Method and system for locating end of train units
First Claim
1. An end of train unit suitable for use on a train, the end of train unit comprising:
- a processor;
an end of train marker light connected to be turned on and off under the control of the processor;
a first wireless transceiver connected to the processor;
a second wireless transceiver connected to the processor, the second wireless transceiver being configured to communicate with a device located at a head of the train; and
a positioning system connected to the processor;
wherein the processor is configured to periodically perform the steps of obtaining a location of the end of train unit from the positioning system; and
sending a message via the first wireless transceiver to a device located off of the train, the message comprising an identifier associated with the end of train unit and location information pertaining to the end of train unit.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An EOT unit periodically reports its position to an EOT unit tracking station using wireless communication. The location message preferably includes an EOT identifier and a time associated with the position. Optionally, the EOT units are configured to periodically reawaken from a low power state (which may be entered when the EOT units are tipped over while installed on a train or laid on their sides along a wayside or elsewhere) in order to transmit the location message. Optionally, the EOT unit includes a cellular modem and periodically transmits the location message using a cellular network. Optionally, the EOT units are equipped with transceivers and have the ability to receive a query message and transmit a location message in response, and further have the ability to receive a disable message and respond by entering a “no service” state until a special command is entered.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. An end of train unit suitable for use on a train, the end of train unit comprising:
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a processor;
an end of train marker light connected to be turned on and off under the control of the processor;
a first wireless transceiver connected to the processor;
a second wireless transceiver connected to the processor, the second wireless transceiver being configured to communicate with a device located at a head of the train; and
a positioning system connected to the processor;
wherein the processor is configured to periodically perform the steps of obtaining a location of the end of train unit from the positioning system; and
sending a message via the first wireless transceiver to a device located off of the train, the message comprising an identifier associated with the end of train unit and location information pertaining to the end of train unit. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method for displaying a location of at least one end of train unit to the user comprising the steps of:
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receiving a message from the end of train unit, the message comprising a location of the end of train unit and an identifier of the end of train unit;
storing the location and the identifier;
receiving a query from a user; and
displaying the location and the identifier to the user in response to the query. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12)
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13. A method for operating an end of train unit on a train comprising the steps of:
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periodically obtaining a location of the end of train unit from a positioning system; and
periodically transmitting a message via a wireless transceiver to a device located off of the train, the message including the location and an identifier of the end of train unit. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16)
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Specification