U.S. patent application number 16/278722 was filed with the patent office on 2019-08-22 for method and system for performing a planning process of a railway service.
The applicant listed for this patent is ALSTOM Transport Technologies. Invention is credited to Martin NORRIS.
Application Number | 20190256114 16/278722 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 61563315 |
Filed Date | 2019-08-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20190256114 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
NORRIS; Martin |
August 22, 2019 |
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PERFORMING A PLANNING PROCESS OF A RAILWAY
SERVICE
Abstract
Method for a planning process of a railway service, including
acquiring train data relative to movement of trains along a railway
track, and reference data relative to a timetable of train trips,
generating a three-dimensional graph including a three-dimensional
cylinder and associating a Cartesian system to the cylinder,
calculating coordinates of history points and reference points for
each train as a function of the train and reference data, the
coordinates of the history and reference points in a planar
direction being a function of a train position, and the coordinates
of the history and reference points in a vertical direction being a
function of a time associated with the train position, the
coordinates of each history and reference point corresponding to a
point belonging to the surface of the cylinder, and planning the
railway service as a function of the three-dimensional graph, and
the history and reference points.
Inventors: |
NORRIS; Martin; (Sao Paulo -
SP, BR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ALSTOM Transport Technologies |
SAINT-OUEN |
|
FR |
|
|
Family ID: |
61563315 |
Appl. No.: |
16/278722 |
Filed: |
February 19, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B61L 2201/00 20130101;
B61L 25/025 20130101; B61L 27/0022 20130101; B61L 27/0077 20130101;
B61L 27/0005 20130101; B61L 27/0027 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B61L 27/00 20060101
B61L027/00; B61L 25/02 20060101 B61L025/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 21, 2018 |
EP |
18305179.6 |
Claims
1. Method for performing a planning process of a railway service,
comprising: acquiring, using sensors, train data relative to
measured movement of trains along a railway track, and reference
data relative to a reference timetable of train trips; generating,
with an elaboration unit, a reference three-dimensional graph
including a three-dimensional cylinder and associating a reference
Cartesian system to the cylinder; calculating, with the elaboration
unit, coordinates of history points and reference points for each
train in the reference Cartesian system as a function of the train
and reference data, the coordinates of the history and reference
points in a planar direction of the reference Cartesian system
being a function of a train position corresponding to the train and
reference data, and the coordinates of the history and reference
points in a vertical direction, perpendicular to the planar
direction, being a function of a time associated with the train
position in the train and reference data, the coordinates of each
history and reference point corresponding to a point belonging to
the surface of the cylinder; displaying on a display unit the
three-dimensional graph, and the history and reference points; and
planning, with a control unit, the railway service as a function of
the data displayed by said displaying.
2. Method according to claim 1, further comprising performing a
plurality of moving operations on the cylinder, so as to acquire
combined train-related information for planning the railway
service.
3. Method according to claim 2, wherein the moving operations
comprise shifting the cylinder along the Z axis to examine the
impact of any deviation between an expected train position and a
current train position.
4. Method according to claim 2, wherein the moving operations
comprise: intersecting a horizontal XY plane to the cylinder at a
predetermined position along the Z axis corresponding to a
predetermined time instant, so as to get train positions; and
rotating the cylinder, so as to examine all train positions which
are indicated in the XY plane as a carousel.
5. Method according to claim 1, wherein the train data comprises,
for each train, current train position and trip history, and the
reference data comprises, for each train, expected train position
and reference timetables of trips.
6. Method according to claim 2, wherein the moving operations
comprise tilting the cylinder so as to provide a train position
graph which shows each train and the relationship of its trip
history to the reference timetable of the trip.
7. Method according to claim 6, wherein the train position graph
comprises a triangle that demonstrates if a train is in advance or
delayed compared to its reference timetable, the triangle being
generated and displayed during said displaying, and being in a
horizontal XY plane and having as vertices one of the reference
points, one of the history points and one point on a central axis
of the cylinder.
8. Method according to claim 1, wherein, said displaying generates
and displays, for each train, a curve linking the history points
and a curve linking the reference points.
9. Method according to claim 1, wherein said planning comprises
modifying, using the control unit, the planning of the railway
service as a function of the position of the reference and history
points in the three-dimensional graph.
10. A system for performing a planning process of a railway service
comprising: a plurality of sensors located along a railway track
and arranged to acquire train data relative to measured movement of
trains along the railway track, and reference data relative to a
reference timetable of train trips; a control unit arranged to
receive the train and reference data, the control unit comprising:
a memory storing the train and reference data; and an elaboration
unit arranged to: generate a reference three-dimensional graph
including a cylinder, and associating a reference Cartesian system
to the cylinder; and calculate coordinates of history points and
reference points for each train in the reference Cartesian system
as a function of the train and reference data, the coordinates of
the history and reference points in a planar direction of the
reference Cartesian system being a function of a train position
corresponding to the train and reference data, and the coordinates
of the history and reference points in a vertical direction,
perpendicular to the planar direction, being a function of a time
associated with the train position in the train and reference data,
the coordinates of each history and reference point corresponding
to a point belonging to the surface of the cylinder; and a display
unit for visualizing the graph, and the history and reference
points, wherein said control unit plans the railway service as a
function of the data displayed on said display unit.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority of European Patent
Application No. 18 305 179.6, filed on Feb. 21, 2018.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a method and a system for
performing a planning process of a railway service.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A train timetable in a railway service defines the set of
departure and arrival times for train lines at the stations or
other relevant locations in a rail network.
[0004] The construction of a train timetable, or Train Timetabling
Problem (UP), represents only the first step of an even larger and
more complex process: the yearly rail service planning.
[0005] This planning consists on the definition of the plan, and
the allocation of resources to provide the annual train services,
i.e., timetables, crew schedules, rolling stock, usage, etc.
[0006] Nowadays an operator of a railway/metro line can quickly and
intuitively see the current distribution of trains or vehicles over
a railway track and the correspondence between the current position
of each train and its expected position along the railway track
according to a predetermined planned trip. This information is
combined, for each train, with a reference timetable of the trip
and a history of the trip representative of previous positions of
the train compared with corresponding expected positions, to enable
the operator to identify trends in the positioning of the train
along the railway track.
[0007] The operator can therefore determine the best strategy for
reducing any deviation noted in the positioning of the trains along
the route with respect to the expected positions according to the
planned trip.
[0008] A research from http://ttplib.zib.de/ which explores track
allocation is known. In this research, which specifically addresses
the Train Timetabling Problem, an operator interface presents a
tridimensional representation of a track, however, the research
mainly focuses on the scheduling problem and it is only
peripherally related to a tridimensional representation of
data.
[0009] With respect to the above indicated tri-dimensional
representation, it is worth noting that it is only a topographical
representation which uses the tri-dimensional view to present data
regarding a timetable scheduling conflict.
[0010] According to different solutions to the Train Timetabling
Problem, the train position, the trip history and the reference
timetable of the trip are generally available as bi-dimensional
graphs.
[0011] FIG. 1 shows a first graph 1 of the bi-dimensional data
available for train positions according to the prior art.
[0012] The graph 1 shows first lines 2 representative of current
train positions, second lines 4 representative of expected train
positions according to corresponding predetermined trips, and the
first lines 2 and the second lines 4 are arranged as a
carousel.
[0013] For each train, indicated on the graph 1 with references
such as G07, U14, P18, etc., both the current position and the
expected position are animated, and the associated first lines 2
and the second lines 4 rotate. During normal operation the first
lines 2 and the second lines 4 should align, as the train control
system seeks to maintain the train position aligned with the
expected position; however, perturbations such as a passenger
holding a train door open and delaying the departure of the train
can cause a misalignment between these two positions, this being
shown in the graph 1 a circle segment 6 extending from the first
line 2 to the corresponding second line 4. For example, in FIG. 1,
the train P18 is delayed compared to the expected position 283.
[0014] FIG. 2 shows a second graph 10 of the bi-dimensional data
available for the trip histories and the reference timetables of
trips according to the prior art.
[0015] The second graph 10 is a time/distance graph. For each train
U14, G07, P18, etc., the reference timetable of a trip is indicated
by a first curve 100 while the corresponding trip history is
indicated by a second curve 102.
[0016] From this second graph 10 it is possible to see the trend
between the reference timetable of a trip and the trip history.
This graph can be animated when new trip historical data are
available.
[0017] An operator can monitor the first graph 1 to visualize
perturbations in the train trips and the first graph 1 clearly
shows when a train has a discrepancy between its expected position
and the current one. However, from the graph 1 it is not possible
to detect at a glance a trend in the discrepancy.
[0018] To determine the type of perturbation occurring to a train
the operator needs to switch to the second graph 10 showing the
discrepancy over time. From this second graph 10 the operator can
identify if the discrepancy is growing or diminishing, thus
allowing him to determine the appropriate action to carry out to
reduce the perturbation.
[0019] There is therefore the need to simplify the analysis of the
information above disclosed, so as to let the operator detect
intuitively and immediately disturbances to the operating trains,
so as to determine proper remedial actions in order to properly
plan a railway service.
SUMMARY OF THE DESCRIPTION
[0020] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a method and a system for performing in an easier manner a
planning process of a railway service allowing an operator to
detect intuitively and immediately disturbances to the operating
train by overcoming the limitations of the prior art solutions.
[0021] This and other objects are fully achieved by virtue of a
method for performing a planning process of a railway service
having the characteristics defined in independent claim 1, and by a
system for performing a planning process of a railway service
having the characteristics defined in claim 10.
[0022] Preferred embodiments of the invention are specified in the
dependent claims, whose subject-matter is to be understood as
forming an integral part of the present description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] Further characteristics and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent from the following description,
provided merely by way of a non-limiting example, with reference to
the enclosed drawings, in which:
[0024] FIG. 1 shows a first graph of the bi-dimensional data
available for the train positions according to the prior art;
[0025] FIG. 2 shows a graph of the bi-dimensional data available
for the trip histories and trip reference timetables according to
the prior art;
[0026] FIG. 3 shows a graph obtained according to the method
according to the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 4 shows a top sectional view of a cylinder of the graph
of FIG. 3;
[0028] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the steps performed in a method
according to the present invention, and
[0029] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a system of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] Briefly, the method according to the present invention is
based on the combination of the first graph 1 and the second graph
10 above disclosed to provide a tridimensional representation of
the data.
[0031] FIG. 3 shows a tridimensional graph 20 obtained according to
the method of the present invention, as disclosed in detail here
below, this graph 20 being obtained through use of a supervisory
system of a railway line.
[0032] The tri-dimensional graph 20 is displayed on a display of a
remote control unit, wherein an operator, placed in front of the
display, can see it while performing a planning process of a
railway service, the railway service including a plurality of
trains moving along respective railway tracks over time.
[0033] The tri-dimensional space of the graph 20 can be rotated and
repositioned on the display by the operator in a manner per se
known, but considering the space in absolute terms, each train
position is represented on an XY plane, and time is represented on
a Z axis of a reference Cartesian system XYZ.
[0034] The graph 20 forms a cylinder 21 with a trip history and a
reference timetable of the trip represented around the surface of
the cylinder.
[0035] The reference timetable includes data points representing
important points that delineate a train mission. On the graph 20,
these data points are the combination of a time instant represented
on the Z axis and a position represented on the XY plane.
[0036] The position can be given as an absolute position, or a
position related to a topological feature, for example a platform
or a siding.
[0037] The reference timetable is constructed before being used
when performing the method of the present invention, and the data
points of the reference timetable are available to the supervisory
system.
[0038] In a similar way a trip history includes data that represent
gathered data for a predetermined train mission. These data include
time and position. The trip history is captured in real time as a
train performs a mission.
[0039] In particular, the graph 20 is obtained by translating the
data of the reference timetable and at least one trip history in a
predetermined format representing the time and position as a point
on the surface of the cylinder 21.
[0040] The Z axis represents the time, while the angle formed
between a point, representing a train, on the surface of the
cylinder and a point of reference on the surface of the cylinder is
used for the distance of the train relative to the point of
reference. Each consecutive time and position data points are
connected by a line. The consequence of this translation is that
the reference timetable and trip history appear as spiraling lines
drawn up the side of the cylinder 21.
[0041] When a horizontal XY plane 22 intersects the cylinder 21 at
a given time instant, represented by a predetermined position along
the Z axis, the train positions are given. The term horizontal
refers to a visualization of the cylinder 21 on the display wherein
the axis of the cylinder 21 extends in a vertical direction.
[0042] A view of just the XY plane is identical to the
bi-dimensional first graph 1 disclosed above.
[0043] Similarly, a sectional view parallel to the Z axis is
similar to the bi-dimensional second graph 10 disclosed above.
[0044] With these views the operator can see a deviation from the
carousel of train positions, and then immediately trace the history
of the train trip to determine if the deviation is being corrected
or if an intervention is required.
[0045] By shifting the cylinder 21 on the display along the Z axis
the operator can examine at a given time the impact of any
deviation happening in the past, by comparing the spiraling lines
relative to the reference timetable and the trip history between
the past deviation and the given time.
[0046] By shifting the cylinder 21 on the display along the Z axis
the operator can also determine, from the spiraling lines relative
to the reference timetable, any future evolution, and decide
according to this evolution if he needs to act on the railway line
functioning and/or reference timetable. For example, the operator
or the supervisory system can compare the last measured deviation
between the trip history and the reference timetable at a given
time, having the possibility of speeding up the train on an ahead
portion of the railway line where the train is supposed to travel
in the future.
[0047] Advantageously, the supervisory system is configured to
calculate and display an estimated spiraling line corresponding to
an estimated trip history from a given deviation point. The
deviation point corresponds, for example, to a disturbance where a
passenger delays a train on a track approaching a terminal. The
operator or the system is therefore capable of comparing the
estimated spiraling line corresponding to the estimated trip
history with the spiraling line corresponding to the reference
timetable, and to identify major disturbances of the operating
train, so as to use this information to determine remedial actions
and to plan accordingly a railway service. The estimated trip
history is determined using a predetermined statistic model of the
line or historical data saved during the past functioning of the
railway line.
[0048] By rotating the cylinder 21 on the display the operator can
examine all the trains in the carousel.
[0049] The overall performance of the trains can be assessed with
their trip histories and reference timetables of a trip; therefor,
the operator can then determine the need for global alteration of
the timetable by adding or removing trips to the supervisory
system.
[0050] The cylinder 21 can be tilted on the display towards the
operator to provide a train position graph which better shows the
train and the relationship of its trip history to the trip
reference, in particular, a triangle 23 that shows if a train is in
advance or delayed with respect to its reference timetable. This
triangle 23, which can be seen in FIG. 3, is formed where for
example train U14 is delayed: the triangle 23 is drawn from the
actual position of the train U14 to a point on the surface of the
cylinder 21 placed ahead of the train, since an angle along the
circumference defined by the intersection of the plane 22 and the
surface of cylinder 21 represents the distance covered by the
train. This corresponds to the circle segments 6 shown in FIG.
1.
[0051] FIG. 4 shows a top sectional view of the cylinder 21.
[0052] The operator can also zoom the current view point by moving
the cylinder 21 closer or pulling it away, and this changes the
quantity of data shown.
[0053] In what follows, a method for performing a planning process
of a railway service according to the present invention will be
disclosed, with reference to FIG. 5 which shows a block diagram of
the steps to be performed.
[0054] In a first step 200 data relative to current train
positions, expected train positions, trip histories and reference
timetables of trips are acquired in a manner known per se.
[0055] In a further step 202 these data are combined in a manner
known per se, so as to get the tri-dimensional graph 20 disclosed
above, wherein the train positions are indicated in a planar
direction XY of the cylinder 21 and the trip histories and
reference timetables of trips are represented around the surface of
the cylinder 21.
[0056] Finally, in a step 204 the operator performs a plurality of
moving operations known per se on the cylinder 21, so as to acquire
combined train-related information to be used for planning a
railway service.
[0057] The tri-dimensional graph 20 combines the information
available for live train position and trip history with the
reference trip timetable, and this allows the operator of a
railway/metro train line to intuitively detect disturbances to the
operating trains, and use this information to determine remedial
actions and plan a railway service.
[0058] The current distribution of the trains can be related to the
trends in train positioning coming from past data and extrapolated
into the future. The past distribution of trip data can be examined
to determine how it has affected the current train
distribution.
[0059] FIG. 6 shows a schematic view of a supervisory system for
performing a planning process of a railway service according to the
present invention. The system includes a plurality of sensors 300
located along a railway track 302 and arranged to acquire data
relative to current train positions and to send this data to a
remote control unit 304 of the railway service. The remote control
unit 304 includes a memory 306 arranged to store predetermined
expected train positions, trip histories and reference timetables
of trips. The remote control unit further includes an elaboration
unit 308 arranged to combine, in a manner known per se, the data
relative to current train positions, the expected train positions,
the trip histories and the reference timetables of trips, so as to
get the tri-dimensional graph 20 above disclosed. The system
further includes a display unit 310 for visualizing the graph
20.
[0060] Clearly, the principle of the invention remaining the same,
the embodiments and the details of production can be varied
considerably from what has been described and illustrated purely by
way of non-limiting example, without departing from the scope of
protection of the present invention as defined by the attached
claims.
* * * * *
References