DESC:FORM 2
THE PATENT ACT 1970 (as amended)
(39 of 1970)
&
The Patents Rules, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10 and rule 13)

1. TITLE OF THE INVENTION

“VISUAL VIRTUAL REMOTE ISOLATOR OPERATING SYSTEM”

2. APPLICANT(S):
1) a) Name: VGCON SYSTEMS PRIVATE LIMITED
b) Nationality: Indian
c) Address: 5-5-35/168/A, 1st Floor, APIIC Road,Prashanthi Nagar, Kukatpally, Hyderabad – 500072, Telangana.

3. PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION
COMPLETE
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

4. DESCRIPTION

Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a visual monitored intelligent power controller. The Visual Virtual Remote Isolator Operating System (VRIOS) enables a Traction Power Controller (TPC) to OPEN or CLOSE a 25KV isolator form a remotely placed control room with a real time visual confirmation.

Background of the Invention

Presently all the Isolators are being operated manually by Traction Distribution Department of Indian Railways. These isolators located all along the railway track. Some of them very near to station/signal cabin and some of them are very far off. A person has to go on walk all the distance to OPEN / CLOSE the isolators.

FIG. 1 illustrates the basic/conventional construction and arrangement of the isolator operated with a handle. As shown in FIG. 1, the 25 KV isolator (101) is connected to a mast/structure (102) which is in turn attached to the handle (103) which is operated manually by Traction Distribution Department of Indian Railways. These isolators 101 are located all along the railway track. Some of them very near to station/signal cabin and some of them are very far off. A person or authorized official will OPEN / CLOSE the isolator with the aid of the handle 103 located at the bottom of the mast/structure and informs the other concerned staff over mobile phone. Based on this mobile information, maintenance works are taken up and completed. This type of mutual communication through mobile to do the maintenance works. This whole process is time consuming and labor extensive.

Thus, there is a need to develop a reliable computer implemented electrical assist that is simple in design, is easy to mount, is universal for all TPC’s and makes it relatively lesser in cost in operations compared to manually controlled method presently employed.
.
Brief Summary of the Invention

It is an objective of the invention to have a Visual Virtual Remote Isolator Operating System (VRIOS) that enables remote operation of Isolators for feeding power to railway lines.

Another objective of the present invention is to OPEN or CLOSE a plurality of 25KV isolators form a remotely placed Traction Power Controllers (TPC’s) via reliable communication networks established to operate seamlessly.

Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide an online/real time visual confirmation of the operation of isolator with video capturing sub systems placed and configured to retrieve the videos on demand at the control room over a web browser.

Further objective of the present invention is to equip a remote control unit with an inbuilt processor board (that acts as a mini computer) to the motorized isolator box/ dis-connector box.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a Visual Virtual Remote Isolator Operating System (VRIOS) is disclosed. The VRIOS system comprises of at least one remote control unit with at least one processor board placed within a motorized dis-connector box is fixed to each of an isolator mast.

In accordance with the aspect of the present invention, the system also comprises at least one live image capturing device installed at each isolator suitable for capturing live video feed of the isolator all the time.

In accordance with the aspect of the present invention, the system also comprises a customized software installed on a dedicated web server and a database from where a web application is accessed by a user/an admin with required credentials to control/operate a plurality of isolators by a plurality of Traction Power Controller (TPC) centers.

In accordance with the aspect of the present invention, the isolators are uniquely identified by an id and enabled to configure remotely and locally through the remote control unit.

In accordance with the aspect of the present invention, the remote control units receives commands from TPC centers through GPRS for operation of the 25KV isolators and for receiving the live video associated with each of the isolator through a wireless network for a confirmation.

In accordance with the aspect of the present invention, the said system installed across a division of a railway line enables a remote operation of TPC centers in the division and across the divisions of a railway line to seamlessly operate and regulate the power being fed.

In accordance with the aspect of the present invention, wherein the live video capturing devices are protected by outdoor units and are mounted at least one at each of a structures (isolator masts) for capturing a live video on demand for confirmation of a current position of the isolator in operation instantaneously before initiating any type of command i.e. an OPEN / CLOSE of the isolator.

In accordance with the aspect of the present invention, wherein the video capturing devices installed to monitor the isolators working are Internet Protocol (IP) 67 day / night bullet cameras or the like, and they are adapted to be in sleep mode until they are taken as active windows at the TPC’s, for saving a battery (within the outdoor unit) associated for its working.

In accordance with the aspect of the present invention, wherein the video capturing devices are configured to be live for capturing and streaming video of the isolators in operation as long as it is in active window and goes to sleep mode upon execution of the command i.e., an OPEN, CLOSE and GET VIDEO.

In accordance with the aspect of the present invention, wherein the customized software developed for VRIOS will be installed on a dedicated server at each TPC control room and a license of this main software is common for a railway division.

In accordance with the aspect of the present invention, wherein the status of the isolators are controlled and monitored from the system (200) time to time whenever required.

In accordance with the aspect of the present invention, wherein the configuration of all the isolators that are either under their control or to be monitored can be accessed at a glance.

In accordance with the aspect of the present invention, wherein OPEN/CLOSE operation of the isolators is executed from the TPC centers remotely without any physical/manual movement and within no time.

In accordance with the aspect of the present invention, wherein the power block time can be used optimally for maintenance work with no time for OPEN/CLOSE of the isolators.

In accordance with the aspect of the present invention, wherein the manual operation of the isolators at their remote locations is eliminated or minimized through the said operation system and its wireless communication.

In accordance with the aspect of the present invention, wherein the system enables following security features:
a) User authentication and authorization with encrypted password
b) Access to OPEN/CLOSE operations only to users with certain roles
c) Audit log of all operations with by and time
d) The operations (OPEN/CLOSE) can be done only from designated IP of the TPC client systems registered as authorized
e) From outside client/browser system open/close operations can’t be possible
f) View of status, with get a latest video of current position is allowed to authorized users from client/browser anywhere

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Example embodiments of the present invention are illustrated by accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates the basic/conventional construction and arrangement of the isolator operated with a handle;

FIG. 2A illustrates the proposed virtual visual remote isolator operating system (VRIOS) with an IP bullet camera and motorized isolator box according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2B illustrates the application of virtual visual remote isolator operating system (VRIOS) to the plurality of isolators from the selected depots according to the embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates the arrangement of motorized isolator with a wired connection to the signaling cabin, with a maximum operational length 500 meters, according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 4 illustrates the circuit diagram of commercially available motorized isolator box;

Fig. 5 illustrates the processor board of the virtual visual remote isolator operating system (VRIOS);

Fig. 6 illustrate the electronic equipment of the virtual visual remote isolator operating system (VRIOS) with customized Hardware, Firmware and Software according to the embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 7A-7L illustrates the web flow diagram depicting the operating method of the proposed virtual visual remote isolator operating system (VRIOS) according to the embodiment of the invention;

The drawings described herein is for illustration purpose only and not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Furthermore, in the following detailed description of the present invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present invention.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a Visual Virtual Remote Isolator Operating System (VRIOS) is disclosed. The VRIOS system comprises of at least one remote control unit with at least one processor board placed within a motorized dis-connector box is fixed to each of an isolator mast.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the system also comprises at least one live image capturing device installed at each isolator suitable for capturing live video feed of the isolator all the time.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the system also comprises a customized software installed on a dedicated web server and a database from where a web application is accessed by a user/an admin with required credentials to control/operate a plurality of isolators by a plurality of Traction Power Controller (TPC) centers.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the isolators are uniquely identified by an id and enabled to configure remotely and locally through the remote control unit.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the remote control units receives commands from TPC centers through GPRS for operation of the 25KV isolators and for receiving the live video associated with each of the isolator through a wireless network for a confirmation.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the said system installed across a division of a railway line enables a remote operation of TPC centers in the division and across the divisions of a railway line to seamlessly operate and regulate the power being fed.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the live video capturing devices are protected by outdoor units and are mounted at least one at each of a structures (isolator masts) for capturing a live video on demand for confirmation of a current position of the isolator in operation instantaneously before initiating any type of command i.e. an OPEN / CLOSE of the isolator.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the video capturing devices installed to monitor the isolators working are Internet Protocol (IP) 67 day / night bullet cameras or the like, and they are adapted to be in sleep mode until they are taken as active windows at the TPC’s, for saving a battery (within the outdoor unit) associated for its working.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the video capturing devices are configured to be live for capturing and streaming video of the isolators in operation as long as it is in active window and goes to sleep mode upon execution of the command i.e., an OPEN, CLOSE and GET VIDEO.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the customized software developed for VRIOS will be installed on a dedicated server at each TPC control room and a license of this main software is common for a railway division.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the status of the isolators is controlled and monitored from the system (200) time to time whenever required.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the configuration of all the isolators that are either under their control or to be monitored can be accessed at a glance.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein OPEN/CLOSE operation of the isolators is executed from the TPC centers remotely without any physical/manual movement and within no time.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the power block time can be used optimally for maintenance work with no time for OPEN/CLOSE of the isolators.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the manual operation of the isolators at their remote locations is eliminated or minimized through the said operation system and its wireless communication.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the system operates to OPEN or CLOSE a plurality of 25KV isolators from a remotely placed control room via reliable communication networks established to operate seamlessly.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the system provides a real time visual confirmation of the operation of the isolators with online visual display and video capturing sub systems placed and configured to retrieve the videos on demand at the control rooms over a web browser.

Referring to figures, FIG. 2A illustrates the proposed virtual visual remote isolator operating system (VRIOS) with an IP bullet camera (206) and motorized isolator box (203) according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 3, an internet protocol (IP) bullet camera installed at each isolator (201), remote control unit (205), with a processor (510 in Fig. 5) and a web server and a database; from where a web application is accessed by a user/an admin with required credentials to control/operate the isolators by the TPC’s to distribute power together constitute the proposed virtual visual remote isolator operating system (VRIOS) (200).

The remote control unit (205), with a processor board is placed within the motorized dis-connector box which is fixed to the isolator (201) mast (202) or within another enclosure nearer to isolator mast (202). Each isolator (201) is identified by a unique id and enabled to configure remotely and locally through the remote control unit, also called as control card. The IP67 day / night bullet camera (206) with protected outdoor unit is mounted on the structure (mast) (202) of the isolator (201) to determine the current position of the isolator (201) instantaneously before initiating any type of command i.e. OPEN/CLOSE of the isolator. The camera (206) will normally be in sleep mode until it is taken as active window at control center enabling continued video streaming as long as it is in active window. After few seconds in active mode, the camera (206) goes to sleep mode upon execution of the commands such as OPEN, CLOSE and GET VIDEO of the isolator (201).

FIG. 2B illustrates the application of virtual visual remote isolator operating system (VRIOS) to the plurality of isolators from the selected depots according to the embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 2B the remote control unit (205) of the system is placed inside the motorized disconnector box (203) which in turn are operated from the control room (207) of the Traction Power Controllers (TPC) board. Each of the isolators (201) from the depot are operated remotely by the authorized user from the VRIOS system software as described in FIGS. 7A-L. The live status of the isolator (201) along with the live video stream is recorded and accessed with the help of the proposed Visual Virtual Remote Isolator Operating System (VRIOS).

FIG. 3 illustrates the arrangement of motorized isolator with a wired connection to the signaling cabin according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown in Fig. 2A, the motorized isolator box/ dis-connector box 203 is equipped with a remote control unit (205), with an inbuilt processor board (510 in Fig. 5) (that acts as a mini computer) which is a unit of the proposed virtual visual remote isolator operating system (VRIOS) (200). Generally, this motorized isolator box (203) is used to make the process semi-automatic wherein a Crank handle is mounted replacing the lever handle which rotates the motor manually. Local switching from the mast-structure is proposed to be performed by introducing two push buttons that can OPEN/CLOSE the isolator depending on the requirement. Alternatively, two more push button panel is installed in the signaling cabin which has a wired extension to a maximum distance of 500 meters. The in charge/official of signaling cabin (Station Master) performs OPEN / CLOSE operation, upon request of TPC/Technical Staff of the Concerned Maintenance DEPOT.

Fig. 4 illustrates the circuit diagram of motorized isolator box/ dis-connector box (403). As shown in FIG. 4, the motorized isolator box (403) is fixed to the isolator mast/structure. These motorized dis-connectors converts these manual isolators to semi-automatic with a crank lever as mentioned in Fig.2A. These dis-connectors operates on 110V DC or 230V AC input voltage and offers redundant operations i.e. manual, local (switching) & remote (switching).

Fig. 5 illustrates the processor board (510) of the virtual visual remote isolator operating system (VRIOS). The processor board (510) is the integral part of the remote control unit (615 in Fig. 6) is also called as control card.

The control unit receives the commands from Command Center -TPC (thru GPRS) and sends live video through wireless network to Command center. On receiving the command, the IP bullet camera (306 in Fig. 3) unit comes out of sleep mode and display live video. After executing the command, the live stream will stop, status is updated. LOG record of all the events is backed up to database along with video clip. Upon the command from the TPC control room (207), the onboard Relay generate a pulse and drives the motor to perform OPEN/CLOSE operation of the Isolator motor and after successful command execution, SMS will be sent to the concerned staff/official.

Fig. 6 illustrates the electronic equipment of the virtual visual remote isolator operating system (VRIOS) with customized Hardware, Firmware and Software according to the embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 6, the control card (615 in Fig. 6) is responsible for the execution of wireless communication with its customized hardware technology. The main control software of the system will be installed on a dedicated server at TPC with a customized software developed for VRIOS.

This main control software will be common for a railway division. One main software product is sufficient to control/monitor all the Isolators located within the jurisdiction of the railway division. OPEN / CLOSE / GET VIDEO of EACH isolator will be done by authorized TPC controller. Apart from this the software will have GUI/ User Screens as defined/ required for the operating staff.

The remote control units (205 in Fig. 2) linked with Isolator (201) are identified by their unique ID. Multiple isolator units can be controlled through this software by OPEN / CLOSE Commands for any isolator. The on-screen display of the server shows various parameters such as signal strength, Isolator status i.e. in OPEN state or CLOSE state, door open, details of last two operations, display- LIVE video of the remote isolator. The User Log-in of the VRIOS system is password protected and is authorized to limited users only. The logged database of all the events are accessible.

FIGS. 7A-7L illustrates the web flow diagram depicting the operating method of the proposed virtual visual remote isolator operating system (VRIOS) according to the embodiment of the invention. As shown in the figures, 7A is the login screen where the authorized official enters his secure username and passwords which are encrypted. 7B shows the dashboard of Visual Virtual Remote Isolator Operating System (VRIOS) after the login process. The dashboard features tabs such as users, isolators, TPC boards, depots, reports, IMEI configuration, timer configuration and manage passwords, each of them having its unique operations. The user may be added (7B) from the user tab in two types, namely Admin and controller who can be authorized to use the VRIOS system. the isolator which is to be monitored shall be added based on its location data and type etc and is saved finally which can be seen in fig 7C under isolators tab.

After adding the isolator, the corresponding TPC board is also added which is shown in the FIG. 7D from the tab TPC boards. From the tab depots, the areas which need the isolator control are added, so that their maintenance process can be processed from time to time whenever required.

As shown in FIG. 7F, lists the status of each and every isolator which is added initially can be accessed live along with the signal strengths, current open close status and its depots from the isolators tab. The live video footage of every isolator location is also available to make sure the ongoing operations are carried out on time.

All the operations are logged in the server wherein a report can be retrieved between dates for review / reference which can be generated under the report tab as shown in the FIG. 7G. Each VRIOS system will have 15-digit unique IMEI number. This is linked with the Isolator for safety and security reasons as shown in FIG. 7H.

Under the timer configuration tab shown in FIG. 7I, the user can be timed out from active operation as per the requirement/instructions. FIG. 7J shows the window where passwords can be changed by the user. The main working window upon selection of an Isolator is shown in FIG.7K which shows the isolator status and ready for taking a command.

Upon selecting the individual isolator for the status, in this window from the FIG. 7L, the command regarding the active/inactive and under progress can be found out. The live video streaming is also available for visual conformation of the operation.

In this window a command can be given to OPEN / CLOSE or GET the VIDEO of the required isolators from the authorized depots registered for Visual Remote Isolator Operating System (VRIOS).

It is to be understood that changes and variations may be made without departing from the scope. ,CLAIMS:5. CLAIMS
I/We Claim:
1. A Visual Virtual Remote Isolator Operating System (VRIOS) (200), wherein the VRIOS system (200) comprises:
at least one remote control unit (205) with at least one processor board (510) placed within a motorized dis-connector box (203) is fixed to each of an isolator mast (202);
at least one live image capturing device (206) installed at each isolator (201) suitable for capturing live video feed of the isolator (201) all the time;
a customized software installed on a dedicated web server and a database from where a web application is accessed by a user/an admin with required credentials to control/operate a plurality of isolators (201) by a plurality of Traction Power Controller (TPC) centers (207);
the isolators (201) are uniquely identified by an id and enabled to configure remotely and locally through the remote control unit (205);
the remote control units (205) receives commands from TPC centers (207) through GPRS for operation of the 25KV isolators (201) and for receiving the live video associated with each of the isolator (201) through a wireless network for a confirmation;
and
the said system (200) installed across a division of a railway line enables a remote operation of TPC centers (207) in the division and across the divisions of a railway line to seamlessly operate and regulate the power being fed.

2. The system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the live video capturing devices (206) are protected by outdoor units and are mounted at least one at each of a structures (isolator masts) (202) for capturing a live video on demand for confirmation of a current position of the isolator (201) in operation instantaneously before initiating any type of command i.e. an OPEN / CLOSE of the isolator (201).

3. The system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the video capturing devices (206) installed to monitor the isolators (201) working are Internet Protocol (IP) 67 day / night bullet cameras or the like, and they are adapted to be in sleep mode until they are taken as active windows at the TPC’s, for saving a battery (within the outdoor unit) associated for its working.

4. The system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the video capturing devices (206) are configured to be live for capturing and streaming video of the isolators (201) in operation as long as it is in active window and goes to sleep mode upon execution of the command i.e., an OPEN, CLOSE and GET VIDEO.

5. The system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the customized software developed for VRIOS (200) will be installed on a dedicated server at each TPC control room (207) and a license of this main software is common for a railway division.

6. The system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the status of the isolators (201) are controlled and monitored from the system (200) time to time whenever required.

7. The system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the configuration of all the isolators (201) that are either under their control or to be monitored can be accessed at a glance.

8. The system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein OPEN/CLOSE operation of the isolators (201) is executed from the TPC centers (207) remotely without any physical/manual movement and within no time.

9. The system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the power block time can be used optimally for maintenance work with no time for OPEN/CLOSE of the isolators (201).

10. The system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the manual operation of the isolators (201) at their remote locations is eliminated or minimized through the said operation system (200) and its wireless communication.

6. DATE AND SIGNATURE
Dated this on 20th October 2019

Signature

(Mr. Srinivas Maddipati)
IN/PA 3124
Agent for Applicant