Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of bridge technology. In particular the present disclosure is about a system and method configured to rotate a bridge between two adjacent platforms of a railway station to facilitate users avoiding foot-over bridges.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed disclosure, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] Conventionally, crossing between two platforms at a railway station, passengers uses foot-over bridges connecting the platforms. But they face difficulty as foot-over bridges are found overcrowded during peak hours. Furthermore, the conventional bridge system is mostly aged and built with out-dated technology with several existing deficiency like enclosed narrow space of foot over path and mostly these bridges have a fixed structure a one position which makes it an inconvenient for the passengers as it sometimes found far away from the optimal crossing point, which creates an unnecessary extra distance to travel to the desired point.
[0004] However, advent of technology helps to modify them where these traditional foot-over bridges are modified with elevators and escalators for vertical movement of the passengers to move from the ground to the level of bridge, but they are limited in number and frequently undergo maintenance, resulting heavy gathering and excessive pressure on the foot-over bridges.
[0005] Also, these bridges are not appropriate for the movement of old aged and handicapped passengers and their carriage like battery operated carts and wheelchairs used for the ease of old and disable persons. Therefore, a convenient and easy system is required, which can address the abovementioned difficulties faced by the users.
[0006] To address this issue, efforts have been made in various prior arts. For example, a research journal “Smart bridge between railway platform” by P Venkata Sai et al, International Journal of Computer Application, Volume 175, September 2020, proposes a smart bridge between railway platforms for crossing the railway track instead of staircase bridges especially elderly people or handicapped people. The proposed system operates by sensing the occurrence of the train; a movable platform will connect two railway platforms. The sensing for occurrence of the train is performed by IR sensors and ultrasonic sensors, and a microcontroller unit enabled with Wi-Fi module solves the communication issues.
[0007] While the referred paper discloses a smart bridge system to connect the platforms on the occurrence of the train, there is a possibility to disclose such bridges between the two platforms that can address the abovementioned limitation and problem to help travelling by old and physically handicapped users.
[0008] Therefore, there exists a requirement for a simple, automated, and cost-effective system for bridges which operate efficiently between two platforms to effectively manage the movement of old and handicapped passengers along with their luggage and ease the position of overcrowding at stations.

OBJECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0009] A general object of the present disclosure is to provide a system and method with both translator and transverse motion for a rotating bridge that can travel from one end of the platforms to other end of the platforms as well as rotates its cabin between the platforms to connect them.
[0010] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a simple and automated bridge system using sensors and controller unit.
[0011] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system with rotating mechanism to rotate the bridge by sensing load and arrival/ departure of a train.
[0012] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a movable bridge to move on a fixed track designed between the two-platform for movement at desired position from one end to another end between the two platforms.
SUMMARY
[0013] This section is provided to introduce certain objects and aspects of the present disclosure in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify the key features or the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0014] Aspects of the present disclosure relates to the field of bridge technology. In particular the present disclosure is about a system and method configured to rotate a bridge between two adjacent platforms of a railway station to facilitate users avoiding foot-over bridges. More precisely, a rotating bridge is mounted on a fixed track to enable longitudinal movement from one end to another at the desired point and can also rotate to connect two platforms in a same plane with their ramped edges given at both open ends.
[0015] In an aspect, the proposed system to rotate a bridge and connect two platforms at a railway station includes a track centrally configured between the two platforms to facilitate longitudinal movement of the bridge; a moving mechanism to rotate the bridge transversely over the track in a deployed position in which the floor of the bridge from two sides touched the inner edges of the respective platforms in a similar plane, and in un-deployed position in which the bridge remain longitudinally placed over the track; a plurality of sensors to sense to and from movement of a train in platform from either directions; and a controller in communication with the sensors, including at least one storage, one or more processor coupled with memory storing instructions, when executed by one or more processors, causes at least one processor to perform operations to receive data from sensors for the incoming and outgoing movement of the train; activate a buzzer to alert passengers on board the bridge to vacate the bridge; actuate moving mechanism to rotate the bridge from the deployed position to un-deployed position between the platforms; receive data from the sensors for the train indicating absence of the train in platform; and actuate the moving mechanism to rotate the bridge from the un-deployed position to the deployed position to restore passenger’s movements.
[0016] In an aspect, the two platforms are configured at the railway station parallel to each other to facilitate movement of trains on railway tracks placed inner side of two platforms leaving gap between the two tracks to configure track for the rotating bridge.
[0017] In an aspect, the sensors including ultrasonic sensors, long range transmitter sensors, long range receiving sensors, and a pressure sensor.
[0018] In an aspect, the ultrasonic sensors and long-range transmitter sensors are placed together opposite to each other on masts placed at both ends of the two platforms.
[0019] In an aspect, the controller is ARM Cortex M4 microcontroller configured to receive signals from the sensors and process to generate command for actuation of the moving mechanism.
[0020] In an aspect, the system including long-range receiving sensors positioned along with the controller on the bridge to receive signals from the long-range transmitter to send to the controller.
[0021] In an aspect, the pressure sensor is configured with a pressure plate coupled to the bottom of floor of the bridge to generate pressure signal when the floor is pressed due to passengers and luggage.
[0022] In an aspect, the moving mechanism includes DC motors actuated by the controller to move the bridge longitudinally from one end to another end of the platforms and to rotate transversely.
[0023] In an aspect, the system includes a buzzer actuated by the controller to warn passenger and to vacate the bridge in case of signal received from the long range receivers indicating movement of the train from either direction towards the platforms.
[0024] Another aspect of the disclosure is a method for rotating a bridge for connecting two platforms of a railway station including steps for receiving data from sensors for the incoming and outgoing movement of a train; activating a buzzer to alert passengers on board of the bridge for vacating the bridge; actuating moving mechanism for rotating the bridge from a deployed position to an un-deployed position between the platforms; receiving data from the sensors for the train indicating absence of the train in platform; and actuating the moving mechanism for rotating the bridge from the un-deployed position to the deployed position to restore passenger’s movements.
[0025] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary representation of a block diagram for a system to rotate bridge between two platforms in a railway station, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0028] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary representation of un-deployed position of the rotating bridge between two platforms, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0029] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary representation of deployed position of the rotating bridge connecting two platforms with ramped edges, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0030] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram of the system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0031] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary method block diagram of rotating bridge for deployment and un-deployment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
 
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0033] Features described in the context of an embodiment any correspondingly are applicable to the same or similar features in the other embodiment. Features that are described in the context of an embodiment may correspondingly be applicable to the other embodiments, even if not explicitly described in other embodiments. Furthermore, additions and/or combinations and/or alternatives are described for a feature in the context of an embodiment may correspondingly be applicable to the same or similar feature in the other embodiments.
[0034] Embodiments explained herein relate to the field of bridge technology. In particular the present disclosure is about a system and method configured to rotate a bridge between two adjacent platforms of a railway station to facilitate users avoiding foot-over bridges.
[0035] According to embodiment, the present disclosure elaborates upon a system to rotate a bridge and connect two platforms at a railway station includes a track to facilitate longitudinal movement of the bridge; a moving mechanism to rotate the bridge transversely to connect respective platforms in a similar plane; a plurality of sensors; and a controller to perform operations to receive data from sensors for the incoming and outgoing movement of the train; activate a buzzer to alert passengers on board of the bridge to vacate; actuate moving mechanism to rotate the bridge from a deployed position to un-deployed position between the platforms; receive data from the sensors for the train indicating vacation of platform; and actuate the moving mechanism to rotate the bridge from the un-deployed position to the deployed position to restore passenger’s movements.
[0036] In an embodiment, the two platforms are configured at the railway station parallel to each other to facilitate movement of trains on railway tracks placed inner side of two platforms leaving gap between the two tracks to configure track for the rotating bridge.
[0037] In an embodiment, the sensors including ultrasonic sensors, long range transmitter sensors, long range receiving sensors, and a pressure sensor.
[0038] In an embodiment, the ultrasonic sensors and long-range transmitter sensors are placed together opposite to each other on masts placed at both ends of the two platforms.
[0039] In an embodiment, the controller is ARM Cortex M4 microcontroller configured to receive signals from the sensors and process to generate command for actuation of the moving mechanism.
[0040] In an embodiment, the system including long-range receiving sensors positioned along with the controller on the bridge to receive signals from the long-range transmitter to send to the controller.
[0041] In an embodiment, the pressure sensor is configured with a pressure plate coupled to the bottom of floor of the bridge to generate pressure signal when the floor is pressed due to passengers and luggage.
[0042] In an embodiment, the moving mechanism includes DC motors actuated by the controller to move the bridge longitudinally from one end to another end of the platforms and to rotate transversely.
[0043] In an embodiment, the system includes a buzzer actuated by the controller to warn passenger and to vacate the bridge in case of signal received from the long range receivers indicating movement of the train from either direction towards the platforms.
[0044] Referring now to the FIG. 1 where an exemplary block diagram of a system 100 to rotate a bridge 112 to connect two platforms in a railway station is shown.
[0045] In an embodiment, the system 100 for real-time rotating bridge 112 is an advanced platforms 202 (refer platforms in FIG. 2) connectivity solution including several key components. Together, these components automate bridge 112 movements, ensuring safety and efficiency and the ability to traverse stations for flexible access. The system 100 for rotating a bridge 112 between two adjacent platform 202-1 and 202-2 (collectively referred as platforms 202, herein) at a same plane at a railway station for ease of passengers especially old aged and handicapped persons facing difficulties in using foot-over bridge, includes a track 204 (refer track 204 in FIG. 2) for movement of the bridge 112; a plurality of sensors 102; a moving mechanism 106; and a controller 104.
[0046] In an embodiment, the plurality of sensors 102 including ultrasonic sensors 102-A, long range transmitter sensors 102-B, long range receiving sensors 102-C, and a pressure sensor 102-D. The ultrasonic sensors 102-A and long-range transmitter sensors 102-B are placed together opposite to each other on masts 212 placed at both ends of the two platforms 202.
[0047] In an embodiment, the moving mechanism 106 including DC motors 108 actuated by the controller 104 to move the bridge 112 longitudinally from one end to another end of the platforms 202 and to rotate transversely between the two platforms 202.
[0048] In an embodiment, the controller 104 is ARM Cortex M4 microcontroller configured to receive signals from the sensors 102 and process to generate command for actuation of the moving mechanism 106. The ARM Cortex-M4 controller 104 is a 32-bit RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) processor designed for high-performance with low-powered embedded system. ARM Cortex-M4 104 is specifically designed to optimize the digital signal control (DSC) applications with efficient control and advanced signal processing capabilities.
[0049] In an embodiment, the power supply to the system 100 including DC motors 108 is supplied through power supply module 110 including rechargeable batteries placed within the bridge.
[0050] In an embodiment, in a case-I where the bridge 112 is positioned in a deployed position as shown in FIG. 3. Upon detecting the train by the ultrasonic sensor 102-A placed on the mast 212-1 configured for platform 202-1, the ultrasonic sensor 102-A transmit this data to coupled LoRa transmitter 102-B, which will transmit the data to the LoRa receiver 102-C configured with the controller 104 in the bridge.
[0051] In an embodiment, the controller 104 compares the present weight on the bridge 112, detected through the pressure plate 116 through the pressure sensor 102-D with a reference weight value stored in the memory unit of the controller 104. The ARM Cortex-M4 processor evaluate the difference values and if there is a variation, the controller 104 activates command to the buzzer 114 configured with the bridge 112 to raise an alarm to unload the weight and for vacating the bridge 112 by the passengers.
[0052] In an embodiment, once the bridge 112 is vacated and pressure sensors 102-D data becomes equal to the pre-defined value indicating empty bridge 112, the controller 104 generate command that enables the moving mechanism 106 to activate DC motor 108 to start rotating the bridge 112 in un-deployed position as shown in FIG. 3 where the bridge 112 is positioned parallel with respect to the platforms 202.
[0053] In an embodiment, for a case-II where the bridge is positioned in un-deployed position as shown in FIG. 2 where the bridge 112 is parallel to the two platforms 202. Upon detecting the departure of the train by the ultrasonic sensor 102-A placed on the mast 212-2 (not shown) configured opposite end of the platform 202-1, the ultrasonic sensor 102-A, which is facing towards platform 202-1 along with the coupled LoRa transmitter 102-B, transmit departure data of the train and vacation of platform 202-1. The data received by the LoRa receiver 102-C send to the controller 104 for processing and once, there is no train on the platform 202-1 and 202-2, the moving mechanism 106 is activated to rotate the bridge 112 to connect platforms 202.
[0054] FIGs. 2 and FIG. 3 illustrate exemplary representation of un-deployed position 200 and deployed position 300 respectively, of the rotating bridge 112 for two platforms 202 at the railway station.
[0055] In an embodiment, the bridge 112 is positioned and able to move longitudinally over the track 204 centrally configured between the two platforms 202. The bridge 112 is like a cabin open at both ends. The body of the bridge 112 for robust construction, is generally, made of iron/steel material. The body includes two pair of wheels 208-1, 208-2, and 208-3, 208-4 (collectively referred as wheels 208, herein) for movement over the track 204. The length of the track 204 is kept more than the length of the two platforms 202 extending either side of the platforms 202 to have tolerance in movement.
[0056] In an embodiment, the ultrasonic sensors 102-A and long range transmitter sensors 102-B are placed together opposite to each other on masts 212-1 where the ultrasonic sensors 102-A face opposite to the platform and the long range transmitter sensors 102-B faces towards the bridge 112. The direction of the train movement is shown by arrows placed between the railway tracks of the two platforms 202. The position of placement of the mast 212 is generally kept around 5 kilometers from the platforms 202 and can be varied based on the speed of the train coming to the station.
[0057] In an embodiment, the ultrasonic sensor 102-A, positioned 5 km from the station, detects an approaching train and sends a signal via the loRa transmitter sensor 102-B to the controller 104 via the LoRa receiver 102-C. The controller processes the signal and checks pressure plates 116 for activating buzzer 114 to ensure no passenger or luggage on the floor 210 of the bridge 112 and nearby area of the bridge 112. If the floor 210 of the bridge 112 is free from passengers and luggage, the DC motors 108 rotates the bridge 112 from un-deployed position 200 to the deployed position 300 vertical to the platforms 202 within a few seconds.
[0058] In an embodiment, the bridge 112 can be moved along the track 204 to different access points along the length of the platforms 202 as needed, optimizing passengers flow.
[0059] In an embodiment, when the train leaving the platform 202-1, the ultrasonic sensor 102-A, which is facing towards the platform 202-1on the mast 21202 (not shown) detects an approaching train and sends a signal to the loRa transmitter sensor 102-B and to the controller 104 via the LoRa receiver 102-C. The controller processes the signal and wait for no signal means the passing of the train from the platform 202-1, generates command to actuate moving mechanism is 106 which in turn starts the motor to return the bridge 112 to deployed position 300, reconnecting platforms 202.
[0060] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram 400 of the system 100 to rotate the bridge 112 from a deployed position 300 to un-deployed position 200 and from un-deployed position 200 to the deployed position 300.
[0061] In an embodiment, the system 100 starts 402 as soon as train approaches the ultrasonic sensor 102-A, positioned 5 km from the station as per block 404 to sends signal via the loRa transmitter sensor 102-B as per block 406 to the controller 104 via the LoRa receiver 102-C as per block 408.
[0062] In an embodiment, the controller 104 processes the signal and checks activated pressure plates 116 according to block 410 and if there passengers or luggage is in the bridge 112, activating buzzer 114 to ensure no passenger or luggage on the floor 210 of the bridge 112 and nearby area of the bridge 112 as per block 412.
[0063] In an embodiment, if the floor 210 of the bridge 112 is free from passengers and luggage, as per block 414, the DC motors 108 rotates the bridge 112 from un-deployed position 200 to the deployed position 300 vertical to the platforms 202 within a few seconds to stop operation as per block 416. This automated process ensures seamless operation, with safety features like pressure plates 116 preventing rotation while occupied and the buzzer 114 enhancing awareness, making it a practical and scalable solution for railway stations.
[0064] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary method 500 block diagram of rotating bridge 112 for deployment and un-deployment. The method 500 for rotating a bridge 112 for connecting two platforms 202 of a railway station including step 502 for receiving data from sensors 102 for the incoming and outgoing movement of a train.
[0065] In an embodiment, as per step 504, activating a buzzer 114 to alert passengers on board of the bridge for vacating the bridge 112.
[0066] In an embodiment, as per step 506, actuating moving mechanism 106 for rotating the bridge 112 from a deployed position 200 to an un-deployed position 300 between the platforms 202.
[0067] In an embodiment, according to step 508, receiving data from the sensors 102 for the train indicating absence of the train in platform 202.
[0068] In an embodiment, step 510 defines actuating the moving mechanism 106 for rotating the bridge 112 from the un-deployed position 300 to the deployed position 200 to restore passenger’s movements.
[0069] Thus, the disclosure addresses the overcrowding on foot over bridges, limited accessibility for disabled and elderly passengers, safety risks from illegal track crossings, and inefficiencies in passenger movement that disrupt train operations at railway stations. The system 100 that integrates sensors 102 and ARM based controller 104 to enhance accessibility at busy railway stations. The system 100 is automatic and cost efficient due to dual movement, connecting two platforms 202 and moving along the track 204 to have different access position between the two platforms 202 to handle crowd.
[0070] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions, or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0071] The present disclosure provides a system and method with both translator and transverse motion for a rotating bridge that can travel from one end of the platforms to other end of the platforms as well as rotates its cabin between the platforms to connect them.
[0072] The present disclosure provides a simple and automated bridge system using sensors and controller unit.
[0073] The present disclosure provides a system with rotating mechanism to rotate the bridge by sensing load and arrival/ departure of a train.

[0074] The present disclosure provides a movable bridge to move on a fixed track designed between the two-platform for movement at desired position from one end to another end between the two platforms.
[0075] The present disclosure provides ease of travel experience to aged and handicapped persons.
, Claims:1. A system (100) to rotate a bridge (112) and connect two platforms (202) at a railway station, the system (100) comprising:
a track (204) centrally configured between the two platforms (202) to facilitate longitudinal movement of the bridge (112);
a moving mechanism (106) to rotate the bridge (112) transversely over the track (204) in a deployed position (200) in which the floor (210) of the bridge (112) from two sides touched the inner edges of the respective platforms (202) in a similar plane, and in un-deployed position (300) in which the bridge (112) remain longitudinally placed over the track;
a plurality of sensors (102) to sense to and from movement of a train in platform (202) from either directions; and
a controller (104) in communication with the sensors (102), comprising at least one storage, one or more processor coupled with memory storing instructions, when executed by one or more processors, causes at least one processor to perform operations to:
receive data from sensors (102) for the incoming and outgoing movement of the train;
activate a buzzer (114) to alert passengers on board the bridge to vacate the bridge (112);
actuate moving mechanism (106) to rotate the bridge (112) from the deployed position (200) to un-deployed position (300) between the platforms (202);
receive data from the sensors (102) for the train indicating absence of the train in platform (202); and
actuate the moving mechanism (106) to rotate the bridge (112) from the un-deployed position (300) to the deployed position (200) to restore passenger’s movements.
2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the two platforms (202) are configured at a railway station parallel to each other to facilitate movement of trains on railway tracks (206) placed inner side of two platforms (202) leaving gap between the two tracks (206) to configure track (204) for the rotating bridge (112).
3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensors (102) comprising ultrasonic sensors (102-A), long range transmitter sensors (102-B), long range receiving sensors (102-C), and a pressure sensor (102-D).
4. The system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the ultrasonic sensors (102-A) and long-range transmitter sensors (102-B) are placed together opposite to each other on masts (212) placed at both ends of the two platforms (202).
5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller (104) is ARM Cortex M4 microcontroller configured to receive signals from the sensors (102) and process to generate command for actuation of the moving mechanism (106).
6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system (100) comprising long-range receiving sensors (102-C) positioned along with the controller (104) on the bridge (112) to receive signals from the long-range transmitter (102-B) to send to the controller (104).
7. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pressure sensor (102-D) is configured with a pressure plate (116) coupled to the bottom of floor (210) of the bridge (112) to generate pressure signal when the floor (210) is pressed due to passengers and luggage.
8. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the moving mechanism (106) comprising DC motors (108) actuated by the controller (104) to move the bridge (112) longitudinally from one end to another end of the platforms (202) and to rotate transversely.
9. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system (100) comprises a buzzer (114) actuated by the controller (104) to warn passenger and to vacate the bridge (112) in case of signal received from the LoRa receivers (102-C) indicating movement of the train from either direction towards the platforms (202).
10. A method (500) for rotating a bridge (112) for connecting two platforms (202) of a railway station, the method (500) comprising steps for:
receiving data from sensors (102) for the incoming and outgoing movement of a train;
activating a buzzer (114) to alert passengers on board of the bridge for vacating the bridge (112);
actuating moving mechanism (106) for rotating the bridge (112) from a deployed position (200) to an un-deployed position (300) between the platforms (202);
receiving data from the sensors (102) for the train indicating absence of the train in platform (202); and
actuating the moving mechanism (106) for rotating the bridge (112) from the un-deployed position (300) to the deployed position (200) to restore passenger’s movements.