Ground control device and route assignment method

Abstract

To provide a ground control device which assigns routes to multiple trains to operate efficiently while preventing the route from becoming undefined.SOLUTION: A ground control device comprises a linkage information acquisition unit 31 to acquire linkage information including information on a ground signal, a holding signal and a direction of a point device from a linkage device 20, a positional information acquisition unit 32 to acquire positional information from a train 10, a storage unit 33 to store a route database 331 with route identification information, a block included in the route, directional information of the point device in the route, and the positional information of the point device defined, and a control unit 34 to give the route corresponding to the route of the train 10 to the train 10 so that the direction of the point device ahead of the on-rail position of the train 10 displayed in the positional information in the travelling direction matches the definition of the route database 331 based on the route information defined by the linkage information, the positional information, and the route database 331.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a ground control device and a method for assigning routes to trains. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in radio train control systems, ground equipment assigns routes to trains using location information acquired from the trains. The ground equipment is required to assign routes to trains so that they can operate efficiently. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which the ground equipment assigns routes to trains using a database that also includes information on the installation locations of points. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-132327 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a radio train control system, ground equipment also uses interlocking information obtained from interlocking devices when assigning routes to trains. However, the above-mentioned conventional technology does not have interlocking devices and uses an interlocking theory that differs from that obtained from general interlocking devices. Therefore, there is a problem that it cannot be applied to systems that have interlocking devices that use general interlocking theory.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide a ground control device that assigns routes to multiple trains so that they can operate efficiently while preventing the routes from becoming unstable. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the ground control device of the present disclosure includes an interlocking information acquisition unit that acquires interlocking information including a ground signal indicating the state of a ground signal from an interlocking device, a hold signal that holds the state information after the train enters the route assigned to the train, and information on the direction of a point; a position information acquisition unit that acquires position information that indicates the current track position of the train from the train; a storage unit that stores a route database that defines, for routes that can be assigned to the train, route identification information, blocks included in the route, information on the direction of points on the route, and information on the position of points; and a control unit that assigns a route to the train that corresponds to the course of the train, based on the interlocking information, position information, and information on the route defined in the route database, so that the direction of the point ahead of the current track position of the train indicated by the position information matches the definition in the route database. The direction of the points that the train has passed through among the points included in the route assigned to the train is not included in the conditions for assigning the route. It is characterized by: [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, an advantageous effect is achieved in that a ground control device can assign routes to a plurality of trains so that they can operate efficiently while preventing the routes from becoming indeterminate. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a ground control device according to a first embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a ground signal included in interlocking information acquired from an interlocking device by an interlocking information acquisition unit of a ground control device according to embodiment 1; [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a hold signal included in interlocking information acquired from an interlocking device by an interlocking information acquisition unit of a ground control device according to embodiment 1; [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of interlocking information acquired from an interlocking device by an interlocking information acquisition unit of a ground control device according to the first embodiment, and an example of the track position of each train. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a route database stored in a storage unit of a ground control device according to the first embodiment; [Figure 6]FIG. 10 shows the state of a preceding train when a partially overlapping route is assigned to a following train as a comparative example. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a first diagram showing a state of a preceding train when a partially overlapping route is assigned to a succeeding train in a control unit of a ground control device according to the first embodiment; [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a second diagram showing the state of a preceding train when a partially overlapping route is assigned to a succeeding train in the control unit of the ground control device according to the first embodiment; [Figure 9] 1 is a flowchart showing an operation of a control unit of a ground control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention to assign a route to a train. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a first diagram showing an image of a route selected by a control unit of a ground control device according to embodiment 1; [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a second diagram showing an image of a route selected by a control unit of a ground control device according to the first embodiment; [Figure 12] Flowchart showing a route selection condition checking process performed by a control unit of a ground control device according to the first embodiment [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing differences in routes due to blocks within an interlocking station to which a control unit of a ground control device according to the first embodiment assigns routes. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a processing circuit in a case where the processing circuit of a ground control device according to the first embodiment is realized by a processor and a memory; [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a processing circuit in a case where the processing circuit of a ground control device according to the first embodiment is realized by dedicated hardware; [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a ground control device according to a second embodiment; [Figure 17] FIG. 1 is a first diagram showing a point database stored in a storage unit of a ground control device according to a second embodiment and a positional relationship of points within a block; [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a second diagram showing a point database stored in a storage unit of a ground control device according to a second embodiment and a positional relationship of points within a block; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] A ground control device and a route assignment method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0010] Embodiment 1 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a ground control device 30 according to the first embodiment. The ground control device 30 is connected to a train 10 and an interlocking device 20. The ground control device 30 assigns a route to the train 10 based on information acquired from the train 10 and the interlocking device 20. The ground control device 30 includes an interlocking information acquisition unit 31, a position information acquisition unit 32, a storage unit 33, and a control unit 34.

[0011] The interlocking information acquisition unit 31 acquires interlocking information including a ground signal indicating the state information of a ground signal, a hold signal that holds the state information after the train 10 enters the route assigned to the train 10, and information on the direction of the points from the interlocking device 20. The interlocking information acquisition unit 31 may acquire the interlocking information from the interlocking device 20 by wired communication or by wireless communication.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining ground signals included in the interlocking information acquired from the interlocking device 20 by the interlocking information acquisition unit 31 of the ground control device 30 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 shows ground signals and hold signals for the route 5R corresponding to the route R1005. The ground signals are signals equivalent to the aspects of the ground signals. The ground signals are signals that set a route for the train 10, i.e., assign a route to the train 10, causing the train to move up (proceed), and signals that drop (stop) when the train 10 enters the inside of the route. The traveling direction of the train 10 is from left to right in the figure, and this also applies to the figures described below. The same applies to the traveling directions of trains 11 and 12 described below.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a hold signal included in the interlocking information acquired from the interlocking device 20 by the interlocking information acquisition unit 31 of the ground control device 30 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 shows the ground signal and the hold signal for the route 5R corresponding to the route R1005. The hold signal is information necessary for assigning a route to the train 10. The hold signal is a signal for maintaining the aspect information, i.e., maintaining the route, even after the train 10 enters the inside of the route. The hold signal is a signal created based on the above-mentioned ground signal, locking information of a point (not shown), and the like, and is output by the interlocking device 20 as interlocking information here. The establishment of the hold signal corresponds to the ground signal being raised (proceeding), and the failure of the hold signal corresponds to the ground signal being dropped (stopping). For example, the ground signal being raised (proceeding) and the hold signal being established are represented by a signal of "1," and the ground signal being dropped (stopping) and the hold signal not being established are represented by a signal of "0."

[0014] 4 is a diagram showing an example of interlocking information acquired from the interlocking device 20 by the interlocking information acquisition unit 31 of the ground control device 30 according to the first embodiment, and the on-track positions of the trains 11 and 12. Note that the trains 11 and 12 shown in FIG. 4 are the same as the train 10 shown in FIG. 1. In the following description, the preceding train 11 may be referred to as the first train, and the following train 12 may be referred to as the second train. In FIG. 4, the ground control device 30 assigns a route R1005 to the preceding train 11, and a route R1004 to the following train 12. In the situation of the on-track positions of trains 11 and 12 as shown in FIG. 4, the ground control device 30 acquires from the interlocking device 20, as interlocking information, information that the ground signal has fallen (stopped) and the hold signal has been established for route 5R corresponding to route R1005, that the ground signal has fallen (stopped) and the hold signal has not been established for route 6R corresponding to route R1006, and that the direction of the point 51 is reversed.

[0015] Returning to the explanation of FIG. 1, the location information acquisition unit 32 acquires location information indicating the location of the train 10 from the train 10. The location information acquisition unit 32 acquires the location information from the train 10 via wireless communication. Note that if a wireless communication device (not shown) capable of wireless communication with the train 10 is installed on the ground, the wireless communication device may acquire the location information from the train 10 via wireless communication, and the location information acquisition unit 32 may acquire the location information of the train 10 from the wireless communication device. In the example of FIG. 4, the location information acquisition unit 32 acquires location information from train 11 that the train is located at a position spanning blocks B1006 and B1007, and acquires location information from train 12 that the train is located at a position of block B1001.

[0016] The memory unit 33 stores a route database 331 that defines route identification information, blocks included in the route, information on the direction of points on the route, and information on the position of points for routes that the ground control device 30 can assign to the train 10.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a route database 331 stored in the storage unit 33 of the ground control device 30 according to the first embodiment. In the route database 331 illustrated in FIG. 5, "route" indicates identification information of the route, "intra-route blocks" indicate blocks included in the route, "ground signals" and "maintenance signals" indicate signals corresponding to the route, "point direction" indicates information about the direction of points included in the route, and "point position" indicates information about the position of the points. Note that, if a route includes multiple points, the route database 331 stores a definition of a combination of "point direction" and "point position" for each point for the corresponding route. In the example illustrated in FIG. 5, the "point position" is identified by the block number of a block included in the route and its position within the block. However, the "point position" may be identified by any other method as long as the position of the point within the block can be identified. Here, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, it indicates that point 51 is at the end of block B1003.

[0018] The control unit 34 assigns a route to the train 10 based on the interlocking information acquired by the interlocking information acquisition unit 31, the position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit 32, and the route information defined in the route database 331 stored in the storage unit 33. Specifically, the control unit 34 assigns a route to the train 10 that corresponds to the route of the train 10 so that the direction of the point ahead in the direction of travel of the train 10 from the track position indicated by the position information matches the definition in the route database 331.

[0019] Here, as a comparative example, a case will be described in which the directions of all points on the route assigned by the control unit 34 to the train 10 must match the definitions in the route database 331. In this case, the control unit 34 checks that the ground signal indicates up (proceed) when the train 10 is located outside the route, and checks that the hold signal is established when the train 10 is located inside the route. In either case, in order to assign the route, the directions of all points on the route must match the directions defined in the route database 331.

[0020] FIG. 6 shows, as a comparative example, the state of a preceding train when a partially overlapping route is assigned to a following train. FIG. 6 shows the state when train 12, which was assigned route R1004 in FIG. 4, runs to the end of route R1004 and a new route R1006 is assigned to train 12. After train 11, the preceding train, passes through point 51, the interlocking device 20 changes the direction of point 51 from reverse to normal because a different route R1006 is assigned to train 12, the following train. When the direction of point 51 is changed from reverse to normal, the selection condition for route R1005 for train 11, i.e., "point 51: reverse," is no longer satisfied. In this case, no route is assigned to train 11, and train 11 may make an emergency stop due to an undetermined route. In order to avoid a situation in which train 11 makes an emergency stop, control unit 34 must assign route R1006 to train 12 after train 11 passes the end of route R1005, which would result in a decrease in the operating efficiency of train 12.

[0021] In the example of FIG. 6 , since the train 11 passes through the point 51, even if the direction of the point 51 is changed from reverse to normal, no problem occurs in the actual running of the train 11. Therefore, in this embodiment, the control unit 34 assigns a route to the train 11 corresponding to the train's route so that the direction of the point ahead of the train's on-track position indicated by the position information matches the definition in the route database 331. That is, the control unit 34 does not consider the direction of the point 51 passed on the route assigned to the train 11. FIG. 7 is a first diagram showing the state of a preceding train when the control unit 34 of the ground control device 30 according to the first embodiment assigns a partially overlapping route to the following train. The difference from FIG. 6 is that, since the train 11 passes through the point 51, the condition for the direction of the point 51 is no longer included in the route R1005 assigned to the train 11 in the upper left table. This allows the control unit 34 to assign correct routes to the trains 11 and 12. The control unit 34 can assign route R1006 to the train 12 before the train 11 passes the end of route R1005, thereby improving the operation efficiency of the train 12 compared to the comparative example.

[0022] FIG. 8 is a second diagram showing the state of the preceding train when the control unit 34 of the ground control device 30 according to the first embodiment assigns a partially overlapping route to the following train. The difference from FIG. 7 is that the train 12 is proceeding inward of the route R1006. As a result, in the upper right table showing the interlocking information, the ground signal corresponding to the route 6R is changed from "up (go)" to "down (stop)." Even when the train 12 proceeds inward of the route R1006, the control unit 34 can assign the correct route to the trains 11 and 12. As described above, when the train 10 is located outside the route, the control unit 34 references that the ground signal is "up (go)" and determines that the directions of all points within the route are the directions defined in the route database 331. On the other hand, the control unit 34 determines that the hold signal is established when the train 10 is located inside the track, and determines that the direction of the point on the route that is ahead of the train 10's location in the direction of travel is the direction defined in the route database 331.

[0023] In this way, the control unit 34 assigns a first route to the train 11 on the inside of the route, in which the direction of the point ahead of the train 11's current position in the direction of travel is in a direction defined in the route database 331, and assigns a second route to the train 12 on the outside of the route, which is the train following the train 11, in which the directions of all the points are in a direction defined in the route database 331.

[0024] The operation of the control unit 34 to assign a route to the train 10 will be described using a flowchart. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit 34 of the ground control device 30 according to the first embodiment to assign a route to the train 10. The control unit 34 extracts, from the route database 331, a route that is the same as the specified direction, i.e., the same direction as the traveling direction of the train 10, and that includes a block at the rear position of the train 10 (step S101). Note that, since multiple routes may be assigned to the train 10, the control unit 34 excludes routes that have already been selected from the extraction targets in step S101. The control unit 34 selects one route from the extracted routes (step S102). If the selected route is not a route-compatible route (step S103: No), the control unit 34 registers the route in a candidate list (step S104). A route-compatible route is a route that requires reference to a ground signal or a hold signal and involves branches, etc., near stations, etc. A route that is not a route-compatible route is a route that does not need to refer to a ground signal or a hold signal, and is a route that does not have any branches between stations, etc. If the selected route is a route-compatible route (step S103: Yes), the control unit 34 performs a route-compatible route selection condition checking process for the route (step S105). The detailed operation of the route-compatible route selection condition checking process will be described later.

[0025] If the selection condition is met (step S106: Yes), the control unit 34 registers the route in the candidate list (step S104). If the selection condition is not met (step S106: No), or after step S104, the control unit 34 checks whether all routes extracted in step S101 have been checked (step S107). If there are routes that have not been checked (step S107: No), the control unit 34 returns to step S102 and selects one route from the unselected routes. Thereafter, the control unit 34 repeats the above-described operations. If all routes have been checked (step S107: Yes), the control unit 34 selects from the candidate list the route whose terminus is farthest from the location of the train 10. If there are multiple routes, the control unit 34 selects the route whose start end is closest to the location of the train 10 (step S108). The control unit 34 assigns the selected route to the train 10 (step S109).

[0026] FIG. 10 is a first diagram illustrating an image of a route selected by the control unit 34 of the ground control device 30 according to the first embodiment. When the candidate list includes multiple routes, the control unit 34 selects the route whose terminus is the farthest from the location of the train 10, thereby reducing the number of times the route is selected, i.e., the load of the route selection operation. FIG. 11 is a second diagram illustrating an image of a route selected by the control unit 34 of the ground control device 30 according to the first embodiment. When there are multiple routes whose terminus is the farthest from the location of the train 10, the control unit 34 selects the route whose starting point is closest to the location of the train 10, making it easier for subsequent trains to select routes whose terminus is farthest. In this way, when there are multiple routes that can be assigned to the train 10, the control unit 34 selects the route whose terminus is the farthest from the location of the train 10. When there are multiple routes whose terminus is the farthest, the control unit 34 selects the route whose starting point is closest to the location of the train 10. The routes that can be assigned to the train 10 refer to the routes registered in the candidate list in the flowchart shown in FIG. 9.

[0027] Here, detailed operations of the above-mentioned route-dependent route selection condition checking process will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the route-dependent route selection condition checking process performed by the control unit 34 of the ground control device 30 according to the first embodiment. The control unit 34 checks whether the front position of the train 10 is included in the starting block of the selected route (step S201). Step S201 checks whether the on-track position of the train 10 is on the outside or inside of the route. If the front position of the train 10 is included in the starting block of the selected route (step S201: Yes), the control unit 34 determines that the on-track position of the train 10 is on the outside of the route and checks whether the ground signal is raised (step S202). If the ground signal is raised (step S202: Yes), the control unit 34 checks whether the interlocking station premises are in a moving block or a fixed block (step S203). Step S203 checks whether the interlocking station premises targeted by the interlocking device 20 are in a moving block or a fixed block.

[0028] If the interlocking station premises is not a moving block (step S203: No), the control unit 34 checks whether another train 10 is on the track in the route ahead of the rear position of the train 10 (step S204). If another train 10 is not on the track in the route ahead of the rear position of the train 10 (step S204: No), the control unit 34 checks whether the condition for the point ahead of the rear position of the train 10 is met (step S205). In step S205, the control unit 34 compares the track position of the train 10 with the point position for the corresponding route in the route database 331. If the condition for the point ahead of the rear position of the train 10 is met (step S205: Yes), the control unit 34 determines that the route-specific route selection condition is met (step S206).

[0029] If the front position of the train 10 is not included in the starting block of the selected route (step S201: No), the control unit 34 checks whether the hold signal is established, assuming that the train 10 is located inside the route (step S207). If the hold signal is established (step S207: Yes), the control unit 34 proceeds to step S203. If the hold signal is not established (step S207: No), or if the ground signal is not up (step S202: No), or if another train 10 is located on the route ahead of the rear position of the train 10 (step S204: Yes), or if the condition for the point ahead of the rear position of the train 10 is not established (step S205: No), the control unit 34 determines that the route-specific route selection condition is not established (step S208).

[0030] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing differences in routes due to blocks in an interlocked station to which the control unit 34 of the ground control device 30 according to the first embodiment assigns routes. In the interlocked station, the control unit 34 may assign different routes to the trains 11 and 12 depending on the block system. In the example of FIG. 13, when the interlocked station is in a fixed block system, the control unit 34 assigns route R1002 to the preceding train 11 and route R1001 to the following train 12. On the other hand, when the interlocked station is in a moving block system, the control unit 34 assigns route R1002 to the preceding train 11 and route R1002 to the following train 12. Because of these differences, the control unit 34 checks whether the interlocked station is in a moving block system or a fixed block system in step S203 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 12.

[0031] Next, the hardware configuration of the ground control device 30 according to the first embodiment will be described. In the ground control device 30, the storage unit 33 is a memory. The interlocking information acquisition unit 31, the position information acquisition unit 32, and the control unit 34 are realized by processing circuits. The processing circuit may be a memory that stores a program and a processor that executes the program stored in the memory, or may be dedicated hardware. The processing circuit is also called a control circuit.

[0032] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the processing circuit 90 of the ground control device 30 according to the first embodiment, when the processing circuit is realized by a processor 91 and a memory 92. The processing circuit 90 illustrated in FIG. 14 is a control circuit and includes a processor 91 and a memory 92. When the processing circuit 90 is configured with the processor 91 and the memory 92, each function of the processing circuit 90 is realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software or firmware is written as a program and stored in the memory 92. The processing circuit 90 realizes each function by having the processor 91 read and execute the program stored in the memory 92. That is, the processing circuit 90 includes the memory 92 for storing a program that results in the processing of the ground control device 30 being executed. This program can also be said to be a program that causes the ground control device 30 to execute each function realized by the processing circuit 90. This program may be provided by a storage medium on which the program is stored, or by other means such as a communication medium.

[0033] It can also be said that the above program causes the ground control device 30 to execute the following steps: a first step in which the interlocking information acquisition unit 31 acquires, from the interlocking device 20, interlocking information including a ground signal indicating the state of a ground signal, a hold signal that holds the state information after the train 10 enters the route assigned to the train 10, and information on the direction of the point; a second step in which the position information acquisition unit 32 acquires, from the train 10, position information indicating the current position of the train 10 on the line; and a third step in which the control unit 34 assigns to the train 10 a route that corresponds to the route of the train 10, based on the interlocking information, the position information, and the information on the route defined in the route database 331, so that the direction of the point ahead of the current position of the train 10 in the direction of travel indicated by the position information matches the definition in the route database 331.

[0034] Here, the processor 91 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a processing device, an arithmetic device, a microprocessor, a microcomputer, or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), etc. Furthermore, the memory 92 is, for example, a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a flash memory, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), or an EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electrically EPROM), a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact disk, a minidisk, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc).

[0035] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the processing circuit 93 in the case where the processing circuit of the ground control device 30 according to the first embodiment is realized by dedicated hardware. The processing circuit 93 shown in FIG. 15 corresponds to, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof. The processing circuit 93 may be partially realized by dedicated hardware and partially realized by software or firmware. In this way, the processing circuit 93 can realize each of the above-described functions by dedicated hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

[0036] As described above, according to this embodiment, in the ground control device 30, the storage unit 33 stores the route database 331, which defines route identification information, blocks included in the route, information on the direction of points on the route, and information on the position of points, for routes that can be assigned to the train 10. The control unit 34 assigns a route to the train 10 that corresponds to the course of the train 10, based on the interlocking information acquired from the interlocking device 20, the position information acquired from the train 10, and the route information defined in the route database 331, so that the direction of the point ahead in the direction of travel of the train 10, which is indicated by the position information, matches the definition in the route database 331. This enables the ground control device 30 to improve safety and operational efficiency in the operation of the train 10.

[0037] Embodiment 2 In the second embodiment, a case will be described in which the storage unit of the ground control device further stores a point database in which position information of points is defined.

[0038] Fig. 16 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a ground control device 30a according to the second embodiment. The ground control device 30a is obtained by replacing the storage unit 33 with a storage unit 33a in the ground control device 30 according to the first embodiment shown in Fig. 1. The storage unit 33a stores a route database 331 and a point database 332. The point database 332 indicates the blocks in which points included in the route defined in the route database 331 are installed and their positions within the blocks.

[0039] FIG. 17 is a first diagram showing a point database 332 stored in the storage unit 33a of the ground control device 30a according to the second embodiment and the positional relationship of a point 51 within a block. In the example of FIG. 17, the storage unit 33a stores, in addition to the route database 331, a point database 332 that defines information about blocks in which a part of a point is included and the position of the point within the block. The point database 332 shown in FIG. 17 indicates that the point 51 is installed across blocks B1003, B1004, and B1010, and is located at a position L from the start of block B1003, i.e., at the end, 0 from the start of block B1004, i.e., at the start, and 0 from the start of block B1010, i.e., at the start. Note that, because the direction of travel of the train 10 is from left to right in the figure, the left side of each block is defined as the start and the right side is defined as the end. The memory unit 33a stores the point information in a format independent of the route database 331, so that even if the route database 331 is changed, the change does not affect the point information, i.e., the point database 332.

[0040] 18 is a second diagram showing the point database 332 stored in the storage unit 33a of the ground control device 30a according to the second embodiment and the positional relationship of the point 51 within a block. In the example of FIG. 18, the storage unit 33a stores, in addition to the route database 331, a point database 332 that defines information about blocks that include part of a point and the range of the movable part of the point within the block. The point database 332 shown in FIG. 18 indicates that the point 51 is installed across blocks B1003, B1004, and B1010, and is located in a range from position x1 to position L from the start of block B1003, a range from position 0 to position x2, which is the start of block B1004, and a range from position 0 to position x3, which is the start of block B1010. In the first embodiment and the example in Fig. 17, point information is treated as point information, but actual points have movable parts with lengths. Therefore, in the example in Fig. 18, the storage unit 33a stores a point database 332 including information on movable parts. This allows the control unit 34 of the ground control device 30a to determine in more detail whether the train 10 has passed a point, thereby improving safety and efficiency in the operation of the train 10.

[0041] The configurations shown in the above embodiments are merely examples, and may be combined with other known technologies, or different embodiments may be combined with each other. It is also possible to omit or modify parts of the configurations as long as they do not deviate from the gist of the invention.

[0042] Various aspects of the present disclosure are summarized below as appendices.

[0043] (Appendix 1) an interlocking information acquisition unit that acquires interlocking information from the interlocking device, including a ground signal indicating the state of a ground signal, a hold signal that holds the state of the signal after the train enters the route assigned to the train, and information on the direction of the points; a location information acquisition unit that acquires location information indicating a location of the train from the train; a storage unit that stores a route database that defines, for routes that can be assigned to the train, identification information of the route, blocks included in the route, information on the direction of the point on the route, and information on the position of the point; a control unit that assigns the train the route corresponding to the train's course based on the interlocking information, the position information, and information on the route defined in the route database, so that the direction of the point ahead in the train's direction of travel from the on-track position of the train indicated by the position information matches the definition in the route database; A ground control device comprising: (Appendix 2) the control unit assigns a first route to a first train on an inner route, in which the direction of the points ahead of the location of the first train in the traveling direction is in a direction defined in the route database, and assigns a second route to a second train on an outer route that is a train following the first train, in which the directions of all the points are in a direction defined in the route database. 2. The ground control device according to claim 1, (Appendix 3) the control unit, when there are a plurality of routes that can be assigned to the train, selects the route whose end is farthest from the location of the train on the track, and when there are a plurality of routes whose end is farthest, selects the route whose start is closest to the location of the train on the track. 3. The ground control device according to claim 1 or 2. (Appendix 4) The storage unit further stores a point database in which information on the block including a part of the point and the position of the point within the block is defined. 4. The ground control device according to claim 1, wherein the ground control device is a ground control device. (Appendix 5) The storage unit further stores a point database in which information about the block including a part of the point and the range of the movable part of the point within the block is defined. 4. The ground control device according to claim 1, wherein the ground control device is a ground control device. (Appendix 6) A routing method for a ground control device, comprising: the ground control device includes a storage unit that stores a route database that defines, for routes that can be assigned to trains, identification information of the routes, blocks included in the routes, information on the directions of points on the routes, and information on the positions of the points; a first step in which an interlocking information acquisition unit acquires, from an interlocking device, interlocking information including a ground signal indicating the state information of a ground signal, a hold signal for holding the state information after the train enters a route assigned to the train, and information on the direction of the point; a second step in which a location information acquisition unit acquires location information indicating a location of the train from the train; a third step in which a control unit assigns the route corresponding to the train's course to the train based on the interlocking information, the position information, and information on the route defined in the route database so that the direction of the point ahead in the direction of travel of the train from the on-track position indicated by the position information matches the definition in the route database; A route assignment method comprising: (Appendix 7) In the third step, the control unit assigns to a first train on an inner route a first route in which the direction of the points ahead of the location of the first train in the traveling direction is in a direction defined in the route database, and assigns to a second train on an outer route that is a train following the first train a second route in which the directions of all the points are in a direction defined in the route database. 7. The route assignment method according to claim 6, (Appendix 8) In the third step, when there are a plurality of routes that can be assigned to the train, the control unit selects the route whose end is farthest from the location of the train, and when there are a plurality of routes whose end is farthest, the control unit selects the route whose start is closest to the location of the train. 8. The route assignment method according to claim 6 or 7, (Appendix 9) The storage unit further stores a point database in which information on the block including a part of the point and the position of the point within the block is defined. 9. The route assignment method according to any one of Supplementary Notes 6 to 8, (Appendix 10) The storage unit further stores a point database in which information about the block including a part of the point and the range of the movable part of the point within the block is defined. 9. The route assignment method according to any one of Supplementary Notes 6 to 8, [Explanation of symbols]

[0044] 10, 11, 12 train, 20 interlocking device, 30, 30a ground control device, 31 interlocking information acquisition unit, 32 position information acquisition unit, 33, 33a memory unit, 34 control unit, 51 point, 331 route database, 332 point database.

Claims

1. an interlocking information acquisition unit that acquires interlocking information from the interlocking device, including a ground signal indicating the state information of a ground signal, a hold signal that holds the state information after the train enters the route assigned to the train, and information on the direction of the points; a location information acquisition unit that acquires location information indicating a location of the train from the train; a storage unit that stores a route database that defines, for routes that can be assigned to the train, identification information of the route, blocks included in the route, information on the direction of the point on the route, and information on the position of the point; a control unit that assigns the train the route corresponding to the train's course based on the interlocking information, the position information, and information on the route defined in the route database, so that the direction of the point ahead in the train's direction of travel from the on-track position of the train indicated by the position information matches the definition in the route database; Equipped with Among the points included in the route assigned to the train, the direction of the point through which the train has passed is excluded from the conditions for assigning the route. A ground control device characterized by:

2. the control unit assigns, to a first train on an inner route, a first route in which the direction of the points ahead of the on-track position of the first train in the traveling direction is in a direction defined in the route database, and assigns, to a second train on an outer route that is a train following the first train, a second route in which the directions of all the points are in a direction defined in the route database.

2. The ground control device according to claim 1 .

3. When there are a plurality of routes that can be assigned to the train, the control unit selects the route having an end point farthest from the location of the train from among the plurality of routes, and when there are a plurality of routes having an end point farthest from the location of the train, the control unit selects the route having an end point nearest to the location of the train from among the plurality of routes having an end point farthest from the location of the train.

2. The ground control device according to claim 1 .

4. The storage unit further stores a point database in which information on the block including a part of the point and the position of the point within the block is defined.

2. The ground control device according to claim 1 .

5. The storage unit further stores a point database in which information about the block including a part of the point and the range of the movable part of the point within the block is defined.

2. The ground control device according to claim 1 .

6. A routing method for a ground control device, comprising: the ground control device includes a storage unit that stores a route database that defines, for routes that can be assigned to trains, identification information of the routes, blocks included in the routes, information on the directions of points on the routes, and information on the positions of the points; a first step in which an interlocking information acquisition unit acquires, from an interlocking device, interlocking information including a ground signal indicating the state information of a ground signal, a hold signal for holding the state information after the train enters a route assigned to the train, and information on the direction of the point; a second step in which a location information acquisition unit acquires location information indicating a location of the train from the train; a third step in which a control unit assigns the route corresponding to the train's course to the train based on the interlocking information, the position information, and information on the route defined in the route database so that the direction of the point ahead in the train's direction of travel from the on-track position of the train indicated by the position information matches the definition in the route database; Including, Among the points included in the route assigned to the train, the direction of the point through which the train has passed is excluded from the conditions for assigning the route. A route assignment method comprising:

7. In the third step, the control unit assigns, to a first train on an inner route, a first route in which the direction of the points ahead of the location of the first train in the traveling direction is in a direction defined in the route database, and assigns, to a second train on an outer route that is a train following the first train, a second route in which the directions of all the points are in a direction defined in the route database.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the route is provided by a route providing unit.

8. In the third step, when there are multiple routes that can be assigned to the train, the control unit selects the route that has an end point farthest from the location of the train from among the multiple routes, and when there are multiple routes that have an end point farthest from the location of the train, the control unit selects the route that has an end point closest to the location of the train from among the multiple routes that have an end point farthest from the location of the train.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the route is provided by a route providing unit.

9. The storage unit further stores a point database in which information on the block including a part of the point and the position of the point within the block is defined.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the route is provided by a route providing unit.

10. The storage unit further stores a point database in which information about the block including a part of the point and the range of the movable part of the point within the block is defined.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the route is provided by a route providing unit.

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