Train Speed Planning for Level Crossing Alarm Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing train control systems face issues with prolonged level crossing alarm durations and computational complexity when determining train speeds, and they fail to ensure timely acceleration to maintain allowable maximum speeds.
Innovation Solution
A train control system that calculates an acceleration start time based on scheduled alarm activation time, current speed, and position to ensure the train reaches a level crossing at an allowable maximum speed, using acceleration and deceleration controls to maintain safety and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the train travels according to the calculated upper limit speed to ensure required alarm duration, then the alarm duration requirement is satisfied, but the level crossing alarm duration is prolonged and the train takes longer to pass through
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary acceleration before reaching the level crossing by determining an acceleration start time based on the scheduled alarm activation time, current train speed, and position. This allows the train to reach the allowable maximum speed before the crossing, ensuring the required alarm duration is met while minimizing the total alarm duration. The acceleration start time is calculated in advance rather than reacting at the last moment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the train speed by continuously monitoring current speed and position, and comparing them against the scheduled passing time. The planning unit determines whether to accelerate or decelerate based on real-time conditions, creating a dynamic speed control strategy that optimizes the alarm duration while ensuring safety requirements are met.
2Reliability
If the calculated upper limit speed is used for speed control, then the required alarm duration is ensured, but processing with high computational load is required such as solving quadratic equations or iterative calculations
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a simplified calculation approach that does not require solving quadratic equations or performing iterative calculations. Instead, the planning unit determines the acceleration start time using basic arithmetic operations on the scheduled alarm activation time, current speed, and position data. This reduces computational complexity while maintaining the ability to ensure required alarm durations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the approach from calculating an upper limit speed that requires complex mathematics to determining an acceleration start time using simpler parameter relationships. The planning unit uses the scheduled alarm activation time, current train state, and predetermined relationships to directly calculate when acceleration should begin, avoiding complex equations while achieving the same safety objective.
3Speed
If the train only anticipates accelerating immediately before entering the level crossing, then the speed of entering the level crossing is maximized, but a delay in the level crossing alarm duration may be caused
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs acceleration in advance by determining an acceleration start time that is earlier than immediate pre-crossing acceleration. The planning unit calculates this time based on the scheduled alarm activation time and current train conditions, allowing the train to accelerate progressively toward the maximum speed rather than delaying acceleration until the last moment. This prevents alarm duration delays while still achieving high entering speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic speed control by continuously monitoring current speed and position against the scheduled passing time. The planning unit adjusts the acceleration timing dynamically based on real-time train state, ensuring the train accelerates at the optimal moment to reach maximum speed without causing alarm duration delays. This dynamic approach balances speed maximization with timing precision.
Data Source
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AI summary
An object of the present invention is to provide a train control system that determines an acceleration start time and performs speed control such that a train can pass through a level crossing at an allowable maximum speed. One train control system of the invention is a train control system that controls a train traveling on a track having a level crossing, the train control system including: an operation communication unit configured to receive information on a scheduled alarm activation time that is a scheduled time at which an alarm of the level crossing is to start; and a planning unit configured to calculate, based on the scheduled alarm activation time, a scheduled passing time of the level crossing scheduled to be passed. The planning unit determines an acceleration start time that is a time at which the train starts to accelerate when a current speed and a current position of the train, a remaining time that is a difference between a current time and the scheduled passing time, and a remaining distance that is a distance between the current position and the level crossing scheduled to be passed satisfy a predetermined relationship, and instructs the train to decelerate when the predetermined relationship is not satisfied.