A method for assigning train blocks at a railroad merchandise yard includes determining, using a first optimization model and outbound train schedule data, a first list of train block assignments for a planning horizon. The method further includes determining whether an unassigned train block volume from the first optimization model is greater than zero. The method further includes displaying the first list of train block assignments generated by the first optimization model on an electronic display in response to determining that the unassigned train block volume from the first optimization model is not greater than zero. The method further includes, in response to determining that the unassigned train block volume from the first optimization model is greater than zero: determining and then displaying on the electronic display a second list of train block assignments for the planning horizon using a second optimization model and the outbound train schedule data.

Various methods and systems are provided for a railyard system. In one example, a method for managing a railyard comprises, within the railyard, positioning a cargo unit on a multi-directional pad and moving the pad multi-directionally based on a requested order for the cargo unit relative to other cargo units, where the requested order corresponds to an order of cargo units on railcars of an outbound train. The multi-directional pad may operate within an arena, where the arena includes a concrete surface depressed into the ground such that a surface of the pad is level with a surface of the ground surrounding the arena, thereby allowing railcars to be pushed onto the pad by a locomotive of a train.

Various methods and systems are provided for a railyard system. In one example, a method for managing a railyard comprises, within the railyard, positioning a cargo unit on a multi-directional pad and moving the pad multi-directionally based on a requested order for the cargo unit relative to other cargo units, where the requested order corresponds to an order of cargo units on railcars of an outbound train. The multi-directional pad may operate within an arena, where the arena includes a concrete surface depressed into the ground such that a surface of the pad is level with a surface of the ground surrounding the arena, thereby allowing railcars to be pushed onto the pad by a locomotive of a train.

A method for assigning train blocks at a railroad merchandise yard includes determining, using a first optimization model and outbound train schedule data, a first list of train block assignments for a planning horizon. The method further includes determining whether an unassigned train block volume from the first optimization model is greater than zero. The method further includes displaying the first list of train block assignments generated by the first optimization model on an electronic display in response to determining that the unassigned train block volume from the first optimization model is not greater than zero. The method further includes, in response to determining that the unassigned train block volume from the first optimization model is greater than zero: determining and then displaying on the electronic display a second list of train block assignments for the planning horizon using a second optimization model and the outbound train schedule data.

Methods and systems for determining a status of switch devices in a classification yard. In particular embodiments, a set of switch event data associated with a switch may be analyzed to determine the performance of the switch during operations of each switch event. A status of the switch may be determined from the analysis of the performance of the switch during operations of each switch event. In embodiments, the analysis may include thresholding analysis that may be configured to determine a relationship (e.g., a deviation relationship) between real-world measurements during the switch events and expected measurements during the switch events for each switch event associated with the switch. In embodiments, the status of the switch may be used to ensure corrective action is taken on the switch (e.g., deploy maintenance personnel, report the status of the switch, send a control signal to the switch to deactivate, etc.).

Methods and systems for determining a status of switch devices in a classification yard. In particular embodiments, a set of switch event data associated with a switch may be analyzed to determine the performance of the switch during operations of each switch event. A status of the switch may be determined from the analysis of the performance of the switch during operations of each switch event. In embodiments, the analysis may include thresholding analysis that may be configured to determine a relationship (e.g., a deviation relationship) between real-world measurements during the switch events and expected measurements during the switch events for each switch event associated with the switch. In embodiments, the status of the switch may be used to ensure corrective action is taken on the switch (e.g., deploy maintenance personnel, report the status of the switch, send a control signal to the switch to deactivate, etc.).

Methods and systems providing predictive models for estimating tuning coefficients for automatically tuning operations of a classification yard. In embodiments, a set of predictions for car events at a segment or device may be generated using a current set of tuning coefficients for the segment or device. Real-world data related to the car events at the segment or device may be compiled, and a set of candidate tuning coefficients may be generated for the segment or device based on application of a predictive model to the real-world data. The segment or device may be automatically tuned based on a comparison of the set of candidate tuning coefficients and current set of tuning coefficients to the real-world data to determine which of the set of candidate tuning coefficients and the current set of tuning coefficients yields more accurate results for cuts passing the segment or device.

Systems and techniques for detecting applied railcar brakes within a railroad classification yard using thermal imaging. A thermal imaging system, including at least one thermal imaging sensor, captures a plurality of thermal images of railcar wheels. The thermal imaging system determines if a temperature within a user-defined bounding box on the thermal sensor's field of view exceeds a predetermined temperature threshold for a specified amount of time. Alternatively, a neural network may be used to detect the excessive temperature. In response, the thermal imaging system sends a system message, and a computer processor receives the system message and, if it meets reporting criteria, identifies the particular railcar and generates and transmits an alert message indicating a potential issue with the wheels of the railcar.

A rail yard train-switching system includes train-moving machines and a control device. The train-moving machines each draw one of railroad trains in a rail yard. The control device transmits a traction command to the train-moving machines based on an operation schedule. The train-moving machines each move, based on the traction command transmitted from the control device, to a first location specified by the traction command to couple with an appropriate one of the railroad trains, and draw the one of the railroad trains from the first location to a second location specified by the traction command.

A method for controlling vehicle parking, includes: obtaining, by a processor, a current vehicle speed and a current vehicle control level of a vehicle; obtaining, by the processor, a target vehicle speed of the vehicle, and obtaining a target vehicle control level of the vehicle according to the current vehicle control level; obtaining, by the processor, a first vehicle control level according to the current vehicle speed, the target vehicle speed, the current vehicle control level, and the target vehicle control level; and controlling, by the processor, the vehicle to run according to the first vehicle control level.