TOMS Traffic Managment
TOMS allows for synchronous control of operations and manages traffic on the basis of the patented time synchronization concept and/or a fixed block system. Intersections, crossings, merging and docking procedures at stations (with independent berths) are accurately managed to ensure direct trips without any delays.
The patented time synchronization concept entails all trips of all vehicles are timed exactly. The timing allows for seamless merging and the availability of a berth by the time a vehicle enters a station. Additionally traffic rules are defined in TOMS. These rules are linked to certain fixed blocks (traffic zones). Should an application require special modeling for a complex situation, this can be easily achieved using the zones and rules.
The block system applies zones to indicate a section in the lay-out that can only be entered by one vehicle at the same time. Access is controlled by TOMS, using a request and grant mechanism initiated by the vehicles. These zones can be used for intersections, at-grade crossings with other traffic (pedestrians, bikes and cars) and special user-zones. In user zones specific requirements can be implied to all vehicles entering that area (e.g. sounding an audible alarm).
Please refer to the supervisor description to see the zone indications displayed on the right in a picture of the actual supervisory control system.