A system is provided that includes a first communication device located at or associated with a determined zone and can accept field data; a second communication device located on or associated with at least one vehicle approaching or traversing the determined zone; and at least one controller or a control system. The controller or control system can receive the field data from the first communication device; convert at least a portion of the field data to a message comprising vehicle data; and provide the vehicle data to a vehicle controller or a vehicle operator, and thereby can control or operate the at least one vehicle based using the provided vehicle data.

A rail flaw detector is configured for locating flaws in rails of a railroad track and for use with a vehicle travelling on the railroad track. The detector includes at least one signal applicator configured for applying ultrasonic signals to the rail and for receiving return signals; a mechanical subsystem connected to the applicator and to the vehicle and configured for maintaining the at least one signal applicator in operational position on the track. A human-machine interface is connected to the at least one signal applicator, is configured to control the detector and to monitor sensed rail condition. In one embodiment, the human-machine interface includes a schematic display of the rail being monitored and at least one touch screen control for controlling the mechanical subsystem and the at least one signal applicator.

A rail vehicle for public transport includes at least one door for separating two inner spaces of the rail vehicle and a lintel for the door. The lintel has at least one electronic information system for passengers.

A method for inputting ETCS data into a rail vehicle inputs the ETCS data by using an apparatus which is separate from the rail vehicle. The apparatus can, for example, be constructed to be mobile and the ETCS data can be input flexibly at different locations and be transmitted to the rail vehicle, for example, by SMS. The advantage of this approach is that delays resulting from the inputting of ETCS data can be reduced and thus the rail vehicle reaches a “Start of Mission” state more quickly. An apparatus for inputting ETCS data into a rail vehicle and a rail vehicle with an ETCS device are also provided.

An anti-collision system for railcars and locomotives and, more particularly, to a distance ranging and worker coupling protection system utilizes remote-sensing radar techniques for use with a locomotive and railcar. The anti-collision system may include an object detector device attached to a railcar or a locomotive that detects objects in a path of the railcar and the locomotive and a train display device electrically connected to the object detector device. The anti-collision system may also include an emergency action device which enables a crew member to stop the railcar or locomotive without communication to a locomotive operator when a hazard is recognized. The object detector device may include a remote sensor, a radio, and a microprocessor programmed to include data-logging to record and log all data from the anti-collision system.

A control system for remotely facilitating a lead change among a plurality of locomotives in a train is disclosed. The control system may include a user input device, a display device, a communicating device configured to exchange information with the plurality of locomotives, and a controller in electronic communication with the user input device, the display device, and the communicating device. The controller may be configured to generate on the display device a graphical user interface configured to receive a plurality of user inputs in conjunction with the user input device, wherein the plurality of user inputs includes an isolation switch selection, a distributed power selection, and a lead/trail selection. The controller may also be configured to generate configuration commands communicable to the plurality of locomotives via the communicating device based on the user inputs.

A system and device for communicating information to a train crew of a train is presented. The system links signals along the track directly to assorted operations centers for the transmission of customizable messages. The signal includes a plurality of light emitting diodes within a single flat screen. Information related to any of the following may be presented: wayside coloring patterns, track ownership, mileage indicators, radio communication information, track information, and a general message center. The screen is adjustable in its viewing patterns and may selectively adjust depending on the type of train approaching, the speed of approach, and current conditions.

Disclosed is a method for guiding passengers of public transport, in particular of trams or trains respectively, at stations or in station areas and/or inside the transportation unit. The passengers embark and disembark in the embark-/disembark area via at least two doors, and the embark-/disembark area extends to the length of the vehicle. The method includes: generating a prediction of the occupancy level of the vehicle with regard to the resulting situation in the vehicle after disembarking at each stop; distributing of the passengers which are moving to the entry area and/or waiting in the entry area ready for embarking corresponding to the prediction to the area of the doors for an approximately uniform distribution of the passengers inside the vehicle; and if applicable, distribution of the passengers inside the vehicle under consideration of the predicted, preferably section-wise occupancy level and of the passengers actually ready for embarking.

The driving assistance device (10) for a railway vehicle comprises means (12) for determining a target speed (V.sub.c), means (20) for comparing an instantaneous speed (V.sub.i) of the railway vehicle with the target speed (V.sub.c) or an interval surrounding the target speed, and means (22) for indicating driving instructions intended for a driver of the railway vehicle, said driving instructions including instructions for modifying the instantaneous speed (V.sub.i) with view to bringing it closer to the target speed (V.sub.c).

A driving assistance device including means for determining a target speed, means for comparing an instantaneous speed of the railway vehicle with the target speed or with an interval around the target speed, and means for displaying driving instructions intended for a conductor of the railway vehicle, the driving instructions including instructions for modifying the instantaneous speed in order to bring it closer to the target speed, the display means being configured to: display a speed increase instruction icon when the instantaneous speed is below a first predetermined value, and to display a speed decrease instruction icon when the instantaneous speed is above a second predefined value.