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UTILITY
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John Howard Lovelace

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John L. DeAngelis,
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Awress

Holland

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1499 s. Harbor

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UNITED

STATES

PATENT

EXPRESS
AND

MAIL

EK309443052US

TRADEMARK

of

OFFICE

)
)

Applicant:

John

Howard

Lovelace

II,

et al

)
)

Application

No.:

Not

Assigned

)
)

Filing

Date:

Simultaneously

Herewith

)
)

For:

Conguration
Data

Collection

of a Remote
and

System

Communication

{[3}!

Commissioner
Box

Patent

(Eu
Washington,
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Sir:
EXPRESS
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Date
I hereby

certify

informal

drawings

"Express
indicated
Application,

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that

were

Post

above

the

Office

and

Washington,

MAIL

# EK309443052US

of Deposit:

July

attached

Patent

deposited

with

to Addressee"

is addressed
D.C.

to

20, 2000
Application,

the

service

formal

United

States

under

37 CFR

Commissioner

for

Postal

farm

Patents,

submitted,

Pamela

A. DAlessio

Holland

& Knight

1499

S. Harbor

Suite

201

Melbourne,
(321)

4}

Ma.

J4

FL

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City

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Blvd.

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Service

1.10 on the

20231.
Respectfully

and

papers

Box

date

Patent

20-LC-

I969
CONFIGURATION

OF A REMOTE

AND

This

led on October

60/162,294

BACKGROUND
10

The

and

specically,

to a method

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and apparatus

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for remotely

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monitoring

operational

locomotive,

controlling

and

more

and conguring

until

the

can provide
With

is possible

bears application

On-Board

down

and

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number

time

in the

for a Railroad

(attorney

docket

of the

concern.
performance

operation.

This

and immediate

untimely

commonly

Locomotive.

number

rendering

performance

and/or prevent

claimed

event as it

the health

of expected

access to locomotive

of a major

costly

measures
during

down

and introduce

possibly

Therefore,

indications

experts to predict

is described

a system
entitled

repair

the train,

of the locomotive

continuous

repairs,

is of significant

locomotive

and important

and nearly

for locomotive

Such
application

timely

to pull

train is moved.

parameters

timely

costly

Failure

is an especially

sub-assemblies

foriniinimizing

operational

failure

of locomotive

failures.

require

locomotive

engine and its constituent

information

damage,

the disabled

minimization

locomotive

A line-ofroad

a replacement

unusable

requires

of lineof-road

can cause serious

dispatching

track segment

operation

avoidance

locomotive

and fault-related

25

directed

information

railroad

and especially

failures.

is

fault-related

2 ' _OnE apparatus

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of U.S.

process.

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the benet

28, 1999.

invention

parameters

time,

claims

COLLECTION

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OF THE INVENTION

present

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624226.133/20-LC-1978)

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was

aggregates,

led

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on

and communicates

locomotive

operating

locomotive

to a remote

collected

periodically

or as determined

locomotive

control

systems

on-board

during

monitor

performance

monitoring
by

operation.

described
and fault

and diagnostic
various

triggering

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therein

related
center.
events

anomalous

collects,

data from
The
from

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an

data is
various
data is

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but

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diagnose
collect

potential

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SUMMARY
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center for analysis

occur on a periodic
download.

conguration

les stored

download

and diagnostic

develop

data

to similar
before

to avoid

thresholds

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incipient

can be derated

repair

be

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identies

of operational

also
can

can be performed

facility.

until

at the remote

recommendations

for

faults.

service

from

within

it.

parameters

monitors

several locomotive
and downloaded

basis, but certain

and
control

data

systems.

This

fault events on the locomotive

Among

other

to be collected

things,

these

les include

and diagnostic

center.

the

les are changed

at the remote

to the on-board

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les and can modify

characteristics

trigger

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these conguration

center, they are uploaded

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of one or more

to change the operational

the conguration

monitoring

of repair recommendations.

operates under control

monitoring

collects

to a remote

monitor

center provides

les as required
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a locomotive

and the generation

to the remote

and diagnostic

monitor.

also

monitor

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of the operational

the conguration
board

aboard

the on-board

an immediate

monitoring

at a repair

or to correct

of the locomotive

an immediate

violations

and maintenance

process

of

cause

can also be applied

maintenance

limit

data at the

OF THE INVENTION

data is stored within

identity

and further

to

the root

anomalous

of the locomotive

aspects

monitor

send it to a remote

recommendation.

If the data analysis

repair

preventative

of

patterns

locomotive

to

of the perfonnance

operation

and repair

preventive

can undergo
and

data

diagnosis

performance

monitoring

BRIEF

in locomotive

occurs.

system degradation

downloads

30

down

time

systems,

elements

an on-board

on the data to identify

in a single

modes

to utilize

Upon receipt

Historical

so that the necessary

and diagnostic

Experts

data.

failure

line-of-service
problems,

faults.

and software

and at the appropriate

operate

clues to an accurate

learned

llfli

tools

by these control

hardware

advantageous

service center.

data analysis

directly

operator

the necessary

the information

and diagnostic

site,

analyze

lacks

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and aggregate

remote

10

itself

the fault.

monitoring

of the locomotive

monitor

of the onmonitoring
whenever

communications

DESCRIPTION
The

description

of the preferred

associated

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controller.

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locomotive

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nature

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in commonly
Locomotive,

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apparatus

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in the art having

a locomotive

EMBODIMENTS

should

technique.

the enviromnent

monitor

can include:

patent

it

combination

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showing

1 illustrates

systems.

invention,

conguration

extent that the on-board

control

in view

of the conguration

conguration

so as not to obscure the disclosure

depicted

equipment

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to those skilled

apparent
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function

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present invention

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of the present invention;

operation

the

gures, in which:

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OF THE PREFERRED
in detail

in the drawings,

systems,

25

describing

to a soware

locomotive

of the essential

and

considered

and the following

chart illustrating

DESCRIPTION

and hardware

readily

and the remote

understood

when

apparent,

to the teachings

resides primarily

elements

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the present invention.

in accordance

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more

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diagram

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invention

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path

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invention

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locomotive

performs

typical

signal

systems

device

in the art.

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especially

the control

from

the locomotive

22, communicates

monitoring

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a number

of

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among

point

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either

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control

appropriate

with

communication
are:

cellular

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or passengers,

sometimes

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statement

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as is well

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of the on-board

considerable

time

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in the art, there are

implementing

satellite

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device

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regions,

scheme of

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schemes

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these schemes

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12.

systems

equation

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statement

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locomotive

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locomotive

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basis.

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when the on-board

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of the on-board

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implemented

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infonnation.

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conguration

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triggers),

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information

data collection

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for

a plurality

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denition

10 should

necessary

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to collect from the locomotive

parameters

(i.e.,

monitor

monitor

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30

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a recommendation

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25

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time or if the average outside

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if the locomotive
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for

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on-board

road number

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monitoring

there are any new

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at a step 42.

proceeds

at

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falling

situation

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for carrying
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will

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next arrives
technician

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material

scope thereof.

to the particular
out this invention,

for

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disclosed

claims.

10

to

a preferred
changes may

thereof,

without

that the invention

as the best mode

includes

without

may be made to

of the invention

it is intended

but rather that the invention

the scope of the appended

elements

modications

to the teachings

embodiment

reference

in the art that various

may be substituted

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not be limited

this problem,

with

described

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be made

adapt a particular

concerning

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expert

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the present invention,

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home.

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log full

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at the

expert

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monitor

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monitor

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monitor

on-board

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center

and the reason why this particular

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call home.

frequency

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data from

to download

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attempts

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operational

a full

has been congured

remote

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monitor

contemplated

all embodiments

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IS CLAIMED
1.

For

operational

therefrom

on-board

monitor

monitoring

in

the

monitoring
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link

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information

for controlling

the

information

at the

remote

the on-board

monitor

and the

center;

is operational

information

center, transmitting

monitoring

and diagnostic

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information

remote
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center

monitor;

transmitting

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the

to

detennining

center,

for the on-board

to the step of determining,

transmit

to

said operational

and diagnostic

information

to the on-board

whether

and

the modied
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remote

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conguration
diagnostic

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center.
2.

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3.

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For

method

the on-board

monitor,

a conguration

operational
diagnostic

claim

1 wherein

in

modifying

occurs

in

occurs

in

is operating.

comprising

monitor

dependence

modifying

for

collecting

conguration

on

center,

a plurality

of

operational
information

for controlling

an apparatus

comprising:
modier

transmitter

information

locomotive

and diagnostic

for modifying

at the remote monitoring

rst

of

step

the locomotive

an on-board

mctional

monitoring

the

in which

of

step

of the locomotive.

1 wherein

railroad
by

the

characteristics

claim

monitored

thereom
by a remote

of

with

use

systems

information

information

of

to a change in the environment

operational

supplied

method

to changes in the operational

response

4.

30

dependence

to the remote monitoring

in response

response

25

there

conguration

monitor

plurality

the steps of:

and diagnostic

at the remote

comprising

center;

and diagnostic

on-board

an on-board

a communications

event

locomotive

and diagnostic

on-board

and diagnostic

monitoring

10

monitoring

the

establishing

by

mctional

in

comprising

modifying

railroad

monitored

by a remote

remote

with

use

systems

information
supplied

IS:

for
from

the on-board

and diagnostic

transmitting

the on-board

center;
11

monitor

conguration

center;
unique

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identication

to the remote

signal

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and
and

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receiver

infonnation

operational

wherein

for

said

and diagnostic

transmitting

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identication

and

the

from

the

center;

conguration

information

center to said second receiver;

conguration

signal

monitor;

at the on-board

transmitter

remote monitoring

unique

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at the remote monitoring

a second receiver
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receiving

for

information

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operation

controls

of

the on-board

monitor.
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5.
responsive
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responsive

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information

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supplied

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functional

identication

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a remote

25

board monitor

at the remote

monitoring

the remote monitoring

30

following

modier

is

collecting

plurality

of

operational
information

said apparatus

for controlling

and diagnostic

transmission

to said on-board

signal

from

the on-

center;

receiver

for receiving

and diagnostic

and diagnostic

the unique

center and for activating

in response thereto;
transmitter

center

monitor

transmitter

for

calling

center receiver,

center transmitter
receiver.
12

for receiving

in response

for transmitting

of any available

monitor

monitor

at the on-board

transmitter

and diagnostic

information

identication

center transmitter

receiver

monitor

and diagnostic

center

conguration

center;

and diagnostic

monitoring

an on-board

monitoring

a unique

monitor

the on-

a call signal thereto;

monitor

signal and for activating

said on-board

conguration

on

the on-board

and diagnostic

by transmitting

an on-board

for

for modifying

and diagnostic

said remote

monitor

center,

monitoring

monitoring

signal

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is operating.

comprising

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at the remote monitoring

a remote
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modier

comprising:

a conguration

board monitor

the locomotive

dependence

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conguration

the

locomotive

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by

monitoring

monitor

the on-board

in

in which

conguration

of the locomotive.

4 wherein

railroad

monitored

systems

information

with

use

the

characteristics

claim

of

apparatus

4 wherein

to a change in the environment

7.
operational

claim

to changes in the operational

6.

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infomiation,
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said remote
conguration

ABSTRACT
A method

and apparatus

control

an on-board

remote

monitoring

information

from

monitor

for

modifying

located

and diagnostic

aboard

a locomotive.

the on-board

center,

the locomotive

conguration

and transmits

information
Under

monitor

it to

the

the control

periodically

remote

center.

When it is desired to change some aspect associated

collection

process

(including

of data collected,
the on-board
diagnostic

etc.),

monitor.

it is necessary
The conguration

center and then transmitted

during

which

to change

the data is collected,

the conguration

le is changed

to the on-board

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the period

used to

and

Pleasetypea plussign(+)insidethisbox )

PTO/SB/D1
(12-97)
Approved
for usethrough9/30/G0.OMB0651-0032
PatentandTrademark
Office;U.S.DEPARTMENT
OFCOMMERCE
UnderthePaperwork
Reduction
Actof1995,nopersons
ofinformation
unlessit contains
torespond
to a collection
arerequired
OMB
number.
valid
control
a
Aomev Docket Number 20-LC-1969/624226.146 I
UTILITY
on
i3EcLARATlg:Sl=Ig:
John Howard Lovelace
Hm Named memo

(37 CFR
U Declaration
_
Submitted
with initial
Filing

APPLICATION

PATENT

03

Application Number UnaSSigIled/

1,63)

D Declaration
Submitted after initial
Filing (surcharge
lgguCi3r::)1-15 (9))

Filing Date

Simultaneously

Group Art Unit

U935-Slgned
.

.
Examiner Name

Unassigned

Herewith
=

As inbelownamedInventor.I herebydeclarethat:
andcitizenship
Myresidence,
postofficeaddress,
areasstatedbelownextto myname.

Li!

iL'ilii.IIIlIi."

firstandsoleinventor(ifonlyonenameislistedbelow)oranoriginal.rstandjointinventor(ifplural
i believeIamtheoriginal,
entitled:
namesarelistedbelow)ofthesubjectmatterwhichISclaimedandforwhicha patentissoughtontheinvention
and Communication
System
Conguration
of a Remote Data Collection
ofwhich
thespecication
isattached
hereto
OR
U wasFiled
On(MM/DD/YYY/l

/Tr/aa/ms/m/ermbn)
Numberor PCTlritemational
as UnitedStatesApplication

Application
Number|
iii"
'"
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(itamicable)andwasamended
on(MM/DD/YYYY)
specication,
including
theclaims,as
thecontents
attheaboveidentified
andunderstand
I herebystatethatI havereviewed
specifically
referredto above.
amended
byanyamendment
information
whichismaterial
in37CFR1.56.
thedutytodisclose
topatentability
I acknowledge
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I herebyclaimforeignprioritybenefitsunder35 U.S.C.119(a)-(d)
or 365(b)of anytorelgnappiiwtion(s)for patentor invemors
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l:] Additionalprovisionalapplication
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60/162294
10/28/1999
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PTOISB/02Battachedhereto.

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Timewill vary depending
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Carl A. Rowold
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This is a request for ling a PROVISIONAL APPLICATION FOR PATENT under
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lNVENTOR(S
Old

GivenName(lirstandmiddle[itany])
Juan

Residence
(guyand9,9,9,3,3,90, Faeigncount)

FamilyNameor Surname
Lauger-Diaz

Erie, PA

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Automated

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III

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SIGNATURE
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B .we J Mora
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CFR 1.14. This coleetion is estimated
0 take 8 hours to complete,includinggathering,preparing,and submittingthe completeprovisional
applicationto the PTO.
Time will vary dependingupon the individualcase.
Any commentson the amountof time you require to completethis
form
griigfd/or
Suggestionstor reducingthis burden,should be sent to the Chief lntom-rationOllicer,
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Carl F.

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Conrath

Erie, PA

Thomas

G.

Cook

F311-view, PA

Gregory

J.

Fera

Erie, PA

Bradley

C.

Hendrickson

Erie, PA

John H.

Lovelace

Erie, PA

James E.

Pander

Erie, PA

Ashish

Puri

Erie, PA

David

Schroeck

Erie, PA

Number

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VIA
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UNITED

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EJ876147833US

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Applicant:

Juan

Serial

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l

No.:

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Automated"

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Assistant
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Sir:
EXPRESS

MAIL

# EJ876147833US

"'
Date
of Deposit:
October
28,
1999
"III."
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I hereby
certify
that the attached
Provisional
Patent
Application
Eiffi
was deposited
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service
([3331:
under
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1.10 on the date indicated
above
and is addressed
to Assistant
Commissioner

for

Patents,

BOX

Provisional

Patent

Application,

Washington,

20231.

Respectfully

submitted,

/dame./SWW

Bonnie

A. Brennan

Holland

& Knight

P.O.

Box

Orlando,
(407)

ORL1#501507V1

LLP

1526
FL

244-1122

32802-1526

D.C.

@ ELECTRIC

GENERAL

Docket

No:

Page No.:

COMPANY
TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS BUSINESS
DIVISION
Erie, Pennsylvania

of

Patent Counsel
GE Transportation
The

invention

and

a docket

BRIEF
Call

number

DESCRIPTIVE

ART:

herein

disclosed

Process

Recovery

PRIOR

System

(Related

is submitted

with

the request

that

a docket

be opened

assigned.

"

OF INVENTION:

TITLE

for Wireless
patents,

Monitoring

Remote

dockets,

reports, articles,

and Diagnostics

System

texts, etc.)

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(State purpose

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of invention,

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novel

features

and

'

This process allows the wireless Remote Monitoring and Diagnostics system to recover from the following
events:
1. Temporary loss of communications, and
2. Installation of new communications hardware on remote monitored units.
In a typical application, an off-board system. known as the Call Center, initiates regular calls to each of its remote
mobile units for routine download of diagnostic data. If one of the two events listed above occurs, however, this will not
be possible. Item I is generally caused by either loss of coverage due to the mobility of the remote unit, or by scheduled
maintenance on the remote unit. Item 2 possesa unique problem. When the communications hardware is changed on
the remote unit, the phone number will change and the Call Center will no longer know how to contact the remote unit.
The Call Recovery Process is unique in its scheduling manner, which is resilient to events such as those described
above. In particular, the following novel features make this system unique:

DOCUMENTATION:
Patent Notebook
Job Notebook
READ
Witnes

AND

No:

No:

Pages:

Entry

Dated:

Pages:

Entry

Dated:

UNDERSTOOD:
'

It-

Date?

Inventor:

Witness:

Date:
Date:

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GENERAL

ELECTRIC

Docket

COMPANY
TRANSPORTATION
SYSTEMS BUSINESS
DIVISION
Erie, Pennsylvania

No:

Page No.:

INVENTION

of

DISCLOSURE

0 Use of Call Timers on the remote units

0 Use of Call Logs on the remote units
0 Use of a call-back initiated by the remote unit to re-synchronize or recover calls
Calls can be initiated by either remotely monitored units or the Call Center. Variables taken into account
by the
scheme include the geographical location of the remote mobile systems, the known signal strength for the
remote
location, time (bued on local Call Timers), and the time of previous successful/unsuccessful calls (based
on local Call
Logs).

DETAILED
diagrams,

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waveforms,

(Use as many description

pages as necessary
diagrams, if applicable.)

including

sketches,

block

and circuit

In general, each remote unit is called by the Call Center once

every 24 hours to collect data. This is shown in
Figure 1 below, where the horizontal arrow indicates the general time line, and the vertical
arrows indicate events. The
t-stttwo events are scheduled downloads, denoted by the DL" symbol. Each call that is received
or initiated by the
remote unit is logged in that unit's Call Log.
if, for son1ereason, the Call Center is unable to connect to the remote unit for scheduled download,
it will
a
retry the connection for a total of N attempts. In the example shown in Figure l, N is equal to three. The number
of
attampts may be detennined by such things as the price per call, knowledge of the coverage in the operating
area, or
knowllodge of scheduled maintenance. After N attempts, the Call Center will give
up and await a call from the remote
unit.
The remote unit will be equipped with a local Call Timer. If the remote unit does
not receive the regularly
schecaed
download call from the call center, it will wait a xed time period, T, from the previous
successil download.
as determined by the local Call Timer. Theremote unit may add additional time to this wait period if it detects that there
;
is no communication available in is current geographical location. Once the period T has
expired and communications
'
is available, the remote unit will initiate a call to the Call Center. During this call, the
remote unit will provide the Call
Centaurwith re-synchronization infonnation. This information will include its road number (identication),
the current
configuration of the remote communication system (including phone number), and
current geographical location. This
resynchronization information triggers a Call Center if the communications hardware
on the remote unit has changed.
lftbe call back is successful, the call center will immediately initiate call
to perform the missed download. The
a
sysmm will then return to the nonnal download schedule.

READ AND UNDER

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GENERAL
'

ELECTRIC

Docket

COMPANY
TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS BUSINESS
DIVISION
Erie, Pennsylvania
INVENTION
TIME (hrs)
0
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48

71
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DISCLOSURE

24

24hrs

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Scheduling

Scheme

Example

To prevent busy signals when the OBM calls the call center, the call center shall have a line-hunting group with
sufficient trunk capability based on the number of remote units serviced by the call center. This reduces the probability
that the call-back will interfere with the regular download of another remote unit. If the OBM call-back is unsuccessful,
the OBM will continue to retry up until the next scheduled download, as detennined by the Call Log and Call Timer.

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GENERAL

*3 ELECTRIC

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COMPANY
TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS BUSINESS
DIVISION
Erie, Pennsylvania

No:

Page No.:

of

Patent Counsel
GE Transportation
The

invention

and

a docket

BRIEF

System
disclosed

number

with

ART:

the

that

request

a docket

be opened

TITLE

'

OF INVENTION:

for Locomotive

Rate, Channel Reliability,

PRIOR

is submitted

assigned.

DESCRIPTIVE

File Structure

herein

(Related

Data Transfer Optimization

and File Prioritization

patents, dockets,

reports,

articles,

via a Wireless

Network

based on Translfer

texts, etc.)

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(State purpose

of invention,

and concisely

summarize

the essential

novel

features

advantages.)
Transmitting

and

files over a TCP/IP link in a wireless environment

poses several particular
becomes more relevant when transmitting
over a high latency, error prone
network.
The file structure for locomotive
data, was chosen to minimized
the effects of latency and
the benefits of the inherit priority
errors, while maximizing
and value of some files
over others.
This invention is based on empirical observations
and experimental
data. It categorizes the
different locomotive
data in different download groups and identifies
the appropriate
downloading
challenges.

The problem

strategy.

DOCUMENTATION:
Patent Notebook
Job Notebook
READ A
Witness:

No:

No:

Pages:

Entry

Dated:

Pages:

Entry

Dated:

TOOD:

l
Date:

Witness:

"1
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Date:

Inventor:
Department:
Date:

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GETS

g:

Q ELECTRIC

GENERAL

Docket

Page No.:

COMPANY
TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS BUSINESS
DIVISION
Erie, Pennsylvania
INVENTION

waveforms,

diagrams,

DISCLOSURE

Six Sigma Project

in the GETS

are found
is shown

of the process

Request

of3

including

sketches, block

and circuit

The details of this project

A summary

2
.j.__

(Use as many description

pages as necessary
diagrams, if applicable.)

DESCRIPTION:

DETAILED

No:

in the following

block

by Juan Laguer-Diaz.

diagram.

Cofct

Connection?

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3019-1

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GETS

GENERAL

ELECTRIC

Docket

COMPANY
TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS BUSINESS
DIVISION
Erie, Pennsylvania
INVENTION

Preliminary

Data / Optimization

The following

Network Latency
Anomalies
Faults
Other Delays

Assumptions

Data Per
"
2750.00
1300.00

of3

DISCLOSURE

download

structure

Transfer 11rne per (sec)

5.00
5.00
2.36
43.00

and the time delays associate with

Total Transfer (minutes)

5.67
5.00
0.32
0.72
11.70

it._

Comment
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150 parameter/anomaly
(5 Fault Logs + other)
Sat + PPP

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20 byteslsecond

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2
other Delays

Faults

strategies

from the data:

can be concluded
the number of les can reduce network latency, the main driver of time.
Similar les can be merged together.
This reduces the number of les, but gives enough
exibility
the get specic data on demand.
Reducing

le, Faults Files, shall be transmitted

rst.
requirement
for emergency / special situations.

The time sensitive

time critical

optimization

I
I

NetworkLatency
The Following

This allows

the service to meet

The optimum transfer rate solution is to have only

one le, but it is not desirable due to the
chance of having to retransmit ALL the information
in the likely event of loosing the
com
channel.

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GENERAL

ELECTRIC

Docket

No:

Page No.:

COMPANY
TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS BUSINESS
DIVISION
Erie, Pennsylvania

of

Patent Counsel
GE Transportation
The

invention

and

a docket

BRIEF

disclosed

(Related

is submitted

with

the

that

request

a docket

be opened

assigned.

TITLE

Locomotive

ART:

herein

number

DESCRIPTIVE

Automatic
PRIOR

System

'

OF INVENTION:

Communication
patents, dockets,

System

reports,

Commissioning

articles,

texts,

Process

etc.)

None

Jill
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iii
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ABSTRACT:

(State purpose

of invention,

and concisely

advantages.)

summarize

the essential

novel

features

and

'

The service of providing

services to a locomotive
requires the
remote communication
and synchronization
of different
and
databases.
This invention
systems
of
accomplishing
this
in
manufacturing,
service, or maintenance
process

initialization,
establishes

conguration

environment.

an automatic
The process links the appropriate

equipment

data in different

and correct locomotive

and communication
databases to enable the service.
.
In order to accomplish this, the service relies on algorithms
that run independently
in a
_
locomotive
in
off-board
and
These
algorithms
processor
computer system.
an
are triggered by a
virgin
communication
The process matches the
power up flag from the locomotive
system.
different commissioning
information,
such as locomotive
road number, and phone number.
To do
the
locomotive
road
number
is
taken
from
the
locomotive
control
and
the
phone
so,
number
system,
is taken from caller

ID equipment.

This information

is later used to track,

contact

and service

the

locomotives.

DOCUMENTATION:
Patent Notebook
Job Notebook
READ

No:

No:
D

Entry

Dated:

Pages:

Entry

Dated:

OOD:

Witness:
Witness:

Pages:

(/.=._1 \_.(

=21:

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A1

4\

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Date: 3[|I_-1 l 93

Inventor:

Date:

Witness:

Date:

Inventor:

Witness:

Date:

Inventor:
Department:
Date:

5"
0

GETS

'

)3

GENERAL

ELECTRIC

Docket

No:

Page No.:

COMPANY
TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS BUSINESS
DIVISION
Erie, Pennsylvania
INVENTION

of

DISCLOSURE

The process also diagnoses the communication

system to identify problems with the system
The use of an automatic system allows the service to be offered to a large number of
installation.
in a reliable and cost-effective
locomotives
manner.

DETAILED
diagrams,

DESCRIPTION:
waveforms,

SUMMARY
Aer the installation

(Use as much description

pages as necessary
diagrams, if applicable.)

including

sketches,

block

and circuit

of the equipment,

the system
Check the system general functionality
Check the download process

Check the upload process

?El1"l11'li.".ll:Eil Match locomotive
road number

to its installed

needs to:

phone number.

..!

communication
control places a call to the off board computer as
In order to do this, the locomotive
This call only happens after the locomotive
soon as it detects that it is installed in a new locomotive.
is available.
This call is then identified
by the off board
is taken to a place where satellite connection

"lI"a!

computer
controller

and the phone number

will

is read from-a

itself with the locomotive

identify

'"
assigned phone number can then be match
llitrllifzsliilliEl!llIIIIl'll7
communication
services to the locomotive.

Caller

ID system. The locomotive

communication
road number.
The locomotive
road number and its

in a database that can later be used to provide

all of the

and do the initial

it can be use to contact the locomotive

to road number match is established,
automatic testing on it. A summary of the process is included in the next diagram.

/EB/EW%
Wimess:
READ
A

Once the phone number

OD:
Date:

71ml

4 "\

Inventor:

Date:3[_tj-H53

Inventor:

Witness:

Date:

Inventor:

Witness:

Date:

Inventor.

Witness:

Department:
Date:

~-

GETS

-33

@ ELECTRIC

GENERAL

Docket

Noi

Page No.:

COMPANY
TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS BUSINESS
DIVISION
Erie, Pennsylvania
INVEN

[ION

of

DISCLOSURE

r
7.

II

Call

Check
Download

U P load

Home

PTU

1.

- BAD RN. triggers Call Home

' OBM knows IFC RoadNumber
- MDSC Knows Phone#. Caller ID
- Initial RN to PN matchestablished
- MDSC Knows it is new RN
- DownloadsOperationalFile
- Diagnoses.Connectionsto PSC. IFC. GPS
- CreatesDiagnosisFile
- Upload CongurationFile
~ Upload Diagnosis File
If Test is OK. RN is Activated

ll?5ui?Z!it";fllEill"||3'||IIl|EIi

- UsePTU to checkDiagnosis(Ethernet)
0 If test Fails. useTS Guide to diagnose
- Fix. andUpload Dummy RN, restarttest
"Ill!
"'
IIIIll"lI5'
The maintenance/manufacturing
IE5:
IE1:
llfffn

operator does not have to nm any special test on the unit. However,
the
unit
is
diagnosed
from
by
the off board computer, he/she will be able to read the .diagnostics
once
conclusions
by using a locomotive
PTU.

DETAILED

STEPS

As soon as the communication

the system shall call the
system is installed on the locomotive,
OFF-BOARD
This is accomplished
by using a virgin
computer.
power up ag that is only
valid once. In our case the system checks the road number that is prograrmned
in the locomotive
controllers,

if it differs

from the one programmed

on the communication

controller

it is assumes

a virgin:
power up.
The locomotive
shall keep trying
completed
locomotive

?
Wimes
READ
Witness:

successfully.
road number.
D

CJ 4%,

to contact the OFF -BOARD

is
computers until the connection
the connection,
the locomotive
shall identify itself with its
The locomotive
road number is read from the locomotive
controllers.

During

OD:
I /mu .3:

Date:-71"?/VI
Datezjjj

5 (VI

./-~
Inventor;

Inventor:

Witness:

Date:

Inventor:

Witness:

Date:

Inventor:
Department:
Date:

GETS

5?

' 3&3

GENERAL

ELECTRIC

Docket

No:

Page No.:

COMPANY
TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS BUSINESS
DIVISION
Erie, Pennsylvania
INVENTION

of

DISCLOSURE

call and read its appropriate phone

computer shall receive the locomotive
Caller
ID
number using a
system.
I
ROAD NUMBER
The PHONE NUMBER
can then be matched to the appropriate
on the
The OFF-BOARD

appropriate
0

databases.
The
to its phone number.
computer tries to contact the locomotive
operational
les are then Download.
with the downloaded
les. The results shall be
performed
OFF-BOARD
then
are

The OFF-BOARD
locomotive

Diagnostics

stored on a specic le.

The OFF-BOARD
system
other pertinent data.

The maintenance/service/manufacturing

uploads

the results

of the diagnostics

operator

upon it.
system has an accurate

to the locomotive

can then access the diagnostics

as well as any
le using

PTU and act appropriately

0

The OFF-BOARD
telephone

Fill
Ilfll
"ll?"
lifll
5:.
SE25!
llffin
"ll'u

match

of locomotive

road number

with its appropriate

are swapped,

the system will

start over and

number.

Any time the on board communication

recongure itself.

** Please, see attached

controller

information

"'
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DE

OD:
-

Date:

71"! I W

Inventor:

Witness:

Date: 31 ljj

Inventor:

Witness:

Date:

Inventor.

Witness:

Date:

Inventor:
Department:
Date:

GETS

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GENERAL
_

_.O-'

ELECTRIC

Docket

COMPANY
TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS BUSINESS
DIVISION
Erie, Pennsylvania

No:

Page No.:

of

Patent Counsel
GE Transportation

System

invention

The

disclosed

and a docket

BRIEF

number

DESCRIPTIVE

Remote verication
PRIOR

ART:

herein

with

the request

that

a docket

be opens

assigned.

TITLE

OF INVENTION:

of software

(Related

is submitted

patents,

versions
dockets,

and alerting

reports,

of mismatches

articles,

texts, etc.)

'!:":ElIl[f'l[I.ll

iii?!
I151:
"I111

ABSTRACT:

of invention,

and concisely

summarize

the essential novel

features and

advantages.)

'"
The purpose
"ll-'3'
llfll
errors which
REEL
Key features
IE1:
Ilfiiu

(State purpose

of this process is to detect software mismatches

on a remote system and prevent
may occur as a result of incorrect software or soware incompatibility.
of this process include:
retrieval of software version

Remote

Verication

Alerting

of software

mechanism

versions

to notify

information

against expected

affected

the

parties

conguration

of mismatch

DOCUMENTATION:
Patent Notebook
Job Notebook
READ
Witness:

AND

No:

No:
ERSTOOD:
7) Z/glam

Pages:

Entry

Dated:

Pages:

Entry

Dated:

Inventor:

Witness:

Date: 7 I f ~"l]
Date:

Witness:

Date:

Inventor:

Witness:

Date:

Inventor:

Inventor:

Department:
Date:

,o.5._
GETS

Monitoring

and

Diagnostics

Service

Information

IM

System

Subsystem

l_)_esign

Conguration

Document

Mismatches

"ii'3'Ii.'.1i'!:?.|l

E335
ii!
E!
fifn
"i!"u
"
"li-'
ii]!
315338
Ilfin
Ifiu

Author:

John Lovelace

Date:

6/26/99

Revision:

1.0

(2675)

Design Specication: Conguration Mismatches

Page 1 of4

Center

Table

of Contents

SUBSYSTEM

PROCESS FLOW

TRIGGER

CASE CREATION

OVERVIEW

DEFINITION
PROGRAM

'!EE3H
"ll3i'}f.".ll
"1l"HIL..i_iiE:':!'!ElI

"
!|lI.'.T!".!T

!t";En
lffin

Design Specication: Conguration Mismatches

Page 2 of4

_1_1'iodule

This

module

mismatch.

Overview

addresses the creation

A mismatch

from the conguration

2.

Process

of cases to notify the MDSC in the event of

a conguration
if
congurable
item
downloaded
from
the
locomotive
occurs
deviates
a
dened in the Locomotive
Conguration
(BOM) in Clarify.

Flow

ParameterData
FTPto Database
Serverdunng
.
Downloadprocess

We U.ma"ed'
Unzipped.
Decoded.and
stored to
Dahbase

Triggercompaies
ValueStoredwith
Locomotive
conguration
(BOM)

On InsertTrigger
on specied
7 ParameterTables
Fires

5"

i:
IL]!
"Ill"
E39
E35

is value
Different?

Yes
1

|l":.r
'1'l"n

Call CaseCreation
API CreatingCase
at Type
Conguration
Mismatch

'"
"ll-'1'
IE]!
Iii}?!
llffli
lliu
Ilfffzr

Design Specication: Conguration Mismatchcs

Page3 of 4

3..r'gger
Denition

An on insert

trigger

will

be created on the following

table _gets_l089_ifc

CAB

Software

table _gets_1348_ifc

EXC

Software

table _gets_2l48_ifc

EXC Soware

table _gets__3096_ifc

AUX

tab1e_gets_8889_ifc

IMC

When

red

the

or CAX

Soware

Soware
Soware

or PSC Software

trigger

IN S'i'ANCE_NAME

tables:

will
the LAST
compare
eld from TABLE_SCM_VIEW

equal

eld
where

to the OBJID of the SITE PART for this download.

down load can be found in TABLE_GETS_DL_SUMMARY.

in

each

of

these

the [NST_OBJID
The objid

tables

with

the

for that record is

for the site part for this

If the values match, the program should end. If the values do not match, the trigger should call
-ll'.'ll
the case creation API creating a case of type Conguration
Mismatch
in the MDSC Work
"Ill"
Queue.
The case description
should be Conguration
Mismatch:
[Serial_Number
for
ill
Site_Part]
has
[Description
from
tabel_scm_view]
mismatch.
Value
a
returned was [Last from
"
an
from tab1e'_scm_view].
" parameter table] expecting [Instance_name
IL
lfiiu
"ll"Il
"' 4. Case Creation
ll
llfl
iii}! The API for creating
liil Specication.
ll".in
IE1:

Program

has already been documented

cases automatically
Refer to that document for details on this API.

Design Specication: Conguration Mismatches

Page4 of 4

in the Auto

Case Creation

UENEKAL

V9 I:.LbC'l'RIC

Docket

COMPANY
TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS BUSINESS
DIVISION
Erie, Pennsylvania

No:

Page No.:

Patent Counsel
GE Transportation
The

invention

and

a docket

System
disclosed

number

herein

is submitted

with

the

that

request

a docket

be opened

assigned.

BRIEF

DESCRIPTIVE

Remote

Conguration

of a Remote

PRIOR

ART:

patents,

TITLE

(Related

OF INVENTION:
Data Collection

dockets,

reports,

and Communication
articles,

texts,

System

etc.)

Purpose:
To recongure
remote

from

data collection

a remote location the data collection

and communication
system

Ell
IEIII
Key Features:
"ll-"
0 Remote conguration
Ell
Remote conguration
"ll"I1ll':En'iEE5.!i:':l!
Remote
central

conguration
monitoring

Remote
"'
"ll?
lllill
iii!
Sill
liiu
Ilifn

conguration

password,

usemame
facility.

diagnostic

of parameters to collect
of the conditions
under
of the conditions
under

and diagnostic

and communication

which

to collect

which

the remote

system

activities

should

of a

contact

the

facility

of communication
to be used by remote

and securi ty information

system when contacting

such as phone number,

central monitoring
and

DOCUMENTATION:
Patent Notebook
Job Notebook
READ
Witness:

AND

No:

No:
LLNDERSTOODZ

Pages:

Entry

Dated:

Pages:

Entry

Dated:

/'77

Date:

'1 "

Witness:

Date:

7"

Witness:

Date:

Inventor:

Witness:

Date:

Inventor:

Inventor:
Inventorz

I
14

I77

Department:
Date:

GETS

UENEKAL

@ IZLIZC

1 RIC

Docket

COMPANY
TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS BUSINESS
DIVISION
Erie, Pennsylvania
INVENTION
ABSTRACT:

(State purpose
and advantages.)

of invention,

No:

Page No.:

of

DISCLOSURE

and concisely

summarize

the essential

novel features
/

Trill
"|lII'llII.ll
'53!
ii?
ll'":fIci'zi':
"ll"u
"'
"II?
II}
.'Ii33.!.
ll:".u
llfifn

DETAILED
DESCRIPTION:
block diagrams,
waveforms,

(Use as many description

pages as necessary
and circuit diagrams,
if applicable.)

including

sketches,

An application
stores information
about the conguration
of the remote system. Conguration
changes can be requested through the application's
interface.
Upon change to conguration
user
in
the application
a le is written
out to the le system and the download
process is notied to send
conguration
le to remote system the next time it downloads.
Following
next download all
conguration
les agged for upload
are sent to remote system. Once the phone call (connection
to remote system) is disconnected
the remote system restarts to read in
les.
new conguration
The types of les to remotely
congure fall into four categories:
1) Parameters to collect
2) Conditions
under which to collect
3)

Conditions

READ
Witness:

under

which

remote

AND UNDERSTOOD:
g2:
Z Lgmz

system

should

Date:

contact

7-If-i

central

monitoring

and diagnostic

center

Inventor:
/1-4

777

Witness:

Date:7

Witness:

Date:

Inventor:

Witness:

Date:

Inventor:

Inventor:
/

Department:
Date:

GETS

GENERAL

@ ELECTRIC

Docket

INVENTION
4)

Communication/Security
and diagnostic

information

No:

Page No.:

COMPANY
TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS BUSINESS
DIVISION
Erie, Pennsyivania

DISCLOSURE

used when remote

system

contacts

central

center.

'!Eii
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READ

AND

UNDERSTOOD:

Witness:

Date:

Inventor:

Witness:

Date:

Inventor:

Witness:

Date:

Inventor:

Witness:

Date:

Inventor:
Department:
Date:

GETS

monitoring

GENERAL

Docket

ELECTRIC

No:

COMPANY
TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS BUSINESS
.
DIVISION
Erie, Pennsylvania

:
.

Page No.:

of

Patent Counsel
GE Transportation
The

invention

and

a docket

BRIEF

herein

is submitted

with

the

request

that

assigned.

a docket

be opened

DESCRIPTIVE

TITLE OF INVENTION:
Communication
Equipment
Control

ART:

(Related

Westinghouse

disclosed
number

Locomotive
PRIOR

System

Wireless

Algorithms

patents, dockets, reports, articles, texts,

Solutions Document #UM IL01021

etc.)

.:

ABSTRACT:

(State purpose

of invention,

and concisely

advantages.)
E
5"

This invention

summarize

the essential

novel features

and

establishes

the control algorithms

for the locomotive
communication
the locomotive
communication
controller
with a way of handling specic
communication
events. This makes the communication
system more reliable and less susceptible
to
faults and faulty states.
'
Specic instances
are recorded in a locomotive
operational
log. This log can then be.used
to
diagnose the system remotely,
or directly while the locomotive
is being serviced.
The algorithms
optimized
provided
are
minimal communication
to
downtime
with increased functionality.

equipment.

It provides

DOCUMENTATION:
Patent Notebook
Job Notebook
READ
7Ewu A
Witness:
Witness:
Witness:
Witness:

No:

No:

Pages:

Entry

Dated:

Pages:

Entry

Dated:

RSTOOD:
Sm asik

Iiq'I
Date:

Inventor:

Date: 3;( 13 (I1

Date:

Inventor:

Date:

-'
'2 Scl\.. r"\

Inventor:
Inventor:
Department:
Date:

GETS

'- 5

93 ELECTRIC

GENERAL

Docket

Page No.2

COMPANY
TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS BUSINESS
DIVISION
Erie. Pennsylvania
D
INVENTION
DETAILED
diagrams,

DESCRIPTION:
waveforms,

No:
2

of

DISCLOSURE

(Use as much description

pages as necessary
diagrams, if applicable.)

including

sketches,

block

and circuit

Summary
In order to provide a communication
system to remotely
the one shown bellow will be implemented.

service

locomotives,

architecture

similar

to

RF Power

Data
T.I||_'EEl1
"ll-"
"ll

P'"

Communication System
Cn"'"e"
Logic
Status Signal

Main
POWEI
.
Locomotive
Controllers
Swhch

C_""
l-ml

Comm]
C """
L"k

Loco
Controller X

llfff
"H12

Loco
Controller Y

'

Power

'"
1iE'!ll'.'IlI'llT-"
The Communication
{Eli
EEEJ1.
Iriiin

System Controller,
which may be a controller
to the system in the following
processor, will have visibility
equipment
A Power input from the locomotive

A logic

Comm

A data connection

with the communication

in normal

modem

format.

A control

connection

another

Receiver;
Transmitter
Equipment

Witness:

receiver/transmitter

with the communication

and controlling

UNDERSTOOD:
T

Date:7l"l

l A
Zj

switch

equipment,

receiver/transrnitter

the status of the communication

on

ways:

controller
status signal indicating weather the main locomotive
links to 2 or more locomotive
controllers
used for data transfer.

monitoring

READ

on itself or a task running

is open or closed

used to transfer

equipment,

data

used for

system.

"/

'-B-'

Inventor:

Witness:

Date:?[|_-i

Witness:

Date:

Inventor:

Witness:

Date:

Inventor:

Inventor:

Department:
Date:

' }

f>.

GETS

Sc k. a :

cl_\

GENERAL
_

ELECTRIC

Docket

COMPANY
TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS BUSINESS
DIVISION
Erie. Pennsylvania
INVENTION

Basic System

No:

Page No.:

DISCLOSURE

Flow

All of the functionality

the system

has to accomplish

can be summarize

with

the following

ow diagram.

system

EveryIOminutes.
to
checkhealthof ports
b

Transfer
Ended.
Controller
SwitchOpened
-:j>

Openuonal

CallHomePending.
andnoIncoming
Call,
Controller
SwitchClosed

llilll
"H37
iii!
ii!

Transfer
Ended.
Controller
SwitchOpened

lliiii
'll"n
"'
"IF
lliflll
iii}!
tliiil
llifu
Iliffu

FaultHandling

CommSystem
FaultDetected

Incoming
CallPresent.
Controller
Switch
Closed

Answer
I
Download
Main

Features

The following

features are provided

Comm System Fault

/ Problem

The new communication

detected by:
0

Unsolicited

Faulty

Faulty

control

as part of the control

algorithms.

Handling
will

react to communications

system faults

control messages indicating

faults,
Data Port or connection,
as determine by the port checking algorithms,
and
Control Port or connection,
determine
by
the
checking
algorithms
as
port

In response to any of the previous events, the system will:

0 Track number of consecutive
occurrences,
equipment
when appropriate,
0 Cycle the power to the communication
Log
the
corresponding
and
described
later.
events
0
A more detailed explanation
READ ANj
UNDERSTOOD:

of the cases can be found

Date:7/I

Witness:
Witness:

and problems

4;.

Date:

in the attached
Inventor:
[Ft

document.
%"_f:

"/I79

2113

and

Inventor:

Witness:

Date:

Inventor:

Witness:

Date:

Inventor:
Department:
Date:

S
1;

GETS

-3,; L, . g g c

as

'9

GENERAL

ELECTRIC

Docket

Comm

System

E vent Handling
communication

The locomotive

incoming

Answer

Place outgoing

control

calls, giving
calls (Calls

Home),

waiting

over outgoing calls.

for predetermine
periods

the system to answer any possible incoming

Keep track of Calls Home pending, knowing
when
Record

the appropriate

Secondary

RF

Transmit

In order to reduce
the Communication
Main

'"
"ll?-"
Il.".ll
iii!
ll-.'-zll
Illffn
ll:":.n

Faults/

Event

retries.

This

to clear

them.

events as dene later.

Interruption

critical

item.

The following

logic

The Switch is Assumed to be Closed

IF :
0
Logic Status Signal Indicates Closed AND
(Comm

the operators
transmission

between

call.

while a maintenance
crew is servicing equipment near
needs to know if the system Locomotive
antenna, the Comm System Controller
controller
Switch is open or closed. A redundant scheme shall be implemented
for

locomotive

The locomotive

the risk of RF transmission

this, as it is a safety
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of

shall:

allows

DISCLOSURE

equipment

them priority

No:

Page No.:

COMPANY
TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS BUSINESS
DIVISION
Erie, Pennsylvania
D
INVENTION

summarizes

Link

the redundant

X Active

OR

logic.

Comm

Link

Y Active)

will stop all transmission

Switch is open, as
as soon as it detects that the Controller
of opening that switch before working
have instructions
the
No
antenna.
near
will be started while the switch is assumed opened.
Recording

and system maintenance,

the different faults/events
of the
shall be recorded in a downloadable
file. This le can be downloaded
remotely or while servicing the locomotive.
Some conditions
will also be displayed at a locomotive
level to inform the operator of possible problems.
Reset strategies are also established for different
conditions.
In order to facilitate
communication-system

troubleshooting

The basic events,

faults

Detailed

System

Flow

Several

operational

with more detailed

l.l

and resets the system will

states were defined in order to implement

in the attached document.

"' Please, see attached

READ

log can be found

document

in the attached

the system.

document.

These states are explained

for more details.

DERSTOOD:
21!! I
" I

Witness:

Date:'

Witness:

Dateziggj

Inventor:

Witness:

Date:

Inventor:

Witness:

Date:

Inventor:

Inventor:

Department:
Date:

"

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,

GETS

RM&D

Communication

System

Control

Strategy

J. Laguer-Diaz (7/6/99)

Background

1.]

This document references the control of the RM&D Communication equipment during
regular
operation. it does not take into account possible losses of satellite
This
coverage.
event might be of
interest for future development, specially as its relates to
coverage inside a service shop.
Every time the system goes through an OBM Power Cycle, the systems starts from the beginning,

l.2

without any consideration to the events that preceded that specic Power Cycle. This requirement
does not apply to Call Homes Pending. which shall not be affected by
any Power Cycle.
All of the references to the Westinghouse (WEC) Control Specications, and WEC control
messaging

l.3

refer to Document # UM-JL0l02l

Rev-C from Westinghouse Wireless Solutions. An explanation of

the WEC messaging is included in Section 7.

2.
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Communication

System Status

2.! Modem Status Bits

The system shall keep track of three Status Bits indicating the bnic condition of
the Communication Equipment.

2.l.l

Data Part Health Bit The Data Port Health Bit indicates if the Data Port is healthy,
if the OBM
healthy
communicate
with
it.
A bit set to 0 indicates a
can
port; a bit set to 1 indicates a failed
P-

'

2.1.2

Control Port Health Bit The Control Port Health Bit indicates if the Control Port
is healthy, if

the OBM can communicate with it. A bit set to 0 indicates healthy
a
port; a bit set to 1 indicates a
failed port

2.l.3

Contmunication Fault Bit The Communication Equipment Fault Bit indicates

the detection of a
Westinghouse control message indicating the
presence of an equipment fault. lt is set to I if a
fault is present and to 0 if no fault is present.

Iii

2.2 SystemCall Status

The system should track the following call status events.

Call Home Pending The OBM needs to communicate with the Off-Board System,

a Call Home
has to be placed. A Call Home is pending until successful Call Home
a
or a Download from the
Off Board System.

22.]

22.2

Incoming Call There is an incoming data call, sensed through the

system Data Port. Upon

completion ofthe Incoming Data Call, all Call Homes pending prior
to the incoming Call
detection shall be cleared.

2.3 BCCB Position

- In order to reduce the risk of RF transmission while a maintenance crew is servicing

equipment near the RM&D antenna, the OBM needs to know if the
system BCCB is open or closed. A
redundant scheme shall be implemented for this,
as it is a safety critical item.

2.3.l

BCCB Power Down A Boolean, l ifa power down signal

was received by the OBM, O in any

other case. Please refer to Section XXXX of this document. (TOM PLEASE
MAKE
REFERENCE)

IFC Comm Link Status A Boolean. l if ll-C Comm Link is active, 0 iflFC Comm Link is not
active, per 84A207077AC.
PSC Comm Link StatusA Boolean, 1 if IFC Comm Link is active, 0 if IFC Comm Link is not
active, per 84A207077AC.

Note: This will only work if a PSC Parameter is requested by OBM.

At least PSC Software Revision should be requested.

3.

State Machine

3.1 The following state diagram describes the control strategy that shall be implemented in the Remote
Monitoring and Diagnostics On Board Monitor to handle, recover and record the different
communication operating events.
3.2 Diagram The transitions on the following diagram, are explained with more details on section 4.

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3

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Operational
L

ll
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Power
Cycle
1.

12
Call Home
Delay

Download

3.3 System Variables These variables are dened as a way to keep track of specic events during the
system operation.
3.3.]

PCYCLI-Z_COUNTER

- Integer variable, counts the numbers of consecutive Power Cycles.

3.3.2

Current communication health status. it has 3 relevant bits, Data Port (DP)

C URRENT_STAT-

Health, Control Port (CP) Health, and Communication Faults (CF). (Bits: DP,CP,CF)
3.3.3

PREV1OUS_STAT

- Previous communication health status. it has 3 relevant bits, Data Port

Health, Control Port Health, and Communication Faults. (Bits: DP,CP,CF)

3.3.4

SGN_CLOCK

time Signal Strength was measured. Represents system time at last

Last

measurement.
3.3.5

STAT_CLOCK

- Last time system health status changed. Represents system time at last status

change.
3.3.6

BCCB_POSlT10N
redundant logic.

BCCB Closed

Variable indicating if BCCB is opened or closed by using the following

BCCE_POS1T1ON = 1

BCCB Power Down = 0 AND

(IFC Comm Link Status = 1 OR

BCCB Open

BCCB_POS1TlON = 0

4.

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BCCB Power Down = 1 OR

(IFC Comm Link Status = 0 AND

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PSC Comm Link =1)

PSC Comm Link = 0)

System States

4.1 Startup - This is the initial state of the system, it occurs after an OBM Power Cycle.
Tasks and Transitions
4.1.1
I
State Tasks
Transitions (with reference to diagram)

4.1.1.1 The OBM shall power ON the WEC

"
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equipment. This will also tum on power to

<l> To Check Ports

After completion of
Starrup state tasks

the satellite antenna.

4.1.1.2

The system shall set the variables

PCYCLI-2_COUNTl-IR = O and
STAT_CLOCK

4.1.1.3

= System Time

I
The Health Bits are all set to 0; assume
system is operating without faults.

4.1.1.4

The system shall remain on this state for at

least XX seconds.

4.2 Check Parts This state establishes the health condition of the communication ports with the
Westinghouse equipment.
4.2.1

Tasks and Transitions

State Tasks

Transitions

4.2.1.1

<2) To Operational

4.2.1.2

Set PREVl0US_STAT
variable =
CURRENT_STAT variable.
The OBM shall check status of the Data
Port by sending an ATQOVl"command to

(with reference to diagram)

- Aer completion of
Check Ports state tasks OR if there IS an
Incoming Call.

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the Data Port.

A good" response is declared if an "OK"
response from the modem (TU) is observed
by the OBM within 7 seconds. This will
set the Data Port Health Bit to 0.
4.2.1.4 if the command fails, the OBM shall retry
ONCE (retry 4.2.1.2 and 4.2.1.3)
4.2.l.5 A second failure (4.2.l.4) will set the Data
Port Health Bit to 1.
4.2.1.6 The OBM shall check the status ofthe
Control Port by soliciting a Signal Strength
measurement from the Control Port. as
described in section 7. The Signal Strength
measurement will be used as explained in -seclion IUOOLof this Spec. (TOM)
4.2.l.7 A good" response is declared if a
response message is received within 7
seconds, containing a valid CRC value.
This will set the Control Port Health Bit
to 0.
4.2.1.8 If the solicited status message command
fails, the OBM shall retry ONCE (retry
4.2.1.6 and 4.2.1.7)
4.2.l.9 A second failure (4.2.l.8) will set the
Control Port Health Bit to l.
4.2.l.l0 The Enable Unsolicited Messages
command should be sent to the Control
Port. as described in section 7
If a fault is present, as detennined by an
4.2.l.ll
unsolicited control port, then set the
Communication Fault Bit to l.
4.2.l.l2 A response to an enable unsolicited
messagescommand will be received by the
OBM..-
.
.. ..
.
4.2.l.l3 Set SGN_CLOCK = System Time.
.2.l.3

04.3
0pera1ionnlThis is the basic operational state of the system. The Health Status of the System is
known. 'l11esystem will. if needed, attempt to receive and send calls.
4.3.l

Tasks and Transitions

State Tasks
4.3.1.1

Transitions

IF PREVl0US_STAT
CURRENT_STAT

(with reference to diagram)

<3> To Check Ports

When
(System Time SGN_CLOCK)

THEN

>= 10 min.

PCYCLE__COUNTER =
PCYCLE__COUNTl-ZR + l
4.3.1.2

CURRENT__STAT
STAT_CLOCK
4.3.1.3
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<4> To Operational

IF PREVl0US_ST_AT <>

unsolicited message (43.1.3).

THEN

= System Time.

lfa fault is present, as determined by a

<5> To Call Setup When [there IS a Call Home

Pending AND NO Incoming Call

valid unsolicited control port message, then

AND

set the Communication

AND (Communication

Fault Bit to 1,

and the Control Port Health Bit to 0.

4.3.1.4

- After receiving an

BCCB_POSlTION

PCYCLI-3;COUNTl-ZR

=l
Fault Bit = 0 OR
> 6)].

lf(System-Timer

STAT_CLOCK) > 1
hour. then set STAT_CLOCK = System
Timer, and PCYCLE_COUNTER

= I.

<6> To Answer Setup When there IS an

lncoming Call
AND

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fill

BCCB_POSlTION

=l.

<}> To Power Cycle

When
[ CURRENT_STAT
O 000 AND
PCYCLE_COUNTER

<= 6]

4.4 Call Setup During this state the system attempts to establish connection

a
to a remote terminal.
4.4.]
Tasks and Transitions
State Tasks

Transitions (with reference to diagram)

4.4.] .l

<8> To Call Home Delay Alter 2 failed attempts

to establish a connection to Off Board OR

The system attempts to setup a call with a

remote terminal. The OBM shall send the
dial command, ATDT", to the Data Port

BCCB__POSlTlON

= 0

of the transceiver unit.

4.4. l .2 If the Connection fails, the system rerries

4.4.l.3

(ONCE) immediately. (4.4. l l)

.
The connection is successful when a
CONNECT message is received from
the tmnsceivers Data Port.

<9> To Call Home

After a successil connection.

4.4.1.4

The connection fails. if the "CONNECT"

messagefrom the Data Port is not receive
within FIVE minutes. OR if a message
indicating failure to connect is received

4.4.1.5

if a fault is present, as determine by an

unsolicited control port message,then set
the Communication

Fault Bit to 1. and

the Control Port Health Bit to 0.

4.5 Call Home - During this state the OBM is exchanging data to the Off-Board system as part of a call
home event.
4.5.1

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Tasks and Transitions

State Tasks

Transitions

4.5. I .1 The system shall exchange the appropriate

<l0> To Operational

4.5.1.2

(with reference to diagram)

data with the Off-Board system, using the

Aer successful
completion of data exchange task (4.5.1.l)

appropriate data communication protocols.

OR

BCCB_POSlTl0N

= 0.

1f the data exchange is completed

successfully, the Call Home Pending shall
be cleared.

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4.5.1.3

<

A successful Call Home is dened if all of

l.1>

To Call Home Delay Aer unsuccessil

completion of data exchange task (4.5.! .1)

:ulliElliEEEllllIl|"ll55'the Call Home data is SENT to the OFF

Board System over the appropriate
protocols.
4.5.1.4
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lfa fault is present. as detennined by an

unsolicited control port message,then set
the Communication

Fault lBit to 1, and

the Control Port Health Bit to O

4.6 Call Home Delay This delay state is added to allow the system to respond to an incoming call while
a Call Home has failed and is still pending.
4.6.1

Tasks and Transitions

Transitions

State Tasks
4.6.1.1

The system shall remain on this state for

until a transition condition is present.

4.6.1.2

(with reference to diagram)

<12> To Check Ports When

(System Time SGN_CLOCK)

>= 7 min

lf a fault is present, as determine by an

unsolicited control pon message,then set
the Communication

Fault Bit to I, and

<13> To Answer Setup When there IS an

Incoming Call AND BCCB_POSlTION

=1.

the Control Port Health Bit to 0.

4.7 Answer Setup - During this state the system attempts to answer an incoming data call from a remote
ten-ninal.
4.7.1

Tasks and Transitions

(with reference to diagram)

State Tasks

Transitions

4.7.1.1 The system attempts to answer an

<l4> To Download - After successful connection

to a remote tenninal AND

incoming data call. The OBM shall send

the answer command, ATA",

to the Data

Port of the transceiver unit.

BCCB_POSlTlON
a

=1.

After a failed connection

to a remote terminal

<lS> To Operational

4.7.1.2 The connection is successful when a

OR BCCB__POSIT10N = 0.

CONNECT message is received from

the transceivers Data Port. The system
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shall wait for the response for up to FIVE

minutes.
4.7.1.3 The connection fails. if the CON'NEC'l"
messagefrom the Data Port is not received
within the specied FIVE minutes, OR if a
messageindicating failure to connect is
received
4.7.1.4 lf a fault is present, as determine by an
unsolicited control port message, then set
the Communication

ll:":l:
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ll:":.u

Fault Bit to 1, and

the Control Port Health Bit to 0.

4.8 Download - During this state the OBM is exchanging data to the Off-Board system as pan of a remote
download event
4.8.1

Tasks and Transitions

State Tasks

Transitions

4.8.1.1 The system shall exchange the appropriate

<l6o

data with the Off-Board system, using the

appropriate data communication protocols
4.3.12

if the exchange is complete successfully,

all Call Home Pending prior to the
detection of the lncoming Call shall be
cleared.

4.8.1.3 Signal Strength measurements shall be

(with reference to diagram)

Operational
Data Call.

After termination of

performed every I0 minutes as explained

in 4.2.1.6 to 4.2.1.9.
if a fault is present, as determine by an
unsolicited control port message, then set
Fault Bit to I, and

the Communication

the Control Port Health Bit to 0.

4.9 Power Cycle The Power to the Communication Equipment is cycled. it attempts to clear any
intermittent condition.
Tasks and Transitions

4.9.1

Transitions

State Tasks
4.9.1.]
fill
lliifll
"ll?
lili

(with reference to diagram)

<l7> To Check Ports After completion of

Power Cycle state tasks

Power Cycle implies the sequence of

power OFF -9 wait 2 seconds -) power
ON of the Westinghouse satellite lerrninal
via pin #6 of the

4.9.l.2

The system shall remain on this state for at

least XX seconds

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5.

Operational

Events and IFC-RMD

Faults

lEEuilEi1EE!llEll'llI'
5.] Certain operating conditions shall trigger IFC-RMD Faults or events for the OBM operational logs.
This scheme will be used to make the troubleshooting process easier and to keep track of operational
characteristics that can later be used for system optimization.
5.2 The following events shall be added to the Operational Log Events table in order to account for the
lliiu

added communication control functionality. Each event or fault shall be recorded when a specic
condition is met, as illustrated on the next table.
5.3 All IFC-RMD Faults are non-restrictive.

Condition

DP,CP,CF = 000

Description

System Ready, no

Operational

IF C-RMD

Call

Log

Fault

Home

None

Reset All

No

Yes

Yes

Time, Location

Yes

No

Time, Location

Yes

No

Time, Location

Data

faults
DP.CP,CF = I00,

Data Port is not

Degraded not

STAT__COU'NT=6

working

Ready

DP.CP,CF = 010,

Control Port is not

Degraded

working

Ready

Comm hardware or

No Comm

STAT_COUNT=6
DP.CP.CF = l 10,

TAT_COUNT=6
P,CP,CF = 001,
STA'l'_COUNT=6

input power failure

A fault was received

Comm Fault

Yes

No

in Control Port

Time, Location,
Status Bytes

message
Transition 8

Transition ll

Call Home connect

Connection

failed

Failed

Call Home

Connection

connection

Lost

No

No

Time, Location

No

No

Time, Location

No

No

Time, Location

Lost
Transition l5

Incoming Call

1
Answer Failed

Answer Failed
Note: A call home through the CONTROL PORT could be initiated (IF A VAILA BLE;. This operational

'.IIl|Eil

mode is left as an avenue oftture growth. and will not be implemented immediately. It
may be possible to
implement a scheme where the control part is utilized to place a voice call and transmit DTMF tones to
identi}? the locomotive to the MDSC.

"ll?
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6. Additional
System Functionality
(TOM CHECK IF THIS SECTION
IS NEEDED)
E1
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6.] The OBM shall record signal strength readings at least every ten minutes, as illustrated in the previous
"ll1lll':.:fli
state diagram. This reading will be recorded in a table along with the particular OPS location for each
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reading.
6.2 If the Signal Strength or GPS reading is not available at a given time, no new entry to the Eb/No le
shall be made for that instance.
6.3 Any GPS validity will be detennine OFF BOARD, so the GPS validity information shall be recorded
with any GPS location entry.

Westinghouse

Messaging

The Following paragraphs refer to Document it UM-.lL0l02l

Rev-C from Westinghouse Wireless

Solutions. They explain the basic messaging that is expected between the OHM and the transceiver
control port.
7.1 Enable Unsolicited Messages This command is used to enable or disable unsolicited

messages from
the Series l000 Westinghouse Communication Equipment. The Unsolicited Messages for Built-lnTest are of special interest for the RM&D system, as they indicate the presence of system faults. In
other to enable this message, Bit 0 of the Bitmask in the following Enable Message shall be set to 1.
Byte

Message Fields

Type = 32145);

Message = l

7.2 Transceiver Acknowledge Enable Unsolicited Messages - This message is sent by the Transceiver
Unit to acknowledge the Enable Unsolicited Messages (7.1).

ype =
Message = 1

Hill
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'1|"u!lEiu
7.3 Unsolicited BIT Status Message This unsolicited message from the transceiver indicates that the
BIT (Built in Test) has detected a failure. A Bitmask representing G0/NOGO status of various ystem
:lEEiEE.'llI.'.ll'll31""
resources will be sent. The Boolean value of 1 represents the existence of a failure. For the purpose of
RM&D there is a system failure if ANY bit in Bytes 4 to 7 is set to l. The fonnat of the message is
shown bellow. Bytes 4 to 7 shall be considered the Status Bytes. recorded in the operational log.
ll:':iu
FEEII

yte

essagc

ype = BOHEX

est status
est status
est status
CS!status

' 4

Soliciting Signal Strength Thiscommand solicits an indication of the received signal to noise ratio
(EB/No).

Units are in 0.1 dB. Values ofmore that 30 dB shall not be expected. The message format

is as follows.
Message

Byte
0

Type = 0xBl

15.
(07.

7.5 Signal Strength Message from transceiver - In response to the previous message, the TU will
respond with the following message or acknowledgment.
yte
31
llII]l
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essage

Type = 0xBl

=3

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7.6 CRC Calculations - These calculations are done to determine the validity of the different messages.
This is critical in determining the health of the control port. The CRC calculation for Westinghouse
messaging uses I6 bit polynomials.

The Code to perfonn the calculation is given by Westinghouse

Wireless Solutions in Document # UM-JL0l02l.

8. Denitions
8.l Power ON" is dened as the bringing of pin #6 on the Westinghouse transceiver unit control port to a
low voltage. Pin #6 of the control port is pulled high internal to the Westinghouse equipment via
TTL logic and a l0ltQ resistor. Specically, a low" voltage for pin #6 is 0.0 to 0.7 Vpc while a
high voltage for pin #6 is 2.7 to 5.25 VDC. The Westinghouse satellite terminal will remain on as
long as pin #6 is kept within this low" voltage range.
8.2 Power OFF" is dened as removal of the low voltage from pin #6. returning this pin to its pulled-up
value.
8.3 System time refers to OBM time.