Train radio systems and radio equipment

Abstract

To provide a train radio system capable of smooth radio communication in response to a plurality of railway operators that use mutually different communication methods and provide inter-connected through services.SOLUTION: In a train radio system 1001 of the present disclosure, a radio device 701 mounted on a train 11 includes a main radio unit 73 and a sub radio unit 74. The main radio unit 73 wirelessly communicates with a plurality of company A base stations 2a using a company A communication method while the train 11 is traveling on a company A operation line SA. The sub radio unit 74 is in a standby state for communication using the company A communication method until the train 11 reaches a first switching point D1, which is a predetermined distance before, from a boundary C between the company A operation line SA and a company B operation line SB, and switches the communication method from the company A communication method to the company B communication method when the train 11 reaches the first switching point D1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a train wireless system and a wireless device.

Background Art

[0002] A conventional train wireless system includes a plurality of base stations that perform wireless communication installed on the ground, and a mobile station device that performs wireless communication mounted on a train. The radio frequencies when each of the plurality of base stations performs wireless communication with the mobile station device are set to different values from each other. The mobile station device automatically selects a radio frequency according to the running position of the train on the track and performs wireless communication with the base station that has jurisdiction over the section where the running position is included.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a train wireless system having a function of manually setting a radio frequency in a mobile station device. In this train wireless system, the mobile station device can manually set the radio frequency to be used to a frequency different from the radio frequency automatically selected according to the running position of the train. Thereby, the train can exchange information with other train systems as needed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In conventional train radio systems, trains could operate on multiple railway lines at stations where several railway companies shared tracks by changing the radio frequency of the mobile station equipment to that of the other railway company. However, if each railway company used a different communication method, the mobile station equipment could not communicate wirelessly with the other railway company even if the frequency was changed. Therefore, trains had to be equipped with radios compatible with each communication method, and the radios used had to be manually switched when the train stopped at a station that marked a boundary with another railway company's line.

[0006] During the switching of radio equipment, voice calls and data communication are unavailable, which posed a problem as the reliability of the train radio system was compromised if the switching time was long.

[0007] This disclosure is made to solve the above-mentioned problems and aims to provide a train radio system that enables smooth wireless communication for multiple railway operators with different communication methods and who operate on each other's lines. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] One train radio system of this disclosure includes a radio device mounted on a train traveling from a first operating line toward a second operating line connected to the first operating line, a plurality of first base stations provided along the first operating line that communicate wirelessly with the radio device using a first communication method while the train is traveling on the first operating line, and a plurality of second base stations provided along the second operating line that communicate wirelessly with the radio device using a second communication method while the train is traveling on the second operating line, wherein the radio device comprises a first radio unit and a second radio unit, the first radio unit communicates wirelessly with the plurality of first base stations using a first communication method while the train is traveling on the first operating line, and the second radio unit remains in a standby state for communication using the first communication method until the train reaches a first switching point a predetermined distance before the boundary between the first operating line and the second operating line, and switches the communication method from the first communication method to the second communication method when the train reaches the first switching point. The second radio unit is in a communication standby state using the second communication method from the time the train reaches the first switching point until it reaches the boundary. ru. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to one train radio system of this disclosure, before the train passes the boundary between the first and second operating lines, the second radio unit switches the communication method to the second communication method required for communication on the second operating line. Therefore, immediately after the train enters the second operating line, the radio equipment can communicate wirelessly with the control console of the railway operator on the other line via the second radio unit. Consequently, the time of communication interruption due to the switching of communication methods is reduced, resulting in a highly reliable train radio system. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing the configuration of the train radio system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This diagram shows the configuration of the train-side equipment for the train radio system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the train in the train radio system according to Embodiment 1, in a state where the train is traveling on a route operated by Company A, before reaching the switching point. [Figure 4] This diagram shows the state in which a train has reached a switching point on a route operated by Company A, according to the train radio system of Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] This figure shows the state in which a train has passed the boundary between the A Company's operating route and the B Company's operating route in the train radio system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] This diagram shows the configuration of the train-side equipment for the train radio system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 7] This diagram shows the state of the train from the switching point to the boundary station in the train radio system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 8] This figure shows the state in which the power supply from an external power source to the train is stopped at a boundary station in the train radio system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 9] This figure shows the state in which power supply from an external power source to the train has been resumed at a boundary station in the train radio system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 10] This is a diagram showing the configuration of the train radio system according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 11] In the train radio system according to Embodiment 3, when the train reaches the boundary between the operation route of Company A and the operation route of Company B, it is a diagram showing a state where the preceding train is running on the operation route of Company B near the boundary. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the radio device. [Figure 13] It is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the radio device.

Embodiment for Implementing the Invention

[0011] The train radio system according to the present disclosure enables wireless communication using radio waves between a ground commander and a train crew by constructing a wireless line between the ground and the train. The wireless communication includes a call and data communication such as train operation information. According to the train radio system according to the present disclosure, even when the train runs across at least two routes and the communication methods are different on each route, wireless communication is possible.

[0012] Here, the "route" mainly refers to the section from the starting point to the end point of the line under the jurisdiction of a company that is mainly one railway operator. The "communication method" includes a communication standard, a communication protocol, and software. Also, "different communication methods" means that at least one of the communication standard, the communication protocol, and the software is different.

[0013] In the embodiments described below, the train radio system is applied to two routes that are connected to each other and use different communication methods. However, it is not limited to this, and the train radio system can be applied to three or more routes including two routes using different communication methods, and can also be applied to three or more routes using different communication methods respectively.

[0014] <A. Embodiment 1> <A-1. Configuration> Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the train radio system 1001 according to Embodiment 1. The train radio system 1001 includes, as ground-side equipment, a plurality of ground units 6, a plurality of Company A base stations 2a, a Company A central device 4a, a command console 5a, a plurality of Company B base stations 2b, a Company B central device 4b, and a command console 5b. The train radio system 1001 also includes, as train-side equipment mounted on the train 11, a radio device 701, an on-vehicle control device 8, a position detector 9, and a driver's cab 10.

[0015] The train 11 runs on a Company A operation route SA managed by Company A and a Company B operation route SB managed by Company B. The Company A operation route SA is a section from the starting point to the ending point of the track Ra, and the Company B operation route SB is a section from the starting point to the ending point of the track Rb. The Company A operation route SA and the Company B operation route SB are connected at the boundary C. Company A and Company B have different communication methods. The communication method of Company A is called the Company A communication method, and the communication method of Company B is called the Company B communication method.

[0016] First, the ground-side equipment of the train radio system 1001 will be described.

[0017] A plurality of ground units 6 are installed at predetermined positions on the track Ra of the Company A operation route SA and at predetermined positions on the track Rb of the Company B operation route SB. Each ground unit 6 is a device for position detection. When the train 11 passes near an arbitrary ground unit 6, the ground unit 6 detects that the train 11 has passed and transmits position information indicating its absolute position to a position detector 9 provided on the train 11 described later.

[0018] On the Company A operation route SA, a plurality of Company A base stations 2a are arranged at intervals along the track Ra and are connected to each other. Each Company A base station 2a is configured to be able to perform wireless communication with the radio device 701 according to the Company A communication method. Each Company A base station 2a is also connected to a Company A central device 4a installed in the Company A command room 3a.

[0019] The control room 3a of Company A is equipped with Company A's central unit 4a and a control console 5a. Company A's central unit 4a manages voice communication and operational data communication with the radio equipment 701 of each train 11 running on Company A's operating route SA, and controls the control console 5a. Here, the operational data includes the operation plan and delay information for each train 11. The control console 5a is a device used by Company A's ground operators to communicate with train crews via voice and to check operational data.

[0020] On the B Company operated route SB, multiple B Company base stations 2b are spaced apart along the line Rb and connected to each other. Each B Company base station 2b is configured to communicate wirelessly with the radio equipment 701 according to the B Company communication method. Each B Company base station 2b is also connected to the B Company central equipment 4b located in the B Company control room 3b.

[0021] The B Company control room 3b houses the B Company central unit 4b and the control console 5b. The B Company central unit 4b manages voice communication and operational data communication with the radio equipment 701 of each train 11 running on the B Company's operating line SB, and controls the control console 5b. The operational data includes the operation plan and delay information for each train 11. The control console 5b is a device used by B Company's ground operators to communicate with train crews via voice and to check operational data.

[0022] Route SA operated by Company A will also be referred to as Route 1, and Route SB operated by Company B will also be referred to as Route 2. Furthermore, Company A's communication system will also be referred to as Route 1, and Company B's communication system will also be referred to as Route 2. Additionally, Base station 2a of Company A will also be referred to as Base station 1, and Base station 2b of Company B will also be referred to as Base station 2.

[0023] When train 11 is traveling on the A Company's operated route SA, the train 11's radio equipment 701 communicates wirelessly with one A Company base station 2a using the A Company's communication method. This enables wireless communication between the ground commander and the train crew via the A Company's central unit 4a and the control console 5a connected to the A Company's central unit 4a. For example, the ground commander can notify the train crew of data related to train operation information.

[0024] When train 11 is traveling on line SB operated by Company B, the radio equipment 701 of train 11 communicates wirelessly with one Company B base station 2b using Company B's communication method. This enables wireless communication between the ground commander and the train crew via Company B's central unit 4b and the control console 5b connected to Company B's central unit 4b. For example, it is possible to notify the train crew of data such as train operation information from the ground commander.

[0025] Next, the train-side equipment of the train radio system 1001 will be described. Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram showing the train-side equipment of the train radio system 1001. The train-side equipment of the train radio system 1001 includes a radio device 701, an on-board control device 8, a position detector 9, and a driver's cab 10.

[0026] The wireless device 701 comprises two wireless units, a main wireless unit 73 and a sub-wireless unit 74, and is capable of transmitting and receiving wireless signals for multiple communication methods. In this embodiment, the wireless device 701 is configured to switch between the communication methods of company A and company B to perform wireless communication.

[0027] Furthermore, the wireless device 701 includes antenna units 71 and 72, a wireless system data storage unit 75, a switching control unit 76, and a switching comparison unit 77.

[0028] Antenna unit 71 is connected to the main radio unit 73 and the sub-radio unit 74. Similarly, antenna unit 72 is also connected to the main radio unit 73 and the sub-radio unit 74. Antenna units 71 and 72 receive radio signals from base station 2a of company A or base station 2b of company B, and transmit radio signals to base station 2a of company A or base station 2b of company B. In this embodiment, the main radio unit 73 and the sub-radio unit 74 share two antenna units 71 and 72. However, this is not limited to this. The main radio unit 73 and the sub-radio unit 74 may use separate antenna units. Also, the directional characteristics, etc., of antenna unit 71 and antenna unit 72 may differ.

[0029] The wireless system data storage unit 75 stores wireless system data 751. The wireless system data 751 is wireless setting information, i.e., wireless parameters, necessary for the main wireless unit 73 and the sub-wireless wireless unit 74 to set their own communication systems. The wireless system data 751 includes wireless setting information for Company A's communication system and wireless setting information for Company B's communication system. The main wireless unit 73 and the sub-wireless wireless unit 74 can switch their own communication systems between Company A's communication system and Company B's communication system using the wireless system data 751. The wireless system data 751 is a setting value that sets the frequency band of the radio waves to be output and the wireless modulation method for the main wireless unit 73 and the sub-wireless wireless unit 74.

[0030] The switching comparison unit 77 has switching condition data 771 pre-stored in it. The switching condition data 771 is data indicating the switching conditions that the main radio unit 73 or the sub-radio unit 74 must use to switch the communication method. The switching condition data 771 includes data on the direction of travel, running position, and operation information of the train 11. The switching comparison unit 77 acquires running information data 81 from the onboard control device 8 and compares the acquired running information data 81 with the switching condition data 771. If the running information data 81 matches the switching condition data 771, the switching comparison unit 77 instructs the switching control unit 76 to switch the communication method.

[0031] The switching control unit 76 controls the communication method of the main radio unit 73 and the sub-radio unit 74. Specifically, based on instructions from the switching comparison unit 77, the switching control unit 76 instructs the main radio unit 73 and the sub-radio unit 74 to switch the communication method between Company A's communication method and Company B's communication method.

[0032] The main wireless unit 73 or the sub - wireless unit 74 can perform transmission and reception processing of wireless signals in accordance with the communication standard of the instructed communication method by obtaining and setting the wireless setting information of the instructed communication method from the wireless method data storage unit 75 according to the instruction of the switching control unit 76. As a result, the main wireless unit 73 or the sub - wireless unit 74 can make a call using the instructed communication method, and can also receive operation data and the like from the central device 4a of Company A or the central device 4b of Company B according to the communication method. The main wireless unit 73 or the sub - wireless unit 74 transmits the received operation data to the on - vehicle control device 8.

[0033] The on - vehicle control device 8 has running information data 81. The running information data 81 includes the latest information such as the traveling direction, traveling position, and operation information of the train 11. The on - vehicle control device 8 stores, as the running information data 81, data related to the running of the train such as operation information input from the main wireless unit 73 or the sub - wireless unit 74 of the wireless device 701, the traveling direction of the train input from the driver's cab 10, and the traveling position of the train input from the position detector 9, and transmits the running information data 81 to the switching comparison unit 77 of the wireless device 701.

[0034] The position detector 9 is installed below the train 11. When the train 11 passes the ground unit 6, the position detector 9 receives the position information of the absolute position from the ground unit 6 and transmits the received position information to the on - vehicle control device 8.

[0035] Two driver's cabs 10 are installed, one in the front and one in the rear of the train 11. When a train crew member boards the train 11 and uses one of the driver's cabs 10, the used driver's cab 10 transmits the traveling direction of the train corresponding to itself to the on - vehicle control device 8.

[0036] <A - 2. Operation> The following describes the switching operation of the communication method in the radio device 701, using the case where train 11 enters the line SB operated by company B from line SA operated by company A as an example. However, the following explanation also applies when train 11 enters the line SA operated by company A from line SB operated by company B. In this case, the direction of travel of train 11 is reversed, and the descriptions regarding line SA operated by company A and line SB operated by company B in the following explanation are reversed.

[0037] Figures 3 to 5 show, in chronological order, how train 11 enters line SB operated by company B, crossing boundary C from line SA operated by company A. A first switching point D1 is set at a predetermined position before boundary C in the direction of travel of train 11. The first switching point D1 is the point where the radio device 701 of train 11 begins the switching operation. The switching section is from the first switching point D1 to boundary C.

[0038] Figure 3 shows train 11 traveling on track Ra of Company A's operated route SA, before the first switching point D1. At this time, both the main radio unit 73 and the sub-radio unit 74 communicate using Company A's communication method. That is, both the main radio unit 73 and the sub-radio unit 74 can communicate wirelessly with Company A's base station 2a. Specifically, the radio device 701 uses either the main radio unit 73 or the sub-radio unit 74 to communicate voice and train operation data with Company A's central unit 4a and control console 5a via Company A's base station 2a. Here, the train operation data includes the operation plan, current location, and delay information for each train 11 traveling on Company A's operated route SA. The radio device 701 uses one of the main radio unit 73 or sub-radio unit 74 for wireless communication, and the other as a backup. In this way, the radio unit in the radio device 701 is redundant.

[0039] Figure 4 shows the state when train 11 has reached the first switching point D1, in other words, when train 11 has approached a predetermined distance from boundary C. The switching condition data 771 includes, as the first switching condition data, data on the direction of travel, running position, and operation information when train 11, which is traveling from route SA operated by company A to route SB operated by company B, reaches the first switching point D1. Here, the operation information data shows the operation plan for entering route SB operated by company B. The switching comparison unit 77 compares the running information data 81 transmitted from the onboard control device 8 with the switching condition data 771 it possesses, and determines that train 11 has reached the first switching point D1 if the running information data 81 matches the first switching condition data in the switching condition data 771. The switching comparison unit 77 compares the direction of travel, running position, and operation information of train 11 in the running information data 81 with the corresponding items in the first switching condition data, and determines that the running information data 81 matches the first switching condition data if they all match.

[0040] When the running information data 81 matches the first switching condition data, it means that train 11 has reached the first switching point D1 and is planning to enter the B company's operating line SB. In this case, the switching comparison unit 77 notifies the switching control unit 76 of this fact. Upon receiving the notification, the switching control unit 76 instructs the main radio unit 73 to maintain communication using the A company's communication method and instructs the sub-radio unit 74 to change the communication method to the B company's communication method and move to a standby state for starting communication.

[0041] Upon receiving instructions from the switching control unit 76, the sub-radio unit 74 obtains the radio setting information for Company B's communication method from the radio method data storage unit 75, performs the communication settings, and enters a standby state for starting communication using Company B's communication method. Since the sub-radio unit 74 does not start transmitting using Company B's communication method until train 11 reaches boundary C, voice communication between train 11 and Company A via the main radio unit 73 does not interfere with Company B's communication. This state is maintained until train 11 passes boundary C.

[0042] Figure 5 shows the state immediately after train 11 has passed boundary C. The switching condition data 771 includes, as second switching condition data, data on the direction of travel, running position, and operation information of train 11 traveling from A-company's route SA to B-company's route SB when it reaches boundary C. Here, the operation information data shows the operation plan to enter B-company's route SB. The switching comparison unit 77 compares the running information data 81 transmitted from the onboard control device 8 with the switching condition data 771 it possesses, and determines that train 11 has reached boundary C if the running information data 81 matches the second switching condition data in the switching condition data 771. The switching comparison unit 77 compares the direction of travel, running position, and operation information of train 11 in the running information data 81 with the corresponding items in the second switching condition data, and determines that the running information data 81 matches the second switching condition data if they all match.

[0043] When the running information data 81 matches the second switching condition data, it means that train 11 has reached boundary C and is planning to enter the B company's operating line SB. In this case, the switching comparison unit 77 notifies the switching control unit 76 of this fact. Upon receiving the notification, the switching control unit 76 instructs the main radio unit 73 to change the communication method to the B company's communication method and move to a standby state for starting communication, and instructs the sub-radio unit 74 to start communication using the B company's communication method.

[0044] Upon receiving an instruction from the switching control unit 76, the main radio unit 73 acquires the radio setting information of Company B's communication method from the radio method data storage unit 75, performs communication settings, and enters a standby state for the start of communication using Company B's communication method. Also, upon receiving an instruction from the switching control unit 76, the sub-radio unit 74 starts communication using Company B's communication method. Since the sub-radio unit 74 switches the communication method to Company B's communication method when the train 11 reaches the first switching point D1, it can promptly start communication using Company B's communication method immediately after the train 11 reaches the boundary C. Immediately after the train 11 reaches the boundary C, the radio device 701 can perform mutual data communication with the Company B base station 2b and the Company B central device 4b. Then, the ground commander of Company B can communicate with the train crew via the Company B central device 4b and the command desk 5b. This state is maintained until the train 11 approaches the operating route of the next company and passes the next first switching point D1. Until the train 11 passes the next first switching point D1, the radio device 701 uses the sub-radio unit 74 for communication with Company B and uses the main radio unit 73 as a backup. Thus, the radio units in the radio device 701 are redundant.

[0045] <A-3. Effect> As described above, the train radio system 1001 according to Embodiment 1 includes a radio device 701, a plurality of Company A base stations 2a that are a plurality of first base stations, and a plurality of Company B base stations 2b that are a plurality of second base stations. The radio device 701 is mounted on a train 11 that travels from the Company A operating route SA, which is the first operating route, toward the Company B operating route SB, which is the second operating route connected to the Company A operating route SA.

[0046] The plurality of Company A base stations 2a are provided along the Company A operating route SA, and perform radio communication with the radio device 701 using the Company A communication method, which is the first communication method, while the train 11 is traveling on the Company A operating route SA.

[0047] The plurality of Company B base stations 2b are provided along the Company B operating route SB, and perform radio communication with the radio device 701 using the Company B communication method, which is the second communication method, while the train 11 is traveling on the Company B operating route SB.

[0048] The radio device 701 comprises a first radio unit, the main radio unit 73, and a second radio unit, the sub-radio unit 74. The main radio unit 73 communicates wirelessly with multiple A company base stations 2a using the A company communication method while the train 11 is traveling on the A company's operating route SA. The sub-radio unit 74 remains in a standby state for communication using the A company communication method until the train 11 reaches a first switching point D1 located a predetermined distance before the boundary C between the A company's operating route SA and the B company's operating route SB. When the train 11 reaches the first switching point D1, the sub-radio unit 74 switches the communication method from the A company communication method to the B company communication method.

[0049] Thus, by switching the communication method of the auxiliary radio unit 74 to the B company's communication method in advance when train 11 reaches the first switching point D1 before boundary C, communication using the B company's communication method by the auxiliary radio unit 74 can begin immediately after train 11 passes boundary C. Therefore, the reliability of the train radio system 1001 is improved by enabling the switching of the communication method while train 11 is in motion and by shortening the time of communication interruption associated with the switching of the communication method.

[0050] Furthermore, in the train radio system 1001, the sub-radio unit 74 is in a communication standby state using the B company's communication method from the time the train 11 reaches the first switching point D1 until it reaches the boundary C.

[0051] With this configuration, the sub-radio unit 74 switches the communication method to the B company's communication method in advance at the first switching point D1 before the boundary C, and the radio device 701 uses the main radio unit 73 to perform only communication using the A company's communication method while the train 11 is traveling on the A company's operating route SA. Therefore, there is no risk of interference between communication using the A company's communication method and communication using the B company's communication method.

[0052] Furthermore, in the train radio system 1001, when train 11 reaches boundary C, the main radio unit 73 switches the communication method from Company A's communication method to Company B's communication method and enters a standby state for communication using Company B's communication method, while the sub-radio unit 74 starts communication using Company B's communication method. With this configuration, on Company B's operating route SB, the main radio unit 73 can be used as a backup for the sub-radio unit 74, thereby providing redundancy to the radio unit.

[0053] <B. Embodiment 2> <B-1. Configuration> The train radio system 1002 according to Embodiment 2 is obtained by replacing the radio device 701 mounted on the train 11 with a radio device 702 in the train radio system 1001 according to Embodiment 1. The configuration of the train radio system 1002 other than the radio device 702 is the same as that of the train radio system 1001, as shown in FIG. 1.

[0054] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of train-side equipment of the train radio system 1002 including the radio device 702. The radio device 702 includes a power supply unit 78 in addition to the configuration of the radio device 701 according to Embodiment 1.

[0055] The power supply unit 78 includes a battery 781 and an external power supply unit 782. The external power supply unit 782 supplies the power supplied from an external power supply (not shown) to the train 11 to each block of the radio device 702. When the external power supply is operating in this way, the battery 781 is charged. When the power supply from the external power supply to the train 11 stops, the battery 781 operates in place of the external power supply and supplies power to each block of the radio device 702. The power supply unit 78 transmits a power operation status indicating which of the external power supply and the battery 781 is operating to the switching comparison unit 77.

[0056] The switching condition data 771 includes data on the traveling direction, traveling position, and operation information of the train 1 of when switching the communication method described in Embodiment 1, and data on the power operation status when switching the communication method.

[0057] <B-2. Operation> Taking the case where the train 11 enters from the operation route SA of Company A to the operation route SB of Company B as an example, the switching operation of the communication method in the radio device 702 will be described. However, the following description is also applicable to the case where the train 11 enters from the operation route SB of Company B to the operation route SA of Company A. In this case, the traveling direction of the train 11 is reversed, and the descriptions regarding the operation route SA of Company A and the descriptions regarding the operation route SB of Company B in the following description are reversed.

[0058] Figures 7 to 9 show, in chronological order, how train 11 enters the B-company operated line SB from line SA operated by company A, after passing boundary station C1. Boundary station C1 is the station at the boundary between line SA operated by company A and line SB operated by company B.

[0059] In this embodiment, the operation of the radio device 702 until train 11 stops at boundary station C1 is the same as the operation of the radio device 701 until train 11 passes the first switching point D1 as described in Figure 3, so the explanation is omitted.

[0060] Figure 7 shows the state when train 11 arrives at boundary station C1 from route SA operated by Company A. At this time, the main radio unit 73 communicates with Company A's central device 4a and control console 5a using Company A's communication method, and the sub-radio unit 74 is set to Company A's communication method and is in a communication standby state. In other words, when train 11 arrives at boundary station C1, the main radio unit 73 maintains communication with Company A, and the sub-radio unit 74 functions redundantly. In this embodiment, the switching control unit 76 does not perform the operation to switch the sub-radio unit 74 to a communication standby state for Company B's communication method at the first switching point D1.

[0061] In the state shown in Figure 7, the switching comparison unit 77 compares the running information data 81 transmitted from the onboard control device 8 with the switching condition data 771, and determines that the train 11 has reached the boundary station C1 if the running information data 81 matches the switching condition at the boundary station C1 in the switching condition data 771.

[0062] Furthermore, if the switching comparison unit 77 determines from the operation information stored in the switching condition data 771 that the operation plan of train 11 is to enter company B's network and that train 11 has reached boundary station C1, it determines whether the battery 781 or the external power supply is operating based on the power supply operation status received from the power supply unit 78. If the external power supply is operating, the wireless device 702 does not perform any special processing. In other words, the wireless device 702 maintains communication with company A using company A's communication method until the power supply to train 11 from the external power supply is stopped.

[0063] Figure 8 shows train 11 stopped at boundary station C1 for a crew change, and the power supply to train 11 from the external power source has been cut off. With the external power source shut off, power is supplied to the radio device 702 from battery 781.

[0064] The switching comparison unit 77, after determining from the running information data 81 that train 11 is scheduled to enter company B's territory and has reached boundary C, detects that the power supply of train 11 has switched from an external power source to battery 781, and instructs the switching control unit 76 to switch to company B's communication system. Upon receiving the instruction, the switching control unit 76 instructs the auxiliary radio unit 74 to configure the communication settings for company B's communication system and to move into a standby state for communication commencement. The auxiliary radio unit 74 configures the communication settings based on the wireless configuration information for company B's communication system obtained from the wireless system data storage unit 75 and enters a standby state for communication commencement using company B's communication system. In this state, the auxiliary radio unit 74 does not start transmitting, so voice communication between train 11 and company A is not mixed into company B's system. The state shown in Figure 8 is maintained until the crew change is completed and the power supply from battery 781 is terminated.

[0065] Figure 9 shows the state after train 11 has departed from boundary station C1 after the crew change. As power supply to train 11 is resumed from the external power source, battery 781 stops operating. Based on the power supply operation status received from the power supply unit 78, the switching comparison unit 77 detects that the primary power source for the wireless device 702 has switched from battery 781 to the external power source. The switching comparison unit 77 then compares the running information data 81 received from the onboard control device 8 with the switching condition data 771 and determines that train 11 is about to depart from boundary station C1 because the direction of travel and running position of train 11 match the switching conditions at boundary station C1. When the switching comparison unit 77 determines that train 11 is about to depart from boundary C and detects from the running information data 81 that train 11 is planning to enter company B's territory, it notifies the switching control unit 76 that train 11 is about to depart from boundary station C1.

[0066] Upon receiving the notification, the switching control unit 76 instructs the main radio unit 73 to terminate communication using Company A's communication method, perform communication settings for Company B's communication method, and transition to the standby state for communication start. For the sub-radio unit 74, it instructs the start of transmission using Company B's communication method. Upon receiving the instruction from the switching control unit 76, the main radio unit 73 cancels the communication settings for Company A's communication method, performs communication settings for Company B's communication method, and enters the standby state for the start of communication using Company B's communication method. The sub-radio unit 74 starts communication using Company B's communication method. As a result, the wireless device 702 can perform mutual data communication with the Company B base station 2b and the Company B central device 4b immediately after the power supply from the external power source to the train 11 resumes. Also, the ground commander of Company B can communicate with the train crew via the Company B central device 4b and the command console 5b. By using the sub-radio unit 74 of the wireless device 702 for communication and the main radio unit 73 as a backup, it functions redundantly. This state is maintained until the train 11 arrives at the next boundary station C1.

[0067] <B-3. Effect> The train radio system 1002 according to Embodiment 2 includes a radio device 702, a plurality of Company A base stations 2a, and a plurality of Company B base stations 2b. The radio device 702 is mounted on a train 11 that travels from the Company A operation route SA toward the Company B operation route SB connected to the Company A operation route SA. The plurality of Company A base stations 2a are provided along the Company A operation route SA and perform wireless communication with the radio device 702 in the Company A communication method while the train 11 is traveling on the Company A operation route SA. The plurality of Company B base stations 2b are provided along the Company B operation route SB and perform wireless communication with the radio device 702 in the Company B communication method while the train 11 is traveling on the Company B operation route SB. The radio device 702 includes a main radio unit 73, a sub-radio unit 74, an external power supply unit 782, and a battery 781. The external power supply unit 782 supplies power supplied from an external power source, which is a power source outside the train 11, to the radio device 702. The battery 781 supplies power to the radio device 702 when there is no power supply from the external power source to the train 11. While the train 11 is traveling on the Company A operation route SA, the main radio unit 73 performs wireless communication with the plurality of Company A base stations 2a in the Company A communication method, and the sub-radio unit 74 is in a communication standby state in the Company A communication method. When the train 11 arrives at the boundary station C1 between the Company A operation route SA and the Company B operation route SB and the power supply main body to the train 11 is switched from the external power source to the battery 781, the sub-radio unit 74 switches the communication method from the Company A communication method to the Company B communication method and enters a communication standby state in the Company B communication method. When the power supply main body to the train 11 is switched from the battery 781 to the external power source at the boundary station C1, the main radio unit 73 switches the communication method from the Company A communication method to the Company B communication method and enters a communication standby state in the Company B communication method, and the sub-radio unit 74 starts communication in the Company B communication method.

[0068] According to the above configuration, the radio device 702 can start a call and communication with Company B immediately after the power supply main body to the train 11 is switched from the battery 781 to the external power source at the boundary station C1. As a result, the time of communication interruption associated with the switching from the Company A communication method to the Company B communication method and the stop of power supply from the external power supply unit 782 to the train 11 is shortened, improving the reliability of the train radio system 1002.

[0069] <C. Embodiment 3> <C-1. Configuration> FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a train radio system 1003 according to Embodiment 3. The train radio system 1003 is obtained by adding a train position sharing device 12 to the ground facilities of the train radio system 1001 or the train radio system 1002. Hereinafter, the train radio system 1003 will be described as being obtained by adding a train position sharing device 12 to the ground facilities of the train radio system 1001.

[0070] The train position sharing device 12 is connected to the Company A central device 4a and the Company B central device 4b, and enables sharing of train position information on the Company A operation route SA and the Company B operation route SB between the Company A central device 4a and the Company B central device 4b.

[0071] While the train 11 is running on the Company A operation route SA, when the on-vehicle control device 8 obtains the position information of the train 11 from the ground unit 6, the on-vehicle control device 8 transmits the obtained position information and traveling direction of the train 11 to the Company A central device 4a via the wireless unit capable of communication among the main wireless unit 73 and the sub wireless unit 74. The Company A central device 4a transmits the position information and traveling direction of the train 11 received from the on-vehicle control device 8 and the train information for identifying the train 11 to the train position sharing device 12.

[0072] While the train 11 is running on the Company B operation route SB, when the on-vehicle control device 8 obtains the position information of the train 11 from the ground unit 6, the on-vehicle control device 8 transmits the obtained position information and traveling direction of the train 11 to the Company B central device 4b via the wireless unit capable of communication among the main wireless unit 73 and the sub wireless unit 74. The Company B central device 4b transmits the position information and traveling direction of the train 11 received from the on-vehicle control device 8 and the train information for identifying the train 11 to the train position sharing device 12.

[0073] The train position sharing device 12 receives the position information, traveling direction, and train information of the train 11 running on the Company A operation route SA from the Company A central device 4a and transmits them to the Company B central device 4b. Further, the train position sharing device 12 receives the position information, traveling direction, and train information of the train 11 running on the Company B operation route SB from the Company B central device 4b and transmits them to the Company A central device 4a.

[0074] The central device 4a of Company A includes not only the position information and traveling direction of the train 11 running on the operation route SA of Company A, but also the position information and traveling direction of the train 11 running on the operation route SB of Company B in the operation data, and transmits it to the wireless device 701 of the train 11 running on the operation route SA of Company A via the base station 2a of Company A.

[0075] The central device 4b of Company B includes not only the position information and traveling direction of the train 11 running on the operation route SB of Company B, but also the position information and traveling direction of the train 11 running on the operation route SA of Company A in the operation data, and transmits it to the wireless device 70l of the train 11 running on the operation route SB of Company B via the base station 2b of Company B.

[0076] The switching condition data 771 of the present embodiment stores, in addition to the data described in the first embodiment, the position information data and traveling direction of trains 11 other than the target train itself.

[0077] <C-2. Operation> Next, the operation of the train radio system 1003, particularly the switching operation by the train position sharing device 12, will be described. In the following description, since a plurality of trains 11 appear, the train 11 to be controlled is distinguished as the target train 11X, and the train 11 traveling in front of the target train 11X is referred to as the preceding train 11L.

[0078] FIG. 11 shows a state where the target train 11X traveling on the track Ra of the operation route SA of Company A has reached the boundary C between the operation route SA of Company A and the operation route SB of Company B, and the preceding train 11L is traveling on the operation route SB of Company B near the boundary C. A second switching point D2 is set at a predetermined position in front of the boundary C in the traveling direction of the target train 11X. It is assumed that the preceding train 11L is traveling between the boundary C and the second switching point D2.

[0079] The operation of the wireless device 701 until the target train 11X reaches the boundary C is as described in FIGS. 3 and 4 of the first embodiment.

[0080] In the state of FIG. 11, when the switching comparison unit 77 of the wireless device 701 compares the running information data 81 transmitted from the on-vehicle control device 8 with the switching condition data 771, based on the position information data and the traveling direction of trains 11 other than the target train 11X stored in the switching condition data 771, it determines whether there is a leading train 11L traveling in the same direction as the target train 11X between the boundary C and the second switching point D2. If there is a corresponding leading train 11L, the switching comparison unit 77 does not perform the operation described in FIG. 5 of Embodiment 1. That is, here, the main wireless unit 73 continues communication using the communication method of Company A, and the sub-wireless unit 74 continues the communication standby state using the communication method of Company B.

[0081] After that, when the leading train 11L passes the second switching point D2, the switching comparison unit 77 instructs the switching control unit 76 to switch the communication method and performs the operation described in FIG. 5 of Embodiment 1. That is, the main wireless unit 73 that receives an instruction from the switching control unit 76 acquires the wireless setting information of the communication method of Company B from the wireless method data storage unit 75 to perform communication setting and enters the standby state for starting communication using the communication method of Company B. Also, the sub-wireless unit 74 that receives an instruction from the switching control unit 76 starts communication using the communication method of Company B.

[0082] <C-3. Effect> As described above, in the train wireless system 1003 according to Embodiment 3, when the target train 11X reaches the boundary C, if there is a leading train 11L traveling between the boundary C and the second switching point D2, which is a predetermined distance ahead of the boundary C, the main wireless unit 73, which is the first wireless unit, maintains the communication method of Company A, which is the first communication method, and the sub-wireless unit 74, which is the second wireless unit, maintains the communication standby state using the communication method of Company B, which is the second communication method. Also, when the leading train 11L passes the second switching point D2, the main wireless unit 73 switches the communication method from the communication method of Company A to the communication method of Company B and enters the standby state for communication using the communication method of Company B, and the sub-wireless unit 74 starts communication using the communication method of Company B.

[0083] Therefore, even when the leading train 11L is communicating with the Company B base station 2b near the second switching point D2 in the vicinity of the boundary C and the wireless device 701 cannot communicate with the Company B base station 2b, it can communicate with the Company A base station 2a. As a result, the time during which the train crew of the target train 11X cannot communicate with the ground is shortened, improving the reliability of the train radio system 1003. In addition, since the train position sharing device 12 can grasp the train running status of the Company A route SA and the Company B route SB in the vicinity of the second switching point D2 and the boundary C, by notifying the train crew of each train 11 running in the vicinity of the second switching point D2 and the boundary C of the running information of other trains, safer operation becomes possible.

[0084] <D. Hardware Configuration> In the above-described wireless devices 701 and 702, the main radio unit 73, the sub-radio unit 74, the radio system data storage unit 75, the switching control unit 76, and the switching comparison unit 77 are realized by the processing circuit 201 shown in FIG. 12. That is, the processing circuit 201 includes a main radio unit 73, a sub-radio unit 74, a radio system data storage unit 75, a switching control unit 76, and a switching comparison unit 77 (hereinafter referred to as the main radio unit 73, etc.). Dedicated hardware may be applied to the processing circuit 201, or a processor that executes a program stored in a memory may be applied. The processor is, for example, a central processing unit, a processing device, an arithmetic device, a microprocessor, a microcomputer, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), or the like.

[0085] When the processing circuit 201 is dedicated hardware, the processing circuit 201 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 functions of each part such as the main radio unit 73 may be realized by a plurality of processing circuits 201, or the functions of each part may be realized by one processing circuit in combination.

[0086] When the processing circuit 201 is a processor, the functions of the main radio unit 73, etc., are realized through a combination of software, firmware, or software and firmware. The software, etc., is written as a program and stored in memory. As shown in Figure 13, the processor 202 applied to the processing circuit 201 realizes the functions of each part by reading and executing the program stored in memory 203. In other words, the radio devices 701 and 702 are equipped with memory 203 for storing a program that, when executed by the processing circuit 201, will result in the execution of the processing of the main radio unit 73, etc. In other words, this program can be said to cause the computer to execute the procedures or methods of the main radio unit 73, etc. Here, memory 203 may be, for example, non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), magnetic disk, flexible disk, optical disk, compact disk, minidisc, DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) and its drive device, or any storage medium used in the future.

[0087] The above describes a configuration in which each function of the main radio unit 73, etc., is realized by either hardware or software. However, this is not the only configuration; some parts of the main radio unit 73, etc., may be realized by dedicated hardware, and other parts by software, etc. For example, the switching comparison unit 77 can be realized by a processing circuit as dedicated hardware, while the other functions can be realized by a processing circuit 201 as a processor 202, which reads and executes a program stored in memory 203. As described above, the processing circuit can realize each of the above functions by hardware, software, etc., or a combination thereof.

[0088] Furthermore, it is possible to freely combine each embodiment, or to modify or omit each embodiment as appropriate.

[0089] The various aspects of this disclosure are summarized below as an appendix.

[0090] (Note 1) A radio device installed on a train traveling from the first operating line toward the second operating line connected to the first operating line, Multiple first base stations are provided along the first operating route and communicate wirelessly with the wireless device using a first communication method while the train is traveling along the first operating route, The system comprises a plurality of second base stations provided along the second operating route, which communicate wirelessly with the wireless device using a second communication method while the train is traveling along the second operating route, The wireless device comprises a first wireless unit and a second wireless unit. The first wireless unit communicates wirelessly with the plurality of first base stations using the first communication method while the train is traveling along the first operating line. The second radio unit remains in a standby state for communication using the first communication method until the train reaches a first switching point located a predetermined distance before the boundary between the first and second operating routes, and when the train reaches the first switching point, it switches the communication method from the first communication method to the second communication method. Train radio system.

[0091] (Note 2) The second radio unit is in a communication standby state using the second communication method from the time the train reaches the first switching point until it reaches the boundary. The train radio system described in Appendix 1.

[0092] (Note 3) When the train reaches the boundary, the first radio unit switches the communication method from the first communication method to the second communication method and enters a standby state for communication using the second communication method, and the second radio unit starts communication using the second communication method. The train radio system described in Appendix 2.

[0093] (Note 4) When the aforementioned train reaches the boundary, if a preceding train is traveling between the boundary and a second switching point a predetermined distance ahead of the boundary, the first radio unit maintains the first communication method, and the second radio unit maintains a communication standby state in the second communication method. When the preceding train passes the second switching point, the first radio unit switches the communication method from the first communication method to the second communication method and enters a standby state for communication using the second communication method, and the second radio unit starts communication using the second communication method. The train radio system described in Appendix 3.

[0094] (Note 5) A radio device installed on a train traveling from the first operating line toward the second operating line connected to the first operating line, Multiple first base stations are provided along the first operating route and communicate wirelessly with the wireless device using a first communication method while the train is traveling along the first operating route, The system comprises a plurality of second base stations provided along the second operating route, which communicate wirelessly with the wireless device using a second communication method while the train is traveling along the second operating route, The wireless device is The 1st Radio Section and, The 2nd Radio Section and, An external power supply unit that supplies power to the wireless device from an external power supply, which is an external power source for the train, The system includes a battery that supplies power to the wireless device when there is no power supply to the train from the external power source, While the train is traveling along the first operating line, the first radio unit communicates wirelessly with the plurality of first base stations using the first communication method, and the second radio unit is in a communication standby state using the first communication method. When the train arrives at the boundary station between the first operating line and the second operating line, and the primary power source for the train switches from the external power source to the battery, the second radio unit switches the communication method from the first communication method to the second communication method and enters a communication standby state using the second communication method. When the primary power source for the train switches from the battery to the external power source at the boundary station, the first radio unit switches the communication method from the first communication method to the second communication method and enters a communication standby state for the second communication method, and the second radio unit starts communication using the second communication method. Train radio system.

[0095] (Note 6) A radio device installed on a train traveling from a first operating line toward a second operating line connected to the first operating line, While the train is traveling along the first operating line, it communicates wirelessly with a plurality of first base stations installed along the first operating line using a first communication method. While the aforementioned train is traveling along the second operating line, it communicates wirelessly with a plurality of second base stations installed along the second operating line using a second communication method. It is equipped with a first radio unit and a second radio unit, The first wireless unit communicates wirelessly with the plurality of first base stations using the first communication method while the train is traveling along the first operating line. The second radio unit remains in a standby state for communication using the first communication method until the train reaches a first switching point located a predetermined distance before the boundary between the first and second operating routes, and when the train reaches the first switching point, it switches the communication method from the first communication method to the second communication method. Radio equipment. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0096] 2a Company A base station, 2b Company B base station, 3a Company A command room, 3b Company B command room, 4a Company A central equipment, 4b Company B central equipment, 5a, 5b command console, 6 ground beacon, 8 on-board control device, 9 position detector, 10 driver's cab, 11 train, 11L preceding train, 11X target train, 12 train position sharing device, 71, 72 antenna unit, 73 main radio unit, 74 sub-radio unit, 75 radio system data storage unit, 76 switching control unit, 77 switching comparison unit, 78 power supply unit, 81 running information data, 201 processing circuit, 202 processor, 203 memory, 701 radio device, 702 radio device, 751 radio system data, 771 switching condition data, 781 battery, 782 external power supply unit, 1001, 1002, 1003 train radio system, C boundary, C1 Boundary station, D1 first switching point, D2 second switching point, Ra, Rb tracks, SA A company operated line, SB B company operated line.

Claims

1. A radio device installed on a train traveling from the first operating line toward the second operating line connected to the first operating line, A plurality of first base stations are provided along the first operating route and communicate wirelessly with the wireless device using a first communication method while the train is traveling along the first operating route, The system comprises a plurality of second base stations provided along the second operating route, which communicate wirelessly with the wireless device using a second communication method while the train is traveling along the second operating route, The wireless device comprises a first wireless unit and a second wireless unit. The first wireless unit communicates wirelessly with the plurality of first base stations using the first communication method while the train is traveling along the first operating line. The second radio unit remains in a standby state for communication using the first communication method until the train reaches a first switching point located a predetermined distance before the boundary between the first and second operating routes. When the train reaches the first switching point, the communication method is switched from the first communication method to the second communication method. The second radio unit is in a communication standby state using the second communication method from the time the train reaches the first switching point until it reaches the boundary. Train radio system.

2. When the train reaches the boundary, the first radio unit switches the communication method from the first communication method to the second communication method and enters a standby state for communication using the second communication method, and the second radio unit starts communication using the second communication method. The train radio system according to claim 1.

3. When the aforementioned train reaches the boundary, if a preceding train is traveling between the boundary and a second switching point a predetermined distance ahead of the boundary, the first radio unit maintains the first communication method, and the second radio unit maintains a communication standby state in the second communication method. When the preceding train passes the second switching point, the first radio unit switches the communication method from the first communication method to the second communication method and enters a standby state for communication using the second communication method, and the second radio unit starts communication using the second communication method. The train radio system according to claim 2.

4. A radio device installed on a train traveling from the first operating line toward the second operating line connected to the first operating line, A plurality of first base stations are provided along the first operating route and communicate wirelessly with the wireless device using a first communication method while the train is traveling along the first operating route, The system comprises a plurality of second base stations provided along the second operating route, which communicate wirelessly with the wireless device using a second communication method while the train is traveling along the second operating route, The wireless device is The first radio section and, The Second Radio Section and, An external power supply unit that supplies power to the wireless device from an external power supply, which is an external power source for the train, The system includes a battery that supplies power to the wireless device when there is no power supply to the train from the external power source, While the train is traveling along the first operating line, the first radio unit communicates wirelessly with the plurality of first base stations using the first communication method, and the second radio unit is in a communication standby state using the first communication method. When the train arrives at the boundary station between the first operating line and the second operating line, and the primary power source for the train switches from the external power source to the battery, the second radio unit switches the communication method from the first communication method to the second communication method and enters a communication standby state using the second communication method. When the primary power source for the train switches from the battery to the external power source at the boundary station, the first radio unit switches the communication method from the first communication method to the second communication method and enters a communication standby state for the second communication method, and the second radio unit starts communication using the second communication method. Train radio system.

5. A radio device mounted on a train traveling from a first operating line toward a second operating line connected to the first operating line, While the train is traveling along the first operating line, it communicates wirelessly with a plurality of first base stations installed along the first operating line using a first communication method. While the aforementioned train is traveling along the second operating line, it communicates wirelessly with a plurality of second base stations installed along the second operating line using a second communication method. It is equipped with a first radio unit and a second radio unit, The first wireless unit communicates wirelessly with the plurality of first base stations using the first communication method while the train is traveling along the first operating line. The second radio unit remains in a standby state for communication using the first communication method until the train reaches a first switching point located a predetermined distance before the boundary between the first and second operating routes. When the train reaches the first switching point, the communication method is switched from the first communication method to the second communication method. The second radio unit is in a communication standby state using the second communication method from the time the train reaches the first switching point until it reaches the boundary. Radio equipment.

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