System and method for software defined train control

Abstract

Methods for controlling a train and corresponding systems and computer-readable mediums. A method (400) for controlling a train (200) includes executing (402), by a computer system (100), a software-defined train control system (210). The method includes executing (404), by the software-defined train control system (210), a plurality of train control apps (212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, 224), and executing (406) a middleware module (230) that enables communications between the plurality of train control apps (212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, 224) and train hardware and subsystems (290) of the train (200). The method includes controlling (406), using the plurality of train control apps (212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, 224), the train hardware and subsystems (290) of the train (200), thereby controlling the train (200).

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SOFTWARE DEFINED TRAIN CONTROLTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure is directed, in general, to systems and methods for control of transportation systems and is particularly relevant to train control systems.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] Current locomotive and train control systems are heavily dependent on direct human control. While human oversight can be important for safety and other reasons, management of increasingly complex train systems leans more heavily on automation control, from control of the locomotive engine to control of other systems such as lighting, doors and others. In many cases, individual systems are operated using specialpurpose controllers, which inhibits upgrade, replacement, and coordination between systems. Improved systems are desirable.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] Various disclosed embodiments include methods for controlling a train and corresponding systems and computer-readable mediums. A method includes executing, by the computer system, a software-defined train control system, and executing, by the software-defined train control system, a plurality of train control apps. The method includes executing, by the software-defined train control system, a middleware module that enables communications between the plurality of train control apps and train hardware and subsystems of the train. The method includes controlling, by the software- defined train control system and using the plurality of train control apps, the train hardware and subsystems of the train, thereby controlling the train.

[0004] In various embodiments, the middleware module includes a data model configured to share data between the plurality of train control apps and train hardware and subsystems of the train. In various embodiments, the computer system is installed in the train. In various embodiments, the plurality of train control apps includes a diagnostics and alarm app that enables run-time diagnostics and alarming of train functions. In various embodiments, the plurality of train control apps includes an I / O communication app configured to communicate with I / O functions of other hardware or subsystems. In various embodiments, the plurality of train control apps includes a programmable logic controller (PLC) app that simulates a hardware PLC to run custom and various programs to control the train hardware and subsystems. In various embodiments, the plurality of train control apps includes a safety manager app that monitors train firmware and hardware health conditions. In various embodiments, the plurality of train control apps includes a positive train control (PTC) app that controls the train to address at least one of train separation, collision avoidance, line speed enforcement, temporary speed restrictions, or rail worker wayside safety.

[0005] Other embodiments include a data processing system including a processor and an accessible memory, particularly configured to perform processes as described herein, and non-transitory computer-readable media encoded with executable instructions that, when executed, cause one or more data processing systems to perform processes as described herein.

[0006] The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure so that those skilled in the art may better understand the detailed description that follows. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter that form the subject of the claims. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that they may readily use the conception and the specific embodiment disclosed as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will also realize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosure in its broadest form.

[0007] Before undertaking the DETAILED DESCRIPTION below, it may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words or phrases used throughout this patent document: the terms “include” and “comprise,” as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation; the term “or” is inclusive, meaning and / or; the phrases “associated with” and “associated therewith,” as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, or the like; and the term “controller” means any device, system or part thereof that controls at least one operation, whether such a device is implemented in hardware, firmware, software or some combination of at least two of the same. It should be noted that the functionality associated with any particular controller may be centralized or distributed, whether locally or remotely. Definitions for certain words and phrases are provided throughout this patent document, and those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that such definitions apply in many, if not most, instances to prior as well as future uses of such defined words and phrases. While some terms may include a wide variety of embodiments, the appended claims may expressly limit these terms to specific embodiments.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like numbers designate like objects, and in which:

[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a data processing system in which an embodiment can be implemented;

[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of an architecture of a software-defined train control system in accordance with disclosed embodiments;

[0011] FIG. 3 illustrates a safety manager app of a train control system executing on one or more computer systems on a train, in accordance with disclosed embodiments; and

[0012] FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of a process in accordance with disclosed embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] FIGURES 1 through 4, discussed below, and the various embodiments used to describe the principles of the present disclosure in this patent document are by way of illustration only and should not be construed in any way to limit the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented in any suitably arranged device. The numerous innovative teachings of the present application will be described with reference to exemplary non-limiting embodiments.

[0014] Historically, to the extent any train control systems were automated at all, they have been implemented using independent, application-specific controllers, whether they were programmable logic controllers (PLC) or programmable automation controllers (PAC) depending on the area and application. These devices have performed adequately over the years but are generally incapable of interacting with other systems so that the train can be controlled holistically. Further, these specific controllers are difficult to replace or upgrade, and require that specific, dedicated control systems and interfaces be used to interact with the relevant subsystems. Current train control systems rely on function-specific hardware as controllers, human-machine interface (HMI) devices, and communication devices.

[0015] Note that, as used herein and unless the context requires otherwise, “train” refers to any train system, including the locomotive and the various cars, whether electric, diesel, or otherwise, and whether short-range, long-range, high-speed, or otherwise. The term train is intended to be inclusive of various types, whether driven by a single or multiple locomotive engines, driven by individually-propelled cars, travelling on two rails, on a monorail, or otherwise. The techniques described herein can be applied to other vehicles, including but not limited to controlled-path vehicles such as trolleys.

[0016] As advances in automation technology continue to accelerate, software-defined control (SDC) offers a unique set of opportunities covering a wide range of application areas and can be particularly useful in train control as described herein. With SDC the control and management of the infrastructure are abstracted and consolidated intosoftware-based controllers and these controllers provide a centralized view and control over the entire infrastructure, enabling administrators to define and enforce policies, automate provisioning and configuration tasks, and optimize resource utilization. Software-defined control enables automation technologies in next generation train control system applications using the systems and methods described herein.

[0017] Disclosed embodiments include software-define train control systems that meet very stringent requirements including both core operational requirements and core functional safety requirements. Certain software-based control features are extended to fulfill the requirements of the train control systems.

[0018] Disclosed embodiments include a software-defined control system and method for control of train systems. Various embodiments include control software modules (“Apps”) for a range of subsystem control functions, such as positive train control (PTC), motion control, safety, I / O communication, HMI, measurement, condition monitoring, and others. The different Apps managing specific control functions can communicate with each other through the data-centric middleware module infrastructure. These apps leverage software-defined control principles to enable centralized administration and configuration of above-mentioned hardware, networks, or other components. Disclosed embodiments provide the technical advantage of an adaptable control system that provides integrated control of the train systems and subsystems, is readily updatable, and is compatible with a wide variety of hardware and legacy subsystems.

[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a data processing system 100 (which may be referred to as computer system 100) in which an embodiment can be implemented, for example as a computer system particularly configured by software or otherwise to perform the processes as described herein, and in particular as each one of a plurality of interconnected and communicating systems as described herein. The data processing system depicted includes a processor 102 connected to a level two cache / bridge 104, which is connected in turn to a local system bus 106. Local system bus 106 may be, for example, a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) architecture bus. Also connected tolocal system bus in the depicted example are a main memory 108 and a graphics adapter 110. The graphics adapter 110 may be connected to display 111.

[0020] Other peripherals, such as local area network (LAN) / Wide Area Network / Wireless (e.g. WiFi) adapter 112, may also be connected to local system bus 106. Expansion bus interface 114 connects local system bus 106 to input / output (I / O) bus 116. I / O bus 116 is connected to keyboard / mouse adapter 118, disk controller 120, and I / O adapter 122. Disk controller 120 can be connected to a storage 126, which can be any suitable machine usable or machine readable storage medium, including but not limited to nonvolatile, hard-coded type mediums such as read only memories (ROMs) or erasable, electrically programmable read only memories (EEPROMs), magnetic tape storage, and user-recordable type mediums such as floppy disks, hard disk drives and compact disk read only memories (CD-ROMs) or digital versatile disks (DVDs), and other known optical, electrical, or magnetic storage devices.

[0021] Also connected to I / O bus 116 in the example shown is audio adapter 124, to which speakers (not shown) may be connected for playing sounds. Keyboard / mouse adapter 118 provides a connection for a pointing device (not shown), such as a mouse, trackball, trackpointer, touchscreen, etc.

[0022] Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the hardware depicted in FIG. 1 may vary for particular implementations. For example, other peripheral devices, such as an optical disk drive and the like, also may be used in addition or in place of the hardware depicted. The depicted example is provided for the purpose of explanation only and is not meant to imply architectural limitations with respect to the present disclosure.

[0023] A data processing system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure includes an operating system employing a graphical user interface. The operating system permits multiple display windows to be presented in the graphical user interface simultaneously, with each display window providing an interface to a different application or to a different instance of the same application. A cursor in the graphical user interface may be manipulated by a user through the pointing device. The position ofthe cursor may be changed and / or an event, such as clicking a mouse button, generated to actuate a desired response.

[0024] One of various commercial operating systems, such as a version of Microsoft Windows™, a product of Microsoft Corporation located in Redmond, Wash, may be employed if suitably modified. The operating system is modified or created in accordance with the present disclosure as described.

[0025] LAN / WAN / Wireless adapter 112 can be connected to a network 130 (not a part of data processing system 100), which can be any public or private data processing system network or combination of networks, as known to those of skill in the art, including the Internet. Data processing system 100 can communicate over network 130 with server system 140, which is also not part of data processing system 100, but can be implemented, for example, as a separate data processing system 100.

[0026] The data processing system example of FIG. 1 is only one example of suitable data processing systems and networks that are appropriate for implementing systems and methods as described herein. In particular, various embodiments can be implemented in a variety of general-purpose or special-purpose data processing systems, including but not limited to mobile and laptop computers, mobile devices such as mobile phones and tablets, dedicated train-control systems using any combination of known computer technologies, or other suitable systems configured to perform processes as described herein.

[0027] The software defined control system as disclosed herein provides the additional technical advantage of superior scalability by enabling integrated train control while being hardware independent. This offers engineers a clear and efficient migration path as machine and plant designs change over time.

[0028] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of an architecture of a software-defined train control system 210 in accordance with disclosed embodiments. In this non-limiting example, computer system 100 is installed on a train 200 to control the train hardware and subsystems 290. Computer system 100 can represent one or more physical dataprocessing system devices as described herein. Computer system 100 implements and executes the train control system 210. Middleware module 230 provides communication between the different software apps described below and between the train control system 210 (and its apps) and the train hardware and subsystems 290.

[0029] Train hardware and subsystems 290 can include, in various embodiments, such subsystems as heating and air conditioning systems, the engine / propulsion systems, navigation and remote control and monitoring systems, braking systems, lighting control systems, door control systems, window control systems, safety systems, communication systems, etc., as well as discrete hardware elements such as sensors, actuators, motors, and other devices.

[0030] While this particular example of FIG. 2 shows the computer system 100 as installed on train 200, other embodiments include those in which computer system 100 is independent of train 200, but is connected, wired or wirelessly, to communicate with train 200 to perform the functions and processes described herein.

[0031] Train control system 210 comprises a plurality of train control apps 212 / 214 / 216 / 218 / 220 / 222 / 224 as described below. Specific apps controlling specific control functionalities can share data with each other through a data model 232 used by the data-centric middleware module 230. These hardware independent train control apps 212 / 214 / 216 / 218 / 220 / 222 / 224 can work collectively and fulfill all the control and safety requirements needed by train control system 210 by sharing data with each other through the unified data model 232 provided by the middleware module 230. Data model 232 can include, for example, Internet of Things (loT) data centric protocols.

[0032] The software apps can include a programmable logic controller (PLC) app 212 that simulates a hardware PLC to control the train hardware and subsystems and enables industry standard automation and engineering tools.

[0033] A PLC app 212 can be particularly useful for facilitating re-use of code. Reusing codes valuable for efficiency and compatibility and is something that control engineers consider when selecting a new control platform. Industry standard automation andengineering tools like function blocks in IEC-61131-3 programming languages and STEP7 platform are already available in application-specific libraries. Reusing standard code facilitates a much shorter time to market and more flexible designs for system integrators, and end users.

[0034] The software apps can include an input / output (I / O) communication app 214 to communicate with I / O functions of other hardware or subsystems. For example, I / O communication app 214 can use embedded Industrial Ethernet protocol, e.g., Proficient or EtherCAT.

[0035] An I / O communication app 214 can enable connectivity with little or no additional hardware because Internet and Ethernet connectivity has been built into software-defined control. For example, this app enables the PLC app 212 to communicate with the train hardware and subsystems 290 so that the train control system 210 can fulfill core control functionalities.

[0036] The software apps can include a diagnostics and alarm app 216 to enable run-time diagnostics and alarming of train functions. The software apps can include a safety manager app 218 to fulfill stringent safety requirements through hardware and firmware health condition monitoring. The software apps can include a user interface (UI) app 220 to enable HMI functionality. The software apps can include a web services app 222 to enable web services for remote access and information sharing. The software apps can include a positive train control (PTC) app 224 to enable PTC requirements.

[0037] A diagnostics and alarm app 216 can, among other things, perform run-time alarm management based on diagnostics data obtained during the execution of the train control system 210. Diagnostic alarms can be created to indicate the functional state of the runtime status of each app and the entire control system.

[0038] A safety manager app 218 can address safety requirements. All firmware and hardware health conditions can be monitored and increased system availability can be achieved through redundant controller design. The safety manager app 218 can provides all safety-related functionalities to ensure the smooth execution of train control system210 and can fall back to fail-safe state when any software or hardware failure is detected. For example, safety manager app 218 can monitor the system health conditions by enforcing alive-telegrams exchange for each software component to indicate alive state, monitoring hardware voltages, temperatures, etc., implementing a fail-safe state in case of hardware and firmware run-time errors occur, and otherwise.

[0039] By way of example, FIG. 3 illustrates safety manager app 218 of train control system 210 executing on computer system(s) 100 on train 200, in accordance with disclosed embodiments. In this example, safety manager app 218 executes firmware runtime monitor 302 and hardware monitor 304, which communicate through middleware module 230 to monitor train hardware and subsystems 290. Should safety manager app 218 detect a safety or operational issue that requires shutdown of some train subsystem or hardware, including the engine, safety manager app 218 can exercise failsafe trigger 306, which will communicate via through middleware module 230 with train hardware and subsystems 290 to shut down the appropriate trigger (or take other necessary action).

[0040] Returning to FIG. 2, UI app 220 can implement HMI features, and the HMI integration into an all-in-one app allows the system to aggregate and display data including run-time diagnostics and alarms required by the train operator. UI app 220 can communicate with other apps, e.g., diagnostics and alarm app 216 through the data centric middle ware.

[0041] Web services app 222 enables remote access to display system information and run-time status data, and remote operations such as updating firmware and diagnostic data downloading, etc.

[0042] PTC app 224 helps in preventing accidents caused by train operators or dispatcher errors. For example, PTC app 224 can control the train 200 to address train separation or collision avoidance, line speed enforcement, temporary speed restrictions, and rail worker wayside safety.

[0043] Middleware module 230 can enable and manage all necessary data communications, including coordinating the execution sequences, maintaining a datamodel for all the functionalities, and controlling timing to fulfill control requirements. In addition to enabling communications between train control system 210 and train hardware and subsystems 290, middleware module 230 can manage communications between train control system 210 and other hardware and software elements of computer system 100. For example, middleware module 230 can enable train control system 210 to communicate using LAN / WAN / WiFi Adapter 112 of computer system 100.

[0044] In addition, with software defined control, the control engineering environment for train control systems can be built into common tool chains, e.g. Microsoft Visual Studio, Eclipse, and etc., making the software apps very familiar to the majority of programmers and allowing for programming work of different apps to be shared among engineers from various disciplines, such as traditional PLC programmers, computer science engineers, and information technology (IT) personals. In this way, the various apps can be updated, replaced, or supplemented at less expense and without requiring hardware replacements.

[0045] Conversely, as an operation grows and process needs rise, this software defined control-based train control system easily can be upgraded to a more powerful hardware module that uses the same software platform. This exchange typically means a simple exchange of a data storage device from the old hardware with the new controller hardware and a system restart. Little or no programming is required (unless new functions are added), providing a significant benefit of a software-based train control system as disclosed herein.

[0046] FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of a process 400 in accordance with disclosed embodiments that may be performed, for example, by a computer system as disclosed herein to control a train as described herein.

[0047] At 402, the computer system executes a software-defined train control system 210. As described herein, the computer system is connected to communicate with and control the train hardware and subsystems of the train, and may be installed in or on the train. The computer system can be implemented by one or more data processing systems collectively configured to perform processes as described herein.

[0048] At 404, the software-defined train control system executes a plurality of train control apps. The train control apps can include any of the apps described herein.

[0049] At 406, the software-defined train control system executes a middleware module that enables communications between individual ones of the plurality of train control apps and the train hardware and subsystems. The middleware module can also enable communications among individual ones of the plurality of train control apps. The middleware module can include a data model configured to share data between the plurality of train control apps and train hardware and subsystems of the train.

[0050] At 408, the software-defined train control system, using the plurality of train control apps, controls the operations of the train hardware and subsystems, thereby controlling the train. Controlling the operations of the train hardware and subsystems can be performed via the middleware module.

[0051] Of course, those of skill in the art will recognize that, unless specifically indicated or required by the sequence of operations, certain steps in the processes described above may be omitted, performed concurrently or sequentially, or performed in a different order.

[0052] Those skilled in the art will recognize that, for simplicity and clarity, the full structure and operation of all data processing systems suitable for use with the present disclosure is not being depicted or described herein. Instead, only so much of a data processing system as is unique to the present disclosure or necessary for an understanding of the present disclosure is depicted and described. The remainder of the construction and operation of data processing system 100 may conform to any of the various current implementations and practices known in the art.

[0053] It is important to note that while the disclosure includes a description in the context of a fully functional system, those skilled in the art will appreciate that at least portions of the mechanism of the present disclosure are capable of being distributed in the form of instructions contained within a machine-usable, computer-usable, or computer- readable medium in any of a variety of forms, and that the present disclosure appliesequally regardless of the particular type of instruction or signal bearing medium or storage medium utilized to actually carry out the distribution. Examples of machine usable / readable or computer usable / readable mediums include: nonvolatile, hard-coded type mediums such as read only memories (ROMs) or erasable, electrically programmable read only memories (EEPROMs), and user-recordable type mediums such as floppy disks, hard disk drives and compact disk read only memories (CD-ROMs) or digital versatile disks (DVDs).

[0054] Although an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure has been described in detail, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, substitutions, variations, and improvements disclosed herein may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure in its broadest form. The various features and operations described herein can be combined in any number of different ways within the scope of this disclosure.

[0055] None of the description in the present application should be read as implying that any particular element, step, or function is an essential element which must be included in the claim scope: the scope of patented subject matter is defined only by the allowed claims. Moreover, none of these claims are intended to invoke 35 USC §112(f) unless the exact words "means for" are followed by a participle. The use of terms such as (but not limited to) “mechanism,” “module,” “device,” “unit,” “component,” “element,” “member,” “apparatus,” “machine,” “system,” “processor,” or “controller,” within a claim is understood and intended to refer to structures known to those skilled in the relevant art, as further modified or enhanced by the features of the claims themselves, and is not intended to invoke 35 U.S.C. §112(f).

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A method (400) for controlling a train (200), the method (400) performed by a computer system (100) and comprising: executing (402), by the computer system (100), a software-defined train control system (210); executing (404), by the software-defined train control system (210), a plurality of train control apps (212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, 224); executing (406), by the software-defined train control system (210), a middleware module (230) that enables communications between the plurality of train control apps (212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, 224) and train hardware and subsystems (290) of the train (200), and controlling (406), by the software-defined train control system (210) and using the plurality of train control apps (212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, 224), the train hardware and subsystems (290) of the train (200), thereby controlling the train (200).

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the middleware module includes a data model configured to share data between the plurality of train control apps (212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, 224) and train hardware and subsystems (290) of the train (200).

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the computer system (100) is installed in the train (200).

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the middleware module (230) includes a data model (232) configured to share data among the plurality of train control apps (212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, 224).

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of train control apps (212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, 224) includes an I / O communication app (214) configured to communicate with I / O functions of other hardware or subsystems.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of train control apps (212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, 224) includes a programmable logic controller (PLC) app (212) that simulates a hardware PLC to control the train hardware and subsystems (290).

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of train control apps (212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, 224) includes a diagnostics and alarm app (216) that enables runtime diagnostics and alarming of train functions.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of train control apps (212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, 224) includes a safety manager app (218) that monitors train firmware and hardware health conditions.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of train control apps (212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, 224) includes a positive train control (PTC) app (224) that controls the train (200) to address at least one of train separation, collision avoidance, line speed enforcement, temporary speed restrictions, or rail worker wayside safety.

10. A data processing system (100) comprising a processor and an accessible memory, the data processing system (100) particularly configured to perform a method (400) as in any of claims 1 -9.

11. A non-transitory computer-readable medium (126) encoded with executable instructions that, when executed, cause one or more data processing systems (100) to perform a method (400) as in any of claims 1 -9.

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