Improvement of Availability of Level Crossing System by Autonomous Decentralized Technology

Abstract

A level crossing, which is an intersection of an automobile and a railway is important for a railway operator. We have to consider the conveniences and availability for passer-by (pedestrians, vehicles, etc.), as well as the safety. Once a level crossing detects a failure, it makes/keeps warning according to its fail-safe philosophy and prevents passer-by from entering the train area. However, this long time warning causes not only inconveniences but also dangerous situations. For example, it may cause situations that frustrated passer-by run through the level crossing barriers and enter tracks. To solve this, we apply autonomous decentralized technology to level crossing system. We have developed a network level crossing system, in which several level crossing controllers are connected through the Ethernet to exchange their operational data. Once one controller detects a failure, it operates by means of another controllers' data. As a result, by alternative level crossing function, passer-by need not undergo unnecessary long time warning.