24results about "Classification yard switching systems" patented technology

The invention comprises a method for computer-aided control of the operation of processes in a shunting system, in which the operating speed of processes running along a path to a destination (D) in the shunting system is reduced as they pass track brakes located in the path of the respective process. For at least one directly consecutive pair of processes, of which the first process is the leading process (1) and the following process is the trailing process (2), the operating speeds of the leading and trailing processes are computer-aided such that the trailing process overtakes the leading process at a coupling point (CP) before reaching the destination. The trailing process and the leading process are automatically coupled as soon as these two processes meet. Furthermore, a computing environment, a computer program, and a computer-readable storage medium are included.

Systems and techniques for detecting applied railcar brakes within a railroad classification yard using thermal imaging. A thermal imaging system, including at least one thermal imaging sensor, captures a plurality of thermal images of railcar wheels. The thermal imaging system determines if a temperature within a user-defined bounding box on the thermal sensor's field of view exceeds a predetermined temperature threshold for a specified amount of time. Alternatively, a neural network may be used to detect the excessive temperature. In response, the thermal imaging system sends a system message, and a computer processor receives the system message and, if it meets reporting criteria, identifies the particular railcar and generates and transmits an alert message indicating a potential issue with the wheels of the railcar.

A method is provided for shunting route setting of a centralized traffic control system. The method includes S1, acquiring a shunting operation plan from an interface of a SMIS and generating a shunting route sequence, by a centralized traffic control system; S2, adding an operation direction, a location identifier of a shunter, a current control mode of the shunter and a description of a next route based on an original shunter number of the centralized traffic control system; S3, configuring a manual setting mode and an automatic triggering mode for shunting route setting; S4, adding identifiers of the manual setting mode and the automatic triggering mode to shunter number display; and S5, in the manual setting mode, adding a shunting plan constraint state and a free setting state to a shunting route setting logic of the centralized traffic control system.

Systems and techniques for optimizing ramp operations of a hub based on a dual-stream resource optimization (DSRO) through an intelligent graphical user interface (GUI). The GUI dynamically visualizes an optimized ramp operations schedule, enabling operators to interact with and adjust the schedule of inbound and outbound trains. Re-optimization features adapt to changes made by the operator, maintaining efficient hub operations. The GUI's intelligent decision-making capabilities consider complex resource interdependencies and the cascading effects of schedule adjustments. Enhanced operational efficiency is achieved by providing alerts and notifications for deviations from the optimized plan, facilitating swift action. User-driven optimization offers operators the flexibility to select from multiple optimization options or maintain the original schedule. This intelligent GUI integration with the ramp operations optimization system advances intermodal hub management, driving efficiency and responsiveness.

A method for controlling vehicle parking, includes: obtaining, by a processor, a current vehicle speed and a current vehicle control level of a vehicle; obtaining, by the processor, a target vehicle speed of the vehicle, and obtaining a target vehicle control level of the vehicle according to the current vehicle control level; obtaining, by the processor, a first vehicle control level according to the current vehicle speed, the target vehicle speed, the current vehicle control level, and the target vehicle control level; and controlling, by the processor, the vehicle to run according to the first vehicle control level.

Systems and techniques for detecting applied railcar brakes within a railroad classification yard using thermal imaging. A thermal imaging system, including at least one thermal imaging sensor, captures a plurality of thermal images of railcar wheels. The thermal imaging system determines if a temperature within a user-defined bounding box on the thermal sensor's field of view exceeds a predetermined temperature threshold for a specified amount of time. Alternatively, a neural network may be used to detect the excessive temperature. In response, the thermal imaging system sends a system message, and a computer processor receives the system message and, if it meets reporting criteria, identifies the particular railcar and generates and transmits an alert message indicating a potential issue with the wheels of the railcar.

A rail yard train-switching system includes train-moving machines and a control device. The train-moving machines each draw one of railroad trains in a rail yard. The control device transmits a traction command to the train-moving machines based on an operation schedule. The train-moving machines each move, based on the traction command transmitted from the control device, to a first location specified by the traction command to couple with an appropriate one of the railroad trains, and draw the one of the railroad trains from the first location to a second location specified by the traction command.

A computer-implemented method for allocating railcars in a rail yard based upon analysis of contents of the railcars is disclosed. The method includes generating, via a LiDAR sensor, images of the railcars. A network interface sends the images of the railcars to an analysis unit. The analysis unit analyzes the images of the railcars. Based on the analysis, the analysis unit determines a contents status for each of the railcars. A notification module transmits notifications to at least one of the mobile computing devices, where each of the notifications include at least one of: railcar contents statuses or images of the railcars. In response to the transmitting of the at least one notification, the railcars are sorted to different locations via at least one of the plurality of rail yard workers, where each of the different locations are based on a railcar contents status.

Disclosed is an ad-hoc network-based train dynamic marshalling and unmarshalling method. The method includes train dynamic marshalling and train dynamic unmarshalling. The train dynamic marshalling includes: after a rear train set enters a U code section, marshalling two train sets if marshalling conditions are met. The dynamic unmarshalling includes: receiving, by two train sets in a group, an unmarshalling command during operation, and unmarshalling the two train sets if unmarshalling conditions are met. The method further includes: when the rear train set has a speed of 0 during operation of the two train sets in the group, unmarshalling the two train sets if the unmarshalling command is received. The method designed in the present invention implements flexible connection by means of an ad-hoc network, such that group trains can be flexibly marshalled, and a plurality of tracks are fully utilized. During departure, a mode of marshalling first and then departing is used to improve the departure efficiency. When the train transport volume is increased, a 5,000 t standard train may be used, thereby avoiding high costs caused by adding effective tracks. Further disclosed is a dynamic marshalling and unmarshalling system.

A system including a plurality of vehicles, each having disposed onboard a location device, a communication device, a control system, and an energy storage device. Thea control system may determine vehicle locations of one or more vehicles of the plurality of vehicles and states of charge of the energy storage devices onboard the one or more vehicles. The control system may communicate with the communication devices of the one or more vehicles and may direct which of one or more vehicles are to couple with each other, and thereby be powered by electric energy stored in the energy storage devices onboard the one or more vehicles directed to couple. The control system may direct which of the one or more vehicles are to couple with and be powered by the electric energy of the energy storage devices based on one or more of: the vehicle locations and the states of charge of the vehicle energy storage devices.

Systems and techniques for adaptively classifying parking lots associated with a hub. In embodiments, adaptively classifying parking lots associated with a hub may include classifying the physical parking lots of the hub into one or more logical parking lots, in which each logical parking lot may have a parking lot classification. In embodiments, the configuration of each logical parking lot (e g., the classification, layout, size, etc.) may be based on various factors. which may include factors associated with the physical parking lots, factors associated with the hub, environmental factors, cyclical factors, seasonal factors, unit traffic through the hub. proximity of the parking lots to productions tracks, ease of access to the parking lots, direction of traffic flow within the hub, etc. In embodiments, the logical parking lots may represent a logical or virtual classification of the physical parking lots.

A control system is provided that may include a first sensor configured to detect a vehicle system. The control system may also include one or more processors in communication with the first sensor. The one or more processors may be configured to receive communication related to entry of the vehicle system into an area, and operate the first sensor to begin monitoring the vehicle system in response to entry of vehicle system into the area. The one or more processors may also be configured to record movement data related to the vehicle system, and determine movement of the vehicle system within the area based on the movement data.

Systems and techniques for optimizing utilization of hostlers of a hub based on a dual-stream resource optimization (DSRO). In embodiments, a dual-stream optimization model is utilized, incorporating a consolidated time-space network and a deconsolidated time-space network spanning a planning horizon. The model identifies hostler operations and pairs them based on proximity criteria, forming operation pairs that lead to higher unit throughput within the hub. An optimized hostler operation schedule is generated for implementation during the planning horizon. The system also includes a feature for automatically transmitting a control signal to a hostler control system to direct a hostler to execute the paired operations in accordance with the pairing.

Systems and techniques for optimizing utilization of parking lots of a hub based on a dual-stream resource optimization (DSRO). In embodiments, an optimized operating schedule over a planning horizon may be obtained, including predictions of units arriving at the hub through a consolidation stream and / or a deconsolidation stream during each time increment of the planning horizon. In embodiments, a unit is received at the hub during a first time increment of the planning horizon of the optimized operating schedule, a dwell time of the unit over the planning horizon ids determined, the unit is classified based on the dwell time of the unit over the planning horizon, and the unit is assigned to a parking lot associated with the hub based on the classification of the unit and a prediction of units to be processed during remaining time increments of the planning horizon after the first time increment.

A remote monitoring system that electronically monitors the switch points position and enables the presentation of the situation at the yard in real time to the operational managers thus minimizing the risk of human mistake. The system improves safety and reduces damage.

The present invention discloses an interconnection and intercommunication method and system for a virtual marshalling train control system in a heavy haul railway. The method includes: determining a switching area for switching ground equipment between an existing line and a virtual marshalling line; switching a ground equipment control right when a train runs to within a range of the switching area; and after switching of the ground equipment control right is completed, sending, by the ground equipment in the virtual marshalling line, a marshalling command to on-board equipment of the train, and virtually marshalling, by the on-board equipment, the train corresponding to the on-board equipment and a front train in a formation based on the marshalling command. According to the present invention, the switching between different signal systems can be implemented, and the efficiency of train operation can be improved.

The train detection system comprises a wireless communication network further comprising train detection modules attached to catenary poles at the entrance and exit of the railyard. Each train detection module is equipped with a plurality of diverse sensors configured to detect trains and other on-track vehicles. The diverse sensors are simultaneously active and work together for detecting an approaching or leaving train. The train detection modules generate train alerts which are transmitted wirelessly over the wireless communication network. Each of the railyard workers wears a personal alert device capable of wirelessly connecting with the train detection modules and receiving the train alerts over the said wireless communication network. The train alert modules are capable of transmitting alerts wirelessly to personal alert devices and other train alert modules. Train alert modules are capable of generating audio visual warnings for any personnel which may not be equipped with personal alert module.

Systems and techniques for enhancing the efficiency and utility of chassis pools within a hub by providing functionality for dynamic classification of chassis pools associated with the hub. In embodiments, the dynamic classification of chassis pools may be used for optimizing the utilization of chassis resources of the hub based on a dual-stream resource optimization (DSRO). In embodiments, the functionality of a system implemented in accordance with the present disclosure for dynamic classification of chassis pools associated with a hub may include determining and / or setting a configuration for one or more dynamic chassis pool classifications that may include rulesets, guidelines, performance metrics, constraint, requirements, etc., and / or other information related to the management and operations of the chassis pools associated with the hub. A chassis optimization system may use the configured one or more dynamic chassis pool classifications to optimize the utilization of the chassis during operations of the hub.

Systems and techniques for intelligently diffusing units across parking lot resources of a hub based on a dual-stream resource optimization (DSRO). In embodiments, a unit diffusion manager intelligently diffuses or spreads units across the parking spots of a parking lot resource to which the units may be assigned based on unit characteristics to maximize unit throughput within the hub. The unit characteristics of a unit include a unit-train assignment identifying the outbound train to which the unit may be assigned, a train-track assignment of the outbound train identifying the production track to which the outbound train is assigned for loading the units onto the outbound train, an identification of the customer to which the unit belongs, and / or other characteristics that may be relevant to the movement of the unit within the hub.

The invention discloses a method for a sky train to go in and out of a maintenance warehouse, belongs to the field of sky trains, solves the problem that faults are easily caused by manual operation, and adopts the technical scheme that the maintenance warehouse, the train, a track line and a signal machine located on the side edge of the track line are mainly included, and a power supply line for supplying power to the train is arranged in the maintenance warehouse; the rail line comprises a main line and a conversion rail, the signal machines comprise a signal machine before bifurcation, a signal machine after bifurcation, a garage entering signal machine and a garage exiting signal machine, a power supply line is firstly connected in the garage entering process of a train, and then the train is driven into a maintenance garage manually according to prompts of the signal machines; and the power supply line is firstly pulled out in the train out-of-garage process, and then the train is automatically driven away from the overhaul garage according to the prompt of the annunciator. The system can ensure that the power supply modes can be accurately switched, and can also improve the efficiency of the train entering and exiting the maintenance warehouse.

The invention relates to a method for the automated shunting of rail-bound freight wagons in a shunting yard, comprising the following steps: - detecting the entry of a freight train into an entry track; - upon detection of entry, activating an automatic sequence control in which a rolling speed or rolling speed profile is determined for individual freight wagons or individual freight wagon sets of the freight train; - accelerating the individual freight wagons or freight wagon sets in a push-start track and / or on a hump yard; - setting the determined rolling speed or rolling speed profile by automated braking of the respective freight wagon or freight wagon set; - distributing the individual freight wagons or freight wagon sets onto different direction tracks.The method according to the invention is characterized in that the entry of the freight train into the entry track is detected by comparing current GPS data of the freight train with stored GPS position data of the shunting facility and / or the entry track, or by detecting the freight train's entry into a radio signal area in the vicinity of the entry track.

Methods and systems for selection of a control speed for a remote-controlled vehicle based on rulesets applied to control nodes within a viewing window. In embodiments, a viewing window including control nodes, each having a having ruleset defining operating conditions associated therewith, may be determined. The ruleset for a control node may define operating limitations (e.g., speed limitations, orientation limitations, etc.) at the control node. In embodiments, a control speed plan for the viewing window may be generated based on the operating conditions for each control node within the current viewing window based on the limitations associated with each control node. The control speed plan may include an optimal control speed at each control node within the viewing window and a speed profile indicating an acceleration or deceleration curve to be followed through each of the optimal control speeds in the control speed plan when executing the control speed plan.