Abstract:
A data communication system is configured to obtain operational data associated with a control system of a vehicle consist. The operational data is obtained at a first vehicle of the consist. The operational data is communicated from the first vehicle to one or more second vehicles in the consist. Responsive to a loss of the operational data at the first vehicle, at least the operational data that was lost at the first vehicle can be communicated from one or more of the second vehicles to the first vehicle. Onboard the first vehicle, an operational capability of the consist to perform a movement event can be determined using the operational data that was lost at the first vehicle and that was communicated from the at least one of the one or more second vehicles to the first vehicle.
Abstract:
A communication system in a vehicle consist includes a router that is configured to monitor an operational status of a plurality of network channels across a plurality of vehicles in the consist, and to route messages through one or more of the network channels in dependence upon the monitored operational status of the network channels.
Abstract:
A system includes a weight determination device and a trip control system. The weight determination device is configured to receive weather data of weather at least one of encountered or to be encountered by one or more vehicles in a vehicle system traveling on a trip along a route, and to determine a first estimated weight of the vehicle system based at least in part on the weather data. The first estimated weight accounts for mass attributable to the weather. The trip control system is configured to control the vehicle system for movement along the route based at least in part on the first estimated weight and/or display information of the first estimated weight on a display device for an operator to control the vehicle system for movement along the route based at least in part on the information of the first estimated weight that is displayed.
Abstract:
Methods and systems for monitoring vibrations introduce baseline vibrations into a fiber optic cable with one or more of a designated frequency or a designated amplitude. Changes in the baseline vibrations are monitored using the fiber optic cable. Information about environmental conditions outside of the fiber optic cable and/or moving objects can be determined based at least in part on the changes in the baseline vibrations that are monitored. The information that is determined about the objects, such as vehicles, can be modified based on the changes in the baseline vibrations.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for communicating in a vehicle consist wirelessly communicate (using communication assemblies disposed onboard a vehicle consist) a movement control data message via a first wireless communication path between a lead vehicle and a remote vehicle of the vehicle consist. The vehicle consist includes the lead vehicle and the remote vehicle operably coupled with each other to travel along a route. A non-movement control data message also is wirelessly communicated, but via a different, second wireless communication path between the lead vehicle and the remote vehicle. The movement control data message is communicated to remotely control operation of the remote vehicle from the lead vehicle. The non-movement control data message is communicated to remotely report a status of a component onboard the remote vehicle.
Abstract:
A system includes a weight determination device and a trip control system. The weight determination device is configured to receive weather data of weather at least one of encountered or to be encountered by one or more vehicles in a vehicle system traveling on a trip along a route, and to determine a first estimated weight of the vehicle system based at least in part on the weather data. The first estimated weight accounts for mass attributable to the weather. The trip control system is configured to control the vehicle system for movement along the route based at least in part on the first estimated weight and/or display information of the first estimated weight on a display device for an operator to control the vehicle system for movement along the route based at least in part on the information of the first estimated weight that is displayed.
Abstract:
A system and method for separating a vehicle system into separate vehicle segments, separately moving the vehicle segments, and re-connecting the vehicle segments without initiation of a brake penalty application are provided. The system and method communicate a suspend command signal between vehicle segments to suspend operations of vehicles in a cooperative mode. The vehicles in the vehicle system are decoupled into plural separate vehicle segments. The system and method also move one or more of the vehicle segments separately from one or more other vehicle segments. The vehicle segments are reconnected to form the vehicle system, and the system and method communicate a reconnect command signal between the vehicle segments to resume operations in the cooperative mode, without incurring a penalty brake application of the vehicle system.
Abstract:
A method includes operating a vehicle traveling in a transportation network with a throttle of the vehicle at a maximum throttle setting during a trip of the vehicle along a route from a first location to a different, second location. The method also includes applying a dynamic brake of the vehicle at a maximum brake setting of the dynamic brake, and alternating between operating the vehicle with the throttle at the maximum throttle setting and applying the dynamic brake of the vehicle at the maximum brake setting along a route being traveled by the vehicle from the first location to the second location.
Abstract:
A sensing system includes a leading sensor, a trailing sensor, and a route examining unit. The leading sensor is onboard a first vehicle of a vehicle system that is traveling along a route. The leading sensor measures first characteristics of the route as the vehicle system moves along the route. The trailing sensor is disposed onboard a second vehicle of the vehicle system. The trailing sensor measures second characteristics of the route as the vehicle system moves along the route. The route examining unit is disposed onboard the vehicle system and receives the first characteristics of the route and the second characteristics of the route to compare the first characteristics with the second characteristics. The route examining unit also identifies a segment of the route as being damaged based on a comparison of the first characteristics with the second characteristics.
Abstract:
A communication system includes a router transceiver unit and a bandwidth module. The router transceiver unit includes a network adapter module and a signal modulator module. The network adapter module is configured to receive high bandwidth network data from one or more data sources disposed on board a vehicle. The signal modulator module is configured for electrical connection to a wired connection, and to convert the high bandwidth network data into modulated network data in a form suitable for transmission over the wired connection. The bandwidth module is configured to allocate different portions of a data communication bandwidth of the wired connection to the modulated network data. The allocation is based on categories representing at least one of the one or more data sources or contents of the high bandwidth network data.