EA037237B1 - System and method for controlling a vehicle system to achieve different objectives during a trip - Google Patents

Abstract

A system (e.g., a control system) includes a sensor configured to monitor an operating condition of a vehicle system during movement of the vehicle system along a route. The system also includes a controller configured to designate one or more operational settings for the vehicle system as a function of time and/or distance along the route. The controller is configured to operate in a first operating mode responsive to the operating condition of the vehicle system being at least one of at or above a designated threshold, and in a second operating mode responsive to the operating condition of the vehicle system being below the designated threshold. The controller designates operational settings to drive the vehicle system toward achievement of a first objective when in the first operating mode and toward achievement of a different, second objective when in the second operating mode.

Description

(54) SYSTEM AND METHOD OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE SYSTEM FOR ACHIEVING VARIOUS PURPOSES DURING THE FLIGHT (31) 62 / 128,290; 15 / 058,772 (32) 2015.03.04; 2016.03.02 (33) US (43) 2020.01.31 (62) 201791663; 2016.03.04 (71) (73) Applicant and patent owner:

GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY (US) (72) Inventor:

Meyer Brian Nedward, Matthews Jr. Harry Kirk, Brooks James D., Smith Christopher Ryan (US) (74) Representative:

Polikarpov A.V., Cherkas D.A., Ignatiev A.V., Putintsev A.I., Bilyk

A.V. (RU) (56) US-A1-20100262321 US-A1-20030182030 US-A-5436538 US-A1-20130268172 US-A1-20130060524

037237 B1

037237 Bl (57) The system (eg control system) contains a sensor configured to monitor the operating condition of the vehicle system as the vehicle system moves along a route. The system also includes a controller configured to assign one or more operating parameters to the vehicle system as a function of time and / or distance as it travels along a route. The controller is configured to operate in a first operating mode if the vehicle system operating condition is at and / or above a designated threshold level and to operate in a second operating mode if the vehicle system operating condition is below the designated threshold level. The controller in the first mode assigns the operating parameters by which the vehicle system is controlled to achieve the first goal, and in the second mode the operating parameters by which the vehicle system is controlled to achieve another, second goal.

Technology area

The described embodiments of the subject matter of the present invention relate to a method and system for controlling a system of vehicles moving along a route.

Background of the invention

The vehicle system can move along a route in accordance with defined voyages from the initial locations or points of departure to the points of destination or arrival. Each flight can stretch along the route over long distances and can include one or more designated stops that are located before the point of arrival and at which, for example, crew changes, refueling, boarding or disembarking of passengers and / or loading, etc. Some vehicle systems move in accordance with voyage plans, which contain instructions that the vehicle system implements during movement in order to meet specific requirements or achieve specific goals during the voyage. Goals for a voyage may be to reach the point of arrival at or before a predetermined arrival time, to improve fuel efficiency (relative to the fuel efficiency of a vehicle system traveling without following a voyage plan), to comply with speed and emission limits, and the like. To achieve specific goals, voyage plans can be generated with instructions based on those specific goals.

Traveling according to voyage plans can provide various benefits, such as fuel savings, as long as the goals of the voyage plan are appropriate for the operation of the vehicle system. For example, the goal of improving fuel efficiency is beneficial for the vehicle system when it moves the system on open sections of the route at the planned operating speed, but the same voyage plan is not effective if there are maintenance points, traffic congestion or other problems along the route. restrictions that reduce the speed of the vehicle system to less than the planned operating speed. According to another example, the goal of improving fuel efficiency is also not significant near designated stops (including the point of arrival) on the route, as the vehicle system at these locations must slow down to stop. For these reasons, some vehicle system operators may decide not to follow the voyage plan.

Brief description of the invention

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a system (eg, a control system for an en-route vehicle) comprises a sensor and a controller that includes one or more processors. The sensor is configured to monitor the operating condition of the vehicle system as the vehicle system moves along a route for a voyage. The controller is configured to assign one or more operating parameters to the vehicle system as a function of time and / or distance while en route. One or more operating parameters are assigned to control the vehicle system so as to achieve one or more voyage objectives. The controller operates in at least two operating modes, including a first operating mode and a second operating mode. The controller operates in the first operating mode if the operating conditions of the vehicle system are at and / or above the designated threshold level. The controller in the first operating mode is configured to assign operating parameters such that the vehicle system on the voyage is controlled to achieve the first goal while the vehicle system is moving along the route. The first objective is to reduce fuel consumption and / or to reduce emissions from a vehicle system relative to a vehicle system traveling along a route for a voyage according to operating parameters that differ from one or more operating parameters assigned by the controller. The controller operates in a second operating mode if the operating conditions of the vehicle system are below a designated threshold. The controller in the second operating mode is configured to assign operating parameters to control the vehicle system during a voyage so as to reach a different, second target while the vehicle system is moving along a route.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method (eg, for controlling a vehicle system moving along a route) includes generating a voyage plan of the en-route vehicle system. A voyage plan assigns one or more operating parameters to a vehicle system as a function of time and / or distance as it travels along a route. One or more operating parameters are assigned to control the vehicle system in such a way as to achieve one or more goals of the voyage plan. A voyage plan is generated to control the vehicle system during the voyage in such a way as to achieve the first goal if the vehicle system is moving along the route at least at a designated threshold speed. A voyage plan is generated to control the vehicle system during the voyage so as to reach a different, secondary target if the vehicle system is moving along the route at a speed lower than the designated threshold speed.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a control system located on a vehicle system.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the speed profile of a vehicle system traveling along a route during a voyage in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a route profile of a vehicle system moving along a route section during a voyage.

FIG. 4 shows a flow chart of one embodiment of a method for controlling a vehicle system moving along a route.

Detailed description

In this specification, an element or step that appears in the singular and is followed by the definition of one or more should not exclude its use in the plural unless explicitly stated. In addition, references to one embodiment in the present description of the subject invention should not be interpreted as precluding the existence of additional embodiments that also include the indicated features. In addition, unless explicitly indicated otherwise, embodiments of the present invention containing or including an element or a plurality of elements with certain properties may additionally include similar elements that do not have the indicated property.

As used herein, terms such as a module, system, device, or unit may include a hardware and / or software system or circuit that operates to perform one or more functions. For example, a module, unit, device, or system may comprise a computer processor or other logical device that performs operations based on instructions stored in a physical computer-readable medium, such as computer memory. Alternatively, a module, device, or system may include a hardwired device that performs operations based on the circuitry-implemented logic of the device. The modules, blocks, or systems shown in the accompanying drawings may represent hardware or circuitry that operates on the basis of software or circuit-based instructions, or a combination of such instructions, with the software causing the hardware to perform operations. Modules, systems, devices, or blocks may include or be hardware circuits or circuits that contain one or more processors and / or are connected to one or more processors, such as one or more computer microprocessors.

Within the scope of the disclosed embodiments of the subject matter of the present invention, methods and systems are shared that are used to control a system of vehicles traveling along a route. The embodiments provide methods and systems for controlling a vehicle system traveling along a route to achieve different objectives based on different operating conditions of the vehicle system.

A more specific description of the subject matter of the invention, briefly discussed above, is given with reference to specific variants of its implementation, illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The subject matter of the present invention is described and elucidated with the understanding that these drawings only depict exemplary embodiments of the subject matter of the present invention, and thus should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Where possible, the same or similar components shown in the drawings are referenced with the same reference numerals. While functional block diagrams of various embodiments are illustrated within certain limits in these figures, these functional blocks do not necessarily indicate a distinction between hardware and / or circuitry. For example, components represented by multiple functional blocks (e.g., processors, controllers, or memory) can be implemented as a separate piece of hardware (e.g., a general purpose signal processor, microcontroller, random access memory, hard disk, etc.) ). In the same way, any programs and devices can be stand-alone, represent subroutines built into the operating system, functions included in the installed software package, etc. Various embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the diagrams and means shown in the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a control system 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The control system 100 is located on the vehicle system 102. The vehicle system 102 is configured to travel along a route 104. The vehicle system 102 is configured to travel along a route 104 during a voyage from a starting location or origin to a destination or arrival. The vehicle system 102 comprises a tractive force generating vehicle 108 and a non-tractive vehicle 110, which are mechanically interconnected with each other to jointly travel along a route 104. Alternatively, the vehicle system 102 may be formed by a single vehicle 108. ...

The traction generating vehicle 108 is configured to generate tractive forces for the purpose of propelling (e.g., pulling or pushing) the non-traction generating vehicle 110 along the route 104. The traction generating vehicle 108 comprises a traction subsystem including one or more traction motors that generate traction to drive the vehicle system 102. Traction generating vehicle 108 also includes a braking subsystem that generates braking force for vehicle system 102 to slow or stop the vehicle system. Additionally, the non-traction vehicle 110 includes a braking subsystem, but the vehicle does not have a traction subsystem. The traction generating vehicle 108 is hereinafter referred to as the traction vehicle 108, and the non-traction generating vehicle 110 is hereinafter referred to as the car 110. Although in FIG. 1 shows one traction vehicle 108 and one car 110, the vehicle system 102 may comprise a plurality of traction vehicles 108 and / or a plurality of carriages 110. In an alternative embodiment, the vehicle system 102 only comprises a traction vehicle 108 that is not associated with the car. 110 or another type of vehicle.

The control system 100 is used to control the movement of the vehicle system 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the control system 100 is entirely located on the traction vehicle 108. However, in other embodiments, one or more components of the control system 100 may be distributed across multiple vehicles, such as vehicles 108, 110, which form the vehicle system 102. For example, some components can be distributed between two or more traction vehicles 108, which when connected to each other form a group or composition. In an alternative embodiment, at least some of the components of the control system 100 can be located remotely with respect to the vehicle system 102, for example, in a dispatch node 114. Remote components of the control system 100 can communicate with the vehicle system 102 (and with the components of the system 100 controls located on this system).

In the illustrated embodiment, vehicle system 102 is a train and track 104 is a track formed by one or more rails 106. Traction vehicle 108 can be a locomotive and car 110 can be a rail car that carries passengers and / or cargo. Alternatively, the traction vehicle 108 may be a rail vehicle other than a locomotive. In an alternative embodiment, the vehicle system 102 may be a non-rail vehicle system, such as an Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) system, for example, a vehicle system that is legally prohibited from traveling on public roads and / or which is not adapted for this purpose), a car, etc. While some examples describe route 104 as a railroad track, not all embodiments of the present invention are limited to rail vehicles traveling along the railroad track. One or more embodiments of the present invention may be used for vehicles other than rail and for routes other than rail, such as roads, waterways, and the like.

Each of the vehicles 108, 110 of the vehicle system 102 includes a plurality of wheels 120 that contact the track 104 and at least one axle 122 that connects the left and right wheels 120 to each other (only left wheels 120 are shown in FIG. 1). ). Additionally, the wheels 120 and axles 122 are disposed on one or more platforms or carts 118. Additionally, the platforms 118 may be fixed-axle platforms in which the wheels 120 are rotationally attached to the axles 122, causing the left wheel 120 to rotate at the same speed as the same volume and at the same time as the right wheel 120. The traction vehicle 108 is mechanically connected to the car 110 by means of a hitch 123. The hitch 123 can be equipped with a draft gear configured to absorb compression and tension forces in order to reduce the sagging of the connection between vehicles 108, 110. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the traction vehicle 108 may be equipped with a hitch located at the front 125 of the traction vehicle 108 and / or the car 110 may be equipped with a coupler located at the rear 127 of the car 110 for mechanically connecting the respective vehicles 108, 110 with additional vehicles in the vehicle system 102.

As the vehicle system 102 moves along the route 104 during a voyage, the control system 100 may be configured to measure, record, or otherwise receive and accumulate input information about the route 104, the vehicle system 102, and the movement of the vehicle system. means 102 along the route 104. For example, the control system 100 can be configured to monitor the location of the vehicle system 102 along the route 104 and the speed at which the vehicle system 102 is traveling along the route 104. In addition, the control system 100 can be configured to generate flight plan and / or control signal based on this information. The voyage plan and / or control signal assigns one or more operating parameters for the vehicle system 102 to be implemented or installed during the voyage as a function of time and / or location on route 104. The operating parameters may include traction parameters. and braking forces for vehicle system 102. For example, operating parameters may include prescribed speeds, accelerator parameters, braking parameters, acceleration parameters, and the like. vehicle system 102 as a function of time and / or distance along route 104 along which vehicle system 102 travels.

A voyage plan is configured to meet or exceed specific metrics or targets during a voyage of the vehicle system 102, while at the same time meeting or meeting designated limits and limits. Some possible goals are to improve energy (eg fuel) efficiency, reduce emissions, reduce voyage times, improve engine control accuracy, reduce wheel and route wear, and the like. Limits or limits include speed limits, timetables (e.g. arrival times at various designated destinations), environmental controls, standards, and the like. Voyage plan operating parameters are configured to increase the level of achievement of objectives relative to vehicle system 102 traveling along route 104 to operate a voyage according to operating parameters that differ from one or more voyage plan operating parameters (for example, if the operator of vehicle system 102 determines traction and braking forces of the system during the flight). One example of the goal of a voyage plan is to improve fuel efficiency (for example, by reducing fuel consumption) during a voyage. By setting the operating parameters assigned in the voyage plan, it is possible to reduce the fuel consumption relative to the movement of the same vehicle system along the same route segment in the same period of time, but without adhering to the voyage plan.

A voyage plan can be established using an algorithm based on vehicle behavior patterns as the vehicle system 102 moves along a route. The algorithm may include a number of nonlinear differential levels derived from applicable physical equations in a manner as described in US Patent Application No. 12/955710, US Patent No. 8655516 entitled Communication System for a Rail Vehicle Consist and Method for Communicating with a Rail Vehicle Consist (a communication system for a train train and a method for communicating with a train train), which was filed November 29, 2010 (patent 516) and the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Some well-known voyage plans may not include many goals that vary depending on the states of the vehicle system. Because a voyage plan that includes a fuel efficiency goal may be inappropriate when the vehicle system slows down to a stop while approaching a designated stop on a route, adherence to the voyage plan may not be beneficial for the vehicle system operator as it approaches and travels at low speed to a location. stops. The voyage plan may not be generated using the fine engine control target, so following the voyage plan instructions when the vehicle system approaches and exits the parking lot may cause the vehicle system to suddenly stop or start moving, or stop the vehicle system at an undesirable or inaccurate location. relative to the desired point and / or can lead to wear of the wheel and / or platform due to, for example, slipping.

In an embodiment, the control system 100 is configured to generate a plurality of voyage plans for the vehicle system 102 traveling along the route 104 during the voyage. Each of the many voyage plans can have different goals. The difference in goals may be based on the operating conditions of the vehicle system 102. The operating conditions can be speed, route location of vehicle system 102, or the like. For example, the vehicle system 102 can move in accordance with the first voyage plan if the vehicle system 102 is traveling at a speed equal to and / or greater than the designated threshold speed, and the vehicle system 102 can move in accordance with a different, second voyage plan if the vehicle system 102 is traveling at a speed lower than the designated threshold speed. Both the first and second voyage plans may be generated by the control system 100 prior to the commencement of the voyage by the vehicle system 102. Alternatively, before the start of the voyage, only the first voyage plan is generated, and the second voyage plan is generated during the voyage if the operating conditions of the vehicle system 102 deviate from the designated threshold levels. For example, a second voyage plan may be a modified voyage plan or a modified voyage plan that modifies or updates

- 4 037237 previously generated first flight plan to take into account the changed goals.

In an alternative embodiment, instead of generating a plurality of different voyage plans, the control system 100 may be configured to generate a single voyage plan that takes into account changes in targets as the vehicle system 100 moves along a route 104. For example, a voyage plan may structurally divide the voyage into multiple sections in accordance with the time, location, or the intended speed of the vehicle system while navigating a route. In some areas, voyage plan operating parameters are assigned to control the vehicle system 102 so as to achieve at least the first objective. In at least one of the other sections, voyage plan operating parameters are assigned to control the vehicle system 102 so as to achieve at least another, second objective.

The control system 100 can be configured to control the vehicle system 102 throughout the voyage in accordance with the voyage plan so that the vehicle system 102 moves in accordance with the voyage plan. In a closed loop mode or configuration, the control system 100 can autonomously monitor or implement the traction or braking subsystems of the vehicle system 102 consistent with the voyage plan, in the absence of operator input. In closed-loop learning mode, vehicle system 102 engages an operator in accordance with a voyage plan. For example, the control system 100 may present or display the operating parameters of the voyage plan to the operator as a guide to control the vehicle system 102 to follow the voyage plan.

The operator can then operate the vehicle system 102 in response to the instructions. For example, control system 100 may be or comprise a General Electric Trip Optimizer ™ or other energy management system. For more information regarding the voyage plan, see Patent 516.

The control system 100 includes a plurality of sensors configured to monitor the operating conditions of the vehicle system 102 as the vehicle system 102 moves along the route 104 during a voyage. A plurality of sensors can track data that is transmitted to the controller 136 of the control system 100 for processing and analysis. For example, controller 136 can generate a flight plan based on data received from one or more sensors. One such type of sensor is a speed sensor 116 located on the vehicle system 102. In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of speed sensors 116 are located on or adjacent to platforms 118. The speed sensor 116 is configured to monitor the speed of the vehicle system 102 as it travels the route 104. The speed sensor 116 may be a speedometer, a Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS), or the like. The speed sensor 116 may provide the controller 136 with a speed parameter associated with the current speed of the vehicle system 102. The rate parameter may be transmitted to the controller 136 periodically, such as once per second or once every two seconds, or if a request for the rate parameter is received.

Another sensor of the control system 100 is a positioning device 124. Positioning device 124 is configured to locate vehicle system 102 within route 104. Positioning device 124 may be a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver. Alternatively, location device 124 may include a sensor system including roadside devices (eg, Radio Frequency Automatic Equipment Identification (RF AEI) tags), video and image collection devices, and the like. Positioning device 124 may provide controller 136 with a position parameter associated with the current position of vehicle system 102. The location parameter may be transmitted to controller 136 periodically or upon receipt of a rate parameter request. The controller 136 can use the location of the vehicle system 102 to determine how close the vehicle system 102 is to one or more designated voyage locations. For example, designated locations may include an arrival point at the end of a voyage, a siding within route 104 in which route 104 of another vehicle system is scheduled to pass by vehicle system 102, stop for refueling, crew changes, passenger boarding or loading, etc. P.

The control system 100 also includes additional sensors 132 that measure other conditions or parameters of the vehicle system 102 during the voyage (eg, parameters other than speed and location). Additional sensors 132 may include throttle and brake position sensors that monitor manually operated throttle and brake controls, respectively, and provide control signals to the appropriate traction and braking subsystems. Sensors 132 may also include sensors that monitor the power generated by traction motors and brakes.

- 5 037237 subsystems, to determine the current traction and braking forces of the system of 102 vehicles. In addition, the control system 100 may include transducers (referred to as position / speed sensors) located between at least some of the vehicles 108, 110 of the vehicle system 102, for example, on or near couplers 123. Position / speed sensors can track the relative distance and / or longitudinal force between two vehicles. For example, couplers 123 between two vehicles may allow some free movement or slack in the connection for one of the vehicles before force is applied to the other vehicle. As one vehicle moves, the longitudinal compression and tension forces, like a spring, shorten and lengthen the distance between the two vehicles. Position / speed sensors are used to monitor the sag between vehicles of the vehicle system 102. The above is a short list of possible sensors that may be present on vehicle system 102 and used by control system 100, and it should be understood that vehicle system 102 and / or control system 100 may contain more sensors, fewer sensors, and / or other sensors. ...

Control system 100 may also include a wireless communication system 126 that allows wireless communication between vehicles 108, 110 in vehicle system 102 and / or communication with remote locations, such as remote (dispatch) offices 114. Communication system 126 may contain a receiver and a transmitter, or a transceiver that performs the functions of receiving and transmitting. Communication system 126 may include an antenna and associated circuitry.

In an embodiment, the control system 100 comprises a vehicle parameter determination element 134 that provides information about the vehicle system 102. The vehicle parameter determination element 134 provides information about the structure of the vehicle system 102, such as the type of cars 110 (e.g., manufacturer, item number, materials, etc.), the number of cars 110, the weight of the cars 110, whether the cars 110 are compatible (i.e. are relatively identical in weight and distribution along the length of the vehicle system 102), the type and weight of the cargo, the total weight of the vehicle system 102, the number of traction vehicles 108, the position and placement of the traction vehicles 108 relative to the wagons 110, the type of traction vehicles 108 ( including manufacturer, product number, allowable power output, allowable controller positions, fuel usage levels, etc.), etc. The vehicle parameter determination element 134 may be a database stored in an electronic memory or memory. Information to the vehicle parameter determination element 134 can be entered by an operator using an input / output (I / O, Input / Output, called user interface device), can be automatically downloaded or received remotely through the communication system 126. The source of at least some of the information in the vehicle parameter determination element 134 may be a train list, a log book, or the like.

The control system 100 also includes an element 130 for determining the parameters of the flight. The voyage parameter 130 is configured to provide information about the voyage performed by the vehicle system 102 along the route 104. The voyage information may include route characteristics, assigned locations, assigned stands, scheduled times, meeting events, directions along route 104, and the like. For example, assigned route characteristics might include warnings for slopes, declines, environmental conditions (such as rain and snow), and curvature information. Designated locations may include roadside device locations, siding, refueling stations, passenger stations, crew change and / or loading stations, and voyage departure and arrival points. At least some of the designated locations may be designated stands where the vehicle system 102 is scheduled to come to a complete stop for a period of time. For example, a train station might be a designated stop while a roadside device might not be a stop. The roadside device can be used to check the on-time route of the vehicle system 102 by comparing the actual time at which the vehicle system 102 is traveling along the route 104 past the roadside device with the intended travel time according to the voyage plan. Voyage information related to scheduled times may include departure and arrival times for the entire voyage, times to reach designated locations and / or arrival times, braking times (e.g., vehicle system 102 stop times), and departure times from various designated stops to during the flight. Encounter events include siding locations and temporary information about overtaking or missing other vehicle systems on the same route. Route 104 directions are directions used to traverse route 104 in order to reach destinations or arrivals. The directions can be updated to designate a path that avoids a congested section or structure, or

- 6 037237 service area located on the route. The flight parameter determination element 130 may be a database stored in an electronic memory or memory. The information in the element 130 determine the parameters of the flight can be entered by the operator using the user interface device, can be automatically downloaded or remotely received through the communication system 126. The source of at least some of the information in the element 130 for determining the parameters of the flight may be a train list, a log book, or the like.

The control system 100 is provided with a controller 136 or control unit that is a hardware and / or software system that operates to perform one or more functions for the vehicle system 102. The controller 136 receives information from the components of the control system 100, analyzes the received information, and generates operating parameters for the vehicle system 102 to control the movement of the vehicle system 102. Operating parameters may be contained in the voyage plan. The controller 136 accesses or receives information from the speed sensor 116, the location device 124, the vehicle determination element 134, the voyage parameter 130, and at least some other sensors 132 located on the vehicle system 102. Controller 136 may be a device comprising a housing and one or more processors 138 located therein (eg, in a housing). Each processor 138 may include a microprocessor or equivalent control circuit. One or more processors 138 execute at least one algorithm. For example, to generate a flight plan, one or more processors 138 may operate in accordance with one or more algorithms.

The controller 136 may further comprise controller memory 140, which is a computer-readable memory or storage medium. Controller memory 140 may reside in a controller housing 136 or, alternatively, in a separate device that communicates with the controller 136 and one or more processors 138 located therein. The term communicatively indicates that two devices, two systems, subsystems, two nodes, modules, components, etc. connected to each other through one or more wired or wireless communication lines, such as one or more conductors (eg copper), cables or buses, wireless networks, fiber optic cables, and the like. Controller memory 140 may comprise a physical computer-readable medium that permanently or temporarily stores data for use by one or more processors 138. Memory 140 may contain one or more volatile and / or non-volatile memory devices such as random access memory (RAM). ), static random access memory (SRAM, Static Random Access Memory), dynamic RAM (DRAM, Dynamic RAM), another type of RAM, read-only memory (ROM, Read Only Memory), flash memory, magnetic storage media (e.g. hard disks , floppy disks or magnetic tapes), optical disks, etc.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, using information received from the speed sensor 116, the positioning device 124, the vehicle parameter determination element 134, and the voyage parameter determination element 130, the controller 136 is configured to assign one or more operating parameters to the vehicle system 102 as functions of time and / or distance along route 104 during a voyage. One or more operating parameters are assigned to control or monitor the movement of the vehicle system 102 during a voyage so as to achieve one or more voyage objectives. In an embodiment, the controller 136 operates in at least two operating modes in order to achieve different goals for different legs of the trip. For example, the controller 136 in the first operating mode is configured to assign operating parameters such that the vehicle system 102 is controlled to achieve at least the first objective. The controller 136 in the second operating mode, on the other hand, is configured to assign operating parameters such that the vehicle system 102 is controlled to achieve at least another, second objective. In accordance with an embodiment, the controller 136 is configured to switch between the first and second modes of operation if the operating conditions of the vehicle system 102 exceed a designated threshold, as described below with reference to FIG. 2 and 3.

The operating parameters can be one or more of the following parameters: speed levels, accelerator (throttle) parameters, braking or acceleration parameters that the vehicle system 102 must set during a voyage. Additionally, the controller 136 can be configured to transmit at least some of its assigned operating parameters in the control signal. The control signal may be directed to the traction subsystem, the braking subsystem, or to the user interface device of the vehicle system 102. For example, the control signal can be sent to the traction subsystem and contain parameters of the traction motor accelerator adjustment marks for the traction subsystem for the purpose of autonomous installation after receiving the control signal. According to another example, the control signal can be directed to a user interface device that displays and / or, otherwise,

- 7 037237 presents information to the operator of the vehicle system 102. The control signal for the user interface device may contain parameters of an accelerator that controls, for example, the traction subsystem. The control signal may also contain data for visual display of accelerator parameters on the display of the user interface device and / or for audible notification of the operator via the speaker of the user interface device. Additionally, the accelerator parameters can be presented in the form of an invitation to the operator to decide whether to set the proposed accelerator parameters.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a velocity profile 202 of a vehicle system 102 (shown in FIG. 1) traveling along a route 104 (shown in FIG. 1) during a voyage in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The speed profile graph 200 displays the speed 202 or the speed of the vehicle system 102 over time 204 during the voyage. The speed profile 200 may change as the vehicle system 102 travels in accordance with the voyage plan (e.g., in accordance with the operating parameters assigned in the voyage plan) generated by the controller 136 (see FIG. 1) of the control system 100 (see FIG. one).

As indicated above, the controller 136 may switch between the first and second operating modes if the operating conditions of the vehicle system 102 are outside the designated threshold. In the illustrated embodiment, the operating condition that is used to determine the operating mode of the controller 136 is the speed of the vehicle system 102 while en-route. The designated threshold value is the threshold rate (denoted as V _TH in FIG. 2). In one embodiment, controller 136 may operate in a first operating mode if it is determined that the speed of vehicle system 102 is at least equal to or greater than a threshold speed, and controller 136 may operate in a second operating mode if if it is determined that the speed of the vehicle system 102 falls below the threshold speed.

During the voyage, as shown in the speed profile 200, the speed of the vehicle system 102 may exceed the threshold speed several times. For example, vehicle system 102 exceeds a threshold speed for most of the trip. As a result, controller 136 operates in the first operating mode for most of the flight. However, if the vehicle system 102 starts moving during a voyage or otherwise accelerates after stopping, the speed of the vehicle system 102 is at least temporarily below a threshold speed. Likewise, the speed of the vehicle system 102 falls below a threshold speed if the vehicle system 102 decelerates to stop at the end of a voyage or another stop planned on route 104. In this case, the controller 136 operates in a second operating mode for at least at the point in time when the vehicle system 102 decelerates to stop or accelerates after a stop.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the objectives associated with the movement of the vehicle system 102 change depending on the change in the operating mode of the controller 136. In the first operating mode, if the vehicle system 102 is traveling at a speed exceeding a threshold, the controller 136 assigns operating parameters allowing a system of 102 vehicles to achieve the first goal. The first objective may be one or more of the following objectives: reducing the fuel consumption of the vehicle system 102, reducing the emissions generated by the vehicle system 102, improving the control of the vehicle system 102, or reducing travel time on a voyage. The first goal can consist of many goals, for example, several of the goals listed above. The reduction in fuel consumption, emissions and / or travel time, as well as the improvement in control achieved by setting assigned operating parameters, is determined with respect to the vehicle system 102 traveling along the route of the voyage in accordance with operating parameters that are different from the operating parameters assigned by the controller. 136. For example, using the operating parameters assigned by the controller 136, a control strategy with less losses due to motion resistance and / or braking can be implemented compared to an operator-defined control strategy.

The controller 136 can be configured to assign operating parameters such that the vehicle system 102 is controlled to achieve the first objective subject to one or more constraints. For example, restrictions may include speed limits on route 104, restrictions on vehicle performance, planned travel times, emissions, and the like. Thus, since the vehicle system 102 sets the designated operating parameters, it does not violate the marked restrictions on the corresponding section of the route 104. For example, the speed limits can be permanent or temporary restrictions imposed by authorized representatives of railways or main lines. Temporary speed limits may be caused by structures, service stations, or excess traffic on route 104. Vehicle performance constraints may include

- 8 037237 allowable power output of the engines of the traction vehicle 108 (see Fig. 1), the allowable positions of the accelerator of the traction vehicle 108 and / or the allowable fuel supply on the vehicle system. Thus, the controller 136 is configured to prevent the assignment of operating parameters that require the traction vehicle 108 to generate excess power. Planned voyage times include designated voyage times such as projected arrival times at destination, scheduled meeting times, and times at which vehicle system 102 should reach designated en-route cues such as roadside devices and / or stops. Emission restrictions may include restrictions on fuel emissions, noise emissions, etc. in accordance with the directions of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), railway companies, municipalities and other regulatory bodies. Some restrictions may be determined using information from the vehicle parameter determination element 134 (such as vehicle performance constraints) and information from the voyage parameter determination element 130 (such as speed limits and planned times). Other constraints may be determined using information received from a remote source via wireless communication system 126.

In an embodiment, the first goal may be to reduce the fuel consumption of the vehicle system 102 as it travels along the route 104, taking into account the above constraints such as emission and speed limits. In another embodiment, the first objective may be to reduce emissions from vehicle system 102 while taking into account constraints such as fuel use and / or scheduled arrival times. In yet another embodiment, the first objective may be to reduce travel time without restriction on total emissions and / or fuel consumption generated in situations where such relaxation of restrictions is permitted or required for a voyage. A decrease in travel time may refer to a decrease in the total travel time during a voyage between origin and destination and / or may relate to travel time on a leg of the voyage. Additionally, the first goal can combine multiple goals, for example, the first goal can be both to reduce fuel consumption and to reduce emissions when the vehicle system 102 moves along the route 104, taking into account speed limits, vehicle characteristics and planned travel times.

Controlling the vehicle system 102 may involve controlling the forces applied within the couplings between the individual vehicles of the vehicle system 102. For example, the expected forces that are expected or calculated to be applied and / or acting on couplings in a vehicle system can be reduced by limiting the allowable speeds of the vehicle system. Allowable speeds can be limited to values less than the speed prescribed by the travel plan of the vehicle system 102, en-route speed limits, and the like. The control of the vehicle system 102 can be improved as the coupling forces between vehicles are reduced relative to vehicle systems traveling along the same routes without limiting the allowable speeds of the vehicle systems. The speed limits of the vehicle system 102 may be limited at locations or sections of the route where large forces are expected to be applied to the couplers, while the speed limits of the vehicle system 102 may not be limited at other locations. As a result, the vehicle system 102 is able to travel at or near the speeds assigned in the voyage plan, with predetermined en-route speed limits, and the like. for most of the voyage, so that the vehicle system 102 is on schedule or runs for a period of time close to the time period provided by the voyage plan and / or en-route speed limits. Vehicle control can also include managing the space between individual vehicles in a vehicle system. For example, the vehicle system 102 can be controlled to regulate the tension and compression in the couplings in order to maintain the forces within an acceptable designated range, which also affects the space between vehicles.

After identifying the first target, the controller 136 can generate operating parameters for the vehicle system 102 along the leg 104, subject to applicable constraints. The operating parameters may be contained in a voyage plan generated by controller 136. As described above, controller 136 receives essential information about voyage, vehicle system 102, and route 104. Controller 136 may generate a voyage plan using an algorithm based on vehicle behavior patterns. system 102 of vehicles along route 104. The algorithm may include a number of nonlinear differential equations derived from applicable physical equations with simple assumptions in a manner as described in patent 516. For example, for a first goal of reducing fuel consumption, controller 136 may account for graphical fuel consumption versus time curve

- 9 037237 movement, which was created using data on previous flights of various vehicle systems along a route traveled at different speeds. The generated voyage plan assigns operating parameters to the vehicle system 102 as a function of time and / or travel distance along the route 104. The operating parameters are assigned to control the vehicle system 102 to achieve the first goal. Thus, if the vehicle system 102 is traveling at a threshold speed or at a speed greater than the threshold, the controller 136 is in a first operating mode. In the first operating mode, the controller 136 assigns operating parameters according to the voyage plan to control the vehicle system 102 so as to achieve the first goal, which is to reduce fuel consumption, reduce emissions, improve vehicle handling and / or reduce overall travel time. ...

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the threshold speed is the speed that is selected before the voyage by the vehicle system 102. For example, the threshold could be between 3 mph (4.5 km / h) and 20 mph (33 km / h), or specifically between 5 mph (8 km / h) ) and 15 mph (24 km / h). In various embodiments of the present invention, the threshold speed may be 5, 10, or 15 mph. The threshold speed may depend on the type of vehicle system 102. For example, the threshold speed of the vehicle system 102, which is a train, may be lower than the threshold speed of the vehicle system 102, which is an off-road vehicle, and higher than that of the vehicle system 102, which is a ship.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, based on or as a result of the operating conditions of the vehicle system 102 falling below a predetermined threshold level, the operating mode of the controller 136 is changed as well as the target for moving the vehicle system 102. For example, if the speed of the vehicle system 102 falls below a threshold speed, the controller 136 operates in a second operating mode. In the second operating mode, the controller 136 assigns operating parameters to control the vehicle system 102 so as to achieve a second goal that is different from the first. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the operating mode of the controller 136 and the movement target of the vehicle system 102 are automatically changed when the operating conditions of the vehicle system 102 exceed a threshold value. For example, even if the speed of the vehicle system 102 accidentally or unintentionally falls below the designated speed threshold, the operating mode of the controller 136 is switched and the moving target of the vehicle system 102 is changed. Alternatively, the switching of the operating mode and changing the targets of movement can occur as a result of operating conditions beyond the threshold values, but not automatically. For example, upon detecting that the operating conditions are outside the designated thresholds, the controller 136 can generate a notification to the operator in the vehicle, requesting or proposing to change the operating conditions of the controller 136 and change the travel goals of the vehicle system 102. This gives the operator the opportunity and final authority to decide whether to make a change.

The operating mode of the controller 136 changes based on the operating conditions of the vehicle system 102 to change the travel targets of the vehicle system 102, as the materiality or priority of the targets may change as the circumstances or conditions of the vehicle system 102 travel along the route 104. For example, if the vehicle system 102 is traveling at a speed higher than the threshold, significant goals may be to reduce fuel consumption, emissions and / or total travel time during a voyage. These goals are significant at speeds above the threshold speed because vehicle system 102 can travel at these speeds for most of route 104. Alternatively, vehicle system 102 can travel at speeds below the threshold speed if, for example, the system slows down for stopping or accelerating when leaving the parking lot. Under these conditions or circumstances, the fuel efficiency of the vehicle system 102 may not be as important as other goals, such as precise engine control. Thus, at speeds of vehicle system 102 below the threshold speed, precise engine control of vehicle system 102 may be more significant than fuel efficiency. For this reason, the controller 136 transitions from the first operating mode to the second operating mode if the speed of the vehicle system 102 falls below a threshold speed in order to indicate the operating parameters that control the vehicle system 102 so as to achieve a different, second target, more significant at these speeds for the vehicle system 102 compared to the first target.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a second object relates to precise control of the engine in the vehicle system 102, which is useful for controlling the vehicle system 102 at low speeds. Precise engine control is beneficial when vehicle system 102 approaches, leaves, or arrives at a designated stop. As an example, the second goal may be to move the vehicle system 102 to one or more locations within a designated threshold distance from one or more voyage locations.

Assigned locations can be stops (such as destination or braking location) assigned in the voyage plan. For example, a station at which a change of personnel of the vehicle system 102 and / or the disembarkation and embarkation of passengers takes place may be indicated by markers that designate a stop of the vehicle system 102. The station may be relatively long in order for some vehicle systems to stop at different locations for the purpose of picking up or disembarking appropriate passengers and / or personnel. The marks can designate a stopping of the traction vehicle 108 of the vehicle system 102. Since it will be appreciated that the vehicle systems may not be able to stop exactly at the designated mark in the parking lot, the station and / or transport control may request the vehicle system 102 to stop within the designated threshold distance before or after the mark. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second objective may be to stop the vehicle system 102 at a location that is within a designated threshold distance from a designated stop scheduled during a voyage. To achieve the second objective, the controller 136 can specify the operating parameters that the vehicle system 102 must set in order to practice precise engine control in the vehicle system 102. For example, the operating parameters may include parameters for fine-tuning the traction forces of the traction subsystem travel motors and fine-tuning the braking forces of the braking subsystem to stop the vehicle system 102 within a designated threshold distance from a designated stop.

The operating parameters assigned by the controller 136 (eg, in accordance with a voyage plan) can allow the vehicle system 102 to stop in close proximity to the designated stop, as opposed to the vehicle system 102 controlled only by the operator. In addition, the operating parameters assigned by the controller 136 to control the vehicle system 102 so as to achieve the second goal, as opposed to the situation in which the first goal is achieved, may allow the vehicle system 102 to stop in close proximity to the designated stop. For example, it may be possible to perform the precise engine control required to stop the vehicle system 102 in close proximity to the designated stop if the vehicle system 102 is controlled for another purpose, such as fuel economy. By finely controlling the engine to control the vehicle system 102 to achieve the second goal, more fuel may be consumed, more emissions generated, and / or it may take longer to stop the vehicle system 102 than if the vehicle system 102 managed to achieve the first goal. However, as the vehicle system 102 approaches a stop, such as a station, fuel consumption, emissions and / or travel time are not as prioritized as ensuring that the vehicle system 102 will stop exactly within a threshold distance from the designated stop.

According to another example, the second objective is to stop the vehicle system 102 such that a plurality of its constituent vehicles are grouped with one or more inter-vehicle couplings in a sagging state (e.g., in a relaxed state) after the vehicle system 102 has stopped. ... As shown in FIG. 1, vehicles 108, 110 of the vehicle system 102 are coupled to each other via coupling devices 123. The couplings 123 are configured to damp longitudinal forces between vehicles of the vehicle system 102 (such as vehicles 108, 110). As the vehicle system 102 moves, longitudinal compression and tension forces shorten and lengthen the distance between the two vehicles. The couplings 123 may be configured to allow some free movement or slack in the connection to the first vehicle before force is applied to the second vehicle connected to the first vehicle. If the hitch 123 between the two vehicles is not tensioned (or the amount of tension in the hitch is below the designated threshold), then the hitch 123 can be considered to be in a slack state or in a slack condition. When the hitch is in tension, the amount of tension in the hitch is greater than the designated threshold compared to the slack state. In some situations, it is desirable for the vehicle system couplings to be in a sagging state when the vehicle system is stopped because the traction vehicles do not have to pull the entire load of the vehicle system from a stationary position when the vehicle system resumes motion. Instead, due to the accumulation of sag between vehicles (also called clumping), each traction vehicle initially pulls the first car until the sag between the first and second carriages decreases, after which the traction vehicle starts pulling the first and second carriages. Thus, thanks to the grouping, the traction vehicle is able to build up the driving force over time without the need to simultaneously pull the entire load of the vehicle system from a stationary position.

As noted above, the second objective may be to stop the vehicle system 102 so that a plurality of vehicles 108, 110 of the vehicle system 102 are grouped together when stopped, thereby improving the process of resuming movement of the vehicle system 102 after stopping. The controller 136 may assign operating parameters (eg, according to a voyage plan) that accurately control the traction and braking forces of the vehicle system 102 as the vehicle system 102 decelerates to stop in order to place the hitches 123 into a sag state. For example, the operating parameters can control the braking subsystem to sequentially decelerate vehicles so that each vehicle stops close to the previous vehicle in the vehicle system 102, thereby generating slack in the associated hitch 123. Controller 136 can assign operating parameters based on the information sag received from position / speed sensors located between vehicles. Stopping the vehicle system 102 in this manner to achieve constellation may require more fuel consumption, emissions and / or time than stopping the vehicle system 102 using the operating parameters assigned to achieve the first objective. However, the operating parameters assigned to control the vehicle system 102 in such a way as to achieve the first objective will likely not allow constellation to be achieved. In addition, due to the advantage of clustering when resuming movement of the vehicle system 102, stopping the vehicle system to achieve clustering may be more significant or prioritized than stopping the vehicle system, for example, to achieve fuel or time savings.

According to another example, the second objective is to move the vehicle system 102 along the track 104 such that one or more wheels 120 of the vehicle system 102 maintain traction with the track 104 to reduce wheel slip. Wheel slip is a phenomenon that typically occurs when braking or accelerating vehicle system 102. Wheel 120 may slip on track 104 if the rotational force in the forward direction (eg, when accelerating) or reverse (eg, when braking) exceeds the frictional force between wheel 120 and track 104, causing wheel 120 to rotate relative to track 104. Wheel slip causes wheel 120 to slip along track 104, which causes wear on the wheel and track and can result in more serious damage (eg, derailment) if this situation is not corrected in time. Wheel slip wears the wheels 120 and track 104 to such an extent that suitable portions of track 104 must be changed more frequently than would otherwise be necessary, so eliminating wheel slip is desirable for both economic and safety reasons.

As discussed above, the second objective may be to move the vehicle system 102 along the route 104 such that one or more wheels 120 of the vehicle system 102 maintain traction with the route 104 to reduce wheel slip. The controller 136 may assign operating parameters (e.g., according to a voyage plan) that accurately control the traction and braking forces of the vehicle system 102 as the vehicle system 102 brakes and / or accelerates at speeds below a threshold speed to reduce the risk of slipping. wheels. For example, the operating parameters can control the braking subsystem to gradually decelerate the vehicle over a period of time in order to reduce the rotational force of each wheel 120. For example, the period of time during which braking is applied in accordance with the operating parameters to achieve the second goal, may exceed the period of time during which the brakes can be applied in accordance with the operating parameters assigned to achieve the first goal (such as fuel efficiency or reduced travel time). Thus, additional braking time and / or distance is provided to reduce the rotational force applied to the wheels 120 so that wheel slip is less than when the vehicle system 102 is stopped in accordance with the operating parameters applied to the wheels. achieving the first goal. For example, if the first goal is to reduce travel time, the operating parameters can control the vehicle system 102 so that the brakes are applied at a later point in time and / or at a more distant location and with greater force to reduce the time to decelerate the vehicle system 102. ... However, applying more force during braking can cause wheel slip, which can lead to costly repairs to vehicle system 102 and / or route 104. While the above example concerns the application of brakes by the braking subsystem, operating parameters can also control the traction subsystem to gradually accelerate the system. 102 vehicles over a period of time to reduce forward rotational force applied to each wheel 120. At speeds less than the designated threshold speed, the potential cost of wheel slip (for example, changing sections of route 104 and / or wheels, as well as other equipment of the vehicle system 102) may be more significant than the benefits achieved by driving a vehicle to reduce fuel consumption, emissions, or travel time.

The above are only examples of possible second objectives, which are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, the second goal can consist of several of the goals listed above. For example, operating parameters can be determined to stop the vehicle system 102 within a designated threshold distance from the designated stop, and multiple vehicles of the vehicle system 102 can be controlled to group together after the vehicle system 102 has stopped.

In an embodiment, the controller 136 monitors the progress of the vehicle system 102 along the route 104 during a voyage. For example, the controller 136 may compare the actual movements of the vehicle system 102 with the intended movements in the voyage plan to determine if the voyage plan should be modified or updated. In addition, the controller 136 can monitor the operating conditions of the vehicle system 102 against an assigned threshold value to determine when to switch between the first and second modes of operation (eg, to determine whether the first or the second goal is to be achieved). The controller 136 may receive, from the speed sensor, speed parameters associated with the current speed of the vehicle system 102. The controller 136 may compare the current speed of the vehicle system 102 with a threshold speed to determine whether to operate in the first or second mode. The controller 136 may also receive positioning parameters from the positioning device 124 to determine the proximity of the vehicle system 102 to designated locations (eg, stops).

The speed profile 200 shows that the vehicle system 102 is moving as it travels from the point of origin at time T1. From time T1 to time T ₂ , the speed of the vehicle system 102 increases, but remains below the threshold speed VTH. Thus, the controller 136 operates in a second operating mode and assigns operating parameters (eg, according to a voyage plan) to control the vehicle system 102 to achieve the second objective. For example, as the vehicle system 102 accelerates from time T1 to time T ₂ , a second goal may be to reduce wheel slip. The speed of the vehicle system 102 exceeds the threshold speed V _TH at time T ₂ and remains above the threshold speed V _TH until time T ₃ . The speed sensor 116 is used to determine the point in time at which the speed of the vehicle system 102 goes above or below the threshold speed VTH. Thus, controller 136 operates in a first operating mode from time T ₂ to time T ₃ such that the assigned operating parameters can control the vehicle system 102 to achieve the first goal (e.g., to reduce fuel consumption, reduce emissions, and / or shortening the total travel time). Although there is a VL speed limit for route 104, vehicle system 102 may travel slower to improve fuel efficiency or reduce emissions compared to vehicle system 102 traveling at V _L limit speed.

The vehicle system 102 may decelerate to stop at a designated stop approximately midway through the voyage. As the vehicle system 102 decelerates, the speed of the vehicle system 102 falls below the threshold speed VTH at time T3. Thus, since after time T3, the vehicle system 102 decelerates to stop, the controller 136 can assign operating parameters that control the vehicle system 102 to achieve the second goal. The second goal may be to stop the vehicle system 102 within a threshold distance from the designated location so that when stopped, the vehicles are grouped together and when the vehicle system 102 decelerates, wheel slip or the like is eliminated. After the resumption of movement according to the voyage, the speed of the vehicle system 102 does not exceed the threshold speed V _TH until the time T ₄ . Additionally, from time T ₄ to time T5, a speed reduction message (eg, a temporary reduction in top speed) may be sent to the vehicle system 102, which explains the speed reduction in the profile. The vehicle system 102 may subsequently decelerate again due to receiving another deceleration message. The second speed reduction message may cause the vehicle system 102 to slow down at a speed lower than V _TH from time T ₆ to time T ₇ . Thus, the controller 136 can assign operating parameters that, from time T ₆ to time T ₇ , control the vehicle system 102 to achieve the second goal, even if the vehicle system 102 does not come to a stop during this time period. The vehicle system 102 travels at a speed above the threshold speed V _TH from time T ₇ to time T ₈ . The vehicle system 102 arrives at the point at 13 037237 values at time T ₉ . From time T ₈ to time T ₉ , controller 136 operates in a second operating mode to control movement of the vehicle system 102 so as to achieve the second goal.

Additionally, the controller 136 may generate one trip plan prior to the commencement of the voyage by the vehicle system 102. The voyage plan contains both the operating parameters for the first goal and the operating parameters for the second goal. Thus, if the controller 136 determines that the speed of the vehicle system 102 is going above or below the threshold speed VTH, then the controller 136 sets the flight plan operating parameters corresponding to the speed. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the controller 136 assigns one flight plan that contains only operating parameters that control the vehicle system 102 to achieve the first or second goal, but not both. Thus, as the vehicle system 102 moves at a speed that matches the goal of the voyage plan, the controller 136 sets the operational parameters of the voyage plan. However, if the speed of the vehicle system 102 goes above or below the threshold VTH speed, the controller 136 can be configured to generate a modification or update of the voyage plan, the modification being directed to assigning operating parameters by which the vehicle system 102 is controlled to achieve another goal. Controller 136 may generate a modified flight plan in real time during the voyage. In another embodiment, instead of one flight plan, controller 136 may generate two different flight plans. The first voyage plan contains the operating parameters for the first goal, and the second voyage plan contains the operating parameters for the second goal. The controller 136, during the cruise, monitors the speed of the vehicle system 102 with respect to the threshold speed VTH to determine the cruise plan (first or second), the operating parameters of which should be applied.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the controller 136 does not generate one or more voyage plans. Instead, the flight plan (s) may be calculated by the controller 136 or other control system in advance based on the previous flight of the vehicle system 102. During a voyage by vehicle system 102, controller 136 refers to one or more voyage plans and assigns operating parameters to control the vehicle system 102 in accordance with one or more voyage plans. The controller 136 selects a voyage plan and / or assigned operating parameters as the vehicle system 102 travels based on a comparison of the tracked speed of the vehicle system 102 with a threshold speed VTH. Thus, even if the controller 136 does not generate a plan specific for the upcoming voyage, the controller 136 still assigns operating parameters corresponding to the changing targets based on the operating conditions of the vehicle system 102.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a route profile 300 of a vehicle system traveling along a leg of route 104 during a voyage. A leg of route 104 extends from a start location 302 to an end location 304. The start location 302 may be the departure point for the voyage, and the destination location 304 may be the destination for the voyage. The route profile 300 illustrates the distance between the start location 302 and the destination location 304. The vehicle system 102 moves along the route 104 from the start location 302 to the end location 304 in the forward direction 306. The cruise is also assigned a braking location 308 at which the vehicle system 102 is scheduled to stop. funds for a certain period of time. The designated braking location 308 is on the shown route profile 300, almost midway along the section of route 104.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the operating condition that is used to determine the operating mode of the controller 136 is the proximity of the vehicle system 102 to a designated en-route location. The assigned threshold is the proximity threshold (indicated as PTH in FIG. 3). The proximity of the vehicle system 102 to a designated location may be used as a condition of operation instead of the speed of the vehicle system 102, or in addition. In an embodiment, the controller 136 may operate in a first operating mode if the location of the vehicle system 102 is at least at or outside a threshold proximity to a designated location along a route 104. Alternatively, controller 136 may operate in a second operating mode, if the location of the vehicle system 102 is within a threshold proximity of one of the designated locations. Thus, if the vehicle system 102 is within a threshold proximity, then operating parameters are assigned such that the vehicle system 102 is controlled to achieve a second objective, such as maintaining precise engine control to stop at a desired location, grouping vehicles, and / or reducing slippage of wheels. On the other hand, if the vehicle system 102 is outside the proximity threshold, then the operating parameters are assigned such that the vehicle system 102 is controlled to achieve the first goal, for example to reduce consumption.

- 14,037237 fuel, emissions and / or total travel times. Although this embodiment uses distance or proximity as the operating condition instead of speed, additionally the first and second operating modes of the controller 136 (as well as the first and second flight targets) may be the same as described above.

The proximity threshold is the distance selected before the flight. Threshold proximity can be measured in kilometers or miles. For example, the proximity threshold can be 0.5 to 3 miles, or specifically 1 to 2 miles. In various embodiments, the proximity threshold from the designated location may be 1, 1.5, or 2 miles. Threshold proximity can be determined based on a specific vehicle system or route. For example, threshold proximity may be greater if the route is downhill (because more braking power is required) and / or if the vehicle system is equipped with a relatively poor braking system compared to other vehicle systems traveling on route 104. In addition, Consideration should be given to the size of the vehicle system, including weight, and the speed at which the vehicle system travels outside the proximity threshold, which may affect the inertia of the vehicle system.

In an embodiment, the controller 136 monitors the progress of the vehicle system 102 along the route 104 during a voyage. The controller 136 may receive parameters associated with the current position of the vehicle system 102 and transmitted from the positioning device 124. The controller 136 may compare the current location of the vehicle system 102 with the location of the nearest designated location in order to determine its operating mode. For example, the controller 136 may measure the proximity of the vehicle system 102 to a designated location and compare the measured proximity with a threshold proximity to determine if the vehicle system 102 is within the threshold proximity at a given time. In another example, controller 136 knows the location of the designated points and determines the threshold boundary lines by adding and subtracting the threshold proximity distance to each designated location. The controller 136 then uses the positioning device 124 to determine if the vehicle system 102 crosses one of the threshold boundary lines to determine if the vehicle system 102 is within the proximity threshold.

In the path profile 300 shown in FIG. 3, the vehicle system 102 is currently between the start location 302 and the braking location 308, and the vehicle system 102 moves towards the braking location 308. FIG. 3, the dashed line shows threshold boundary lines 310 around designated locations 302, 308, 304. The threshold boundary lines 310 represent a circle with a radius equal to the PTH threshold proximity. Thus, if the vehicle system 102 is within any of the boundary lines 310, then its distance from the designated location is less than the proximity threshold, so the controller 136 operates in a second operating mode. FIG. 3 shows that the vehicle system 102 is currently outside the threshold boundary lines 310, so the controller 136 is operating in a first operating mode. The controller 136 assigns operating parameters that control the vehicle system 102 to achieve the first goal in the first operating mode. Thus, at the position shown, the vehicle system 102 can be controlled by operating parameters to improve fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, or reduce overall travel time.

If the vehicle system 102 passes the point 312 to cross the threshold boundary line 310 surrounding the braking location 308, the controller 136 enters a second operating mode. In the second operating mode, the controller 136 assigns operating parameters by which the vehicle system 102 is controlled to achieve the second objective, for example, to precisely stop the vehicle system 102 at the braking location 308, to provide vehicle grouping of the vehicle system and / or to reduce slippage. wheels in the process of deceleration to stop at the location 308 braking. The controller 136 remains in the second operating mode during the initial acceleration of the vehicle system 102 from the braking location 308 until the vehicle system 102 crosses another location 314 located at the end of the threshold line 310 surrounding the braking location 308. The controller 136 then operates in a first operating mode (to assign operating parameters to control the vehicle system 102 to achieve the first target) until the vehicle system 102 passes point 316 to cross the boundary line 310 surrounding the final location 304 of the route segment 104. From point 316 to final location 304, controller 136 operates in a second operating mode. Thus, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 2, if the vehicle system 102 approaches a stop or accelerates after a stop, the controller 136 operates in a second operating mode to maintain precise engine control of the vehicle system 102. However, if the vehicle system 102 is away from a stop,

- 15 037237 controller 136 operates in the first operating mode to provide fuel efficiency, reduce emissions and / or reduce travel time.

In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the controller 136 is described as operating in two operating modes depending on whether the operating condition exceeds the threshold values. Additionally, the controller 136 can operate in more than two operating modes to assign operating parameters corresponding to at least three different purposes, depending on the operating environment of the vehicle system 102. For example, the controller 136 may compare the actual operating conditions of the vehicle system 102 with two assigned thresholds. The operating mode of the controller 136 may be determined depending on whether the operating condition is below both thresholds, is in a range between two thresholds, or exceeds both thresholds. Thus, the control system 100 can be configured to find and control the differences in the vehicle system 102 so as to achieve two different objectives.

FIG. 4 shows a flow chart of one embodiment of a method 400 for controlling a vehicle system moving along a route during a voyage. In step 402, a voyage plan is generated for the en-route vehicle system. The flight plan can be generated by a controller containing one or more processors. A voyage plan assigns one or more operating parameters to a vehicle system as a function of time and / or distance as it travels along a route. Operating parameters are assigned to control the vehicle system in such a way as to achieve one or more voyage plan objectives. The generation of the voyage plan may include assigning one or more of the following parameters as operational parameters of the voyage plan: speed levels, accelerator parameters, braking or acceleration parameters. A voyage plan may be generated so that the vehicle system is driven to achieve one or more objectives while meeting one or more of the following restrictions: speed limits, vehicle performance limits, scheduled voyage time stamps, or emission limits.

At step 404, the operating condition of the vehicle system is monitored as it travels along the route during the voyage. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the operating condition may be the speed of the vehicle system. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the operating condition may be the proximity of the vehicle system to a designated location on a route, such as a designated parking area, where the vehicle system slows down to stop. At step 406, it is determined at least whether the monitored operating condition is less than a designated threshold value. The assigned threshold value may be a threshold speed, for example, a speed in the range of 5 to 15 mph. The determination can be performed by comparing the current speed of the vehicle system monitored by the speed sensor with a designated threshold speed. Alternatively, the assigned threshold may be a threshold proximity to a designated flight location, such as a parking lot. The proximity threshold can be a distance ranging from 1 to 2 miles from the stop. Determination can be performed by comparing the current position of the vehicle system tracked by the positioning device with the location of the nearest stop and measuring whether or not this distance exceeds the assigned proximity threshold.

If the operating condition is equal to or greater than the threshold value (for example, the vehicle system speed is higher than the threshold speed, or the vehicle system's distance from the stop exceeds the threshold proximity), proceed to step 408. In step 408, the operating parameters corresponding to the voyage plan are assigned with the help of which the vehicle system is driven to achieve the first goal. The first objective may include reducing fuel consumption and / or reducing emissions from the vehicle system relative to the vehicle system traveling along the route to complete the voyage according to operating parameters that differ from one or more operating parameters assigned in the voyage plan.

If, on the other hand, it is determined in step 406 that the operating condition is less than a threshold value (for example, the vehicle system speed is below the threshold speed or the distance of the vehicle system from the stop is less than the proximity threshold), proceed to step 410. In step 410, appropriate voyage plan operating parameters by which the vehicle system is controlled to achieve a second goal other than the first. The second purpose may be related to the motion control of the vehicle system. For example, the second goal may be to move the vehicle system to one or more locations within a designated threshold distance from one or more designated voyage plan locations. More specifically, the second objective may be to stop the vehicle system at one or more locations within a designated threshold distance from

- 16 037237 one or more stops designated in the voyage plan. Alternatively or additionally, the second objective may be to stop the vehicle system so that the plurality of its constituent vehicles are grouped with one or more hitches located between the vehicles of the vehicle system in a sagging state after the vehicle system has stopped as planned. flight. In addition, a second objective may be to move the vehicle system along a route such that one or more wheels of the vehicle system maintain traction on the route to reduce wheel slip.

Additionally, method 400 may also include transmitting a control signal to at least one of the following devices: a traction subsystem, a braking subsystem, and / or a user interface device of a vehicle system. The control signal may include at least some of the operating parameters of the voyage plan. The operating parameters contained in the control signal can be set by the control signal receiver autonomously or with the participation of the operator.

At least one technical effect achieved with the various described embodiments of the present invention is to define and implement a strategy for controlling and / or operating a vehicle power system to improve at least certain performance targets while meeting scheduling requirements. , speed and other limiting factors. Another technical effect is the ability of the vehicle system to achieve different goals when passing the route, taking into account the significance of the goals in different operating conditions of the vehicle system on the route. Another technical effect is the improved control of the vehicle system during the journey, including stops and adjacent sections of the route, so that the vehicle system is able to stop within a designated threshold distance from the designated stop. The improved control can allow multiple vehicles of the vehicle system to maintain a designated level of slack in the connection between vehicles when the vehicle system is stopped. Improved handling can also reduce the likelihood of wear on the vehicle system and / or route near stops due to wheel slip.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a method (eg, for controlling a vehicle system moving along a route) includes generating a voyage plan for a vehicle system along a route. A voyage plan assigns one or more operating parameters to a vehicle system as a function of time and / or distance as it travels along a route. One or more operating parameters are assigned to control the vehicle system in such a way as to achieve one or more goals of the voyage plan. A voyage plan is generated to control the vehicle system during the voyage so as to achieve the first goal while the vehicle system is moving along the route at a speed at least greater than the designated threshold speed. A voyage plan is generated to control the vehicle system during the voyage so as to reach a different, second target while the vehicle system is moving along the route at a speed lower than the designated threshold speed.

In one aspect, generating a voyage plan includes assigning one or more of the following parameters as operational parameters of the voyage plan: speed levels, accelerator parameters, braking or acceleration parameters.

In another aspect, the first objective is to meet one or more of the following conditions: reducing the fuel consumption of the vehicle system, reducing the emissions generated by the vehicle system, improving the control of the vehicle system, and / or reducing travel time relative to the vehicle system traveling along the route to perform voyage in accordance with operating parameters that differ from one or more operating parameters assigned in the voyage plan.

In another aspect, the second objective is to move the vehicle system to one or more locations within a designated threshold distance from one or more designated voyage plan locations.

In another aspect, the second objective is to stop the vehicle system at one or more stops within a designated threshold distance from one or more designated stops in the voyage plan.

According to another aspect, the second object is to stop the vehicle system so that the plurality of included vehicles are grouped with one or more couplings located between the vehicles of the vehicle system in a sagging state after stopping the vehicle system in accordance with the voyage plan. ...

In another aspect, the second objective is to move the vehicle system along a route such that one or more wheels of the vehicle system hold

- 17 037237 traction to reduce wheel slip.

In another aspect, the assigned threshold speed may be between 5 and 15 mph.

In another aspect, the method also includes tracking the speed of the vehicle system as it travels along a route during a voyage, and comparing the speed to a designated threshold speed.

In another aspect, the method also includes transmitting a control signal to at least one of the following devices: a traction subsystem, a braking subsystem, and / or a user interface device of a vehicle system. The control signal includes at least some of the operating parameters of the voyage plan.

In another aspect, a voyage plan is generated so that the vehicle system during the voyage is controlled to achieve the first and / or second objective while meeting one or more of the following constraints: speed limits, vehicle performance limitations, scheduled voyage time stamps, or emission limits. ...

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a system (eg, a vehicle en-route control system) comprises a sensor and a controller that includes one or more processors. The sensor is configured to monitor the operating condition of the vehicle system as the vehicle system moves along a route for a voyage. The controller is configured to assign one or more operating parameters to the vehicle system as a function of time and / or distance while en route. One or more operating parameters are assigned to control the vehicle system so as to achieve one or more voyage objectives. The controller operates in at least two operating modes, including a first operating mode and a second operating mode. The controller operates in the first operating mode if the operating conditions of the vehicle system are at and / or above the designated threshold level. The controller in the first operating mode is configured to assign operating parameters such that the vehicle system on the voyage is controlled to achieve the first goal while the vehicle system is moving along the route. The first objective is to reduce fuel consumption and / or to reduce emissions from a vehicle system relative to a vehicle system traveling along a route for a voyage according to operating parameters that differ from one or more operating parameters assigned by the controller. The controller operates in a second operating mode if the operating conditions of the vehicle system are below a designated threshold. The controller in the second operating mode is configured to assign operating parameters to control the vehicle system during a voyage so as to reach a different, second target while the vehicle system is moving along a route.

In one aspect, the operating condition of the vehicle system is the travel speed of the vehicle system, and the designated threshold is the threshold speed. The sensor may be a speed sensor configured to determine the speed of a system of vehicles on a route. The speed sensor can be configured to transmit the speed value of the vehicle system to the controller. The controller can be configured to compare the speed of the vehicle system with a threshold speed.

In another aspect, the operating condition of the vehicle system is the proximity of the vehicle system to a designated location along the route, and the designated threshold is the proximity threshold. The sensor may be a positioning device configured to locate a system of vehicles on a route. The positioning device can be configured to transmit information about the position of the vehicle system to the controller. The controller can be configured to determine the proximity of the vehicle system to a designated location and compare the resulting proximity estimate with a threshold proximity.

In another aspect, the controller is configured to assign as operating parameters one or more of the following parameters: speed level, accelerator parameters, braking or acceleration parameters for a vehicle system.

In another aspect, the second objective is to move the vehicle system to one or more locations within a designated threshold distance from one or more designated locations on a voyage.

In another aspect, the second object is to stop the vehicle system such that the plurality of its constituent vehicles are grouped with one or more hitches located between the vehicles of the vehicle system in a sagging state after the vehicle system has stopped.

In another aspect, the second objective is to move the vehicle system along a route such that one or more wheels of the vehicle system hold

- 18 037237 traction to reduce wheel slip.

In another aspect, the controller is also configured to transmit a control signal to at least one of the following devices: a traction subsystem, a braking subsystem, and / or a user interface device of a vehicle system. The control signal includes at least some of the operating parameters assigned by the controller.

It should be understood that the above description is intended to illustrate the possibilities of implementing the present invention and does not limit its scope. For example, the above described embodiments of the present invention (and / or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. In addition, to adapt to a particular situation or available means, many changes can be made in the embodiments of the described subject matter without violating its scope. While the sizes and types of means used herein are intended to define the parameters of the disclosed subject matter, they are in no way limiting and serve as examples of embodiments of the present invention. Other embodiments of this invention should be apparent to those skilled in the art as the foregoing description is studied. Thus, the scope of the invention is to be determined by reference to the appended claims, together with the full scope of the analogous patents referred to in these claims. In the appended claims, the terms including and in which are used as equivalents to the terms containing and, respectively. Also, the terms first, second, third, etc. are used only as designations and do not imply any numerical representations with respect to the designated objects. In addition, limitations in the following claims are not in the format means + function and are not to be interpreted under 35 §112 (f) of the United States Code unless and until such limitations of the claims are expressly expressed using the phrase means for with the subsequent formulation of the function in the absence of an additional description of the structure.

This description uses examples of disclosure of several embodiments of the subject of the present invention, including the best mode of implementation, which also allows the person skilled in the art to practice the embodiments of the subject of the present invention, including the manufacture and use of any devices or systems and the implementation of any included methods. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims and may include other examples obvious to a person skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be included within the scope of the claims if they describe structural elements that do not contradict the literal interpretation of the claims, or if they contain a description of equivalent structural elements that do not substantially differ from the literal interpretation of the claims.

Since certain changes can be made to the systems and methods described above without violating the spirit and scope of the invention, it is assumed that in general, the subject of the invention described above or shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted only as examples illustrating the presented idea of the invention, and should not be construed. as a limitation of its volume.

Claims (17)

1. A control system of the vehicle system, containing a sensor configured to monitor the operating condition of the vehicle system in the process of moving; and one or more processors configured to receive output from the sensor and to generate a voyage plan based on the sensor output, the voyage plan assigning operating parameters to control the vehicle system; moreover, the operating parameters of the voyage plan include various operating modes, and the control of the vehicle according to the different operating modes is based on changes in the operating condition with respect to one or more thresholds, while the operating modes include at least one of the following: one or more processors are configured to control the vehicle system so that vehicles in the vehicle system are grouped together and the coupling between these vehicles is in a slack state, or one or more processors are configured to stop the vehicle system by one or more processors so that one or more wheels of the vehicle system maintain traction. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the operating condition of the vehicle system is the speed of the vehicle system. 3. The system according to claim 1, in which the operating condition of the vehicle system is co- - 19 037237 battle the distance of the vehicle system from the location along one or more routes. 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the operating parameters are one or more of a speed, an accelerator parameter, a deceleration parameter, or an acceleration parameter. 5. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the operating modes includes controlling the speed of the vehicle system by one or more processors so that the speed is above a threshold speed. 6. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the operating modes comprises stopping the vehicle system by one or more processors within a predetermined threshold distance from the stopping point. 7. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the operating modes comprises stopping the vehicle system by one or more processors such that each vehicle in the vehicle system stops after a previous vehicle in the vehicle system. 8. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the operating modes comprises controlling a distance between vehicles of the vehicle system by one or more processors. 9. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the operating modes comprises controlling tension between vehicles of the vehicle system by one or more processors. 10. A method for controlling a vehicle system, comprising monitoring the operating condition of the vehicle system using a sensor in the process of moving; and generating a voyage plan based on the sensor output, the voyage plan assigning operating parameters to control the vehicle system; wherein the operating parameters of the voyage plan include different operating modes, and the vehicle is controlled according to different operating modes based on changes in operating conditions with respect to one or more thresholds, and one or more of the following: control of the vehicle system according to the first of the operating modes so that the vehicles of the vehicle system are grouped together and the coupling between the vehicles is in a sagging state, or stopping the vehicle system according to the second of the operating modes so that one or more wheels of the vehicle system means held grip on the route. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the operating condition of the vehicle system is the speed of the vehicle system. 12. The method of claim 10, wherein the operating condition of the vehicle system is the distance of the vehicle system from a location along one or more routes. 13. The method of claim 10, wherein the operating parameters are one or more of a speed, an accelerator parameter, a deceleration parameter, or an acceleration parameter. 14. The method of claim 10, further comprising controlling the speed of the vehicle system to be above a threshold speed when operating in at least one of the operating modes. 15. A method for controlling a vehicle system, comprising monitoring using at least one sensor for the operating condition of the vehicle system; determining if the operating condition differs from one or more thresholds associated with different operating modes of the vehicle system; generation of a voyage plan for a system of vehicles, which assigns operating parameters for a system of vehicles, while the voyage plan is formed on the basis of which of one or more thresholds the operating condition differs from, and these one or more thresholds are associated with different operating modes of the transportation system funds; and controlling the movement of the vehicle system according to the operating parameters assigned by the voyage plan, wherein the movement of the vehicle system is controlled by stopping the vehicle system so that each vehicle in the vehicle system stops after a previous vehicle in the vehicle system. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein generating the voyage plan comprises assigning one or more of speeds, accelerator parameters, braking or acceleration parameters as operating parameters of the voyage plan. 17. The method of claim 15, wherein at least one of the operating modes includes one or more of the following: reducing emissions from the vehicle system; changing the management of the vehicle system; reducing the travel time of the vehicle system.