route is not set (unset). In this state, since the route of the train 7 is not set, none of the level crossings 11a to 11c satisfy the train approach condition, and the communication cycle of the level crossing control communication between each of the level crossing control devices 13 of the level crossings 11a to 11c is a low-frequency communication cycle.

[0060] Next, as shown in FIG. 12, when a departure route of station A is set as the route of the train 7, among the level crossings 11a to 11c on the set route, the level crossings 11a and 11b within a predetermined distance inside the train 7 satisfy the train approach condition. The shaded portion in FIG. 12 corresponds to the range of the predetermined distance inside. Therefore, the communication cycle of the level crossing control communication between the level crossing control devices 13 of the level crossings 11a and 11b is changed from a low-frequency communication cycle to a high-frequency communication cycle. Since the level crossing 11c is outside the predetermined distance inside the train 7, it does not satisfy the train approach condition, and the communication cycle of the level crossing control communication between the level crossing control device 13 of the level crossing 11c remains a low-frequency communication cycle.

[0061] Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 13, when the train 7 departs from station A and starts traveling on the set route, the departure signal of station A shows red. Also, as the train 7 travels, the predetermined distance inside moves forward, and when the level crossing 11c comes within the predetermined distance inside the train 7 and satisfies the train approach condition, the communication cycle of the level crossing control communication between the level crossing control device 13 of the level crossing 11c is changed from a low-frequency communication cycle to a high-frequency communication cycle.

[0062] Then, as shown in FIG. 14, when the train 7 passes through the first level crossing 11a and the warning termination condition is satisfied and the warning of the level crossing 11a ends, the communication cycle of the level crossing control communication between the level crossing control device 13 of the level crossing 11a and the train is changed from the high-frequency communication cycle to the low-frequency communication cycle. Although not shown, the same applies to the level crossings 11b and 11c.

[0063] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the central device 3B in the second embodiment, and shows the functional units according to the second embodiment. The functional configuration of the central device 3B in the second embodiment is substantially the same as the functional configuration of the central device 3A in the first embodiment (see FIG. 7), and the functional units different from those in the first embodiment will be described.

[0064] In the second embodiment, the train approach condition determination unit 208B determines, based on the set route information 304, that there is a level crossing 11 to be controlled by the level crossing control device 13 on the set route of the train 7, and based on the running position information 302, that the train 7 is located in a predetermined high-frequency communication range that at least includes a predetermined warning range including the level crossing 11, as the train approach condition.

[0065] Specifically, among the level crossings 11 on the set route of the train 7 based on the set route information 304, the level crossings 11 within a predetermined distance inside the train 7 are determined to satisfy the train approach condition. The train approach condition in the second embodiment is defined as the train approach condition information 308B, and the predetermined distance inside the train 7 is included in this train approach condition information 308B. The predetermined distance inside the train 7 may be common to all trains 7, or may be determined according to the type of the train 7 and the route.

[0066] The communication control process performed by the central device 3B in the second embodiment is substantially the same as the communication control process performed by the central device 3A in the first embodiment (see FIG. 9). The step different from that in the first embodiment is that in step S1, the train approach condition determination unit 208B determines a level crossing that satisfies the train approach condition defined by the train approach condition information 308B.

[0067] [Operational Effects] Although the above two embodiments have been described, according to this embodiment, the frequency of the crossing control communication, which is the wireless communication performed for crossing control between the central device 3 and the crossing control device 13, can be changed. That is, when the train approach condition indicating that the train 7 is approaching is satisfied, it is the case where the warning of the crossing 11 will start soon, and it is necessary to perform high-frequency communication to control the start timing of the warning. For this reason, when the train approach condition is satisfied, control is performed to shorten the communication cycle of the crossing control communication and increase the communication frequency, and when the train approach condition is not satisfied, the communication cycle of the crossing control communication is lengthened and the communication frequency is lowered. By changing the communication cycle of the crossing control communication according to whether the train 7 is approaching the crossing 11, that is, whether the warning will start soon, while ensuring the safety of the crossing 11, the frequency of the crossing control communication between the central device 3 and the crossing control device 13 can be adaptively changed. As a result, for example, it becomes possible to increase the number of crossing control devices 13 that the central device 3 can centrally control. In addition, the reduction of the frequency of the crossing control communication also leads to the reduction of the cost required for wireless communication.

[0068] In the first embodiment, the presence of the crossing 11 to be controlled by the crossing control device 13 on the set route of the train 7 is set as the train approach condition. The fact that the route is set means that the train is permitted to travel on the route, and it means that the train is traveling on the route. Since the crossing 11 on the set route of the train 7 is a crossing 11 that the train 7 can pass through, it is possible to appropriately determine the crossing control device 13 for which the communication cycle of the crossing control communication should be changed.

[0069] Also, in the second embodiment, the presence of the crossing 11 to be controlled on the set route of the train 7 and the position of the train 7 in a predetermined high-frequency communication range including at least a predetermined warning range including the crossing 11 are set as the train approach condition. When the set route of the train 7 is long, for the crossing 11 near the end point of the route, it takes a certain amount of time from the route setting until the warning starts. Even in such a case, it is possible to realize an adaptive change in the frequency of the crossing control communication.

[0070] [Modification Example] Note that the applicable embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and it goes without saying that they can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0071] (A) Train approach conditions of the second embodiment In the second embodiment, it is set as a train approach condition that there is a level crossing 11 to be controlled by the level crossing control device 13 on the set route of the train 7, and the train 7 is located within a predetermined high-frequency communication range including at least a predetermined warning range including the level crossing 11. This "the train 7 is located within the high-frequency communication range" may be "predicting the arrival prediction time when the train 7 reaches the high-frequency communication range based on the running position information and the maximum speed of the train 7, and determining it when the arrival prediction time arrives".

[0072] (B) Double track It may be configured to determine whether each train 7 satisfies the train approach condition, and when it is determined that one or more trains 7 satisfy the train approach condition, the communication cycle of the level crossing control communication with the level crossing control device 13 is set as the high-frequency communication cycle. For example, on a double-track line, the routes of the trains 7 in the upward direction and the routes of the trains 7 in the downward direction do not conflict with each other and are set separately. There are cases where the route of the train 7 in the upward direction and the route of the train 7 in the downward direction are set simultaneously as routes passing through the same level crossing 11.

[0073] In the example of FIG. 16, there are three level crossings 11d to 11f on the set route of the upward train 7a, and two level crossings 11d and 11e on the set route of the downward train 7b. Assuming the train approach condition in the first embodiment or the second embodiment (that there is a level crossing 11 to be controlled by the level crossing control device 13 on the set route of the train 7), for the level crossings 11d and 11e, two trains 7a and 7b satisfy the train approach condition, and for the level crossing 11f, one train 7a satisfies the train approach condition. Therefore, for all of the level crossings 11d to 11f, the communication cycle of the level crossing control communication with the level crossing control device 13 is changed to the high-frequency communication cycle. The same applies when the train approach condition of the second embodiment is adopted.

[0074] (C) Distance from the following train In addition, the central devices 3A and 3B predict the arrival prediction time until the time when it is predicted that the following train of the train 7 passing through the level crossing 11 satisfies the train approach condition. When it is determined that the alarm termination condition is satisfied and the arrival prediction time satisfies a predetermined short time condition, the communication cycle of the level crossing control communication with the level crossing control device 13 of the level crossing 11, which was the high-frequency communication cycle, may be maintained. The time when it is predicted that the following train satisfies the train approach condition is, for example, the time when it is predicted that the route of the following train is set (in the case of the first embodiment), or after the route of the following train is set, the level crossing 11 is predicted to be within a predetermined distance inside the following train obtained from the train position and the maximum speed of the following train, etc. (in the case of the second embodiment). The prediction itself can be realized by appropriately applying conventional techniques, such as predicting the time based on the record of the time when the route was set for trains with the same train number in the past month and the record of the time when the level crossing 11 was located at the predetermined distance inside.

[0075] (D) Grouping of adjacent level crossings Also, the communication cycle of the level crossing control communication related to the level crossing control device 13 and the communication cycle of the level crossing control communication related to the adjacent level crossing control device that controls adjacent level crossings satisfying a predetermined proximity condition with respect to the level crossing 11 that is the control target of the level crossing control device 13 may be changed together. For example, a plurality of level crossings 11 with adjacent installation positions are regarded as one group, and it is determined whether the train approach condition is satisfied in group units, and the communication cycle of the level crossing control communication is changed. The determination of whether the train approach condition and the alarm termination condition are satisfied may be made by representing one level crossing 11 included in the group, or for the train approach condition, it may be determined for the closest (front) level crossing 11 as seen from the train 7, and for the alarm termination condition, it may be determined for the farthest (rear) level crossing 11 as seen from the train 7.

[0076] (E) Communication cycle of level crossing control communication In addition, the communication cycle of the level crossing control communication related to the level crossing control device 13 is not limited to two levels of a high-frequency communication cycle and a low-frequency communication cycle, and may be three levels or more. For example, a three-level cycle can be adopted by adding a medium-frequency communication cycle, which is longer than the high-frequency communication cycle but shorter than the low-frequency communication cycle, to the high-frequency communication cycle and the low-frequency communication cycle.

[0077] When this example is applied to the second embodiment, the communication cycle of the level crossing control communication between the level crossing control device 13 of the level crossing 11 that satisfies the train approach condition and the level crossing control device 13 of the level crossing 11 that will soon satisfy the train approach condition can be set as the medium-frequency communication cycle. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, when the departure route of Station A is set as the route of train 7, among the level crossings 11a to 11c on the set route, for the level crossings 11a and 11b within a predetermined distance inside the train 7, since the train approach condition is satisfied, the communication cycle of the level crossing control communication between the level crossing control devices 13 of the level crossings 11a and 11b is changed from the low-frequency communication to the high-frequency communication cycle. For the level crossing 11c outside the predetermined distance inside the train 7, although the train approach condition is not satisfied at present, as the train 7 progresses, it will soon enter within the predetermined distance inside and satisfy the train approach condition. Therefore, the communication cycle of the level crossing control communication between the level crossing control device 13 of the level crossing 11c can be changed from the low-frequency communication to the medium-frequency communication cycle.

Explanation of Signs

[0078] 1... Level crossing control system 3A, 3B... Central device 200... Processing unit 202... Travel position information acquisition unit 204... Set route information acquisition unit 206... Level crossing control unit 208A, 208B... Train approach condition determination unit 210... Alarm termination condition determination unit 212... Communication cycle control unit 300... Storage unit 302... Travel position information 304... Set route information 306... Level crossing management information Train approach condition information for 308A, 308B... 5... Route control device 7... Train 9... On-board device 11... Level crossing 13... Level crossing control device 15... Level crossing safety equipment N... Wireless communication network

Claims

1. A central device that periodically performs level crossing control communication via radio with a level crossing control device, comprising: 1) determination means for determining whether or not a predetermined train approach condition indicating that the train is approaching a level crossing to be controlled by the level crossing control device is satisfied based on 1) set route information related to the train obtainable from a route control device that controls the route of the train and / or 2) the running position information of the train; communication cycle control means for changing the communication cycle of the level crossing control communication based on the determination result of the determination means; The central device is provided with the above.

2. The determination means performs the determination with the condition that there is a level crossing to be controlled by the level crossing control device on the set route of the train based on the set route information as the train approach condition. The central device according to claim 1.

3. When it is determined by the determination means that the condition is satisfied, the communication cycle control means sets the communication cycle to a predetermined high-frequency communication cycle. The central device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The determination means performs the determination with the condition that there is a level crossing to be controlled by the level crossing control device on the set route of the train based on the set route information and the train is located in a predetermined high-frequency communication range including at least a predetermined warning range including the level crossing based on the running position information as the train approach condition. The central device according to claim 3.

5. The determination means predicts an arrival prediction time when the train reaches the high-frequency communication range based on the running position information and the maximum speed of the train, and determines that the train is located in the high-frequency communication range when the arrival prediction time arrives. The central device according to claim 4.

6. The determination means determines whether or not each train satisfies the train approach condition. When it is determined that one or more of the trains satisfy the train approach condition, the communication cycle control means sets the communication cycle to the high-frequency communication cycle. The central device according to any one of claims 3 to 5.

7. Warning termination condition determination means for determining whether or not a predetermined warning termination condition indicating that the train has passed the level crossing is satisfied based on the running position information; The central device further includes the above. Based on the determination result of the warning termination condition determination means, the communication cycle control means changes the communication cycle, which was the high-frequency communication cycle, to a low-frequency communication cycle having a longer cycle than the high-frequency communication cycle. The central device according to any one of claims 3 to 6.

8. Predicting means for predicting the arrival prediction time until a point in time when it is predicted that a following train of the train passing through the level crossing will satisfy the train approach condition; further comprising; When it is determined by the alarm termination condition determination means that the condition is satisfied and the arrival prediction time satisfies a predetermined short time condition, the communication cycle control means maintains the communication cycle that was the high-frequency communication cycle. The central device according to claim 7.

9. The communication cycle control means changes together the communication cycle of the level crossing control communication related to the level crossing control device and the communication cycle of the level crossing control communication related to a proximity level crossing control device that controls a proximity level crossing that satisfies a predetermined proximity condition with respect to the level crossing that is the control target of the level crossing control device. The central device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A communication control method by a central device that periodically performs level crossing control communication via radio with a level crossing control device, comprising: 1) a determination step of determining whether or not a predetermined train approach condition indicating that the train is approaching a level crossing that is the control target of the level crossing control device is satisfied based on 1) set route information related to the train that can be obtained from a route control device that controls the train route of the train and / or 2) the running position information of the train; a communication cycle control step of changing the communication cycle of the level crossing control communication based on the determination result of the determination step; A communication control method including.

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