Abstract:
A system for providing at least one of train information and track characterization information for use in train performance, including a first element to determine a location of a train on a track segment and/or a time from a beginning of the trip. A track characterization element to provide track segment information, and a sensor for measuring an operating condition of at least one of the locomotives in the train are also included. A database is provided for storing track segment information and/or the operating condition of at least one of the locomotives. A processor is also included to correlate information from the first element, the track characterization element, the sensor, and/or the database, so that the database may be used for creating a trip plan that optimizes train performance in accordance with one or more operational criteria for the train.
Abstract:
One embodiment of the invention comprises a system for operating a railway vehicle (8) comprising a lead powered unit (14/15) and a non-lead powered unit (16/17/18) during a trip along a track The system comprises a first element (65) for determining a location of the vehicle or a time from the beginning of a current trip, a processor (62) operable to receive information from the first element (65) and an algorithm embodied within the processor (62) having access to the information to create a trip plan that optimizes performance of one or both of the lead unit (14/15) and the non-lead unit (16/17/18) in accordance with one or more operational criteria for one or more of the vehicle (8), the lead unit (14/15) and the non-lead unit (16/17/18).
Abstract:
A method for controlling operations of a power system having at least one internal combustion power unit includes: (a) identifying a plurality of discrete potential dynamic events; (b) for each potential dynamic event, computing an optimization profile which describes power settings for the power system to follow in order to optimize at least one operating parameter of the at least one power unit; (c) selecting one of the optimization profiles based on the potential dynamic event with the highest current probability; and (d) operating the system in accordance with the selected optimization profile.
Abstract:
In a railway network a method for linking at least one of train parameters, fuel efficiency, emission efficiency, and load with network knowledge so that adjustments for network efficiency may be made as time progresses while a train is performing a mission. The method includes dividing the train mission into multiple sections with common intersection points, and calculating train operating parameters based on other trains in a railway network to determine optimized parameters over a certain section. The method further includes comparing optimized parameters to current operating parameters, and altering current operating parameters of the train to coincide with optimized parameters for at least one of the current track section and a pending track section.
Abstract:
A method for improving train performance, the method including determining a rail car parameter for at least one rail car to be included in a train, and creating a train trip plan based on the rail car parameter in accordance with one or more operational criteria for the train.
Abstract:
A control system includes a controller and an energy management system. The controller is onboard a vehicle that includes motors and an onboard energy storage device that powers the motors. The energy management system calculates estimated electric loads of powering the motors over one or more segments of a trip according to designated operational settings of a trip plan. The energy management system also determines a demanded amount of electric energy for powering the vehicle based on the estimated electric loads. The demanded amount of electric energy is based on a stored amount of electric energy in the onboard storage device. The energy management system communicates the demanded amount of electric energy to one or more of plural wayside stations disposed along the route so that the wayside stations have sufficient electric energy to charge the onboard energy storage device with the electric energy to meet the estimated electric loads.
Abstract:
A route defect detection system for a powered system, the route defect detection system including a control system connected to the powered system for application of tractive effort, and a processor to determine an unplanned change in the application of tractive effort and/or otherwise associated with the tractive effort of the powered system Based on the unplanned change, the processor determines a type of defect encountered along a mission route A method and computer software code stored on a computer readable media and executable with a processor are also disclosed for a powered system to detect a defect along a mission route.
Abstract:
A system for determining a track location operates to acquire a current video frame via at least one video camera mounted on board a locomotive, determine a track location based on information extracted from the at least one video frame, and transmit the track location information to a navigation system to determine control parameters for the locomotive.
Abstract:
Method, system, and computer program product are provided for reporting and processing information relating to railroad assets to user entities that form part of a railroad transportation network. The entities may comprise a plurality of entity groups performing distinct functions relative to the railroad assets, such as forming, operating, maintaining and/or servicing the assets of the railroad transportation network.
Abstract:
An aerial camera system includes an aerial device disposed onboard a non-aerial vehicle as the non-aerial vehicle moves along a route. The aerial device also can be configured to fly above the route during movement of the vehicle along the route. The camera unit is configured to be disposed onboard the aerial device and to generate image data during flight of the aerial device. The one or more image analysis processors are configured to examine the image data and to identify a hazard disposed ahead of the non -aerial vehicle along a direction of travel of the non-aerial vehicle based on the image data. A method for identifying route-related hazards using image data obtained from a camera unit on an aerial device.