A forward monitoring apparatus is installed on a train, and includes: a monitoring unit that monitors a situation ahead of the train; a storage unit that stores map information including information on a position of a track, a shape of the track, and a position of a turnout provided on the track; a train position acquisition unit that acquires train position information indicating a position of the train; a route information acquisition unit that acquires open route information including information for indicating an open direction of the turnout located ahead of the train; and a monitoring direction determination unit that determines a direction to be monitored by the monitoring unit, by using the open route information acquired, the train position information acquired, and the map information being stored in the storage unit.

A forward monitoring apparatus is installed on a train, and includes: a monitoring unit that monitors a situation ahead of the train; a storage unit that stores map information including information on a position of a track, a shape of the track, and a position of a turnout provided on the track; a train position acquisition unit that acquires train position information indicating a position of the train; a route information acquisition unit that acquires open route information including information for indicating an open direction of the turnout located ahead of the train; and a monitoring direction determination unit that determines a direction to be monitored by the monitoring unit, by using the open route information acquired, the train position information acquired, and the map information being stored in the storage unit.

The method can include: creating a platoon; maintaining a platoon; responding to a platoon event; and separating a platoon. However, the method can additionally or alternatively include any other suitable elements. The method functions to facilitate cooperative transportation (platooning) of a plurality of payloads by way of the cars.

The method can include: creating a platoon; maintaining a platoon; responding to a platoon event; and separating a platoon. However, the method can additionally or alternatively include any other suitable elements. The method functions to facilitate cooperative transportation (platooning) of a plurality of payloads by way of the cars.

A control system includes a first vehicle controller configured to be disposed onboard a first vehicle system moving along route segments and to receive a conditional movement authority that has a condition to be met before the first vehicle system can travel into a designated route segment of the route segments. The first vehicle controller is configured to communicate with a separate, second vehicle system to determine a state of the second vehicle system. The first vehicle controller is configured to determine whether the state of the second vehicle system satisfies the condition of the conditional movement authority. The first vehicle controller also is configured to permit movement of the first vehicle system into the designated route segment responsive to determining that the state of the second vehicle system satisfies the condition of the conditional movement authority.

A control system includes a first vehicle controller configured to be disposed onboard a first vehicle system moving along route segments and to receive a conditional movement authority that has a condition to be met before the first vehicle system can travel into a designated route segment of the route segments. The first vehicle controller is configured to communicate with a separate, second vehicle system to determine a state of the second vehicle system. The first vehicle controller is configured to determine whether the state of the second vehicle system satisfies the condition of the conditional movement authority. The first vehicle controller also is configured to permit movement of the first vehicle system into the designated route segment responsive to determining that the state of the second vehicle system satisfies the condition of the conditional movement authority.

A headway control device includes: a delay time receiving unit that receives identification information and a delay time of each train within a control range; a target traveling time calculating unit that identifies a train to be controlled on the basis of the delay time, determines an order in which trains travel in a traveling direction by using the identification information, identifies a preceding train and a following train on the basis of the order, and calculates a target traveling time of the train to be controlled in a travel section in which the train to be controlled travels next by using a normal traveling time, the delay time of the train to be controlled, the delay time of the preceding train, and the delay time of the following train; and a target traveling time transmitting unit that transmits the target traveling time to the train to be controlled.

A headway control device includes: a delay time receiving unit that receives identification information and a delay time of each train within a control range; a target traveling time calculating unit that identifies a train to be controlled on the basis of the delay time, determines an order in which trains travel in a traveling direction by using the identification information, identifies a preceding train and a following train on the basis of the order, and calculates a target traveling time of the train to be controlled in a travel section in which the train to be controlled travels next by using a normal traveling time, the delay time of the train to be controlled, the delay time of the preceding train, and the delay time of the following train; and a target traveling time transmitting unit that transmits the target traveling time to the train to be controlled.

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).

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).