Abstract

The present invention provides a signalling system for a railroad locomotive, providing the locomotive with the capability to signal its approach to upcoming railroad crossing signals in order for the crossing signals to activate lights, bells or similar warning devices. The present invention includes a global positioning system receiver mounted within the locomotive for the purpose of determining the train location and, therefore, its proximity to the known locations of railroad crossings. The present invention also includes a self-diagnostic mechanism within the crossing signal device capable of performing certain internal checks for proper functioning of the warning devices. Such information, along with a digitally encoded identification of the particular crossing, is relayed to the locomotive as it passes the crossing. Thus, maintenance information concerning every railroad crossing so equipped is automatically collected on the locomotive-based system for frequent interrogation at service locations, and subsequent crossing-specific maintenance. Also included in the present invention is the capability to signal the approach of a locomotive directly to specially equipped motor vehicles. Further embodiments of the present invention include the capability for a locomotive to signal its position to other locomotives for purposes of collision avoidance.