ES2638790T3 - A safety device for surveillance along a railway route of crossing areas for pedestrians and vehicles in correspondence with level crossings or risk areas - Google Patents

Abstract

A safety device for monitoring a crossing point (2) of a railway network and comprising: - One, preferably a plurality of sentinel apparatus (3), which are installed along the route made by the train (1 ) in correspondence with crossing points (2), each sentinel apparatus (3) comprising an image acquisition device (5) and transmission means (6) for transmitting the acquired images; - A receiving device (10), which is installed in the train, and configured so that it acquires the images (5) sent by the transmission means (6) and displaying them on a screen; - Activation means (11, 12, 13, 14) configured to allow the receiving device 10) to receive the images (5) only sent by only a sentinel apparatus corresponding to the approach of the train, along the direction of the movement, of a predetermined activation distance from said sentinel apparatus (3), such that, once said activation distance has been reached, the screens show the images acquired from said image acquisition device (5) and with respect to said crossing point, and; - Deactivation means (11, 12, 13, 14) configured to deactivate the reception of said images in correspondence with the exceeding of said sentinel apparatus of a predetermined minimum deactivation distance; - wherein the retention device comprises: - A monitor (10) provided with a screen for viewing the images; - A reception channel (12) to receive the images sent by a sentinel apparatus (3); - A GPS receiver (11) to receive a current position signal from a satellite (15); characterized in that the retention device further comprises: - A memory (13) containing the coordinates of the location of said sentinel apparatus (3); - And where a processor (14) is additionally provided, configured to compare the coordinates received from the satellite with those contained in the memory so that it configures the monitor for the reception of the images of a specific sentinel apparatus in correspondence with the scope of the train of the activation distance from said sentinel apparatus and deactivating the monitor once the train has reached the deactivation point and the processor has recognized said condition.

Description

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DESCRIPTION

A safety device for monitoring along a railway route of the crossing areas for pedestrians and vehicles in correspondence with level crossings or risk areas

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the technical field related to safety in the field of rail transport, such as trains or subway systems.

In particular, the invention relates to an innovative safety device capable of detecting in advance the presence of an obstacle on the tracks so that the motor driver takes time to execute a braking maneuver with complete safety.

Background of the State of the art

It is well known that the dense rail network passes through centers or building areas so that it connects one city to another or one area of the city to another area. For this reason, several strategic points are commonly arranged to allow the possible pedestrian and / or vehicular crossing along the rail network, where necessary. Such crossings are regulated, as everyone knows, through level crossings.

A level step, however, cannot guarantee an optimal level of security.

The level crossing may in fact be ignored by pedestrians, who cross under the bar, therefore risking their lives. There have been several fatal accidents due to this.

Finally, it may happen that, even if the pedestrian or the vehicle begins to cross when the bar is normally elevated, the pedestrian or the vehicle can still remain trapped between the tracks. In this case, currently, there is no way to quickly communicate the presence of the obstacle to the train in transit. This risk is naturally higher for a vehicle whose engine can, for example, shut down by chance exactly during the level crossing traffic. It is clear that the impact of the train with the vehicle can have really devastating consequences.

In addition, the crossing points that are provided only with signaling of traffic lights and not with level crossings are not, at all, infrequent, and clearly make the crossing even more risky.

Document US 2007/0040070 A1 discloses a railway crossing surveillance and detection system with signals from cameras transmitted to the train.

Brief Description of the Invention

It is therefore the objective of the present invention to provide a safety device for monitoring the crossing points of a railway line, for example a risk zone or a level crossing, which is capable of at least partially solving the inconveniences. mentioned above.

In particular, it is the object of the present invention to provide a safety device for monitoring the crossing points of a railway line that detects the presence of a possible obstacle in the line and, at the same time, is able to interact with the motor driver in a way that allows you to brake well in advance.

These and other objects are achieved with the present device and safety method for monitoring the crossing points of a railway line, according to claims 1 and 12.

According to the invention, one or a plurality of sentinel apparatus (3) are provided, located along the train route (1) in correspondence with the crossing points (2) to be monitored. Each sentinel apparatus (3) is provided with an image acquisition device (5) and transmission means (6) for transmitting the acquired images. In this way, it is possible to acquire images with respect to a point of interest to be monitored and send them live to a receiving device (10), which during use is installed on the train, which shows them on a screen . Therefore, the driver of the engine has the possibility to see live the photographs relative to the approaching crossing point, being able to brake in advance in case an obstacle is present in the line.

In order to select an exclusive acquisition of the images only relative to the critical point that the train is approaching, and therefore to avoid the acquisition of images relative to other sentinel devices located at other points at a certain distance, means are provided (11, 12, 13, 14) of appropriate activation that prepare the receiving device (10) for the reception of the images (5) of interest only when the train reaches, along the route direction, a distance of preset activation from the specific sentry device (3). Similarly, deactivation means (11, 12, 13, 14,) are configured to deactivate the reception of said images in

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correspondence with the overcoming of the train of said sentinel apparatuses of a preset minimum deactivation distance. In addition, the receiving device comprises:

- A monitor (10) provided with a screen to see the images;

- A reception channel (12) to receive the images sent by a sentinel apparatus (3);

- A GPS receiver (11) to receive a current position signal from a satellite (15);

- A memory (13) containing in the location coordinates of said sentinel apparatuses (3);

- And where a processor (14) is also provided, configured to compare the coordinates received from the satellite with those contained in the memory so that it configures the monitor for the reception of images to a specific sentinel apparatus corresponding to the train's range of the activation distance from said sentinel apparatus and deactivating the monitor once the train has reached the deactivation point and the processor has recognized said condition. In this way, as soon as the image appears on the screen, the motor driver understands that he is approaching a critical area and has the possibility of checking the presence of obstacles. Once the critical area has been overcome, the screen is deactivated and held in suspension until it is activated again when a new critical area is reached.

Advantageously, the minimum activation distance can be set, in the direction of the train route, at approximately 1500 meters from the sentinel apparatus, while the deactivation distance can be set at approximately 100 meters from the exceeding of the sentinel apparatus. .

Advantageously, the sentinel apparatus (3) also comprises:

- A power supply device (8);

- A speaker / microphone device (7).

Advantageously, the power supply means (8) may comprise one or more photovoltaic panels.

Advantageously, a remote control unit can also be provided, in communication with one or more sentinel devices so that the location areas of said sentinel apparatuses are monitored.

Advantageously, the remote control unit comprises a video communication with all the sentinel devices (3) so that it shows on a screen of the control unit the photographs (5) of said sentinel devices and a vocal communication with the device sentinel through loudspeakers / microphones (7) arranged in the sentinel apparatus so that the operator can, from the center of operations, hear and communicate directly with the monitored area.

Advantageously, the sentinel apparatus may comprise a turret (4) on which the image acquisition device (5) and the transmission means (6) are arranged.

Advantageously, the image acquisition means (5) comprise one or more than one camera (5).

Advantageously, the receiving device (10) can comprise, in an integrated manner, the activation and deactivation means.

Advantageously, the receiving channel (12) comprises a plurality of channels, each channel with a frequency so that said frequency is associated with a sentinel apparatus (3) so that the processor can selectively select the corresponding channel for The reception of the images.

A railway line is also described which comprises a train (1) and the route made by said train and characterized in that the railway line also comprises:

- One, preferably a plurality of sentinel apparatus (3), installed along the route made by the train (1) in correspondence with the crossing points (2), each sentinel apparatus (3) comprising a device (5) ) of acquisition of images and means (6) of transmission of acquired images;

- A reception device (10) installed on the train, and configured to acquire the images (5) sent by the transmission means (6) and display them on a screen;

- Activation means (11, 12, 13, 14) configured to allow the receiving device (10) to receive the images (5) sent only by a sentinel device corresponding to the approach of the train, along the direction of movement, of a predetermined activation distance from said sentinel apparatus (3), so

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that, once said activation distance has been reached, the screen shows the imageries received with respect to said crossing point, and;

- Deactivation means (11, 12, 13, 14) configured to deactivate the reception of said images in correspondence with the exceeding of said sentinel apparatus of a predetermined minimum activation distance.

Also described in this case is a railway network characterized by comprising more than one railway line as described.

Finally, a method for monitoring one or more of a potential crossing point of the railway line comprising the operations of:

- Acquisition of images (5) in correspondence with a crossing point (2);

- Transmission of acquired images to a reception device (10) installed in the train that transits to said crossing point (2);

- Reception of the images of said reception device (10) and display the images received on a screen, said operation of reception of the images being controlled through the activation of the retention device for the reception of the images (5) only sent from a sentinel apparatus in correspondence to the train's reach, along the route direction, of a predetermined activation distance from the sentinel apparatus (3), so that, once said activation distance has been reached , the motor driver can see the crossing point on the screen, and;

- Deactivation of the receiving device (10) in correspondence with the overcoming of the train of said sentinel apparatus of a predetermined minimum deactivation distance.

Advantageously, the image acquisition operation comprises a photograph through one or more of the cameras (5) filming in continuous operation or in correspondence with the passage of the train.

Advantageously, the acquisition of images exclusively in correspondence with the passage of the train is controlled through the acquisition of a signal to close the level crossing and the sending of said signal to the camera (5), which is activated.

Advantageously, it includes the memorization of the data sent by the satellite (15), said data are the geographical coordinates of the GPS, the date, the time and the speed of the train.

Brief description of the drawings

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be clearer with the description of some of its embodiments that follow, made to illustrate and not to limit, with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

- Figure 1 represents a perspective view in accordance with the present invention;

- Figure 2 represents in detail the receiving device 10;

- Figures 3 and 4 represent points of activation and deactivation and, consequently, a phase of approach and distance of the train from said points;

- Figure 5 schematically shows a satellite that sends a GPS signal to the device 10 and, at the same time, the reception of a signal from a specific turret 4 after the activation of the correct reception channel;

- Figure 6 represents a flow chart of a selection of the correct channel to acquire the images sent by a turret 4.

Description of some preferred embodiments

With reference to the attached figures, a security device for monitoring the crossing points of a railway line or a risk area is described in detail, in accordance with the invention.

Figure 1 shows a train 1 in transit through a crossing area 2 (pedestrians and / or vehicles) represented by a level crossing. Figure 1 always shows a sentinel apparatus 3 arranged close to the crossing area so that it is capable of performing its function, which will be described below.

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Structurally, the sentinel apparatus 3 comprises a turret 4 that serves as a support for some components. In particular, the image acquisition devices 5 comprise, such as for example one or more of a camera 5, which are installed in the turret so that they are able to follow and acquire images relative to the crossing area 2.

One or more of a directional antenna 6, preferably two, are arranged in the turret, in general, on top of it in an appropriate position to perform its function. Turret 4 also serves as a support for speaker / microphone device 7.

The power supply of the systems described above can be provided through solar panels 8 or, alternatively, through the railway's electrical network.

Figure 1 always shows additional accessories, such as stairs to access an elevated platform (for example, for the maintenance of the chambers) and a cabinet 9 to contain the supply and control systems of the components described above.

Said turrets 4 are therefore installed in the railway network along several railway lines in correspondence with all the areas to be monitored, naturally independent of the fact that said areas are provided with a level crossing or no.

Figure 2 schematically shows a second element which is part of the present safety device and comprising a receiving device 10, intended to be installed on the train, and configured so that it is capable of receiving the images sent by a 3 sentry apparatus and to see them on a screen. In particular, the receiving device comprises a monitor 10 provided with a screen.

The receiving device operates in a 2.4 GHz band

It is therefore clear that in the entire rail network a plurality of 3 sentinel apparatuses can be provided, located in several areas and, at the same time, a plurality of monitors 10, each of them installed in a train. In this case, in accordance with the scope pre-established by the present invention, and better described in the section relating to its operation, it is necessary that each monitor 10 be able to selectively select and acquire information from only one sentinel apparatus 3, is say from the one in a predetermined range of action in which the train is transmitting.

The range of action is substantially defined through an activation point and a deactivation point for each sentinel apparatus 3. The activation point represents, along the direction of movement of the train, the minimum distance of the train from the turret 4 specified, which, once it has been reached, activates the reception on the monitor of the images sent by this turret specifies, which makes it difficult to receive signals. The deactivation point, always along the direction of movement of the train, represents the distance exceeded from the turret, beyond which the monitor deactivates the reception of the images sent from said turret, that is to say it interrupts the communication.

Figure 3 schematically shows a train traveling along one direction and highlights the activation point mentioned above that, once reached, configures the monitor 10 itself to acquire the signals, in particular the images sent from the turret 4 through two antenna 6. In such a way that the images are shown on the monitor screen 10. For clarity purposes only, the monitor has been represented outside the train's operating cabin.

As shown in Figure 4, once the deactivation point has been reached (and therefore said turret 4 is left behind), the monitor 10 deactivates the reception and remains in suspension to be configured to admit the reception of signals from a rear turret that is along the route.

Preferably, the activation distance can be set at approximately 1500 meters and the deactivation distance at approximately 100 meters. Naturally, different ranges can be pre-established without thereby moving away from the present inventive concept. In particular, the activation distance can be increased so as to allow a greater braking range.

In order to select the correct reception of images, the monitor is provided with a plurality of retention channels, each on a specific frequency so that each channel is activated to receive the signal emitted by only a specific turret 4. Thus, once a channel has been selected, the monitor receives the signal from said turret, blocking the other information relative to all the other turrets they emit.

The discriminatory element that allows the monitor 10 to switch from one reception channel to another, according to need, involves the use of a GPS, as described immediately below. More in detail, as schematically represented in Figure 2 and Figure 5, the monitor 10 is provided with a GPS receiver 11 and a video receiver 12 responsible for receiving video images sent by the cameras 5 of one

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turret 4. The GPS receiver 11 receives, according to a certain time sequence, the information of the train position from a satellite 15. The monitor (or separately from the monitor), comprises a memory 13 and a micro controller 14, for example a processor, which works in combination with the received satellite signal 15.

In memory 13 all the positions of the territory of the sentinel apparatuses 3 located, are memorized, through geographical coordinates of GPS. For example, for each sentinel device, the activation and deactivation point can be memorized.

The monitor 10 therefore receives the signal from the satellite 15 through the GPS receiver 11 so that it continuously identifies the current position of the train and the monitor installed therein. Processor 14, through appropriate software and algorithm, continuously compares the current coordinates received from satellite 15 with those stored in memory 13.

From this comparison, as soon as it identifies a substantial equivalence between a coordinate received from the satellite and a coordinate contained in the memory, the processor prepares said coordinate and prepares the information. The processor will find the frequency associated with said coordinate and will therefore be able to activate the corresponding channel of the monitor for the reception of the images.

Deactivation takes place in exactly the same way, once the train has reached the deactivation point and the processor has recognized that condition.

Figure 5 highlights the sending of the signal from the satellite 15 and the acquisition of the images when the monitor is synchronized in the correct channel once the activation point has been reached. Figure 4 shows the deactivation of the reception, that is the shutdown of the reception channel of the monitor, once the processor has verified that the current position coincides with the position memorized in the memory to which the deactivation corresponds.

The flow chart of Figure 6 shows, schematically, the described operating system. The flow diagram 6 shows the "loop" calculation in which the processor compares the current position with those stored in a way that recognizes when the train approaches a sentinel apparatus 3 to activate its reception channel and turn off the reception of the point of deactivation that has been reached.

Advantageously, the coordinates in the memory could possibly be organized into two groups, that is the group of activation points and the group of deactivation points.

In accordance with the present invention, a remote control operation center may be additionally involved so that an operator can monitor continuously, or during the transit of trains, one or more of the critical crossing points. The operator can communicate with any 3 sentinel device. For example, through a twisted pair telephone, you can speak and listen to the previously selected sentinel apparatus through the speaker and microphone 7, respectively.

The acquisition of the images by the cameras can take place in a continuous cycle or only in correspondence to the approach of a train. In particular, in the case of the monitoring of areas provided with level crossings, the acquisition of images and their transmission can be anticipated in correspondence with the passage of the train, acquiring, for example, the signal of closing of bars and the use of these for the beginning of photography.

On the contrary, for the areas to be monitored that do not have a level crossing, the acquisition and revision of images in a continuous cycle will be required.

Having described in a structural way the basic aspects of the present invention, we now turn to the description of its operation.

Returning again to figure 1, the train is in transit along a track of a rail network and approaches a monitored area 2, for example the level crossing described. The satellite 15, during the passage of the train, sends the position signals in a continuous way, and these signals are acquired by the monitor 10 and compared with those memorized 13 through the processor 14. Once the current position has been recognized which coincides with one of the coordinates memorized in memory 13 (or a specific activation point is recognized in a specific turret 4) the processor 14 selects and activates a reception channel enabled for the reception of the images of said specific turret 4. Figure 1, therefore, represents a hypothesis in which the monitor, among all the turrets arranged in the railway network, receives the signal of the turret represented in the figure and that the train is approaching. Once the preset activation distance has been reached, for example, 1500 meters, the channel is activated and acquires the images sent by the cameras.

In this way, in the case of the presence of an obstacle in the tracks, the motor driver sees it on the monitor in advance and, based on the established activation distance, has time to brake with complete safety.

At the same time, the operations center can intervene through the loudspeaker and microphone 7, for example, instructing the person locked at the crossing point and calming it down.

Removed the obstacle and exceeded the deactivation distance, the channel is deactivated closing the image to prepare it for a new reception as soon as the train enters the range of action defined by the activation point of a subsequent tower along of the route.

Although this description, for the sake of simplicity, refers to a train, it is in any way clear that the present invention can also be extended to urban meters or trams that travel on roads, without thereby departing from the present inventive concept.

Claims (13)

1. A safety device for monitoring a crossing point (2) of a railway network and comprising: - One, preferably a plurality of sentinel apparatuses (3), which are installed along the route made by the train (1) in correspondence with crossing points (2), each sentinel apparatus (3) comprising a device ( 5) 5 of acquisition of images and means of transmission (6) to transmit the acquired images; - A reception device (10), which is installed on the train, and configured so that it acquires the images (5) sent by the transmission means (6) and displaying them on a screen; - Activation means (11, 12, 13, 14) configured to allow the receiving device 10) to receive the images (5) only sent by only a sentinel apparatus in correspondence with the approach of the train, along 10 the direction of movement, of a predetermined activation distance from said sentinel apparatus (3), so that, once said activation distance has been reached, the screens show the images acquired from said acquisition device (5). images and with respect to said crossing point, and; - Deactivation means (11, 12, 13, 14) configured to deactivate the reception of said images in correspondence with the exceeding of said sentinel apparatus of a minimum deactivation distance 15 preset; - where the retention device comprises: - A monitor (10) provided with a screen to see the images; - A reception channel (12) to receive the images sent by a sentinel apparatus (3); - A GPS receiver (11) to receive a current position signal from a satellite (15); 20 characterized in that the retention device also comprises: - A memory (13) containing the coordinates of the location of said sentinel apparatuses (3); - And where a processor (14) is additionally provided, configured to compare the coordinates received from the satellite with those contained in the memory so that the monitor is configured to receive the images of a specific sentinel apparatus in correspondence with the scope of the activation distance train 25 from said sentinel apparatus and deactivating the monitor once the train has reached the deactivation point and the processor has recognized said condition. 2. A safety device, according to claim 1, wherein, in the case of the monitoring of areas provided with crossings of level crossings, a closing signal is provided in such a way that image acquisition and transmission of these is anticipated when said closing signal is produced in correspondence with the 30 closing of the level crossing bars. 3. A safety device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said minimum activation distance is set at approximately 1500 meters from the sentinel apparatus and said deactivation distance is established at approximately 100 meters from the sentinel apparatus. 4. A safety device, according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said apparatus 35 (3) sentry, also includes: - An electric power supply device (8); - A device (7) speaker / microphone. 5. A safety device according to claim 4, wherein said electrical supply means (8) comprise one or more of a photovoltaic panel. 40 6. A safety device according to claim 1, wherein a unit of protection is also provided remote control in communication with one or more of one of the sentinel devices so that the location points of said sentinel devices are monitored. 7. A security device according to claim 6, wherein said remote control unit comprises a video communication with the sentinel apparatus (3) so that the photographs are seen on the screens of the control unit 45 ( 5) of the sentinel apparatus and in oral communication with said sentinel apparatus through the speakers / microphones (7) arranged in the sentinel apparatus so that the operator can, from the center of operations, offer and communicate directly in the area monitored by the sentinel apparatus. A security device, according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the sentinel apparatus comprises a turret (4) on which said image acquisition device (5) is arranged and 5 said transmission means (6). 9. A security device, according to claim 1 or 8, wherein said means for acquiring images comprise one or more than one camera (5). 10. A safety device according to claim 1, wherein the receiving channel (12) comprises a plurality of channels, each channel having a frequency associated with a sentinel apparatus (3) so that the The processor can selectively select the corresponding channel for the reception of the images. 11. A railway line comprising a train (1) and a route made by said train and characterized in that it comprises a safety device according to one or more of the preceding claims from 1 to 11. 12. A method for monitoring one or more potential crossing points (2) of a railway line comprising the operations of: 15 - Acquisition of images (5) in correspondence with the crossing point (2) with an acquisition device (5) in a sentinel apparatus (3) installed along the route made by the train (1); - Transmission of acquired images to a reception device (10) installed on the train that is in transit to said crossing point (2); - Reception of the images of said reception device (10) and display of the images received on a screen, the said image reception operation being controlled through the device enablement (10) of reception to receive the images (5) only sent from a sentinel apparatus in correspondence with the range of the train, along the direction of movement, of a predetermined activation distance from said sentinel apparatus (3), so that , once the activation distance has been reached, the screen shows the images acquired from said image acquisition device (5) and with respect to said crossing point, 25 and; - Deactivation of the receiving device (10) in correspondence with the overcoming of the train of said sentinel apparatus of a predetermined minimum deactivation distance; - Where the receiving device (10) comprises: - A monitor (10) provided with a screen to see the images; 30 - A reception channel (12) to receive the images sent by a sentinel apparatus (3); - A GPS receiver (11) to receive a current position signal from a satellite (15); - A memory (13) containing the location coordinates of said sentinel apparatus (3); - And where a processor (14) is also provided, configured to compare the coordinates received from the satellite with those contained in the memory so that it configures the monitor for the reception of the images of 35 a specific sentinel apparatus corresponding to the train range of the activation distance of said sentinel apparatus, and deactivating the monitor once the train has reached the deactivation point and the processor has recognized said condition. 13. A method according to claim 12, wherein said image acquisition operation comprises a photograph through one or more cameras (5) filming in a continuous cycle or in correspondence 40 with the passage of the train. 14. Method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein in the case of the monitoring of areas provided with level crossings, the acquisition of images and the transmission thereof is anticipated in correspondence with the passage of the train, acquiring, a signal to close the bars.