Automated real-time positive train control track database validation

摘要

Methods and systems are described that can be used to verify a track database of a train management system, for example that the track database has not been corrupted, built with critical errors, or is not being used properly by the software application. In one embodiment, radio frequency identification (RFID) tags are mounted on the trackside features contained in the track database. The tags contain data such as the geographical coordinates of the trackside features and a unique feature identifier that uniquely identifies the respective feature. As the train passes the trackside feature, a tag reader on the train reads the tag to gather the geographical coordinates and the feature identifier. The train management system then compares the geographical coordinates and/or the feature identifier from the tag with the expected geographical coordinates and/or the expected feature identifier in the track database.

主权项

1. A method of verifying a railway track database of a train management system, the track database contains information on a plurality of trackside features located adjacent to a railway track including an identifier that uniquely identifies each trackside feature and a geographical coordinate location of each trackside feature, the method comprising:
as the train is traveling on the railway track, reading a radio frequency identification tag that is affixed to a first one of the trackside features using a reader disposed on the train, the reader obtaining from the tag a feature identifier that uniquely identifies the first trackside feature and geographical coordinates of the first trackside feature, where the feature identifier and the geographical coordinates are stored in memory of the tag; and comparing the feature identifier and the geographical coordinates read by the reader with an expected identifier and expected geographical coordinates obtained from the track database.