Patent ID: 9733625
Date: 2017-08-15
CPC Classifications: B61L,G05B,G06Q

Claim:
1. A method for operating a first train having one or more locomotive consists with each locomotive consist comprising one or more locomotives, the method comprising: receiving route data and train data, wherein the route data includes data relating to one or more characteristics of a track on which the first train is to travel along a route and data relating to at least one speed limit along the route, and wherein the train data relates to one or more characteristics of the train; creating a trip plan onboard the first train at any time during travel of the train along the route, wherein the trip plan is created at a first point along the route based on the received data and covers at least a segment of the route extending to a second point further along the route than the first point, the trip plan designating operational settings of the first train as a function of at least one of distance or time along the route; automatically controlling the first train according to the trip plan as the first train travels along the route segment, said trip plan being configured for increasing efficiency of the first train by at least one of reducing fuel use of the first train or reducing emissions produced by the first train along the segment of the route; measuring actual efficiency of the train during travel of the first train according to the trip plan; and updating the trip plan during travel of the first train based on the actual efficiency that is measured.