Abstract: A method of railroad track control includes partitioning a physical track block into a plurality of virtual track blocks, the physical track block defined by first and second insulated joints disposed at corresponding first and second ends of a length of railroad track. The presence of an electrical circuit discontinuity in one of the plurality of virtual track blocks; is detected and in response a corresponding virtual track block position code indicating the presence of the discontinuity in the one of the plurality of virtual track blocks is generated.

Abstract: A method and a system manage a specific event related to the movement of a guided vehicle. The system for managing a specific event includes a remote control module and a remote control station for remotely controlling the guided vehicle upon a command, to the remote control module from the remote control station, to switch from a normal driving mode to a remote driving mode.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a vehicle on-board controller centered train operation control system, the control system comprises intelligent vehicle controllers (IVOCs) provided on respective trains, the IVOC comprises a vehicle-vehicle communication device, an active identification device and a master control device. With such control system, rear-end train or more serious accidents may be avoided in case that there is a train without communication equipment or with equipment failure operation in front, or an obstruction impeding train operation appears in front of the train. Further, the control system provided by embodiments of the present disclosure enables a train to operate with a relatively high speed under the premise of safe operation, and improves operation efficiency and reliability.

Abstract: A decentralized control of rail vehicles that run in alternating directions on a single-track route, e.g., between two train stations by way of an exclusive right (token). A storage device is arranged at each end of the route, for instance an RFID unit. Only a single exclusive right exists for the route. The exclusive right is either stored in one of the two storage units or carried along by a rail vehicle that is traveling on the route. In the latter case, an additional rail vehicle is effectively prevented from traveling on the route, because none of the storage units can provide the exclusive right, which is being transported between the storage units by the rail vehicle and is occupied by the rail vehicle. The novel concept creates an efficient possibility of decentralized train protection and thus can be implemented significantly more economically than existing centralized train safety approaches.

Abstract: An open architecture control system is provided that may be used for remote and semi-autonomous operation of commercial off the shelf (COTS) and custom robotic systems, platforms, and vehicles to enable safer neutralization of explosive hazards and other services. In order to effectively deal with rapidly evolving threats and highly variable operational environments, the control system is built using an open architecture and includes a high level of interoperability. The control system interfaces with a large range of robotic systems and vehicles, autonomy software packages, perception systems, and manipulation peripherals to enable prosecution of complex missions effectively. Because the control system is open and does not constrain the end user to a single robotics system, mobile platform, or peripheral hardware and software, the control system may be used to assist with a multitude of missions beyond explosive hazard detection and clearance.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments provide a system and methodologies that enable or improve a train operator's ability to detect when his train will or has switched tracks or routes automatically in response to the train switching tracks or route without input from the train operator. Disclosed embodiments enable automatic determination of a route that the train is currently on and the route the train is supposed to switch to and the ability to predict track/route switches before they occur. Thus, the disclosed embodiments are configured to more effectively provide proper driving instructions through the track/route change, instead of merely reacting to the track/route change.

Abstract: A method and system for verifying trackside conditions in safety critical railroad applications by reporting the status of trackside signals and switches to a remote train control system. The system comprises at least one sensor for providing trackside conditions electrically connected to a circuit for providing trackside conditions to a railroad, said sensor being powered by voltage applied to the circuit such that the sensor is energized only when said electrical component is engaged. The system and method further comprises a method and system which is failsafe and which enables the control system to independently verify signals from each sensor.

Abstract: A method for automatically controlling braking of a powered system or consist includes automatically applying a first degree of braking to a consist during a first time period when a powered unit of the consist is being locally or remotely controlled via an onboard control system in an absence of control inputs from an onboard operator. The first degree of braking is based on a first deceleration force selected so that the consist is slowed in a manner effective to limit a peak deceleration rate experienced by the consist sufficient for reducing unintended movement of at least one of one or more riders or cargo onboard the consist. The method also includes automatically applying a second degree of braking to the consist during a second time period following the first time period.

Abstract: A model train control system providing a more realistic modeling of the movement, sound, smoke, and lighting effects of a model train is disclosed. A number of dynamic inputs are used to control such effects. Novel features include providing a dynamic variable speed compensator, a dynamic engine load calculator, automatic dynamic momentum, an adjustable train brake, spectrum control, a velocity controller, pressure sensitive effects, a voice activated dispatcher system, a train location and information reporter network, two digit addressing, a traffic control system, accessory control, a model train Central Control Module, and removable memory modules.

Abstract: A system and method provides for expanded monitoring and control of a railroad wayside interlocking system that monitors a plurality of track side and train systems and controls a plurality of train and track control devices with a primary control panel system communicating with the interlocking system over a first communication interface and with a remote control panel over a second communication interface, receiving interlocking status messages for visually displaying a current status state of the monitored systems, replicating the received interlocking status messages, determining a current status state for the control devices, communicating replicated interlocking status messages or the determined current status state over the second communication interface to one or more remote control panel systems, and receiving requests from the one or more remote control panel systems, which are then transmitted to the wayside interlocking system by the primary control panel system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method and system for providing train traffic advice. According to one embodiment, train status information associated with at least one train is received at a data center hosting a train traffic advisor application. Train crossing location data is stored in a database and retrieved by the train traffic advisor application. Based on the received train status information and the train crossing location data, train traffic information associated with the at least one train is calculated. Subscribing devices are identified by the train traffic advisor application, and the train traffic information is communicated to at least one of the identified subscribing devices.

Abstract: A device and a method operate decentralized functional units arranged in an industrial installation. The device contains a superordinate control system which interchanges information with the decentralized functional units using data messages, and a data transport network having a number of network access points. The superordinate control system is coupled to the data transport network via at least one network access point. The device further has communication units which are connected to a network access point and provide the decentralized functional units with access to the data transport network, and an energy transport network to which the decentralized functional units are connected and which supplies the decentralized functional units with electrical energy. A number of intelligent energy stores are connected to the energy transport network and consume energy and/or output energy in accordance with the super ordinate control system and/or at least one of the other energy stores.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of transforming movement authority limits for a train traveling in a track network, which includes determining authority of tracks associated with a switch, based at least partially on authority data and/or train authority data for the train, and providing authority on a switch leg of the switch based at least partially on the authority of the associated tracks. The computer-implemented method also includes determining authority of tracks associated with switches on at least two tracks, based at least partially on authority data and/or train authority data for the train, and providing authority on a crossover track between the at least two tracks based at least partially on the authority of the associated tracks.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a digital control system for several objects to be controlled, in particular for track-guided toy vehicles on a car racing track, with in each case at least one digital decoder in each object to be controlled and with several operating devices, which each have at least one activation element for controlling an object assigned to the operating device. The assignment of the operating device to an object is set up by a digital address being assigned to each operating device. The digital decoder, depending on the status information of the activation element of the assigned operating device, transmits control commands to the toy vehicle. By this process, the digital decoder selects the control commands derived from the status information for the toy vehicle, depending additionally on the physical state of the toy vehicle.

Abstract: A message that contains train on-track information and reservation information of a train detection section and direction information and reservation information of a switch is circulated among a train detector, switch machine, signal device controller and a route indicating device. Via a signaling message, the train detector transmits the train detection result to the signal device controller and the route indicating device, the switch machine can transmit switch condition to the signal device controller, the route indicating device transmits route reservation to the switch machine and the signal device controller. Based on the transmitted train detection result, switch condition and route reservation condition, the signal device controller transmits travel permission or travel non-permission for the assigned route to a train.

Abstract: A rail vehicle includes of one or more locomotives and may further include one or more rail cars, and the rail vehicle further includes a locator element, a communications device and a control module located on the rail vehicle. The locator elements provide a location information of the rail vehicle to a control module. The control module is coupled to the communications device and the locator element. The control module determines control settings for controlling the operations of the communications device based on the location of the rail vehicle. The communications device sends and/or receives data, including communications data, off-board the rail vehicle.

Abstract: A method and a configuration for the operation of a railroad line include at least one signal box for providing line-block-section-specific light signal data and a line side system for an intermittent automatic or inductive train control system at line block section ends. In order to dispense with line side light signals and still be able to continue to use a signal box logic concept for light signals, the signal box transfers the line-block-section-specific light signal data over a radio system to a rail vehicle and the intermittent automatic or inductive train control system transfers line-block-section-specific data to the rail vehicle during passage by the rail vehicle. The rail vehicle determines the light signal data assigned to the line block section by comparison of line block section specifics.

Abstract: There is provided a system for managing information comprising a network, a hand-held mobile device, and a central server computer. The network is established between the central server computer and the hand-held mobile device to communicate computer readable information between the central server computer and the hand-held mobile device. In an embodiment, the computer-readable information is human interface information related to operation of a train.

Abstract: A remote control system for controlling movement of a train comprises one or more sensors positioned relative to a railroad track for detecting the presence of a lead railcar on the track being pushed by a remotely controllable locomotive. The one or more sensors are spaced a distance from a predetermined stop location of a lead railcar and transmit signals when the lead railcar is detected on the track. A programmable controller positioned off-board or wayside receives signals from the one or more sensors and is in radio communication with an onboard operating system of the locomotive. The controller transmits a signal to the locomotive when the lead railcar is detected by a sensor, and in response to the signal the operating system of the locomotive sets a maximum speed setting for the locomotive to travel on the track toward the stop location.

Abstract: A method and system for reducing, in a centralized train control system, the portion of a centralized server application that is considered vital while not reducing the overall vitality of the system.

Abstract: A dual-process system for the automatic generation of railway route-solution candidates and their concomitant movement authorities includes a central authority server that accepts dispatcher-provided start and end point data and time information and executes two different independent routing processes to provide two independently determined route-solution candidates. The two solutions are compared for consistency and, when consistent, the route with the minimum authority grants is selected as the solution for use by the locomotive or train.

Abstract: A system for verifying the integrity of a train having a predetermined length is provided. The system includes a device for communicating and synchronizing with a detector of a circuit. The detector detects the presence/absence of a train. The device also includes an odometer providing an odometric reference at the start of occupation of the circuit and when the circuit is left by the train, a first processor calculating the distance traveled by the train on the basis of the difference between the two odometric references, a second processor calculating a minimum estimate of the length of the train that is equal to the calculated distance traveled less the algebraic length of the detection circuit and an information mechanism indicating that the train is integral when the calculated length of the train is greater than the predetermined length of the train less the length of a wagon. A method and a computer program product are also provided.

Abstract: A system which operates a digitally controlled model railroad transmitting a first command from a first client program to a resident external controlling interface through a first communications transport. A second command is transmitted from a second client program to the resident external controlling interface through a second communications transport. The first command and the second command are received by the resident external controlling interface which queues the first and second commands. The resident external controlling interface sends third and fourth commands representative of the first and second commands, respectively, to a digital command station for execution on the digitally controlled model railroad.

Abstract: A train simulator, including a microprocessor, a display and an input device for the microprocessor. A program drives the display with the track data during simulation, determines if an exception has occurred during the simulation; and provides a multimedia message if an exception has occurred.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for implementing a run-time configuration change for domain data in a database for an information systems where the domain data defines entities which are acted upon by the information system and where the reconfiguration of the domain data can take place without taking the information system offline and making it inaccessible to users.

Abstract: A model train and layout control system based on on-board sound and locomotive modules, new signaling methods, bi-directional communication, environmental sound, turnout control, train location methods, computer interaction and accessory control, by adding components to existing technology. AC power signal waveforms are variously altered to convey digital command words.

Abstract: Trains and points are patrolled by a telegram containing the block occupancy information as a section that only one train is permitted to occupy, the information for giving lock position instructions to a point, and the point position information. This telegram is updated in order to get the right of block occupancy that is not held by other trains, and to give lock position instruction to the point. The train checks the block which this train is allowed to occupy, confirms that the point in this block has been set to the lock position specified by this train. Reading the aforementioned telegram, the point checks the lock position instruction given to itself and controls its lock position. A signaling system characterized by reduced designing and manufacturing costs is provided.

Abstract: Methods and systems for communicating with a vehicle are provided. The method includes providing a plurality of wayside control units controlling an area along a guideway to be traveled by the vehicle, the plurality of wayside control units including a database of fixed data defining an operational profile of the guideway in a local area of an associated wayside control unit. The method also includes monitoring dynamic data in the local area of the associated wayside control unit wherein the dynamic data includes at least one of guideway availability and signal status information and transmitting wirelessly an authority message including at least one of the fixed data and the dynamic data from the associated wayside unit to a receiver on board the vehicle, the authority message dynamic data being valid for a selectable one of a plurality of time periods.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is shown to allow an integrated expanded control capability of digital locomotives on model railroad layouts that also permit compatible speed and direction operation simultaneously for non-digital or conventional locomotives alongside. The improvements employ mixed-mode control encoding and decoding algorithms and methods that are expanded beyond the prior art for control mode changes used on model railroad layouts.

Abstract: A method and system for providing true failsafe control of an electronic braking system by a train control system which controls a switch that supplies power to the electronic braking system. When the train control system determines that it is necessary to activate the train's brakes, it controls the switch so as to remove power to the electronic braking system, which results in activation of the train's brakes. In highly preferred embodiments, the switch is of a type that is normally open and that requires the presence of an electrical signal to close the switch to supply power to the electronic braking system. In such embodiments, any loss in power to the train control system will result in a loss of signal to the switch, thereby causing activation of the train's brakes.

Abstract: A device and method for positioning and controlling railway vehicles. The device includes fixed stations (1) including first elements for transmitting/receiving (2) signals and a central control station (3) to which the fixed stations (1) are connected. Each railway vehicle (4) includes second elements for transmitting/receiving (6) signals. The signals transmitted by the first and second transmitting/receiving elements (2, 6) including an identifier specific to the transmitter and at least one message and consist in non-sinusoidal radio signals with very large bandwidth whose spectrum ranges between 1 and 10 GHz. Each railway vehicle (4) and each fixed station (1) include processing elements (8) for determining the identifier and the at least one message of each received signal. The central control station (3) sends command control instructions.

Abstract: An anti-collision control system for one or more vehicles fitted with an onboard automatic pilot (self-guiding) allowing for bi-directional movements on a single track under the control of a ground-based automated traffic control unit of the CBTC type. The system includes: a signaling control unit of the AWS type for controlling ground signals on a section of a single-direction circulation lane; a first default control means based on which the signaling control unit imposes a single-direction movement to the vehicle running on the section of a single-direction circulation lane in order to avoid any collision with another vehicle controlled solely by the signaling control unit of the AWS type, i.e. independently from the ground-based automated traffic control unit.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a train in a manner that accommodates transitions from and to railway-controlled territory at designated locations, as well as operating within the proximity of those locations in a vital manner.

Abstract: A method for communicating safety critical train authorization under the conditions of limited communications capability is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a way to automate the hand-off of train control in a rail system and handle failover.

Abstract: A method and system for reducing, in a centralized train control system, the portion of a centralized server application that is considered vital while not reducing the overall vitality of the system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is shown to allow expanded control capability of digital locomotives on model railroad layouts that also permit compatible speed and direction operation simultaneously for non-digital or conventional locomotives alongside. The improvements employ mixed-mode control encoding and decoding algorithms and methods that are expanded beyond the prior art for control mode changes used on model railroad layouts.

Abstract: A method of generating logic control units for railroad station-based vital computer apparatuses, i.e. in railroad station system control units comprising at least one vital computer which, on the basis of a control program operating in combination with a logic unit, sends state switching controls to yard elements and receives state feedback and/or diagnostic signals from the yard elements. The logic unit is generated automatically by a program, based on the surrounding conditions as defined by the station diagram and by a state table, the logic unit being a network of circuits with components operating according to Boolean logic functions and appropriate structure in compliance with the station diagram and with the state table. The logic control unit may be a program which includes algorithms composed of Boolean logic functions, which operate like networks of Boolean logic circuits. A plurality of steps to check for structural differences.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rail-guided system for transporting persons and material in underground mining and tunnel construction. The rail-guided transport system comprises a railroad network and transport vehicles that are guided in the railroad network. In the transport system, both the forward end and the opposite end of the respective transport vehicle are equipped with sensors (1-6) for detecting optical, acoustic, thermal, and acceleration data, “forward” being relative to the direction of travel. The sensors (1-6) are connected to a control computer that is disposed inside the transport vehicle while interacting with active and passive transducers located within the railroad network.

Abstract: A data transmission system for transmitting data from a central station to a track-bound vehicle traveling on a track includes plural track-side transmitting and receiving devices communicating with an on-vehicle transmitting and receiving device. Each of the track-side transmitting and receiving devices is operatively connected to at least two control computers for communication with the central station. In this way, if the cases arises that the control computer of a pertaining track-side transmitting and receiving device crashes, the communication of this track-side transmitting and receiving device with the central station is maintained through intervention of the other one of the control computers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for optimizing the dynamics and energy usage of long vehicles such as freight trains by determining their operating conditions and calculating an optimal sequence of power and braking control actions. The sequence calculated provides for optimal vehicle dynamic behaviour with minimum energy usage in accordance with the train type, track topography and train operation rules and policies. The method and system serves as a management tool for the driver and reference signals for a train cruise control or autopilot system.

Abstract: An integrated controller system for use with existing railroad model accessories and operating cars comprises a miniaturized receiving device having a pulse recovery circuit, a micro-controller decoder circuit, an output driver circuit, and a specialized power distribution circuit. The integrated controller system is adapted for remote programming and control by an existing remote control. Features include remote assignment of programmable voltage and pulse duration, specialized power distribution to sustain brief power interruptions, an integrated antenna for ease of installation, remote programmability for ID and class assignment, Soft Set Technology™, field upgradeable firmware, and very small size.

Abstract: A signaling safety system includes transmitter-receiver units for ground-train communication by radio in regular safety operation mode, using a base station and an antenna. The position of each train car is communicated from the cars to a ground train controller which detects the presence of a train on-rail. Based on the latter information, information is transmitted from the controller to each of the cars regarding corresponding speed limits. In addition to such radio transmitter-receivers, the signaling safety system also includes additional communication devices, such that, when each of the cars approaches a specific range, car information from each of the cars can be received by the controller, by communication between ground communication devices and an on-train communication device which are installed so as to communicate with each other. Concurrently with the regular safety operation, by the alternative safety system, the presence on-rail of each of the cars is controlled for each new block section.

Abstract: The invention includes a system and method for managing an operation of a locomotive as a function of a location of the locomotive. The system comprises a location unit for determining the location of the locomotive and a control unit for controlling an operation of the locomotive as a function of the determined location. In another embodiment, the invention includes a system and method for receiving a security authorization input from an operator of the locomotive, comparing the received operator security authorization input to a security authorization parameter, and restricting an operation of the locomotive when the received operator security authorization input does not match the security authorization parameter. In yet another embodiment, the invention includes a system and method of sending a control command from a remote system, receiving the control command at the locomotive, and controlling an operation of the locomotive responsive to the received control command.

Abstract: A remote control unit for controlling a locomotive by transmitting signals to a remote receiver mounted onboard the locomotive is provided. The remote control unit includes an input for receiving a signal indicative of a command selected from a set of available commands. A signal transmitting unit transmits a signal indicative of the selected command repetitively to create a succession of signal transmission events. In a first example, each signal transmission event is spaced in time from a previous signal transmission event by a certain time interval having a duration conditioned at least in part on the basis of the selected command. In a second example, each signal transmission event includes a message portion and a header portion and the message portion of the signal has a length conditioned at least in part on the basis of the selected command. In a third example, each signal transmission event is characterized by a signal level conditioned at least in part on the basis of the selected command.

Abstract: The invention includes a system and method for managing an operation of a locomotive as a function of a location of the locomotive. The system comprises a location unit for determining the location of the locomotive and a control unit for controlling an operation of the locomotive as a function of the determined location. In another embodiment, the invention includes a system and method for receiving a security authorization input from an operator of the locomotive, comparing the received operator security authorization input to a security authorization parameter, and restricting an operation of the locomotive when the received operator security authorization input does not match the security authorization parameter. In yet another embodiment, the invention includes a system and method of sending a control command from a remote system, receiving the control command at the locomotive, and controlling an operation of the locomotive responsive to the received control command.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for optimizing the dynamics and energy usage of long vehicles such as freight trains by determining their operating conditions and calculating an optimal sequence of power and braking control actions. The sequence calculated provides for optimal vehicle dynamic behaviour with minimum energy usage in accordance with the train type, track topography and train operation rules and policies. The method and system serves as a management tool for the driver and reference signals for a train cruise control or autopilot system.

Abstract: A station control system for and method of controlling the operation of a driverless vehicle. The system includes a vehicle travel path, a plurality of station tags in readable proximity to the travel path, and a vehicle movable along the travel path. Each of the tags are pre-programmed with a unique and arbitrary tag identifier. The vehicle has a tag reader and a controller communicating with the reader with the tag reader is configured to read tag identifiers from the tags. The controller is configured to receive the tag identifiers from the tag reader and access a correlation table having a function command associated with the tag idendifier. The method includes the steps of reading the tag identifier associated with one of the plurality of tags, accessing the correlation table to identify a command in the function field associated with the tag identifier, and executing any identified command.

Abstract: A vehicle control system and method in which a plurality of beacon tags are disposed along a length of a track for a predetermine number of blocks. The beacon tags each provide information pertaining its location. Each vehicle that passes along the track has a tag reader that solicits information from the beacon tags and a transmitter that transmits the solicited information, as well as vehicle identification information for the transmitting vehicle, to a wayside control unit. The wayside control unit receives the transmitted position information and vehicle identification information and in turn transmits a single broadcast of information pertaining to each of the blocks of the predetermined number of blocks. This signal is received by all of the vehicles, which use only the information about immediately approaching blocks.

Abstract: A system and method to flexibly control intervals between trains in which there are base stations at predetermined intervals along a train rail. Each base station has a radar which detects data of distance between the base station and trains moving on the train rail, a traveling command calculator which calculates a traveling command based on the date of distance, and a traveling command providing device which provides the traveling command calculated by the traveling command calculator to the trains.