Description:BACKGROUND
Field of Invention
[001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a train platform crossing system and particularly to a cloud and wireless assisted controller for an efficient train platform crossing.
Description of Related Art
[002] Recent social analytics surveys have highlighted a pressing concern within the railway system, particularly regarding the challenge faced by physically challenged individuals when accessing overhead steps at railway stations. This accessibility issue poses a significant barrier, hindering independent use of the train system for those with physical disabilities. The insufficient provision of ramps, elevators, and escalators tailored to the needs of wheelchair users and individuals with mobility disabilities severely limits their ability to travel autonomously, thereby diminishing their freedom, independence, and overall quality of life.
[003] However, addressing this issue is paramount to fostering inclusivity in public transit, ensuring equal access for individuals of all physical abilities. This requires not only structural enhancements but also a shift toward more empathetic and inclusive design principles within public transportation networks.
[004] There is thus a need for an improved and advanced cloud and wireless assisted controller for an efficient train platform crossing that can administer the aforementioned limitations in a more efficient manner.
SUMMARY
[005] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a cloud and wireless assisted controller for an efficient train platform crossing. The controller comprising: a temperature sensor adapted to monitor an ambient temperature in a vicinity of a platform. The controller further comprising: a gas sensor adapted to detect a presence of toxic gases in the vicinity of the platform. The controller further comprising: an infrared sensor adapted to detect an arrival of a train on the platform. The controller further comprising: a servo motor adapted to adjust a height and a position of the platform. The height and the position of the platform is extended upon arrival of the train and contracted after departure of the train. The controller further comprising: a communication unit adapted to store sensor data from the temperature sensor, the gas sensor, and the infrared sensor to a cloud server. The sensor data stored in the cloud server is adapted to be displayed to a user on a user device. The controller further comprising: a control unit communicatively connected to the temperature sensor, the gas sensor, and the infrared sensor, and the servo motor. The control unit is configured to: receive the sensor data from the temperature sensor, the gas sensor, and the infrared sensor; generate alerts by analyzing the received sensor data; detect the arrival of the train on the platform from the received sensor data; and actuate the servo motor to adjust the height and the position of the platform, when the arrival of the train is detected on the platform.
[006] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention further provide a method for an efficient train platform crossing using a cloud and wireless assisted controller. The method comprising steps of: receiving sensor data from a temperature sensor, a gas sensor, and an infrared sensor; detecting an arrival of a train on a platform from the received sensor data; actuating a servo motor to adjust a height and a position of the platform, when the arrival of the train is detected on the platform; checking an ambient temperature and a presence of toxic gases in the received sensor data; and activating a buzzer, when the received ambient temperature exceeds a benchmark level or the presence of the toxic gases is detected in a vicinity of the platform.
[007] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a number of advantages depending on their particular configuration. First, embodiments of the present application may provide a cloud and wireless assisted controller for an efficient train platform crossing.
[008] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a cloud and wireless assisted controller for an efficient train platform crossing that is reliable and operates in real-time.
[009] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a cloud and wireless assisted controller for an efficient train platform crossing that safeguards and protects the life of individuals present at the train platform crossing.
[0010] These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein.
[0011] 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
[0012] 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:
[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a cloud and wireless assisted controller for an efficient train platform crossing, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of a control unit of the cloud and wireless assisted controller for the efficient train platform crossing, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0015] FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of a method for the efficient train platform crossing using a cloud and wireless assisted controller, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] 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
[0017] 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 scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
[0018] 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.
[0019] 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.
[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a cloud and wireless assisted controller 100 (hereinafter referred to as the controller 100) for an efficient train platform crossing, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the controller 100 may be adapted to sense a temperature and presence of toxic gases in a vicinity of a platform. Further, the controller 100 may alert authorities and passengers present on the platform if the temperature exceeds a benchmark level or a presence of the toxic gases is detected in the vicinity of the platform, in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] According to embodiments of the present invention, the controller 100 may comprise a sensor node 102. The sensor node 102 may comprise a temperature sensor 104, a gas sensor 106, and an infrared sensor 108. The controller 100 further comprise of a servo motor 110, a communication unit 112, a cloud server 114, a control unit 116, a buzzer 118, and a user device 120.
[0022] In an embodiment of the present invention, the sensor node 102 may be installed on the platform. The sensor node 102 may comprise the temperature sensor 104, the gas sensor 106, and the infrared sensor 108, in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] In an embodiment of the present invention, the temperature sensor 104 may be adapted to monitor an ambient temperature in the vicinity of the platform.
[0024] In an embodiment of the present invention, the gas sensor 106 may be adapted to detect a presence of the toxic gases in the vicinity of the platform. The gas sensor 106 may be a Metal Oxide 2 (MQ2) sensor.
[0025] In an embodiment of the present invention, the infrared sensor 108 may be adapted to detect an arrival of a train on the platform.
[0026] In an embodiment of the present invention, the servo motor 110 may be adapted to adjust a height and a position of the platform. The height and the position of the platform may be extended upon arrival of the train and may further be contracted after departure of the train from the platform, in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] In an embodiment of the present invention, the communication unit 112 may be adapted to store sensor data from the temperature sensor 104, the gas sensor 106, and the infrared sensor 108 to a cloud server 114. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the communication unit 112 may be a Wi-Fi enabled Arduino.
[0028] In an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 116 may be connected to the temperature sensor 104, the gas sensor 106, the infrared sensor 108, and the servo motor 110. The control unit 116 may further be configured to execute computer-executable instructions to generate an output relating to the controller 100. According to embodiments of the present invention, the control unit 116 may be, but not limited to, a Programmable Logic Control (PLC) unit, a microprocessor, a development board, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 116 may be an Atmega16 microcontroller. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the control unit 116 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. In an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 116 may further be explained in conjunction with FIG. 2.
[0029] In an embodiment of the present invention, the buzzer 118 may be adapted to generate alerts based on commands received from the control unit 116 upon analyzing the sensor data. The buzzer 118 may be activated by the control unit 116, in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0030] In an embodiment of the present invention, the user device 120 may be a device used by the user. The user device 120 may be adapted to display the sensor data stored in the cloud server 114, in an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the user device 120 may further be adapted to display real-time updates on platform conditions, train schedules, and any alerts or emergencies to the user.
[0031] In an embodiment of the present invention, the user device 120 may comprise a web application, a mobile application, and so forth for displaying the sensor data to the user. In an embodiment of the present invention, the user device 120 may further be configured to alert the user upon receipt of a mobile alert from the control unit 116.
[0032] In another embodiment of the present invention, the user device 120 may enable the user to conduct troubleshooting remotely on the platform. By analyzing historical sensor data stored in the cloud server 114, the controller 100 may predict potential failures or a maintenance need. For example, a consistently high temperature reading might indicate an overheating issue in part of the platform that requires attention.
[0033] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of the control unit 116 of the controller 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The control unit 116 may comprise the computer-executable instructions in form of programming modules such as a data receiving module 200, a data detection module 202, an actuation module 204, and an alert module 206.
[0034] In an embodiment of the present invention, the data receiving module 200 may be adapted to receive the sensor data from the temperature sensor 104, the gas sensor 106, and the infrared sensor 108. The data receiving module 200 may transmit the sensor data from the infrared sensor 108 to the data detection module 202, in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0035] In an embodiment of the present invention, the data detection module 202 may be activated upon receipt of the sensor data from the infrared sensor 108. In an embodiment of the present invention, the data detection module 202 may be configured to analyze the received sensor data. The data detection module 202 may compare the received sensor data with pre-programmed ranges. For instance, the data detection module 202 may compare the received sensor data from the temperature sensor 104 with a pre-programmed temperature range. If the received sensor data from the temperature sensor 104 deviates from the pre-programmed temperature range, the data detection module 202 may transmit an alert signal to the alert module 206, in an embodiment of the present invention. Similarly, the data detection module 202 may compare the received sensor data from the gas sensor 106 with a predefined gas concentration range. If the received sensor data deviates from this predefined range, the data detection module 202 may initiate the transmission of the alert signal to the alert module 206, thus indicating a potential issue.
[0036] The data detection module 202 may be configured to detect the arrival of the train on the platform from the received sensor data from the infrared sensor 108, in an embodiment of the present invention. If the arrival of the train may be detected, then the data detection module 202 may transmit an activation signal to the actuation module 204. Otherwise, the data detection module 202 may reactivate the data receiving module 200 to continue receiving the sensor data from the temperature sensor 104, the gas sensor 106, and the infrared sensor 108, in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0037] In an embodiment of the present invention, the actuation module 204 may be activated upon receipt of the activation signal from the data detection module 202. The actuation module 204 may be configured to actuate the servo motor 110 to adjust the height and the position of the platform, in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0038] In an embodiment of the present invention, the alert module 206 may be activated upon receipt of the alert signal from the data detection module 202. The alert module 206 may be configured to generate alerts based on the analyzed sensor data, in an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the alert module 206 may be configured to activate the buzzer 118 for generating the alerts when the received ambient temperature from the temperature sensor 104 in the sensor data exceeds the benchmark level. The alert module 206 may be configured to activate the buzzer 118 for generating the alerts when the presence of the toxic gases is detected from the gas sensor 106 in the sensor data in the vicinity of the platform, in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0039] In an embodiment of the present invention, the alert module 206 may further be configured to transmit the mobile alert to the user device 120, when either the received ambient temperature from the temperature sensor 104 in the sensor data exceeds the benchmark level or the presence of the toxic gases is detected from the gas sensor 106 in the sensor data in the vicinity of the platform.
[0040] FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of a method 300 for the efficient train platform crossing using the controller 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0041] At step 302, the controller 100 may receive the sensor data from the temperature sensor 104, the gas sensor 106, and the infrared sensor 108.
[0042] At step 304, the controller 100 may detect the arrival of the train on the platform from the received sensor data. If the arrival of the train may be detected, then the method 300 may proceed to a step 306. Else, the controller 100 may revert to a step 302.
[0043] At step 306, the controller 100 may actuate the servo motor 110 to adjust the height and the position of the platform.
[0044] At step 308, the controller 100 may check either if the received ambient temperature in the sensor data exceeds the benchmark level or if the presence of the toxic gases is detected in the vicinity of the platform. If either of the received ambient temperature in the sensor data exceeds the benchmark level or the presence of the toxic gases is detected in the vicinity of the platform, then the method 300 may proceed to a step 310. Otherwise, the method 300 may revert to the step 302.
[0045] At step 310, the controller 100 may activate the buzzer 118 for generating the alerts based on the sensor data received from the temperature sensor 104 and the gas sensor 106.
[0046] 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 scope of the appended claims.
[0047] 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 of 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. , Claims:CLAIMS
We Claim:
1. A cloud and wireless assisted controller (100) for an efficient train platform crossing, the controller (100) comprising:
a temperature sensor (104) adapted to monitor an ambient temperature in a vicinity of a platform;
a gas sensor (106) adapted to detect a presence of toxic gases in the vicinity of the platform;
an infrared sensor (108) adapted to detect an arrival of a train on the platform;
a servo motor (110) adapted to adjust a height and a position of the platform, wherein the height and the position of the platform is extended upon arrival of the train and contracted after departure of the train;
a communication unit (112) adapted to store sensor data from the temperature sensor (104), the gas sensor (106), and the infrared sensor (108) to a cloud server (114), wherein the sensor data stored in the cloud server (114) is adapted to be displayed to a user on a user device (120).
a control unit (116) communicatively connected to the temperature sensor (104), the gas sensor (106), the infrared sensor (108), and the servo motor (110), characterized in that the control unit (116) is configured to:
receive the sensor data from the temperature sensor (104), the gas sensor (106), and the infrared sensor (108);
generate alerts by analyzing the received sensor data;
detect the arrival of the train on the platform from the received sensor data; and
actuate the servo motor (110) to adjust the height and the position of the platform, when the arrival of the train is detected on the platform.
2. The controller (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (116) is configured to activate a buzzer (118) for generating the alerts based on the sensor data when the received ambient temperature in the sensor data exceeds a benchmark level.
3. The controller (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (116) is configured to activate a buzzer (118) for generating the alerts based on the sensor data when the presence of the toxic gases is detected in the vicinity of the platform.
4. The controller (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (116) is configured to transmit a mobile alert to the user device (120) when the received ambient temperature exceeds a benchmark level or the presence of the toxic gases is detected in the vicinity of the platform.
5. The controller (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the user device (120) comprises a web application, a mobile application, or a combination thereof for displaying the sensor data to the user.
6. The controller (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (116) is an Atmega16 microcontroller.
7. The controller (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the communication unit (112) is a Wi-Fi enabled Arduino.
8. The controller (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gas sensor (106) is a Metal Oxide 2 (MQ2) sensor.
9. A method (300) for an efficient train platform crossing using a cloud and wireless assisted controller (100), the method (300) is characterized by steps of:
receiving sensor data from a temperature sensor (104), a gas sensor (106), and an infrared sensor (108);
detecting an arrival of a train on a platform from the received sensor data;
actuating a servo motor (110) to adjust a height and a position of the platform, when the arrival of the train is detected on the platform;
checking an ambient temperature and a presence of toxic gases in the received sensor data; and
activating a buzzer (118), when the received ambient temperature exceeds a benchmark level or the presence of the toxic gases is detected in a vicinity of the platform.
Date: May 20, 2024
Place: Noida

Dr. Keerti Gupta
Agent for the Applicant
(IN/PA-1529)