Scanner with secured function

p0001The present invention relates to a method for checking the functionality of scanner systems and a scanner system.

p0002Scanner systems are extensive in use and in the art. Modern scanners systems like radar scanner and / or laser scanners are for example the distance detection or in conjunction with parking aids in use in simple versions in the vehicle itself.

p0003High Secure Scanner systems for verification of safety-relevant areas in use. Such areas are for example crossings with barriers, which must be ensured that the rail line to the passage of a train is free, after the barriers are closed. This is particularly relevant in the field of level crossing systems in conjunction with major roads, junctions and the like. The<patcit id="pcit0001" dnum="US7439876B2"><text>US 7,439,876 B2</text></patcit> discloses such a system.

p0004In the prior art the functionality of known and in use systems by verifying the presence of a static reflection signal detected. By multiple safety circuits, it is assumed that scanner systems operate safely and deliver results.

p0005However, no procedures or systems are in the art, allowing a clear statement about the functionality of the system.

p0006Another belonging to the prior art system is described for example in the <patcit id="pcit0002" dnum="US7295111B2"><text>US 7,295,111 B2</text></patcit>, The described system comprises a transmitter, which sends a signal along a predetermined path and a modulating reflector, which receives the transmitted signal. This modulation reflector comprises a modulator that receives the received signal and generates a modulated signal with a unique characteristic. This modulated signal is again transmitted and received from the original receiver. In this way, the system ensures that it can safely perform a scan.

p0007The disadvantage of these prior art systems is that due to the inertia of the receiver and the "blindness" occurring with increasing time in static signal reception so that under unfavorable circumstances not a definitive statement about the system functionality or reliability may be issued. It is also the worst case possible that the reflection signal from other than the intended reflector proceeds, so that the system is overwhelmed and is not receiving safe.

p0008Starting from the above-described prior art, the present invention, the <b>task</b> invention to provide a method for checking the functional reliability of scanner systems, which allows a reliable statement about the functioning of the system. This makes it possible to use also technically simpler and available systems for video surveillance, so that the safeguarding of hazardous areas is more economical overall.

p0009For technical <b>solution</b> this task is proposed method side with the invention, a method with the features of claim 1. Further advantages and features of the invention result from the dependent claims.

p0010According to claim 1 the present invention is first carried out by the scanner system, a first scanning process. Send The scanner of the simpler kind and receive large surface areas, but the evaluation of the respective scanning area defined by the signals to be evaluated. According to the invention, a scanning area is defined and a first scan is performed. Then a clear reflection element is introduced into the scanning area. There, a second scan is then performed. If the evaluation of the second scan, the scanning element that has been detected in the defined position, is secured it to conclude that the scanner system works.

p0011The scanner system can be both radar scanner as well to laser scanners. In both systems, the basic principle of an electromagnetic wave is emitted and the duration measured until the arrival of reflections. Hence the removal and / or location of reflection elements let is calculated. In the following the advantages of the invention are first explained with reference to radar scanning system.

p0012The reflective element is mechanically introduced and may be a defined reflection member, it can also be a in the area to be scanned anyway existing movable member. In case of monitoring of level crossing areas can therefor be used even the barrier. Even the train can be used as a reflective element.

p0013The radar scanner by scanning the entrance area. Then the barrier is closed. Then, the radar scanner scans the same range, although in the context of the invention, the selection range is defined by the evaluation. If the evaluation after the closing of the barrier that the barrier element has been detected, it can be assumed that the radar scanner works. Has he detected no other signals, it can be assumed that the entrance area is free. The controller may then switch to the adjacent exit area and evaluate this area in the same way. Are these evaluations completed, it can be considered according to the invention assumes that the track area is clear. Since this is done in opposite directions, two simple radar scanner may already back up an entire railway crossing area.

p0014Unlike the <patcit id="pcit0003" dnum="US7295111B2"><text>US 7,295,111 B2</text></patcit> can in the invention not only the security area to be monitored, but the invention makes it possible to detect a detectable by the scanner element as the barrier at the level crossing and thereby increase the security. When railway crossing the proper position of the barrier can be detected. Furthermore, this can the function of the scanner system can be tested and monitored. In addition, this feature allows a self-test, so that in a hard to reach area safety a high reliability can be achieved.

p0015If the train is itself used as a reflection member, a first scan is done before the train passed the railway crossing. The position of the train is known by other sensors that are located along the route and are well known in the art. When the train after evaluation of these prior art sensors is located in the area of ​​the level crossing, another scan can be performed. If the evaluation of this scan indicates that there is now an object with the characteristics of a train in the area of ​​the level crossing, it is assumed that the correct functioning of the scanner system. A scan using the train itself as a reflective element can be used for the routine testing of the scanner system. In this way, a self-diagnosis can be realized.

p0016With the invention a simple process is provided which is suitable to guarantee the reliability of radar systems. This makes it possible to use simpler and available scanner systems. It may be for example, the radar scanners used in the automotive industry so that appropriate security challenges with significant cost savings can be made.

p0017Alternatively, the above-mentioned laser scanner systems can be used. This will send out one or more laser beams and measure thereby the distance to the reflection body. A plurality of measurement points, a three-dimensional point cloud generated, can be done by an accurate representation of the scanning area.

p0018Further advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to FIGS. They show:<dl id="dl0001"><dt>Fig. 1</dt><dd>a railroad crossing area with a schematically indicated to be monitored security area;</dd><dt>FIG. 2</dt><dd>the level crossing area under <figref idrefs="f0001">Fig. 1</figref> two radar scanners and their overlapping scanning areas; </dd><dt>Fig. 3</dt><dd>a radar scan situation before closing a barrier;</dd><dt>Fig. 4</dt><dd>the radar scan situation under <figref idrefs="f0003">Fig. 3</figref> after the closing of the barrier;</dd><dt>Fig. 5</dt><dd>Scan the situation under <figref idrefs="f0003">figures 3</figref> and <figref idrefs="f0004">4</figref> for the exit area;</dd><dt>Fig. 6</dt><dd>the level crossing area under <figref idrefs="f0005">Fig. 5</figref> when closed and exit barriers</dd><dt>Fig. 7</dt><dd>the representation of the rail crossing area with closed barriers.</dd></dl>

p0019In the figures the same elements with the same reference numerals. In the following the function of the invention will be explained with reference to FIGS.

p0020The figures show an example of a railroad crossing 1, which includes the tracks 2 and 3 as well as the barriers 4, 5, 6 and 7 to secure the level crossing area. Each of the barriers can be pivoted with a drive unit 8 from a vertical to a horizontal locking position. The end to ensure range is the range 9. Before a train on a track 2 or 3 passes the railroad crossing, must be absolutely sure that there is no vehicle or any person located in the monitoring area. 9

p0021According to the invention 10 and 11 are positioned for this purpose two radar scanner. The radar scanner 10 has a scanning area 12, which starts with the radar scanner 10 and the entire railway crossing area covers. The same applies to the radar scanner 11, the scan area has 13 and the entire railway crossing area scans. By means of the evaluation circuit, the areas can be evaluated but in segments. So the evaluation areas are the respective evaluation areas 14 of the radar scanner 11 or evaluation region 15 of the radar scanner 10 for the access barriers. 4 and 5

p0022Situation is in <figref idrefs="f0003">Fig. 3</figref> Initial situation shown. A train is announced and the barriers are to be closed. In a conventional manner, the timing is detected by actuating a traffic light is not shown by the controller first. There are sufficient prior knowledge about the passage of time after a Rotschaltung, depending on speed, vehicle lengths and the like is to be expected after a certain time, that no vehicle is in the entrance area.

p0023According to the invention is then as in <figref idrefs="f0003">Fig. 3</figref> shown the radar scanner 10 scan, and it will be the scanning area 15 evaluated. The same is true for the radar scanner 11, the scanning area is evaluated fourteenth Then, the barrier 4 and the barrier 5 is closed, each close off the access road to the level crossing area. It then takes an additional scanning, and it is again the scanning area 14 and the scan range 15 evaluated as in<figref idrefs="f0004">Fig. 4</figref> is shown. If the evaluation now that the barrier body is detected, it can be assumed that now was the measurement of the scan area safe before closing the barrier. So long as the barrier is closed secured what also means that there is no obstacle in the closet Enver infrastructure, and provided the in<figref idrefs="f0003">Fig. 3</figref> Scan shown no further reflections brought forth, can now be assumed that the access area is free.

p0024It junction area is then scanned, what evaluated at the radar scanner 10 of the scan area 17 and the radar scanner 11 of the scan area 18, as in <figref idrefs="f0005">Fig. 5</figref> is shown. the barriers are also depending on the timing of the entire system then 6 and 7 are closed and the scanning process and the evaluation of scan areas 17 and 18 is repeated, as in<figref idrefs="f0006">Fig. 6</figref> is shown. Again, the analysis shows preferably that the barrier body is clearly recognized. If this is the case, it must be assumed that in<figref idrefs="f0005">Fig. 5</figref> Measurement shown correct and successful was the Ausfahrtweg is also free.

p0025It is thus that entrances and exits were secured free, ie, <figref idrefs="f0007">Fig. 7</figref> shows a block-secured, empty railroad crossing region 9, so that along the tracks 2 and / or 3 trains to pass unhindered.

p0026The scanner systems 10 and 11 may be inexpensive and available in large quantities scanners that are reviewed on the basis of the procedure according to the invention in terms of their reliability in each scan and thus secured.

p0027The described embodiment is only illustrative and is not limiting.

<u>LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS</u>

p0028<dl id="dl0002"><dt>1</dt><dd>Railroad Crossing</dd><dt>2</dt><dd>track</dd><dt>3</dt><dd>track</dd><dt>4</dt><dd>Cabinets</dd><dt>5</dt><dd>Cabinets</dd><dt>6</dt><dd>Cabinets</dd><dt>7</dt><dd>Cabinets</dd><dt>8th</dt><dd>A barrier drive</dd><dt>9</dt><dd>monitoring area</dd><dt>10</dt><dd>radar scanner</dd><dt>11</dt><dd>radar scanner</dd><dt>12</dt><dd>detection range</dd><dt>13</dt><dd>detection range</dd><dt>14</dt><dd>evaluation region</dd><dt>15</dt><dd>evaluation region</dd><dt>17</dt><dd>evaluation region</dd><dt>18</dt><dd>evaluation region</dd></dl>