Systems and methods for train tracking including dispatch system with integrated generation of authorities and forms

Abstract

A method for managing trains, the method including, through operation of a processor in a train tracking and dispatch system configured via computer executable instructions included in a memory, generating on a display a graphical representation of a track network with track lines and multiple vehicles, receiving an input comprising a selection of a route option from displayed route options, identifying one or more authorities and / or forms based on a selected route option, and automatically compiling and displaying identified authorities and / or forms.

Description

[0001] SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TRAIN TRACKING INCLUDING DISPATCH SYSTEM WITH INTEGRATED GENERATION OF AUTHORITIES AND FORMS

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] Aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to the field of railway technology and traffic management, such as controlling, guiding and ensuring safety of traffic. More specifically, aspects relate to systems and methods for train tracking and train management including a dispatch system with integrated generation of authorities and forms. Traffic management and related systems and methods as used herein can be applied to systems and networks for vehicles, such as to trains, buses, airplanes, taxis etc.

[0004] Background Art

[0005] Traffic control and management systems are used to govern operation of traffic and associated traffic control equipment, such as traffic signals with signal plans. In an example of railway applications including trains, dispatchers plan and control train routes using a dispatch system. The dispatch system provides a means to monitor and track trains, control switches and signals to clear routes for trains, as well as issuing authorities for areas of track that are not controlled by signals. Objectives of a dispatcher include maximizing safe train throughput based on a given schedule, keeping on-track workers safe and handling exceptions safely and in a timely manner.

[0006] Movement authorities, herein also referred to as simply authorities, are required for a train or field worker to operate on controlled / main tracks. In signal territory, to route a train, a planned route is defined by setting individual signals and switches. This takes significant time and is error prone. If there are signal or switch failures, emergency situations, or no signal to enter the main track, an authority can be issued to the train. Such an authority can be for example a form-based authority, which is a written or electronic form granting permission for train movements. In dark territory (track sections without signals and track circuits), or track warrant control, movement authorities are written form-based authorities to authorize a train between stations, mile posts, or other identifiable assets along the track. As of today, generating authorities is a manual process, usually selecting assets on the track line display to request signals, or select authority limits. Further, only individual authorities / forms can be generated for a selected track segment. Both tasks, setting a route and requesting an authority are safety critical functions that are time-consuming and error prone. It can lead to unplanned train delays and loss of revenue for railroads.

[0007] Summary

[0008] Methods and systems for train tracking and dispatching are described herein. A first aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for managing trains, the method comprising, through operation of at least one processor in a train tracking and dispatch system configured via computer executable instructions included in at least one memory, generating on a display a graphical representation of a track network with track lines and multiple vehicles, receiving an input comprising a selection of a route option from displayed route options, identifying one or more authorities and / or forms based on a selected route option, and automatically compiling and displaying identified authorities and / or forms.

[0009] A second aspect of the present disclosure provides a train management system comprising at least one memory and at least one processor, and a train management module configured, via the at least one processor and the at least one memory, to generate on a display a graphical representation of a track network with track lines and multiple vehicles, receive an input comprising a selection of a route option from the displayed route options, and identify one or more authorities and / or forms based on a selected route option, and automatically compile and display identified authorities and / or forms.

[0010] A third aspect of the present disclosure provides a non-transitory computer readable medium that stores computer executable instructions, which, when executed by a computer, perform a method for train management as described herein. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic of trains in a train network in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic of train operations in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates a flow chart for a method for managing trains in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 illustrate screenshots of a display of a user interface device in connection with an automated generation of authorities or forms in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of a train management system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 7 illustrates a diagram of a train management and control system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Detailed Description

[0018] To facilitate an understanding of embodiments, principles, and features of the present disclosure, they are explained hereinafter with reference to implementation in illustrative embodiments. In particular, they are described in the context of systems and methods for traffic management, for example in connection with train control and dispatch systems.

[0019] The components and materials described hereinafter as making up the various embodiments are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many suitable components and materials that would perform the same or a similar function as the materials described herein are intended to be embraced within the scope of embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic of trains in a train network in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] The following embodiments and examples are described in connection with freight trains. However, it should be noted that the described systems and methods may be applicable to other types of railway vehicles, such as passenger trains, work trains, etc. Examples of trains include streetcars, light rail vehicles, automatic (airport) shuttles, metros, commuter trains, EMU (Electric Multiple Units), DMUs (Diesel Multiple Units), and high-speed trains etc.

[0021] With reference to FIG. 1 , trains 104 and 108 travel within a train network, wherein only a section 112 of the train network is shown. The train network section 112 is a small part of a much larger train network comprising many train tracks and railway components. The train 104 travels on track 116 and train 108 travels on track 120.

[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates a meet-pass scenario which includes a designated location on a single-track line (track 120) where two trains traveling in opposite directions can pass each other. This is essential for efficient train operations on single-track lines, where only one train can occupy a section of track at a time. In this example, the trains 104 and 108 travel in opposite directions, as shown by arrows 124, 126. The train 108 is on the main track 120, and train 104 is in a siding, which is the parallel track 116, where train 104 can wait while the train 108 passes.

[0023] Further, railway signals 128 and 132 are illustrated and displayed. The railroad industry employs wayside signals to inform train operators, and wayside maintainers, of various types of operational parameters. For example, colored wayside signal lights, such as signals 128 and 132, are often used to inform a train operator as to whether and how a train may enter a block of track associated with the wayside signal light. The lights (e. g., bulbs, LEDs) are called aspect, and the information conveyed by the signals (colored lights) are referred to as indications. One simple example is a three-color system known in the industry as Automatic Block Signaling (ABS), in which a red signal indicates that the block associated with the signal is occupied, a yellow signal indicates that the block associated with the signal is not occupied but the next block is occupied, and green indicates that both the block associated with the signal and the next block are unoccupied. The train network can be visualized and displayed as a track map, for example on a screen or display coupled to a dispatch system. Of course, the train network is depicted in a schematic and simplified and / or abstract manner. Thus, symbols for the trains 104, 108 in route are shown to indicate the trains’ locations. A variation of a dispatch system will be described in more detail below, for example in connection with FIG. 2. In short, dispatch systems are used for train tracking, more specifically for overseeing and controlling routing of the trains 104, 108.

[0024] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic of train operations in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] In general, train operations, such as freight train operations 200, require route planning and execution 204. Dispatch systems, such as dispatch system 208, are part of the route planning and execution. Train tracking 212, i.e., knowing where the trains are, is a key part of the dispatch system 208. Train operations 200 including route planning and execution 204, dispatch system 208 and train tracking 212 include manual and automated steps and processes.

[0026] In an example, the dispatch system 208 is a computer aided dispatch system, herein also referred to as CAD system 208. Typically, the CAD system 208 is operably coupled to a back-office server system (not illustrated), herein also referred to as BOS system, which is a storehouse for speed restrictions, track geometry and wayside signaling configuration databases. The CAD system 208 can be integrated in the BOS system. The CAD system 208 is configured to display and dispatch information, data and messages to other components or sub-systems, such as the BOS system. The CAD system 208 comprises a human-machine-interface (HMI), e.g., computer and display, and can be configured to display information, such as information / data collected by different components or equipment, for example on-board units of trains, wayside interface units, etc. Further, the CAD system 208 is configured such that information / data or commands can be entered manually by an operator, for further processing by the CAD system 208 and / or the BOS system.

[0027] FIG. 3 illustrates a flow chart for a method 300 for managing trains in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As described, signal routes and movement authorities are manual, separate and individual, not integrated functions. More specifically, generating authorities is a manual process, usually selecting assets on the track line display to request signals, or select authority limits. These tasks, setting a route and requesting an authority are safety critical functions that are time-consuming and error prone. It can lead to unplanned train delays and loss of revenue for railroads.

[0028] While the method 300 is described as a series of acts that are performed in a sequence, it is to be understood that the method 300 may not be limited by the order of the sequence. For instance, unless stated otherwise, some acts may occur in a different order than what is described herein. In addition, in some cases, an act may occur concurrently with another act. Furthermore, in some instances, not all acts may be required to implement a methodology described herein. The method 300 is performed by a traffic management system as described herein, for example a traffic management system 600 described with reference to FIG. 6.

[0029] The computer implemented method 300 comprises multiple phases and acts or steps within each phase. The following is described in connection with a train management and dispatch method and system. However, it should be noted that the methods and systems are not limited to train management but can also be applied to bus management, airplane management, taxi management etc.

[0030] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the method 300 for managing trains includes features of automatically generating authorities from target train positions (using for example authority markers), displaying authorities and related forms, enabling a dispatcher / user to validate the forms, enabling a dispatcher / user to approve and submit the authorities, updating a status of the authorities, generating stacked routes after signal authority has been granted, displaying live updates of signal routes, stacked routes, and form-based authorities, and changing signal routes or written authorities by modifying the position of the authority markers after authority has been granted. An example for selecting a route includes an authority marker. As used herein, an authority marker is a graphical device that is placed on the track line display to show start and end limits of a planned authority. New route options can be created, for example using authority marker(s) for each train. Live train position, track and switch information is displayed for the selected route option and specific assets are controlled and track blocking is applied. It is noted that other devices or methods may be used for route selection within a train management and dispatch system.

[0031] Phase 1

[0032] A track network includes multiple track lines, subdivisions etc. as well as trains (or other vehicles) moving within the network. The track network is illustrated via a display (computer screen, HMI), for example in a train management and dispatch system, to a dispatcher or operator / user. Available route options are also displayed to the dispatcher, wherein route option(s) for one or more trains may be created by the dispatcher or may be automatically created by the system.

[0033] For phase 1 , the method 300 comprises receiving an input comprising a selection of a route option for selected train(s), within the track network. The input can be a dispatcher (user) input or can be a system input. A dispatcher / user input comprises at least some manual input or selection by the dispatcher or user, whereas a system input is an automatic input provided by the system. For example, a system input may be provided by an internal or external software tool operably connected to the system performing the method 300, such as the external system known as Meet- Pass Planner (MPP). More specifically, inputs 312 include:

[0034] Dispatcher / user input or system input: selection of route option for selected train(s);

[0035] System inputs: timetable(s) for the selected route option; train positions, switch positions, train characteristics, track characteristics for a current track line status, provided for example by sensors and sensor data.

[0036] In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, act 310 includes phase 1 which comprises identifying needed authorities for a selected route option. Needed authorities for a selected route option can contain multiple or single manual authorities as of today. Based on current train status and a planned train status, phase 1 identifies or determines needed signals or form-based authorities. Outputs 314 of phase 1 include identification of necessary movement authorities, such as signals and switches (for signal territory) and / or movement authorities (formbased).

[0037] Phase 2

[0038] In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, act 320 includes phase 2 which comprises compiling new and / or changed authorities and forms. The output 314 of phase 1 is input to phase 2, and output 324 includes new and / or changed authorities and forms. More specifically, in phase 2, needed signals and switches (for signal territory) and / or movement authorities (form-based) are compiled or created electronically and automatically.

[0039] Phase 3

[0040] In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, act 330 includes phase 3 which comprises displaying the compiled authorities and forms, via the train dispatch and management system, to the dispatcher / user. The compiled authorities and forms are displayed on the user interface, with status. Signal indication and forms updates will be displayed on the track line display. Further, at this point, the dispatcher / user has an option to decide, based on the displayed generated authorities / forms, that certain authorities / forms are selected, granted and issued automatically in the future by the system. For example, the system generates and compiles a certain authority including action x. Upon confirmation by the dispatcher / user, this authority including action x will be granted and issued, and thus executed, in the future automatically by the system (see also input 332).

[0041] The output 324 of phase 2 is input into phase 3, including the compiled needed signals and switches (for signal territory) and / or movement authorities (form-based). Another input 332 includes a response for approved authorities and forms, which is provided / sent by the train network, e. g. participants of the train network, such as train crews, or other equipment. Outputs 334 of phase 3 include track lines with updated signals and forms, displayed updated authorities and forms, with their current status (an example is depicted in Error! Reference source not found, and in Error! Reference source not found.).

[0042] Phase 4

[0043] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, act 340 includes phase 4 which comprises processing approved and submitted authorities and forms, that are approved by the dispatcher / user of the system or that have been automatically approved or granted and issued by the system.

[0044] Inputs for phase 4 include outputs 334 of phase 3, which are track lines with updated signals and forms and displayed updated authorities and forms, with their status. Another input 342 comprises a dispatcher’s (user’s) input or system input (based on automatically granted authorities / forms) including selected and approved authorities and forms. Per authority, the dispatcher reviews the form and validates its correctness. The dispatcher may perform this task for multiple authorities. The dispatcher can select one or multiple validated authorities, approve and submit them for delivery. Output 344 includes approved and validated authorities and / or forms.

[0045] Phase 5

[0046] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, action 350 includes phase 5 which comprises updating the train network. The updated train network is then input to phase 1 and phase 3. As described earlier with reference to FIG. 1 , the train network can be visualized and displayed as a track map, for example on a screen or display coupled to a dispatch system.

[0047] FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 illustrate screenshots of a display of a user interface device in connection with an automated generation of authorities and / or forms in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0048] FIG. 4 illustrates a first screenshot 410 of a display 400 of a user interface device, also referred to as graphical user interface (GUI) provided by a dispatch and train management system in connection with an automated generation of route options utilizing a control grid 420. A control grid as used herein is a type of visualization or representation of a track network including subdivisions and sections of track lines. It is used in train management systems, e. g. dispatch system, to display and manage train routes, sidings, stations, etc. For example, the control grid 420 helps in identifying tracks that are not usable or recommended for selected trains in certain scenarios.

[0049] Specifically, the control grid 420 shows identification of a subdivision named “Andrews”, with “Andrews: Option 1” (430-1) and “Andrews: Option 2” (430-2). The subdivision can be selected via user input in section 440 named “Trains”. In section 440, subdivision or track lines as well as associated trains can be selected. In our example, subdivision “Andrews” and trains Q102 (southbound) and Q205 (northbound) are selected. Other sections comprise section 450 “Summaries” and section 460 “IM”.

[0050] Control grid 420 shows subdivision 430-1 (“Andrews: Option 1”) including track line 432 and sidings 434. Further, the stations along the line 432, such as “Fletcher”, “McColl Connection”, “Clio” etc., and trains Q102 and Q205 are represented. Some sidings are excluded due to the characteristics of the selected trains. Further, FIG. 4 illustrates that the estimated meet point 436 of trains Q102 and Q205 has been calculated and is displayed. Track line, sidings, estimated meet point etc. are also provided for 430-2, i. e., “Andrews: Option 2”).

[0051] Screenshot 410 illustrates that the system has generated route options, which are option 1 and option 2 for subdivision “Andrews”. An objective here is to find the most optimal route, based on for example selected KPIs, for the trains Q102 and Q205 to meet each other. For our example, “Andrews: Option 1” proposes that the trains meet each other at station “Mullins”. Further, “Andrews: Option 2” is displayed and proposes that the trains meet each other at station “Clio”. The dispatcher or user now can select one of the options for a train route. Further, the dispatcher may add another option, via “Add option”, in case there is another option that has not been presented.

[0052] Screenshot 410 further illustrates section 470 “Authorities”. Via field / input “Generate authority” 472, the authorities and forms are generated and displayed on the right-hand side, section 470. In this example, authorities for option 2 are being requested. The authorities and forms have been generated, but not validated. The system has created three (3) authorities, relating for example to trains Q205 and Q102.

[0053] FIG. 5 illustrates a second screenshot 510 of a display 500 of a user interface device, also referred to as GUI provided by a dispatch and train management system in connection with an automated generation of route options utilizing a control grid 520. Screenshot 510, specifically section 570, illustrates two authorities (see reference numeral 576) that have been submitted and approved, see notification 574, via user input by the dispatcher / user.

[0054] Via the described method 300, the dispatch methods of operation, e. g. phases 1-5, are integrated Inputs are processed to automatically generate authorities and / or forms. After submission, status of the processed authorities and / or forms are automatically displayed on the graphical user interface.

[0055] FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of a train management system 600 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the traffic management system 600 is configured to execute or perform for example the method 300 for managing trains as described with reference to FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B, FIG. 4 and FIG. 5.

[0056] The traffic management system 600 comprises a train management module 610 including a train management method or algorithm, that is configured, via processor 620 and memory 630, to receive input data 650 and generate an output with output data 660.

[0057] The system 600, more specifically the train management module 610 is configured to generate on a display a graphical representation of a track network with track lines and multiple vehicles, receive a user input comprising a selection of a route option from displayed route options, identify one or more authorities and / or forms based on a selected route option, and automatically compile and display identified authorities and / or forms.

[0058] The module 610 may be embodied as software or a combination of software and hardware. The module 610 may be a separate module or may be an existing module programmed to perform a method 300 as described herein. For example, the module 610 may be incorporated, for example programmed, into a dispatch and train management / control system, by means of software. In another example, the module 610 may be a firmware plugin into an existing system.

[0059] The system 600 further comprises a user interface 670 with display. For example, control grid, subdivisions and track lines of a train network, generated route options, list of KPIs, generated authorities and forms and other outputs as described with reference to the method 300 are displayed. Examples are the screenshots 410 and 510 illustrated in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5.

[0060] FIG. 7 illustrates a diagram of a train management and control system 700 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In an example, the train management and control system 700 is configured as positive train control (PTC) system. PTC is a system designed to prevent train-to-train collisions, derailments caused by excessive speeds, unauthorized train movements in work zones, and the movement of trains through switches left in the wrong position etc.

[0061] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the management module 610, as described with reference to FIG. 6, can be an individual system and operably coupled to computer aided dispatch (CAD) system 750, or the module 610 can be integrated or implemented by the CAD system 750. In this case, the processor 620 and memory 630 are part of the CAD system 750. The management module 610 may be embodied as software or a combination of software and hardware. In an example, the traffic management module be installed, for example loaded or programmed, into the CAD system 750.

[0062] In general, PTC system 700 comprises back-office server system 710, herein also referred to as BOS system 710, an onboard unit 720 installed and operating in a locomotive of a train, herein also referred to as OBU 720, and a system of wayside interface units 730, herein also referred to as WIUs 730. Further, system 700 comprises a communication network 740 configured to interface with the BOS system 710, the OBU 720, and the WIUs 730. The PTC system 700 enables real-time information sharing between the BOS system 710, the OBUs 720 of trains, and WIUs 730, regarding train movement, speed restrictions, train position and speed, and the state of signal and switch devices etc.

[0063] The OBU 720 monitors and controls train movement, for example if train operator (engineer) fails to respond to (audible) warnings. The OBU 720 is in communication with a positioning system 760 to determine the position of the train. The positioning system 760 can be for example the Global Positioning System, known as GPS, and the OBU 720 can comprise a GPS receiver. The WIUs 730 are crucial components for collecting, processing, and transmitting data from wayside devices such as track circuits and signals to the BOS system 710 and / or OBU 720, via communication network 740. Such wayside information can include for example switch positions, signal states etc.

[0064] The BOS system 710 is a storehouse for speed restrictions, track geometry and wayside signaling configuration databases. The BOS system 710 is operably coupled to the CAD system 750. The CAD system 750 can be integrated in the BOS system 710. The CAD system 750 is configured to display and dispatch information / data, i. e. messages, to other components or sub-systems, such as the BOS system 710. In an example, the CAD system 750 comprises a human-machine- interface (HMI), e. g. computer and screen, and can be configured to display information on the screen, such as information / data collected by the Wills 730. Further, the CAD system 750 can be configured such that information / data can be entered, for example manually by an operator, for further processing by the CAD system 750 and / or the BOS system 710.

Claims

Claims1 . A method for managing trains, the method comprising, through operation of at least one processor in a train tracking and dispatch system configured via computer executable instructions included in at least one memory: generating on a display a graphical representation of a track network with track lines and multiple vehicles, receiving an input comprising a selection of a route option from displayed route options, identifying one or more authorities and / or forms based on a selected route option, and automatically compiling and displaying identified authorities and / or forms.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the compiling comprises generating new and / or modified authorities and / or forms.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, further comprising: receiving an input comprising a selection of an authority and / or form, and processing and submitting the authority and / or form.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the input is a user input comprising a manual selection of the authority and / or form.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein the input is a system input comprising an automatic selection of the authority and / or form.

6. The method of claim 5, further comprising: receiving a user input comprising a confirmation that one or more type(s) of authorities and / or forms are selected, processed and submitted automatically.

7. The method of any of the preceding claims 1 to 6, further comprising: updating the track network, and generating on the display a graphical representation of the updated track network.

8. The method of any of the preceding claims 1 to 7, further comprising: receiving an input comprising a selection of a subdivision or track line in the track network and a selection of vehicles from the multiple vehicles, and generating and displaying a graphical representation of route options for the vehicles.

9. The method of any of the preceding claims 1 to 8, further comprising: creating and displaying a graphical representation of a route plan based on the selected route option and integrating the route plan into the track network.

10. The method of any of the preceding claims 1 to 9, further comprising: receiving input data comprising a timetable, train positions, switch positions, train characteristics, track characteristics, and authority markers.

11. A train management system comprising: at least one memory and at least one processor, and a train management module configured, via the at least one processor and the at least one memory, to generate on a display a graphical representation of a track network with track lines and multiple vehicles, receive an input comprising a selection of a route option from the displayed route options, and identify one or more authorities and / or forms based on a selected route option, and automatically compile and display identified authorities and / or forms.

12. The train management system of claim 10, further comprising: a graphical user interface configured to display the graphical representations of the track network with track lines and multiple vehicles, route options for the vehicles, and the authorities and / or forms.

13. The traffic management system of claim 10 or 11 , further comprising data interfaces for receiving input data comprising a timetable, train positions, switch positions, train characteristics, track characteristics.

14. The train management system of claim 10, 11 or 12, wherein the train management module is further configured to compile new and / or modified authorities and / or forms based on the selected route option and identified authorities.

15. The train management system of any of the preceding claims 10 to 13, wherein the train management module is further configured to receive an input comprising a selection of a subdivision or track line in the track network and a selection of vehicles from the multiple vehicles and generate and displaying a graphical representation of route options for the vehicles.

16. The train management system of any of the preceding claims 10 to 14, wherein the train management module is further configured to receive an input comprising a selection of an authority and / or form, and to process and submit the authority and / or form.

17. The train management system of claim 15, wherein the input includes a user input comprising a manual selection, or a system input comprising an automatic selection of the authority and / or form.

18. The train management system of any of the preceding claims 10 to 16, wherein the train management module is further configured to update the track network and generate on the display a graphical representation of the updated track network.

19. A non-transitory computer readable medium that stores computer executable instructions, which, when executed by a computer, perform a method for train management as claimed in claims 1 to 10.

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