Abstract:
A system and method for monitoring a locomotive system comprising at least one internal-combustion engine. Specifically, the present invention enables monitoring and compiling of locomotive systems operation data and location data to be used in a variety of useful functions, such as emissions monitoring or accident reconstruction. A geographic position determination unit generates location information. A plurality of sensors are appended to a locomotive system to monitor locomotive system features, including brake-line pressure, external temperature, engine temperature, and the like. Such sensors are coupled to a locomotive computer to enable data processing and transmission to a system user.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending and co-owned U.S. application Ser. No. 09/773,072 entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SUPPLYING AUXILIARY POWER TO A LARGE DIESEL ENGINE, which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0003]    The present invention pertains to large engine systems, but more specifically to a system and method for collecting and managing locomotive engine data based on monitored location. In particular, this invention relates to an electronic tracking system for monitoring and generating valuable locomotive data, such as the geographical location of a locomotive at any time, the working status of at least one locomotive engine, the fuel level of the locomotive and other operational features of a locomotive unit.  
           [0004]    2. Background of Related Art  
           [0005]    In locomotives, constant system monitoring and maintenance is very important. Failure to properly monitor a locomotive system could result in serious damage, costly repairs, and significant operational delays. Monitoring both operational and location information of a locomotive system is useful for a plurality of functions. Specifically, such information is useful for earning emissions credits, abiding by local restrictions, reconstructing accidents, and the like.  
           [0006]    For example, the EPA promulgates emissions standards governing locomotive emissions of oxides of nitrogen (NOx), hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and smoke. The EPA monitors compliance with its regulations essentially by requiring those individual companies whom it has licensed to discharge emissions at a certain rate to monitor such discharges and to maintain records of such discharges for reporting to and review by the EPA. Moreover, several states have instituted individual requirements to limit emissions, particularly in susceptible areas or critical seasons or during specific operations, such as idling.  
           [0007]    Continuously monitored locomotive operation based on locomotive position additionally facilitates accident reconstruction. Because current locomotive systems do not include a means for constantly monitoring locomotive operational activity derived from location information, the present means for reconstructing accidents involves a physical investigation of the accident site and analysis of such sites. Often such analysis is based on circumstantial evidence derived from the accident site, such as skid-marks, visibility studies for obstructed views, day and night visibility studies, driver reaction time, weather effects, and the like. Reconstruction of locomotive accidents is both time and cost intensive. Alternatively, constant monitoring of operational data up to the accident, including location pinpointing, provides useful data to greatly facilitate accident reconstruction analysis.  
           [0008]    Available systems generally only monitor locomotive position in conjunction with particular fields of locomotive operation. For example, a current system monitors locomotive position while concurrently controlling fueling of an internal combustion engine. The system, however, does not monitor such operational features as exhaust temperature, intake temperature, oil levels, and coolant temperature in relation to monitored locomotive position. It is apparent from the above system that there exists a need in the art for a system for monitoring and gathering data regarding locomotive operation based on locomotive location.  
           [0009]    Prior systems provide a satellite system for locating a rail vehicle using trackside transponders, track circuits and wheel tachometers. Such a system possesses several serious drawbacks. Foremost, the system does not include a system for gathering operational locomotive data to monitor such activity as emission output or systems operation soundness. Moreover, to effectively use this system, additional rail circuitry and components such as wheel tachometers and track circuits, are required. An additional disadvantage to this system is the expense, time and manpower required for system installation.  
           [0010]    Another system presently utilizes a GPS positioning system for emissions control in trucks having smaller engines. The system accounts ambient air quality based on truck location to calibrate and adjust exhaust emissions by modifying electronic fuel injection to the truck&#39;s engine. This system has a weakness in that it does not accurately and automatically account for all operative activities in a large locomotive system. More importantly, this system disregards other factors relevant to locomotive emissions such as idle time.  
           [0011]    Additionally, none of these references suggests or discloses monitoring specific data based on locomotive location to obtain emission credits from the EPA, monitor locomotive activity in relation to local/state restrictions, or supply an accurate and time-efficient means for accident reconstruction analysis.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0012]    Therefore, it is apparent from the above that there exists a need in the art for a system and method of monitoring locomotive operational activities based upon location. It is a purpose of this invention, to fulfill this and other needs in the art.  
           [0013]    An object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for monitoring and communicating both operation and location information of a locomotive system.  
           [0014]    Another object of the invention is to provide a means for precisely locating the geographical location of a locomotive system.  
           [0015]    Still another object of the invention is to enable monitoring of any locomotive operational activity.  
           [0016]    A related object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for tracking a locomotive system having an auxiliary power supply system to allow for shutting down a primary diesel engine in all weather conditions. A more specific object of the present invention is to enable a tracking system and method for conveying to a user the length of time a primary locomotive engine has remained stationary and will experience shut down. Such tracking enables either automatic or manual initiation of an auxiliary unit upon primary engine shut down.  
           [0017]    An additional object of the invention is to provide for a database management system that monitors valuable locomotive systems data, which could be used to obtain emission credits from the EPA.  
           [0018]    Another object of the invention is to provide a database management system to compile and monitor valuable locomotive operational and location data applicable to accident reconstruction analysis.  
           [0019]    Another object is to enable a data management system and method for monitoring and reporting any locomotive engine operational features, including fuel levels to generate efficient fueling decisions, brake-line air pressure, oil temperature and pressure, battery life, and so forth.  
           [0020]    Another object of the invention is to enable monitoring of locomotive system features, including external environmental factors and the like.  
           [0021]    Yet another object of the present invention is to enable means for notifying a user of locomotive arrivals and departures for improved terminal flow. A related object is to provide a means for reporting locomotive position.  
           [0022]    The above-mentioned objects are met by the present invention, which provides a system and method for electronically compiling and monitoring locomotive systems operation and location. A system according to the present invention includes one or more sensors, a means for determining locomotive location, and a computer within a locomotive unit for gathering operational and location data. Specifically, a geographic position determination unit is included in the system to survey locomotive location. The computer within the locomotive unit is preferably coupled to the sensors and possesses the ability to relay sensor data either to a locomotive operator or off-site to a system user to process the data into information for calculating EPA emission credits or aiding in accident reconstruction analysis, and so forth.  
           [0023]    In a specific embodiment of the present invention, a system and method is enabled to monitor operation and location activity of a locomotive system possessing a means for automatic weather layover protection. Specifically, the system includes a symbiotic auxiliary engine to enable freeze and heat protection of primary engine systems and cab components. Prior solutions did not include primary and auxiliary locomotive engines with a data management system. The present invention specifically provides a means for compiling data on running time, idling time, and shut down time of each engine. Such data is used to calculate reductions in fuel consumption, NOx emissions, and other reductions in environmental hazards as a result of using an auxiliary engine in combination with a locomotive engine. The reductions can be used to obtain emission credits from the EPA. These credits can be exchanged with other commodities or currency. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0024]    The above and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention are considered in more detail, in relation to the following description of embodiments thereof shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 1 is a high level schematic representation of the data management system according to the present invention;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 2 is a diagram of an embodiment of a system consistent with the present invention, in which monitored information is processed in accordance with the present invention; and  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 3 is a combination schematic and block diagram of an embodiment of a locomotive data management system consistent with the present invention.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0028]    The invention summarized above and defined by the enumerated claims may be better understood by referring to the following detailed description, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numbers are used for like parts. The present invention may be applied in connection with any locomotive system having an auxiliary unit. To facilitate an understanding of the application of the invention to a locomotive including an auxiliary unit, some pertinent aspects of an auxiliary unit are first reviewed. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they may readily use the conception and specific embodiments disclosed as bases for modifying or designing other methods and systems to carry out the same purposes of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalent assemblies do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention in its broadest form.  
         [0029]    The present technology is applicable to a variety of locomotive engine systems. According to the present invention, an engine system is provided preferably having one or more sensors placed within and without a locomotive unit. Such sensors relay to either the locomotive operator or system user current engine operating conditions. Sensors can be any of a variety of devices dependent on the particular data being addressed. For instance, the sensors can comprise temperature sensors such as thermocouples or resistance temperature detectors (RTD). The sensors can also include vibration, speed, pressure, fuel, frequency, voltage, current or pressure sensors. Sensors are positioned within a locomotive&#39;s diesel engine to sense actual operational data such as oil temperatures, inlet air conditions such as temperature, or internal and external pressures.  
         [0030]    Referring to FIG. 1, which represents a schematic illustration of a database management system consistent with the present invention, locomotive  10  is located on railroad track  15 . Locomotive  10  is shown having locomotive computer (LC)  20  which is coupled with communication means  25  having antenna  30 .  
         [0031]    Locomotive computer  20  preferably has PC hardware capable of performing numerous variable functions, which are necessarily variable to accommodate different locomotive types, communication systems, and the like. Communication means  25  is preferably capable of transmitting and receiving data signals at a relatively high data rate, such as a wireless communication system, radio system, or the like. Locomotive computer  20  is also connected to a geographic position determination antenna  35  and geographic position determination receiver  40  in communication with a geographic position determination unit (GPDU)  45 . GPDU  45  provides location information using such means as a space based GPS-type satellite platform, a device performing triangulation calculations, or a device that performs time-delay distance calculations. Other suitable means may also be employed. According to FIG. 1, GPDU  45  is schematically illustrated transmitting a signal. Consistent with the invention disclosed in the referenced U.S. Pat. No. 5,129,605 entitled “Rail Vehicle Positioning System” by Burns et al., GPDU  45  generates, tracks, and relays location data for locomotive  10 .  
         [0032]    Also according to FIG. 1, locomotive computer  20  is connected to data recorder  50  to monitor locomotive operational system activity. Data recorder  50 , described in further detail in the following FIG. 2, possesses information inputs, coupled to a plurality of sensors, to receive information regarding locomotive system activity. A locomotive interface  55  is preferably coupled with locomotive computer  20  to provide an interactive display device for receiving and transmitting information from as well as displaying information to the locomotive operator.  
         [0033]    Also according to FIG. 1, communication means antenna  30  and communication means  25  through locomotive computer  20  relay information compiled in data recorder  50  to base user  60  through base antenna  65  and base receiver  70 . Base user  60  accesses transmitted information from data recorder  50  via base computer  75 , which is preferably coupled to a display console  80 . Base computer  75  preferably includes PC hardware, similar to locomotive computer  20  which is capable of performing numerous variable functions, which are necessarily variable to accommodate different locomotive types, communication systems, and the like.  
         [0034]    In operation, as illustrated in FIG. 2, an embodiment of the present invention enables GPDU  45  to transmit operation and location information signals regarding locomotive  10  having a primary locomotive engine and an auxiliary engine. Exterior dashed line  200  represents the equipment on board locomotive  10  (FIG. 1). Typically, GPDU  45  generates location signals transmitted to base user  60  via equipment on board locomotive  10 . Such location determination signals are preferably relayed to data recorder  50  to be processed into constructive data by locomotive computer  20 . In addition to gathering location signals, data recorder  50  receives operational activity signals generated by sensors coupled to locomotive and auxiliary engine  205  and locomotive unit  210 . Data recorder  50  compiles all information from GPDU  45 , locomotive and auxiliary engine  205 , and locomotive unit  210 , and transmits such information to locomotive computer  20 . Locomotive computer  20  preferably processes such information for use by a locomotive operator or base user  60  in monitoring geographical location, emission levels, fuel levels, and the like, of the locomotive system.  
         [0035]    Information regarding locomotive location, operational activity of locomotive and auxiliary engine  205  and operational activity of locomotive unit  210  are processed by locomotive computer  20  and routed to such application programs as fuel manager (FM)  215 , position/speed manager (PSM)  220 , and emission manager (EM)  225 . Fuel manager  215 , position/speed manager  220 , and emission manager  225  all utilize location information generated by GPDU  45  and operational activity information generated by locomotive and auxiliary engine  205  and operational activity of locomotive unit  210  to determine and relay fuel level information, locomotive speed, and location information to either the locomotive operator or base user  60 .  
         [0036]    Information generated by fuel manager  215  and position/speed manager  220  are preferably delivered via bus  230  to emission manager  225  to be processed into accurate emission information, useful in calculating EPA emission credits. Once emission manager  225  processes information from both fuel manager  215  and position/speed manager  220  based on location information, the emission information is preferably transmitted to either locomotive computer  20  for use by the locomotive operator or to bus  230  to be dispatched to base user  60 .  
         [0037]    Specifically, emission manager  225  preferably operates by processing different valuable information about locomotive and auxiliary engine  210 , such as EPA emission data, locomotive and auxiliary engine  205  data, and overall locomotive unit data  210 . The EPA emission calculations require data regarding locomotive and auxiliary engine  205 . Such data includes geographical location, run status at each geographical location, and idle time. Such data may be recorded every hour or half an hour. Data compiled regarding either locomotive or auxiliary engine  205  includes run time status at each geographical location, the start time, and the ambient temperature at the time auxiliary engine  205  began functioning. Other data may also be utilized such as the speed of the locomotive, the fuel level and so forth.  
         [0038]    Bus  230  preferably dispatches information processed by fuel manager  215 , position/speed manager  220 , and emission manager  225  to base user  60  via communication means  25  and antenna  30 . Such information is received and transmitted to base user  60  through base antenna  65  and base computer  75 . Alternatively, bus  230  may transmit only fuel manager  215  and position/speed manager  220  processed information to base user  60  via base computer  75 . As such, base computer  75  preferably has an emission manager  225  application program for processing the relayed information into useful emission data. Such emission data is useful for base user  60  in managing locomotive emission as mandated by the EPA.  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 3 discloses an alternate embodiment wherein either GPDU  45  or the locomotive operator may relay locomotive location information to data recorder  50 . Specifically, the locomotive operator may relay location information via locomotive interface  55  or via a communication device  300 . Communication device  300  preferably includes a wireless communication unit such as a cellular phone, personal digital assistant, or similar device capable of transmitting information to a computer. Once location information is delivered to data recorder  50 , data on locomotive fuel, location, speed and emission are generated by locomotive equipment  200  as illustrated in the preceding description of FIG. 2.  
         [0040]    An alternate embodiment of the present invention enables a means for monitoring operational activity and location data of an improved locomotive system having an auxiliary power unit. This improved system enables a methodology that reduces environmental emissions. In particular, such system provides heating or cooling and electricity to a railroad locomotive in all operating environments, while conserving locomotive fuel and lubricating oil. The auxiliary power unit of this improved system preferably includes a diesel engine coupled to an electrical generator. The improved system preferably monitors both locomotive position and various modes of auxiliary power unit operation.  
         [0041]    During normal operation of a railroad locomotive engine, the auxiliary power unit is not in operation. The improved system preferably includes an engine operation sensor and timer to determine the mode of engine operation and length of time the engine operates at such mode. For example, such engine operation sensor preferably monitors whether the primary locomotive engine has been inoperative for a predetermined period of time. The engine operation sensor and timer preferably relays information regarding the mode of engine operation and length of time the engine operates at such mode to the data recorder  50  (FIG. 1). Concurrently, data recorder  50  compiles locomotive location information relayed by GPDU  45 . In an embodiment of the present invention, all information relayed to the data recorder  50  from the GPDU  45  and the engine operation sensor and timer are communicated to emission manager  225  (FIG. 2) to be processed into accurate emission information, useful in calculating EPA emission credits.  
         [0042]    Where a primary locomotive engine remains idle for a greater length of time than the predetermined period, the auxiliary power unit is automatically activated to operate in a plurality of modes by a control system, as described in co-pending and co-owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/773,072 entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SUPPLYING AUXILIARY POWER TO A LARGE DIESEL ENGINE.  
         [0043]    An auxiliary power unit preferably includes a “thermostat” mode for protecting the primary engine from ambient cold weather conditions, while reducing emissions. In “thermostat” mode, the control system shuts down the primary locomotive engine after a predetermined period of inactivity and idle operation, and starts the auxiliary power unit to warm locomotive engine systems. When the auxiliary power unit is activated, the engine operation sensor and timer preferably determines the length of time the auxiliary power engine operates at such mode and relays such information to data recorder  50  (FIG. 1). Concurrently, data recorder  50  compiles locomotive location information relayed by GPDU  45 . In an embodiment of the present invention, all information relayed to the data recorder  50  from the GPDU  45  and the engine operation sensor and timer are communicated to emission manager  225  (FIG. 2) to be processed into accurate emission information, useful in calculating EPA emission credits.  
         [0044]    In addition, an auxiliary power unit preferably includes a “cab” mode to shut down the primary engine during warm weather operation to minimize pollutant emissions and maximize fuel savings. In “cab” mode, the control system automatically shuts down the primary locomotive engine after a predetermined period of inactivity and idle operation. In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the auxiliary power unit is preferably activated manually or automatically based on a monitored environmental condition. When the primary locomotive engine is shut down, the engine operation sensor and timer preferably determines the length of time such engine remains inactive and relays this information to data recorder  50  (FIG. 1). Concurrently, data recorder  50  compiles locomotive location information relayed by GPDU  45 . In an embodiment of the present invention, all information relayed to the data recorder  50  from the GPDU  45  and the engine operation sensor and timer are communicated to emission manager  225  (FIG. 2) to be processed into accurate emission information, useful in calculating EPA emission credits.  
         [0045]    While specific values, relationships, materials and steps have been set forth for purposes of describing concepts of the invention, it should be recognized that, in the light of the above teachings, those skilled in the art can modify those specifics without departing from basic concepts and operating principles of the invention taught herein. Therefore, for purposes of determining the scope of patent protection, reference shall be made to the appended claims in combination with the above detailed description.