Operational Scenarios
The system operates according to the parameters set in an operational scenario. These parameters concern all aspects of the transportation system: work scheduling, traffic control, communication and job generation and assignment. The scenarios can become active automatically based on time-settings or can be activated by the operator (allowing him to act immediately on changing transport patterns).
The settings of the operational scenarios can influence the character of the operations significantly. By switching scenarios, the operations can be changed from on-demand to on-schedule, the number of operational vehicles reduced/increased and the empty vehicle movement influenced (primary location determination).
Different operational scenarios apply for every application – depending on the time of day or the period in the year. The number of scenarios is virtually unlimited, but typically a basis of five to seven ‘standard’ scenarios will be implemented:
- ‘Morning’ Scenario
- ‘Morning Rush’ Scenario
- ‘Day Time’ Scenario
- ‘Lunch Time Rush’ Scenario (optional)
- ‘Evening Rush’ Scenario
- ‘Evening’ Scenario
- ‘Night’ Scenario (optional)
Next to scenarios, there are also a few distinct situations (exception handling) that influence the operations of the system. These are not scenarios, but impact the currently operational scenario.
- Maintenance Re-routing: alternative routing becomes active during track maintenance (at night in off-peak hours only), ensuring the system is completely available (although at decreased service levels).
- Limp-home: when a vehicle sensor fails, the vehicle will reduce speed but complete its journey (reporting to maintenance after completion). All adjacent vehicles will adjust their speed profiles accordingly.
- Internal Emergency: upon an internal emergency in a vehicle it is forwarded to a designated station with easy access for paramedics and/or police. The vehicle gets absolute priority over all other vehicles in the system.
- External Emergency: upon an external emergency (fire-alarm activated) all vehicles will stop at a ‘safe’ location (preferably a station) where passengers can disembark immediately.