System for grade crossing protection
AssigneeThales Canada Inc.
InventorAbe KANNER
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Apparatus and methods for a grade crossing protection system include at least one camera providing surveillance of a grade crossing, the at least one camera coupled to a transmitter configured to transmit a signal that includes imagery of the grade crossing to a transceiver onboard a train. A display unit onboard the train is provided to allow the train operator to view the grade crossing. A control unit in communication with the transceiver is configured to monitor the received signal and, based upon a determined location of the train relative to the train crossing, issue a command to the train's brake system to reduce the speed of the train, or stop the train, before the train reaches the grade crossing.
Claims20
A grade crossing protection system comprising an onboard apparatus configured to be mounted in a train, the onboard apparatus comprising:
- a transceiver configured to receive an imagery signal from a grade crossing, the received signal comprising an image of a surveillance area at the grade crossing;
- a display unit configured to display the image of the surveillance area at the grade crossing;
- a control unit in communication with the transceiver, the control unit configured to monitor the received signal and issue a command to a braking system of the train based upon a status of the received signal and a determined location of the train along a train track.
A control unit configured to perform the actions of:
- receiving, onboard a train, a transmission comprising imagery of a surveillance area at a grade crossing;
- displaying the received imagery on a device viewable by a train operator;
- determining a position of the train relative to the grade crossing;
- and
- automatically reducing train speed to a predetermined speed at a predetermined distance from the grade crossing.
A system for increasing the safety of a railroad grade crossing comprising:
- at least one camera providing surveillance of a grade crossing;
- a transmitter configured to receive an output of the at least one camera and transmit a signal including imagery of the grade crossing to a train;
- a transceiver onboard the train configured to receive the transmitted signal;
- a display unit having an input coupled to the transceiver and configured to display the transmitted grade crossing imagery;
- and
- a control unit in communication with the transceiver, the control unit configured to monitor the received signal and based upon a determined location of the train relative to the train crossing, issue a command to a brake system of the train to reduce a speed of the train or stop the train before the train reaches the grade crossing.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.