System and method for communications in a vehicle consist

A method includes determining a state of operational devices in a second group coupled with a second router onboard a second vehicular unit of a vehicle consist, registering an operational device in the second group based on the determined state, and transmitting a data message from an operational device in a first group of operational devices to the second router via a first router and a communication pathway of the vehicle consist. The first group is coupled with the first router onboard a first vehicular unit. The operational devices in the first and second groups perform functions of the respective first vehicular unit and second vehicular unit. The first and second routers are connected with each other by the communication pathway. The method also includes communicating the data message to the at least one of the operational devices in the second group that are registered with the second router.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the subject matter described herein relate to data communications. Other embodiments relate to network communications in a vehicle consist.

BACKGROUND

A vehicle “consist” is a group of vehicles that are mechanically coupled to travel together along a route. For example, a train is a type of vehicle consist comprising a group of rail vehicles coupled together to travel along a track. Similarly, a locomotive consist is a group of two or more locomotives that are coupled together, as part of a larger train or otherwise. Trains may have one or more locomotive consists. Locomotives in a locomotive consist include a lead locomotive and one or more trail locomotives. A train may have a lead consist, and may also have one or more remote consists positioned further back in the train. Alternatively or additionally, some trains may have single locomotives positioned within the train and separated from other locomotives by one or more non-locomotive rail cars (e.g., cargo or passenger cars).

In a locomotive consist, each locomotive includes a connection at each end of the locomotive to couple the power and brake systems of the locomotive to adjacent locomotives such that they function together as a single unit. Each locomotive is connected to subsequent locomotives via a port and jumper cable that includes twenty seven pins on each end. This cable is commonly referred to in the industry as a multiple unit cable or “MU” cable. Two or more of the locomotives in a consist may each include an on-board controller or other electronics. In certain cases, it may be desirable to link the on-board electronics together as a computer network, such that electronics of the lead locomotive in the consist can communicate with electronics of the trail locomotives. This intra-consist network may allow for inherent redundancies in locomotive electronics to be used to improve reliability of locomotives by allowing lead locomotives to utilize electronic equipment contained in trail locomotives of the same consist. It may be easier and more cost effective to use remote electronics in a trail locomotive than providing redundant equipment on each locomotive.

Communications in a vehicle consist have been realized using a number of methods. A first involves wireless communications between the vehicles in the consist using radio equipment. A second method involves running dedicated network cables between the linked locomotives in a consist. A third method involves Ethernet over MU communications between the vehicles in the consist, utilizing an existing locomotive MU cable bus that interconnects the lead locomotive and the trail locomotives. The MU cable bus is an existing electrical bus that is used in the locomotive consist for transferring non-network control information between the lead locomotive and the trail locomotives. (MU “cable bus” refers to the MU cable jumper that actually interconnects adjacent locomotives and/or to the internal electrical system that connects the cable jumper to internal locomotive electronics and the MU ports on either end of a locomotive.)

In some systems, operational devices that perform various functions for the vehicle consist are networked with different routers. The routers are then connected with each other, such as through the MU cable bus. The devices can communicate with each other via the routers and the cable bus. For example, a first device can send data to a first router, which sends the data to a second router, which then sends the data to a second device. In order for the devices to communicate with the routers, the devices are associated with the routers, such as by registering the devices with the routers. But, no check on the health or status of the devices may be performed prior to registering the devices with the routers, and no re-evaluations of the health or status may be performed after the devices are registered. As a result, faulty devices may continue to be registered with routers such that data is communicated to the faulty devices, even though these devices may be unable to process the data.

Although systems exist for network communications in vehicle consists, existing systems may not provide reliable or efficient methods for establishing such communications. Accordingly, it may be desirable to have a vehicle consist communication system and/or method that differ in function from those systems that are currently available.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In one embodiment, a method (e.g., for communicating in a vehicle consist) includes determining a state of one or more operational devices in a second group of operational devices. The second group of operational devices is coupled with a second router disposed onboard a second vehicular unit of a vehicle consist. The method also includes registering at least one of the operational devices in the second group with the second router based on the state that is determined and transmitting a data message from at least one operational device in a first group of operational devices to the second router via a first router and a communication pathway of the vehicle consist. The first group of operational devices is coupled with the first router disposed onboard a first vehicular unit of the vehicle consist. The operational devices in the first and second groups are configured to perform one or more functions of the respective first vehicular unit and second vehicular unit. The first and second routers are connected with each other by the communication pathway. The method also includes communicating the data message to the at least one of the operational devices in the second group that are registered with the second router.

In another embodiment, a method (e.g., for communicating in a vehicle consist) includes determining a state of an operational device that is coupled with a first router disposed onboard a first vehicular unit of a vehicle consist. The operational device is configured to perform one or more functions of the first vehicular unit. The first router is connected with a second router disposed onboard a second vehicular unit of the vehicle consist by a communication pathway of the vehicle consist. The method also includes registering the operational device with the first router when the state indicates that the operational device can perform the one or more functions, receiving a data message at the first router from the second router via the communication pathway, and communicating the data message to the operational device when the operational device is registered with the first router.

In one aspect, the state may indicate that an operational device can perform the one or more functions even at less than full capacity of the operational device. For example, the operational device can perform the one or more functions when the operational device performs the functions in some reduced capacity that is still greater than not performing the functions at all.

In one embodiment, a system (e.g., a communication system of a vehicle consist) includes first and second routers. The first router is configured to be coupled with a first group of operational devices disposed onboard a first vehicular unit of a vehicle consist. The first group of operational devices is configured to perform one or more functions of the first vehicular unit. The second router is configured to be coupled with a second group of operational devices disposed onboard a second vehicular unit of the vehicle consist. The second group of operational devices is configured to perform one or more functions of the second vehicular unit. The first and second routers are configured to be connected with each other by a communication pathway of the vehicle consist. The second router is configured to determine a state of one or more of the operational devices in the second group and to register at least one of the operational devices in the second group with the second router based on the state that is determined. The first router is configured to transmit a data message from at least one of the operational devices in the first group to the second router via the communication pathway and the second router is further configured to communicate the data message to the at least one of the operational devices in the second group that are registered with the second router.

In another embodiment, a system (e.g., a communication system for a vehicle consist) includes a first router configured to be disposed onboard a first vehicular unit of the vehicle consist and to be coupled with an operational device that is configured to perform one or more functions of the first vehicular unit. The first router is configured to be connected with a second router disposed onboard a second vehicular unit of the vehicle consist by a communication pathway of the vehicle consist. The first router also is configured to obtain a state of the operational device, register the operational device when the state indicates that the operational device can perform the one or more functions, receive a data message from the second router via the communication pathway, and communicate the data message to the operational device when the operational device is registered.

In another embodiment, a method (e.g., for communicating in a vehicle consist) includes determining a state of a first operational device disposed onboard a first vehicular unit of a vehicle consist. The state is indicative of at least one of a health of the first operational device, a status of the first operational unit, or a capability of the first operational unit to perform one or more functions of the first vehicular unit. The method also includes reporting the state of the first operational device to a first router that is connected with the first operational device. The first router is communicatively coupled with a second router disposed on a second vehicular unit of the vehicle consist by a communication pathway. The method also includes, at the first operational device, receiving a data message that is communicated from the second router to the first router when the first operational device is registered with the first router. The first operational device is registered based on the state of the first operational device.

In any of the embodiments set forth herein, data transmitted over the MU cable bus or other communication means may be used for locomotive or other vehicle control, such as controlling the locomotive or other vehicle for movement along a route. While this Ethernet over MU communications system may be utilized in connection with the embodiments of the inventive subject matter described below, the embodiments are not limited to use with an Ethernet over MU system. In particular, the embodiments of the inventive subject matter described below may also be employed and utilized in connection with a wireless communications system such as one using radio equipment to facilitate communication between locomotives in the consist. In addition, the embodiments described below may also be used with a communication system that utilizes dedicated network cables between the linked locomotives in a consist.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the inventive subject matter relate to communication systems and methods for a vehicle consist comprising a plurality of vehicles. For example, according to one aspect, two or more vehicles in the vehicle consist are linked in a data network. Network data is communicated between the linked vehicles. The network data may be used for a variety of functions, including (but not limited to) managing services and devices deployed on the vehicles throughout the consist. With respect to a locomotive consist, the network data may be communicated between the locomotives to allow for the locomotives to coordinate the tractive efforts and/or braking efforts provided by the locomotives (e.g., to base the efforts on the efforts of other locomotives in the same consist) and/or to remotely control the tractive efforts, braking efforts, or other operations of one or more locomotives from a lead locomotive.

Reference will be made below in detail to embodiments of the inventive subject matter, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals used throughout the drawings refer to the same or like parts. Although embodiments of the inventive subject matter are described with respect to trains, locomotives, and other rail vehicles, embodiments of the inventive subject matter also are applicable for use with vehicles generally, such as off-highway vehicles, agricultural vehicles, transportation vehicles, and/or marine vessels, each of which may be included in a vehicle consist. As noted above, a vehicle consist (e.g., locomotive consist) is a group of vehicles (e.g., locomotives) that are mechanically coupled or linked together to travel along a route, with each vehicle in the consist being adjacent to one or more other vehicles in the consist.

FIG. 1illustrates one embodiment of a communication system10for communicating network data in a vehicle consist12. The consist12may be configured to travel along a route14, such as a railway, road, waterway, and the like. In the system10, network data16is transmitted from one vehicular unit18ain the consist12(e.g., a lead locomotive18aor first vehicle capable of generating propulsive force to propel itself along the route14) to one or more other vehicular units18b,18cin the consist12(e.g., a trail locomotive18band/or18c, or other vehicles capable of generating propulsive force). Each vehicular unit18a-18cis adjacent to and mechanically coupled with another vehicular unit in the consist12such that all vehicular units18in the consist12are connected (directly or indirectly by way of one or more other vehicular units, such as units that are not capable of generating propulsive force).

In one embodiment, “network data”16refers to data that is packaged in packet form, meaning a data packet that comprises a set of associated data bits20, e.g., Ethernet-formatted data packets. (Each data packet may include a data field22and a network address or other address24uniquely or otherwise associated with a computer unit or other electronic component in the consist12.) The network data16is transmitted over an MU cable bus26. The MU cable bus26is an existing electrical bus interconnecting the vehicular unit18aand the vehicular units18b,18cin the consist12. The MU cable bus26can be used in the consist12for transferring non-network control information28between vehicular units18in the consist12. “Non-network” control information28refers to data or other information, used in the consist12for control purposes, which is not packet data. In another aspect, non-network control information28is not packet data, and does not include recipient network addresses.

FIGS. 2 and 3illustrate one example of the MU cable bus26. Other configurations are possible, depending on the type of locomotive involved. The MU cable bus26can be an existing electrical bus interconnecting the vehicular unit18aand the vehicular units18b,18cin the consist12. In each vehicular unit18, the MU cable bus26comprises a front MU port36, a rear MU port38, and an internal MU electrical system40that connects the front port36and the rear port38to one or more operational/electronic components32aof the vehicular unit18. In the illustrated example, the internal MU electrical system40comprises a front terminal board42electrically connected to the front MU port36, a rear terminal board44electrically connected to the rear MU port38, a central terminal board46, and first and second electrical conduit portions48,50electrically connecting the central terminal board46to the front terminal board42and the rear terminal board44, respectively. The one or more electronic components32aof the vehicular unit18may be electrically connected to the central terminal board46, and thereby to the MU cable bus26generally. Although the front MU port36and rear MU port38may be located generally at the front and rear of the locomotive18a, this is not always the case, and designations such as “front,” “rear,” “central,” etc. are not meant to be limiting but are instead provided for identification purposes.

As shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, the MU cable bus26further comprises an MU cable jumper52. The jumper52comprises first and second plug ends54,56and a flexible cable portion58electrically and mechanically connecting the plug ends together. The plug ends54,56fit into the MU ports36,38. The MU cable jumper52may be electrically symmetrical, meaning either plug end can be attached to either port. The MU cable jumper52is used to electrically interconnect the internal MU electrical systems40of adjacent vehicular units, e.g., vehicular unit18aand vehicular unit18b. As such, for each adjacent pair of vehicular units18a,18b, one plug end54of an MU cable jumper52is attached to the rear MU port28of the front vehicular unit18a, and the other plug end56of the MU cable jumper52is attached to the front MU port36of the rear vehicular unit18b. The flexible cable portion58of the MU cable jumper52extends between the two plug ends, providing a flexible but secure electrical connection between the two vehicular units18a,18b.

Depending on the particular type and configuration of the vehicular units18, the electrical conduit portions48,50and MU cable jumpers52may be configured in different manners, in terms of the number “n” (“n” is a real whole number equal to or greater than 1) and type of discreet electrical pathways included in the conduit or jumper. In one example, each conduit portion48,50and the jumper cable portion58comprises a plurality of discreet electrical wires, such as 12-14 gauge copper wires. In another example, the cable portion58(of the MU cable jumper52) comprises a plurality of discreet electrical wires, while the conduit portions48,50each include one or more discreet electrical wires and/or non-wire electrical pathways, such as conductive structural components of the vehicular unit, pathways through or including electrical or electronic components, circuit board traces, or the like. Although certain elements inFIG. 2are shown as including “n” discreet electrical pathways, it should be appreciated that the number of discreet pathways in each element may be different, i.e., “n” may be the same or different for each element.

As noted, the plug ends54,56of the MU cable jumper52fit into the MU ports36,38. For this purpose, the plug ends and MU ports are complementary in shape to one another, both for mechanical and electrical attachment. The plug end54,56may include a plurality of electrical pins, each of which fits into a corresponding electrical socket in an MU port. The number of pins and sockets may depend on the number of discreet electrical pathways extant in the internal electrical conduits40, MU cable jumpers52, etc. In one example, each plug end54,56is a twenty seven-pin plug.

The central terminal board46, front terminal board42, and rear terminal board44each comprise an insulating base (attached to the vehicular unit) on which terminals for wires or cables have been mounted. This provides flexibility in terms of connecting different electronic components to the MU cable bus.

The term “MU cable bus” refers to the entire MU cable bus or any portion(s) thereof, e.g., terminal boards, ports, jumper cable, conduit portions, and the like. As should be appreciated, when two vehicular units are connected via an MU cable jumper52, both the MU cable jumper52and the internal MU electrical systems40of the two vehicular units together form the MU cable bus. As subsequent vehicular units are attached using additional MU cable jumpers52, those cable jumpers and the internal MU electrical systems40of the subsequent locomotives also become part of the MU cable bus.

As indicated inFIG. 1, the vehicle consist12may be part of a vehicle system60, such as a train, that includes the consist12, a plurality of other vehicular units62(e.g., vehicular units that do not generate propulsive force, such as railcars), and possibly additional vehicular units or vehicle consists (not shown). Each vehicular unit18a-18cin the consist12is mechanically coupled to at least one other, adjacent vehicular unit in the consist12, through a coupler64. The other vehicular units62are similarly mechanically coupled together and to the consist to form a series of linked vehicles. The non-network control information may be used for vehicular unit control purposes or for other control purposes in the system60.

The communication system10may comprise respective router transceiver units34a,34b,34cpositioned in the vehicular units18. The router transceiver units34a,34b,34care each electrically coupled to the MU cable bus26. The router transceiver units34a,34b,34care configured to transmit and/or receive network data16over the MU cable bus26.

The communications system10shown inFIG. 1is intended to be illustrative of a communications system that may be utilized in connection with the embodiments of the inventive subject matter described herein. While this Ethernet over MU communications system (that utilizes an existing multiple unit (MU) cable bus that interconnects the vehicular units) may be utilized in connection with the embodiments of the inventive subject matter described below, the embodiments are not limited to use with an Ethernet over MU system. In particular, the embodiments may also be employed and utilized in connection with a wireless communications system such as one using radio equipment to facilitate communication between vehicular units in the consist. In addition, the embodiments described below may also be used with a communication system that utilizes dedicated network cables between the linked vehicular unit in a consist.

In one embodiment, a system and method for routing data between vehicular units in a vehicle consist are provided. The data is routed between various devices disposed onboard the vehicular units. For example, data from a first device (e.g., a GPS receiver) on a first vehicular unit can be routed to a second device on a second vehicular unit (e.g., an energy management system that automatically controls the second vehicular unit or suggests controls to an operator of the second vehicular unit in order to reduce fuel consumed and/or emissions generated by the second vehicular unit). In order to route the data, the first device sends the data to a first router disposed onboard the first vehicular unit. The first router has the network address (e.g., an IP address) of a second router disposed onboard the second vehicular unit. For example, the routers may be networked with each other through the MU cable bus or another communication medium (e.g., another conductive pathway, wireless connection, and the like), with the routers identified by unique network addresses, such as IP addresses, in order to facilitate communication with specifically addressed routers. The first router sends the data to the second router, which then conveys the data to the second device.

Groups of devices on the vehicular units may be linked with different routers. For example, the devices onboard a first vehicular unit may be linked with a first router of the first vehicular unit by a first local network (e.g., a local area network, or LAN), the devices onboard a second vehicular unit may be linked with a second router of the second vehicular unit by a second local network, and the like. The routers are connected with each other in a network through the MU cable bus. In order for the routers to determine which devices are connected to the routers in the local networks, the devices are registered with the routers. For example, the identity and/or presence of the devices can be provided to the routers, and addresses (e.g., static or dynamic IP addresses) can be assigned to the devices by the routers or by another component. These addresses of the devices and of the routers are used to accurately communicate the data within the networks.

During operation, one or more devices may cease to function, such as due to damage, decreased health, and the like, and/or may erroneously perform operations, such as by providing inaccurate sensor readings. The continued use of such devices may not be desirable for safe operation of the vehicle consist. In order to prevent the use of such devices, the devices can perform self-assessments of the health (e.g., functionality or ability to perform the operations of the devices) of the devices and, based on this self-assessment, the devices can determine whether to register with the local router (e.g., the router onboard the same vehicular unit) or to not register with the local router. Devices that register with the router can continue to send and/or receive data with other devices via the router. Devices that do not register with the router do not send and/or receive data with other devices via the router. Additionally or alternatively, an assessment device may examine the devices and determine the states of health or functionality of the devices. Based on this examination, the assessment device may direct the devices to register or not register with the router, and/or inform the router of the devices that should be not registered so that the router can de-register the devices. The router can register the devices by assigning an address to the devices so that data can be communicated with the registered devices through the router. The router can de-register (or not register) the devices such that data is not communicated to the devices or data received from the devices is not communicated to other devices.

In one embodiment, the devices have dynamic or static IP addresses with the local routers. These addresses may need to be known by the router in order to communicate with the devices. The devices can send registration messages to the router in order to register the devices with the router. The devices can use these registration messages to make self-assessments on whether or not data should be routed to or from the devices. The self-assessment can be performed autonomously, and may be based on factors that are unique to the device or type of device, such as the health, status, ability to perform assigned job function of the device, and the like. For those devices that determine that the devices can perform the assigned functions, the devices can inform the router of the identities of the devices so that the devices are registered with the router.

FIG. 4is a schematic illustration of one embodiment of a communication system400for a vehicle consist. The system400may be disposed onboard the vehicle consist12shown inFIG. 1in order to permit communication of data (e.g., network and/or non-network data in messages communicated in the system400) between the vehicular units18(shown inFIG. 1) of the consist12. The system400includes first and second routers402,404(shown as “Router #1” and “Router #2,” respectively, inFIG. 4). The routers402,404may be separately disposed onboard different vehicular units, such as the vehicular units18a,18b. The routers402,404are linked with each other by a communication pathway406, such as the MU cable bus26. Alternatively, the communication pathway406may be another conductor or a wireless network. The routers402,404may be communicatively coupled with each other in a network. For example, the routers402,404may be assigned unique addresses, such as different IP addresses, to allow for data messages to be communicated with the routers402,404over the communication pathway406in the network. By “communicatively coupled,” it is meant that the routers402,404are connected with each other such that the routers402,404can communicate data messages with each other via one or more communication pathways, such as conductive buses, wires, wireless networks, and the like. The term “coupling” with respect to the routers can include the routers exchanging data signals with each other and/or one or more other devices such that communications are established between the routers and/or devices.

While only two routers402,404are shown, alternatively, a greater number of routers may be included in the system400and communicatively coupled with each other, such as by the pathway406.

Each router402,404is communicatively coupled with one or more devices. For example, the router402is communicatively coupled with operational devices408A-D (shown as “Device #1,” “Device #2,” “Device #3,” and “Device #4,” respectively, inFIG. 4). The router404is communicatively coupled with devices408E-H (shown as “Device #5,” “Device #6,” “Device #7,” and “Device #8,” respectively, inFIG. 4). By “communicatively coupled,” it is meant that the routers402,404are connected with the devices408such that the routers402,404and devices408can communicate data messages with each other via one or more communication pathways, such as conductive buses, wires, wireless networks, and the like. The devices408can represent a variety of components on the vehicle consist12that are used in operation (e.g., travel) of the vehicle consist12. As way of example only, the devices408can represent GPS receivers, radios, sensors, control units (e.g., devices that are used to control tractive and/or braking efforts of the vehicular units in the consist), transceivers, and the like.

The devices408may be connected with the respective routers402,404in local networks, such as LANs. For example, the devices408A-D are connected with the router402in a first local network410and the devices408E-H are connected with the router404in a second local network412.

The devices408can communicate with each other via the routers402,404. The devices408A-D can communicate with the devices408E-H by transmitting messages to one of the routers402,404, which then conveys the messages to the other router404,402, which then communicates the message to the addressed recipient device408. For example, the device408A can transmit a message to the device408E by communicating the message to the router402, which transmits the message to the router404, which transmits the message to the device408E. In one aspect, the devices408only directly communicate with the routers402,404, and do not route data messages to other devices408. For example, the device408A may communicate messages with the router402, but not with other devices408B-H without the data messages first traveling through the router402and/or the router404. The communication of messages between the devices408through the routers402,404and over the communication pathway406can be referred to as intra-consist routing.

In one embodiment, the devices408register with the routers402,404in order to communicate the data messages. For example, the devices408A-D may register with the router402so that the router402is aware of the devices408A-D. The devices408E-H can register with the router404so that the router404is aware of the devices408E-H. When a router402,404receives a message for one or more of the devices408that are registered with that router402,404, the router402,404can convey the message to the registered device408. In one embodiment, one router402,404may be unaware of the devices408that are registered with the other router402,404. For example, the routers402,404may only have information (e.g., a list) of which devices408are registered with that router402,404, and may not have the information of which devices408are registered with other routers402,404.

In one embodiment, one or more devices408have a processing capability (e.g., through hardware and/or software) to self-assess a status of the device408. The status of the device408can include a determination of whether the device408is operational (e.g., capable of performing one or more desired functions), whether the device408is properly operating (e.g., outputs of the device408are within designated limits), and/or the health of the device408(e.g., whether repair or replacement of the device408is needed). Depending on this self-assessed status, the device408can send a status message to the associated router402,404in order to inform the router402,404that the device408is available to process network traffic (e.g., data messages communicated in the network) that is sent to the device408. For example, if the status indicates that the device408is properly functioning, then the device408can send a message to the router402,404to advertise that the device408is available for communication with the router402,404. The router402,404may then register the device408with the router402,404. If the status indicates that the device408is not properly functioning, then no message is send to the associated router402,404or a message is sent to the router402,404indicating that the device408is not functioning properly. The router402,404may then not register the device408with the router402,404and/or may remove a previous registration of the device408with the router402,404.

One or more of the devices408may periodically re-evaluate itself by re-assessing the status of the device408. It the self-assessment of the device408changes, the device408can inform the router402,404that the device408can be registered or de-registered. For example, if the device408previously was registered to a router402or404and a later re-evaluated self-assessment of the device408indicates that the status of the device408has changed (indicating that the device408can no longer be used), then the device408can send a status message to the router402or404to inform the router402or404of the change in status. The router402or404may then de-register the device408, such as by removing the device408from a locally stored list of registered devices408, so that no additional messages (e.g., network traffic) is routed to the device408(unless and until the device408is later re-registered). If the device408previously was not registered to the router402or404and a later re-evaluated self-assessment of the device408indicates that the status of the device408has changed (indicating that the device408can be used), then the device408can send a status message to the router402or404to inform the router402or404of the change in status. The router402or404may then register the device408, such as by adding the device408to the locally stored list of registered devices408, so that messages (e.g., network traffic) can then routed to the device408(unless and until the device408is later de-registered).

In operation, the devices408may self-assess the statuses of the respective devices408and, based on this assessment, either send a status message to the associated router402,404indicating that the device408is to be registered with the router402,404or do not send the status message (or send a message indicating that the device408is not to be registered. Based on the status messages received, the routers402,404register the devices408. When the devices408are registered, the devices408may be assigned addresses, such as dynamic IP addresses. In one embodiment, the addresses of the devices408are known only to the router402or404to which the devices408are registered.

FIGS. 5 and 6illustrate examples of registration lists500,600of the respective routers402,404. The registration list500indicates which of the devices408A-D are registered to the router402while the registration list600indicates which of the devices408E-H are registered to the router404. In the illustrated example, the devices408A,408C, and408D are registered with the router402while the device408B is not registered. The self-assessment of the devices408A-D may have indicated that the devices408A,408C, and408D are functioning properly and that the device408B is not functioning properly. As a result, the devices408A,408C, and408D send status messages to the router402to be registered while the device408B does not send such a status message (or sends a status message indicating that the device408B is not to be registered to the router402). Additionally, the devices408F-H are registered with the router404while the device408E is not registered. The self-assessment of the devices408E-H may have indicated that the devices408F-H are functioning properly and that the device408E is not functioning properly. As a result, the devices408F-H send status messages to the router404to be registered while the device408E does not send such a status message (or sends a status message indicating that the device408E is not to be registered to the router404).

The routers402,404can assign addresses to the devices408that are registered to the routers402,404, as shown in the third column of the lists500,600. These addresses can be used by the routers402,404to send network traffic (e.g., data messages) to the devices408. In one embodiment, the addresses can include an indication or representation of the type of device408that is associated with the address, such as an indication of whether the device408is a radio, GPS receiver, or other device.

As one example of operation of the system400, a first device (e.g., the device408C) sends a data message to the first router with which the first device is registered (e.g., the router402). The data message can include information, such as in a header of the message, indicating an intended recipient device of the message. For example, the data message may include an indication that the message is to be routed through the system400to a radio. If the router402has device408that is a radio and that is registered to the router402(e.g., the device408A), then the router402can send the message to the radio. But, if the router402does not have the device408that is a radio registered with the router402, then the router402may communicate with the router404.

The first router402can send an inquiry message to the second router404that requests confirmation of whether the second router404has one or more radios registered with the second router404. If one or more of the devices408registered with the second router404are a radio, then the second router404can send a confirmation message to the first router402. The first router402may then send the data message from the device408C to the second router404. The second router404can receive the data message and refer to the registration list600to determine the local address of one or more of the registered devices408F-H that are radios. The second router404can then send the data message to at least one of the registered devices408F-H that is a radio.

Alternatively, the first router402can send the data message to the second router404without requesting confirmation of whether the second router404has one or more registered devices408that are radios. The second router404can receive the data message and examine the message to determine the type of device408that the data message is to be sent to. The second router404determines that the data message is to be sent to a radio and examines the list600of registered devices408F-H to determine which of the registered devices408F-H is a radio (such as by examining the addresses of the devices408F-H). The second router404then conveys the data message to one or more of the registered devices408F-H that is a radio.

If the second router404does not have any registered devices408that are radios, then the second router404can send the data message to another router and/or send a failure message back to the first router402. The failure message can indicate that no radios are registered and available to process the data message.

FIG. 7is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of an operational device700. The device700can represent one or more of the devices408(shown inFIG. 4). The device700includes an input702that receives information (e.g., data) from an external source. For example, the input702can be a sensor or a device connected with a sensor to receive sensed data, a touchscreen, microphone, button, switch, throttle, pedal, receiver, and the like. The device700also includes a processor704, such as a computer processor, controller, or the like. The processor704operates based on hard-wired instructions and/or instructions stored in a tangible and non-transitory computer readable storage medium (e.g., memory706) to process the data obtained by the input702. For example, the processor704may receive data from the input702. The processor704may examine the data and provide an output signal to an output708, such as a geographic location, a speed of the consist, a temperature, an audio signal, and the like. The output708can be a device that communicates the output signal to another device, such as one or more of the other devices408via the system400. For example, the output708can generate the data message that is routed to another device408via the routers402,404and communication pathway406.

The device700also includes an assessment module710. As used herein, the term “module” may include hardware (e.g., circuitry, controllers, processors, and the like) and/or software (e.g., one or more sets of instructions stored on a tangible and non-transitory computer readable storage medium such as a computer accessible memory) that perform one or more operations. For example, the assessment module710may represent hardware and/or software that receives an audio signal or spectrogram for analysis and separation into separate audio signals and/or components, such as a microphone or other input device. In one embodiment, the module710can represent a tangible and computer-readable storage medium (e.g., a computer hard drive or other memory) that has one or more sets of instructions. These sets of instructions can direct hardware (e.g., a processor of a computer) to perform various functions, such as the operations described herein.

The assessment module710performs the self-assessment of the device700. For example, the assessment module710can examine the device700(including the input702, output708, memory706, and/or processor706) to determine a health indication, status indication, and/or capability indication. The health indication represents the condition of the device700. Devices700that are in poor condition (e.g., due to damage, age, neglect, and the like) have relatively low health indications while devices700that are in good condition (e.g., due to a lack of damage, young age, frequency repair and/or maintenance, and the like) have greater health indications. The status indication represents an operating state of the device700. For example, the status indication can represent if the device700is in an off or inoperative state, or is in an on or operative state. The status indication can represent a priority of the device700relative to one or more other devices408. For example, a higher priority may mean that the device700is to process data messages before devices408with lower priorities.

The capability indication represents whether the device700is able to perform one or more designated functions. The capability indication can be used to determine if a device700is malfunctioning, even if the health indication and/or status indication represent that the device700is in good working order. For example, the assessment module710can examine how the processor706processes data received via the input702, the data that is sent from the output708, differences between the data that is received by the input702and that is sent from the output708, and the like, to determine whether the device700is functioning properly.

For example, if the device700represents a GPS receiver, then the assessment module710may examine data that is sent from the processor706to the output708to determine if the data appears to be accurate. Data that appears to be accurate can include data that indicates that the receiver is receiving data from at least a designated number of GPS satellites (such as two or more satellites). Data that appears to be inaccurate can include data that indicates that the receiver is receiving data from a lesser number of satellites. Data that appears to be accurate can include data that represents possible locations of the device700, such as locations disposed along the track being traveled by a rail vehicle consist. Data that appears to be inaccurate can include data that represents other locations of the device700, such as locations that could not be reached by the consist.

As another example, if the device700represents a temperature sensor, then the assessment module710may examine data that is sent from the processor706to the output708to determine if the data appears to be accurate. Data that appears to be accurate can include data that represents temperatures within a range of commonly experienced temperatures by the device700and/or by similar devices. Data that appears to be inaccurate can include data that represents temperatures that are not frequency sensed by the device700and/or by similar devices.

As another example, if the device700represents an antenna or a device having an antenna (e.g., as the input702), then the assessment module710may examine the reflected current of the antenna. If the reflected current is at least a designated amount of current, then the assessment module710may indicate that the device700is functioning properly. If the reflected current is not at least the designated amount of current, then the assessment module710may indicate that the device700is not functioning properly.

Based on the assessment performed by the assessment module710, the module710examines the indications from the assessment and determines whether the device700is functioning properly. If the device700is not functioning properly, then the assessment module710may not send a status message to the router402,404(e.g., via the output708) and/or may send a status message to the router402,404that indicates that the device700is not to be registered. Alternatively, the assessment module710may direct the processor704to send the status message. As described above, the device700may or may not be registered by the router402or404based on the results of the assessment.

In another embodiment, the assessment module710may perform the assessment of another device. For example, the assessment module710in a first device (e.g., device408A) may assess the state, health, and/or capability of a second device (e.g., device408B). Based on this assessment, the assessment module710can send a status message (or direct the processor706to send the status message) to the router402or404so that the second device may or may not be registered, as described above.

FIG. 8is a schematic diagram of one example of a part of a communication system800. The portion of the communication system800shown inFIG. 8may represent part of the communication system400(shown inFIG. 4), such as the local network410(shown inFIG. 4). InFIG. 8, the devices808(e.g., “Device #1,” “Device #2,” “Device #3,” and “Device #4”) can represent the devices408A-D (shown inFIG. 4), respectively. A router802(e.g., “Router #1”) can represent the router402(shown inFIG. 4).

An assessment device804includes a device having the assessment module710(shown inFIG. 7). The assessment device804can be communicatively coupled with the devices808so that the assessment device804can remotely examine the functionality of the devices808. By “remotely,” it is meant that the assessment device804is separate from, and not included within, the devices804that are examined by the assessment device804. The assessment device804can assess the functionality of the devices808, similar to as described above in connection with the assessment module710inFIG. 7. Based on this assessment, the assessment device804can communicate one or more status messages to the router802. The status messages can inform the router802as to which devices804are to be registered with the router802.

FIG. 9illustrates a flowchart of one embodiment of a method900for communicating in a vehicle consist. The method900may be used to communicate data messages within the system400shown inFIG. 4. At902, a state of a device is assessed. For example, the devices408(shown inFIG. 4) may self-assess the health, status, and/or capability of the devices408to perform designated functions. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the devices408may assess other devices408. In one aspect, an assessment device (e.g., the device804shown inFIG. 8) can perform the assessments of the devices408.

At904, a determination is made as to whether the state of the device (e.g., the health, status, and/or capability of the device408) is sufficient for communication with the device so that the device can process network traffic (e.g., process data messages). For example, a determination is made as to whether a device408can accurately process data that is communicated to the device408in order to properly perform one or more operations to be performed by the device408. If the state of the device408indicates that the device408cannot perform the operations, then the device408cannot be registered. As a result, flow of the method900proceeds to906. Otherwise, if the state of the device408indicates that the device408can perform the operations, then the device408can be registered. As a result, flow of the method900proceeds to908.

At906, the device is not registered with a router. For example, the device408may not be registered with the router402or404(shown inFIG. 4) that is associated with (e.g., disposed onboard) the same vehicular unit18(shown inFIG. 1) that the device408is disposed on. At908, the device is registered with the router. As described above, the router can assign an address to the device or otherwise keep track of the registration of the device.

At910, the network is monitored to determine if messages for one or more of the devices are received. For example, the routers402,404may operate to receive data messages from each other and/or from one or more data messages.

At912, a determination is made as to whether a router receives a message addressed to a device. The message may be addressed to a specific device (e.g., a radio disposed onboard a designated vehicular unit18) or to a type of device (e.g., a radio disposed onboard any of the vehicular units18). If such a message is received, flow of the method900continues to914. Otherwise, flow of the method900returns to910.

At914, a determination is made as to whether the device that is addressed by the message is registered with the router. For example, the data message that is received at a router can be examined to determine which specific device or which type of device the message is addressed to. In one embodiment, a recipient address included in the message can be compared to the list of registered devices at the router. If the recipient address matches one or more of the addresses of the registered devices, then the message can be sent to the device. As a result, flow of the method900continues to916. On the other hand, if the recipient address does not match the addresses of the registered devices, then the message may not be able to be sent to any of the devices. As a result, flow of the method900continues to918.

At916, the message is communicated to the addressed and registered device. For example, the router402,404that received the message can transmit the data message to the addressed device408.

At918, a determination is made as to whether there is another device that is registered with the router and that is the same type of device as the device that is addressed by the message. For example, if the device that is addressed by the message is a radio but is not registered with the router, then the devices that are registered can be examined in order to determine if one or more of the registered devices are a radio. If there is another device that is both registered and the same type of device, the message may be able to be communicated to the other device. As a result, flow of the method900can continue to920. On the other hand, if there is not another device that is both registered and the same type of device, or if the message can only be sent to a single specific device (and not to another device that is the same type of device as the addressed device), the message may not be able to be communicated to the other device. As a result, flow of the method900can continue to922.

At920, the message is communicated to the registered device that is the same type of device as the addressed device. For example, the router402,404that received the message can transmit the data message to the device408C that is the same type of device as the addressed but unregistered device408B. In one embodiment, the message may be conveyed to another router that can determine if another device that is the same type of device as the addressed device is registered. The message may be communicated to the other device by this additional router.

At922, the message is not communicated to any of the devices that are registered. The failure to deliver the message may be reported to the device that sent the data message and/or the router to which the device is connected. For example, the router that was unable to convey the message to the addressed device or to another device that is the same type of device as the addressed device may transmit a failure message back to the device that originated the message.

In one embodiment, a method (e.g., for communicating in a vehicle consist) includes determining a state of one or more operational devices in a second group of operational devices. The second group of operational devices is coupled with a second router disposed onboard a second vehicular unit of a vehicle consist. The method also includes registering at least one of the operational devices in the second group with the second router based on the state that is determined and transmitting a data message from at least one operational device in a first group of operational devices to the second router via a first router and a communication pathway of the vehicle consist. The first group of operational devices is coupled with the first router disposed onboard a first vehicular unit of the vehicle consist. The operational devices in the first and second groups are configured to perform one or more functions of the respective first vehicular unit and second vehicular unit. The first and second routers are connected with each other by the communication pathway. The method also includes communicating the data message to the at least one of the operational devices in the second group that are registered with the second router.

In one aspect, the data message is communicated to the at least one of the operational devices in the second group only when the data message is both addressed to the at least one of the operational devices in the second group and the at least one of the operational devices in the second group are registered with the second router.

In one aspect, the state of the one or more operational devices in the second group is indicative of at least one of a health of the one or more operational devices in the second group, a status of the one or more operational devices in the second group, or a capability of the one or more operational devices in the second group to perform the one or more functions of the second vehicular unit.

In one aspect, the communication pathway is a multiple unit (MU) bus of a rail vehicle consist. The rail vehicle consist includes the first vehicular unit and the second vehicular unit.

In one aspect, determining the state of the one or more of the operational devices in the second group is autonomously performed by a self-assessment of the one or more of the operational devices in the second group.

In one aspect, determining the state of the one or more of the operational devices in the second group is autonomously performed by one or more other operational devices in the second group.

In one aspect, determining the state of the one or more of the operational devices in the second group is autonomously performed by an assessment device disposed onboard the second vehicular unit.

In one aspect, registering the at least one of the operational devices in the second group with the second router includes assigning an address to the at least one of the operational devices in the second group.

In another embodiment, a method (e.g., for communicating in a vehicle consist) includes determining a state of an operational device that is coupled with a first router disposed onboard a first vehicular unit of a vehicle consist. The operational device is configured to perform one or more functions of the first vehicular unit. The first router is connected with a second router disposed onboard a second vehicular unit of the vehicle consist by a communication pathway of the vehicle consist. The method also includes registering the operational device with the first router when the state indicates that the operational device can perform the one or more functions, receiving a data message at the first router from the second router via the communication pathway, and communicating the data message to the operational device when the operational device is registered with the first router.

In one aspect, the data message is communicated to the operational device only when the data message is both addressed to the operational device and the operational device is registered with the first router.

In one aspect, the state of the operational device is indicative of at least one of a health of the operational device, a status of the operational device, or a capability of the operational device to perform the one or more functions.

In one aspect, the vehicle consist is a rail vehicle consist and the communication pathway is a multiple unit (MU) bus of the rail vehicle consist.

In one aspect, determining the state of the operational device is autonomously performed by the operational device.

In one aspect, determining the state of the operational device is autonomously performed by another device disposed onboard the first vehicular unit.

In one aspect, registering the operational device includes assigning an address to the operational device.

In one embodiment, a system (e.g., a communication system of a vehicle consist) includes first and second routers. The first router is configured to be coupled with a first group of operational devices disposed onboard a first vehicular unit of a vehicle consist. The first group of operational devices is configured to perform one or more functions of the first vehicular unit. The second router is configured to be coupled with a second group of operational devices disposed onboard a second vehicular unit of the vehicle consist. The second group of operational devices is configured to perform one or more functions of the second vehicular unit. The first and second routers are configured to be connected with each other by a communication pathway of the vehicle consist. The second router is configured to determine a state of one or more of the operational devices in the second group and to register at least one of the operational devices in the second group with the second router based on the state that is determined. The first router is configured to transmit a data message from at least one of the operational devices in the first group to the second router via the communication pathway and the second router is further configured to communicate the data message to the at least one of the operational devices in the second group that are registered with the second router.

In one aspect, the second router is configured to communicate the data message to the at least one of the operational devices in the second group only when the data message is both addressed to the at least one of the operational devices in the second group and the at least one of the operational devices in the second group are registered with the second router.

In one aspect, the state of the one or more operational devices in the second group is indicative of at least one of a health of the one or more operational devices, a status of the one or more operational devices, or a capability of the one or more operational devices to perform the one or more functions of the second vehicular unit.

In one aspect, the communication pathway is a multiple unit (MU) bus of a rail vehicle consist.

In one aspect, the state of the one or more of the operational devices in the second group is autonomously determined by a self-assessment of the one or more of the operational devices.

In one aspect, the state of the one or more of the operational devices in the second group is autonomously determined by one or more other operational devices in the second group.

In one aspect, the system also includes an assessment device that is configured to be disposed onboard the second vehicular unit and that is configured to autonomously determine the state of the one or more of the operational devices in the second group.

In one aspect, the second router is configured to register the at least one of the operational devices in the second group by assigning an address to the at least one of the operational devices.

In another embodiment, a system (e.g., a communication system for a vehicle consist) includes a first router configured to be disposed onboard a first vehicular unit of the vehicle consist and to be coupled with an operational device that is configured to perform one or more functions of the first vehicular unit. The first router is configured to be connected with a second router disposed onboard a second vehicular unit of the vehicle consist by a communication pathway of the vehicle consist. The first router also is configured to obtain a state of the operational device, register the operational device when the state indicates that the operational device can perform the one or more functions, receive a data message from the second router via the communication pathway, and communicate the data message to the operational device when the operational device is registered.

In one aspect, the first router is configured to communicate the data message to the operational device only when the data message is both addressed to the operational device and the operational device is registered with the first router.

In one aspect, the state of the operational device is indicative of at least one of a health of the operational device, a status of the operational device, or a capability of the operational device to perform the one or more functions.

In one aspect, the vehicle consist is a rail vehicle consist and the communication pathway is a multiple unit (MU) bus of the rail vehicle consist.

In one aspect, the state of the operational device is autonomously determined by the operational device and reported to the first router.

In one aspect, the state of the operational device is autonomously determined by another device disposed onboard the first vehicular unit.

In one aspect, the first router is configured to register the operational device by assigning an address to the operational device.

In another embodiment, a method (e.g., for communicating in a vehicle consist) includes determining a state of a first operational device disposed onboard a first vehicular unit of a vehicle consist. The state is indicative of at least one of a health of the first operational device, a status of the first operational unit, or a capability of the first operational unit to perform one or more functions of the first vehicular unit. The method also includes reporting the state of the first operational device to a first router that is connected with the first operational device. The first router is communicatively coupled with a second router disposed on a second vehicular unit of the vehicle consist by a communication pathway. The method also includes, at the first operational device, receiving a data message that is communicated from the second router to the first router when the first operational device is registered with the first router. The first operational device is registered based on the state of the first operational device.

In one aspect, determining the state of the first operational device is performed by the first operational device.

In one aspect, determining the state of the first operational device is performed by a second operational device disposed onboard the first vehicular unit.

In one aspect, determining the state of the first operational device is performed by an assessment device disposed onboard the first vehicular unit.

In one aspect, the method also includes receiving an assigned address for the first operational device based on the state of the first operational device. The assigned address is used to communicate the message to the first operational device.