Abstract

Railroad crossing object detection systems and methods include radar sensors detecting object presence, speed and heading in a different manner. A controller compares signal outputs from the different sensors to provide traffic control preemption signals and self-diagnose sensor problems. The sensor devices may include an ultra-wideband (UWB) impulse radar device and at least one reflective device providing failsafe object presence detection and object non-presence detection in redundant fashion with at least a second sensor device such as a side-fired radar device.

IPC Classes  ?

• B61L 27/53 - Trackside diagnosis or maintenance, e.g. software upgrades for trackside elements or systems, e.g. trackside supervision of trackside control system conditions
• B61L 29/28 - Means for warning road traffic that a gate is closed or closing, or that rail traffic is approaching, e.g. for visible or audible warning electrically operated
• B61L 29/30 - Supervision, e.g. monitoring arrangements
• G01S 7/40 - Means for monitoring or calibrating
• G01S 13/02 - Systems using reflection of radio waves, e.g. primary radar systemsAnalogous systems
• G01S 13/62 - Sense-of-movement determination
• G01S 13/87 - Combinations of radar systems, e.g. primary radar and secondary radar
• G01S 13/88 - Radar or analogous systems, specially adapted for specific applications
• G01S 13/931 - Radar or analogous systems, specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes of land vehicles

Abstract

A warning light sensor system for a railroad crossing including a warning light includes a process-based device configured to analyze received real time images of the warning light, determine, whether the crossing warning system is operating properly; and communicate a confirmation that the crossing warning system is operating properly prior to the train arriving at the railroad crossing.

IPC Classes  ?

• B61L 29/30 - Supervision, e.g. monitoring arrangements
• B61L 23/04 - Control, warning or like safety means along the route or between vehicles or trains for monitoring the mechanical state of the route
• B61L 27/53 - Trackside diagnosis or maintenance, e.g. software upgrades for trackside elements or systems, e.g. trackside supervision of trackside control system conditions
• B61L 29/28 - Means for warning road traffic that a gate is closed or closing, or that rail traffic is approaching, e.g. for visible or audible warning electrically operated
• G08G 1/04 - Detecting movement of traffic to be counted or controlled using optical or ultrasonic detectors
• G08G 1/07 - Controlling traffic signals
• G08G 1/087 - Override of traffic control, e.g. by signal transmitted by an emergency vehicle
• G08G 1/097 - Supervising of traffic control systems, e.g. by giving an alarm if two crossing streets have green light simultaneously

Abstract

Railroad crossing object detection systems and methods include radar sensors detecting object presence, speed and heading in a different manner. A controller compares signal outputs from the different sensors to provide traffic control preemption signals and self-diagnose sensor problems. The sensor devices may include an ultra-wideband (UWB) impulse radar device and at least one reflective device providing failsafe object presence detection and object non-presence detection in redundant fashion with at least a second sensor device such as a side-fired radar device.

IPC Classes  ?

• B61L 27/53 - Trackside diagnosis or maintenance, e.g. software upgrades for trackside elements or systems, e.g. trackside supervision of trackside control system conditions
• B61L 29/28 - Means for warning road traffic that a gate is closed or closing, or that rail traffic is approaching, e.g. for visible or audible warning electrically operated
• B61L 29/30 - Supervision, e.g. monitoring arrangements
• G01S 7/40 - Means for monitoring or calibrating
• G01S 13/02 - Systems using reflection of radio waves, e.g. primary radar systemsAnalogous systems
• G01S 13/62 - Sense-of-movement determination
• G01S 13/87 - Combinations of radar systems, e.g. primary radar and secondary radar
• G01S 13/88 - Radar or analogous systems, specially adapted for specific applications
• G01S 13/931 - Radar or analogous systems, specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes of land vehicles

Abstract

An automotive traffic control system includes a processor-based video analytic system receiving images including a warning light at a location along a roadway, and based on an analysis of the images the video analytic sensor system confirming a proper operation of the warning light. The video analytic system is configured to communicate with a traffic control device that is operationally responsive to a communication from the video analytic sensor system to enhance automotive vehicle safety proximate the first location or to avoid an unnecessary automotive traffic disruption due to the operation of the at least one warning light

IPC Classes  ?

• B61L 29/30 - Supervision, e.g. monitoring arrangements
• B61L 23/04 - Control, warning or like safety means along the route or between vehicles or trains for monitoring the mechanical state of the route
• G08G 1/04 - Detecting movement of traffic to be counted or controlled using optical or ultrasonic detectors
• G08G 1/07 - Controlling traffic signals
• G08G 1/087 - Override of traffic control, e.g. by signal transmitted by an emergency vehicle
• G08G 1/097 - Supervising of traffic control systems, e.g. by giving an alarm if two crossing streets have green light simultaneously

Abstract

A predictive railroad crossing system proactively improves railroad safety notification and traffic control decisions to avoid crossing-associated delays for a plurality of operating trains. The system is configured to iteratively respond to real-time operating data for the trains and identify public or private railroad crossings that each respective operating train will approach. An estimated time of arrival and estimated of blocked crossing duration time is made predictively for each of identified public or private railroad crossings without any physical train detection in at least some of the identified public or private railroad crossings.

IPC Classes  ?

• B61L 29/30 - Supervision, e.g. monitoring arrangements
• B61L 25/02 - Indicating or recording positions or identities of vehicles or trains
• B61L 29/32 - Timing, e.g. advance warning of approaching train

Abstract

A predictive railroad crossing system proactively improves railroad safety notification and traffic control decisions to avoid crossing-associated delays for a plurality of operating trains. The system is configured to iteratively respond to real-time operating data for the trains and identify public or private railroad crossings that each respective operating train will approach. An estimated time of arrival and estimated of blocked crossing duration time is made predictively for each of identified public or private railroad crossings without any physical train detection in at least some of the identified public or private railroad crossings.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60W 30/08 - Predicting or avoiding probable or impending collision
• B61L 29/28 - Means for warning road traffic that a gate is closed or closing, or that rail traffic is approaching, e.g. for visible or audible warning electrically operated
• G08G 1/00 - Traffic control systems for road vehicles

Abstract

Railroad crossing object detection systems and methods include radar sensors detecting object presence, speed and heading in a different manner. A controller compares signal outputs from the different sensors to provide traffic control preemption signals and self-diagnose sensor problems. The sensor devices may include an ultra-wideband (UWB) impulse radar device and at least one reflective device providing failsafe object presence detection and object non-presence detection in redundant fashion with at least a second sensor device such as a side-fired radar device.

IPC Classes  ?

• B61L 27/53 - Trackside diagnosis or maintenance, e.g. software upgrades for trackside elements or systems, e.g. trackside supervision of trackside control system conditions
• B61L 29/28 - Means for warning road traffic that a gate is closed or closing, or that rail traffic is approaching, e.g. for visible or audible warning electrically operated
• B61L 29/30 - Supervision, e.g. monitoring arrangements
• G01S 7/40 - Means for monitoring or calibrating
• G01S 13/62 - Sense-of-movement determination
• G01S 13/87 - Combinations of radar systems, e.g. primary radar and secondary radar
• G01S 13/88 - Radar or analogous systems, specially adapted for specific applications
• G01S 13/931 - Radar or analogous systems, specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes of land vehicles
• G01S 13/02 - Systems using reflection of radio waves, e.g. primary radar systemsAnalogous systems

Abstract

A warning light sensor system for a railroad crossing including a warning light includes a process-based device configured to analyze received real time images of the warning light, determine, whether the crossing warning system is operating properly; and communicate a confirmation that the crossing warning system is operating properly prior to the train arriving at the railroad crossing.

IPC Classes  ?

• B61L 29/30 - Supervision, e.g. monitoring arrangements
• B61L 23/04 - Control, warning or like safety means along the route or between vehicles or trains for monitoring the mechanical state of the route
• B61L 27/53 - Trackside diagnosis or maintenance, e.g. software upgrades for trackside elements or systems, e.g. trackside supervision of trackside control system conditions
• G08G 1/04 - Detecting movement of traffic to be counted or controlled using optical or ultrasonic detectors
• G08G 1/07 - Controlling traffic signals
• G08G 1/087 - Override of traffic control, e.g. by signal transmitted by an emergency vehicle
• G08G 1/097 - Supervising of traffic control systems, e.g. by giving an alarm if two crossing streets have green light simultaneously
• B61L 29/28 - Means for warning road traffic that a gate is closed or closing, or that rail traffic is approaching, e.g. for visible or audible warning electrically operated

Abstract

A traffic control preemption system monitors an operating state of a railroad crossing, without requiring an interface with railroad crossing equipment, and communicates information to a traffic controller of an adjacent signalized roadway intersection to improve vehicular traffic flow at the railroad crossing. The traffic control preemption system is configured to make real time health assessments of preemption system functionality and provide a degree of redundancy and failsafe operation to the traffic control system.

IPC Classes  ?

• G08G 7/02 - Anti-collision systems
• B61L 29/22 - Operation by approaching rail vehicle or train electrically
• B61L 29/28 - Means for warning road traffic that a gate is closed or closing, or that rail traffic is approaching, e.g. for visible or audible warning electrically operated
• B61L 29/30 - Supervision, e.g. monitoring arrangements
• G08G 1/087 - Override of traffic control, e.g. by signal transmitted by an emergency vehicle

Abstract

A railroad car location, speed and heading sensor system including at least one self-powered, tie-mounted sensor node that is applicable universally to different railroad settings without using track circuits, inductive loops, radar systems, and wheel counters and associated disadvantages. Reliable and relatively low cost deterministic and redundant car presence detection is realized when multiple sensor nodes are arranged in a network, which may be a wireless mesh network, that is not affected by environmental conditions.

IPC Classes  ?

• B61L 25/02 - Indicating or recording positions or identities of vehicles or trains
• B61L 17/02 - Details, e.g. indicating degree of track filling
• B61L 17/00 - Switching systems for classification yards
• B61L 23/00 - Control, warning or like safety means along the route or between vehicles or trains
• B61L 27/70 - Details of trackside communication

Abstract

Railroad object detection systems and methods include radar sensors detecting object presence, speed and heading in a different manner. A controller compares signal outputs from the different sensors to make real time health assessments and self-diagnose sensor problems in a railroad application. The sensor devices may include an ultra-wideband (UWB) impulse radar device and at least one reflective device providing failsafe object presence detection and object non-presence detection in redundant fashion with at least a second sensor device such as a side-fired radar device.

IPC Classes  ?

• B61L 27/00 - Central railway traffic control systemsTrackside controlCommunication systems specially adapted therefor
• G01S 13/931 - Radar or analogous systems, specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes of land vehicles
• B61L 29/30 - Supervision, e.g. monitoring arrangements
• G01S 7/40 - Means for monitoring or calibrating
• G01S 13/62 - Sense-of-movement determination
• G01S 13/88 - Radar or analogous systems, specially adapted for specific applications
• B61L 29/28 - Means for warning road traffic that a gate is closed or closing, or that rail traffic is approaching, e.g. for visible or audible warning electrically operated
• G01S 13/87 - Combinations of radar systems, e.g. primary radar and secondary radar
• G01S 13/02 - Systems using reflection of radio waves, e.g. primary radar systemsAnalogous systems

Abstract

Railroad crossing object detection systems and methods include radar sensors detecting object presence, speed and heading in a different manner. A controller compares signal outputs from the different sensors to provide traffic control preemption signals and self-diagnose sensor problems. The sensor devices may include an ultra-wideband (UWB) impulse radar device and at least one reflective device providing failsafe object presence detection and object non-presence detection in redundant fashion with at least a second sensor device such as a side-fired radar device.

IPC Classes  ?

• B61L 27/00 - Central railway traffic control systemsTrackside controlCommunication systems specially adapted therefor
• G01S 13/931 - Radar or analogous systems, specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes of land vehicles
• B61L 29/30 - Supervision, e.g. monitoring arrangements
• G01S 7/40 - Means for monitoring or calibrating
• G01S 13/62 - Sense-of-movement determination
• G01S 13/88 - Radar or analogous systems, specially adapted for specific applications
• B61L 29/28 - Means for warning road traffic that a gate is closed or closing, or that rail traffic is approaching, e.g. for visible or audible warning electrically operated
• G01S 13/87 - Combinations of radar systems, e.g. primary radar and secondary radar
• G01S 13/02 - Systems using reflection of radio waves, e.g. primary radar systemsAnalogous systems

Abstract

A railroad car location, speed and heading sensor system including at least one self-powered, tie-mounted sensor node that is applicable universally to different railroad settings without using track circuits, inductive loops, radar systems, and wheel counters and associated disadvantages. Reliable and relatively low cost deterministic and redundant car presence detection is realized when multiple sensor nodes are arranged in a network, which may be a wireless mesh network, that is not affected by environmental conditions.

IPC Classes  ?

• B61L 25/02 - Indicating or recording positions or identities of vehicles or trains
• B61L 17/02 - Details, e.g. indicating degree of track filling

Abstract

A video analytic sensor system and methods for sensing an operating state of a railroad crossing gate processes images to detect and communicate railroad crossing gate position information to non-railroad systems such as vehicular traffic control systems. The sensor system may be retrofit to existing railroad crossing gates and does not require modification to or direct connection with existing railroad systems.

IPC Classes  ?

• B61L 29/30 - Supervision, e.g. monitoring arrangements
• G08G 1/097 - Supervising of traffic control systems, e.g. by giving an alarm if two crossing streets have green light simultaneously
• G08G 1/087 - Override of traffic control, e.g. by signal transmitted by an emergency vehicle
• G08G 1/04 - Detecting movement of traffic to be counted or controlled using optical or ultrasonic detectors
• B61L 23/04 - Control, warning or like safety means along the route or between vehicles or trains for monitoring the mechanical state of the route
• G08G 1/07 - Controlling traffic signals

Abstract

A traffic control preemption system monitors an operating state of a railroad crossing, without requiring an interface with railroad crossing equipment, and communicates information to a traffic controller of an adjacent signalized roadway intersection to improve vehicular traffic flow at the railroad crossing. The traffic control preemption system is configured to make real time health assessments of preemption system functionality and provide a degree of redundancy and failsafe operation to the traffic control system.

IPC Classes  ?

• G08G 7/02 - Anti-collision systems
• B61L 29/28 - Means for warning road traffic that a gate is closed or closing, or that rail traffic is approaching, e.g. for visible or audible warning electrically operated
• B61L 29/22 - Operation by approaching rail vehicle or train electrically
• B61L 29/30 - Supervision, e.g. monitoring arrangements
• G08G 1/087 - Override of traffic control, e.g. by signal transmitted by an emergency vehicle

Abstract

A blocked rail crossing detection and notification system is described. The system includes a processing device, a communications interface communicatively coupled to the processing device and operable for facilitating communications between the processing device and at least one external device, and at least one vehicle detection mechanism placed proximate to a rail grade crossing. The at least one vehicle detection mechanism is communicatively coupled to the processing device and operable to provide signals to the processing device indicative of the presence or non-presence of a vehicle within a defined area surrounding an intersection of a roadway and one or more railroad tracks. The processing device is further programmed to communicate the presence or non-presence of a vehicle along with supporting correlative visual data within the defined area to the at least one external device via the communications interface.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01S 15/93 - Sonar systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes
• B61L 1/00 - Devices along the route controlled by interaction with the vehicle or train
• B61L 29/00 - Safety means for rail/road crossing traffic
• G08G 7/02 - Anti-collision systems
• B61L 29/30 - Supervision, e.g. monitoring arrangements
• B61L 27/00 - Central railway traffic control systemsTrackside controlCommunication systems specially adapted therefor

Abstract

A system includes a base station associated with a railroad crossing having a unique identifier and comprising at least one processor to wirelessly transmit a proximity alert, determine that a train is on approach, and wirelessly transmit a train-on-approach notification. The system further includes a receiver comprising at least one processor to wirelessly receive the proximity alert and the train-on-approach notification from the base station and to provide at least one of a visual and audible indication responsive to at least one of the proximity alert and the train-on-approach notification.

IPC Classes  ?

• B61L 29/02 - Guards or obstacles for preventing access to the route
• B61L 29/24 - Means for warning road traffic that a gate is closed or closing, or that rail traffic is approaching, e.g. for visible or audible warning
• B61L 5/20 - Audible signals, e.g. detonator

Abstract

A blocked rail crossing detection and notification system is described. The system includes a processing device, a communications interface communicatively coupled to the processing device and operable for facilitating communications between the processing device and at least one external device, and at least one vehicle detection mechanism placed proximate to a rail grade crossing. The at least one vehicle detection mechanism is communicatively coupled to the processing device and operable to provide signals to the processing device indicative of the presence or non-presence of a vehicle within a defined area surrounding an intersection of a roadway and one or more railroad tracks. The processing device is further programmed to communicate the presence or non-presence of a vehicle along with supporting correlative visual data within the defined area to the at least one external device via the communications interface.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01S 15/93 - Sonar systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes
• B61L 1/00 - Devices along the route controlled by interaction with the vehicle or train
• B61L 29/00 - Safety means for rail/road crossing traffic
• G08G 7/02 - Anti-collision systems
• B61L 29/30 - Supervision, e.g. monitoring arrangements

Abstract

A method for sensing objects within a rail grade crossing island is described. The method includes transmitting a radar signal into the island from each of a plurality of radar devices such that each portion of the island is monitored by at least two of the radar devices, detecting if an object is in the island based on received signals corresponding to the transmissions associated with at least one of the radar devices, and operating a gate control device associated with the rail grade crossing based on the detections.

IPC Classes  ?

• B61L 29/00 - Safety means for rail/road crossing traffic

Abstract

A method for sensing objects within a rail grade crossing island is described. The method includes transmitting a radar signal into the island from each of a plurality of radar devices such that each portion of the island is monitored by at least two of the radar devices, detecting if an object is in the island based on received signals corresponding to the transmissions associated with at least one of the radar devices, and operating a gate control device associated with the rail grade crossing based on the detections.

IPC Classes  ?

• B61L 29/00 - Safety means for rail/road crossing traffic
• G01S 7/40 - Means for monitoring or calibrating
• G01S 13/931 - Radar or analogous systems, specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes of land vehicles