Railway vehicle

Abstract

A railway vehicle is described. The railway vehicle includes a driving cabin, at least one passenger car, which is positioned at rear of the driving cabin and which includes, on at least one lateral side, at least one door. The railway vehicle includes a video camera, which is carried outside by the driving cabin or the at least one passenger car and which is directed to see the at least one lateral side of at least one passenger car so that a field view of the camera sees the at least one door; an internal display to cast an image filmed by the video camera; and an animated device, in the field view of the video camera, which is adapted to change visually at a predetermined frequency so as to detect when the image casted on the display is frozen.

Description

FIELD

[0001] The present invention concerns a railway vehicle.BACKGROUND

[0002] In the field of railway passengers' transportation, the railway vehicles comprise a driving cabin, in which the driver drives the vehicles, followed by passenger cars, which transports passengers. The driver has to see the side and the rear of the railway vehicle, in particular the doors of the railway vehicle, to assure the passengers' safety when the passengers get in and off the railway vehicle.

[0003] It is known to equip the railway vehicle with a rear vision system. The rear vision system comprises a mirror, placed on the side of the vehicle at the exterior of the driving cabin, to reflect the side and the rear of the railway vehicle. The field view of the mirror is narrow and limit the driver's vision of the side and rear of the railway vehicle. Thus the use of mirror does not assure enough the safety of the passengers.

[0004] Video camera can be used instead of mirror thanks to its wider field view. The image filmed by the video camera is casted on a display in the driving cabin, so that the driver check the side and the rear of the vehicle by looking on the image on the display. Nevertheless, if the image on the display remains the same and stops to match with the reality, the driver does not realize and the passengers' safety can be involved.

[0005] The invention aims at creating a railway vehicle with a rear vision system that guarantees the passengers' safety.SUMMARY

[0006] To this end, aspects of the invention pertains to a railway vehicle, comprising:

[0007] a driving cabin, in which the railway vehicle is drivable by a driver and which is positioned at front of the railway vehicle;

[0008] at least one passenger car, which is positioned at rear of the driving cabin and which comprises, on at least one lateral side, at least one door that is movable between an opened configuration, in which the door allows passengers to get on and off the passenger car, and a closed configuration, in which the door prevents passengers to get on and off the passenger car;

[0009] a video camera, which is carried outside by the driving cabin or the at least one passenger car and which is directed to see the at least one lateral side of at least one passenger car so that a field view of the camera sees the at least one door;

[0010] an internal display, which is positioned in the driving cabin so as to be seen by the driver and which is connected to the video camera to cast an image filmed by the video camera; and

[0011] an animated device, which is carried outside by the at least one passenger car in the field view of the video camera and which is adapted to change visually at a predetermined frequency so as to detect when the image casted on the display is frozen

[0012] Thanks to the invention, in particular thanks to the animated device, the driver can notice if the image remains the same instead of changing. Indeed, the driver knows that the image of the animated device has to change with a predetermined frequency and the driver verifies that it is the case. Thus, even if the railway vehicle is stopped at a station without any passengers' movement or any movement of the environment around the railway vehicle, the driver can checks the image with the animated device, which changes whatever happens.

[0013] According to advantageous but optional aspects, such a railway vehicle may incorporate one or more of the following features, considered alone or according to any technically allowable combination:

[0014] the animated device comprises light emitting means, for example a lamp, which blinks at the predetermined frequency,

[0015] the animated device comprises external display, for example a screen, on which a message is displayed, the message scrolling on the screen at the predetermined frequency,

[0016] the animated device comprises external display, for example a screen, on which a message is displayed, the message blinking on the screen at the predetermined frequency,

[0017] the animated device comprises a clock with moving elements, for example hands, which move at the predetermined frequency,

[0018] a period of the predetermined frequency is comprised between 100 milliseconds and 1000 milliseconds, in particular between 250 milliseconds and 350 milliseconds,

[0019] the railway vehicle further comprises an image processing unit connected to the video camera and the animated device, the image processing unit being adapted to detect when the image filmed by the video camera is unchanged at the predetermined frequency,

[0020] the image processing unit is also connected to the display and adapted to cast the image filmed by the video camera on the display,

[0021] the image processing unit displays an error message on the display when the image processing unit detects that the image filmed by the video camera is unchanged at the predetermined frequency,

[0022] the railway vehicle further comprises an alarm inside the driving cabin that is triggered when the image processing unit detects that the image filmed by the video camera is unchanged at the predetermined frequency.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0023] The invention will be better understood, and other advantages thereof will appear more clearly, in light of the following description of a railway vehicle, provided solely as a non-limiting example and done in reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a railway vehicle,

[0025] FIG. 2 is view at higher scale of the frame II of the FIG. 1, showing an animated device in a first configuration,

[0026] FIG. 3 is a view similar to the FIG. 2, the animated device being in a second configuration,

[0027] FIG. 4 is a view similar to the FIG. 2, the animated device being in a third configuration,

[0028] FIG. 5 is a principle diagram of a first embodiment of the invention, and

[0029] FIG. 6 is a principle diagram of a second embodiment of the invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] A railway vehicle 1 is represented on FIG. 1. The railway vehicle 1 is configured to carry passengers and is preferably a regional or suburban train, or metro, or a tramway. The vehicle 1 comprises wheels 2, in order to roll on a rail track 3. The railway vehicle 1, also simply said “vehicle 1” within the scope of the present description, comprises a driving cabin 5 and a passenger car 7.

[0031] The driving cabin 5 is positioned at the front of the vehicle 1. The railway vehicle 1 is drivable by a driver. The driver inside the driving cabin 5 controls the vehicle 1 to carry passengers from one place to another.

[0032] The passenger car 7 is positioned at rear of the driving cabin 5. More precisely the passenger car 7 is hung behind the driving cabin 5. In this example, the passenger car is a long car with articulation to facilitate the turning of the vehicle 1. In a variant not shown, the vehicle comprises several passenger cars 7 hung each other.

[0033] The passenger car 7 comprises doors 11 on a lateral side of the passenger car 7. In this example, the passenger car 7 comprises six doors. Each door 7 is movable between an opened configuration and a closed configuration. In the opened configuration, the door 11 allows passengers to get on and off the passenger car 7. In the closed configuration, the door prevents passengers to get on and off the passenger car 7.

[0034] Each door 11 is controlled by the driver in the driving cabin. Each door 11 can be in the closed or opened configuration independently of the other doors 11.

[0035] The vehicle also comprises a rear vision system 12, according to a first embodiment shown on FIG. 5, comprising a internal display 13, a video camera 14 and an animated device 15.

[0036] The internal display 13 is positioned in the driving cabin so that the driver is able to have quick look at the display when the driver is driving the vehicle 1.

[0037] The video camera 14 is carried outside by the vehicle 1, on the lateral side of the vehicle 1 and directed to the lateral side and the rear of the vehicle 1. Thus, the doors 11 are in a field view of the video camera 14. In this example, the video camera 14 is hung on the lateral side of the driving cabin 5.

[0038] The video camera 14, as shown in FIG. 5, is connected to the display 5 so that the driver can see from the driving cabin 5 what happens outside the vehicle 1, in particular on the lateral side and rear of the vehicle 1. Thus, the driver controls the opening and the closing of the doors 11 from the driving cabin without endangering the passengers. More precisely, the driver verifies on the internal display 13 that no passenger is going through the doors 11 before closing the doors 11.

[0039] The animated device 15 visually changes with a predetermined frequency. The animated device 15 is carried outside by the vehicle 1, on the field view of the video camera 14 so that the driver sees the animated device 15 on the image casted on the internal display 13. In this example, the animated device is hung above the second and the third doors 11 from the driving cabin 5.

[0040] Advantageously, the animated device 15 comprises light emitting means, a lamp 17 in this example, which blinks at the predetermined frequency.

[0041] In this example, as shown on FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, the animated device comprises a first lamp 19, a second lamp 21 and a third lamp 23. Each lamp 19, 21, 23 blinks at the predetermined frequency successively.

[0042] In particular, a first, a second and a third configuration of the animated device 15 follow one from another at the predetermined frequency. In a first configuration, shown on FIG. 2, the first lamp 19 is turned on while the second and the third lamp 21 and 23 are off. In the second configuration, the first lamp 19 is off while the second lamp 21 is turned on and the third lamp 23 stays off. In the third configuration, the second lamp 21 is off while the third lamp 23 is turned on and the first lamp 19 stays off.

[0043] The predetermined frequency is detectable by the human eye so that the driver is able to see if the animated device 15 changes. Thus, the animated device helps the driver to detect when the image casted on the display is frozen. More precisely, the driver, by monitoring the change of the animated device 15 on the image casted on the internal display 13, detects when the image casted on the internal display 13 remains the same whereas the image must change.

[0044] Advantageously, a period of the predetermined frequency is comprised between 100 milliseconds and 1000 milliseconds and advantageously between 250 milliseconds and 350 milliseconds.

[0045] The presence of the animated device 15, which visually changes, enhances the passenger safety. Indeed the driver can check the image casted on the internal display 13 to be sure that the image changes and effectively shows the outside of the vehicle 1 in real time. Thus, the presence of the animated device 15, prevents the case when the image casted on the internal display 13 remains the same showing no passengers going through the doors 11 so that the driver closes the doors 11 whereas in reality passengers going through the doors 11.

[0046] As an alternative not shown, the animated device 15 comprises an external display, for example a screen, on which a message is displayed, the message scrolling on the display at the predetermined frequency.

[0047] As an alternative not shown, the animated device 15 comprises an external display, for example a screen, on which a message is displayed, the message blinking at the predetermined frequency.

[0048] As an alternative not shown, the animated device 15 comprises a display based on LED, on which a message is displayed, the message blinking at the predetermined frequency.

[0049] As an alternative not shown, the animated device 15 comprises a clock with moving elements, which move at the predetermined frequency.

[0050] As an alternative not shown, the video camera 14 is hung on the lateral side of the passenger car 7.

[0051] As an alternative not shown, the vehicle 1 comprises more than one video camera placed on the outside of the vehicle 1 to have a better vision of the different doors 11 of the vehicle 1. For each video camera, the vehicle 1 comprises an animated device in the field view of the camera to allow the driver to verify if the image of the video camera remains the same whereas the image must change.

[0052] FIG. 6 shows a rear vision system 112 according to a second embodiment. The rear vision system 112 being identical to the rear vision system 12 of the first embodiment except for the features described below. Reference signs of the rear vision system 112 correspond to those of the rear vision system 12 when the referenced element is the same. The reference signs are increased by 100 when it designs similar elements but modified in the rear vision 112.

[0053] The rear vision system 112 comprises, in addition of the internal display 13, the video camera 14 and the animated device 15, an image processing unit 125.

[0054] The image processing unit 125 is embedded on the vehicle 101 and connected to the video camera 14 and the animated device 15. The image processing unit 125 is adapted to detect when the image filmed by the video camera 14 is unchanged at the predetermined frequency despite the change of the animated device 15. In particular, the image processing unit can comprises an algorithm able to detect if the pixels of the image showing the animated device 15 change with the predetermined frequency.

[0055] Advantageously, the image processing unit 125 is also connected to the internal display 13 and manages the casting of the image filmed by the video camera 14 on the internal display 13. When the image processing unit 125 detects that the image filmed by the video camera 14 remains the same despite the change of the animated device 15, the image processing unit 125 displays an error message on the internal display 13 to warn the driver.

[0056] As an alternative, when the image processing unit 125 detects that the image filmed by the video camera 14 remains the same despite the change of the animated device 15, the image processing unit 125 shuts down the internal display 13 to warn the driver.

[0057] The rear system vision 112 comprises an alarm 127. The alarm is placed in the driving cabin 5 and connected to the image processing unit 125. The alarm is triggered by the image processing unit 125, when the image processing unit 125 detects that the image filmed by the video camera 14 remains the same despite the change of the animated device 15.

[0058] The alarm 127, when it is triggered, is audible by the driver. More precisely, the alarm 127 rings to warn the driver.

[0059] The alarm 127 comprises a lamp, which is turned on with flashy colour when the alarm 127 is triggered. Thus, the alarm 127 is visible by the driver.

[0060] The presence of the animated device 15, which visually changes, enhances the passengers' safety. Indeed the driver can check the image casted on the internal display 13 to be sure that the image changes and effectively shows the outside of the vehicle 1 in real time. Thus, the presence of the animated device 15, prevents the case when the image casted on the internal display 13 remains the same showing no passengers going through the doors 11 so that the driver closes the doors 11 whereas in reality passengers going through the doors 11. Moreover, the passengers' safety is increased by the image processing unit 125 and the alarm 127. Indeed, the image processing unit 125 checks if the image filmed by the video camera 14 effectively shows the outside of the vehicle 1 in real time and warns the driver, with the internal display 13 or with the alarm 127, when the image remains the same despite the change of the animated device 15. Thus, the rear system vision 112 limits the human error.

[0061] It is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the aspects described above and illustrated in the drawings; rather, the skilled person will recognize that many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present disclosure and appended claims. In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed aspects for purposes of illustration only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the disclosure being set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A railway vehicle, comprising:a driving cabin, in which the railway vehicle is drivable by a driver and which is positioned at front of the railway vehicle;at least one passenger car, which is positioned at rear of the driving cabin and which comprises, on at least one lateral side, at least one door that is movable between an opened configuration, in which the door allows passengers to get on and off the passenger car, and a closed configuration, in which the door prevents passengers to get on and off the passenger car;a video camera, which is carried outside by the driving cabin or the at least one passenger car and which is directed to see the at least one lateral side of at least one passenger car so that a field view of the camera sees the at least one door;an internal display, which is positioned in the driving cabin so as to be seen by the driver and which is connected to the video camera to cast an image filmed by the video camera; andan animated device, which is carried outside by the at least one passenger car in the field view of the video camera and which is adapted to change visually at a predetermined frequency so as to detect when the image casted on the display is frozen.

2. The railway vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the animated device comprises light emitting means, for example a lamp, which blinks at the predetermined frequency.

3. The railway vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the animated device comprises external display, for example a screen, on which a message is displayed, the message scrolling on the screen at the predetermined frequency.

4. The railway vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the animated device comprises external display, for example a screen, on which a message is displayed, the message blinking on the screen at the predetermined frequency.

5. The railway vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the animated device comprises a clock with moving elements, for example hands, which move at the predetermined frequency.

6. The railway vehicle according to claim 5, wherein a period of the predetermined frequency is comprised between 100 milliseconds and 1000 milliseconds, in particular between 250 milliseconds and 350 milliseconds.

7. The railway vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising an image processing unit connected to the video camera and the animated device, the image processing unit being adapted to detect when the image filmed by the video camera is unchanged at the predetermined frequency.

8. The railway vehicle according to claim 7, wherein the image processing unit is also connected to the display and adapted to cast the image filmed by the video camera on the display.

9. The railway vehicle according to claim 7, wherein the image processing unit displays an error message on the display when the image processing unit detects that the image filmed by the video camera is unchanged at the predetermined frequency.

10. The railway vehicle according to claim 7, further comprising an alarm inside the driving cabin that is triggered when the image processing unit detects that the image filmed by the video camera is unchanged at the predetermined frequency.

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