Rail planning system

Abstract

A track planning system for planning movement of trains is disclosed. At least some of the trains comprise a plurality of containers, and each container comprises at least one train equipment. The system comprises a data store arranged to store container data indicative of: the equipment associated with each container or each equipment, and a planned future location of the container. The system is arranged to produce data indicative of a train diagram for display, the train diagram comprising a line for each container, each line indicative of a planned location of the container over time and space, and the system comprises an interface arranged to facilitate a user to modify the planned location of the container, and thereby modify the line associated with the container on the train diagram.

Description

Invention Field

[0001] This invention relates to a track planning system for planning and managing the movement of trains, and more particularly to a track planning system for planning and managing the movement of trains in track yards of a track network. Background of the Invention

[0002] As is well known, large-scale mining operations include one or more mines producing one or more commodities, one or more ports for transporting the commodities to customers, and a rail network that interconnects the commodities at the mines with the ports and transports the commodities from the mines to the ports. Typically, a rail network includes multiple trains traveling between the mines and the ports, and each train has several pieces of equipment, which may include at least one locomotive and a large number of railcars, generally referred to as “tags.” In this specification, “appliance” refers to any component of a train, and “container” is a group of equipment types. For example, “appliance” can be a locomotive, a railcar, or a brake car, and a container may include one or more locomotives, one or more railcars, or one or more brake cars.

[0003] When trains travel along the main line between mines and ports, the planning and management of train movements are generally relatively simple. However, when trains arrive at port yards, it may be necessary to separate train equipment, for example, to allow for locomotive maintenance, refueling, and unloading of materials from trailers. It may also be necessary to temporarily attach brake cars to trailers, or to temporarily attach locomotives to trailers while they are in the yard. This complex equipment movement is currently planned and managed largely manually, which is inefficient and cumbersome. Invention Overview

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a track planning system for planning the movement of trains is provided, wherein at least some trains include multiple containers, each container including at least one train device, the system comprising:

[0005] A data storage device, arranged to store container data indicating the following:

[0006] The equipment associated with each container or each piece of equipment; and

[0007] The future location of container planning;

[0008] The system is configured to generate data to indicate the planned location of a train graph for display, which includes lines for each container, each line indicating the container's planned position in time and space; and

[0009] The system includes an interface that is designed to allow users to modify the planned locations of containers and thus the lines on the train timetable associated with the containers.

[0010] In this embodiment, the interface is arranged to allow the user to attach the first container to the second container and to facilitate the simultaneous modification of the planned positions of the first and second containers.

[0011] In one embodiment, the interface is arranged to allow the user to separate the first container from the second container, such that the planned positions of the first and second containers can be modified separately.

[0012] In one embodiment, the interface is arranged to allow a user to simultaneously lock or unlock one or more lines on a train timetable, wherein each locked line indicates a container movement that is considered to have been completed, and each unlocked line indicates a container movement that is anticipated but has not yet been completed.

[0013] In one embodiment, a line on a train timetable can be locked by a user selecting a position on the line, where the selected position on the line corresponds to a set time, and the system is arranged such that all positions on the line corresponding to a previous time of the set time are also locked.

[0014] In an embodiment, the locked portion and the unlocked portion of a line on the train timetable are represented differently, such as by different colors or by bold font.

[0015] In one embodiment, at least one line on the train timetable also indicates the past location of the container.

[0016] In one embodiment, the interface is arranged to facilitate the user in modifying the planned location of the container and thereby modifying the line associated with the container on the train timetable by using the human-machine interface device to facilitate the movement of the line displayed on the train timetable.

[0017] In this embodiment, the interface is arranged to allow users to modify the planned location of the containers and, consequently, modify the lines associated with the containers on the train timetable using dialog boxes.

[0018] In one embodiment, the container data includes a device number for each container, which indicates the positional order of the container at a location.

[0019] In this embodiment, the container data includes data indicating the following:

[0020] Types of equipment in containers;

[0021] Labels for each piece of equipment in the container;

[0022] Information indicating whether a container is connected to another container at its first end;

[0023] Information indicating whether a container is connected to another container at its second opposite end; and / or

[0024] Information indicating the location of the container terminal.

[0025] In an embodiment, the train time map includes a time x-axis and a distance y-axis, wherein diagonally extending lines represent movement, horizontal lines represent no movement, and vertical lines represent movement across bifurcation points.

[0026] In an embodiment, the train timetable includes locations on the distance axis corresponding to the 'yard in' location, 'dumper' location, 'yard out' location, 'refueling' location, and / or 'brake car spur' location.

[0027] In this embodiment, each device includes:

[0028] At least one locomotive;

[0029] Multiple railcars capable of carrying materials; or

[0030] At least one braked vehicle.

[0031] In this embodiment, the train timetable includes:

[0032] Lines indicating the planned locations of mainline locomotive containers;

[0033] Lines indicating the planned locations of railcar containers;

[0034] Lines indicating the planned locations of locomotives and containers in the station yard; and / or

[0035] Lines indicating the planned location of the brake vehicle container.

[0036] In one embodiment, the train timetable includes a current line indicating the location of the container at the current time.

[0037] In one embodiment, the train timetable includes a stub line portion indicating the direction of travel of the container when it is moved to a new location.

[0038] In one embodiment, the system is configured to store configuration data indicating the display characteristics of a train timetable. This configuration data may include data indicating the following:

[0039] x-axis time scale;

[0040] y-axis scale;

[0041] Label for y-axis position;

[0042] The color of each line;

[0043] Unlock line style;

[0044] Lock line style;

[0045] Line text and the position of the line text relative to the line; and / or

[0046] The segment group color indicates that each segment comes from a different branch from a common fork location.

[0047] In this embodiment, at least some of the configuration data can be modified by the user.

[0048] In one embodiment, the system includes at least one application programming interface (API) configured to facilitate access by an external computing device to data stored in a data storage device.

[0049] In one embodiment, the system includes multiple sensing devices arranged to sense the position of the container, and the system uses the sensed position to update the current position of the container on the train timetable.

[0050] In one embodiment, the system is configured to display a train control screen that shows a representation of available container locations and provides a snapshot of the container locations at a selected time.

[0051] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method for planning the movement of trains is provided, wherein at least some trains include multiple containers, each container including at least one train device, the method comprising:

[0052] The storage indicates the following container data:

[0053] The equipment associated with each container or each piece of equipment; and

[0054] The future location of container planning;

[0055] The display includes a train schedule for each container line, with each line indicating the container's planned location in time and space; and

[0056] This allows users to easily modify the planned location of containers through the interface, and thus modify the lines associated with containers on the train timetable. Brief description of the attached diagram

[0057] The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0058] Figure 1This is a schematic conceptual diagram illustrating a track planning system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0059] Figure 2 This is a schematic representation of an example rail network extending between mines and ports where mining operations are taking place;

[0060] Figure 3 It can be used for management and planning Figure 2 An example representation of a mainline train schedule showing the movement of trains on the mainline of the track network shown;

[0061] Figure 4 This is a schematic representation of a portion of an example track track, showing the positions of two trains as the train moves along the main line of the track network;

[0062] Figure 5 It can be used for planning and management Figure 4 The diagram shows an example of a regular train operation on a track network, illustrating the movement of an example train.

[0063] Figure 6 This is a schematic representation of a portion of another example track track, showing the positions of three trains as the train moves along the main line of the track network;

[0064] Figure 7 It can be used for planning and management Figure 6 The diagram shows an example of a regular train operation on a track network, illustrating the movement of an example train.

[0065] Figure 8 This is a schematic representation of an example train, which includes braking equipment, several railcars, and several locomotives.

[0066] Figure 9 It is by Figure 1 The system shown generates an example train timetable;

[0067] Figure 10 This is an example train control screen used in conjunction with a train timetable;

[0068] Figure 11 yes Figure 9 An enlarged representation of a portion of the train timetable shown;

[0069] Figure 12 yes Figure 1 The system shown is a representation of an example container allocation table;

[0070] Figure 13 yes Figure 1 The system shown is a representation of an example location table;

[0071] Figure 14 It is shown by Figure 1The diagram shows an exemplary concept diagram of a program that implements a train timetable application for the system shown.

[0072] Figure 15 yes Figure 1 The system shown is a display of the control panel for the train timetable application; and

[0073] Figure 16 It shows the movement of the train and its... Figure 1 The diagram illustrates the associated changes in the fields of the location table of the system shown. Description of embodiments of the invention

[0074] The following embodiments are described with respect to a track planning system (and associated methods) for planning and managing the movement of train equipment at track yards; however, it should be understood that other applications of the track planning system are envisioned besides track yards. References Figure 1 A conceptual diagram of a track planning system 10 is shown, which can be used to plan and manage the movement of trains (and in particular train equipment) at stations, such as those set up at ports.

[0075] Planning system 10 is specifically designed for mining operations that include at least one mine producing commodities, at least one port for loading commodities onto ships, a rail network connecting the mine and the port, and several trains traveling on the rail network to transport commodities from the mine to the port. However, it should be recognized that other applications are envisioned.

[0076] In this example, the commodity produced by the mine is iron ore; however, it should be understood that any other commodity is envisioned.

[0077] The planning system 10 includes a display 12, which is arranged to display train operation. Figure 14 In this example, it refers to train operation at the station. Figure 14 The train is running Figure 14 It can be used by station planners to plan and manage the movement of trains at the station, and in particular for planning and managing the movement of train equipment at the station.

[0078] System 10 also includes a train timetable application 16, which is configured to coordinate and manage the movement of train equipment in response to user input received from a user input device 18, which may include a keyboard, mouse, and / or touchscreen associated with a display 12. The train timetable application 16 can be implemented using any suitable computing device (not shown).

[0079] System 10 also includes a database management application 20 that interfaces between the train timetable application 16 and the data storage device 22. This database management application 20 coordinates the addition of data associated with train planning to the data storage device 22 and the retrieval of data from the data storage device 22. In this example, the data storage device 22 is arranged to store configuration data 24 and container data 26. The configuration data 24 indicates defining aspects of the displayed station train timetable, including the color and size of lines shown on the train timetable, as described in more detail below. The container data 26 indicates train equipment at the station, including data identifying the equipment and data indicating the location of the equipment at the station.

[0080] In this example, the system is used by the station planner who is responsible for managing and planning the movement of train equipment, especially after the train has arrived at the port station, the station planner sets future plans for the timing and location of the train equipment movement at the port station.

[0081] In this example, system 10 can also be accessed by a train dispatcher, who in this example uses train dispatcher terminal 28. The train dispatcher is responsible for safely implementing train movements according to a plan set by the station planner. In mining operations that include autonomous trains, safe train movement is typically achieved by issuing train movement permissions that limit specific permitted train movements; however, it should be understood that other arrangements are also possible.

[0082] In this example, system 10 also includes at least one application programming interface (API) 30, which is configured to facilitate access by an external computing device 32 to data stored in data storage device 22, for example via a wide area network such as the Internet 34.

[0083] Figure 2 The diagram illustrates an example rail network 40, which includes multiple train lines 42 connecting multiple mines 44 to multiple ports 46. As indicated by directional arrow 48, in this example, the mines 44 are located generally south of the ports 46.

[0084] Figure 3 The diagram shows an example mainline train operation diagram 50 that can be used to manage and plan train movement between mine 44 and port 46.

[0085] The mainline train timetable 50 includes a y-axis 54 representing the distance from port 46 and an x-axis 56 representing time. The origin 58 represents the port location and is therefore 0 km. The mainline train timetable 50 also includes directional arrows 62, which indicate that the increase in distance (upward) from port 46 corresponds to movement from north to south.

[0086] It will be recognized that, because the mainline train timetable 50 uses the port location as the origin of the y-axis 54, the mainline train timetable 50 shows south above north, unlike... Figure 2 The orbital grid shown in the image is designated as 40, which indicates that north is above south.

[0087] exist Figure 2 In the example shown, track network 40 includes single-track and double-track sections. Each single-track section typically includes multiple sidings, which are used to allow trains traveling in opposite directions to pass each other.

[0088] Typically, the track network 40 will include many trains at any given time, and therefore, in order to avoid collisions and maximize train throughput, it is necessary to carefully manage the movement of trains on the track network and at the port yard.

[0089] Figure 4 The diagram shows an example representation of section 70 of the train line. Section 70 includes a first train 72 and a second train 74. The first train 72 has departed the port but is currently stationary on the siding 76, and the second train 74 is traveling towards the port on the main line section 78. The port is located at... Figure 4 The center is represented by the origin at position 80, and the lateral line is located 10km from the port.

[0090] Figure 5 The text shows the representation. Figure 4 The train line section 70 shown is a simple, conventional train operation diagram 90.

[0091] The train timetable 90 includes a time axis 92, a distance axis 94, an origin (port) position 96, and a 10km position 98. The train timetable 90 also includes a first train line 100 representing the temporal and spatial movement of the first train 72, and a second train line 106 representing the temporal and spatial movement of the second train 74. The train timetable 90 also shows a now line 108 indicating the current position of the trains. Therefore, the portions of the first train line 100 and the second train line 106 to the left of the now line 108 represent the past positions of the trains, and the portions of the first train line 100 and the second train line 106 to the right of the now line 108 represent the future positions of the trains, and thus represent the planned movements of the first train 72 and the second train 74.

[0092] like Figure 5As shown, the first train line 100 includes a first line portion 102, which represents the movement of the first train 72 from position 0km 96 (the port) in a direction away from the port to siding 76, after which the first train 72 does not move and thus remains stationary at siding 76. The second train line 106 represents the movement of the second train 74 toward the port, after which the second train 74 passes siding 76 at position 10km 98, and the second train is scheduled to continue moving toward the port thereafter.

[0093] Will realize, Figure 4 The train line section 70 shown represents the respective positions of the first train 72 and the second train 74 at the current time, as indicated by the current line 108.

[0094] Figure 6 Another example representation of section 110 of the train line is shown. Section 110 of the train line includes a first train 112, a second train 114, and a third train 116. The train line includes a siding 118, a main line 120, a first branch line 122, and a second branch line 124. The first branch line 122 extends between a first 30km position 115 and a bifurcation position 119, and the second branch line 124 extends between a second 30km position 117 and a bifurcation position 119.

[0095] The first train 112 has moved to the 0km position (corresponding to the port) and is stationary. The second train 114 is traveling toward the 0km (port) position on the first line branch 122. The third train 116 has left the 0km (port) position and is stationary at the second 30km position 117.

[0096] Figure 7 The text shows the representation. Figure 6 The train line section 110 shown is a simple, conventional train operation diagram 130.

[0097] Train timetable 130 includes a time axis 132, a distance axis 134, an origin (port) position 136, a 10km position 137, a first 30km position 115, and a second 30km position 117. Train timetable 130 also includes a first train line 142 representing the time and space movement of the first train 112, a second train line 150 representing the time and space movement of the second train 114, and a third train line 160 representing the time and space movement of the third train 116. The train timetable 130 also shows the current line 162, which indicates the position of the train at the current time, and therefore the portions of the first train line 142, the second train line 150, and the third train line 160 located to the left of the current line 162, which indicate the past positions of the first train 112, the second train 114, and the third train 116, and the portions of the first train line 142, the second train line 150, and the third train line 160 located to the right of the current line 108, which indicate the future positions and thus the planned movements of the first train 112, the second train 114, and the third train 116.

[0098] like Figure 7 As shown, the first train line 142 includes: a first line portion 144, which represents the movement of the first train 112 from the second 30km position 117 to the 10km position 137; a second line portion 146, during which the first train 112 remains stationary at the 10km position 137 for approximately 20 minutes; and a third line portion 148, which represents the movement of the first train 112 from the 10km position 137 to the 0km (port) position 136. The second train line 150 includes: a first line portion 152 representing a period of approximately 60 minutes during which the second train 114 remains stationary at the first 30km position 115; a second line portion 154 representing the movement of the second train 114 from the first 30km position 115 to the 20km position; a third line portion 156 passing through the second 30km position and representing the second train passing through the fork position 119; and a fourth line portion 158 representing the movement of the second train 114 from the fork position 119 toward the 0km (port) position 136. The third train line 160 includes: a first line portion 162 representing a period of approximately 70 minutes during which the third train 116 moves from the 0km (port) position 136 to the second 30km position 117; and a second line portion 164 representing the third train 116 remaining stationary at the second 30km position.

[0099] Will realize, Figure 6 The train line section 110 shown represents the respective positions of the first train 112, the second train 114, and the third train 116 at the current time, as indicated by the current line 162.

[0100] It will be understood that the different positions on the different branches of the line bifurcation are shown separately on the train timetable, and the movement of the train through the bifurcation point is shown as skipping that position or each other position associated with the bifurcation. For example, in this example, the first line branch 122 and the second line branch 124 associated with the bifurcation position 119 are shown as adjacent to each other on the train timetable 130, even though the corresponding line branches are not physically adjacent to each other on the track network, and the movement of the train through the bifurcation position 119 between the first line branch 122 and the main line 120 is shown as a vertical line.

[0101] Figure 8 An example train 170 comprising several train equipment is schematically shown. In this example, the train equipment includes a brake car 172, multiple railcars 174 (collectively referred to as “trailers” in this specification), and multiple locomotives 176. Each group of equipment is referred to as a “container” in this specification, and therefore... Figure 8 The example train shown includes three containers: a first brake car container including a brake car 172, a second trailer container including multiple railcars 174, and a third locomotive container including three locomotives 176.

[0102] The track planning system 10 is configured such that when the train 170 arrives at the port terminal, the system can manage and plan the movement of the train or the movement of the train containers separately by providing a train timetable that includes separate lines for each container, and enabling the terminal planner to selectively plan the movement of each container independently of other containers or to plan the movement of each container together with one or more other containers.

[0103] Figure 9 Figure 180 shows an example station train operation diagram that can be used to manage and plan the movement of train containers at port stations.

[0104] Station train timetable 180 includes a time axis 182 and a distance axis 184. Station train timetable 180 is similar to... Figure 5 The train timetable example 90 and Figure 7 The train timetable example 130 shown indicates that diagonally extending lines represent movement; horizontal lines represent no movement; and vertical lines represent movement across intersections.

[0105] The station train timetable 180 includes: position lines 186 corresponding to the positions at the port station, including "entry" position, "unloading machine" position, "departure" position, "refueling" position and "braking switch line" position; and "main line" position, which indicates the train's arrival at the port station from the main train line.

[0106] The station train timetable 180 includes trains 190 that arrive at the port station, trailer container lines 192 that can be used to indicate the movement and planned movement of trailers, main line locomotive container lines 194 that can be used to indicate the movement and planned movement of main line locomotive containers, station locomotive container lines 196 that can be used to indicate the movement and planned movement of station locomotive containers, and brake car container lines 198 that can be used to indicate the movement and planned movement of brake car containers.

[0107] The station train timetable 180 includes the current line 191, which indicates the current time, and therefore the portions of container lines 192, 194, 196 and 198 located to the left of the current line 191 indicate the past positions of the train containers, and the portions of container lines 192, 194, 196 and 198 located to the right of the current line 191 indicate the planned future positions, and thus indicate the future movements of the train containers.

[0108] It will be understood that, after each vertical line on the station train timetable 180 representing the movement of one or more containers through a fork in the road, the short line portion 193 is used to indicate the direction of travel of the container as it enters the target position.

[0109] Figure 9 The example station train timetable shown illustrates the following container movements and planned container movements:

[0110] During the first time period 200, the train, including the mainline locomotive equipment and trailer equipment, arrives at the mainline 188, and the train approaches the "entry" position from the south. The mainline locomotive container line 194 is positioned north of the trailer container line 192, indicating that the locomotive container is positioned in front of the trailer. Also during the first time period 200, the station yard locomotive container and brake car container move from the "brake car branch line" position to the train at the "entry" position.

[0111] During the second time period 202, the locomotive container and the brake car container arrive at the "entry" position from the south. The brake car container is attached to the train at the "entry" position, with the brake car container positioned south of the trailer container and thus behind it.

[0112] During the third time period 204, and after the brake car container has been moved to the train by the station locomotive container, the station locomotive container moves south back to the "brake car branch line" position. In sequence, the mainline locomotive container, trailer container, and brake car container move north to the "dumping machine" position.

[0113] During the fourth time period 206, the trailer container is unloaded at the "dumper" position. When this occurs, the mainline locomotive container moves south to the "refueling" position, where the locomotive equipment in the locomotive container is refueled.

[0114] During the fifth time period 208, and as the trailer container nears the end of unloading, the station locomotive container moves north to the "unloading machine" position, and the braked container and trailer container are pushed north to the "exit" position.

[0115] During the sixth time period 210, the locomotive container in the station pushed the brake car container and trailer container southward.

[0116] During the seventh time period 212, the locomotive container at the station moved the brake car container southward back to the "brake car branch line" position. In addition, the mainline locomotive container moved northward from the "refueling" position to the "departure" position and reconnected with the trailer container, and the mainline locomotive container and trailer container began to move southward.

[0117] During the eighth time period 214, the mainline locomotive container and trailer container moved south to the mainline and then moved back towards the mine.

[0118] In addition to station train timetable 180, station planners and / or train dispatchers can also access information such as... Figure 10 The train control screen 220 shown provides a visual representation of the track network 222 existing at the port station, as well as an indication of the location of the train equipment 224 at the port station.

[0119] The corresponding position of train equipment on the track network can be determined in any suitable manner. In this example, system 10 includes multiple sensing devices distributed along track network 40 and arranged to sense when a train or container passes by and transmit this information to a suitable train control facility, which includes, for example, a station planner, a train dispatcher, and computing devices arranged to implement track planning system 10. However, any suitable arrangement for determining the position of trains and containers on track network 40 is contemplated. For example, each train and container can be equipped with a GPS device and a suitable communication device arranged to transmit the position information determined by the GPS device to a remote train control facility, and the system uses the sensed position to update the current position of the container on the station train timetable.

[0120] It will be recognized that the train control screen 220 provides a snapshot of the position of trains and equipment at the port yard at a specified time, and thus provides a more detailed graphical representation of the corresponding positions of trains and equipment than the station train time chart 180, which provides a representation of the position of trains in time and space for past and future time periods.

[0121] In this example, the station planner can set and modify the planned (future) train and equipment movements at the port station by interacting with the train timetable application 16, for example by interacting with the station train timetable 180 by dragging lines on the station train timetable with the mouse, and / or by interacting directly with the train timetable application, for example by using a suitable dialog box.

[0122] Specifically, system 10 is configured to enable station planners to plan the movement of each piece of train equipment individually or collectively, thereby generating a station train timetable 180 that sets the planned movements of all equipment arriving at and departing from the port station. The station train timetable 180 and the associated train control screen 220 can then be used by a train dispatcher, for example, using appropriate movement permissions, to implement the movement of equipment.

[0123] Figure 11 Example section 231 of the station train operation diagram 180 is shown.

[0124] Operational diagram section 231 includes the mainline locomotive container track 194 and the brake car container track 198. Locomotive container track 194 and brake car container track 198 include corresponding locking line sections 232 and 234 and corresponding unlocking line sections 236 and 238. Locking line sections 232 and 234 represent equipment movements finalized by the station planner, as the station planner has considered the planned equipment movements for train operations and made the decision that these planned movements should be implemented by the train dispatcher. Unlocking line sections 236 and 238 represent equipment movements conceived by the station planner but not yet finalized by the station planner for implementation by the train dispatcher.

[0125] In this example, the station planner can lock the planned container movement by selecting the location on the station train timetable corresponding to one or more lines and associated containers (e.g., using a mouse). Figure 11 In the example shown, the station planner has selected the location indicated by reference number 240, and therefore, all portions of the mainline locomotive container line 194 and the brake car container line 198 located to the left of the selected location 240 are locked, while all portions of the mainline locomotive container line 194 and the brake car container line 198 located to the right of the selected location 240 remain unlocked. In this example, locking line portions 232 and 234 are shown in bold compared to unlocking line portions 236 and 238.

[0126] In this example, the station train timetable 180 displayed can be configured by the user to change the displayed text, the colors used, the spacing between adjacent position lines 186, etc.

[0127] For example, the following aspects of the station train timetable 180 shown can be configured:

[0128] - x-axis time scale;

[0129] - Y-axis scale and labels for position;

[0130] - Unlock line styles—thickness, color, and pattern;

[0131] - Lock line style - thickness, color, and style;

[0132] - Line text and the position of the line text relative to the line;

[0133] - Segment group colors, for example, so that different branches from a common fork point are displayed with different background colors.

[0134] The configurable aspects of the station train timetable 180 are stored as configuration data 24 in the data storage device 22.

[0135] It will be recognized that by using the station train timetable 180, station planners can set and / or modify the movement plans of train equipment, and ultimately determine the planned movements to be implemented by the train dispatcher by interacting with the station train timetable 180 directly (e.g., using a mouse) and / or indirectly (by activating the appropriate dialog box).

[0136] It will also be recognized that by providing separate lines for each equipment group (brake car, locomotive, or trailer car) on the station train timetable 180 and facilitating the independent management and planning of the movement of each equipment group, the movement of trains and train-related equipment at the port station can be effectively managed and planned.

[0137] Data associated with the information represented in the station train timetable 180 is recorded as container data 26 in the data storage device. Container data 26 includes information indicating the location of equipment in the station, equipment name, whether the equipment is connected to another piece of equipment, and equipment type. User interaction with the station train timetable 180, directly or indirectly, causes the container data 26 to be modified to reflect these changes.

[0138] In this example, device data is stored in one or more databases, which may be based on the SQL protocol or any other suitable database protocol.

[0139] In this example, the database structure is an SQL structure, which includes container allocation database 250 (the example section is in...). Figure 12 (as shown in) and station location table 260 (the example portion of which is in) Figure 13 (As shown in the image).

[0140] In this example, the container allocation database 250 includes: a container equipment type field 252, which can be used to set the type of equipment in the container, in this example, trailer equipment, non-trailer equipment (any equipment other than a trailer), locomotive equipment, or braked equipment; a yard field 254, which can be used to identify the yard where the container is located; a container type ID field 256, which can be used to set a container type identifier for the equipment, each container type identifier being unique for a specific equipment type; and an equipment name field 258, which can be used to specify the name of the equipment in each container or each name.

[0141] The container allocation database 250 is specifically used to assign container type identifiers to each container.

[0142] In this example, the yard location table 260 includes: a container type ID field 262, which includes information from the relevant container type ID field 256 in the container allocation database 250; a container location field 264, which can be used to specify the location of the container at the yard; a yard field 266, which includes information from the relevant yard field 254 in the container allocation database 250; an equipment number field 268, which can be used to specify the equipment number for each container, which indicates the positional order of each piece of equipment at the specified location in the container location field 264; an equipment name field 270, which includes information from the relevant equipment name field 258 in the container allocation database 250; a south connecting trailer field 272, which can be used to indicate whether the equipment is connected to the south; a north connecting trailer field 274, which can be used to indicate whether the equipment is connected to the north; a south equipment name field 276, which can be used to specify the equipment name of the south connecting equipment; a north equipment name field 278, which can be used to specify the equipment name of the north connecting equipment; an equipment type field 280, which includes information from the relevant equipment type field 252 in the container allocation database 250; and an x-axis position offset field. The x-axis offset field (284) can be used to specify the x-axis offset value; and the y-axis position offset field (284) can be used to specify the y-axis position offset value. The x-axis offset value and y-axis offset value are used to take into account the physical offset position associated with different device type graphics and display screens.

[0143] Figure 13The station location table 260 shown represents current information related to containers and associated equipment.

[0144] Similar to Figure 13 The station location table (not shown) of station location table 260 can be used to record future information related to containers and associated equipment.

[0145] In this example, the station planner directly manipulates container lines 192, 194, 196, and 198 on station train timetable 180 and / or uses dialog box 310 (such as...). Figure 15 (As shown) to manage and plan future changes to container data 26 and the station train schedule 180 displayed therefrom, the dialog box 310 is activated, for example, by right-clicking the container line associated with the container data to be changed.

[0146] like Figure 14 As shown, changes to container data 26 are performed using a train timetable application 290, which is selectively implemented by the train timetable application 16 in response to user input.

[0147] In this example, the train timetable application 290 includes:

[0148] Container allocation procedure 292, which can be used to assign terminal locations to containers and specify x-axis and y-axis offset values ​​for each container;

[0149] The container entry procedure 294 can be used to add new containers to the yard, for example, to plan the arrival of train containers at the yard.

[0150] Container location moving procedure 296, which can be used to move a container to a new location and also move any containers connected to it;

[0151] Attachment device procedure 298, which can be used to attach a device to another device / detach a device from another device, thereby updating the South Connecting Trailer field 272 / North Connecting Trailer field 274 and the South Device Name field 276 / North Device Name field 278;

[0152] The equipment moving to another equipment procedure 300 can be used to move individual equipment in a container to another container, such as moving an individual locomotive in a locomotive group to another locomotive group.

[0153] Mobile device program 302, which can be used to move individual devices in a container to different locations;

[0154] Device removal procedure 304, which can be used to remove equipment, for example because the equipment has been retired or is about to undergo maintenance; and

[0155] Update device program 306, which can be used to change the name of the device.

[0156] Figure 15 Example dialog box 310 is shown for locomotive group containers including locomotives 8114, 8147 and 9105, which is activated by the station planner, for example, by right-clicking the mainline locomotive container line 194 and selecting the button on dialog box 310.

[0157] In this example, dialog box 310 includes an attach / detach device button 312 that, when activated, invokes the attach device procedure 298; a move device to another device button 314 that, when activated, invokes the move device to another device procedure 300; a move device button 316 that, when activated, invokes the move device procedure 302; a remove device button 318 that, when activated, invokes the remove device procedure 304; a move connected device button 320 that, when activated, invokes the move container position procedure 296; and an update device button 322 that, when activated, invokes the update device procedure 306.

[0158] Figure 16 An example scenario is shown where a station planner uses station train timetable 180 and associated train timetable application 16 to move a train, including several containers, between location A and location B in the station.

[0159] Figure 16 Train designation 330 includes a train comprising a braked container (CB01) 332, a trailer container (trailer 001 (Tag001)) 334, and locomotive containers 336 (1234, 4567, 8901). The station planner wishes to move the train (including all connected containers) from location A 338 at the port station to location B 340. Prior to the planned move, as indicated by reference numeral 341, train 330 is located at location A 338, and individual braked carsets (CB02) 342 are located at location B 340.

[0160] Using the train timetable application 16, the station planner, for example, activates the dialog box for train 330 by right-clicking one of the lines associated with the connecting container of train 330, invokes the move container position procedure 296, and enters the new position of the connecting container associated with train 330. Therefore, train 330 is moved to a second position 340 on the station train timetable 180.

[0161] Figure 16The diagram also shows a partial representation of the station location table 260 before 350 and after 352 of the movement of train 330. As shown, the container data 26 in the station location table 260 changes to reflect changes in the location of brake container (CB01) 332, trailer container (trailer 001) 334, and locomotive containers 336 (1234, 4567, 8901) in the station. When this field indicates the positional order of equipment at a specific location, the equipment number 268 also changes, such that in this example, the equipment number 268 of the individual brake car (CB02) 342 at location B changes from 1 to 4.

[0162] It should be understood that if this document references any prior art publications, such reference does not constitute an acknowledgment that such publications form part of the general knowledge in the art in Australia or any other country.

[0163] In the appended claims and in the foregoing description of the invention, unless otherwise required by the context of the language or necessary meaning, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” are used in the sense of inclusion, that is, specifying the presence of the said feature but not excluding the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

[0164] Modifications and variations that are obvious to those skilled in the art are considered to be within the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A track planning system for planning the movement of trains, wherein at least some trains comprise multiple containers, each container comprising at least one train device, said system comprising: A data storage device, arranged to store container data indicating the following: The equipment associated with each container, or each piece of equipment; as well as The planned future location of the container; The system is configured to generate data that indicates a train timetable for display, the train timetable comprising separate lines for each container, each line indicating the planned location of the container associated with the line in time and space. as well as The system includes an interface arranged to facilitate a user in modifying the planned location of the container and thereby modifying the line associated with the container on the train timetable.

2. The track planning system according to claim 1, wherein, The interface is configured to allow users to attach the first container to the second container and to easily modify the planned positions of the first and second containers together.

3. The track planning system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The interface is configured to allow a user to separate the first container from the second container, so that the planned positions of the first and second containers can be modified separately.

4. The track planning system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The interface is arranged to allow a user to simultaneously lock or unlock one or more lines on the train timetable, wherein each locked line indicates a container movement that is considered to have been completed, and each unlocked line indicates a container movement that is anticipated but has not yet been completed.

5. The track planning system according to claim 4, wherein, The lines on the train timetable can be locked by a user selecting a position on the line, where the selected position on the line corresponds to a set time, and the system is arranged such that all positions on the line corresponding to a previous time of the set time are also locked.

6. The track planning system according to claim 4, wherein, The locked portion of a line on the train timetable is represented differently from the unlocked portion of the line.

7. The track planning system according to claim 6, wherein, The locked portions of the lines on the train timetable are indicated by bold font or a different color compared to the unlocked portions of the lines.

8. The track planning system according to any one of claims 1-2 and 5-7, wherein, At least one line on the train timetable also indicates the past location of the container.

9. The track planning system according to any one of claims 1-2 and 5-7, wherein, The interface is arranged to facilitate users in modifying the planned position of the container and thereby modifying the lines associated with the container on the train timetable by using a human-machine interface device to facilitate the movement of lines displayed on the train timetable.

10. The track planning system according to any one of claims 1-2 and 5-7, wherein, The interface is arranged to facilitate users in modifying the planned location of the container and thereby using dialog boxes to modify the line associated with the container on the train timetable.

11. The track planning system according to any one of claims 1-2 and 5-7, wherein, The container data includes a device number for each container, which indicates the positional order of the container at a location.

12. The track planning system according to any one of claims 1-2 and 5-7, wherein, The container data includes data indicating the following: Types of equipment in containers; The label for each piece of equipment in the container; Information indicating whether the container is connected to another container at the first end of the container; Information indicating whether the container is connected to another container at the second opposite end of the container; and / or Information indicating the location of the container at the terminal.

13. The track planning system according to any one of claims 1-2 and 5-7, wherein, The train timetable includes a time x-axis and a distance y-axis, where diagonally extending lines represent movement, horizontal lines represent stationary movement, and vertical lines represent movement across bifurcation points.

14. The track planning system according to claim 13, wherein, The train timetable includes the positions on the y-axis corresponding to the "entry" position, "unloading machine" position, "departure" position, "refueling" position, and / or "braking turnout" position.

15. The trajectory planning system according to any one of claims 1-2, 5-7, and 14, wherein, Each device includes: At least one locomotive; Multiple railcars capable of carrying materials; or At least one braked vehicle.

16. The trajectory planning system according to any one of claims 1-2, 5-7, and 14, wherein, The train timetable includes: Lines indicating the planned locations of mainline locomotive containers; Lines indicating the planned locations of railcar containers; Lines indicating the planned locations of locomotives and containers in the station yard; and / or Lines indicating the planned location of the brake vehicle container.

17. The track planning system according to any one of claims 1-2, 5-7, and 14, wherein, The train timetable includes a current line indicating the location of containers at the current time.

18. The track planning system according to any one of claims 1-2, 5-7, and 14, wherein, The train timetable includes a short line section indicating the direction of travel of the container when it is moved to a new location.

19. The trajectory planning system according to any one of claims 1-2, 5-7, and 14, wherein, The system is configured to store configuration data that indicates the display characteristics of the train timetable.

20. The track planning system according to claim 19, wherein, The configuration data includes data indicating the following items: x-axis time scale; y-axis scale; Label for y-axis position; The color of each line; Unlock line style; Lock line style; Line text and the position of the line text relative to the line; and / or The segment group color indicates that each segment comes from a different branch from a common fork location.

21. The track planning system according to claim 19, wherein, At least some of the configuration data can be modified by the user.

22. The trajectory planning system according to any one of claims 1-2, 5-7, 14, and 20-21, wherein, The system includes at least one application programming interface (API) configured to facilitate access by an external computing device to data stored in the data storage device.

23. The trajectory planning system according to any one of claims 1-2, 5-7, 14, and 20-21, wherein, The system includes multiple sensing devices arranged to sense the position of containers, and the system uses the sensed positions to update the current position of the containers on the train timetable.

24. The trajectory planning system according to any one of claims 1-2, 5-7, 14, and 20-21, wherein, The system is configured to display a train control screen that shows a representation of the available container locations and provides a snapshot of the container locations at a selected time.

25. A method for planning the movement of trains, wherein at least some trains comprise multiple containers, each container comprising at least one train piece of equipment, the method comprising: The storage indicates the following container data: The equipment associated with each container, or each piece of equipment; as well as The planned future location of the container; The display includes a train schedule for each container, with each line indicating the planned location of the container associated with that line in time and space. as well as This allows users to modify the planned location of the container using the interface, and thereby modify the line associated with the container on the train timetable.

26. The method of claim 25, further comprising enabling a user to attach a first container to a second container and facilitating the use of the interface to modify the planned positions of the first container and the second container together.

27. The method of claim 25 or claim 26, further comprising enabling a user to use the interface to separate the first container from the second container, such that the planned positions of the first container and the second container can be modified separately.

28. The method of claim 25 or claim 26, comprising enabling a user to simultaneously lock or unlock one or more lines on the train timetable using the interface, wherein each locked line indicates a container movement considered to have been completed, and each unlocked line indicates a container movement anticipated but not yet completed.

29. The method according to claim 28, wherein, The lines on the train timetable can be locked by a user selecting a position on the line, wherein the selected position on the line corresponds to a set time, and the method includes locking all positions on the line that correspond to a previous time of the set time.

30. The method of claim 28, further comprising representing the locked portion of the line on the train timetable differently from the unlocked portion of the line on the train timetable.

31. The method of claim 30, further comprising using bold font or a different color to indicate the locked portion of the line on the train timetable compared to the unlocked portion of the line on the train timetable.

32. The method according to any one of claims 25-26 and 29-31, wherein, At least one line on the train timetable also indicates the past location of the container.

33. The method according to any one of claims 25-26 and 29-31, comprising enabling a user to modify the planned position of the container using the interface and thereby modifying the line associated with the container on the train timetable by facilitating the movement of the line displayed on the train timetable using a human-machine interface device.

34. The method according to any one of claims 25-26 and 29-31, comprising enabling a user to modify the planned location of the container using the interface and thereby using a dialog box to modify the line associated with the container on the train timetable.

35. The method according to any one of claims 25-26 and 29-31, wherein, The container data includes a device number for each container, which indicates the positional order of the container at a location.

36. The method according to any one of claims 25-26 and 29-31, wherein, The container data includes data indicating the following: Types of equipment in containers; The label for each piece of equipment in the container; Information indicating whether the container is connected to another container at the first end of the container; Information indicating whether the container is connected to another container at the second opposite end of the container; and / or Information indicating the location of the container at the terminal.

37. The method according to any one of claims 25-26 and 29-31, wherein, The train timetable includes a time x-axis and a distance y-axis, where diagonally extending lines represent movement, horizontal lines represent stationary movement, and vertical lines represent movement across bifurcation points.

38. The method according to claim 37, wherein, The train timetable includes the positions on the y-axis corresponding to the "entry" position, "unloading machine" position, "departure" position, "refueling" position, and / or "braking turnout" position.

39. The method according to any one of claims 25-26, 29-31 and 38, wherein, Each device includes: At least one locomotive; Multiple railcars capable of carrying materials; or At least one braked vehicle.

40. The method according to any one of claims 25-26, 29-31, and 38, wherein, The train timetable includes: Lines indicating the planned locations of mainline locomotive containers; Lines indicating the planned locations of railcar containers; Lines indicating the planned locations of locomotives and containers in the station yard; and / or Lines indicating the planned location of the brake vehicle container.

41. The method according to any one of claims 25-26, 29-31, and 38, wherein, The train timetable includes a current line indicating the location of containers at the current time.

42. The method according to any one of claims 25-26, 29-31 and 38, wherein, The train timetable includes a short line section indicating the direction of travel of the container when it is moved to a new location.

43. The method according to any one of claims 25-26, 29-31 and 38, comprising storing configuration data indicating display characteristics of the train timetable.

44. The method according to claim 43, wherein, The configuration data includes data indicating the following items: x-axis time scale; y-axis scale; Label for y-axis position; The color of each line; Unlock line style; Lock line style; Line text and the position of the line text relative to the line; and / or The segment group color indicates that each segment comes from a different branch from a common fork location.

45. The method according to claim 43, wherein, At least some of the configuration data can be modified by the user.

46. ​​The method according to any one of claims 25-26, 29-31, 38 and 44-45, comprising enabling an external computing device to access data stored in a data storage device using at least one application programming interface (API).

47. The method according to any one of claims 25-26, 29-31, 38 and 44-45, comprising sensing the position of a container using a plurality of sensing devices, and updating the current position of the container on the train timetable using the sensed position.

48. The method according to any one of claims 25-26, 29-31, 38 and 44-45, comprising displaying a train control screen, the train control screen including a representation of available container locations and providing a snapshot of the container locations at a selected time.

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