A forward monitoring device for a train includes: a storage unit storing map information representing location information and a track geometry of a track and brake performance information representing performance of a train brake system; a train information acquisition unit obtaining train location information and train speed information; a monitoring unit monitoring an upside of the track in the travel direction; an obstacle determination unit determining presence or absence of an obstacle on the track based on a monitoring result of the monitoring unit; a braking distance calculation unit calculating a train braking distance using the map, brake performance, train location, and train speed information, and a processing time from when the monitoring unit performs monitoring until determination on presence or absence of an obstacle; and a monitoring distance determination unit determining a monitoring distance based on the braking distance to set a monitoring range of the monitoring unit.

An independent cart system with safety functions prevents unintended motion independently within different sections of the track while permitting motion along other sections of the track. A safety controller receives one or more input signals corresponding to operating conditions along the track. A safety program executing in the safety controller monitors the state of the input signals to determine whether a safety function is to be executed. When a safety program is executed, the safety controller transmits an output signal to one or more segment controllers present in one section along the track. Each segment controller is responsible for regulating current flow to the coils mounted to the corresponding track segment. In response to the signal from the safety controller, each segment controller in the section controls the power output to the coils along that section of track to achieve the safe operation desired in that segment.

An independent cart system with safety functions prevents unintended motion independently within different sections of the track while permitting motion along other sections of the track. A safety controller receives one or more input signals corresponding to operating conditions along the track. A safety program executing in the safety controller monitors the state of the input signals to determine whether a safety function is to be executed. When a safety program is executed, the safety controller transmits an output signal to one or more segment controllers present in one section along the track. Each segment controller is responsible for regulating current flow to the coils mounted to the corresponding track segment. In response to the signal from the safety controller, each segment controller in the section controls the power output to the coils along that section of track to achieve the safe operation desired in that segment.

A warning system for detecting approaching object and method thereof are provided. A detection unit detects a moving path of the approaching object; a storage unit stores a warning information including the warning area and the confirmation condition; and a processing unit receives the detection signal provided by the detection unit to acquire the current moving path of the approaching object. When the approaching object is detected as moving in the buffering zone, the confirmation operation of the confirmation condition is activated. When the moving path falls in the warning area and fulfills the confirmation condition, the processing unit sends out a warning signal. Therefore, a potentially dangerous approaching object is accurately identified, and the warning is correctly sent.

A warning system for detecting approaching object and method thereof are provided. A detection unit detects a moving path of the approaching object; a storage unit stores a warning information including the warning area and the confirmation condition; and a processing unit receives the detection signal provided by the detection unit to acquire the current moving path of the approaching object. When the approaching object is detected as moving in the buffering zone, the confirmation operation of the confirmation condition is activated. When the moving path falls in the warning area and fulfills the confirmation condition, the processing unit sends out a warning signal. Therefore, a potentially dangerous approaching object is accurately identified, and the warning is correctly sent.

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 cargo container loading and unloading system for a transportation system, the cargo container loading and unloading system including a loading zone; and at least one opening connecting the loading zone to a transportation tube of the transportation system.

A cargo container loading and unloading system for a transportation system, the cargo container loading and unloading system including a loading zone; and at least one opening connecting the loading zone to a transportation tube of the transportation system.

A method for determining rail vehicle location and identifying obstacles, which includes operations of transmitting, from at least two vehicle beacons on a first vehicle, a ranging signal to at least two external beacons; receiving, at the at least two vehicle beacons, a return signal from the at least two external beacons; and determining, based on the return signal from the at least two external beacons, a position of each of the external beacons with respect to the at least two vehicle beacons of the first vehicle.

A method of consisting a train, includes: by a first vehicle, receiving the train consist control instruction transmitted by the train control device, where the train consist control instruction is configured to instruct the first vehicle for consisting the train; determining a second vehicle for consisting the train according to the train consist control instruction; detecting a first inter-vehicle distance between the first vehicle and the second vehicle; receiving a second inter-vehicle distance between the first vehicle and the second vehicle transmitted by the second vehicle, where the second inter-vehicle distance comprises a distance between the first vehicle and the second vehicle detected by the second vehicle; and in response to that a difference between the first inter-vehicle distance and the second inter-vehicle distance is less than or equal to a first distance threshold, controlling the first vehicle to couple to the second vehicle to consist the train.