U.S. patent application number 13/855118 was filed with the patent office on 2013-10-03 for rail crossing remote diagnostics.
The applicant listed for this patent is Metrom Rail, LLC. Invention is credited to Richard Carlson, JR., Richard C. Carlson, Kurt Gunther, John Wolf.
Application Number | 20130256466 13/855118 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49233570 |
Filed Date | 2013-10-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130256466 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Carlson; Richard C. ; et
al. |
October 3, 2013 |
RAIL CROSSING REMOTE DIAGNOSTICS
Abstract
The present technology provides a rail crossing remote
diagnostics system. The rail crossing remote diagnostics system
includes a rail crossing station monitor installed in a bungalow at
a rail crossing station. The station monitor has a communication
module, such as a wireless transceiver, a connection to the
ethernet, a cellular transceiver, a telephone connection, or a
modem. The rail crossing remote diagnostics system also includes
one or more diagnostic sensors installed at the rail crossing
station. The diagnostic sensors are adapted to communicate with the
station monitor. The station monitor automatically monitors at
least one device installed at the rail crossing station and
generates rail crossing diagnostics reports. The present technology
also provides a rail crossing diagnostics network that includes a
network hub and one or more rail crossing remote diagnostics
systems. Certain embodiments also provide methods for automatically
monitoring the operation of a rail crossing station.
Inventors: |
Carlson; Richard C.;
(Wauconda, IL) ; Wolf; John; (Wauconda, IL)
; Gunther; Kurt; (Round Lake Heights, IL) ;
Carlson, JR.; Richard; (Chicago, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Metrom Rail, LLC |
Lake Zurich |
IL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49233570 |
Appl. No.: |
13/855118 |
Filed: |
April 2, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61686231 |
Apr 3, 2012 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
246/218 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B61L 29/30 20130101;
B61L 27/0088 20130101; B61L 23/041 20130101; B61L 5/00
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
246/218 |
International
Class: |
B61L 5/00 20060101
B61L005/00 |
Claims
1) A rail crossing remote diagnostics system comprising: a station
monitor installed in a bungalow at a rail crossing station, the
station monitor having a communication module; and a diagnostic
sensor installed at the rail crossing station, the diagnostic
sensor adapted to communicate with the station monitor; wherein,
the station monitor monitors at least one device installed at the
rail crossing station and generates rail crossing diagnostics
reports.
2) The rail crossing remote diagnostics system of claim 1, wherein
the station monitor automatically monitors at least one device
installed in the bungalow.
3) The rail crossing remote diagnostics system of claim 1, wherein
the communication module transmits the rail crossing diagnostics
reports to a network via the communication module.
4) The rail crossing remote diagnostics system of claim 1, wherein
the communication module allows the station monitor to be operated
remotely via a network.
5) The rail crossing remote diagnostics system of claim 1, wherein
the station monitor further comprises at least one redundant backup
control, the redundant backup control operating at least one rail
crossing station function when the station monitor detects a
problem at the rail crossing station.
6) The rail crossing remote diagnostics system of claim 1, wherein
the station monitor and the diagnostic sensor operate together to
monitor the operation of at least one sensor installed at the rail
crossing station.
7) The rail crossing remote diagnostics system of claim 1, wherein
the diagnostic sensor is installed at the rail crossing station
external to the bungalow.
8) The rail crossing remote diagnostics system of claim 1, wherein
the diagnostic sensor is installed at the rail crossing station
inside of the bungalow.
9) The rail crossing remote diagnostics system of claim 1, further
comprising two or more diagnostic sensors installed at the rail
crossing station, each the diagnostic sensor adapted to communicate
with the station monitor.
10) The rail crossing remote diagnostics system of claim 1, wherein
the diagnostic sensor comprises at least one of the following: a
power source sensor, a gate tip sensor, a dragging equipment
sensor, a wind speed monitor, a shunt sensor, an equipment
temperature sensor, a video camera sensor, an ambient light sensor,
a light signal sensor, a backup gate sensor, and a sound
sensor.
11) The rail crossing remote diagnostics system of claim 1, wherein
the station monitor monitors the performance of at least one of the
following: signal roundel lights, crossing gate lights, crossing
gate tilt, crossing gate integrity, time between gate lowering and
train arrival, time that a train is in the crossing area, power
integrity into the bungalow, power level of a bungalow backup
battery, bungalow date and time, signal integrity of a gate trigger
system, and status of backup gate activation systems.
12) The rail crossing remote diagnostics system of claim 1, wherein
the station monitor further includes at least one of a bungalow
intrusion alarm and a data recorder.
13) The rail crossing remote diagnostics system of claim 1, wherein
the station monitor further comprises a station monitor power
system that includes a station monitor backup battery.
14) The rail crossing remote diagnostics system of claim 1, wherein
the station monitor is connected to a crossing controller unit
installed in the bungalow.
15) A rail crossing diagnostics network comprising: at least one
rail crossing remote diagnostics system installed at a rail
crossing station, the rail crossing remote diagnostics system
comprising: a station monitor installed in a bungalow at the rail
crossing station, the station monitor having a communication
module; and a diagnostic sensor installed at the rail crossing
station, the diagnostic sensor adapted to communicate with the
station monitor; and a network hub in communication with the at
least one rail crossing diagnostics system; wherein, the station
monitor automatically monitors at least one device installed at the
rail crossing station and generates rail crossing diagnostics
reports, and further wherein the network hub provides remote access
to the at least one rail crossing remote diagnostics system.
16) The rail crossing diagnostics network of claim 15, further
comprising at least two rail crossing remote diagnostics systems,
wherein the network hub provides remote access to each of the at
least two rail crossing remote diagnostics systems.
17) A method for automatically monitoring the operation of a rail
crossing station comprising the following steps: monitoring
equipment within a bungalow installed at a rail crossing station
using a station monitor installed in the bungalow; monitoring the
operation of at least one rail crossing station sensor using the
station monitor and one or more diagnostic sensors installed at the
rail crossing station, where the one or more diagnostic sensors are
in communication with the station monitor; and generating a
diagnostics report with the station monitor.
18) The method for automatically monitoring the operation of a rail
crossing station of claim 17, further comprising the step of using
the station monitor to transmit a diagnostics report over a
network.
19) The method for automatically monitoring the operation of a rail
crossing station of claim 17, further comprising the steps of using
the station monitor to execute a function based upon a remote
command transmitted over a network.
20) The method for automatically monitoring the operation of a rail
crossing station of claim 17, further comprising the step of using
the station monitor to execute a backup control operation when the
station monitor detects a problem at the rail crossing station.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application makes reference to, and claims priority to
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/686,231 filed on Apr. 3,
2012 by Richard C. Carlson, titled "Rail Crossing Remote
Diagnostics." U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/686,231 is
hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Railroad companies are responsible for maintaining proper
operation of the functions and features at rail crossing stations,
i.e., locations where a section of rail intersects a section of
road. These responsibilities include monitoring and ensuring proper
the operation of rail crossing warning systems and related
equipment. The rail crossing stations often include a warning
system, which can include a warning light assembly, a gate
assembly, and an audio warning, such as a bell, a horn or a siren,
for example, and various sensors and/or detectors that trigger the
warning system. The rail crossing stations also often include a
bungalow or other enclosure that contains the control equipment,
electronics and other hardware operating the functions of the rail
crossing station.
[0003] To ensure safe operation of the rail crossing, it is
important that the rail crossing warning systems are continually
working properly. As a result, railroads typically have each rail
crossing station manually inspected on a regular interval. For
example, railroad companies may be required to send personnel to
manually inspect each railroad crossing station at least once every
30 days. These inspectors manually inspect the equipment located at
the rail crossing station including, for example, the sensors and
detectors, the warning systems, and the equipment located in the
bungalow, to ensure that the rail crossing station is operating in
a safe and effective manner.
[0004] This manual inspection procedure can be a time consuming and
expensive process, and it can also be prone to error. Moreover, if
and when a manual inspection discovers a defect in the system, such
a defect must be manually reported to the railroad, which may take
a significant amount of time. This can result in an increase in the
risk of accidents occurring as a result of an inoperative system
while the defect is being reported. Additionally, because manual
inspections cannot continually monitor the rail crossing stations,
issues that may arise in between inspections can go undiscovered
for several days or weeks.
SUMMARY
[0005] The present technology generally relates to rail crossing
remote diagnostics ("RCRD") systems. In certain embodiments, the
RCRD system can include a rail crossing station monitor installed
in a bungalow at a rail crossing station. The station monitor has a
communication module, such as a wireless transceiver, an ethernet
or other internet connection, a cellular transceiver, a telephone
connection, or a modem, for example. The RCRD system also includes
one or more diagnostic sensors installed at the rail crossing
station. The diagnostic sensors are adapted to communicate with the
station monitor. For example, the diagnostic sensors may be wired
to the station monitor, or connected to it wirelessly. The station
monitor automatically monitors at least one device installed at the
rail crossing station and generates rail crossing diagnostics
reports.
[0006] The present technology also relates to rail crossing
diagnostics networks ("RCDN"). The RCDN includes one or more RCRD
systems installed at a rail crossing station. The RCRD systems
include a station monitor with a communication module installed in
a bungalow at the rail crossing station. The RCRD system also has
one or more diagnostic sensors installed at the rail crossing
station. The diagnostic sensors are adapted to communicate with the
station monitor. The RCDN also includes a network hub that is in
communication with the RCRD systems. The station monitor
automatically monitors at least one device installed at the rail
crossing station and generates rail crossing diagnostics reports.
Further, the network hub allows for remote access to the at least
one rail crossing station diagnostics system. In certain
embodiments, the RCDN will include at least two rail crossing
station diagnostics systems, and the network hub will provide
remote access to each of the RCRD systems.
[0007] The present technology also provides methods for
automatically monitoring the operation of a rail crossing station.
The methods include monitoring equipment within a bungalow that has
been installed at a rail crossing station using a station monitor
that is installed in the bungalow. The operation of at least one
rail crossing station sensor is also monitored using the station
monitor and one or more diagnostic sensors installed at the rail
crossing station, where the diagnostic sensors are in communication
with the station monitor. The station monitor is used to generate a
diagnostics report. Certain embodiments of the present technology
may include the additional step of using the station monitor to
transmit a diagnostics report over a network. Certain embodiments
also include steps that execute station monitor functions or
functionality based on remote commands received over a network. In
certain embodiments, methods can also include the step of executing
a backup control operation when the station monitor detects a
problem at the rail crossing station.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 depicts an example of a rail crossing station with
various rail crossing station equipment.
[0009] FIG. 2 shows the relationship among internal components of a
bungalow installed at a rail crossing station.
[0010] FIG. 3 shows the relationship among components of a bungalow
and other equipment at a rail crossing station.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a modular diagram of a bungalow equipped with a
station monitor.
[0012] FIG. 5 shows the relationship among a station monitor
installed in a bungalow and other equipment at a rail crossing
station.
[0013] FIG. 6 shows the relationship among components of a RCRD
system that may be installed at a rail crossing station.
[0014] FIG. 7 shows a RCDN that includes multiple rail crossing
diagnostics systems.
[0015] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of a method for automatically
monitoring the operation of a rail crossing station.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] The presently described technology relates generally to
systems and methods for monitoring rail equipment. More
specifically, the present disclosure describes systems and methods
for automatically monitoring the equipment at a rail crossing
station. Even more specifically, the present disclosure discloses
systems and methods that automatically monitor the operation of a
rail crossing controller unit and the related warning systems and
sensors at a rail crossing station, and that can remotely
communicate diagnostics reports over a network.
[0017] The presently described technology can reduce or alleviate
the need for periodic manual inspections of rail crossing stations,
or decrease the amount of work required by such manual inspections,
because it employs a system of one or more remote sensors that
automatically monitor many of the parameters that otherwise have to
be inspected manually. Using the information obtained from this
automatic monitoring process, the present technology system can
identify predictive trends that allow for certain rail crossing
station equipment to be replaced before they fail.
[0018] The present technology also allows for rail systems to
connect and comply with new rail system standards, such as positive
train control ("PTC"). That is, the present technology can provide
automatic monitoring of crossing conditions and equipment
functionality and operation in a manner that can be integrated
within the PTC requirements framework.
[0019] FIG. 1 depicts an example of a rail crossing station that
can utilize the presently described technology. For example, FIG. 1
depicts a rail crossing station that implements various sensors,
detectors and other equipment that can be used in accordance with
or as a part of the present technology. As shown in FIG. 1, a rail
track 10 intersects a road 20 at a rail crossing 100. Because a
rail crossing can be a dangerous intersection if traffic is not
properly stopped on the road when a train is crossing, rail
crossing stations often employ warning signals to notify oncoming
vehicles when a train is arriving. This typically involves use of a
warning system 30, which can include warning lights and sounds, and
a crossing gate that drops down to block the rail crossing in all
intersecting directions. It is important that the warning signals
generated by the warning system 30 are activated early enough
before a train arrives to ensure that traffic is completely stopped
when a crossing train arrives, but not so early that the warning
system 30 unnecessarily obstructs traffic that could otherwise
safely pass the crossing. For these and other reasons, rail
crossing stations can employ a variety of sensors, detectors and
other equipment to ensure that the warning signals are operating
properly. The presently described technology provides systems and
methods for monitoring these sensors, and also provides additional
sensors and equipment to help ensure the safe operation of a rail
crossing station.
[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, a rail crossing station may employ a
sensor station 50 that may include one or more sensors. For
example, in certain embodiments of the present technology, sensor
station 50 can include ambient light sensors, warning light
sensors, gate tilt sensors, gate light sensors, gate integrity
sensors, optical light sensors, current sense sensors, and
accelerometer/tilt sensors, for example. These sensors can be used
to ensure that the lights of the warning signals are visible, that
warning signal noises are audible, that the gate is lowering and/or
tilting to the proper angle, and that the gate is still in tact,
for example. The rail crossing station can also include sensors and
detectors 60 that are built into or placed on the rail track 10
itself. For example, the sensors and detectors 60 may include wheel
detectors that detect the presence of a train wheel on the track,
equipment temperature sensing equipment, a dragging equipment
detector that detects when a passing train is dragging equipment
along the track, a shunt system or other sensors that detect the
location and/or velocity of an oncoming train, sensors that monitor
the time it takes a train to pass over the crossing station, and
sensors that monitor the time it takes from the gate to lower until
the train arrives at the crossing.
[0021] Additionally, certain embodiments of the present technology
may provide, or operate with a crossing station that incorporates
one or more video cameras 70 that record video footage of the rail
crossing station. The video cameras 70 can record the rail crossing
warning system 30 to ensure that the gates and lights are operating
properly when a train is crossing, for example. The video cameras
70 can also be used to ensure that all of the lights along the gate
are operating properly, or to determine whether one of the lights
may have burned out.
[0022] A train crossing station can also include weather sensors 80
that record and monitor various weather conditions such as the
temperature, precipitation levels, and wind speed, for example.
Information about the weather conditions from the weather sensors
80 can be used to anticipate potential problems with the crossing
warning system 30 (e.g., it may anticipate that ice buildup may
cause issues with the gate), or to control the timing of the
warning systems 30 itself (e.g., the warning system 30 may be
activated earlier when the weather sensors 80 detect that the roads
may be wet or slippery), for example.
[0023] FIG. 1 also depicts a bungalow 200, which can be a housing,
a box structure, or another enclosure that houses equipment used at
the rail crossing station. The bungalow 200 houses the controlling
equipment for the rail crossing station. As shown in FIG. 2, the
bungalow can house a crossing controller unit 250 ("CCU") that
controls the operations of the rail crossing station. The CCU can
control the function of the gate or the warning lights of the
crossing warning system 30. The CCU 250 can include an operating
interface 254 that allows a user to access and control the CCU and
the related functions that it controls. The CCU 250 may also
comprise a data log 256 that obtains and makes records of rail
crossing events. For example, the data log 256 may keep a record of
the time that a warning gate is lowered, the time that the train
crosses the station, or any problems that may have occurred with
the with the crossing warning system 30. Typically, a manual
inspector can obtain information stored in the data log 256 by
using the operating interface 254.
[0024] The CCU 250 may also operate in connection with a grade
crossing predictor 252. The grade crossing predictor ("GCP") 252
can be connected to sensors or detectors on the rail track, and can
notify the CCU when to turn on the warning signals. For example,
using sensors and detectors on the train track itself, the GCP 252
may detect the location and/or velocity of an oncoming train. When
the GCP 252 predicts that the oncoming train will be passing the
crossing in a predetermined amount of time, the GCP 252 may notify
the CCU 250 to execute the crossing warning signals.
[0025] The bungalow may also include a power system 210, which can
be an alternating current power source, for example. The power
system 210 may also include a backup battery 212 that allows the
CCU to continue operating in the event of a power outage. The
backup battery 212 can maintain a full charge from the power system
210, so that the backup battery 212 is maximized with full power in
the event that a backup power source is needed.
[0026] The bungalow may also include a variety of other equipment.
For example, the bungalow may include a security system 220 that
inhibits intruders from breaking into the bungalow 200 to steal the
equipment or otherwise manipulate the rail crossing station.
[0027] The bungalow 200 may also include a gate trigger backup
control 230. The gate trigger backup 230 can be used to operate the
crossing gate in the event that the CCU 250 is unable to operate
the crossing gate. For example, the gate trigger backup 230 may be
a mechanical override that sets the gate to the default "down"
position in the event that the CCU 250 is having difficulty
operating the gate.
[0028] The bungalow may also include a shunt interface 240, which
monitors the signal integrity of the gate trigger system. For
example, a shunt system uses the rail tracks as a circuit, and
continually monitors the voltage and current across the circuit to
determine the location and/or approaching speed of a train. The
shunt interface 240 operates with the CCU 240 to properly operate
the various functions of the rail crossing station based on the
detected presence and/or velocity of an oncoming train.
[0029] In certain embodiments of the present technology, the
bungalow 200 can include a remote access link 260. The remote
access link 260 allows the CCU 250 and other bungalow equipment to
communicate remotely with a network. The remote access link 260 may
include antennae or other hardware and equipment that allow the CCU
250 to communicate external to the bungalow 200. In this manner, a
user can remotely access the CCU and other equipment to ensure its
safe and proper operation, and make adjustments or operational
modifications if desired. The bungalow may also include other
bungalow equipment 270, such as clock or timer, an input device
such as a keyboard or keypad, lights, and additional sensor input
connections, for example.
[0030] The bungalow 200 is connected, either via a wire connection
or a wireless connection to the various sensors, detectors and
equipment located at or around the rail crossing station. FIG. 3
demonstrates the connection between the bungalow and various
equipment located at or around a rail crossing station. As
depicted, the CCU 250 can communicate with the warning system 30,
the sensor station 50, the various rail sensors and detectors 60,
the video cameras 70 and the weather sensors 80. The CCU can also
be connected to a communication and data network 300 via a remote
connection, for example, via the internet, via a cellular
connection, or by another connection. The CCU 250 is also connected
to other bungalow equipment 280 within the bungalow 200, which can
include, for example, the equipment depicted in FIG. 2. In this
manner, the CCU 250 can obtain and record all necessary information
from the sensors both internal and external to the bungalow 200,
and use the information to operate the rail crossing warning system
30 and other functionality. The CCU 250 can also generate data
reports and other information that can be transmitted to the
communication and data network 300. Additionally and/or
alternatively, the data reports can be viewed manually by an
inspector at the bungalow 200, for example, via the CCU operating
interface 254.
[0031] FIG. 4 depicts one embodiment of a bungalow 200 employing an
RCRD system of the present technology. As shown in FIG. 4, the
bungalow 200 includes a CCU 250 and the other equipment depicted in
the bungalow 200 of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 also includes a station monitor
400 that interacts with the CCU and the other bungalow equipment.
The station monitor 400 can be a sensor communication hub and/or
another controller unit. The station monitor 400 can monitor the
function of the equipment at the rail crossing station, perform
diagnostics on the rail crossing station equipment, and can serve
as a backup control source for the rail crossing station. In
certain embodiments, the station monitor 400 can automatically
perform many or all of the functions that are typically provided by
a manual inspector.
[0032] FIG. 5 depicts another embodiment of a rail crossing station
that shows the relationship among a station monitor 400 and other
equipment at a rail crossing station. As shown, the station monitor
400 interacts with the rail crossing station equipment, including
the warning system 30, the sensor station 50, the rail track
sensors and detectors 60, the video cameras 70, and the weather
sensors 80, for example. The station monitor 400 is also in
communication with a communication and data network 300. In this
manner the station monitor 400 can generate diagnostics reports and
transmit the reports and other information to a remote user through
the communication and data network 300. That is, the station
monitor 400 can promptly notify a railroad company main office
through the communication and data network 300 when a problem is
detected. For example, the station monitor may transmit a
diagnostics report or otherwise generate a signal through the
communication and data network 300 when the station monitor
recognizes that the crossing station warning system 30 is not
operating in the most effective manner.
[0033] FIG. 5 also depicts diagnostic sensors 450 located at or
around the rail track 10 on or near the rail crossing 100. In
certain embodiments, the diagnostic sensors 450 can serve as backup
sensors to those already in place at the rail station. For example,
the diagnostic sensors 450 can serve the same or similar functions
to the sensors located in the sensor station, the rail track
sensors and detectors 60, the video cameras 70 or the weather
sensors 80. In this manner the station monitor 400 and the
diagnostic sensors 450 can operate together to monitor the
operation of at least one sensor installed at the rail crossing
station. That is, the diagnostic sensors 450 may communicate
information to the station monitor 450 that can be compared with
the information transmitted to the CCU 250 to operate and control
the rail station. The station monitor 400 can compare the
information from the diagnostic sensors 450 with the CCU 250
information to ensure that the rail crossing station equipment is
operating effectively, accurately and/or efficiently. For example,
the RCRD of the present technology may employ a diagnostic sensor
450 at or around the wheel track that uses a shunt operation to
monitor the location and/or velocity of an approaching or present
train. This information can be communicated to the station monitor
450 and compared with the information used by the CCU 250 to
determine when to execute the rail crossing warning system 30. In
other words, if the information obtained from the diagnostic
sensors 450 differs significantly from the information used by the
CCU 250, the monitor may recognize a problem with at least one of
the rail station crossing equipment or the CCU 250, and generate a
diagnostics report or other signal accordingly. And using the
communication and data network 300, the RCRD of the present
technology can promptly notify railroad personnel of the
problem.
[0034] In certain embodiments, the diagnostic sensors 450 can be
installed external to the bungalow 200 as shown in FIG. 5.
Additionally and/or alternatively, the diagnostic sensors 450 can
also be installed inside of the bungalow 200. For example, the
diagnostic sensors 450 can include a wheel sensor, a gate tip
sensor, a dragging equipment sensor, a wind speed monitor, an
equipment temperature sensor, a video camera sensor, an ambient
light sensor, a light signal sensor, a backup gate sensor, a sound
sensor, a power source sensor, a timing sensor, a shunt sensor, a
shunt interface sensor, a communication module sensor, and/or a
security system sensor. The diagnostic sensors 450 and the station
monitor 400 can operate together to create an RCRD that monitors
the performance of various crossing station functionality. For
example, the RCRD can monitor the performance of signal roundel
lights, gate lights, gate tilt, gate integrity, time between the
gate lowering and train arrival, time the train is in the crossing
area, power integrity into the bungalow, power level of bungalow
backup battery, bungalow date and time, signal integrity of gate
trigger system, and the status of backup gate activation systems.
The RCRD can relay information obtained from monitoring these
features to a user via the communication and data network 300.
Certain embodiments of the present technology may employ diagnostic
sensors 450 installed both external to the bungalow 200, and
internal to the bungalow 200.
[0035] As shown in FIG. 5, the station monitor 400 also continues
to interact with the CCU 250 and other bungalow equipment 280
located inside the bungalow 200. For example, the station monitor
may automatically monitor the power level of the backup battery 212
of the power station 210 within the bungalow 200. Similarly, the
station monitor can automatically monitor the proper operation of
the security system 220, the gate trigger backup 230, the shunt
interface 250, the remote access link 260, or other bungalow
equipment 270, for example.
[0036] The station monitor 400 can also monitor the accuracy of the
CCU 250 reporting information. For example, using the diagnostics
sensors 450, the station monitor may generate its own data reports.
The monitor may also compare its data reports with the data reports
stored in the data log 256 of the CCU 250. If the station monitor
recognizes significant differences between the information in the
CCU 250 data log 256, and the information recorded and generated by
the station monitor 400 itself, the station monitor 400 may
generate a diagnostics report or signal to transmit over the
communication and data network 300. Alternatively and/or
additionally, the station monitor 400 may take action to correct
the issues. For example, if the station monitor 400 recognizes that
certain events recorded in the station monitor data log correspond
to events recorded in the CCU 250 data log, but those events are
marked as occurring at different times, the station monitor 400 may
take steps to coordinate the internal clock of the CCU 250 with an
appropriate time.
[0037] FIG. 6 depicts a diagram of the station monitor 400 and its
interaction with the diagnostic sensors 450. As shown, the station
monitor 400 may comprise a number of components, modules, programs
or other equipment. For example, the station monitor 400 may
include an operating interface 410 that allows a user to interact
with and otherwise operate functionality of the station monitor
400. The operating interface 410 may include a keyboard and a
monitor, or a touchscreen interface, for example. Additionally
and/or alternatively, the operating interface 410 of the station
monitor may be accessed remotely via the internet. In this manner a
user can log into the station monitor through the communication and
data network 300 to read diagnostics reports and execute station
monitor functionality.
[0038] In certain embodiments of the present technology, the
station manager 400 also includes a communication module 420 that
allows it to interact with the communication and data network 300.
The communication module 420 can be a cellular device, a modem, an
ethernet or internet hub, a wireless communication device, or a
telephone, for example. Via the communication module 420, a user
can remotely access the station manager 400 via a communication and
data network 300 and obtain information or execute station monitor
400 functionality.
[0039] The station monitor also includes its own monitor power
system 430. The monitor power system 430 can be an alternating
current power source that is connected to the grid. The monitor
power system 430 can also include a battery backup 432 that can
continue to operate the station monitor and/or all the equipment in
the bungalow 200 in the event of a power outage. For example, the
station monitor battery backup 432 may serve to keep the CCU 250
and other bungalow equipment 280 operating during a power outage
after the bungalow power source backup battery 212 has been
depleted.
[0040] The station monitor may also include a data recorder 440
that maintains a data log, for example. As noted above, the station
monitor 400 may use the data recorder 440 to generate diagnostic
reports or to compare with the data recorded by the CCU 250, for
example. The station monitor 400 can transmit data and other
information recorded by the data recorder 440 over the
communication and data network 300 via the communication module
420, for example. In certain embodiments, the data recorder 440 can
record the events of the CCU 250 on a recording loop over a period
of time (e.g., several hours). The data recorder 440 can be
controlled by an interface, and may even require a security feature
before the data maintained by the data recorder 440 can be
accessed.
[0041] In certain embodiments, the station monitor may include one
or more redundant backup controls 470. The redundant backup control
470 can operate at least one rail crossing station function when
the station monitor detects a problem at the rail crossing station.
For example, the station monitor 400 can execute the redundant
backup controls if and when the CCU 250 or other crossing station
equipment is not operating as designed. Where the station monitor
recognizes that the crossing gate is not lowering a sufficient
amount of time before the arrival of an oncoming train (e.g.,
because of a problem with the CCU shunt interface 240), then the
station monitor 400 may execute one or more redundant backup
controls 470 to override the CCU 250 gate control, or to resort to
a default "gate down" setting. In this manner the station monitor
can assist the crossing station to default to a fail-safe mode.
[0042] The station monitor 400 may also include an internal
timekeeper 460, which can be a clock or other device that maintains
time independent from that maintained by the CCU 250 or other
equipment in the bungalow or at the crossing station. In certain
embodiments, the internal timekeeper 460 may receive an atomic
clock signal to continually ensure that the station monitor
internal time is relatively accurate. Using the internal timekeeper
460, the station monitor can ensure that the CCU 250 is also
maintaining an accurate time, and can take steps to adjust the CCU
250 internal time when necessary.
[0043] The station monitor 400 can also comprise a series of sensor
inputs 480. These sensor inputs can be, for example, a sensor
communication hub that allows the station monitor to connect to the
CCU 250 and/or one or more of the station sensors, including the
diagnostic sensors 450 installed as a part of the RCRD. By
including additional sensor inputs 480, the station monitor 400
allows room to monitor additional sensors and crossing equipment
that may be installed at the crossing station after the station
monitor is installed into the bungalow 200, for example.
[0044] The station monitor 400 can also comprise or operate in
connection with a controller area network ("CAN") 500. The CAN 500
allows the station monitor 400 to interface and connect with the
CCU 250. For example, the CCU 250 may either contain all of the
interface connections required for the individual sensors or may be
constructed such that the sensor interfaces stack or nest with the
CCU 250. In this manner, the connections between the components can
use a common bus structure like the CAN 500 so that any number of
sensor nodes may be connected to the CCU 250, the station monitor
400, or both, for example.
[0045] The station monitor 400 may also include additional
equipment not depicted in FIG. 6. For example, the station monitor
400 may include a bungalow intrusion alarm that operates
independently from any security system of the bungalow 200.
Further, the station monitor 400 may also include one or more video
cameras that record video footage within the bungalow. In this
manner, a user may remotely operate the station monitor 400 to view
the inside of the bungalow to view certain visual signals or
readings. For example, a user can access a video camera of a
station monitor 400 to obtain a remote visual reading of a power
meter connected to the bungalow power source 210, or to view
various lighting signals that may be installed inside of the
bungalow.
[0046] FIG. 7 shows a network, i.e., an RCDN that includes multiple
rail crossing diagnostics systems. For example, an RCDN may include
more than one RCRD such that each RCRD on the network can be
accessed via the communication and data network 300. FIG. 7 depicts
three separate RCRD's connected to the communication and data
network 300, but it should be understood that the RCDN of the
present technology is not limited to a particular number of RCRD's.
For example, in certain embodiments, the RCDN can include all of
the RCDN's installed at all of the rail crossings along a
particular railroad. In this manner, a railroad office 600 can
access, interface and operate the various station monitors 400 and
CCU's at each crossing station in the network via the communication
and data network 300. Alternatively, in certain embodiments, an
RCDN may include as few as one RCRD.
[0047] As shown in FIG. 7, each RCRD 700 includes a bungalow 200
which is installed at a rail crossing station. The bungalow 200
comprises a station monitor 400, a CCU 250 and bungalow equipment
280, which can include, for example, the bungalow equipment
described with respect to FIGS. 2-5. Each RCRD 700 also includes at
least one diagnostic sensor 450, which is used in connection with
the station monitor 400 to monitor the safe and functional
operation of the sensors, detectors and other equipment at a rail
crossing station. Each RCRD 700 is remotely connected to the
communication data network 300. The RCRD's 700 may be connected to
the communication and data network 300, for example, through the
internet or via a cellular communication, which can be facilitated
by a communication module or a remote access link located in the
individual station monitors 400 or bungalows 200. Through the
communication and data network 300, a user can log in and access
each RCRD 700 to obtain station monitor 400 readings, CCU 250
readings, or diagnostic reports, for example. In certain
embodiments, the users may also be able to log in to execute
certain controls or functionality. For example, in certain
embodiments, a station monitor at one RCRD 700 on the RCDN may
recognize that the sensors at the crossing station are faulty, and
generate a signal to the railroad office 600 via the communication
and data network 300. A user a user at the railroad office 600 can
then log into the network and access the station monitor 400 and/or
the CCU 250 at that particular crossing station, and correct the
problem, or execute functionality (e.g., trigger a default
fail-safe mode) without having to send personnel out to the
crossing station directly.
[0048] In operation, the present technology provides for automatic
monitoring of the systems, sensors, detectors and other rail
crossing station equipment, and their performances. For example,
the RCRD of the present technology is capable of automatically
monitoring at least the following rail crossing station equipment:
signal roundel lights, crossing gate lights, crossing gate tilt,
crossing gate integrity, the time between the gate lowering and
train arrival, the time a train is in the crossing area, the power
integrity going into control bungalow, the signal integrity of the
crossing gate trigger system (i.e., shunt), the power level of
backup battery power in the bungalow, the status of any backup
crossing gate activation systems, the status of any bungalow
intrusion alarms, additional sensor inputs for alternate bungalow
configurations, video cameras that record crossing activity, and/or
a CCU data recorder that records data on a storage medium.
[0049] The information and data obtained by the RCRD of the present
technology can be remotely accessed through one or more
communication technologies, such as cellular modems, remote radio
links, ethernet connections or a hard wired link.
[0050] As the RCRD gathers information, it can collect and display
the information in a custom database that provides input into the
rail crossing station operation status. For example, the database
can provide an overall view of the control bungalow operation with
options to open specific detailed sensor nodes so that a user can
check on an individual sensor performance. The RCRD can also log
and display trends that can provide for accurate and beneficial
predictions. For example, the RCRD can detect trends that may be
able to predict when certain sensors or equipment will fail using
performance degradation techniques. Based on these predictions, the
RCRD may be able to provide predictive notifications in advance of
actual failures.
[0051] The RCRD of the present technology can also utilize and a
plurality of sensing technologies. These sensing technologies can
include, for example a combination of electrical current sensors,
optical sensors, and ambient light sensors that can be combined and
compared to monitor proper operation of lighting equipment.
Moreover, the RCRD can also utilize gate lowering and integrity
sensors including, for example, a wired or wireless system with an
accelerometer and/or a tilt sensor that reports when the gate is in
its level position. Such sensors can also recognize and report when
the gate is tipped on an unnatural axis signifying that the gate
has been dislodged from its normal operating position.
[0052] Additionally, the RCRD of the present technology can also
automatically monitor the crossing station's ability to measure the
time between gate lowering and train arrival, the time that a train
takes to pass the crossing station, or the time that the train
remains on the island of a crossing station. These measurements can
be checked by either monitoring existing signals present in the
control hardware (e.g., the CCU), or by supplementing the
measurements by installing additional rail-based sensors that
detect the presence of the train.
[0053] The RCRD of the present technology can also automatically
monitor bungalow power levels by connecting to existing power lines
in either the bungalow primary and/or backup power systems. The
present technology can also include a separate battery backup
system as a part of the RCRD.
[0054] The RCRD of the present technology can also provide ways to
monitor signal integrity of gate trigger system, or the shunt. In
this manner, the present technology can automatically monitor
multiple items that otherwise require manual inspection. For
example, the present technology can monitor the rail crossing
signal strength to ensure that the signal strength is near 100%
when the track is empty, i.e., when no train is approaching. The
present technology can also monitor the rail crossing signal
strength to ensure that it properly reduces down from 100% as an
oncoming train approaches. In certain embodiments, the present
technology can also monitor the shunt phase as an indicator of the
integrity of the gate trigger system.
[0055] Certain embodiments of the present technology can
automatically monitor existing (or previously installed) bungalow
intrusion alarms using either an existing alarm system, or by using
a separately installed system, such as a motion detector system,
for example.
[0056] The present technology may also implement alternate sensor
inputs that can be used to monitor external sensors such as
detection systems, wind speed monitors, dragging equipment sensors,
equipment temperature measuring devices or other rail measuring
devices, for example.
[0057] The RCRD of the present technology can also automatically
monitor a variety of rail crossing station events that otherwise
require manual inspection. For example, the RCRD can be configured
to monitor the amount of time that a train takes to cross a rail
crossing station. Trains that take longer than a predetermined
period of time, (e.g., 10 minutes or longer) can result in fines
issued by local traffic authorities. The present technology can
remotely determine whether any train crossing stations are
experiencing or have experienced trains that take more than a
predetermined period of time to pass through the crossing by
monitoring the output from the CCU. The RCRD can then report this
issue to the railroad and/or the proper authorities so that the
issues can be addressed accordingly.
[0058] The RCRD can also monitor whether crossing gates are
appropriately lowering within a predetermined amount of time before
the arrival of a train. For example, the FRA may require that
crossing gates should be lowered at least 20 seconds before the
train arrives. In certain embodiments of the present technology,
the RCRD can automatically monitor the crossing gate lead time at a
crossing station by comparing the CCU output against a track
sensor. The RCRD can report this information to the railroad, to
the FRA, or to other parties that may have an interest in this
information.
[0059] Certain embodiments of the present technology can also
automatically monitor whether a crossing gate is stuck in a certain
position. In particular, the present technology can monitor whether
a crossing gate is stuck in the up position, and not capable of
being automatically lowered. Without automatic monitoring of this
feature, such an issue may only be noticeable when a train is
approaching, which can create a dangerous situation resulting in
high risk of accidents. Using the present technology, such a
gate-stuck-up issue can be detected before a train ever approaches
the crossing station by comparing the CCU output against a gate tip
sensor. Any issues can thereby be reported to the railroad over a
network and addressed before a train crosses the crossing station.
Similarly, the RCRD of the present technology can monitor a
gate-stuck-down feature, by comparing CCU output against gate tip
sensor readings, for example. Moreover, the present technology can
also monitor whether the gate is damaged using the output of a
sensor
[0060] The RCRD of the present technology can also automatically
monitor whether the crossing station or bungalow main (AC) power is
out or not working using a line power feed into the station
monitor. The RCRD can also detect when the backup battery or
batteries are low. For example, many backup batteries are lead-acid
batteries that have established patterns of battery voltage and
temperature that can allow for the current state of the battery
charge level to be predicted or determined. Moreover, certain
railroads may utilize a bank of single cells that are chained
together. In such an embodiment, the RCRD could be employed to
detect and/or identify a single bad cell without requiring
individual probes into each cell. In certain embodiments, the RCRD
can monitor the battery banks to ensure that two or more separate
banks of batteries with different charges are properly
isolated.
[0061] The present technology can also be used to detect if and
when lights have burned out, turned off, or are otherwise not
visible. For example, for traditional incandescent bulbs, this can
be accomplished by monitoring the electrical continuity across the
filament of the bulbs. However, this technique may not work where
the lights being checked are LED lights, or where the lights are
not visible because they are dirty, or covered with mud. In such a
situation, the present technology may use one or more light sensors
or video cameras to monitor whether the lights at a crossing
station (e.g., the lights along a crossing gate) to are operating
properly.
[0062] The RCRD of the present technology can also automatically
monitor a smart bell operation of a crossing station. For example,
certain train crossing stations employ a speaker or a bell that may
be mounted to the railroad crossing sign, for example, to duplicate
the sound of a train horn or bell so the actual train does not have
to blow its horn. The present technology can automatically monitor
the operation of such a smart bell, for example, by using a
microphone in connection with the station monitor.
[0063] The present technology can also be used to obtain and
reference crossing logs from a crossing station. For example,
crossing stations CCU's may have a recorder interface module that
logs and/or records when various signals have changed. These logs
often provide a time stamped history of events, such as when a
train was detected and when gate was lowered, for example. The
present technology can ensure that the time stamps on these logs is
accurate by automatically monitoring the internal clock of the CCU.
Additionally and/or alternatively, the station monitor of the
present technology can maintain its own data log as a backup, or a
secondary comprehensive log.
[0064] The present technology can also automatically monitor
grounding issues at a crossing station. For example, a railroad may
experience difficulties when a current surge flowing into a ground
connection temporarily causes the ground voltage to move away from
zero, because this can cause intermittent faults in the crossing
station circuitry. The RCRD of the present technology could
automatically monitor the ground voltage level, for example, by
wiring the ground connection into a voltage sensor and monitoring
the voltage at the ground. If and when this ground voltage level
fluctuates away from zero, the RCRD can generate a notification, or
take preventative steps as necessary.
[0065] In certain embodiments of the present technology, the RCRD
may monitor the proper operation of crossing station redundant
circuit boards. For example, a typical crossing predictor system
typically has two banks of circuit boards, a primary and a backup.
The present technology can monitor whether any of the circuit
boards have faulted, and cause the system to switch over to the
unused bank if necessary.
[0066] Certain embodiments of the present technology also present
methods for automatically monitoring the operation of a rail
crossing station. FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of a method 800 for
automatically monitoring the operation of a rail crossing station.
In certain embodiments, at step 810, the method includes
installation of a station monitor at a rail crossing station. For
example, the station monitor can be installed at a bungalow and
connected to a CCU and/or other crossing station equipment.
[0067] At step 820, diagnostic sensors are installed. The
diagnostic sensors can be installed external to the bungalow, for
example, on or around the train track, and on or near the crossing
station. For example, the diagnostic sensors can include a wheel
sensor, a gate tip sensor, a dragging equipment sensor, a wind
speed monitor, an equipment temperature sensor, a video camera
sensor, an ambient light sensor, a light signal sensor, a backup
gate sensor, a sound sensor, a power source sensor, a timing
sensor, a shunt sensor, a shunt interface sensor, a communication
module sensor, and/or a security system sensor. The diagnostic
sensors and the station monitor can operate together to create an
RCRD that monitors the performance of various crossing station
functionality.
[0068] At step 830, the operation of the crossing station CCU is
monitored. This can be done, for example, by the station monitor.
For example, the station monitor monitors the CCU to ensure that it
is operating properly by running comparative analyses, by obtaining
measurements from the diagnostics sensors.
[0069] At step 840, other bungalow equipment is monitored. For
example, a station monitor can monitor bungalow equipment such as
the power supply source and the backup power supply. Additionally
and/or alternatively, the station monitor can monitor any or all of
the bungalow equipment as depicted in FIGS. 2 and 4.
[0070] At step 850, rail crossing warning systems, sensors,
detectors and/or other equipment are monitored. This may be
performed by the station monitor, the diagnostic sensors, and/or a
combination of the two. For example, the station monitor and/or the
diagnostic sensors may monitor the crossing station sensors to
ensure that the measurements obtained are accurate and
reliable.
[0071] At step 860, a diagnostics report is generated and reported
to a network. For example, the station monitor can generate a
report that identifies any and all issues with the crossing station
equipment, and transmit that report or another signal to a
network.
[0072] In certain embodiments of the present technology, a method
may include the steps of monitoring equipment within a bungalow
installed at a rail crossing station using a station monitor
installed in the bungalow. The method may also include the step of
monitoring the operation of at least one rail crossing station
sensor using the station monitor and one or more diagnostic sensors
installed at the rail crossing station, where diagnostic sensor is
in communication with the station monitor. The method may also
involve generating a diagnostics report using the station monitor
and transmitting the diagnostics report or otherwise communicating
signals or other information over a network.
[0073] The present technology has now been described in such full,
clear, concise and exact terms as to enable any person skilled in
the art to which it pertains, to practice the same. It is to be
understood that the foregoing describes preferred embodiments and
examples of the present technology and that modifications may be
made therein without departing from the spirit or scope of the
invention as set forth in the claims. Moreover, it is also
understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings, if any, and
as described above are merely for illustrative purposes and not
intended to limit the scope of the invention. As used in this
description, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural
reference such as "more than one" unless the context clearly
dictates otherwise. Where the term "comprising" appears, it is
contemplated that the terms "consisting essentially of" or
"consisting of" could be used in its place to describe certain
embodiments of the present technology. Further, all references
cited herein are incorporated in their entirety.
* * * * *