Train proximity detector

• US 6,025,789 A
• Filed: 02/04/1998
• Issued: 02/15/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 08/22/1995
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Dynamic Vehicle Safety Systems, Ltd.
• Original Assignee: Dynamic Vehicle Safety Systems, Ltd.
• Inventors: Lane, Brent A., Erick, Jack M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Wu, Daniel J.
• Assistant Examiner(s): TWEEL JR, JOHN ALEXANDER
• Application Number:
  US09/018,431
• Time in Patent Office: 741 Days
• Field of Search: 340/933, 340/901, 340/902, 340/903, 340/943, 340/436, 246/473.1, 455/38.3
• US Class Current: 340/933
• CPC Class Codes: B61L 29/246 Signals or brake- or lighting devices mounted on the road vehicle and controlled from the vehicle or train

Abstract

Disclosed is a train proximity detector for detecting an RF carrier transmitted by a train, for a predefined period of time. Further, the encoded FSK data is decoded to determine if a match with a predefined data signature exists. If a match exists, visual and audio indications are provided to the operator, indicating a close proximity of a train. Modifications to train equipment can be made to cause the transmission of the carrier and FSK data on the activation of the train whistle, which is about 1500 feet from every crossing.

Claims

1. A method of detecting a proximity of a train equipped with a transmitter that transmits a modulated carrier frequency allocated specifically to trains, comprising the steps of:

intercepting and receiving the carrier frequency by a proximity detector remotely located from the train only when the train is transmitting said modulated carrier frequency to a train-mounted receiver;

using a narrow band circuit in said proximity detector to reject processing of all other frequencies outside said narrow band;

ascertaining the existence of a bona fide transmission by the train of the carrier frequency; and

in response to the bona fide transmission of the carrier frequency by the train, producing a signal that causes a sensory warning of the proximity of the train.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said carrier frequency is allocated specifically for use by trains by a governmental agency.

3. The method of claim 2, further including using a transmitter complying with regulations and specifications required by said governmental agency to transmit said modulated carrier frequency.

4. The method of claim 1, further including mounting said proximity detector in a vehicle that is not a train, and producing said sensory warning by said proximity detector.

5. A method of detecting a proximity of a train having a transmitter mounted thereto, where said transmitter transmits a carrier frequency allocated specifically to trains, comprising the steps of:

receiving said carrier frequency by a receiver not mounted to said train, but mounted remotely from said train;

amplifying said received carrier frequency using an RF amplifier and at least one IF section tuned for a narrow bandpass to thereby provide a high rejection of out-of-band frequencies;

detecting a presence of said carrier frequency after amplification by said IF amplifier, for a period of time ranging in the milliseconds; and

if said carrier frequency is detected as being present for said period of time, then providing an indication of the proximity of the train using a sensor warning device, whereby the proximity of the train is detected with a high degree of accuracy.

6. The method of claim 5, further including passing signals through said IF amplifier with a bandpass of between about 6-7 KHz.

7. The method of claim 5, further including verifying the presence of said carrier frequency for at least twenty milliseconds.

8. The method of claim 5, further including demodulating data bits encoded on said carrier frequency, and verifying whether a pattern of said data bits is associated with the train.

9. The method of claim 8, further including providing a first sensory warning when the presence of said carrier frequency has been detected for said period of time, and providing a second different sensory warning when said pattern of data has been verified.

10. The method of claim 5, further including demodulating data bits encoded on the carrier frequency that represent a distance of the train from a crossing.

11. The method of claim 5, further including detecting a carrier frequency transmitted from a train head-end transmitter to a train rear-end receiver.

12. The method of claim 5, further including mounting a train proximity detector in a mobile vehicle.