DESC:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
The Patent Rules, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See sections 10 & rule 13)
1. TITLE OF THE INVENTION
A SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANUAL OPERATION OF A GUIDED VEHICLE ENABLED FOR DRIVERLESS OPERATION
2. APPLICANT (S)
NAME NATIONALITY ADDRESS
BEML LIMITED IN BEML Soudha, No 23/1, 4th Main S.R. Nagar, Bengaluru- 560027, Karnataka, India.
3. PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

FIELD OF INVENTION:
[001] The present invention relates to the field of manual operation of a guided vehicle enabled for driverless operation. The present invention in particular relates to a system and method for manual operation & movement of a disabled vehicle.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART:
[002] In driverless mode of operation of guided vehicle 1, complete train operations viz., setting the vehicle to motion, stopping at designated stopping points and door open operation is controlled by automatic vehicle control system 2 on-board vehicle in communication with the way-side vehicle supervision system without any manual intervention by the attendant. Only door close operation at designated stopping points and the operation of the vehicle in the event of disruption is done by the attendant on-board vehicle.
[003] The operational commands for vehicle systems are from the Automatic Vehicle Control system processed by the Vehicle Control Unit (VCU) 3 communicated to the respective control systems via Vehicle Network of the Monitoring Control & Management System (MCMS) 4. In case of failure of the VCU or its communication with vehicle network, the operational commands cannot be processed and transmitted to the subsystems for vehicle movement and operation
[004] Reference may be made to the following:
[005] IN Publication No. 202244030932 relates to this control and drive assembly comprises a main control unit including electronic control means, a main motor for driving the or each leaf of the door, an auxiliary control module, as well as an auxiliary motor for driving the or each leaf. This relates to drive & control system of passenger saloon door in a transport vehicle meant for passenger exchange at the stations.
[006] Publication No. US2017309086 relates to a method and apparatus for rescuing driverless vehicles. A specific implementation of the method includes: collecting status information of a driverless vehicle; determining whether the driverless vehicle has an autonomous driving ability; if not, setting a driving mode of the driverless vehicle to a manual driving mode and further determining whether the driverless vehicle has a traveling ability in the manual driving mode; and collecting passenger information of the driverless vehicle and sending the status information and the passenger information to a cloud server providing support for the driverless vehicle, in response to the driverless vehicle not having the traveling ability in the manual driving mode.
[007] This determine whether the autonomous passenger vehicle such as automobile with a steering wheel (for maual driving mode) has an autonomous driving ability/traveling ability in the manual driving mode and if not; method to enable effective rescue of the driverless vehicle.
[008] Publication No. CN112769607 relates to a driverless vehicle software upgrading method, which comprises the following steps that: an upgrading terminal sends a VIN of a driverless vehicle acquired by a code scanning gun connected with the upgrading terminal to a server, and the server searches and matches vehicle information and fixed file attributes matched with the VIN in a database; the upgrading terminal receives vehicle information and fixed file attributes from the server; and the upgrading terminal automatically selects a firmware file according to the attribute of the fixed file after checking according to the vehicle information and the VIN code, and upgrades a hardware module of the unmanned vehicle. This is for automatic software upgradation in a driverless vehicle.
[009] Publication No. CN211875081 relates to a driverless vehicle drive-by-wire automatic gear shifting system which comprises an automatic gearbox control unit, an AMT gearbox, a gear shifting inhaul cable and a gear shifting execution motor assembly, the AMT gearbox comprises a gear shifting swing arm, and the gear shifting execution motor assembly comprises a gear shifting motor. The automatic gearbox control unit is electrically connected with the gear shifting motor, and the gear shifting motor is connected with one end of the gear shifting swing arm through a gear shifting inhaul cable. This is related to automatic transmission control system for gear shifting in mechanical transmission system.
[010] Publication No. CN211765484 relates to an automobile automatic braking mechanism and an unmanned automobile with the same. The automobile automatic braking mechanism is connected with a braking device. This is for automatic braking mechanism in a driverless/unmanned car/automobile.
[011] Publication No. GB2102160 relates to a driverless guided vehicle has a cargo loads receiving floor, an upright mounted on the vehicle in perpendicular relation to the floor, and a control means attached to the upright at a height easy to access by an operator on the route along which the driverless vehicle is guided. The control means includes a program switch panel, a manual dispatch switch, a manual stop switch, and a pair of handles.
[012] Patent No. US11242051 relates to methods and systems for communicating between autonomous vehicles are described herein. Such communication may be performed for signaling, collision avoidance, path coordination, and/or autonomous control. A first autonomous vehicle may receive a communication from a second autonomous vehicle travelling on the same road as the first autonomous vehicle, where the communication includes an indication of a maneuver which will be performed by the second autonomous vehicle. The first autonomous vehicle may then analyze the communication to identify a first maneuver for the first autonomous vehicle in response to the second maneuver performed by the second autonomous vehicle. Thus, the first autonomous vehicle may move in accordance with the first maneuver.
[013] Publication No. US2021343092 relates to systems, methods, and vehicles for taking a vehicle out-of-service. A method includes obtaining, by one or more computing devices on-board an autonomous vehicle, data indicative of one or more parameters associated with the autonomous vehicle. The autonomous vehicle is configured to provide a vehicle service to one or more users of the vehicle service. The method includes determining, by the computing devices, an existence of a fault associated with the autonomous vehicle based at least in part on the one or more parameters associated with the autonomous vehicle. The method includes determining, by the computing devices, one or more actions to be performed by the autonomous vehicle based at least in part on the existence of the fault. The method includes performing, by the computing devices, one or more of the actions to take the autonomous vehicle out-of-service based at least in part on the fault.
[014] Publication No. DE102019209686 relates to a method for safely recovering a first vehicle, comprising the steps of detecting a drive failure of a drive unit of the first vehicle, providing the detected drive failure to a second vehicle, providing the second vehicle to the first vehicle and transporting the first vehicle to a safe location by the second vehicle.
[015] Publication No. US2017305425 relates to a driverless vehicle, a driverless vehicle control method and a driverless vehicle control apparatus. The vehicle includes: a steering wheel and a processor. A sensor is provided on the steering wheel. The processor is configured to switch a driving mode of the driverless vehicle to a manual driving mode in response to detecting a sensing signal outputted by the sensor, when the driverless vehicle is in an autonomous driving mode. This implementation achieves smooth switching of the driving mode.
[016] The conventional methods require movement of the disabled vehicle by rescue vehicle and withdrawal from revenue service resulting in delayed running schedule and loss of revenue to the fleet operation provider. The attendant has to perform multiple operations to initiate vehicle movement and reduced ability operation of on-board systems through manual means. Existing technology requires movement of the disabled vehicle by rescue vehicle and withdrawal from revenue service resulting in delayed running schedule and loss of revenue to the fleet operation provider.
[017] In existing technology, relevant critical subsystem responsible for movement of vehicle and comfort of passengers are not equipped with manual operation provision in the event of failure of VCU or communication with the VCU.
[018] In order to overcome above listed prior art, the present invention aims to provide a system and method for manual operation of a guided vehicle enabled for driverless operation. The invention provides means for manual operation & movement of a disabled vehicle by the attendant with limited speed ensuring safety and comfort to passengers. Present invention enables the relevant critical system ready for manual operation of disabled vehicle with single operation via remote operation module by the attendant.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION:
[019] The principal object of the present invention is to provide to a system and method for manual operation of a guided vehicle enabled for driverless operation.
[020] Another object of the present invention is to provide a simple control system for manual operation of a guided vehicle enabled for driverless operation.
[021] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a system for manual operation of a guided vehicle enabled for driverless operation in which only single operation required by the attendant via remote operation module to enable manual operation of disabled vehicle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[022] The present invention relates to a system and method for manual operation of a guided vehicle enabled for driverless operation used in mass rapid transit application operating in dedicated routes/corridors. The system for manual operation of a guided vehicle enabled for driverless operation includes deploying a degraded mode of operation configured to manage the vehicle to a reduced operation state if the attendant is unable to control the vehicle when the conditions for manual driving and monitoring of vehicle status is not possible.
BREIF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[023] It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered for limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.
[024] Figure 1 shows flowchart according to the present invention;
[025] Figure 2 shows manual operation management system according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:
[026] The present invention provides a system and method for manual operation of a guided vehicle enabled for driverless operation used in mass rapid transit application operating in dedicated routes/corridors. The system for manual operation of a guided vehicle enabled for driverless operation includes deploying a degraded mode of operation configured to manage the vehicle to a reduced operation state if the attendant is unable to control the vehicle when the conditions for manual driving and monitoring of vehicle status is not possible.
[027] This is a control system. Only single operation required by the attendant via remote operation module to enable manual operation of disabled vehicle (fig 1).
[028] Fig. 2 shows manual operation management system 5 according to the invention. The management system 5 includes one remote operation module 6 that is installed in the attendant’s desk 7 and controller module 9 installed in the technical cabinet 10 on board a guided vehicle 1. The remote operation module 6 includes a button for selecting the manual operation by the attendant in the event of disabled vehicle movement provides information to the controller module 8. The controller module 8 provides commands to Input/output (I/O) modules of on board subsystems equipped for manual operation & movement of guided vehicle 1 with limited speed ensuring safety and comfort to passengers. The controller module 8 provides the information regarding initiation of manual operation through hardwired input to the following subsystem.
? Traction System 9 for implementation of speed restriction by means of traction cut off, if the vehicle speed exceeds defined speed limit.
? Brake System 10 for release of holding brake when the attendant commands for traction of vehicle and for application of fixed braking effort (only Electro Pneumatic) when the attendant commands for braking of vehicle.
? Air conditioning system 11 for operation in reduced cooling mode to provide minimum comfort to passengers while completion of the scheduled trip before the vehicle is taken out of service.
? MCMS 4 disabling of output commands overriding manual operation in the case of partial failure of MCMS.
? Enabling on-board systems responsible for vehicle movement, safe stopping and passenger comfort for manual reduced ability operation.
? Devising control logic and scheme for manual operation.
[029] In the event of failure of VCU or communication with the VCU of MCMS, manual operation of the vehicle can be initiated by the attendant. If the vehicle is not at one of the terminal stations, the vehicle is driven in degraded mode and the trip / service can be continued with passengers based on consultation with the traffic controller in the Centralized Control Center. Further, vehicle can be withdrawn from service after deboarding the passengers at terminal station and taken to maintenance depot for investigation of fault/maintenance.
[030] As the communication from MCMS to the on-board systems (Traction, Brake, Air-conditioning systems, MCMS etc.) is not available, the respective system functionality is commanded to operate in degraded mode via hardwired train line input to respective on-board system based on the manual operation selection by the attendant when the vehicle is at standstill.
[031] During manual degraded operation, MCMS disables its output commands overriding manual operation in the case of partial failure of MCMS.
[032] Air conditioning system will be operating in reduced cooling mode to provide minimum comfort to passengers while completion of the scheduled trip before the vehicle is taken out of service.
[033] The powering & braking information is provided through hardwired inputs to the Control units of Traction System & Brake system. When the attendant commands for traction of vehicle through Traction/Brake controller provided on the attendant’s desk /console; the holding brake is released by Brake System to enable vehicle movement.
[034] The tractive effort during traction command is set to fixed reference with speed restriction beyond pre-defined limit (max). When the vehicle speed reaches the speed limit, traction is cut off and traction will be re-enabled when the vehicle speed goes below pre-defined limit (min).
[035] When the attendant commands for braking of vehicle, fixed braking effort (only Electro Pneumatic) will be applied for deceleration and full-service brake application for safe stopping of the vehicle by Brake System.
[036] This method of manual operation involves simple control system. Only single operation required by the attendant via remote operation module to enable manual operation of disabled vehicle. Based on the single command by attendant, the control units of on-board systems are commanded for degraded mode of operation with minimum manual intervention.
[037] Numerous modifications and adaptations of the system of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and thus it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and adaptations which fall within the true spirit and scope of this invention.
,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:
1. A manual operation management system 5 comprises-
a) one remote operation module 6 installed in the attendant’s desk 7;
b) module 9 installed in the technical cabinet 10 on board a guided vehicle 1 characterizes a controller;
c) remote operation module 6 characterizing a button for selecting the manual operation by the attendant in the event of disabled vehicle movement provides information to the controller module 8 wherein the controller module 8 provides commands to Input/output (I/O) modules of on board subsystems equipped for manual operation & movement of guided vehicle 1 with limited speed ensuring safety and comfort to passengers and provides the information regarding initiation of manual operation through hardwired input to the following subsystem;
d) traction system 9 for implementation of speed restriction by means of traction cut off, if the vehicle speed exceeds defined speed limit;
e) brake system 10 for release of holding brake when the attendant commands for traction of vehicle and for application of fixed braking effort (only Electro Pneumatic) when the attendant commands for braking of vehicle;
f) air conditioning system 11 for operation in reduced cooling mode;
g) MCMS 4 disabling of output commands overriding manual operation in the case of partial failure of MCMS and enabling on-board systems responsible for vehicle movement, safe stopping and passenger comfort for manual reduced ability operation.
2. The manual operation management system, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system for manual operation of a guided vehicle enabled for driverless operation includes deploying a degraded mode of operation configured to manage the vehicle to a reduced operation state if the attendant is unable to control the vehicle when the conditions for manual driving and monitoring of vehicle status is not possible.
3. The manual operation management system, as claimed in claim 1, wherein only single operation required by the attendant via remote operation module to enable manual operation of disabled vehicle.