Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an automatic railway gate control system and particularly to a system and method for controlling gates on a railway crossing.
Description of Related Art
[002] Railway transport is one of the most dependable modes of transport as it is the least affected by weather conditions such as rains, fog, and so forth, as compared with other transports. A number of railway accidents happen due to faults at a crossing between railway and a highway where a manual operation of rail gateways is still prevalent.
[003] Generally, most of the unmanned railway gate control systems include Infrared (IR) sensors and inductive sensors. In such prior developments, these sensors are generally located at a certain distance before and after the train track gates. When a train passes from a first IR sensor, the train track gate closes to stop passersby. Further, when the train crosses from proximity of a second IR sensor, the train track gate gets open again for allowing the passersby to cross the on-road train track.
[004] Such conventional systems are having major disadvantages as the IR sensors get activated in an open environment, for example, Infrared radiation received from the sun can activate the IP sensors. Further, in these IR sensors based conventional systems; there is a chance of the train track gate to be activated on sensing any other detection such as any animal or human being on the train track. Also, once the barrier is closed, anyone can cross it, which maximizes the possibility of accidents.
[005] In view of the aforementioned drawbacks and limitations of the prior art, the present invention disclosing an automatic railway gate control system, is devised.
SUMMARY
[006] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide an automatic railway gate control system comprising a microcontroller. The automatic railway gate control system further comprising a plurality of sensors, wherein the sensors are ultrasonic sensors, such that the ultrasonic sensors are placed at certain a distance on both ends of a level crossing to detect an arrival of the a train on the a train track. The automatic railway gate control system further comprising axle counters placed on the train track further counts axles of the passing trains at one or more points on the train track arranged to ensure the arrival of the train with a specific number of axles and passing the train from the level crossing. The automatic railway gate control system further comprising sliding barriers arranged at both sides of the level crossing and configured to open and close in accordance with a signal received from the microcontroller in a way that when arriving of the train is detected, the microcontroller sends transmits a first signals for closing of the sliding barriers to stop people to cross the level crossing and once the train is passed, the microcontroller sends transmits a second signals for opening of the sliding barriers to allow the people to pass the level crossing.
[007] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide an automatic railway gate control system. The automatic railway gate control system includes a plurality of sensors. The system further includes sliding barriers based on a turning concept. The system further includes axle counters to ensure an arrival of a train. The automatic railway gate control system further includes a microcontroller to control the functionalities of one or more system elements.
[008] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a number of advantages depending on its particular configuration. First, embodiments of the present application provide an automatic railway gate control system that is configured to have a provision of two fold safety for correct detection of arrival and passing of the train as it uses ultrasonic sensors and axle counters.
[009] Next, embodiments of the present application provide an automatic railway gate control system that is configured for getting alerts using a buzzer for alerting people for an arrival of the train, a LCD display for displaying speed and distance of train from the level crossing and/or an LED light to aware people before the arrival of the train and the departure of the train.
[0010] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide an automatic railway gate control system that comprises sliding barriers that work on turning concept; once the sliding barriers are closed no one can cross the barrier. Further, when the signal of vacancy of train track is obtained, the microcontroller is arranged to keep the sliding barriers open for the passing of people and vehicles from the highway/road.
[0011] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a process implementable as a computer program that work along an automatic railway gate control system.
[0012] These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein.
[0013] The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:
[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram depicting an automatic railway gate control system (100), according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart depicting components of the microcontroller (116)of the automatic railway gate control system (100), according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. Optional portions of the figures may be illustrated using dashed or dotted lines, unless the context of usage indicates otherwise.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
[0019] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.
[0020] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.
[0021] The present invention discloses an automatic railway gate control system (100). The present invention is conceptualized to eliminate chances of an accident due to a fault in a gate operating system of a railway when a train passes from a juncture of a train track (102) and highway (104), which is generally called a level crossing (112). The non-limiting elements of the automatic railway gate control system (100) are a plurality of sensors (106), axle counters (108), and sliding barriers (110).
[0022] The present system further includes a microcontroller board (114) that includes a microcontroller (116). The microcontroller board (114) is equipped with sets of digital and analog input/output (I/O) pins that may be interfaced to various expansion boards and other circuits. The automatic railway gate control system (100) further includes a dc motor (120) for operating the sliding barriers (110). The microcontroller board (114) may be connected to the components of the automatic railway gate control system (100) over a communication network (118).
[0023] In an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of sensors (106) are ultrasonic sensors. These ultrasonic sensors are placed near the train track (102) at both side of the level crossing (112).
[0024] As a train approaches the level crossing (112) from either side, the plurality of sensors (106) placed in the track (102) at a certain distance from the railway gate detects the approaching train and accordingly controls the operation of the railway gate. When wheels of the train move over the train track (102), the sensors (106) sense the vibration and transmit the signal to the microcontroller (116) to indicate an arrival of the train. The axle counters (108) placed on the train track (102) further counts axles of the passing train, which are at one or more points on the train track (102), from which information is obtained as to whether the train with a very specific number of axles has passed the railway gate or not. The use of the axle counters (108) ensures the utmost safety during the operation of the railway gate. Based on the inputs receive from the sensors (106) and the axle counters (108), the microcontroller (116) enables the opening and closing of the sliding barriers (110) at the level crossing (112). When the microcontroller (116) receives the signal for an arrival of the train, it transmits operating signals to the DC motor 120 for closing of the sliding barriers (110).
[0025] The sliding barriers (110) works on turning concept that once the sliding barriers (110) are closed no one can cross the sliding barriers (110). Further, when the signals of a vacant train track (102) are obtained from the sensors (106), the microcontroller (116) sends a signal to keep the sliding barriers (110) open for passing of people and vehicles from the highway (104).
[0026] In some embodiments of the present invention, the sliding barriers (110) are power operated. In further embodiments of the present invention, the sliding barriers (110) are powered by a battery chargeable using solar energy.
[0027] In an embodiment of the present invention, one set of the sensors (106) are placed at the front end of the train to detect obstacles and also to detect another train approaching from an opposite side. When there is an obstacle, the sensors (106) are configured to sense the object and transmit a signal to the microcontroller (116) to convey the obstacle detection alert to a railway control room. In an embodiment of the present invention, the microcontroller board (114) may be installed at the railway control room. In another embodiment of the present invention, the microcontroller board (114) may be installed near the level crossing (112). These sensors (106) are placed at a certain distance from the level crossing (112) to detect the train coming from either direction to the level crossing (112). Then, the information of the train is transferred to the microcontroller board (114) over the communication network (118). The microcontroller (116) may further be configured to switch on a red light (126), generates an alarm and may automatically pull down the railway gate immediately. The sensors (106) determines whether the train passes a certain distance or not from the level crossing (112). If the train passed from the level crossing (112), then the microcontroller (116) may switch on a green light (126), stops the alarm and pull the railway gate up. If any vehicle gets stuck at the level crossing (112) of the train track (102) is detected by the sensors (106) placed at the level crossing (112).
[0028] Referring to FIG. 2, in an embodiment of the present invention, the microcontroller (116) further includes an input module (202), a data processing module (204), a gate control module (206) and a display module (208).
[0029] In an embodiment of the present invention, the input module (202) is configured to receive input signals from the ultrasonic sensors (106) and the axle counters (108). The input signals may include data associated with a train on the train track (102) for example, an arrival of a train, a departure of the train, a moving train, no train on the train track (102), number of axles passed through the axle counters (108), and so forth.
[0030] The data processing module (204) is configured to process the input signals to ensure an arrival of a train at the level crossing (112). The data processing module (204) further sends signals to the gate control module (206).
[0031] The gate control module (206) may be configured for controlling operation of the sliding barriers (110), in an embodiment of the present invention. In case, the gate control module (206) determines that no train is arriving at the level crossing (112), then the gate control module (206) may be configured to send a second signal to open the sliding barriers (110). In case, the gate control module (206) determines that a train is arriving at the level crossing (112), then the gate control module (206) may be configured to send a first signal to close the sliding barriers (110).
[0032] In an embodiment of the present invention, the display module (208) may be configured to control operations of components including, but not limited to, a buzzer (122), a Light Emitting Display (LED) or a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) Display (124), and a light (126) for alerting people. In an embodiment of the present invention, the information of the train arrival is transferred from the data processing module (204) to the display module (208) of the microcontroller (116).
[0033] Further, the display module (208) may be configured to activate the buzzer (122) and/or red LED light (126) immediately. In an embodiment of the present invention, the buzzer (122) includes an audio signaling device that may be mechanical, electro-mechanical or piezo-electric device.
[0034] In another embodiment of the present invention, the display module (208) may be configured to for displaying an arrival of the train and to display a speed and a distance of the train from the level crossing (112) on a LED/LCD display (124).
[0035] In best mode of invention, the microcontroller (116) used in the present invention is Arduino UNO. The automatic railway gate control system (100) further includes a process implementable as a computer program that works along the present system, to operate the whole system of railway gate.
[0036] As shown in FIG. 3, the process (300) starts at a step (302). At a step (304), the automatic railway gate control system (100) may detect an arrival of a train using the sensors (106) such as, but not limited to, ultrasonic sensors.
[0037] Further, at a step (306), the automatic railway gate control system (100) may transmit information of detecting the train to the microcontroller (116) such as, but not limited to, an Arduino device.
[0038] At a step (308), the automatic railway gate control system (100) may receive the information at the microcontroller (116) as signals. Further, at a step (310), the automatic railway gate control system (100) may determine whether the train is detected on the train track (102) or not. In case, the train is not detected, the method (300) may return to the step (304) and continues detecting an arrival of a train. In case, the automatic railway gate control system (100) determines that a train is detected, then the method (300) proceeds to a step (312).
[0039] At the step (312), the automatic railway gate control system (100) may activate components for notifying people regarding the arrival of the train. The automatic railway gate control system (100) may activate a buzzer (122) to alert people about the arrival of train. This feature is helpful for blind people. In addition, the automatic railway gate control system (100) may close the sliding barriers (110) for stopping people to cross the level crossing (112). In case, the automatic railway gate control system (100) may detect an obstacle while closing the sliding barriers (110), an alarm may be generated.
[0040] Further, at step (314), the automatic railway gate control system (100) may detect the train on the train track (102). In case, the train is not detected, then the automatic railway gate control system (100) may deactivated the components and conclude the method (300). In addition, the automatic railway gate control system (100) may transmit a second signal to open the sliding barriers (110) to allow people to pass again. Otherwise , the method (300) may return to the step (304) and continue detecting an arrival of a train.
[0041] Embodiments of the invention are described above with reference to block diagrams and schematic illustrations of methods and systems according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the diagrams and combinations of blocks in the diagrams can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be loaded onto one or more general purpose computers, special purpose computers, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce machines, such that the instructions which execute on the computers or other programmable data processing apparatus create means for implementing the functions specified in the block or blocks. Such computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instruction means that implement the function specified in the block or blocks.
[0042] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
[0043] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope the invention is defined in the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements within substantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

I/We Claim:
1. An automatic railway gate control system (100) comprising:
a microcontroller (116);
a plurality of sensors (106), wherein the sensors (106) are ultrasonic sensors, such that the ultrasonic sensors are placed at a distance on both ends of a level crossing (112) to detect an arrival of a train on a train track (102);
axle counters (108) placed on the train track (102) further counts axles of the passing trains at one or more points on the train track (102) arranged to ensure the arrival of the train with a specific number of axles and passing the train from the level crossing (112); and
sliding barriers (110) arranged at both sides of the level crossing (112) and configured to open and close in accordance with a signal received from the microcontroller (116) in a way that when arriving of the train is detected, the microcontroller (116) transmits a first signal for closing of the sliding barriers (110) to stop people to cross the level crossing (112) and once the train is passed, the microcontroller (116) transmits a second signal for opening of the sliding barriers (110) to allow the people to pass the level crossing (112).
2. The automatic railway gate control system (100) as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a DC motor (120) to operate the sliding barriers (110).
3. The automatic railway gate control system (100) as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a buzzer (122) for alerting people for the arrival of the train.
4. The automatic railway gate control system (100) as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a display (124) for displaying a speed and a distance of the train from the level crossing (112).
5. The automatic railway gate control system (100) as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a Light Emitting Diode (LED) light (126) to notify the people before the arrival of the train and a departure of the train.
6. The automatic railway gate control system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensors (106) are configured to get activated only when the arrival of the train is detected.
7. The automatic railway gate control system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sliding barrier (110) are power operated and configured to work on a turning concept.
8. The automatic railway gate control system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensors (106) and axle counters (108) provide a provision of two fold safety for correct detection of arrival and passing of the train.