The present invention is directed to a system and method for optimizing the dynamics and energy usage of long vehicles such as freight trains by determining their operating conditions and calculating an optimal sequence of power and braking control actions. The sequence calculated provides for optimal vehicle dynamic behaviour with minimum energy usage in accordance with the train type, track topography and train operation rules and policies. The method and system serves as a management tool for the driver and reference signals for a train cruise control or autopilot system

Railroad traffic control system that links each locomotive to a control center for communicating data and control signals. Trains have onboard computers, sensors and two-way communication devices, information from sensors are transmitting to the control center and schedule are transmitted to trains. Although the sensor are lacking in variety compared to the application, the whole architecture and concept of a network-centric railroad system are almost identical.

Slides from a presentation by Steve Ditmeyer, National Defense University that talks about the future of railroad system. Throughout the slides, it is evident that the model he discussed resembles very closely to the system discussed in the application, with the exception that most sensors in the model are on the track rather than the train.