A train control system includes: a sensor unit; a linear feature configured such that sensor information acquired by the sensor unit includes characteristic information and installed on a track where a train travels; a feature recognition unit calculating a difference value between first sensor information and second sensor information by comparison between the first sensor information acquired during forward monitoring by the sensor unit and the second sensor information acquired by the sensor unit when the linear feature is not shielded and recognizing a presence or absence of shielding of the linear feature based on the difference value; an intrusion determination unit determining a presence or absence of an intrusion into the track based on the presence or absence of the shielding and generating an intrusion determination result; and a train control unit controlling the train by generating a train control instruction based on the intrusion determination.

A weight profile determination system may be provided that includes a sensor and a controller. The sensor may be disposed along a route and configured to generate a plurality of force measurements of a vehicle system moving on the route relative to the sensor. The force measurements may be obtained at different times and correspond to different locations along a length of the vehicle system. The controller may determine a weight profile for the vehicle system based on the force measurements generated by the sensor. The weight profile can represent a distribution of weight along the length of the vehicle system. The controller may communicate the weight profile to one or more of the vehicle system or an offboard device for controlling movement of the vehicle system based on the weight profile.

A train control apparatus includes a setting reception unit that receives setting information regarding a temporary speed limit section and a speed limit. A control unit generates temporary speed limit information for the trains. A communication unit transmits the temporary speed limit information to the trains. If information regarding all temporary speed limit sections cannot be included in the temporary speed limit information, the control unit includes, in the temporary speed limit information, information regarding a specified number of temporary speed limit sections located on a traveling direction side, and changes a speed limit in one or more temporary speed limit sections included in the temporary speed limit information on the basis of a speed limit set in a temporary speed limit section that is adjacent to a temporary speed limit section included in the temporary speed limit information, and is not included in the temporary speed limit information.

A train control apparatus includes a setting reception unit that receives setting information regarding a temporary speed limit section and a speed limit. A control unit generates temporary speed limit information for the trains. A communication unit transmits the temporary speed limit information to the trains. If information regarding all temporary speed limit sections cannot be included in the temporary speed limit information, the control unit includes, in the temporary speed limit information, information regarding a specified number of temporary speed limit sections located on a traveling direction side, and changes a speed limit in one or more temporary speed limit sections included in the temporary speed limit information on the basis of a speed limit set in a temporary speed limit section that is adjacent to a temporary speed limit section included in the temporary speed limit information, and is not included in the temporary speed limit information.

A weight profile determination system includes a sensor and a controller. The sensor is disposed along a route and configured to generate a plurality of force measurements of a vehicle system moving on the route relative to the sensor. The force measurements are obtained at different times and correspond to different locations along a length of the vehicle system. The controller is configured to determine a weight profile for the vehicle system based on the force measurements generated by the sensor. The weight profile represents a distribution of weight along the length of the vehicle system. The controller is configured to communicate the weight profile to one or more of the vehicle system or an offboard device for controlling movement of the vehicle system based on the weight profile.

Methods, apparatus, systems, and articles of manufacture are disclosed for high-traffic density transportation pathways. An example system includes a convoy moving at a first speed, the convoy including a first and second powertrain vehicle, a first land vehicle disposed between the first powertrain vehicle and the second powertrain vehicle, the first land vehicle including a first transit carrier, and a second land vehicle coupled to the first land vehicle, the second land vehicle including a second transit carrier having a first movement system and first stacking couplers, and a transit pod coupled to the second transit carrier, the transit pod having second stacking couplers, the second stacking couplers coupled to the first stacking couplers, and a controller to, in response to a request for a third transit carrier traveling at a second speed to join the convoy, instruct the third transit carrier to join the convoy at the first speed.

A vehicle communication system includes a central device and an on-vehicle device. A path determiner of the central device determines an information transmission path between a plurality of vehicles for consolidating information in a vehicle that performs a wireless communication with a terrestrial communication device out of the vehicles based on at least operating information on the vehicles. An on-vehicle communicator of the on-vehicle device acquires the information transmission path directly from the central device via the terrestrial communication device or indirectly from the central device via the terrestrial communication device and a second vehicle, and transmits and receives predetermined information to and from the terrestrial communication device or the second vehicle based on the acquired information transmission path.

An object is to provide novel traffic system and transportation method capable of realizing door-to-door movement in a wide range by using a plurality of operation systems. A transfer box 100 capable of accommodating a passenger and/or freight, a plurality of operation systems 200 capable of transporting the transfer box 100, a transfer means 300 which transfers the transfer box 100 from one operation system 200 to another operation system 200, and a system management unit 400 which communicates with the plurality of operation systems 200 to manage a transportation status of the transfer box 100 are provided, in which the operation system 200 includes a transfer unit 210 on which the transfer box 100 is loaded, and an operation management unit 220 which manages an operation status of the transfer unit 210.

A train operation control apparatus mounted on a train includes: a non-contact range sensor that measures a first train interval between a rear end of a preceding train traveling ahead of the train and a head of the train; another non-contact range sensor that measures a second train interval between a head of a following train traveling behind the train and a rear end of the train; and on-board control transmission apparatus that, when being instructed to start control using the second train interval, controls operation of the train using the second train interval on the basis of an instruction from an operation management apparatus that controls operation of a plurality of trains including the train, the preceding train, and the following train.

A train operation control apparatus mounted on a train includes: a non-contact range sensor that measures a first train interval between a rear end of a preceding train traveling ahead of the train and a head of the train; another non-contact range sensor that measures a second train interval between a head of a following train traveling behind the train and a rear end of the train; and on-board control transmission apparatus that, when being instructed to start control using the second train interval, controls operation of the train using the second train interval on the basis of an instruction from an operation management apparatus that controls operation of a plurality of trains including the train, the preceding train, and the following train.