Method and apparatus for an interlocking control device

A signal control device that interfaces with a wayside signal with a plurality of signal aspects, an automatic train stop mechanism, and a train detection block apparatus, comprising:

• a data communication module to exchange data with other signal control devices,
• an interface module to interface the device with associated signal equipment, and
• a processor with a computer-readable medium encoded with a computer program to provide at least one of monitoring the operational state of associated signal equipment, and controlling the operation of associated signal equipment.

In a distributed control logic architecture for a signal interlocking that includes a plurality of modules, wherein each module provides the vital control functions for a particular signal element, wherein said modules are isolated from each other, and wherein each module exchange data with other modules, a method for a vital change management process to determine the extent of the retesting required at the interlocking after a disarrangement of the interlocking, comprising the steps of:

• determining which segment experienced a change in internal logic,
• determining which segment experienced a change in import data configuration, and
• identifying the modules that require retesting based on at least one of the module has experienced a change in internal logic, the module has experienced a change in import data configuration, and the module has received at least one data element from a module that experienced a change in internal logic.