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Intelligent rail crossing control system and train tracking system
| Details |
Inventors: Roop, Stephen S.; Ruback, Leonard G.;
Assignee: The Texas A&M University System (College Station, TX)
Primary Examiner: Le; Mark T.
Assistant Examiner:
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Shawn Hunter Felsman, Bradley, Vaden, Gunter & Dillon, L.L.P.
An intelligent intersection control system features an internal controller that receives digital messages containing detailed information items concerning, for example, the direction, speed, length and identity of a train. The controller generates appropriate commands that coordinate the functions of crossing safety devices. A controller is capable of receiving and using much more detailed train information than is possible with conventional warning systems. Railroad crossing warning features are capable of responding more flexibly to this more detailed train information. The controller also continuously adjusts the activation state for safety devices associated with the crossing. In particular embodiments, the control system provides and displays crossing status information including the amount of time remaining until a crossing is cleared of train traffic, the approach of a second train during blocking of the crossing by a first train, or a suggested alternate route for waiting road vehicles. The controller may also be used to actuate numerous standard crossing warning features, including crossing blocking arms, flashing lights, warning chimes and warning horns. |
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present invention describes novel systems and methods for controlling rail crossings.
An intelligent intersection control system is described featuring an internal controller which receives digital messages containing detailed information concerning, for example, the direction, speed, length and identity of a train.
The controller of the present invention is considered "intelligent" in that it can provide contingent responses by rail crossing safety features based upon different inputs.
The controller generates appropriate commands that coordinate the functions of crossing safety devices.
The system of the present invention provides a rail crossing controller capable of receiving and using much more detailed information concerning a train than is possible with conventional warning systems.
The controller further continuously adjusts the activation state for safety devices associated with the crossing by changing them between an active safety device state, in which the devices are activated, and an inactive safety device state in which associated safety devices are inactivated.
Rail crossing safety and warning features are thus capable of responding more flexibly to this detailed information.
For example, in the case where a crossing has multiple tracks crossing a road, the crossing can provide a warning indicating that there are trains on each of the tracks.
In particular embodiments, the invention permits the control system to provide or display crossing status information including the amount of time remaining until a crossing is cleared of train traffic, the approach of a second train during the blocking of the crossing by a first train, or a suggested alternate route for waiting road vehicles.
The control system may also actuate the crossing blocking arms so that the arms are lowered to block the intersection.
Flashing lights, warning chimes and a warning horn may also be actuated and controlled by the control system.
In other aspects, the invention describes a system whereby the location, velocity, arrival times and identities of multiple trains can be determined
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Navigation and GPS 
