Abstract: The invention provides railroad path optimization method. The method determines whether at least one switch machine from a plurality of switch machines is occupied in the at least one route and detects at least one unavailable route if the at least one switch machine is occupied. Further, the method identifies at least one desired route and at least one available route associated with an origin point and at least one desired route and at least one available route associated with a destination point to identify at least one available route for the destination point. Based on the identified available route, the method predicts the at least one optimal route and ranks the at least one predicted optimal route to enable selection of a final optimal route for travel.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a novel method for generating AI training data sets and evaluating the efficacy of AI algorithms against real data. The invention consists of both hardware and software devices. The described hardware devices are capable of providing known test object metadata and state information such that the appropriate attributes of a test object may be known a priori for use in AI algorithms. The described software devices are capable of performing the temporal association of the sensor and test object metadata and either building the training data set or statistically evaluating the accuracy of a pre-existing AI algorithm.

Abstract: Systems and methods including one or more processors and one or more non-transitory storage devices storing computing instructions configured to run on the one or more processors and cause the one or more processors to perform receiving one or more orders comprising a list of one or more pallets; grouping each pallet of the one or more pallets into one or more groups using one or more respective qualities of each respective pallet; for each group of the one or more groups, building one or more stacks of pallets using at least three different stacking models; selecting a final stack list of a model of the at least three different stacking models having a lowest number of stacks; and optimizing the final stack list using a probabilistic model. Other embodiments are disclosed herein.

Abstract: In a method for mixed operation of a section of railroad line, the section of line is trafficable by trains equipped with a train control system, and by trains not equipped with this train control system. The section of line is provided with a switch so that in the event that a train not equipped with the train control system is to enter the section of line from the direction of a side track, the section of line is indicated as occupied. The occupied indication is triggered by a first throwing of the switch in the direction of the side track. After the train not equipped with the train control system has passed through, the occupied indication is canceled. The cancelation is triggered by a second throwing of the switch. After throwing of the switch, a clearing run is carried out on the section of line by an equipped train.

Abstract: Methods and systems for encoding and decoding data, such as point cloud data. The methods may include using a coder map to map a range of discrete dependency states to a smaller set of binary coders each having an associated coding probability. The selection of one of the discrete dependency states may be based on a contextual or situational factors, which may include a prediction process, for a particular symbol, such as an occupancy bit. The coder map is updated after each symbol is coded to possibly alter to which binary coder the selected discrete dependency state maps.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a device which utilizes a solar powered Internet of Things (IoT) technology to remotely monitor the position of railroad switches and derails and send updates by cellular signal to a database via a cloud platform. This new and novel technology allows for cost effective remote monitoring of railroad switch points and derails in dark territory without the need for wayside power or radio communication equipment. The device is also capable of being integrated with dispatch CAD (computer automated dispatch), wayside signalization, positive train control devices, automatic alert generations, active warning devices, crossing gates, as well as power assisted railroad switches.

Abstract: A braking control method for a braking system of a vehicle is provided according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. The braking control method comprises: obtaining a total braking distance and a first speed of the vehicle; obtaining braking delay information related to the braking system, wherein the braking delay information includes first time information and second time information, the first time information reflects a delay time of a braking signal, and the second time information reflects a preparation time for performing a braking operation according to the braking signal by the braking system; obtaining deceleration information according to the total braking distance, the first speed and the braking delay information; generating the braking signal according to the deceleration information; and performing the braking operation according to the braking signal.

Abstract: A parallel processing system includes at least three processors operating in parallel, state monitoring circuitry, and state reload circuitry. The state monitoring circuitry couples to the at least three parallel processors and is configured to monitor runtime states of the at least three parallel processors and identify a first processor of the at least three parallel processors having at least one runtime state error. The state reload circuitry couples to the at least three parallel processors and is configured to select a second processor of the at least three parallel processors for state reload, access a runtime state of the second processor, and load the runtime state of the second processor into the first processor. Monitoring and reload may be performed only on sub-systems of the at least three parallel processors. During reload, clocks and supply voltages of the processors may be altered. The state reload may relate to sub-systems.

Abstract: A safety method is provided for a railway network which is divided into track segments by track elements and can be traveled by vehicles. In the method the vehicles request, from selections of the track elements, steps for assignment as a travel path element. Each of the selected track elements automatically assigns itself as a travel path element for each vehicle that requests the steps for assignment as a travel path element, under predetermined conditions. For temporal optimization of the assignment of the track elements as travel path elements, the respective track element automatically assigns itself to the respective vehicle, in that in reaction to a first request of the respective vehicle in a demand type requested by the respective vehicle, the track element carries out its approval as a travel path element for the respective vehicle.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a map application that identifies a transit route between a starting location and a destination location. The transit route, in some embodiments, comprises a set of transit legs that each is serviced by transit vehicles of a transit line and a set of walking distances. The map application of some embodiments generates a frequency of departures for transit vehicles of each transit line in the set of transit lines from a first transit station of the transit leg that is serviced by the transit line. The map application of some such embodiments further generates a frequency of departures for the entire transit route.

Abstract: In some examples, a service receives releases including machine-readable instructions from different vendors, the releases for respective controller units of a vehicle. The service communicates the releases wirelessly to the vehicle to update machine-readable instructions executing on the respective controller units of the vehicle.

Abstract: A system, computer-implemented method, and software for automatically planning and scheduling ocean-going vessels for oil distribution is provided. The scheduling of the vessels is based on a filtered beam search and greedy heuristic. A server can be used for receiving a schedule request and one or more constraints for scheduling one or more vessels from one or more users. An optimization engine can be used for generating a schedule based at least in part on the one or more constraints using a beam search algorithm.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a calculation method of movement authority for communications-based train control system, comprising: handling a route information for a train, and determining a searching range of the train according to the route information; initializing the limit of movement authority with the end position of the searching range; searching for static obstacles within the searching range, and successively determining whether each static obstacle meets the safety requirements for train operating, if not, setting the position of the last static obstacle within the searching range as the limit of the movement authority; if so, modifying the limit of movement authority as the end of route having been matched; searching for dynamic obstacles within the searching range, and determining whether there is a train, if so, modifying the end of movement authority as the beginning point of the track section where the train is occupying; if there is no dynamic obstacle within the searching range, modifying

Abstract: A method of controlling braking of a train that includes obtaining in an on-board computer of the train a brake propagation delay time (Td), a brake build-up time (T) and a maximum brake rate (?max) for the train, and controlling braking of the train in the on-board computer by generating one or more braking signals for the train using Td, T and ?max. Also, a methods of determining for a train a profile velocity to a target position of a selected target, selecting a most restrictive target from among a plurality of targets for a train, and determining a plurality of braking parameters for a train having a train consist, wherein the parameters include a brake propagation delay time (Td), a brake build-up time (T) and a maximum brake rate (?max).

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 is provided that includes a control unit configured to be disposed on-board at least one of a first vehicle or a second vehicle. The control unit also is configured to receive an updated time of an event involving the first vehicle and the second vehicle traveling in a transportation network. The control unit also is configured to change a speed of said at least one of the first vehicle or the second vehicle in response to the updated time to arrive at the event. A method is provided that includes, at one of a first vehicle or a second vehicle, receiving an updated time of an event involving the first vehicle and the second vehicle in a transportation network. The method also includes changing a speed of said one of the first vehicle or the second vehicle in response to the updated tune to arrive at the event.

Abstract: A method for demanding safety reactions for a rail vehicle having a plurality of appliances each able to demand a safety reaction when required, namely a braking process or a traction inhibit or both for the rail vehicle, includes: a) identification of a state in which one of the safety reactions should be carried out by one of the appliances, b) demanding the safety reaction by the appliance through a data bus, and c) feeding back information to the demanding appliance that the safety reaction has been carried out or intervening in a safety loop to initiate the desired safety reaction, if the safety reaction is not carried out.

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: Systems and methods for remotely controlling a rail vehicle are provided. In one embodiment, a remote operator control system includes a communication link to send and receive rail vehicle information, an operator interface, and a controller. The controller is configured to send, through the communication link, a request to establish communication with a positive train control system on-board a selected rail vehicle based on an operating condition. In response to receiving confirmation of communication with the positive train control system, the control is configured to receive positive train control information for the selected rail vehicle through the communication link, and display the positive train control information for the selected rail vehicle on the operator interface.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a remote control system for controlling a railway vehicle. The remote control system including a remote control device for transmitting signals to a first controller module. The first controller is mounted to the railway vehicle and controls and monitors the functions of the railway vehicle. The first controller module also relays information to the remote control device. The remote control system can also include a portable safety switch allowing any individual in proximity to the railway vehicle to send a stop signal to the first controller module to stop the railway vehicle if any unsafe conditions exist.

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: The present invention is directed to a remote control system for controlling a railway vehicle. The remote control system including a remote control device for transmitting signals to a first controller module. The first controller is mounted to the railway vehicle and controls and monitors the functions of the railway vehicle. The first controller module also relays information to the remote control device. The remote control system can also include a portable safety switch allowing any individual in proximity to the railway vehicle to send a stop signal to the first controller module to stop the railway vehicle if any unsafe conditions exist.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a remote control system for controlling a railway vehicle. The remote control system including a remote control device for transmitting signals to a first controller module. The first controller is mounted to the railway vehicle and controls and monitors the functions of the railway vehicle. The first controller module also relays information to the remote control device. The remote control system can also include a portable safety switch allowing any individual in proximity to the railway vehicle to send a stop signal to the first controller module to stop the railway vehicle if any unsafe conditions exist.

Abstract: An input apparatus which presents examples suitable to users, including an example storage module to store a plurality of example expressions; an edit storage module to store edits when a user edits the plurality of example expressions; a presentation example determining module to determine one or more presentation examples to be presented to the user from the plurality of example expressions stored in the example storage module; an edit adapting module to edit the presentation examples determined by the presentation example determining module based on the edits stored in the edit storage module; a display control module to present the presentation examples determined by the presentation example determining module to the user; and an entry accepting module to accept one of the presentation examples as a selected example when one of the presentation examples is selected by the user, or to receive edits from the user to one of the presentation examples and accept the edited presentation example as the selected

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying a track circuit in a railway line provided with a plurality of track circuits adjacent to one another and electrically insulated from one another. Said circuit comprises a pair of rails (R) formed by parallel metal bars (B) and a transmission block (2), capable of supplying the track circuit via a voltage generator designed to cause a current to flow in the circuit, it being possible for information to be associated to said current signal via a predetermined code. Said current delivered and absorbed by the circuit is detectable by a detection device provided on board a train that is travelling along that track circuit.

Abstract: A model train system including a track interface unit for bi-directional communication with one or more trains; and a communication circuit installed in the one or more trains that communicates with the track interface unit in a bi-directional manner, the communication circuit communicating to the track interface unit information regarding a current speed of said one or more trains, the communication circuit being configured so as to be capable of receiving an integrally formed command/power signal and processing the command signal independently of the power signal.

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 control and motor arrangement in accordance with the present invention includes a motor configured to generate a locomotive force for propelling the model train. The control and motor arrangement further includes a command control interface configured to receive commands from a command control unit wherein the commands correspond to a desired speed. The control and motor arrangement still further includes a plurality of detectors configured to detect speed information of the motor, and a process control arrangement configured to receive the speed information from the sensors. The process control arrangement is further configured and arranged to generate a plurality of motor control signals based on the speed information for controlling the speed of said motor. The control and motor arrangement yet still further includes a motor control arrangement configured to cause power to be applied to the motor at different times in response to the motor control signals.

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: 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: 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 provides sleep and wake-up modes for railway track circuit units. An intermediate track circuit unit communicates in a first direction to a first unit and in a different second direction to a different second unit. A plurality of wireless messages are employed between a train and a plurality of wayside units operatively associated with some of the track circuit units. Included with the wireless messages are a first identifier of a corresponding one of the track circuit units and a second identifier of a direction of travel of the train. One of the wireless messages is received at one of the wayside units corresponding to the intermediate unit based upon the first identifier. A signal is responsively output based upon the second identifier from the intermediate unit in the first direction to the first unit or in the different second direction to the different second unit.

Abstract: A method of monitoring and regulating the power and the energy consumed by a transport system including electrically propelled vehicles, said transport system including a power supply system including one or more power supply substations connected to an external electrical power supply network, said power supply substation or substations supplying energy to traction substations supplying power to power supply line sections having vehicle-mounted current pick-up means connected thereto, each vehicle carrying a power converter which is supplied with power by said current pick-up means and which monitors the power supplied to a traction motor of said vehicle, which method includes the following steps: measuring the instantaneous electrical power and/or energy drawn from the external electrical power supply network by said power supply substation or substations, and if the power or energy drawn from the external network tends to exceed an assigned threshold, sending one or more vehicles a set point acting on t

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 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: New techniques are presented for detection methods employed in the control, automation and operation of scale Model railroad layouts that permit new types of capabilities to be incorporated into the railroad. The invention allows for the lowering of the cost of detection electronics by employing a redundant encoding of information in the transponder responses that are then used for detecting transponder location on the layout by using current sensors. The use of a complementary multiplex arrangement and algorithm allows a reduction in the detection electronics by virtue of the fact that most the conditioning electronics can be supplied in a single instance that is shared amongst the multiplexed current sensors.

Abstract: A system which can easily and cheaply be installed to an existing rail infrastructure is disclosed which seeks to avoid the likelihood of train collisions. Each train travelling on a network is provided with a means for determining its own position (such as a GPS receiver) and a means for communicating with a central controller. The train's position is communicated to the central controller and the central controller uses this information to work out where each train is located on the network. Velocity and acceleration information are obtained by monitoring the train's position over time and predictions are made as to the future position of each of the trains on the network. If the future position of any of the trains is determined to be in a range which at least partially overlaps a range of future positions for another train then a collision warning is sent to one or both trains. This warning could trigger the train to stop automatically or for the driver to apply the breaks.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for preventing low train voltages and managing interference, thereby improving the efficiency, reliability, and passenger comfort associated with commuter trains. An algorithm implementing neural network technology is used to predict low voltages before they occur. Once voltages are predicted, then multiple trains can be controlled to prevent low voltage events. Further, algorithms for managing inference are presented in the present invention. Different types of interference problems are addressed in the present invention such as “Interference During Acceleration”, “Interference Near Station Stops”, and “Interference During Delay Recovery.” Managing such interference avoids unnecessary brake/acceleration cycles during acceleration, immediately before station stops, and after substantial delays.

Abstract: An information system for informing users of a bus network about waiting times for buses at stops in the network. The system includes a system for locating buses coupled to a central point which broadcasts said positions at successive instants &thgr; to receivers adapted to calculate waiting times for the buses on the basis of their positions, which positions reach the receivers after a certain average length of “transit” time T. In order to ensure that calculated waiting times as are accurate as possible, the central computer point broadcasts to the receivers estimated positions that the buses are expected to occupy at instant &thgr;+T.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for communication systems used in traffic engineering and having an earthbound transponder for each corresponding track section. The transponders transmit first data through a first path of transmission to polling machines arranged on vehicles. Based on these first data, the concerned polling machine ascertains whether second data transmitted through a second path of transmission to the polling machine are really destined for the vehicles. The signal in the second path of transmission destined for the vehicles of a section of the track is individually modulated or transmitted by a time- or frequency-multiplexing process. Depending on the selected modulation or multiplexing, coefficients are built at the emitter side which are then transmitted through the first path of transmission, extracted at the receiver side and used to demodulate or demultiplex the signal transmitted through the second path of transmission.

Abstract: A communication based vehicle positioning reference system that includes a vehicle path. The vehicle path is divided into regions, wherein the regions contain a portion of the vehicle path. Each portion of the vehicle path contained within a respective region is defined by one or more segments. A position of a vehicle on the vehicle path is identified by a local coordinate system Sxyz, where S is a vehicle identifier, x is a specific region, y is a specific segment contained within the region and z is the position of the vehicle within the specific segment. The vehicle path can be represented on a map. Each of the segments can be identified by a character string that includes the indicia relating to the region the segment is located and a segment name. A plurality of computers can be provided which include only a portion of the map. Also, disclosed is a method for identifying the position of a vehicle along a vehicle path.

Abstract: The monorail system of the present invention contains a monorail and a system controller that has a first radio frequency ethernet communications device. Location markers are attached to the monorail. A vehicle is positioned to move on the monorail. The vehicle contains a motor drive system that moves the vehicle on the monorail. A remote controller is interconnected to the motor drive system, and the remote controller controls movement of the vehicle and receives information from the system controller. A reader connected to the remote controller senses the location markers attached to the monorail. A second radio frequency ethernet communications device is provided and is connected to the remote controller. The radio frequency ethernet communications device wirelessly communicates with the first radio frequency ethernet communications device on the system controller to create a wireless ethernet network containing at least the system controller and the remote controller.

Abstract: At least one individual car that can be identified individually is contained in the consist. The configuration of an actually observed consist is determined and checked to see whether it matches relevant information data sets. If there is an exact match with one information data set, the latter is assigned to the consist. If there are multiple matches or no matches, the information data set associated with the consist is determined by identification of the individual car.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the movement of plural freight trains through a multiple route railway system with improved efficiency and safety. Freight train movements are precisely monitored and orchestrated in accordance with a dynamic schedule that is determined through an evaluation of delivery requirements, coordination among all trains, speed restrictions and the effects of the track topography and train consist on train response to brake and power application.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of controlling railroad train movement over a layout of railroad track that is defined geographically using a linear network of geographic control objects which includes signals, switches and track blocks. Each signal has signal control hardware and software logic, which logic includes an address, representation of signal condition, and the ability to initiate a change in signal condition. Each switch has switch control hardware and software logic, which logic includes an address, representation of switch condition, and the ability to initiate a change in switch condition. Each track block has hardware and software logic, which logic includes an address and a representation of track block occupancy condition. The method is specifically directed to establishing communication between each signal logic, switch logic, and track logic, and only its next adjacent logic neighbors regardless of whether it be signal logic, switch logic, or track logic.

Abstract: A wireless train proximity alert system provides a constant warning signal to warn vehicles approaching a train crossing when a train is also approaching the crossing. The system includes a transceiver, positioned on the train itself or at the side of the track, for transmitting a train proximity signal, which preferably includes the train's speed and position. A crossing-based transceiver receives the train's proximity signal and transmits the boundary coordinates of a warning zone when the train's estimated time-to-arrival at the crossing is within a predetermined range. A vehicle-based receiver receives the warning zone signal and the crossing's position, compares them to the vehicle's position and speed, and produces an alarm to the vehicle's operator when a potential accident is indicated.

Abstract: A railway signalling system comprising a control device for controlling the movements of railway vehicles on a railway track.

Abstract: A railway control system for controllably suppressing the maximum output of a railway substation for energy saving in a densified operation territory and, in which a predetermined upper limit value is established in the output of a substation. The output of the substation is always monitored by output monitoring apparatus, and, when the substation output exceeds an upper limit value, control command apparatus transmits a control command signal to any or several of output control apparatus, a train group and an operation administration system. The output control apparatus, train group or operation administration system which receives this signal performs output control or drive force control or both of them, thereby to limit the output of the substation at or below a predetermined value. It thus becomes possible to restrain a temporary output peak of a railway substation and to reduce the installed capacity.

Abstract: A train control system employs beacon transponders along the track to transmit fixed data to a passing train in addition to dynamic data relating to track availability and routing provided by encoded cab signals transmitted in the track. The fixed data includes the location of block boundaries and distances to such boundaries, timetable speed limits, and the distance to a point along the track at which a speed restriction is in effect. This data and other fixed information is integrated with the dynamic data in an on-board computer which determines train control instructions from the received data and displays the instructions to the train crew. The system is capable of enforcing any restrictive instructions that are not obeyed.