AU2013200811A1 - An Alerting System - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an alerting system for alerting a rail vehicle. The system includes a light source for emitting a light signal to the rail vehicle. A detection system detects the rail vehicle. A controller actuates the light source subsequent to detecting the rail vehicle. Train Light 106- Detection * Source System Controller +--- Light 208 Weather sensor 202 Light Software L Light 210 -Processor L----------------------------. Local Database Fig. 2

Description

1 AN ALERTING SYSTEM TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention generally relates to an alerting system for alerting rail vehicles such as trains. BACKGROUND [0002] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge. [0003] A railroad crossing (also called a level crossing) is a crossing of a railroad by a road. Railroad crossings are often fitted with warning devices such as lights, bells and automatic boom gates to warn vehicles to give way to approaching trains. These warning devices are typically actuated upon the detection of the train with track circuitry. [0004] Track-side signs are typically located at the approach to railroad crossings to signal the train driver (e.g. to slow down). In practice, trains routinely travel through the same crossings which conditions train drivers to pay less attention to familiar surroundings including the track-side signs. Some train drivers notice the signs, although fail to properly obey them. Accidents at railway crossings are a serious concern and it is imperative that train drivers notice and obey signals. [0005] Embodiments of the present invention provide an improved system for alerting the train to reduce the possibility of an accident. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an alerting system for alerting a rail vehicle, the system including: a light source for emitting a light signal to the rail vehicle; a detection system for detecting the rail vehicle; and a controller for actuating the light source subsequent to detecting the rail vehicle.

2 [0007] The light source may include a row of respective lights so that the driver of the moving rail vehicle is signaled over a distance. The row of lights may be located within tracks along which the rail vehicle travels which advantageously maintains the driver's focus ahead (and impedes the driver's attention being diverted elsewhere). Each light may include a directional light emitting diode (LED) or other like directional light source. Each light may be configured to directionally emit light toward a driver of the rail vehicle (and minimise light emission elsewhere). [0008] Each light may be in encrypted wireless communication with the controller (range up to 200m) to advantageously facilitate installation and maintenance of the system. The lights may be located about 10 metres apart. Each light may have a visibility range in excess of 500 metres, be of blue color to facilitate visibility in sunny conditions, and/or have a wavelength of about 633nm. [0009] Each light may include a battery monitor for monitoring the status of an internal battery, and a transmitter for transmitting the battery status to the controller along with a unique identifier of the light. [00010] The controller may be configured to pulse actuate the light source so that the light source emits a flashing light signal which advantageously preserves battery life of the light source. The controller may be configured to cease actuating the light source after a predetermined time (e.g. 30 seconds). Alternatively, the controller may be configured to cease actuating the light source upon the detection system no longer detecting the rail vehicle. The controller may be configured to log the status of the light source. The controller may be configured to adjust the intensity of the light source (e.g. brighter during the day than at night). [00011] The detection system may include track circuitry for detecting the presence of the rail vehicle. The alerting system may further include one or more solar power supplies for powering the controller or the light source. [00012] The alerting system may further include a weather sensor arrangement for sensing weather conditions and the controller may be configured to adjust the intensity 3 of the light source based upon the sensed weather conditions. The weather sensor arrangement may include a light sensor and/or a rain sensor. The alerting system may further include a control station in wireless communication with the controller. The wireless communication may be over a mobile telephone network (e.g. SMS) or the Internet (e.g. e-mail). The controller may include a diagnostics means for sending diagnostic status of the system to the control station upon detected failure of the light source. The diagnostic status may include the battery status of each light. [00013] The alerting system for alerting the rail vehicle may operate independently of vehicle signaling systems including warning devices such as lights, bells and automatic boom gates. [00014] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an alerting system for alerting a rail vehicle, the system including: a light source for emitting a light signal to the rail vehicle; a detection system for detecting the rail vehicle and actuating the light source subsequent to detecting the rail vehicle. [00015] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an alerting method for alerting a rail vehicle, the method including the step of: actuating a light source emitting a light signal to the rail vehicle subsequent to detecting the rail vehicle. [00016] The method may further include the step of deactivating the light source after a predetermined time period. The method may further include the step of logging the actuation of the light source. The method may further include the step of sending a diagnostic status of the system to a control station. The method may further include the step of adjusting the emission intensity of the light source. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [00017] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be 4 regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows: [00018] Figure la is a close-up perspective view of a railroad track showing an alerting light source in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; [00019] Figure lb is a zoomed-out perspective view of the railroad track of Figure la showing a train approaching the light source; [00020] Figure 2 is a block diagram of an alerting system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and [00021] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an alerting method using the alerting system of Figure 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [00022] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an alerting system 100 as shown in Figure 1. The system 100 is located close to a railroad crossing and can signal or alert the driver of a train 102 so that driving behavior can be modified accordingly. The system 100 includes an track-mounted light source 104 for emitting a light signal to the train 102, a track-implemented train detection system 106 for detecting the train 102, and a trackside controller 108 for actuating the light source 104 responsive to detecting the train 102. [00023] The light source 104 includes a row of respective lights 110 so that the driver of the moving train 102 is signaled over a distance. For example, the driver located 100 metres from the first light 110, will see the lights 110 for 12 seconds when the train 102 approaches the lights 110 at a constant speed of 30km/hour. Similarly, the driver located 100 metres from the first light 110, will see the lights 110 for 6 seconds when the train 102 approaches the lights 110 at a constant speed of 60km/hour. [00024] The row of lights 110 is located within tracks 112a, 112b along which the train 102 travels so as to advantageously maintain the driver's focus ahead and impede the driver's attention being diverted elsewhere. Each light 110 includes a directional 5 light emitting diode (LED) 113, with a beam angle e less than 90* (and preferably less than 100) to directionally emit light toward the train 102 and minimise light emission elsewhere. [00025] A detailed description of the alerting system 100 is now described with reference to Figure 2. The controller 108 controls the operation of the alerting system 100. The controller 108 contains a software product 202 in resident memory. In turn, the software product 202 contains computer readable instructions for execution by a processor 204 of the controller 200 to perform the alerting method described below. The processor 204 is interfaced to a storage device (e.g. hard disc) containing a database 206. Information relating to each light 110 is stored in the database 206 including an actuation log or history of the lights 110, and current internal battery status of the lights 110. [00026] Each light 110 is in encrypted wireless two-way communication with the controller 108 (range up to 200m) to advantageously facilitate installation and maintenance of the system 100. The lights 110 are typically located about 10 metres apart. Each light 110 has a visibility range in excess of 500 metres, is of blue color to facilitate visibility in sunny conditions, and has a wavelength of about 633nm. Each light 110 includes a battery monitor (not shown) for monitoring the status of an internal battery, and a transmitter (not shown) for transmitting the battery status to the controller 108 along with a unique identifier of the light. The controller 108 is configured to log the actuation and diagnostic status of the light source 104 and its lights 110. [00027] The controller 108 is configured to pulse actuate the light source 104 so that the light source 104 emits a flashing light signal which advantageously preserves internal battery life of the light source 104. The train detection system 106 includes (inductive or capacitive) track circuitry for detecting the presence of the train. The controller 108 is configured to cease actuating the light source 104 either upon the detection system 106 no longer detecting the presence of the train 102 (which has passed) or after a predetermined time from actuation (e.g. 30 seconds). [00028] The alerting system 100 further includes a weather sensor arrangement 208 for sensing weather conditions. The weather sensor arrangement 208 includes a light sensor (e.g. light dependant resistor LDR) for sensing light and a rain sensor for 6 sensing rain. The controller 108 is configured to adjust the intensity of the light source 104 based upon the sensed weather conditions (e.g. brighter during rain) or the degree of daylight (e.g. brighter during the day than at night). [00029] The alerting system 100 further includes a remote control station 210 in wireless communication with the controller 108 over a network 212. The wireless communication network 212 can include a mobile telephone network (e.g. SMS) or the Internet (e.g. e-mail). The controller 210 includes diagnostics means for sending a diagnostic status of the system 100 to the control station 210 typically upon detected failure of the light source 104. The diagnostic status includes the battery status of each light 110 stored in the database 206. [00030] The alerting system 100 further includes one or more solar power supplies (not shown) for powering the controller 108 and lights 110 of the light source 104. Advantageously, the alerting system 100 operates independently of safety-critical vehicle signaling systems including warning devices such as lights, bells and automatic boom gates, and therefore cannot disrupt the operation of such vehicle signaling systems. [00031] Figure 3 shows an alerting method 300 performed using the alerting system 100 and for alerting the driver as the train 102 approaches the light source 104. [00032] At step 302, the alerting system 100 detects the train 102 with the train detection system 106. [00033] At step 304, responsive to detecting the train 102, the alerting system 100 actuates the light source 104 using the controller 108, thereby emitting a light signal to the train 102. At this time, the controller 108 can adjust the emission intensity of the light source 104, based upon received information from the weather sensor 208, as well as the flashing rate of the light source 104. [00034] At step 306, the controller 108deactivates the light source 104 either after a predetermined time period from activation or upon detecting the absence (i.e. passing) of the train 102 using the train detection system 106.

7 [00035] At step 308, the controller 108logs the actuation of the light source 104 in the database 206. The logged information is typically sent to the control station 210 on a periodic basis, detected failure of the light source 104or upon request. [00036] At step 310, the controller 108 sends the diagnostic status, including the internal battery status of each light 110, to the control station 210. [00037] Advantageously, the foregoing steps are performed automatically (i.e. without any human involvement). [00038] A person skilled in the art will appreciate that many embodiments and variations can be made without departing from the ambit of the present invention. [00039] The alerting system 100 can be installed in a variety of locations other than close to railroad crossings including, for example, near sharp track bends, steep track inclines, complex rail junctions, signal gantries, high density locations, locations where there are driver distractions or in relation to signals passed at danger (SPAD). [00040] In one embodiment, the database 206 may be located remotely from the controller 108 to preserve controller power. In yet another embodiment, the system 100 may not include a database at all and the controller 108 may send a diagnostics failure status to the control station 210 upon detection of a failure of one of the lights 110. [00041] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims (20)

1. An alerting system for alerting a rail vehicle, the system including: a light source for emitting a light signal to the rail vehicle; a detection system for detecting the rail vehicle; and a controller for actuating the light source subsequent to detecting the rail vehicle.

2. An alerting system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the light source includes a row of respective lights so that the driver of the moving rail vehicle is signaled over a distance.

3. An alerting system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the row of lights is located within tracks along which the rail vehicle travels, which advantageously maintains the driver's focus ahead and impedes the driver's attention being diverted elsewhere.

4. An alerting system as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein each light includes a directional light emitting diode (LED) or other like directional light source.

5. An alerting system as claimed in claim 4, wherein each light is configured to directionally emit light toward a driver of the rail vehicle.

6. An alerting system as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein each light is in encrypted wireless communication with the controller (range up to 200m) to advantageously facilitate installation and maintenance of the system.

7. An alerting system as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the lights are located about 10 metres apart.

8. An alerting system as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein each light has a visibility range in excess of 500 metres, is of blue color to facilitate visibility in sunny conditions, and/or has a wavelength of about 633nm.

9. An alerting system as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein each light includes a battery monitor for monitoring the status of an internal battery, and a 9 transmitter for transmitting the battery status to the controller along with a unique identifier of the light.

10. An alerting system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is configured to pulse actuate the light source so that the light source emits a flashing light signal which advantageously preserves battery life of the light source.

11. An alerting system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the controller is configured to cease actuating the light source after a predetermined time.

12. An alerting system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the controller is configured to cease actuating the light source upon the detection system no longer detecting the rail vehicle.

13. An alerting system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is configured to log the status of the light source.

14. An alerting system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is configured to adjust the intensity of the light source.

15. An alerting system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the detection system includes track circuitry for detecting the presence of the rail vehicle.

16. An alerting system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the alerting system further includes one or more solar power supplies for powering the controller or the light source, or a weather sensor arrangement for sensing weather conditions and the controller can be configured to adjust the intensity of the light source based upon the sensed weather conditions.

17. An alerting system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the alerting system further includes a control station in wireless communication with the controller. 10

18. An alerting system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller includes a diagnostics means for sending diagnostic status of the system to the control station upon detected failure of the light source.

19. An alerting system for alerting a rail vehicle, the system including: a light source for emitting a light signal to the rail vehicle; a detection system for detecting the rail vehicle and actuating the light source subsequent to detecting the rail vehicle.

20. An alerting method for alerting a rail vehicle, the method including the step of: actuating a light source emitting a light signal to the rail vehicle subsequent to detecting the rail vehicle. Dated this 14 th day of February 2013 QUEENSLAND RAIL LIMITED by my attorneys Cullens Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys