Train Track Location Determination Using Multi-Locomotive GPS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Positive Train Control (PTC) systems face challenges in accurately determining the track location and direction of travel of trains, particularly in areas with multiple parallel or crossing tracks, due to the ambiguity of GPS position reports, which can introduce human error and compromise safety.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize multiple locomotive position reports, normalized to track centerline data, to accurately determine the track location and direction of travel, reducing reliance on crew input and enhancing safety by combining location data from multiple sources within the train network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS position reports are used to determine track location, then the system can obtain location information, but the accuracy is insufficient to distinguish between multiple parallel or crossing tracks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines location information from multiple locomotives within the same train to determine track location. By merging GPS positions of several locomotives and comparing them against track centerline data, the system resolves ambiguity that cannot be solved by a single locomotive's GPS reading alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces track centerline data as an intermediary reference framework. Instead of directly interpreting GPS coordinates, the system projects locomotive positions onto track centerlines and uses the distribution of these projections to determine which track the train is on, eliminating the ambiguity of raw GPS data.
2Measurement precision
If crew input is required to confirm track location and direction of travel, then accuracy can be improved, but safety is reduced due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-determination of track location and direction of travel by automatically processing GPS data from multiple locomotives and comparing it with track centerline information. This eliminates the need for crew input, thereby removing the source of human error while maintaining high accuracy through computational analysis.
3Measurement precision
If multiple locomotive position reports are combined, then track location accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the train into multiple independent location sources (individual locomotives) and processes their GPS data separately before combining the results. This modular approach to data collection and processing makes the complex task of determining track location more manageable and systematic.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for determining a track location and/or a direction of travel of a train includes at least one computer programmed or configured to determine at least one of a track on which the train is located and a direction of travel of the train on the track based at least partly on at least one location associated with at least one locomotive or control car of the train and at least one other location associated with at least one other locomotive or control car of the train. The at least one computer can be programmed or configured to determine a track on which the train is located based at least partly on the at least one location associated with the at least one locomotive or control car of the train and at least one additional location associated with at least one additional locomotive or control car of at least one additional train.