Method and system for grade crossing protection
AssigneeThales Canada Inc.
InventorAbe Kanner
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
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.
Claims12
A method for automatically braking a train approaching a grade crossing comprising the steps of:
- receiving, by an onboard control unit, 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;
- automatically reducing, by the onboard control unit, train speed to a predetermined speed at a predetermined distance from the grade crossing;
- receiving an override command from an operator of the train;
- and overriding the automatic reduction in speed of the train based upon a status of the received transmission.
A method of controlling a train approaching a grade crossing comprising:
- receiving, by an onboard control unit, imagery of a surveillance area at a grade crossing;
- displaying received imagery of the surveillance area at the grade crossing on a device viewable by a train operator;
- monitoring the distance from the train to the grade crossing;
- automatically reducing, by the onboard control unit, train speed to a predetermined speed at a predetermined distance from the grade crossing;
- increasing or maintaining the train speed responsive to receipt of an override command from an operator of the train if imagery is displayed to the train operator;
- stopping the train if imagery is not displayed to the train operator and an override command is not received from the train operator;
- receiving an override command from an operator of the train;
- and overriding the automatic reduction in speed of the train based upon a status of the received transmission.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.