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-ANTI COLLISION DEVICES

& THE CONCEPT OF CRASHLESS CARS

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Anti Collision Device(ACD) Network-”Raksha Kavach”

A train collision preventing system Invented by Konkan Railways, over a period

of 90 days. Meets the challenges of Railway Transport

safety. India the only country to possess such a

technology.

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The Technology…

Based on radio communication, Microprocessors and GPS Technology.

Enables trains to automatically assess each other’s course and prevent an imminent head-on collision.

Also prevents side and rear end collisions. Intel 80386 Microprocessor , integrated

radio modem works on real time operating system.

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Working…

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The ACD Network Works on engine battery system, and also powered by solar

technology, if required. A Network of ‘on-board’ (Locomotive and Guard) and ‘track-side’ (Station, Level Crossing, Loco shed, Repeater and Sensor-based) ACDs that work on the principle of ‘Distributed Control Systems’. ACDs interact en-route with each other through radio communication within a radial range of 3 Kms. On-board computers use input from GPS system for determination of Train location, Speed, Course of travel and

Time.

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Mobile and stationary components of ACD Network exchange information and take decisions based on train

working rules.

If 2 ACDs are deemed to be at a risk of collision, the ACD system activates automatic braking operation to prevent collisions

Loco ACD is designed to interface with various types of braking systems of Locomotives.

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The Network..

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Functions.. Detection & Prevention of Head-on, Rear-end and

Side Collisions – A UNIQUE feature even when a train is not protected by a signal, as in a block section.

‘Train Approach’ Warning for road users at Level Crossings both manned and unmanned.

Station Approach Warning to Drivers - Can result in saving of manpower.

Manual SOS functionality available for Drivers, Guards and Station Masters.

Auto Brake Test – Generating braking characteristics for a train ‘without manual feeding’ of data of coaches / load .

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Efficacy Of ACD- Analyzed For Indian Railways  82 % train collisions ‘preventable’ by this

system, during the analysis period of five years.

Rest cases ‘non preventable’, based on other factors.

Phenomenal increase in the volume of trains running on the same track.

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Crashless Cars

Next generation automotive safety technology to make driving safer and faster.

Leading car makers already offering advanced technologies in top-end cars.

Heavy investment- key obstruction in making it popular.

Also a possibility of robotic vehicles- driverless cars.

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Existing Safety Features.. Anti-lock Braking Systems(ABS)- improve

steer ability and hasten deceleration. Traction Control System(TCS)- improving

overall vehicle control. Enhanced Stability Control(ESC)- prevention

of de-alignment.- results in 30% less single vehicle crashes.

Latest technology uses the above in addition to some newer techniques.

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Developments..

Use of sensors, cameras , radars to monitor incoming and surrounding traffic.

Networking between the cars’ computers to take quick decisions. Collision Warnings- cruise control systems.

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A long-distance, 77-gigahertz, microwave radar sensor monitors out to 400 to 650 feet ahead.

Shorter-range, 24-gigahertz, radar unit scans several tens of meters up front.

Wide-angle video cameras recognize objects about 130 to 165 feet away

Warning system in case of danger- prepares for emergency braking.

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Automatic Braking & Lane Departure Systems System automatically hits the brakes or steers

cars back into their lanes to avoid accidents altogether.

Use of laser beams to look for reflections from objects upto25 feet away.

In case of driver’s inaction, applies brakes automatically.

Warning the drivers in case of drifting from lane- appropriate braking to re-align the car.

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Other Devices..

Blind Spot Cameras- cameras on the outside of the vehicles that can identify objects normally hidden from view.

Use side-mounted ultrasonic or radar sensors.

Backover Detection Automatic Pedestrian Recognition

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An Example…

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Issues With Automation Cost factor- major obstacle. Multiple warnings overlap. Spurious warnings- cry wolf. Prioritizing attention. Driver’s role gets diminished- not much

acceptable.

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Thank You…