Railroad Data Integration Module for Discrepancy Resolution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current railroad management systems face challenges in coordinating train operations due to discrepancies in data from multiple sources, leading to inaccurate information and uninformed decision-making, especially when data is unavailable or conflicting.

Innovation Solution

A railroad management system that includes a controller with a train control module, business systems module, and integration module to receive and correct input data from various sources, generating accurate and consistent information for display and operational control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If data is collected from multiple data sources, then information completeness is improved, but data accuracy deteriorates due to discrepancies among sources

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation completenessVSAvoiddata accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary component (data integration module or controller) that receives data from multiple data sources and applies reconciliation logic. This intermediary processes conflicting data by identifying discrepancies, applying resolution rules, and generating corrected data outputs. The intermediary acts as a mediator between multiple data sources and the control system, resolving conflicts without requiring changes to the underlying data sources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite data structure that integrates information from multiple sources with different reliability levels. Instead of using data from a single source or简单地 combining data, the system creates a composite view that weights, validates, and reconciles data from multiple sources according to their credibility and consistency, producing a more accurate integrated data set.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Loss of information

If multiple data sources are integrated, then operational awareness is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational awarenessVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the data reconciliation function as a separate, dedicated module or component. Instead of distributing reconciliation logic across the entire system or embedding it in multiple places, the system extracts this complex function into a single modular unit that handles all data integration and conflict resolution. This modular extraction reduces overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive operational awareness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal data integration module that handles multiple data sources, multiple types of discrepancies, and various resolution strategies through a single unified interface. This multi-functional component can process different data formats, apply various reconciliation rules, and output standardized corrected data, reducing the need for multiple specialized components and simplifying the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If data from multiple sources is used for control decisions, then decision accuracy is improved, but reliability deteriorates when discrepancies exist

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedecision accuracyVSAvoidsystem reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors data from multiple sources, compares actual data against expected patterns, and automatically adjusts or corrects data when discrepancies are detected. The feedback loop includes validation rules, consistency checks, and automatic correction protocols that enhance both decision accuracy and system reliability by ensuring data integrity before control decisions are made.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary data validation and reconciliation before control decisions are made. Instead of waiting for discrepancies to manifest in control actions, the system proactively checks data consistency, identifies potential conflicts, and resolves them in advance. This preliminary action ensures that only validated, consistent data reaches the control decision-making process, enhancing both accuracy and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9623885B1Railroad management system having data source integration
Publication Date: 2017.04.18 PROGRESS RAIL LOCOMOTIVE INC
  • US9623885B1 patent drawing
  • US9623885B1 patent drawing
  • US9623885B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A railroad management system is disclosed. The railroad management system may include a display device configured to display information to an operator and a controller in electronic communication with the display device. The controller may include a train control module configured to receive input data from one or more train control systems and a business systems module configured to receive input data from one or more railroad data management systems. The controller may also include an integration module configured to identify discrepancies among the input data from the one or more train control systems and the railroad data management systems and generate corrected input data based on the input data from the one or more train control systems and the railroad data management systems. The controller may be configured to display one or more graphical user interfaces on the display device based at least in part on the corrected input data.