Train Grade of Automation Control via Onboard Intersection Logic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack a unified method for managing and implementing the Grade of Automation (GOA) in train operations, particularly across different track sections and regions, leading to inconsistencies and potential safety issues during cross-line and cross-region services.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize an onboard controlling and processing unit, information recording unit, and positioning information acquisition unit to determine the current GOA by intersecting the GOAs supported by the train and the track section, with an onboard switch to adjust the GOA and generate alarms or trigger stops for abnormal selections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a unified method for managing GOA is implemented across different track sections and regions, then consistency and safety of train operations are improved, but system complexity and implementation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides GOA management into two independent sets: one set of GOAs supported by the track section (determined by infrastructure capabilities) and another set supported by the train itself (determined by onboard equipment capabilities). This segmentation allows each component to be managed independently while ensuring their compatibility through the intersection operation, thereby improving safety without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary determination of supported GOAs for both track sections and trains before actual operation. The onboard controlling unit pre-establishes the intersection of supported GOAs and stores this information, so that when the train enters a track section, the appropriate GOA is already determined, avoiding real-time complexity and ensuring immediate safety compliance.
2Measurement precision
If the system determines GOA by intersecting supported GOAs of train and track section, then GOA determination accuracy is improved, but calculation and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-calculates and stores the set of supported GOAs for different track sections in advance. When the train enters a track section, the onboard controlling unit quickly retrieves this pre-stored information and performs a simple intersection operation with the train's supported GOAs, significantly reducing real-time processing time while maintaining high determination accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system allows flexible switching between different GOAs, then adaptability of train operation is improved, but control complexity and potential for error increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the current GOA of the train and compares it with the determined appropriate GOA for the current track section. When a discrepancy is detected (i.e., the current GOA is higher than the supported GOA), the system generates an alarm and can automatically trigger a stop, providing feedback control that prevents unsafe operations while allowing flexible switching within safe limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the allowable GOA based on the specific track section the train is currently in. The onboard switch can be operated to change GOA, but the system ensures that only GOAs within the intersection of train and track section capabilities are permitted, providing dynamic adaptability while maintaining safety through real-time constraints.
4Reliability
If the system implements comprehensive monitoring and alarm functions for GOA, then safety and reliability are improved, but device complexity and operational overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The onboard controlling unit automatically performs the intersection calculation between train-supported GOAs and track section-supported GOAs, and autonomously determines the appropriate current GOA. The system self-monitors whether the current GOA is appropriate and automatically generates alarms or triggers stops when inconsistencies are detected, reducing the need for complex external monitoring systems and manual intervention.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and a system for controlling grade of automation of train operation. The method may include: obtaining, by the onboard controlling and processing unit (101), current positioning information of the train (501) collected by the onboard train positioning information acquisition unit (104); obtaining, based on the current positioning information of the train and by the onboard controlling and processing unit (101), a set of GOAs of train operation recorded in the onboard information recording unit (102) and supportable by a current track section where the train is located; obtaining, by the onboard controlling and processing unit, a set of GOAs of train operation (502) recorded in the onboard information recording unit and supportable by the train itself; obtaining, by the onboard controlling and processing unit, a value of GOA of train operation (503) corresponding to a current switch position of the onboard switch of GOA of train operation (103); determining, by the onboard controlling and processing unit, an intersection of the set of GOAs of train operation supportable by the current track section where the train is located and the set of GOAs of train operation supportable by the train itself; and determining a current GOA of train operation relating to the train by determining whether the value of GOA of train operation belongs to the intersection.