TACS Running Path Arbitration for Train Deadlock Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing TACS system faces issues with resource management, leading to train operation deadlocks due to improper allocation, particularly at switch zones, affecting running efficiency and capacity.

Innovation Solution

An anti-deadlock method for the TACS system involving the ATS, CC, and WRC, which includes generating a train operation task, planning and confirming running paths, calculating resource application ranges, and applying/releasing resources based on mutual exclusion principles to avoid conflicts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the WRC allocates resources to trains independently without coordination, then the resource allocation speed increases, but train operation deadlocks occur due to conflicting resource claims

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation speedVSAvoidoperation deadlock prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary path planning and resource requirement calculation by the CC before actual resource allocation. The planned running path is submitted to the WRC in advance, allowing the WRC to pre-identify potential conflicts and coordinate resource allocation before trains actually need the resources, preventing deadlocks while maintaining efficient allocation speed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The WRC receives the planned running path from the CC and provides feedback by confirming or adjusting the path based on current resource availability and potential conflicts. This feedback mechanism allows the system to resolve conflicts proactively while maintaining the autonomous planning capability of the CC

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the WRC coordinates all train resource allocations centrally, then deadlock prevention improves, but the system complexity and response time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeadlock preventionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the resource allocation process into two independent parts: autonomous path planning by the CC (carborne controller) and resource coordination by the WRC (wayside resource controller). The CC independently calculates resource requirements based on the planned running path, while the WRC independently manages actual resource allocation. This segmentation reduces the complexity burden on any single component while maintaining overall system reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The WRC acts as an intermediary between multiple CCs and the physical resources. Instead of direct complex coordination between all trains, each CC simply submits its planned path to the WRC, which then mediates the resource allocation by comparing paths and coordinating allocations. This intermediary approach simplifies the control architecture while preventing deadlocks

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Speed

If trains obtain switch resources independently, then resource acquisition speed increases, but capacity utilization at switch zones decreases due to blocking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource acquisition speedVSAvoidline capacity utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The CC calculates the planned running path and identifies required switch resources in advance based on the train's operational needs. By submitting the planned path to the WRC before actual resource acquisition, the system allows for optimized coordination that prevents blocking while maintaining fast resource acquisition. The preliminary planning enables the WRC to anticipate resource needs and coordinate allocations that maximize line capacity utilization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4414243B1Anti-deadlock method and apparatus for TACS, and device and medium
Publication Date: 2026.01.14 CASCO SIGNAL LTD
  • EP4414243B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4414243B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4414243B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to an anti-deadlock method and apparatus, a device and medium for a TACS system. The method includes: S1: generating, by an ATS, a train operation task according to a train scheduling plan; S2: generating, by an CC, a planned operation curve and a planned running path according to the train operation task issued by the ATS; S3: comparing, by a WRC, the planned running path of the train with confirmed running paths of other trains, generating, by the WRC, a confirmed running path of the train after arbitration, and updating, by the WRC, the confirmed running paths of the other trains; S4: calculating, by the CC, a resource application range of the train in an operation process according to a current operation state of the train, the planned operation curve and line conditions; S5: sending, by the CC, an application request for related resources within the resource application range to the WRC; and S6: allocating, by the WRC, a wayside resource to the train according to the resource application request and the confirmed running path of the train, and controlling, by the WRC, a state of a wayside device to be consistent with a state of the resource application. Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the advantages of improving the requisition efficiency of the wayside resources and train resources, etc.