VEHICLE GUIDANCE SYSTEM

Abstract

A vehicle guidance system and method of forming the same. The vehicle guidance system includes a transport guideway having an at least partial tube structure; vehicle tracks; a vehicle, having a fuselage with an uppermost surface and a lowermost surface, that travels over the vehicle tracks; and at least one track channel assembly arranged on an inside of the at least partial tube structure. The at least one track channel assembly is arranged so that, as the vehicle travels over the vehicle track, the at least one track channel assembly is located between the uppermost surface and the lowermost surface of the fuselage.

Claims

1. A vehicle guidance system, comprising: a transport guideway having an at least partial tube structure; vehicle tracks; a vehicle, having a fuselage with an uppermost surface and a lowermost surface, that travels over the vehicle tracks; and at least one track channel assembly arranged on an inside of the at least partial tube structure, wherein the at least one track channel assembly is arranged so that, as the vehicle travels over the vehicle track, the at least one track channel assembly is located between the uppermost surface and the lowermost surface of the fuselage.

2. The vehicle guidance system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one track channel assembly comprises a U-shaped channel arranged to receive at least a part of at least one guidance assembly of the vehicle.

3. The vehicle guidance system according to claim 2, wherein the at least one guidance assembly comprises a connecting arm coupled between at least one assembly and the vehicle and the connecting arm is structured to insert the at least one assembly into the at least one track channel assembly.

4. The vehicle guidance system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one track channel assembly comprises at least one first U-shaped channel arranged on a first inside surface of the at least partial tube structure and at least one second U-shaped channel arranged on a second inside surface of the at least partial tube structure opposite the first inside surface.

5. The vehicle guidance system according to claim 4, wherein the at least one guidance assembly comprises a first connecting arm coupled between at least one first assembly and the vehicle and a second connecting arm coupled between at least one second assembly and the vehicle, wherein the at least one first assembly and the at least a second assembly are arranged on opposite sides of the fuselage, and wherein the first connecting arm is arranged to insert the at least one first assembly into the at least one first U-shaped channel assembly and the second connecting arm is arranged to insert the at least one second assembly into the at least second U-shaped channel.

6. The vehicle guidance system according to claim 5, wherein the at least one first assembly and the at least one second assembly comprise at least one contactless load transfer mechanism comprising at least one of active electromagnets, passive permanent magnets, and air bearings.

7. The vehicle guidance system according to claim 5, wherein the at least one first assembly and the at least one second assembly comprise at least one contacting load transfer mechanism comprising wheels.

8. The vehicle guidance system according to claim 4, wherein the first U-shaped channel and the second U-shaped channel include surface linings.

9. The vehicle guidance system according to claim 8, wherein the surface linings comprise at least one of: metal, polymer and composite materials.

10. The vehicle guidance system according to claim 5, wherein the at least one first assembly and the at least one second assembly are operable independently of each other.

11. The vehicle guidance system according to claim 5, wherein the first connecting arm pivotably extends from an upper portion of the fuselage to selectively move the at least one first assembly between a first position, in which the at least one first assembly is located outside of the at least one first U-shaped channel, and a second position, in which the at least one first assembly is inserted in the at least one first U-shaped channel; and wherein the second connecting arm pivotably extends from an upper portion of the fuselage to selectively move the at least one second assembly between a third position, in which the at least one second assembly is located outside of the at least one second U-shaped channel, and a fourth position, in which the at least one second assembly is inserted in the at least one second U-shaped channel.

12. A process of forming a vehicle guidance system comprising: placing a vehicle track to define a guide path along a transport guideway having an at least partial tube structure, wherein the transport guideway is configured to accommodate a vehicle, having a fuselage with an uppermost surface and a lowermost surface, for travel over the vehicle track; and positioning at least one track channel assembly on an inside of the at least partial tube structure so that, as the vehicle travels over the vehicle track, the at least one track channel assembly is located between the uppermost surface and the lowermost surface of the fuselage.

13. The process according to claim 12, wherein the at least one track channel assembly comprises a U-shaped channel arranged to receive at least a part of a guidance assembly of the vehicle.

14. The process according to claim 13, wherein the guidance assembly comprises a connecting arm coupled between at least one assembly and the vehicle and the connecting arm is structured to insert the at least one assembly into the at least one track channel assembly.

15. The process according to claim 12, wherein the at least one track channel assembly comprises at least one first U-shaped channel arranged on a first inside surface of the at least partial tube structure and at least one second U-shaped channel arranged on a second inside surface of the at least partial tube structure opposite the first inside surface.

16. The process according to claim 15, wherein the at least one guidance assembly comprises a first connecting arm coupled between at least one first assembly and the vehicle and a second connecting arm coupled between at least one second assembly and the vehicle, and the at least one first assembly and the at least a second assembly are arranged on opposite sides of the fuselage, and the process further comprises one of: inserting the at least one first assembly into the at least one first U-shaped channel assembly; or inserting the at least one second assembly into the at least second U-shaped channel.

17. The process according to claim 15, wherein the first assembly and the second assembly comprise at least one contactless load transfer mechanism comprising at least one of active electromagnets, passive permanent magnets, and air bearings.

18. The process according to claim 15, wherein the first assembly and the second assembly comprise at least one contacting load transfer mechanism comprising wheels.

19. The process according to claim 15, wherein the first connecting arm pivotably extends from an upper portion of the fuselage and the second connecting arm pivotably extends from the upper portion of the fuselage, and the process further comprises: selectively moving the at least one first assembly between a first position, in which the at least one first assembly is located outside of the at least one first U-shaped channel, and a second position, in which the at least one first assembly is inserted in the at least one first U-shaped channel; and selectively moving the at least one second assembly between a third position, in which the at least one second assembly is located outside of the at least one second U-shaped channel, and a fourth position, in which the at least one second assembly is inserted in the at least one second U-shaped channel.

20. The process according to claim 19, wherein the at least one first assembly and the at least one second assembly operate independently of each other.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] These and other features of this disclosure will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the disclosure, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0044] FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary dual side guidance track channels with bi-directional support of lateral loads provided by a port guidance track and a starboard guidance track

[0045] FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary vehicle seen from the stern with guidance bogies positioned to direct the vehicle to the starboard path;

[0046] FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary vehicle seen from the stern with guidance bogies positioned to direct the vehicle to the port path;

[0047] FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary sample common crossing at a bifurcation;

[0048] FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary vehicle with a pod fuselage within an exoskeleton attached to levitation and guidance bogies;

[0049] FIG. 6 depicts an exemplary vehicle with port guidance bogies engaged;

[0050] FIG. 7 depicts an exemplary vehicle with starboard guidance bogies engaged;

[0051] FIG. 8 depicts an exemplary configuration of a passenger pod with nose cone removed to show the seating arrangement;

[0052] FIG. 9 depicts an exemplary configuration of a cargo pod with nose cone removed to show a cargo container;

[0053] FIG. 10 depicts an exemplary configuration of a vehicle going through a turn showing a banked pod within an unbanked exoskeleton;

[0054] FIG. 11 shows an exemplary system for use in accordance with the embodiments described herein; and

[0055] FIG. 12 shows an exemplary flow diagram for a process for vehicle guidance.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] In the following description, the various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with respect to the enclosed drawings. As required, detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are discussed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the embodiments of the disclosure that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure.

[0057] The particulars shown herein are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the embodiments of the present disclosure only and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the present disclosure. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the present disclosure in more detail than is necessary for the fundamental understanding of the present disclosure, such that the description, taken with the drawings, making apparent to those skilled in the art how the forms of the present disclosure may be embodied in practice.

[0058] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, reference to “a magnetic material” would also mean that mixtures of one or more magnetic materials can be present unless specifically excluded.

[0059] Except where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the specification and claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by embodiments of the present disclosure. At the very least, and not to be considered as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should be construed in light of the number of significant digits and ordinary rounding conventions.

[0060] Additionally, the recitation of numerical ranges within this specification is considered to be a disclosure of all numerical values and ranges within that range (unless otherwise explicitly indicated). For example, if a range is from about 1 to about 50, it is deemed to include, for example, 1, 7, 34, 46.1, 23.7, or any other value or range within the range.

[0061] As used herein, the indefinite article “a” indicates one as well as more than one and does not necessarily limit its referent noun to the singular.

[0062] As used herein, the terms “about” and “approximately” indicate that the amount or value in question may be the specific value designated or some other value in its neighborhood. Generally, the terms “about” and “approximately denoting a certain value is intended to denote a range within ±5% of the value. As one example, the phrase “about 100” denotes a range of 100 ±5, i.e. the range from 95 to 105. Generally, when the terms “about” and “approximately are used, it can be expected that similar results or effects according to the disclosure can be obtained within a range of ±5% of the indicated value.

[0063] As used herein, the term “and/or” indicates that either all or only one of the elements of said group may be present. For example, “A and/or B” shall mean “only A, or only B, or both A and B”. In the case of “only A”, the term also covers the possibility that B is absent, i.e. “only A, but not B”.

[0064] The term “substantially parallel” refers to deviating less than 20° from parallel alignment and the term “substantially perpendicular” refers to deviating less than 20° from perpendicular alignment. The term “parallel” refers to deviating less than 5° from mathematically exact parallel alignment. Similarly, “perpendicular” refers to deviating less than 5° from mathematically exact perpendicular alignment.

[0065] The term “at least partially” is intended to denote that the following property is fulfilled to a certain extent or completely.

[0066] The terms “substantially” and “essentially” are used to denote that the following feature, property or parameter is either completely (entirely) realized or satisfied or to a major degree that does not adversely affect the intended result.

[0067] The term “comprising” as used herein is intended to be non-exclusive and open-ended. Thus, for instance a composition comprising a compound A may include other compounds besides A. However, the term “comprising” also covers the more restrictive meanings of “consisting essentially of” and “consisting of”, so that for instance “a composition comprising a compound A” may also (essentially) consist of the compound A.

[0068] The various embodiments disclosed herein can be used separately and in various combinations unless specifically stated to the contrary.

[0069] While the specification describes particular embodiments of the present disclosure, those of ordinary skill can devise variations of the present disclosure without departing from the inventive concept.

[0070] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary and non-limiting configuration of a track switching assembly for a vehicle, as viewed from the stern (rear) of the vehicle, so that the left-hand side of the drawing corresponds to port and the right-hand side (using reference numbers with primes/apostrophes) corresponds to starboard. The vehicle 112, which can be, e.g., a magnetic levitation vehicle or a wheeled vehicle, travels over tracks 101, which can be set flush with or raised above a floor 103 in a transport guideway 114 (which can be a tube, a partial tube, an elevated structure, a structure at ground level, a structure below ground, a tunnel, a bridge, etc.). Tracks 101 interact with levitation bogies 105 of vehicle 112 to effect a levitation force on which vehicle 112 as it travels through transport guideway 114 over tracks 101. In embodiments, interaction between tracks 101 and levitation bogies 105 can also effect a motive force on vehicle 112 through transport guideway 114. Additionally, or alternatively, a motive force can be exerted on vehicle 112 to move vehicle 112 through transport guideway 114.

[0071] For guidance of vehicle 112 over tracks 101 and within the transport guideway 114, the track switching assembly includes at least one first guidance bogie assembly 100, which can be located, e.g., on a port side of vehicle 112, at least one first track channel assembly (or guidance track) 102, which can be arranged on a port side of transport guideway 114, at least one second guidance assembly 100′, which can be located, e.g., on a starboard side of vehicle 112, and at least one second track channel assembly 102′, which can be arranged on a starboard side of transport guideway 114. First guidance assembly 100 comprises a first connecting arm 104, a first assembly 106, e.g., contactless mechanisms such as active electromagnets, passive permanent magnets, air bearings, etc. or contacting mechanisms such as wheels or slippers, etc., or combinations thereof, and an actuator (not shown), and second guidance bogie assembly 100′ comprises a second connecting arm 104′, a second assembly 106′, e.g., contactless mechanisms such as electromagnets, permanent magnets, air bearings, etc. or contacting mechanisms such as wheels or slippers, etc., or combinations thereof, and an actuator (not shown). By way of non-limiting example, the actuators for the first and second guidance bogies can be a same actuator or separate actuators. First track channel assembly 102 comprises a third assembly 108, which may or may not be lined with special surface linings suited to interacting with active electromagnets, passive permanent magnets, wheels, air bearings, or combinations thereof of the first assembly 106, and second track channel assembly 102′ comprises a fourth assembly 108′, which may or may not be lined with special surface linings suited to interacting with active electromagnets, passive permanent magnets, wheels, air bearings, or combinations thereof of the first assembly 106′. Moreover, the surface linings can be made of metal, polymers, composites, or any other materials necessary to bear loads, reduce friction, handle thermal stresses, etc.

[0072] FIG. 2 depicts first guidance bogie assembly 100 changing position, e.g., rotating around vehicle 112, in accordance with aspects of the disclosure. The actuator (not shown) is coupled to vehicle 112, and is preferably connected to an exoskeleton of vehicle 112 rather than to a passenger or cargo compartment or pod located within the exoskeleton, in order to effect relative, e.g., rotational, movement between first guidance bogie assembly 100 and vehicle 112 in order to substantially disengage first guidance bogie assembly 100 from first track channel assembly 102. By disengaging first guidance bogie assembly 100 from first track channel assembly 102, first assembly 106 is likewise disengaged from third assembly 108 so that these assemblies are no longer interacting with each other. When first guidance bogie assembly 100 is disengaged from first track channel assembly 102 in the manner shown in FIG. 2, vehicle 112 is guided over track 101 and through transport guideway 114 only by the still engaged second guidance bogie assembly 100′ and second track channel assembly 102′, whereby second assembly 106′ is engaged and interacting with fourth assembly 108′.

[0073] FIG. 3 depicts second guidance bogie assembly 100′ operable to move substantially away from a second track channel assembly 102′ in a similar manner to the first guidance bogie assembly 100. In particular, FIG. 3 shows second guidance bogie assembly 100′ changing position, e.g., rotating around an exterior of vehicle 112, in accordance with aspects of the disclosure. The actuator (not shown), which can be a same or a separate actuator from that described above in FIG. 2 as being coupled to vehicle 112, and preferably connected to an exoskeleton of vehicle 112, effects relative, e.g., rotational, movement between second guidance bogie assembly 100′ and vehicle 112 in order to substantially disengage second guidance bogie assembly 100′ from second track channel assembly 102′. By disengaging second guidance bogie assembly 100′ from second track channel assembly 102′, second assembly 106′ is likewise disengaged from fourth assembly 108′ so that these assemblies are no longer interacting with each other. When second guidance bogie assembly 100′ is disengaged from second track channel assembly 102′ in the manner shown in FIG. 3, vehicle 112 is guided over track 101 and through transport guideway 114 only by the still engaged first guidance bogie assembly 100 and first track channel assembly 102, whereby first assembly 106 is engaged and interacting with third assembly 108.

[0074] As illustrated in FIG. 4, transport guideway 401 of the transportation system can include a bifurcation at common crossing 400, so that vehicle 112 can either be guided along branch 402 or veer off to be guided along branch 404. Transport guideways 401, 402 and 404 generally correspond to the structure of transport guideway 114 depicted in FIG. 1. However, in a region of common crossing 400, a set of levitation tracks 101 will continue along branch 402 and another set of levitation tracks 101 will veer off from transport guideway 401 to continue along branch 404. In this way, regardless of the direction of travel imparted on vehicle 112 after switch 400, track 101 will continue to provide the levitation support for vehicle 112.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 4, first track channel assembly 102 can extend continuously through common crossing 400 along the port wall of transport guideways 401 and 402, while second track channel assembly 102′ can extend continuously through common crossing along the starboard wall of transport guideways 401 and 404. After the bifurcation or after common crossing 400, second track channel assembly 102′ will be provided on the starboard of transport guideway 402 and first track channel assembly 102 will be provided on the port of transport guideway 404. In this way, via disengagement of a respective guidance bogie assembly/track assembly pair, vehicle 112 can be directed to continue along a course through transport guideway 402 or can be directed to veer off through transport guideway 404. By way of non-limiting example and with reference to FIG. 1, for vehicle 112 to travel from transport guideway 401 through common crossing 400 to transport guideway 404, as vehicle 112 approaches common crossing 400, first guidance bogie assembly 100 is disengaged from first track assembly 102 while second guidance bogie assembly 100′ remains engaged with second track assembly 102′, so that vehicle 112 is directed to veer off into transport guideway 404. After vehicle 112 has passed the bifurcation or common crossing 400, first guidance bogie assembly 100 that was disengaged to effect the guidance of vehicle 112 through common crossing 400 can re-engage with the first track assembly 102 transport guideway 404. This re-engagement of the guidance bogie assemblies and track assemblies can additionally contribute lateral support for vehicle 112 as it travels through the transport guideways. Moreover, in embodiments, vehicle 112 may have a plurality of guidance bogie assemblies on each side in a bi-directional system.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 5, a fuselage having a generic teardrop aerodynamic shape similar to typical passenger aircraft has a nose cone (bow) with a rounded part while the tail cone (stern) has a more elongated/pointy part. Along the length of the fuselage, a plurality of guidance bogie assemblies 100.sub.1, 100.sub.2, 100.sub.3, 100.sub.1′, 100.sub.2′, 100.sub.3′ may be arranged along a length of the vehicle 112. Moreover, each guidance bogie assembly 100.sub.1, 100.sub.2, 100.sub.3, 100.sub.1′, 100.sub.2′, 100.sub.3′ may be configured to move independently from each other. FIGS. 6 and 7 show vehicle 112 approaching a common crossing (not shown) and preparing for a turn. FIG. 6 depicts connecting arms 104.sub.1′, 104.sub.2′, 104.sub.3′ on the starboard side of vehicle 112 raised from track channel assembly 102′, thus, preparing to bear to the port direction, i.e., the side of guidance bogie assemblies 100.sub.1, 100.sub.2, 100.sub.3 interacting with track channel assembly 102 as vehicle 112 passes through an impending common crossing (not shown). Conversely, FIG. 7 depicts connecting arms 104.sub.1, 104.sub.2, 104.sub.3 on the port side of vehicle 114 raised from track channel assembly 102, thus, preparing to bear to the starboard direction, i.e., the side of guidance bogie assemblies 100.sub.1′, 100.sub.2′, 100.sub.3′ interacting with track channel assembly 102′ as vehicle 112 passes through an impending common crossing (not shown).

[0077] Still further, while the plurality of guidance bogie assemblies 100.sub.1, 100.sub.2, 100.sub.3, 100.sub.1′, 100.sub.2′ 100.sub.3′ can be provided on the exterior of vehicle 112, as shown in FIG. 5, vehicle 112 and guidance bogie assemblies 100.sub.1, 100.sub.2, 100.sub.3, 100.sub.1′, 100.sub.2′ 100.sub.3′ may form an exoskeleton or outer frame 212 in which a pod is free to rotate along its longitudinal axis, e.g., for transporting people and/or cargo. FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment in which a pod fuselage/shell 201 is arranged within the exoskeleton formed by at least an outer frame 212 of vehicle 112 and the guidance bogie assemblies. By way of non-limiting example, pod 201 may have a diameter of 3.75 m, which would be sufficient to allow single aisle 2+2 business class seating for 40 passengers within pod 201. Moreover, pod 201 can be provided with a floor 203 on which the passenger seating is connected. Floor 203 can be a load-bearing structure that could enable a “double-bubble” pressure vessel configuration as in passenger aircraft. Further, section 205 below the floor can be provided for storage, such as luggage, cargo, etc.

[0078] As illustrated in FIG. 9, pod 201, arranged within the exoskeleton formed by at least an outer frame 212 of vehicle 112 and the guidance bogie assemblies, can have a diameter of, e.g., 3.75 m, which corresponds to the diameter of the exemplary pod 201 depicted in FIG. 8 and which is sufficient to hold and transport a standard maritime container.

[0079] In the known art of transporting people and/or cargo via rail, when the train is to make a turn, the tracks are banked to counteract the centrifugal force on the train moving through the turn, thereby avoiding derailment. However, referring again to FIG. 4, tracks 101 approaching the common crossing 400 and through the common crossing into partially illustrated transport guideways 402′ and 404′ remain flat. As vehicle 112 make the turn through common crossing 400 into transport guideway 404′, centrifugal forces will be exerted on, not only the pod, but also on the passengers and/or cargo being transported. To address these forces, pod 201′, as shown in FIG. 10, can be configured for at least limited rotation within shell 212′. In particular, as vehicle 112 makes a turn, pod 201′ can rotate within outer frame 212′ to transform lateral centrifugal forces into additional perceived downward force in the tilted reference frame of the banked pod and zero perceived lateral force in that same reference frame. As pod 201′ rotates, the passengers, rather than being thrown to the left or right by the vehicle's turning, continue to ride comfortably, as if riding in an aircraft making a turn. By way of non-limiting example, pod 201′ can be coupled to outer frame 212′ via bearings, e.g., cylindrical bearings, spherical bearings, air bearings, magnetic bearings, etc., to enable the desired relative rotation. By this configuration, in a port turn, the levitation bogies underneath the vehicle transfer the weight of the vehicle to the perfectly horizontal (unbanked) levitation tracks, while the starboard guidance bogies transfer the centrifugal lateral forces to perfectly vertical guidance tracks. Consequently, the passenger compartment is banked naturally along the combined acceleration of gravity and centrifugal forces in such a way that passengers do not perceive any lateral acceleration in their tilted frame of reference;

[0080] By way of non-limiting example, pod 201′ can be freely rotatable in outer frame 212′. If center of gravity of pod 201′ is kept below the center of rotation, pod 201′ will rotate naturally and re-center itself automatically in the transport guideway following the turn. Additionally, heavier items such as luggage, electronics, environmental control and life support systems, etc. can be placed below the center of rotation (for example below the floor) as a counterbalance to further assist pod 201′ in re-centering itself in the transport guideway. In other embodiments, stops (not shown) can be provided on pod 201′ and inside outer shell 212′ to limit the rotation of pod 201′ within outer frame 212′.

System Environment

[0081] Aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure (e.g., control systems for the vehicle guidance system) can be implemented by such special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions and/or software, as described above. The control systems may be implemented and executed from either a server, in a client server relationship, or they may run on a user workstation with operative information conveyed to the user workstation. In an embodiment, the software elements include firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.

[0082] As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects of the present disclosure may be embodied as a system, a method or a computer program product. Accordingly, aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a “circuit,” “module” or “system.” Furthermore, aspects of the present disclosure (e.g., control systems) may take the form of a computer program product embodied in any tangible medium of expression having computer-usable program code embodied in the medium.

[0083] Any combination of one or more computer usable or computer readable medium(s) may be utilized. The computer-usable or computer-readable medium may be, for example but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, device, or propagation medium. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer-readable medium would include the following: [0084] an electrical connection having one or more wires, [0085] a portable computer diskette, [0086] a hard disk, [0087] a random access memory (RAM), [0088] a read-only memory (ROM), [0089] an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), [0090] an optical fiber, [0091] a portable compact disc read-only memory (CDROM), [0092] an optical storage device, [0093] a transmission media such as those supporting the Internet or an intranet, [0094] a magnetic storage device [0095] a USB key, and/or [0096] a mobile phone.

[0097] In the context of this document, a computer-usable or computer-readable medium may be any medium that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transport the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The computer-usable medium may include a propagated data signal with the computer-usable program code embodied therewith, either in baseband or as part of a carrier wave. The computer usable program code may be transmitted using any appropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless, wireline, optical fiber cable, RF, etc.

[0098] Computer program code for carrying out operations of the present disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Java, Smalltalk, C++ or the like and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programming languages. The program code may execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type of network. This may include, for example, a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider). Additionally, in embodiments, the present disclosure may be embodied in a field programmable gate array (FPGA).

[0099] FIG. 11 is an exemplary system for use in accordance with the embodiments described herein. The system 3900 is generally shown and may include a computer system 3902, which is generally indicated. The computer system 3902 may operate as a standalone device or may be connected to other systems or peripheral devices. For example, the computer system 3902 may include, or be included within, any one or more computers, servers, systems, communication networks or cloud environment. As shown in FIG. 11, system 3900 includes a vehicle guidance system 3950 in communication with the computer system 3902, and operable to control aspects of the track switching components.

[0100] The computer system 3902 may operate in the capacity of a server in a network environment, or in the capacity of a client user computer in the network environment. The computer system 3902, or portions thereof, may be implemented as, or incorporated into, various devices, such as a personal computer, a tablet computer, a set-top box, a personal digital assistant, a mobile device, a palmtop computer, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a communications device, a wireless telephone, a personal trusted device, a web appliance, or any other machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that device. Further, while a single computer system 3902 is illustrated, additional embodiments may include any collection of systems or sub-systems that individually or jointly execute instructions or perform functions.

[0101] As illustrated in FIG. 11, the computer system 3902 may include at least one processor 3904, such as, for example, a central processing unit, a graphics processing unit, or both. The computer system 3902 may also include a computer memory 3906. The computer memory 3906 may include a static memory, a dynamic memory, or both. The computer memory 3906 may additionally or alternatively include a hard disk, random access memory, a cache, or any combination thereof. Of course, those skilled in the art appreciate that the computer memory 3906 may comprise any combination of known memories or a single storage.

[0102] As shown in FIG. 11, the computer system 3902 may include a computer display 3908, such as a liquid crystal display, an organic light emitting diode, a flat panel display, a solid state display, a cathode ray tube, a plasma display, or any other known display. The computer system 3902 may include at least one computer input device 3910, such as a keyboard, a remote control device having a wireless keypad, a microphone coupled to a speech recognition engine, a camera such as a video camera or still camera, a cursor control device, or any combination thereof. Those skilled in the art appreciate that various embodiments of the computer system 3902 may include multiple input devices 3910. Moreover, those skilled in the art further appreciate that the above-listed, exemplary input devices 3910 are not meant to be exhaustive and that the computer system 3902 may include any additional, or alternative, input devices 3910.

[0103] The computer system 3902 may also include a medium reader 3912 and a network interface 3914. Furthermore, the computer system 3902 may include any additional devices, components, parts, peripherals, hardware, software or any combination thereof which are commonly known and understood as being included with or within a computer system, such as, but not limited to, an output device 3916. The output device 3916 may be, but is not limited to, a speaker, an audio out, a video out, a remote control output, or any combination thereof.

[0104] By way of non-limiting example, FIG. 12 shows an exemplary flow diagram of a process 1300 for guiding a vehicle through a common crossing, such as shown in FIG. 4. The process begins at 1201, as the vehicle is traveling along a predetermined path. At 1202, a determination is made whether the vehicle is approaching a common crossing. This determination can be made from, e.g., the vehicle passing a sensor in the transport guideway, monitoring the progress of the vehicle along its predetermined path, etc. If not approaching a common crossing, the process returns to continue waiting for an approach to a common crossing. If a common crossing is approaching, the process at 1203 can determine whether a starboard path (or a port path) is to be taken. When the path is predetermined, this inquiry would be readily answered. In the event that an operator is driving the vehicle, the process can allow for user interaction for selecting directions.

[0105] When the vehicle is taking the starboard path of the common crossing, the guidance bogie(s) on the port side of the vehicle are lifted at 1204, thereby decoupling the assemblies on the lifted guidance bogies from the respective track channel. In contrast, when the vehicle is taking the port path of the common crossing, the guidance bogie(s) on the starboard side of the vehicle are lifted at 1205, thereby decoupling the assemblies on the lifted guidance bogies from the respective track channel. Depending upon the path taken, the process at 1206 or 1207 determines whether the turn is complete. If the turn has not yet been completed, the process will wait until completion. Once it is determined that the turn is complete, the lifted guidance bogies will be returned to their travel positions at 1208 so that the assemblies are again coupled within the respective track channel. Thereafter, the process ends at 1209.

[0106] Furthermore, the aspects of the disclosure may take the form of a computer program product accessible from a computer-usable or computer-readable medium providing program code for use by or in connection with a computer or any instruction execution system. The software and/or computer program product can be implemented in the environment of FIG. 11. For the purposes of this description, a computer-usable or computer readable medium can be any apparatus that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transport the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The medium can be an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system (or apparatus or device) or a propagation medium. Examples of a computer-readable storage medium include a semiconductor or solid state memory, magnetic tape, a removable computer diskette, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a rigid magnetic disk and an optical disk. Current examples of optical disks include compact disk-read only memory (CD-ROM), compact disc-read/write (CD-R/W) and DVD.

[0107] One or more embodiments of the disclosure may be referred to herein, individually and/or collectively, by the term “invention” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any particular disclosure or inventive concept. Moreover, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any subsequent arrangement designed to achieve the same or similar purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all subsequent adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the description.

[0108] The above disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative, and not restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other embodiments which fall within the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Thus, to the maximum extent allowed by law, the scope of the present disclosure is to be determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the following claims and their equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited by the foregoing detailed description.

[0109] Accordingly, the novel architecture is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

[0110] While the disclosure has been described with reference to specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the true spirit and scope of the disclosure. While exemplary embodiments are described above, it is not intended that these embodiments describe all possible forms of the embodiments of the disclosure. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. In addition, modifications may be made without departing from the essential teachings of the disclosure. Furthermore, the features of various implementing embodiments may be combined to form further embodiments of the disclosure.

[0111] While the specification describes particular embodiments of the present disclosure, those of ordinary skill can devise variations of the present disclosure without departing from the inventive concept.

[0112] Insofar as the description above and the accompanying drawing disclose any additional subject matter that is not within the scope of the claims below, the embodiments are not dedicated to the public and the right to file one or more applications to claim such additional embodiments is reserved.