Patent Application
20200207387
The present invention relates to dynamically changing one or more modes of operation of an end-of-train unit (EOTU) based on a geographical location of the EOTU, a time of day at said geographical location, or both.
Existing EOTUs are limited to a single configuration profile or mode of operation defined for an entire cycle of train operation. It is only between cycles of train operation that a new configuration profile may be uploaded to or programmed in the EOTU for a subsequent cycle of train operation. In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, a cycle of train operation can include travel of the train between a starting location and a destination location, with or without stops along the way between the starting location and the destination location.
A drawback to an EOTU operating in a single mode for the entire cycle of train operation is that one or more conditions during travel of the train on the track while the EOTU is operating in the single mode of operation may change based on location and/or time of day (and optionally a date associated with said time of day) whereupon one or more different aspects, features, or parameters of the mode of operation could benefit from a change in the mode of operation.
Generally, provided, in some preferred and non-limiting embodiments or examples, is a method of selecting a mode of operation of an end-of-train unit (EOTU) based on positions of the train and, more particularly, positions of the EOTU and/or times of day.
In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, the method may be executed in software by a controller that includes one or more processors and a memory.
In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, the positions of the EOTU can be determined from GPS data included (modulated) in or on one or more GPS signals. In an example, the GPS signals can be received by a GPS receiver that is part of or in communication with the EOTU.
In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, the GPS signals can be received by a GPS receiver that is part of or in communication with a head-of-train unit (HOTU) of the train. In an example, the HOTU can be (and typically is) part of a locomotive of the train. The HOTU can include one or more processors and a memory.
In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, the position of the EOTU can be determined from data included in the GPS signals received by the GPS receiver of the HOTU with reference to information in a track database stored in a memory accessible to the controller regarding a section of track being traversed by the train and/or an estimate of the length of the train.
Herein, the controller can comprise one or more of the processors of HOTU and EOTU coupled to one or more memories of HOTU and EOTU.
In an example, the length of the train can be determined or estimated from the number of cars of the train. The track database can include information regarding at least a section of track being traversed by the train, such as, without limitation, the geography, the topography and/or one or more distances between one or more locations of the section of track. Using the estimated length of the train and the distance information stored in the track database, the geographical location of the EOTU at or about the time the GPS data was received by the GPS receiver that is part of or in communication with the HOTU can be determined (taking into account the time to process the received GPS data and to calculate the geographical location of the EOTU from the track database information).
In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, the EOTU can dynamically switch between one or more configuration profiles or modes of operation based on information in GPS signals that can be received occasionally, periodically, or aperiodically. In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, information included in received GPS signals can be used with the information stored in the track database to determine when the train and/or EOTU is at or is approaching a geographical location where it would be desirable to switch from at least one configuration profile or mode of operation to another. In this way, the EOTU can operate according to predefined sets of parameters and switch from one configuration profile or mode of operation to another based on geographical location.
In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, the information included in received GPS signals can include time(s) of day which can be used by the EOTU to switch from one configuration profile or mode of operation to another. The time(s) of day can be used in combination with or independent of the geographical location of the EOTU to switch from one configuration profile or mode of operation to another. Herein, “configuration profile” and “mode of operation” may sometimes be used interchangeably.
In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, the EOTU switching from one or more configuration profiles or modes of operation to another can be performed by the EOTU autonomously with or without input from external systems, such as, a head-of-train unit (HOTU).
In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, an EOTU in accordance with the principles described herein can operate in a first mode of operation, acting in similar fashion as an existing EOTU, and can switch to a second mode of operation when a first particular geographical location and/or time is reached. Thereafter, the EOTU in accordance with principles described herein can switch from the second mode of operation to another mode of operation, including the first mode of operation, when a second particular geographical location and/or time is reached.
In an example, in the software running on the EOTU, a configuration profile may include a first set of parameters that includes at least one flag or bit that can be set in a first state, e.g., “0”, or a second state, e.g., “1”, to change a function of the EOTU between first and second modes of operation. However, this is not to be construed in a limiting sense since it is envisioned that the first and second modes of operation can be set in software in any suitable and/or desirable manner.
Examples of such EOTU functions that can be changed can include, for example, without limitation: first and second data transmission rates of an EOTU communication device; first and second power levels of data transmission of the EOTU communication device; first and second handshake periods of the EOTU communication device with another communication device; a lamp of the EOTU changing state from off to on, or vice versa; transmitting or withholding a request to the other communication device to output a command for the EOTU to change the state of the lamp off to on, or vice versa; the EOTU periodically or aperiodically transmitting data, wherein the interval between sequential data transmissions is changed between a first interval of time and a second interval of time; the EOTU periodically or aperiodically acquiring data, wherein the interval between sequential data acquisitions is changed between the first interval of time and the second interval of time; the EOTU transmitting and not transmitting images acquired by a camera; the EOTU acquiring and not acquiring data from a remote data source; and the EOTU communication device's use and non-use of a cellular telephone transceiver at part of a communication channel. In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, an EOTU can include at least two configuration profiles. In an example, the first configuration profile, e.g., corresponding to a first state, can include a communication device of the EOTU, e.g., a wireless radio transceiver, operating at a first output power level, e.g., 2 watts. The second configuration profile, e.g., corresponding to a second state, can include the communication device of the EOTU operating at a second output power level, e.g., 8 watts.
In an example, a first configuration profile can include a first data transmission rate from the EOTU to the HOTU, or vice versa, while a second configuration profile can include a second, faster or slower, data transmission rate from the EOTU to the HOTU, or vice versa. In an example, the same frequency can be used with the first and second data transmission rates.
In an example, a first configuration profile can include a first data logging rate and/or log content of the EOTU that is based on the received GPS data while a second configuration profile can include a second data logging rate and/or log content. Examples of first and second log rates and/or log content may include, without limitation: changing the frequency of logs generated for self-diagnosis or data gathering; enable/disable selected logs from being created to gather data, or save disk space and computing power; change the level of event logging to gather more or less data; and/or change the location of data logging from saving internally to EOTU to sending data out to a Back Office.
Examples of one or more events that may be logged can include, without limitation: the EOTU receives a communications test message from the HOTU and the EOTU responds; the EOTU receives an Emergency message from the HOTU and the EOTU triggers the brakes and responds to the HOTU with the results; the EOTU sends and ARMing request to the HOTU and waits for the response from the HOTU; the EOTU senses motion and sends a motion status to the HOTU; the EOTU senses change in level of lumens (brightness) of an EOTU lamp and sends a status to the HOTU; the EOTU detects a change in its configuration; the EOTU detects a low level of a battery of the EOTU; the EOTU detects an the EOTU operator button being pressed; the EOTU detects a change in the air pressure in a brake pipe and changes mode of operation; and/or the EOTU detects connection to an external power source and changes mode of operation.
In an example, the choice between first and a second configuration profiles may be based on a geography or features of a segment of the track on which the train is travelling or about to travel. For example, if, based on the received GPS data, it is determined with reference to the track database (which may include, for geographical sections or locations along the length of the track the train is travelling, one or more relations between each said geographical section or location and one or more configuration profiles e.g., the data transmission rate and/or power level, that the EOTU is in or approaching an area where switching from first to second data transmission rates and/or from first to second power levels is desired, the communication device of the EOTU can be switched from the first data transmission rate and/or the first power level to the second data transmission rate and/or the second power level. An example of where it may be desired to switch from the first data transmission rate and/or the first power level to the second data transmission rate and/or the second power level may include, for example, a known noisy wireless transmission environment (such as an urban environment) or a canyon where communication between the EOTU and HOTU may be adversely by hills or mountains forming the canyon.
In another example, the EOTU switching between a first configuration profile and a second configuration profile can be based on time/date and/or location determined visibility conditions and/or detecting a light sensor failure whereupon a high-visibility-marker (HVM) can be turned on in response. For example, for a particular time/date and/or location of the EOTU determined from the received GPS data, it may be determined that it is night time (e.g., on a particular calendar date) or that the EOTU is in an area where there is limited ambient light (even during daylight hours), whereupon the EOTU may turn on the HVM.
Further preferred and non-limiting embodiments or examples are set forth in the following numbered clauses.
Clause 1: A method of controlling operation of an end-of-train unit (EOTU) of a train during travel of the train on a path, the method comprising: (a) determining by a controller, comprising one or more processors, from first GPS data received by a GPS receiver of the EOTU, a first geographical location of the EOTU; (b) causing by the controller an electrical/electronic device or system of the EOTU to operate in a first mode of operation on the basis of the first geographical location of the EOTU determined in step (a); (c) following travel of the train on the path after step (b), determining by the controller, from second GPS data received by the GPS receiver of the EOTU, a second geographical location of the EOTU; (d) causing by the controller the electrical/electronic device or system of the EOTU to operate in a second mode of operation that is different than the first mode of operation on the basis of the second geographical location of the EOTU determined in step (c).
Clause 2: The method of clause 1, wherein: the electrical/electronic device or system comprises an EOTU communication device that is operative for communicating with a head-of-train unit (HOTU) via a communication channel; the first mode of operation includes the EOTU communication device communicating with the HOTU at a first data transmission rate; and the second mode of operation includes the EOTU communication device communicating with the HOTU at a second, different data transmission rate, wherein the communication channel is a wired communication channel, a wireless (radio) communication channel, or a combination of a wired and wireless (radio) communication channel.
Clause 3: The method of clause 1 or 2, wherein the EOTU communication device comprises a transmitter or a transceiver and the HOTU comprises a HOTU communication device comprising a receiver or a transceiver.
Clause 4: The method of any one of clauses 1-3, wherein: the electrical/electronic device or system comprises an EOTU communication device that is operative for communicating with a head-of-train unit (HOTU) via a communication channel; the first mode of operation includes the EOTU communication device operating at a first transmission power level; and the second mode of operation includes the EOTU communication device operating at a second, different transmission power level, wherein the communication channel is a wired communication channel, a wireless (radio) communication channel, or a combination of a wired and wireless (radio) communication channel.
Clause 5: The method of any one of clauses 1-4, wherein: the electrical/electronic device or system comprises an EOTU communication device that is operative for communicating with head-of-train unit (HOTU) via a communication channel; the first mode of operation includes a first handshake period between the EOTU communication device and the HOTU; and the second mode of operation includes a second, different handshake period between the EOTU communication device and the HOTU.
Clause 6: The method any one of clauses 1-5, further including: the controller determining from the first and second GPS data, respective, first and second times of day, wherein: the electrical/electronic device or system is a lamp; the lamp is operated in the first mode of operation based on the first geographical location of the EOTU, the first time of day, or both; and the lamp is operated in the second mode of operation based on the second geographical location of the EOTU, the second time of day, or both wherein: the first and second modes of operation are the lamp are on and off, or vice versa.
Clause 7: The method any one of clauses 1-6, further including: the controller determining that a light sensor for controlling the first and second modes of operation of the lamp based on ambient light is not functioning; and the controller determining with reference to data stored in a memory regarding the lamp being in the first or second mode of operation for each combination of geographical location, time of day, or both and bypassing the light sensor and controlling the lamp to be in the first or second mode of operation based on said referenced data.
Clause 8: The method any one of clauses 1-7, wherein: the electrical/electronic device or system comprises the controller and an EOTU communication device that are operative for communicating via a communication channel with a head-of-train unit (HOTU); the second mode of operation comprises the controller, via the EOTU communication device, communicating to the HOTU via the communication channel a first signal (request) for the HOTU to transmit to the controller a second signal to change a state of a lamp of the EOTU from on to off, or vice versa; and the first mode of operation comprises the controller, via the EOTU communication device, not communicating the first signal (request) to the HOTU, wherein the communication channel is a wired communication channel, a wireless (radio) communication channel, or a combination of a wired and wireless (radio) communication channel.
Clause 9: The method any one of clauses 1-8, wherein: the electrical/electronic device or system comprises the controller and an EOTU communication device that are operative for communicating via a communication channel with a back office; the first mode of operation comprises the controller, via the EOTU communication device, periodically or aperiodically communicating first sequential set(s) of train information to the back office via the communication channel at or within a first interval of time; and the second mode of operation comprises the controller, via the EOTU communication device, periodically or aperiodically communicating second sequential set(s) of train information to the back office via the communication channel at or within a second, different interval of time, wherein: the communication channel is a wired communication channel, a wireless (radio) communication channel, or a combination of a wired and wireless (radio) communication channel. Each set of train information can include, for example, one or more of: communication quality, train speed determined from received GPS data, train speed profile, train/locomotive ID, the current location of HOTU, and/or the current location of EOTU. However, these examples of train information are not to be construed in a limiting sense.
Clause 10: The method any one of clauses 1-9, wherein: the electrical/electronic device or system comprises the controller; the first mode of operation comprises the controller periodically or aperiodically acquiring data from or about one or more train devices at or within a first interval of time (e.g., a first data logging rate); and the second mode of operation comprises the controller periodically or aperiodically acquiring data from or about the one or more train devices at or within a second, different interval of time (e.g., a second data logging rate), wherein: the second interval of time is greater than or less than the first interval of time; and the train devices comprise one or more of: the state of a battery of the EOTU, a state of a GPS receiver, air pressure in a brake pipe, a state of a brake pipe valve, the operation of a radio, a current data transmission rate of the radio, a current power level used by the radio, a current handshake period between radios, and the like. However, this list of devices is not to be construed in a limiting sense. In an example, the first interval of time between sequential acquisitions of data may be 5 minutes while the second interval of time between sequential acquisitions of data may be 10 minutes. However, this is not to be construed in a limiting sense.
Clause 11. The method any one of clauses 1-10, wherein: the electrical/electronic device or system comprises an EOTU camera; the first mode of operation comprises a first set of images acquired by the EOTU camera to be transmitted to or not transmitted to a head-of-train unit (HOTU) via a communication channel; and the second mode of operation comprises a second set of images acquired by the EOTU camera to be the other of transmitted to or not transmitted to the HOTU via the communication channel, wherein the communication channel is a wired communication channel, a wireless (radio) communication channel, or a combination of a wired and wireless (radio) communication channel.
Clause 12: The method any one of clauses 1-11, further including the controller determining from the first and second GPS data, respective, first and second times of day, wherein: the electrical/electronic device or system comprises the controller and an EOTU communication device that are operative for: in the first mode of operation acquiring or not acquiring data from a remote data source via a communication channel based on the first geographical location of the EOTU, the first time of day, or both and; in the second mode of operation the other of acquiring data or not acquiring data via the communication channel from the remote data source based on a second combination including the second geographical location of the EOTU, the second time of day, or both, wherein the communication channel is a wired communication channel, a wireless (radio) communication channel, or a combination of a wired and wireless (radio) communication channel.
Clause 13: The method of any one of clauses 1-12, wherein: the electrical/electronic device or system comprises a cellular telephone transceiver; the first mode of operation comprises the controller, via a EOTU communication device, communicating with a back office via a first wireless communication channel; and the second mode of operation comprises the controller, via the EOTU communication device, communicating with the back office via a second wireless communication channel, wherein when the first communication channel uses the cellular telephone transceiver the second communication channel does not use the cellular telephone transceiver, or vice versa.
Clause 14: A method of controlling operation of an end-of-train unit (EOTU) of a train during travel of the train on a path, the EOTU comprising one or more processors, the method comprising: (a) receiving, by a GPS receiver of the EOTU, first GPS data; (b) setting by a controller, based on the first GPS data received in step (a), a first mode of operation of an electrical/electronic device or system of the EOTU; (c) after travel of the train on the path following step (b), receiving by the GPS receiver of the EOTU, second GPS data; and (d) setting by the controller, based on the second GPS data received in step (c), a second, different mode of operation of the electrical/electronic device or system of the EOTU that is different than the first mode of operation.
Clause 15: The method of clause 14, wherein each GPS data includes a timestamp, data from which the GPS receiver can determine its geographical location, or both.
Clause 16: The method of clause 14 or 15, wherein the first and second modes of operation of the EOTU are based on the geographic location, or timestamp, or both determined from each GPS data and include at least one of the following: first and second data transmission rates of an EOTU communication device; first and second power levels of data transmission of the EOTU communication device; first and second handshake periods of the EOTU communication device with another communication device; a lamp of the EOTU changing state from off to on, or vice versa; transmitting or withholding a request to the other communication device to output a command for the EOTU to change the state of the lamp off to on, or vice versa; the EOTU periodically or aperiodically transmitting data, wherein the interval between sequential data transmissions is changed between a first interval of time and a second interval of time; the EOTU periodically or aperiodically acquiring data, wherein the interval between sequential data acquisitions is changed between the first interval of time and the second interval of time; the EOTU transmitting and not transmitting images acquired by a camera; the EOTU acquiring and not acquiring data from a remote data source; and the EOTU communication device's use and non-use of a cellular telephone transceiver at part of a communication channel.
Clause 17: The method any one of clauses 14-16, wherein the communication channel is a wired communication channel, a wireless (radio) communication channel, or a combination of a wired and wireless (radio) communication channel.
Clause 18: A method of controlling operation of an end-of-train unit (EOTU) of a train during travel of the train on a path, the EOTU comprising a controller including one or more processors, the method comprising: (a) in response to travel of the train by a first geographical location, the controller setting a function of the EOTU to a first mode of operation in response to a first signal received by the EOTU; and (b) in response to travel of the train by a second geographical location, the controller setting the function of the EOTU to a second, different mode of operation in response to a second signal received by the EOTU.
Clause 19: The method of clause 18, wherein each signal is received by a receiver of the EOTU.
Clause 20: The method of clause 18 or 19, wherein the receiver is at least one of the following: a GPS receiver and/or a radio receiver.
Clause 21: The method of any one of clauses 18-20, wherein the first and second mode of operation include one of the following: first and second data transmission rates of an EOTU communication device; first and second power levels of data transmission of the EOTU communication device; first and second handshake periods of the EOTU communication device with another communication device; a lamp of the EOTU changing state from off to on, or vice versa; the EOTU transmitting or withholding a request to the other communication device to output a command for the EOTU to change the state of the lamp off to on, or vice versa; an interval between sequential data transmissions changing from a first interval of time to a second interval of time; an interval between sequential data acquisitions changing from a first interval of time to a second interval of time; the EOTU transmitting and not transmitting images acquired by a camera; the EOTU acquiring and not acquiring data from a remote data source; and the EOTU communication device's use and non-use of a cellular telephone transceiver at part of a communication channel.
Clause 22: The method of any one of clauses 18-21, wherein the first signal is received from one or more GPS transmitters or a head-of-train unit (HOTU) of the train
Clause 23: The method of any one of clauses 18-22, wherein the second signal is received from the one or more GPS transmitters or the HOTU of the train.
Clause 24: The method of any one of clauses 18-23, wherein at least one of the first and second signals is received from a source remote from the EOTU via a wired connection, or a wireless connection, or the combination of a wired connection and a wireless connection.
Various non-limiting examples will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures where like reference numbers correspond to like or functionally equivalent elements.
For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms “end,” “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “lateral,” “longitudinal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the example(s) as oriented in the drawing figures. However, it is to be understood that the example(s) may assume various alternative variations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific example(s) illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary examples or aspects of the invention. Hence, the specific examples or aspects disclosed herein are not to be construed as limiting.
With reference to
In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, train 2 can include a brake pipe 10 which runs the length of the train between locomotive 4 and car 6-X. In an example, brake pipe 10 can be pressurized with air from a compressor 14 which can be disposed in locomotive 4. In some non-limiting embodiments or example, train 2 can include a head-of-train unit (HOTU) 8 disposed in locomotive 4 and an end-of-train unit (EOTU) unit 12 disposed in car 6-X. In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, one of the functions of HOTU 8 is to control the air pressure in brake pipe 10 thereby controlling the application of the brakes of the train. In an example, HOTU 8 may control the air pressure in brake pipe 10 via a valve 9. More specifically, when valve 9 is open, pressurized air in brake pipe 10 is allowed to vent atmosphere. In contrast, when valve 9 is closed the air pressure in brake pipe 10 is increased by the operation of compressor 14. HOTU 8 can be coupled to valve 9 in a manner to control the open and closed states thereof.
In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, when it is desired to make a brake application, HOTU 8 can cause valve 9 to open thereby reducing the brake pipe air pressure whereupon the brakes of the train increase to a level related to the pressure of air in brake pipe 10. In order to release the brakes, HOTU 8 can cause valve 9 to switch to a closed state whereupon air generated by compressor 14 charges the brake pipe 10 with pressurized air. The operation of HOTU 8 to open and close valve 9 can be under the control of an operator via a human machine interface (not specifically disclosed herein).
One of the drawbacks of controlling the air pressure in brake pipe 10 via valve 9 is reaction time. For example, for trains with, for example, 100 or more cars, it can take up to two minutes or more from the time valve 9 is set to an open state for the reduction in brake pipe 10 air pressure to propagate from locomotive 4 to car 6-X at the tail end of the train. This results in cars 6 applying brakes at different points of time which can result in uneven braking and significant in-train forces to couplers 16 of train 2. In order to reduce this propagation delay, an EOTU 12 can be provided on car 6-X at the tail end of train 2 which can be operatively coupled to a valve 13 (similar to valve 9). Operating under the direction of HOTU 8, EOTU 12 can control the open and closed states of valve 13 (desirably in synchronization with) the open and closed states of valve 9 being controlled by HOTU 8 in order to reduce the propagation delay in the brake pipe air pressure discussed above.
The foregoing description of HOTU 8 controlling valve 9 and EOTU 12 controlling valve 13, desirably in synchronization with HOTU 8 controlling valve 9, is but one non-limiting embodiment or example of how HOTU 8 and EOTU 12 may be used and is not to be construed in a limiting sense. For example, in some non-limiting embodiments or examples, HOTU 8 may only monitor brake pipe pressure and forward the said monitored brake pipe pressure to another system (not shown) which controls valve 9.
With reference to
In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, HOTU 8 and EOTU 12 can each include a processor 18 and a memory 20 coupled to processor 18 and operative for storing one or more software control programs and/or operational data. Each radio 26 and 28 can be operated by its corresponding processor to pass messages, signals, and/or data between HOTU 8 and EOTU 12 in a manner known in the art.
In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, “controller” can include one or more processors of HOTU 8 and/or EOTU 12. Hence, when discussing processing by a controller, it is to be understood that such processing can be performed by either one or both of processors 18 of HOTU 8 and EOTU 12. However, this is not to be construed in a limiting sense.
In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, EOTU 12 may include a GPS receiver 24. In an example, GPS receiver 24 can receive from one or more GPS transmitters 30 (e.g., GPS satellites), GPS signals which include GPS data from which GPS receiver 24 can determine its geographical location on or about the time the GPS signals are received by GPS receiver 24. In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, the GPS signals received by GPS receiver 24 can also include time data from which a time of day and, optionally, a current calendar date can be determined for the current location of GPS receiver at the geographical location.
In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, EOTU 12 may include one or more electrical/electronic devices or systems, some of which will be described hereinafter. These one or more other electrical/electronic devices or systems can be operated in different modes of operation depending on the geographical location of EOTU 12 determined from GPS data received by GPS receiver 24. Examples of changing the operational modes of the one or more electrical/electronic devices or systems of EOTU 12 will now be described. In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, the one or more electrical/electronic devices or systems may include radio 28. However, this is not to be construed in a limiting sense.
With reference to
The method can then advance to step 38 wherein, based on the first geographical location of the EOTU determined in step 36, a controller of EOTU 12 causes an electrical/electronic device or system of the EOTU to operate in the first mode of operation on the basis of the first geographical location of the EOTU 12 determined in step 36.
The method can then advance to step 40 wherein, following travel of the train on the path (e.g., a length of track) after step 38, the controller can determine from second GPS data received by the GPS receiver 24, a second geographical location of the EOTU 12. The method can then advance to step 42 wherein the controller causes the electrical/electronic device or system of EOTU 12 to operate in a second mode of operation that is different from the first mode of operation on the basis of the second geographical location of EOTU 12 determined in step 40. The method can then advance to a stop step 44. In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, the steps of the method of
In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, the electrical or electronic device or system can comprise an EOTU communication device, such as radio 28, that can be operative for communicating with HOTU 8, in particular, radio 26 of HOTU 8 via a communication channel 32. In an example, communication channel 32 can be a wireless (radio) communication channel. However, this is not to be construed in a limiting sense since it is envisioned that all or part of communication channel 32 may be a wired connection, e.g., without limitation, a coaxial cable. In other words, communication channel may be a wired communication channel, a wireless (radio communication) channel, or a combination of a wired and wireless communication channel.
In an example, the first mode of operation can include the EOTU communication device, e.g., radio 28, communicating with HOTU 8, in particular, radio 26 of HOTU 8, at first data transmission rate. The second mode of operation can include radio 28 communicating with radio 26 of HOTU 8 at a second, different data transmission rate.
In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, the different data transmission rates may be used (e.g., at the same carrier frequency of communication channel 32) where, based on the first and second geographical locations determined from the GPS data received by GPS receiver 24, it may be desirable to transmit data at a slower data transmission rate due to the potential for noise in the environment, especially where communication channel 32 is at least in part a wireless communication channel that can be adversely affected by such noise.
In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, the controller can have access to a database stored in, for example, memory 20 of EOTU 12. The database can include a list of geographical locations and, for each geographical location, one or more desired operational states of the one or more electrical/electronic devices or systems of EOTU 12 corresponding to geographical locations of EOTU 12 determined from the GPS data received by GPS receiver 24. For example, when train 2 is traveling on the path and EOTU 12 enters a geographical region that includes the first geographical location, the controller can be programmed or configured to determine from the database that the electrical/electronic device or system of EOTU 12 is to operate in the first mode of operation. Moreover, as the train 2 travels further down the path and the controller determines that EOTU 12 is at the second geographical location, the controller can be programmed or configured to determine from the database that the electrical/electronic device or system of EOTU 12 is to operate in the second mode of operation, different than the first mode of operation.
In this example, the first geographical region may be a region that includes a noisy environment for wireless data transmission. In this example, upon the controller determining that EOTU 12 is at a first geographical location within the first geographical region, the controller can cause radio 28 to operate in a first mode of operation that may be a slower data transmission rate that facilitates communication of data between radios 28 and 26 in such noisy environment. In an example, upon the controller determining that EOTU 12 is at the second geographical location which is outside of the first geographical region having the noisy wireless data transmission environment (e.g., a less noisy wireless data transmission environment), the controller can cause radio 28 to communicate with radio 26 at a second, greater data transmission rate. This example assumed that the second geographical location was a less noisy environment for wireless data transmission. However, this is not to be construed in a limiting sense since it is envisioned that the second geographical location may be even a more noisy wireless data transmission environment than the first geographical location. Accordingly, the data transmission rate may be further reduced upon the controller determining that EOTU 12 is at the second geographical location. Hence, in an example, as train 2 moves between different geographical locations, as determined from GPS data received from GPS receiver 24, the operational modes of one or more of the electrical/electronic devices or systems of EOTU 12 can be changed. In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, the same carrier frequency may be used with the first and second data transmission rates.
In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, radio 28 can comprise a transmitter or transceiver and radio 26 can comprise a receiver or a transceiver.
In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, the first mode of operation can include the EOTU communication device, in an example, radio 28, operating at a first transmission power level. The second mode of operation can include radio 28 operating at a second, different transmission power level. In an example, a lower transmission power level (e.g., 2 watts) may be in an environment having less noise while a higher transmission power level (e.g., 8 watts) may be in an environment having more noise. However, this is not to be construed in a limiting sense.
In some non-limiting embodiments or example, the first mode of operation can include a first handshake period between radio 28 and radio 26 and the second mode of operation can include the second, different handshake period. In an example, the first handshake period, e.g., in a noisy environment, may include a handshake between radios 28 and 26 very 5 seconds while the second handshake period e.g., in a less noisy environment, may include handshake between radios 28 and 26 very 10 seconds.
As noted above, the geographical regions related to the first and second geographical locations and/or the first and second geographical locations can be stored in the database and can be used as a basis for determining when to change the operational mode of any one or more of the electrical/electronic device or system of EOTU 12. In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, the controller can determine from the first and second GPS data respective first and second times of day in addition to first and second geographical locations of the EOTU 12. In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, the database may include, for each geographical location, a set of dates/times of day when it is daylight or night time in said geographical location. Each set of dates/times of day can be utilized by the controller to determine when to have an electrical/electronic device or system operating in the first mode of operation or the second mode of operation.
In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, the electrical/electronic device or system can be a lamp 44, also known as a high visibility marker (HVM). In an example, lamp 44 can be operated in the first mode of operation based on the first geographical location of the EOTU, the first time of day, or both. The lamp can be operated in the second mode of operation based on the second geographical location of EOTU 12, the second time of day, or both. In this example, the first and second modes of operation can be the lamp being on and off, or vice versa.
In an example, the decision to operate lamp 44 in the first or second modes of operation can be based on the geographical location of EOTU 12, for example, in a tunnel, where the lamp is illuminated, or outside of the tunnel, where lamp 44 may be turned off if, based on the time of day, the controller determines that it is daylight. In another example, if it is determined that the first time of day is nighttime, the lamp can be illuminated (turned on) regardless of the geographical location of EOTU 12. If, based on the current geographical location of EOTU 12, the controller determines from that EOTU 12 may be in low ambient light, e.g., in a tunnel or a canyon the controller can cause lamp 44 to be turned on. In another example, if the controller determines with reference to data stored in the database for the second time of day at the current geographical location of EOTU 12 that it is daylight, lamp 44 may be illuminated only when the geographical location of EOTU 12 is determined to be one where it is desired to have the lamp 44 illuminated, e.g., a tunnel or other location where there is limited ambient light.
In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, EOTU 12 can include a light sensor 46 for controlling the on/off state of light 44 based on ambient light received by light sensor 46. If light sensor 46 is not functioning, however, it would be, nevertheless, desirable to control the on/off state of lamp 44. In an example, the controller can determine with reference to data stored in in the database for each geographical location of EOTU 12, time of day, or both whether there is a need to have lamp 44 on or off and can bypass light sensor 46 and cause lamp 44 to be in the first or second mode of operation based on said reference data. For example, if light sensor 46 is not operational and the controller determines from the time of day at the current geographical location of EOTU 12 that it is night, the controller can bypass light sensor 46 and can cause lamp 44 to be in an on state. In another example, if light sensor 46 is not operational and the controller determines from the time of day at the current geographical location of the EOTU that it is daylight, the controller can bypass light sensor 46 and can cause lamp 44 to be in an off state. In another example, if, based on the geographical location of EOTU 12 (e.g., a tunnel), controller determines with reference to the data stored in memory that it would be desirable to have lamp 44 in an on state regardless of the time of day, the controller can bypass light sensor 46 and control lamp 44 to be in the on state.
In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, the electrical/electronic device or system can comprise the combination of the controller and radio 28 that can be operative for communicating via communication channel 32 with HOTU 8. In this example, the second mode of operation can comprise the controller and radio 28, communicating to HOTU 8 via communication channel 32 a first signal (request) for HOTU 8 to transmit to EOTU 12 a second signal to change the state of lamp 44 from on to off, or vice versa. In this example, the first mode of operation can comprise the controller and radio 28 not communicating (withholding) the first signal (request) to HOTU 8.
In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, the electrical/electronic device or system can comprise the controller and radio 28 that can be operative for communicating via a communication channel 48 with a back office 78. In this example, the first mode of operation can comprise the controller and radio 28 periodically or aperiodically communicating one or more first sequential sets of train information to back office 78 via communication channel 48 at or within a first interval of time. In an example, the second mode of operation can comprise the controller and radio 28 periodically or aperiodically communicating one or more second sequential sets of train information to the back office 78 via communication channel 48 at or within a second, different interval of time. In an example, the first interval of time may be the controller communicating with back office 78 every five minutes. The second interval of time may be the controller communicating with back office 78 every ten minutes. However, this is not to be construed in a limiting sense. In this example, the first and second sequential sets of train information can be the same or different. In an example, each set of train information may include, for example, one or more of communication quality, train speed determined from received GPS data, train speed profile, train/locomotive ID, the current location of HOTU 8, and/or the current location of EOTU 12. However, this is not to be construed in a limiting sense. Back office 78 may use some or all this information for coordinating the movement of train 2 in a rail network.
In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, the electrical/electronic device or system can comprise the controller. In the first mode of operation, the controller can periodically or aperiodically acquire data from or about one or more train devices at or within a first interval of time. In the second mode of operation, the controller can periodically or aperiodically acquire data from or about the one or more train devices at or within a second different interval of time. The second interval of time can be greater than or less than the first interval of time. In this example, the first interval of time may be, for example, 5 minutes and the second interval of time may be, for example, 10 minutes. However, this is not to be construed in a limiting sense.
Examples of such train devices and data can include one or more of: the state of a battery (not shown) of EOTU 12, a state of GPS receiver 24, air pressure in brake pipe 10, a state of valve 13 or 9, the operational state of radio 28 and/or 26, a current data transmission rate of radio 28, a current power level used by radio 28, a current handshake period between radios 26 and 28, and the like. However, this list of devices and data is not to be construed in a limiting sense.
In some non-limiting embodiments or example, the electrical/electronic device or system may comprise a camera 80 of EOTU. In this example, the first mode of operation can comprise a first set of images acquired by camera 80 not being transmitted to HOTU 8 via communication channel 32. The second mode of operation can comprise a second set of images acquired by camera 80 being transmitted to HOTU 8 via communication channel 32. In an example, camera 80 can be programmed, configured, or controlled to periodically or aperiodically acquire images. In an example, the first set of images may not contain information deemed by the controller not to be relevant for the purposes of data logging and may, therefore, not be transferred. On the other hand, the second set of images may be deemed desirable to save, e.g., if the images are recording an event, such as a crash or a derailment event, and may therefore be transferred to HOTU 8 via communication channel 32.
In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, the electrical/electronic device or system can comprise the combination of the controller and radio 28. In an example, the first mode of operation can comprise the controller and radio 26 acquiring or not acquiring data from a remote data source 82 via a communication channel 84 based on the first geographical location of EOTU 12, the first time of day, or both. The second mode of operation can comprise the other of acquiring data or not acquiring data from the remote data source 82 via communication channel 84 based on the second geographical location of EOTU 12, the second time of day, or both. In an example, communication channels 48 and 84 can be wireless communication channels. However, this is not to be construed in a limiting sense since it is envisioned that each communication channel 48 and 84 may be a wireless communication channel, a wired communication channel, or a combination of a wired and wireless communication channel.
In an example, remote data source 82 may comprise a train traffic automation system and the data acquired by the controller from remote data source 82 can include data that is being passed between EOTU's and HOTU's of one or more other trains in a train network.
In some non-limiting embodiments or example, the electrical/electronic device or system can comprise a cellular telephone transceiver 86 that is part of or operatively connected to radio 28. In an example, the controller can cause radio 28 to utilize cellular transceiver 86 to communicate with back office 78 via a communication channel 88 that can comprise a cellular network when direct radio communication with back office 78 via communication channel 48 is unavailable. In an example, the first mode of operation can comprise the controller via radio 28 and cellular transceiver 86 communicating with back office 78 via communication channel 88. In an example, the second mode of operation can comprise the controller via radio 28 (without using cellular transceiver 86) communicating with back office 78 via communication channel 48.
With reference to
In some non-limiting embodiments or example, each GPS data can include a timestamp or time, and data from which GPS receiver 24 can determine its geographical location, or both. In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, the first and second modes of operation can be based on the geographic location of EOTU, or the timestamp, or both determined from each GPS data. These first and second modes of operation can include one or more of the following: first and second data transmission rates of an EOTU communication device; first and second power levels of data transmission of the EOTU communication device; first and second handshake periods of the EOTU communication device with another communication device; a lamp of the EOTU changing state from off to on, or vice versa; transmitting or withholding a request to another communication device to output a command for the EOTU to change the state of the lamp off to on, or vice versa; the EOTU periodically or aperiodically transmitting data, wherein the interval between sequential data transmissions is changed between a first interval of time and a second interval of time; the EOTU periodically or aperiodically acquiring data, wherein the interval between sequential data acquisitions is changed between the first interval of time and the second interval of time; the EOTU transmitting and not transmitting images acquired by a camera; the EOTU acquiring and not acquiring data from a remote data source; and the EOTU communication device's use and non-use of a cellular telephone transceiver at part of a communication channel.
In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, the communication channel can be a wired communication channel, a wireless communication channel, or a combination of a wired and wireless communication channel.
With reference to
In an example, each signal can be received by a receiver of EOTU 12. In an example, the receiver can be GPS receiver 24 or radio receiver 28. In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, where the signal is received by radio receiver 28, data received by a GPS receiver 22 of HOTU 8 can be communicated to EOTU 12 via radios 26 and 28. Based on the data received by GPS receiver 22, from which the current geographical location of HOTU 8 can be determined, and knowing the length of train 2, the geographical location of EOTU 12 can be determined, e.g., by reference to a track database stored in a memory that includes data about the characteristics (geography and topography) of the path that train 2 is traveling, such as curves, straightaways, and the like.
In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, HOTU 8 may directly command EOTU 12, via radios 26 and 28, to set the function of EOTU 12 to a different mode of operation based on data received by GPS receiver 22, without communicating said received data to EOTU 12.
In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, the first and second modes of operation can include one or more of the following: first and second data transmission rates of an EOTU communication device; first and second power levels of data transmission of the EOTU communication device; first and second handshake periods of the EOTU communication device with another communication device; a lamp of the EOTU changing state from off to on, or vice versa; the EOTU transmitting or withholding a request to the other communication device to output a command for the EOTU to change the state of the lamp off to on, or vice versa; an interval between sequential data transmissions changing from a first interval of time to a second interval of time; an interval between sequential data acquisitions changing from a first interval of time to a second interval of time; the EOTU transmitting and not transmitting images acquired by a camera; the EOTU acquiring and not acquiring data from a remote data source; and the EOTU communication device's use and non-use of a cellular transceiver at part of a communication channel.
In this example, the first signal can be received from one or more GPS transmitters 30 or HOTU 8. Similarly, the second signal can be received from the one or more GPS transmitters 30 or HOTU 8. Finally, at least one of the first and second signals can be received from remote data source 82 via a communication channel 84 which can be a wireless connection, a wired connection, or the combination of a wireless and wired connection.
Although the invention has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it is to be understood that the present invention contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment can be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment.
