1 DESCRIPTION
CROSSING CONTROL DEVICE, ON-BOARD CONTROL SYSTEM, CROSSING
CONTROL SYSTEM, AND METHOD OF SHORTENING CROSSING CLOSING
5 PERIOD
Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a crossing control device, an on-board control system, a crossing 10 control system, and a method of shortening a crossing closing period for controlling operation of a crossing.
Background
[0002] Conventional crossing control causes a crossing
15 to start alarm operation, that is, sound a bell and operate a crossing bar, at the time that a train reaches a certain position before the crossing, and causes the crossing to end the alarm operation at the time that the train passes through a certain position beyond the crossing. In order
20 to shorten a crossing closing period during which the crossing is closed while the train passes through the crossing, an idea of reflecting conditions of stations at .which each type of train stops and conditions of train speed on the crossing control has been implemented. In
25 wireless train control such as communication-based train control (CBTC), a method of calculating, in a train, a timing at which the alarm operation of the crossing is started and requesting a crossing control device to perform control for starting the alarm operation of the crossing
30 has been implemented. As a result of such control, the period during which the crossing performs the alarm operation for a single train can be shortened. [0003] However, in a case where a plurality of trains

Docket No. PMAA-17031-PCT
2
approaches the crossing at slightly different timings on a double-track or quadruple-track line, a problem of an almost doubled crossing closing period occurs. In order to shorten the crossing closing period for the plurality of 5 trains, following Patent Literature 1 discloses a technique of preventing one of two trains that arrives at a crossing first from departing from a station to cause the two trains to approach the crossing at the same timing and shorten the crossing closing period. In addition, following Patent 10 Literature 2 discloses a technique of calculating a running pattern for postponing a crossing arrival time point for one of two trains that approaches a crossing first to inform a train operator of the running pattern.
15 Citation List
Patent Literature
[0004] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application
Laid-Open No. 2010-179739
Patent Literature 2: Japanese Patent Application 20 Laid-Open No. 2012-126156
Summary
Technical Problem
[0005] However, Patent Literature 1 relates to the
25 control that is performed when the train departs from the station. This causes such a problem that a disturbance element cannot be dealt with if applied to the train after the train departs from the station. In addition, Patent Literature 2 does not consider constraints of the train
30 schedule. This causes such a problem that a next station arrival time point for the train is liable to be delayed due to the shortened crossing closing period. [0006] The present invention has been made in

►
Docket No. PMM-17031-PCT
3 consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and an object thereof is to obtain a crossing control device that shortens a crossing closing period while preventing disruption to train operation. 5
Solution to Problem
[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, a crossing control device according to the present invention includes a storage unit that holds
10 information on a time allowance that is used for
calculating, from a crossing arrival time point and a crossing passage time point for a train, closing start/end timings indicating a period of time during which a crossing is closed. The crossing control device also includes an
15 operational information acquisition unit that acquires, from an operational management system, operational information including schedule information that is an operational schedule for the train and running record information on the train. The crossing control device also
20 includes a timing calculation unit that calculates the
closing start/end timings using the crossing arrival time point and the crossing passage time point for the train and the time allowance. As a result of calculating the closing start/end timings for each of a plurality of trains, in a
25 case where a crossing closing period for the crossing
obtained from the closing start/end timings for each of the plurality of trains is larger than a predetermined closing period threshold value, and in a case where the timing calculation unit determines, from the operational
30 information on a first arrival train that arrives at the crossing first acquired via the operational information acquisition unit, that a next station arrival time point is not delayed even if the crossing arrival time point for the

Docket No. PMAA-17031-PCT
4 first arrival train is delayed, the timing calculation unit decides to suppress a speed of the first arrival train.
Advantageous Effects of Invention 5 [0008] The present invention achieves an effect of shortening a crossing closing period while preventing disruption to train operation.
Brief Description of Drawings 10 [0009] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an outline of control for shortening a crossing closing period which is performed by a crossing control device according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an effect of the 15 control for shortening the crossing closing period using the crossing control device according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of the crossing control device according to 20 the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a process of shortening the crossing closing period using the crossing control device according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a hardware 25 configuration of the crossing control device according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of a crossing control system according to a second embodiment. 30
Description of Embodiments
[0010] Hereinafter, a crossing control device, an on¬board control system, a crossing control system, and a

Docket No. PMAA-17031-PCT
5 method of shortening a crossing closing period according to embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail based on the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments. 5 [0011] First Embodiment.
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an outline of control for shortening a crossing closing period which is performed by a crossing control device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The crossing control
10 device 1 controls operation of a crossing 3 that is a
crossing device which sounds a bell and operates a crossing bar. More specifically, the crossing control device 1 controls a closing start timing and a closing end timing when each of trains 4 and 5 passes through the crossing 3.
15 Alarm operation of the crossing 3 is started at the closing start timing, and the alarm operation of the crossing 3 is ended at the closing end timing. Hereinafter, the closing start timing and the closing end timing are sometimes collectively referred to as closing start/end timings.
20 Although FIG. 1 is based on the assumption that the trains 4 and 5 travel in different directions along a double-track line, this is only an example, and the control for shortening the crossing closing period which is performed by the crossing control device 1 can also be applied to a
25 quadruple-track line.
[0012] The crossing control device 1 acquires, from the train 4, train information 21 including a train identifier (ID) that is identification information for identifying the train 4, train positional information indicating the
30 current position of the train 4, train length information indicating the length of the train 4,
acceleration/deceleration performance information on the train 4, train type information indicating the type of the

Docket No. PMAA-17031-PCT
6 train 4 such as a local train and an express train, and train speed information indicating the current speed of the train 4. The crossing control device 1 also acquires, from the train 5, train information 22 including a train ID that 5 is identification information for identifying the train 5, train positional information indicating the current position of the train 5, train length information indicating the length of the train 5, acceleration/deceleration performance information on the
10 train 5, train type information indicating the type of the train 5 such as a local train and an express train, and train speed information indicating the current speed of the train 5. The train length information, the acceleration/deceleration performance information, and the
15 train type information may be omitted from the items of train information 21 and 22 in a case where the crossing control device 1 holds these items of information in a crossing control database 12 to be described later. In a case where all the trains that travel along the line are
20 local trains, the train type information may be omitted from the items of train information 21 and 22. The position of the train indicated by the train positional information is a head part of the train. From the train positional information, the train length information, and
25 the train speed information included in each of the items of train information 21 and 22 acquired from the trains 4 and 5, the crossing control device 1 predicts a crossing arrival time point at which each of the trains 4 and 5 arrives at the crossing 3 and a crossing passage time point
30 at which each of the trains 4 and 5 passes the crossing 3. Based on the crossing arrival time points and the crossing passage time points for the trains 4 and 5, the crossing control device 1 then calculates the closing start/end

Docket No. PMAA-17031 -PCT
7 timings. Hereinafter, the crossing arrival time point and the crossing passage time point are sometimes collectively referred to as crossing arrival/passage time points. [0013] A range indicated by the closing start/end 5 timings for the train 4, namely, a period of time indicated between the closing start timing and the closing end timing, is a crossing closing period during which the crossing 3 is closed while the train 4 passes through the crossing 3. A range indicated by the closing start/end timings for the
10 train 5, namely, a period of time indicated between the closing start timing and the closing end timing, is a crossing closing period during which the crossing 3 is closed while the train 5 passes through the crossing 3. [0014] In a case where the crossing closing period
15 indicated by the closing start/end timings for the train 4 overlaps with the crossing closing period indicated by the closing start/end timings for the train 5, and a crossing closing period during which the crossing 3 is closed due to the trains 4 and 5 is larger than a predetermined closing
20 period threshold value, the crossing control device 1 acquires, from an operational management system 2, operational information 23 on the train 4, i.e., a first arrival train that arrives at the crossing 3 first. The operational information 23 includes schedule information
25 that is an operational schedule for the train 4 and running record information indicating the current operating condition of the train 4. The schedule information includes a station arrival time point at which the train arrives at a station, a station departure time point at
30 which the train departs from a station, and information on a time allowance for running between stations. The running record information includes information on a current delay in one or both of the station arrival time point and the

Docket No. PMAA-17031 -PCT
8 station departure time point.
[0015] In a case where the crossing control device 1 determines, from the information on the time allowance for running between a station before the crossing 3 and a next 5 station and the information on the current delay included in the acquired operational information 23 on the train 4, that a next station arrival time point at which the train 4 arrives at the next station is not delayed even if the crossing arrival time point at which the train 4 arrives at
10 the crossing 3 is postponed, the crossing control device 1 decides to suppress the speed of the train 4, and notifies the train 4 of a speed suppression instruction 24. The crossing control device 1 postpones the crossing arrival time point for the train 4 that arrives at the crossing 3
15 first, thereby shortening the crossing closing period for the crossing 3.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an effect of the control for shortening the crossing closing period using the crossing control device 1 according to the first
20 embodiment. FIG. 2(a) illustrates the closing start
timings and the closing end timings for the trains 4 and 5 and the crossing closing period for the crossing 3 which are employed before the crossing control device 1 performs the control for postponing the crossing arrival time point
25 for the train 4 that arrives first. FIG. 2(b) illustrates the closing start timings and the closing end timings for the trains 4 and 5 and the crossing closing period for the crossing 3 which are employed after the crossing control device 1 performs the control for postponing the crossing
30 arrival time point for the train 4 that arrives first.
[0017] As illustrated in FIG. 2, in a case where the two trains 4 and 5 are in operation, and the crossing closing period indicated by the closing start/end timings for the

Docket No. PMAA-17031-PCT
9 train 4 overlaps with the crossing closing period indicated by the closing start/end timings for the train 5, a period of time indicated by the range of the closing start timing for the train 4, i.e., the first arrival train, to the 5 closing end timing for the train 5 that is the last to pass the crossing 3 is the crossing closing period for the crossing 3. Although the number of trains is two in the description of FIG. 2, the crossing closing period for three or more trains can also be obtained in a similar
10 manner. In a case where the crossing control device 1
determines that the next station arrival time point for the train 4 is not delayed even if the crossing arrival time point at which the train 4 arrives at the crossing 3 is postponed, the crossing control device 1 shortens the
15 crossing closing period for the crossing 3 by suppressing the speed of the train 4, that is, by postponing the crossing arrival time point for the train 4. Although the crossing closing period indicated by the closing start/end timings for the train 4 overlaps with the crossing closing
20 period indicated by the closing start/end timings for the train 5 in the description of FIG. 2, in a case where the crossing closing period for the train 4 does not overlap with the crossing closing period for the train 5, but an interval between the crossing closing periods for the
25 trains 4 and 5 is equal to or less than a predetermined
period of time, the crossing closing period for the train 4 may be regarded to overlap with the crossing closing period for the train 5. [0018] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an
30 exemplary configuration of the crossing control device 1 according to the first embodiment. The crossing control device 1 includes a train information acquisition unit 11, the crossing control database 12, and a time point

Docket No. PMAA-17031-PCT
10 prediction unit 13. The train information acquisition unit 11 acquires the train information including the train positional information, the train length information, and the train speed information from an on-board control device 5 8 mounted in each of the trains 4 and 5 via an on-board wireless device 7 and a ground wireless station 6. The crossing control database 12 is a storage unit that holds crossing information on the crossing 3 and information on a time allowance. The crossing information on the crossing 3
10 includes crossing installation positional information indicating an installation position of the crossing 3, grade information on the periphery of the crossing installation position, and speed limit information on the periphery of the crossing installation position. The
15 information on the time allowance is used for calculating
the closing start/end timings indicating the period of time during which the crossing 3 is closed from the crossing arrival/passage time points for each of the trains 4 and 5. The time point prediction unit 13 predicts the crossing
20 arrival time point at which each of the trains 4 and 5 arrives at the crossing 3 and the crossing passage time point at which each of the trains 4 and 5 passes the crossing 3 based on the train positional information, the train length information, and the train speed information
25 acquired from each of the trains 4 and 5 via the train information acquisition unit 11 and the crossing installation positional information, the grade information, the speed limit information, and acceleration/deceleration information held in the crossing control database 12.
30 [0019] The crossing control device 1 also includes a timing calculation unit 14, an operational information acquisition unit 15, and a control command output unit 16. The timing calculation unit 14 calculates the closing

Docket No. PMAA-17031-PCT
11 start/end timings using the crossing arrival/passage time points for each of the trains 4 and 5 and the information on the time allowance held in the crossing control database 12. As a result of calculating the closing start/end 5 timings for each of the plurality of trains 4 and 5, in a case where the crossing closing period for the crossing 3 obtained from the closing start/end timings for each of the plurality of trains 4 and 5 is larger than the predetermined closing period threshold value, and in a case
10 where the timing calculation unit 14 determines, from the schedule information and the running record information on the first arrival train that arrives at the crossing 3 first acquired via the operational information acquisition unit 15, that the next station arrival time point is not
15 delayed even if the crossing arrival time point for the
first arrival train is delayed, the timing calculation unit 14 decides to suppress the speed of the first arrival train. The operational information acquisition unit 15 acquires, from the operational management system 2, the operational
20 information on the train designated by the timing
calculation unit 14. The control command output unit 16 outputs, to the crossing 3, a control command that is based on the closing start/end timings calculated by the timing calculation unit 14. The control command output unit 16
25 also outputs, to the first arrival train via the ground
wireless station 6, a control command including information on the contents of the speed suppression and the speed suppression instruction based on an instruction from the timing calculation unit 14 to output the information on the
30 contents of the speed suppression and the speed suppression instruction.
[0020] The information on the time allowance held in the crossing control database 12 to be used for calculating the

Docket No. PMAA-17031-PCT
12 closing start/end timings from the crossing arrival/passage time points for each of the trains 4 and 5 is a time stipulated by a law or the like. The closing start timing is earlier by the time allowance held in the crossing 5 control database 12 than the crossing arrival time point for the train 4 or 5, and the closing end timing is later by the time allowance held in the crossing control database 12 than the crossing passage time point for the train 4 or 5.
10 [0021] Although the crossing control device 1 in FIG. 3 is connected to and communicates with the on-board control device 8 via the ground wireless station 6 and the on-board wireless device 7, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The crossing control device 1 may
15 communicate with the on-board control device 8 further via another device such as a base device (not illustrated) on the ground. The crossing control device 1 may be configured to be incorporated in another device such as a safety signal control device, instead of being configured
20 as an independent device.
[0022] Next, a process of shortening the crossing closing period for the crossing 3 using the crossing control device 1 will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the process of shortening the crossing closing
25 period using the crossing control device 1 according to the first embodiment.
[0023] First, the on-board control device 8 mounted in each of the trains 4 and 5 sends, to the ground wireless station 6 on the ground via the on-board wireless device 7
30 by means of the wireless communication, the known train
information including the train positional information, the train length information, and the train speed information on the train which the on-board control device 8 belongs to

Docket No. PMAA-17031-PCT
13 The ground wireless station 6 sends the train information received from each of the trains 4 and 5 to the train information acquisition unit 11 of the crossing control device 1. The train information acquisition unit 11 5 outputs, to the time point prediction unit 13, the train
information on each of the trains 4 and 5 received from the ground wireless station 6. The on-board control device 8 of each of the trains 4 and 5 sends the train information on a regular basis.
10 [0024] The time point prediction unit 13 predicts the
crossing arrival/passage time points for each of the trains 4 and 5 based on the train positional information, the train length information, and the train speed information included in the train information on each of the trains 4
15 and 5 acquired from each of the trains 4 and 5 via the train information acquisition unit 11 and the crossing information on the crossing 3 held in the crossing control database 12 (step SI). [0025] The time point prediction unit 13 can predict the
20 crossing arrival time point based on a speed limit set in a route from the train position of the train 4 or 5 to the crossing installation position of the crossing 3. The speed limit can be obtained from the crossing information on the crossing 3. Alternatively, the time point
25 prediction unit 13 may predict the crossing arrival time point using a different method. For example, in a case where the speed limit information and the acceleration/deceleration information are held in the crossing control database 12 in a running pattern format
30 set by default in a section around the installation
position of the crossing 3, the time point prediction unit 13 may predict the crossing arrival time point for each of the trains 4 and 5 based on the running pattern. The

Docket No. PMAA-17031-PCT
14 running pattern as used herein has the same meaning as the running pattern used in Patent Literature 2 or the like mentioned above.
[0026] With regard to the crossing passage time point, 5 the position of the rearmost part of the train is
calculated by adding the train length indicated by the train length information to the position of the train head indicated by the train positional information on the side opposite to the crossing 3. Therefore, the time point
10 prediction unit 13 can regard a time point at which the
rearmost part of the train arrives at the crossing 3 as a time point at which the rearmost part of the train passes the crossing 3, and thus predict the crossing passage time point in a manner similar to that for the crossing arrival
15 time point.
[0027] Next, the timing calculation unit 14 calculates the closing start/end timings using the crossing arrival/passage time points for each of the trains 4 and 5 predicted by the time point prediction unit 13 and the time
20 allowance held in the crossing control database 12 for
calculating, from the crossing arrival/passage time points, the calculation of the closing start/end timings indicating the period of time during which the crossing 3 is closed (step S2}. As mentioned above, the timing calculation unit
25 14 sets, as the closing start timing, the timing earlier by the time allowance than the crossing arrival time point, and sets, as the closing end timing, the timing later by the time allowance than the crossing passage time point. [0028] The timing calculation unit 14 confirms whether .
30 the number of trains that pass through the crossing 3 is two or more (step S3). The control for shortening the crossing closing period for the crossing 3 is performed using the timing calculation unit 14 for the purpose of

Docket No. PMAA-17031 -PCT
15 preventing an increase in the crossing closing period for the crossing 3 in a situation where a plurality of trains passes through the crossing 3, and the crossing closing periods indicated by the closing start/end timings for the 5 respective trains partially overlap with each other.
Therefore, the crossing control device 1 does not need to perform the control for shortening the crossing closing period for the crossing 3 in a case where only a single train passes through the crossing 3, and only needs to
10 control the crossing 3 based on the calculated closing start/end timings for the single train.
[0029] In a case where the number of trains that pass through the crossing 3 is two or more (step S3: Yes), the timing calculation unit 14 confirms whether the crossing
15 closing period for the crossing 3 is larger than the predetermined closing period threshold value for the crossing 3 based on the calculated closing start/end timings for each of the plurality of trains (step S4). The timing calculation unit 14 obtains the crossing closing
20 period that is employed when the plurality of trains passes through the crossing 3 using the method mentioned above with reference to FIG. 2.
[0030] The closing period threshold value as used herein indicates an acceptable range of the predetermined crossing
25 closing period for the crossing 3, and is set by an
operational manager for the trains in consideration of, for example, traffic on a road that intersects the tracks at the crossing 3. Therefore, in a case where the crossing closing period during which the plurality of trains passes
30 through the crossing 3 is longer the crossing closing
period during which the single train passes through the crossing 3, but the crossing closing period is not larger than the closing period threshold value, then the crossing

Docket No. PMAA-17031-PCT
16 control device 1 does not perform the control for shortening the crossing closing period for the crossing 3. [0031] In a case where the crossing closing period for the crossing 3 is larger than the closing period threshold 5 value (step S4: Yes), the timing calculation unit 14
acquires, from the operational management system 2 via the operational information acquisition unit 15, the operational information on the first arrival train that arrives at the crossing 3 first (step S5). From the
10 calculated closing start/end timings for each of the trains 4 and 5, the timing calculation unit 14 acquires the operational information on the train 4 since the first arrival train that arrives at the crossing 3 first is found to be the train 4. More specifically, the timing
15 calculation unit 14 provides designation of the train, that is, the train 4, to the operational information acquisition unit 15 to request the acquisition of the operational information on the train 4 from the operational management system 2. The operational information acquisition unit 15
20 acquires the operational information on the train 4
designated by the timing calculation unit 14 from the operational management system 2, and outputs the acquired operational information to the timing calculation unit 14. [0032] The timing calculation unit 14 determines whether
25 the train 4, i.e., the first arrival train, is to be
delayed based on the acquired operational information on the train 4 (step S6). In a case where the timing calculation unit 14 determines, from the information on the time allowance for running between the station before the
30 crossing 3 and the next station included in the schedule
information of the acquired operational information on the train 4 and the information on the current delay included in the running record information of the operational

Docket No. PMAA-17031 -PCT
17 information, that the next station arrival time point is not delayed even if the crossing arrival time point at which the train 4 arrives at the crossing 3 is postponed, the timing calculation unit 14 determines that the train 4, 5 i.e., the first arrival train, is allowed to be delayed. [0033] For example, in a case where the time allowance for running between the station before the crossing 3 and the next station is 20 seconds, and the current delay is 5 seconds, the current actual time allowance is 20 - 5 = 15
10 seconds. Therefore, the timing calculation unit 14
determines that the train 4, i.e., the first arrival train, is allowed to be delayed for up to 15 seconds since the next station arrival time point for the train 4, i.e., the first arrival train, is not delayed even if the crossing
15 arrival time point for the train 4 is delayed for up to 15 seconds. In contrast, in a case where the time allowance for running between the station before the crossing 3 and the next station is 20 seconds, and the current delay is 20 seconds, the current actual time allowance is 20 - 20 = 0
20 second. Therefore, the timing calculation unit 14
determines that the train 4, i.e., the first arrival train, is not allowed to be delayed since the next station arrival time point for the train 4, i.e., the first arrival train, is delayed if the crossing arrival time point for the train
25 4 is delayed.
[0034] In a case where the timing calculation unit 14 determines to delay the train 4, i.e., the first arrival train (step S6: Yes), the timing calculation unit 14 decides to suppress the speed of the train 4, i.e., the
30 first arrival train (step S7). The timing calculation unit 14 determines to what extent the speed of the train 4 is suppressed based on the closing start/end timings for each of the trains 4 and 5, the time allowance for running

Docket No. PMAA-17031-PCT
18 between the station before the crossing 3 and the next station, and the current delay mentioned above. [0035] The contents of the speed suppression can be delivered from the timing calculation unit 14 to the train 5 4 using a speed limit method. For example, the speed limit method may include giving an instruction to run from a certain point to a next designated point at a speed of xx km/h. Alternatively, the contents of the speed suppression can be delivered from the timing calculation unit 14 to the
10 train 4 using a running pattern method. For example, the
running pattern method may include giving an instruction to run in accordance with a running pattern generated for a section from a certain point to the crossing or to the next station. These methods of delivering' the contents of the
15 speed suppression to the train 4 are only examples, and a different method may be used.
[0036] The timing calculation unit 14 then gives, via the control command output unit 16 to the train 4, i.e., the first arrival train, an instruction on the speed
20 suppression together with the information on the contents of the speed suppression using the speed limit method, the running pattern method or the like mentioned above (step S8). More specifically, the timing calculation unit 14 outputs the information on the contents of the speed
25 suppression and the speed suppression instruction to the control command output unit 16, and instructs the control command output unit 16 to output the information on the contents of the speed suppression and the speed suppression instruction to the train 4. The control command output
30 unit 16 outputs the control command including the
information on the contents of the speed suppression and the speed suppression instruction to the train 4 based on the instruction from the timing calculation unit 14.

Docket No. PMAA-17031 -PCT
19 [0037] In the train 4, in response to the on-board control device 8 receiving the instruction on the speed suppression from the crossing control device 1 via the ground wireless station 6 and the on-board wireless device 5 7, an operator of the train 4 operates the train 4 in accordance with the contents of the speed suppression included in the control command.
[0038] Consequently, in a case where the next station arrival time point for the train 4 is not delayed even if
10 the crossing arrival time point for the train 4, i.e., the first arrival train, is postponed, the crossing control device 1 can shorten the crossing closing period by delaying the crossing arrival time point for the train 4. [0039] In the timing calculation unit 14, in a case
15 where the number of trains that pass through the crossing 3 is not two or more (step S3: No), in a case where the crossing closing period for the crossing 3 is equal to or less than the closing period threshold value (step S4: No), or in a case where the train 4, i.e., the first arrival
20 train, is determined not to be delayed (step S6: No), then the crossing control device 1 ends the control for shortening the crossing closing period.
[0040] In a case where the crossing control device 1 determines that the next station arrival time point is not
25 delayed even if the crossing arrival time point for the train 4, i.e., the first arrival train, is delayed, the crossing control device 1 shortens the crossing closing period for the crossing 3 by delaying the train 4 and postponing the crossing arrival time point for the train 4.
30 Alternatively, the crossing control device 1 may shorten the crossing closing period using a different method. Generally, each of the trains 4 and 5 runs on a line at a moderate speed relative to a predetermined speed limit,

Docket No. PMAA-17031-PCT
20 that is, at the speed limit or less. Even in a case where it is determined in the above-mentioned process that the train 4, i.e., the first arrival train, is not allowed to be delayed in accordance with the relation between the time 5 allowance for running between the station before the
crossing 3 and the next station and the current delay, if the train 4 can run to the next station at a faster speed up to the speed limit to shorten the travel time to the next station, the crossing control device 1 can delay the
10 train 4, i.e., the first arrival train, by the shortened travel time to delay the crossing arrival time point for the train 4.
[0041] Hereinafter, a hardware configuration that realizes a partial configuration of the block diagram of
15 the crossing control device 1 illustrated in FIG. 3 will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the crossing control device 1 according to the first embodiment. In the crossing control device 1, the time point prediction unit 13 and the timing
20 calculation unit 14 are realized when a processor 51
executes programs for the respective components stored in a memory 52 including a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM) or the like. The train information acquisition unit 11, the operational information
25 acquisition unit 15, and the control command output unit 16 are realized by the processor 51 that executes programs for the respective components stored in the memory 52 as well as by a communication unit 53. The crossing control database 12 is realized by the memory 52. The processor 51,
30 the memory 52, and the communication unit 53 are coupled by a system bus 54. In the crossing control device 1, a plurality of processors 51 and a plurality of memories 52 may execute the functions of the respective components

Docket No. PMAA-17031 -PCT
21 illustrated in each block diagram in cooperation with one another. Although the crossing control device 1 can be realized by the hardware configuration illustrated in FIG. 5, the crossing control device 1 can be implemented using 5 either software or hardware.
[0042] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the crossing control device 1 calculates the closing start/end timings for each of the trains 4 and 5 at the crossing 3, acquires the operational information on the
10 train 4 that arrives at the crossing 3 first in a case where the crossing closing period for the crossing 3 is larger than the predetermined closing period threshold value as a result of the calculation of the closing start/end timings for each of the trains 4 and 5, decides
15 to suppress the speed of the train 4 in a case where it is determined that the next station arrival time point is not delayed even if the crossing arrival time point for the train 4 is delayed, and delays the train 4 to postpone the crossing arrival time point for the train 4. Consequently,
20 even in a situation where the crossing closing period is likely to increase due to the plurality of trains that passes through the crossing 3, the crossing control device 1 shortens the crossing closing period by delaying the first arrival train in a case where the next station
25 arrival time point for the first arrival train is not
delayed even if the first arrival train is delayed. Thus, the crossing control device 1 can shorten the crossing closing period while preventing disruption to the train operation.
30 [0043] Second Embodiment.
In the first embodiment, the crossing arrival/passage time points for each train is predicted by the crossing control device 1. Description of a second embodiment is

Docket No. PMAA-17031-PCT
22 based on the premise that the crossing arrival/passage time points for each train is predicted by the train itself. [0044] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of a crossing control system 10 5 according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 6, the
crossing control system 10 includes a crossing control device la and an on-board control system 9. [0045] The crossing control device la is configured in such a manner that the time point prediction unit 13 is
10 removed from the crossing control device 1, and the
crossing control database 12 is replaced by a crossing control database 12a. The crossing control database 12a is a storage unit that holds the information on the time allowance that is used for calculating the closing
15 start/end timings from the crossing arrival/passage time points for each of the trains 4 and 5.
[0046] The on-board control system 9 mounted in each of the trains 4 and 5 includes the on-board control device 8, a crossing control database 12b, and the time point
20 prediction unit 13. The on-board control device 8 outputs the train positional information indicating the current position of the train which the on-board control system 9 belongs to, the train length information indicating the length of the train, and the train speed information
25 indicating the current speed of the train. The crossing
control database 12b holds the crossing information on the crossing 3 including the crossing installation position indicating the installation position of the crossing 3, the grade information on the periphery of the crossing
30 installation position, and the speed limit information on the periphery of the crossing installation position. The time point prediction unit 13 predicts the crossing arrival/passage time points for the train based on the

Docket No. PMAA-17031 -PCT
23
train positional information, the train length information,
and the train speed information acquired from the on-board •
control device 8 and the crossing information on the crossing 3 held in the crossing control database 12b. 5 [0047] The time point prediction unit 13 sends, to the crossing control device la via the on-board wireless device 7 and the ground wireless station 6, the train information including the information on the predicted crossing arrival/passage time points for the train. In the crossing
10 control device la, the train information acquisition unit 11 outputs, to the timing calculation unit 14, the information on the crossing arrival/passage time points for each train acquired from the corresponding train. [0048] In the first embodiment, the time point
15 prediction unit 13 is provided in the crossing control
device 1 on the ground. In the second embodiment, the time j
point prediction unit 13 is provided in the on-board control system 9 in the train. A combination of the information held in the crossing control database 12a and
20 the information held in the crossing control database 12b is equivalent to the information held in the crossing control database 12 of the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the information held in the crossing control database 12 of the first embodiment is divided and held
25 separately in the crossing control device la on the ground
and the on-board control system 9 in the train. ;
[004 9] In the second embodiment, the information required for the time point prediction unit 13 to predict the crossing arrival/passage time points, namely, the
30 crossing control database 12b, and the time point
prediction unit 13 are arranged in the train, instead of being arranged on the ground. A method of predicting the crossing arrival/passage time points using the time point

Docket No. PMAA-17031-PCT
24 prediction unit 13 is similar to that of the first embodiment. The time point prediction unit 13 can predict the crossing arrival time point based on the speed limit set in the route from the train position of the train 4 or 5 5, i.e., the train which the time point prediction unit 13 belongs to, to the crossing installation position of the crossing 3. The speed limit can be obtained from the crossing information on the crossing 3. Alternatively, the time point prediction unit 13 may predict the crossing
10 arrival time point for the train 4 or 5, i.e., the train which the time point prediction unit 13 belongs to, based on the running pattern set in the route from the train position of the train 4 or 5 to the crossing installation position of the crossing 3. The running pattern can be
15 obtained from the crossing information on the crossing 3. [0050] The respective components such as the crossing control database 12a of the crossing control device 1 and the on-board control device 8, the crossing control database 12b, and the time point prediction unit 13 of the
20 on-board control system 9 can be realized by the hardware configuration illustrated in FIG. 5.
[0051] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the on-board control system 9 in the train predicts the crossing arrival/passage time points for the
25 train which the on-board control system 9 belongs to. Consequently, an effect similar to that of the first embodiment can be obtained, and the processes of predicting the crossing arrival/passage time points for many trains that are about to pass through the crossing 3 during the
30 same period of time are distributed to the respective
trains, whereby a processing load on the crossing control device la can be reduced. [0052] Third Embodiment.

Docket No. PMAA-17031-PCT
25 Each of the first and second embodiments describes the control for shortening the crossing closing period for the single crossing 3 using the crossing control device 1 or la. Description of a third embodiment is based on the premise 5 that the control for shortening the crossing closing period is performed on a plurality of crossings. Since the crossing control is common to the crossing control devices 1 and la, a case where five crossings are managed by the crossing control device 1 will be described.
10 [0053] In the crossing control device 1, a degree of
priority is set in each of the five crossings based on, for example, traffic on a road that intersects the tracks. In a case where three crossings out of the five crossings are closed, the timing calculation unit 14 of the crossing
15 control device 1 performs the control for shortening the
crossing closing period on a crossing with a high degree of priority out of the three crossings in a manner similar to that for the first embodiment. [0054] Since the timing calculation unit 14 performs the
20 control for shortening the crossing closing period by
giving a degree of priority to each crossing, the timing calculation unit 14 can perform the control for shortening the crossing closing period preferentially on a crossing with a high degree of priority, not on a crossing with a
25 low degree of priority. Therefore, the crossing closing
period for a crossing with heavy traffic is preferentially shortened, and traffic congestion on a road with heavy traffic can be relieved. [0055] Alternatively, the crossing control device 1 may
30 perform the crossing control using a method that is based on a total crossing closing period for the respective crossings. In a case where the five crossings are closed, the timing calculation unit 14 of the crossing control

Docket No. PMAA-17031-PCT
26 device 1 performs, on the five crossings, the process of obtaining the closing start/end timings from the crossing arrival/passage time points for each train and obtaining the crossing closing period in a manner similar to that for 5 the first embodiment. The timing calculation unit 14
calculates the total crossing closing period that is the sum of the crossing closing periods for the five crossings. The timing calculation unit 14 then performs the control for shortening the total crossing closing period by
10 delaying any of the plurality of trains in such a range that the next station arrival time point is not delayed. [0056] In a case where there is no significant difference between the volumes of traffic on the roads that intersect the respective crossings, the timing calculation
15 unit 14 performs the control for shortening the total crossing closing period at the plurality of crossings managed by the crossing control device 1, whereby traffic congestion in the entire region where the crossings of interest are installed can be relieved.
20 [0057] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the crossing control device 1 performs the crossing control for shortening the crossing closing period on the plurality of crossings. Consequently, traffic congestion on the road with heavy traffic or in the entire
25 region where the crossings are installed can be relieved. [0058] The configuration described in the above-mentioned embodiments indicates an example of the contents of the present invention. The configuration can be combined with another well-known technique, and a part of
30 the configuration can be omitted or changed in a range not departing from the gist of the present invention.
Reference Sicms List

Docket No. PMAA-17031-PCT
27 [0059] 1, la crossing control device, 2 operational management system, 3 crossing, 4, 5 train, 6 ground wireless station, 7 on-board wireless device, 8 on-board control device, 9 on-board control system, 10 crossing 5 control system, 11 train information acquisition unit, 12, 12a, 12b crossing control database, 13 time point prediction unit, 14 timing calculation unit, 15 operational information acquisition unit, 16 control command output unit. 10