Abstract: A method is provided that can include activating at least two wireless communication channels in parallel, between a first wireless transceiver and a second wireless transceiver. Each of the at least two wireless communication channels can operate at a different radio carrier frequency, and the first wireless transceiver may be part of a first vehicle. The method can also include transmitting, by the first wireless transceiver, common information in parallel on the at least two wireless communication channels to the second wireless transceiver and deactivating the at least two wireless communication channels.

Abstract: A system and a method include an onboard communication system configured to be disposed onboard a vehicle system and comprising one or more processors. The one or more processors may generate a session key that includes a shared secret key that is known by the onboard communication system and an off-board communication system, generate one or more encryption keys by hashing the session key with an identifier based on a cycle time that is known by the onboard communication system and the off-board communication system, generate one or more encrypted messages by encrypting one or more messages associated with one or more of the vehicle system or a route over which the vehicle system moves based on the one or more encryption keys, and communicate the one or more encrypted messages from the onboard communication system to the off-board communication system.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method is provided that includes obtaining a first secret and a first public key, and obtaining a second secret a second public key. The method may also include authenticating the first public key of the first vehicle based on a first private key associated with the first vehicle, and authenticating the second public key of the second vehicle based on a second private key associated with the second vehicle. The method may also include preventing a man-in-the-middle attack, by securing at least one of a first vehicle-to-central office communication, a central office-to-first vehicle communication, or a first vehicle-to-second vehicle, wherein the first vehicle-to-central office communication and the central office-to-first vehicle communication are authenticated based on a determined private key associated with a respective first vehicle on-board computer, and sending a message, with the central office server, to a vehicle associated with a conditional movement authority.

Abstract: A vehicle control system and method display a map within a designated viewing area of a display device. The map provides information on a location of a vehicle and restrictions on vehicle movement. Prompts for response from a vehicle operator are displayed with the map. The prompts are based on the vehicle location and/or the movement restrictions. The are displayed on the vehicle display device but outside of the designated viewing area of the vehicle display device. Operator input is received in response to the one or more prompts to verify that the vehicle is moving according to the one or more restrictions on the movement of the vehicle.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method is provided that includes obtaining a first secret and a first public key, and obtaining a second secret a second public key. The method may also include authenticating the first public key of the first vehicle based on a first private key associated with the first vehicle, and authenticating the second public key of the second vehicle based on a second private key associated with the second vehicle. The method may also include preventing a man-in-the-middle attack, by securing at least one of a first vehicle-to-central office communication, a central office-to-first vehicle communication, or a first vehicle-to-second vehicle, wherein the first vehicle-to-central office communication and the central office-to-first vehicle communication are authenticated based on a determined private key associated with a respective first vehicle on-board computer, and sending a message, with the central office server, to a vehicle associated with a conditional movement authority.

Abstract: A system and a method include an onboard communication system configured to be disposed onboard a vehicle system and comprising one or more processors. The one or more processors may generate a session key that includes a shared secret key that is known by the onboard communication system and an off-board communication system, generate one or more encryption keys by hashing the session key with an identifier based on a cycle time that is known by the onboard communication system and the off-board communication system, generate one or more encrypted messages by encrypting one or more messages associated with one or more of the vehicle system or a route over which the vehicle system moves based on the one or more encryption keys, and communicate the one or more encrypted messages from the onboard communication system to the off-board communication system.

Abstract: A vehicle control system and method display a map within a designated viewing area of a display device. The map provides information on a location of a vehicle and restrictions on vehicle movement. Prompts for response from a vehicle operator are displayed with the map. The prompts are based on the vehicle location and/or the movement restrictions. The are displayed on the vehicle display device but outside of the designated viewing area of the vehicle display device. Operator input is received in response to the one or more prompts to verify that the vehicle is moving according to the one or more restrictions on the movement of the vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed is an operator warning system for use in connection with a locomotive having a horn system with a horn activation actuator and a horn device for producing a noise. The operator warning system includes an onboard computer system with a database having grade crossing data and locomotive data thereon. The onboard computer system is in communication with the horn system. The operator warning system also includes a warning device for providing an audio, visual and/or tactile indicator to an operator of the locomotive based upon the grade crossing data, locomotive data and/or actuation condition of the horn activation actuator. A method for improving locomotive operator vigilance is also disclosed.