Claims:We claim:
1. A system for monitoring a boom barrier at a level crossing, said system comprising:
one or more-level crossing control units, each level crossing control unit comprising:
a plurality of sensors mounted on a boom barrier unit, configured at a level crossing (LC), to sense closing of the boom barrier, wherein each of the plurality of sensors senses at least one of closing of the boom and locking of a lever, configured in the boom barrier unit;
a wireless transmitter, mounted on the boom barrier unit, to transmit information associated with the plurality of sensors; and
a LC display unit comprising, a display device to receive and display information associated with at least one train crossing the LC and the information associated with the plurality of sensors, and a first transceiver to receive information associated with train crossing the LC and transmit information associated with position of boom barrier unit;
and
at least one control cabin unit, configured at a railway station, comprising:
a transceiver is configured to transmit information associated with a train crossing a corresponding one or more LCs, for closing the associated boom barrier; and receive information associated with a plurality of LCs and trains crossing the corresponding LCs; and
a control display unit comprises a graphical user interface, configured to receive input from a user and display the information associated with the position of boom barriers at the one or more-level crossing control units.

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of sensors is an angular displacement sensor, to sense at least one of closing of the boom barrier and locking of the lever.

3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first transceiver transmits the information associated with position of boom barrier unit along with a private number associated with the corresponding LC.

4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the LC display unit displays at least one of serial number, number of a train crossing the LC, time stamp of acknowledgement, closure time of the boom barrier, private number of the LC, and open time of the boom barrier.

5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control display unit displays at least one of serial number, train number, command given to a LC, private number associated with the at least one control cabin unit, LC number, time stamp of acknowledgement, the LC status along with closure time of the boom barrier, and the private number of the LC.

6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein information associated with the position of boom barriers comprises closure time of the boom barrier, private number of the LC, and open time of the boom barrier.

7. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the information between the at least one control cabin unit and the one or more-level crossing control units is transmitted wirelessly using at least one of 3G, 4G, 5G, Wi-Fi and any other wireless communication.

8. A method of monitoring a boom barrier at one or more-level crossings (LCs), said method comprising:
displaying, by at least one of control cabin unit, at least one information associated with a plurality of trains crossing corresponding level crossings;
transmitting, by the at least one of control cabin unit, information associated with a train crossing a level cross, to a level control display unit;
receiving, by the at least one of control cabin unit, information corresponding to the level crossing display unit comprising at least one of acknowledgement, time of closure of the boom barrier from the level crossing control unit, private number associated with the level crossing, and open time of the boom barrier; and
displaying and storing, by the at least one of control cabin unit, the received information from the level crossing display unit.

9. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the received information corresponding to a level crossing (LC) display unit is obtained from a plurality of sensors mounted on a boom barrier unit, configured at the level crossing, to sense closing of the boom barrier, wherein each of the plurality of sensors senses at least one of closing of the boom and locking of a lever, configured in the boom barrier unit;

10. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein the LC display unit receives information associated with train crossing the LC and transmits information associated with position of boom barrier unit wirelessly to the control cabin unit using at least one of 3G, 4G, 5G, Wi-Fi and any other wireless communication.

11. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein displaying the received information corresponding to the LC display unit is performed by a control display unit.

12. A level crossing (LC) display unit to control a boom barrier at a level crossing, said LC display unit comprising:
a plurality of sensors mounted on a boom barrier unit, configured at a level crossing (LC), to sense closing of the boom barrier, wherein each of the plurality of sensors senses at least one of closing of the boom and locking of a lever, configured in the boom barrier unit;
a wireless transmitter, mounted on the boom barrier unit, to transmit information associated with the plurality of sensors; and
a LC display unit comprising, a display device to receive and display information associated with at least one train crossing the LC and the information associated with the plurality of sensors, and a first transceiver to receive information associated with train crossing the LC and transmit information associated with position of boom barrier unit.

13. The control cabin unit configured at a railway station for monitoring a boom barrier at one or more-level crossings (LCs), said control cabin unit comprising:
a second transceiver configured to transmit information associated with a train crossing a corresponding one or more LCs, for closing the associated boom barrier; and receive information associated with a plurality of LCs and trains crossing the corresponding LCs; and
a control display unit comprises a graphical user interface, configured to receive input from a user and display the information associated with the position of boom barriers at the one or more-level crossing display units.

14. A method of operating system for monitoring a boom barrier at one or more-level crossings (LCs), said method comprising:
displaying, by a control cabin unit, at least one information associated with a plurality of trains crossing corresponding level crossings, wherein the control cabin unit generates a private number automatically upon receiving a train input from a user;
transmitting, by the control cabin unit, information associated with a train crossing a level cross, to a level crossing display unit, wherein the user initiates the transmitting by clicking send button being displayed on the control cabin unit;
receiving, by the control cabin unit, information corresponding to the level crossing display unit comprising at least one of acknowledgement, time of closure of the boom barrier from the level crossing control unit, private number associated with the level crossing, and open time of the boom barrier, wherein the receiving is initiated upon a second user at the level crossing clicks acknowledge button and closes the boom barrier; and
displaying and storing, by the at least one of control cabin unit, the received information from the level crossing display unit, wherein the open and closed status of the boom barrier associated with the level crossing are indicated by at least two different colours. , Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT 1970
[39 OF 1970]
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10 and Rule 13]

TITLE: “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING A BOOM BARRIER AT ONE OR MORE LEVEL CROSSINGS”

Name and Address of the Applicant:
Auza Technologies Private Limited: 205, Manjula Apartments, Dharmareddy Colony, Hyderabad – 500085, Telangana, India

Nationality: India

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

TECHNICAL FIELD
Embodiments of the present disclosure are related, in general to level crossing, but exclusively relate to a system and a method for detecting boom barrier position.

BACKGROUND
At present, a station-master (SM) of a railway station provides a green signal for a train pass by communicating with a gateman stationed corresponding to a level crossing. That is by instructing a gateman to close the level crossing (LC) for traffic, so that the train can pass. The general guideline for a train to pass a particular level crossing is to call up the gateman over a hotline and provide the train details along with a two-digit private number to the gateman to confirm the instruction. Upon receiving such instruction from the SM, the gateman notes down the train details, time of events and the two-digit private number, in a log book. Next, the gateman proceeds to operate the boom-barrier to a close position, i.e. by operating a lever to lock the boom in its closed position. Thereafter, the gateman confirms that the gate is closed and provides corresponding private number to the SM to confirm the closing of the level crossing. Later, when the train passes the LC, the gateman unlocks the lever followed by operating the boom barrier to an open position. Generally, there are usually up to 4 LCs near a railway station. The SM has to give the details to all the gatemen at 4 LCs, give them a PN number each and get back their own PN numbers and note it down in his own log book.

The above operation of closing the broom barrier is targeted at making the gatemen responsible for the safety at the LCs. Each gateman is expected to close the boom so that, no vehicle or people cross the road over the railway track. There have been several occurrences of violations of safety because of drawbacks in the operation of boom barrier. In reality, the SM do not know the position of the boom at any point of time, and has to rely on the gatemen’s information. In the past, there have been instances where delay in a running train had led to pressure and violence, from road commuters, on the gatemen to open the gate before a train has passed. Under certain conditions, the gatemen are forced to open the gates without the knowledge of the SM or due to negligence or sleepy conditions at night. Many such cases had led to accidents, and created unsafe conditions or incidents in the past, where a running train has been hit by vehicles from road traffic.

Therefore, a need exists to first improve the operational safety of the boom barrier in a way that the SM always knows the position of the boom. Accordingly, the SM can directly warn the train driver over a walkie-talkie. It is also mandated by the rules of the working for railways that exchange of PN numbers, train details and time in orderly log.

SUMMARY
The shortcomings of the prior art are overcome and additional advantages are provided through the provision of method of the present disclosure.

Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, a system for monitoring a boom barrier at a level crossing (LC) is provided. The system comprising one or more level crossing control units and at least one control cabin unit. Each level crossing control unit comprises a plurality of sensors, wireless transmitter and a LC display unit. The plurality of sensors is mounted on a boom barrier unit, configured at the LC, to sense closing of the boom barrier, wherein each of the plurality of sensors senses at least one of closing of the boom and locking of a lever, configured in the boom barrier unit. The wireless transmitter is mounted on the boom barrier unit, to transmit information associated with the plurality of sensors. The LC display unit comprising, a display device to receive and display information associated with at least one train crossing the LC and the information associated with the position of boom barrier unit using the data from the plurality of sensors, and a first transceiver to receive information associated with position of boom barrier unit. At least one control cabin unit is configured at a railway station, comprising a second transceiver and a control display unit. The second transceiver is configured to transmit information associated with a train crossing a corresponding one or more LCs, for closing the associated boom barrier; and receive information associated with a plurality of LCs regarding the corresponding positions of the boom barriers. The control display unit comprises a graphical user interface, configured to receive input from a user and display the information associated with the position of boom barriers at the one or more-level crossing control units.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is a method of monitoring a boom barrier at one or more level crossings (LCs). The method comprising displaying, by at least one of control cabin unit, at least one information associated with a plurality of trains crossing corresponding level crossings. Also, the method comprises transmitting information associated with a train which is about to cross a level crossing, to a level crossing control unit and receiving information corresponding to the level crossing control unit comprising at least one of acknowledgement, time of closure of the boom barrier from the line control unit, private number associated with the level crossing, and open time of the boom barrier. Further, the method comprises displaying and storing the received information corresponding to the level crossing display unit.

Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is a level crossing (LC) display unit to control a boom barrier at a level crossing. The LC display unit comprises a plurality of sensors, a wireless transmitter and LC display unit. The plurality of sensors is mounted on a boom barrier unit, configured at a level crossing (LC), to sense closing of the boom barrier, wherein each of the plurality of sensors senses at least one of closing of the boom and locking of a lever, configured in the boom barrier unit. The wireless transmitter is mounted on the boom barrier unit, to transmit information associated with the plurality of sensors which correspond to the position of boom barrier unit. The LC display unit comprises, a display device to receive and display information associated with at least one train crossing the LC and the information associated with the plurality of sensors, and a first transceiver to receive information associated with position of the boom barrier unit.

Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is a control cabin unit. The control cabin unit is configured at a railway station, comprising a second transceiver and a control display unit. The second transceiver is configured to transmit information associated with a train crossing a corresponding one or more LCs, for closing the associated boom barrier; and receive information associated with a plurality of LCs and trains crossing the corresponding LCs. The control display unit comprises a graphical user interface, configured to receive input from a user and display the information associated with the position of boom barriers at the one or more-level crossing control units.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the disclosed principles. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. Some embodiments of device or system and/or methods in accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter are now described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

Figure 1 shows an exemplary block diagram of a system to monitor a boom barrier at a level crossing, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2A shows a block diagram illustration of a level crossing (LC) display unit at a level crossing, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2B shows a LC display unit displaying information, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 3A shows a block diagram illustration of a control cabin unit at a railway station, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 3B shows a control cabin display unit displaying information, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 4A shows a flowchart illustrating a method of monitoring a boom barrier at one or more-level crossings (LCs), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Figures 4B-4I illustrates the display information shown by control cabin display unit and LC display unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any block diagrams herein represent conceptual views of illustrative systems embodying the principles of the present subject matter. Similarly, it will be appreciated that any flow charts, flow diagrams, state transition diagrams, pseudo code, and the like represent various processes which may be substantially represented in computer readable medium and executed by a computer or processor, whether such computer or processor is explicitly shown or not.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the spirit and the scope of the disclosure.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “include(s)”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, device or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or method.

The present disclosure relates to a system and method for monitoring a boom barrier at one or more-level crossings (LCs). The system to monitor a boom barrier at a level crossing (LC) comprises one or more level crossing control units and at least one control cabin unit. Each level crossing control unit comprises a plurality of sensors, wireless transmitter and a LC display unit. The plurality of sensors is mounted on a boom barrier unit, configured at the LC, to sense closing of the boom barrier, wherein each of the plurality of sensors senses at least one of position of the boom and locking of a lever, configured in the boom barrier unit. The wireless transmitter is mounted on the boom barrier unit, to transmit information associated with the plurality of sensors. The LC display unit comprising, a display device to receive and display information associated with at least one train crossing the LC and the information associated with position of the boom barrier unit using the information of the plurality of sensors, and a first transceiver to receive information associated with train crossing the LC and transmit information associated with position of boom barrier unit and locking of the lever. At least one control cabin unit is configured at a railway station, comprising a second transceiver and a control display unit. The second transceiver is configured to transmit information associated with a plurality of sensors corresponding to position and closing of a boom barrier unit and locking lever corresponding to the one or more LCs; and receive information associated with a plurality of LCs and trains crossing the corresponding LCs. The control display unit comprises a graphical user interface, configured to receive input from a user and display the information associated with the position of boom barriers at the one or more-level crossing control units.

In the following detailed description of the embodiments of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

Figure 1 shows an exemplary block diagram of a system to monitor a boom barrier at a level crossing, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

As shown in Figure 1, the system 100 to monitor a boom barrier at one or more-level crossings (LCs) comprises one or more level crossing (LC) control units i.e. LC control unit-1 104-1, LC control unit-2 104-2, LC control unit-3 104-3 and LC control unit-4 104-4, the LC control units are collectively referred as 104, and at least one control cabin unit 102. Each of the plurality of LC control units 104 is configured at a level crossing and comprises a plurality of sensors for sensing the closing of the boom barrier.

The control cabin unit 102 is configured at a railway station, to monitor the closing and opening of the boom barrier at a plurality of level crossings, by receiving the information from the LC control units 104.

Figure 2A shows a block diagram illustration of a level crossing (LC) control unit at a level crossing, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

As shown in Figure 2A, the LC control unit 104 comprises, also referred LC control device, includes a processor 202, memory 204, plurality of sensors 206, a transmitter 208 and a LC display unit 210. The memory 204 may be communicatively coupled to the processor 202. The processor 202 may be configured to perform one or more functions of the LC control unit 104. In one implementation, the LC control unit 104 may comprise other modules 212 for performing various operations in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure.

In an embodiment, each of the plurality of sensors 206, configured in the LC control unit 104, sense at least one of closing of the boom and locking of a lever, configured in the boom barrier unit. The plurality of sensors 206 are boom sensor and lever sensor. The boom sensor is an angular displacement sensor that is mounted and fixed on the boom barrier that blocks the road traffic. The lever sensor is another angular displacement sensor that is mounted and fixed on the locking lever that locks the movement of the boom barrier, upon setting in to close position. Both the Boom and lever sensors are based on same hardware but configured to sense at different points of the boom barrier, i.e., boom position and lever position sensing. These sensors are configured with a transmitter 208, which is wireless and consist of a wireless microcontroller along with 3-axis MEMS based gyro sensor powered by either AC or DC input. The microcontroller reads the sensor data using I2C interface. Both the sensors are configured with a firmware capable of running a web server to communicate with the LC display unit 210.

The LC display unit 210 comprising, a first transceiver 214 and a display unit 216, also referred as a display device, to receive and display information associated with at least one train crossing the LC and the information associated with the plurality of sensors, and a first transceiver to receive information associated with position of boom barrier unit and locking of the lever.

In an embodiment, the LC display unit 210 is located inside the LC cabin located near the LC. A user or the gateman may see train details sent by the station master on the LC display unit 210. The LC display unit communicates with the plurality of sensors 206 i.e. boom sensor and lever sensor and continuously monitors the position of the boom barrier and the locking of the lever. The position of boom barrier is determined by the sensors and relayed to the control cabin unit 102 over internet or any other wireless means, that is using the cloud server 108.

In an embodiment, the LC display unit 210 is an android OS based 7” display unit with 4G, Wi-Fi and other wireless capabilities. The LC display unit 210 runs an interactive GUI based LC application dedicated for the LC operations. The LC application receives the sensors data or information, and determines the position of the boom and lever, thereby determining whether the boom barrier is in close or open position. This information is sent to the control cabin unit 102.

Figure 2B shows a LC display unit displaying information, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The LC application, configured in the LC display unit 210 displays the operational details like train number and SM PN, for which the gate is to be set in close position, in a tabular form, which is shown in Figure 2B. All the operational details are recorded and displayed as historical records on demand and stored in the memory 204. Further, the LC application provides a password protected settings menu, which is used to configure the Station Code and LC Codes. Also, the menu is used to configure the sensors and calibrate the sensor for close position, in an embodiment.

In an embodiment, when the LC control unit receives train and PN details from the control cabin unit 102, an audio ring alert is played until the gateman acknowledges the same and transmits acknowledgement by pressing the ‘ACKN’ button being displayed on the LC display unit 210, which is shown in Figure 2B. Next, the gateman closes the boom and locks the lever by setting the LC to ‘close’ position. The LC control unit 104 continuously reads the sensor data from the plurality of sensors 206 and determines the close position. In an embodiment, the LC control unit 104 generates a random two-digit number as LC PN and displays on the LC PN text field as shown in the Figure 2B. The gateman then presses the ‘SEND’ button to confirm close position and locking of the lever, and transmits the LC PN, which completes the close operation.

Thereafter, the gateman opens the LC once the train passes. Whenever the gateman opens the LC from a close position, the LC app detects the same and sends the information to the SM Display Unit. A circular icon shows the status of the LC in a different color which may be RED, when the boom barrier (not shown in Figures) is in open position and YELLOW color when the boom barrier (not shown in Figures) is in closed position.

Figure 3A shows a block diagram illustration of a control cabin unit at a railway station, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

As shown in Figure 3A, the at least one control cabin unit 102 is configured at a railway station, comprises a processor 302, a memory 304, a second transceiver 306, a control display unit 308 and other modules 310. The control cabin unit 102 is also referred as station master (SM) display unit or SM display device. The memory 304 may be communicatively coupled to the processor 302. The processor 302 may be configured to perform one or more functions of the SM display unit 102. In one implementation, SM display unit 102 may comprise other modules 310 for performing various operations in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure.

The second transceiver 306 is configured to transmit information associated with a train crossing to one or more LC control units 104 for closing the associated boom barrier. The second transceiver 306 is also configured to receive information associated with a plurality of LCs and trains crossing the corresponding LCs. The control display unit 308 comprises a graphical user interface (GUI), configured to receive input from a user and display the information associated with the position of boom barriers at the one or more-level crossing control units.

In an embodiment, the SM display unit 102 is located with a user’s, also referred as a station master (SM) who is in-charge of controlling the railway signals from a command panel, SM Table at the railway station or a control cabin. The user may enter a train number using the GUI of the SM display unit 102 and transmit PN details using to all the LC gates over the internet, i.e. through cloud server 108. The SM display unit 102 receives the status from one or more LCs. All these events are displayed visually on the GUI of the control display unit 308. In an embodiment, an audio is played by the control display unit 308 about the status of the one or more LCs.

In an embodiment, the SM display unit 102 is configured to communicate with four LC control units 104, configured at various level crossings. In an embodiment, the SM display unit 102 may extent the communication with a greater number of LC control units 104. In an embodiment, the control display unit 308 is an android OS based 7” display unit with 4G, Wi-Fi and other wireless capabilities. The control display unit 308 runs an interactive GUI based SM application dedicated for the SM operations. The SM application interacts with all the LC control units 104 located at various LCs to receive information corresponding to the position of the boom and lever, thereby determining whether the boom barrier is in close or open position.

Figure 3B shows a control cabin display unit displaying information, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, SM App, configured in the SM display unit 102, initiates the operations of control cabin unit 102 or SM display unit by pressing ‘START’ button, which is as shown in Figure 3B. Also, the user or the SM enters Train number in the TRAIN# text field, as shown in Figure 3B. As the control display unit 308 is GUI, the SM may change select either UP or DOWN, which triggers the auto generation of SM PN that is displayed in the PN# text field. The SM then presses ‘SEND’ button to send the details to all the LCs.

All the operational events are displayed in a tabular form for the current day. All the past records are stored in memory 304, for later review and may be viewed as historical records on demand. The SM App configured in the control display unit 308 has 4 icons corresponding to the LCs controlled by the station. The icons may change its color to RED when the LC is in open position and YELLOW color, when the LC is in close position. In an embodiment, any event update from the LC is played as a voice prompt along with being displayed on screen.

Referring back to Figure 1, the could server 108 is configured to run an open source MQTT server that relays the information from LC and SM units. Also, the cloud server 108 is configured to run Web UI that allows for a user to login and look at historical records.

Figure 4A shows a flowchart illustrating a method of monitoring a boom barrier at one or more-level crossings (LCs), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure

As illustrated in Figure 4A, the method 400 comprises one or more blocks for the system 100 to monitor a boom barrier at one or more-level crossings (LCs). The method 400 may be described in the general context of computer executable instructions. Generally, computer executable instructions can include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, procedures, modules, and functions, which perform specific functions or implement specific abstract data types.

The order in which the method 400 is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks can be combined in any order to implement the method. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from the methods without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein. Furthermore, the method can be implemented in any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof.

At block 402, displaying, by the SM display unit 102, at least one information associated with a plurality of trains crossing corresponding level crossings. Figure 4B shows an illustration of the information being displayed i.e. SM private number (PN) and train number, on the control display unit 308, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

At block 404, transmitting the information associated with a position of boom barrier unit at a level cross by the SM display unit 102 to a LC control unit 104.

At block 406, receiving information corresponding to the level crossing display unit comprising at least one of acknowledgement (ACKN). Figure 4C shows an illustration of the ACKN information being displayed on the control display unit 308 of the SM control unit 102, which is ACKN provided by the gateman of the LC control unit 104. Thereafter, when the gateman closes the boom barrier and locks the lever, events associated with closing of boom barrier, the time of closing the boom is transmitted by the LC control unit 104 to the SM control unit 102, which is displayed on the control display unit 308, which is shown in Figure 4D. That is Figure 4D shows an illustration of close time being displayed on the control display unit 308. Figures 4E and 4F shown an illustration of displaying private number associated with the level crossing, and open time of the boom barrier, respectively on the control display unit 308 of the SM control unit 102.

At block 408, the SM control unit 102 performs displaying and storing the received information from the LC control unit 104.

Figures 4G, 4H and 4I shows an example illustration of SM control unit 102 sending information about three trains to corresponding three LC control units 104, receiving the ACKN along with closing of boom barrier times, locking associated levers and opening of the corresponding boom barriers times, respectively.

The terms "an embodiment", "embodiment", "embodiments", "the embodiment", "the embodiments", "one or more embodiments", "some embodiments", and "one embodiment" mean "one or more (but not all) embodiments of the invention(s)" unless expressly specified otherwise.

The terms "including", "comprising", “having” and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to", unless expressly specified otherwise.

The enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all the items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise.

The terms "a", "an" and "the" mean "one or more", unless expressly specified otherwise. A description of an embodiment with several components in communication with each other does not imply that all such components are required. On the contrary a variety of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the invention.

When a single device or article is described herein, it will be clear that more than one device/article (whether they cooperate or not) may be used in place of a single device/article. Similarly, where more than one device or article is described herein (whether they cooperate or not), it will be clear that a single device/article may be used in place of the more than one device or article or a different number of devices/articles may be used instead of the shown number of devices or programs. The functionality and/or the features of a device may be alternatively embodied by one or more other devices which are not explicitly described as having such functionality/features. Thus, other embodiments of the invention need not include the device itself.

Finally, the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and it may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter. It is therefore intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by any claims that issue on an application based here on. Accordingly, the embodiments of the present invention are intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following claims.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

We claim:
1. A system for monitoring a boom barrier at a level crossing, said system comprising:
one or more-level crossing control units, each level crossing control unit comprising:
a plurality of sensors mounted on a boom barrier unit, configured at a level crossing (LC), to sense closing of the boom barrier, wherein each of the plurality of sensors senses at least one of closing of the boom and locking of a lever, configured in the boom barrier unit;
a wireless transmitter, mounted on the boom barrier unit, to transmit information associated with the plurality of sensors; and
a LC display unit comprising, a display device to receive and display information associated with at least one train crossing the LC and the information associated with the plurality of sensors, and a first transceiver to receive information associated with train crossing the LC and transmit information associated with position of boom barrier unit;
and
at least one control cabin unit, configured at a railway station, comprising:
a transceiver is configured to transmit information associated with a train crossing a corresponding one or more LCs, for closing the associated boom barrier; and receive information associated with a plurality of LCs and trains crossing the corresponding LCs; and
a control display unit comprises a graphical user interface, configured to receive input from a user and display the information associated with the position of boom barriers at the one or more-level crossing control units.

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of sensors is an angular displacement sensor, to sense at least one of closing of the boom barrier and locking of the lever.

3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first transceiver transmits the information associated with position of boom barrier unit along with a private number associated with the corresponding LC.

4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the LC display unit displays at least one of serial number, number of a train crossing the LC, time stamp of acknowledgement, closure time of the boom barrier, private number of the LC, and open time of the boom barrier.

5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control display unit displays at least one of serial number, train number, command given to a LC, private number associated with the at least one control cabin unit, LC number, time stamp of acknowledgement, the LC status along with closure time of the boom barrier, and the private number of the LC.

6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein information associated with the position of boom barriers comprises closure time of the boom barrier, private number of the LC, and open time of the boom barrier.

7. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the information between the at least one control cabin unit and the one or more-level crossing control units is transmitted wirelessly using at least one of 3G, 4G, 5G, Wi-Fi and any other wireless communication.

8. A method of monitoring a boom barrier at one or more-level crossings (LCs), said method comprising:
displaying, by at least one of control cabin unit, at least one information associated with a plurality of trains crossing corresponding level crossings;
transmitting, by the at least one of control cabin unit, information associated with a train crossing a level cross, to a level control display unit;
receiving, by the at least one of control cabin unit, information corresponding to the level crossing display unit comprising at least one of acknowledgement, time of closure of the boom barrier from the level crossing control unit, private number associated with the level crossing, and open time of the boom barrier; and
displaying and storing, by the at least one of control cabin unit, the received information from the level crossing display unit.

9. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the received information corresponding to a level crossing (LC) display unit is obtained from a plurality of sensors mounted on a boom barrier unit, configured at the level crossing, to sense closing of the boom barrier, wherein each of the plurality of sensors senses at least one of closing of the boom and locking of a lever, configured in the boom barrier unit;

10. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein the LC display unit receives information associated with train crossing the LC and transmits information associated with position of boom barrier unit wirelessly to the control cabin unit using at least one of 3G, 4G, 5G, Wi-Fi and any other wireless communication.

11. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein displaying the received information corresponding to the LC display unit is performed by a control display unit.

12. A level crossing (LC) display unit to control a boom barrier at a level crossing, said LC display unit comprising:
a plurality of sensors mounted on a boom barrier unit, configured at a level crossing (LC), to sense closing of the boom barrier, wherein each of the plurality of sensors senses at least one of closing of the boom and locking of a lever, configured in the boom barrier unit;
a wireless transmitter, mounted on the boom barrier unit, to transmit information associated with the plurality of sensors; and
a LC display unit comprising, a display device to receive and display information associated with at least one train crossing the LC and the information associated with the plurality of sensors, and a first transceiver to receive information associated with train crossing the LC and transmit information associated with position of boom barrier unit.

13. The control cabin unit configured at a railway station for monitoring a boom barrier at one or more-level crossings (LCs), said control cabin unit comprising:
a second transceiver configured to transmit information associated with a train crossing a corresponding one or more LCs, for closing the associated boom barrier; and receive information associated with a plurality of LCs and trains crossing the corresponding LCs; and
a control display unit comprises a graphical user interface, configured to receive input from a user and display the information associated with the position of boom barriers at the one or more-level crossing display units.

14. A method of operating system for monitoring a boom barrier at one or more-level crossings (LCs), said method comprising:
displaying, by a control cabin unit, at least one information associated with a plurality of trains crossing corresponding level crossings, wherein the control cabin unit generates a private number automatically upon receiving a train input from a user;
transmitting, by the control cabin unit, information associated with a train crossing a level cross, to a level crossing display unit, wherein the user initiates the transmitting by clicking send button being displayed on the control cabin unit;
receiving, by the control cabin unit, information corresponding to the level crossing display unit comprising at least one of acknowledgement, time of closure of the boom barrier from the level crossing control unit, private number associated with the level crossing, and open time of the boom barrier, wherein the receiving is initiated upon a second user at the level crossing clicks acknowledge button and closes the boom barrier; and
displaying and storing, by the at least one of control cabin unit, the received information from the level crossing display unit, wherein the open and closed status of the boom barrier associated with the level crossing are indicated by at least two different colours.

Dated this 26th day of December, 2018

SRAVAN KUMAR GAMPA
IN/PA - 1744
OF SAILAJA SARVEPALLI & CO.
AGENT FOR THE APPLICANT

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING A BOOM BARRIER AT ONE OR MORE LEVEL CROSSINGS
ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein is a method and system for monitoring a boom barrier at one or more level crossings (LCs). The method comprising displaying, by at least one of control cabin unit, at least one information associated with a plurality of trains crossing corresponding level crossings. Also, the method comprises transmitting information associated with a train which is about to cross a level crossing, to a level crossing control unit and receiving information corresponding to the level crossing control unit comprising at least one of acknowledgement, time of closure of the boom barrier from the level crossing control unit, private number associated with the level crossing, and open time of the boom barrier. Further, the method comprises displaying and storing the received information corresponding to the level crossing display unit.

Figure 1