Level crossing obstacle detection system and level crossing control device

Abstract

To precisely stop obstacle detection without causing prolongation of a detection exclusion time like a timer system and without requiring additional equipment such as a train detection system.SOLUTION: In a railroad crossing obstacle detection system 1, a central device 10 repeatedly calculates a scheduled alarm start time of railroad crossing safety equipment 5 and a scheduled detection stop time of a railroad crossing obstacle detection device 30 to notify a railroad crossing control device 20 of them on the basis of the acquired latest on-rail position of a train 9, and notifies the railroad crossing control device 20 of train passage in the case of determining that the train 9 passes through a railroad crossing 3. The railroad crossing control device 20 updates and stores the repeatedly notified scheduled alarm start time and scheduled detection stop time, makes the railroad crossing safety equipment 5 start an alarm when the stored latest scheduled alarm start time has come, ends the alarm according to the reception of notification of train passage, makes the railroad crossing obstacle detection device 30 start obstacle detection when the stored latest scheduled alarm start time has come, and makes the same stop the obstacle detection according to the arrival of the stored latest scheduled detection stop time.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a level crossing obstacle detection system and the like. [Background Art]

[0002] A level crossing obstacle detection device installed at a level crossing starts detection after an alarm is triggered (the activation of the level crossing alarm and the lowering of the level crossing barrier gates), and employs a mechanism to stop obstacle detection before a train enters the level crossing to avoid falsely detecting the train passing through the level crossing as an obstacle. Known methods for achieving stop of obstacle detection include a timer method, in which a timer circuit is provided in the level crossing obstacle detection device to stop detection when a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of detection, and a train detection method, in which a train detector is installed before the level crossing and detection is stopped when the train detector detects a train (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2017-124731 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] Incidentally, with the timer method, if the arrival of the train at the level crossing is delayed due to a decrease in the traveling speed (deceleration) of the train, the detection exclusion period from the stop of detection to the arrival of the train at the level crossing is extended, which poses the problem that during this period, vehicles or people that have entered the level crossing cannot be detected, increasing the possibility of a level crossing accident. Furthermore, with the train detection method, in addition to requiring reliability of the train detector installed as auxiliary equipment, appropriate countermeasures are required when the train detector fails.

[0005] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to propose a new technology that enables accurate stopping of obstacles without the long detection exclusion period that occurs with timer-based systems, and without the need for auxiliary equipment like train detection systems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The first invention for solving the above problem is: A level crossing obstacle detection system comprising a level crossing control device that controls the operation of level crossing safety equipment and level crossing obstacle detection devices related to level crossings, and a central device that acquires information on the location of trains via wireless communication at any time, The aforementioned central device is A warning start time calculation and notification means (for example, the warning start time calculation and notification unit 204 in Figure 3) repeatedly calculates the scheduled alarm start time of the level crossing safety equipment based on the latest acquired occupancy position and notifies the level crossing control device, A detection stop scheduled time calculation and notification means (for example, the detection stop scheduled time calculation and notification unit 206 in Figure 3) repeatedly calculates the scheduled time for detection stop of the level crossing obstacle detection device based on the latest acquired location of the railway occupant and notifies the level crossing control device, A train passage notification means (for example, the train passage notification unit 208 in Figure 3) determines whether the train has passed the level crossing based on the latest acquired location of the train, and if it is determined that the train has passed, it notifies the level crossing control device of the train's passage. It has, The aforementioned level crossing control device is A storage means for updating and storing the repeatedly notified alarm start time and detection stop time (for example, the control scheduled time data 602 in Figure 3), An alarm control means (for example, the alarm control unit 504 in Figure 3) that causes the level crossing safety equipment to start an alarm when the latest scheduled alarm start time stored in the storage means arrives, and terminates the alarm in response to the receipt of notification of the train passing, An obstacle detection control means (for example, the obstacle detection control unit 506 in Figure 3) causes the level crossing obstacle detection device to start obstacle detection when the latest scheduled alarm start time stored in the storage means arrives, and stops obstacle detection when the latest scheduled detection stop time stored in the storage means arrives, Having This is a level crossing obstacle detection system.

[0007] Other inventions include, A level crossing obstacle detection system comprising: a level crossing control device that controls the operation of level crossing safety equipment and level crossing obstacle detection devices related to level crossings; and a central device that acquires information on the location of trains via wireless communication at any time, the level crossing control device of a level crossing obstacle detection system, The central device includes: a notification means for calculating and notifying the scheduled alarm start time of the level crossing safety equipment based on the latest acquired location of the train, and repeatedly calculating the scheduled alarm start time of the level crossing safety equipment and notifying the level crossing control device; a notification means for calculating and notifying the scheduled detection stop time of the level crossing obstacle detection device based on the latest acquired location of the train, and determining whether the train has passed the level crossing based on the latest acquired location of the train, and notifying the level crossing control device of the train's passage if it is determined that the train has passed. A storage means for updating and storing the scheduled alarm start time and the scheduled detection stop time, which are repeatedly notified from the central device, Alarm control means that causes the level crossing safety equipment to start an alarm when the latest scheduled alarm start time stored in the storage means arrives, and terminates the alarm in response to the receipt of notification of the train passing, Obstacle detection control means that causes the level crossing obstacle detection device to start obstacle detection when the latest scheduled alarm start time stored in the storage means arrives, and stops obstacle detection when the latest scheduled detection stop time stored in the storage means arrives, A level crossing control device may be configured to include the following:

[0008] According to the first invention, accurate stopping of obstacle detection can be achieved without the prolonged detection exclusion period that occurs in timer-based systems, and without the need for auxiliary equipment like in train detection systems. Specifically, the alarm start time and detection stop time, which are repeatedly calculated by the central device based on the latest train location, are notified to and stored in the level crossing control device. When the stored alarm start time arrives, the level crossing control device causes the level crossing obstacle detection device to start detecting obstacles, and when the stored detection stop time arrives, it causes the level crossing obstacle detection device to stop detecting obstacles. The detection stop time can be the time when the train is expected to reach the position where obstacle detection should be stopped.

[0009] The central unit repeatedly calculates the scheduled detection stop time and notifies the level crossing control device, allowing for flexible changes to the timing of when the level crossing obstacle detection device stops detecting obstacles (scheduled detection stop time). For example, if it is expected that the time it takes for a train approaching the level crossing to reach the obstacle detection stop position will be delayed due to a decrease in the train's speed, the scheduled detection stop time can be calculated to be delayed, thus delaying the timing of obstacle detection. This enables precise control, such as stopping obstacle detection just before the train reaches the level crossing. This system avoids the long detection exclusion period that can occur with timer-based systems, and does not require auxiliary equipment like train detection systems.

[0010] The second invention is, in the above invention, The alarm start time calculation and notification means repeatedly calculates the alarm start time for each direction (up and down) and notifies the level crossing control device. The detection stop scheduled time calculation and notification means repeatedly calculates the detection stop scheduled time for each direction and notifies the level crossing control device, The train passage notification means determines whether a train has passed the level crossing in each direction and notifies the level crossing control device of the train's passage. The storage means updates and stores the scheduled alarm start time and the scheduled detection stop time for each direction. Said alarm control means is configured to, in a two-direction railroad crossing passing event where the scheduled alarm start time for the other direction of up and down arrives after starting the alarm related to one of the up and down directions and before receiving the notification of train passage related to said one direction, continue the alarm until both the notification of train passage related to said one direction and the notification of train passage related to said other direction are received, Said obstacle detection control means is configured to, in said two-direction railroad crossing passing event, start the obstacle detection when the notification of train passage related to said one direction is received before the scheduled detection stop time related to said other direction arrives, and stop the obstacle detection in response to the arrival of the scheduled detection stop time related to said other direction, which is a railroad crossing obstacle detection system.

[0011] According to a second invention, accurate start and stop of obstacle detection can be realized even for a railroad crossing through which trains pass in both up and down directions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of the railroad crossing obstacle detection system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing processing of the railroad crossing obstacle detection system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a functional configuration diagram of the railroad crossing obstacle detection system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a configuration example of a railroad crossing according to a second embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a time chart showing operations of the railroad crossing obstacle detection system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a time chart showing operations of the railroad crossing obstacle detection system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing processing of a railroad crossing control apparatus according to the second embodiment. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0013] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the applicable forms of the present invention are not limited to the following embodiments. Furthermore, in the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0014] [First Embodiment] <Overall Structure> Figure 1 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of the level crossing obstacle detection system 1 in the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the level crossing obstacle detection system 1 is configured such that the central device 10 and the level crossing control device 20 are connected to each other via a communication line N. The communication line N is a wireless communication network such as a mobile phone network or a wireless LAN, and may be configured using so-called public wireless communication.

[0015] The central device 10 is installed, for example, in a central control center and continuously acquires information on the location of each train 9 within the target line from the onboard equipment of each train 9, and comprehensively controls train operations in the target line, such as location management and route configuration. The onboard equipment of train 9 can calculate its own location, for example, based on the rotational speed measured by a speed generator attached to the axle, or by receiving GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) satellite signals.

[0016] Furthermore, the central device 10 controls the start and end of the alarm at the level crossing 3. Specifically, based on the position of each train 9, it repeatedly calculates the scheduled alarm start time for the level crossing 3 and notifies the level crossing control device 20 of the start of the alarm. When it determines that a train 9 has passed the level crossing 3, it notifies the level crossing control device 20 of the train's passage. The scheduled alarm start time is the time when the train 9 is expected to reach the alarm start position, which is set on the approach side of the level crossing 3, if it is traveling at a predetermined speed (for example, the maximum speed of the line). The passage of a train is determined by its arrival at the alarm end position, which is set on the exit side of the level crossing 3. The determination of arrival at the alarm end position may be based on the position of the train 9, or it may be detected by a train detector installed at the alarm end position.

[0017] Furthermore, the central device 10 provides time information for controlling the deactivation of obstacle detection at the level crossing 3. Specifically, in order to calculate the latest scheduled detection deactivation time for stopping obstacle detection at the level crossing 3 based on the latest location of the train 9, the central device repeatedly calculates the scheduled detection deactivation time based on the location of each train 9 and notifies the level crossing control device 20. The scheduled detection deactivation time is the time when the train 9 is expected to reach the obstacle detection deactivation position, which is defined between the alarm start position and the level crossing 3, if it travels at a predetermined speed (for example, the maximum speed of the line) from its latest location.

[0018] The level crossing control device 20 is installed near the corresponding level crossing 3 and controls the operation of level crossing safety equipment 5, such as level crossing warning devices and level crossing barriers, and the level crossing obstacle detection device 30 related to the level crossing 3. Specifically, it updates and stores the scheduled alarm start time and the scheduled detection stop time, which are repeatedly notified from the central device 10, to the latest time. Then, as part of the operation control of the level crossing safety equipment 5, when the stored scheduled alarm start time arrives, the level crossing safety equipment 5 starts the alarm, and then when the central device 10 notifies it that a train has passed the level crossing, the level crossing safety equipment 5 stops the alarm. The start of the alarm is indicated by the sounding of the level crossing warning device or the lowering of the level crossing barrier. The end of the alarm is indicated by the cessation of the sounding of the level crossing warning device or the raising of the level crossing barrier.

[0019] Furthermore, the level crossing control device 20 controls the operation of the level crossing obstacle detection device 30. When the stored alarm start time arrives, it causes the level crossing obstacle detection device 30 to start detecting obstacles, and when the detection stop time arrives, it causes the level crossing obstacle detection device 30 to stop detecting obstacles. In other words, obstacle detection by the level crossing obstacle detection device 30 starts at the same time as the alarm of the level crossing safety equipment 5 starts. Since the obstacle detection stop position is set on the entry side of the level crossing 3, obstacle detection stops before the train 9 reaches the level crossing 3, and the train 9 enters the level crossing 3. The alarm then ends after the train 9 has passed the level crossing 3. Alternatively, the level crossing obstacle detection device 30 may be set to start detecting obstacles when the level crossing barrier has finished lowering (blocking complete), or it may be set to start detecting obstacles after a certain period of time has elapsed from the scheduled alarm start time until the lowering of the level crossing barrier is complete. When the level crossing obstacle detection device 30 detects an obstacle, it performs a predetermined operation, such as outputting a notification signal to the special signal lighter 7.

[0020] <Processing flow> Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating the processing flow related to level crossing 3 performed by the level crossing obstacle detection system 1. Figure 2 shows the processing when train 9 passes through level crossing 3. The processing of the central device 10 is shown on the left, and the processing of the level crossing control device 20 is shown on the right.

[0021] The central device 10 calculates the scheduled alarm start time for the level crossing 3 based on the position of the train 9 (step S1). The central device 10 also calculates the scheduled detection stop time for the level crossing 3 based on the position of the train 9 (step S2). The central device 10 then notifies the level crossing control device 20 of the calculated scheduled alarm start time and scheduled detection stop time (step S3). The central device 10 repeats these steps S1 to S3 until the scheduled alarm start time arrives (step S5: NO). As the position of the train 9 changes while the scheduled alarm start time and scheduled detection stop time are repeatedly calculated (for example, it gradually approaches the alarm start position), the more recent the scheduled alarm start time, the more accurately the time it will reach the alarm start position is predicted, and the more recent the scheduled detection stop time, the more accurately the time it will reach the obstacle detection stop position is predicted.

[0022] When the level crossing control device 20 receives notification from the central device 10 of the scheduled alarm start time and the scheduled detection stop time, it updates and stores the scheduled alarm start time and the scheduled detection stop time (step S31). The level crossing control device 20 repeats this process in step S31 until the stored scheduled alarm start time arrives (step S33: NO). When the stored scheduled alarm start time arrives (step S33: YES), the level crossing control device 20 causes the level crossing safety equipment 5 to start an alarm (step S35) and the level crossing obstacle detection device 30 to start obstacle detection (step S37). Even if the latest scheduled alarm start time calculated by the central device 10 cannot be received by the level crossing control device 20 due to a temporary failure in communication between the central device 10 and the level crossing control device 20 for any reason, the level crossing control device 20 can still cause the level crossing obstacle detection device 30 to start obstacle detection based on the already stored scheduled alarm start time. Furthermore, even if, after the level crossing obstacle detection device 30 has started detecting obstacles (after step S37 has been executed), the communication between the central device 10 and the level crossing control device 20 temporarily malfunctions for some reason, and the latest scheduled detection stop time calculated by the central device 10 cannot be received by the level crossing control device 20 (if step S39 is not executed), the level crossing control device 20 can still have the level crossing obstacle detection device 30 stop detecting obstacles based on the scheduled detection stop time that it has already stored.

[0023] Furthermore, when the scheduled alarm start time arrives (Step S5: YES), the central device 10 calculates the scheduled detection stop time for the level crossing 3 based on the position of the train 9 (Step S7), and notifies the level crossing control device 20 of the calculated scheduled detection stop time (Step S9). The central device 10 repeats this process from Step S7 to S9 until the scheduled detection stop time arrives (Step S11: NO). As the position of the train 9 changes while the scheduled detection stop time is repeatedly calculated (for example, it gradually approaches the obstacle detection stop position), the more recent the scheduled detection stop time, the more accurately the time it will reach the obstacle detection stop position is predicted.

[0024] When the level crossing control device 20 receives notification of the scheduled detection stop time from the central device 10, it updates and stores the scheduled detection stop time (step S39). The level crossing control device 20 repeats this process in step S39 until the stored scheduled detection stop time arrives (step S41: NO). When the stored scheduled detection stop time arrives (step S41: YES), the level crossing control device 20 instructs the level crossing obstacle detection device 30 to stop obstacle detection (step S43). Even if the latest scheduled detection stop time calculated by the central device 10 cannot be received by the level crossing control device 20 due to a temporary failure in communication between the central device 10 and the level crossing control device 20 for any reason, the level crossing control device 20 can still instruct the level crossing obstacle detection device 30 to stop obstacle detection based on the scheduled detection stop time already stored.

[0025] Furthermore, when the scheduled detection stop time arrives (Step S11: YES), the central device 10 determines whether the train 9 has passed through the level crossing 3, and if it determines that the train has passed (Step S13: YES), it notifies the level crossing control device 20 of the train's passage (Step S15). When the level crossing control device 20 is notified of the train's passage from the central device 10, it terminates the alarm to the level crossing safety equipment 5 (Step S45).

[0026] <Functional Configuration> Figure 3 shows an example of the functional configuration of the level crossing obstacle detection system 1. As shown in Figure 3, the level crossing obstacle detection system 1 is configured such that the central device 10 and the level crossing control device 20 are connected to each other via a communication line N.

[0027] The central unit 10 comprises a communication unit 102, a clock unit 104, a processing unit 200, and a storage unit 300.

[0028] The communication unit 102 is implemented using a wireless communication device and communicates with external devices such as the onboard equipment of the train 9 and the level crossing control device 20 via the communication line N.

[0029] The clock unit 104 is composed of an oscillation circuit having a crystal oscillator, and performs functions such as measuring the current time and the elapsed time from a specified timing. Furthermore, it can also correct the current time using accurate time information obtained by receiving GNSS satellite signals.

[0030] The processing unit 200 is implemented by an arithmetic unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and performs overall control of the central device 10 by issuing instructions and transferring data to each part constituting the central device 10 based on programs and data stored in the storage unit 300. In addition, the processing unit 200 has, as functional units according to this embodiment, a train position acquisition unit 202, an alarm start time calculation and notification unit 204, a detection stop time calculation and notification unit 206, and a train passing notification unit 208. However, these functional units can also be configured as independent arithmetic circuits using ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) or FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), etc.

[0031] The train position acquisition unit 202 acquires information on the train's location from train 9 via wireless communication as needed. In other words, it acquires the location of train 9 from the onboard equipment of train 9 via wireless communication through the communication line N as needed. The acquired location information is managed as location information 302. For each train located within the target line section, the location information 302 stores information such as the direction of travel and location, associated with the train number.

[0032] The alarm start time calculation and notification unit 204 repeatedly calculates the alarm start time for the level crossing safety equipment 5 based on the latest acquired track position and notifies the level crossing control device 20. In other words, it calculates the time at which train 9 is expected to reach the alarm start position designated on the approach side of level crossing 3, assuming it travels at the maximum speed determined by train 9 and the railway line, from its latest track position. The calculated alarm start time is then notified to the level crossing control device 20 corresponding to level crossing 3. The alarm start position is determined in the track database 304. The latest calculated alarm start time is stored in the level crossing control data 306.

[0033] The detection stop scheduled time calculation and notification unit 206 repeatedly calculates the detection stop scheduled time for the level crossing obstacle detection device 30 based on the latest acquired track position and notifies the level crossing control device 20. In other words, it calculates the time it is predicted that train 9 will reach the obstacle detection stop position, which is defined between the alarm start position and the level crossing 3, from its latest track position, if it is traveling at the maximum speed determined by the train 9 and the railway line section, as the detection stop scheduled time. The calculated detection stop scheduled time is then notified to the level crossing control device 20 corresponding to the level crossing 3. The obstacle detection stop position is defined in the track database 304. The latest calculated detection stop scheduled time is stored in the level crossing control data 306.

[0034] The train passage notification unit 208 determines whether train 9 has passed through level crossing 3 based on the latest track position it has acquired, and if it determines that train 9 has passed, it notifies the level crossing control device 20 of the train passage. In other words, it determines whether train 9 has passed through level crossing 3 based on whether the latest track position of train 9 has reached the alarm termination position set on the approach side of level crossing 3. The determination of whether train 9 has reached the alarm termination position may also be made by detection by a train detector installed at the alarm termination position. The alarm termination position is set in the track database 304.

[0035] The storage unit 300 is implemented using a storage device such as a hard disk, ROM (Read Only Memory), or RAM (Random Access Memory), and stores programs and data for the processing unit 200 to comprehensively control the central device 10. The storage unit 300 is also used as a workspace for the processing unit 200, and temporarily stores calculation results executed by the processing unit 200 according to various programs, as well as input data via the communication unit 102. In this embodiment, the storage unit 300 stores railway occupancy information 302, a track database 304, and level crossing control data 306.

[0036] The track database 304 is a database of tracks within the target line section and includes a level crossing database for level crossing 3. For each level crossing 3 within the target line section, the level crossing database stores the alarm start position, alarm end position, and obstacle detection stop position, associated with the level crossing ID. Each of these positions is expressed, for example, in kilometers.

[0037] The level crossing control data 306 is data for controlling level crossings 3 within the target railway line. For each level crossing 3, it stores the latest scheduled alarm start time calculated by the alarm start time calculation and notification unit 204, and the latest scheduled detection stop time calculated by the detection stop time calculation and notification unit 206, associated with the level crossing ID.

[0038] The level crossing control device 20 includes a communication unit 402, a clock unit 404, a processing unit 500, and a storage unit 600.

[0039] The communication unit 402 is implemented using wireless communication equipment and communicates with external devices such as the central unit 10 via the communication line N.

[0040] The clock unit 404 is composed of an oscillation circuit having a crystal oscillator, and performs functions such as measuring the current time and the elapsed time from a specified timing. Furthermore, it can also correct the current time using accurate time information obtained by receiving GNSS satellite signals.

[0041] The processing unit 500, as a functional unit according to this embodiment, includes a scheduled time update storage control unit 502, an alarm control unit 504, and an obstacle detection control unit 506.

[0042] The scheduled time update storage control unit 502 performs control to update and store the scheduled alarm start time and the scheduled detection stop time, which are repeatedly notified from the central device 10, as scheduled control time data 602.

[0043] The alarm control unit 504 initiates an alarm on the level crossing safety equipment 5 when the latest stored alarm start time arrives, and terminates the alarm upon receiving notification of a train passing. In other words, when the alarm start time stored as the control schedule time data 602 arrives, it initiates an alarm on the level crossing safety equipment 5, and terminates the alarm on the level crossing safety equipment 5 when the central device 10 notifies it of a train passing.

[0044] The obstacle detection control unit 506 causes the level crossing obstacle detection device 30 to start obstacle detection when the latest stored alarm start time arrives, and stops obstacle detection when the latest stored detection stop time arrives. In other words, when the alarm start time stored as the control schedule time data 602 arrives, the level crossing obstacle detection device 30 starts obstacle detection, and when the detection stop time arrives, the level crossing obstacle detection device 30 stops obstacle detection.

[0045] The memory unit 600 stores the scheduled control time data 602.

[0046] [Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment is a double-track level crossing in which trains in both the uphill and downhill directions pass through the level crossing. In the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for components that are the same as those in the first embodiment described above, and detailed descriptions are omitted or simplified.

[0047] <Structure of a level crossing> Figure 4 shows an example of a level crossing 3 in the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, in a double-track level crossing 3, the alarm start position, obstacle detection stop position, and alarm end position are defined for both the uphill and downhill directions.

[0048] The central device 10, in parallel for both the uphill and downhill directions, repeatedly performs the following actions based on the position of each train 9 in that direction: 1) calculate the scheduled alarm start time and notify the level crossing control device 20; 2) calculate the scheduled detection stop time and notify the level crossing control device 20; and 3) determine whether a train has passed (reached the alarm end position) and notify the level crossing control device 20.

[0049] The level crossing control device 20 controls the operation of the level crossing safety equipment 5 and the level crossing obstacle detection device 30 based on the scheduled alarm start time, the scheduled detection stop time, and the train passage, which are notified separately for the up and down directions. Specifically, in a bidirectional level crossing event where the scheduled alarm start time for the other direction arrives before notification of train passage for the up or down direction is received after the alarm for one direction has been started, the alarm is controlled to continue until both notification of train passage for the one direction and notification of train passage for the other direction are received. Another characteristic control of obstacle detection is the control when the level crossing periods in a bidirectional level crossing event do not overlap. In this case, notification of train passage for one direction is received before the scheduled detection stop time for the other direction arrives, and in this case, obstacle detection is started in response to the receipt of notification of train passage for the one direction, and obstacle detection is stopped in response to the arrival of the scheduled detection stop time for the other direction. This will be explained in detail with reference to Figures 5 and 6.

[0050] <Time Chart> The control of the level crossing control device 20 in the event of passing through a level crossing in both directions will be explained in detail. First, Figure 5 is a time chart showing an example of warning control and obstacle detection control by the level crossing control device 20, and is an example in which the level crossing period overlaps in the event of passing through a level crossing in both directions. In Figure 5, with the horizontal direction as a common time, the presence or absence of each control is shown from top to bottom: warning control for the down direction (down train), obstacle detection control, warning control for the up direction (down train), and obstacle detection control.

[0051] In the example shown in Figure 5, the southbound train reaches and passes through level crossing 3 first, while the northbound train arrives. In other words, when considering the warning period from the start to the end of the warning for each direction, there is some overlap, and there is also some overlap in the period during which trains in each direction pass through the level crossing (level crossing passage period).

[0052] In this case, the alarm is activated and obstacle detection begins based on the scheduled alarm start time Ta for the first arriving downbound train. Subsequently, the scheduled alarm start time Td for the upbound train arrives, but no special control is performed as the alarm and obstacle detection have already started. Next, obstacle detection is stopped based on the scheduled detection stop time Tb for the first arriving downbound train. The period from the scheduled alarm start time Ta to the scheduled detection stop time Tb is the obstacle detection period. Subsequently, the scheduled detection stop time Te for the upbound train arrives, but no special control is performed as obstacle detection has already stopped. After that, the alarm ends at the point Tf when both the downbound train and the upbound train have passed level crossing 3. In other words, the system is controlled to continue the alarm until it receives notification of both a train passing in one direction and a train passing in the other direction.

[0053] In the example shown in Figure 5, if the southbound train that arrives at level crossing 3 arrives earlier than expected, or the northbound train that arrives later arrives later, it is possible that the warning periods will overlap, but the periods during which trains pass the level crossing will not overlap.

[0054] Figure 6 is a time chart showing an example of warning control and obstacle detection control by the level crossing control device 20, in which the level crossing passage periods do not overlap in events where trains pass through the level crossing in both directions. Similar to Figure 5, the horizontal direction is a common time, and from top to bottom, it shows the presence or absence of each control: warning control for the down direction (down train), obstacle detection control, warning control for the up direction (down train), and obstacle detection control. The difference from the example in Figure 5 is that the level crossing passage periods for the down direction and the up direction do not overlap.

[0055] In the example shown in Figure 6, at the time Tc when the southbound train, which arrived at level crossing 3 first, passes level crossing 3, the scheduled detection stop time Te for the northbound train, which arrived at level crossing 3 later, has not yet arrived. In this case, obstacle detection is started (restarted) at the time Tc when the southbound train passes level crossing 3, and then stopped at the scheduled detection stop time Te for the northbound train. Such obstacle detection control is effective at level crossings like level crossing 3, which are often referred to as "level crossings that are always closed." For example, it is an effective control for preventing level crossing accidents by detecting pedestrians attempting to cross level crossing 3 because a train 9 is not approaching, even though the level crossing barrier is down.

[0056] <Processing flow> Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the processing flow of the level crossing control device 20 in the second embodiment. Note that the updating and storage of the scheduled alarm start time and the scheduled detection stop time in response to notifications from the central device 10 is the same as in the first embodiment (see Figure 2) and is therefore omitted from the illustration. Furthermore, the control of the central device 10 is the same as in the first embodiment (see Figure 2) and is executed in parallel for the up and down directions, so it is also omitted from the illustration.

[0057] According to Figure 7, when the scheduled alarm start time for one of the two directions, downhill or uphill, arrives (Step S51: YES), the level crossing control device 20 causes the level crossing safety equipment 5 to start an alarm (Step S53) and the level crossing obstacle detection device 30 to start obstacle detection (Step S55). Then, when the scheduled detection stop time for that direction arrives (Step S57: YES), the level crossing obstacle detection device 30 stops obstacle detection (Step S59).

[0058] Next, if notification of the passage of a train in that direction is received (Step S61: YES), it is determined whether the scheduled time for stopping detection for the other direction has arrived. If the scheduled time for stopping detection for the other direction has not yet arrived (Step S63: YES), the level crossing obstacle detection device 30 is instructed to start obstacle detection (Step S65). Subsequently, if the scheduled time for stopping detection for the other direction has arrived (Step S67: YES), the level crossing obstacle detection device 30 is instructed to stop obstacle detection (Step S69). After that, if notification of the passage of a train in the other direction is received, and notification of the passage of trains in both directions is received (Step S71: YES), the level crossing safety equipment 5 is instructed to terminate the alarm (Step S73).

[0059] [Effects and Effects] According to this embodiment, accurate stopping of obstacle detection can be achieved without the long detection exclusion period that occurs with timer-based systems, and without the need for auxiliary equipment like train detection systems. Specifically, the alarm start time and detection stop time, which are repeatedly calculated by the central device 10 based on the latest track position, are notified to and stored in the level crossing control device 20. When the stored alarm start time arrives, the level crossing control device 20 causes the level crossing obstacle detection device 30 to start obstacle detection, and when the stored detection stop time arrives, the level crossing obstacle detection device 30 causes obstacle detection to stop. The detection stop time can be the time when the train 9 is expected to reach the position where obstacle detection is to be stopped.

[0060] The central device 10 repeatedly calculates the scheduled detection stop time and notifies the level crossing control device 20, allowing for flexible changes to the timing (scheduled detection stop time) at which the level crossing obstacle detection device 30 stops detecting obstacles. For example, if it is expected that the time it takes for a train approaching the level crossing to reach the obstacle detection stop position will be delayed due to a decrease in the train's speed, the scheduled detection stop time can be calculated to be delayed, thereby delaying the timing of obstacle detection. This enables precise control, such as stopping obstacle detection just before the train 9 reaches the level crossing 3. This method avoids the long detection exclusion period that can occur with timer-based systems and does not require auxiliary equipment like train detection systems.

[0061] It should be noted that the applicable embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0062] 1…Level crossing obstacle detection system 10…Central device 200... Processing Unit 202...Train position acquisition section 204... Alarm Start Time Calculation and Notification Unit 206...Detection Stop Scheduled Time Calculation and Notification Unit 208...Train passing notification section 300...Storage section 302…Line location information 304...Railway Track Database 306...Level crossing control data 20... Level crossing control device 500... Processing Unit 502...Scheduled Time Update Memory Control Unit 504... Alarm Control Unit 506... Obstacle Detection Control Unit 600...Storage section 602...Control scheduled time data 30... Level crossing obstacle detection device 3... railroad crossing 5…Level crossing safety equipment 7…Special signal flashing device 9... Train

Claims

1. A level crossing obstacle detection system comprising a level crossing control device that controls the operation of level crossing safety equipment and level crossing obstacle detection devices related to level crossings, and a central device that acquires information on the location of trains via wireless communication at any time, The aforementioned central device is A warning start time calculation and notification means that repeatedly calculates the scheduled alarm start time of the level crossing safety equipment based on the latest acquired location of the railway occupant and notifies the level crossing control device, A detection stop time calculation and notification means that repeatedly calculates the scheduled time for detection stop of the level crossing obstacle detection device based on the latest acquired location of the railway occupant and notifies the level crossing control device, A train passage notification means that determines whether the train has passed the level crossing based on the latest acquired location of the train, and if it is determined that the train has passed, notifies the level crossing control device of the train's passage. It has, The aforementioned level crossing control device is A storage means for updating and storing the repeatedly notified alarm start time and detection stop time, Alarm control means that causes the level crossing safety equipment to start an alarm when the latest scheduled alarm start time stored in the storage means arrives, and terminates the alarm in response to the receipt of notification of the train passing, Obstacle detection control means that causes the level crossing obstacle detection device to start obstacle detection when the latest scheduled alarm start time stored in the storage means arrives, and stops obstacle detection when the latest scheduled detection stop time stored in the storage means arrives, Having Level crossing obstacle detection system.

2. The alarm start time calculation and notification means repeatedly calculates the alarm start time for each direction (up and down) and notifies the level crossing control device. The detection stop scheduled time calculation and notification means repeatedly calculates the detection stop scheduled time for each direction and notifies the level crossing control device, The train passage notification means determines whether a train has passed the level crossing in each direction and notifies the level crossing control device of the train's passage. The storage means updates and stores the scheduled alarm start time and the scheduled detection stop time for each direction. The alarm control means, after initiating the alarm for one direction (up or down) and before receiving notification of the train's passage in that direction, continues the alarm for a crossing event in both directions where the scheduled alarm start time for the other direction arrives, until it receives notification of both the train's passage in that direction and the train's passage in the other direction. The obstacle detection control means, in the event of a train passing through a level crossing in both directions, starts obstacle detection when it receives notification of the train passing in one direction before the scheduled detection stop time for the other direction arrives, and stops obstacle detection when the scheduled detection stop time for the other direction arrives. The railroad crossing obstacle detection system according to claim 1.

3. A level crossing obstacle detection system comprising: a level crossing control device that controls the operation of level crossing safety equipment and level crossing obstacle detection devices related to level crossings; and a central device that acquires information on the location of trains via wireless communication at any time, the level crossing control device of a level crossing obstacle detection system, The central device includes: a notification means for calculating and notifying the scheduled alarm start time of the level crossing safety equipment based on the latest acquired location of the train, and repeatedly calculating the scheduled alarm start time of the level crossing safety equipment and notifying the level crossing control device; a notification means for calculating and notifying the scheduled detection stop time of the level crossing obstacle detection device based on the latest acquired location of the train, and determining whether the train has passed the level crossing based on the latest acquired location of the train, and notifying the level crossing control device of the train's passage if it is determined that the train has passed. A storage means for updating and storing the scheduled alarm start time and the scheduled detection stop time, which are repeatedly notified from the central device, Alarm control means that causes the level crossing safety equipment to start an alarm when the latest scheduled alarm start time stored in the storage means arrives, and terminates the alarm in response to the receipt of notification of the train passing, Obstacle detection control means that causes the level crossing obstacle detection device to start obstacle detection when the latest scheduled alarm start time stored in the storage means arrives, and stops obstacle detection when the latest scheduled detection stop time stored in the storage means arrives, A level crossing control device equipped with the following features.

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