A vehicle control system and method wirelessly communicate from at least one wireless transmitter positioned proximate a route crossing to a wireless receiver of a vehicle via a wireless wayside transceiver. The system and method communicate an indication of whether the route crossing is clear for passage of the vehicle through the route crossing. The system and method receive the indication by the wireless transmitter and using the vehicle receiver. A vehicle controller or an operator of the vehicle can determine whether it is safe for the vehicle to travel through the route crossing based on the indication received by the vehicle receiver from the portable transmitter. The vehicle can then be operated based on the determination.

A vehicle control system and method wirelessly communicate from at least one wireless transmitter positioned proximate a route crossing to a wireless receiver of a vehicle via a wireless wayside transceiver. The system and method communicate an indication of whether the route crossing is clear for passage of the vehicle through the route crossing. The system and method receive the indication by the wireless transmitter and using the vehicle receiver. A vehicle controller or an operator of the vehicle can determine whether it is safe for the vehicle to travel through the route crossing based on the indication received by the vehicle receiver from the portable transmitter. The vehicle can then be operated based on the determination.

A backup power railroad crossing notification system for a railroad crossing mechanism. The system includes a stationary audible device carried within a railroad housing proximate to a railroad crossing mechanism; a remote mobile device; and a computer carried within the railroad housing. The computer includes a switch conductively coupled to a battery and operably associated with the stationary audible device; and a transceiver in data communication with the mobile device. A method includes wirelessly communicate with the mobile device via the transceiver if power is being drawn from the battery; and activating the stationary audible device if power is being drawn from the battery.

Systems and methods are disclosed for reliable detection of oncoming trains and for warning roadway personnel working on the railroad track of the oncoming train. A train detection system includes a wireless communication network further including train detection modules attached to catenary poles along the sides of the railroad track. Each train detection module is equipped with at least two diverse sensors configured to detect trains and other on-track vehicles. Each train detection sensor is simultaneously active and works with other train detection sensors to detect an approaching train and generate train alerts. The train alerts are transmitted wirelessly over the wireless communication network by the train detection modules. The system transmits train alerts to personal alert devices worn by roadway workers. The personal alert device forms an ad-hoc wireless network with the train detection modules.

Systems and methods are disclosed for reliable detection of oncoming trains and for warning roadway personnel working on the railroad track of the oncoming train. A train detection system includes a wireless communication network further including train detection modules attached to catenary poles along the sides of the railroad track. Each train detection module is equipped with at least two diverse sensors configured to detect trains and other on-track vehicles. Each train detection sensor is simultaneously active and works with other train detection sensors to detect an approaching train and generate train alerts. The train alerts are transmitted wirelessly over the wireless communication network by the train detection modules. The system transmits train alerts to personal alert devices worn by roadway workers. The personal alert device forms an ad-hoc wireless network with the train detection modules.

A method that can be implemented relatively easily and inexpensively for monitoring a hazard zone of a level crossing, divides a roadway into a first roadway section and a second roadway section. For this purpose, the method is carried out such that by use of a first radio module, first radio signals are emitted in a first detection region containing at least one part of the first roadway section. By use of a second radio module, second radio signals are emitted in a second detection region containing at least one part of the second roadway section. The hazard zone is monitored indirectly using an analysis which is based both on the first emitted radio signals as well as the second emitted radio signals and which relates to the detection regions.

A method that can be implemented relatively easily and inexpensively for monitoring a hazard zone of a level crossing, divides a roadway into a first roadway section and a second roadway section. For this purpose, the method is carried out such that by use of a first radio module, first radio signals are emitted in a first detection region containing at least one part of the first roadway section. By use of a second radio module, second radio signals are emitted in a second detection region containing at least one part of the second roadway section. The hazard zone is monitored indirectly using an analysis which is based both on the first emitted radio signals as well as the second emitted radio signals and which relates to the detection regions.

This disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods for determining a passage status of a train through a railroad crossing. In an example method, a railroad crossing status detector system provided in a vehicle may determine that a train is approaching the railroad crossing. The determination is made by evaluating a first detection signal received from a first train detection apparatus located on one side of the railroad crossing. The railroad crossing status detector system may then evaluate a second detection signal received from a second train detection apparatus located on the other side of the railroad crossing and determine that the train has traveled past the railroad crossing. The system may also evaluate one or both detection signals to determine whether the train is currently located at the railroad crossing or is backing up after traveling at least partway across the railroad crossing.

A device for detecting an approaching train at a roadway railway crossing and providing an intervention for avoiding a collision that avoids the need for crossing site approval, installations, etc. and associated hardware and installation costs. The device may be configured as a stand-alone device, as an accessory matable to a motor vehicle (e.g., via an OBD II port), or may be fully integrated into the motor vehicle. The device includes a microphone for receiving an ambient audio signal, and processes the audio signal to determine whether a train is present. If so, the device may provide an audible and/or visual warning signal to a vehicle driver, via the device itself or via components of the motor vehicle. In certain other embodiments, the device is configured to provide a control signal causing operation of braking, engine, steering or other vehicle systems to avoid a collision.

A railroad communication system (100, 200) includes a wayside control device (130) in communication with one or more railroad crossing warning device(s) (140, 145) located at a railroad grade crossing (125), wherein the one or more railroad crossing warning device(s) (140, 145) are activated in response to a signal of the wayside control device (130). An autonomous motor vehicle (150) approaches the railroad grade crossing (125), wherein the wayside control device (130) is configured to communicate information in response to an activation of the one or more railroad crossing warning device(s) (140, 145), and wherein the autonomous motor vehicle (150) is configured to receive the information.