A METHOD TO CONTROL TRAFFIC FOR PRT/PGRT AND AN ARRANGEMENT FOR CARRYING OUT THE METHOD

Abstract: In a method and a device to control traffic for PRT, PGRT or such kind of vehicles or similar vehicles for passengers and/or goods and comprising, to provide a large network for such vehicles with stations, stops or similar and regionally distributed and located side-tracks (S 1 - S 26 and M 1 - M 20) considerable reduce the amout of information, which are needed to be stored and handled to give vehicles path-subscription for long distance travels in the network. The network has a number of side-tracks (S 1 - S 26 and M 1 - M 20) there vehicles are accumulated to give the vehicles fixed path-subscription to relatively far-off receiving tracks (M 1 - M 20), stations and stops in the system by means of a control of traffic based on the computer pinciple fixed time slot system.

Description: A METHOD TO CONTROL TRAFFIC FOR PRT/PGRT AND AN ARRANGEMENT FOR CARRYING OUT THE MEΠΉOD This invention relates to a method to control traffic for Personal Rapid Transit or such kinds of vehicles, Personal and Goods Rapid Transit or such kinds of vehicles or similar vehicles for passengers and/or goods. The method comprises to provide a large or widespread network for such vehicles with stations, stops or similar and also with regionally spread and located side-tracks. Personal Rapid Transit or PPT is a trackbounded vehicle system with vehicles without a driver for rapid personal transit and Personal and Goods Rapid Transit or PGRT is likewise a trackbounded vehicle system with vehicles without a driver for rapid personal transit and/or rapid transit of goods, articles and the like. One object of the method in accordance with the invention is to make it possible of using PRT/PGRT in large systems or networks. An another object of the method in accordance with the invention is to make it possible for long distance travels in such systems and in a supple and safe way. So there is a need of being able to a considerable extent reduce that amount of information, which is needed to be stored and handled to be able to use PRT/PGRT in more widespread or large networks and to be able to make long distance travels in such larger systems or in a widely ramified and large network. Furthermore, there is a need of dividing up and to a substantial¬ ly extent reduce the information handling. If that can be realized, PRT/ PGRT traffic is made possible in widespread and large networks, which are required in densely populated areas, such as cities of over a million inhabitants, and which can hold vehicles in tens of thousands. It has been emphasized that in utilization of known methods and arrange¬ ments there is one obstacle to PRT, PGRT and similar systems as it is difficult to control a safe traffic even when holding such a number of few vehicles as only about a hundred vehicles. Thus, in exploitation of known methods and arrangements, it is .involved that vehicles, which are to be travel a long distance, are dependent on tremendously many other vehicles' pattern of travel or desire of route. For this reason, vehicles, which are going to departure, have to take into consideration that tremendously many vehicles from far off and from several directions at the same time can arrive at the same juncture point in some portion of the network. In other words there is a risk of collisions between vehicles. A computer would be able to manage the control of vehicles in smaller and simpler systems and networks. Today, it does not exists sufficient capacity in a central corn- puter to manage a control of the vehicles in more extensive systems and networks. In a method in accordance with the invention the objects given can be real¬ ized by the fact that needs and the requirements made are fulfilled and the disadvantages of known methods are eliminated. Thus, the invention states a method which makes it possible to use PRT, PGRT and similar systems in large and widespread networks and that long distance travels and/or trans¬ portations can be carried out in a simple, supple and safe way. The method in accordance with the invention is thus characterized in that the large or widespread network is provided with side-tracks functioning as accumul¬ ation section and quene section for vehicles, which are to be travel longer distance than withln the region or neighbouring region where the vehicle is. Furthermore, with a traffic control based upon the computer principle fixed time slot system, to give vehicles, which are to be travel a long way, a fixed path-subscription to a side-track, which is located at a relatively far distance from the remote destination or at or near to the remote destin¬ ation. Owing to this, that amount of information, which is needed to be stored and handled for making long distance travels in larger networks, can be reduced. According to an embodiment of the method in accordance with the invention at least some of the side-tracks are arranged in order to be able to accu¬ mulate vehicles during short periods, for example between thirty seconds and ninety seconds, and during a short period, for example during approxim- ately between six seconds and twenty seconds, send the vehicles away one after the other with gap and under control for entering the network. Each vehicle must be given by the system, controlling the traffic, an available "gap" up to a destination in order to be able to be allowed to departure. The gap is in fact consisting of a moving section moving along the path in the sane speed as all vehicles. The length of the gap is in principle often the same as the vehicle's emergency break distance plus a reaction time. In order to have an acceptable capacity in PRT, PGRT and similar traffic, it is required that the vehicles prompt leave the stations as soon as the passengers have taken their seats in the vehicles. If vehicles, which are to be travel a long way, instead are remain standing to wait for gap-sub- scription, they would at the stations block the path for those lying behind. When there is a very great need, as in heavy traffic, it is most difficult to find a "gap" or a path-subscription for vehicles to be travel a long distance. It is true that it has been proposed to equip the stations with parking spaces where vehicles from far away would be able to wait for gap-sub¬ scription and departure. However, such parking spaces would unacceptable increase the dimensions and cost of the stations and as a network often can be considered to be more advantageous, if there are located a large number of stations, the costs will be unfavourable. The vehicles would also have a more complicated and expensive mechanics to be able to use parking spaces. However, most essential is that parking spaces does not solve or influence the fundamental problem to reduce the handling of information. Therefore, in a further embodiment of the method in accordance with the invention the vehicles are provided with fixed gap-subscription according to the computer principle fixed time slot and then, during a short period, for example during approximately between six seconds and twenty seconds, are sent away one after the other into the network to predestinated side-tracks. According to an another embodiment of the method in accordance with the invention the side-tracks are arranged for the function that from side¬ tracks receive vehicles in row and give the vehicles gap-subscription to that station, stop or similar each of them later is going to travel. In an additional embodiment of the method in accordance with the inventioπ the side-tracks or at least sortie side-tracks or special side-tracks are combined with a control according to the computer principle fixed time slot system above the rest and for the system necessary control equipnent. According to a still further embodiment of the method in accordance with the invention the side-tracks are arranged to form transmitting tracks as well as receiving tracks. In a still another embodiment of the method in accordance with the invent¬ ion stop tracks are shaped with a section or an extended section, along which gap-subscription is carried out. The invention comprises also an arrangement for realization of the method according to the invention. In this respect, the arrangement comprises tracks in a network for Personal Rapid Transit or such kinds of vehicles, Personal and Goods Rapid Transit or such kinds of vehicles or similar vehicles for passengers and/or goods. Furthermore, the arrangement co pri- ses stations, stops or similar and control devices for traffic control of the vehicles. The arrangement is characterized in that fact that it compri¬ ses in the network regionally spread and placed transmitting tracks and/or receiving tracks or side-tracks. Further in that the control devices are computer based and comprise programmes based upon the computer principle fixed time slot system. According to an embodiment the arrangement can show stop tracks in the shape of a side-track extending from a track in the network and which stop tracks have a sufficient length in order to be able to comprise an arranged platform ' along the stop track for boarding and/or alighting of passengers and/or loading and/or unloading of goods and the like and also be able to comprise the arrangement or the effect of gap-subscription for vehicles and in applicable cases an acceleration section. According to an additional embodiment of the arrangement in accordance with the invention the arrangement comprises buffer tracks and/or by-passing tracks extending from the stop track. Further characteristics of and advantages with the method and arrangement in accordance with the invention will in the following description be apparent by embodiment examples, whereby a simultaneous reference will be made to the accompanying schematic drawings, of which Fig. 1 shows an example what a network for Personal Rapid Transit, Personal and Goods Rapid Transit or similar would be able to look in a town with approximaLely half a million inhabitants, Fig. 2 shows sche atically an example of a platform at a station next to a single-track of the network and with a station-track and Fig. 3 shows schematically an example of a platform at a station next to a single-track of the network and with a station-track and in addition examples of further tracks extending from the station-track. Thus, it is shown in Fig. 1 an example of a network with tracks 3, see Fig. 2. Most of the tracks shown or the path segments of the network, which in Fig. 1 appears as net-meshes, consist of double tracks, i.e. with a track 3 in each direction. In the network exists side-tracks S 1 - S 26 and M 1 - M 20 with transmitting sections in the state of transmitting tracks S 1 - S 26 and receiving sections in the state of receiving tracks M l - M 20. The transmitting tracks can also form receiving tracks, as well as the receiving tracks can form transmitting tracks. In accordance with the invention, the network is provided with regionally spread and placed side-tracks S 1 - S 26 and M 1 - M 20. Within the network, there exists a multiplicity of vehicles of the kind which is named Personal Rapid Transit or Personal and Goods Rapid Transit or similar vehicles. To gain simplicity in description, it will be used the terms vehicle and PRT/PGRT in the following description of the invent- ion. For the control of" the vehicles, it can be used a central computer but in more extensive networks, as the method and arrangement in accordance with the invention especially is aimed at, there can or will exist, according to the invention, a computer in each vehicle communicating with computers in for example points, junctures and stations and also with regionally arranged controlling systems. The side-tracks S 1 - S 26 and M 1 - M 20 are arranged to function as accumulation tracks and queue section for vehicles, which are to be travel a longer distance than within the region or for example neighbouring regions where the vehicle is. The purpose of the side-tracks is to receive vehicles from stations of adjacent regions, to collect the vehicles and with only a limited contribution of traffic control, based upon the com- puter principle fixed time slot system, give the vehicles a fixed path- subscription to their station situated a number of regions farther away or in applicable cases to a side-track situated in the region in question or the network. Thus, for traffic from far away at least certain tracks 3 in the network can be arranged for fixed subscriptions, whereby consider- ation does not need to be taken to junctions or the like, when subscript¬ ion exists. In small systems or lesser places presence of fixed subscript¬ ions are not necessary. Thus, the side-tracks exist for the function of fixed time slot system. With the reference designation 1 in Fig. 2 is shown a station, stop or similar or a platform as a path-side on a station-track 2 extending from a single track 3 in the network. The indicated arrows on the tracks 2 and 3 show the direction of travel. Vehicles at the platform 1 can be embarked and/or be loaded along a section 4, which is indicated with check pattern in the figure. A portion 5 or section of the station-track 2 can be arranged in order to give vehicles a gap-subscription and in this connect¬ ion a go-ahead signal to accelerate into a track 3 of the network. The said portion 5 of the station-track 2 has been indicated with slanting lines in the figure. An acceleration section 6 can also exists in the station-track 2. Thus, the station-track 2 can show a further length than what is required for boarding and/or alighting for passengers and/or load¬ ing and/or unloading of goods, articles and the like in order to be able to include a section 5 for gap-subscription and/or a section 6 for acceler- ation. Further, it appears from Fig. 3 that a buffer track 7 and/or tracks for switching or by-passing tracks 8 can exist extending frcm the station-track 2 or a side-track, which in itself does not is included in the real network. " The buffer track 7 can be arranged for empty vehicles. In the tracks 8 for switching vehicles can wait for a free gap. As an example of use of the method in accordance with the invention and in connection with the fact that vehicles are going to travel a further dist- ance than within the region or neighbouring region where the vehicle is, the side-tracks are functioning as a track accumulating approaching vehic¬ les, which then are going to be sent to a station or a destination. Thus, vehicles can be sent from a station 1 to a side-track, which then forms a transmitting track S 1 - S 26, in which the vehicles are accumulated and are given a fixed path-subscription for a long distance travel to a side- track, which then forms a receiving track M 1 - M 20. When the vehicles arrive at the receiving track M 1 - M 20, each vehicle will have a gap- subscription to that station 1, which is the destination of the vehicle in question, if not the station is the destination, i.e. that the vehicle is given a subscription regionally for the remaining distance up to the destination. The side-tracks in the outer areas of the place form transmitting tracks S 1 - S 26 in for example rush hours in the morning for travellers from residential areas into centralized urban areas and side-tracks in said centralized urban areas form receiving tracks M l - M 20. Before the reversed traffic for rush hours later in the day said receiving tracks M 1 - M 20 in the centralized urban areas accumulate vehicles and form in this respect transmitting tracks S 1 - S 26 and the side-tracks, which earlier in the day or in the morning formed said transmitting tracks S 1 - S 26 in the outer areas, form in this case receiving tracks M 1 - M 20. During the course of events before a vehicle has arrived in a transmitting track and after that the vehicle has reached a receiving track so can the vehicle in applicable cases often be controlled by only a locally and distributed controlling system. The storing capacity and information processing, which is needed of the method described to control a long distance travel using PRT/PGRT, is only a small fractional ' part of what should have been needed to control corres¬ ponding travels by a large and overall, central computer system and with¬ out utilization of particular side-tracks or transmitting tracks and receiving tracks respectively, as stated by this invention. The method and arrangement in accordance with the invention simplify and hasten in a con¬ siderable extent the sending out of vehicles frcm stations by the fact that the need of time-consuming gap-subscriptions for long distance travels are eliminated. The need of parking-lots at the stations can owing to this also be eliminated or should be eliminated. The method in accordance with the invention comprises series of possibili¬ ties beyond the possibilities schematically mentioned above in the embodi¬ ment example. Thus, the current stations, stops or the like comprised in a large number in the network would temporary be able to be used for the same or corresponding function as transmitting tracks and receiving tracks pro¬ vided that there are times during the day when the utilization of them for the rest are insignificant. The side-tracks S 1 - S 26 and M 1 - M 20 can in certain times be utilized >as for example a buffer, as when stoppage arise, make it easier of setting into operation after stoppage, in surplus of vehicles or be utilized as a storage of vehicles before rush hours or in the same or corresponding way as a station-track 2 in order to distri¬ bute vehicles, i.e. the function of the side-tracks can be increased with functions existing in station-tracks. The equipment of the side-tracks for the control according to the computer principle fixed time slot system can be cobined with such an additional controlling equipment and/or current controlling equipment. In this respect can only certain and particular located side-tracks be arranged in such a way, as well as only certain side-tracks can be equipped to be able to change between the functions or the tasks as transmitter and receiver respectively, i.e. transmitting track and receiving track, in order to, for example, as said before, even out the difference in traffic from residential areas and towards centralized urban areas in the mornings and frcm the centralized urban areas and towards the residential areas in the afternoon. According to one embodiment, the side-tracks or at least some of them can be arranged in order to be able to accumulate vehicles during short periods, for example between thirty seconds and ninety seconds, and during a short period, as for example during approximately between six seconds and twenty seconds, send vehicles away in a collected convoy, row or the like or one after the other with gap and under control for entering the network in order to be spread to stations or other stations. Controlling mean utiliz- ation of fixed time slot system. The vehicles are provided with fixed gap- subscription according to the computer principle fixed time slot and can then, during a short period, as for example during approximately between six seconds and twenty seconds, are sent away one after the other with gap into the network to predestinated side-tracks. Further, that the side- tracks are arranged for the function that from side-tracks or transmitting tracks receive vehicles in row and give the vehicles gap-subscription and then spread the vehicles to that station, stop or similar each of them is going to travel. Thus, side-tracks in the function as transmitting tracks receive vehicles in a row in order to give them a fixed path-subscription to a receiving track and spread the vehicles and further, side-tracks in the function as receiving tracks collect vehicles in order to give them a gap-subscription to the destination and to spread or send away the vehic¬ les to the destination. When vehicles are supplied to a side-track or a transmitting track or a receiving track, i.e. are collected in the side- track, the vehicles can be accumulated and be moved close together or against one another in order to save space. Before that the vehicles will be sent away spreading of the vehicles is carried out or that they are sent away with gap. Perhaps, it should be noticed that transmitting tracks and receiving tracks does not need to exist side by side on both sides of double tracks, as it often is shown in Fig. 1 but the tracks can be spread in another way. On the other hand, it can be an advantage to construct transmitting tracks and receiving tracks side by side of reasons as building technology and financ¬ ial reasons. The contruction of transmitting tracks and receiving tracks are proportionately simple and can be done to a relatively low cost, as in the cases they does not need to be provided with for example platform, roof and the like. The method for long distance travel according to the invention must be com¬ bined with not only distributing controlling systems for regional local traffic but also with a central controlling system, which is dealing with alterations, blocked sectors, etc. It will not be necessary for the transmitters S 1 - S 26 to use the same route to the receiver for the same travel but the transmitters are able to range with regard to attain an uniform load on the network. They can also in a specially heavy loading simultaneously be able to use or send many different routes. The system can also be given the possibility to use different receivers as overrun stations. Without exceeding the scope of the concept of the invention, modifications of the method and the arrangement in accordance with the invention should be possible. Thus, the routes of the networks shown can certainly be dif¬ ferent and lesser or more widespread, as well as the number of side-tracks, stations or the like. Further, the stations, stops and the like can show a more extensive equipment and be shaped with more numerous tracks for, for example, switching, storing, etc. Additional controlling systems can be utilized than the systems mentioned in the embodiment examples. However, in long distance travels it is essential i.a. to utilize the traffic cont¬ rol based upon the computer principle fixed time slot system in order to be able to give the vehicles fixed path- and/or gap-subscriptions and the presence of side-tracks. The *invention would be able to be summarized as in a method and an arrangement to control traffic for PRT, PGRT or such kinds of vehicles or similar vehicles for passengers and/or goods and com¬ prising to provide a large network for such vehicles with stations, stops or similar and regionally spread and placed side-tracks considerable reduce the amount of information, which are needed to be stored and handled to give vehicles path-subscription for long distance travels in the network. The network has a number of side-tracks where vehicles are collected to give the vehicles fixed path-subscription to relatively far-off receiving tracks, stations and stops in the system by means of a control of traffic based upon the computer principle fixed time slot system. The method and the arrangement in accordance with the invention is thus not restricted to what has been shown and described in the embodiment examples, but soley by the following claims.

Claims: Claims : 1. A method to control traffic for Personal Rapid Transit or such kinds of vehicles, Personal and Goods Rapid Transit or such kinds of vehicles or similar vehicles for passengers and/or goods and comprising to provide a large network for such vehicles with stations, stops and similar and regionally spread and located side-tracks, characterized in that the side¬ tracks (S 1 - S 26 and M l - M 20) function as accumulation section and queue section for vehicles to be travel longer distance than within the region or neighbouring region where the vehicle is and with a traffic control based upon the computer principle fixed time slot system give vehicles to be travel a long way a fixed path-subscription to a relatively far-away side-track (M 1 - M 20 and S 1 - S 26), whereby the amount of information, which is needed to be stored and handled, is reduced to make long distance travels in larger networks. 2. A method in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that at least some of the side-tracks (S 1 - S 26 and M 1 - M 20) are arranged in order to be able to accumulate vehicles during short periods, for example between thirty seconds and ninety seconds, and during a short period, for example during approximately between six seconds and twenty seconds, send the vehicles away one after the other with gap and under control for enter¬ ing the network. 3. A method in accordance with claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the vehicles are provided with fixed gap-subscription according to the computer principle fixed time slot and then, during a short period, for example during approximately between six seconds and twenty seconds, are sent away one after the other in series into the network to predestinated or certain side-tracks. 4. A method in accordance with claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the side-tracks (S 1 - S 26 and M l - M 20) are arranged for the function that frcm side-tracks receive vehicles in row and give the vehicles gap-sub¬ scription to that station, stop or similar each of them later is going to travel. 5. A method in accordance with any of the claims 1 - 4, characterized in that the side-tracks (S 1 - S 26 and M l - M 20), at least some side-tracks or special side-tracks are combined with a control according to the computer principle fixed time slot system, for example in order to be able to send the vehicles to the nearest located station or similar, or are equipped with control equipment and are combined with a control according to the computer principle fixed time slot system, for example in order to be able to send vehicles to the nearest located station or similar. 6. A method in accordance with any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the side-tracks (S 1 - S 26 and M 1 - M 20) are arranged to form transmitting tracks (S 1 - S 26) as well as receiving tracks (M 1 - M 20), i.e. that the side-tracks function as for example accumulation section and queue section for vehicles to be travel longer distance than within the region or neighbouring region where the vehicle is, give the vehicles a fixed path-subscription to a relatively far-away receiving track (M 1 - M 20 or S 1 - S 26), provide the vehicles with fixed gap-subscription before that they are sent away to predestinated or certain receiving tracks (M 1 - M 20 or S 1 - S 26), arrange the side-tracks for the funct¬ ion that from transmitting tracks (S 1 - S 26 or M 1 - M 20) receive vehicles and/or arrange the side-tracks in order to accumulate vehicles during short periods and during a short period send the vehicles away one after the other with gap into the network under traffic control. 7. A method in accordance with claim 1 or 2, characterized in that stop tracks (2) are shaped with a section or an extended section, along which gap-subscription is carried out. 8. A method in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that vehicles for passengers and/or goods can travel within the network between a point of departure and a destination without transfer, reloading or similar. 9. An arrangement for carrying out the method in accordance with any of the claims 1 - 8, whereby the device comprises tracks (3) in a network for Personal Rapid Transit or such kinds of vehicles, Personal and Goods Rapid Transit or such kinds of vehicles or similar vehicles for passengers and/or goods and further comprises stations, stops (1) or similar and control devices for traffic control of the vehicles, characterized in that the device comprises in the network regionally spread and placed transmitting tracks (S 1 - S 26) and/or receiving tracks (M 1 - M 20) or side-tracks (S 1 - S 26 and M 1 - M 20) , that the control devices are computer based and comprise programmes based upon the computer principle fixed time slot system and in that stop tracks (2) , in the shape of a side-track extending from a track (3) in the network, show a sufficient length in order to be able to comprise an arranged platform (1) along the stop track (2) for boarding and/or alighting of passengers and/or loading and/or unloading of goods and also to comprise the arrangement or the effect of gap-subscript¬ ions (5) for vehicles and in applicable cases an exit junction (6) . 10. An arrangement in accordance with claim 9, characterized in that the device comprises buffer tracks (7) and/or by-passing tracks (8) extending frcm the stop track (2) .

Inventors: ABY STIG, ABY, STIG
Applicants: ABY STIG, ABY, STIG
Application year: 1991
Main classification: B61L27
IPC codes: B61L27, G08G1