Phan Thanh Loc, Phan Huu Tai, Vu Thanh Hai and Hoang Phi Hong first learned how an alarm system works and how to issue alerts when trains arrive at intersections. 

They found that at most intersections, the work of turning on flash lights and lowering bars to prevent people from crossing the railways is done manually. Therefore, the implementation of the work depends on officers’ health condition and concentration.

The students believe that if there is a system which can carry out the operations automatically, the risks will be minimized. The railway accident on Ghenh Bridge in Bien Hoa City which killed 24 passengers, which was caused by the lack of concentration on the part of the officer, has become a contentious issue.

The men considered many different types of sensors and solutions before making a decision. Finally, they decided to use a magnetic sensor mounted on trains and two magnet blocks on railways. In addition, they built an app to process information sent to stations with RF modules when the sensor passes through magnet blocks placed at 400 meters from the station.

At most intersections, the work of turning on flash lights and lowering bars to prevent people from crossing the railways is done manually. Therefore, the implementation of the work depends on officers’ health condition and concentration.

Apart from the magnet block, there is another magnet block 200 meters from it. The sensor can discover the two magnets to calculate the average speed value, so the time when the train arrives at transactions can be identified and displayed on the countdown counter.

“When the train comes near, the light will automatically turn red, while the bar will be automatically lowered to prevent people and vehicles from entering the railway,” Hong explained.

With the average speed measured, the system will be able to predict the time when the train leaves the intersections, so it will give signals to raise the bar and turn off the warning light.

The train automatic warning system invented by FPT students has been highly appreciated and is highly applicable. 

The inventors also found that if officers at intersection stations can alert train drivers about accidents as soon as possible, this will help mitigate damages. Therefore, they decided to set up a press button on the app which officers can use in emergency cases.

To ensure the smooth operation of the sensor system, officers will only need to check the status of the sensor, magnets and alarming devices every day. 

An analyst said that rails and trains will not have to be re-designed to operate the system.

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