Method and apparatus for optimizing a train trip using signal information

A system comprising:

• a first element configured to determine first travel parameters of a first vehicle traveling along plural route segments during a trip in a route network, the first vehicle traveling towards a first route segment in the plural route segments, the route segments having signals that change states to indicate whether the route segments are clear of occupancy by one or more other vehicles or are occupied by one or more other vehicles;
• a second element configured to determine second travel parameters of a second vehicle, the second vehicle traveling ahead of the first vehicle and occupying the first route segment prior to the first vehicle, the first and second elements including at least one of a locator element, a track characterization element, or a sensor associated with the first and second vehicles, respectively;
• and
• one or more processors configured to receive the first travel parameters from the first element and the second travel parameters from the second element, the one or more processors also configured to determine a probability that the state of the signal of the first route segment will indicate that the first route segment is clear of the second vehicle when the first vehicle arrives at the signal of the first route segment,
• wherein the one or more processors are configured to at least one of generate or modify a trip plan that designates a speed trajectory for the first vehicle to travel in the route network for the trip, wherein the speed trajectory is based on the probability that the state of the signal of the first route segment will indicate that the first route segment is clear of the second vehicle when the first vehicle arrives at the signal of the first route segment such that, when the probability is greater than a designated threshold, the one or more processors designate the speed trajectory based on the state of the signal indicating that the first route segment is clear of the second vehicle when the first vehicle arrives at the signal of the first route segment.

A system comprising:

• a first element configured to determine first travel parameters of a first vehicle traveling along plural route segments during a trip in a route network, the first vehicle traveling towards a first route segment in the plural route segments, the route segments having signals that change states to indicate whether the route segments are clear of occupancy by one or more other vehicles or are occupied by one or more other vehicles;
• a second element configured to determine second travel parameters of a second vehicle traveling in the first route segment ahead of the first vehicle, the first and second elements including at least one of a locator element, a track characterization element, or a sensor associated with the first and second vehicles, respectively;
• and
• one or more processors configured to receive the first travel parameters from the first element and the second travel parameters from the second element, the one or more processors also configured to determine a probability that the state of the signal of the first route segment will indicate that the first route segment is clear of the second vehicle when the first vehicle arrives at the signal of the first route segment,
• wherein the one or more processors are configured to at least one of generate or modify a trip plan that designates a speed trajectory for the first vehicle to travel in the route network for the trip, wherein the speed trajectory is responsive to the probability that the state of the signal of the first route segment will indicate that the first route segment is clear of the second vehicle when the first vehicle arrives at the signal of the first route segment such that, the greater the probability, the further the first vehicle is allowed to travel towards the first route segment at one or more non-reduced speeds.