Remote control system for a locomotive having user authentication capabilities

Abstract

The present invention provides a remote control system for a locomotive. The remote control system comprises a remote control device, an identification interface and a locomotive controller module. The remote control device is operative for receiving a command signal indicative of an action to be executed by the locomotive. The identification interface is adapted for receiving user identification data from a user of the remote control device. The locomotive controller module is suitable for mounting at the locomotive and is adapted for generating local control signals. When the user identification data belongs to an authorized user, the locomotive controller module is operative to issue a local control signal for causing the locomotive to execute the action conveyed by the command signal received at the remote control device.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates generally to a remote control system for transmitting signals to a locomotive. More particularly, the present invention relates to a remote control system which can determine if a potential user of the control system is an authorized user. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Remote control systems for controlling locomotives are known in the art. Typically, remote control systems for locomotives have two main components, namely a remote control device and a locomotive controller module. The remote control device is generally a portable unit that is carried by a human operator located at a certain distance from the locomotive. The remote control device is operative for sending command signals to the locomotive controller module. The locomotive controller module is typically mounted on board the locomotive and is adapted for receiving command signals sent by the remote control device over a wireless communication link. [0003] ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006] In accordance with a first broad aspect, the present invention provides a remote control system for a locomotive. The remote control system comprises a remote control device, an identification interface and a locomotive controller module. The remote control device is operative for receiving a command signal conveying an action to be executed by the locomotive. The identification interface is located remotely from the remote control device and is adapted for

Problems solved by technology

A deficiency with existing remote control systems is that there are often no adequate security features for restricting who is able to use the remote control system for controlling a locomotive.

For security reasons, it is not desirable for a person who is not familiar with the locomotives, or who is not authorized to use the remote control system, to be able to use the remote control device to operate the locomotive.

Furthermore, in the case where an accident occurs with a locomotive, a locomotive owner is generally unable to reliably determine who was controlling the locomotive at the time of the accident.

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