First, the system overview.
Railway crossing safety is a critical component of railway transportation safety. As an essential part of the overall railway traffic safety system, it plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth and secure operation of rail networks. With the rapid development of the railway industry, train speeds have increased significantly, and the frequency of train operations has also risen. This trend brings new challenges to railway safety, particularly at level crossings where the risk of collision between trains and road users remains high.
According to statistics, in 2012 alone, Japan recorded 294 incidents where trains collided with vehicles or pedestrians at level crossings. Of these, only 12 cases mentioned "preventive measures" taken to avoid similar accidents. Many of these were basic actions like reminding drivers to stay alert. In many accident reports, railway operators failed to provide detailed information on the causes of the incidents, and even basic data such as train speed was often missing. A representative from the Railway Bureau of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism explained that preventing such incidents is extremely difficult due to the unpredictable nature of pedestrian behavior.
With the increasing complexity of railway systems, level crossings have become a weak link in the safety chain. These areas pose a direct threat to the safety of both people and vehicles, making them a key issue in both railway and road safety management. To address this, a comprehensive system must be established that integrates early warning, monitoring, protection, and management. The system should not only focus on physical protection but also incorporate intelligent digital
Solutions to improve safety and efficiency.
The system uses industrial control machines as its core, enabling real-time monitoring and intelligent early warning of approaching trains. It allows for automated gate control, signal alerts, and continuous surveillance of the crossing area. By integrating advanced technology, the system helps reduce the workload of on-site staff while improving the overall safety of the crossing.
Second, the system description.
A level crossing is a point where a railway intersects with a road at the same level. When the road traffic volume is low or a three-dimensional intersection is not feasible, a level crossing (or simply a crossing) is used. The automatic warning and monitoring system for level crossings is designed to ensure safe passage by detecting approaching trains and triggering appropriate warnings.
This system can predict the speed and direction of trains in advance, automatically controlling signal lights, sirens, and barriers to warn road users and pedestrians to keep clear. It also assists on-duty personnel in managing traffic and recording images and operational data. The use of such a system ensures standardized operations, reduces the workload of staff, enhances train safety, and minimizes the risk of accidents.
Figure 1: Block diagram of intelligent digital railway crossing monitoring and protection system
System Features
â— Environmental adaptability
Considering the harsh conditions of railway environments, the system uses industrial-grade equipment capable of operating under extreme temperatures. It can function stably in challenging weather conditions and is equipped with energy-saving features that allow it to operate for up to 10 days using solar power during rainy periods. If the system runs out of power, it provides early warnings and switches to manual mode. It also supports wired access, offering strong resistance to interference and high stability, making it suitable for large stations with complex track configurations.
â— High security
Natural disasters such as lightning or extreme temperatures can damage front-end equipment and affect system performance. To ensure reliability, the system includes online self-diagnosis capabilities. It alerts users in case of communication failures, low voltage, or temperature issues, allowing guards to switch to manual mode before any warning functions fail, ensuring continued safe operation.
â— Strong load capacity
The system employs a modular design, allowing flexible configuration based on the specific needs of different crossings. It supports intelligent pre-judging, incoming vehicle warnings, gate control, signal control, and alarm functions. This adaptability makes it ideal for managing complex crossing scenarios.
â— Standardized safety procedures
Once the system detects an approaching train, it alerts on-duty personnel through multiple channels, including visual indicators, alarms, and voice alerts. It pre-sets human intervention points and records all alarm and control actions for future reference, helping staff follow proper procedures and maintain consistent safety standards.
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