Supervisor Track Section

The Supervisor Track Section STS feature is an intelligent function designed to automatically detect and correct external interferences that can falsely indicate an occupation, (e.g. metal debris, worker steel toe boots, tools, etc.). It resets the system without time-consuming manual intervention.

The working principle of the STS consists of overlaying individual track sections with a virtual supervisor section. The STS monitors and synchronizes multiple track sections within the supervisor areas. If an error occurs in a track section but the corresponding supervisor section is clear, the system will automatically perform a reset. This process significantly increases availability and fully complies with SIL 4 requirements.

The STS feature overlays physical track sections with configured virtual supervisor sections. Within these areas, the STS continuously monitors and synchronizes the condition of all included track sections.

When a disturbance such as partial traversing of a train wheel or the introduction of external metallic influences that would dampen the sensor occurs within a track section, the STS triggers an automated fault correction process based on the status of the virtual overlaying supervisor track section. The system resets itself and restores functionality within seconds, without manual intervention.

Supervisor Track Section functionality is based on the continuous comparison and coordination between track sections and their assigned supervisor section. If the supervisor section is "clear", any track section within it showing false occupation will be reset automatically, following the predefined reset procedures. The system can be configured for different reset procedures to meet operational requirements.

This flexible design makes the STS adaptable to different railway environments and operating strategies, ensuring operators can select the procedure that best matches their infrastructure and safety policies.