Method to Monitor a Plurality of Control Centers for Operational Control and Backup Purposes

Abstract

The present invention provides a way to automate the hand-off of train control in a rail system and handle failover.

1 . A method for controlling the movement of a train through a rail network, wherein the rail network comprises a plurality of territories, and wherein a respective plurality of control centers control traffic within the territories, wherein the method comprises:
 transmitting dynamic data between the train and a first control center that is responsible for controlling traffic within a first territory in which the train is present;   storing the dynamic data on the train and at the first control center;   notifying a second control center that the train is in the first territory, wherein the second control center is responsible for controlling traffic within a second territory that is adjacent to the first territory;   granting the train provisional authority to enter the second territory, wherein the first control center issues the grant of provisional authority; and   granting the train full authority to enter the second territory when it is determined that it is safe to enter the second territory, wherein the second control center issues the grant of full authority and wherein the second control center issues no other control messages until the train is within the second territory.   
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  and further comprising:
 transmitting a first signal from the first control center to the second control center, wherein the first signal is indicative of the operational status of the first control center;   transmitting a second signal from the first control center to the train, wherein the second signal is indicative of the operational status of the first control center;   transmitting a third signal from the second control center to the first control center, wherein the third signal is indicative of the operational status of the second control center; and   transmitting a fourth signal from the second control center to the train, wherein the fourth signal is indicative of the operational status of the second control center.   
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 2  and further comprising verifying, with the train, loss of contact with the first control center when the second control center does not receive the first signal. 
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 3  and further comprising assuming control of the first territory when loss of contact is verified, wherein the second control center assumes control. 
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 4  and further comprising retrieving dynamic data from the train at the second control center once control is assumed thereby.