AU2017202154B2

AU2017202154B2 - Method of Administering Possession of a Consist in an Automatic Train Operation System

Info

Publication number: AU2017202154B2
Application number: AU2017202154A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Ian Charles Hume; Andrew Patrick Hussey; Daniel Kion Newcombe; Andrew James Varnavides
Original assignee: Technological Resources Pty Ltd; Ansaldo STS Australia Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Technological Resources Pty Ltd; Hitachi Rail STS Australia Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2008-12-22
Filing date: 2017-03-31
Publication date: 2018-09-13
Anticipated expiration: 2029-12-22
Also published as: AU2017202154A1; AU2015204382A1

Abstract

A method of administering possession of a consist 16 is described for an automatic train operation (ATO) system 10 in which one or more consists are 5 able to move along a rail track 14 under remote driverless operation. Each of the consists 16 is remotely driven by an ATO operation. The method comprises enabling possession of a consist by a first ATO operator; enabling a second ATO operator to assume possession of the consist; and, administering hand over of possession of a consist between the first and second ATO operators 10 wherein one of the ATO operators is in possession of the consist at any one time. 88924811 (GHMatters) P79718.AU.3 30/03/17 co D tmm itl C-i* C))c co2c-,

Description

METHOD OF ADMINISTERING POSSESSION OF A CONSIST IN AN AUTOMATIC TRAIN OPERATION SYSTEM

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a method of administering control of a consist in an automatic train operation (ATO) system in which one or more consists are remotely driven along a rail track.

Background of the Invention

Applicant is engaged in developing an automatic train operation system in which consists can be remotely driven along a rail track. In such a system, the functions of a conventional onboard train driver are conducted remotely by one or more automatic train operation (ATO) operators.

The present invention was developed to provide a mechanism for administering the possession or control of such consists between multiple ATO operators.

Summary of the Invention

One aspect of the present invention provides a method of administering possession of a consist in an automatic train operation (ATO) system in which one or more consists are able to move along a rail track under operation of ATO operators of the ATO system located remotely from the one or more consists at an ATO control centre, the method, comprising: enabling possession of a consist by a first ATO operator; enabling a second ATO operator to assume possession of the consist; and, while the consist is in motion and in possession of the first ATO operator, administering hand over of possession of a consist between the first and second ATO operators in a manner where one of the ATO operators is in possession of the consist at any one time.

There is also disclosed a method of administering possession of a consist in an automatic train operation (ATO) system in which one or more consists are able to move along a rail track under operation of ATO operators of the ATO system located remotely from the one or more consists at an ATO control centre, the method comprising: enabling possession of a consist by a first ATO operator; enabling a second ATO operator to assume possession of the consist; and, administering hand over of possession of a consist between the first and second ATO operators in response to action instigated other than by the first operator wherein one of the ATO operators is in possession of the consist at any one time.

Administering handover of possession may comprise providing an automatic request for the second ATO operator to assume possession of the consist.

The method may comprise enabling the setting of notification points corresponding to locations along the rail track and wherein the automatic request is generated upon detection of the consist being within a predetermined distance of, or passing, a notification point.

Administering hand over of possession may comprise enabling the second ATO operator to reject the request to assume possession wherein consist possession remains with the first ATO operator.

The method may comprise notifying the first ATO operator of the second ATO operator rejecting possession of the consist.

The method may comprise, upon the second ATO operator accepting a request to possession the consist, enabling the first ATO operator to accept or reject a hand over in possession of the consist to the second ATO operator.

In the event the first ATO operator rejects hand over of possession, the method may comprise the first ATO operator maintaining possession of the consist.

The method may comprise notifying the second ATO operator of a failure to hand over possession of the consist.

In an alternate embodiment administering hand over of possession may comprise enabling the second ATO operator to request possession of a consist currently under the possession of a first ATO operator.

The method may comprise enabling the first ATO operator to accept or reject hand over of possession of the consist to the second ATO operator.

In each embodiment, in the event that the first ATO operator accepts a request for handover of possession of the consist, the method enables the second ATO operator to assume possession of the consist.

In a further embodiment administering handover in possession of the consist may comprise enabling the second ATO operator to acquire possession of the consist from the first operator wherein the first ATO operator is barred from preventing the hand over to the second ATO operator.

In this embodiment upon the second ATO operator being in possession of the consist, the method comprises notifying the first ATO operator that handover of possession of the consist has been successful.

The method comprises enabling the first and second ATO operators to be in possession of one or more consists at any one time.

Enabling setting of one or more hand over notification points may comprise enabling moving of one or more of the notification points.

Enabling setting of one or more hand over notification points may comprise enabling removal of one or more of the notification points.

Enabling setting of one or more hand over notification points may comprise enabling addition of one or more notification points.

Enabling setting of one or more hand over notification points may comprise enabling editing of one or more of the notification points.

The method may comprise authorizing an ATO supervisor to set the one or more notification points.

The method may comprise: providing each ATO operator with an ATO console whereby an ATO operator can: view operational status and location on the rail track of each consist under the possession of that ATO operator; and control the movement of those consists.

The method may comprise: providing each ATO operator with a train list comprising identification data of each consist under possession of that ATO operator, and, when possession of a consist has been handed over to a second ATO operator, transferring the identification data of that consist from the train list of the first ATO operator to the train list of the second ATO operator.

The method may comprise, displaying the train list of each ATO operator on the console for that operator.

The method may enable the ATO consoles to be in communication with each other, wherein the ATO operators can communicate a request to handover possession via the ATO consoles.

The method may comprise, enabling each ATO operator to view on their console data relating to a consist under the possession of another ATO operator.

The method may comprise, enabling any ATO operator to stop a consist under the possession of another ATO operator.

There is also disclosed a method of administering possession of a consist in an automatic train operation (ATO) system in which one or more consists are able to move along a rail track under operation of ATO operators of the ATO system located remotely from the one or more consists at an ATO control centre, the method comprising: enabling a plurality of ATO operators to control movement of one or more different consists, wherein no two ATO operators can control movement of the same consist at the same time; and enabling a handover in control of the movement of a consist under the control of a first of the ATO operators to a second of the ATO operators by an action initiated by the second operator.

There is also disclosed a method of administering possession of a consist in an automatic train operation (ATO) system in which one or more consists are able to move along a rail track under operation of ATO operators of the ATO system located remotely from the one or more consists at an ATO control centre, the method comprising: enabling a plurality of ATO operators to control movement of one or more consists, wherein no two ATO operators can control movement of the same consist at the same time; and providing a handover protocol wherein a second ATO operator can pull control of a consist away from a first ATO operator currently controlling that consist.

There is also disclosed a system for administering possession of a consist in an automatic train operation (ATO) system in which one or more consists are able to move along a rail track under operation of ATO operators of the ATO system located remotely from the one or more consists at an ATO control centre, the system comprising: a plurality of ATO operator consoles by which each ATO operator views and controls movement of one or more consists, wherein no two ATO operators can control movement of the same consist at the same time; wherein the consoles are linked to each other in a manner enabling a consist currently under the control of a first of the ATO operators to be pulled away from the first ATO operator by any one of the remaining ATO operators.

Description of Drawings

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a rail transport system in which an embodiment of a method of administering the possession of a consist may be utilised;

Figure 2 is a schematic representation of an automatic train operation onboard system utilised in the rail transport system; and,

Figure 3 depicts in the form of a flow chart one embodiment of a method for administering the possession of a consist in the ATO system.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiment A method 100 (see Figure 3) for administering the possession of a consist in an automatic train operation (ATO) system is described which ensures that one ATO operator is in control of a consist at any one time. To provide context to the description of the method 100 a brief description is provided below with reference to Figures 1 and 2 of a heavy haul rail transport system which is operated under an ATO system 12.

Figure 1 is a general schematic representation of a heavy haul rail transport system 10 that operates under an ATO system 12 where locomotives are under control of remote ATO operators stationed at an automatic train operation control centre 16. This facilitates operation of the locos without drivers stationed onboard (i.e. driverless locomotives) across at least a portion of the rail transport system 10. A heavy haul rail transport system 10 is typically characterised as one where the consist is loaded with significantly greater tonnage than passenger consists and is of significantly greater length than passenger consists. The length of a heavy haul consist may exceed 1000 meters. Consists for transporting bulk commodities such as coal and iron ore are common examples. The significant tonnage of the load means that a driver of a typical heavy haul system has to take greater account of internal train forces and train dynamics when accelerating and braking than occurs for a passenger consists. This is to ensure that the consist does not break apart or derail.

Major components and sub-systems of the rail transport system 10 comprise rail track (not shown), one or more consists 20 (i.e. one or more trains), an automatic train operation (ATO) system 12 consisting of wayside/remote and onboard components, a wayside communications network 14, a train control (TCS) system 24, a signalling system 26, an automatic train protection (ATP) system, and a locomotive control system (LCS) 32.

Consist 20 is comprised of three head end locos L1, L2 and L3; a plurality of wagons shown generally as item 22 and three banker locos B1, B2 and B3.

The lead loco L1 is the head end lead loco while the banker loco B1 is the banker lead loco. At a minimum, each of the head end lead loco L1 and banker lead loco B1 is provided with an onboard component of the ATO System 12, namely an ATO onboard system 18. However it is envisaged that every loco may be fitted with an ATO onboard system 18 to simplify the assembly of a consist.

It should be noted that the particular configuration of the consist 20 is not a critical or essential configuration for the operation of the rail transport system 10. The system 10 will operate with a consist comprising a single head end loco and a number of wagons 30; a light engine; or at least one head end loco, multiple wagons and any number (including zero) of banker locos.

The ATO system 12 comprises a remote ATO control centre (ATOCC) 16 and on each ATO enabled locomotive, at least one ATO onboard system 18. To facilitate driverless operation, the functions of the train driver are split between the ATOCC 16 and the ATO onboard system 18. In particular, the ATOCC 16 provides operating parameters to the ATO onboard system 18, such as limit of authority data, clearance to commence a driverless journey, train configuration data, destination and target time of arrival data. The ATOCC 16 may update these parameters from time to time during a journey of a consist 20. ATOCC 16 may also issue commands so as to bring a consist to an unscheduled stop for reasons such as a fault or alarm, or other reasons as may be determined by an operator at the ATOCC 16. The ATOCC 16 may also issue commands for the ATO onboard system 18 to activate a locomotive’s horn and other systems such as sand for traction control.

The ATO onboard systems 18 generate signals that operate the locomotive’s throttle and brake according to a particular driving strategy which is dictated by data, such as destination and target time of arrival data, received from the ATOCC 16, along with train configuration data.

The wayside signalling system 26 may provide the rail transport system 10 with a fixed block signalling regime that typically includes wayside signals and/or cab-code generators and wayside transponders. A fixed block signalling system divides the rail network into a series of successive sections of track. Each section constitutes a ‘block’ within the fixed block signalling system. Each block is signalled individually by the signalling system.

The way side signals consist of wayside coloured lights. They communicate to a driver, when present onboard the locomotive, current operating conditions (such as proceed, proceed with caution, or stop) within the block that consist 20 is travelling.

The signal status of a block is typically dependent on whether either of the following two blocks is occupied by a train (or other equipment). If there is no train in either of the next two blocks then the status of the current block is “proceed”, i.e. a green light. If the next block is empty but the following block is occupied, then the status of the current block is “proceed with caution”, i.e. a yellow light. If the next block is occupied then the status of the current block is “stop”, i.e. a red light, which means stop at the end of the current block.

Cab-code generators use the rails as a transmission medium for signalling to the onboard systems of consist 20 the current signal (e.g. green, yellow, red) within the block that consist 20 is travelling. This signal corresponds with the wayside coloured light signal (if used). The rails of adjacent blocks are electrically isolated to facilitate transmission of block specific signals.

The wayside transponders transmit signals to a passing consist 20. The signals are detected and received by train borne components located on the head end lead loco L1. The transponders are typically located at either end of a block and transmit signals containing information that verifies the locos current location and also information about the block that consist 20 is about to traverse.

The signals received from the rails and the wayside transponders provide what is called “in-cab signalling” to a driver when present on board the head end lead loco L1. Additionally an Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system uses the signals received from the rails and the wayside transponders to override the ATO on board system 18 (or driver action if the train is operating in a manual mode) and thereby enforces limits of authority and speed restrictions.

The TCS 24 controls signalling system 26 and determines the signalling condition for each block of the rail transport system 10 at any particular point in time. The TCS 24 interfaces with human operators (train controllers) charged with the responsibility of ensuring the safe working of the rail network. The TCS 24 provides information such as the location and identity of locomotives, ATP parameters, arrival time and departure time to the ATOCC 16 for different consists 20 at different locations on the rail network. This is provided to the ATOCC 16 via voice and data communications. The ATOCC 16 informs the TCS 24 of the status of the ATO onboard systems 18 for each ATO enabled locomotive operating within the system 10. The TCS 24 and the ATOCC 16 may form part of, or be co-located with, a Train Control Centre (TCC) 25 in which train controllers manage the scheduling and routing of consists 20. This includes the generation of train sheets for each consist 20.

In general terms, the combination of the ATOCC 16 and the ATO onboard system 18 constitute the ATO system. Thus the ATO system 12 is a dispersed system comprising a remote ATOCC 16 which may be located at considerable distance from a rail network along which the consist 20 travels, and an ATO onboard system 18. The ATO onboard system 18 is provided in each loco that is required to operate in a driverless mode as a head end lead L1 or lead banker B1 loco.

The ATO onboard system 18 interfaces with a locomotive control system (LCS) 32 of the locos in which it is installed. Driving instructions, such as destination, target time of arrival and train configuration data are sent from the ATOCC 16 through the communications network 14 to the ATO onboard system of the lead loco L1. These driving instructions are processed and interpreted by the ATO onboard system which provides appropriate signals to the LCS 32. These signals drive the loco L1 in accordance with a driving strategy dictated by the driving instructions as determined by the onboard ATO system 18. Pre journey instructions are provided to the ATO onboard system 18 prior to commencement of a journey. This provides data that enables the consist 20 to drive automatically to its destination. Additional driving instructions and commands may issue from the ATOCC 16 during the journey.

The wayside communications network 14 enables communication between a particular ATO onboard system 18 and the ATOCC 16.

The ATP system 28 is a safety system receptive to signals provided by the signalling system 26, for example cab code signalling and transponder data. The ATP is interfaced with the ATO onboard system 18 and provides overriding operational control of the LCS 32 in the event of the head end lead loco L1, and thus the consist 20, travelling outside of safe operating parameters as signalled by the signalling system 26. The ATP system 28 is able to override the ATO onboard system 18 to enforce current speed limits for the consist 20 having regard to current block signalling and network operating restrictions in view of a consists particular configuration.

As described above, the ATOCC 16 is provided at a remote location and communicates with the ATO onboard system 18 via communications network 14. The ATOCC 16 is staffed by a number of ATO operators who are able to supervise and control the movement of consist 20 via one or more computer servers and a number of computer work stations each acting as a Human Machine Interface (HMI). Thus, an ATO operator can use a HMI to monitor a consist 20 under ATO control and intervene in its journey.

An ATO operator may at any one time be in possession of one or more consists. The possession may be for an entire journey or for parts of journey. One or more ATO supervisors will also be in attendance at the ATOCC 16 to supervise the ATO operators and the overall operation of the transport system 10 or at least a more extensive area of the transport system 12 than of direct concern to the ATO operators.

From time to time may be necessary or desirable from time to time to transfer the possession of a consist from one ATO operator to another ATO operator. The described embodiment of the method 100 administers the transfer of possession of a consist.

For ease of description, an ATO operator in current possession of a consist is denoted as a “first ATO operator”. The handover of the possession of the consist between first and second ATO operators is administered in a manner so that the consist is always under possession of an ATO operator (i.e. one of the first or second ATO operators). Thus as described in more detail below if an event occurs in which a request is made to the second ATO operator to assume possession of the consist, but the second ATO operator can not or does not assume possession then the first ATO operator maintains possession. A handover in possession of a consist from a first operator to a second operator may utilise a handshake procedure. In one embodiment this involves a second ATO operator requesting possession of a consist and a first ATO operator accepting the handover of possession to the second ATO operator. Embodiments of the method operate so that no ATO operator gains possession of the consist without knowing that they are in possession of the consist.

As explained in greater detail below, a request by a second ATO operator to obtain possession of a consist may be made by at least one of the following mechanisms: (a) automatically upon a consist being within a predetermined distance of, or passing, a notification point on the rail track; (b) a second ATO operator directly requesting possession of a consist from a first ATO operator; or (c) a second ATO operator acquiring possession of a consist.

The above three mechanisms for obtaining possession of a consist will be described in more detail with reference to Figure 3.

Step 120 of the method 100 represents a current state where a consist is in the possession of, and thus being remotely operated by, a first ATO operator. At step 120 the first ATO operator is able to issue driving commands to the consist 20 from the ATOCC 16 and to assess and act on alarms and other data received from the consist 20 under its possession.

Mechanism (a) described above for possession of the consist is initiated at step 122 where an ATO supervisor sets one or more notification points corresponding to various locations along the rail track. When a consist 20 is within a predetermined distance of, or passes a notification point, an automatic request is generated and appears on the HMI of the second ATO operator requesting a handover in possession of the consist from the first ATO operator of the second ATO operator (step 124). At step 126, at a second ATO operator is provided with the option of either accepting handover of possession of the consist or rejecting the handover.

In the event that handover is rejected, then step 128 follows where the consist remains under the control of the first ATO operator. Subsequently, at step 130 the HMI of the first ATO operator notifies the first ATO operator of failure to handover possession to the second ATO operator. Thus, the first ATO operator is made aware that it remains in possession of the consist, and at step 132, the consist continues to be remotely driven, in this instance by the first ATO operator.

If at step 126, the second ATO operator accepted the request for handover in possession of the consist, then step 134 would follow in which the HMI of the first ATO operator notifies the first ATO operator of the request by the second ATO operator to assume possession of the consist. At step 136, the first ATO operator is provided with the option of either accepting or rejecting the request to handover possession of the consist to the second ATO operator. In the event that the first ATO operator rejects the request, the method proceeds to step 138 at which the first ATO operator maintains possession of the consist. Subsequently, at step 140, the second ATO operator is notified via its HMI of the failure to hand over possession. Step 132 follows step 140 where the consist in question continues its driverless journey under the possession of one (the first) ATO operator.

If at step 136, the first ATO operator did accept the handover of possession of a consist to the second ATO operator, the method would proceed to step 142 at which data relating to the consist is removed from the HMI of the first operator and subsequently to step 144 where that data is added to the HMI of the second ATO operator. Thus the second ATO operator is now aware that it is in possession of the consist. At step 146, the HMI of the first ATO operator notifies that operator that the handover in possession of the consist of the second ATO operator has been successful. The method then proceeds again to step 132 where the consist continues its driverless journey in possession of one (in this case the second) ATO operator.

Mechanism (b) above, is represented in Figure 3 by step 150 at which the second ATO operator directly requests possession of the consist from a first ATO operator. Subsequently, the method proceeds to steps 134 and 136 as described above. Depending on the outcome of step 136, the method then proceeds to steps 38 and 40 in which case the request for handover in possession has failed and the consist remains under the control of the first ATO operator; or to steps 142, 144 and 146 where the request for handover in possession has been accepted and the consist is now in the possession of a second ATO operator.

Mechanism (c) described above, is represented by an initial step 152 in Figure 3. In step 152, the second ATO operator acquires possession of a consist from the first ATO operator. In this case, the first ATO operator is not provided with the option of accepting or rejecting a handover in possession. Subsequently, the method proceeds to steps 142, 144 and 146 which operate in the same manner as described above. The provision of mechanism (c) and corresponding step 152, provides a safety mechanism whereby a second ATO operator (which may be the ATO supervisor) can take possession of a consist in an emergency situation such as incapacitation of the first ATO operator or a system failure in relation to the HMI or other control mechanisms of the first ATO operator.

Each of the above described mechanisms for handover of possession may be considered as “pull” based or facilitated by “pull” requests where requests for handover in possession is instigated by a party other than that currently in the possession of a consist.

In relation to the generation of an automatic request for handover and possession by virtue of the consist being within a predetermined distance of passing a notification point (i.e. mechanism (a), and step 122), an ATO supervisor is enabled to set one or more handover notification points, move one or more of notification points, remove one or more of notification points, add one or more notification points, or otherwise edit one or more of the notification points.

Embodiments of the present method enable an ATO operator to remotely control one or more consists for the entirety of their journey along a rail track. Thus an entire journey can be remotely controlled by successive multiple ATO operators without the need for the consist to be stopped to the effect a transfer in possession. This avoids transport delays. Additionally or alternately the embodiments of the method enable one or more ATO operators to operate one or more different consists within various regions or territories along the rail track 14. Thus for example an ATO operator may be enabled to have possession of all or a subset of all consist travelling between two points along the rail track. However as required one or more second ATO operators may request or acquire possession of one or more of the consists. This enables management of work load between ATO operators and added safety be enabling one ATO operator to take possession of one or more consist currently in possession of a another ATO operator.

The method may also enable all ATO operators to view all consists travelling along the track irrespective of who is in possession of the consists. This allows a second ATO operator to select which of the consists it will request or acquire possession. The method may also enable any ATO operator to issue an emergency stop command for any consist irrespective of whether that ATO operator is in current possession of the consist.

Modifications and variations of the above described method that would be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention, the nature of which is to be determined by the above description and the appended claims.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A method of administering possession of a consist in an automatic train operation (ATO) system in which one or more consists are able to move along a rail track under operation of ATO operators of the ATO system located remotely from the one or more consists at an ATO control centre, the method , comprising: enabling possession of a consist by a first ATO operator; enabling a second ATO operator to assume possession of the consist; and, while the consist is in motion and in possession of the first ATO operator, administering hand over of possession of the consist between the first and second ATO operators in a manner where one of the ATO operators is in possession of the consist at any one time.
2. The method according to claim 1 wherein administering handover of possession comprises providing an automatic request for the second ATO operator to assume possession of the consist.
3. The method according to claim 2 comprising enabling the setting of notification points corresponding to locations along the rail track and wherein the automatic request is generated upon detection of the consist being within a predetermined distance of, or passing, a notification point.
4. The method according to claim 3 wherein administering hand over of possession comprises enabling the second ATO operator to reject the request to assume possession wherein consist possession remains with the first ATO operator.
5. The method according to claim 4 comprising notifying the first ATO operator of the second ATO operator rejecting possession of the consist.
6. The method according to claim 3 comprising, upon the second ATO operator accepting a request to assume possession of the consist, enabling the first ATO operator to accept or reject a hand over in possession of the consist to the second ATO operator.
7. The method according to claim 6 wherein in the event the first ATO operator rejects hand over of possession, the first ATO operator maintains possession of the consist.
8. The method according to claim 7 comprising notifying the second ATO operator of a failure to hand over possession of the consist.
9. The method according to claim 1 wherein administering hand over of possession comprises enabling the second ATO operator to request possession of a consist currently under the possession of a first ATO operator.
10. The method according to claim 6 or 9 comprising, in the event that the first ATO operator accepts a request for handover of possession of the consist, the second ATO operator assuming possession of the consist.
11. The method according to claim 1 comprising enabling the second ATO operator to acquire possession of the consist from the first operator wherein the first ATO operator is barred from preventing the hand over to the second ATO operator.
12. The method according to any one of claims 1 -11 comprising enabling the first and second ATO operators to be in possession of one or more different consists at any one time.
13. The method according to any one of claims 3-10 and 12 wherein enabling setting of one or more hand over notification points comprises enabling moving of one or more of the notification points.
14. The method according to any one of claims 3-10 and 12 wherein enabling setting of one or more hand over notification points comprises enabling removal of one or more of the notification points.
15. The method according to any one of claims 3-10 and 12 wherein enabling setting of one or more hand over notification points comprises enabling addition of one or more notification points.
16. The method according to any one of claims 3-10 and 12 wherein enabling setting of one or more hand over notification points comprises enabling editing of one or more of the notification points.
17. The method according to any one of claims 3-10 and 12 comprising authorizing an ATO supervisor to set the one or more notification points.
18. The method according to any one of claims 1 -17 comprising: providing each ATO operator with an ATO console whereby an ATO operator can: view operational status and location on the rail track of each consist under the possession of that ATO operator; and control the movement of those consists.
19. The method according to any one of claims 1 -18 comprising: providing each ATO operator with a train list comprising identification data of each consist under possession of that ATO operator, and, when possession of a consist has been handed over to a second ATO operator, transferring the identification data of that consist from the train list of the first ATO operator to the train list of the second ATO operator.
20. The method according to claim 19 comprising, displaying the train list of each ATO operator on the console for that operator.
21. The method according to any one of claims 18-20 wherein the ATO consoles are in communication with each other, wherein the ATO operators can communicate a request to handover possession via the ATO consoles.
22. The method according to any one of claims 18-21 comprising, enabling each ATO operator to view on their console data relating to a consist under the possession of another ATO operator.
23. The method according to claim 22 comprising, enabling any ATO operator to stop a consist under the possession of another ATO operator.