A GPS measurement-based map conversion scheme for railway synchronization control under moving block signalling

Abstract

For railway signalling and control tasks, Takagi’s synchronization control approach [1] can be used to shorten the headway between adjacent trains which operate under the moving block signalling system. However, such a control approach assumes that each train runs on a single straight track line and therefore cannot be used directly to the existing railway configurations which in practice have turning and crossing points. This paper proposes a solution to this practical implementation issue by combining a measurement-based map conversion algorithm to Takagi’s synchronization control scheme. The proposed algorithm essentially converts a two-dimensional measurement data set from a GPS into a single straight track line position as required by the train detection system in Takagi’s synchronization control approach. Experimental results from the implementation of the proposed approach are presented.