Automatic block signaling installation failure diagnosis with LCOBla

We present in this paper a software module for the diagnosis of Automatic Bloc Signaling installation failures in situations where the train open line figures as blocked, although it is, in reality, free. The software module created by us, LCOBla, is designed for the use of maintenance staff specialized in Signals, Centralizations, Blocking (SCB) at the Romanian Railroad Company (CFR). LCOBla allows a quick and correct design of the failure causes associated with these kinds of signaling and contributes to the maintenance staff performance. Fast failure remedy improves train traffic flow and reduces train delay times. The LCOBla software module uses the diagnosis chart created for these kinds of failures, which, in turn, is based on the actual block schemes and on technical recommendations for these types of installations. The module is one of a series of modules designed to diagnose each failure type, for the various railway traffic safety installation types.