Methods and apparatus for testing a train control system
First Claim
1. A method for testing a distributed electrical power control system for controlling locomotive power to move a train having a first locomotive and at least one second locomotive, the power control system including a train control system comprising a first control unit on the first locomotive configured to control power generated on the first locomotive, a second control unit on a second locomotive to control power generated on a second locomotive respective, the first and second control units establishing a communication link to communicate power control messages between the first and second control units, the first control unit further being configured to communicate with a distributed electrical power control system testing device independent of its communication with a second control unit to enable testing of the first unit without use of a second control unit, said method for testing comprising:
- providing a testing device that emulates the operation of a second control unit but that is not carried on a second locomotive to control power generated onboard the second locomotive;
establishing a communication link between the testing device and the first locomotive control unit that emulates the communication link that would exist between the first control unit and a second control unit;
executing preprogrammed test scripts to test the distributed power control system without communicating between the first control unit and a second control unit and without controlling the generation of power on a second locomotive; and
using the testing device to emulate the operations and communications of a second control unit relative to the first control unit.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method is described for testing a train control system configured to control at least two locomotives. The train control system includes a control unit on each locomotive and is configured to control the locomotives using communication links between the control units. The method includes establishing communication between a testing device and a first locomotive control unit, and emulating a second locomotive control unit using the testing device. The testing method allows control system testing to be performed using a hand-held testing device in place of a second locomotive and facilitates testing of repeaters.
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Citations
32 Claims
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1. A method for testing a distributed electrical power control system for controlling locomotive power to move a train having a first locomotive and at least one second locomotive, the power control system including a train control system comprising a first control unit on the first locomotive configured to control power generated on the first locomotive, a second control unit on a second locomotive to control power generated on a second locomotive respective, the first and second control units establishing a communication link to communicate power control messages between the first and second control units, the first control unit further being configured to communicate with a distributed electrical power control system testing device independent of its communication with a second control unit to enable testing of the first unit without use of a second control unit, said method for testing comprising:
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providing a testing device that emulates the operation of a second control unit but that is not carried on a second locomotive to control power generated onboard the second locomotive; establishing a communication link between the testing device and the first locomotive control unit that emulates the communication link that would exist between the first control unit and a second control unit; executing preprogrammed test scripts to test the distributed power control system without communicating between the first control unit and a second control unit and without controlling the generation of power on a second locomotive; and using the testing device to emulate the operations and communications of a second control unit relative to the first control unit. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A testing system for testing a selected locomotive distributed power control system for controlling locomotive power to move a train having at least two locomotives the power control system including a train control system comprising:
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a first control unit on a first locomotive to control power generation on the first locomotive, the first control unit beings configured to communicate with a second control units on a second locomotive adapted to control power generation on the second locomotive, the first control unit being configured to selectively operate in the role of a lead unit or a remote unit, said testing system comprising; a testing device configured to emulate the operation of a second control unit but not carried on a second locomotive and not controlling power generation on the second locomotive; a transmitter and a receiver for linking communications between the first control unit on the selected locomotive and said testing device to communicate control messages between the first control unit and the testing device, without communicating control messages with a second control unit; and a processor configured to link to said testing device for testing the locomotive distributed power control system without communicating with a second control unit, said processor configured to execute testing scripts stored in a memory of said processor. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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24. A device for testing a distributed electrical power control system for controlling locomotive power to move a train having a first locomotive and at least one second locomotive, the power control system including a train control system comprising a first control unit on the first locomotive configured to control power generated on the first locomotive, a second control unit on a second locomotive to control power generated on a second locomotive, the first and second control units establishing a communication link to communicate power control messages between the first and second control units, the testing device comprising:
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a transmitter and a receiver for linking communications between the first control unit on the selected locomotive and said testing device to communicate control messages between the first control unit and the testing device, without communicating control messages with a second control unit; and a processing unit configured to enable the testing device to emulate the operation of a second control unit but without being carried on a second locomotive and without controlling power generation on a second locomotive. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32)
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Specification