US20180222506A1

US20180222506A1 - System for securing of safety of railroad crossing against vehicle entry during warning signaling

Info

Publication number: US20180222506A1
Application number: US15/749,208
Authority: US
Inventors: Vladimir Kranz
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-07-31
Filing date: 2016-08-01
Publication date: 2018-08-09
Also published as: WO2017020876A2; EP3328707A2; WO2017020876A3

Abstract

According the application of the invention when barriers are lowered, first are lowered barrier in front rails after, in adjustable time delay, that barrier behind rails, what allow to vehicles clear out rail area. Sensor advantageously senses area on rails and in case of any obstruction for railway train delays lowering of barriers or stops it till the time when obstruction leaves rails. In the same time it transmits alarm into dispatching of train transport and into coming railway train by means of wireless connection. It simultaneously activates alarm siren and advantageously voice announcement calling for releasing of rails.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to the system for securing of safety of railroad crossing against vehicle entry during warning signaling, especially to the device for railroad crossing security.

BACKGROUND ART

According to the existing state of the art, systems for securing of safety of railroad crossing don't deal with obstacles in any way, e.g. a vehicle which can get stuck in between the barriers and therefore, stuck on the tracks, it may cause an accident, a collision with passing train. All the barriers are lowered simultaneously, so that vehicles which enter the crossing after lowering of barriers cannot leave the crossing, as the exit is blocked by the barriers behind the tracks. Even though barriers are designed to allow vehicles to drive violently through, some drivers get dissuaded psychologically and leave their vehicles on the railway tracks, causing an accident. Train-driver has no information about such unexpected obstacle, noticing it visually only, which often means noticing it too late to prevent the accident.
It happens that vehicles are secured to not enter crossing after the beginning of signaling sound alarm before lowering of barriers by activation of two flashing red lights placed side by side only and some vehicles do enter the crossing even though the signaling sound alarm was activated.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

Insufficiencies of the existing state of the art are eliminated in application of the invention system for securing of safety of railroad crossing against vehicle entry during warning signaling, which, when the system of lowering of barriers is activated, lowers the barriers in front of the tracks from driver's point of view first and later on, after an adjustable period of time, it lowers the barriers behind the tracks, thus allowing drivers of vehicles which entered the crossing shortly before the lowering of barriers in front of the tracks to leave the tracks in time. Another option is that the barriers are lowered simultaneously, while a detector advantageously detects the area on the tracks and when an obstacle is detected, it delays the lowering of barriers behind the tracks or it stops it or it lifts the barriers back to the unlowered position until the time when the crossing is rid of obstacles, then the barriers are lowered. At the same time, the device activates an alarm in the control center of railway traffic and in the approaching train via wireless connection. Simultaneously, the device activates advantageously an alarm siren and it activates advantageously a voice request to free the tracks.
A camera transmits, advantageously, video footage from the area of the crossing to the control center and/or to the train. A technical device in the train informs the train-driver advantageously about the obstacle, allowing him to reduce the speed of the train so that he may stop it or slow it down sufficiently. Slowing down or stopping of the train may be carried out also automatically, by the control unit of the train.
Advantageously, another signalization of the crossing is situated on the access road, in front of the system of barriers, visible to approaching vehicles. Advantageously, such signalization may consist of one to three color traffic lights, similar to those on the crossroads. After the activation of sound alarm, such traffic lights secure halting of vehicles via red light, advantageously before the lowering of barriers. A communication module, connected to the control unit which controls the system of barriers, transmits data about the situation on the crossing (especially the data concerning possible obstacles on the crossing and the data concerning the state of devices on the crossing) to the train, to the control center of railway traffic and, advantageously, to a server which is accessible to selected participants: train, control center, control of train traffic, firemen, police and other participants. The control unit is connected to a detector, to cameras and other sources providing information on the state of the system of barriers. The control unit advantageously controls the system of barriers, the signalization, color traffic lights, voice unit and sound alarm siren.
System of barriers, controlled by the control unit, is in idle state when all the barriers of which the system consists, in front of the tracks and behind them, are in open, unlowered position.
In the process of lowering of the barriers, signalization is activated, consisting advantageously of two alternately flashing lights, placed side by side. After an adjustable period of time, the lowering of barriers begins. Later, after another adjustable period of time, advantageously necessary for a vehicle to leave the tracks, the lowering of barriers behind the tracks begins. Barriers can be lowered simultaneously, or the barriers behind the tracks can be delayed by an adjustable period of time after the activation of the warning signalization of the system of barriers.
A sensor for detection of obstacles in the area of the system of barriers advantageously detects the area of the system of barriers and in the case of detection of an obstacle for the train, e.g. of a vehicle on the tracks, at the time of activation of warning signalization of barriers it transmits a signal to the control unit which controls the system of barriers and it advantageously stops or delays the lowering of barriers behind the tracks, or, in the case when the barriers are already lowered, it lifts them up until the area is rid of obstacles. At the same time, via wireless connection, the communication module advantageously causes alarm in the control center of railway traffic control, in the approaching train and in other selected participants. It transmits advantageously the alarm and/or video footages from cameras directly to the train, via wireless connection. Simultaneously the sound alarm siren is activated advantageously, indicating the immediate need of removal of an obstacle, e.g. of a vehicle. A vocal request to leave the tracks is produced advantageously by the voice unit A camera transmits advantageously live real time footages from the area of the system of barriers to the control center and, advantageously, to the control unit of the train, from where the video is displayed on the train-driver's display. Voice or data communication with the control center is carried out wirelessly. After obtaining of information about obstacle, the train informs the train-driver visually, advantageously via display or by a pilot light, or advantageously acoustically by a vocal message or by a tone from speakers. The train is slowed down manually by the train-driver or automatically, by a control unit, advantageously gradually so that it can stop in time, in case the obstacle is not removed. A display showing numerical data providing information about time remaining until the lowering of barriers is placed advantageously on the pole of signalization of the crossing. A display showing symbolically open barriers is placed on the pole of signalization of the crossing advantageously, advantageously in white or green color which turns into red as the display shows lowering barriers before the barriers in front of the tracks begin to be lowered. A traffic light advantageously of one to three colors is placed advantageously in the system of barriers or in an adjustable distance in front of them, visible to the approaching vehicles, advantageously analogous to the three color traffic lights of roadway traffic. Together with the activation of the crossing's signaling light, green light turns to orange and later on to red, before the lowering of barriers in front of the tracks. One-color light signals red right away, whereas the two-color light begins signaling with orange light. The signal light of the crossing can be advantageously replaced by three-color traffic lights.
The communication module transmits the alarm advantageously and the video footage advantageously to fire brigade, to the police, to the emergency control center, so that they are prepared for intervention if collision takes place in the area of the system of barriers.
The camera transmits all the necessary data to the police, e.g. the license plate number of an obstructive vehicle, thus permitting a penalization of the side that caused the placement of an obstacle on the tracks, e g. of the driver. In the case when the obstacle consists of a vehicle which leaves the area of barriers without an accident, the police is equipped advantageously with the control of a roadside display ordering the vehicle to await their arrival, e.g. it orders the driver to stop in an emergency lane and await the arrival of the police there.
The communication module transmits data advantageously to a server, accessible to the selected participants, e.g. to the control center of railway traffic control and to the train, via internet connection. Selected participants can access data concerning the state of all the systems of barriers equipped with communication modules and appropriate units for image capturing and/or for detection of obstacles advantageously with sensors and/or cameras. A detector of trains is advantageously placed on the railway and when an approaching train is detected, advantageously from a longer distance than the distance of visibility, it warns at the crossing by a siren and advantageously by a recorded vocal announcement. A camera system is placed advantageously on the railway, it consists advantageously of several cameras of camera system placed in front of the system of barriers, and it transmits advantageously a real-time live footage of passing trains, advantageously switching between cameras to those actually shooting the passing train at the moment, to roadway screens visible to the drivers who approach the system of barriers—this has a psychological effect preventing the drivers from entering the area of the system of barriers while the warning sound alarm is active. Advantageously, the distance of the approaching train to the crossing is displayed. The real-time live footage of passing train is transmitted to the server of the control center and other participants advantageously via wireless or wired connection.
Selected participants are optionally equipped with a displaying device, advantageously consisting of a computer and a monitor, adaptable for one screening or, advantageously, for multiple screenings of several systems of barriers at once. Such equipment allows the train-driver to watch the systems of barriers captured by cameras on his route in advance.
The system for securing of safety of railroad crossing against vehicle entry during warning signaling contains a control unit which controls the system of barriers which contains the signaling. The control unit controls barriers, traffic lights, voice unit, alarm siren and it receives information from the sensor for detection of obstacles in the area of the system of barriers, from the cameras and from other sources of information by which it controls the voice unit.
The control unit transmits information, via communication module, to the server, accessible to the selected participants, e.g. to trains, control center of railway traffic control, fire brigade, other participants and to the police, which advantageously controls the roadside display. The communication module is adaptable for direct connection with the selected participants.
The system for securing of safety of railroad crossing contains the right area, detected by sensor system right. In case an obstacle in the right area is detected by this sensor system, it prevents the lowering of barriers on the right behind the tracks. In case the control unit is already fully or partly activated, it lifts the barriers and allows their lowering only when the obstacle is no longer detected by the sensor system. Positions of barriers “left” and “right” are understood from the point of view from the direction “S”. Positions “in front of the tracks” and “behind the tracks” are understood from the point of view of a vehicle-driver approaching the crossing. Analogically, the sensor system left operates in the left area, detecting the obstacle “left”. The system of barriers contains the following: barrier right behind the tracks, barrier left in front of the tracks, barrier right in front of the tracks, barrier left behind the tracks, all of them controlled by the control unit and in case the sensor systems do not detect an obstacle, the barriers are lowered either all simultaneously, or with the barriers behind tracks delayed. The sensor system right consists advantageously of several sensors, advantageously of the sensor first on the right in front of the tracks, the sensor second on the right in front of the tracks, the sensor first on the right behind the tracks, and the sensor second on the right behind the tracks, they detect passing vehicles even with unlowered barriers in order to verify the system's functionality, both when the sound alarm is activated and when it is not. In the case of lack of correspondence of detection between all sensors, the system of barriers causes alarm in the control center of railway traffic control, via wireless connection, in order to fix the defect. The sensor system left works analogically.
The system for securing of safety of railroad crossing advantageously contains the traffic lights, placed in an adjustable distance from the crossing, e.g. 50 m. The traffic lights consist advantageously of three or two color lights or of two alternately flashing lights placed side by side.
Traffic lights situated in adjustable distance from the barriers stop the vehicles, with a “STOP” signal, in a given distance from the barriers, when the warning lights of the crossing before the lowering of barriers are activated, as well as the warning siren of the security device of the crossing, so that the vehicles cannot enter the crossing. Later on the control unit sets the signalization of the traffic lights to “FREE”. Vehicles can continue to the barriers, lowered already, as they prevent them from entering the crossing.
Detection unit of state of the crossing detects the activation of signalization of the warning lights advantageously by an optical sensor and the lowering of barriers by a sensor of detection of lowered barriers, or both happenings are detected simultaneously by a camera sensor. Alternatively, the warning sound alarm is detected advantageously by an acoustic sensor.
Activation of “warning lights of the crossing”, e g. of two flashing red lights, is detected by this detection unit, which is used in case of unavailability or undesirability of direct electric connection with the warning lights, in other cases the control unit for information about warning signalization is connected directly to the electric signalization unit of the crossing. In case of employment of this detection unit, advantageously consisting of an optical sensor, this unit for transmission of information about activation of warning lights is connected to the control unit of signalization device by a wired or wireless connection. This connection transmits the signal of activation of warning lights to the control unit, which switches the signalization to “STOP” signal, consisting advantageously of red light of the traffic lights, which advantageously consist of three-color lights. The information of lowered barriers is transmitted by a detection unit, advantageously consisting of the sensor of detection of lowered barriers, to the control unit, which sets the traffic lights to “FREE”, advantageously by green light, which follows advantageously after orange.
In the case of two-color traffic lights, when set to “STOP” they signal with red light. When set to “FREE” they either signal with flashing orange light or they don't signal. In the case of one-color light signal, it flashes with two alternately flashing red lights placed side by side and it's turned off when set to “FREE.”
Detection unit of state of the crossing consists advantageously of an optical sensor and/or of an acoustic sensor and/or of a camera sensor and/or of a sensor of detection of lowered barriers. By the time of activation of the crossing's warning sound alarm the traffic lights are set to “STOP”, when the sound alarm ends they are set to “FREE”.
Sensors of the warning lights, optical or acoustic, are advantageously placed directly on the railway device of barriers or on a separate pole placed in front.
The maximal distance of the traffic lights from the crossing is advantageously set so that vehicles approaching at the maximum permitted speed, e.g. at 50 km/h, can pass this distance shortly after the activation of flashing warning lights and reach the barriers still open, it is so in order to allow even the drivers who don't obey the traffic rules, and enter the area of the crossing after activation of the warning lights, to safely pass the crossing before the lowering of barriers. The distance is chosen advantageously by the period of time by which the warning signal precedes the lowering of barriers, which begins approximately 30 seconds after the activation of flashing red lights of the crossing. Immediately before the lowering no cars reach the barriers as they are stopped by the traffic lights placed in front of the crossing.
When the barriers are lowered the control unit sets the traffic lights to “FREE” and the vehicles which got stopped before can reach them.
The next cycle of setting the traffic lights to “STOP” is initialized with the next activation of warning lights or warning sound.
Optionally, the traffic lights are set to “FREE” only after the end of flashing of the red lights, therefore after the opening of barriers and not by the time they are lowered. Signalization device modified in this way is usable for unprotected crossings without barriers as well.
In front of the traffic lights, a slow down section with a traffic sign showing the speed limit, e.g. 30 km/h, is placed advantageously. After the slow down section a traffic sign ending all restrictions is placed, advantageously a light traffic sign, it ends the speed limit. It is advantageously activated in relation to activation of the light traffic signs of the speed limit, advantageously activated simultaneously with the crossing's warning lights or with the traffic lights. The light traffic sign is placed either on a separate pole or on the pole of the traffic sign “Railroad crossing with barriers”.
The slow down section of the railroad crossing with barriers is implemented advantageously to slow down the traffic before the activated barriers. The warning lights of the crossing are activated and they begin their signalization of the oncoming lowering of barriers advantageously by flashing, at the same time an adjustable number of traffic “Speed limit” traffic signs is activated, they light up, showing the adjustable speed limit, e.g. 30 km/h. They are optionally deactivated after the lowering of barriers or after deactivation of the warning lights. To highlight the oncoming lowering of barriers the traffic signs “Railroad crossing with barriers” are advantageously light signs or are advantageously equipped with orange signal lights which signal, advantageously by flashing, together with the warning lights, the oncoming lowering of barriers.
The signal device for stopping of vehicles before crossing may be advantageously used for the crossings without barriers, to prevent the vehicles from entering the crossing in the time of approaching train, about which a signal is transmitted from the control center of railway traffic to the control unit which controls the signalization device for stopping and slowing down of vehicles.
Optionally, the traffic lights consist advantageously of two alternately flashing red lights placed side by side, and are activated with the signal “STOP” and deactivated with “FREE”.
Advantageously, a countdown device and a traffic sign with texts and/or symbols, e.g. with “STOP, 20 s” as data from the countdown device and “ATTENTION: CAMERA ON WHEN RED”, are placed on the traffic lights pole, with the texts being advantageously activated together with the warning lights.
Advantageously, a dummy camera is installed on the route, by which a better discipline of drivers is achieved. This camera can be replaced by a real one.
The simplified version of securing of safety of railroad crossing is that without the slow down section.
The signalization device for stopping of vehicles in front of the crossing can be supplemented with a combined slow down section, with which the slowing down is carried out by highlighting of speed limit of the activated traffic sign when the warning lights are activated, and by a radar unit as well, advantageously with a display of the radar unit placed in front of the light traffic sign, showing the speed of vehicles. The speed limit sign is activated with vehicles exceeding the adjustable speed limit. After the light traffic sign, a light traffic sign “End of all restrictions” is advantageously placed, in a necessary distance. A dummy camera is advantageously placed on it, it is replaceable with a real camera. This possibility provides savings and drivers never know which camera is placed. To accentuate the effect, a pilot light flashes on the dummy camera, to create the impression of recording.
The combined slow down section can be optionally fitted more than once. It is usable in the road traffic on crossing with or without barriers. On unprotected crossings, the light traffic sign is activated only from a radar unit, which can be placed in the light traffic sign.
After the combined slow down section, a stopping section follows advantageously. Its radar unit sets, via control unit, the traffic lights to “STOP”, advantageously to red light, in the case of approaching speeding vehicle, even when the warning lights of the crossing aren't activated. When they are activated, they are set to “STOP” automatically.
The radar unit is advantageously adapted to be set to either unreduced speed, e.g. 50 km/h, or to reduced speed. e.g. 30 km/h, when the traffic sign is activated and the light traffic sign is not activated or not mounted. Speed on the radar unit is adjustable to a speed of an optional value higher than is the value of the speed limit, so that the intended tolerance of speeding is reached. The stopping section is employable even in traffic without barriers. In such case, the signaling lights are represented by the radar unit only. When the warning lights are activated the light traffic sign is not, in order to make the speed limit, e.g. 30 km/h, remain valid.
A dummy camera is advantageously placed on the traffic lights, and advantageously on the traffic sign's pole. In front of dummy cameras there are advantageously placed signs announcing the speed check, to increase their efficiency. On the radar unit's display, apart from the measured speed, a text is shown, announcing the necessity of slowing down to the limited speed, e.g. to 30 km/h, related to the speed shown on the light traffic sign that follows. A real camera, replaceable by a dummy one, doesn't record speeding only, it records passing through red on the traffic lights as well.
Another measure can be applied to prevent drivers from reaching the barriers in case of passing through red on the traffic lights. A detector, consisting of a camera or a sensor, then advantageously controls a light traffic sign on the edge of traffic lane, a “No entry” sign and/or “Indicated direction of traffic” sign, requesting the driver to drive into a waiting lane where the driver advantageously sees a sign commanding him to await the arrival of police. The driver is prevented from exiting by a barrier, advantageously controlled wirelessly. Advantageously, there is a communication unit, adapted for vocal communication with the control center and/or with police.
The system for securing of safety of railroad crossing according to the invention can be applied as well against the passage on flashing red lights by traffic lights placed on intersection and on intersection of the type “T”.
Traffic lights usually control intersections by a control unit, with which they are connected by connections. With the activation of two alternately flashing red lights of the crossing, the traffic lights which control the traffic lanes “A”, from which the barriers are accessed, are set to the “STOP” regime, in which they shine red. If they shine in a different color, they are set to red following the regulations, that means from green through orange. So they prevent vehicles from accessing to the barriers from the lanes “A” Traffic lights of traffic lanes “B”, in direction from the barriers, are switched to green, in order to allow the vehicles to leave and to prevent the formation of traffic jams, which may jam up the railroad crossing.
The activation of light signal is advantageously detected by the sensor of warning lights, which is connected with the control unit by a connection.
The traffic lights are switched from “STOP” regime into the standard regime of intersection control when the barriers are lowered, advantageously after detection by a sensor of lowered barriers and/or by a sensor of warning lights which indicates the end of activation of the lights, with information about this happening being transmitted by connections.
Sensors of vehicles detect the vehicles driven from the barriers in traffic lane “B” and in the case of a detected vehicle they switch the intersection control so that these vehicles have priority for green light, in order to prevent the formation of traffic jams which my jam up the crossing. Vehicles are stopped in the “STOP” regime during the time of activation of signaling only, until the barriers are lowered, which is a relatively short period of time, 20 seconds approximately.
After that, the intersection control is switched to regular traffic and vehicles pass the controlled intersection to reach the barriers which are already lowered, therefore they cannot pass through the crossing at the time of flashing warning lights.
Vehicles passing between the intersections and the crossing by the time of activation of the signaling and “STOP” regime arrive in the very beginning of the period of activation of warning lights, so they have 20 seconds for a relatively secure passage through the barriers, before they begin to be lowered, in the case they fail to respect the lights.
Following vehicles, for which the crossing would be hazardous, are stopped by the traffic lights. Alternatively, the traffic lights don't control the intersection at the time of opened barriers, they are either deactivated or flashing with orange light. Traffic lights for the control of direction “B” are advantageously not installed and vehicles in this lane have free passage continuously.
In the case of activation of the signaling the color of the lights is switched, according to the regulations, from flashing orange to red, until the barriers are lowered. When they are lowered they are switched back to flashing orange.
An advantageous embodiment of device for securing of safety of railroad crossing, with increased safety, is obtained by the combination of a stopper of vehicles for the period of lowered barriers, advantageously with slow down section, with employment of traffic signs changing the speed limit, advantageously with employment of a voice unit. Traffic signs that modify speed limit consist advantageously of sets of LED diodes, or, in the mechanical embodiment, of reversible slats.
The stopper of vehicles in time of lowered barriers consists of commanding signalization, advantageously consisting of three-color traffic lights or of alternately flashing lights. Signalization is activated in the moment of activation of warning sound alarm of the crossing, in order to stop vehicles, and deactivated when the barriers are lowered, advantageously it's activated for the period of the warning sound alarm. Advantageously, a camera is placed on the pole of the stopper, noticing the vehicles which drive through red lights.
The stopper of speeding vehicles consists advantageously of three-color traffic lights and is activated in the moment when a vehicle is speeding, over the speed limit set by the traffic sign changing the speed limit, or, in the case the traffic sign is not activated, over the speed limit set by regulation or by preceding traffic sign. The stopper is advantageously deactivated when the barriers are lowered.
In front of the stopper of vehicles, slow down section is placed advantageously, advantageously equipped with a traffic sign that changes the speed limit or, advantageously, with two or more traffic signs, e.g. with 30 km/h and 15 km/h. The traffic sign changing the speed limit, or a combination of several signs, they ensure slowing down of vehicles to the desirable speed at which the vehicles located in front of this traffic sign in time period between the activation of signalization of warning lights of the crossing and lowering of barriers, that is in the time of activated sound alarm of the safety device of the crossing, cannot reach the crossing before the lowering of barriers. This is ensured by the speed limit changing traffic signs being advantageously activated in the beginning of sound alarm system of barriers of the railroad crossing or at the time of activation of warning signalization of warning lights of the crossing and, advantageously, they are turned off with the end of warning sound alarm system of barriers of the railroad crossing, that is when the barriers are lowered.
Distance between the traffic signs changing the speed limit is set advantageously in relation to the duration of sound alarm before the lowering of barriers, so that the vehicles which entered in the time of activation of the traffic signs changing the speed limit, and which are driven at the speed limit, reach the barriers when they are already lowered.
For example, the first traffic sign changing the speed limit, advantageously to 30 km/h, is advantageously placed in a distance, e.g. in 350 m, from the railway system of barriers of the railroad crossing, in order to ensure the initial slowing down of approaching vehicles. The second traffic sign changing the speed limit for the final slowing down, advantageously 15 km/h, is advantageously placed in a distance of 240 m from the railway system of barriers of the railroad crossing.
The distance between the second traffic sign changing the speed limit and the railway system of barriers of the railroad crossing, and the value of the speed limit shown on this traffic sign changing the speed limit are calculated considering the period of time between the activation of warning sound alarm and the lowering of barriers, that is usually 30 to 45 seconds, so that a vehicle driven at the speed limit passing this traffic sign changing the speed limit would reach the barriers after their lowering, and that vehicles driven at unreduced speed would reach the barriers in advance, at least 10 seconds before lowering, so that they are able to leave the tracks without difficulties, in the case of illegal entry in the time of active warning signalization. For example, in a section of 240 m, driving time of a vehicle driven at 50 km/h is approximately 17 seconds. A vehicle driven at this unreduced speed would cover this distance from the second traffic sign changing the speed limit in a shorter period of time than is the period between the activation of warning sound alarm and the lowering of barriers, which is e.g. 30 seconds, and if it was 240 m from the crossing by the time of activation of the warning sound alarm, it would reach the barriers 13 seconds before their lowering, therefore it would have enough time to pass through the crossing safely, before the lowering of barriers, in a case of illegal entry. On the other hand, a vehicle driven at the reduced speed of 15 km/h would cover the distance of 240 m in approximately 58 seconds. Vehicle driven at this reduced speed and located in the distance mentioned above from the crossing at the time of activation of the warning sound alarm would therefore reach the crossing when the barriers are lowered already. The system of device of signalization is advantageously equipped with the traffic sign “Light signals”, advantageously a light traffic sign, and highlighted by LED diodes. Multiple traffic signs of this kind can be placed in a row, e.g. two of them, installed on the poles of traffic signs changing the speed limit. LED diodes of the traffic sign “Light signals” are advantageously activated with the activation of warning signalization of the crossing and are advantageously turned off after the lowering of barriers, therefore they are activated for the period of activated warning sound alarm.
The device for securing of safety of railroad crossing is advantageously equipped with a switchable traffic sign “End of all restrictions”, advantageously light, or mechanical with slats, and advantageously placed on the pole of the traffic sign “Light signals” in the distance advantageously of 80 m and 160 m from the railway system of barriers of the railroad crossing. The light traffic sign “End of all restrictions” is activated with the lowered barriers and it allows the vehicles to reach the lowered barriers at unreduced speed.
The device for or securing of safety of railroad crossing is advantageously equipped with a voice unit, placed advantageously on the pole of the stopper of vehicles, therefore in distance of approximately 80 m from the crossing. For the period of lowered barriers, the voice unit plays advantageously a text, e.g. “Stop here, camera on the red”. The system of device of signalization advantageously contains another voice unit, installed advantageously 80 m in front of the first voice unit. Voice units are advantageously deactivated when the sensor of vehicles detects that a vehicle stopped in front of the first commanding signalization.
Nearby the crossing, advantageously on the pole of the dummy camera, an acoustic sensor is installed advantageously, and it serves for detection of the warning sound alarm of the security device of the crossing, advantageously it contains a directional microphone.
On that pole, the traffic sign “End of speed check area” is placed advantageously, as well as an omnidirectional transmitter for the transmission of signal of at least one of the following traffic signs: “Light signal”, stopper of vehicles for the period before the lowering of barriers.
A signal emitted by the omnidirectional transmitter is received by receivers, which are advantageously placed on the poles of elements mentioned above, and their state is controlled by this signal. On the first pole of dummy camera, a traffic sign “Speed check” is installed advantageously as well.
The device for or securing of safety of railroad crossing advantageously contains signalization lights on the roadway, to highlight the stopper of vehicles for the period of time before the barriers are lowered Signalization lights on the roadway are advantageously installed in the roadway in the area of the stopper of vehicles and are activated at the same time, in the period of time before the barriers are lowered, and are advantageously bordered by the traffic signaling “Transverse continuous line”, usable for highlighting of the area for stopping of vehicles during activation.
This embodiment ensures multiple securing of the railway system of barriers of the railroad crossing. The first security measure consists advantageously in the slowing down of vehicles via slow down section with traffic signs changing the speed limit in the period of time between the beginning of warning sound alarm of the railway system and lowered barriers, so that the vehicles cannot enter the crossing before the barriers are lowered. The second security measure consists advantageously in the stopping of vehicles by a stopper of vehicles for the time before the barriers are lowered. The third security measure consists advantageously in placing of a stopper of speeding vehicles. The fourth security measure consists advantageously in highlighting of the stopper of vehicles for the time before the barriers are lowered by a traffic sign, advantageously equipped with the text “STOP” and advantageously equipped with a countdown unit. The fifth security measure consists advantageously in highlighting of the stopper of vehicles for the time before the barriers are lowered by a voice unit. All the above-mentioned security measures are effective separately, in order to ensure the securing of safety of railroad crossing, and used optionally.
The acoustic sensor detects the sound alarm of railroad crossings. It contains advantageously a directional microphone, advantageously placed in the focal point of parabola directed towards the railway signalization device, and this acoustic sensor is advantageously tuned. This means, that the microphone's characteristics and its sensitivity, in cooperation with evaluation circuits, are set to characteristic and energetically most represented frequencies occurring in the sound signal of the warning sound alarm of a railroad crossing, advantageously, they are set for each railroad crossing individually.
Thereby the detector reacts only to this sound signal. The tuning is carried out automatically at operator's command, with the aid of a microprocessor, which, in an appropriate regime of functioning, evaluates the sound signal of a given railway warning signaling device and sets the characteristic for evaluating circuits. The evaluation of sounds is carried out on the basis of Fourier's development of signals into individual components and their content is compared to the sample, to which the acoustic sensor is tuned. In the case of sufficient correspondence the sensor sets its output signal to the state meaning that the detection of a warning sound signal of a railway security device on a crossing was successful. Further signalization takes places, in correspondence with this application of invention, which secures a better safety on the crossing.
Railroad sound signals contain at least one and usually two dominant frequencies, even though there can be more of them. Sounds of the warning sound device on the other side of the tracks reach the concerned side of the crossing as well. This allows tuning of the acoustic sensor to one side or to both of them, while tuning to both sides increases the security of the crossing further, as complementary signalization is implemented on both sides even in the case of failure of the railway device on one of the sides.
A directional microphone which captures the railway warning sound signal on the crossing is directed towards the crossing and placed in a parabola, its output signal is transmitted to the input of an amplifier, advantageously of a differential one, and is further converted into a digital signal in an A/D converter. This signal is evaluated in a microprocessor and compared with a recorded pattern, characteristic for the crossing.
In case of correspondence the signal on appropriate output of the microprocessor reaches the value which expresses this correspondence. Advantageously, output signal of this microprocessor reaches the value “1”, which lasts advantageously for the period of reception of the sound signalization. This signal is used to activate other devices, connected wirelessly or by a wire via omnidirectional transmitter, so it can be used by all devices of the crossing security equipped with a receiver.
Alternatively, the transmitter is adapted for duplex communication with the receiver which is adapted for duplex traffic via mobile network as well, advantageously via local WIFI network. This enables gathering of information of state of the device from the annunciator of state. This information is advantageously registered in the memory of microprocessors and/or it is advantageously transmitted to the server of the control center, through a long-distance network, advantageously through a network of a mobile operator, and from there it is advantageously transmitted to selected participants. The device advantageously contains security sensors and/or cameras which protect it against theft, and whose signal is transmitted to the control panel, which may advantageously address a thief in time of action, discouraging him via voice unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The invention will be clarified further by drawings, where

FIG. 1 depicts the system of barriers of the device for securing of safety of railroad crossing

FIG. 1

detail

1 depicts a side-view in direction S at the device for securing of safety of railroad crossing

FIG. 1

detail

2 depicts the breakdown lane

FIG. 1

detail

3 depicts the displaying device

FIG. 2 depicts block diagram of the device for securing of safety of railroad crossing

FIG. 3 depicts the system of barriers

FIG. 4 depicts the system of signaling unit for stopping of vehicles in front of the railway system of barriers

FIG. 4

detail

1 depicts a traffic sign

FIG. 4

detail

2 depicts a simplified version of the signaling device for stopping of vehicles in front of the barriers of the railroad crossing, with slow down section left out completely

FIG. 5 depicts the signaling device for stopping of vehicles in front of the crossing, supplemented with a combined slow down section

FIG. 6 depicts an additional impediment in driver's passage to the barriers

FIG. 7 depicts the securing of safety of railroad crossing via traffic lights on an intersection

FIG. 8 depicts an advantageous embodiment of the system of signaling device for stopping of vehicles in front of the railway system of barriers of railroad crossing, with increased safety

FIG. 8

detail

1 depicts the block diagram of an acoustic sensor which detects acoustic signals of railroad crossings

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 and Detail 1 from the point of view in the direction S and Detail 2 they show the system of barriers of the railroad crossing security device, roadway 39 and the system 1 of barriers in standby state of control unit 6, in this state all the barriers of which the system consists, barriers 2 p in front of the tracks and barriers 2 z behind the track, are open. In the process of lowering of the system 1 of barriers, the warning signaling 3 is activated, which consists advantageously of a sound signal and/or of the warning lights 106 of the crossing, which consist advantageously of signal 206 of two flashing lights placed side by side. After an adjustable period of time, the barriers 2 p in front of the tracks and the barriers 2 z behind the tracks begin to be lowered, either simultaneously or the barriers behind the tracks can be delayed by an adjustable period of time, advantageously expected to be necessary for a vehicle to leave the tracks. Barriers 2 and 2 z are therefore lowered simultaneously, or the barriers 2 z behind the tracks are delayed by an adjustable period of time after the activation of the warning signalization of the system 1 of barriers.
Unit 301 for detection of obstacles in the area of the system of barriers, advantageously consisting of the sensor 4 and/or of the camera 10, advantageously detects the area of the system 1 of barriers between the barriers 2 p,2 z during the time of activation of the warning signalization of the system 1 of barriers and in case of detection of an obstacle for the train, e.g. of the vehicle 5 on the tracks, it transmits a signal to the control unit 6 which controls the system 1 of barriers and it advantageously stops or delays the lowering of barriers 2 z behind the tracks, or, in the case when the barriers are already lowered, it lifts them up until the area is rid of the obstacle 2.
At the same time, advantageously by the communication module 1 it causes alarm for the directly connected participants 300 the control center 11 of railway traffic control, the approaching train 12, fire brigade 16, police 17, and, via server 21, other selected participants 22 by wireless connection 13. The communication module 7 transmits advantageously the alarm and/or video footages from cameras 10 directly to the train 12, via wireless connection 13.
Simultaneously the sound alarm siren 8 in the area of the system 1 barriers is activated advantageously by the control unit 6, indicating the immediate need of removal of the obstacle 9, e.g. of the vehicle 5. A vocal request to leave the tracks 23 is produced advantageously by the voice unit 24. The camera 10 transmits advantageously, via communication module 7, live real time footages from the area of the system 1 of barriers to the control center 11 and, advantageously, to the control unit 28 of the train 12, where the video is displayed on the train-driver's monitor 25. Voice or data communication with the control center 11, train 12 and other participants is carried via wireless connection 13. After obtaining information about the obstacle 9, the train 12 informs the train-driver visually, advantageously via monitor 25 or by a pilot light 26, or advantageously acoustically by a vocal message or by a tone from the speaker 27. The train is slowed down manually by the train-driver or automatically, by a control unit 28, advantageously gradually so that it can stop in time in the case the obstacle 9 is not removed. The display 14 showing numerical data providing information about time remaining until the lowering of barriers 2 p in front of the tracks is placed advantageously on the pole of signalization 3 of the crossing.
The display 31 showing symbolically open barriers is placed on the pole of signalization of the crossing advantageously, advantageously in white or green color which turns into red as the display shows lowering barriers before the barriers 2 p in front of the tracks begin to be lowered. The traffic light 103, advantageously of one to three colors, is placed advantageously in the area of the system of barriers and of the pole of signalization 3, or in an adjustable distance in front of them, visible to the vehicles approaching the system 1 of barriers, advantageously analogous to the three color traffic lights of roadway traffic. Together with the activation of the signalization 3, green light turns to orange and later on to red, before the lowering of barriers 2 p in front of the tracks. One-color light 15 signals red right away, whereas the two-color light begins signaling with orange light. The signalization 3 of the crossing can be advantageously replaced by three-color traffic lights 103.
The communication module 7 transmits the alarm advantageously and the video footage from the camera 10 advantageously to fire brigade 16, to the police 17, to the emergency control center 18, so that they are prepared for intervention if collision takes place in the area of the system 1 of barriers. The camera 10 transmits all the necessary data to the police, e.g. the license plate number of an obstructive vehicle, thus permitting a penalization of the side that caused the placement of the obstacle 9 on the tracks, e.g. of the driver of vehicle 5. In the case when the obstacle 9 consists of the vehicle 5 which leaves the area of barriers without an accident, the police 17 is equipped advantageously with the control of the roadside display 19 ordering the vehicle 5 to await their arrival, e.g. it orders the driver to stop in breakdown lane 20 and await the arrival of the police there. The communication module 7 sends data advantageously to the server 21, accessible to the selected participants 22, e.g. to the control center 11 of railway traffic control and to the train 12, advantageously via internet connection. Selected participants can access data concerning the state of all the systems 1 of barriers equipped with communication module 7 and appropriate units 221 for image capturing and/or for detection of obstacles advantageously by sensors 4 and/or cameras 10.
Detector of trains 219 is advantageously placed on the railway and when an approaching train is detected, advantageously from a longer distance than the distance of visibility, it warns at the crossing by siren 216 and advantageously by a recorded vocal announcement. Camera system 218 is placed advantageously on the railway, it consists advantageously of several cameras 223 of camera system placed in front of the system 1 of barriers from the point of view of the approaching train 12, and it transmits advantageously a real-time live footage of the train, advantageously switching between cameras to those actually shooting the passing train at the moment, to roadway monitors 220 visible to the drivers who approach the system 1 of barriers this has a psychological effect preventing the drivers from entering the area of the system 1 of barriers while the warning sound alarm is active. Advantageously, distance of the approaching train to the crossing is displayed. The real-time live footage of passing train is transmitted to the server 21 of the control center 11 and other participants 16, 17, 18 advantageously via wireless or wired connection.
FIG. 1 detail 3 depicts selected participants 22 optionally equipped with displaying device 29, advantageously consisting of a computer and a monitor, adaptable for one screening or, advantageously, for multiple screenings 32 of several systems 1 of barriers at once. Such equipment allows the train-driver to watch the systems 1 of barriers captured by cameras 10 on his route in advance.
FIG. 2 depicts the block diagram for the system for securing of safety of railroad crossing against vehicle entry during warning signaling which contains the system 1 of barriers with the control unit 6, which controls the system 1 of barriers, signaling 1, the traffic lights 15, the voice unit 24, the alarm siren 8 and it receives information from the sensor 4 placed in the area of the system of barriers, from the camera 10 and from other sources of information 30, and on its basis it controls the voice unit.
It transmits information, via communication module 7, to the server 21, accessible to the selected participants 22, e.g. to the train 12, to the control center 11 of railway traffic control, fire brigade 16, other participants 64 and to the police 17, which advantageously controls the roadside display 19. The communication module 7 is adaptable for direct connection with the selected participants 22.
FIG. 3 depicts the system for securing of safety of railroad crossing with the system 1 of barriers, where the area 35 right is detected by the system of sensors 48 right. In case of detection of the obstacle 41 right by this sensor system, it prevents the lowering of barrier 60 right behind the tracks. In the case when the control unit 6 depicted on the FIG. 1, is already fully or partly activated, it lifts the barriers and allows their lowering only when the obstacle 41 is no longer detected by the system of sensors 48. Positions of barriers “left” and “right” are understood from the point of view from the direction S. Positions “in front of the tracks” and “behind the tracks” are understood from the point of view of a vehicle-driver approaching the crossing. Analogically, the system of sensors 54 left, with sensors 44, 45, 55 and 56, operates in the left area 42, detecting the obstacle 59 left. The system 1 of barriers contains the following: the barrier 60 right behind the tracks, the barrier 61 left in front of the tracks, the barrier 62 right in front of the tracks, barrier 63 left behind the tracks, all of them controlled by the control unit 6 and in the case the systems 48 and 54 of sensors do not detect the obstacles 59 and 41, the barriers are lowered either all (60, 61, 62, 63) simultaneously, or with the barriers 60 and 63 behind tracks delayed. The system 48 of sensors right consists advantageously of several sensors, advantageously of the sensor 37 first on the right in front of the tracks, the sensor 38 second on the right in front of the tracks, the sensor 49 first on the right behind the tracks, and the sensor 50 second on the right behind the tracks, they detect passing vehicles even with unlowered barriers 60 and 62 in order to verify the system's functionality, both when the sound alarm is activated and when it is not. In case of lack of correspondence of detection between all sensors, the system 1 of barriers causes alarm in the control center 11 of railway traffic control, via wireless connection 13, in order to fix the defect, as shown on the FIG. 1. The system of sensors 54 left works analogically.
FIG. 4 and its detail 1 they depict the system of signaling device for the stopping of vehicles in front of the system 1 of barriers, which advantageously contains the traffic lights, 15 placed in an adjustable distance from the barriers 2, e.g. 50 m. Traffic lights 103 consist advantageously of the tree color lights 204 or of two color lights 205 or of the signal of two alternately flashing lights 206 placed side by side.
Traffic lights 103 situated in adjustable distance from the barriers 2 stop the approaching vehicles, with a “STOP” signal, before them, in the time of activated warning lights 106 of the crossing before the lowering of barriers 2 is activated, as well as the warning siren of the security device of the crossing, so that vehicles cannot enter the crossing. Later on the control unit 6 sets the signalization of the traffic lights to “FREE”. Vehicles can continue to the barriers, lowered already, as they prevent them from entering the crossing.
Detection unit 73 of state of the crossing detects the activation of signalization of the warning lights 106 advantageously by the optical sensor 211 and the lowering of the barrier 2 by the sensor 121 of detection of lowered barriers, or both happenings are detected simultaneously by the camera sensor 212. Alternatively, the warning sound alarm is detected advantageously by the detection unit 73 via acoustic sensor 213.
Activation of “warning lights 106 of the crossing”, e.g. of two flashing red lights, is detected by this detection unit 73, which is used in case of unavailability or undesirability of direct electric connection 105 with the warning lights 106, in other cases the control unit 108 for information about warning signalization is connected directly to the electric signalization unit of the crossing In case of employment of this detection unit 73, advantageously consisting of the optical sensor 211, this unit for transmission of information about activation of warning lights is connected to the control unit 108 of signalization device by a wired or wireless connection 105. This connection transmits the signal of activation of the warning lights 106 to the control unit 108, which switches the signalization to “STOP” signal, consisting advantageously of red light of the traffic lights 103 which advantageously consist of the three-color lights 204. The information of lowered barriers 2 is transmitted by the detection unit 73, advantageously consisting of the sensor 121 of detection of lowered barriers, to the control unit 108, which sets the traffic lights 204 to “FREE”, advantageously by green light, which follows advantageously after orange. In the case of traffic lights 103 consisting of two color traffic lights 205 only, when set to “STOP” they signal with red light. When set to “FREE” they either signal with flashing orange light or they don't signal. In the case of traffic lights 103 consisting of one-color light signal 206, it flashes with two alternately flashing red lights placed side by side and it's turned off when set to “FREE.”
The detection unit 73 of state of the crossing consists advantageously of the optical sensor 211 and/or of the acoustic sensor 213 and/or of the camera sensor 212 and/or of the sensor 121 of detection of lowered barriers. By the time of activation of the crossing's warning sound alarm the traffic lights 103 are set to “STOP”, when the sound alarm ends they are set to “FREE”.
Sensors 107 of the warning lights, 211 optical and 213 acoustic, are advantageously placed directly on the railway device of barriers or on the separate pole 214 of sensors placed in front. The maximal distance 109 of the traffic lights 103 from the barrier 2 is advantageously set so that vehicles approaching at the maximum permitted speed, e.g. at 50 km/h, can pass this distance shortly after the activation of flashing warning lights 106 and reach the barrier 2 still open, it is so in order to allow even the drivers who don't obey the traffic rules, and enter the area of the crossing after activation of the warning lights 106, to safely pass the crossing before the lowering of barrier 2. The distance 109 is set advantageously by the period of time by which the warning signal precedes the lowering of barriers 2, which begins approximately 30 seconds after the activation of flashing warning lights 106 of the crossing. Immediately before the lowering of barriers 2 no cars reach the barriers as they are stopped by the traffic lights 103 placed in front of the crossing.
When the barriers 2 are lowered the control unit 108 sets the traffic lights to “FREE” and the vehicles which got stopped before can reach them.
The next cycle of setting the traffic lights 103 to “STOP” is initialized with the next activation of the warning lights 106 or warning sound.
Optionally, the traffic lights 103 are set to “FREE” only after the end of flashing of the red lights 106, therefore after the opening of barriers 2 and not at the time they are lowered. Signalization device modified in this way is usable for unprotected crossings without barriers as well.
In front of the traffic lights 103, the slow down section 118 with the traffic sign 110 of the speed limit, e.g. 30 km/h, is placed advantageously. After the slow down section the traffic sign 120 ending all restrictions is placed, advantageously a light sign, it ends the speed limit. It is advantageously activated in relation to activation of the light traffic signs 110 of the speed limit, advantageously activated simultaneously with the crossing's warning lights 106 or with the traffic lights 103. The light traffic sign 110 is placed either on a separate pole 112 or on the pole 113 of the traffic sign 102 “Railroad crossing with barriers”
The slow down section 118 of the railroad crossing with barriers is implemented advantageously to slow down the traffic before the activated barriers 2. The warning lights 106 of the crossing are activated and they begin their signalization of the oncoming lowering of barriers advantageously by flashing, at the same time an adjustable number of traffic “Speed limit” traffic signs 110 is activated, they light up, showing the adjustable speed limit, e.g. 30 km/h. They are optionally deactivated after the lowering of barriers 2 or after deactivation of the warning lights 106.
To highlight the oncoming lowering of barriers 2 the traffic signs 102 “Railroad crossing with barriers” are advantageously lights signs or are advantageously equipped with orange signaling lights 111 which signal, advantageously by flashing, together with the warning lights 106, the oncoming lowering of barriers.
The signal device for stopping of vehicles before crossing may be advantageously used for the crossings without barriers, to prevent the vehicles from entering the crossing in the time of approaching train, about which a signal is transmitted from the control center of railway traffic to the control unit 108 which controls the signalization device for stopping and slowing down of vehicles.
Optionally, the traffic lights 103 consist advantageously of two alternately flashing red lights 206 placed side by side of the signal, and are activated to signal “STOP” and deactivated to signal “FREE”.
Advantageously, a countdown device 200 and a traffic sign 201 with texts and/or symbols, e.g. with “STOP, 20 s” as data from the countdown device and “ATTENTION: CAMERA ON WHEN RED”, are placed on the traffic lights 103 pole, with the texts being advantageously activated together with the warning lights.
Advantageously, the dummy camera 117 is installed on the route, by which a better discipline of drivers is achieved. This camera can be replaced by a real one.
FIG. 4 detail 2 depicts the simplified version of the signaling device for stopping of vehicles in front of barrier 2 of the railroad crossing, where the slow down section 118 is left out completely.
FIG. 5 depicts the signaling device for stopping of vehicles in front of the crossing supplemented with the combined slow down section 122, with which the slowing down is carried out by highlighting of speed limit of the activated traffic sign 110 when the warning lights 106 are activated by the sensor 107 of warning lights, and by the radar unit 116 as well, advantageously with the display 119 of the radar unit placed in front of the light traffic sign 110, showing the speed of vehicles. The speed limit sign is activated with vehicles exceeding the adjustable speed limit. After the light traffic sign 110, the light traffic sign 120 “End of all restrictions” is advantageously placed, in a necessary distance. The dummy camera 117 is advantageously placed on it, it is replaceable with a real camera. This possibility provides savings and drivers never know which camera is placed. To accentuate the effect, a pilot light flashes on the dummy camera 117 to create the impression of recording.
The combined slow down section 122 can be optionally fitted more than once. It is applicable in the road traffic on crossing with or without barriers. On unprotected crossings, the light traffic sign 110 is activated only from the radar unit 116, which can be placed in the light traffic sign 110.
After the combined slow down section 122, stopping section 115 follows advantageously. Its radar unit sets 116, via control unit 108, the traffic lights 103 to “STOP”, advantageously to red light, in the case of approaching speeding vehicle, even when the warning lights 106 of the crossing aren't activated. When they are activated, they are set to “STOP” automatically. The radar unit is advantageously adapted to be set to either unreduced speed, e.g. 50 km/h, or to reduced speed. e.g. 30 km/h, when the traffic sign 120 is activated and the light traffic sign is not activated or not mounted. Speed on the radar unit 116 is adjustable to a speed of an optional value higher than is the value of the speed limit, so that the intended tolerance of speeding is reached.
The stopping section 115 is employable even in the traffic without barriers 2. In such case, the signaling lights 103 are represented by the radar unit 11§ only. When the warning lights 106 are activated the light traffic sign 120 is not, in order to make the speed limit, e.g. 30 km/h, remain valid.
Dummy camera 117 is advantageously placed on the traffic lights 103, and advantageously on the traffic sign's pole. In front of dummy cameras there are advantageously placed signs announcing the speed check, to increase their efficiency. On the radar unit's display 119, apart from the measured speed, a text is shown, announcing the necessity of slowing down to the limited speed, e.g. to 30 km/h, related to the speed shown on the light traffic sign 110 that follows. A real camera 117′, replaceable by a dummy one, doesn't record speeding only, it records passing through red on the traffic lights 103 as well.
FIG. 6 depicts another measure that can be applied to prevent drivers from reaching the barriers 2 in case of passing through red on the traffic lights 103. Detector 136, consisting of a camera or a sensor, then advantageously controls a light traffic sign on the edge of traffic lane 134, a “No entry” sign 131 and/or “Indicated direction of traffic” sign 132, requesting the driver to drive into a waiting lane 133 where the driver advantageously sees the sign 135 commanding him to await the arrival of police. The driver is prevented from exiting by the barrier 130, advantageously controlled wirelessly. Advantageously, there is the communication unit 139, adapted for vocal communication with the control center and/or with police.
FIG. 7 depicts an example of a device for securing of safety of railroad crossing against vehicle entry during flashing of the warning lights by traffic lights situated on intersection and on the intersection 70 of the type “T”.
Traffic lights usually control intersections 69 by the control unit 6, with which they are connected by connections 105. With the activation of signal 206 of two alternately flashing red lights of the crossing, the traffic lights 15 which control the traffic lanes “A”, from which the barriers 2 are accessed, are set to the “STOP” regime, in which they shine red. If they shine in a different color, they are set to red following the regulations, that means from green through orange. So they prevent vehicles from accessing to the barriers 2 from the lanes “A”. Traffic lights of traffic lanes “B”, in direction from the barriers, are switched to green, in order to allow the vehicles to leave and to prevent the formation of traffic jams, which may jam up the railroad crossing.
Activation of the light signal 206 is advantageously detected by the sensor 107 of warning lights, which is connected with the control unit 6 by the connection 105.
Traffic lights are switched from “STOP” regime into the standard regime of intersection control when the barriers are lowered, advantageously after detection by the sensor 121 of lowered barriers and/or by the sensor 107 of warning lights 206 which indicates the end of activation of the lights, with information about this happening being transmitted via connection 105.
Sensors 71 of vehicles detect the vehicles driven from the barriers 2 in traffic lane “B” and in case a vehicle is detected they switch the intersection control so that these vehicles have priority for green light, in order to prevent the formation of traffic jams which my jam up the crossing. Vehicles are stopped in the “STOP” regime during the time of activation of signaling 206 only, until the barriers are lowered, which is a relatively short period of time, 20 seconds approximately.
After that, the intersection control is switched to regular traffic and vehicles pass the controlled intersection to reach the barriers 2 which are already lowered, therefore they cannot pass through the crossing at the time of flashing warning lights.
Vehicles passing between the intersections and the crossing by the time of activation of the signaling 206 and “STOP” regime arrive in the very beginning of the period of activation of warning lights, so they have 20 seconds for a relatively secure passage through the barriers, before they begin to be lowered, in the case they fail to respect the lights.
Following vehicles, for which the crossing would be hazardous, are stopped by the traffic lights 15.
Alternatively, the traffic lights don't control the intersection during the time of opened barriers 2, they are either deactivated or flashing with orange light. Traffic lights for the control of direction “B” are advantageously not installed and vehicles in this lane are given free passage continuously.
In case of activation of the signaling 206 the color of the lights is switched, according to the regulations, from flashing orange to red, until the barriers are lowered. When they are lowered they are switched back to flashing orange.
FIG. 8 depicts an advantageous embodiment of device for securing of safety of railroad crossing with the system of signaling device for stopping of vehicles in front of the railway system 1 of barriers of the railroad crossing with increased safety, which is obtained by the advantageous combination of the stopper 83 of vehicles for the period of lowered barriers, advantageously with slow down section 118, with employment of traffic signs 155 changing the speed limit, advantageously with employment of a voice unit 24. Traffic signs 155 that modify speed limit consist advantageously of sets of LED diodes, or, in the mechanical embodiment, of reversible slats.
The stopper 83 of vehicles for the time of lowered barriers consists of commanding signalization 323, advantageously consisting of three-color traffic lights 204 or of alternately flashing lights 34. Signalization is activated in the moment of activation of warning sound alarm of the crossing, in order to stop vehicles, and deactivated when the barriers 2 are lowered, advantageously it's activated for the period of the warning sound alarm. Advantageously, the camera 226 is placed on the pole of the stopper 83, noticing the vehicles which drive through red lights.
The stopper 84 of speeding vehicles consists advantageously of three-color traffic lights 54 and is activated when a vehicle is speeding, over the speed limit set by the traffic sign 155 changing the speed limit, or, in case the traffic sign is not activated, over the speed limit set by regulation or by preceding traffic sign. The stopper 84 is advantageously deactivated when the barriers 2 are lowered.
In front of the stopper 83 of vehicles, slow down section 118 is placed advantageously, advantageously equipped with the traffic sign 155 changing the speed limit or, advantageously, with two or more traffic signs 155, e.g. with 30 km/h and 15 km/h. The traffic sign 155 changing the speed limit, or a combination of several signs, they ensure slowing down of vehicles to the desirable speed at which the vehicles located in front of these traffic signs 155 in time period between the activation of signalization of warning lights 106 of the crossing and lowering of barriers 2, that is in the time of activated sound alarm of the safety device of the crossing, cannot reach the crossing before the lowering of barriers. This is ensured by the speed limit changing traffic signs 155 being advantageously activated in the beginning of sound alarm system 1 of barriers of the railroad crossing or at the time of activation of warning signalization of warning lights 106 of the crossing and, advantageously, they are turned off with the end of warning sound alarm system 1 of barriers of the railroad crossing, that is when the barriers 2 are lowered.
Distance between the traffic signs 155 changing the speed limit, as well as the values of speed limits, is set advantageously in relation to the duration of sound alarm before the lowering of barriers, so that the vehicles which entered in the time of activation of the traffic signs 155 changing the speed limit, and which are driven at the speed limit, reach the barriers when they are already lowered.
For example, the first traffic sign 155 changing the speed limit, advantageously to 30 km/h, is advantageously placed in a distance, e.g. in 350 m, from the railway system 1 of barriers of the railroad crossing, in order to ensure the initial slowing down of approaching vehicles. The second traffic sign 155 changing the speed limit for the final slowing down, advantageously 15 km/h, is advantageously placed in a distance of 240 m from the railway system 1 of barriers of the railroad crossing. The distance between the second traffic sign 155 changing the speed limit and the railway system 1 of barriers of the railroad crossing, and the value of the speed limit shown on this traffic sign 155 changing the speed limit are calculated considering the period of time between the activation of warning sound alarm and the lowering of barriers, that is usually 30 to 45 seconds, so that a vehicle driven at the speed limit passing this traffic sign 155 changing the speed limit would reach the barriers after their lowering, and that vehicles driven at unreduced speed would reach the barriers in advance, at least 10 seconds before lowering, so that they are able to leave the tracks without difficulties, in the case of illegal entry in the time of active warning signalization. For example, in a section of 240 m, driving time of a vehicle driven at 50 km/h is approximately 17 seconds. A vehicle driven at this unreduced speed would cover this distance from the second traffic sign 155 changing the speed limit in a shorter period of time than is the period between the activation of warning sound alarm and the lowering of barriers, which is e.g. 30 seconds, and if it was 240 m from the crossing by the time of activation of the warning sound alarm, it would reach the barriers 13 seconds before their lowering, therefore it would have enough time to pass through the crossing safely, before the lowering of barriers, in a case of illegal entry. On the other hand, a vehicle driven at the reduced speed of 15 km/h would cover the distance of 240 m in approximately 58 seconds. Vehicle driven at this reduced speed and located in the distance mentioned above from the crossing at the time of activation of the warning sound alarm would therefore reach the crossing when the barriers 2 are lowered already.
The system of device of signalization is advantageously equipped with the traffic sign 85 “Light signals”, advantageously a light one, and highlighted by LED diodes. Multiple traffic signs of this kind can be placed in a row, e.g. two of them, installed on the poles of traffic signs 155 changing the speed limit. LED diodes of the traffic sign 85 “Light signals” are advantageously activated with the activation of warning signalization of the crossing and are advantageously turned off after the lowering of barriers 2, therefore they are activated for the period of warning sound alarm.
The device for or securing of safety of railroad crossing is advantageously equipped with the switchable traffic sign 120 “End of all restrictions”, advantageously a light traffic sign, or mechanical with slats, and advantageously placed on the pole of the traffic sign 85 “Light signals” in the distance advantageously of 80 m and 160 m from the railway system 1 of barriers of the railroad crossing. The light traffic sign 120 “End of all restrictions” is activated with the lowered barriers and it allows the vehicles to reach the lowered barriers at unreduced speed.
The device for or securing of safety of railroad crossing is advantageously equipped with the voice unit 24, placed advantageously on the pole of the stopper 83 of vehicles, therefore in the distance of approximately 80 m from the crossing. For the period of lowered barriers, the voice unit 24 plays advantageously a text, e.g. “Stop here, camera on the red”. The system of device of signalization advantageously contains second voice unit 24, installed advantageously 80 m in front of the first voice unit 24. Voice units 24 are advantageously deactivated when the sensor 71 of vehicles detects that a vehicle stopped in front of the first commanding signalization 323.
Nearby the crossing, advantageously on the pole of the dummy camera 117, the acoustic sensor 21L is installed advantageously, and it serves for detection of the warning sound alarm of the security device of the crossing, advantageously it contains the directional microphone 74. On that pole, the traffic sign 91 “End of speed check area” is placed advantageously, as well as the omnidirectional transmitter 79 for the transmission of signal of at least one of the following traffic signs: the sign 85 “Light signals”, stopper 83 of vehicles for the period before the lowering of barriers. The signal emitted by the omnidirectional transmitter 79 is received by the receivers 80, which are advantageously placed on the poles of elements mentioned above, and their state is controlled by this signal. On the first pole of the dummy camera 117, the traffic sign 90 “Speed check” is installed advantageously as well.
The system of the signaling device for stopping of vehicles in front of the railway system 1 of barriers of the crossing advantageously contains the signaling lights 81 on the roadway, to highlight the stopper of vehicles for the period of time before the barriers are lowered. The signalization lights 81 on the roadway are advantageously installed in the roadway in the area of the stopper 83 of vehicles and are activated at the same time, in the period of time before the barriers are lowered, and are advantageously bordered by the traffic signaling 82 “Transverse continuous line”, employable for highlighting of the area for stopping of vehicles during activation.
This embodiment ensures multiple securing of the railway system 1 of barriers of the railroad crossing. The first security measure consists advantageously in the slowing down of vehicles via slow down section 118 with the traffic signs 155 changing the speed limit in the period of time between the beginning of warning sound alarm of the railway system 1 and lowered barriers, so that the vehicles cannot enter the crossing before the barriers 2 are lowered. The second security measure consists advantageously in the stopping of vehicles by the stopper 83 of vehicles for the time before the barriers are lowered.
The third security measure consists advantageously in placing of the 84 stopper of speeding vehicles.
The fourth security measure consists advantageously in highlighting of the 83 stopper of vehicles for the time before the barriers are lowered by the traffic sign 201, advantageously equipped with the text “STOP” and advantageously equipped with the countdown unit 200. The fifth security measure consists advantageously in highlighting of the stopper 83 of vehicles for the time before the barriers are lowered by the voice unit 24.
All the above-mentioned security measures are effective separately, in order to ensure the securing of safety of railroad crossing, and employed optionally.
FIG. 8 detail 1 depicts block diagram of the acoustic sensor 213, which detects the sound alarm of railroad crossings. It contains advantageously the directional microphone 74, advantageously placed in the focal point of parabola 75 directed towards the railway signalization device, and this acoustic sensor 213 is advantageously tuned. This means, that the microphone's characteristics and its sensitivity, in cooperation with evaluation circuits, are set to characteristic and energetically most represented frequencies occurring in the sound signal of the warning sound alarm of a railroad crossing, advantageously, they are set for each railroad crossing individually.
Thanks to this, the detector reacts only to this sound signal. The tuning is carried out automatically at operator's command, with the aid of a microprocessor, which, in an appropriate regime of functioning, evaluates the sound signal of a given railway warning signaling device and sets the characteristic for evaluating circuits. The evaluation of sounds is carried out on the basis of Fourier's development of signals into individual components and their content is compared to the sample, to which the acoustic sensor is tuned. In the case of sufficient correspondence the sensor sets its output signal to the state meaning that the detection of a warning sound signal of a railway security device on a crossing was successful. Further signalization takes places, in correspondence with this application of invention, which secures a better safety on the crossing.
Railroad sound signals contain at least one and usually two dominant frequencies, even though there can be more of them. Sounds of the warning sound device on the other side of the tracks reach the concerned side of the crossing as well. This allows tuning of the acoustic sensor 213 to one side or to both of them, while tuning to both sides increases the security of the crossing further, as complementary signalization is implemented on both sides even in the case of failure of the railway device on one of the sides.
Directional microphone 74 which captures the railway warning sound signal on the crossing is directed towards the crossing and placed in the parabola 75, its output signal is transmitted to the input of the amplifier 76, advantageously of a differential one, and is further converted into a digital signal in A/D converter 77. This signal is evaluated in the microprocessor 78 and compared with a recorded pattern, characteristic for the crossing.
In case of correspondence the signal on appropriate output of the microprocessor reaches the value which expresses this correspondence. Advantageously, output signal of this microprocessor reaches the value “1”, which lasts advantageously for the period of reception of the sound signalization. This signal is used to activate other devices, connected wirelessly or by a wire via omnidirectional transmitter 79, so it can be used by all devices of the crossing security equipped with receiver 80.
Alternatively, the transmitter 79 is adapted for duplex communication with the receiver 80 which is adapted for duplex traffic via mobile network as well, advantageously via local WIFI network 87. This enables gathering of information of state of the device from the annunciators 88 of state. This information is advantageously registered in the memory of microprocessors 78 and/or it is advantageously transmitted to the server 21 of the control center of railway traffic, through a long-distance network, advantageously through a network of a mobile operator, and from there it is advantageously transmitted to selected participants 22. The device advantageously contains security sensors and/or cameras 10 which protect it against theft, and whose signal is transmitted to the control panel, which may advantageously address a thief in time of action, discouraging him via voice unit 24.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

Application of the system for securing of safety of railroad crossing against vehicle entry during warning signaling on all railroad crossings would bring, aside from increase of safety, preventing damage on both lives and property, great potential of industrial production of these devices.

Claims

1. (canceled)

2. (canceled)

3. (canceled)

4. (canceled)

5. (canceled)

6. (canceled)

7. (canceled)

8. (canceled)

9. (canceled)

10. (canceled)

11. (canceled)

12. (canceled)

13. (canceled)

14. (canceled)

15. (canceled)

16. (canceled)

17. A system for securing of safety of railroad crossing comprising:

a warning traffic sign of the railroad crossing and/or a light railroad crossing safety signaling equipment, preferably formed by warning lights of the crossing,

a detecting unit of state of the crossing for detecting the state of a railroad crossing,

a control unit for processing the information about the state of the railroad crossing from the detecting unit of state of the crossing and for controlling at least one of the units: a barrier a stopper of vehicles, a voice unit an alarm siren, a slow down section, traffic sign “End of the speed limit”,

the stopper of vehicles for stopping vehicles arriving to a railway crossing during a warning signalization, which is activated at the beginning of a railroad crossing warning signalization and deactivated optionally during the active state of the warning signalization, or on the end.

18. The system for securing of safety of railroad crossing according to claim 17 comprising

a detector of railroad train for detecting an incoming train.

19. The system for securing of safety of railroad crossing according to claim 17 comprising

the slow down section for slowing down of vehicles arriving to a railroad crossing, which is equipped with at least one traffic sign “Speed limit” and/or traffic sign changing the speed limit, which are light and activated and deactivated simultaneously with the stopper of vehicles, where, in the case of the use of two or more traffic signs “Speed limit” and/or traffic signs changing the speed limit, these signs have the same value of the speed limit, or the speed limits are reduced in the direction of the vehicles arriving to the railroad crossing, and/or the slow down section comprises a stopper of vehicles the second, which is activated when the speed limit is exceeded and deactivated at the time when the railroad crossing warning signalization is activated.

20. The system for securing of safety of railroad crossing according to claim 17 comprising

a barrier of the railroad crossing placed in front of railroad crossing for stopping the vehicles in front of the crossing at the time of warning signalization,

wherein advantageously the stopper of vehicles is deactivated when lowering the barrier of the railroad crossing.

21. The system for securing of safety of railroad crossing according to claim 17 comprising

the barrier for preventing the vehicle from continuing to drive towards the railroad crossing, when warning signalization is activated, placed ahead of railroad crossing that is lowered only when the vehicle is passing through the “STOP” signal of the stopper (83) of vehicles.

22. The system for securing of safety of railroad crossing according to claim 17 comprising

a waiting lane where vehicle which did not respect the red light “STOP” signal of the stopper of vehicles detected by detector are directed by a traffic sign “No entry for all vehicles” and/or a traffic sign “Indicated direction of traffic” for preventing the vehicle from continuing to drive towards the railroad crossing when the warning signalization is activated, by the barrier for preventing the exit of such a vehicle from the waiting lane.

23. The system for securing of safety of railroad crossing according to claim 17 comprising

a voice unit for at least one of: an announcement of the information that the railroad train is arriving, a call for the clearance of the railway crossing space, an announcement of the passing through the red light signal, a call to stop the vehicle, a deterrence of the person from the theft.

24. The system for securing of safety of railroad crossing according to claim 17 comprising

signaling lights on the roadway for highlighting the signaling of the stopper of vehicles.

25. The system according to claim 17 comprising

a unit for detection of obstacle formed by a detector and/or camera for detecting of an obstacle to the train, which is mostly formed by a vehicle on railroad crossing, for wireless transmitting of a signal from detector and/or video footages from camera to the control unit and/or to a communication module for generating alarm about the obstacle for transmitting to at least one of: the railroad train, a control center of railway traffic control, a control center, other selected participants, and/or for delaying the lowering of the barriers behind the rails or stopping them, or raising of already lowered barriers to the raised position by the control unit.

26. The system according to claim 17 comprising

a dummy camera to achieve greater discipline of drivers, advantageously replaced by a right camera, optionally equipped for speed measuring.

27. The system according to claim 17 comprising

unit for detection of obstacle advantageously formed by a detector and/or camera for detecting an obstacle, mostly formed by the vehicle, for wireless transmitting the signal from detector and/or video footages from camera to the control unit and/or a communication module for generating alarm about the obstacle for transmission to at least one of: the railroad train, a control center of railway traffic control, a control center, other selected participants, and simultaneously comprising the stopper of vehicles and/or the barrier for stopping the vehicles, wherein if there is an obstacle to the railroad train before the activation of the railroad crossing warning signalization, there is enough time to stop the railroad train and, after the activation of the warning signalization, by stopping the vehicle by the “STOP” signal of the stopper of vehicles and/or the barrier, for preventing the vehicle from entering the railroad crossing and so it cannot cause the obstacle.

28. A method for securing of safety of railroad crossing comprising:

securing of railroad crossing by the warning traffic sign of the railroad crossing and/or the light railroad crossing safety signaling equipment,

detecting of the state of a railroad crossing by detecting unit of state of the crossing,

processing information about the state of the railroad crossing from the detecting unit of state of the crossing by the control unit and controlling of at least one of the units: a barrier, a stopper of vehicles, a voice unit, an alarm siren, a slow down section, traffic sign “End of the speed limit”,

stopping vehicles arriving to a railway crossing during a warning signalization by the stopper of vehicles, which is activated at the beginning of a railroad crossing warning signalization and deactivated optionally during the active state of the warning signalization, or on the end.

29. The method for securing of safety of railroad crossing according to claim 28

comprising detecting the incoming train by a detector of railroad train.

30. The method for securing of safety of railroad crossing according to claim 28 comprising

slowing down of vehicles arriving to a railroad crossing by the slow down section, which is equipped with at least one traffic sign “Speed limit” and/or traffic sign changing the speed limit, which are light and activated and deactivated simultaneously with the stopper of vehicles, where, in the case of the use of two or more traffic signs “Speed limit” and/or traffic signs changing the speed limit, these signs have the same value of the speed limit, or the speed limits are reduced in the direction of the vehicles arriving to the railroad crossing, and/or activating the stopper of vehicles the second within the slow down section will take place on the basis of exceeding the speed limit and the deactivation will occur when the railroad crossing warning signalization is activated.

31. The method for securing of safety of railroad crossing according to claim 28

comprising stopping the vehicles in front of the railroad crossing at the time of warning signalization by the barrier of the railroad crossing placed in front of railroad crossing and advantageously deactivating the stopper of vehicles when the barrier of the railroad crossing is lowered.

32. The method for securing of safety of railroad crossing according to claim 28 comprising

preventing the vehicle from continuing to drive towards the railroad crossing, when warning signalization is activated, by lowering the barrier placed ahead of railroad crossing only at the time when the vehicle is passing through the “STOP” signal of the stopper of vehicles.

33. The method for securing of safety of railroad crossing according to claim 28 comprising

directing the vehicle which did not respect the red light “STOP” signal of the stopper of vehicles, detected by the detector, by a traffic sign “No entry for all vehicles” and/or a traffic sign “Indicated direction of traffic” to the waiting line for preventing the vehicle from continuing to drive towards the railroad crossing, when the warning signalization is activated, by the by the barrier for preventing the exit of such a vehicle from the waiting lane.

34. The method for securing of safety of railroad crossing according to claim 28 comprising

at least one of: an announcement of the information that the railroad train is arriving, a call for the clearance of the railway crossing space, an announcement of the passing through the red light signal, a call to stop the vehicle, a deterrence of the person from the theft by the voice unit.

35. The method for securing of safety of railroad crossing according to claim 28 comprising

detecting an obstacle, mostly formed by the vehicle, by the unit for detection of obstacle advantageously formed by a detector and/or camera for wireless transmitting the signal from detector and/or video footages from camera to the control unit and/or a communication module for generating alarm about the obstacle for transmitting to at least one of: the railroad train, a control center of railway traffic control, a control center, other selected participants, and/or for delaying the lowering of the barriers behind the rails or stopping them, or raising of already lowered barriers to the raised position by the control unit.

36. The method for securing of safety of railroad crossing according to claim 28 comprising

detecting an obstacle, mostly formed by the vehicle, by the unit for detection of obstacle advantageously formed by a detector and/or camera for wireless transmitting the signal from detector and/or video footages from camera to the control unit and/or a communication module for generating alarm about the obstacle for transmission to at least one of: the railroad train, a control center of railway traffic control, a control center, other selected participants, and simultaneously comprising stopping the vehicles by the stopper of vehicles and/or the barrier, wherein if there is an obstacle to the railroad train before the activation of the railroad crossing warning signalization, there is enough time to stop the railroad train and, after the activation of the warning signalization, stopping the vehicle by the “STOP” signal of the stopper of vehicles and/or by the barrier, for preventing the vehicle from entering the railroad crossing and so it cannot cause the obstacle.