Abstract: A travel management device is configured to transmit a reservation request for a block section to be reserved based on track information indicating a plurality of block sections constituting a track on which a vehicle travels and a connection relationship between the block sections, the block section to be reserved being among the block sections included in the track on which the vehicle travels. A resource management device is configured to record the block section to be reserved indicated by the reservation request as a reserved block section of the vehicle which has transmitted the reservation request in case where the block section to be reserved indicated by the reservation request is not reserved by a vehicle other than the vehicle which has transmitted the reservation request at a time at which the reservation request is received.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a system for putting into service a brake system having specified approval prerequisites, in particular wherein the brake system is a pneumatic and/or hydraulic braking system, in particular a pneumatic and/or hydraulic braking system of a rail vehicle, wherein the control data set for the brake system is set on the basis of a real reference operation and a virtual test operation in such a way that the specified approval prerequisites are achieved.

Abstract: Example aspects of the present disclosure are directed to systems and methods that generate simulated communications traffic to enable improved monitoring of the performance of a vehicle integration platform (VIP) associated with a service provider entity. For instance, the VIP can provide services to or otherwise communicate with a number of different clients (e.g., autonomous vehicles included in one or more fleets of autonomous vehicles). However, when, for various operational reasons, the one or more fleets of autonomous vehicle are not operating or otherwise communicating with the VIP, it can be difficult to assess whether the VIP is correctly operating. As such, according to an aspect of the present disclosure, a watchdog monitoring system can be included in or otherwise interoperate with the VIP.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a moving block signaling headway calculation system recursively executes a process until an interval reaches a limit value. The process includes calculating headway values for a plurality of points on the running section for each interval, extracting a section between adjacent two points, in which an amount of variation in the headway values between the adjacent two points exceeds a threshold value, a section between two points before and after a front point and an end point of a point or a section where a headway value changes from rise to fall, or a section between two points before and after a front point and an end point of a point or a section where a headway value changes from fall to rise, and subdividing the interval in the extracted sections.

Abstract: A machine learning system (100) for train route optimization includes a machine learning module (120) in communication with an optimization module (110) and including instructions stored in a memory that when executed by a processor (82) cause the machine learning module (120) to receive a plurality of schedules for railroad vehicles travelling through a track network transmitted by the optimization module (110), prioritize the plurality of schedules by applying at least one business rule (140) to the plurality of schedules based on dynamically learned behavior, and provide a prioritized list of schedules.

Abstract: A locomotive control system includes a controller configured to control communication between or among plural locomotive devices that control movement of a locomotive via a network that communicatively couples the vehicle devices. The controller also is configured to control the communication using a data distribution service (DDS) and with the network operating as a time sensitive network (TSN). The controller is configured to direct a first set of the locomotive devices to communicate using time sensitive communications, a different, second set of the locomotive devices to communicate using best effort communications, and a different, third set of the locomotive devices to communicate using rate constrained communications.

Abstract: Systems and methods for correlating wireless communication performance with vehicle system configurations determine wireless message characteristics of wireless messages communicated with vehicles in vehicle systems and locations along a route where the wireless message characteristics were determined. The wireless message characteristics and the locations can be determined during movement of the vehicle systems along a route. Relative positions of the vehicles in the vehicle systems is obtained, and a signal propagation profile is determined based on the wireless message characteristics, the locations where the wireless message characteristics were determined, and the relative positions of the vehicles. The signal propagation profile can represent relationships between the wireless message characteristics, the relative positions of the vehicles, and the locations along the route.

Abstract: A wireless train control system includes: a device that generates a track circuit state signal indicating whether a track circuit is picked up or dropped and a time-triggered track circuit state signal indicating a drop at a timing delayed by a set time after the track circuit state signal indicates that the track circuit is dropped; and a controller that generates a stop limit point of a wireless-control-compliant train by using presence information if a preceding train is a wireless-control-compliant train, and generates the stop limit point by using the track circuit state signal and the time-triggered track circuit state signal if the preceding train is a non-wireless-control-compliant train. The controller does not update the stop limit point if the track circuit state signal indicates that the track circuit is dropped while the time-triggered track circuit state signal indicates that the track circuit is picked up.

Abstract: A robotic system includes a controller configured to obtain image data from one or more optical sensors and to determine one or more of a location and/or pose of a vehicle component based on the image data. The controller also is configured to determine a model of an external environment of the robotic system based on the image data and to determine tasks to be performed by components of the robotic system to perform maintenance on the vehicle component. The controller also is configured to assign the tasks to the components of the robotic system and to communicate control signals to the components of the robotic system to autonomously control the robotic system to perform the maintenance on the vehicle component.

Abstract: A brake caliper inspection apparatus that includes a housing including an interior and a plurality of ports that provide access to the interior. The apparatus also includes a plurality of components each coupled to a port of the plurality of ports. The plurality of components includes a sensor configured to monitor a gauge pressure within said interior, a nozzle configured to channel fluid therethrough, and a viewing dome configured to provide a visual indication of an air-to-fluid ratio within said interior.

Abstract: A method of linking alarm data from physically disassociated wireless sensors to a train in motion. The sensor secured to a wheel axle-box of a rail carriage of a train to detect an over temperature alarm to enable a driver to stop the train. If the alarm condition is confirmed as belonging to the train, a Monitor/Relay immediately notes that there is a problem and warns an operator.

Abstract: An operation control system includes: a first detector that detects a transport body that has reached a predetermined reference position on a first transport line; an obstacle sensor and an autonomous traveling control unit provided in each of a plurality of self-propelled carrier bodies traveling on a second transport line; a gate provided on the second transport line; and a gate driving unit that moves the gate to a retracted position when the first detector detects the transport body, and moves the gate to an advanced position when the first detector does not detect the transport body. The autonomous traveling control unit controls the travel of the carrier bodies such that a forward separation distance, a distance between any of the carrier bodies and another carrier body or an obstacle ahead of the carrier body, is equal to or greater than a predetermined collision prevention distance.

Abstract: The following refers to a computer-implemented approach for evaluation of contractual requirements in view of a technical railway system, namely whether the latter complies with the requirements. The technical railway system and is modeled in case of non-compliance the system is modeled and contractual requirements are modeled in one common model. The generated model is analyzed in order to calculate control instructions for matching the same.

Abstract: In a method of determining a length of a train, a first camera at the head of the train acquires a first image of a first object on or proximate a path of the train and a second camera at the end of the train acquires a second image of a second object on or proximate the path of the train. A controller determines a length of the train based on a first geographical location associated with the first object in the first image and a second geographical location associated with second object in the second image. The first and second geographical locations of the first and second objects can be determined from corresponding prerecorded images of the objects that are geotagged with the geographical locations of the objects.

Abstract: A train-to-train warning system and method for communicating an information notification, may include receiving or sensing, by a head of train computer of a listener train, an information notification originating from an end of train device associated with a first train in a geographic area, identifying the first train based on at least one of the position of the first train or the identifier associated with the first train, determining, one or more events or conditions of the first train in the track network based on the information notification, generating an updated operation of the listener train including one or more actions, the updated operation based on the one or more events or conditions associated with the first train, and controlling a movement of the listener train based on at least one of the one or more actions.

Abstract: A control system includes a controller configured to control communication between or among plural vehicle devices that control operation of a vehicle via a network that communicatively couples the vehicle devices. The controller also is configured to control the communication using a data distribution service (DDS) and with the network operating as a time sensitive network (TSN). The controller is configured to direct a first set of the vehicle devices to communicate using time sensitive communications, a different, second set of the vehicle devices to communicate using best effort communications, and a different, third set of the vehicle devices to communicate using rate constrained communications.

Abstract: At an on-board control unit of an on-board apparatus, a coupling detecting unit detects coupling of a failure train with respect to the own train. Then, in the case where detection is performed by the coupling detecting unit, a train occupancy range calculating unit updates train length information using the number of vehicles of the failure train and uses the updated train length information to calculate train occupancy range information. Further, a traveling control unit controls traveling and stop of the own train as a series of coupled trains in the case where detection is performed by the coupling detecting unit.

Abstract: An abnormality detection device includes: a measurement value acquiring unit configured to acquire input accelerations of n vehicles traveling along a track; and an abnormality determination unit configured to determine abnormality in the track at a track position at which the input accelerations are equal to or more than a threshold value in a case where it has detected that the input accelerations for all of the n vehicles are equal to or more than a threshold value, and determine abnormality in any one or a plurality of vehicles out of n?1 or less vehicles in the n vehicles at which the input accelerations are equal to or more than the threshold value in a case where it has detected that the input accelerations for the any one or a plurality of vehicles out of the n?1 or less vehicles in the n vehicles are equal to or more than the threshold value.

Abstract: A method (600) for generating schedules for railroad vehicles travelling within a railroad network using a genetic algorithm (GA) (100), through operation of at least one processor (82), includes providing an initial population (200) of initial schedules (220), each schedule (220) having first information of a railroad track network and second information of railroad vehicles travelling in the railroad track network for a specific time instance, selecting multiple schedules of the initial schedules (220), and generating a final population (480) of final schedules (420) utilizing crossover operation (400) between selected initial schedules (220), wherein the second information of the railroad vehicles travelling in the railroad track network are exchanged between the selected initial schedules (220).

Abstract: A method secures a railroad crossing which allows a timely securing of the railroad crossing, and is particularly efficient and reliable. The method proceeds in such a way that sensor data relating to a rail-borne vehicle approaching the railroad crossing are detected by a track-side sensor device. The sensor data contains at least the current speed of the rail-borne vehicle. The detected sensor data are transmitted by the track-side sensor device to a stationary control device. A switch-on time is determined by the stationary control device taking into account the transmitted sensor data and route data. Upon reaching the switch-on time, the securing of the railroad crossing is initiated by the stationary control device. After the railroad crossing has been successfully secured, a travel permission that extends beyond the railroad crossing is determined by a control device of a train control system, and is transmitted to the rail-borne vehicle.

Abstract: A system for linking alarm data from physically disassociated wireless sensors to a train in motion. The sensor secured to a wheel axle-box of a rail carriage of a train to detect an over temperature alarm to enable a driver to stop the train. If the alarm condition is confirmed as belonging to the train, a Monitor/Relay immediately notes that there is a problem and warns an operator.

Abstract: A safety method for a railway network that is divided into section segments by way of section elements and which can be traveled by vehicles in accordance with data from a section atlas. The vehicles request steps for allocation as a track element from selected section elements. Each of the selected section elements autonomously allocates itself as a track element under specified conditions for each requesting vehicle. In order to be able to inform the vehicle or the vehicle operators thereof about changed section characteristics better and more quickly, for the section elements, the vehicles store manually entered and/or manually released dynamic driving operation data as a dynamic component of the section atlas in parts related to the section elements.

Abstract: A train information management device sends and receives information to and from both a train-controlling in-vehicle wireless station for controlling an operation of a train, and a door-controlling in-vehicle wireless station for controlling vehicle doors. The device includes a wireless train control unit, an automatic operation unit, and a door control unit. The wireless train control unit receives route information represented by a consecutive block sequence and information on a stop limit location that the train may reach without hindering a preceding train, and if this route information includes a station block number, consults an in-vehicle database to extract, before the train arrives at a platform, an arrival track where the train is to stop, a stop target location at a stop station dependent on a travel direction of the train, and which of the vehicle doors is to be opened, and stops the train in accordance with the route information.

Abstract: A method, an apparatus, a system, and a computer program product for managing safety for a railway system. A computer system generates a probability of a safety issue for a particular section of a railroad track in the railway system using information from a set of weather event sources. A set of unmanned aerial vehicles is dispatched to the particular section of the railroad track when the probability of the safety issue exceeds a threshold. A number of images of the particular section of the railroad track is received from the set of unmanned aerial vehicles. A risk score for the safety issue at the particular section of the railroad track is generated using the number of images by the computer system. An action is performed to resolve the safety issue using the risk score, enabling the computer system to manage safety issues for the railway system.

Abstract: The Automated Wayside Asset Monitoring system utilizes a camera-based optical imaging device and an image database to provide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance of environmental geographical information pertaining to railway transportation. Various components of the Automated Wayside Asset Monitoring system can provide features and functions that can facilitate the operation and improve the safety of transportation via a railway vehicle.

Abstract: A method includes obtaining creep measurements and tractive/braking measurements from at least one vehicle system at different locations along a route segment while the at least one vehicle system moves through the route segment. The method also includes calculating tribology characteristics of the route segment at the different locations. The tribology characteristics are based on the creep measurements and the tractive/braking measurements from the at least one vehicle system. The tribology characteristics are indicative of a friction coefficient of the route segment at the different locations. The method also includes determining an effectiveness of a friction modifier applied to the route segment based on the tribology characteristics.

Abstract: This trackside controller for at least one piece of trackside equipment of a railway network, comprising a processor, a memory unit associated with the processor, and at least one communication port configured to be directly connected to the piece of trackside equipment. The memory unit comprises an area dedicated to storing a logic object representative of said at least one piece of trackside equipment, the logic object being executable by the processor and comprising a plurality of logic rules defining the operation of said at least one piece of trackside equipment.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are disclosed of apparatus and methods for monitoring and controlling distributed machines. In an exemplary embodiment, a network includes machines each having sensor(s) and/or actuator(s). Each machine has a node resident on the machine and/or in communication with the machine and that provides raw data from the sensor(s) and/or actuator(s). Each node has a network interface, and a processor and memory configured as a node agent to embed the raw data in message(s) without reformatting the raw data. An engine receives and reformats messages from the node agents without reformatting raw data embedded in the messages. The engine directs the reformatted messages including the raw data to user device(s) for use in managing machine activity and/or status. The engine also sends a message from a user device to a node of a given machine, for use in controlling activity and/or status of the given machine.

Abstract: A central safety management apparatus includes a safety management unit collecting safety management policies and regulations for each energy source and calculating operation criteria for each energy source; an accident precursor analysis unit collecting accident event related information of each energy source from a plurality of energy source safety management apparatuses managing different energy sources and analyzing occurrence possibility of safety accidents in advance based on the accident event related information and the operation criteria; and a safety enforcement unit transmitting a result of the analysis of the accident precursor analysis unit to the plurality of energy source safety management apparatuses.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for decentralized rail signaling and positive train control. A decentralized train control system may include a plurality of wayside units, configured for placement on or near tracks in a railway network, and one or more train-mounted units, each configured for use in a train operating in a railway network that support use of the decentralized train control system. Each train-mounted unit may configured to receive communicate with any wayside unit and/or train-mounted unit that comes within range, with the communicating including use of ultra-wideband (UWB) signals, and for generating control information based on the UWB signals, for use in controlling one or more functions associated with operation of the train.

Abstract: A traffic management method, for managing traffic of a transportation network, comprising the steps of managing the traffic and the transportation network, according to a basis instruction timetable, automatically detecting and/or predicting a conflict in the traffic, generating a conflict solution in knowledge of the conflict, and managing the traffic and the transportation network with a modified instruction timetable based on the generated conflict solution.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for indicating vehicle-to-everything (V2X) or road side unit (RSU) function support in a wireless communication system is provided. A radio access network (RAN) node may transmit an indication of V2X/RSU function support of the RAN node to another RAN node. Alternatively, if the RAN nodes does not support V2X/RSU function, the RAN node may transmit a message including a cause value indicating that the RAN node does not support V2X/RSU function.

Abstract: A method includes detecting an initialization position of a processing zone within a graphical user interface, the processing zone having boundaries and a predefined direction extending away from the initialization position, the graphical user interface comprising displayed point cloud data, the displayed point cloud data being based on a scanning of a three dimensional space. The method also includes applying a Kalman filter to the track points to identify a trajectory of a guideway and generating a model of the guideway based on the track points and the trajectory. The method further includes detecting one or more of a turnout region or an object associated with the guideway. The method additionally includes generating a map comprising the model of the guideway and one or more of the turnout region or the object, and at least one label identifying the turnout region or the object included in the map.

Abstract: A method and device for ascertaining movement authority for track-bound vehicles allow interference with a driving operation resulting in special operational situations or disturbances to be kept as low as possible. The position of the vehicle is determined and used to check whether the vehicle is located completely in an axle-counting section of an axle-counting system. The number of axles of the vehicle is compared with the number of axles located in the relevant section according to the system. If the vehicle is located completely in the relevant section and the number of axles of the vehicle matches the number of axles located in the section according to the system, a movement authority is ascertained for the vehicle. The part of the relevant section in front of the vehicle in the driving direction is assumed to be free of other vehicles when ascertaining the movement authority.

Abstract: A method for recording and predicting position data for a self-propelled wheeled vehicle (1) carrying a load (14) is provided whereby the vehicle (1) is caused to move along a ground surface (5) along a predominantly straight line trajectory (17) by rotating at least one load carrying wheel (3) in frictional engagement with the surface (5), angular rotation data of at least one wheel (3) is obtained, absolute position data are obtained at different predetermined fixed positions Pn of the vehicle (1) with respect to the surface (5) along the straight line trajectory (17), whereby the distance travels is measured independently and used to calibrate motion sensors on board the vehicle. The invention also comprises a delivery or pick up system, a program for an on-board computing device and an on-board computing device.

Abstract: An air conditioning system for an electric transport vehicle supplied by an electrical supply network includes at least one actuator for the production of heat or cold, and a regulator configured in order to generate at least one operating command applied to the at least one actuator as a function of values for parameters representing the climatic conditions, the actuator delivering an average power over a predetermined time period. The regulator are configured in order to generate at least one operating command applied to at least one actuator as a function moreover of the value for a parameter relating to at least one electric transport vehicle supplied by the electrical supply network, the value for the parameter indicating that electrical energy is consumed by the at least one electric transport vehicle or that electrical energy is produced by the at least one electric vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, a system, and a computer program product of directive controlled vehicles. In an exemplary embodiment, the system includes a plurality of computing systems comprising at least two vehicles, a directive source to transmit a directive to at least one of the plurality of computing systems, and a command source to issue at least one command to at least one vehicle of the at least two vehicles, wherein the at least one command controls a movement pattern and an operation of the at least one vehicle of the at least two vehicles based on the directive.

Abstract: A locomotive control system includes an operation manager controller electrically coupled to an operator controller of a locomotive and to a local vehicle control system of the locomotive. The operation manager controller receives an operator command from the operator controller and can regulate the operator command to control operation of the locomotive.

Abstract: This automatic vehicle control apparatus comprises a first image sensor positioned on a vehicle, able to capture a first global image of a first scene, including an area in front of the vehicle, in a first field of view of said first image sensor; a track occupancy detector for receiving the first global image and deducing therefrom a track occupancy of the vehicle among at least two set of parallel tracks positioned in front of the vehicle; a distinguishable object disposed in the first field of view; and a proper functioning checking apparatus configured for searching, in the first global image, a first specific image of the distinguishable object, and for generating an alert signal in case the first specific image is not found in the first global image.

Abstract: A system includes at least one train having one or more sensors and a device remote from the at least one train. The device is configured to communicate with the at least one train via one or more networks, collect data from the one or more sensors of the at least one train at a plurality of different locations in a defined area, and generate a map of the one or more tracks based on the data collected from the one or more sensors of the at least one train at the plurality of different locations in the defined area. Other example systems and computer-implemented methods of mapping one or more railroad tracks in a defined area are also disclosed.

Abstract: A communication system includes wired communication devices onboard vehicles of a vehicle system, wireless communication devices disposed onboard other vehicles, and a controller. The controller remotely controls movement of some vehicles via communication with the wired communication devices and establishes a wireless communication link with other vehicles. The controller remotely controls movement of the other vehicles via wireless communication responsive to these vehicles being connected to the vehicle system for temporarily assisting in vehicle system movement along one or more routes. These vehicles are configured to be disconnected from wired communication with the other vehicles subsequent to being connected to the vehicle system. The wireless communication link is in addition to any wireless communication links established in the vehicle system prior to the one or more second vehicles being connected to the vehicle system.

Abstract: A method for controlling a train (10) of railway working vehicles (11) comprising at least two railway working vehicles (11) forming a railway train (10); each of said at least two railway working vehicles (11) comprises a multifunction vehicle bus MVB (20), and a wired train bus WTB (12), which enables connection of said multifunction vehicle buses MVB (20) of said at least two railway working vehicles (11); said multifunction vehicle bus MVB (20) comprises: a train-communication-network TCN port (14)7 which connects said wired train bus WTB (12) to said multifunction vehicle bus MVB (20); a traction control (22) of the means; and a translator (21), which connects said TCN port (14) to said traction control (22); said method being characterized in that: each vehicle of the train writes its own maximum speed on its own TCN port (14); the maximum speed of the train is defined as the lowest of the maximum speeds defined on the TCN ports (14) by the individual vehicles; the master vehicle activates the traction

Abstract: A locomotive communication system includes a lead communication device wirelessly communicating command messages to remote communication devices onboard a rail vehicle system during a messaging cycle. The lead device receives reply messages from the remote devices during the messaging cycle in response to the command messages. The lead device receives a status signal from at least one of the remote devices during a guard interval that follows completion of the messaging cycle. The lead device communicates the command message and receives the reply messages using analog modulation or digital modulation. The lead communication device also receives the status signal using the other of the analog modulation or the digital modulation. The command messages, the reply messages, and the status signal are communicated using a designated frequency channel.

Abstract: A positive train control system and method may comprise one or more switch monitors and/or one or more track monitors providing sensor data relative to one or more switches and/or one or more tracks, respectively, determining whether there is an anomaly of a switch or track, and when there is, providing a message, alert and/or warning, and/or initiating a train control action. Determination of an anomaly may be preformed on a train or at a remote location, e.g., a central facility.

Abstract: According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are disclosed of systems, methods and devices related to remote control locomotive training. In an exemplary embodiment, a remote control locomotive training system includes a locomotive control unit coupled to a locomotive and configured to control operation of the locomotive, and a trainee operator control unit in wireless communication with the locomotive control unit. The trainee operator control unit includes a first wireless interface to transmit one or more commands to the locomotive control unit. The system also includes a trainer operator control unit in wireless communication with the trainee operator control unit via a second wireless interface. The trainer operator control unit is configured to monitor the trainee operator control unit by receiving messages from the trainee operator control unit indicative of the one or more commands transmitted from the trainee operator control unit to the locomotive control unit.

Abstract: A system, computer readable medium, and a method for monitoring power module degradation in a vehicle are provided. The method includes determining a structure function of a power module, determining a change in the structure function based on a comparison between the structure function and an initial or baseline structure function associated with the power module, outputting a degradation determination result based on the change in the structure function, and generating an alert when the degradation determination result exceeds a predetermined or adaptively determined degradation criterion value.

Abstract: A system for measuring in-train and coupling forces of freight rail cars is provided. The system includes at least four strain sensing elements mounted to the coupler of a railway vehicle. Signals from the strain sensing elements are transmitted to a receiver where they are converted into force readings.

Abstract: In a method for stabilizing a rail vehicle with a wheel set, the speed of the rail vehicle is changed when a critical vibration state of the wheel set occurs. An advantageous state can be achieved if the speed of the rail vehicle is changed by using a vibration state variable of the wheel set.

Abstract: The invention provides a railway condition monitoring sensor device attached to a railway bearing of a railway vehicle including at least one vibration sensor; means for detecting movement of the railway vehicle; a control unit for processing at least the signals obtained by the vibration sensor to determine a health parameter indicating the bearings state of health. The control unit triggers measurements based on at least one predetermined condition; and a wireless communication device for communicating the health parameter to a monitoring and control server. The control unit configured to be operated in an energy-saving sleep mode and in at an activated mode. The control unit is configured to switch from the sleep mode to the activated mode upon detecting that a predetermined set of conditions is met. The predetermined set of conditions includes the condition that the means for detecting the movement detects that the railway vehicle is moving.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for determining at a lead locomotive in a train consist a communications status of at least one remote locomotive of a plurality of remote locomotives of the train consist, and a system for determining, at a lead locomotive in a train consist, a communications status of at least one remote locomotive of the train consist.