EP2589524B1 - Facility and method for managing vehicular traffic on a railway network - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a vehicle traffic management installation on a railway network, the network being subdivided into a plurality of track resources having at least two ends, the installation managing the circulation of at least a first vehicle and of a second vehicle, the installation comprising a plurality of ground controllers and a plurality of log tables, each channel resource being specific to a single ground controller, each table being specific to a channel resource and being able to store data relating to to vehicle management.

The present invention also relates to a method for managing the circulation of vehicles on a railway network, for the circulation of vehicles circulating within such an installation.

In this document, the term "vehicle", any vehicle able to move on a rail network, such as a train, a tram, a subway.

A rail network is composed of different elementary objects, such as for example a section of track with two end points, a section of track with three end points or a needle, a signaling element, etc.

At a given time, each object is in a latching state having a particular one of a plurality of predefined possible values. The state of instantaneous engagement of an object is the combination of the values of several parameters making it possible to completely characterize the state of the object. For example, the state of instantaneous engagement of a needle is the association of two values, the first value belonging to the set "position 1 of the needle / position 2 of the needle", the second value belonging to to the set "needle engaged / needle not engaged".

Document is known FR 2958248 an installation of the aforementioned type. In such an installation, each train is equipped with an onboard controller. This on-board controller, called an on-board controller, is able to calculate a movement authority for the train, as well as to calculate and apply a train displacement control quantity according to this movement authority. Movement authority is the location up to which the train is allowed to go with a target speed.

In general, a ground control center plans the circulation of the various trains running on the rail network and assigns to these trains missions corresponding to the network route they must take. The network is subdivided into several resources. A resource is a particular elementary object and is respectively characterized by an allocation state, taking the value "allocated" or "unallocated", and by an interlocking state, taking one of a plurality of predetermined values.

Each train controller of each train allows the safe movement of the corresponding train on a path composed of the resources allocated to the train and allowing it to continue the mission assigned to it. To do this, each controller is able to reserve identified resources, generating resource allocation requests for ground controllers. Each ground controller is specific to one of the identified resources.

If such a train traffic management facility can reduce the average time interval between two consecutive trains, the rail network resources are not shareable between several trains. In other words, when a network resource is allocated to a train, it can no longer be allocated to another train.

It is also known from the document EP 1 147 966 A1 , a method according to which a first vehicle is able to reserve a resource and to indicate whether or not this resource is shareable with a second vehicle traveling in the same direction as the first vehicle.

One of the aims of the invention is to propose a train traffic management facility capable of overcoming the aforementioned problem, and thus making it possible to substantially reduce the average time interval between two consecutive trains.

For this purpose, the subject of the invention is an installation and a method for managing the circulation of vehicles on a railway network according to the claims.

• la figure 1 est une vue schématique d'une installation de gestion de la circulation de trains selon l'invention ;
• la figure 2 est une représentation schématique des éléments constitutifs de l'installation de la figure 1, et des flux de données entre ces éléments constitutifs, l'installation comportant un contrôleur au sol comprenant une base de données ;
• la figure 3 est une représentation schématique de la base de données de l'installation de la figure 2 ;
• la figure 4 est une représentation schématique du procédé de gestion de la circulation des trains mis en oeuvre par l'installation de la figure 2 ;
• la figure 5 est une représentation schématique d'une étape de commande d'une aiguille, l'étape étant issue du procédé de la figure 4 ;
• la figure 6 est une représentation schématique d'une étape d'autorisation d'une ressource, l'étape étant issue du procédé de la figure 4 ; et,
• la figure 7 est une représentation schématique d'une étape de franchissement d'une ressource par un train, l'étape étant issue du procédé de la figure 4.

These features and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of example, and with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

• the figure 1 is a schematic view of a train traffic management installation according to the invention;
• the figure 2 is a schematic representation of the constituent elements of the installation of the figure 1 , and data flows between these constituent elements, the installation comprising a ground controller comprising a database;
• the figure 3 is a schematic representation of the database of the installation of the figure 2 ;
• the figure 4 is a schematic representation of the train circulation management method implemented by the installation of the figure 2 ;
• the figure 5 is a schematic representation of a step of controlling a needle, the step being derived from the method of figure 4 ;
• the figure 6 is a schematic representation of a step of authorization of a resource, the step being derived from the method of figure 4 ; and,
• the figure 7 is a schematic representation of a step of crossing a resource by a train, the step being derived from the method of figure 4 .

Network 1, shown on the figure 1 , is subdivided into several objects which are, according to the invention, considered as resources.

Resources particularly considered in the present invention are "channel resources". These track resources correspond to subdivisions of the track. A path resource may for example include a needle and its branches.

In the exemplary embodiment, the network comprises five channel resources divided into four channel resources with two endpoints, referenced 2 to 5, and a three-endpoint channel resource, or pointer, referenced 6.

The network 1 comprises other resources, such as signaling elements, which are neither described nor represented for the sake of clarity of the present description.

Each network channel 1 resource is associated with one or more members 10. A member 10 has for example a sensor function of the value of a characteristic parameter of the channel resource. A member 10 optionally has an actuator function for modifying the value of the corresponding characteristic parameter of the channel resource.

On the figure 1 only one train 12 has been represented. But, at a given moment, several trains can circulate simultaneously on the network 1.

For the management of train traffic on the network 1, a train management installation 15 is implemented.

• une pluralité de contrôleurs au sol 16, dénommés ROC dans ce qui suit (acronyme anglais de « Radio Object Controller »), chaque ressource du réseau étant pilotée par un ROC qui lui est propre ;
• une pluralité de contrôleurs embarqués 18, dénommés contrôleurs de bord, un unique contrôleur de bord 18 étant embarqué à bord de chacun des trains 12 circulant sur le réseau ; et,
• une pluralité de tables de consignation à double-entrée 20, chaque table de consignation 20 étant mémorisée dans une base de données 20A installée au sein d'un ROC 16, chaque table de consignation à double-entrée étant propre à une ressource voie du réseau 1.

The installation 15 comprises:

• a plurality of ground controllers 16, referred to as ROC in the following (acronym for "Radio Object Controller"), each resource of the network being driven by a specific ROC;
• a plurality of on-board controllers 18, called flight controllers, a single on-board controller 18 being on board each of the trains 12 traveling on the network; and,
• a plurality of double-entry logging tables 20, each log table 20 being stored in a database 20A installed within an OCR 16, each double-entry log table being specific to a network channel 1 resource.

The principle of the invention is that the movement of trains is managed, safely, by the controller of each train.

An on-board controller 18 is a computer comprising storage means, calculation means and input / output interfaces. The controller of a train 18 further comprises a race indicating the route that the train must take.

The management by the train controller of the train circulation is carried out by the implementation of a protocol allowing the logging and the release of the channel resources, directly with the tables of consignment with which they are associated, as well as by the implementation of a protocol allowing the modification of the state of logging of the necessary channel resources, directly with the OCR 16 with which they are associated. In this architecture, it is the controller that authorizes the safe movement of the train on a path composed of track resources recorded by the train and allowing it to continue the race that has been assigned to it.

An OCR 16 is a computer comprising storage means, calculation means and input / output interfaces.

An OCR 16 has the function of controlling the channel resource with which it is associated. An OCR is an automaton connected by a wired line, for example bidirectional, to the organ or each organ of the channel resource to which the OCR is associated, so as to control this resource channel or to collect information. An OCR 16 is physically disposed near the resource it controls.

In the embodiment described here in detail, a single network channel 1 resource is associated with a single OCR 16 but, alternatively, several channel resources can be associated with a single OCR 16. Each OCR 16 and each channel resource are characterized by a unique identifier, on the network 1. In what follows, it is considered a ROC 16 network resource network. Advantageously, each OCR 16 is characterized by an identifier identical to that of the channel resource with which it is associated.

For track resources that do not have an organ to drive, the OCR can be placed anywhere.

• une base de données 20A comprenant une table de consignation à double entrée 20 ;
• des moyens de communication radio 160 reliés à la base de données 20A, permettant d'établir une liaison sans fil avec des moyens de communication radio équipant le contrôleur de bord 18 d'un train 12, puis d'échanger, sur la liaison sans fil établie, des messages selon un protocole de communication prédéterminé ;
• des moyens de pilotage 162 permettant de piloter le ou chaque organe 10 de la ressource voie associée, ou à recueillir des informations sur cette ressource voie ;
• une mémoire 164A contenant une table d'état de consignation 164 ; et
• des moyens de traitement 166, aptes à lire dans la table d'état de consignation 164, à commander les moyens de pilotage 162 et les moyens de communication radio 160.

As illustrated on figures 2 and 3 each OCR 16 further comprises:

• a database 20A comprising a double entry log table 20;
• radio communication means 160 connected to the database 20A, for establishing a wireless link with radio communication means equipping the controller 18 of a train 12, then to exchange, on the established wireless link, messages according to a predetermined communication protocol;
• control means 162 making it possible to control the or each member 10 of the associated channel resource, or to collect information on this channel resource;
• a memory 164A containing a log state table 164; and
• processing means 166, able to read in the state table 164, to control the control means 162 and the radio communication means 160.

The communication means 160 transfer to the processing means 166 only the messages that include the identifier of the ROC 16.

• autant de champs que de paramètres caractéristiques permettant de définir l'état de consignation instantané de la ressource voie associée, un champ de la table 164 étant mis à jour par les moyens de pilotage 162 en fonction des données indiquées par l'organe correspondant à ce paramètre caractéristique ; et
• un champ de consignation, correspondant à un drapeau indiquant que la ressource est consignée dans son état de consignation instantané par le contrôleur de bord 18 d'un train.

A log state table 164 includes:

• as many fields as characteristic parameters making it possible to define the state of instantaneous recording of the associated channel resource, a field of the table 164 being updated by the control means 162 according to the data indicated by the organ corresponding to this characteristic parameter; and
• a log field, corresponding to a flag indicating that the resource is logged in its instantaneous log state by the controller of a train 18.

If the channel resource considered is a needle, the field for defining the state of instantaneous recording of the needle is called the control field and allows in this case to define the state of instantaneous control of the needle. In addition, the ROC 16 associated state report table 164 includes a lock field, corresponding to a flag indicating that the needle is locked.

The means 160, 162 and 166 are preferably implemented in the form of computer programs whose instructions are stored in the storage means of the ROC 16 and are able to be executed by the calculation means of the ROC 16.

Each onboard controller 18, and therefore each train, is characterized by a unique identifier on the network 1.

• des moyens de mémorisation 180 ;
• des moyens de communication radio 182, reliés aux moyens de mémorisation 180, et permettant de communiquer simultanément avec plusieurs ROC 16 et avec d'autres contrôleurs de bord 18 ;
• des moyens 183 d'acquisition de caractéristiques dynamiques, à savoir la localisation et la vitesse, les moyens 183 étant reliés aux moyens de communication radio 182 et permettant de déterminer la localisation et la vitesse du train 12 ainsi que la localisation d'un train précédent ;
• des moyens d'identification 184 permettant d'identifier un groupe de ressources voie du réseau 1 qui permettraient au train 12 de poursuivre la réalisation de sa course ;
• des moyens 185 de consignation, d'autorisation et de libération de ressources, reliés aux moyens de communication radio 182 et aux moyens de mémorisation 180 ;
• des moyens de lecture 186, reliés aux moyens de communication radio 182, et permettant de lire le contenu d'une base de données située à distance du train 12 ;
• des moyens de vérification 187 de la consignation par le train 12 d'un groupe de ressources voie, les moyens 187 étant reliés aux moyens de mémorisation 180 ;
• des moyens d'estimation 188 d'un profil de vitesse, reliés aux moyens d'identification 184 ; et,
• une borne d'entrée 189, reliée d'une part aux moyens 183 d'acquisition de caractéristiques dynamiques et d'autre part à au moins un dispositif de mesure de localisation et de vitesse, ce dispositif étant installé à demeure dans le train 12.

As illustrated on the figure 2 each on-board controller 18 comprises:

• storage means 180;
• radio communication means 182, connected to the storage means 180, and making it possible to communicate simultaneously with several ROCs 16 and with other on-board controllers 18;
• means 183 for acquiring dynamic characteristics, namely the location and the speed, the means 183 being connected to the radio communication means 182 and to determine the location and speed of the train 12 and the location of a previous train;
• identification means 184 for identifying a group of channel 1 resources network that allow the train 12 to continue the realization of its race;
• means 185 for logging, authorizing and releasing resources, connected to the radio communication means 182 and the storage means 180;
• reading means 186, connected to the radio communication means 182, and for reading the contents of a database located at a distance from the train 12;
• means 187 for verifying the consignment by the train 12 of a group of channel resources, the means 187 being connected to the memory means 180;
• estimation means 188 of a speed profile, connected to the identification means 184; and,
• an input terminal 189, connected on the one hand to the dynamic characteristic acquisition means 183 and on the other hand to at least one location and speed measuring device, this device being permanently installed in the train 12.

Preferably, these various means are implemented in the form of computer programs executed by the on-board controller 18.

Within a channel resource, the location of the train 12 can be accurately determined by taking into account a measurement of distance traveled from a reference point, for example a beacon of the state of the art.

The memory means 180 of the on-board controller 18 comprise a database 190 for describing the railway network 1 and a race file 192.

The storage means 180 are also suitable for storing the contents of a database transmitted by the radio communication means 182.

The database 190 includes information giving a detailed description of all the constituent channel resources of the network 1. The base 190 thus comprises, for each channel resource of the network 1, the identifier of the channel resource, as well as data geographic positioning of the channel resource, such as the geographical positions of the endpoints thereof.

The race file 192 includes information corresponding to the path to be performed by the train 12 through the network 1. For example, the race file 192 includes the starting point of the train 12, the arrival point of the train 12, and an ideal route through the network 1, that is to say the set of channel resources that make it possible to join the departure and arrival points, as well as characteristic points such as commercial stops including information on the arrival and departure time that the train must respect 12.

The identification means 184 are able to generate a list of resources on route 194, based on the information contained in the resource description database track 190, in the race file 192, and on the instant location of the train given by the means 183 for acquiring dynamic characteristics.

A list 194 corresponds to a group of track resources which, if recorded by the train and if they were each in a required logging state, would allow the train to continue its course along a corresponding railroad track 1. to this group of channel resources identified.

• un champ d'identification indiquant l'identifiant de la ressource voie ;
• un champ correspondant à un créneau horaire requis (dans un mode de réalisation simple, toutes les ressources voie d'un groupe sont consignées par le train sur le même créneau horaire) ; et,
• un champ correspondant à l'état de consignation « allouée », « non-allouée » ou « libérée » de la ressource au train 12 (au moment de la génération de la liste 194, ce champ prend la valeur NULL).

Thus, a list 194 includes a line per channel resource of the group of identified channel resources and columns corresponding respectively to:

• an identification field indicating the identifier of the channel resource;
• a field corresponding to a required time slot (in a simple embodiment, all channel resources of a group are recorded by the train on the same time slot); and,
• a field corresponding to the "allocated", "unallocated" or "freed" state of the resource at the stream 12 (at the time of the generation of the list 194, this field takes the value NULL).

• un champ définissant l'état de commande requis pour cette ressource voie ; et,
• un champ de commande, correspondant à un drapeau indiquant que la ressource se trouve effectivement dans l'état de commande requis (au moment de la génération de la liste 194, ce champ prend la valeur NULL).

If the channel resource is a hand, the list 194 further comprises two additional columns corresponding respectively to:

• a field defining the command state required for that channel resource; and,
• a control field, corresponding to a flag indicating that the resource is actually in the required command state (at the time of generation of the list 194, this field takes the value NULL).

The means 185 for logging, authorizing and releasing resources, when executed, perform the phases of logging, authorization and release of a group of identified channel resources, in accordance with the protocol described below. For this purpose, the means of logging, authorizing and releasing resource 185 are able to read and write in the list 194, to generate resource authorization requests to OCR 16 and to process the responses in accordance with FIG. resource authorization from ROC 16.

The means 185 are also adapted to carry out the control phase of a needle via a control request, and to control the state of the control of a needle.

They are also able to create, via a resource logging request, an electronic logbook 196 in a double-entry logging table 20. The creation of an electronic logbook 196 within a log-in table. double-entry 20 allows the train 12 to log the resource to which the table 20 is associated. The means for logging, authorizing and releasing 185 are furthermore able to delete, via a request for the release of a resource, an electronic logbook 196 which they have previously created in a double-entry logging table 20.

As illustrated on the figure 3 each log table 20 stored in a database 20A has two inputs. Each entry is adapted to receive an electronic logbook 196. Each entry of a log table 20 is representative of an end of the channel resource associated with the log table, and is characterized by a unique identifier, representative of said log end.

Each electronic logbook 196 created by the on-board controller 18 of a train 12 in the log table 20 has data D. Data D indicates the possibility of sharing, for each of the ends of the channel resource associated with the table. 20, of said channel resource with another train, in accordance with the traffic constraints programmed for the train 12 within its controller 18. Each electronic logbook 196 is characterized by a unique identifier.

The reading means 186, when executed, generate a request to read the contents of a double-entry log table 20.

The verification means 187, when executed, determine whether the resources of a list 194 are actually recorded by the train 12, and if, among these resources track, the needles are controlled in the required position. The verification means 187 are able to read the contents of a database stored within the storage means 180. They are furthermore suitable for calculating a movement authority for the train 12.

The estimation means 188 are able to determine at least one speed profile on a path corresponding to a group of potential route resources. From this velocity profile, the means 188 are able to estimate the instants of passage of the train at particular points of this path. According to these times of passage, the identification means 184 determine the time slot on which each channel resource must be recorded by the train. The time slot thus required advantageously takes into account appropriate safety margins, in particular the time required to log the channel resource, and possibly the command and control of the channel resource if the channel resource is a pointer.

Each log table 20 is characterized by a unique identifier, on the network 1. Advantageously, each log table 20 is characterized by an identifier identical to that of the channel resource with which it is associated.

In addition, each log table 20 has a current version number. Each OCR 16 within which a table 20 is installed is capable of incrementing the current version number of said table.

As an alternative embodiment, all the log tables 20 are located in a centralized database, permanently installed in a fixed location of the network 1. The centralized database comprises radio communication means making it possible to establish a wireless link with the radio communication means 182 equipping the on-board controller 18 of a train 12 as well as with the radio communication means 160 of the OCR 16. These radio communication means then make it possible to exchange, on the established wireless link, messages according to a predetermined communication protocol.

The method of managing the circulation of the trains 12 on the network 1 implemented by the installation 15 will now be described with regard to the figures 4 , 5 , 6 and 7 .

As illustrated on the figure 4 during an initial step 200, the file 192 describing the race allocated to the train 12 is loaded within the memory means 180 of the on-board controller 18.

At the present moment, the train 12 is traveling on a railway network path 1 described by a list 194a stored by the on-board controller 18. This current path comprises, for example, the channel 2 and 3 resources.

During an identification step 202, the identification means 184 are executed. They use the race file 192, the database 190 for describing the constituent channel resources of the network 1, the instantaneous location of the train 12 delivered by the dynamic characteristics acquisition means 183, to generate a group of potential channel resources. The identification means 184 call the estimating means 188 to develop from this group of potential route resources and for a next required time slot, a group of channel resources identified as allowing the train to continue its course along the path. corresponding to these channel resources, provided that these are recorded by the train 12 and are placed in a required logging state. The identification means 184 then generate a list 194b corresponding to this group of identified channel resources.

As soon as the list 194b has been placed in the memory means 180 of the on-board controller 18, the reading means 186 are executed during a step 204 of generating read request messages. The means 186 elaborate as many queries that list resources in the 194b list. Each request contains the identifier of the requesting train and the identifier of the required channel resource. The communication means 182 of the on-board controller 18, controlled by the means 186, transmit radio signals corresponding to the different read requests.

The means of communication 160 of the OCRs 16 associated with the identified channel resources pick up the various radio signals received and transmit to their log table 20 only the messages comprising the identifier of said log table.

For each ROC 16 associated with an identified channel resource, the processing means 166 develop a response message to the read request. This response includes the identifier of the requesting train, the identifier of the requested channel resource, the current version number of the table 20 and the contents of the table 20.

If the table 20 is empty, the returned content has the value "NULL". If the table 20 contains an electronic consignment note 196A created for example by the on-board controller 18A of a train 12A, the returned content includes the identifier of the entry of the table 20 in which the bulletin 196A has been created, as well as the data D of the 196A bulletin.

The communication means 160 transmit a radio signal corresponding to this response. The communication means 182 of the on-board controller 18 capture and decode the various signals that reach them, and transmit to the storage means 180 only the messages which comprise the identifier of the train 12.

The storage means 180 store the contents of the messages transmitted by the communication means 182.

For a given identified channel resource, as soon as the returned message has been placed in the storage means 180, the verification means 187 are executed in a step 206.

If at the end of step 206, the content of the table 20 associated with the channel resource is different from the value "NULL", the verification means 187 use in a step 208 the identifier of the entry of the returned table 20 and the data D, to determine if the resource track can be borrowed by the train 12. In concrete terms, the verification means 187 compare the traffic constraints of the train 12, that is to say mainly the input by which the train 12 is presented to the channel resource, to the train 12A circulation constraints indicated in the data D. If these constraints are compatible, the channel resource will be shared between the train 12 and the train 12A. Otherwise, the controller 18 starts, at step 210, waiting for the channel resource 18A to be released by the on-board controller. Means 185 for logging / authorizing / releasing resources update the field of logging of this channel resource by writing the value "unallocated" (0). Step 206 is then re-performed.

If at the end of step 206, the content of table 20 is the value "NULL" or if, during step 208, it has been determined that the channel resource was shareable, the identification means 184 are executed in a step 212. In step 212, the identification means 184 determines the nature of the channel resource.

If at the end of step 212 , the channel resource is identified as not being a needle, the means 185 for logging / authorization / release of resources are executed during a step 214. The means 185 draw up a message logging of the channel resource. The request for consignation includes the identifier of the requesting train, the identifier of the requested channel resource, the stored version number of the table associated with the channel resource, the identifier of the entry of the table corresponding to the end of the channel resource that the train 12 is about to cross, as well as the data D. The communication means 182 of the on-board controller 18, controlled by the means 185, emit a radio signal corresponding to the request for the consignment of resource.

If at the end of step 212, the channel resource is identified as a needle, means 185 for logging / authorization / release of resources are executed in a step 216.

This step is illustrated in detail on the figure 5 . The means 185 for logging / authorization / release elaborate a needle control request message during a step 216a. The control request includes the identifier of the requesting train, the identifier of the required hand and the control parameters required for this hand. The communication means 182 of the on-board controller 18, controlled by the means 185, emit a radio signal corresponding to the control request. The communication means 160 of the ROC 16 associated with the needle capture and decode the various radio signals received and transmit to the processing means 166 the message comprising the identifier of the ROC 16.

In step 216b, the processing means 166 check whether the needle is recorded in the opposite position by another train. This logging information is obtained by the processing means 166 by consulting the logging field in the state table 164.

If the needle is recorded in the opposite position by another train, the processing means 166 develop, in step 216c, a response message to the command. This response includes the identifier of the requesting train, the identifier of the required needle and the instantaneous control state of the needle read from the status table 164. The means of ROC 16 communication 160 emits a radio signal corresponding to the response to the command.

If the needle is not recorded in the reverse position by another train, the processing means 166 verify, in step 216d, whether the needle is locked in the opposite position. This locking information is obtained by the processing means 166 by consulting the locking field in the state table 164.

If the needle is locked in the reverse position, step 216c is performed.

If the needle is not locked in the reverse position, the processing means 166 compare, in step 216e, the parameters of the required control state with the parameters of the instantaneous control state of the indicated needle. in the control field of the state table 164.

If the parameters of the instantaneous control state of the needle are identical to the parameters of the required control state, step 216c is performed.

If the parameters of the instantaneous control state of the needle are different from the parameters of the required control state, the processing means 166 verify, in step 216f, whether the needle is recorded or locked in the opposite position .

If the needle is recorded or locked in the reverse position, step 216c is performed.

If the needle is not recorded or locked in the reverse position, the processing means 166 control, in step 216g, the control means 162 of the member 10 associated with the needle, in accordance with the parameters of the order status required. The member 10 modifies the value of the corresponding characteristic parameter according to the required state. The control means 162 change in the control field the state of instantaneous control of the needle. Step 216c is then performed.

At the end of step 216c, the communication means 182 of the on-board controller 18 capture and decode the various signals that arrive to them, and transfer to the means of logging / authorization / release 185 only the messages which comprise the identifier of the train 12.

When the command response indicates that the needle has been placed according to the required control parameters, the means 185 write in the control field corresponding to this needle the value "1". Otherwise, the means 185 write in the control field corresponding to this needle the value "0".

At the end of a predetermined time after the transmission of the request for control, the verification means 187 are executed during a step 216h to check whether the needle has actually been ordered in accordance with the required control parameters. The means 187 then test the value of the control field of the needle. If the control field value is equal to "1", step 214 is performed. Otherwise, the controller 18 activates in step 216i the service braking of the train 12 as soon as the needle corresponds to the next resource to be taken by the train 12. The 216a step is then re-performed.

At the end of step 214, the communication means 160 of the ROC 16 associated with the channel resource capture and decode the various radio signals received. The means 160 extracts from the message comprising the identifier of the log table 20 the version number of said table. The processing means 166 are then executed and compare the version number of the received table with the current version number of the table 20.

If the two numbers are identical, the means 160 transmit the message to the log table 20 of the OCR 16. According to the identifier of the input of the received table 20, the table 20 creates, during a step 218, a electronic consignment note 196 on the corresponding entry. The electronic consignment note includes the data D. The processing means 166 increment the current version number of the table 20 and write in the log field of the status table 164 the value "1". The processing means 166 develop a resource logging response message. This response includes the identifier of the requesting train, the identifier of the required channel resource, the current version number of the table associated with the channel resource, and the identifier of the electronic logbook 196 created. The communication means 160 of the ROC 16 transmit a radio signal corresponding to the resource logging response. The communication means 182 of the on-board controller 18 capture and decode the various signals that reach them, and transmit to the storage means 180 only the messages which comprise the identifier of the train 12.

When the consignment response indicates that the required channel resource has indeed been allocated to the train 12, the resource logging / authorization / release means 185 update the log field corresponding to that channel resource in the list 194b. The value "allocated" (+1) is written in the log field of the channel resource.

If the two numbers are different, the message is rejected by the communication means 160 of the OCR 16, and the step 204 is re-performed.

At the end of the step 218, the means 185 for logging / authorization / release of resources are executed during a step 219.

This step is illustrated in detail on the figure 6 . If the channel resource is not a needle, means 185 for logging / authorization / release of resources allow, in step 219a, the resource path.

If the channel resource is a pointer, the means 185 for logging / authorization / release generate an authorization request message from the channel resource during a step 219b. The authorization request includes the identifier of the requesting train and the identifier of the required hand. The communication means 182 of the on-board controller 18, controlled by the means 185, emit a radio signal corresponding to the authorization request. The communication means 160 of the ROC 16 associated with the needle capture and decode the various radio signals received and transmit to the processing means 166 the message comprising the identifier of the ROC 16.

At the end of the step 219b, the control means 162 of the ROC 16 associated with the needle control, in the step 219c, the member 10 associated with the needle. The member 10 transmits to the control means 162 the current value of the characteristic parameter of the position of the needle. The control means 162 update the state table 164 and the processing means 166 read the current value of the parameter in the state table 164.

If the current value of the parameter indicates that the needle is not controlled in the required position, the control means 162 are executed to verify, in step 219d, whether the member associated with the needle is in default. .

If the member 10 is not in fault, step 219c is re-performed.

If the member 10 is faulty, the control means 162 update the status table 164. The processing means 166 then develop a negative response message to the authorization request. This message further comprises the identifier of the requesting train, the identifier of the required needle and the instantaneous state of the needle read in the status table 164. The communication means 160 of the ROC 16 transmit a radio signal corresponding to the response to the authorization request. The communication means 182 of the on-board controller 18 capture and decode the various signals that reach them, and transfer to the means of recording / authorization / release 185 only the messages which comprise the identifier of the train 12. The active controller 18 then, in step 219e, the service braking of the train 12 and the step 219b is re-performed.

If the current value of the parameter indicates that the needle is controlled in the required position, the control means 162 are executed to verify, in step 219f, whether the needle is protected by a needle in protection.

If the needle is not protected by a needle in protection, the processing means 166 develop, in step 219g, a positive response message to the authorization request. This message further includes the identifier of the requesting train and the identifier of the required hand. The communication means 160 of the ROC 16 emit a radio signal corresponding to the response to the authorization request. The means of communication 182 of the on-board controller 18 capture and decode the various signals that reach them, and transfer to the means of consignment / authorization / release 185 only messages that include the identifier of the train 12. Step 219a is then performed.

If the needle is protected by a needle in protection, the processing means 166 read, in the step 219h, the current value of the parameter characteristic of the position of the needle in protection, in the state table of the needle in protection.

If the current value of the parameter indicates that the needle in protection is not controlled in the required position, the processing means 166 develop a negative response message to the authorization request. This message further comprises the identifier of the requesting train, the identifier of the required needle and the instantaneous state of the needle read in the status table 164. The communication means 160 of the ROC 16 transmit a radio signal corresponding to the response to the authorization request. Step 219e is then performed.

If the current value of the parameter indicates that the protective needle is controlled in the required position, step 219g is performed.

At the end of step 219a, the train passes during a step 220 an entry of the channel resource.

As illustrated on the figure 7 , the verification means 187 are then executed during a step 220a. The verification means 187 read the contents of the memory means 180 in order to check whether another train shares the resource track with the train 12.

If no train shares the channel resource with the train 12, the verification means 187 extend, in step 220b, the movement authority of the train 12 to the end of the channel resource.

The identification means 184 are then executed during a step 220c. The identification means 184 check whether the tail of the train 12 has crossed the channel resource. As long as the tail of the train 12 has not crossed the channel resource, step 220c is re-performed.

If a train 12A shares the channel resource with the train 12 and the contents of the storage means 180 indicates that the train 12A is traveling in the opposite direction, the means of consignment / authorization / release 185 of the train 12 are executed during a step 220d.

The 185 means of logging / authorization / release elaborate a request message for authorization of extension of the movement authority. The request for extension of the movement authority includes the identifier of the requesting train 12, the identifier of the train 12A, and an abscissa X up to which the means 185 require to be able to extend the movement authority of the train 12. The communication means 182 of the on-board controller 18, controlled by the means 185, transmit a radio signal to the controller 18A of the train 12A. The radio signal corresponds to the request for extension of the movement authority. The communication means of the on-board controller 18A of the train 12A receive and decode the radio signal and transmit to the recording / authorization / release means the message comprising the identifier of the train 12A. The means of logging / authorization / release of the train 12A develop a response message to the request for extension of the movement authority of the train 12. The response message includes the identifier of the train 12A, the identifier of the train 12, and the response to the request for extension of the movement authority of the train 12 to the abscissa X. This response is based on the traffic constraints programmed within the controller 18A of the train 12A as well as the instantaneous location and speed of the train 12A. The communication means of the on-board controller 18A transmit a radio signal to the on-board controller 18 of the train 12. The radio signal corresponds to the response to the request for extension of the movement authority of the train 12. The means of communication 182 of the on-board controller 18 of the train 12 pick up and decode the radio signal and transmit to the recording / authorization / release means 185 the message comprising the identifier of the train 12.

If the response in the message is positive, the verification means 187 calculate, during a step 220e , a new movement authority for the train 12. The step 220d is then re-performed if the train 12 needs, for continue its course, to extend its movement authority beyond the X-coordinate.

If the answer is negative, the on-board controller 18 activates the service braking of the train 12 and the step 220d is re-performed.

If the abscissa X, accepted by the train 12A, corresponds to the abscissa of the other input of the resource, the step 220c is performed.

If a train 12B shares the resource with the train 12 and the contents of the storage means 180 indicates that said train 12B flows in the same direction as the train 12, the means of consignment / authorization / release 185 of the train 12 are executed during a step 220f. Means 185 develop a location query message of the preceding train 12B. The locating request includes the identifier of the requesting train 12, the identifier of the train 12B, and a request to obtain the abscissa corresponding to the tail of the preceding train 12B. The communication means 182 of the on-board controller 18, controlled by the means 185, emit a radio signal corresponding to the location request, to the controller 18B of the train 12B. The communication means of the on-board controller 18B of the train 12B receive and decode the radio signal and transmit to the recording / authorization / release means the message comprising the identifier of the train 12B. The means of logging / authorization / release of the train 12B develop a response message to the location request. The response message comprises the identifier of the train 12B, the identifier of the train 12, and the abscissa corresponding to the instantaneous location of the tail of the train 12B. The communication means of the on-board controller 18B transmit a radio signal to the on-board controller 18 of the train 12. The radio signal corresponds to the response to the location request of the train 12B. The communication means 182 of the on-board controller 18 of the train 12 capture and decode the radio signal and transmit to the dynamic characteristic acquisition means 183 the location of the tail of the preceding train 12B.

In step 220g, the verification means 187 calculate, in particular according to the location of the train 12 and the location of the tail of the preceding train 12B, a new movement authority for the train 12. This calculation is performed according to a algorithm known per se, and as described for example in the document FR 2,856,645 , page 10 line 24 to page 11 line 7.

If, at the end of step 220g, the location of the tail of the preceding train 12B is located below the location of the other input of the resource, step 220f is re-performed. Otherwise, step 220c is performed.

At the end of step 220c, the means 185 for logging / authorization / release of resources are executed during a step 222. The means 185 elaborate a message for releasing the resource. The request for release includes the identifier of the requesting train, the identifier of the resource to be released, the stored version number of the table associated with the resource, and the stored identifier of the electronic consignment note 196 created in the Table 20. The communication means 182 of the on-board controller 18, controlled by the means 185, transmit a radio signal to the ROC 16 associated with the resource. The radio signal corresponds to the resource release request. The communication means 160 of the ROC 16 associated with the resource capture and decode the radio signal. The means 160 extracts from the message comprising the identifier of the log table 20 the version number of said table. The processing means 166 are then executed and compare the version number of the received table with the current version number of the table 20.

If the two numbers are identical, the means 160 transmit the message to the log table 20 of the ROC 16. The table 20 deletes, during a step 224, the electronic logbook 196 whose identifier corresponds to the identifier transmitted in the message. The processing means 166 increment the current version number of the table 20.

Only at this time, the channel resource is released if no other electronic logging report is present in table 20.

The processing means 166 develop a response message in resource release. This response includes the identifier of the requesting train, the identifier of the released resource, the current version number of the table associated with the resource, as well as the confirmation that the electronic logbook 196 has been deleted. The communication means 160 of the ROC 16 emit a radio signal corresponding to the resource release response, to the on-board controller 18 of the train 12. The communication means 182 of the on-board controller 18 capture and decode the various signals that they receive. receive, and transmit to the storage means 180 only the messages which include the identifier of the train 12. When the release response indicates that the resource has been released, the means 185 for logging / authorization / release of resources write in the log field of this resource the value "freed" (+2).

Step 202 is then re-performed and the identification means 184 generate a new list 194c corresponding to a new group of identified channel resources.

If the two numbers are different, the message is rejected by the communication means 160 of the OCR 16, and the step 202 is re-performed.

In this method, a network channel 1 resource is shareable between two trains, provided that the conditions of access to this resource track by the two trains are compatible with each other.

It is thus conceivable that the train circulation management installation according to the invention makes it possible to substantially reduce the average time interval between two consecutive trains.

As a variant, the step 204 is performed before the step 202, in other words the identification means 184 implement an initial step of reading the log tables 20 present in the environment of the train 12 to know the state of the associated channel resource logging. This implementation can advantageously be performed by a protocol for exchanging request and response messages similar to the protocols described above. Prior knowledge of the logging status of potential channel resources facilitates the proper identification of a group of identified channel resources.

Claims (13)

1. Installation (15) for managing the movement of vehicles on a railway network (1), the railway network (1) being subdivided into a plurality of track resources (2, 3, 4, 5, 6) having at least two ends,
   the installation (15) managing the movement at least of a first vehicle (12A) and of a second vehicle (12),
   the installation (15) comprising a plurality of ground controllers (16) and a plurality of consignment tables (20), each track resource (2, 3, 4, 5, 6) belonging to a single ground controller (16), each consignment table (20) belonging to a track resource (2, 3, 4, 5, 6) and being capable of storing data relating to the management of the vehicles,
   the installation (15) further comprising means (185) for defining, from the first vehicle (12A), an electronic consignment bulletin (196) which authorises or does not authorise the entry of the second vehicle (12) onto a track resource (2 to 6), and means (186, 187) for permitting the entry of the second vehicle (12) onto said track resource only if authorised by the electronic consignment bulletin (196) issued by the first vehicle (12),
   wherein

   - the electronic consignment bulletin (196) is contained in the consignment table (20) associated with the track resource and comprises a datum (D) indicating the authorisation or not, for each of the ends of the track resource, to share the track resource with another vehicle,

   - each vehicle travelling on the network (1) comprising a vehicle-borne controller, each vehicle-borne controller comprising means (182, 186) capable of reading the content of each consignment table (20), storage means (180) capable of storing the content of each consignment table (20), and means for wireless communication with the other vehicles, the vehicle-borne controller being capable of calculating a movement authority for the associated vehicle,
   the vehicle-borne controller of the second vehicle (12) being capable of reading the consignment table (20) associated with the resource, and:

   - if, during the reading, the vehicle-borne controller (18) determines that no other vehicle (12A) is travelling on the resource, of extending the movement authority of the second vehicle (12) up to the end of the resource; and
   and characterised in that

   - if, during the reading, the vehicle-borne controller (18) determines that the first vehicle (12A) is travelling on the resource, and if the first vehicle (12A) authorises sharing of the resource and is travelling in the opposite direction to the second vehicle (12):

   - of transmitting, to the first vehicle (12A), a request for authorisation to extend the movement authority of the second vehicle (12) up to a specified position (X),

   - of receiving from the first vehicle (12A) a response to the request to extend the movement authority of the second vehicle (12) up to the specified position (X),

   - of calculating a new current movement authority, according to the specified position (X) negotiated by the second vehicle (12) with the first vehicle (12A).
2. Installation (15) according to claim 1, characterised in that the ground controller (16) associated with a resource comprises a database (20A) containing the consignment table (20) associated with the resource.
3. Installation (15) according to claim 1, characterised in that the railway network (1) comprises a permanently installed, centralised database, the database containing the consignment table (20) associated with the resource.
4. Installation (15) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the second vehicle (12) comprises means (182) capable of sending the position of the second vehicle (12) at least to the first vehicle (12A) and of receiving the position of the first vehicle (12A), and means (183) for acquiring dynamic characteristics relating to the second vehicle (12) and to the preceding vehicle, connected to the means (182).
5. Installation (15) according to claim 4, characterised in that the vehicle-borne controller (18) of the second vehicle (12) is capable of calculating a movement authority of the second vehicle (12) from the position and the speed of the second vehicle (12), and also from the position of the first vehicle if the first vehicle is travelling on the same track resource (2 to 6) as the second vehicle (12).
6. Installation (15) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that each consignment table (20) comprises a current version number, and in that each ground controller (16) is capable of incrementing said number.
7. Method for managing the movement of vehicles on a railway network (1), the network being subdivided into a plurality of track resources (2, 3, 4, 5, 6) having at least two ends, at least a first vehicle (12) and a second vehicle travelling on the railway network (1), one or more track resources being controlled by a ground controller (16), each track resource (2, 3, 4, 5, 6) being at least in a consignment state, having a value from among a plurality of predetermined values, each track resource (2, 3, 4, 5, 6) belonging to a single ground controller (16), the method comprising:

   - the initial loading (200) of a journey (192) within the first vehicle (12A),

   - the identification (202), by the first vehicle (12A) and for a given time slot of the journey (192), of a group of track resources (194b) which, provided that each of those track resources is consigned by the first vehicle (12A) and is in a required consignment state, would allow the first vehicle (12A) to make said journey, by following a path on the network (1) corresponding to said group of identified track resources (194b),

   - the determination (212), by the first vehicle (12A), of the nature of the or each identified track resource,

   - the command (216), among the identified track resources, of the points, said command (216) consisting, by carrying out a predetermined protocol within the first vehicle (12A), in requesting from each of the ground controllers (16) associated with the points of said group of identified track resources (194b) that an instantaneous command state of said points be modified in accordance with a required command state,

   - the authorisation (219), by the first vehicle (12A), of the or each identified track resource,

   - the clearing (220), by the first vehicle (12A), of the or each identified, consigned and correctly commanded track resource,

   said method comprises a step (218) of defining, from the first vehicle (12A), an electronic consignment bulletin (196) which is contained in one of the consignment tables (20) and comprises a datum (D) indicating the authorisation or not, for each of the ends of the track resource associated with said consignment table (20), to share said track resource with another vehicle,
   and each vehicle travelling on the network (1) comprising a vehicle-borne controller, each vehicle-borne controller comprising storage means, means of wireless communication with the other vehicles, and being capable of calculating a movement authority for the vehicle on which it is provided, the method comprises the following steps:

   - the reading (220a), by the vehicle-borne controller (18) of the second vehicle (12), of its storage means (180) storing the content of the consignment table (20) of a resource,

   - the extension (220b), by said vehicle-borne controller (18), of the movement authority of the second vehicle (12) up to the end of the resource if, during the step of reading, the vehicle-borne controller (18) determines that no other vehicle (12A, 12B) is travelling on the resource, and

   - communication between the second vehicle (12) and a first vehicle (12A) if, during the step of reading, the vehicle-borne controller (18) determines that the first vehicle (12A) is travelling on the resource and authorises sharing of the resource, characterised in that

   communication between the second vehicle (12) and the first vehicle (12A) consisting, if the first vehicle (12A) is travelling in the opposite direction to the second vehicle (12) on the resource, in:

   - transmitting, by the communication means (182) of the vehicle-borne controller (18) of the second vehicle (12), to the first vehicle (12A), a request for authorisation to extend the movement authority of the second vehicle (12) up to a specified position (X),

   - transmitting, by the communication means of the vehicle-borne controller (18A) of the first vehicle (12A), a response to the request to extend the movement authority of the second vehicle (12) up to the specified position (X),

   - calculating, by the vehicle-borne controller (18) of the second vehicle (12), a new current movement authority, according to the specified position (X) negotiated by the second vehicle (12) with the first vehicle (12A).
8. Method according to claim 7, characterised in that it further comprises a step (204) of reading, by the first vehicle (12A), of a consignment table (20) associated with the or each identified track resource.
9. Method according to claim 8, characterised in that it further comprises a step (224) of freeing a track resource consigned by the first vehicle (12A), which consists in the suppression, by the first vehicle (12A), of the electronic consignment bulletin (196) contained in the consignment table (20) associated with the track resource, the step (224) of freeing being carried out after the step (220) of clearing of the track resource by the first vehicle (12A).
10. Method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterised in that the step of communication between the second vehicle (12) and the first vehicle (12A) is reperformed as long as the specified position (X) does not correspond to an end of the track resource.
11. Method according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterised in that each vehicle-borne controller comprises wireless communication means, and in that the step of communication between the second vehicle (12) and the first vehicle (12A) consists, if the first vehicle (12B) is travelling in the same direction as the second vehicle (12) and authorises sharing of the resource, in:

    - transmitting to the first vehicle (12A), by the communication means (182) of the vehicle-borne controller (18) of the second vehicle (12), a position request,

    - transmitting, by the communication means of the vehicle-borne controller (18B) of the first vehicle (12A), a position response giving the position of the first vehicle (12A),

    - acquiring, by the vehicle-borne controller (18) of the second vehicle (12), the position of the first vehicle (12A),

    - calculating, by the vehicle-borne controller (18) of the second vehicle (12), a new current movement authority, according at least to the position of the second vehicle (12) and to the acquired position of the first vehicle (12A).
12. Method according to claim 11, characterised in that the step of communication between the second vehicle (12) and the first vehicle (12A) is reperformed as long as the first vehicle (12A) has not fully cleared the track resource.
13. Method according to any one of claims 7 to 12, characterised in that it comprises a step of incrementation, by the or each ground controller (16), of a current version number of a consignment table (20) associated with a track resource of the railway network (1), and in that said step of incrementation is carried out only if the step (218) of definition of an electronic consignment bulletin (196) or if the step (224) of freeing of said track resource has been carried out beforehand.

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