METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR GRADE CROSSING PROTECTION
First Claim
1. A grade crossing protection system, having an onboard apparatus configured to be mounted in a train, the onboard apparatus comprising:
- a transceiver configured to receive an imagery signal from a grade crossing, the received signal comprising an image of a surveillance area at the grade crossing;
a display unit configured to display the image of the surveillance area at the grade crossing;
a control unit in communication with the transceiver, the control unit configured to monitor the received signal and issue a command to a braking system of the train based upon a status of the received signal and a determined location of the train along a train track.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Apparatus and methods for a grade crossing protection system include at least one camera providing surveillance of a grade crossing, the at least one camera coupled to a transmitter configured to transmit a signal that includes imagery of the grade crossing to a transceiver onboard a train. A display unit onboard the train is provided to allow the train operator to view the grade crossing. A control unit in communication with the transceiver is configured to monitor the received signal and, based upon a determined location of the train relative to the train crossing, issue a command to the train'"'"'s brake system to reduce the speed of the train, or stop the train, before the train reaches the grade crossing.
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Citations
17 Claims
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1. A grade crossing protection system, having an onboard apparatus configured to be mounted in a train, the onboard apparatus comprising:
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a transceiver configured to receive an imagery signal from a grade crossing, the received signal comprising an image of a surveillance area at the grade crossing; a display unit configured to display the image of the surveillance area at the grade crossing; a control unit in communication with the transceiver, the control unit configured to monitor the received signal and issue a command to a braking system of the train based upon a status of the received signal and a determined location of the train along a train track. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method for automatically braking a train approaching a grade crossing comprising the steps of:
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receiving, onboard a train, a transmission comprising imagery of a surveillance area at a grade crossing; displaying the received imagery on a device viewable by a train operator; determining a position of the train relative to the grade crossing; and automatically reducing train speed to a predetermined speed at a predetermined distance from the grade crossing. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A control unit configured to perform the actions of:
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receiving, onboard a train, a transmission comprising imagery of a surveillance area at a grade crossing; displaying the received imagery on a device viewable by a train operator; determining a position of the train relative to the grade crossing; and automatically reducing train speed to a predetermined speed at a predetermined distance from the grade crossing.
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17. A system for increasing the safety of a railroad grade crossing comprises:
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at least one camera providing surveillance of a grade crossing; a transmitter configured to receive an output of the at least one camera and transmit a signal including imagery of the grade crossing to a train; a transceiver onboard the train configured to receive the transmitted signal; a display unit having an input coupled to the transceiver and configured to display the transmitted grade crossing imagery; and a control unit in communication with the transceiver, the control unit configured to monitor the received signal and based upon a determined location of the train relative to the train crossing, issue a command to a brake system of the train to reduce a speed of the train or stop the train before the train reaches the grade crossing.
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Specification