Operating system and method for controlling a powered vehicle

Abstract

A system for the communication of data used in the operation of a vehicle comprises a plurality of controllers onboard the powered vehicle for controlling operations of the vehicle. At least one of the controllers has a memory in which data is stored and the data is accessible and used by at least two of the controllers for controlling vehicle operations. A communication link is provided between the at least two controllers for sharing data stored in the memory of one of the controllers to control operations of the powered vehicle.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation-in-part of patent application Ser. No. 12 / 390,654, which was filed on 23 Feb. 2009, and the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]Embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein relate to control of vehicles and access to databases having data relating to operation of vehicles.BACKGROUND[0003]Railroad companies operate trains and control railroad traffic on track systems that may include thousands of miles of railroad tracks. In order to control movement of trains on a track system, a track database is maintained that contains information relating to track topography, which is also referred to as the track profile data. The data stored in these databases includes, among other things, track grade data, track curvature data, and geographical coordinates or other data relative to the location of various points or segments of interest along the track, such as ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes an operating system for controlling multiple operations of a powered vehicle, such as a train or a propulsion-generating vehicle. The system includes multiple controllers onboard the vehicle that control different operations, such as positive train control, operator coaching, and fuel savings. The controllers have a memory in which data is stored, which can be accessed and used by other controllers for controlling the vehicle. The data can include information about the vehicle's track profile and train manifest, as well as data related to the vehicle's operation and control. The system also includes a communication link between the controllers and the memory for sharing data. The non-distributed memory acts as the sole data storage in the vehicle for long-term storage of the data. The technical effects of the patent include improved operational control of powered vehicles and improved safety and efficiency of vehicle operations.

Problems solved by technology

In addition to the length of time required to create such a document, the document is cumbersome to handle and carry onboard the locomotive.

The operator, however, does not verify data entries.

At times, the data found in these databases is not complete, has not been updated, or is simply incorrect or inaccurate.

Data conversion, human error, or other factors, however, may lead to incorrect or inaccurate data entry.

The data for each controller may be different, inconsistent with the data at other controllers, or otherwise not compatible with some controllers.

In instances in which the track profile data is not correct, or the controllers of the onboard operating system are using inconsistent data, the train is not operating at optimal efficiency.

Additionally, the use of incorrect or inaccurate data may result in an accident or train derailment.

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