JP2019172076A - Railroad crossing information system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a railroad crossing information system capable of handling information about a railroad crossing for preventing confinement of a vehicle in tracks at the railroad crossing or the like in consideration of a road condition in the periphery of the railroad crossing.SOLUTION: Since a notification unit 130 of a railroad crossing management unit 100 can notify, for example, a vehicle, a train, a peripheral signal TL, and the like by using vehicle space information based on the presence or absence of a vehicle space in a monitoring area MA after crossing a railroad crossing CR detected by a space detection unit 10, a determination is done in accordance with a road condition in the periphery of the railroad crossing. For example, it is possible to prevent a vehicle from being confined in the tracks at the railroad crossing CR.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a crossing information system that handles information related to a crossing, for example, to prevent confinement of a vehicle such as an automobile on a railroad.

  As a means of handling information related to level crossings, in order to prevent the confinement of vehicles on the track, for example, a level crossing notice system that notifies the state of a level crossing to an in-vehicle device of a vehicle traveling on a road, which has a predetermined speed. There is known a railroad crossing notice system for notifying a railroad crossing device when certain requirements such as the presence of a vehicle exceeding the above are satisfied (see Patent Document 1). Further, as a level crossing obstacle detection device for detecting an obstacle in a level crossing, a transmission wave obtained by performing spread spectrum modulation on a carrier wave with a pseudo-noise code is used to prevent a blind spot where an obstacle cannot be detected. (See Patent Document 2).

  However, as in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, the state of the level crossing is notified to the vehicle, the approach of the vehicle satisfying a specific condition is notified to the level crossing device, or the obstacles in the level crossing as in the above-mentioned Patent Document 2. Even if the detection is improved, the vehicle may still be trapped in the track depending on the situation around the railroad crossing. For example, if the road crossing the level crossing is congested, there is a possibility that a vehicle that has entered the level crossing cannot cross the level crossing and is left behind, resulting in a level crossing accident.

Japanese Patent No. 4241357 JP 2003-220952 A

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and it is possible to handle information relating to a crossing for preventing crossing of a vehicle on a railroad at a railroad crossing in consideration of road conditions around the railroad crossing. The purpose is to provide a system.

  In order to achieve the above object, a railroad crossing information system according to an aspect of the present invention includes a space detection unit that detects the presence or absence of a vehicle space in a predetermined area that crosses a crossing, and a vehicle based on a detection result of the space detection unit. A notification unit for notifying space information.

  In the level crossing information system, vehicle space information based on the presence or absence of vehicle space in a predetermined area that has crossed the level crossing detected by the space detection unit is transmitted to a vehicle, a train, or a nearby traffic signal by the notification unit, for example. Therefore, it is possible to make a determination according to the road conditions around the railroad crossing, and for example, it is possible to prevent the vehicle from being confined on the railroad at the railroad crossing.

  In a specific aspect of the present invention, the notification unit notifies the vehicle space information to the vehicle in the traveling direction before the crossing. In this case, it is possible to notify the vehicle before entering the railroad crossing.

  In another aspect of the present invention, the notification unit notifies the vehicle space information to the vehicle-mounted device mounted on the vehicle before the railroad crossing via the beacon. In this case, quick and reliable notification can be performed using a beacon.

  In still another aspect of the present invention, the notifying unit transmits a blue control signal that causes a signal lamp in the traveling direction to turn blue, to a traffic signal located in front of the predetermined region in the traveling direction. In this case, it is possible to urge the vehicle space in a predetermined area that has crossed the railroad crossing to be vacant.

  In still another aspect of the present invention, the notifying unit transmits a blue control signal when the vehicle space information includes information indicating that the vehicle cannot pass at the crossing. In this case, by urging the signal lamp in the traveling direction to be blue, the state where the vehicle cannot pass can be resolved.

  In yet another aspect of the present invention, a crossing management unit is provided that includes a notification unit, receives a detection result of the space detection unit and information from each unit constituting the crossing, and manages a crossing. Under the management of the level crossing management unit, information on level crossings can be handled.

  In yet another aspect of the present invention, the level crossing management unit notifies an emergency stop to the approaching train according to the detection result of the space detection unit and the situation in the railroad crossing line. In this case, an emergency stop can be notified to an approaching train in consideration of not only the railroad crossing track but also the road conditions around the railroad crossing.

  In yet another aspect of the present invention, the railroad crossing management unit determines whether the crossing to the railroad crossing when there is a vehicle entering the railroad crossing even though it is determined that the vehicle cannot pass through the railroad crossing from the detection result of the space detection unit. Notify the approaching train of an emergency stop.

  In yet another aspect of the present invention, when the level crossing management unit determines that there is a vehicle left behind in the railroad crossing track, the notification unit, to the traffic signal located in the forward direction of the predetermined area, A blue control signal is transmitted to make the signal lamp in the traveling direction blue. In this case, by making the signal lamp in the traveling direction blue, it is possible to prompt the vehicle left in the track to be in a state in which the vehicle can advance in the traveling direction.

  In still another aspect of the present invention, the notification unit continues to notify the vehicle space information at least while the railroad crossing breaker is open. In this case, vehicle space information can be notified as a notice before the crossing barrier is closed.

  In still another aspect of the present invention, the notification unit is configured to detect the vehicle when the state in which the vehicle cannot pass is continued from the detection result of the space detection unit even when the crossing breaker is closed. Notify space information. In this case, receiving the notification makes it possible to take various methods to deal with the state where the vehicle cannot pass.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, an analysis unit is provided that analyzes whether the vehicle is allowed to enter the railroad crossing based on the detection result of the space detection unit and creates vehicle space information. In this case, precise space information can be created based on the analysis result in the analysis unit.

  In still another aspect of the present invention, the analysis unit indicates that the vehicle cannot pass through at the level crossing when it is determined as a result of the analysis that there is no vehicle space for a predetermined time in a predetermined region. Include in space information. In this case, by receiving the notification, various measures can be taken so that the vehicle space is created.

It is a perspective view for demonstrating an outline about an example of a level crossing information system concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a block diagram for demonstrating one structural example of a level crossing information system. It is a block diagram for demonstrating one structural example of a level crossing management apparatus. It is a top view for demonstrating one aspect | mode of operation | movement of a crossing information system. It is a top view for demonstrating one aspect | mode of operation | movement of a crossing information system. It is a top view for demonstrating one aspect | mode of operation | movement of a crossing information system. It is a top view for demonstrating one aspect | mode of operation | movement of a crossing information system. It is a top view for demonstrating one aspect | mode of operation | movement of a crossing information system. (A) And (B) is a top view conceptually for demonstrating an example of signal control. It is a flowchart for demonstrating an example of a series of operation | movement of a crossing information system. It is the table | surface data which put together an example regarding the output from a level crossing management part with respect to the input to a level crossing management part. It is a perspective view for demonstrating an outline | summary about an example of a crossing information system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment.

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 1 etc., an example about the crossing information system which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated. FIG. 1 is a conceptual perspective view for explaining an example of a crossing information system 500 according to the present embodiment, and shows a state of a crossing CR in which the crossing information system 500 is introduced and its surroundings. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing each part constituting the railroad crossing information system 500.

  As shown in FIG. 1, here, the railroad crossing CR is provided at a location where the track RL and the road RO intersect, and a railroad crossing information system 500 is installed at and around the railroad crossing CR. In the illustrated example, in order to simplify the description, it is assumed that the road RO intersects the track RL as a single road. Furthermore, here, the vehicle VE traveling in the traveling direction indicated by the arrow AR1 along the road RO will be described, and the opposite direction is the same, and thus illustration and description thereof are omitted. Here, a beacon BE is provided in front of the crossing CR in the traveling direction indicated by the arrow AR1, and a traffic signal TL is provided beyond the crossing CR. As shown in the figure, the railroad crossing information system 500 according to the present embodiment can communicate with the beacon BE and the traffic signal TL by, for example, wireless communication. As for the beacon BE, for example, as illustrated, various signals can be transmitted and received when the vehicle VEa on which the vehicle-mounted device VM is mounted passes. Therefore, in the present embodiment, information from the crossing information system 500 can be transmitted to the vehicle VEa via the beacon BE by the vehicle-mounted device VM mounted on the vehicle VEa before the crossing CR. ing.

  Hereinafter, the details of a configuration example of the crossing information system 500 will be described. The crossing information system 500 in the present embodiment is a crossing barrier 20, a crossing alarm 30, and a crossing obstacle detection device 40 constituting a crossing CR, a space detection unit 10 that is a space monitoring device, and a crossing management device. A crossing management unit 100 is provided.

  The space detection unit 10 is configured by, for example, a monitoring imaging device (camera) or the like, and images a monitoring area MA that is a predetermined area that crosses the crossing CR among roads RO that cross the crossing CR. The traffic situation of the vehicle VE passing through the monitoring area MA in the RO can be grasped. For this reason, the space detection unit 10 detects the presence or absence of a vehicle space in the monitoring region MA from the state of the vehicle VE in the monitoring region MA, and sends the state information of the crossing destination space as a detection result to the level crossing management unit 100. Notice. Here, the space to be detected is a vehicle space, and information about the vehicle space is vehicle space information. That is, various information obtained by analyzing a detection result or comparing and considering other information and vehicle space information is used as vehicle space information.

  In addition, about the position, size, etc. of the monitoring area | region MA which is the monitoring object by the space detection part 10, various aspects can be considered according to the condition of a crossing CR, the condition of the road RO which crosses this, etc. In the example shown in the figure, in the traveling direction indicated by the arrow AR1, the range from the position immediately after crossing the railroad crossing CR to the number of ordinary cars and before the traffic signal TL located further ahead is set as the monitoring area MA. Yes.

  The railroad crossing barrier 20 is configured as a pair across the track RL in the railroad crossing CR, and moves up and down as the train TR approaches. That is, it is open (up) while the train TR does not come, and closes (down) when the train TR approaches. When the train TR passes through the railroad crossing CR, it opens again (rises). The railroad crossing breaker 20 notifies the railroad crossing management unit 100 of the above-described information related to raising and lowering, that is, the state information of the descent and the climbing.

  The railroad crossing alarm 30 is configured as a pair like the railroad crossing barrier 20 and rings in response to the approach of the train TR. That is, it stops while the train TR does not come and starts ringing when the train TR approaches. When train TR passes crossing CR, the ringing stops. The railroad crossing alarm 30 notifies the railroad crossing management unit 100 of information related to ringing (ringing information) as described above.

  The level crossing obstacle detection device 40 is a device for detecting an obstacle in the level crossing CR. That is, it is a device for detecting whether vehicles, people, etc. are left behind in the crossing CR. Various configurations of the crossing obstacle detection device 40 are conceivable. In the illustrated example, four infrared light sensors 40a to 40d are arranged at the four corners of the roadside part in the crossing CR, and infrared light IL is emitted. The presence or absence of an obstacle is detected by transmitting and receiving appropriately. That is, since the infrared light IL emitted from one infrared light sensor is not detected by another infrared light sensor, it is detected that there is an obstacle between these sensors. Various timings can be set for detecting the obstacle by the crossing obstacle detection device 40. For example, the obstacle detection can be performed in accordance with the operation timing of the crossing barrier 20 or the crossing alarm 30 described above. Conceivable.

  The level crossing management unit 100 is connected to the space detection unit 10, the level crossing breaker 20, the level crossing alarm device 30 and the level crossing obstacle detection device 40, and controls the operations of these units, and stores various information acquired by each unit. It is an overall control unit that manages the railroad crossing CR by receiving, analyzing and analyzing these, and issuing various commands based on the analysis results.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the level crossing management unit 100 sends various information or signals based on the analyzed results to the traffic signals TL and beacons BE installed on the road RO as well as the train TR traveling on the track RL. Even the vehicle space information is notified. In particular, the railroad crossing management unit 100 is a vehicle that is information regarding whether or not a vehicle can enter the railroad crossing CR as vehicle space information based on the detection result of the space detection unit 10 that is information about a vacant space that has crossed the crossing CR. The entry permission signal AS is notified. Further, the crossing management unit 100 notifies the vehicle control information of the blue control signal BS for making the signal lamp in the traveling direction blue. As described above, in the crossing information system 500 according to the present embodiment, not only the inside of the crossing CR, but also the road conditions around the crossing CR are taken into account to prevent the confinement of the vehicle on the track at the crossing CR. It is possible to handle information on railway crossings.

  For providing the information as described above, as shown in FIG. 3 as an example, the crossing management unit 100 includes an information receiving unit 110 that receives information from each unit, a main control unit 120 that performs various types of information processing, and a train TR. And a notification unit 130 that is an information transmission unit that transmits information to the outside. In particular, the crossing management unit 100 analyzes and analyzes the information received from each unit in the analysis unit 120a that constitutes the main control unit 120, and based on the results of the analysis, the vehicle entrance permission signal AS and the blue control signal BS are transmitted to the vehicle. Create as space information, send vehicle entry permission signal AS to beacon BE, send blue control signal BS to traffic signal TL, or send emergency stop command signal CS to train TR ing.

  Here, in general, in order to prevent accidents at level crossings, it is very important to avoid situations where vehicles such as automobiles are left behind and cannot be exited when a train approaches. is there. For example, when crossing a railroad crossing with an automobile, the automobile driver should enter the railway crossing after confirming that there is enough space for the entire automobile to drive in front. However, due to various factors such as the level crossing without opening, insufficient prediction of traffic conditions ahead, traffic jams, etc., even though there is no space at the crossing destination of the level crossing, it will enter the level crossing and cross the road. There is a possibility that the car will be left behind, leading to a level crossing accident. In the present embodiment, the information is aggregated and further analyzed in the crossing information system 500 in order to prevent such a situation from occurring as much as possible and to perform some countermeasure when the situation occurs. Information on railroad crossings can be handled appropriately, and this information can be provided to various places.

  Hereinafter, various processing operations by the crossing management unit 100 of the crossing information system 500 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the level crossing management unit 100 obtains a detection result about the presence or absence of a vehicle space in the monitoring area MA from the space detection unit 10. That is, it is ascertained whether or not a sufficient space has been secured for the entire automobile to be accommodated after crossing the railroad crossing CR. For example, it is conceivable that the presence or absence of a vehicle space corresponding to the space is confirmed by analyzing image data captured by the space detection unit 10 that is an imaging device.

  Various criteria can be considered for judging whether or not the vehicle space is sufficient, but a typical example is whether or not there is a space for one ordinary car. It is assumed that the presence or absence is determined. However, depending on the target level crossing CR and surrounding road conditions, for example, it may be assumed that passage of a truck or a bus needs to be considered. In such a case, it may be determined that there is a vehicle space when there is a space for one or more vehicles such as a truck and a bus.

  A vehicle entry availability signal AS indicating whether vehicle entry is possible or not as vehicle space information obtained by the above analysis or judgment is sent from the notification unit 130 to, for example, the beacon BE, and thus the vehicle-mounted device VM that can communicate with the beacon BE. By notifying the vehicle VEa that the vehicle has, the driver of the vehicle VEa can know the status of the crossing CR in front of the traveling direction, in particular, whether or not the crossing CR can be crossed.

  Note that, as described above, when it is necessary to consider the passage of a truck or a bus, the content of the vehicle approach enable / disable signal AS transmitted as the vehicle space information may be divided in stages. In other words, information indicating that the vehicle can be crossed if it is a normal automobile but cannot be crossed if it is a bus or truck may be transmitted as the vehicle approach enable / disable signal AS. Alternatively, the information on the length of the empty space may be transmitted as the vehicle entry permission / rejection signal AS, and the final determination of whether or not entry is possible may be made on the vehicle VEa side (the vehicle-mounted device VM side). Further, at this time, the analysis unit 120a becomes unable to pass through the vehicle at the crossing CR when it is determined as a result of the analysis that the state of no vehicle space as described above continues in the monitoring area MA for a certain time or more. It is good also as what judges it.

  As described above, the analysis unit 120a generates the vehicle entry availability signal AS as vehicle space information by analyzing the vehicle entry availability to the crossing CR based on the detection result of the space detection unit 10. Yes. For example, part of the image processing and other series of processing for determining whether or not there is a vehicle space as described above is performed on the space detection unit 10 side, and the rest of the processing is performed on the analysis unit 120a of the crossing management unit 100. It is good also as what is performed in.

  Further, as a result of the analysis by the analysis unit 120a, the level crossing management unit 100 performs monitoring when it is determined that many vehicles VE and VE remain stopped in the monitoring area MA and the vehicle cannot pass through the level crossing CR. A blue control signal BS for making the signal lamp in the traveling direction blue is transmitted to the traffic light TL located in front of the traveling direction of the area MA as vehicle space information. The traffic light TL receives the blue control signal BS and prompts the monitoring area MA to have a vehicle space by switching the traveling direction signal lamp LL for the vehicles VE and VE stopped in the monitoring area MA to blue display. Can do.

  In addition, the crossing management unit 100 notifies the emergency stop command signal CS to the approaching train TR to the crossing CR according to the detection result of the space detection unit 10 and the situation in the railroad crossing CR ( Emergency stop command). Typically, as the train TR approaches, the level crossing alarm 30 sounds and the level crossing barrier 20 is closed (lowered), and the level crossing obstacle detection device 40 detects an obstacle. When the emergency button EB provided on the railroad crossing alarm 30 is pressed, the railroad crossing management unit 100 operates a special signal light emitter (not shown) to notify the train TR of an emergency stop, for example. .

  It is also conceivable that the level crossing management unit 100 notifies another type of emergency stop by a method other than the above, such as wireless communication. For example, in the present embodiment, it is conceivable to perform notification using the detection result of the space detection unit 10 directly or indirectly. More specifically, the vehicle temporarily stopped in the railroad crossing CR line from the detection result in the space detection unit 10, but as a result of transmitting the blue control signal BS to the traffic signal TL, the vehicle in the monitoring area MA When there is a space and a vehicle that has stopped on the track has crossed the crossing CR, these pieces of information may be transmitted to the train TR one by one. In this case, since the binding of the railroad crossing CR in the track is temporary and is immediately eliminated by providing information to the surroundings from the railroad crossing management unit 100, the driver of the train TR, for example, It is possible to deal with the situation by temporarily stopping or slowing down before reaching the point.

  Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 4 etc., several patterns are demonstrated about the mode of operation of the level crossing information system 500 according to the situation around the level crossing CR.

  First, FIG. 4 shows an example of a state where the railroad crossing barrier 20 is open (up) and there is a vehicle space in the monitoring area MA. Furthermore, in the example shown in the figure, the signal lamp LL in the traveling direction of the traffic signal TL is displayed in blue. In such a case, the crossing can be crossed without any problem, so that the crossing management unit 100 does not particularly need to notify each unit. However, for example, as the vehicle space information, a vehicle entry permission signal AS (see FIG. 1) indicating that the vehicle space is sufficient and can be passed may be transmitted to the vehicle VEa via the beacon BE. Further, if such a situation continues, even if the railroad crossing barrier 20 is closed (lowered) after that, as with the situation of FIG. ,Not required.

  Next, FIG. 5 shows a situation where the railroad crossing barrier 20 is open (up), but the monitoring area MA is filled with a plurality of vehicles VE and VE and there is no vehicle space. ing. Further, in the illustrated example, the signal lamp LL in the traveling direction of the traffic signal TL is displayed in red. In this state, the state of the monitoring area MA does not change, and the following vehicle VEa cannot cross the crossing CR. In such a case, the railroad crossing management unit 100 first transmits a blue control signal BS for causing the traffic light LL to be displayed in blue as the vehicle space information to the traffic signal TL. On the other hand, to the beacon BE, a vehicle entry propriety signal AS indicating that there is no vehicle space and the vehicle cannot pass is transmitted as vehicle space information. Note that, by transmitting the blue control signal BS, it is expected that the state of the monitoring area MA becomes as shown in FIG.

  As in the case of FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, in the present embodiment, while the crossing barrier 20 of the crossing CR is open, the notification of the vehicle space information by the notification unit 130 of the crossing management unit 100 is continued, Before the level crossing barrier 20 of the level crossing CR is closed, the vehicle space information is notified as a notice.

  As shown in FIG. 5, when the monitoring area MA is filled with a plurality of vehicles VE and VE, the level crossing barrier 20 further checks whether the vehicle VE continues into the level crossing CR. Obstacle detection by the crossing obstacle detection device 40 may be performed even in an open (up) state.

  Next, FIG. 6 shows a state in which the monitoring area MA is filled with a plurality of vehicles VE and VE as in FIG. 5 and the railroad crossing barrier 20 is closed (lowered) in a state where there is no vehicle space. ing. Further, in the illustrated example, the signal lamp LL in the traveling direction of the traffic signal TL is displayed in red. In this state, the state of the monitoring area MA does not change, and the following vehicle VEa cannot cross the crossing CR. Even in such a case, the crossing management unit 100 performs the same operation as in FIG. That is, the level crossing management unit 100 transmits a blue control signal BS to the traffic signal TL, and transmits a vehicle entry permission signal AS to the beacon BE.

  Further, as shown in the figure, for example, if there is no vehicle left in the railroad crossing CR line, that is, no obstacle is detected by the level crossing obstacle detection device 40 and no special emergency occurs, the train Notification such as transmission of the command signal CS (see FIG. 1) to the TR is not required. However, for example, when a vehicle having a speed that cannot be stopped before the crossing CR is detected by detecting the vehicle speed in the beacon BE, the crossing management unit 100 that has received information from the beacon BE. The command signal CS is transmitted to the train TR.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, even when the level crossing breaker 20 of the level crossing CR is closed, if the vehicle cannot pass through the detection result of the space detection unit 10, The vehicle space information is notified by the notification unit 130 of the level crossing management unit 100. In this case, when each unit receives the notification, it is possible to take various methods to cope with the state where the vehicle cannot pass.

  Next, as in FIG. 5, FIG. 7 shows a state in which the monitoring area MA is filled with a plurality of vehicles VE and VE and there is no vehicle space in a situation where the level crossing barrier 20 is open (up). In spite of this, it shows the situation when the vehicle VEx has entered the railroad crossing CR. Further, in the illustrated example, the signal lamp LL in the traveling direction of the traffic signal TL is displayed in red. In this state, the state of the monitoring area MA does not change, and the vehicle VEx in the level crossing CR may be left without crossing the level crossing CR, leading to a level crossing accident. Even in such a case, the crossing management unit 100 performs the same operation as in FIG. That is, the level crossing management unit 100 transmits a blue control signal BS to the traffic signal TL, and transmits a vehicle entry permission signal AS to the beacon BE.

  Here, as illustrated in FIG. 5, if the level crossing obstacle detection device 40 detects an obstacle according to the situation of the monitoring area MA, the level crossing management unit 100 has no vehicle space in the monitoring area MA. It can be detected not only that there is a vehicle VEx remaining in the railroad crossing CR. In this case, for example, by transmitting the blue control signal BS to be transmitted to the traffic signal TL as a signal having a higher degree of urgency than in the case of FIG. 5, the signal lamp LL is instructed to change to blue display as soon as possible. It may be a thing.

  Finally, FIG. 8 shows a state where the railroad crossing breaker 20 is closed (lowered) while the vehicle VEx remains in the railroad crossing CR as shown in FIG. In such a case, the crossing management unit 100 first transmits a command signal CS to notify the train TR of an emergency stop. On the other hand, the level crossing management unit 100 transmits a blue control signal BS to the traffic signal TL. In this case, since urgency is required more than in the case of FIGS. 5 and 7, the blue control signal BS as a signal having a higher urgency may be transmitted. In this case, since the railroad crossing barrier 20 is already closed (lowered), it is considered that the railroad crossing management unit 100 does not need to transmit information to the beacon BE, but passes as vehicle space information. By transmitting the vehicle entry permission signal AS indicating that the situation is impossible, the vehicle entry can be more reliably suppressed. Further, as the vehicle space information, for example, it may be notified that the vehicle VEx left in the railroad crossing CR may move backward.

  Hereinafter, an example of signal control for the transmission of the blue control signal BS will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 (A) and 9 (B). In the illustrated example, the traffic signal TL that is the transmission target of the blue control signal BS is provided at a crossroad (intersection) in front of the road RO, which is a single road, and includes four signal lamps, Is one of the signal lamps LL in the traveling direction (arrow AR1) for the vehicle traveling in the monitoring area MA. Furthermore, it is assumed that the traffic signal TL is controlled in operation by a signal controller SC provided in the vicinity of a crossroad (intersection). In other words, the traffic signal TL includes four signal lamps LL, LLa, LLb, and LLc, and a signal controller SC that controls switching of these signals. In the above case, for example, as shown in FIG. 9A, the signal lamp LL in the traveling direction of the arrow AR1 is displayed in red together with the signal lamp LLa in the opposite direction, and in the direction crossing the traveling direction of the arrow AR1. It is assumed that the signal lamps LLb and LLc are displayed in blue. On the other hand, when the blue control signal BS transmitted from the railroad crossing management unit 100 is received by the signal controller SC of the traffic signal TL, the signal controller SC follows this, as shown in FIG. 9B. In addition, only the signal lamp LL is displayed in blue, and the other three signal lamps LLa, LLb, and LLc are switched in red. As a result, only the vehicle traveling in the monitoring area MA can travel preferentially.

  Hereinafter, an example of a series of information processing operations in the crossing information system 500 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Note that the flowchart of FIG. 10 shows a case where the train confirms the approach of the car (vehicle) to the level crossing in accordance with the approach of the level crossing, and the level crossing CR including the level crossing information system 500 at this time is shown. It shows the behavior of the entire periphery.

  Under the condition that the system is activated, first, when the train TR approaches the railroad crossing CR (step S101) and passes the alarm starting point (step S102), the railroad crossing alarm 30 starts a ringing operation (step S103). Subsequently, in the railroad crossing barrier 20, the barrier can starts to descend (step S104). That is, the crossing barrier 20 is closed (lowered). The level crossing management unit 100 is notified of the above series of situations (step S105).

  On the other hand, when the train TR approaches in steps S101 to S105, each unit detects whether or not the vehicle (vehicle) is approaching the crossing CR.

  When the vehicle is approaching the crossing CR (step S201), the crossing obstacle detection device 40 first detects the vehicle (step S202), and notifies the level crossing management unit 100 of the detection information (step S203).

  On the other hand, when a vehicle traveling in a direction approaching the level crossing CR at a predetermined speed or higher is detected in the beacon BE arranged in front of the level crossing CR (step S204), the beacon BE to the level crossing management unit 100. The passing of the automobile is notified (step S205). As a detection target here, for example, a case where a vehicle traveling at a speed that cannot be stopped before the crossing CR is detected, that is, a case where a vehicle entering the crossing CR is detected is assumed.

  On the other hand, the presence or absence of a vehicle space in the monitoring area MA is detected in the space detection unit 10 arranged at the end of the crossing CR (step S206), and the detection result is notified from the space detection unit 10 to the crossing management unit 100. (Step S207).

  The railroad crossing management unit 100 aggregates information from each unit as described above and further analyzes the information (step S300). As a result of the analysis in step S300, the level crossing management unit 100 outputs information to each unit as necessary.

  For example, the level crossing management unit 100 transmits a blue control signal BS to the traffic signal TL so as to control the traffic signal TL to blue (step S401). As a result, the monitoring area MA that is the space in front of the crossing CR is made free (step S402).

  In addition, for example, the crossing management unit 100 notifies the vehicle space information to the vehicle VEa that is in front of the crossing CR via the beacon BE (step S501). Thus, for example, if the vehicle VEa is traveling at a speed that can be stopped before the crossing CR, it is possible to take measures such as preventing the vehicle VEa from entering the crossing CR (step S502).

  Further, for example, the crossing management unit 100 operates the special signal light emitter to notify the emergency stop and notifies the train TR (step S601). In response to this, the train TR makes an emergency stop (step S602).

  FIG. 11 is table data that summarizes an example of the output (notification information or output content) from the level crossing management unit 100 in response to the input (acceptance information or input content) to the level crossing management unit 100. Here, regarding the input to the level crossing management unit 100, it is assumed that the level crossing alarm 30 is sounded and the leveling descent of the level crossing breaker 20 is performed. That is, it is assumed that the railroad crossing barrier 20 is in a closed state.

  In addition, in FIG. 11, regarding the input to the crossing management unit 100, the presence or absence of obstacle detection in the crossing obstacle detection device 40, the presence or absence of vehicle approach detection in the beacon BE, and the crossing destination of the crossing CR, that is, the monitoring area The output contents from the level crossing management unit 100 to each unit are shown for eight cases shown with respect to three items of presence / absence of vehicle space detected by the space detection unit 10 for MA.

  For example, Case 1 shows a case where all the above three items are detected. In this case, the level crossing management unit 100 transmits a blue control signal BS to the traffic signal TL, and from the level crossing CR via the beacon BE. The vehicle approach enable / disable signal AS is transmitted to the vehicle VEa in front, and the emergency stop command signal CS for the train TR is transmitted.

  Of the other cases 2 to 8, in the case 4, that is, when there is a vehicle space in the monitoring area MA and no obstacle detection or vehicle approach detection is performed, the level crossing management unit 100 does not need to perform any particular notification. .

  Further, in case 8, that is, neither obstacle detection nor vehicle approach detection is performed, but when there is no vehicle space in the monitoring area MA, a blue control signal BS is transmitted to the traffic signal TL, and the beacon BE is transmitted. The vehicle entry propriety signal AS is transmitted to the vehicle VEa that is in front of the railroad crossing CR, but the notification to the train TR is not performed.

  In other cases than the above, the railroad crossing management unit 100 executes all the operations as in the case 1.

  As for the case 4, the case 4 corresponds to the case where the crossing barrier 20 is closed in FIG. 4, the case 8 corresponds to the case of FIG. 6, and the other cases are illustrated in FIG. This corresponds to the case of 8.

  As described above, the level crossing information system 500 according to the present embodiment uses the vehicle space information based on the presence or absence of the vehicle space in the previous monitoring area MA crossing the level crossing CR detected by the space detection unit 10. The notification unit 130 of the management unit 100 can notify, for example, a vehicle, a train, and a traffic signal TL around the vehicle, so that a determination can be made according to the road conditions around the railroad crossing. Vehicle confinement can be prevented.

  In the above description, the level crossing information system 500 has been described as including each unit constituting the level crossing CR in addition to the space detection unit 10 and the level crossing management unit 100. However, the space detection unit 10 and the level crossing management unit 100 are described. The crossing information system 500 may be used. That is, the crossing management unit 100 includes an information receiving unit 110 that receives necessary information from each part of the crossing CR as an external device of the crossing information system 500, and information from the information receiving unit 110 and information from the space detection unit 10. Based on the above, it may be considered that the purpose is achieved by creating and transmitting various signals.

[Second Embodiment]
Hereinafter, a crossing information system according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Note that this embodiment is a modification of the level crossing information system of the first embodiment, and is separated from the level crossing management unit, in that the space detection unit 10 transmits information regarding the monitoring area MA and monitoring results. Different from one embodiment. However, except for this point, it is the same as in the case of the first embodiment, and a detailed description of each component is omitted.

  FIG. 12 is a perspective view for explaining an outline of an example of the crossing information system 600 according to the present embodiment, and corresponds to FIG.

  Hereinafter, a configuration example of the crossing information system 600 will be described. A railroad crossing information system 600 according to the present embodiment includes a space detection unit 10 and an information processing unit 200.

  The space detection unit 10 detects the state of the monitoring area MA. The information processing unit 200 functions as an analysis unit that receives information from the space detection unit 10 and analyzes or analyzes the information and creates information such as vehicle space information based on the analysis result. It functions as a notification unit that notifies the traffic signal TL and the beacon BE. For this reason, the information processing unit 200 has the same structure as the level crossing management unit 100 illustrated in FIG. That is, the information processing unit 200 includes an information receiving unit 110 that receives information from each unit, a main control unit 120 that performs various types of information processing, and a notification unit 130 that is an information transmission unit that transmits information to the outside such as the train TR. The vehicle space information is created in the analysis unit 120a of the main control unit 120. However, the information receiving unit 110 is different from the first embodiment in that the information receiving unit 110 exclusively receives information from the space detecting unit 10.

  With the above configuration, the vehicle entry propriety signal AS as vehicle space information created based on the presence or absence of the vehicle space by the information processing unit 200 in the crossing information system 600 proceeds more than the crossing CR via the beacon BE. By being transmitted to the vehicle VEa before the direction, the driver of the vehicle VEa can know the status of the crossing CR in front of the traveling direction, in particular, whether or not the crossing CR can be crossed. Further, a blue control signal BS as vehicle space information created based on the presence / absence of a vehicle space is notified to the traffic signal TL, and the traffic light LL in the traveling direction for the monitoring area MA is switched to blue display in the traffic signal TL. Thus, a vehicle space is urged in the monitoring area MA.

  As described above, also in the crossing information system 600 according to the present embodiment, using the vehicle space information based on the presence or absence of the vehicle space in the previous monitoring area MA crossing the crossing CR detected by the space detection unit 10, The notification unit 130 of the level crossing management unit 100 can notify, for example, vehicles, trains, and nearby traffic lights TL, etc., so that a determination can be made according to the road conditions around the level crossing, for example Vehicle confinement can be prevented.

[Others]
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the scope of the invention.

  First, in the above description, beacon, wireless communication, and the like are illustrated as communication means, but various devices can be applied as long as necessary communication is possible. For example, necessary data analysis or the like may be performed remotely via a network line.

  In addition, various methods are possible as long as necessary information can be obtained for the detection of the monitoring area MA by the space detection unit 10. In addition to obtaining image information, for example, the presence or absence of a vehicle is confirmed by various sensors or the like. Various methods can be applied.

  Further, the range of the monitoring area MA and the determination criteria for the presence / absence of the vehicle space are not limited to the above, and various changes can be made according to the road conditions around the target level crossing. For example, in the case where roads along the track are in the immediate vicinity of the railroad crossing, these roads may be monitored to determine whether or not crossing is possible comprehensively from the situation of all roads.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Space detection part, 20 ... Railroad crossing breaker, 30 ... Railroad crossing alarm, 40 ... Railroad crossing obstacle detection device, 40a-40d ... Infrared light sensor, 100 ... Railroad crossing management part, 110 ... Information reception part, 120 ... Main Control unit, 120a ... analysis unit, 130 ... notification unit, 200 ... information processing unit, 500 ... railroad crossing information system, 600 ... railroad crossing information system, AR1 ... arrow, AS ... vehicle approach enable / disable signal, BE ... beacon, BS ... blue control Signal, CR ... Railroad crossing, CS ... Command signal, EB ... Emergency button, IL ... Infrared light, LL, LLa, LLb, LLc ... Signal lamp, MA ... Monitoring area, RL ... Track, RO ... Road, SC ... Signal control Machine, TL ... traffic signal, TR ... train, VE, VEa, VEx ... vehicle, VM ... onboard equipment

Claims (13)

A space detector for detecting the presence or absence of a vehicle space in a predetermined area crossing the level crossing;
A railroad crossing information system comprising: a notification unit that notifies vehicle space information based on a detection result of the space detection unit.   The crossing information system according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit notifies the vehicle space information to a vehicle in a traveling direction before the crossing.   The crossing information system according to claim 2, wherein the notification unit notifies the vehicle space information to an on-vehicle device mounted on a vehicle in a traveling direction before the crossing via a beacon.   The railroad crossing according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the notification unit transmits a blue control signal that causes a signal lamp in a traveling direction to turn blue to a traffic signal located in front of the predetermined region in the traveling direction. Information system.   The crossing information system according to claim 4, wherein the notification unit transmits the blue control signal when the vehicle space information includes information indicating that the vehicle cannot pass through the crossing.   The crossing management part which includes the notification part, receives a detection result in the space detection part and information from each part which constitutes the crossing, and manages the crossing is provided. Railroad crossing information system described in.   The level crossing information according to claim 6, wherein the level crossing management unit notifies an emergency stop to a train approaching the level crossing according to a detection result in the space detection unit and a situation in the railroad crossing line. system.   When there is a vehicle entering the railroad crossing even though it is determined that the vehicle cannot pass through the railroad crossing from the detection result of the space detection unit, the railroad crossing management unit responds to the approaching train to the railroad crossing. The crossing information system according to claim 7, wherein an emergency stop is notified.   When the crossing management unit determines that there is a vehicle left in the railroad crossing track, the notification unit sends a traffic light to the traffic signal located in the traveling direction ahead of the predetermined area. The railroad crossing information system according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein a blue control signal that causes the vehicle to turn blue is transmitted.   The crossing information system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the notification unit continues to notify the vehicle space information at least while the crossing breaker is open.   The notification unit notifies the vehicle space information if the state where the vehicle cannot pass is continued from the detection result of the space detection unit even when the railroad crossing breaker is closed. The crossing information system according to claim 10, which is performed.   The level crossing information system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising an analysis unit that analyzes the vehicle crossing availability and creates the vehicle space information based on a detection result of the space detection unit.   The analysis unit includes, in the vehicle space information, indicating that the vehicle cannot pass at the railroad crossing when it is determined as a result of the analysis that there is no vehicle space in the predetermined area for a certain period of time. The crossing information system according to claim 12.

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