A system includes one or more processors and a communication device onboard a first remote vehicle of a vehicle system that includes a controlling vehicle. The one or more processors are configured to establish a communication link with the controlling vehicle, and, in a first mode of operation, to automatically control movement of the designated remote vehicle responsive to movement-control messages received from the controlling vehicle over the communication link. The one or more processors are also configured, responsive to receipt of a designated suspend message from the controlling vehicle, to switch the designated remote vehicle from the first mode of operation to a second mode of operation where movement of the designated remote vehicle is controlled independently of the controlling vehicle while maintaining the communication link.

An intersection management system and method for reducing or avoiding potential collisions between vehicles are provided. The system may use a wireless signal, with or without a circuit, to traverse an intersection. The system may use, at least in part, a positive vehicle control system.

A vehicle control system includes a controller configured to control communication between or among plural vehicle devices that control movement of a single vehicle system or a multi-vehicle system via a network that communicatively couples the vehicle devices. The controller also is configured to control the communication using a data distribution service (DDS) and with the network operating as a time sensitive network (TSN). The controller is configured to direct a first set of the vehicle devices to communicate using time sensitive communications, a different, second set of the vehicle devices to communicate using best effort communications, and a different, third set of the vehicle devices to communicate using rate constrained communications.

Methods and systems for in-service inspection of freight car axles are provided. A camber angle of a wheel attached to a target axle is measured at one or more points in a revolution of the wheel. A determination of whether a defect is present in the target axle is made based on the measured camber angle at the one or more points in the revolution of the wheel. A determination that a defect is present in the target axle is made when a camber angle of the wheel at one or more points in the revolution of the wheel exceeds a threshold, and/or a determination that a defect is not present is made when no camber angle of the wheel at any point in the revolution of the wheel exceeds the predetermined threshold. An alert is generated in response to determining that a defect is present.

A railroad infrastructure communication network is presented. The network can include a plurality of infrastructure nodes distributed proximate a railroad track, such as near railroad equipment and/or assets. Infrastructure nodes can be configured to receive data from equipment sensor and/or assets and transmit such data via the network. Infrastructure nodes can further generate alert and/or alert packets based on such received data. Infrastructure nodes can self-define in a network infrastructure depending on configured connection types, and can for example, serve as repeater nodes (to promulgate a transmission to additional infrastructure nodes) and/or collector nodes (to collect data for a centralized server node). A server node can be configured to receive data and/or packet from infrastructure nodes and generate requests for additional systems, personnel, etc. to address such requests. The network can limit the data transmission size and leverage distributed processing capabilities to enable transmissions over long ranges, such as by reducing the bandwidth required to transmit packets.

A railroad infrastructure communication network is presented. The network can include a plurality of infrastructure nodes distributed proximate a railroad track, such as near railroad equipment and/or assets. Infrastructure nodes can be configured to receive data from equipment sensor and/or assets and transmit such data via the network. Infrastructure nodes can further generate alert and/or alert packets based on such received data. Infrastructure nodes can self-define in a network infrastructure depending on configured connection types, and can for example, serve as repeater nodes (to promulgate a transmission to additional infrastructure nodes) and/or collector nodes (to collect data for a centralized server node). A server node can be configured to receive data and/or packet from infrastructure nodes and generate requests for additional systems, personnel, etc. to address such requests. The network can limit the data transmission size and leverage distributed processing capabilities to enable transmissions over long ranges, such as by reducing the bandwidth required to transmit packets.

Systems and methods for railway asset management. The methods comprise: using a virtual reality device to recognize and collect real world information about railway assets located in a railyard; and using the real world information to (i) associate a railway asset to a data collection unit, (ii) provide an individual with an augmented reality experience associated with the railyard and/or (iii) facilitate automated railyard management tasks.

Systems and methods for railway asset management. The methods comprise: using a virtual reality device to recognize and collect real world information about railway assets located in a railyard; and using the real world information to (i) associate a railway asset to a data collection unit, (ii) provide an individual with an augmented reality experience associated with the railyard and/or (iii) facilitate automated railyard management tasks.

An apparatus and method for generating and verifying secure messages between vital equipment for controlling a railway network, wherein the apparatus includes control and/or processing components configured to carry out the following steps: a) generating a message body including information that may change the state of the railway network; b) generating a first pseudo-signature on the basis of the message body and a first cryptographic key; c) transmitting the first pseudo-signature to a second apparatus; d) receiving a second pseudo-signature from the second apparatus; e) generating a message signature on the basis of the second pseudo-signature and the first cryptographic key; f) generating a message by combining the message body and the message signature; g) sending the message to a recipient.

An apparatus and method for generating and verifying secure messages between vital equipment for controlling a railway network, wherein the apparatus includes control and/or processing components configured to carry out the following steps: a) generating a message body including information that may change the state of the railway network; b) generating a first pseudo-signature on the basis of the message body and a first cryptographic key; c) transmitting the first pseudo-signature to a second apparatus; d) receiving a second pseudo-signature from the second apparatus; e) generating a message signature on the basis of the second pseudo-signature and the first cryptographic key; f) generating a message by combining the message body and the message signature; g) sending the message to a recipient.