70results about "Classification yard switching systems" patented technology

Methods and systems for managing operations of a classification yard. In embodiments a release speed, coupling speed, and / or a predicted speed at one or more points of a route along which a cut is being routed is determined. A set of event messages of events that occurred during the traveling of the cut is generated. Real-world measurements associated with an actual speed of the cut at the one or more points of the route are obtained. Coefficients associated with the predicted speed of the cut at the one or more points are autotuned based on the real-world measurements, a status of one or more devices used to route the cut is determined based, at least in part, on thresholding analysis applied to the real-world measurements, and the set of event messages is stored in an event log for subsequent replaying in a graphical user interface (GUI).

A method for assigning train blocks at a railroad merchandise yard includes determining, using a first optimization model and historical train block volume data, a first list of train block assignments for a plurality of train blocks and a plurality of classification tracks of a classification bowl. The method further includes displaying the first list of train block assignments generated by the first optimization model if the volume of the train blocks is not greater than the total available track length of the classification tracks. The method further includes determining and displaying, using a second optimization model and the historical train block volume data, a second list of train block assignments for the plurality of train blocks and the plurality of classification tracks of the classification bowl if the volume of the plurality of train blocks is greater than the total available track length of the plurality of classification tracks.

A method for switching railcars at a railroad yard includes accessing a list of selected railcars for an outgoing train. The method further includes generating a plurality of train consists that each comply with a set of train rules. The method further includes displaying indications of the generated train consists and their associated number of railyard switch moves on an electronic display. The method further includes receiving a user selection of a desired train consist from the plurality of displayed train consists. The method further includes generating a plurality of switch lists according to the desired train consist and a current inventory of railcars in the railyard. The switch lists include instructions about how to form the desired train consist in the railyard. The method further includes displaying the plurality of switch lists on the electronic display.

Combining a rail yard management system with an energy management system and health management system for optimizing a train consist build is provided. The rail yard management system determines railway cars and locomotives currently available at the rail yard. If there are not enough railway cars and / or locomotives available at the rail yard, the rail yard management system predicts or determines available railway cars and / or locomotives that are part of one or more inbound train consists. The rail yard management system queries the energy management system for energy management data associated with the locomotives to be assigned to the train consist. Planning of a desired train consist is a dynamic and iterative process where the planned train consist may be iteratively revised to include modifying the numbers and positions of locomotives to be included in the train consist for optimizing energy management and health management of the planned train consist.

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.

Methods and systems for determining a status of detectors in a classification yard. In particular embodiments, a set of car event data associated with a detector may be analyzed to determine the performance of the detector during operations of each car event. A status of the detector may be determined from the analysis of the performance of the detector during operations of each car event. In embodiments, the analysis may include thresholding analysis that may be configured to determine a relationship (e.g., a deviation relationship) between real-world speeds measured during the car events and predicted speeds expected during the car events for each car event associated with the detector. In embodiments, the status of the detector may be used to ensure corrective actions on the detector (e.g., deploy maintenance personnel, report the status of the detector, send a control signal to the detector to deactivate, etc.).

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.

A method for assigning train blocks at a railroad merchandise yard includes determining, using a first optimization model and historical train block volume data, a first list of train block assignments for a plurality of train blocks and a plurality of classification tracks of a classification bowl. The method further includes displaying the first list of train block assignments generated by the first optimization model if the volume of the train blocks is not greater than the total available track length of the classification tracks. The method further includes determining and displaying, using a second optimization model and the historical train block volume data, a second list of train block assignments for the plurality of train blocks and the plurality of classification tracks of the classification bowl if the volume of the plurality of train blocks is greater than the total available track length of the plurality of classification tracks.

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.

Methods and systems for visualizing event data associated with operations of a classification yard and replaying the visualized event data in a graphical user interface. In embodiments, graphical representation of the classification yard, including its components (e.g., devices and track segments) is generated. A set of event messages is extracted from an event log, and analyzed to determine a component associated with each event message. A visual representation is generated for each event message in the set of event messages and overlaid onto the graphical representation of the component to which the event message is associated. The overlaid visual representations are replayed in a sequence according to timestamps of the visualized event messages.

Disclosed by the disclosure are a method and system for associating a fixed marshalling with a departure marshalling. The method includes the following steps: respectively comparing data of the departure marshalling with data of the corresponding fixed marshalling before a shunting plan is executed, after the shunting plane is executed, and before departure to determine whether the departure marshalling conforms to the fixed marshalling, and performing early warning on the departure marshalling, and restricting the departure when the departure marshalling does not conform to the fixed marshalling. According to the disclosure, automatic comparison can be achieved, and whether the departure marshalling conforms to the fixed marshalling can be determined, thus improving the operation efficiency, effectively preventing errors and careless omissions, improving the operation efficiency, reducing the labor intensity, facilitating the improvement of the train marshalling efficiency, guaranteeing the train safety, improving the automatic train management level, assisting operators in improving the quality of fixed marshaling management, and further improving the transportation efficiency.

Methods and systems providing predictive models for estimating tuning coefficients for automatically tuning operations of a classification yard. In embodiments, a set of predictions for car events at a segment or device may be generated using a current set of tuning coefficients for the segment or device. Real-world data related to the car events at the segment or device may be compiled, and a set of candidate tuning coefficients may be generated for the segment or device based on application of a predictive model to the real-world data. The segment or device may be automatically tuned based on a comparison of the set of candidate tuning coefficients and current set of tuning coefficients to the real-world data to determine which of the set of candidate tuning coefficients and the current set of tuning coefficients yields more accurate results for cuts passing the segment or device.

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.

The invention relates to a method, in particular a computer-implemented method, for dynamically setting shunting track areas (354, 356) in a rail area (242, 342) of a rail system (220, 320), comprising providing a plurality of transparent data balises (234, 334) arranged in the rail area (242, 342), wherein the transparent data balises (234, 334) are each operable in at least one boundary balise mode and an overrun mode, obtaining at least one shunting instruction data set, defining at least one first shunting track area (354, 356) located in the rail area (242, 342) by defining a boundary of the first shunting track area (354, 356) based on the obtained shunting instruction data set, wherein the defining of the first shunting track area (354, 356) is a Determining transparent data balises (234, 334) from the plurality of transparent data balises (234, 334),which form the boundary of the first shunting section (354, 356), and setting the first shunting section (354, 356) by setting the transparent data balises (234, 334) forming the boundary of the first shunting section (354, 356) to the boundary balise mode.,

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.

Methods and systems for determining a status of hardware devices in a classification yard. In particular embodiments, a set of device event data associated with a hardware device may be analyzed to determine the performance of the hardware device during operations of each device event. A status of the hardware device may be determined from the analysis of the performance of the hardware device during operations of each device event. In embodiments, the analysis may include thresholding analysis that may be configured to determine a relationship between real-world measurements and expected (e.g., predicted or desired) results for each device event associated with the hardware device. In embodiments, the status of the hardware device may be used to ensure corrective actions on the hardware device (e.g., deploy maintenance personnel, report the status of the hardware device, send a control signal to the hardware device to deactivate, etc.).

Methods and systems for determining a status of detectors in a classification yard. In particular embodiments, a set of car event data associated with a detector may be analyzed to determine the performance of the detector during operations of each car event. A status of the detector may be determined from the analysis of the performance of the detector during operations of each car event. Tn embodiments, the analysis may include thresholding analysis that may be configured to determine a relationship (e.g., a deviation relationship) between real-world speeds measured during the car events and predicted speeds expected during the car events for each car event associated with the detector. In embodiments, the status of the detector may be used to ensure corrective actions on the detector (e.g., deploy maintenance personnel, report the status of the detector, send a control signal to the detector to deactivate, etc.).

Methods and systems for determining a status of retarder devices in a classification yard. In particular embodiments, a set of car event data associated with a retarder may be analyzed to determine the ability of the retarder to efficiently remove energy from cuts traveling over the retarder throughout the length of the retarder. A status of the retarder may be determined from analysis of the ability of the retarder to efficiently remove energy from cuts traveling over the retarder throughout the length of the retarder. In embodiments, the status of the retarder may be used to ensure corrective actions on the retarder (e.g., deploy maintenance personnel, report the status of the retarder, send a control signal to the retarder to deactivate, etc.).

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.

Methods and systems for automatically tuning control parameters for operations of a classification yard. In embodiments, production predictions for car events at a segment is made using current tuning coefficients. Analysis on real-world measurements associated with the car events is used to obtain a set of candidate tuning coefficients. Backoffice predictions for the car events are made using the candidate tuning coefficients. The production predictions and the backoffice predictions are compared against the real-world measurements. If the backoffice predictions are found to better approximate the real-world measurements at the segment or device, the candidate tuning coefficients are accepted and the current tuning coefficients for the segment or device are replaced by the candidate tuning coefficients. In this manner, the present disclosure provides a system with functionality that allows the system to automatically adjust the tuning coefficients to real-world conditions.

Methods and systems for determining a status of retarder devices in a classification yard. In particular embodiments, a set of car event data associated with a retarder may be analyzed to determine the ability of the retarder to efficiently remove energy from cuts traveling over the retarder throughout the length of the retarder. A status of the retarder may be determined from analysis of the ability of the retarder to efficiently remove energy from cuts traveling over the retarder throughout the length of the retarder. In embodiments, the status of the retarder may be used to ensure corrective actions on the retarder (e.g., deploy maintenance personnel, report the status of the retarder, send a control signal to the retarder to deactivate, etc.).

Various methods and systems are provided for a railyard system. In one example, a method for managing a railyard comprises, within the railyard, positioning a cargo unit on a multi-directional pad and moving the pad multi-directionally based on a requested order for the cargo unit relative to other cargo units, where the requested order corresponds to an order of cargo units on railcars of an outbound train. The multi-directional pad may operate within an arena, where the arena includes a concrete surface depressed into the ground such that a surface of the pad is level with a surface of the ground surrounding the arena, thereby allowing railcars to be pushed onto the pad by a locomotive of a train.

Methods and systems for selecting a speed limit for a remotely controlled vehicle based on a set of rules applied to control nodes within an observation window. In an embodiment, a viewing window may be determined that includes control nodes, each having a set of rules defining operating conditions associated therewith. The rule set for the control node may define an operational limit (e.g., a speed limit, a direction limit, etc.) for the control node. In an embodiment, a limited speed plan for the observation window may be generated based on operating conditions for each control node within the current observation window according to a limitation associated with each control node. The speed limit plan may include an optimal speed limit at each control node within the observation window, and an acceleration or deceleration profile indicating that each optimal speed limit in the speed limit plan is to follow when the speed limit plan is executed.

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.

The utility model discloses a sealed disc type friction speed reducer. The sealed disc type friction speed reducer comprises a speed reducer part and a disc type friction coupler part, the speed reducer part comprises a speed reducing cover, a middle plate and a speed reducing shell; the disc type friction coupler part comprises a fixed chuck and a groove pressing nut; the speed reduction cover, the middle plate, the speed reduction shell, the fixing chuck and the groove pressing nut are sequentially connected. An assembly mounting cavity is formed among the speed reducing cover, the middle plate, the speed reducing shell, the fixed chuck and the groove pressing nut; an input shaft assembly, an output shaft assembly, a friction group and a pressure spring are arranged in the assembly mounting cavity; the output shaft assembly transversely penetrates through the input shaft assembly and then is connected with the uniform loading plate. A fourth bearing, a speed reducer gear and an inner gear are arranged on the circumferential outer side of the input shaft assembly; the friction group is arranged on the right side of the internal gear; a compression spring is arranged in the speed reduction shell. The speed reducer can overcome the defects of an existing speed reducer of the electric switch machine, the sealing performance is improved, the influence of environmental changes on friction current of the speed reducer is eliminated, and the stability and reliability of the speed reducer and the switch machine are improved.

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.