Train control system and method of controlling a train or trains

• US 7,092,801 B2
• Filed: 03/14/2006
• Issued: 08/15/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 07/02/2002
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Siemens Mobility, Inc. (Siemens AG)
• Original Assignee: Quantum Engineering, Inc. (Siemens AG)
• Inventors: Shockley, James Francis, Kane, Mark Edward, Hickenlooper, Harrison Thomas
• Primary Examiner(s): Camby, Richard M.
• Application Number:
  US11/374,096
• Publication Number:
  US 20060155434A1
• Time in Patent Office: 154 Days
• Field of Search: 701 19- 23, 701200-216, 701/70, 701/117, 701/300, 701/301, 246 2 R- 14, 246/122.R, 246/182.R, 246/182.B
• US Class Current: 701/19
• CPC Class Codes: B61L 15/0027 Radio-based, e.g. using GSM-R
• CPC Class Codes: B61L 15/0036 Conductor-based, e.g. using CAN-Bus, train-line or optical fibres
• CPC Class Codes: B61L 15/0054 Train integrity supervision, e.g. end-of-train [EOT] devices
• CPC Class Codes: B61L 15/0062 On-board target speed calculation or supervision
• CPC Class Codes: B61L 15/0072 On-board train data handling
• CPC Class Codes: B61L 15/0081 On-board diagnosis or maintenance
• CPC Class Codes: B61L 15/009 On-board display devices
• CPC Class Codes: B61L 2205/04 Satellite based navigation systems, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
• CPC Class Codes: B61L 25/021 Measuring and recording of train speed
• CPC Class Codes: B61L 25/023 Determination of driving direction of vehicle or train
• CPC Class Codes: B61L 25/025 Absolute localisation, e.g. providing geodetic coordinates
• CPC Class Codes: B61L 25/026 Relative localisation, e.g. using odometer
• CPC Class Codes: B61L 27/20 Trackside control of safe travel of vehicle or train, e.g. braking curve calculation

Abstract

A train control system includes positioning systems at the end of the train and at the front of the train, allowing the conductor or engineer to unambiguously determine that no cars of the train have become detached. The positioning system at the end of the train is also used to verify that the entire train has cleared a block. This information can be relayed to a dispatcher, thereby eliminating the need for trackside sensing equipment. A control unit prevents the train from moving without an authorization that includes the train'"'"'s current position.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a train comprising the steps of:

receiving a speed restriction at a train, the speed restriction including a maximum allowable speed;

determining a position of the train using a positioning system;

determining when a train is in danger of violating the speed restriction based at least in part on a grade of a track on which the train is traveling and at least in part upon the weight of the train;

applying a train brake such that violation of the speed restriction is prevented.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the speed restriction is a temporary speed restriction.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the speed restriction is a Form A speed restriction.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein the speed restriction is a Form B speed restriction.

5. The method of claim 2, wherein the speed restriction is a Form C speed restriction.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the speed restriction further includes a start point, the start point being located at a position within an area in which the train is authorized to travel but which the train has not yet reached, and wherein the train brake pressure is applied such that the train is gradually slowed to a speed no greater than the maximum allowable speed before the train reaches the start point.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the speed restriction is a permanent speed restriction.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the speed restriction is a train-based speed restriction.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the positioning system comprises a global positioning system receiver.

10. An apparatus for controlling a train comprising:

a positioning system;

a receiver for recovering a wireless transmission including a speed restriction, the speed restriction including a maximum allowable speed;

a brake interface configured to control a braking system on the train;

and a processor connected to the positioning system, the receiver and the brake interface, the processor being configured to perform the steps of;

receiving a speed restriction via the receiver;

determining a position of the train using information obtained from the positioning system

determining when a train is in danger of violating the speed restriction based at least in part on a grade of a track on which the train is traveling and at least in part upon a weight of the train; and

controlling the braking system via the brake interface such that violation of the speed restriction is prevented.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the speed restriction is a temporary speed restriction.

12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the speed restriction is a Form A speed restriction.

13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the speed restriction is a Form B speed restriction.

14. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the speed restriction is a Form C speed restriction.

15. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the speed restriction further includes a start point, the start point being located at a position within an area in which the train is authorized to travel but which the train has not yet reached, and wherein the train brake pressure is applied such that the train is gradually slowed to a speed no greater than the maximum allowable speed before the train reaches the start point.

16. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the speed restriction is a permanent speed restriction.

17. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the speed restriction is a train-based speed restriction.

18. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the positioning system comprises a global positioning system receiver.

19. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a warning device, wherein the processor is further configured to activate the warning device prior to activating the brakes in order to provide an operator with an opportunity to control the train such that the speed restriction is not violated.

20. A method for controlling a train comprising the steps of:

receiving a speed restriction at a train, the speed restriction including a maximum allowable speed;

determining a position of the train using a positioning system;

determining when a train is in danger of violating the speed restriction based at least in part on a grade of a track on which the train is traveling and at least in part upon the weight of the train; and

taking corrective action to prevent violation of the speed restriction.