WO2004002801A2 - Method and system for automatically activating a warning device on a train - Google Patents

Method and system for automatically activating a warning device on a train Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2004002801A2
WO2004002801A2 PCT/US2003/020667 US0320667W WO2004002801A2 WO 2004002801 A2 WO2004002801 A2 WO 2004002801A2 US 0320667 W US0320667 W US 0320667W WO 2004002801 A2 WO2004002801 A2 WO 2004002801A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
train
warning device
point
control unit
determining
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2003/020667
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2004002801A3 (en
Inventor
Mark Edward Kane
James Francis Shockley
Harrison Thomas Hickenlooper
Original Assignee
Quantum Engineering, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Family has litigation
First worldwide family litigation filed litigation Critical https://patents.darts-ip.com/?family=27733957&utm_source=google_patent&utm_medium=platform_link&utm_campaign=public_patent_search&patent=WO2004002801(A2) "Global patent litigation dataset” by Darts-ip is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Application filed by Quantum Engineering, Inc. filed Critical Quantum Engineering, Inc.
Priority to AU2003253766A priority Critical patent/AU2003253766A1/en
Publication of WO2004002801A2 publication Critical patent/WO2004002801A2/en
Publication of WO2004002801A3 publication Critical patent/WO2004002801A3/en

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B61—RAILWAYS
    • B61L—GUIDING RAILWAY TRAFFIC; ENSURING THE SAFETY OF RAILWAY TRAFFIC
    • B61L25/00—Recording or indicating positions or identities of vehicles or vehicle trains or setting of track apparatus
    • B61L25/02—Indicating or recording positions or identities of vehicles or vehicle trains
    • B61L25/021—Measuring and recording of train speed
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B61—RAILWAYS
    • B61L—GUIDING RAILWAY TRAFFIC; ENSURING THE SAFETY OF RAILWAY TRAFFIC
    • B61L25/00—Recording or indicating positions or identities of vehicles or vehicle trains or setting of track apparatus
    • B61L25/02—Indicating or recording positions or identities of vehicles or vehicle trains
    • B61L25/025—Absolute localisation, e.g. providing geodetic coordinates
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B61—RAILWAYS
    • B61L—GUIDING RAILWAY TRAFFIC; ENSURING THE SAFETY OF RAILWAY TRAFFIC
    • B61L29/00—Safety means for rail/road crossing traffic
    • B61L29/24—Means for warning road traffic that a gate is closed or closing, or that rail traffic is approaching, e.g. for visible or audible warning
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B61—RAILWAYS
    • B61L—GUIDING RAILWAY TRAFFIC; ENSURING THE SAFETY OF RAILWAY TRAFFIC
    • B61L2205/00—Communication or navigation systems for railway traffic
    • B61L2205/04—Satellite based navigation systems, e.g. GPS

Definitions

  • the invention relates to automated railroad operation generally, and more particularly to a system and method for automatically activating a train warning device at a location for which a warning is required or desirable, such as a grade
  • ⁇ 222.21 which regulates how and when horns are to be sounded.
  • a horn Under 49 C.F.R. ⁇ 222.21, in the absence of a state regulation, a horn must be sounded starting at a position no greater than 1/4 mile away from the grade crossing.
  • the railroad must place a whistle board (a wayside sign telling the conductor to begin sounding a horn) at a location such that a train traveling at the maximum speed will begin sounding its horn 20 seconds before the crossing, or the railroad must ensure by other methods that the horn is sounded no less than 20 seconds, but not more than 24 seconds, before the locomotive enters the grade crossing.
  • the present invention meets the aforementioned need to a great extent by providing a method and system for automatically activating a train warning device that uses a positioning system such as a global positioning system (GPS) receiver
  • a positioning system such as a global positioning system (GPS) receiver
  • the system further includes a database containing locations of grade crossings and other locations at which a train is required to activate a warning device, as well as what regulations govern activation of the warning device at such locations.
  • INS inertial navigation system
  • Figure 1 is a logical block diagram of a train control system according to one embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 2 is a flowchart showing an automatic horn sounding method according to one embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 1 is a logical block diagram of a train control system 100 according to the present invention.
  • the system 100 includes a control unit 110, which typically, but not necessarily, includes a microprocessor.
  • the control unit 110 is connected to a positioning system such as a GPS receiver 120.
  • the GPS receiver 120 can be of any type, including a differential GPS receiver. Other types of positioning systems, such as inertial navigation systems (INSs) can also be used.
  • the GPS receiver 120 provides position and speed information to the control unit 110.
  • INSs inertial navigation systems
  • a database 130 which contains the locations of all grade crossings in the system (or in the area in which the train is to operate) is also connected to the control unit 110.
  • the database 130 can be updated through wireless communication (via wireless transceiver 140) or other means to accept changes in grade crossing information.
  • the control unit 110 uses the position information from the GPS receiver 130 as an index into the database 130 to determine the nearest grade crossing being approached by the train.
  • the control unit 110 is also connected to an electrically activated horn 140.
  • a horn 140 is used in the embodiment of Fig. 1 , it should be understood that any type of warning device, or combination of warning devices, including visual and audio warning devices, could be used.
  • a flowchart 200 illustrates operation of an automatic warning device activation method according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • the control unit 110 determines the next grade crossing based on the location of the train as reported by the GPS receiver 120 by indexing the database 130 at step 210. If the next grade crossing is subject to state regulations at step 220, the warning device (e.g., horn) is activated in accordance with state regulations at step 230 and the process starts over at step 210.
  • the warning device e.g., horn
  • step 240 determines whether the train is within 1/4 mile of the grade crossing at step 240. If not, step 240 is repeated. When the train ' is within 1/4 mile of the grade crossing at step 240; the control unit 110 next calculates the estimated time of arrival of the train at the grade crossing, based on the position and speed of the train as reported by the GPS receiver 120, at step 250. If the estimated time of arrival is less than 24, seconds, step 250 is repeated using updated speed and position information at step 250.
  • the warning device is activated at step 270.
  • the warning device includes a horn
  • the horn is sounded in a two long, one short, one long sequence. If the control unit determines that the train has not cleared the grade crossing at step 280, step 270 is repeated. If the grade crossing has been cleared, the process is repeated starting at step 210. It will be readily understood by those of skill in the art that the aforementioned invention can be practiced as a stand-alone system or may be practiced as part of an automated train control system.
  • the database 130 may be programmed via wireless communications from a dispatcher or central authority, or may be periodically updated by reading data from a tape or flash memory in a manner well known in the art.

Abstract

A method and system for automatically activating a train warning device that use a positioning system such as a global positioning system (GPS) receiver (120) or an inertial navigation system (INS) to determine the train's position. The system further includes a database (130) containing locations of grade crossings and other locations at which a train is required to give a warning signal (140) and what regulations govern activation of the warning device at such location.

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATICALLY ACTIVATING A WARNING DEVICE ON A TRAIN
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
The invention relates to automated railroad operation generally, and more particularly to a system and method for automatically activating a train warning device at a location for which a warning is required or desirable, such as a grade
crossing.
Discussion of the Background
More than 4,000 collisions between trains and vehicles occur at public and private highway-rail grade crossings every year, resulting in more than 400 deaths annually. Approximately 50% of these accidents occur at grade crossings with active warning devices such as bells, flashing lights, and/or gates. Recently, some state and local governments enacted legislation prohibiting the use of horns at certain location and/or times. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has studied the effect of this legislation. As a result of this study, the FRA determined that the sounding of train horns significantly reduces accidents at grade crossings. 65 Federal Register 2230 et seq. As a result, the FRA promulgated several regulations, including 49 C.F.R.
§ 222.21, which regulates how and when horns are to be sounded. Under 49 C.F.R. § 222.21, in the absence of a state regulation, a horn must be sounded starting at a position no greater than 1/4 mile away from the grade crossing. Furthermore, the railroad must place a whistle board (a wayside sign telling the conductor to begin sounding a horn) at a location such that a train traveling at the maximum speed will begin sounding its horn 20 seconds before the crossing, or the railroad must ensure by other methods that the horn is sounded no less than 20 seconds, but not more than 24 seconds, before the locomotive enters the grade crossing. If a state regulation is currently in place, the rule does not disturb the state regulation until a change in the maximum allowable speed is made, at which time the requirement of 49 C.F.R. § 222.21 become effective. It will be readily apparent from the above discussion that precisely determining when to begin sounding a train horn is not a trivial task.
Even if a device such as a whistle board is present to inform an engineer as to the precise location to begin sounding a train horn, engineers sometimes make mistakes and don't begin sounding the horn at the right time. In many court cases brought against the railroad operator relating to grade crossing accidents, the engineer is accused of causing the accident by failing to blow the horn correctly. What is needed is a method and system that will automatically activate a horn in a prescribed manner at an appropriate place and time.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention meets the aforementioned need to a great extent by providing a method and system for automatically activating a train warning device that uses a positioning system such as a global positioning system (GPS) receiver
3645298.1 -2- or an inertial navigation system (INS) to determine the train's position. The system further includes a database containing locations of grade crossings and other locations at which a train is required to activate a warning device, as well as what regulations govern activation of the warning device at such locations.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of the attendant features and advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a logical block diagram of a train control system according to one embodiment of the invention.
Figure 2, is a flowchart showing an automatic horn sounding method according to one embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present invention will be discussed with reference to preferred embodiments of train control systems. Specific details, such as regulations, distances and times, are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. The preferred embodiments and specific details discussed herein should not be understood to limit the invention. Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views, Figure 1 is a logical block diagram of a train control system 100 according to the present invention.
3645298.1 ~ "3- The system 100 includes a control unit 110, which typically, but not necessarily, includes a microprocessor. The control unit 110 is connected to a positioning system such as a GPS receiver 120. The GPS receiver 120 can be of any type, including a differential GPS receiver. Other types of positioning systems, such as inertial navigation systems (INSs) can also be used. The GPS receiver 120 provides position and speed information to the control unit 110.
A database 130, which contains the locations of all grade crossings in the system (or in the area in which the train is to operate) is also connected to the control unit 110. In some embodiments, the database 130 can be updated through wireless communication (via wireless transceiver 140) or other means to accept changes in grade crossing information. The control unit 110 uses the position information from the GPS receiver 130 as an index into the database 130 to determine the nearest grade crossing being approached by the train.
The control unit 110 is also connected to an electrically activated horn 140. Although a horn 140 is used in the embodiment of Fig. 1 , it should be understood that any type of warning device, or combination of warning devices, including visual and audio warning devices, could be used.
Referring now to Fig. 2, a flowchart 200 illustrates operation of an automatic warning device activation method according to one embodiment of the present invention. The control unit 110 determines the next grade crossing based on the location of the train as reported by the GPS receiver 120 by indexing the database 130 at step 210. If the next grade crossing is subject to state regulations at step 220, the warning device (e.g., horn) is activated in accordance with state regulations at step 230 and the process starts over at step 210.
3645298.1 -4- If the next grade crossing is not subject to state regulations, then the system treats the grade crossing as subject to the aforementioned FRA regulation, 49 C.F.R. § 222. The control unit 110 then determines whether the train is within 1/4 mile of the grade crossing at step 240. If not, step 240 is repeated. When the train' is within 1/4 mile of the grade crossing at step 240; the control unit 110 next calculates the estimated time of arrival of the train at the grade crossing, based on the position and speed of the train as reported by the GPS receiver 120, at step 250. If the estimated time of arrival is less than 24, seconds, step 250 is repeated using updated speed and position information at step 250. If the estimated time of arrival is less than 24 seconds at step 260, the warning device is activated at step 270. In some embodiments in which the warning device includes a horn, the horn is sounded in a two long, one short, one long sequence. If the control unit determines that the train has not cleared the grade crossing at step 280, step 270 is repeated. If the grade crossing has been cleared, the process is repeated starting at step 210. It will be readily understood by those of skill in the art that the aforementioned invention can be practiced as a stand-alone system or may be practiced as part of an automated train control system. The database 130 may be programmed via wireless communications from a dispatcher or central authority, or may be periodically updated by reading data from a tape or flash memory in a manner well known in the art.
The embodiment described above has been discussed with reference to grade crossings. It will be readily understood by those of skill in the art that the invention can be used in connection with any location, temporary or permanent, at which it is required or desirable to activate a warning device. One example of such
3645298.1 "5- a temporary location is an area of track being worked on by maintenance personnel. Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. A computerized method for activating a warning device on a train at a location comprising the steps of: maintaining a database of locations at which a warning device must be activated and corresponding regulations concerning activation of the warning device; obtaining a position of a train and a speed of the train from a positioning system; selecting a next upcoming location from among the locations in the database based on the speed and the position; determining a point at which to activate the warning device in compliance with a regulation corresponding to the next upcoming location; and activating the warning device at the point.
2. The method of Claim 1, wherein the point is a point in space.
3. The method of Claim 1 , wherein the point is a point in time.
4. The method of Claim 1, wherein the determimng step includes the step of determining a distance from the train to the next upcoming location based on the position obtained in the obtaining step.
5. The method of Claim 1, wherein the determining step includes the step of determining a time at which the train will arrive at the next upcoming location based on the speed and position obtained in the obtaining step.
6. The method of Claim 1, wherein the warning device is a horn.
7. The method of Claim 1, wherein the location is a grade crossing.
8. The method of Claim 1 , further comprising the step of updating the database via wireless communication.'
9. The method of Claim 1, wherein the positioning system is a global positioning system.
10. The method of Claim 1, wherein the positioning system is an inertial navigation system.
11. A system for automatically activating a warning device on a train at a location, the system comprising: a control unit; a storage device connected to the control unit, the storage device having stored therein a database of locations at which a warning device must be activated and corresponding regulations concerning activation of the warning device; a positioning system in communication with the control unit, the positioning system being configured to supply a position of a train and a speed of the train to the control unit; and a warning device connected to the control unit; wherein the control unit is configured to perform the steps of selecting a next upcoming location from among the locations in the database; determining a point at which to activate the warning device in compliance with a regulation corresponding to the next upcoming location; and activating the warning device at the point.
12. The system of Claim 11, wherein the point is a point in space.
13. The system of Claim 11, wherein the point is a point in time.
14. The system of Claim 11, wherein the determining step includes the step of determining a distance from the train to the next upcoming location based on the position obtained in the obtaining step.
15. The system of Claim 11, wherein the determining step includes the step of determining a time at which the train will arrive at the next upcoming location based on the speed and position obtained in the obtaining step.
16. The system of Claim 11, wherein the warning device is a horn.
17. The system of Claim 11, wherein the location is a grade crossing.
18. The system of Claim 11 , wherein the system further comprises a wireless transceiver connected to the control unit and the control unit is further configured to update the database with information received via the wireless transceiver.
19. The system of Claim 11, wherein the positioning system is a global positioning system receiver.
20. The system of Claim 11 , wherein the positiomng system is an inertial navigation system.
PCT/US2003/020667 2002-07-01 2003-07-01 Method and system for automatically activating a warning device on a train WO2004002801A2 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2003253766A AU2003253766A1 (en) 2002-07-01 2003-07-01 Method and system for automatically activating a warning device on a train

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/184,929 2002-07-01
US10/184,929 US6609049B1 (en) 2002-07-01 2002-07-01 Method and system for automatically activating a warning device on a train

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2004002801A2 true WO2004002801A2 (en) 2004-01-08
WO2004002801A3 WO2004002801A3 (en) 2004-08-05

Family

ID=27733957

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2003/020667 WO2004002801A2 (en) 2002-07-01 2003-07-01 Method and system for automatically activating a warning device on a train

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (2) US6609049B1 (en)
AU (1) AU2003253766A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2004002801A2 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7398140B2 (en) 2003-05-14 2008-07-08 Wabtec Holding Corporation Operator warning system and method for improving locomotive operator vigilance

Families Citing this family (96)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20040140405A1 (en) * 2002-01-10 2004-07-22 Meyer Thomas J. Train location system and method
US7209810B2 (en) * 2002-01-10 2007-04-24 Lockheed Martin Corp. Locomotive location system and method
US7283897B2 (en) * 2002-05-31 2007-10-16 Quantum Engineering, Inc. Method and system for compensating for wheel wear on a train
US10569792B2 (en) 2006-03-20 2020-02-25 General Electric Company Vehicle control system and method
US9233696B2 (en) * 2006-03-20 2016-01-12 General Electric Company Trip optimizer method, system and computer software code for operating a railroad train to minimize wheel and track wear
US9733625B2 (en) 2006-03-20 2017-08-15 General Electric Company Trip optimization system and method for a train
US10308265B2 (en) 2006-03-20 2019-06-04 Ge Global Sourcing Llc Vehicle control system and method
US6996461B2 (en) * 2002-10-10 2006-02-07 Quantum Engineering, Inc. Method and system for ensuring that a train does not pass an improperly configured device
US8924049B2 (en) 2003-01-06 2014-12-30 General Electric Company System and method for controlling movement of vehicles
US6853888B2 (en) 2003-03-21 2005-02-08 Quantum Engineering Inc. Lifting restrictive signaling in a block
US20040230354A1 (en) * 2003-05-14 2004-11-18 Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation Automatic locomotive horn activation with intelligent sequencing
US6915191B2 (en) 2003-05-19 2005-07-05 Quantum Engineering, Inc. Method and system for detecting when an end of train has passed a point
US7096096B2 (en) * 2003-07-02 2006-08-22 Quantum Engineering Inc. Method and system for automatically locating end of train devices
US6903658B2 (en) * 2003-09-29 2005-06-07 Quantum Engineering, Inc. Method and system for ensuring that a train operator remains alert during operation of the train
US7729819B2 (en) * 2004-05-08 2010-06-01 Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd. Track identification system
US7142982B2 (en) 2004-09-13 2006-11-28 Quantum Engineering, Inc. System and method for determining relative differential positioning system measurement solutions
US7722134B2 (en) * 2004-10-12 2010-05-25 Invensys Rail Corporation Failsafe electronic braking system for trains
US8060263B2 (en) 2005-12-30 2011-11-15 Canadian National Railway Company System and method for forecasting the composition of an outbound train in a switchyard
US20070156298A1 (en) * 2005-12-30 2007-07-05 Canadian National Railway Company System and method for computing rail car switching solutions by assessing space availability in a classification track on the basis of arrival profile
US7747362B2 (en) * 2005-12-30 2010-06-29 Canadian National Railway Company System and method for computing rail car switching solutions by assessing space availability in a classification track on the basis of block pull time
US8055397B2 (en) 2005-12-30 2011-11-08 Canadian National Railway Company System and method for computing rail car switching sequence in a switchyard
US7818101B2 (en) * 2005-12-30 2010-10-19 Canadian National Railway Company System and method for computing rail car switching solutions in a switchyard using an iterative method
US7742848B2 (en) * 2005-12-30 2010-06-22 Canadian National Railway Company System and method for computing rail car switching solutions in a switchyard including logic to re-switch cars for block pull time
US7792616B2 (en) * 2005-12-30 2010-09-07 Canadian National Railway Company System and method for computing rail car switching solutions in a switchyard including logic to re-switch cars for block size
US7657348B2 (en) * 2005-12-30 2010-02-02 Canadian National Railway Company System and method for computing rail car switching solutions using dynamic classification track allocation
US20070179688A1 (en) * 2005-12-30 2007-08-02 Canadian National Railway Company System and method for computing rail car switching solutions in a switchyard
US7742849B2 (en) * 2005-12-30 2010-06-22 Canadian National Railway Company System and method for computing car switching solutions in a switchyard using car ETA as a factor
US7751952B2 (en) * 2005-12-30 2010-07-06 Canadian National Railway Company System and method for computing rail car switching solutions in a switchyard including logic to re-switch cars for arrival rate
US20070170314A1 (en) * 2006-01-26 2007-07-26 Kane Mark E Method and system for locating end of train units
US8788135B2 (en) 2006-03-20 2014-07-22 General Electric Company System, method, and computer software code for providing real time optimization of a mission plan for a powered system
US8295993B2 (en) * 2006-03-20 2012-10-23 General Electric Company System, method, and computer software code for optimizing speed regulation of a remotely controlled powered system
US8370006B2 (en) 2006-03-20 2013-02-05 General Electric Company Method and apparatus for optimizing a train trip using signal information
US9266542B2 (en) 2006-03-20 2016-02-23 General Electric Company System and method for optimized fuel efficiency and emission output of a diesel powered system
US9156477B2 (en) 2006-03-20 2015-10-13 General Electric Company Control system and method for remotely isolating powered units in a vehicle system
US20080183490A1 (en) * 2006-03-20 2008-07-31 Martin William P Method and computer software code for implementing a revised mission plan for a powered system
US8398405B2 (en) 2006-03-20 2013-03-19 General Electric Company System, method, and computer software code for instructing an operator to control a powered system having an autonomous controller
US8249763B2 (en) 2006-03-20 2012-08-21 General Electric Company Method and computer software code for uncoupling power control of a distributed powered system from coupled power settings
US7974774B2 (en) * 2006-03-20 2011-07-05 General Electric Company Trip optimization system and method for a vehicle
US8473127B2 (en) 2006-03-20 2013-06-25 General Electric Company System, method and computer software code for optimizing train operations considering rail car parameters
US20080208401A1 (en) * 2006-03-20 2008-08-28 Ajith Kuttannair Kumar System, method, and computer software code for insuring continuous flow of information to an operator of a powered system
US8370007B2 (en) * 2006-03-20 2013-02-05 General Electric Company Method and computer software code for determining when to permit a speed control system to control a powered system
US8401720B2 (en) 2006-03-20 2013-03-19 General Electric Company System, method, and computer software code for detecting a physical defect along a mission route
US20080201019A1 (en) * 2006-03-20 2008-08-21 Ajith Kuttannair Kumar Method and computer software code for optimized fuel efficiency emission output and mission performance of a powered system
US8290645B2 (en) * 2006-03-20 2012-10-16 General Electric Company Method and computer software code for determining a mission plan for a powered system when a desired mission parameter appears unobtainable
US8126601B2 (en) * 2006-03-20 2012-02-28 General Electric Company System and method for predicting a vehicle route using a route network database
US9527518B2 (en) 2006-03-20 2016-12-27 General Electric Company System, method and computer software code for controlling a powered system and operational information used in a mission by the powered system
US8998617B2 (en) 2006-03-20 2015-04-07 General Electric Company System, method, and computer software code for instructing an operator to control a powered system having an autonomous controller
US8630757B2 (en) * 2006-03-20 2014-01-14 General Electric Company System and method for optimizing parameters of multiple rail vehicles operating over multiple intersecting railroad networks
US8768543B2 (en) 2006-03-20 2014-07-01 General Electric Company Method, system and computer software code for trip optimization with train/track database augmentation
US9201409B2 (en) 2006-03-20 2015-12-01 General Electric Company Fuel management system and method
US9037323B2 (en) 2006-12-01 2015-05-19 General Electric Company Method and apparatus for limiting in-train forces of a railroad train
US20080099633A1 (en) * 2006-10-31 2008-05-01 Quantum Engineering, Inc. Method and apparatus for sounding horn on a train
US8229607B2 (en) * 2006-12-01 2012-07-24 General Electric Company System and method for determining a mismatch between a model for a powered system and the actual behavior of the powered system
US9580090B2 (en) 2006-12-01 2017-02-28 General Electric Company System, method, and computer readable medium for improving the handling of a powered system traveling along a route
US20090115633A1 (en) * 2007-11-02 2009-05-07 Lawry Brian D Methods and systems for automated warning device
FI7610U1 (en) * 2007-01-22 2007-08-09 Jet Tekno Oy Warning system for level crossings
US8180544B2 (en) * 2007-04-25 2012-05-15 General Electric Company System and method for optimizing a braking schedule of a powered system traveling along a route
US9120493B2 (en) 2007-04-30 2015-09-01 General Electric Company Method and apparatus for determining track features and controlling a railroad train responsive thereto
US20080291034A1 (en) * 2007-05-24 2008-11-27 Wabtec Holding Corp. Method, System and Apparatus for Monitoring in a Vehicle Horn System
US20090043435A1 (en) * 2007-08-07 2009-02-12 Quantum Engineering, Inc. Methods and systems for making a gps signal vital
US7872591B2 (en) * 2007-10-30 2011-01-18 Invensys Rail Corporation Display of non-linked EOT units having an emergency status
US8175764B2 (en) * 2008-02-22 2012-05-08 Wabtec Holding Corp. System and method for identifying a condition of an upcoming feature in a track network
US8190312B2 (en) * 2008-03-13 2012-05-29 General Electric Company System and method for determining a quality of a location estimation of a powered system
US8965604B2 (en) 2008-03-13 2015-02-24 General Electric Company System and method for determining a quality value of a location estimation of a powered system
US8478463B2 (en) * 2008-09-09 2013-07-02 Wabtec Holding Corp. Train control method and system
US8155811B2 (en) * 2008-12-29 2012-04-10 General Electric Company System and method for optimizing a path for a marine vessel through a waterway
US20100213321A1 (en) * 2009-02-24 2010-08-26 Quantum Engineering, Inc. Method and systems for end of train force reporting
US9834237B2 (en) 2012-11-21 2017-12-05 General Electric Company Route examining system and method
US8296065B2 (en) * 2009-06-08 2012-10-23 Ansaldo Sts Usa, Inc. System and method for vitally determining position and position uncertainty of a railroad vehicle employing diverse sensors including a global positioning system sensor
US8509970B2 (en) 2009-06-30 2013-08-13 Invensys Rail Corporation Vital speed profile to control a train moving along a track
US8344877B2 (en) * 2009-07-07 2013-01-01 Bombardier Transportation Gmbh Track worker safety system
US20120194332A1 (en) * 2011-01-30 2012-08-02 Ganapathy Lakshmanaperumal Automotive audio level notifier
US20140056441A1 (en) * 2012-08-23 2014-02-27 International Business Machines Corporation Policy-based vehicle horn functions
CN103625507B (en) * 2012-08-24 2016-02-24 河南蓝信科技股份有限公司 High Speed Railway Trains is followed the trail of close to method for early warning and system thereof
US9669851B2 (en) 2012-11-21 2017-06-06 General Electric Company Route examination system and method
US8924066B2 (en) 2013-05-22 2014-12-30 General Electric Company Systems and methods for determining route location
US9340220B2 (en) 2013-05-23 2016-05-17 Alstom Transport Technologies Systems and methods for management of crossings near stations
US9150229B2 (en) 2013-06-05 2015-10-06 General Electric Company Systems and method for controlling warnings at vehicle crossings
US9026360B2 (en) * 2013-06-05 2015-05-05 General Electric Company Systems and methods for providing constant warning time at crossings
US9842502B2 (en) 2013-06-10 2017-12-12 Alstom Transport Technologies Systems and methods for maintaining interlockings of transportation networks
US9751545B2 (en) 2013-06-10 2017-09-05 Alstom Transport Technologies Systems and methods for testing wayside units
US8989985B2 (en) 2013-08-14 2015-03-24 Thales Canada Inc. Vehicle-based positioning system and method of using the same
US9481385B2 (en) 2014-01-09 2016-11-01 General Electric Company Systems and methods for predictive maintenance of crossings
EP2944537B1 (en) 2014-05-12 2018-04-04 Bombardier Transportation GmbH A monitoring device and a method for monitoring the operability of at least one sensing means of a rail vehicle
DE102014211851A1 (en) * 2014-06-20 2015-12-24 Robert Bosch Gmbh Method and device for outputting an audible warning signal of a rail vehicle and warning system for a rail vehicle
US9663127B2 (en) 2014-10-28 2017-05-30 Smartdrive Systems, Inc. Rail vehicle event detection and recording system
US9902410B2 (en) 2015-01-08 2018-02-27 Smartdrive Systems, Inc. System and method for synthesizing rail vehicle event information
US9487222B2 (en) 2015-01-08 2016-11-08 Smartdrive Systems, Inc. System and method for aggregation display and analysis of rail vehicle event information
US9296401B1 (en) 2015-01-12 2016-03-29 Smartdrive Systems, Inc. Rail vehicle event triggering system and method
US9676403B2 (en) * 2015-04-29 2017-06-13 General Electric Company System and method for determining operational restrictions for vehicle control
US10173702B2 (en) 2015-09-09 2019-01-08 Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation Train parking or movement verification and monitoring system and method
US10556604B2 (en) 2016-04-12 2020-02-11 Fermi Research Alliance, Llc Railroad block/grade crossing warning system
US10279823B2 (en) * 2016-08-08 2019-05-07 General Electric Company System for controlling or monitoring a vehicle system along a route
DE102017204090A1 (en) 2017-03-13 2018-09-13 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Display of signaling devices and safety equipment of a railway vehicle
CN108974049B (en) * 2018-07-18 2021-01-15 兰州交通大学 Train posture and direction measuring and intelligent decision early warning method and system
US10974748B1 (en) * 2019-12-23 2021-04-13 Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation Vehicle advisory system

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5364047A (en) * 1993-04-02 1994-11-15 General Railway Signal Corporation Automatic vehicle control and location system
US5394333A (en) * 1991-12-23 1995-02-28 Zexel Usa Corp. Correcting GPS position in a hybrid naviation system
US5398894A (en) * 1993-08-10 1995-03-21 Union Switch & Signal Inc. Virtual block control system for railway vehicle

Family Cites Families (48)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4181943A (en) 1978-05-22 1980-01-01 Hugg Steven B Speed control device for trains
US4459668A (en) 1980-03-31 1984-07-10 Japanese National Railways Automatic train control device
US4561057A (en) 1983-04-14 1985-12-24 Halliburton Company Apparatus and method for monitoring motion of a railroad train
US4711418A (en) 1986-04-08 1987-12-08 General Signal Corporation Radio based railway signaling and traffic control system
FR2644420B1 (en) 1989-03-17 1991-07-05 Aigle Azur Concept SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING THE PROGRESS OF SEVERAL RAIL CONVEYS ON A NETWORK
US5177685A (en) 1990-08-09 1993-01-05 Massachusetts Institute Of Technology Automobile navigation system using real time spoken driving instructions
US5129605A (en) 1990-09-17 1992-07-14 Rockwell International Corporation Rail vehicle positioning system
US5340062A (en) 1992-08-13 1994-08-23 Harmon Industries, Inc. Train control system integrating dynamic and fixed data
US5332180A (en) 1992-12-28 1994-07-26 Union Switch & Signal Inc. Traffic control system utilizing on-board vehicle information measurement apparatus
JPH0793645B2 (en) 1993-01-11 1995-10-09 日本電気株式会社 Signal connection controller
US5541981A (en) * 1993-12-21 1996-07-30 Microlog Corporation Automated announcement system
US5533695A (en) 1994-08-19 1996-07-09 Harmon Industries, Inc. Incremental train control system
US6459964B1 (en) 1994-09-01 2002-10-01 G.E. Harris Railway Electronics, L.L.C. Train schedule repairer
US5828979A (en) 1994-09-01 1998-10-27 Harris Corporation Automatic train control system and method
US5620155A (en) * 1995-03-23 1997-04-15 Michalek; Jan K. Railway train signalling system for remotely operating warning devices at crossings and for receiving warning device operational information
KR970002795A (en) 1995-10-30 1997-01-28 모리 하루오 Navigation device
US5836529A (en) * 1995-10-31 1998-11-17 Csx Technology, Inc. Object based railroad transportation network management system and method
US5740547A (en) 1996-02-20 1998-04-14 Westinghouse Air Brake Company Rail navigation system
US5751569A (en) 1996-03-15 1998-05-12 Safetran Systems Corporation Geographic train control
US5699986A (en) 1996-07-15 1997-12-23 Alternative Safety Technologies Railway crossing collision avoidance system
US5803411A (en) 1996-10-21 1998-09-08 Abb Daimler-Benz Transportation (North America) Inc. Method and apparatus for initializing an automated train control system
US6218961B1 (en) 1996-10-23 2001-04-17 G.E. Harris Railway Electronics, L.L.C. Method and system for proximity detection and location determination
US5867122A (en) 1996-10-23 1999-02-02 Harris Corporation Application of GPS to a railroad navigation system using two satellites and a stored database
US6102340A (en) 1997-02-07 2000-08-15 Ge-Harris Railway Electronics, Llc Broken rail detection system and method
WO1998034825A1 (en) 1997-02-07 1998-08-13 Ge-Harris Railway Electronics, L.L.C. A system and method for automatic train operation
US6049745A (en) 1997-02-10 2000-04-11 Fmc Corporation Navigation system for automatic guided vehicle
US5986547A (en) 1997-03-03 1999-11-16 Korver; Kelvin Apparatus and method for improving the safety of railroad systems
US5978718A (en) 1997-07-22 1999-11-02 Westinghouse Air Brake Company Rail vision system
US5995881A (en) * 1997-07-22 1999-11-30 Westinghouse Air Brake Company Integrated cab signal rail navigation system
JP4054899B2 (en) 1997-08-18 2008-03-05 ダイナミク、ヴィークル、セイフティ、システィムズ、リミティド Collision avoidance and train approach detector using GPS device
US5950966A (en) 1997-09-17 1999-09-14 Westinghouse Airbrake Company Distributed positive train control system
US6081769A (en) 1998-02-23 2000-06-27 Wabtec Corporation Method and apparatus for determining the overall length of a train
CA2335155C (en) 1998-06-18 2009-09-01 Kline & Walker, Llc Automated devices to control equipment and machines with remote control and accountability worldwide
US6270040B1 (en) * 2000-04-03 2001-08-07 Kam Industries Model train control system
US6112142A (en) * 1998-06-26 2000-08-29 Quantum Engineering, Inc. Positive signal comparator and method
US6179252B1 (en) 1998-07-17 2001-01-30 The Texas A&M University System Intelligent rail crossing control system and train tracking system
US6374184B1 (en) 1999-09-10 2002-04-16 Ge-Harris Railway Electronics, Llc Methods and apparatus for determining that a train has changed paths
US6487478B1 (en) 1999-10-28 2002-11-26 General Electric Company On-board monitor for railroad locomotive
US6322025B1 (en) 1999-11-30 2001-11-27 Wabtec Railway Electronics, Inc. Dual-protocol locomotive control system and method
US6456937B1 (en) 1999-12-30 2002-09-24 General Electric Company Methods and apparatus for locomotive tracking
WO2001049545A1 (en) 1999-12-30 2001-07-12 Ge-Harris Railway Electronics, Llc Methods and apparatus for locomotive position determination
US6397147B1 (en) * 2000-06-06 2002-05-28 Csi Wireless Inc. Relative GPS positioning using a single GPS receiver with internally generated differential correction terms
US6311109B1 (en) 2000-07-24 2001-10-30 New York Air Brake Corporation Method of determining train and track characteristics using navigational data
US6371416B1 (en) 2000-08-01 2002-04-16 New York Air Brake Corporation Portable beacons
US6377877B1 (en) 2000-09-15 2002-04-23 Ge Harris Railway Electronics, Llc Method of determining railyard status using locomotive location
US6459965B1 (en) 2000-11-22 2002-10-01 Ge-Harris Railway Electronics, Llc Method for advanced communication-based vehicle control
US20020070879A1 (en) 2000-12-12 2002-06-13 Gazit Hanoch Amatzia "On-board" vehicle safety system
US6519512B1 (en) * 2001-11-28 2003-02-11 Motorola, Inc. Method and apparatus for providing enhanced vehicle detection

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5394333A (en) * 1991-12-23 1995-02-28 Zexel Usa Corp. Correcting GPS position in a hybrid naviation system
US5364047A (en) * 1993-04-02 1994-11-15 General Railway Signal Corporation Automatic vehicle control and location system
US5398894A (en) * 1993-08-10 1995-03-21 Union Switch & Signal Inc. Virtual block control system for railway vehicle
US5398894B1 (en) * 1993-08-10 1998-09-29 Union Switch & Signal Inc Virtual block control system for railway vehicle

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7398140B2 (en) 2003-05-14 2008-07-08 Wabtec Holding Corporation Operator warning system and method for improving locomotive operator vigilance

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US6824110B2 (en) 2004-11-30
WO2004002801A3 (en) 2004-08-05
AU2003253766A8 (en) 2004-01-19
US6609049B1 (en) 2003-08-19
AU2003253766A1 (en) 2004-01-19
US20040015276A1 (en) 2004-01-22

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US6609049B1 (en) Method and system for automatically activating a warning device on a train
CA2413080C (en) Advanced communication-based vehicle control method
US6853888B2 (en) Lifting restrictive signaling in a block
US7142982B2 (en) System and method for determining relative differential positioning system measurement solutions
US9302687B2 (en) Light rail vehicle monitoring and stop bar overrun system
US6179252B1 (en) Intelligent rail crossing control system and train tracking system
AU696153B2 (en) Incremental train control system
DE102005042218B4 (en) Railway collision warning device
AU2002242170A1 (en) Advanced communication-based vehicle control method
MXPA05003845A (en) Method and system for ensuring that a train does not pass an improperly configured device.
US20070162198A1 (en) Signalling device and method for railway vehicles
WO2018206610A1 (en) A decentralised communications based train control system
WO2006136783A1 (en) Safety arrangement
JP6448931B2 (en) Collision prevention system
CN113165679A (en) Method and system for warning a motor vehicle against collision with a rail vehicle
JP6448932B2 (en) Maintenance vehicle and collision prevention method
US20040230354A1 (en) Automatic locomotive horn activation with intelligent sequencing
JPH0818557B2 (en) Car security control method for maintenance
Tandon et al. Improvement in speed of trains in poor visibility & advancement of train transport signaling mechanism
Light et al. Rail transit shared use and control Systems study
Acfield Audible and other Car Signals on British Railways: Audible Signalling on Railway Trains in Motion
CZ86097A3 (en) Transport controlling system, use thereof and method of controlling movement of mobile units
JPH04339074A (en) Ground facility control method for vehicle

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): AE AG AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BY BZ CA CH CN CO CR CU CZ DE DK DM DZ EC EE ES FI GB GD GE GH GM HR HU ID IL IN IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MA MD MG MK MN MW MX MZ NI NO NZ OM PG PH PL PT RO RU SC SD SE SG SK SL SY TJ TM TN TR TT TZ UA UG UZ VC VN YU ZA ZM ZW

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): GH GM KE LS MW MZ SD SL SZ TZ UG ZM ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LU MC NL PT RO SE SI SK TR BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GQ GW ML MR NE SN TD TG

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
DFPE Request for preliminary examination filed prior to expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed before 20040101)
122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase
NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: JP

WWW Wipo information: withdrawn in national office

Country of ref document: JP