Ground Control Device for Train Communication Stability

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional radio train control systems experience efficiency decreases when a train enters or approaches an area with a deteriorated communication state, leading to sudden emergency stops of following trains.

Innovation Solution

A ground control device that determines a control mode for train operation based on communication level information, stored in a storage unit, to prevent emergency stops by stabilizing operation control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the radio train control system successively switches operation control method according to real-time communication state, then the system adapts to communication quality changes, but the following train experiences sudden emergency stop when preceding train enters deteriorated communication area

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptation to communication stateVSAvoidoperation stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The ground control device determines the control mode in advance based on communication level information before a train enters the communication area. This preliminary determination prevents sudden control mode changes when the train enters, thereby avoiding abrupt stop limit position adjustments that would cause emergency stops. The control mode is established beforehand to ensure smooth and predictable train operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses stored communication level information to predict communication quality in advance, cushioning against sudden deteriorations. By having historical communication data available, the ground control device can anticipate poor communication zones and prepare appropriate control modes before trains enter these areas, preventing abrupt emergency stops.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Reliability

If the stop limit position is suddenly moved toward the train due to communication deterioration, then the system responds to communication quality changes, but the following train comes to emergency stop causing chain reaction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication state responseVSAvoidoperation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The ground control device determines the control mode in advance based on communication level information before a train enters the communication area. This preliminary determination prevents sudden control mode changes when the train enters, thereby avoiding abrupt stop limit position adjustments that would cause emergency stops. The control mode is established beforehand to ensure smooth and predictable train operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The ground control device uses its own stored communication level information to autonomously determine appropriate control modes without requiring real-time communication with the train. This self-service capability allows the system to maintain stable operation control based on pre-acquired communication data, preventing productivity loss from emergency stops.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of information

If real-time communication state monitoring is used for control mode switching, then the system maintains up-to-date communication awareness, but frequent control mode changes cause cascading emergency stops

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication state awarenessVSAvoidcontrol mode stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The ground control device determines the control mode in advance based on communication level information before a train enters the communication area. This preliminary determination prevents sudden control mode changes when the train enters, thereby avoiding abrupt stop limit position adjustments that would cause emergency stops. The control mode is established beforehand to ensure smooth and predictable train operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of continuous real-time monitoring that causes frequent control mode changes, the system uses periodically updated communication level information stored in the ground control device. This periodic approach maintains sufficient communication awareness while providing stable control mode determination that doesn't trigger cascading emergency stops.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS12319328B2Ground control device, radio communication apparatus, radio train control system, and train control method

Publication Date: 2025.06.03 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP

AI summary

A ground control device includes a control unit that determines a control mode of operation control on a train in a communication area of a radio communication apparatus, based on information on a communication level indicating a communication state between the train and the radio communication apparatus determined in a predetermined period, and performs train operation control according to the determined control mode on a train entering or approaching the communication area after the control mode is determined, and a storage unit that stores one or more pieces of the information on the communication level on one or more of the radio communication apparatuses.