US 12,626,607 B2 · Internet of things-based transportation shuttle and shuttle traffic system

the STS comprising:

a shuttleway system, comprising:

a shuttle system, referred to as “the shuttle”, comprising:

a shuttle body system;

a magnetic levitation and magnetic driving system (MLMD);

an in-shuttle intelligent control system (IICS);

an in-shuttle communication system (ISCS);

an in-shuttle positioning system;

an in-shuttle sensing system;

an in-shuttle safety system;

and

an identification system;

and the pipe network system;

a control-safeguard system, comprising:

an intelligent control system (ICS);

a communication system;

an energy system;

a service system;

and a safety system;

an emergency response system;

and

a data system;

wherein the STS takes the shuttle as the only transport unit operating within the STS;

wherein the STS integrates, at a system level, the shuttleway system, the control-safeguard system, the data system and the emergency response system as constituent elements of the STS, the constituent elements being interconnected via IoT, and the ICS exercising unified control so as to support implementation of the transport modes, operation-control modes and monitor-safety modes of the STS;

wherein the ICS is configured to, based on the STS operating data monitored through the monitor-safety modes:

generate and issue, in real time, the operating parameters and control commands to the relevant execution targets;

perform network-wide scheduling, coordination, and system-level adaptive optimization;

and

form closed-loop control by comparing monitored feedback data with preset parameters;

wherein the ICS exercises unified system-level control over the STS;

wherein the ICS comprises subsystems respectively configured to handle system-level control, manual intervention, human-machine interaction, user-level temporary operations, and special priority control;

and

wherein the relevant execution targets comprise at least the shuttle and a magnetic-guideway system (MGS) of the pipe network system;

wherein the operation-control modes of the STS, configured such that:

an operation-control separation structure is adopted between the ICS and an execution side comprising the shuttle and the MGS, and the two are interconnected via the communication system;

in the STS, the shuttle is configured to operate under an operation-control separation structure of the STS, via the IICS of the shuttle executing commands, so as to perform operating in a non-autonomous and unmanned manner throughout;

and permits manual intervention;

without human intervention, the ICS performs adaptive optimization based on real-time data of the STS operating data system, trading off predicted time, resource utilization and system balance and dynamically updating the operating parameters;

a target speed profile is dynamically updated and constrained by an upper speed bound set by the ICS for each segment and operating condition;

it provides continuous transitions across different guideway conditions, segments, regions, and operating phases, covering a wide and continuously adjustable operational speed range across different segments and conditions, and increases speed only up to the upper speed bound;

an inter-shuttle spacing (ISS) may be adjusted by the ICS, and the minimum ISS may be set to zero to permit physical docking and to support multi-shuttle end-to-end coupling;

a preferred dynamic route (PDR), issued by the ICS as a control command, executed by the IICS and distinct from a mere navigation suggestion, includes a standard route, a priority channel, a concession channel, and a non-fixed emergency corridor within the STS system;

the PDR is non-fixed, and dynamic routing to adapt to different task requirements and operating environments;

by the ICS, the PDR may be adjusted in real time based on the STS operating data and task demand to yield the shortest-time optimal route, and route-type switching is triggered for dispatching and controlling single-shuttle operation and multi-shuttle cooperative operation and for network-wide optimization;

upon a path obstacle or local segment closure, real-time updating of a path and rerouting to maintain continuity of operation;

and

capacity and parking space allocation, priority policies and route optimization are implemented, including utilizing free paths and clearing or dispatching other shuttles to yield an unobstructed path as the PDR, with rerouting when necessary to maintain network-wide optimization;

wherein the communication system is configured to interconnect the systems of the STS, and to transmit information between the ICS and constituent elements of the STS, based on IoT;

and

wherein, in the STS, the shuttle is configured to communicate bidirectionally with the ICS in real time via the ISCS;

include at least:

the shuttle operating data;

the operating parameters;

the control commands;

and service information related to operation and passenger interaction information;

wherein the pipe network system is configured as a fully-enclosed or semi-enclosed structure that is deployable above existing infrastructures or in non-traffic spaces, to provide an operating space physically isolated from external traffic space in which the shuttle runs under the operating parameters and safety constraints, and is a fully interconnected grade-separated junction network, and to reserve interfaces for energy, communication, fire-fighting, and environmental control to support operation of the STS;

wherein the pipe network system includes no facilities or devices for manual driving, such as physical separation structures, traffic signaling devices, traffic signs, or surface markings;

and

wherein the ICS performs traffic direction and priority passage based on monitoring data via the communication system;

wherein, through interaction between the MLMD of the shuttle and the MGS of the pipe network system, the MGS is configured to realize magnetic levitation, magnetic guidance, magnetic propulsion, and performs magnetic braking, so as to support execution of the control commands and switching of the operating states in real time, and is controlled by the ICS;

wherein the priority policies comprise at least emergency-task priority or task priorities with different privilege levels, so as to ensure reasonableness of dispatch and system efficiency in situations of concurrent multiple tasks or resource conflicts;

wherein the priority channel, the concession channel, or the non-fixed emergency corridor are each route segments temporarily assigned by the ICS for priority passage and emergency passage within the network for high-priority tasks when needed, the route segments comprising one or more route segments selected from the group consisting of free paths, smooth-flowing sections, channel yielding;

the ICS dynamically assigns an online parking space according to magnetic-guideway occupancy and parking demand, and instructs an empty shuttle to perform online parking;

wherein the empty shuttle remains online on standby during parking and is instantly switchable to another one of the operating states;

and

wherein the online parking space is dynamically allocated and released immediately upon being vacated;

wherein “unistop” is defined as one or more direct modes selected from the group consisting of non-stop (NS), point-to-point (PP), and non-stop point-to-point (NSPP), selectable per task or segment;

wherein the STS is composed of standardized, modular units configured to be assembled, extended, and nested, and to be compatible and interchangeable, so as to support expansion and seamless connection of the pipe network system;

wherein the seamless connection links the pipe network system to a specific area including a medical area, an emergency area, or another public-service area;

wherein the transport modes comprise:

the shuttle performing transport tasks within the operating space of the pipe network system;

and

support for a passenger shuttle, a cargo shuttle, or a combination thereof as the transport unit;

under the control commands, the operating parameters and the upper speed bound, the shuttle performs in a non-autonomous, unmanned, and fully automatic manner under all-weather and continuous 24-hour operating conditions, with manual intervention permitted to provide unistop operation;

supporting single-shuttle operation and multi-shuttle cooperative operation, with following, synchronized arrival or end-to-end coupling;

automatic switching among the operating states for part or all of the shuttles;

and

the operating states comprise at least online driving, online parking, station docking, and channel yielding;

wherein the monitor-safety modes comprise:

the shuttle operating data, measured by the in-shuttle positioning system of the shuttle, a pipeline sensing system of the pipe network system, the in-shuttle sensing system of the shuttle, and the in-shuttle safety system of the shuttle, and are fed back to the ICS and the IICS for operational handling;

the pipeline sensing system, configured alone or in conjunction with the in-shuttle sensing system, to sense information including guideway conditions, shuttle conditions, shuttle speed, and shuttle position, and to provide the sensed information to the ICS;

the safety system, configured to perform safety cause monitoring, personal protection, and health monitoring trigger;

comprising:

a cause monitoring system, configured to monitor the causes that may lead to accidents and operating anomalies in the STS, the monitoring data being processed by the ICS to generate disposal commands or released information comprising accident prediction, warning, elimination, avoidance, and emergency response;

a personal protection system, configured as a measure and response mechanism for protecting personal safety and set up in the pipe network system and the shuttle system, wherein the measure and response mechanism within the shuttle system is realized by the in-shuttle safety system;

and

a health monitoring trigger system, configured to trigger operation of a health-emergency response system to alter the travel destination, according to health data determined by the ICS or health information provided by the passenger via a human-machine interaction system (HMI);

wherein the STS is configured to perform ride authorization and access control through processing of passenger identity information transmitted from the identification system of the shuttle by the ICS, and to perform an imperceptible settlement of ride fees;

wherein the shuttleway system is configured as an integrated term for both a transport unit and a traffic infrastructure;

wherein the pipe network system is configured to constitute a physical pipe network and carry associated infrastructure;

comprising:

a pipeline system configured to isolate a running channel of the shuttle from an external environment, and to provide space and protection for deployment of the MGS, an interchange system, a stop system, the pipeline sensing system, a cabling system, and an emergency egress corridor system;

the MGS as defined above, configured as the shuttle guideway and modularly assembled along the pipe network system;

the interchange system configured to form a fully interconnected structure at network intersections and to deploy the MGS;

the stop system configured to provide boarding, alighting, empty-shuttle handling, or a combination thereof;

cargo loading, unloading, or a combination thereof;

docking services;

and deployment of the MGS;

the pipeline sensing system as defined above;

the cabling system, comprising energy, communication, and control lines, and configured to provide deployment and support for the same;

and

the emergency egress corridor system, which is physically separated from the driving passageway, configured to allow access of relevant personnel for emergency escape, inspection and maintenance, and accident handling;

wherein the control-safeguard system is configured as both operational control unit and safety protection unit for automatic operation of the STS;

wherein the communication system, comprises:

an intelligent control communication system configured to transmit the STS operating data;

and

an information communication system configured to be located at various points of the STS, to contain communication exchanges for civilian, police, and military communications, and not to involve control information;

wherein the energy system configured to supply energy and perform energy management for the STS;

comprising:

a power distribution system configured to distribute electrical energy of the STS;

and

an energy saving system configured to recover and utilize energy generated during shuttle operation;

wherein the service system, comprising:

a stop service system configured to provide services for boarding, alighting, empty-shuttle handling, station guidance, and on-site services including temporary rest and timing of boarding and alighting;

an intercity service system configured as a service area and to provide related services supporting long-distance and cross-regional running needs;

an inspection-repair system configured to perform timed inspection, repair and fault troubleshooting for the entire STS system;

an operation-maintenance system configured to perform routine maintenance tasks and to ensure STS operational assurance;

a parking system configured to control online parking in close proximity at different times and to manage parking space allocation and docking of shuttles;

a cleaning system configured to perform environmental cleaning and hygiene assurance for the shuttle and the pipe network system;

and

a shuttle APP;

wherein the emergency response system is configured as an incident-response unit and to automatically initiate an emergency plan;

comprising:

the health-emergency response system configured, upon detection of an abnormal passenger vital sign, to automatically trigger alarms, notify a hospital and a guardian, and execute a health-emergency rescue plan including rerouting or channel yielding

an accident-emergency response system configured, upon occurrence of an operating accident, to trigger alarms and initiate an accident-emergency response plan including emergency stopping, escape, first aid, and retreating from accident points;

a fire-emergency response system configured, upon detection of a fire or suspected fire, to execute a fire-emergency response plan including automatic sprinkler or fire-extinguisher activation, emergency stopping, evacuation, rescue, and alarm control under fire conditions;

and

the emergency plan comprises one or more of:

warnings that are audible, visual, or a combination thereof;

route clearance, yielding, or a combination thereof;

an emergency stop;

opening a door;

activating the nearest emergency corridor;

automatic activation of fire suppression;

a firefighting alarm;

and routing to a hospital or redirecting to a safe path;

wherein the data system is configured as an operating-data collection, analysis and storage unit of the STS;

comprising:

a data collection system configured to collect, in real time, all kinds of data, comprising the STS operating data and environmental data;

a data analysis system configured to analyze the acquired data intelligently and generate a basis for optimization decisions;

a data storage system configured to store the various data collected and analyzed;

and

wherein the STS is configured to include or support supporting facilities, modules or mechanisms for operation and maintenance, rescue or service, which are optionally provided and are not used as transport units.

Internet of things-based transportation shuttle and shuttle traffic system

Life of this patent

Internet of things-based transportation shuttle and shuttle traffic system

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims8