Description:FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] Embodiments of a present disclosure relate to the field of railways and more particularly to a smart real-time gate position monitoring and auto private number generation system at the railway stations, Non-Interlocked LC Gate, and a method thereof.
BACKGROUND
[0002] A monitoring system helps a system administrator to monitor their infrastructure. The monitoring system is responsible for controlling the system used by an organization or a company. The monitoring system is used in many areas like software companies, security organizations, and government systems like buses, trains, and the like. Specifically, in trains, monitoring at the level crossing (LC) gate is very important.
[0003] Currently, there are many level crossing (LC) gates available in the Indian Railways. Further, the Indian railways comprise of two types of LC gates namely, Interlocked LC gates and Non-Interlocked LC gates. It is a general perception that manned level crossing gates are safe from accidents. The complete process of operating the LC gates is typically dependent on the efficiency of the gateman and station master. The station master has to rely completely on the information provided by the gateman. Therefore, the station master has no means to find the status of gate closing.
[0004] Sometimes, at the Non-Interlocked LC gates, the gate remains open due to miscommunication between a corresponding gate man and a station master. There is no confirmation that a private number (PN) has been exchanged only after closing the gate. At times, even though the PN number has been exchanged, the gateman fails to close the gate. In such a scenario, the stationmaster interprets that the gateman has closed the gate upon receiving the PN number and allows the train to leave the station. This may result in accidents. The scenario may worsen during the night when the gate man falls asleep or is lethargic. Consequently, the gate open situation has resulted in several accidents and punctuality hitting problems. Safety drives are unable to eliminate the occurrences of such accidences which has become a serious cause of worry, both for the Indian Railways and the public at large. The interlocked gate is one of the solutions for avoiding gate open accidents, but such interlocked gates are not cost-effective. In populated countries like India, implementing interlocked gates is not an economical solution at this stage of economic growth.
[0005] Hence, there is a need for a Smart real-time gate position monitoring and AUTO PN generation system and a method thereof that addresses the aforementioned issues.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
[0006] In accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure, a Smart real-time gate position monitoring and auto pn generation system is disclosed. The system includes a processing subsystem, hosted on a server, and configured to execute on a network to control bidirectional communications among a plurality of module. The plurality of modules includes a first private number generation module, a second private number generation module, a communication module, an angle reading module, and a receiving module. The first private number generation module is positioned at a station master end. The first private number generation module is configured to receiving a block number, a train number corresponding to the block number and an intended direction of the train from the stationmaster. The first private number generation module is also configured generate a first private number for the train corresponding to the received train number, and the intended direction of the train, wherein, the first private number is generated at the station master side. The second private number generation module is operatively coupled with the first private number generation module. The second private number generation module is configured to generate a second private number at the gate man side corresponding to the angle read by the angle reading module for the closed position of the gate. The second private number generation module is also configured send the second private number to the first private number generator module at the station master end over the communication channel. The station master upon receiving the second private number releases the train.
[0007] The communication module is operatively coupled with the first private number generation module and the second private number generation module. The communication module is configured to receive the first generated private number at the station master side and send the private number to the gateman side. The communication module is also configured receive the second generated private number at the gateman side and send the second private number to the station master upon closing a gate positioned at the gateman end. The angle reading module is positioned at the gateman side and operatively coupled with the communication module. The angle reading module is configured to calibrate a plurality of sensors to one or more angles for the gate closed condition and boom locked condition and send the reading over the communication channel. The receiving module is operatively coupled with the private number generation module. The receiving module is configured to receive the train information and the first private number for the train through the communication channel and acknowledge the first private number generated at the station master side.
[0008] In accordance with another embodiment, a method for operating a smart real-time gate position monitoring and auto pn generation system is provided. the method includes receiving, by a private number generation module of a processing subsystem, a block number, a train number corresponding to the block number, and an intended direction of the train from the stationmaster. The method also includes generating, by the private number generation module of the processing subsystem, a private number for the train corresponding to the entered train number. The private number is generated at a station master side. Further, the method includes receiving, by a communication module of the processing subsystem, the generated private number at the station master side and sends the private number to the gateman side through a communication channel. Furthermore, the method includes reading, by a plurality of sensors of an angle reading module of the processing subsystem, an angle of a gate to check the open and close position of the gate.
[0009] Furthermore, the method includes receiving, by a receiving module of the processing subsystem, the train information and private number for the train through the communication channel and acknowledging the private number generated at the station master side. Furthermore, the method includes initializing, by a private number initialization module of the processing subsystem, a private number at a gate man side corresponding to the angle read by the angle reading module for the closed position of the gate. Furthermore, the method includes sending, by the private number initialization module of the processing subsystem, the initialized private number to the first private number generation module at the station master side over the communication channel for releasing the train.
[0010] To further clarify the advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the disclosure will follow by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended figures. It is to be appreciated that these figures depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting in scope. The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the appended figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a block diagram representing a Smart real-time gate position monitoring and auto private number (PN) generation system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a block diagram representing another embodiment of a smart real-time gate position monitoring and auto PN generation system of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a block diagram representing an exemplary embodiment of the Smart real-time gate position monitoring and auto PN generation system of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a computer or a server for the Smart real-time gate position monitoring and auto PN generation system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0016] FIG. 5 is a flow chart representing steps involved in a method for the operation of a Smart real-time gate position monitoring and auto PN generation system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure
[0017] Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as would normally occur to those skilled in the art are to be construed as being within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0019] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such a process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components preceded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices, sub-systems, elements, structures, components, additional devices, additional sub-systems, additional elements, additional structures, or additional components. Appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment", "in another embodiment" and similar language throughout this specification may, but not necessarily do, all refer to the same embodiment.
[0020] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are only illustrative and not intended to be limiting.
[0021] In the following specification and the claims, reference will be made to a number of terms, which shall be defined to have the following meanings. The singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0022] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a Smart real-time gate position monitoring and auto PN generation system and a method thereof.
[0023] As used herein, the term “Smart real-time gate position monitoring and auto PN generation system” allows to determine the current state of the gate at a level crossing and enables a user to take immediate action depending upon the gate position. Further, the system described hereafter in FIG. 1 is a Smart real-time gate position monitoring and auto PN generation system and method thereof.
[0024] FIG. 1 is a block diagram representing a system (100) for a Smart real-time gate position monitoring and auto PN generation system with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system (100) includes a processing subsystem (102) which is hosted on a cloud server (104) and configured to execute on a network to control bidirectional communications among a plurality of modules.
[0025] The processing subsystem (102) includes a first private number generation module (106), a communication module (108), an angle reading module (110), a receiving module (114), and a second private number generation module (116). In one embodiment, the server (104) may include a cloud server (104). In another embodiment, the cloud server (104) may include a local server. The processing subsystem (102) is configured to execute on a network (not shown in FIG. 1) to control bidirectional communications among a plurality of modules. In one embodiment, the network may include a wired network such as a local area network (LAN). In another embodiment, the network may include a wireless network such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, near field communication (NFC), infra-red communication (RFID), or the like.
[0026] The first private number generation module (106) is positioned at a station master end wherein the first private number generation module (106) is configured to receive a block number, a train number corresponding to the block number, and an intended direction of the train from the stationmaster. The first private number generation module (106) is configured to generate a first private number for the train corresponding to the received train number, and the intended direction of the train, wherein, the first private number is generated at the station master side.
[0027] The communication module (108) is operatively coupled with the first private number generation module (106). The communication module (108) is configured to receive the first generated private number at the station master side and send the private number to the gateman side. The communication module (108) is also configured to receive a private number at the gateman side and send the private number to the station master upon closing a gate positioned at the gateman side.
[0028] The angle reading module (110) is positioned at the gate man side and operatively coupled with the communication module (108). The angle reading module (110) is configured to calibrate a plurality of sensors (112) to one or more angles for the gate closed condition and boom locked condition. and send the reading over the communication channel. The plurality of sensors (112) senses the angle of the gate, for instance, if the angle is less than 10 degrees the gate is interpreted as ‘closed’, and if the angle is more than 10 degrees it is interpreted that the gate is ‘open’.
[0029] The receiving module (114) is operatively coupled with the first private number generation module (106). The receiving module (114) is configured to receive the train information and the first private number for the train through the communication channel and acknowledge the first private number generated at the station master end. The train information includes the block number from which the train is to be released, the train number of the train, which is to be released, the release time of the train, and the intended direction of the train.
[0030] The second private number generation module (116) is operatively coupled with the first private number generation module (106), the receiving module (114), and the angle reading module (110). The second private number generation module (116) is configured to generate a second private number at the gate man side corresponding to the angle read by the angle reading module (110) for the closed position of the gate. The second private number generation module (116) is configured to send the second private number to the first private number generator module (106) at the station master end over the communication channel. The station master upon receiving the second private number releases the train.
[0031] FIG. 2 is a block diagram representing another embodiment of the system (100) Smart real-time gate position monitoring and auto PN generation system of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system (100) includes a processing subsystem (102). The processing subsystem (102) includes a first private number generation module (106), a communication module (108), an angle reading module (110), a receiving module (114), and a second private number generation module (116).
[0032] In one embodiment, the angle reading module (110) sends signals to the cloud server and communicated to station master side by a first color blinking light for indicating that the gate is closed and a second color light for indicating that the gate is open on a digital monitor of the station master. In such an embodiment, the first color may be yellow color and the second color may be red color. It is to be noted that the first color and second color may be categorized by any other suitable color and should not be confined to the exemplary ‘red color’ and ‘yellow color’. Further in another embodiment, the digital monitor may include personal digital assistants (PDA), smartphones, tablet devices, wireless computers, a mobile, a laptop, a computer system, and the like having the ability to exchange data with the cloud server (104). In one embodiment, the plurality of sensors (112) is positioned at a gate boom and at a locking lever respectively.
[0033] In one embodiment, the receiving module (114) transmits an interactive voice command along with the acknowledgment implying that the gateman has received the first private number. The interactive voice command may be a buzzing sound, a text message, a message sent by an acknowledge button, and the like.
[0034] In one embodiment, the system (100) includes an acknowledgment module (118). The acknowledge module (118) is configured to acknowledge the received first private number and send the acknowledgment on the digital monitor of the station master. When the gateman acknowledges the private number, the system communicates with the station master regarding the acknowledgment of the received first private number at the gateman side.
[0035] In such an embodiment, the system (100) includes an acceleration sensing module (120). The acceleration sensing module (120) is configured to detect the change in position status of the gate. In one embodiment, the acceleration sensing module (120) module includes at least 2 accelerometers (not shown in FIG.), a primary and a secondary accelerometer. Also in another embodiment, the acceleration sensing module (120) module is configured to switch the secondary sensor to the primary sensor operation, based on the failure of the primary sensor.
[0036] In one embodiment, the processing subsystem (102) comprises an alert module (122) configured to send train details on a digital monitor of the gate man with a continuous buzzing sound that is stopped only when the gate man turns off the buzzing sound. The buzzing alert may stop when the gateman acknowledges the first private number received. The gateman after acknowledging the first private number closes the gate.
[0037] Further in one embodiment, the processing subsystem (102) includes a report generation module (124), configured to generate a data report of trains passed in 24 hours, wherein the data report is generated for every railway station and sends the data report through an email. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the train number selection time, gate closed time and private number exchanged time is updated dynamically on a cloud server by the system (100). The generated reports facilitate to keep track of the number of trains. In one embodiment, the system (100) includes a cancellation module (126) configured to send the train number and direction of a cancelled or delayed train to the gateman’s side. In one embodiment, when the station master cancels a train, the train information is populated in the respective column of an information table. An acknowledgment button blinks with a different ringing bell sound. After this the gateman acknowledges the request from the station master end, then the bell sound stops. As the gate is closed condition, the automatic PN number is generated and is sent to the station master end. The interactive voice command about cancelation is played at station master end.
[0038] FIG. 3 is a block diagram representing an exemplary embodiment of the system (100) real-time monitoring of the gate position of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Considering a system having two digital monitors, one at a station and the other at a level crossing gate. Further, two sensors are fixed at the level crossing gate, one to the gate boom and the other to the locking lever. In the angle reading module (110), the changed angle is registered by the plurality of sensors (112). In one embodiment, the sensors are designed to adapt to uncertain geographical conditions and network connections. The indications are changed and updated at the gate man digital monitor and the station master’s digital monitors via cloud servers (104). The position of the gates is also shown on monitors as said above whenever the gate is in the open condition the indication will be in red. Whenever the gate is in the closed condition the indication will be Yellow. The train’s movement information could be able to communicate between the station master and gateman through digital monitors. The system works at two sides as follows:
[0039] At the station master side:
- the system is started (in the digital monitor)
- the first private number generation module (106) receives the train information from the station master. The train information includes the train number, and the direction of the train (up or down). Corresponding to the train information the first private number is generated. The generated private number is sent to the communication module (108).
[0040] At the gateman side:
- An audio alert buzzer rings and the information about the train movement would l be displayed on the digital monitor at the gateman side.
- The acknowledgment module (118) in order to confirm the receipt of message from station master, as soon as the gateman acknowledges, the buzzer alert stops, and time stamp of the alertness may be displayed on both digital monitors.
- As soon as gate man closes the gate and boom lock, the gate closed time is be displayed in both the digital monitors, and the indication of the gate will be changed from Red to Yellow.
- After changing the gate status from Red to Yellow, a randomly generated PN is displayed in the gate man digital monitor.
- The PN is exchanged between the gateman and the station master after closing the gate, by the communication module (108) time stamp. The second private number module (116) generates a second private number at the gateman’s side and sends the said second private number to the stationmaster side. The second private number sent, is displayed on the digital monitor at the station master side.
- If the gate is closed to road traffic, then after the train passes if any traffic is there the gateman opens the gate with the station master’s permission and closes the gate once traffic is cleared. For the opening, the gate gateman may exchange the private number with the station master. Also, after the traffic is cleared, the gateman should exchange the second private number with the station master.
- If the gate is open to road traffic, then after the train passes and if there is still traffic, the gate remains in the open position. The gateman closes the gate once the traffic is cleared, and any train is nominated.
[0041] The private number is generated for each gate connected to a corresponding block section. For instance, if there are five gates connected to a specific block section (say block B) then five private numbers are generated for the train that is prepared to leave block A and arrive at block B. The train number would remain uniform across the gates however each gate would receive a unique PN. That is different private numbers are generated for different blocks. There are multiple trains connected to one block.
[0042] In one embodiment, the working process of the system is divided into two parts: a. open to road traffic with non-interlocked LC gates and b. close to road traffic non-interlocked LC gats:
a. Open to road traffic with non-interlocked LC gates: In this system there are two digital monitors are present, one is at the station master end through, and another is at the gateman end. The plurality of sensors (112) is mounted to the LC gate boom and others to the locking lever. The plurality of sensors (112) and the digital monitors communicate to the cloud through a general packet radio system (GPRS) network. Before providing the line clearance to the incoming train or before releasing a train from the station, the station master enters the train number and selects the direction of the train. Then the train information is sent to the connected LC gate in the direction through the cloud via the GPRS network. When the train information is received by the LC monitor, the alert message is received at the gateman’s end. Once the gateman acknowledges the train information along with the private number from the station master end, the PN number is displayed on the digital monitor at the gateman’s end. The gate man then closes the gate and locks it with the locking lever, the angle reading module (110) communicates the position of the gate through the digital monitor at the station master end and gate man ends through the cloud server based. When boom 1 is in a closed position and the lever is in the locked position, the color indication is displayed on the digital monitors at the gate am end and station master end. After the gate is closed the automatic PN number is generated at the gateman’s end and the same is exchanged with the station master. The digital monitors display color indications for gate position, train number, acknowledgment number, PN numbers of the station master and gateman end, and interactive voice commands. If more than one gate is connected to a block, a separate PN number is generated in the station master end for the respective gates. The system (100) is able to connect multiple blocs.
b. Close to road traffic non-interlocked LC gates:
After following the procedure in open to road traffic with non-interlocked LC gates, in close to road traffic non-interlocked LC gates mode the gate is kept in closed condition. In order to clear the road traffic, the gateman exchanges the PN from the station master. For requesting to open the gate the second private number is generated. On the digital monitor at the gate man’s side, the command to open the gate may appear along with interactive audio voice command. The station master may notice the interactive voice messages, and if there is no train to be released the station master may select a particular gate and sends a notification to open the gate. The automatic PN number is generated at the station master end and sent to the gate man end. All the information along with the PN number is updated at the station master end. The gate man then opens the gate and traffic is cleared. After the traffic is cleared, the gateman closes the gate and update the gate closed in the digital monitor, and the same is updated to the station master digital monitor. The communication between station master and gate man is happen with the interactive voice command.
[0043] In one embodiment, multi-platform open-source analytics and interactive visualization web application is used for the maintenance of the system (100). The application provides charts, graphs, and alerts for the web when connected to supported data sources. The main advantage of the system is it archives pro-active maintenance instead of reactive.
[0044] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a computer or a server (300) for the system (100) for Smart real-time gate position monitoring and auto PN generation system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The server (300) includes a processor(s) (302), and memory (306) operatively coupled to the bus (304).
[0045] The processor(s) (302), as used herein, means any type of computational circuit, such as, but not limited to, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a complex instruction set computing microprocessor, a reduced instruction set computing microprocessor, a very long instruction word microprocessor, an explicitly parallel instruction computing microprocessor, a digital signal processor, or any other type of processing circuit, or a combination thereof.
[0046] The bus (304) as used herein refers to be internal memory channel or computer network that is used to connect computer components and transfer data between them. The bus (304) includes a serial bus or a parallel bus, wherein the serial bus transmits data in a bit-serial format and the parallel bus transmits data across multiple wires. The bus (304) as used herein, may include but is not limited to, a system bus, an internal bus, an external bus, an expansion bus, a frontside bus, a backside bus, and the like.
[0047] The memory (306) includes a plurality of subsystems and a plurality of modules stored in the form of an executable program which instructs the processor (302) to perform the method steps illustrated in FIG. 1. The memory (306) is substantially similar to the system (100) of FIG.1. The memory (306) has following submodules: a first private number generation module (106), a communication module (108), an angle reading module (110), a receiving module (114), and a second private number generation module (116).
[0048] The first private number generation module (106) is positioned at a station master end and wherein the first private number generation module (106) is configured to receive a block number, a train number corresponding to the block number and an intended direction of the train from the stationmaster. The first private number generation module (106) is configured to generate a first private number for the train corresponding to the received train number, and the intended direction of the train, wherein, the first private number is generated at the station master side.
[0049] The communication module (108) is operatively coupled with the first private number generation module (106). The communication module (108) is configured to receive the first generated private number at the station master side and send the private number to the gateman side. The communication module (108) is also configured to receive the second generated private number at the gateman side and send the second private number to the station master upon closing a gate positioned at the gateman end.
[0050] The angle reading module (110) is positioned at the gate man side and is operatively coupled with the communication module (108). The angle reading module (110) is configured to calibrate a plurality of sensors (112) to one or more angles for the gate closed condition and boom locked condition. Subsequently, the readings are sent over the communication channel.
[0051] The receiving module (114) is operatively coupled with the first private number generation module (106). The receiving module (114) is configured to receive the train information and the first private number for the train through the communication channel and acknowledge the first private number generated at the station master end.
[0052] The second private number generation module (116) is operatively coupled with the first private number generation module (106), the receiving module (114), and the angle reading module (110). The second private number generation module (116) is configured to generate a second private number at the gate man side corresponding to the angle read by the angle reading module (110) for the closed position of the gate. The second private number generation module (116) is configured to send the second private number to the first private number generator module (106) at the station master end over the communication channel. The station master upon receiving the second private number releases the train.
[0053] Computer memory elements may include any suitable memory device(s) for storing data and executable program, such as read-only memory, random access memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable
[0054] programmable read-only memory, hard drive, removable media drive for handling memory cards and the like. Embodiments of the present subject matter may be implemented in conjunction with program modules, including functions, procedures, data structures, and application programs, for performing tasks, or defining abstract data types or low-level hardware contexts. The executable program stored on any of the above-mentioned storage media may be executable by the processor(s) (302).
[0055] FIG. 5 is a flow chart representing steps involved in a method (200) Smart real-time gate position monitoring and Auto PN generation system (100) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method (200) includes receiving, by a private number generation module of a processing subsystem, a block number, a train number corresponding to the block number, and an intended direction of the train from the stationmaster in step (202).
[0056] Also, the method (200) includes generating, by the private number generation module of the processing subsystem, a private number for the train corresponding to the entered train number, wherein, the private number is generated at a station master side in step (204).
[0057] The private number is generated for each gate connected to a corresponding block section. For instance, if there are five gates connected to a specific block section (say block B) then five private numbers are generated for the train that is prepared to leave block A and arrive at block B. The train number would remain uniform across the gates however each gate would receive a unique PN.
[0058] The method (200) also includes receiving, by a communication module of the processing subsystem, the generated private number at the station master side and sending the private number to the gateman side through a communication channel in step (206).
[0059] The method (200) also includes reading, by a plurality of sensors of an angle reading module of the processing subsystem, an angle of a gate to check the open and close position of the gate in step (208). The method also includes positioning, the plurality of sensors present, at a gate boom and at a locking lever. Further, the method also includes sending, by the angle reading module, signals to the station master side by a first color light for indicating that the gate is closed and a second colour light for indicating that the gate is open on a digital monitor of the station master.
[0060] Furthermore, the method (200) includes receiving, by a receiving module of the processing subsystem, the train information, and private number for the train through the communication channel and acknowledging the private number generated at the station master side in step (210). The method also includes transmitting, by the receiving module (114), an interactive voice command along with the acknowledgment implying that the gateman has received the first private number.
[0061] Furthermore, the method (200) initializing, by a second private number generation module of the processing subsystem, a private number at a gate man side corresponding to the angle read by the angle reading module for the closed position of the gate in step (212).
[0062] Furthermore, the method (200) includes sending, by the second private number generation module of the processing subsystem, the second private number to the first private number generator module at the station master side over the communication channel for releasing the train in step (214).
[0063] In one embodiment, the event of closing the gate may be automated and subsequently a message may be delivered to the station master notifying him/her about the event.
[0064] In another embodiment, alarms or audio may be played at the level crossing at the time of an approaching train. Additionally, a message may also be played to the bystanders instructing them about the approaching train thereby the bystanders remain calm and refrain from enforcing the gate man to open the gate.
[0065] It is to be noted that the events of gate close, gate open and the acknowledgements are timestamped and subsequently recorded in the system.
[0066] Various embodiments of the present disclosure enable a Smart real-time gate position monitoring and Auto PN generation system for auto private number generation. The system in the present disclosure avoids accidents that happen due to the late closing of the gate. The system provides timely closing of the level crossing gate. The system provides necessary communication between the station master and the gateman. The system disclosed in the present disclosure provides a cost-effective solution to the problems of the existing gate monitoring systems. The present system maintains the effective running of trains. The system in the present disclosure acts as a semi-interlocked level crossing gate. The system in the present disclosure facilitates effective communication between the gateman and station master. The use of the present system allows cost saving in converting a non-interlocked gate to an interlocked gate.
[0067] While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person skilled in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.
[0068] The figures and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, order of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts need to be necessarily performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples. , Claims:1. A Smart real-time gate position monitoring and auto private number generation system (100) comprising:
a processing subsystem (102), hosted on a server (104), and configured to execute on a network to control bidirectional communications among a plurality of modules comprising:
a first private number generation module (106) positioned at a station master end and wherein the first private number generation module (106) is configured to:
receiving a block number, a train number corresponding to the block number and an intended direction of the train from the stationmaster; and
generate a first private number for the train corresponding to the received train number, and the intended direction of the train, wherein, the first private number is generated at the station master side;
a communication module (108) operatively coupled with the first private number generation module (106), wherein the communication module (108) is configured to:
receive the first generated private number at the station master side and send the private number to the gateman side; and
receive a second private number at the gateman side and send the second private number to the station master upon closing a gate positioned at the gateman end;
an angle reading module (110) positioned at the gateman side and operatively coupled with the communication module (108) and configured to calibrate a plurality of sensors (112) to one or more angles for the gate closed condition and boom locked condition. and send the reading over the communication channel;
a receiving module (114) operatively coupled with the first private number generation module (106), wherein the receiving module (114) configured to receive the train information and the first private number for the train through the communication channel and acknowledge the first private number generated at the station master end; and
a second private number generation module (116) operatively coupled with the first private number generation module (106), the receiving module (114), and the angle reading module (110), wherein the second private number generation module (116) is configured to:
generate a second private number at the gate man side corresponding to the angle read by the angle reading module (110) for the closed position of the gate; and
send the second private number to the first private number generator module (106) at the station master end over the communication channel wherein the station master upon receiving the second private number releases the train.
2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of sensors (112) present is positioned at a gate boom and at a locking lever.
3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the angle reading module (110) sends signals to the station master side by a first color blinking light for indicating that the gate is closed and a second color light for indicating that the gate is open on a digital monitor of the station master.
4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the receiving module (114) transmits an interactive voice command along with the acknowledgment implying that the gateman has received the first private number.
5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises an acknowledgment module (118) configured to acknowledge the received first private number and send the acknowledgment on the digital monitor of the station master.
6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises an acceleration sensing module (120) configured to detect the change in position status of the gate.
7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processing subsystem (102) comprises an alert module (122) configured to send train details on a digital monitor of the gate man with a continuous buzzing sound that is stopped only when the gate man turns off the buzzing sound.
8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processing subsystem (102) comprises a report generation module (124), configured to generate a data report of trains passed in 24 hours, wherein the data report is generated for every railway station and sends the data report through an email.
9. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a cancellation module (126) configured to send the train number and direction of a cancelled or delayed train to the gateman’s side.
10. A method (200) for operating a real-time gate position monitoring system comprising:
receiving, by a private number generation module of a processing subsystem, a block number, a train number corresponding to the block number, and an intended direction of the train from the stationmaster; (202)
generating, by the private number generation module of the processing subsystem, a private number for the train corresponding to the entered train number, wherein, the private number is generated at a station master side; (204)
receiving, by a communication module of the processing subsystem, the generated private number at the station master side and sends the private number to the gateman side through a communication channel; (206)
reading, by a plurality of sensors of an angle reading module of the processing subsystem, an angle of a gate to check the open and close position of the gate; (208)
receiving, by a receiving module of the processing subsystem, the train information and private number for the train through the communication channel and acknowledge the private number generated at the station master side; (210)
initializing, by a private number initialization module of the processing subsystem, a private number at a gate man side corresponding to the angle read by the angle reading module for the closed position of the gate; (212) and
sending, by the second private number generation module of the processing subsystem, the initialized private number to the first private number generation module at the station master side over the communication channel for releasing the train. (214)

Dated this 22nd day of August 2022

Signature

Jinsu Abraham
Patent Agent (IN/PA-3267)
Agent for the Applicant