Abstract: In a case of changing the traveling speed of a transport vehicle, in order for the traveling speed of the transport vehicle to reach a target speed at a target position that is on a downstream side in the travel path relative to the current position of the transport vehicle, a control unit generates reference speed commands in accordance with a traveling speed time change pattern according to which the travel acceleration changes in a stepwise manner, generates a moving average command obtained using the moving average of the reference speed commands in a set period, and controls travel operations of a travel unit based on the moving average command.

Abstract: A train control device including a control logic generation unit that uses an environmental model defined by the number of a plurality of closed sections constituting a track included in a predetermined control target region, a connection configuration of the closed sections, and the number of trains present on the track, a state of the environmental model being changed discretely according to a combination of a position of one control target train that is the train to be controlled, positions of zero or more other trains, and the presence or absence of reservation for each of the closed sections, and generates a control logic that is a logic for transitioning the state of the environmental model depending on the state of the environmental model so as to satisfy a predetermined condition, and a regeneration instruction unit that instructs the control logic generation unit to regenerate the control logic.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an intelligent train operation adjustment system and method based on real-time passenger flow. The system includes a real-time passenger flow counting module, a real-time passenger flow and transport capacity matching module, and an intelligent train operation adjustment module, the real-time passenger flow counting module counts current real-time passenger flow and inputs the current real-time passenger flow into the real-time passenger flow and transport capacity matching module, the real-time passenger flow and transport capacity matching module matches a current passenger flow demand with a current transport capacity of a line, and the intelligent train operation adjustment module adjusts a working diagram in real time based on the real-time passenger flow and an operation result of the matching module, and adds or removes a train and arranges a path plan for the train with reference to a dispatching plan and device information.

Abstract: A method for identifying properties of rail-guided vehicles uses an axle counter to detect vehicle measurement data as the vehicle crosses. The measurement data are analyzed in a computer and speed and distances between vehicle axles are ascertained. A property of the vehicle is ascertained in a computer based on the ascertained speed and distances between axles. A checking step ascertains a pattern of normal distances between axles in that a normal distance between axles calculated by considering a predefined normal speed is assigned to each ascertained distance between axles, and by considering their order, the normal distances between axles merge to form the pattern. The pattern is compared with reference patterns, and upon identified conformity of the pattern and reference pattern, a type linked to the reference pattern is assigned to the vehicle as a property. An apparatus and computer program determining properties of vehicles are also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for achieving vital ultra-wideband (UWB) based train control. Train-mounted units and wayside units that incorporate at least two separate and independent radios are used to obtain independent and separate ranging measurements in trains based on communications between the train-mounted units and wayside units. The communications includes communication of ultra-wideband (UWB) based signals.

Abstract: A transport vehicle system includes a track, transport vehicles, placement units to deliver or receive articles, and area controllers that each receive a conveyance instruction from a host controller and control a transport vehicle in a jurisdiction area to execute various instructions. The area controller, in response to receiving from the host controller a conveyance instruction destined for one special placement unit belonging to a jurisdiction area, transmits to another area controller a movement instruction to control an empty transport vehicle to move toward the jurisdiction area, and also controls an empty transport vehicle that has become available in the jurisdiction area after transmission of the movement instruction to execute the conveyance instruction.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to managing data transmission from a plurality of telemetry devices onboard one or more trains. The plurality of telemetry devices comprises a first telemetry device and one or more second telemetry devices in a vicinity of the first telemetry device at an instant of time. The first telemetry device is configured to detect presence of the one or more second telemetry devices, and to initiate a negotiation process for identifying a designated telemetry device from the one or more second telemetry devices. During the negotiation process, status data associated with the telemetry devices are aggregated. The aggregated status data is further processed to identify a designated telemetry device from among the telemetry devices. The designated telemetry device performs actions for managing data transmission from the telemetry devices based on the aggregated status data.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a train identification system and method, and a train safety inspection system and method. The train identification system includes: a remote detection component, configured to acquire overall feature information of an inspected train through remote monitoring; and an identification device, configured to determine at least one of a type and a traveling situation of the inspected train according to the acquired overall feature information.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a damaged region determination system of the embodiment includes a plurality of sensors, a position locator, and a determiner. The plurality of sensors detects elastic waves generated in a target object related to a railway which is a determination target of a damaged region. The position locator locates positions of sources of a plurality of elastic waves based on the plurality of elastic waves detected by each of the plurality of sensors. The determiner determines the damaged region in the target object based on the positions of the sources of the plurality of elastic waves.

Abstract: A grade crossing control system includes a track circuit with a grade crossing predictor (GCP) system coupled to rails of a railroad track at a grade crossing, wherein a railroad vehicle travelling on the railroad track causes a change of impedance when entering the track circuit, and wherein the GCP system generates grade crossing activation signals in response to the change of the impedance of the track circuit, wherein, for detecting the change of impedance, the GCP system includes a first transmitter transmitting a first signal over the track circuit and a first receiver detecting a first response signal, a second transmitter transmitting a second signal over the track circuit and a second receiver detecting a second response signal, wherein the first transmitter and the first receiver are preprogrammed to a first frequency, and wherein the second transmitter and the second receiver are preprogrammed to a second frequency.

Abstract: A travel system includes a travelling carriage that travels on a predetermined track, access points including first APs that wirelessly communicate with the travelling carriage and second APs that wirelessly communicate with the travelling carriage in a communication slot different from a communication slot of the first APs, and a controller that, via any one of the access points, receives from the travelling carriage position information indicating the current position of the travelling carriage, and transmits to the traveling carriage a travel instruction to control travel of the travelling carriage. The travelling carriage includes a wireless interface that wirelessly communicates with one of the first APs, and wirelessly communicates with one of the second APs when wireless communication with the one of the first APs is not possible.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention include detecting an error alert from a target computer system. In response to detecting the error alert, performance data is then retrieved from the target computer system. A gated recurrent unit (GRU) neural network is used to generate a prediction of a root cause of the error alert based on the performance data. The weights of a reset gate of the GRU neural network are adjusted based on received feedback of the prediction.

Abstract: In order to specify a method for controlling a transport unit (TE) of a transport device (1) in the form of a long-stator linear motor, said method allowing safe transport of an object (O) without exposing the object (O) to critical movement limit values, the invention provides that a movement profile of the transport unit (TE) is established at least in sections along the transport path (2) depending on a relative movement profile of a relative point (PR) connected to the transport unit (TE) and spaced at a distance from a reference point (PT) of the transport unit (TE).

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to dynamic power curve throttling. In an exemplary embodiment, a computer-implemented method for enabling dynamic throttling of an engine includes graphically displaying a graph of a linear throttle line for the engine including an idle speed in revolutions per minute (RPM) and one or more operating speeds in revolutions per minute; using a graphical user interface to alter the linear throttling line into a non-linear dynamic throttling line; and generating a table based on the non-linear dynamic throttling line, the table including dynamic throttle increments that vary based on RPM and that are usable by a controller for dynamic throttling of the engine.

Abstract: A through the road (TTR) hybridization strategy is proposed to facilitate introduction of hybrid electric vehicle technology in a significant portion of current and expected trucking fleets. In some cases, the technologies can be retrofitted onto an existing vehicle (e.g., a trailer, a tractor-trailer configuration, etc.). In some cases, the technologies can be built into new vehicles. In some cases, one vehicle may be built or retrofitted to operate in tandem with another and provide the hybridization benefits contemplated herein. By supplementing motive forces delivered through a primary drivetrain and fuel-fed engine with supplemental torque delivered at one or more electrically-powered drive axles, improvements in overall fuel efficiency and performance may be delivered, typically without significant redesign of existing components and systems that have been proven in the trucking industry.

Abstract: A Head-of-Train device suitable for mounting inside a cab of a train is disclosed. The Head-of-Train device includes a memory and a processing unit communicatively coupled to the memory, wherein the processing unit is configured to execute one or more instructions in the memory to synthesize an audio message based on status associated with at least one equipment onboard the train. The Head-of Train device further includes an audio output device configured to output the audio message.

Abstract: A computer interlocking system includes: a first sub-system and a second sub-system that have a same structure and function, where the first sub-system and the second sub-system form a double 2-vote-2 architecture, respectively including a main control layer, a network layer, and a communication and execution layer; the network layer being configured to construct a communication network of a sub-system in which the network layer is located; the main control layer and the communication and execution layer in the first sub-system being respectively connected to a communication network of the first sub-system; and the main control layer and the communication and execution layer in the second sub-system being respectively connected to a communication network of the second sub-system.

Abstract: It is imperative that the integrity of a train and its railcars be maintained. A defective part or parts on a train may cause the derailment of the train and its railcars. A derailment often causes serious personal and property damage. The use of artificial intelligence that has been applied to this system will detect possible flaws or defects in the railroad car. A portal through which the train will pass houses cameras and a means of illumination to take high resolution images of the train through the portal. This information is then stored on a software platform. It has a feature which can include a human in the loop process that verifies the accuracy of the information. The solution also transmits detected defect images and information to a remote location for analysis.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for predicting and comparing wear scenarios in a rail system. The method can include generating and running a contact model of the interaction between a rail and a train car to produce a simulated loading on the rail for a predetermined time period; generating and running a wear model based on the material properties and/or friction modifier properties of the rail using the simulated loading to produce a simulated wear profile of the rail for the predetermined time period; obtaining a grinding profile to be performed on the rail during the predetermined time period; and generating an updated rail profile by modifying the rail profile by the simulated wear profile and the grinding profile. The method can predict and compare crack growth over time, and provide a financial model and comparison of costs and benefits for different maintenance protocols for the rail system.

Abstract: A system includes a safety mode activation device disposed onboard a vehicle system and operatively connected to a controller of the vehicle system. The safety mode activation device is configured to receive a status signal indicating a presence of one or more of an operator or an active work marker in a location proximate to the vehicle system. The safety mode activation device is further configured to transmit a lockout signal to the controller to prevent movement of the vehicle system along a route responsive to receiving the status signal.

Abstract: A system (10, 99) includes a vehicle (11, 111) and a car (1, 2, 3, 4, 12, 14, 16, 18, 26, 27, 28). The vehicle (11, 111) is configured to move, along a route (33) including at least a station (22, 24, 29, 30), without stopping at the station (22, 24, 29, 30). The car (1, 2, 3, 4, 12, 14, 16, 18, 26, 27, 28) is configured to (i) load an object from the station (22, 24, 29, 30) and move for integrating with the vehicle (11, 111), or (ii) detach from the vehicle (11, 111) and stop at the station (22, 24, 29, 30) for unloading the object.

Abstract: A signal aspect enforcement method for a rail vehicle includes determining if vehicle position is unknown. The system determines if rail vehicle speed is less than a line-of-sight threshold speed. The system determines the grade of the rail. A worst-case braking distance of rail vehicle is calculated. The signal aspect is determined using a camera system and a beacon system. The system determines if the signal aspect determined by camera system is same as signal aspect determined by beacon system and, if so, determines the route of rail vehicle and speed limit of rail vehicle.

Abstract: The position of a rail vehicle that is parked on a track is monitored in a cold movement detection. A vehicle-side device of an automatic train safety system is deactivated when the vehicle is parked. Prior to the deactivation, a first positional value is determined by the automatic train safety system, and independently, a second positional value is determined by another localization system. With the vehicle-side device deactivated, the actual position of the vehicle is monitored by the other localization system. The additional positional values and/or a deviation of the actual position from a target position is transmitted to a track-side device of the train safety system. When the vehicle-side device is activated, the track-side device transmits the actual position of the vehicle to the vehicle-side device. If the vehicle has not moved, the automatic train guidance system can immediately assume the monitoring process starting from the first position.

Abstract: Methods and systems for selection of a control speed for a remote-controlled vehicle based on rulesets applied to control nodes within a viewing window. In embodiments, a viewing window including control nodes, each having a having ruleset defining operating conditions associated therewith, may be determined. The ruleset for a control node may define operating limitations (e.g., speed limitations, orientation limitations, etc.) at the control node. In embodiments, a control speed plan for the viewing window may be generated based on the operating conditions for each control node within the current viewing window based on the limitations associated with each control node. The control speed plan may include an optimal control speed at each control node within the viewing window and a speed profile indicating an acceleration or deceleration curve to be followed through each of the optimal control speeds in the control speed plan when executing the control speed plan.

Abstract: A dynamic vending system includes a vending manager and a delivery vehicle. The vending manager is configured to receive and evaluate a plurality of dynamic conditions from the delivery vehicle and to provide instructions including a planned route to the delivery vehicle based on the dynamic conditions. The delivery vehicle includes a plurality of products available for sale, and is configured to execute the instructions including the planned route. The delivery vehicle is further configured to receive requests from consumers to stop along the planned route and to execute a transaction with the consumer for one of the products available for sale. The transaction includes the selection of one of the products available for sale, receipt of payment for the product, and dispensing the selected product to the consumer.

Abstract: A method detects the wear state of a component of a door drive system of a rail vehicle. The method includes reading a sequence of first motor parameters and second motor parameters, wherein the first motor parameters represent a different physical variable of a motor of the door drive system than the second motor parameters. The method additionally includes checking whether a value which represents the sequence of the first motor parameters satisfies a specified criterion in order to detect the wear state of the component of the door drive system.

Abstract: Various systems, devices, and methods for detecting and/or responding to the temperature of brakes are disclosed. Certain embodiments relate to inhibiting or preventing the overheating of the brakes of such vehicles, such as could occur when a hot runner condition is present.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to systems and methods of increasing functional safety of locomotives. In exemplary embodiments, a locomotive functional safety system is configured to: receive one or more manual control commands from a locomotive control stand and/or a user interface onboard a locomotive; determine whether the one or more manual control commands pass or satisfy one or more predetermined criteria; if the one or more manual control commands pass or satisfy the one or more predetermined criteria, approve the one or more manual control commands and allow the one or more manual control commands to be relayed onward and/or acted upon; and if the one or more manual control commands do not pass or satisfy the one or more predetermined criteria, disapprove the one or more manual control commands and disallow the one or more manual control commands to be relayed onward and/or acted upon.

Abstract: A system includes an actuator that produces heat or cold onboard an electric vehicle and a controller that generates an operating command to control the actuator to deliver a first average power over a predetermined time period based on one or more climatic conditions and based on a vehicle energy parameter. The vehicle energy parameter indicates whether (a) the electric vehicle or another electric vehicle is consuming electric energy or (b) the electric vehicle or another electric vehicle is producing the electric energy. The controller generates the operating command such that the first average power delivered by the actuator during the predetermined time period has substantially the same value as a second average power delivered by the actuator when the controller generates the operating command based only on the one or more climatic conditions.

Abstract: The present invention makes it possible to supply transportation capacity suitable for movement demand in numerous circumstances.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an operation adjustment method for a metro train in a unidirectional jam, including: generating a train operation routing scheme in the jam according to a jam position; setting priorities for turnaround stations; determining an affected train set; predicting, according to the affected train set, arrival times of each affected train at the turnaround stations of the different priorities; determining, according to the time, planned train service to be executed by the affected train after turning around; and acquiring a planned train service canceled during the jam, and allocating, according to the planned train service canceled during the jam, a train resource for train addition or storage. The present disclosure avoid the conventional complicated operation of manually determining the affected train one by one, and reasonably adds the extra passenger train to arrive at the station on the line for passenger carrying.

Abstract: A vehicle control system includes a portable operator control unit (OCU). The OCU includes a housing, a power supply inside the housing, a controller inside the housing, and a wireless communication unit attached to the housing. The controller is configured to generate control signals for controlling a vehicle from an off-board location of the OCU. The wireless communication unit is configured to wirelessly communicate the control signals to the vehicle over an LTE network.

Abstract: An autonomous driving device 100 is configured to set a target route to merge into a first main line L11 from a branch line L20 based on waypoints P set in a lane. If it is determined by the merge determination unit 14 that the merge is not easy, the target route setting unit 15 is configured to select the waypoint P on the branch line L20 set at the position on an end edge E side of the branch line L20 as the end edge waypoint Pa closest to the end edge E side on the branch line L20 to be selected for setting the target route, compared to a case where it is determined that the merge is easy.

Abstract: Systems for monitoring brake systems on railway assets include a load measuring device. The load measuring device includes an instrumented coupling configured to be connected to the rigging of a brake system of the railway asset; and to an underframe of the railway asset. The load measuring device also includes a data collection unit configured to process an output of a sensor of the instrumented coupling and, based on the sensor output, determine the force being transmitted between the brake rigging and the underframe.

Abstract: An evaluation device for obtaining a segmentation of an environment from a radar recording of the environment, that has an input interface configured to obtain initial training data, where the initial training data comprise radar data of the radar recording and initial characteristics of objects located in the environment recorded with a radar sensor that generates the radar recordings, and where the evaluation device is configured to forward propagate an artificial neural network with the initial training data to obtain second characteristics of the objects determined with the artificial neural network in the forward propagation, and to obtain weighting factors for neural connections of the artificial neural network through backward propagation of the artificial neural network with the differences between the second characteristics and the initial characteristics, in order to obtain the segmentation of the environment through renewed forward propagation with these radar data.

Abstract: An autonomous system for generating and interpreting point clouds of a rail corridor along a survey path while moving on a railroad corridor assessment platform. The system includes two LiDAR sensors configured to scan along scan planes that intersect but not at all points. The LiDAR sensors are housed in autonomously controlled and temperature controlled protective enclosures.

Abstract: A method of operating a vehicle control device for an article transport system in a production factory include identifying a first access point that is disabled from communicating with the vehicle control device among access points for performing wireless communication with respective vehicles in the production factory, identifying a first vehicle positioned in a disabled communication region corresponding to a coverage of the first access point, and transmitting a first message, which is intended to be transmitted to the first vehicle, to a second vehicle connected to a second access point and transmitting a second message for instructing the second vehicle to move to the disabled communication region.

Abstract: A vehicle remote instruction system is a system in which a remote operator performs a remote instruction relating to travel of an autonomous driving vehicle according to a situation of the autonomous driving vehicle. The system includes: a recording required situation determination unit configured to determine whether or not the autonomous driving vehicle traveling according to the remote instruction is in a predetermined recording required situation, based on detection information from a vehicle-mounted sensor of the autonomous driving vehicle, if the remote operator performs the remote instruction on the autonomous driving vehicle; and a remote instruction result recording unit configured to record position information of the autonomous driving vehicle as a result of the remote instruction, if it is determined by the recording required situation determination unit that the autonomous driving vehicle is in the recording required situation.

Abstract: An autonomous driving device 100 is configured to set a target route to merge into a first main line L11 from a branch line L20 based on waypoints P set in a lane. If it is determined by the merge determination unit 14 that the merge is not easy, the target route setting unit 15 is configured to select the waypoint P on the branch line L20 set at the position on an end edge E side of the branch line L20 as the end edge waypoint Pa closest to the end edge E side on the branch line L20 to be selected for setting the target route, compared to a case where it is determined that the merge is easy.

Abstract: A control method for supporting dynamic coupling and uncoupling of a train includes: step A, acquiring stored coupling status information during an initialization phase; step B, loading an off-line configuration of a corresponding composition according to the stored coupling status; step C, collecting three sets of input signals related to the coupling; step D, determining whether a train coupling status is proper according to the collected signals, then turning to step E if yes and turning to step F if no; step E, determining whether a current coupling status is consistent with the off-line configuration used in step B, then performing step H if yes and performing step G if no; step F, requesting emergency braking, and reporting an alarming error; step G, requesting emergency braking, re-writing coupling status information with codes after determining that the train is stationary, and then turning to step A for re-initialization.

Abstract: A system may include a first vehicle and a first control system that may control one or more vehicle operations of the first vehicle. The first control system may perform operations including receiving a first vehicle operation signal from a second control system associated with a second vehicle, sending one or more requests to one or more computing systems for a confirmation of the first vehicle operation signal, and determining a set of vehicle instructions to control the one or more vehicle operations based on whether one or more responses from the one or more computing systems provide the confirmation. The first control system may then control the first vehicle based on the set of vehicle instructions.

Abstract: A system includes one or more processors configured to communicatively link a first operator control unit (OCU) disposed off-board a vehicle system with a vehicle control system (VCS) disposed onboard the vehicle system. The vehicle system is formed from first and second vehicles. The VCS is configured to remotely control movement of the second vehicle from the first vehicle, wherein the one or more processors configured to receive a control signal communicated from the first OCU to a communication device that is onboard the first vehicle. The control signal dictates a change in movement operational setting of the second vehicle. The one or more processors configured to direct the communication device to communicate the control signal from the first vehicle to the second vehicle via the VCS, wherein movement of the second vehicle is automatically changed responsive to communicating the control signal from the first vehicle to the second vehicle.

Abstract: A track displacement measurement device is a track displacement measurement device that measures displacement of the track on which a railroad car runs, and determines first displacement of the track by performing processing including an integration operation based on motion detection signal responsive to motion of the railroad car due to displacement of the track, determines second displacement of the track based on the rotational movement detection signal responsive to rotational movement of the railroad car, and determines combined displacement of the track based on the first displacement and the second displacement.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing the threat of derailment of a train during deceleration is provided. An individualized braking force for each rail car of a train, such individualized braking force being determined by the braking deceleration of the train's locomotive, may be calculated by the rail car's controller and is directly proportional to the mass of the rail car. The controller may utilize the various forces acting upon the individual rail car as measured by a plurality of sensing and measuring devices to dynamically adjust the braking force applied to the individual rail car's brakes. Such a system and method allows for the train to act as a single body mass when decelerating to eliminate rail car pile-up and reduce the threat of derailment.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a non-national standard turnout drive system based on a double 2-vote-2 architecture, including an interlocking processing subsystem IPS, an interlocking maintenance station SDM, a non-national standard turnout drive module HIOM and an interlocking maintenance station SDM, wherein the non-national standard turnout drive module HIOM, a full-electronic communication module EIOCOM2, and the interlocking processing subsystem IPS are connected with each other in order, and the full-electronic communication module EIOCOM2 is connected to the interlocking maintenance station SDM; two non-national standard turnout drive module HIOMs, which are mutually redundant, obtain turnout drive commands through the interlocking processing subsystem IPS to control drive relays in a non-national standard turnout to lift and fall for driving the turnout to rotate toward a specified direction, while collecting representation information of the turnout and determining a position of the turnout.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a vehicle and a method thereof are provided. The apparatus includes a connectivity control unit (CCU) to internetwork with a server through a wireless network to provide a connected car service and an integrated body unit (IBU) to perform low power communication with another vehicle to control the CCU.

Abstract: A method of communication-based train control system migration includes scanning a guideway to generate surveying data and processing surveying data to calculate a 3-D representation of the guideway. Appropriate locations are determined for the communication-based control devices on the guideway. Communication-based train control devices are installed in a guideway at the determined appropriate locations and vehicles are retrofitted with an autonomy platform. Testing of the control devices and retrofit vehicles is performed. A communication-based train control system is used to control the retrofit vehicles when they operate within the guideway.

Abstract: A railroad crossing control system (100) includes a constant warning time device (40) with a control unit (50) configured to produce multiple signals, and a wheel sensing system (120) comprising at least one sensor (122) connected to a rail (20a, 20b) of a railroad track (20) at a predetermined position (P), wherein the wheel sensing system (120) detects a presence of railroad vehicle travelling on the railroad track (20) such that the at least one sensor (122) detects wheels of the railroad vehicle using electromagnetic fields, wherein the wheel sensing system (120) provides speed values of the railroad vehicle to the constant warning time device (40), and wherein the constant warning time device (40) produces a constant warning time signal for controlling a railroad crossing warning device in response to receiving the speed values of the wheel sensing system (120).

Abstract: A vehicle orientation determination system includes one or more processors configured to determine a first distance between a reference device disposed on a first vehicle and a front device disposed on a second vehicle. The first and second vehicles are both disposed on a route. The one or more processors are further configured to determine a second distance between the reference device disposed on the first vehicle and a rear device disposed on the second vehicle. The front device is located more proximate to a front end of the second vehicle than a proximity of the rear device to the front end. The one or more processors are configured to determine that the second vehicle has a common orientation as the first vehicle relative to the route based on the first distance being less than the second distance.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus according to an embodiment includes a diagram processor configured to calculate, based on a first diagram of first to n-th train lines including at least one time of: times of departure of a vehicle from stop positions, times of arrival of the vehicle at the stop positions, and times of pass of the vehicle through the stop positions, an adjustment amount of the time; and an output diagram creator configured to create a second diagram based on the calculated adjustment amount and the first diagram.