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 vehicle control system and method includes identifying a type of route equipment disposed onboard a vehicle, and identifying one or more locations of a first classification of a pathway from among plural different classifications of pathways along a route. One or more first control settings for controlling operating of the vehicle at the one or more locations of the first classification of the pathway are determined based at least in part on the type of route equipment that is disposed onboard the vehicle and the first classification of the pathway. Operation of the vehicle is controlled according to the one or more first control settings to move the vehicle along the route at the one or more locations of the first classification of the pathway.

A system and method can include determining a location of a locating device disposed onboard a vehicle system, identify a size of the vehicle system, calculate a duration that the vehicle system has been blocking or will be blocking an intersection between at least two intersecting routes based at least in part on the location of the locating device and on the size of the multi-vehicle system, and implement one or more responsive actions to clear the intersection responsive to the calculation of the duration. Optionally, the system and method can predict or forecast whether a vehicle system approaching or moving through the intersection will come to a stop in a locking that blocks the intersection, and implement one or more responsive actions.

A vehicle control system and method includes identifying a type of route equipment disposed onboard a vehicle, and identifying one or more locations of a first classification of a pathway from among plural different classifications of pathways along a route. One or more first control settings for controlling operating of the vehicle at the one or more locations of the first classification of the pathway are determined based at least in part on the type of route equipment that is disposed onboard the vehicle and the first classification of the pathway. Operation of the vehicle is controlled according to the one or more first control settings to move the vehicle along the route at the one or more locations of the first classification of the pathway.

A vehicle control system and method includes identifying a type of route equipment disposed onboard a vehicle, and identifying one or more locations of a first classification of a pathway from among plural different classifications of pathways along a route. One or more first control settings for controlling operating of the vehicle at the one or more locations of the first classification of the pathway are determined based at least in part on the type of route equipment that is disposed onboard the vehicle and the first classification of the pathway. Operation of the vehicle is controlled according to the one or more first control settings to move the vehicle along the route at the one or more locations of the first classification of the pathway.

A train control system includes: a sensor unit; a linear feature configured such that sensor information acquired by the sensor unit includes characteristic information and installed on a track where a train travels; a feature recognition unit calculating a difference value between first sensor information and second sensor information by comparison between the first sensor information acquired during forward monitoring by the sensor unit and the second sensor information acquired by the sensor unit when the linear feature is not shielded and recognizing a presence or absence of shielding of the linear feature based on the difference value; an intrusion determination unit determining a presence or absence of an intrusion into the track based on the presence or absence of the shielding and generating an intrusion determination result; and a train control unit controlling the train by generating a train control instruction based on the intrusion determination.

A train control system includes: a sensor unit; a linear feature configured such that sensor information acquired by the sensor unit includes characteristic information and installed on a track where a train travels; a feature recognition unit calculating a difference value between first sensor information and second sensor information by comparison between the first sensor information acquired during forward monitoring by the sensor unit and the second sensor information acquired by the sensor unit when the linear feature is not shielded and recognizing a presence or absence of shielding of the linear feature based on the difference value; an intrusion determination unit determining a presence or absence of an intrusion into the track based on the presence or absence of the shielding and generating an intrusion determination result; and a train control unit controlling the train by generating a train control instruction based on the intrusion determination.