Apparatus and method for controlling remote train operation
First Claim
1. An apparatus for verifying clearance of a rail crossing, comprising:
- a clearance system which comprises;
(a) a camera;
(b) a video combiner operatively coupled to the camera;
(c) a processor programmed to generate a unique code; and
(d) a wireless transmitter operatively coupled to the camera and the video combiner;
(e) wherein the clearance system is programmed to;
(i) detect the presence of a train near the crossing;
(ii) combine one or more images of the crossing captured by the camera with the unique code to create a combined image; and
(iii) transmit the combined image to a display of an operator control unit disposed at a location external to the train; and
a locomotive control unit carried on board the train which is programmed to;
(i) wait for a message from the operator control unit, the message containing the unique code; and
(ii) in response to reception of the unique code, permit further operation of the train and in absence of the unique code, carry out an automatic response which prevents movement of the train through the crossing.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method of verifying clearance of a rail crossing includes: (a) detecting the presence of a train near the crossing, the train being equipped with a locomotive control unit; (b) in response to detection of the train near the crossing, generating a unique code; (c) capturing an image of the crossing; (d) transmitting the unique code along with the image to a remote operator control unit; (e) using the locomotive control unit, waiting for a response from the operator control unit containing the unique code; and (f) if the response containing the unique code is received by the locomotive control unit, permitting further operation of the train and, if the unique code is not received by the locomotive control unit, carrying out an automatic response which prevents movement of the train through the crossing.
14 Citations
13 Claims
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1. An apparatus for verifying clearance of a rail crossing, comprising:
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a clearance system which comprises; (a) a camera; (b) a video combiner operatively coupled to the camera; (c) a processor programmed to generate a unique code; and (d) a wireless transmitter operatively coupled to the camera and the video combiner; (e) wherein the clearance system is programmed to; (i) detect the presence of a train near the crossing; (ii) combine one or more images of the crossing captured by the camera with the unique code to create a combined image; and (iii) transmit the combined image to a display of an operator control unit disposed at a location external to the train; and a locomotive control unit carried on board the train which is programmed to; (i) wait for a message from the operator control unit, the message containing the unique code; and (ii) in response to reception of the unique code, permit further operation of the train and in absence of the unique code, carry out an automatic response which prevents movement of the train through the crossing. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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Specification
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- Resources
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Current AssigneeGE Global Sourcing LLC (Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation)
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Original AssigneeGeneral Electric Company
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InventorsBrand, John, Cooper, Jared Klineman, Hrebek, Gregory, McManus, Brian
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Primary Examiner(s)Le, Mark
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Application NumberUS12/344,846Publication NumberTime in Patent Office1,373 DaysField of Search701/19, 701/20, 340/902, 340/937, 340/576, 246/167.R, 246/182.R, 246/122.R, 707/104.1, 345/629US Class Current701/19CPC Class CodesB61L 23/007 Safety arrangements on rail...B61L 23/041 Obstacle detectionB61L 3/127 for remote control of locom...
