AU2009243418B2 - Automated Loadout - Google Patents

Abstract

- 34 A method 100 is described for loading a consist 12 having a head end lead loco Li and a plurality of wagons W and a 5 bulk commodity in a rail transport system where the consist 12 is operated in an automatic train operation (ATO) system enabling driverless operation of the consist. The method 100 comprises operating the consist 102 under the ATO system to a predetermined location near or 10 adjacent a load out area. Subsequently control of the consist 12 is handed over 104 from the ATO system to a load out controller 68. The consist is now driven loaded 106 via the load out controller 68. Upon completion of the loading, control of the consist is handed back 108 to 15 the ATO system enabling a driverless journey of the loaded consist 12. 2122562_1 (GHMatters)30/11/09 i/s Sb ~-~ c~4 F -J I-

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Standard Patent Applicant(s): Technological Resources Pty. Limited and Ansaldo STS Australia Pty Ltd Invention Title: Automated Loadout The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method for performing it known to me/us: - 2 AUTOMATED LOADOUT Field of the Invention 5 The present invention relates to the automated loadout of a consist in a rail transport system. Background of the Invention 10 A rail transport system comprises a network of railroad tracks connecting geographic locations between which people and/or goods are transported. A consist comprising at least one locomotive and a series of wagons or carriages is driven along the tracks by a driver operating 15 a throttle and brake levers in a head end lead locomotive of the consist. To facilitate safe operation of the consist, the rail transport system incorporates a signalling system. The signalling system provides various signals to the driver for example, a signal to reduce 20 throttle setting or apply brakes. In the event of a driver not complying with a signal, the signaling system may override the driver and bring the consist to a halt. In heavy haul rail transport systems, the consist may 25 comprise up to three or more head end locomotives and well over one hundred wagons. The process of loading wagons with bulk commodities such as metal ores and coal is termed "loadout". The loadout is performed in a loadout area which typically comprises a loadout facility such as 30 gantry or shed under or through which the consist is driven. Such loadout facilities typically have one or more discharge chutes through which predetermined quantities of the bulk commodity are dumped into underlying wagons as the consist is driven through. 35 The loadout process requires co-ordination between at least a driver of a consist and an operator of the loadout 2122562_1 (GHMatters)30/11/09 -3 facility. During the loadout process the consist is under supervision to ensure that it moves within safe operating parameters. 5 Summary of the Invention One aspect of the invention provides a method of loading a consist having a head end lead loco and a plurality of wagons with a bulk commodity in a rail transport system 10 having at least one loadout area provided with a loadout controller for loading the bulk commodity into the wagons and an automatic train operation (ATO) system for driverless operation of the consist, the method comprising: is operating the consist under the ATO system to a predetermined location in or adjacent the load out area; handing over of control of the consist to the loadout controller wherein the consist is driven and loaded in accordance with instructions from the loadout controller; 20 and, upon completion of loading of the consist, handing over control of the consist to the ATO system. The predetermined location may comprise an entry point to 25 the loadout area or an initial loading point. The ATO system may supervise movement of the consist when under control of the loadout controller to enforce movement of the consist within prescribed operating 30 parameters. The handing over of control may comprise performing an handover action in which the loadout controller and the ATO system exchange communications with each other. 35 The handing over of control to the loadout controller may comprises the loadout controller providing a signal to the 21225621 (GHMatters)30/111/09 - 4 ATO system that the loadout controller is ready to begin directing movement of the consist. The method may further comprise the ATO system notifying 5 the loadout controller that the loadout controller may begin directing motion of the consist. The method may also comprise operating the ATO system to supervise movement of the consist when under control of 10 the loadout controller to enforce movement of the consist within prescribed operating parameters. Supervising movement of the consist may comprise the ATO system enforcing a limit of authority for the loadout 15 controller. Supervising movement of the consist may comprise operating the ATO system to limit speed of the consist to a predetermined maximum speed. 20 The predetermined maximum speed may be set to no more than 5km/h. The head end lead loco may be configured to listen for a 25 prescribed guard tone from the loadout area; and, automatically stop the consist if the guard tone is lost. The method may also comprise driving the consist under the ATO system to the loadout entry point wherein locomotives 30 of the consist have passed a loadout chute of the loadout area and wherein at least a first wagon is located to receive a quantity of the bulk commodity from the loadout chute. 35 The method may also comprise upon handing over control from the load out controller to the ATO system, operating the ATO system to update train configuration data to take 2122562_1 (GHMatters)30/11109 account of weight of the bulk commodity loaded into the wagons. A second aspect of the invention may provide a method of 5 loading a consist having a head end lead loco and a plurality of wagons with a bulk commodity in a rail transport system having at least one loadout area provided with a loadout controller for loading the bulk commodity into the wagons and an automatic train operation (ATO) 10 system for driverless operation of the consist, the method comprising: at an entry point to the load out area handing over of control of the consist to the loadout controller wherein the consist is driven in accordance with driving is instructions from the loadout controller; and operating the ATO system to supervise movement of the consist when under control of the loadout controller to enforce movement of the consist within prescribed operating parameters. 20 This aspect of the method may comprise, upon completion of loading of the consist, handing over control of the consist to the ATO system. 25 The method may also comprise, upon handing over control to the ATO system, operating the ATO system to update train configuration data to take account of weight of the bulk commodity loaded into the wagons. 30 A third aspect of the invention provides a rail transport system comprising: a rail network comprising a plurality of track sections; a consist comprising a head end lead loco and a 35 plurality of wagons coupled to the head end lead loco; a loadout area encompassing one or more track sections and a loading facility for loading wagons of the 2122562_1 (GHMatters)30/11/09 -6 consist with a bulk commodity; an automatic train operation (ATO) system for driverless operation of the consist; and, a loadout controller configured to drive the consist s and control the loading facility; wherein the consist is driven under the ATO system to an entry point to the load out area at which control of the consist is handed over to the loadout controller wherein the consist is driven and loaded in accordance 10 with instructions from the loadout controller; and, wherein upon completion of loading of the consist, handing over control of the consist to the ATO system. A fourth aspect of the invention provides a method of 15 loading a consist having a head end lead loco and a plurality of wagons with a bulk commodity in a rail transport system having at least one loadout area provided with a loadout controller for loading the bulk commodity into the wagons and an automatic train operation (ATO) 20 system for driverless operation of the consist, the method comprising: arranging the loadout controller to provide driving instructions to the ATO system; arranging the ATO system to drive the consist through 25 the loadout area in response to driving instructions from the loadout controller; loading the consist while the consist is being driven through the load out area under instructions from the loadout controller; and, 30 arranging the ATO system to assume driving control of the consist independent of the loadout controller upon completion of the loading. The arranging the ATO system to drive the consist may 35 comprise arranging the ATO system to monitor prescribed safe operating parameters of the consist and to intervene in the operation of the consist while the consist is being 21225621 (GHMatters)30/11/09 driven under instructions from the loadout controller to enforce operation of the consist within the prescribed operating parameters. 5 The method may also comprise arranging the ATO system to: listen for a prescribed guard tone from the consist while the consist moves through the loadout area; and, automatically stop the consist if the guard tone is lost. 10 Arranging the ATO system to listen for the guard tone may comprise arranging the ATO system to command a guard tone radio on the head end lead loco to tune to a prescribed guard tone frequency for the loadout area. 15 Arranging the ATO system to drive the consist under instructions from the loadout controller comprises performing a hand over action wherein the loadout controller and the ATO system exchange communications to facilitate the ATO systems acting on driving instructing 20 provided by the loadout controller. Performing the hand over action may comprise the loadout controller providing a signal to the ATO system that the loadout controller is ready to begin directing movement of 25 the consist. Performing the hand over action may comprise the ATO system notifying the loadout controller that the loadout controller may begin directing motion of the consist. 30 Arranging the ATO system to operate the consist under instructions from the loadout controller may comprise the ATO system uploading a limit of authority for the loadout controller. 35 Arranging the ATO system to assume driving control of the consist may comprise operating the loadout controller to 2122562_1 (GHMatters)30/11/09 - 8 notify the ATO system that the loadout controller has finished directing the movement of the consist. Arranging the ATO system to assume driving control of the 5 consist may comprise operating the ATO system to update train configuration data following loading of the consist with the bulk commodity. Updating the train configuration data may comprise: 10 uploading the train configuration data to an ATP system wherein the ATP system supervises operation of the consist in accordance with said configuration and signals received via track circuits and/or transponders. 15 A fifth aspect of the invention provides a rail transport system comprising: a network of rail tracks; a consist comprising a head end lead loco and a plurality of wagons coupled to the head end lead loco; 20 a loadout area encompassing one or more blocks of the rail tracks, the loadout area configured to load wagons of the consist with a bulk commodity; an automatic train operation (ATO) system for driverless operation of the consist; 25 a loadout controller configured to provide driving instructions to the ATO system; wherein the ATO system comprises a remote ATO control centre (ATOCC) and an ATO onboard system in communication with the ATOCC, the ATO system being configured to 30 transition between a first state where driving instructions for the ATO onboard system are derived from the ATOCC, and a DLC directed state where driving instructions for the ATO onboard system are derived from the loadout controller. 35 The ATO system may be arranged or operated to perform a handover action wherein the loadout controller and the ATO 21225621 (GHMatters)30/111/09 - 9 system exchange communications to facilitate transition in state of the ATO system from the first state to the DLC directed state. 5 The loadout controller may be configured to signal to the ATO system that the loadout controller is ready to begin directing movement of the consist through the loadout area. 10 Brief Description of the Drawings An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 15 Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a loadout area in which embodiments of the present invention can be incorporated; 20 Figure 2 is a block diagram of an automatic train operation system utilized in embodiments of the present invention Figure 3 is a block diagram of on board components of the 25 automatic train operation system shown in Figure 3; Figure 4 is a flow diagram of a method of automated loadout in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and, 30 Figure 5 is a state transition diagram showing different operational modes or states of the automatic train operation system and associated locos shown in Figures 2 and 3. 35 Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiment 2122562_1 (GHMatters)3011109 - 10 Figure 1 depicts a layout of a loadout area 10 for loading a consist 12 (shown in Figure 2) with a bulk commodity, which in the present embodiment is iron ore. The loadout area 10 comprises a length of track 14 comprising 5 signalled track sections Ta, Tb, Tc and Td, and an unsignalled track section TL between sections Ta and Tb. Signals S1, S2 and S3 control movement of the consist onto track sections TL, Tc and Td respectively and coincide with limits of authority LoAl, LoA2 and LoA3 10 respectively. While the track 14 is depicted as being straight it may be formed as, or as part of, a track loop in a greater rail network. A loading facility 16 is provided in the loadout area 10 is spanning track section TL. The loadout facility 16 is operated to load predetermined quantities of iron ore into wagons W1, W2... Wn (hereinafter referred to in general as "wagons W") of the consist 12. The consist 12 in this embodiment is depicted as comprising three head end locos 20 L1, L2 and L3. The forward most loco L1 is the head end lead loco. The consist 12 is operated under an automatic train operation (ATO) system which facilitates the driverless 25 operation of the consist 12. Details of the ATO system are described in Applicant's Australian patent application No's. 2009202470; 2009202471; 2009202469; and, 2009202474 the contents of which are incorporated herein by way of reference. However to facilitate a better understanding 30 of embodiments of the invention a brief description of the ATO system is provided below. Figure 2 provides a schematic representation of a rail transport system 30 incorporating the loadout area 10 and 35 an ATO system 32. The ATO system 32 comprises a remote ATO control centre (ATOCC) 34 and, on each locomotive L1,L2 and L3 an ATO onboard system 36. However it is only 2122562_1 (GHMatters)30/11109 - 11 the ATO onboard system on the head end lead loco Li that is receptive to signals from the ATOCC 34 and track circuits. The ATO onboard system of locos L2 and L3 are controlled by the ATO onboard system at loco L1. 5 To facilitate driverless operation, the functions of the train driver are split between the ATOCC 34 and the ATO onboard system 36. In particular, the ATOCC provides operating parameters to the ATO onboard system 36, such as 10 limit of authority data, clearance to commence a driverless journey, train configuration data and destination and target time of arrival data. The ATOCC 34 may update these parameters from time to time during a journey of a consist 12. The ATOCC 34 may also issue 15 commands for the ATO onboard system 36 to control the consist or operate various systems of the consist during a journey. A signaling system 38 communicates between a train control 20 center (TCC)48 and the consist 12 via track circuits 39 and wayside transponders 40. The signaling system is operated by a train control system (TCS) 46 at the TCC 48 to effect interlocks in the rail network to provide route protection for the consist and other rail vehicles. 25 Communication between the ATOCC 34 and the ATO onboard system 36 is via a communications network 42. The lead loco Ll is also fitted with an automatic train protection (ATP) system 44 that receives signals from signalling 30 system and oversees the movement of the consist 12. The ATP system stores consist configuration data such as the length of the consist, whether it is loaded or empty. The ATP system 44 intervenes in the operation of the consist 12 to ensure that the consist 12 moves within safe 35 operating parameters given the consist current configuration and enforces speed restrictions and limits of authority. 2122562_1 (GHMatters)30/I1109 - 12 The ATO system and related loco can operate in a number of different train states such as manual, held, intervened and ATO directed. Figure 5 depicts possible train states s and transitions between these states. In the manual state 120, a driver is able to operate a loco using the normal in cab throttle and braking control levers. A loco driven by a driver in the manual state is supervised by the ATP system 44. 10 Figure 5 depicts an intervened state 124 and a held state 126 which are each a class of stationary state 122 shown in phantom. In both the intervened and held states 124, 126 the loco is stationary. In order for the ATO system 15 to automatically and/or remotely control the motion of the loco, the system and loco must transition through one of the stationary states 122. In the held state 126, the ATO system holds the loco stationary allowing persons to safely embark and disembark from a loco and associated 20 consist. This is largely a transitionary state during handovers between the manual state 120 and the ATO directed state 128, the DLC directed state 132, and the ATO attaching state 134. 25 The intervened state 124, while also being a stationary state, is generally a state that a loco under ATO control will automatically transition to on detection of a significant fault, an unsafe movement, or as commanded by an ATO operator at the ATOCC 34. 30 The ATO system and associated loco is able to transition to the ATO directed state 128 once all appropriate data and information relating to the next journey has been provided to the ATO on board system 36 and it is safe to 35 commence the journey. In the ATO directed state, the movement of the loco Ll and consist 12 is remotely controlled by the ATO system under supervision of the ATP 2122562_1 (GHMatters)3011/09 - 13 system 34. In the DLC directed state 132, the loco Li is able to be driven remotely by an operator operating a direct loco 5 control unit, in this example at the loadout area 10. When the ATO system and loco is in the testing state 120, the ATO system is able to perform various types of brake tests in the absence of a driver. In this state, the io automatic brakes of the consist may or may not be applied, but the independent brake of the loco is applied. In addition, in this state, the ATO system will enforce rollaway protection for the consist in both directions. Rollaway protection is also provided in the ATO held state 15 126 and the ATO intervene state 124. A more detailed description of the ATO system and train states is set out in the aforementioned Australian application no. 2009202471. 20 Figure 3 depicts by way of a very general block diagram major components of the onboard control system of a loco. These comprise the ATO onboard system 36 and a Loco control System (LCS) 50. When the ATO system 32 is in an ATO directed state, the ATO onboard system 36 provides 25 driving commands to the LCS 50. However during human operation a driver provides driving commands to the LCS 50 via levers, switches or other human machine interfaces (HMI). 30 The LCS 50 comprises various subsystems including a Direct Loco Controller (DLC) 51, an Automatic Train Supervision system (ATS) 53, an Electro Pneumatic Integrated Control (EPIC) air brake system 55; and a Trainline interface module (TIM) 57. The TIM 57 interfaces to the train line 35 permitting control of the throttle, dynamic brake, coupler pin and warning bells and also provides notification of guard tone reception. A radio transceiver 59 is associated 2122562_1 (GHMatters)30111/09 - 14 with the LCS 50 and in particular the DLC 51 for receipt of control signals. Although not shown the loco also includes conventional 5 devices such as: a tachometer, which is a train borne device that detects rotation of the locomotives wheels; a reverser, which is a train borne device allowing control of the motive direction of the locomotive; and 10 a guard tone radio being a radio on board the head end lead loco L1. ATO onboard system 36 comprises an ATO director 60 and an ATO controller 62. The ATO director 60 and controller 62 15 may be realized as two separate computers, or as different applications running on the same computer. Train configuration data and movement data are sent by the ATOCC 34 via the communications network 42 and subsequently received by the transceiver 52 and downloaded to the ATO 20 controller 62. This data is then transferred to the ATO director 60 which calculates appropriate consist driving commands that are then communicated back to the ATO controller 62. When the consist is in an ATO directed state the driving commands from the ATO controller 62 are 25 used as input commands to the LCS 50 to drive the head end lead loco L1. Referring again to Figure 1, a load out controller 68 is installed in the loading facility 16 and provides driving 30 instructions to the consist 12 while the consist is in the loadout area 10, as well as controlling loading operation. Driving instructions are input by a loadout operator (ie, a human operator) through one or more human machine interfaces (HMI's). One such HMI may be a keyboard 70 35 whereby the operator can input speed settings with commands for the consist 12 to drive automatically at that speed. An alternate or additional HMI may be in the form 2122562_1 (GHMatters)30/11/09 - 15 of a joystick 72 in which the operator can control movement of the consist via the joystick. Irrespective of the HMI used to enable the loadout controller to provide the driving instructions, the consist 12 operates in s accordance with those instructions subject to supervision by ATO system. The controller 68 is configured to enable the loadout operator to turn OFF or otherwise cut transmission of a guard tone signal. 10 The loadout controller 68 comprises a land based DLC 74 which communicates driving instructions to the loco L1 by radio, the instructions being received by the transceiver 59 of the LCS50 and executed by the onboard DLC 51. 15 The ATO system 32 provides supervision of the movement of consist 12 within the loadout area by enforcing a low speed limit for the consist 12, enforcing limits of authority and enforcing roll away protection. 20 Methods of performing a load out operation will now be described with reference to Figures 1 and 4. In one method 100, assuming track section Ta is unoccupied, a consist 12 is driven along section Ta and 25 approaches signal Si. A load out operator clears signal S1 which allows the consist to move onto track section TL. The consist is operated under ATO control as it moves along track TL and subsequently onto track section Tb. The consist 12 is stopped when the locos L1, L2 and L3 are 30 clear of the loading facility 16 and the first two wagons W1 and W2 are positioned under a discharge chute in the facility 16. The consist 12 is now at a position where loading can commence. In relation to Figure 4 this represents the completion of step 102. 35 During this step and in particular prior to the loco Li passing signal S1 the ATO system 32 commands the LCS 50 21225621 (GHMatters)30/11/09 - 16 (and more particularly the TIM 57) to tune its guard tone radio to the frequency of the guard tone for the load out area. The guard tone is generated by the load out facility 16. If the guard tone is lost at any time during 5 movement of the loco Ll along track section TL and onto section Tb, the ATO system 32 will bring the consist 12 to a stop. At step 104, control of the consist is handed over from 10 the ATO system 32 to loadout controller 68. The ATO system is now in a DLC directed state. Assuming that the handover is successful, at step 106, the consist is driven and loaded under the control of the loadout controller 68. At this time a load out operator using the load out is controller 68 is providing instructions to the LCS 50 (via the TIM 57). Once the loading of the consist 12 has been completed, control of the consist 12 is handed over from the loadout 20 controller 68 back to the ATO system 32. Thus the ATO system 32 now reverts to the ATO directed state where the ATO controller 62 provides driving commands to the LCS 50. This corresponds with step 108 in Figure 4. 25 If required one or more bankers may be attached to the rear of the consist 12 while it is held on track section Td. The above mentioned steps will now be described in greater 30 detail. STEP 102 Step 102 involves the following steps and actions. 35 The consist 12 is driven along track section Ta toward the loading facility 16. The location of the signal S1 at the 21225621 (GHMatters)30/11/09 - 17 transition between track sections Ta and TL may be considered as the entry point for the load out area 10. A transponder (not shown) in the track section Ta near track section TL notifies the ATO system that the consist 12 has 5 arrived at the entry point. This triggers the ATO system to command the guard tone radio of the head end lead loco Ll to tune to the correct guard tone frequency for the loadout area. Assuming a loadout operator has cleared the signal Si, the consist 12 moves under ATO control onto and 10 through the track section TL. The ATO system 32 commands the TIM 57 to sound the locomotive warning bell for at least 5 seconds. Concurrently, the TIM 57 periodically notifies the ATO system that a guard tone signal is being received. In the event that the guard tone is lost, the 15 consist 12 is automatically stopped. The guard tone is used while the head end lead loco Ll is on the track section TL as a reliable mechanism for stopping a consist in the absence of track circuits and other signaling on the track section TL. The consist continues to move until 20 the locos L1, L2 and L3 have moved clear of the load out facility 16 with the wagons Wi and W2 being positioned to be loaded with the bulk commodity. This completes the step 102. 25 STEP 104 In this step control for the movement of the consist 12 is handed over from the ATO system 32 to the load out controller 68. The end result of this is that a load out 30 operator operating the load out controller 68 is able to load and remotely drive the consist 12. The handover involves an exchange of communications or signals between the ATO system 32 and the load out controller 68. This comprises the ATO operator performing a "begin the load 35 out" action where the ATO system signals to the load out controller 68 that it is ready to hand over control to the load out controller 68. In response, the load out 21225621 (GHMatters)30/11/09 - 18 controller 68 notifies the ATO system 32 that it is ready to begin directing movement of the consist 12. The ATO system 32 records a current maximum speed for the head end lead loco Li which may, for example be in the order of 5 5km/h. The ATO system 32 may then command the LCS (and more particularly TIM 57) to sound the locomotive warning bell for a predetermined time period such as one minute. The loco Li now enters the DLC directed state. The ATO system 32 notifies the load out controller 68 that it may io now begin directing movement of the consist 12. This completes the handover of control from the ATO system to the load out controller 68. 15 STEP 106 During this step, the consist 12 operates in the DLC directed state and moves under the direction of the loadout controller 68 by virtue of a loadout operator 20 entering movement data and parameters to the loadout controller 68 via the HMIs 70 and 72. Concurrently, the LCS 50 responds to driving instructions from the loadout controller 68 as follows: 25 (1) The loadout controller 68 drives the consist 12 at a given speed in either a forward or reverse direction. The ATO system 32 records a "current motive direction" for the locomotive Li as indicated and drives the consist 12 in 30 the given direction and at the given speed. As the consist 12 moves, the ATO system monitors its speed by sampling the tachometer on the loco L1. Concurrently the ATO system 32 controls the speed of the consist 12 by sending desired brake pressures to the EPIC onboard the 35 locomotive Li. (2) The loadout controller 68 may request that the 2122562_1 (GHMatters)30/11109 - 19 consist 12 be stopped (ie have a current speed of Okm/h). In this event the LCS 50 via the EPIC onboard locomotive Li applies the independent brake, and subsequently sets the throttle to idle. Within a predetermined time period 5 such as 20 seconds, the ATO system confirms that the tachometer is indicating that the consist 12 is stationary. (3) The loadout controller 68 may request an emergency 10 stop. The LCS 50 via the EPIC onboard the loco Li reduces brake pipe pressure for the consist 12 to atmospheric levels. (4) The loadout controller 68 may request that a i5 headlight for the loco Li be turned off or illuminated (dipped). In that event the LCS 50 via the TIM 57 onboard the L1 controls the headlight accordingly. The loadout controller 68 continues to drive the consist 20 12 in the loaded area 10 after loading of all the wagons W has been completed up to its limit of authority which in this case is LoA3 at signal S3. In the event that one or more bankers are to be attached, the loadout controller 68 drives the consist to a point (not beyond LoA3/S3) where 25 an end of the consist 12 is within a predetermined maximum distance from track section Tb (eg no more than 30 meters). This is achieved using an End of Train Monitor (ETM) on the last wagon Wn, and a transponder in the track section Tb. The consist 12 is stopped and the loadout 30 controller 68 notifies the ATO system 32 that it has finished directing movement of the consist 12, terminating the DLC session and step 106. The consist 12 and more particularly the head end lead loco Li enters the ATO held state 126. 35 21225621 (GHMatters)30/11/09 - 20 STEP 108 During this step, control of consist 12 is handed over to the ATO system 32. As the consist 12 is currently 5 stationary in the ATO held state, the ATO system 32 records the head end loco Li has a "current motive direction" of neutral. The ATO system 32 updates its records of the "current maximum speed" for the loco L1 to be the minimum speed currently being enforced for the io subsequent sections of track on which the consist 12 is to be driven. The ATO system 32 may then command the EPIC onboard the lead loco Li to apply the automatic brake to achieve a brake pipe pressure no more than 520kPa and to apply the independent brake to achieve a brake cylinder is pressure of no less than 500kPa. As the consist 12 has been loaded with the bulk commodity, its weight will be significantly different to its initial weight prior to loading. This has a substantive effect on 20 the dynamics of the consist 12 and in particular its acceleration and braking performance. Consequently, the ATO system 32 updates the ATP configuration. In updating the ATP configuration the ATO system 32 may record parameters such as maximum speed, deceleration rates, and 25 brake delay. For example, the ATP configuration may be updated by recording: (i) a consist maximum speed of 75km/h; (ii) a retardation rate of 0.25m/s; (iii) 60 seconds for brake delay; and 30 (iv) normal track adhesion. The ATO system 32 then undergoes a process of verifying the ATP configuration. Upon verification, the consist can enter the ATO directed state where the ATO system 32 can 35 actively drive the consist 12 from the loadout area 10 to a new destination point. 2122562_1 (GHMatters)30/11/09 - 21 BANKER ATTACHMENT In the event that bankers are required to be attached to the consist 12 after loading, the bankers may be operated and attached as follows. Banker attachment occurs after 5 step 106 and before step 108 while the loco Li is in the ATO held state 126. The banker, or a head end lead banker of a banker consist, has the same on board configuration as the head end lead 10 loco Li depicted in Figure 3, namely an ATO on board system 36, interfacing with an LCS 50. The lead banker moves along track Ta toward the load out facility 16. A load out operator sets a proceed signal on signal S1 which allows a banker to enter the load out facility 16 up to 15 the signal S2. As the bankers pass along track TL, the lead banker will receive a guard tone signal in a similar manner as described above in relation to the lead loco L1. Concurrently, the bankers warning bell is sounded. The banker moves onto and stops on track section Tb with the 20 front of the lead banker within a predetermined and maximum distance (for example 20m) from the signal S2. The movement of the banker to S1 may be in the manual state 120 or ATO directed state 128. Movement from the signal S1 to the stopping point on track section Tb may be 25 under the ATO directed state, DLC state 132 or the manual state 120. The stopped banker now enters the ATO held state 126 prior to transition to the ATO attaching state 134. 30 As the consist 12 has been previously stopped a predetermined distance in front of the signal S2, there is now a predetermined maximum distance, in this example of approximately 50m, between the front of the lead banker and the rear of the consist 12. A load out operator 35 clears the signal S2 and the ATO system drives the bankers to move onto the track section TC and couple onto the back of the consist 12. Subsequent to the coupling, the ATO 2122562_1 (GHMatters)30/11/09 - 22 system operates the bankers to reverse or pull back to confirm attachment to the consist 12. An ATO operator may then initiate a brake pipe leakage and continuity test on the consist 12. As bankers are now attached to the 5 consist, the ATO system 32 will update the ATP configuration of the head end lead loco Ll and upon verification of the new ATP configuration, the consist 12 with bankers attached, enters the ATO directed state 128 and is automatically driven by the ATO system from the 10 loadout area 10. In a variation to the above method 100, the functionality of the onboard DLC 51 may be incorporated into the ATO onboard system 36, and in particular into the ATO 15 controller 62. In such a modification, signaling all communication from the loadout controller 68 to the head end lead loco L1 while in the DLC directed state will be via a radio transceiver 52 or radio transceiver 59. Thus in effect the load out controller 68 will be providing 20 instructions directly to the ATO on board system 36 rather than the LCS 50 (and more particularly the on board DLC 51). However the operation of the consist 12 will remain the same. 25 Modifications and variations to the described embodiment of the present invention as would be apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention the nature of which is to be determined from the above description. 2122562_1 (GHMatters)30/11/09

Claims (56)

1. A method of loading a consist having a head end lead loco and a plurality of wagons with a bulk commodity in a 5 rail transport system having at least one loadout area provided with a loadout controller for loading the bulk commodity into the wagons and an automatic train operation (ATO) system for driverless operation of the consist, the method comprising: 10 operating the consist under the ATO system to a pre determined location in or adjacent the loadout area; handing over of control of the consist to the loadout controller wherein the consist is driven and loaded in accordance with instructions from the loadout controller; 15 and, upon completion of loading of the consist, handing over control of the consist to the ATO system.

2. The method according to claim 1 wherein operating the 20 consist comprises operating the consist to an entry point to the loadout area or an initial loading point where one or more of the wagons are below a load out chute of the load out area. 25

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2 wherein handing over control comprises performing an handover action in which the loadout controller and the ATO system exchange communications with each other. 30

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein handing over control to the loadout controller comprises the loadout controller providing a signal to the ATO system that the loadout controller is ready to begin directing movement of the consist. 35

5. The method according to claim 3 or 4 further comprising the ATO system notifying the loadout controller 2122562_i (GHMatters)30/11/09 - 24 that the loadout controller may begin directing motion of the consist.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 - 5 s comprising operating the ATO system to supervise movement of the consist when under control of the loadout controller to enforce movement of the consist within prescribed operating parameters. 10

7. The method according to claim 6 wherein supervising movement of the consist comprises the ATO system enforcing a limit of authority for loadout controller.

8. The method according to any one of claims 2 - 7 15 wherein supervising movement of the consist comprises operating the ATO system to limit speed of the consist to a predetermined maximum speed.

9. The method according to claim 8 wherein the 20 predetermined maximum speed is set to no more than 5km/h.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 - 9 wherein the head end lead loco is configured to listen for a prescribed guard tone upon entry to the loadout area, 25 and, to automatically stop if the guard tone is lost.

11. The method according to claim 10 wherein the loadout controller is operable to turn OFF the guard tone to thereby cause the consist to stop when the consist is 30 under control of the loadout controller.

12. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 12 wherein after the consist has been loaded the consist is remotely driven by the loadout controller and stopped at a 35 position where an end of the consist is at a known location in the loadout area. 2122562_1 (GHMatters)30/111/09 - 25

13. The method according to claim 12 comprising providing an end of train monitor on a end wagon of the consist and a transponder on a rail track in the load out area wherein the consist is stopped at the known location when the s transponder detects the end of train monitor.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13 comprising attaching a banker consist comprising one or more banker locos to the end of the consist when stopped at the known io location.

15. The method according to claim 14 comprising operating the banker consist under the ATO system to the predetermined location in or adjacent the loadout area. 15

16. The method according to claim 15 comprising driving the banker consist through a portion of the loadout area during which the banker consist receives a guard tone from the loadout area, and wherein the banker consist is 20 automatically stopped in the event reception of the guard tone is lost.

17. The method according to claim 16 comprising stopping the banker consist at a known position behind the end of 25 the consist.

18. The method according to claim 17 comprising operating the lead banker under the ATO system to automatically couple to the end of the consist. 30

19. The method according to any one of claims 1 - 18 comprising, upon handing over control to the ATO system, operating the ATO system to update train configuration data to take account of weight of the bulk commodity 35 loaded into the wagons.

20. A method of loading a consist having a head end lead 2122562_1 (GHMatters)30111109 - 26 loco and a plurality of wagons with a bulk commodity in a rail transport system having at least one loadout area provided with a loadout controller for loading the bulk commodity into the wagons and an automatic train operation 5 (ATO) system for driverless operation of the consist, the method comprising: at a predetermined position in or adjacent the load out area, handing over of control of the consist to the loadout controller wherein the consist is driven in 1o accordance with driving instructions from the loadout controller; and operating the ATO system to supervise movement of the consist when under control of the loadout controller to enforce movement of the consist within prescribed 15 operating parameters.

21. The method according to claim 20 wherein handing over control to the loadout controller comprises the loadout controller and the ATO system exchanging communications 20 with each other.

22. The method according to claim 21 wherein exchanging communications comprises the loadout controller providing a signal to the ATO system that the loadout controller is 25 ready to begin directing movement of the consist.

23. The method according to claim 21 or 22 further comprising the ATO system notifying the loadout controller that the loadout controller may begin directing motion of 30 the consist.

24. The method according to any one of claims 20 - 23 wherein supervising movement of the consist comprises the ATO system enforcing a limit of authority for loadout 35 controller.

25. The method according to any one of claims 20 - 24 2122562_1 (GHMatters)30/11109 - 27 wherein supervising movement of the consist comprises operating the ATO system to limit speed of the consist to a predetermined maximum speed. 5

26 The method according to claim 25 wherein the predetermined maximum speed is set to no more than 5km/h.

27. The method according to any one of claims 20 - 26 comprising configuring the consist to listen for a 10 prescribed guard tone from the loadout area when under the control of the load out controller, and to automatically stop in the event that reception of the guard tone is lost. 15

28. The method according to any one of claims 20 - 27 comprising driving the consist under the ATO system to an initial loading position wherein locomotives of the consist have passed a loadout chute of the loadout area and wherein at least a first wagon is located to receive a 20 quantity of the bulk commodity from the loadout chute.

29. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 28 comprising, after the consist has been loaded, the load out controller remotely driving the consist and 25 subsequently stopping the consist at a position where an end of the consist is at a known location in the loadout area.

30. The method according to claim 29 comprising providing 30 an end of train monitor on a end wagon of the consist and a transponder on a rail track in the load out area wherein the consist is stopped at the known location when the transponder detects the end of train monitor. 35

31. The method according to claim 29 or 30 comprising attaching a banker consist comprising one or more banker locos to the end of the consist when stopped at the known 21225621 (GHMatters)30/11/09 - 28 location.

32. The method according to claim 31 comprising operating the banker consist under the ATO system to the 5 predetermined location in or adjacent the loadout area.

33. The method according to claim 32 comprising driving the banker consist through a portion of the load out area during which the banker consist receives a guard tone from io the loadout area, and wherein the banker consist is automatically stopped in the event reception of the guard tone is lost.

34. The method according to claim 33 comprising stopping 15 the banker consist at a known position behind the end of the consist.

35. The method according to claim 34 comprising operating the lead banker under the ATO system to automatically 20 couple to the end of the consist.

36. The method according to any one of claims 20 - 35 comprising upon completion of loading of the consist, handing over control of the consist to the ATO system. 25

37. The method according to claim 36 comprising, upon handing over control to the ATO system, operating the ATO system to update train configuration data to take account of weight of the bulk commodity loaded into the wagons. 30

38. A rail transport system comprising: a rail network comprising a plurality of track sections; a consist comprising a head end lead loco and a 35 plurality of wagons coupled to the head end lead loco; a loadout area encompassing one or more track sections and a loading facility for loading wagons of the 21225621 (GHMatters)30111/09 - 29 consist with a bulk commodity; an automatic train operation (ATO) system for driverless operation of the consist; and, a loadout controller configured to drive the consist 5 and control the loading facility; wherein the consist is operated under the ATO system to an initial loading position in or adjacent the load out area at which control of the consist is handed over to the loadout controller wherein the consist is driven and io loaded in accordance with instructions from the loadout controller; and, wherein upon completion of loading of the consist, handing over control of the consist to the ATO system. 15

39. A method of loading a consist having a head end lead loco and a plurality of wagons with a bulk commodity in a rail transport system having at least one loadout area provided with a loadout controller for loading the bulk commodity into the wagons and an automatic train operation 20 (ATO) system for driverless operation of the consist, the method comprising: arranging the loadout controller to provide driving instructions to the ATO system; arranging the ATO system to drive the consist through 25 the loadout area in response to driving instructions from the loadout controller; loading the consist while the consist is being driven through the load out area under instructions from the loadout controller; and, 30 arranging the ATO system to assume driving control of the consist independent of the loadout controller upon completion of the loading.

40. The method according to claim 39 wherein arranging 35 the ATO system to drive the consist comprises arranging the ATO system to monitor prescribed safe operating parameters of the consist and to intervene in the 2122562_1 (GHMatters)30111/09 - 30 operation of the consist while the consist is being driven under instructions from the loadout controller to enforce operation of the consist within the prescribed operating parameters. 5

41. The method according to claim 40 further comprising arranging the ATO system to: listen for a prescribed guard tone from the consist while the consist moves through the loadout area; and, automatically stop the consist if the 10 guard tone is lost.

42. The method according to claim 41 wherein arranging the ATO system to listen for the guard tone comprises arranging the ATO system to command a guard tone radio on is the head end lead loco to tune to a prescribed guard tone frequency for the loadout area.

43. The method according to any one of claims 39 - 41 wherein arranging the ATO system to drive the consist 20 under instructions from the loadout controller comprises performing a hand over action wherein the loadout controller and the ATO system exchange communications to facilitate the ATO systems acting on driving instructing provided by the loadout controller. 25

44. The method according to claim 33 wherein performing the hand over action comprises the loadout controller providing a signal to the ATO system that the loadout controller is ready to begin directing movement of the 30 consist.

45. The method according to claim 44 wherein performing the hand over action further comprises the ATO system notifying the loadout controller that the loadout 35 controller may begin directing motion of the consist.

46. The method according to any one of claims 39 - 45 21225621 (GHMatters)30/11/09 - 31 wherein arranging the ATO system to operate the consist under instructions from the loadout controller comprises the ATO system uploading a limit of authority for the loadout controller. 5

47. The method according to any one of claims 39 - 46 wherein arranging the ATO system to assume driving control of the consist comprises operating the loadout controller to notify the ATO system that the loadout controller has 10 finished directing the movement of the consist.

48. The method according to any one of claims 39 - 47 wherein arranging the ATO system to assume driving control of the consist comprises operating the ATO system to 15 update train configuration data following loading of the consist with the bulk commodity.

49. The method according to claim 48 wherein updating the train configuration data comprises: uploading the train 20 configuration data to an ATP system wherein the ATP system supervises operation of the consist in accordance with said configuration data and signals received via track circuits and/or transponders. 25

50. The method according to any one of claims 39 - 49 further comprising arranging the ATO system to command the head end lead loco to sound a warning bell for a prescribed time period T1 when the consist commences to move through the loadout area. 30

51. A rail transport system comprising: a network of rail tracks; a consist comprising a head end lead loco and a plurality of wagons coupled to the head end lead loco; 35 a loadout area encompassing at least one track section, the loadout area configured to load wagons of the consist with a bulk commodity; 2122562_1 (GHMatters)30/11109 - 32 an automatic train operation (ATO) system for driverless operation of the consist; a loadout controller configured to provide driving instructions to the ATO system; 5 wherein the ATO system comprises a remote ATO control centre (ATOCC) and an ATO onboard system in communication with the ATOCC, the ATO system being configured to transition between a first state where driving instructions for the ATO onboard system are derived from 10 the ATOCC, and a DLC directed state where driving instructions for the ATO onboard system are derived from the loadout controller.

52. The rail transport system according to claim 51 15 wherein the ATO system is arranged to perform a handover action wherein the loadout controller and the ATO system exchange communications to facilitate transition in state of the ATO system from the first state to the DLC directed state. 20

53. The rail transport system according to claim 51 or 52 wherein the loadout controller is configured to signal to the ATO system that the loadout controller is ready to begin directing movement of the consist through the 25 loadout area.

54. The rail transport system according to claim 53 wherein performing the hand over action further comprises the ATO system notifying the loadout controller that the 30 loadout controller may begin directing motion of the consist.

55. A method of loading a consist substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated in the 35 accompanying drawings.

56. A rail transport system substantially as herein 21225621 (GHMatters)30/11/09 - 33 described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 2122562_1 (GHMatters)30/11/09