Provided is a computer-implemented method for determining a communication status in a train consist operating in a distributed power system, the train consist including a lead locomotive and a plurality of remote locomotives. The method includes, for each remote locomotive of the plurality of remote locomotives that receives the command message directly from the lead locomotive, setting the message source indicator of the remote locomotive to a first state representative of a direct receipt of the command message, incrementing the message source counter for each response message received by the remote locomotive from other remote locomotives in which the respective message source indicator is set to the first state, generating a response message including a value of the message source indicator and a value of the message source counter, and transmitting the response message. A system and computer program product are also disclosed.

A method and a structure for an Autonomous Train Control System (ATCS) are disclosed, and are based on a plurality of autonomous train control elements that operate independent of each other. An autonomous train control element operates within an allocated track space, and based on predefined rules. Further, autonomous train control elements are paired together to exchange operational data. Pursuant to the predefined rules, an autonomous train control element acquires needed track space from a paired element, and relinquishes track space that is not required for its autonomous operation to a paired element. Further, an autonomous train control element is assigned a priority level with respect to the acquisition/relinquishment of track space.

A method for logging an item of information relating to a rail vehicle, includes recording a speech input having the item of information, by a user of the rail vehicle and saving the recorded speech input as an audio file. The saved audio file is sent via a wireless communications network to a subscriber, remote from the rail vehicle, of the communications network. A device logs the subscriber, remote from a rail vehicle, of the communications network.

A device for monitoring operation parameters of a vehicle axle including a measuring instrument (1) comprising at least a position sensor, a device (2) for communication of measured quantities to an external device, a mechanism (5) for conversion of mechanical energy of the axle to electrical energy and a memory (3) with a stored identification code. A device has the shape of a ring (4) that is applied on the vehicle axle in such a way that it encircles it. The ring (4) consists of at least two parts (4a, 4b) that are adapted for permanent connection around the vehicle axle. The mechanism (5) consists of a circumferential cavity (5a) in the inner part of the ring where a permanent magnet (5b) is freely positioned, at least one coil (5c), preferably four coils (5c) being positioned along its perimeter. The device (2) for communication of measured quantities is a wireless transmitter with a GSM interface or radio-frequency interface configured for communication of measured values together with the identification code (3) of the axle to an external processing unit.

In an example, the autonomous vehicle (“AV”) can be configured among the other vehicles and railway to communicate with a rider on a peer to peer basis to pick up the rider on demand from a location on a track, like a railway, tram or other track, rather than the rider being held hostage to -a fixed, railway schedule. The rider can have an application on his/her cell phone, which tracks each of the AVs. and contact them using the application on the cell phone. In an example, the AV is configured for both on-track and off track operation with different operating parameters for on-track and off track, including speed, degree of autonomy, sensors used etc.

Provided is a sensing system in which optimal measurement by a wireless sensor node is maintained even when a surrounding environment of the wireless sensor node changes with a movement of a train. The sensing system includes one or a plurality of wireless sensor nodes and a sensing control device. Each of the wireless sensor nodes performs measurement based on a parameter value group that is one or a plurality of parameter values affecting the measurement and is installed on the train. The sensing control device determines a position of the train, determines, for at least one wireless sensor node, a parameter value group of the wireless sensor node corresponding to the specified position of the train, and performs control to set the determined parameter value group in the wireless sensor node.

Systems and methods are provided for decentralized train control. A decentralized train system may include a plurality of wayside control units, configured for placement on or near tracks in a railway network, and one or more train-mounted units, each of which being configured for use in a particular train. Each wayside control unit may obtain information corresponding to each train that passes within its communication range, and provide obtained train-related information to each train-mounted unit passing within its communication range. Each train-mounted unit may configured to receive train-related information from each wayside control unit that comes within its communication range, process the received train-related information, assess based on the processing of the train-related information conditions relating to operation of train within the railway network, and when at least one condition meets one or more particular criteria, perform or cause performing one or more responsive actions.

A method and a structure for an Autonomous Train Control System (ATCS) are disclosed, and are based on a plurality of autonomous train control elements that operate independent of each other. An autonomous train control element operates within an allocated track space, and based on predefined rules. Further, autonomous train control elements are paired together to exchange operational data. Pursuant to the predefined rules, an autonomous train control element acquires needed track space from a paired element, and relinquishes track space that is not required for its autonomous operation to a paired element. Further, an autonomous train control element is assigned a priority level with respect to the acquisition/relinquishment of track space.

A method for detecting whether a point rail is attached to a stock rail is disclosed. The method is performed by using a first pressure sensor and a second pressure sensor. Each of the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor is configured to detect whether the point rail is attached to the corresponding one of the pair of stock rails, convert a pressure signal between the point rail and the stock rails into a voltage signal, and transmit the voltage signal to a signal processor. The signal processor is configured to process and transmit the processed voltage signal to a monitoring center having a host computer. The host computer is configured to control an operation of a switch in response to the detected pressure value collected by the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor by using a PID control algorithm.

A method for operating a railway system. Cryptographic data which includes at least one key and/or at least one digital certificate is stored in a storage device of a vehicle of the railway system. The vehicle transmits the cryptographic data to at least one track-side device of the railway system when the vehicle is in communication range of the least one track-side device as part of the train travel. There is also described a corresponding rail vehicle of a railway system.