EP1308366B2 - Warning device for work gangs - Google Patents

Abstract

Interfaces are provided to an electronic signal box module (8) and a radio network. The device (7, 8) receives information concerning trains, comparing it with stored information concerning working locations. Should the train near such a location, a warning signal is sent out automatically via the radio interface to radio telephones. The device stores their numbers for automatic dialing. <??>Independent claims are included for the corresponding method of monitoring the works site on the track, and a computer program product for the purpose.

Description

The invention relates to a device for Rottenwarnung.

Rottenwarnanlagen warning railway workers of approaching trains are divided into signal-independent warning systems and signal-dependent warning systems. In Germany and other European countries signal-dependent warning systems are prescribed according to the accident prevention regulations for speeds> 200 km / h. In these installations, the main signal or block signal covering the construction site area can not be set until the gang has generated a message to the interlocking indicating that the track has been cleared. The known systems have the disadvantage that extensive changes and extensions to the interlocking must be made and a cable connection between the interlocking and work on the track must be made.

Out EP 0 286 627 A2 is a device for warning of compartments known to be transmitted in the control commands from the interlocking circuit as Rottenwarnmeldung means of an interlocking indoor unit to a construction site Außenanloge and the security item still implementing the security measures on site sends an acknowledgment message from the Außenonlage the indoor system. The worker's dough is signal-technically protected by the extension or block signal controlled by the indoor unit. An actuation command for the extension or block signal initiated by the dispatcher is only triggered by the acknowledgment message of the security item. For each type of interlocking a matching circuit must be developed, which must be present per track. At relay interlocking special relay groups must be developed, which must be present for each track of the track once. This requires considerable development effort and also requires expensive, additional hardware.

The object of the invention is to provide a simpler device for Rottenwarnung and an associated method for rotting warning.

This object is achieved by a device according to claim 1 and a method according to claim 7.

The device according to the invention has an interface to a radio network, via which automatically at least one radio station can be contacted, for the purpose of warning railway workers via radio about the approach of a train. The device according to the invention is advantageously designed as an ESTW interface module, which is connected via an interface to an ESTW. The ESTW informs the ESTW interface module about the current locations, the occupancy of the track sections and / or for ETCS the position reports of the approaching trains including the associated track numbers. The ESTW interface module compares the received information with previously stored information about tracks on which track workers operate, e.g. at a construction site. When a train approaches the construction site, a warning signal is sent to the rail workers via radio, e.g., under the control of the ESTW interface module. GSM-R transmitted. The track workers are equipped with standard mobile phones, e.g. GSM phones. The warning signal may be sent to a predetermined telephone, e.g. that of the site supervisor, and / or broadcast to all track workers at the same time. Only after receipt of an acknowledgment signal from the site supervisor confirming that no track worker is in the danger zone anymore, the relevant track is released and the approaching train can pass. Safety can be increased by using a coded radio transmission for communication between the site supervisor and the ESTW interface module. In a simple way, random numbers can be used for the coding, which are determined before the transmission and are known only to the site supervisor and the ESTW interface module.

The invention is particularly suitable for use in the new ETCS system, ETCS = European Train Control System. For ETCS Level 3, the ESTW may be replaced by RBC and the ESTW workstation may be replaced by an RBC workstation, RBC = Radio Block Center. In contrast to ESTW, where information about the trains is transmitted to the ESTW by means of axle counters and electrical and / or optical lines, the RBC transmits the information about the trains to the RBC via radio - by GSM-R - directly from the trains, where the trains read information about balises.

Only one device according to the invention is required per signal box. The intervention in the interlocking only refers to a new interface. The track lock / unlock commands are generated in accordance with the commands of the existing ESTW. In this way, no special software enhancements or software changes are required in the ESTW. On a cable connection from the signal box to the track can be dispensed with by the use of GSM. Site supervisors and track workers each have a cell phone, whereby the information transfer on the one hand is very speedy and can be done individually and on the other a locally flexible use of workers is possible, even outside the call range. In the prior art, there are not at all points along the route access to the cable connection to the interlocking. This will require a chain of backup items to the next access point. By using the mobile phones, it is possible to work at any point of the route through a minimum number of track workers; a chain of security items is eliminated. By using a special transmission method to secure the transmission - advantageously using TAN numbers, TAN = Transaction Number - standard mobile stations be used. Thus, the invention achieves a cost-effective and secure implementation of a Rottenwarnung.

The inventive device for Rottenwarnung is, characterized in that an interface to an electronic interlocking module and an interface to a radio network is provided, that the device is adapted to receive information about at least one train from the electronic interlocking module and stored information about at least one Boustellenbereichsbereich and that the device is suitable for automatically transmitting a warning signal via the radio interface to at least one radiotelephone in the event that a train approaches a construction site area, the call number of which is stored in the device. The information about a current construction site, e.g. Date, time, track section, are entered into the device before startup. The operator (dispatcher) of the ESTW locks the relevant track section for the entered time period, e.g. 8:00 am to 10:00 am or 7:00 pm to the end. Track workers who are in the danger zone during the time span are alerted by the warning signal of an approaching train. The warning signal is sent by radio, at least one track worker, e.g. the site supervisor, has a radiotelephone by means of which he can receive the warning signal.

The device according to the invention is advantageously characterized in that the device is suitable, in the case of receiving an acknowledgment signal to the warning signal, automatically generate an ESTW command to release the previously-automatically locked track section on which the train approaches and to the electronic interlocking module to send. The site supervisor instructs his track workers to leave the danger area. Once this has been done, it sends an acknowledgment signal to the device via radio. This is now informed that there is no more track workers in the danger zone. The appropriate track can be released, the approaching train pass.

The device according to the invention is furthermore advantageously characterized in that the device is suitable for comparing at least part of the received acknowledgment signal with stored numbers or a stored code and generating the ESTW command only if the at least one part of the received acknowledgment signal is stored with a stored one Number or the stored code matches. To increase safety, the communication between the device and site supervisor is secured. Easiest way by numbers that are known only to the device and the site supervisor and are sent in excerpts in each transmission. Alternatively, letters, special characters, a special coding or a, e.g. asymmetric encryption used.

The device according to the invention is furthermore advantageously characterized in that the electronic interlocking module is embodied as an ESTW operator station, as an ESTW operator station server or as an ESTW.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device is embodied as an ESTW interface module or as an ESTW operator station.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the device according to the invention is characterized in that instead of the interface to the electronic interlocking module interface to a RBC module is provided, and that the device is adapted to receive information about at least one train from the RBC module and compare with stored information about at least one jobsite area that the RBC module is implemented as an RBC workstation, RBC workstation server or RBC, and that the device is implemented as an RBC interface module or as an RBC workstation; RBC = Radio Block Center. The invention is applicable to all ETCS systems.

In an automatic operation, the device could also be installed in one go. The invention is applicable even in driverless operation. The device on the train receives e.g. the information about a construction site area closed due to construction work via balises and / or radio and sends out a warning signal via radio as it approaches this area. If he does not receive an acknowledgment signal, he stops. If he receives an acknowledgment signal, he can pass the construction site.

The inventive method for monitoring a. Construction site area of a rail system is characterized in that information about at least one train of an electronic interlocking module or a RBC module of a device are provided that in the device the received information is compared with stored in the device information about at least one construction site area, and that automatically a, via radio to at least one radiotelephone whose phone number is stored in the device to be sent warning signal is generated when the comparison shows that a train is approaching a construction site area.

The inventive method is advantageously method is characterized in that after receipt of an acknowledgment signal to the warning signal automatically generates an ESTW command or an RBC command to release the track section on which approaches the train and sent to the electronic interlocking module or RBC module becomes.

The computer product according to the invention contains computer program code means which are designed to perform the steps of the method according to the invention when the computer program runs on a computer. The invention is realized for example by software. This is a special one Computer program, eg in C ++ programming language.

The computer product is advantageously embodied as a computer program or as a computer-readable storage medium. The computer program according to the invention is e.g. distributed via CD-ROM.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention can be taken from the dependent claims and the following description.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Darstellung eines ESTW-Bedienplatzes und eine erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung,

Fig. 2

eine schematische Darstellung von zwei Mobilgeräten,

Fig. 3

eine schematische Darstellung einer weiteren erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung und deren Anbindung,

Fig. 4

eine schematische Darstellung einer weiteren erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung und deren Anbindung,

Fig. 5

eine schematische Darstellung einer weiteren erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung und deren Anbindung,

Fig. 6

eine schematische Darstellung einer weiteren erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung und deren Anbindung.

In the following, five embodiments of the invention will be explained with reference to six figures. Show it:

Fig. 1

a schematic representation of an ESTW operating station and a device according to the invention,

Fig. 2

a schematic representation of two mobile devices,

Fig. 3

a schematic representation of another device according to the invention and its connection,

Fig. 4

a schematic representation of another device according to the invention and its connection,

Fig. 5

a schematic representation of another device according to the invention and its connection,

Fig. 6

a schematic representation of another device according to the invention and its connection.

The first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 explained. Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an ESTW operating station and a device according to the invention.

Fig. 1 shows the arrangement of the required devices for an automatic rally warning via GSM mobile phones. The invention relates to high-speed railway lines, which must be equipped with signal-dependent warning systems and which are controlled by electronic interlockings (ESTW). Regardless of the design, the electronic interlocking usually always contains an operator station and monitors as well as an input option via mouse or keyboard. The existing ESTW operating station 8, which can also be referred to as ESTW workstation or ESTW display module, is connected to the device 7 according to the invention, which is embodied as an ESTW interface module. Depending on the type of interlocking, the interface between the ESTW operator station 8 and the ESTW interface module can be designed as a LAN connection or serial interface. The ESTW interface module receives the locations of the trains via this interface. For this, the ESTW operating station 8 need not be changed, since the ESTW interface module only listens to the data stream. If a speed information of the trains is available in the ESTW operating station 8, this is also transmitted. Furthermore, the ESTW interface module is connected, for example via an ISDN interface or directly to a GSM module 6, which has an interface to the GSM network. The GSM network is, for example, the network of a provider selected for the Rottenwarn procedure or the network several providers. The ESTW interface module and the GSM module 6 can also be integrated in one device.

As a radio network, it is also possible to use GSM instead of GSM: GSM-R, GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, mobile radio, etc.

The ESTW operator station 8 is further connected to a plurality of modules 3, 4, 5, which may optionally be embodied as: input / output means, monitor, keyboard, computer mouse, printer, etc. The ESTW operator station 8 is e.g. Part of a control room, a control center or a control center and is e.g. executed as a computer with corresponding special software. Instead of a computer, a computer system with at least two computers, e.g. three computers, be provided.

The ESTW interface module is further connected to a plurality of modules 1, 2 which may optionally be implemented as: input / output means, monitor, keyboard, computer mouse, printer, etc. The ESTW interface module is e.g. executed as a computer with corresponding special software. Instead of a computer, a computer system with at least two computers, e.g. three computers, be provided. The ESTW interface module is programmed to perform the appropriate functions. Programming is e.g. using the programming language C ++.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of two mobile devices.

The one mobile device 10 is a GSM mobile station with an interface to a portable computer 11, e.g. running as a laptop. The other mobile device 9 is a GSM mobile station. The mobile device 10 serves as an A-cell phone, the mobile device 9 as a B-cell phone. For the Rottenwarn method, an A-cell phone and at least one B-cell phone is provided, e.g. two, three, four or five B-phones.

If a construction site is to be set up on the track, the affected track is entered via an input means, eg computer mouse or keyboard, at the ESTW interface module. In addition, an A-cell phone is selected for the construction site and the phone number of the A-cell phone is stored together with the construction site track. In the ESTW interface module advantageously also a number of so-called TAN numbers are generated via a program for random numbers, printed and together with the phone number of A mobile phones stored. The construction manager responsible for the construction site takes the printed TAN number list to the construction site. An electronic transmission of the TAN numbers is omitted for security reasons, since the connection could be intercepted. If a second construction site is set up at the same interlocking, the number of a selected, other A-cell phone and the construction site track is also stored and a list of new TAN numbers is generated, printed and saved, with the ESTW interface module containing those TAN Numbers, which occur accidentally even in the first construction site, not accepted. In a preferred embodiment, in addition to the phone number of the A-cell phones, the numbers of the A-cell phone associated B-cell phones are stored in order to enable a group call.

Does the construction site affect several, e.g. Track sections arranged one behind the other (for example, a moving construction site) or if several construction sites on different track sections are to be processed successively in time, then separate TAN numbers are allocated and read out for each track section. The last TAN number of a track section then permanently unlocks that section. Once the work on the track section has been completed, the site supervisor sends the last TAN number to the dispatcher via radio. Instead of the last one, another TAN number of the TAN numbers assigned to the respective track section can also be used as a signal to cancel the blocking.

The first TAN number of the next track section to be worked on blocks it before the track work in this section is started. Before the start of work, the site supervisor sends the dispatcher the first TAN number via radio. Instead of the first one, another TAN number of the TAN numbers assigned to the respective track section can also be used as a signal for blocking. The dispatcher transmits a receipt to the site supervisor via radio. The receipt from the signal box confirms the effectiveness of the blockage and that there is no more train in and before the blocked section.

This type of locking and unlocking minimizes the duration of the blockage to the actual duration of the trackwork.

In the method according to the invention the respective site supervisor must agree only once at the beginning of the construction work with the dispatcher, then run all warnings automatically ob. In this agreement, the site manager notifies the beginning of construction and the dispatcher blocks the route. The time of the blocking and lifting of the block can be specified by the dispatcher via radio as described for the migrating construction site, even at a single construction site. A normal entry into the ESTW operating station 8 locks this route against driving. In the ESTW, this route can be marked as blocked and provided with a note and displayed on the operating monitor. The note is e.g. RO1 for rump 1 and RO2 for rump 2, etc.

At the construction site is the portable computer 11, which is connected to the A-cell phone. In the portable computer 11, the numbers of B-phones are advantageously stored. The B-phones can also be analog devices, which are selected by the portable computer 11 and the A-Handy or directly from the ESTW interface module via group call. Every construction worker on the track has a B-cell phone, which he can use to clear the construction site. The warning is triggered by the ringtone of the mobile phone or when wearing hearing protection a built-in hearing protection and connected to the phone headphones or the vibrator function of the phone.

If a train approaches the construction site, at a time when the train is still more than its braking distance away from the main signal covering the construction site, the ESTW interface module automatically generates a warning in the form of a data telegram with the code protection customary for signaling technology and transmitted via the GSM module 6 to the A-cell phone of the site supervisor and the connected portable computer 11. For documentation purposes, this will be printed out on the time-of-day printer connected to the ESTW interface module. The track workers receive a request via the B-phones to clear the track. Once the track has been cleared, the site supervisor on the A-cell phone issues a corresponding message with the next TAN number from its TAN number list, which arrives at the ESTW interface module via GSM. The ESTW interface module compares the received TAN number with the expected TAN number and, if it matches, automatically generates the ESTW command to release the track lock and sends it to the ESTW operator station 8. If the cancellation is effective, a driveway can use the Construction site covering signal to be made. If it is found in the ESTW interface module that the train has disbanded the route, it automatically initiates a new blockage of this route with the entry of the reason for the blockage, eg RO 1. If this blockage is effective and the train has cleared the entire construction site area, then ESTW interface module transmit a message to the A-cell phone together with the next TAN number that the construction site can be re-entered. The site supervisor compares the TAN number with his list and, if the received TAN number matches, releases the board. The TAN number list can also be stored in the portable computer 11. Then the comparisons with the TAN numbers and the transmission of the TAN numbers are automated. The portable computer 11 is, for example, programmed so that it compares an incoming warning call with the stored TAN numbers and a match Broadcasting call to all B phones. Likewise, the corresponding TAN number is sent automatically when sending an acknowledgment signal. A-cell phone and portable computer 11 can also be integrated in one device, eg Nokia Communicator. For example, the Nokia Communicator and ESTW interface modules share a common data interface, such as cable or infrared, that allows the TAN numbers to be communicated to the Nokia Communicator and / or the Nokia Communicator number to the ESTW interface module.

The TAN numbers protect against unauthorized interventions. Instead of the TAN numbers, another securing method may be used, e.g. a cryptic encryption via a so-called "Security Translator" during the transmission from and to the A-Handy. Instead of TAN numbers, other numbers may be used or codes e.g. also contain letters or only letters or special characters.

The ESTW interface module has security responsibility. It must detect every train approaching the construction site and automatically block the signal covering the construction site or the affected track sections.

If the warning does not arrive at the construction site or the clearing message of the group is not in the control center, e.g. in the case of network congestion, the train is braked in front of the construction site as the automatically inserted lock remains in effect.

The second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG Fig. 3 explained. Fig. 3 shows a device according to the invention and its connection.

As in the first exemplary embodiment, the device 7 is designed as an ESTW interface module and has an interface to a radio network and a connection to the GSM module 6. Structure and operation correspond to the device according to the invention of the first embodiment. In contrast to Fig. 1 the device 7 is off Fig. 3 connected via a bus system or a local area network with the ESTW operator station 8 and with an ESTW operator station server 12 and an ESTW 13.

The local area network is e.g. executed by an Ethernet LAN. As a protocol, e.g. TCP / IP used. Instead of a bus system, the individual elements can also be connected to one another via two, three or more bus systems. A bus system may have one, two, three or more buses.

In the ESTW 13, the data of the axle counters or track circuits are received and evaluated. The ESTW 13 provides the relevant data to the ESTW operator station server via the LAN interface to the ESIW operator station 12. The ESTW operator organizes the distribution of the relevant data to the device 7 and to the ESTW operator station 8. Device 7 thus receives information about trains from the ESTW 13 via the ESTW operator station server 12 and sends the generated ESTW command either via the LAN Interface to the ESTW operator station 8 or via the LAN interface to the ESTW operator station server 12, which forwards him to the ESTW 13. The interface between device 7 and ESTW operator station 8 is e.g. designed as SBS, SBS = standard operator interface.

The GSM module 6 may instead be connected directly to the device 7 via the LAN. Alternatively, GSM module 6 may also be connected directly to ESTW 13.

Instead of an ESTW operator station 8, two, three, four or more can also be connected to the LAN.

Instead of an ESTW 13, a RBC can also be used. In this case, the GSM module 6 can be dispensed with and the radio communication to the workers in the track can be handled via the RBC. For this purpose, device 7 transmits the warning signal to be transmitted via radio via the server, which is then configured as RBC operator station server, or directly to the RBC. The ESTW operator station 8 must be replaced by an RBC operator station.

The third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG Fig. 4 explained. Fig. 4 shows a device according to the invention and its connection.

In the third embodiment, the functionality of the device 7 is off Fig. 3 in device 8 ', which is designed as ESTW operator station, integrated with. The functionality is essentially provided by software programming. A special computer program thus takes over the issue of the Rottenwarnung. Device 8 'has an interface to a GSM module 6, which is the GSM module Fig. 3 equivalent. The GSM module may also be connected to the LAN and connected to device 8 'via the LAN. Device 8 'thus corresponds to a standard ESTW operator station with additional programming for execution of the Rottenwarnung and monitoring a construction site area.

Instead of as an ESTW operator's device 8 'can also be designed as RBC-operator station. In this case, GSM module 6 can be omitted.

The fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG Fig. 5 explained. Fig. 5 shows a device according to the invention and its connection.

The elements still correspond to the functionality of the elements of the same name Fig. 3 ,

Device 7 off Fig. 5 is connected to ESTW operator station server 12, ESTW operator station 8, and another ESTW operator station 14 via a local area network, a bus system, two or more local area networks, or two or more bus systems.

ESTW 13 is connected to ESTW operator station server 12 via a point-to-point connection, a local area network, a bus system, two or more local area networks or two or more bus systems.

The fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG Fig. 6 explained. Fig. 6 shows a device according to the invention and its connection.

The elements correspond in their functionality to the elements of the same name Fig. 3 ,

ESTW operator station server 12 off Fig. 6 is connected to device 7 and ESTW operator station 8 via point-to-point connections, a local area network, a bus system, two or more local area networks or two or more bus systems.

ESTW 13 is connected to ESTW operator station server 12 via a point-to-point connection, a local area network, a bus system, two or more local area networks or two or more bus systems.
Combinations of individual or multiple features from different Ausführüngsbeispielen are possible.

Claims (10)

1. Device (7, 8') for warning work gangs, characterised in that an interface to an electronic signal box module (8, 12, 13, 14) and an interface to a radio network are provided, the device (7, 8') is suitable for receiving information about at least one train from the electronic signal box module, the device (7, 8') is suitable for comparing the received information about at least one train with stored information about at least one construction site area without the electronic signal box module (8, 12, 13, 14), and that the device (7, 8') is suitable for automatically transmitting a warning signal via the radio interface to at least one radio telephone (10, 9), the call number of which is stored in the device (7, 8'), in the event of a train approaching a construction site area.
2. Device (7, 8') according to claim 1, characterised in that the device (7, 8') is suitable for automatically generating an ESTW command to release the previously automatically blocked track section an which the train is approaching and sending it to the electronic signal box module in the event of receipt of an acknowledgement signal in response to the warning signal.
3. Device (7, 8') according to claim 2, characterised in that the device (7, 8') is suitable for comparing at least part of the received acknowledgement signal with stored numbers or a stored code and generating the ESTW command only if the at least one part of the received acknowledgement signal coincides with a stored number or the stored code.
4. Device (7, 8') according to claim 1, characterised in that the electronic signal box module (8, 12, 13, 14) is designed as an ESTW operator terminal (8, 14), an ESTW operator terminal server (12) or an ESTW (13).
5. Device (7, 8') according to claim 1, characterised in that the device (7, 8') is designed as an ESTW interface module or as an ESTW operator terminal (8').
6. Device (7, 8') according to claim 1, characterised in that an interface to an RBC module is provided instead of the interface to the electronic signal box module (8, 12, 13, 14) and that the device (7, 8') is suitable for receiving information about at least one train from the RBC module and comparing it with stored information about at least one construction site area, that the RBC module is designed as an RBC operator terminal, an RBC operator terminal server or an RBC (13) and that the device (7, 8') is designed as an RBC interface module or as an RBC operator terminal.
7. Method for monitoring a construction site area of a rail system, characterised in that information about at least one train is provided to a device (7, 8') by an electronic signal box module (8, 12, 13, 14) or an RBC module by means of an interface, that in the device (7, 8') the received information is compared with information stored in the device (7, 8') about at least one construction site area without the electronic signal box module (8, 12, 13, 14) or the RBC module, and that a warning signal to be transmitted via radio to at least one radio telephone (10, 9), the call number of which is stored in the device (7, 8'),
   is automatically generated if it emerges from the comparison that a train is approaching a construction site area.
8. Method according to claim 7, characterised in that after receipt of an acknowledgement signal in response to the warning signal, an ESTW command or RBC command for release of the previously automatically blocked track section on which the train is approaching is automatically generated and sent to the electronic signal box module or RBC module via the interface.
9. Computer product containing computer program code means configured so as to perform the steps of the method according to claim 7 when the computer program is running on a computer.
10. Computer product according to claim 9, characterised in that the computer product is designed as a computer program or as a computer-readable storage medium.

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