Time-limited permissive signal opening method based on train safety envelope expansion for TACS system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a time-limited permissive signal opening method based on train safety envelope expansion for a TACS system. In the method, a wayside train controller (WTC) automatically expands a train operation envelope after acquiring line resources, the WTC is triggered to apply for the time-limited opening of a permissive signal of a current signal apparatus for a degraded train, and the permissive signal is closed before the body of the degraded train completely passes the signal apparatus. Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the advantages of avoiding display upgrade hazards for following trains, etc.

Description

A time-limited permission signal opening method for TACS systems based on train safety envelope extension Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to train signal control systems, and more particularly to a time-limited permission signal opening method for a TACS system based on train safety envelope extension. Background Technology

[0002] In a continuously bidirectional train control system based on vehicle-to-ground communication (CBTC system), trains rely on movement authorization information calculated by ground equipment to operate. Trains in CBTC mode do not depend on trackside signal displays, but most CBTC projects include an interlocking backup mode. When a train is degraded to interlocking backup mode, the driver needs to obtain travel permission from the trackside signal displays to control train operation. In backup mode, the interlocking subsystem uses secondary detection equipment such as axle counters to obtain information such as the occupancy status of the preceding section, route status, and train operation mode to control the trackside signal displays.

[0003] The CBTC system uses ground equipment as the core of train control, resulting in numerous trackside devices and low communication efficiency between the train and the ground, which limits the efficiency and reliability of train operation. In contrast, the Train Autonomous Operation System (TACS) based on vehicle-to-vehicle communication uses onboard equipment as the control core, with the train autonomously calculating movement authorization. The train performs autonomous operation control based on the requested resources, and obtains the safe positions of other trains through vehicle-to-vehicle communication to achieve train spacing protection. This eliminates reliance on traditional secondary detection equipment such as axle counters, reduces the number of trackside devices, and improves the efficiency and reliability of train operation.

[0004] Even after a TACS train is downgraded, the driver still needs to control the train's operation based on the trackside signal display. When the trackside signal opens the clearance signal, due to the lack of secondary detection equipment such as axle counters, the TACS system cannot safely detect the downgraded train passing the signal and cannot promptly close the clearance signal. This clearance signal may be misread by the driver of another downgraded train following behind, causing a safety issue related to the signal display upgrade.

[0005] A search of Chinese Patent Publication No. CN113044084A reveals a signal display method for a TACS system. Specifically, this method achieves trackside signal display control through processing of track resource allocation. The display method is either a normal on / off display method or a normal off-light display method, eliminating the need to control signal display based on route information. This results in a simpler and more direct signal display logic, improving operational efficiency. However, this existing patent does not consider the safety issue of providing limited-duration permissible signals to downgraded trains in the absence of secondary detection equipment, potentially causing display upgrades for following trains. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a time-limited permission signal opening method for a TACS system based on train safety envelope extension.

[0007] The objective of this invention can be achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a time-limited permit signal opening method for a TACS system based on train safety envelope expansion is provided. The method automatically expands the train operation envelope after the trackside controller (WTC) acquires track resources, triggers the trackside controller (WTC) to request the opening of the permit signal of the current signal for a downgraded train within a limited time, and closes the permit signal before the downgraded train has completely passed the signal.

[0009] As a preferred technical solution, the method specifically includes the following steps:

[0010] Step S1: After the train loses vehicle-to-ground communication during operation, the trackside on-board controller WTC inherits the train safety envelope calculated by the on-board controller CC for the train.

[0011] Step S2: The Automatic Train Monitoring System (ATS) automatically reissues the train's pre-degradation operational tasks to the trackside train controller (WTC) that takes over the train, and extends the train's safety envelope to the stop signal before the task's end.

[0012] Step S3: The driver drives the train to approach and stop in front of the stop signal, completing the current operation task. The Automatic Train Control System (ATS) issues the next train operation task.

[0013] Step S4: The trackside train controller (WTC) requests track resources based on the newly issued operation task.

[0014] Step S5: The trackside train controller (WTC) calculates the guarantee that there is no car occupancy between the current signal and the next signal in the same direction;

[0015] Step S6: The trackside train controller (WTC) requests the trackside resource manager (WRC) to open the permitted signal of the current signal within a limited time.

[0016] Step S7: Within a limited time frame, the trackside resource manager (WRC) drives the target controller (OC) to illuminate the permitted light of the current signal.

[0017] Step S8: The driver drives the train through the current signal within a limited time frame.

[0018] As a preferred technical solution, in step S1, after the trackside vehicle controller WTC takes over the vehicle controller CC, it completes the application for release of track resources and issues the signal lighting command for the train.

[0019] As a preferred technical solution, in step S2, the trackside train controller (WTC) requests the required track resources from the trackside resource manager (WRC) according to the train mission. After obtaining all the required track resources, the train safety envelope is extended to the stop signal before the mission endpoint.

[0020] As a preferred technical solution, in step S4, the trackside train controller (WTC) requests trackside resource from the trackside resource manager (WRC) from the current signal to the next signal in the same direction based on the newly issued operation task.

[0021] As a preferred technical solution, in step S5, the trackside train controller (WTC) establishes train-to-train communication with other trains along the entire line and obtains the safety positioning information of other trains, and then calculates the guarantee that there is no vehicle occupation between the current signal and the next signal in the same direction.

[0022] As a preferred technical solution, in step S6, after the trackside train controller (WTC) obtains all the required line resources, it extends the endpoint of the train safety envelope from the current prohibition signal to the next signal in the same direction. In conjunction with the guarantee that there are no other trains occupying the current signal's protection zone, it requests the trackside resource manager (WRC) to open the current signal's permission signal within a limited time.

[0023] As a preferred technical solution, the time limit in step S6 is the shortest time required for the train to accelerate from a standstill to the maximum speed limit for manual train operation after the safety envelope of the downgraded train is expanded, until the rear of the train clears the current signal.

[0024] As a preferred technical solution, in step S7, the trackside resource manager WRC drives the target controller OC to light up the permission light of the current signal within a limited time range according to the time-limited permission signal opening request of the trackside train controller WTC.

[0025] As a preferred technical solution, in step S8, after the driver visually approves the light, he drives the train through the current signal. When the time limit ends, the trackside resource manager WRC drives the target controller OC to change the prohibition light of the current signal.

[0026] According to a second aspect of the present invention, an electronic device is provided, including a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program, and the processor executes the program to implement the method described thereon.

[0027] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a computer-readable storage medium is provided having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the method described thereon.

[0028] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0029] 1) This invention enables the TACS system to provide a limited-duration permission signal to downgraded trains in the absence of secondary detection equipment, ensuring that the permission signal is closed before the downgraded train has completely passed the signal, thus avoiding display upgrades for other following trains;

[0030] 2) The present invention utilizes the feature of the trackside controller WTC to automatically expand the safe operation envelope of the train after acquiring track resources, triggering the trackside controller WTC to request the train to open the permission signal of the current signal within a limited time. The entire process is completed automatically by the system without manual intervention, thus improving availability.

[0031] 3) The necessary condition for the time-limited signal opening of this invention is that all line resources within the current signal protection zone have been allocated and are not occupied by any vehicles, thus fully ensuring the safety of the system. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 shows the TACS system architecture.

[0033] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the train safety envelope being extended to point S1 by train TU1 in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the WTC establishing vehicle-to-vehicle communication with train TU2 to obtain train positioning information in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the trackside resource manager WRC sending instructions to the target controller OC to drive the signal S1 to light up the light according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the trackside resource manager WRC sending instructions to the target controller OC to drive the signal S1 to turn on the stop light according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the trackside resource manager WRC sending a command to the target controller OC to drive the signal S1 to turn on the prohibition light in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0039] The time-limited permission signal opening method for TACS system based on train safety envelope extension described in this invention can effectively solve the safety problems of TACS system being unable to safely detect downgraded trains occupying downstream sections of the signal, being unable to close permission signals open for following trains in a timely manner, and causing display upgrades for following trains.

[0040] As shown in Figure 1, the TACS system mainly includes the Automatic Train Monitoring System (ATS), the Trackside Resource Manager (WRC), the Onboard Controller (CC), the Onboard Backup Positioning System (BLS), the Trackside Train Controller (WTC), and the Target Controller (OC). The ATS is responsible for monitoring and controlling train operations, and has functions such as tracking train operation, issuing train operation tasks, alarm and event reporting, and train operation adjustments. The WRC has functions such as train sequence management, track resource allocation and recovery, signal and turnout control, and trackside equipment status acquisition and driving. The CC autonomously calculates and plans the travel path and planned operating curve based on the train operation task, requests and releases resources from the WRC, negotiates resource usage with other trains, actively controls the train, and implements train safety protection and automatic train operation functions. The WTC is mainly responsible for managing and tracking faulty trains and taking over the management of faulty trains to request and release resources. The OC mainly realizes the status acquisition and driving of trackside equipment, including the driving and status acquisition of signals. The onboard backup positioning system (BLS) primarily uses the acquired transponder information to provide the corresponding train ID and train location information to the trackside train controller, enabling degraded train location tracking. The train operation modes of the TACS system include TACS mode and manual mode. When a train is in a fully protected onboard state, it is considered to be in TACS mode; when a train is not in a fully protected onboard state and safety protection is performed manually, it is considered to be in manual mode.

[0041] As shown in Figures 2-6, the time-limited permission signal opening method for the TACS system based on train safety envelope extension is as follows:

[0042] 101) After trains TU1 and TU2 were downgraded due to a communication failure between the train and the ground in the section, they were tracked between stations in manual mode. The trackside train controller WTC_A of train TU1 applied to the WRC for line resources to signal S1. After all the required resources were obtained, TU1 extended the train safety envelope to S1, as shown in Figure 2.

[0043] 102) The driver drives train TU1 to approach and stop upstream of signal S1. The Automatic Train Control System (ATS) issues a train operation task in the same direction as signal S1 to the trackside train controller (WTC). The trackside train controller (WTC) requests track resources from signal S1 to signal S2 from the trackside resource manager (WRC) and establishes vehicle-to-vehicle communication with train TU2 to obtain train positioning information, as shown in Figure 3.

[0044] 103) After the train acquires all the line resources between signal S1 and signal S2, the trackside train controller WTC extends the train safety envelope of TU1 to S2. Combined with the guarantee that there are no other trains occupying the signal protection zone, the trackside train controller WTC requests the trackside resource manager WRC to open the S1 permission signal for 15 seconds. The trackside resource manager WRC sends a command to the target controller OC to drive the S1 permission light to be lit, as shown in Figure 4.

[0045] 104) After the driver visually sees the permission signal, the train TU1 approaches and passes the signal. The onboard backup positioning system BLS reads the downstream Beacon of the signal S1 and updates the positioning information of the train TU1 to the trackside train controller WTC. The trackside train controller WTC requests the trackside resource manager WRC to close the permission signal of S1. The trackside resource manager WRC sends a command to the target controller OC to drive the signal S1 prohibition light to be lit, as shown in Figure 5.

[0046] 105) In the unlikely event that the driver of train TU1 approaches and passes through signal S1, the onboard backup positioning system BLS fails to read the downstream Beacon of signal S1. Before the train TU1 has completely cleared signal S1, the 15-second countdown ends, and the trackside resource manager WRC sends a command to the target controller OC to drive the signal S1 stop light to be turned on, as shown in Figure 6.

[0047] The above is an introduction to the method embodiments. The following embodiments using electronic devices and storage media will further illustrate the solution of the present invention.

[0048] The electronic device of this invention includes a central processing unit (CPU), which can perform various appropriate actions and processes according to computer program instructions stored in read-only memory (ROM) or loaded from a storage unit into random access memory (RAM). The RAM may also store various programs and data required for device operation. The CPU, ROM, and RAM are interconnected via a bus. Input / output (I / O) interfaces are also connected to the bus.

[0049] Multiple components in the device are connected to the I / O interface, including: input units such as keyboards and mice; output units such as various types of displays and speakers; storage units such as disks and optical discs; and communication units such as network interface cards (NICs), modems, and wireless transceivers. The communication unit allows the device to exchange information / data with other devices through computer networks such as the Internet and / or various telecommunications networks.

[0050] The processing unit performs the various methods and processes described above, such as the methods of the present invention. For example, in some embodiments, the methods of the present invention may be implemented as computer software programs tangibly contained in a machine-readable medium, such as a storage unit. In some embodiments, part or all of the computer program may be loaded and / or installed on the device via ROM and / or a communication unit. When the computer program is loaded into RAM and executed by the CPU, one or more steps of the methods of the present invention described above may be performed. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the CPU may be configured to execute the methods of the present invention by any other suitable means (e.g., by means of firmware).

[0051] The functions described above in this document can be performed, at least in part, by one or more hardware logic components. For example, exemplary types of hardware logic components that can be used, without limitation, include: Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Application Standard Products (ASSPs), System-on-Chip (SoCs), Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs), and so on.

[0052] The program code used to implement the methods of the present invention can be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. This program code can be provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing device, such that when executed by the processor or controller, the program code causes the functions / operations specified in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams to be implemented. The program code can be executed entirely on the machine, partially on the machine, as a standalone software package partially on the machine and partially on a remote machine, or entirely on a remote machine or server.

[0053] In the context of this invention, a machine-readable medium can be a tangible medium that may contain or store a program for use by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. A machine-readable medium can be a machine-readable signal medium or a machine-readable storage medium. Machine-readable media can include, but are not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, apparatus, or devices, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples of machine-readable storage media include electrical connections based on one or more wires, portable computer disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fibers, portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

[0054] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various equivalent modifications or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention, and these modifications or substitutions should all be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A time-limited permission signal opening method for a TACS system based on train safety envelope extension, characterized in that, This method automatically expands the train operation envelope after the trackside controller (WTC) acquires track resources, triggers the WTC to request the permission signal of the current signal to be opened for the downgraded train within a limited time, and closes the permission signal before the downgraded train has completely passed the signal.

2. The time-limited permission signal opening method for a TACS system based on train safety envelope extension according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method specifically includes the following steps: Step S1: After the train loses vehicle-to-ground communication during operation, the trackside on-board controller WTC inherits the train safety envelope calculated by the on-board controller CC for the train. Step S2: The Automatic Train Monitoring System (ATS) automatically reissues the train's pre-degradation operational tasks to the trackside train controller (WTC) that takes over the train, and extends the train's safety envelope to the stop signal before the task's end. Step S3: The driver drives the train to approach and stop in front of the stop signal, completing the current operation task. The Automatic Train Control System (ATS) issues the next train operation task. Step S4: The trackside train controller (WTC) requests track resources based on the newly issued operation task. Step S5: The trackside train controller (WTC) calculates the guarantee that there is no car occupancy between the current signal and the next signal in the same direction; Step S6: The trackside train controller (WTC) requests the trackside resource manager (WRC) to open the permitted signal of the current signal within a limited time. Step S7: Within a limited time frame, the trackside resource manager (WRC) drives the target controller (OC) to illuminate the permitted light of the current signal. Step S8: The driver drives the train through the current signal within a limited time frame.

3. The time-limited permission signal opening method for a TACS system based on train safety envelope extension according to claim 2, characterized in that, In step S1, after the trackside on-board controller WTC takes over the on-board controller CC, it completes the application for release of track resources and issues the signal lighting command for the train.

4. The time-limited permission signal opening method for a TACS system based on train safety envelope extension according to claim 2, characterized in that, In step S2, the trackside train controller (WTC) requests the required track resources from the trackside resource manager (WRC) according to the train mission. After obtaining all the required track resources, the train safety envelope is extended to the stop signal before the mission endpoint.

5. The time-limited permission signal opening method for a TACS system based on train safety envelope extension according to claim 2, characterized in that, In step S4, the trackside train controller (WTC) requests trackside resource from the trackside resource manager (WRC) from the current signal to the next signal in the same direction based on the newly issued operation task.

6. The time-limited permission signal opening method for a TACS system based on train safety envelope extension according to claim 2, characterized in that, In step S5, the trackside train controller (WTC) establishes train-to-train communication with other trains along the entire line and obtains the safety positioning information of other trains, then calculates the guarantee that there will be no train occupancy between the current signal and the next signal in the same direction.

7. The time-limited permission signal opening method for a TACS system based on train safety envelope extension according to claim 6, characterized in that, In step S6, after the trackside train controller (WTC) obtains all the required track resources, it extends the endpoint of the train safety envelope from the current prohibition signal to the next signal in the same direction. In conjunction with the guarantee that there are no other trains occupying the current signal's protection zone, it requests the trackside resource manager (WRC) to open the current signal's permission signal within a limited time.

8. The time-limited permission signal opening method for a TACS system based on train safety envelope extension according to claim 2, characterized in that, The time limit in step S6 is the shortest time required for the train to accelerate from a standstill to the maximum speed limit for manual train operation, and until the rear of the train clears the current signal after the safety envelope of the downgraded train is expanded.

9. The time-limited permission signal opening method for a TACS system based on train safety envelope extension according to claim 2, characterized in that, In step S7, the trackside resource manager WRC, based on the time-limited permission signal opening request from the trackside train controller WTC, drives the target controller OC to light up the permission light of the current signal within a limited time range.

10. The time-limited permission signal opening method for a TACS system based on train safety envelope extension according to claim 2, characterized in that, In step S8, after the driver visually approves the signal light, he drives the train through the current signal. When the time limit ends, the trackside resource manager WRC drives the target controller OC to change the prohibition light of the current signal.

11. An electronic device comprising a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program, characterized in that, When the processor executes the program, it implements the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that, When the program is executed by the processor, it implements the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

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