Methods and systems for ultra-wideband (uwb) based rail line sensing and safety

A system for train control, comprising:

• a plurality of detection control modules configured for deployment on or near rail tracks in a rail network, wherein each detection control module comprises:
• one or more antennas;
• one or more transceivers configured for transmitting and/or receiving wireless signals via the one or more antennas;
• and
• one or more circuits;
• wherein:
• the plurality of detection control modules comprises at least a first detection control module and a second detection control module;
• the first detection control module is deployed physically closer to a crossing on a rail track than a second detection control module;
• the second detection control module is configured to:
• generate in response to physical detection of a train traveling on the rail track, a detection signal;
• and
• communicate the detection signal to the first detection control module;
• and
• the first detection control module is configured to:
• communicate signals with any train-based transceiver that comes within communication range, the signals comprising ultra-wideband (UWB) signals;
• and
• obtain based on at least processing of received UWB signals range measurements corresponding to a train traveling on the rail track;
• and
• wherein the range measurements and the detection signal are used in controlling a safety device deployed at the crossing.