A train control system configured to automatically execute and ensure compliance with all requirements for radio blocking. A radio blocking module of the physical train control system of a lead train retrieves and displays the appropriate clearance points for acceptance by the train driver of the lead train. Once accepted, the clearance points are transmitted to a trailing train for display and acceptance by the train driver of the trailing train. An accepted clearance point is passed to the train control system for use as the next destination point for navigation purposes. The train control system can also electronically log all acts to comply with applicable radio blocking requirements.

The system can include a dispatcher and a plurality of cars. However, the system 100 can additionally or alternatively include any other suitable set of components. The system 100 functions to enable platooning of the plurality of cars (e.g., by way of the method S100).

A system and method for virtual block stick circuits is presented. The present disclosure implements specialized algorithms adapted to determine the true status of a virtual block based on multiple inputs from different perspectives. In one embodiment, the system can use the far house perspective of that virtual track segment and the PTC hazard for the near virtual track segment directly adjacent to the near house uses the near house perspective of that virtual track segment. For the middle virtual track segments, the near house perspectives of the middle virtual track segments are held TRUE if they are already TRUE when the train first enters the block, using stick circuits for the near house perspective of the middle track circuits. The vital application can then indicate the true state of the virtual track segment as occupied (FALSE), to protect the train from trains that follow.

A system and method for virtual block stick circuits is presented. The present disclosure implements specialized algorithms adapted to determine the true status of a virtual block based on multiple inputs from different perspectives. In one embodiment, the system can use the far house perspective of that virtual track segment and the PTC hazard for the near virtual track segment directly adjacent to the near house uses the near house perspective of that virtual track segment. For the middle virtual track segments, the near house perspectives of the middle virtual track segments are held TRUE if they are already TRUE when the train first enters the block, using stick circuits for the near house perspective of the middle track circuits. The vital application can then indicate the true state of the virtual track segment as occupied (FALSE), to protect the train from trains that follow.

A canopy tour system may include multiple track lines extending between associated upper and lower stations for loading, launching, receiving, and unclipping, respectively, riders of trolleys on the zip lines. A system of mechanical and electronic interlocks provides safety for users in remote locations, enabling individual riders to operate trolleys, including attaching and dis-attaching the trolleys from various track lines, unattended by other workers or employees of the canopy tour operation. Mechanical interlocks assure that a trolley cannot be properly engaged with a launch block on a track line until all such interlocks are properly closed. A master computer may communicate through a network, with all stations to verify and identify times and locations of users.

A canopy tour system may include multiple track lines extending between associated upper and lower stations for loading, launching, receiving, and unclipping, respectively, riders of trolleys on the zip lines. A system of mechanical and electronic interlocks provides safety for users in remote locations, enabling individual riders to operate trolleys, including attaching and dis-attaching the trolleys from various track lines, unattended by other workers or employees of the canopy tour operation. Mechanical interlocks assure that a trolley cannot be properly engaged with a launch block on a track line until all such interlocks are properly closed. A master computer may communicate through a network, with all stations to verify and identify times and locations of users.

A method and device for ascertaining movement authority for track-bound vehicles allow interference with a driving operation resulting in special operational situations or disturbances to be kept as low as possible. The position of the vehicle is determined and used to check whether the vehicle is located completely in an axle-counting section of an axle-counting system. The number of axles of the vehicle is compared with the number of axles located in the relevant section according to the system. If the vehicle is located completely in the relevant section and the number of axles of the vehicle matches the number of axles located in the section according to the system, a movement authority is ascertained for the vehicle. The part of the relevant section in front of the vehicle in the driving direction is assumed to be free of other vehicles when ascertaining the movement authority.

A method and device for ascertaining movement authority for track-bound vehicles allow interference with a driving operation resulting in special operational situations or disturbances to be kept as low as possible. The position of the vehicle is determined and used to check whether the vehicle is located completely in an axle-counting section of an axle-counting system. The number of axles of the vehicle is compared with the number of axles located in the relevant section according to the system. If the vehicle is located completely in the relevant section and the number of axles of the vehicle matches the number of axles located in the section according to the system, a movement authority is ascertained for the vehicle. The part of the relevant section in front of the vehicle in the driving direction is assumed to be free of other vehicles when ascertaining the movement authority.

A system and method for virtual block stick circuits is presented. The present disclosure implements specialized algorithms adapted to determine the true status of a virtual block based on multiple inputs from different perspectives. In one embodiment, the system can use the far house perspective of that virtual track segment and the PTC hazard for the near virtual track segment directly adjacent to the near house uses the near house perspective of that virtual track segment. For the middle virtual track segments, the near house perspectives of the middle virtual track segments are held TRUE if they are already TRUE when the train first enters the block, using stick circuits for the near house perspective of the middle track circuits. The vital application can then indicate the true state of the virtual track segment as occupied (FALSE), to protect the train from trains that follow.

System and method for a virtual crossing alert system that provides a notification, an alert, or a command to an alert receiving system depending on the spatial relationships of actors within a specified area.