Distributed train-interlocking device system and field equipment control method

Abstract

A distributed train-interlocking device system (5) in which a central control device (1) communicates with field equipment control devices (2) through a network (4) to manage operation of field equipment (3) comprises: a central control device (1) that transmits, to a field equipment control device (2), a control command for control target field equipment (3) and a control condition for continuing or stopping control of the control target field equipment (3) based on the control command; and field equipment control devices (2) that control the control target field equipment (3) by using the control command and the control condition.

Description

Distributed train interlocking system and field equipment control method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a distributed train interlocking system and a field device control method for controlling field devices installed for train operation.

[0002] Conventionally, there have been interlocking devices that control field equipment such as railway signals and switches. Interlocking devices are installed at each station and control the operation of field equipment such as signals and switches at each station. However, in recent years, centralized control of field equipment via a network from locations other than the station has become common. For example, Patent Document 1 (JP-A-2005-102626) discloses a technology for a signaling safety system that includes field equipment, field equipment control terminals provided for each field equipment and controlling the corresponding field equipment, an interlocking logic unit that controls the field equipment control terminals based on status information from the field equipment, and a network connecting the field equipment control terminals and the interlocking logic unit. In Patent Document 1, the interlocking logic unit centrally controls the field equipment via the network and the field equipment control terminals. Furthermore, in Patent Document 1, even if communication between the field equipment control terminals and the interlocking logic unit is interrupted due to a network malfunction or other reason, control of the field equipment can be continued by communicating between adjacent field equipment control terminals.

[0003] JP 2011-162177 A

[0004] However, in the above-mentioned conventional technology, the interlocking logic unit, which is the center of control, and the field device control terminal, which controls the field devices, are connected via a network, which poses a problem that, depending on the state of the network, there is a possibility that the control command from the interlocking logic unit to the field device control terminal for the field devices may be delayed.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide a distributed train interlocking device system that is capable of controlling field equipment without delay even in situations where delays occur in the network, in a configuration in which communication is performed via a network.

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the present disclosure provides a distributed train interlocking system in which a central control device and a field device control device communicate with each other via a network. The distributed train interlocking system is characterized by including a central control device that transmits control commands for field devices to be controlled and control conditions for continuing or stopping control of the field devices to be controlled based on the control commands to the field device control devices, and a field device control device that controls the field devices to be controlled using the control commands and the control conditions.

[0007] The distributed train interlocking device system of the present disclosure has the advantage that, in a configuration in which communication is performed via a network, it is possible to control field devices without delay even in situations in which delays occur in the network.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a distributed train interlocking system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing, as a comparative example, the operation when the central control device performs control based on the results of status monitoring of field devices to be monitored received from the field device control device. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing, as a comparative example, the operation when the central control device performs control based on the results of status monitoring of field devices to be monitored received from the field device control device. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the operation of the central control device and the field device control device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the operation of the central control device and the field device control device according to the first embodiment.

[0009] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A distributed train interlocking system and a field device control method according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0010] Embodiment 1. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a distributed train interlocking system 5 according to Embodiment 1. The distributed train interlocking system 5 includes a central control device 1, a field device control device 2, and a network 4. The distributed train interlocking system 5 is a system in which the central control device 1 and the field device control device 2 communicate with each other via the network 4 to manage the operation of field devices 3 installed for the operation of trains 6. The distributed train interlocking system 5 is a system in which the central control device 1 communicates with the field device control device 2 via the network 4 to control the operation of the field device control device 2, and the field device control device 2 controls the field devices 3 based on the control by the central control device 1. Note that, in the example of Figure 1, the central control device 1 controls the operation of three field device control devices 2, but this is not limited thereto, and the central control device 1 can control the operation of two or less or four or more field device control devices 2.

[0011] The central control device 1 is installed in a location different from the station equipment room of the station where the field device control device 2 is installed, such as a ground control center that manages the operation of the train 6, and centrally controls the field devices 3. The field device control device 2 is installed in a station equipment room of the station where the train 6 stops. The field devices 3 are devices installed within the control area of ​​the field device control device 2 and around the station where the train 6 stops. In the example of FIG. 1, the field devices 3 are assumed to include, but are not limited to, signals S1 to S4, track circuits NT1, NT2, ST1, and ST2, and switches B1, B1', B2, and B2'. Note that, with respect to the distributed train interlocking system 5, a configuration corresponding to the central control device 1 may be installed on the cloud, may be co-located with any of the field device control devices 2, or may be included in any of the field device control devices 2.

[0012] Here, an explanation will be given of the operation in the distributed train interlocking system 5 when the central control device 1 and the field device control device 2 control the field devices 3 without performing the operation characteristic of this embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a first diagram illustrating, as a comparative example, the operation when the central control device 1 performs control based on the status monitoring results of the field device 3 to be monitored received from the field device control device 2. Here, as an example, the field device 3 to be controlled by the control command is traffic light S1. Furthermore, the field device 3 to be monitored is a field device 3 that is not the subject of control by the control command but that affects the control of the field device 3 to be controlled by the control command. Specifically, the field devices 3 to be monitored are track circuits NT1 and NT2 and points B1 and B2. When the central control device 1 changes the field device 3 to be controlled, traffic light S1, from a stop aspect to a proceed aspect, the central control device 1 transmits a run permission control command, which is a control command for changing the field device 3 to a proceed aspect, to the field device control device 2 via the network 4 (step #11). Based on the run permission control command received from the central control device 1 via the network 4, the field device control device 2 controls the field device 3 to be controlled, traffic light S1, to a proceed aspect (step #12).

[0014] While controlling the traffic light S1, which is the field device 3 to be controlled, based on the travel permission control command, the field device control device 2 monitors the status of the field device 3 to be monitored, which is the field device 3 around the traffic light S1, and obtains the status monitoring results of the field device 3 to be monitored (step #13). In the example of FIG. 2, the status monitoring results are that the track circuit NT1 is not present, the track circuit NT2 is not present, the switch B1 is in position, and the switch B2 is in position. The field device control device 2 transmits the status monitoring results of the field device 3 to the central control device 1 via the network 4 (step #14). The field device control device 2 transmits the status monitoring results of the field device 3 to the central control device 1 at a specified cycle. Note that the field device control device 2 may monitor the status of the field device 3 to be monitored at the same cycle as the cycle at which it transmits the status monitoring results of the field device 3 to the central control device 1, and obtain the status monitoring results of the field device 3, or may constantly monitor the status of the field device 3 to be monitored, and use the status monitoring results of the field device 3 that correspond to the specified cycle and transmit them to the central control device 1. As a result of the status monitoring, the field equipment control device 2 may simply transmit the track status of the track circuits NT1, NT2 and the direction status of the switches B1, B2 to the central control device 1, and the central control device 1 may make a comprehensive judgment.

[0015] The central control device 1 determines whether to maintain the go aspect or change the aspect to a stop aspect for the control of the field device 3 to be controlled, based on the status monitoring results of the field device 3 to be monitored received from the field device control device 2 via the network 4. If the central control device 1 determines that the go aspect should be maintained for the control of the field device 3 to be controlled, the central control device 1 does nothing. If the central control device 1 determines that the control of the field device 3 to be controlled, the signal S1, is to be changed to a stop aspect, the central control device 1 transmits a no-run control command, which is a control command for changing the field device 3 to be controlled, from a go aspect to a stop aspect, to the field device control device 2 via the network 4.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a second diagram showing, as a comparative example, the operation when the central control device 1 performs control based on the status monitoring results of the field device 3 to be monitored received from the field device control device 2. FIG. 3 illustrates the operation from the state after the operations up to step #12 shown in FIG. 2 have been performed. While controlling the signal S1, which is the field device 3 to be controlled, based on the travel permission control command, the field device control device 2 monitors the status of the field device 3 to be monitored and obtains the status monitoring results of the field device 3 to be monitored (step #21). In the example of FIG. 3, unlike the example of FIG. 2, a train 6 has entered the track circuit NT2, and the status monitoring results indicate that the track circuit NT2 is on track. The field device control device 2 transmits the status monitoring results of the field device 3 to the central control device 1 via the network 4 (step #22).

[0017] The central control device 1 determines whether to maintain the go aspect of the control of the field device 3 to be monitored, or change it to a stop aspect, based on the status monitoring results of the field device 3 to be monitored received from the field device control device 2 via the network 4. Because the track circuit NT2 is on track, the central control device 1 determines to change the control of the field device 3 to be controlled, signal S1, from a go aspect to a stop aspect, and transmits a running prohibition control command to the field device control device 2 via the network 4 to change the field device 3 to a stop aspect (step #24). Based on the running prohibition control command received from the central control device 1 via the network 4, the field device control device 2 controls the field device 3 to be controlled, signal S1, to a stop aspect (step #24).

[0018] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the central control device 1 and the field device control device 2 communicate via a network 4. Therefore, if a delay occurs in the network 4, it will take time for the field device control device 2 to actually receive a control command after it is transmitted from the central control device 1. As shown in Figure 2, if the control command is a run permission control command that changes the field device 3 to a go aspect, which is the field device 3 to be controlled, the timing of the control by the field device control device 2 will be delayed, which may delay the departure of a train (not shown) approaching the signal S1 from the left, but will not delay the run prohibition control command. However, as shown in Figure 3, if the control command is a run prohibition control command that changes the field device 3 to a stop aspect, which is the field device 3 to be controlled, if the timing of the control by the field device control device 2 is delayed, the train (not shown) approaching the signal S1 from the left will not stop at the timing when it should have stopped.

[0019] Therefore, in this embodiment, when the central control device 1 transmits a travel permission control command to the field device control device 2, the central control device 1 transmits, together with the travel permission control command, a control condition for continuing or stopping control of the field device 3 to be controlled based on the travel permission control command. The field device control device 2 receives the control condition from the central control device 1 along with the travel permission control command. As a result, while controlling the field device 3 to be controlled based on the travel permission control command, the field device control device 2 monitors the state of the field device 3 to be monitored, and if a control condition for stopping control of the field device 3 to be controlled based on the travel permission control command is met, the field device control device 2 can stop control of the field device 3 to be controlled based on the travel permission control command without transmitting the result of the state monitoring to the central control device 1 and waiting for reception of a travel prohibition control command from the central control device 1. In other words, since the field device control device 2 receives the control condition from the central control device 1 along with the travel permission control command, it can quickly stop control of the field device 3 to be controlled based on the travel permission control command without being affected by the status of the network 4 when the state of the field device 3 to be monitored meets the control condition for stopping control of the field device 3 to be controlled based on the travel permission control command.

[0020] 4 is a first diagram showing the operation of the central control device 1 and the field device control device 2 according to the first embodiment. When the central control device 1 changes the traffic light S1, which is the field device 3 to be controlled, from a stop aspect to a proceed aspect, the central control device 1 transmits a travel permission control command for changing the traffic light S1, which is the field device 3 to be controlled, to the field device control device 2 via the network 4. At this time, the central control device 1 transmits to the field device control device 2 the travel permission control command for the field device 3 to be controlled, as well as a control condition for continuing or stopping control based on the travel permission control command (step #31). Here, the travel permission control command is a control command for changing the traffic light S1, which is the field device 3 to be controlled, to a proceed aspect. In the example of FIG. 4, the control condition is TRUE, i.e., the condition is met, when all of the track circuits NT1 and NT2 are not present on the line and all of the turnouts B1 and B2 are in the normal position, and FALSE, i.e., the condition is not met, when at least one of the track circuits NT1 and NT2 is present on the line and at least one of the turnouts B1 and B2 is in the reverse position, for continuing control based on the running permission control command.

[0021] The field device control device 2 controls the field device 3 using the travel permission control command and control conditions received from the central control device 1 via the network 4. First, the field device control device 2 controls the traffic light S1, which is the field device 3 to be controlled, to indicate a proceeding aspect based on the travel permission control command received from the central control device 1 via the network 4 (step #32). While controlling the traffic light S1, which is the field device 3 to be controlled based on the travel permission control command, the field device control device 2 monitors the status of the field device 3 to be monitored and obtains the status monitoring results of the field device 3 to be monitored (step #33). At this time, the field device control device 2 performs the same operation as the central control device 1 in the examples of Figures 2 and 3. That is, the field device control device 2 monitors the status of the field device 3 to be monitored while controlling the field device 3 to be controlled based on the travel permission control command, and determines whether the status of the field device 3 to be monitored satisfies the control conditions. Since the control condition is met when all track circuits NT1 and NT2 are not present and all turnouts B1 and B2 are in position, i.e., TRUE, the field device controller 2 continues control of the field device 3 based on the running permission control command when the state of the field device 3 being monitored meets the control condition. The field device controller 2 transmits the results of monitoring the state of the field device 3 to the central controller 1 via the network 4 (step #34). Note that it is also possible for the field device controller 2 to simply transmit the state of the track circuits NT1 and NT2 and the direction state of the turnouts B1 and B2 to the central controller 1 as the state monitoring results, and have the central controller 1 make a comprehensive judgment.

[0022] FIG. 5 is a second diagram illustrating the operation of the central control device 1 and the field device control device 2 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 illustrates the operation from a state after the operations up to step #32 shown in FIG. 4 have been performed. While controlling the signal S1, which is the field device 3 to be controlled, based on the travel permission control command, the field device control device 2 monitors the status of the field device 3 to be monitored and obtains the status monitoring result of the field device 3 to be monitored (step #41). Unlike the case of FIG. 4 , here, since the train 6 has entered the track circuit NT2, the status monitoring result indicates that the track circuit NT2 is on track. The field device control device 2 monitors the status of the field device 3 to be monitored while controlling the field device 3 to be controlled based on the travel permission control command, and determines whether the status of the field device 3 to be monitored satisfies the control condition. Since the track circuit NT2 is on track and the control condition is not established, i.e., FALSE, when the state of the field device 3 to be monitored does not satisfy the control condition, the field device controller 2 stops the travel permission control command to the signal S1, which is the field device 3 to be controlled, and performs travel prohibition control on the signal S1, which is the field device 3 to be controlled (step #42). Note that, in addition to the operation of step #42, the field device controller 2 may also transmit the result of the status monitoring of the field device 3 to be monitored to the central controller 1 via the network 4.

[0023] In this embodiment, the field device control device 2 also receives the control conditions when it receives the travel permission control command from the central control device 1, and therefore can stop the control based on the travel permission control command as the control of the field device 3 to be controlled based on the control conditions, without waiting for a determination by the central control device 1 based on the results of status monitoring of the field device 3 to be monitored. Even in a situation where a delay occurs on the network 4, the field device control device 2 can quickly stop the control based on the travel permission control command as the control of the field device 3 to be controlled, without communicating with the central control device 1 via the network 4.

[0024] In this embodiment, the control condition is specifically described as a condition for continuing control based on the travel permission control command, but this is not limiting. The control condition can also be a condition for stopping control based on the travel permission control command. When the control condition is a condition for stopping control based on the travel permission control command, the field device control device 2 stops control based on the control command for the field device 3 to be controlled when the result of the state monitoring of the field device 3 to be monitored satisfies the control condition, since the result is TRUE. When the result of the state monitoring of the field device 3 to be monitored does not satisfy the control condition, since the result is FALSE, the field device control device 2 continues control based on the control command for the field device 3 to be controlled. In this way, the control condition can be a condition for continuing control of the field device 3 to be controlled based on the control command, or a condition for stopping control of the field device 3 to be controlled based on the control command, depending on the content of the control command for the field device 3 to be controlled, etc.

[0025] In addition, in the present embodiment, the control command has been described assuming a travel permission control command and a travel prohibition control command for the traffic light S1, which is the field device 3 to be controlled, but is not limited to this. The control command may be a control command other than a travel permission control command and a travel prohibition control command. Furthermore, the field device 3 to be controlled by the control command may be a field device 3 other than the traffic light S1.

[0026] In this way, the central control device 1 transmits a control command for the field device 3 to be controlled and a control condition for continuing or stopping the control of the field device 3 to be controlled based on the control command to the field device control device 2. The field device control device 2 controls the field device 3 to be controlled using the control command and the control condition.

[0027] In this embodiment, the field device control device 2 controls the field device 3 to be controlled based on the control command, while monitoring the status of the field device 3 to be monitored other than the field device 3 to be controlled. The field device control device 2 continues the control of the field device 3 to be controlled based on the control command when the result of comparing the status of the field device 3 to be monitored, i.e., the result of monitoring the status of the field device 3 to be monitored, with the control conditions indicates that the status of the field device 3 to be monitored based on the control command should be continued. The field device control device 2 stops the control of the field device 3 to be controlled based on the control command when the result of comparing the status of the field device 3 to be monitored, i.e., the result of monitoring the status of the field device 3 to be monitored, with the control conditions indicates that the status of the field device 3 to be monitored based on the control command should be stopped. In this embodiment, the control command is a travel permission control command that sets the traffic light S1, which is the field device 3 to a proceed aspect.

[0028] When the field device control device 2 stops the control of the field device 3 to be controlled based on the control command, it may notify the central control device 1 that the control of the field device 3 to be controlled based on the control command has been stopped. This allows the central control device 1 to grasp the actual control state of the field device 3 to be controlled by the field device control device 2, and therefore it is possible to avoid a situation in which a control command similar to the control already being performed on the field device 3 to be controlled is sent to the field device control device 2.

[0029] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the distributed train interlocking system 5 according to the first embodiment. The central control device 1 transmits a control command for the field device 3 to be controlled and a control condition for continuing or stopping control of the field device 3 based on the control command to the field device control device 2 (step STP11). The field device control device 2 controls the field device 3 to be controlled based on the control command (step STP12) while monitoring the status of the field device 3 to be monitored (step STP13). The field device control device 2 compares the status of the field device 3 to be monitored, i.e., the result of the status monitoring of the field device 3 to be monitored, with the control condition. If the status of the field device 3 to be monitored indicates that control of the field device 3 to be controlled based on the control command should be continued (step STP14: Yes), the field device control device 2 continues control of the field device 3 to be controlled based on the control command (step STP15). In this case, the field device control device 2 returns to the operation of step STP12. The field device control device 2 compares the state of the field device 3 to be monitored, i.e., the result of monitoring the state of the field device 3 to be monitored, with the control conditions, and if the state of the field device 3 to be monitored indicates that control of the field device 3 to be controlled based on the control command should be stopped (step STP14: No), the field device control device 2 stops the control of the field device 3 to be controlled based on the control command (step STP16). Note that after step STP16, the field device control device 2 may notify the central control device 1 that control of the field device 3 to be controlled based on the control command has been stopped, as described above.

[0030] Next, the configuration and operation of each device will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example configuration of the central control device 1 according to the first embodiment. The central control device 1 includes a storage unit 11, a control unit 12, and a communication unit 13. The storage unit 11 stores combinations of control commands and control conditions. The combinations of control commands and control conditions stored in the storage unit 11 may be stored in the storage unit 11 by an administrator of the distributed train interlocking system 5, but this is not limitative. When transmitting a control command to the field device control device 2, the control unit 12 controls the transmission of the control command and the control condition to the field device control device 2. The communication unit 13 communicates with the field device control device 2 via the network 4. In this embodiment, the communication unit 13 transmits the control command and the control condition to the field device control device 2 under the control of the control unit 12.

[0031] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the field device control device 2 according to the first embodiment. The field device control device 2 includes a storage unit 21, a control unit 22, and a communication unit 23. The communication unit 23 communicates with the central control device 1 via the network 4. In this embodiment, the communication unit 23 receives control conditions along with control commands from the central control device 1. The storage unit 21 stores a combination of the control command and the control conditions received by the communication unit 23. The control unit 22 controls the field device 3 to be controlled using the control command and the control conditions. In this embodiment, the control unit 22 controls the field device 3 to be controlled based on the control command while monitoring the state of the field device 3 to be monitored. When the state of the field device 3 to be monitored indicates that control of the field device 3 to be controlled based on the control command should be continued, the control unit 22 continues control of the field device 3 to be controlled based on the control command. When the state of the field device 3 to be monitored indicates that control of the field device 3 to be controlled based on the control command should be stopped, the control unit 22 stops control of the field device 3 to be controlled based on the control command.

[0032] Next, the hardware configuration of the central control device 1 and the field device control device 2 that make up the distributed train interlocking system 5 will be described. The storage unit 11 of the central control device 1 and the storage unit 21 of the field device control device 2 are realized by memory. The communication unit 13 of the central control device 1 and the communication unit 23 of the field device control device 2 are realized by a communication interface. The control unit 12 of the central control device 1 and the control unit 22 of the field device control device 2 are realized by a processing circuit. The processing circuit may be a processor and memory that executes a program stored in memory, or may be dedicated hardware.

[0033] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example in which a processing circuit 90 for implementing the distributed train interlocking system 5 according to the first embodiment is configured with a processor 91 and a memory 92. When the processing circuit 90 is configured with the processor 91 and the memory 92, each function of the processing circuit 90 of the distributed train interlocking system 5 is implemented by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software or firmware is written as a program and stored in the memory 92. The processing circuit 90 implements each function by having the processor 91 read and execute the program stored in the memory 92. That is, the processing circuit 90 includes the memory 92 for storing a program that results in the processing of the distributed train interlocking system 5. It can also be said that these programs cause a computer to execute the procedures and methods of the distributed train interlocking system 5.

[0034] The above program can also be said to be a program that causes the distributed train interlocking device system 5 to execute the following steps: a first step in which the central control device 1 transmits to the field equipment control device 2 a control command for the field equipment 3 to be controlled and a control condition for continuing or stopping control of the field equipment 3 to be controlled based on the control command; and a second step in which the field equipment control device 2 controls the field equipment 3 to be controlled using the control command and the control condition.

[0035] Here, the processor 91 may be a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a processing device, an arithmetic device, a microprocessor, a microcomputer, or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), etc. The memory 92 may be, for example, a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a flash memory, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), or an EEPROM (Electrically EPROM), a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact disk, a minidisk, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc).

[0036] 10 is a diagram showing an example in which the processing circuitry 93 that realizes the distributed train interlocking system 5 according to the first embodiment is configured with dedicated hardware. When the processing circuitry 93 is configured with dedicated hardware, the processing circuitry 93 shown in FIG. 10 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. Each function of the distributed train interlocking system 5 may be realized by the processing circuitry 93 separately for each function, or all functions may be realized collectively by the processing circuitry 93.

[0037] It should be noted that some of the functions of the distributed train interlocking system 5 may be realized by dedicated hardware and some by software or firmware. In this way, the processing circuit can realize each of the above-described functions by dedicated hardware, software, firmware, or a combination of these.

[0038] As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the distributed train interlocking system 5 in which the central controller 1 and the field device controllers 2 communicate via the network 4, when the central controller 1 transmits a control command for the field device 3 to be controlled to the field device controller 2, the central controller 1 transmits, together with the control command, a control condition for continuing or stopping control of the field device 3 to be controlled based on the control command to the field device controller 2. The field device controller 2 monitors the status of the field device 3 to be monitored while controlling the field device 3 to be controlled based on the control command. When the status of the monitored field device 3 indicates that control of the field device 3 to be controlled based on the control command should be continued, the field device controller 2 continues control of the field device 3 to be controlled based on the control command, and when the status of the monitored field device 3 indicates that control of the field device 3 to be controlled based on the control command should be stopped, the field device controller 2 stops control of the field device 3 to be controlled based on the control command. As a result, even in a situation in which a delay occurs in the network 4, the distributed train interlocking system 5 can quickly stop control of the field device 3 to be controlled based on the control command when the status of the monitored field device 3 indicates that control of the field device 3 to be controlled based on the control command should be stopped. In a configuration in which communication is performed via the network 4, the distributed train interlocking system 5 can control the field devices 3 without delay even in situations in which delays occur in the network 4.

[0039] Embodiment 2 In the first embodiment, it was assumed that the field device 3 to be controlled would be brought into a desired control state by stopping the control of the field device 3 to be controlled based on the control command. In the second embodiment, a case will be described in which the field device 3 to be controlled does not reach a desired control state simply by stopping the control of the field device 3 to be controlled based on the control command.

[0040] In the second embodiment, the configuration of the distributed train interlocking device system 5 is the same as that in the first embodiment shown in Figure 1. Furthermore, the configurations of the central control device 1 and the field device control device 2 are also the same as those in the first embodiment shown in Figures 7 and 8, respectively. In the second embodiment, the control command transmitted from the central control device 1 to the field device control device 2 is referred to as the first control command. In the second embodiment, the central control device 1 transmits a second control command to the field device 3 to be controlled, together with the first control command and the control condition. The second control command is used when the field device control device 2 controls the field device 3 to be controlled after it has stopped controlling the field device 3 to be controlled based on the first control command.

[0041] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the distributed train interlocking system 5 according to the second embodiment. The central control device 1 transmits a first control command for the field device 3 to be controlled, a control condition for continuing or stopping control of the field device 3 based on the first control command, and a second control command for the field device 3 to the field device control device 2 (step STP21). The field device control device 2 controls the field device 3 to be controlled based on the first control command (step STP22) while monitoring the status of the field device 3 to be monitored (step STP23). The field device control device 2 compares the status of the field device 3 to be monitored, i.e., the result of the status monitoring of the field device 3 to be monitored, with the control condition. If the status of the field device 3 to be monitored indicates that control of the field device 3 to be controlled based on the first control command should be continued (step STP24: Yes), the field device control device 2 continues control of the field device 3 to be controlled based on the first control command (step STP25). In this case, the field device control device 2 returns to the operation of step STP22. The field device control device 2 compares the state of the field device 3 to be monitored, i.e., the result of monitoring the state of the field device 3 to be monitored, with the control conditions, and if the state of the field device 3 to be monitored indicates that control of the field device 3 to be controlled based on the first control command should be stopped (step STP24: No), the field device control device 2 stops control of the field device 3 to be controlled based on the first control command (step STP26). Thereafter, the field device control device 2 controls the field device 3 to be controlled based on the second control command (step STP27).

[0042] As described above, assuming that the control command of the first embodiment is the first control command, in this embodiment, the central control device 1 transmits a second control command for the field device 3 to be controlled, together with the first control command and the control condition, to the field device control device 2. The field device control device 2 controls the field device 3 to be controlled based on the first control command while monitoring the states of the field devices 3 to be monitored other than the field device 3 to be controlled. The field device control device 2 continues control of the field device 3 to be controlled based on the first control command when the state of the field device 3 to be monitored is determined to be continued based on the first control command as a result of comparing the state of the field device 3 to be monitored with the control condition. When the state of the field device 3 to be monitored is determined to be continued based on the first control command as a result of comparing the state of the field device 3 to be monitored with the control condition, the field device control device 2 stops control of the field device 3 to be controlled based on the first control command and starts control of the field device 3 to be controlled based on the second control command when the state of the field device 3 to be monitored is determined to be stopped based on the first control command as a result of comparing the state of the field device 3 to be monitored with the control condition.

[0043] In addition, when the field equipment control device 2 stops controlling the field equipment 3 to be controlled based on the first control command and starts controlling the field equipment 3 to be controlled based on the second control command, it may notify the central control device 1 that it has stopped controlling the field equipment 3 to be controlled based on the first control command and started controlling the field equipment 3 to be controlled based on the second control command.

[0044] In the second embodiment, the storage unit 11 of the central control device 1 stores a combination of the first control command, the control condition, and the second control command. Similarly, the storage unit 21 of the field device control device 2 also stores a combination of the first control command, the control condition, and the second control command.

[0045] As described above, according to this embodiment, in the distributed train interlocking system 5, the central control device 1 transmits a second control command for the field device 3 to be controlled, along with the first control command and control conditions, to the field device control device 2. When the state of the field device 3 to be monitored indicates that control of the field device 3 to be controlled based on the first control command should be stopped, the field device control device 2 stops control of the field device 3 to be controlled based on the first control command, and starts control of the field device 3 to be controlled based on the second control command. This makes it possible for the distributed train interlocking system 5 to handle control switching and the like, which was not possible in the first embodiment.

[0046] In the first embodiment, as a specific example, the control command is a travel permission control command, and the field device control device 2 stops control of the traffic light S1, which is the field device 3 to be controlled, based on the travel permission control command, thereby achieving a desired control state, i.e., a state similar to the case where control is performed based on a travel prohibition control command for the traffic light S1, which is the field device 3 to be controlled. The second embodiment can also be applied to such a case. That is, in the second embodiment, the first control command can be a travel permission control command that changes the traffic light S1, which is the field device 3 to be controlled, to a go aspect, and the second control command can be a travel prohibition control command that changes the traffic light S1, which is the field device 3 to be controlled, to a stop aspect.

[0047] The configurations shown in the above embodiments are merely examples, and may be combined with other known technologies, or different embodiments may be combined with each other. It is also possible to omit or modify parts of the configurations as long as they do not deviate from the gist of the invention.

[0048] 1 Central control device, 2 Field equipment control device, 3 Field equipment, 4 Network, 5 Distributed train interlocking device system, 6 Train, 11, 21 Memory unit, 12, 22 Control unit, 13, 23 Communication unit, 90, 93 Processing circuit, 91 Processor, 92 Memory, B1, B1', B2, B2' Turnout, NT1, NT2, ST1, ST2 Track circuit, S1 to S4 Signal.

Claims

1. A distributed train interlocking system in which a central control device and a field device control device communicate via a network, comprising: the central control device that transmits control commands for field devices to be controlled and control conditions for continuing or stopping control of the field devices to be controlled based on the control commands to the field device control device; and the field device control device that controls the field devices to be controlled using the control commands and the control conditions.

2. The field equipment control device controls the field equipment to be controlled based on the control command while monitoring the status of field equipment to be monitored other than the field equipment to be controlled, and, as a result of comparing the status of the field equipment to be monitored with the control conditions, continues control of the field equipment to be controlled based on the control command if the status of the field equipment to be monitored is such that control of the field equipment to be controlled based on the control command is to be continued, and stops control of the field equipment to be controlled based on the control command if the status of the field equipment to be monitored is such that control of the field equipment to be controlled based on the control command is to be stopped. The distributed train interlocking device system described in claim 1, characterized in that 3. The distributed train interlocking system according to claim 2, characterized in that when the field equipment control device stops control of the field equipment to be controlled based on the control command, it notifies the central control device that control of the field equipment to be controlled based on the control command has been stopped.

4. The distributed train interlocking system according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the control command is a run permission control command that causes a signal, which is the field device to be controlled, to indicate a proceeding aspect.

5. The distributed train interlocking system according to claim 1, characterized in that: the control command is a first control command; the central control device transmits a second control command to the field equipment of the controlled object together with the first control command and the control condition; the field equipment control device controls the field equipment of the controlled object based on the first control command while monitoring the status of field equipment of monitored objects other than the field equipment of the controlled object; and, as a result of comparing the status of the field equipment of the monitored object with the control condition, if the status of the field equipment of the monitored object is to continue control of the field equipment of the controlled object based on the first control command, continues control of the field equipment of the controlled object based on the first control command; and if the status of the field equipment of the monitored object is to stop control of the field equipment of the controlled object based on the first control command, stops control of the field equipment of the controlled object based on the first control command and starts control of the field equipment of the controlled object based on the second control command.

6. The distributed train interlocking system according to claim 5, characterized in that when the field equipment control device stops control of the field equipment to be controlled based on the first control command and starts control of the field equipment to be controlled based on the second control command, it notifies the central control device that it has stopped control of the field equipment to be controlled based on the first control command and started control of the field equipment to be controlled based on the second control command.

7. A distributed train interlocking device system as described in claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the first control command is a run permission control command that causes the traffic light, which is the field equipment to be controlled, to indicate a proceed phase, and the second control command is a run prohibition control command that causes the traffic light, which is the field equipment to be controlled, to indicate a stop phase.

8. A field equipment control method for a distributed train interlocking system in which a central control device and a field equipment control device communicate via a network, comprising: a first step in which the central control device transmits to the field equipment control device a control command for the field equipment to be controlled and a control condition for continuing or stopping control of the field equipment to be controlled based on the control command; and a second step in which the field equipment control device controls the field equipment to be controlled using the control command and the control condition.

9. The field equipment control method according to claim 8, characterized in that in the second step, the field equipment control device controls the field equipment to be controlled based on the control command while monitoring the status of field equipment to be monitored other than the field equipment to be controlled, and as a result of comparing the status of the field equipment to be monitored with the control conditions, if the status of the field equipment to be monitored is such that control of the field equipment to be controlled based on the control command should be continued, the field equipment control device continues control of the field equipment to be controlled based on the control command, and if the status of the field equipment to be monitored is such that control of the field equipment to be controlled based on the control command should be stopped, the field equipment control device stops control of the field equipment to be controlled based on the control command.

10. The field equipment control method according to claim 9, characterized in that in the second step, when the field equipment control device stops control of the field equipment to be controlled based on the control command, it notifies the central control device that control of the field equipment to be controlled based on the control command has been stopped.

11. The field device control method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the control command is a run permission control command for causing a traffic light, which is the field device to be controlled, to indicate a proceeding aspect.

12. The field equipment control method according to claim 8, wherein the control command is a first control command, and in the first step, the central control device transmits a second control command to the field equipment to be controlled together with the first control command and the control condition, and in the second step, the field equipment control device controls the field equipment to be controlled based on the first control command while monitoring the status of field equipment to be monitored other than the field equipment to be controlled, and continues control of the field equipment to be controlled based on the first control command when the status of the field equipment to be monitored is to continue control of the field equipment to be controlled based on the first control command as a result of comparing the status of the field equipment to be monitored with the control condition, and stops control of the field equipment to be controlled based on the first control command when the status of the field equipment to be monitored is to stop control of the field equipment to be controlled based on the first control command, and starts control of the field equipment to be controlled based on the second control command.

13. The field equipment control method according to claim 12, characterized in that in the second step, when the field equipment control device stops control of the field equipment to be controlled based on the first control command and starts control of the field equipment to be controlled based on the second control command, the field equipment control device notifies the central control device that it has stopped control of the field equipment to be controlled based on the first control command and started control of the field equipment to be controlled based on the second control command.

14. A field equipment control method as described in claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the first control command is a travel permission control command that causes the traffic light, which is the field equipment to be controlled, to indicate a proceeding phase, and the second control command is a travel prohibition control command that causes the traffic light, which is the field equipment to be controlled, to indicate a stop phase.

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