U.S. patent application number 15/317806 was filed with the patent office on 2017-05-04 for information processing device and operation curve generation method.
This patent application is currently assigned to KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA. The applicant listed for this patent is KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA. Invention is credited to Yoshito SAMEDA, Tatsunori SUZUKI.
Application Number | 20170120937 15/317806 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54833494 |
Filed Date | 2017-05-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170120937 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SAMEDA; Yoshito ; et
al. |
May 4, 2017 |
INFORMATION PROCESSING DEVICE AND OPERATION CURVE GENERATION
METHOD
Abstract
An information processing device in an embodiment includes a
storage and an operation curve generator. The storage stores
therein linear data including a slope and a curve for each set of
certain locations, and train data including an
acceleration-deceleration characteristic. The operation curve
generator sets a plurality of deceleration section candidates on
the basis of the linear data about the set of certain locations
stored in the storage, obtains, for each of the deceleration
section candidates, a change rate of energy consumption when the
deceleration is performed by a certain speed using a preset
operation curve, the linear data, and the train data, selects the
section in which the change rate of energy consumption in the
obtained change rates of energy consumption is the largest from the
deceleration section candidates, and updates the preset operation
curve utilizing the selected deceleration section and the certain
speed.
Inventors: |
SAMEDA; Yoshito; (Yokohama,
JP) ; SUZUKI; Tatsunori; (Hino, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA |
Minato-ku |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
Minato-ku
JP
|
Family ID: |
54833494 |
Appl. No.: |
15/317806 |
Filed: |
June 4, 2015 |
PCT Filed: |
June 4, 2015 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2015/066259 |
371 Date: |
December 9, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B61L 3/006 20130101;
B61L 3/02 20130101; B60L 15/40 20130101; B61L 27/00 20130101; B61L
3/008 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B61L 3/00 20060101
B61L003/00; B61L 3/02 20060101 B61L003/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 11, 2014 |
JP |
2014-120891 |
Claims
1. An information processing device, comprising: a storage that
stores therein linear data including a slope and a curve for each
set of certain locations, and train data including an
acceleration-deceleration characteristic; and an operation curve
generator, wherein the operation curve generator sets a plurality
of deceleration section candidates on the basis of the linear data
about the set of certain locations stored in the storage, obtains,
for each of the deceleration section candidates, a change rate of
energy consumption when deceleration is performed by a certain
speed using a preset operation curve, the linear data, and the
train data, selects a section in which the change rate of energy
consumption is the largest in the obtained change rates of energy
consumption out of the deceleration section candidates, and updates
the preset operation curve utilizing the selected deceleration
section and the certain speed.
2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein
the operation curve generator calculates a running time between the
certain locations on the basis of the updated operation curve,
obtains, in a case in which the calculated running time is in a
predetermined maximum running time, the change rate of energy
consumption when the deceleration is performed by the certain speed
using the deceleration section candidates, the linear data, and the
train data that are stored in the storage and the updated operation
curve, selects the section in which the change rate of energy
consumption is the largest in the obtained change rates of energy
consumption out of the deceleration section candidates, and updates
the preset operation curve utilizing the selected deceleration
section and the certain speed.
3. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein
the deceleration section candidate is a section, in each of a
plurality of sections divided between the certain locations, in
which a decreased amount of energy consumption caused by a
deceleration amount increased with respect to the preset operation
curve is larger than an increased amount of energy consumption
caused by an acceleration amount increased with respect to the
preset operation curve.
4. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein
the certain speed is set in such a range that regeneration energy
increased by deceleration is consumed by an external load.
5. An information processing device, comprising: a storage that
stores therein linear data including a slope and a curve for each
set of certain locations, and train data including an
acceleration-deceleration characteristic; and an operation curve
generator, wherein the operation curve generator sets, on the basis
of the linear data about the set of certain locations stored in the
storage, a plurality of sections divided between the locations,
obtains a passing-through speed at each boundary of the sections
for each of a case of running between the certain locations
fastest, a case of running between the certain locations in a
permissible maximum running time, and a case of running in a range
from the fastest running to the running in the maximum running time
on the basis of the train data, obtains, on the basis of the
obtained passing-through speeds, combinations of the
passing-through speeds at a first boundary and the passing-through
speeds at a second boundary passed through next to the first
boundary, and when a plurality of same combinations of the
passing-through speed at the second boundary and the running time
to the second boundary are present, selects the combination having
the least energy consumption, selects the combination, by utilizing
the combinations of the multiple passing-through speeds at the
respective obtained and selected boundaries, in which the energy
consumption between the certain locations is a minimum that is
obtained using the linear data and the train data, and generates
the operation curve on the basis of the selected combination.
6. An operation curve generation method that uses linear data
including a slope and a curve for each set of certain locations and
train data including an acceleration-deceleration characteristic,
the linear data and the train data being stored in a storage, the
operation curve generation method comprising: setting a plurality
of deceleration section candidates between the certain locations
stored in the storage; obtaining, for each of the deceleration
section candidates, a change rate of energy consumption when
deceleration is performed by a certain speed using a preset
operation curve, the linear data, and the train data; selecting a
section in which the change rate of energy consumption is the
largest in the obtained change rates of energy consumption out of
the deceleration section candidates; and updating the preset
operation curve utilizing the selected deceleration section and the
certain speed.
7. (canceled)
Description
FIELD
[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an
information processing device and an operation curve generation
method.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Conventionally, a technique is available that saves energy
by changing a certain operation curve between stations (e.g., an
operation curve that can achieve running between the stations in a
shortest running time) when there is a margin (hereinafter,
described as a margin time) for a running time of the train running
between the stations. Specifically, in the conventional technique,
a section where a train is caused to perform inertial running is
extended in a plurality of sections divided between the stations to
generate an operation curve in which a margin time is distributed
in a running time of a train.
CITATION LIST
Patent Literature
[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 3881302
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Problem to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] The operation curve in which the section where the train is
caused to perform the inertial running is extended, however, does
not always achieve sufficient energy saving.
Means for Solving Problem
[0005] An information processing device in an embodiment includes a
storage and an operation curve generator. The storage stores
therein linear data including a slope and a curve for each set of
certain locations, and train data including an
acceleration-deceleration characteristic. The operation curve
generator sets a plurality of deceleration section candidates on
the basis of information about the set of certain locations stored
in the storage, obtains, for each of the deceleration section
candidates, a change rate of energy consumption when the
deceleration is performed by a certain speed using a preset
operation curve, the linear data, and the train data, selects the
section in which the change rate of energy consumption in the
obtained change rates of energy consumption is the largest from the
deceleration section candidates, and updates the preset operation
curve utilizing the selected deceleration section and the certain
speed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a structure of an
operation curve generation system having an operation curve
generation device according to a first embodiment.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of a flow of
the processing performed by the operation curve generation device
according to the first embodiment to generate an energy saving
operation curve.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a
fastest operation curve generated by a fastest operation curve
generation device according to the first embodiment.
[0009] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of the processing
performed by the operation curve generation device according to the
first embodiment to detect a deceleration energy saving range.
[0010] FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram for explaining the processing
performed by the operation curve generation device according to the
first embodiment to generate an energy saving operation curve.
[0011] FIG. 5B is another schematic diagram for explaining the
processing performed by the operation curve generation device
according to the first embodiment to generate the energy saving
operation curve.
[0012] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of the processing
performed by the operation curve generation device according to a
second embodiment to detect the deceleration energy saving
range.
[0013] FIG. 7A is a schematic diagram for explaining the processing
performed by the operation curve generation device according to the
second embodiment to generate the energy saving operation
curve.
[0014] FIG. 7B is another schematic diagram for explaining the
processing performed by the operation curve generation device
according to the second embodiment to generate the energy saving
operation curve.
[0015] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the
energy saving operation curve generated by the operation curve
generation device according to the second embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 9A is a schematic diagram for explaining the processing
performed by the operation curve generation device according to a
third embodiment to generate the energy saving operation curve.
[0017] FIG. 9B is another schematic diagram for explaining the
processing performed by the operation curve generation device
according to the third embodiment to generate the energy saving
operation curve.
[0018] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of the processing
performed by the operation curve generation device according to a
fourth embodiment to detect the deceleration energy saving
range.
[0019] FIG. 11A is a schematic diagram illustrating a relation
between a second energy saving sensitivity obtained by the
operation curve generation device according to the fourth
embodiment and a running distance of a train.
[0020] FIG. 11B is another schematic diagram illustrating a
relation between the second energy saving sensitivity obtained by
the operation curve generation device according to the fourth
embodiment and the running distance of the train.
[0021] FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a structure of an
operation curve generation system having an operation curve
generation device according to a fifth embodiment.
[0022] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of a flow of
the processing performed by the operation curve generation device
according to the fifth embodiment to generate the energy saving
operation curve.
[0023] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of the processing
performed by the solution candidate calculator included in the
operation curve generation device according to the fifth embodiment
to obtain solution candidates.
[0024] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of the processing
performed by the solution candidate selector included in the
operation curve generation device according to the fifth embodiment
to select the solution candidate.
[0025] FIG. 16A is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of
the section boundary speeds at the respective boundaries obtained
by the solution candidate calculator included in the operation
curve generation device according to the fifth embodiment.
[0026] FIG. 16B is another schematic diagram illustrating an
example of the section boundary speeds at the respective boundaries
obtained by the solution candidate calculator included in the
operation curve generation device according to the fifth
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] The following describes an operation curve generation device
to which an information processing device and an operation curve
generation method according to embodiments are applied with
reference to the accompanying drawings.
First Embodiment
[0028] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a structure of an
operation curve generation system having an operation curve
generation device according to a first embodiment. As illustrated
in FIG. 1, the operation curve generation system according to the
embodiment includes a first database 10, a fastest operation curve
generation device 11, an operation curve generation device 12, a
second database 13, and a display 14.
[0029] The first database 10 (an example of the storage) stores
therein a maximum total running time (an example of a certain
longest permissible running time) that is a certain longest running
time permissible for the running of a train between stations (e.g.,
between locations), linear data (e.g., slopes and curves) for each
set of stations, and train data (e.g., resistance and an
acceleration-deceleration characteristic in running) including car
data about cars coupled in the train running between the
stations.
[0030] The fastest operation curve generation device 11 generates
an operation curve (hereinafter, described as a fastest operation
curve) that allows a train to run fastest between the stations, in
other words, in a shortest time, on the basis of the linear data
and the train data that are stored in the first database 10.
[0031] The second database 13 stores therein an operation curve
(hereinafter, described as an energy saving operation curve) that
is generated by the operation curve generation device 12, which is
described later. The display 14 can display the energy saving
operation curve generated by the operation curve generation device
12, which is described later.
[0032] The operation curve generation device 12 (an example of the
information processing device) generates the energy saving
operation curve that saves energy consumption of the train running
between the stations using the maximum total running time, the
linear data, and the train data that are stored in the first
database 10 and a certain operation curve (e.g., the fastest
operation curve) serving as an example of the preset operation
curve. In the embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the operation
curve generation device 12 includes a deceleration energy saving
range detector 120, a repeated execution unit 121, and an operation
curve updating unit 122. In the embodiment, the first database 10
(an example of the storage) and the fastest operation curve
generation device 11 are provided outside the operation curve
generation device 12. The operation curve generation device 12,
however, may include the first database 10 and the fastest
operation curve generation device 11.
[0033] The following describes an outline of a flow of processing
performed by the operation curve generation device 12 according to
the embodiment to generate the energy saving operation curve with
reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating the
outline of the flow of the processing performed by the operation
curve generation device according to the first embodiment to
generate the energy saving operation curve. FIG. 3 is a schematic
diagram illustrating an example of the fastest operation curve
generated by the fastest operation curve generation device
according to the first embodiment. Specifically, in FIG. 3, the
ordinate axis represents a speed of a train while the abscissa axis
represents a running distance of the train between the stations.
The fastest operation curve illustrated in FIG. 3 represents a
relation between the running distance and the speed of the train
running between the stations.
[0034] When the generation of the energy saving operation curve is
instructed, the repeated execution unit 121 acquires, from the
first database 10, the maximum total running time, the linear data,
and the train data. The repeated execution unit 121 further
acquires a certain operation curve of the train running between the
stations. In the embodiment, when generating the energy saving
operation curve first from the receiving of the instruction to
generate the energy saving operation curve, the repeated execution
unit 121 acquires the fastest operation curve generated by the
fastest operation curve generation device 11 (refer to FIG. 3) as
the certain operation curve. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the fastest
operation curve is the operation curve that allows the train to run
fastest between the stations with a speed equal to or smaller than
a preset speed limit.
[0035] The repeated execution unit 121 inputs the acquired linear
data, train data, and fastest operation curve to the deceleration
energy saving range detector 120. The repeated execution unit 121,
thus, instructs the deceleration energy saving range detector 120
and the operation curve updating unit 122 to generate the energy
saving operation curve.
[0036] When being instructed to generate the energy saving
operation curve, the deceleration energy saving range detector 120
obtains an energy saving sensitivity (an example of a first change
rate) for each of a plurality of deceleration target ranges (in the
embodiment, a plurality of individual or consecutive sections out
of a plurality of sections divided between the stations) serving as
a plurality of deceleration section candidates on the basis of the
received linear data and train data. The energy saving sensitivity
is a change rate of energy consumption when the train is
decelerated by a certain speed using the fastest operation curve as
a reference (i.e., the energy consumption when the train is
decelerated by a certain speed using the fastest operation curve
serving as an example of the certain operation curve, the linear
data, and the train data). The deceleration energy saving range
detector 120 detects (selects) the deceleration target range having
the highest energy saving sensitivity out of the multiple
deceleration target ranges as a deceleration energy saving range
(an example of the deceleration section) (step S201). In the
embodiment, the deceleration energy saving range is selected in
accordance with the energy saving sensitivity of each of the
deceleration target ranges obtained by the deceleration energy
saving range detector 120 included in the operation curve
generation device 12. The way of selecting the deceleration energy
saving range is not limited to this way. For example, the
deceleration energy saving range may be selected in accordance with
the energy saving sensitivity of each of the deceleration target
ranges obtained by an external device. In the embodiment, a
plurality of individual or consecutive sections out of a plurality
of sections divided between the stations are selected as the
deceleration target ranges. The deceleration target ranges are not
limited to those described above. For example, the deceleration
target ranges may be respective multiple sections between the
stations set by a user via an operation unit, which is not
illustrated. For another example, the deceleration target ranges
may be respective multiple sections between the stations set by an
external device.
[0037] The operation curve updating unit 122 generates the energy
saving operation curve, which is the operation curve when the train
runs by being decelerated by a certain speed using the fastest
operation curve as a reference in the deceleration energy saving
range detected by the deceleration energy saving range detector 120
(step S202). In other words, the operation curve updating unit 122
updates the certain operation curve utilizing the selected
deceleration section and the certain speed. The operation curve
updating unit 122 updates the energy saving operation curve stored
in the second database 13 with the generated energy saving
operation curve and causes the display 14 to display the generated
energy saving operation curve. When the certain speed cannot be
used for generating the energy saving operation curve without any
change such as a case in which the resulting time after the
deceleration by the certain speed exceeds a margin time in
generation of the energy saving operation curve, the certain speed
is not used without any change. For example, a corrected value such
as a value half the certain speed may be used.
[0038] The repeated execution unit 121 calculates a running time
(hereinafter, described as a total running time) of the train
running between the stations on the basis of the generated energy
saving operation curve every time the energy saving operation curve
is generated by the operation curve updating unit 122. When the
calculated total running time is equal to or smaller than the
maximum total running time, the repeated execution unit 121 causes
the deceleration energy saving range detector 120 and the operation
curve updating unit 122 to repeat the generation (updating)
processing of the energy saving operation curve using the energy
saving operation curve generated last as the certain operation
curve until the calculated total running time reaches the maximum
total running time. In the embodiment, the deceleration energy
saving range detector 120, the repeated execution unit 121, and the
operation curve updating unit 122 function as an example of the
generator that performs the generation processing of the energy
saving operation curve.
[0039] As described above, the generation of the energy saving
operation curve is repeated until the total running time of the
train running between the stations reaches the maximum total
running time using the fastest operation curve as a reference. As a
result, the energy saving operation curve can be obtained that
achieves the most energy saving.
[0040] The following describes the processing performed by the
operation curve generation device 12 according to the embodiment to
detect the deceleration energy saving range (step S201 in FIG. 2)
with reference to FIGS. 4, 5A, and 5B. FIG. 4 is a flowchart
illustrating a flow of the processing performed by the operation
curve generation device according to the first embodiment to detect
the deceleration energy saving range. FIGS. 5A and 5B are schematic
diagrams for explaining the processing performed by the operation
curve generation device according to the first embodiment to
generate the energy saving operation curve. Specifically, in each
of FIGS. 5A and 5B, the ordinate axis represents the speed of the
train while the abscissa axis represents a running distance of the
train running between the stations. The fastest operation curve
illustrated in each of FIGS. 5A and 5B represents a relation
between the running distance and the speed of the train running
between the stations.
[0041] As illustrated in FIG. 5A, the deceleration energy saving
range detector 120 divides the running distance between the
stations into a plurality of sections (e.g., sections 1 to 10) by a
certain distance (e.g., 10 m) (step S401). Alternatively, as
illustrated in FIG. 5B, the deceleration energy saving range
detector 120 divides the running distance between the stations into
a plurality of sections (e.g., sections 1 to 13) each serving as a
running section per a certain time (hereinafter, described as a
certain running time, e.g., one second) when the train runs in
accordance with the certain operation curve (step S401).
[0042] The deceleration energy saving range detector 120 sets the
individual or consecutive sections in the multiple sections divided
between the stations to be the deceleration target ranges in each
of which the energy saving sensitivity is obtained (step S402). The
deceleration energy saving range detector 120 sets a plurality of
deceleration target ranges on the basis of the linear data (an
example of the information about a set of locations) stored in the
first database 10 for each set of stations. The deceleration energy
saving range detector 120 obtains the energy saving sensitivity
when the speed of the train is decelerated by a certain speed
(e.g., 0.1 km/h) using the certain operation curve as a reference
in each deceleration target range (step S403).
[0043] Specifically, the deceleration energy saving range detector
120 calculates the energy saving sensitivity on the basis of the
following expression (1).
Energy saving sensitivity=energy change amount (J)/running time
change amount (second) (1)
[0044] The energy change amount is a difference between the energy
consumption when the train runs in the deceleration target range in
accordance with the certain operation curve and the energy
consumption when the train runs in the deceleration target range by
being decelerated by a certain speed using the certain operation
curve as a reference. The running time change amount is a
difference between the running time when the train runs in the
deceleration target range in accordance with the certain operation
curve and the running time when the train runs in the deceleration
target range by being decelerated by the certain speed using the
certain operation curve as a reference.
[0045] In the embodiment, the deceleration energy saving range
detector 120 obtains the energy saving sensitivity when the speed
of the train in the deceleration target range is decelerated by a
single certain speed (e.g., 0.1 km/h) using the certain operation
curve as a reference. The deceleration energy saving range detector
120 may obtain the energy saving sensitivity for each case in which
the speed of the train in the deceleration target range is
decelerated by one of a plurality of certain speeds (e.g., 0.1
km/h, 0.2 km/h, and 0.5 km/h) using the certain operation curve as
a reference. The deceleration energy saving range detector 120,
then, may determine the highest energy saving sensitivity out of
the energy saving sensitivities obtained for the respective certain
speeds to be the energy saving sensitivity in the deceleration
target range.
[0046] The deceleration energy saving range detector 120 repeats
the calculation of the energy saving sensitivity for all of the
multiple deceleration target ranges. The deceleration energy saving
range detector 120 determines the deceleration target range having
the highest calculated energy saving sensitivity out of the
multiple deceleration target ranges to be the deceleration energy
saving range. For example, in the example illustrated in FIG. 5A,
the deceleration energy saving range detector 120 determines the
deceleration target range including the two consecutive sections 8
and 9 to be the deceleration target range out of the sections 1 to
10 divided between the stations by a certain distance. For another
example, in the example illustrated in FIG. 5B, the deceleration
energy saving range detector 120 determines the deceleration target
range including the two consecutive sections 10 and 11 to be the
deceleration target range out of the sections 1 to 13, each of
which is the running section per a certain running time when the
train runs in accordance with the fastest operation curve.
[0047] As described above, the operation curve generation device 12
according to the first embodiment can reduce the energy consumption
by decelerating the train in the section where the energy saving
sensitivity is high between the stations, thereby making it
possible to achieve sufficient energy saving.
Second Embodiment
[0048] A second embodiment is an example where the energy saving
sensitivity is obtained for only certain deceleration target ranges
out of the multiple deceleration target ranges. In the following
description, the description of the same part as the first
embodiment is omitted.
[0049] In the second embodiment, the deceleration energy saving
range detector 120 obtains the energy saving sensitivity for only
certain deceleration target ranges (examples of certain
deceleration target range candidates) out of the multiple
deceleration target ranges. The deceleration energy saving range
detector 120, thus, does not need to obtain the energy saving
sensitivity for each of the deceleration target ranges other than
the certain deceleration target ranges in the multiple deceleration
target ranges. As a result, a processing load on the operation
curve generation device 12 for processing to obtain the energy
saving sensitivities can be reduced.
[0050] In the embodiment, the deceleration energy saving range
detector 120 obtains the energy saving sensitivity when first
processing and second processing are performed using the certain
operation curve (e.g., the fastest operation curve) as a reference.
In the first processing, the speed of the train is gradually
decelerated from a start (e.g., the start of the section 6
indicated with a numeral 701 in FIG. 7 in the fastest operation
curve) of the deceleration target range. In the second processing,
the speed of the train is gradually recovered towards an end (e.g.,
the ends of the sections 7 and 8 each indicated with a numeral 702
in FIG. 7 in the fastest operation curve) of the deceleration
target range. As a result, the energy saving sensitivity can be
obtained in the deceleration target range on the basis of the
actual deceleration and recovery of the speed of the train.
[0051] The following describes the processing performed by the
operation curve generation device 12 according to the embodiment to
generate the energy saving operation curve with reference to FIGS.
6 to 8. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of the processing
performed by the operation curve generation device according to the
second embodiment to detect the deceleration energy saving range.
FIGS. 7A and 7B are schematic diagrams for explaining the
processing performed by the operation curve generation device
according to the second embodiment to generate the energy saving
operation curve. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an
example of the energy saving operation curve generated by the
operation curve generation device according to the second
embodiment. Specifically, in each of FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 8, the
ordinate axis represents the speed of the train while the abscissa
axis represents the running distance of the train running between
the stations. The fastest operation curve illustrated in each of
FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 8 represents a relation between the running
distance and the speed of the train running between the
stations.
[0052] In the embodiment, the deceleration energy saving range
detector 120 sets, out of the multiple deceleration target ranges,
the deceleration target range in which the energy consumption of
the train is not increased by the second processing, and the
deceleration target range in which a decreased amount of the energy
consumption of the train by the first processing and an increased
amount of the energy consumption of the train by the second
processing are equal to each other to be the certain deceleration
target ranges in each of which the energy saving sensitivity is
obtained (step S601).
[0053] The certain deceleration target range is the deceleration
target range in which the energy consumption of the train is not
increased by the second processing using the certain operation
curve as a reference, in other words, the deceleration target range
in which an increased amount .DELTA.E.sub.2 of the energy
consumption of the train by the second processing using the certain
operation curve as a reference is equal to or smaller than "zero".
For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7A, the deceleration energy
saving range detector 120 sets the deceleration target range (the
deceleration target range in which the increased amount
.DELTA.E.sub.2 is "zero") including the sections 8 and 9 to be the
deceleration target range out of the sections 1 to 10 divided
between the stations by the certain distance, and obtains the
energy saving sensitivity in the deceleration target range
including the sections 8 and 9. For another example, as illustrated
in FIG. 7B, the deceleration energy saving range detector 120 sets
the deceleration target range (the deceleration target range in
which the increased amount .DELTA.E.sub.2 is "zero") including the
sections 10 and 11 to be the deceleration target range out of the
sections 1 to 13, each of which is the running section per the
certain running time when the train runs in accordance with the
fastest operation curve between the stations, and obtains the
energy saving sensitivity in the deceleration target range
including the sections 10 and 11. The case in which the increased
amount .DELTA.E.sub.2 of the energy consumption of the train by the
second processing is equal to smaller than "zero" can be achieved
by a case in which the speed of the train is accelerated utilizing
a descending slope, for example.
[0054] The certain deceleration target range is the deceleration
target range in which the increased amount .DELTA.E.sub.2 of the
energy consumption of the train by the second processing is equal
to or smaller than a decreased amount .DELTA.E.sub.1 of the energy
consumption of the train by the first processing using the certain
operation curve serving as a reference. For example, as illustrated
in FIG. 7A, the deceleration energy saving range detector 120 does
not set the deceleration target range (the deceleration target
range in which the increased amount .DELTA.E.sub.2 is not cancelled
by the decreased mount .DELTA.E.sub.1) including the sections 6 and
7 to be the certain deceleration target range. The deceleration
energy saving range detector 120 sets the deceleration target range
other than the deceleration target range including the sections 6
and 7 to be the certain deceleration target range, and obtains the
energy saving sensitivity.
[0055] As described above, the deceleration target range in which
the increased amount .DELTA.E.sub.2 of the energy consumption of
the train by the second processing using the certain operation
curve as a reference is equal to or smaller than "zero", and the
deceleration target range in which the increased amount
.DELTA.E.sub.2 of the energy consumption of the train by the second
processing is equal to or smaller than the decreased mount
.DELTA.E.sub.1 of the energy consumption of the train by the first
processing using the certain operation curve as a reference are set
to be the certain deceleration target ranges. In other words, out
of the respective deceleration target ranges, the section in which
the decreased mount of the energy consumption caused by a
deceleration amount increased with respect to the certain operation
curve is larger than the increased amount of the energy consumption
caused by an acceleration amount increased with respect to the
certain operation curve is set to the certain deceleration target
range. As a result, the deceleration target range in which energy
equal to or larger than the energy consumption reduced by the
deceleration of the train is not needed when the speed of the train
is recovered toward the end of the deceleration target range (in
other words, the deceleration target range in which the energy
saving sensitivity is easily increased) can be set to be the
certain deceleration target range.
[0056] The deceleration energy saving range detector 120 repeats
the calculation of the energy saving sensitivity for all of the
deceleration target ranges set to be the certain deceleration
target ranges. The deceleration energy saving range detector 120
determines the deceleration target range having the highest
calculated energy saving sensitivity out of the deceleration target
ranges set to be the certain deceleration target ranges to be the
deceleration energy saving range. Thereafter, the operation curve
updating unit 122 generates the energy saving operation curve
(refer to FIG. 8) in which the train is decelerated by a certain
speed in the determined energy saving ranges (e.g., the
deceleration target range including the sections 3 and 4
illustrated in FIG. 7A and the deceleration target range including
the sections 8 and 9 illustrated in FIG. 7A) using the fastest
operation curve as a reference.
[0057] As described above, the operation curve generation device 12
according to the second embodiment does not need to obtain the
energy saving sensitivity for each of the deceleration target
ranges other than the certain deceleration target ranges in the
multiple deceleration target ranges. As a result, the processing
load on the operation curve generation device 12 for processing to
obtain the energy saving sensitivities can be reduced.
Third Embodiment
[0058] A third embodiment is an example where a certain speed is
set to such a speed that regeneration energy generated when the
train is decelerated using the certain operation curve as a
reference is consumed by an external load. In the following
description, the description of the same part as the first
embodiment is omitted.
[0059] FIGS. 9A and 9B are schematic diagrams for explaining the
processing performed by the operation curve generation device
according to the third embodiment to generate the energy saving
operation curve. Specifically, in each of FIGS. 9A and 9B, the
ordinate axis represents the speed of the train while the abscissa
axis represents the running distance of the train running between
the stations. The fastest operation curve illustrated in each of
FIGS. 9A and 9B represents a relation between the running distance
and the speed of the train running between the stations. In the
embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 9A, the deceleration energy
saving range detector 120 sets the multiple consecutive sections
(e.g., the sections 8 and 9) to be the deceleration target range
out of the sections 1 to 10 divided between the stations by a
certain distance, in the same manner as the first embodiment.
Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 9B, the deceleration energy
saving range detector 120 sets the multiple consecutive sections
(e.g., the sections 10 and 11) to be the deceleration target range
out of the sections 1 to 13, each of which is the running section
per a certain running time when the train runs between the stations
in accordance with the fastest operation curve.
[0060] The deceleration energy saving range detector 120
determines, for each of the deceleration target ranges, a certain
speed such that the regeneration energy generated when the train is
decelerated using the certain operation curve as a reference is
consumed by an external load (e.g., a railroad signal). The
deceleration energy saving range detector 120 obtains, for each of
the deceleration target ranges, the energy saving sensitivity when
the speed of the train in the deceleration target range is
decelerated by the certain speed determined for the deceleration
target range using the certain operation curve as a reference. In
other words, the deceleration energy saving range detector 120
obtains the energy saving sensitivity taking into consideration the
regeneration energy generated when the train is decelerated. The
external load may be zero.
[0061] As described above, the operation curve generation device 12
according to the third embodiment determines a certain speed such
that the regeneration energy generated when the train is
decelerated is effectively utilized, thereby making it possible to
eliminate wasteful regeneration energy generated when the train is
decelerated.
Fourth Embodiment
[0062] A fourth embodiment is an example where the deceleration
target range is set to the section other than the section in which
a second energy saving sensitivity (an example of a second change
rate) is equal to or smaller than a certain energy saving
sensitivity (an example of a certain change rate) when the train is
decelerated by a certain speed using the certain operation curve as
a reference. The second energy saving sensitivity is a change rate
of the energy consumption of the train in the section based on the
linear data and the train data. In the following description, the
description of the same part as the first embodiment is
omitted.
[0063] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of the processing
performed by the operation curve generation device according to the
fourth embodiment to detect the deceleration energy saving range.
FIGS. 11A and 11B are schematic diagrams each illustrating the
curve of the second energy saving sensitivity obtained by the
operation curve generation device according to the fourth
embodiment. Specifically, in each of FIGS. 11A and 11B, the
ordinate axis represents the second energy saving sensitivity in
each section while the abscissa axis represents the running
distance of the train running between the stations. The graph
illustrated in each of FIGS. 11A and 11B is the curve (the curve of
the second energy saving sensitivity) that represents a relation
between the second energy saving sensitivity of each section
between the stations and the running distance of the train. In the
embodiment, the deceleration energy saving range detector 120
obtains, for each of the multiple sections divided between the
stations, on the basis of the linear data and the train data, the
second energy saving sensitivity (an example of the second change
rate), which is a change rate of the energy consumption when the
speed of the train in each section is decelerated by a certain
speed using the certain operation curve as a reference (step
S1001).
[0064] Specifically, the deceleration energy saving range detector
120 calculates, for each of the sections, the second energy saving
sensitivity on the basis of the following expression (2). For
example, the deceleration energy saving range detector 120
calculates the second energy saving sensitivity for each of the
sections 1 to 10 divided between the stations by a certain distance
as illustrated in FIG. 11A. For another example, the deceleration
energy saving range detector 120 calculates the second energy
saving sensitivity for each of the sections 1 and 13, each of which
is the running section per a certain running time when the train
runs between the stations in accordance with a certain operation
curve, as illustrated in FIG. 11B.
Second energy saving sensitivity=second energy change amount
(J)/second running time change amount (second) (2)
[0065] The second energy change amount is a difference between the
energy consumption of the train when the train runs in a section in
accordance with the certain operation curve and the energy
consumption of the train when the train runs in the section by
being decelerated by a certain speed using the certain operation
curve as a reference. The second running time change amount is a
difference between the running time when the train runs in the
section in accordance with the certain operation curve and the
running time when the train runs in the section by being
decelerated by the certain speed using the certain operation curve
as a reference.
[0066] The deceleration energy saving range detector 120 determines
whether the section in which the second energy saving sensitivity
is higher than a certain energy saving sensitivity (an example of a
certain change rate) is present in the multiple sections (step
S1002). The certain energy saving sensitivity is the preset energy
saving sensitivity. In the embodiment, the certain energy saving
sensitivity is an average of the second energy saving sensitivities
in the respective sections.
[0067] If the sections in each of which the second energy saving
sensitivity is higher than the certain energy saving sensitivity
are present in the multiple sections (Yes at step S1002), the
deceleration energy saving range detector 120 sets a plurality of
individual or consecutive sections out of the sections in each of
which the second energy saving sensitivity is higher than the
certain energy saving sensitivity to be the deceleration target
ranges (step S1003). In other words, the deceleration energy saving
range detector 120 sets the sections other than the section in
which the second energy saving sensitivity is equal to or smaller
than the certain energy saving sensitivity to be the deceleration
target ranges.
[0068] As described above, the operation curve generation device 12
according to the fourth embodiment does not calculate the energy
saving sensitivity for the deceleration target range in which the
energy saving sensitivity is probably low, thereby making it
possible to prevent the execution of wasteful calculations.
Fifth Embodiment
[0069] A fifth embodiment is an example where processing to obtain
a solution candidate is performed for each of the combinations of
passing-through speeds that allow the train to pass through a
boundary and the passing-through speeds at boundaries before the
boundary in accordance with the passing-through order of the train
for a plurality of boundaries (examples of a passing-through
location) from a departure station (an example of a first location)
to a terminal station (an example of a second location), the
solution candidate including the running time of the train running
in accordance with an operation curve candidate of the train based
on the combination and the energy consumption of the train based on
the linear data and the train data when the train runs in
accordance with the operation curve candidate, and the operation
curve candidate of the train based on the combination corresponding
to the solution candidate having the least energy consumption in
the solution candidates obtained for the last boundary is generated
as the energy saving operation curve.
[0070] In other words, the fifth embodiment is an example where the
passing-through speed at each boundary of a plurality of
deceleration target ranges is obtained for each of a case in which
the train runs fastest between the stations, a case in which the
train runs in a permissible maximum running time between the
stations, and a case in which the train runs in a range from the
fastest running time and the maximum running time on the basis of
the train data, combinations of the passing-trough speeds at a
first boundary and the passing-through speeds at a second boundary
through which the train passes after the first boundary are
obtained on the basis of the obtained passing-through speeds, and
when a plurality of same combinations of the passing-through speed
at the second boundary and the running time to the second boundary
are present, the combination having the least energy consumption is
selected, the combination is selected in which the energy
consumption between the stations is a minimum that is obtained
using the linear data and the train data and utilizing the
combinations of the multiple passing-through speeds at the
respective obtained and selected boundaries, and the energy saving
operation curve is generated on the basis of the selected
combination. In the following description, the description of the
same part as the first embodiment is omitted.
[0071] The following describes an outline of a flow of processing
performed by an operation curve generation device 90 according to
the embodiment to generate the energy saving operation curve with
reference to FIGS. 12 to 13. FIG. 12 is a block diagram
illustrating a structure of an operation curve generation system
having the operation curve generation device according to the fifth
embodiment. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of the
flow of the processing performed by the operation curve generation
device according to the fifth embodiment to generate the energy
saving operation curve.
[0072] In the embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the operation
curve generation device 90 includes an operation curve division
unit 91, a minimum speed calculator 92, a solution candidate
calculator 93, a solution candidate selector 94, and a minimum
energy solution determination unit 95. When the generation of the
energy saving operation curve is instructed, the operation curve
division unit 91 acquires, from the first database 10, the maximum
total running time, the linear data, and the train data. The
operation curve division unit 91 further acquires the fastest
operation curve generated by the fastest operation curve generation
device 11.
[0073] The operation curve division unit 91 divides the running
distance between the stations into a plurality of sections (step
S1301). In the embodiment, the operation curve division unit 91
divides the running distance between the stations into a plurality
of sections by a certain distance in the same manner as the first
embodiment. Alternatively, the operation curve division unit 91 may
divide the running distance between the stations into a plurality
of sections each of which is the running section per a certain
running time when the train runs in accordance with the fastest
operation curve, in the same manner as the first embodiment.
[0074] The minimum speed calculator 92 calculates a minimum speed
that is the speed of the train at each of the boundaries (examples
of the passing-through location) of the multiple sections when the
train runs between the stations in the maximum total running time
(step S1302). In the embodiment, the boundaries of the multiple
sections are the passing-through locations. The passing-through
locations are not limited to the boundaries. Any passing-through
location present between the departure station (an example of the
first location) and the terminal station (an example of the second
location) may be used. For example, the location preset between the
departure station and the terminal station may be used as the
passing-through location.
[0075] The solution candidate calculator 93 and the solution
candidate selector 94 perform the following processing (at step
S1303 and at step S1304) for the multiple boundaries between the
departure station and the terminal station in accordance with the
passing-trough order of the train. The solution candidate
calculator 93 (an example of a processor) calculates a maximum
speed that is the speed of the train at the first boundary when the
train runs in accordance with the fastest operation curve (step
S1303). The solution candidate calculator 93 obtains, for the first
boundary, a section boundary speed that is the passing-through
speed of the train and is capable of being accelerated until the
train reaches the first boundary from the departure station (step
S1303). In the embodiment, the solution candidate calculator 93
obtains a plurality of section boundary speeds, each of which is
equal to or smaller than the maximum speed at the first boundary
and equal to or larger than the minimum speed at the first
boundary.
[0076] The solution candidate calculator 93 further obtains, for
each of the obtained section boundary speeds, the operation curve
candidate that is the candidate of the operation curve from the
departure station to the first boundary when the speed of the train
is changed to the first boundary speed until the train reaches the
first boundary from the departure station. The solution candidate
calculator 93 then obtains the energy consumption (hereinafter,
described as the integrated energy) of the train and the running
time when the train runs from the departure station to the first
boundary in accordance with the obtained operation curve candidate
on the basis of the linear data and the train data (step S1303).
The solution candidate calculator 93 performs, for each section
boundary speed at the first boundary, processing to obtain the
solution candidate including the integrated energy and the running
time that are obtained for the section boundary speed (step S1303).
In the embodiment, the solution candidate calculator 93 causes the
respective solution candidates obtained for the respective section
boundary speeds at the first boundary to include the section
boundary speeds corresponding to the respective solution
candidates.
[0077] The solution candidate selector 94 employs all of the
multiple solution candidates obtained for the first boundary as the
solution candidates (hereinafter, described as the previous
solution candidates) used for generating the energy saving
operation curve (step S1304).
[0078] The solution candidate calculator 93 obtains, for the next
boundary (in this case, the second boundary) from the departure
station serving as a reference, a plurality of section boundary
speeds, each of which is the speed of the train capable of being
changed from the section boundary speed of the previous solution
candidate of the last boundary (in this case, the first boundary)
until the train reaches the second boundary, and equal to or
smaller than the maximum speed at the second boundary and equal to
or larger than the minimum speed at the second boundary (step
S1303).
[0079] The solution candidate calculator 93 further obtains, for
each of the combinations of the section boundary speeds included in
the previous solution candidates and the section boundary speeds at
the second boundary, the operation curve candidate for running from
the departure station to the second boundary based on the
combination. The solution candidate calculator 93 then obtains the
integrated energy of the train and the running time when the train
runs from the departure station to the second boundary in
accordance with the obtained operation curve candidate on the basis
of the linear data and the train data (step S1303). The solution
candidate calculator 93 performs processing for the respective
combinations of the section boundary speeds included in the
previous solution candidates and the section boundary speeds at the
second boundary to obtain a plurality of solution candidates each
including the integrated energy and the running time (step S1303).
In the embodiment, the solution candidate calculator 93 causes the
respective solution candidates obtained for the second boundary to
include the combinations (in this case, the combinations of the
section boundary speeds included in the previous solution
candidates and the section boundary speeds at the second boundary)
corresponding to the respective solution candidates.
[0080] The solution candidate selector 94 (an example of a
selector) sets the multiple solution candidates obtained for the
second boundary (i.e., the boundary for which the processing to
obtain the solution candidates are performed last) to be the
previous solution candidates used for generating the energy saving
operation curve prior to the processing to obtain the solution
candidates for the next boundary (step S1304). When a plurality of
solution candidates each of which corresponds to the same
combination of the section boundary speed at the second boundary
(the boundary for which the processing is performed last) and
includes the same running time are obtained, the solution candidate
selector 94 sets only the solution candidate having the least
integrated energy in the multiple solution candidates to be the
previous solution candidate.
[0081] In other words, when a plurality of solution candidates each
of which corresponds to the same combination of the section
boundary speed at the boundary for which the processing to obtain
the solution candidates is performed last and includes the same
running time are obtained, the solution candidate selector 94
excludes the combinations other than the combination corresponding
to the solution candidate having the least integrated energy from
the objects to be subjected to the processing to obtain the
solution candidates for the boundaries after the next boundary,
prior to the processing to obtain the solution candidates for the
next boundary. As a result, the number of combinations serving as
the objects to be subjected to the processing to obtain the
solution candidates for the next boundary can be reduced, thereby
making it possible to reduce the load of the processing performed
by the operation curve generation device 90 to obtain the solution
candidates.
[0082] The solution candidate calculator 93 and the solution
candidate selector 94 repeat the processing at step S1303 and at
step S1304 until the solution candidates are obtained for the last
boundary from the departure station serving as a reference.
[0083] The minimum energy solution determination unit 95 (an
example of a generator) selects the operation curve candidate
following the combination of the section boundary speeds
corresponding to the solution candidate having the least integrated
energy out of the multiple solution candidates obtained for the
last boundary (step S1305). The minimum energy solution
determination unit 95 generates the selected operation curve
candidate as the energy saving operation curve (an example of the
operation curve).
[0084] The following describes processing performed by the solution
candidate calculator 93 included in the operation curve generation
device 90 according to the embodiment to obtain the solution
candidates with reference to FIG. 14. FIG. 14 is a flowchart
illustrating a flow of the processing performed by the solution
candidate calculator included in the operation curve generation
device according to the fifth embodiment to obtain the solution
candidates.
[0085] When the boundary for which the solution candidates are
obtained (hereinafter, described as a current boundary) is the
first boundary from the departure station, the solution candidate
calculator 93 acquires the speed of the train at the departure
station. When the current boundary is the boundary after the second
boundary from the departure station, the solution candidate
calculator 93 acquires the previous solution candidates.
[0086] When the current boundary is the first boundary from the
departure station, the solution candidate calculator 93 obtains a
maximum speed that is equal to or smaller than the maximum speed
obtained for the first boundary and is attainable from the speed of
the train at the departure station until the train reaches the
first boundary, and a minimum speed that is equal to or larger than
the minimum speed obtained for the first boundary and is attainable
from the speed of the train at the departure station until the
train reaches the first boundary (step S1401). When the current
boundary is the boundary after the second boundary from the
departure station, the solution candidate calculator 93 obtains a
maximum speed that is equal to or smaller than the maximum speed
obtained for the second boundary and is attainable from the section
boundary speed at the last boundary included in the previous
solution candidate until the train reaches the current boundary,
and a minimum speed that is equal to or larger than the minimum
speed obtained for the second boundary and is attainable from the
section boundary speed at the last boundary included in the
previous solution candidate until the train reaches the current
boundary.
[0087] The solution candidate calculator 93 obtains the section
boundary speed, which is between the obtained maximum speed and
minimum speed (step S1402). The solution candidate calculator 93
obtains, for each of the combinations of the section boundary
speeds included in the previous solution candidates and the
obtained section boundary speed, the operation curve candidate for
the train running from the departure station to the current
boundary on the basis of the combination. The solution candidate
calculator 93 obtains the running time of the train running from
the departure station to the current station in accordance with the
obtained operation curve candidate (step S1402).
[0088] If the obtained running time is equal to or smaller than the
maximum total running time (No at step S1403), the solution
candidate calculator 93 obtains the integrated energy of the train
running from the departure station to the current station in
accordance with the operation curve candidate on the basis of the
linear data and the train data (step S1404). The solution candidate
calculator 93 thus obtains the solution candidate that includes the
combination of the section boundary speed included in the previous
solution candidate and the section boundary speed of the current
boundary, the running time, and the integrated energy.
[0089] In contrast, if the obtained running time exceeds the
maximum total running time (Yes at step S1403), the solution
candidate calculator 93 discards the obtained section boundary
speed, and the processing returns to step S1402, at which the
solution candidate calculator 93 obtains the section boundary speed
different from the discarded section boundary speed. The solution
candidate calculator 93 repeats the processing from step S1402 to
step S1404 for the current boundary by the certain number of
times.
[0090] The solution candidate calculator 93 performs the processing
from step S1401 to step S1404 on the other boundaries between the
stations.
[0091] The following describes the processing performed by the
solution candidate selector 94 included in the operation curve
generation device 90 according to the embodiment to select the
solution candidate with reference to FIGS. 15, 16A, and 16B. FIG.
15 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of the processing performed
by the solution candidate selector included in the operation curve
generation device according to the fifth embodiment to select the
solution candidate. FIGS. 16A and 16B are schematic diagrams each
illustrating an example of the section boundary speeds at the
respective boundaries obtained by the solution candidate calculator
included in the operation curve generation device according to the
fifth embodiment.
[0092] FIG. 16A is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of
the section boundary speeds at respective running times (respective
boundaries) in a maximum total running time T. FIG. 16B is a
schematic diagram illustrating an example of the section boundary
speeds at respective boundaries of a plurality of sections divided
between the stations by a certain distance. In FIGS. 16A and 16B,
the section boundary speeds at the respective boundaries in
operation curves (fastest operation curves) C1, C2, and C3 are the
maximum speeds at the respective boundaries. In FIGS. 16A and 16B,
the section boundary speeds at the respective boundaries in
operation curves C4 and C5 are the minimum speeds when the train
runs between the stations in the maximum total running time.
[0093] When a plurality of solution candidates including the
combinations of the section boundary speeds (e.g., section boundary
speeds V1 and V2 at the first boundary) included in the previous
solution candidates and the section boundary speeds at the current
boundary (e.g., section boundary speeds V3 to V6 at the second
boundary) are obtained, the solution candidate selector 94 acquires
any of the multiple solution candidates (e.g., the solution
candidate including the combination of the section boundary speeds
V1 and V5). The solution candidate selector 94 compares the
acquired solution candidate with the other solution candidates
obtained for the current boundary (step S1501).
[0094] When another solution candidate is present that includes the
same combination of the section boundary speed V5, which is the
section boundary speed at the current boundary and included in the
acquired solution candidate, and the same running time as that
included in the acquired solution candidate (e.g., the solution
candidate including the combination of the section boundary speeds
V2 and V5) (Yes at step S1501), the solution candidate selector 94
deletes the solution candidate having greater integrated energy
(e.g., the other solution candidate) out of the other solution
candidate and the acquired solution candidate (step S1502).
[0095] The solution candidate selector 94 repeats the processing at
step S1501 and at step S1502 until no solution candidate including
the section boundary speed obtained for the current boundary and
the same running time remains among the multiple solution
candidates obtained for the current boundary. Thus, when a
plurality of solution candidates are obtained each of which
includes the same combination of the section boundary speed at the
current boundary and the same running speed, the solution candidate
selector 94 excludes the combinations other than the combination
corresponding to the solution candidate having the least integrated
energy from the objects to be subjected to the processing to obtain
the solution candidates for the boundaries after the next boundary,
prior to the processing to obtain the solution candidates for the
next boundary.
[0096] When the solution candidates are obtained for all of the
boundaries, the minimum energy solution determination unit 95
generates, as an energy saving operation curve C6, the operation
curve candidate of the train based on the combination (of the
section boundary speeds V1, V3, V7, V8, V9, V10, V11, and V12)
included in the solution candidate having the least integrated
energy out of the multiple solution candidates obtained for the
last boundary. Alternatively, when the solution candidates are
obtained for all of the boundaries, the minimum energy solution
determination unit 95 generates, as an energy saving operation
curve C7, the operation curve candidate of the train based on the
combination (of the section boundary speeds V1, V3, V7, V8, V9, and
V10) included in the solution candidate having the least integrated
energy out of the multiple solution candidates obtained for the
last boundary.
[0097] As described above, the operation curve generation device 90
according to the fifth embodiment can reduce the number of
combinations of section boundary speeds, the combinations serving
as the objects to be subjected to the processing to obtain the
solution candidates for the next boundary, in the processing to
obtain the solution candidates for each boundary, thereby making it
possible to reduce the load of the processing performed by the
operation curve generation device 90 to obtain the solution
candidates.
[0098] As described above, the first to the fourth embodiments can
reduce energy consumption by decelerating the train in the section
in which the energy saving sensitivity is high between the
stations, thereby making it possible to achieve sufficient energy
saving. The fifth embodiment can reduce the load of the processing
performed by the operation curve generation device 90 to obtain the
solution candidates.
[0099] Programs executed by the operation curve generation devices
12 and 90 of the embodiments are embedded and provided in a ROM
(Read Only Memory), for example. The programs executed by the
operation curve generation devices 12 and 90 of the embodiments may
be recorded and provided on a computer-readable recording medium
such as a compact disc ROM (CD-ROM), a flexible disk (FD), a
CD-recordable (CD-R), and a digital versatile disc (DVD) as an
installable or executable file.
[0100] The programs executed by the operation curve generation
devices 12 and 90 of the embodiments may be stored in a computer
connected to a network such as the Internet, and provided by being
downloaded via the network. The programs executed by the operation
curve generation devices 12 and 90 of the embodiments may be
provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.
[0101] The programs executed by the operation curve generation
devices 12 and 90 of the embodiments have a module structure
including the above-described units (the deceleration energy saving
range detector 120, the repeated execution unit 121, and the
operation curve updating unit 122). In actual hardware, a central
processing unit (CPU) reads the programs from the ROM and executes
the programs. Once the programs are executed, the above-described
units are loaded into a main storage device, so that the
deceleration energy saving range detector 120, the repeated
execution unit 121, and the operation curve updating unit 122 are
formed in the main storage device.
[0102] While the embodiments of the present invention have been
described, the embodiments have been presented by way of examples
only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The
novel embodiments described herein may be embodied in a variety of
other forms. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and
changes of the embodiments described herein may be made without
departing from the spirit of the invention. The accompanying claims
and their equivalents are intended to cover the embodiments or the
modifications thereof as would fall within the scope and spirit of
the invention.
* * * * *