Onboard Computer Route Data Retrieval for Interlocked Rail Subdivisions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle control systems for railroads fail to accurately and efficiently retrieve track data for trains operating in interlocked subdivisions, particularly for ancillary subdivisions not initially identified or included in the route plan, leading to incomplete or missing information for intersecting tracks and mandatory directives.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic vehicle control system that uses onboard computers to obtain track data for railroads, determine ancillary subdivisions, and communicate with wayside interface units, enabling the registration of polling requests, validation of track data, and updating of onboard systems with necessary information for accurate operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the train's onboard computer only retrieves track data for subdivisions initially identified in the route plan, then the data retrieval process is simple and fast, but the track data will be incomplete for interlocked subdivisions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary identification of ancillary subdivisions by analyzing the route plan and track network topology before the train actually enters those subdivisions. The onboard computer proactively determines which subdivisions are ancillary to the planned route and retrieves their track data in advance, ensuring complete data availability without waiting for real-time detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary process that analyzes the relationship between the planned route and the track network to identify ancillary subdivisions. This intermediary analysis layer connects the route plan with the track data retrieval system, automatically determining which additional subdivisions need data without requiring manual intervention or complex real-time queries.
2Reliability
If the system retrieves track data for all possible subdivisions including ancillary ones, then the track data completeness is improved, but the data retrieval time and processing load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by selectively retrieving track data only for specific ancillary subdivisions that are directly related to the planned route, rather than retrieving data for all subdivisions in the network. The onboard computer identifies and retrieves data only for subdivisions that have a local relationship (interlocking) with the planned route, optimizing the data retrieval process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by retrieving track data for a limited set of ancillary subdivisions that are necessary for safe operation, rather than retrieving data for all possible subdivisions. The system determines the minimum necessary set of ancillary subdivisions based on the route plan and retrieves only that portion, avoiding excessive data retrieval while ensuring sufficient data completeness.
3Measurement precision
If the onboard computer waits for real-time updates from back office systems for subdivision changes, then data accuracy is maintained, but the system responsiveness and operational efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary determination of ancillary subdivisions based on the route plan before the train enters those subdivisions. By proactively identifying and retrieving track data for ancillary subdivisions in advance, the system eliminates the need for real-time updates during train operation, maintaining data accuracy while significantly improving operational efficiency and responsiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method, and computer program product for determining ancillary subdivision/districts may include obtaining track data associated with one or more railroads operating one or more subdivisions/districts over which the train may travel, determining an ancillary subdivision/district of the one or more subdivisions/districts that are not included in the track data by any of the one or more railroads, receiving track data for the railroad associated with the ancillary subdivision/district, and communicating with one or more wayside interface units in the ancillary subdivision/district based on the track data.