The present invention relates to an improved Railway Signaling System. Because of this state of the art system, it will enhance the capacity of Railway network because of the overall improvement of the driver's confidence as well as the efficiency and safety.
Generally the Railway network available today uses fixed signals on the track to convey information to the driver regarding the status of the track ahead. This type of signaling has the limitation that it can only tell the driver where to stop and it is the driver's responsibility to take decision, how to control the train. The existing signaling system does not enforce the controlling feature on the train.
The factors, which are of paramount importance to the driver when he approaches a Railway station, are:
a) The quantum of Information provided to the drivers by the signals.
b) The location at which the information is exchanged.
c) The time at which the information is exchanged.
d) The quality of information exchanged.
These considerations are becoming more and more important as the block section length is reduced necessitating proper guidance to the driver at all times. In today's signaling system, all the aspects of signals fall short of the different messages that need to be given to a driver unequivocally when he approaches a station. Certain ambiguity therefore exists in the information that the driver has. As a result, the tendency is to approach the station with caution thereby reducing the throughput. An ideal signaling system is the one where at the first pre-warning signaling itself, the driver is able to receive the unambiguous information about the action to be taken by him as he proceeds towards station.
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Hence a need was felt to improve the signaling system in vogue. This invention precisely overcome all the deficiencies in the existing system and more, where in we employ an innovative technique to improve signaling, driver's confidence and enhance capacity of Rail network. In one of the embodiment under our invention we make use of interfacing equipment, which will interact with any automatic train control system to improve present signaling system. This technique does not compromise on safety at all. In fact it improves the safety, since the driver is better informed.
In a Railway network, stations are normally located within a distance of approximately 8 kms from each other. The station is typically 1000 m. long. The approach to the station is where slowing up of trains would start due to inadequate information conveyed by the present signaling system. This approach distance to the station is about 2 kms. Most trains do not stop at all stations and run through more stations than they stop at. The speed at which the trains run through the stations therefore is a critical parameter that would determine the running time of a train through a section and hence total throughput capacity (of the network). The Railways use several signaling schemes to safely move trains. The signaling schemes in place has an important role In determining the action of the driver in terms of slowing down as train approaches a station.
In Railway parlance the word 'Point' (switch) means a device used for diverting the track in which the train can move. These points are inter linked with interlocking devices
Accordingly, the present invention consists of an improved railway signaling system comprising interlocking equipment, an interface device with a selection logic, line side electronic unit, track transponders (Balises) and interconnecting communication cable wherein the interface device capable of verifying the input data received from the interlocking equipment with that of the data already stored to enable to give the out put signal to the driver, and

the interlocking equipment connected there in having a plurality of Input and out put reiays, programmable devices and populated PCBs, capable of preventing conflicting train movements, ensuring safety in station area by taking the status of points, signals, track circuits which shows the presence of train and the said line side electronic unit with populated PCB and circuitry capable of translating the command from the selection logic device into a codified format acceptable to the track transponders which convert into electro magnetic waves to be picked up by the train locomotives.
Now the invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, bringing out a number of embodiments of the arrangement according to the invention.
Flg-1: Possible route taken by a Train at a section in the existing system.
Fig-2 :The graphical representation of Information built up as the driver approaches the station as per the existing system.
Fig-3 : Improved Railway signaling System as per the present invention
In the figures the abbreviation stands for the followlng:-
D: Distant signal; H: Home Signal; L.S: Loop Line Starter Signal; M.S: Main Line Starter Signal; WB : Warning Board; S: Starter Signal; ID; Interface Device with Selection logic; I: Interlocking Equipment; LEU: Line Side Electronic Equipment; T: Transducer ( Balises)
Refer the Fig .1. As the train approaches the station It could take one of the following possible path.
i) Stop at the first stop signal (at the entrance of the station)(Home signal)
II) Stop on the main line (at main line starter signal)
III) Run through the station on main line (the speed may be 100 kmph )

iv) Stop on the loop line (where entry speed into the loop is 50 kmph on account of provision of high speed switches) (at loop line starter signal)
v) Run through the station on the loop line at 50 l