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A communications-based train control system using both voice and electronic messaging to manage movement and track access authorities.
4Tel provides train control and telecommunications systems support for selected lines of Australian and overseas rail systems. Specifically, 4Tel has deployed its world-class, virtual-block train control technology called the 4Tel Advanced Safe Working (4ASW™) system to safely and efficiently manage regional tracks with very few staff. 4ASW™ uses virtual electronic blocks and secure digital communications for train control.
4ASW™ operates as a computer-based train order working system for the control of trains operating on rural and regional railway lines. Train order working is a method of safe working ideally suited for controlling regional train movements, particularly on lines that comprise single track lines with passing loops. 4ASW™ utilises a centralised radio-based interlocking for the control of trains using both voice and electronic movement authorities.
4ASW™ transmits secure data messages over both private and public communications networks offering flexibility for train users. The additional benefit of a secure communications-based system is that track-side infrastructure is limited to inexpensive static signs, there-by maximising rail infrastructure reliability and minimising the through-life operational costs of the railway.
4ASW™ uses a radio-based centralised interlocking architecture for train movement authority management. This is achieved by using a GPS-based authority server to monitor actual train movements against authorised train movements. This is important because as more processes in rail are computerised and interfaces automated, the behaviour of safety-related systems need to be carefully managed.
4ASW supports train operations across remote and regional networks. 4ASW can interface with existing back-office systems or operate as a self contained network management system. The cost-effective system requires minimal trackside infrastructure or equipment to maintain and protect from theft.
4ASW uses securely encrypted electronic data messages to issue route authorities, clearances, restrictions, and speed notifications. Widely available and cost-effective, public networks provide timely communications to drivers.
4ASW has an architecture to allow for new features to be added as needed. As a modular system, 4ASW can be configured according to your specific network or operating rules.
4ASW interfaces with existing planning or billing systems or can be integrated with the 4Tel Access Management System (4AMS) as an add-on module.
4ASW utilises real time GPS data from locomotives or track machines to provide visibility for operational staff. 4ASW can interface with existing GPS systems or real-time tracking can be provided with the 4Tel 4Trak system.
The features of the 4ASW fleet management module include information on locomotives, wagons, and mobile plant maintenance activities. This module can be interfaced with existing fleet management systems or can be configured specific to the network’s requirements.
The 4ASW Crew Resource & Management module allows operations staff to manage rostering, leave and deployment of crew. This module can be included within 4ASW or as a standalone product.
The 4ASW Train Manifest module allows for networks to track and manage train manifests against planning and engineering requirements.
4ASW minimises the need for trackside infrastructure to create a low CAPEX and OPEX solution.
Real-time geographic tracking allows for greater train situational awareness for operations and network personnel.
Around the clock technical support to aid your network when you need it most.
Our new and innovative above-rail product called HORUS™ uses artificial intelligence techniques onboard trains to sense the train’s operating environment while enforcing safety with our EN4CER™ product for managing safety enforcement. HORUS™ uses distance, infrared, optical and navigational sensors to assess the train operating environment, and then it communicates alerts or warning data to any authorised party via our specialised data communications architecture.
Secure communications become very important for system operation. As more computerised processes are automated, then the integrity of train-to-train and train-to-network communications will generally become autonomous. For these communications, we are consolidating automated communications into a ledger-based digital communications system based on the general field of block chain mathematics that we call Block Train™. Using a specialised version of block chain in our Block Train™ ledger-based system provides full traceability and history of the data. We will see this work deepen and mature over time as our HORUS™ artificial product environment and our AI work generally evolves in a rapidly developing market.
4ASW is designed to meet the requirements of the international standard IEC-61508, but if a formal safety certification is required, the solution is assessed with a functional safety assessment of network specific risks on a case-by-case basis. If required by the operator, 4ASW can be assessed for international accreditation.
Stakeholders that benefit from 4ASW include network operations personnel, train drivers and management staff:
Customer insight into logistics performance
Interested to learn more about 4ASW and its functionality? Download our product flyer now or contact us for more information.
