Abstract:
Train position is sensed using a position sensing unit having plurality of position sensors arrayed in the direction of train travel. The sensors respond to the presence and absence of a detection element on each train car, the detection element being longer than the spacing between adjacent position sensors. A confirmed count of a train car passing the position sensing unit requires detection of a series of related position sensor activations and deactivations. Alternately, the position sensing unit senses data tags on the train cars, reading unique identifiers therefrom. A list of identifiers corresponding to the car order is stored and compared to the identifiers read in order to determine train position.
Abstract:
In a method and system for monitoring rail operations and transport of commodities via rail, a monitoring device including a radio receiver is positioned to monitor a rail line and/or trains of interest. The monitoring device including a radio receiver configured to receive radio signals from trains, tracks, or trackside locations in range of the monitoring device. The monitoring device receives radio signals, which are demodulated into a data stream. That data stream is then decoded to find an identification number, which identifies a particular train carrying a commodity. From an analysis of the radio signals and/or identification of the position of the train, information about the train and/or the commodity it is carrying is derived and then reported to an interested party.
Abstract:
A control system presents a configurable virtual representation of at least a portion of a train and associated train assets, including a real-time location, configuration, and operational status of the train and associated train assets traveling along a railway. The control system may include a train position determining system, and a train configuration determining system. The control system may further include a train asset operational parameter sensing device, and a controller configured to receive data produced by the train position determining system, the train configuration determining system, and the train asset operational parameter sensing device. The controller may also process and aggregate the received data to provide a real-time virtual representation of the train and the train assets including the actual real-time position and configuration of the train assets relative to each other and to a geographical location, and coordinate a presentation of the aggregated data such that implementation of a select presentation process to the aggregated data results in a simultaneous implementation of the same select presentation process to at least one of electronic map data associated with the real-time location of the train and the train asset operational parameter data. A graphical user interface (GUI) may be configured to display in one or more display areas the real-time virtual representation of the train including a coordinated and configurable presentation of at least a portion of the aggregated data and the train asset operational parameter data.
Abstract:
A profile detection system is provided having first and second position sensors disposable adjacent an article wherein the first and second position sensors and the article are relatively movable. A laser sensor is disposed on a crane as a third position sensor. An additional sensor is configured to identify train components. A bar code reader, an optical character recognition reader or a radio frequency identification reader may selectively be used as the additional sensor. A programmable indication device is in communication with the first, second and third position sensors and the additional sensor. The programmable indication device develops an indication of a profile of the article responsive to the first and second position sensors.
Abstract:
A system determines real-time locations of railcars in a railroad environment. Railcars are equipped with at least four RFID tags. A RFID reader at a fixed location at every track branch in the environment reads the RFID tags. Railcar locations are updated for the railcars by determining the branches on which the railcars are located.
Abstract:
A system for exchanging information by means of transmitted RF signals between a fixed location interrogator and a vehicle transponder moving in the vicinity of the interrogator. The transponder responds to a first trigger signal from the interrogator by transmitting to the interrogator a first data message derived from data stored in a transponder memory. The interrogator then remotely reprograms the transponder memory and generates a second trigger pulse. The transponder responds to the second trigger pulse by transmitting the reprogrammed data it then stores and the interrogator analyzes the last mentioned transmission to determine if the transponder properly received and responded to the reprogramming.
Abstract:
A system for the contactless exchange of data between a transceiver and a passive data carrier is described. A prior data carrier comprises at least one digital memory and at least one digital control device for the memory. In it, the data carrier has a single-coil receiver circuit connected to a controllable switch device. In operation, the data carrier provides, in response to an electromagnetic a.c. field generated by a transceiver, via at least one rectifier, supply power for active components of the data carrier and clock signals for the control of digital components of the data carrier. According to the present invention, in order to provide for the possibility of bi-directional data exchange between a transceiver and a passsive data carrier, and in general, to provide a universally applicable data exchange system of the contactless kind, the transceiver is equipped with a modulator for amplitude modulating the a.c. field. The control device has two inputs for the supply of clock signals and data signals and includes level detectors cooperating with the inputs and arranged to allow the passage of an input signal voltage exceeding a pre-determined value as a valid input signal pulse. The coil is connected to the inputs through a two-branch voltage divider so that the voltage at the clock signal input is higher than that at the data signal input.
Abstract:
A profile detection system is provided having first and second position sensors disposable adjacent an article wherein the first and second position sensors and the article are relatively movable. A laser sensor is disposed on a crane as a third position sensor. An additional sensor is configured to identify train components. A bar code reader, an optical character recognition reader or a radio frequency identification reader may selectively be used as the additional sensor. A programmable indication device is in communication with the first, second and third position sensors and the additional sensor. The programmable indication device develops an indication of a profile of the article responsive to the first and second position sensors.
Abstract:
An apparatus for detecting a position of a train, the apparatus includes a reader. The reader electrically irradiates beams along a plurality of directions toward a tag, combines signals received from the tag and obtains a beam direction information toward the tag, and then detects the position of the train using the beam direction information and a tag information of the tag.
Abstract:
A multimodal guideway vehicle sensor includes a passive sensor, an active sensor and an unique identification (ID) sensor. The passive sensor is configured to receive and detect a first electromagnetic radiation from a guideway vehicle. The active sensor configured to transmit a second electromagnetic radiation and receive and detect the second electromagnetic radiation reflected from the guideway vehicle. The ID sensor that detects an ID associated with the guideway vehicle. The multimodal guideway vehicle sensor also includes a data fusion center that combines signals from the passive sensor, the active sensor and the ID sensor to produce guideway vehicle information about the guideway vehicle.