Method and system for ensuring that a train does not pass an improperly configured device

A method for controlling a train comprising the steps of:

• transmitting an interrogation message from the train to a configurable device near the train;
• listening for a response from the configurable device, the response including a configuration of the configurable device and an identifier of the configurable device;
• confirming that the identifier received in the response corresponds to the configurable device to which the interrogation message was directed;
• allowing the train to continue if a response with a correct configuration is received;
• and
• stopping the train otherwise.

A system for controlling a train, the system comprising:

• a control unit;
• and
• a transceiver, the transceiver being located on the train and being in communication with the control unit;
• wherein the control unit is configured to perform the steps of
• transmitting an interrogation message to a configurable device near the train;
• listening for a response from the configurable device, the response including a configuration of the configurable device and an identifier associated with the configurable device;
• allowing the train to continue if a response with a correct configuration is received;
• if no response is received or if a response with an incorrect configuration is received,
• activating a warning device to provide a warning to a train operator;
• stopping the train if an acknowledgment of the warning is not received or if a speed of the train is not reduced within a period of time;
• and
• if an acknowledgment of the warning is received within the period of time, maintaining the speed until the device has been passed or a verification that passing the device is acceptable has been received;
• wherein the control unit is further configured to perform the step of confirming that identifier received in the response corresponds to the device to which the interrogation message was directed.

A method for controlling a train comprising the steps of:

• transmitting an interrogation message from the train to a configurable device near the train;
• listening for a response from the configurable device, the response including a configuration of the configurable device and an identifier of the configurable device;
• allowing the train to continue if a response with a correct configuration is received and the identifier received in the response corresponds to the device to which the interrogation message was directed.
• if a response with a correct configuration and an identifier corresponding to the configurable device to which the interrogation message was directed is not received, or if no response is received;
• activating a warning device to provide a warning;
• stopping the train if an acknowledgment of the warning is not received or if a speed of the train is not reduced within a period of time;
• and
• if an acknowledgment of the warning is received within the period of time, maintaining the speed until the device has been passed or a verification that passing the configurable device is acceptable has been received.

A method for controlling a train comprising the steps of:

• obtaining a position of a train from a positioning system;
• determining a location and an identifier of a next configurable device that will be passed by the train from a database;
• sending an interrogation message including the identifier of the next configurable device;
• waiting a period of time based in part on a speed and a weight of the train and a grade of a section of track between the train and the device;
• listening for a response during the period of time;
• if the response is received, comparing an identifier included in the response to the identifier of the next configurable device;
• stopping the train if a response from the device indicates that the device is not properly configured or if a response is not received within the period of time.

A computerized method for controlling a train comprising the steps of:

• obtaining a position of a train from a positioning system;
• determining a location and identifier of a next configurable device that will be passed by the train from a database;
• sending an interrogation message including the identifier of the next configurable device;
• waiting a first period of time based in part on a speed and a weight of the train and a grade of a section of track between the train and the device;
• listening for a response during the first period of time;
• if the response is received, comparing an identifier included in the response to the identifier of the next configurable device;
• providing a warning to an operator if a response from the device indicates that the device is not properly configured or if a response is not received within the first period of time;
• stopping the train if the operator does not acknowledge the warning and slow the train to a reduced speed within a second period of time;
• and
• if the warning is acknowledged and the reduced speed is achieved within the second period of time, maintaining the reduced speed until the operator verifies that the device is configured properly or until the train has passed the device.