A Reliable Surveillance Strategy for Autonomous Rail Collision Avoidance Systems

Abstract

In this paper we present a detailed surveillance strategy concept for a Rail Collision Avoidance System (RCAS) that is based on direct train-to-train communication. Similar to existing systems in air and maritime transport, the RCAS approach allows vehicle autonomous detection of imminent collisions. Designed as a safety overlay system it shall warn and advise train drives in such cases. Apart from an onboard localization unit, which relies on satellite navigation signals, the system architecture does not require any other infrastructure. We will define the content of the broadcasted messages, which shall allow each railway vehicle to assess the traffic situation in its vicinity under all operational conditions. Furthermore a variable transmission rate of messages ensures both, timely warning and an efficient use of communication channel resources in different scenarios like e.g. on regional network lines or in large shunt yards.