Sunlight interference resistant overhead line system image acquisition device
By using a combination of a modulated laser source with a specific wavelength modulated light pulse and a narrowband filter in the contact wire image acquisition device, along with a dual-camera design, the problem of increased measurement errors under strong sunlight conditions is solved, achieving efficient and stable image acquisition and a simple device structure.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-08
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-14
AI Technical Summary
Existing contact network image acquisition devices have insufficient anti-interference capabilities in strong sunlight environments, leading to increased measurement errors or failure. Furthermore, existing anti-interference methods complicate the equipment structure.
It employs a combination of a modulated laser light source with a specific wavelength modulated light pulse and a narrowband filter, a dual-camera design, and a narrowband filter on the camera lens. The laser light source and the camera imaging range overlap, and the geometric spatial relationship is used to eliminate interference from direct sunlight.
Accurate acquisition of contact network images under strong sunlight improves measurement stability and efficiency, simplifies equipment structure, and achieves efficient anti-sunlight interference.
Smart Images

Figure CN224124201U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of railway catenary detection technology, specifically to a catenary image acquisition device resistant to sunlight interference. Background Technology
[0002] The railway overhead contact system is a crucial component of electrified railways, and its geometric parameters (such as contact wire height and pull-out value) directly affect the safety and stability of train operation. Traditional measurement methods mostly employ contact-type equipment, which suffers from low efficiency and significant safety hazards. In recent years, non-contact measurement technologies (such as laser scanning and image recognition) have been gradually applied to overhead contact system inspection. However, in strong sunlight, light interference can increase measurement errors or even cause system failure. Current anti-interference measures (such as adding sunshades) have limited effectiveness and complicate the equipment structure. Therefore, providing an efficient and stable overhead contact system image acquisition device that is resistant to sunlight interference has become an urgent problem to be solved in enterprise production processes. Utility Model Content
[0003] In view of this, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a contact network image acquisition device that resists sunlight interference, so as to solve the problem that the existing contact network image acquisition devices are not effective in resisting sunlight interference.
[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this invention utilizes a modulated light source that emits modulated light pulses of a specific wavelength in a non-sunlight energy band, and a camera positioned on each side of the modulated light source, with narrow-band filters mounted on the cameras to resist sunlight interference. Specifically, the device of this invention includes: a mounting bracket, cameras positioned at both ends of the mounting bracket, and a modulated laser light source positioned between the two cameras;
[0005] The lens orientation of the two cameras and the light-emitting surface orientation of the modulated laser light source are set to the direction in which the imaging range of the two cameras and the light emission range of the modulated laser light source overlap.
[0006] The modulated laser light source is used to emit specific wavelength modulated light pulses in the non-sunlight main energy band, and the lenses of the two cameras are equipped with narrowband filters that can pass through specific wavelength light signals.
[0007] This invention has the following advantages: The device of this invention adds a narrowband filter to the image acquisition device (i.e., the camera), allowing only specific wavelength light signals to pass through the filter and enter the camera. This specific wavelength light signal is not a primary energy band of sunlight. Therefore, the addition of this narrowband filter enables the image acquired by the camera to avoid light interference in strong sunlight. Furthermore, this invention uses a modulated laser source to emit modulated light pulses of a specific wavelength that is not a primary energy band of sunlight. The emission range of this modulated laser source overlaps with the image range acquired by the camera. In use, the image acquired by the camera is the portion of the object illuminated by the modulated laser source. Because the modulated laser source emits modulated light pulses of a specific wavelength that is not a primary energy band of sunlight, and the receiving end (at the camera location) uses a matching narrowband filter, the camera can accurately acquire the desired image while avoiding sunlight interference. Furthermore, this invention employs dual cameras, with one camera positioned on each side of the modulated laser light source, and the image ranges they can acquire overlap. This ensures that even if one camera is affected, the other camera can still accurately acquire a valid image, thus improving the stability of acquiring the desired image.
[0008] Based on the above, the modulated laser light source is positioned in the exact center of the two cameras, the light-emitting surface of the modulated laser light source faces a direction perpendicular to the plane of the mounting bracket, and the lenses of the two cameras are symmetrically arranged on the plane containing the light-emitting surface.
[0009] Based on the above, the lens orientation of both cameras is set to be at an angle of 60° to 70° with the plane of the mounting bracket.
[0010] In this invention, the receiving ends (i.e., the two cameras) are symmetrically arranged relative to the transmitting end (i.e., the modulated laser light source). This symmetrical arrangement includes both positional symmetry and symmetrical camera orientation. This symmetrical arrangement not only makes the device simple and aesthetically pleasing, but also ensures that both cameras are not simultaneously interfered with, since strong sunlight is only present in the overlapping area of the imaging range of the two cameras. Based on the specific symmetrical arrangement of the camera lens orientation in this invention, the overlapping area of the imaging range is kept away from the strong light source (i.e., the sun), so the two cameras are not simultaneously interfered with. That is, at least one camera can accurately acquire the required image. Furthermore, this invention effectively eliminates interference under direct sunlight by using geometric spatial relationships.
[0011] Based on the above, the modulated laser source is used to emit 905nm modulated light pulses, and the narrowband filter that can pass through light signals of a specific wavelength is a 905±5nm narrowband filter.
[0012] In order to avoid the main energy band of sunlight (i.e., the 400-760nm band), this invention selects a modulated laser source and a narrowband filter that work together. Specifically, it uses a modulated laser source that emits 905nm modulated light pulses and a 905±5nm narrowband filter to suppress ambient light interference in order to obtain accurate and reliable images.
[0013] Based on the above, the camera is also provided with a housing for accommodating the camera. The housing has a through hole at the position opposite to the camera lens so that the camera can take pictures through the through hole.
[0014] Based on the above, the narrow-band filter is fixed to the housing and positioned to cover the through-hole.
[0015] Based on the above, the narrowband filter is fixed to the outer casing with glass glue.
[0016] This invention achieves an IP67 protection rating by adding an outer shell to the camera to protect it from dust and rain, and attaching a narrow-band filter to the appropriate position with glass glue, thus preventing the camera from being intruded by dust and rain.
[0017] Based on the above, the mounting bracket is provided with fixing holes for fixing the mounting bracket to the roof of the contact wire inspection vehicle.
[0018] In this invention, fixing holes are made on the mounting bracket, so that the device does not need to be fixed in a specific position, making the installation process more convenient.
[0019] Based on the above, the fixing hole is provided with an upper cover that can be detachably connected to the mounting bracket.
[0020] This utility model also includes an upper cover at the mounting bracket fixing hole position. Before fixing the device, the upper cover is opened and the device is fixed above the testing vehicle. After fixing, the upper cover is restored. This upper cover prevents dust and rainwater from entering the entire equipment after it is fixed. Furthermore, because the fixing screws are inside the equipment, they are not visible from the outside, thus maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
[0021] The above description is merely an overview of the technical solution of this utility model. In order to better understand the technical means of this utility model and to implement it in accordance with the contents of the specification, and to make the above and other objects, features and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable, preferred embodiments are described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description
[0022] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of the contact wire image acquisition device of this utility model.
[0023] Figure 2 Front view of the contact wire image acquisition device of this utility model.
[0024] Figure 3 Top view of the contact wire image acquisition device of this utility model.
[0025] Figure 4 The contact wire image acquisition device of this invention provides a cross-shooting range diagram of the left and right cameras.
[0026] Wherein: 1-First camera; 2-First narrowband filter; 3-Laser light source; 4-Second camera; 5-Second narrowband filter; 6-Equipment mounting bracket; 7-Upper cover. Detailed Implementation
[0027] The technical solution of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to specific implementation schemes. However, those skilled in the art should understand that the implementation schemes described below are only for illustrating this utility model and should not be regarded as limiting the scope of this utility model. Based on the implementation schemes in this utility model, all other implementation schemes obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.
[0028] Embodiment of a contact network image acquisition device resistant to sunlight interference
[0029] In this embodiment, to prevent the acquisition of images from being invalid (i.e. unusable) due to strong outdoor sunlight interference, a non-contact measurement module (high-definition camera, narrowband filter, and modulated laser light source) is used to acquire the original image data of the contact network geometric parameters. Specifically, a modulated light source that emits a specific wavelength modulated light pulse in a non-sunlight energy band is set up, and a camera is set on each side of the modulated light source, with narrowband filters installed on the cameras to achieve anti-sunlight interference.
[0030] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 The diagram shows a schematic of the overhead contact line image acquisition device according to this embodiment. Specifically, it includes a device mounting bracket 6, a first camera 1 and a second camera 4 disposed at both ends of the mounting bracket 6, a laser light source 3 disposed between the first camera 1 and the second camera 4, a first narrowband filter 2 disposed on the first camera 1, and a second narrowband filter 5 disposed on the second camera 4. In this embodiment, the narrowband filter on the camera refers to its placement in the space above the camera lens; it can be placed immediately adjacent to the lens or at a certain distance from the lens.
[0031] The lens orientation of the first camera 1, the lens orientation of the second camera 4, and the light-emitting surface orientation of the laser light source 3 are set such that the imaging range of the first camera 1, the imaging range of the second camera 4, and the light emission range of the laser light source 3 have overlapping directions.
[0032] The laser source 3 is used to emit specific wavelength modulated light pulses in the non-sunlight main energy band. The first narrowband filter 2 and the second narrowband filter 5 are both narrowband filters that can pass light signals of specific wavelengths.
[0033] Based on the above-described configuration of this embodiment, only light signals of a specific wavelength can pass through the narrowband filter and enter the camera. These specific wavelength light signals are not in the main energy band of sunlight. Therefore, the addition of the narrowband filter enables the camera to capture images that avoid light interference in strong sunlight. During use, the image captured by the camera is the part of the object to be captured illuminated by the modulated laser light source. Because the modulated laser light source emits specific wavelength modulated light pulses that are not in the main energy band of sunlight, and the receiving end (at the camera position) uses a matching narrowband filter, the camera can accurately capture the desired image while avoiding sunlight interference.
[0034] In this embodiment, the laser source 3 emits modulated light pulses of a specific wavelength (905nm) to avoid the main energy band of sunlight. The receiver uses a matching narrowband filter (matching a 905±5nm narrowband filter) to suppress ambient light interference. Based on this configuration in this embodiment, the signal can also be extracted in conjunction with a lock-in amplifier in later use, and the algorithm uses a moving average filter to shield against sunlight background noise.
[0035] This embodiment employs a dual-camera design, utilizing geometric spatial relationships to eliminate direct sunlight: the laser light source 3 is positioned precisely between the first camera 1 and the second camera 4, with the emitting surface of the laser light source 3 perpendicular to the plane of the equipment mounting bracket 6. The lens orientations of the first camera 1 and the second camera 4 are symmetrically arranged based on the plane of the emitting surface of the laser light source 3. Specifically, the distance between the two cameras (i.e., the first camera 1 and the second camera 4) is 970mm, and the angle between the lens surfaces of the two cameras and the plane of the equipment mounting bracket is 20°–30° (equivalent to an angle between the lens orientations of the two cameras and the plane of the equipment mounting bracket being 60°–70°; this embodiment uses 65°). In use, the equipment mounting bracket is installed on the roof of the inspection vehicle, specifically at the center line of the roof of the contact wire inspection vehicle, so that the device in this embodiment can acquire images of the contact wire height and contact wire pull-out value in the contact wire. The installation height of the equipment mounting bracket in this embodiment is approximately 4000mm, and the detection contact wire height range is 5000-7000mm, which is within the imaging detection range of the camera. Figure 4 As shown, Figure 4 The shaded area is the overlapping area of the imaging ranges of the left and right cameras. Only when there is strong sunlight in the shaded area will the left and right cameras be interfered with simultaneously. However, because the device is far from the strong light source (sun), the left and right cameras will not be interfered with simultaneously. That is, at least one camera can accurately acquire the required image. Specifically, in use, when the sun appears in the field of view of the left camera, the left camera is interfered with by strong sunlight, but the right camera is not interfered with by strong sunlight. When the sun appears in the field of view of the right camera, the right camera is interfered with by strong sunlight, but the left camera is not interfered with by strong sunlight. Therefore, one side of the camera will always work normally.
[0036] This embodiment also includes an outer casing for housing the camera, protecting it from dust and rain. The casing has a through-hole positioned opposite the camera lens, allowing the camera to capture images through the hole. A narrow-band filter is fixed to the casing and positioned to cover the through-hole. The narrow-band filter is then bonded to the camera using silicone sealant, achieving an IP67 protection rating and preventing dust and rain from entering the camera.
[0037] Furthermore, this embodiment also includes fixing holes on the equipment mounting bracket 6 for fixing the mounting bracket to the roof of the contact network inspection vehicle, and a detachable upper cover 7 is provided on the fixing holes to be connected to the equipment mounting bracket 6. The fixing holes make the installation process more convenient. Before fixing the device in this embodiment, the upper cover 7 of the fixing holes of the equipment mounting bracket 6 is opened to fix the device above the inspection vehicle. After fixing, the upper cover 7 is restored to cover the fixing holes. Based on the setting of the upper cover in this embodiment, the device as a whole is protected from dust and rainwater after fixing. Since the fixing screws are inside the device, they are not visible from the outside, thus maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
[0038] The device in this embodiment eliminates the need for contact with the overhead power line, improving safety and efficiency. The light source in this embodiment emits modulated light pulses of a specific wavelength, avoiding the main energy bands of sunlight. The receiver uses a matching narrowband filter to suppress ambient light interference. The dual-camera design utilizes geometric spatial relationships to eliminate direct sunlight.
[0039] Based on the hardware setup of this embodiment, effective image information can be acquired during later use. Furthermore, existing HDR (High Dynamic Range) imaging technology and CNN (Convolutional Neural Network) can be used to enhance images, ensuring the stability of acquired images under different lighting conditions. Combined with real-time image processing technology, interference data (spots, reflections, etc.) is eliminated, outliers are removed from image data, and geometric parameter values are calculated based on spatial relationships to obtain more necessary data. Therefore, based on the already acquired effective images, the device of this embodiment, by adding a data processing module and a data transmission module, can realize processes such as light source emission modulation pulses, contact wire reflection signals, filter filtering, sensor reception, image denoising, data filtering, and geometric parameter calculation. This allows it to meet requirements such as maintaining measurement errors within ±5mm under 120,000 lux illumination, effectively resisting ambient light interference under various conditions (alternating sunshine and rain, reflections, etc.), adapting to continuous all-weather working environments, and having a simple system structure that is easy to integrate into existing detection equipment.
[0040] Although the present invention has been described in detail above with general descriptions and specific embodiments, some modifications or improvements can be made to it, which will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, all such modifications or improvements made without departing from the spirit of the present invention fall within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention.
Claims
1. A contact network image acquisition device resistant to sunlight interference, characterized in that, It includes a mounting bracket, cameras mounted at both ends of the mounting bracket, and a modulated laser light source positioned between the two cameras; The lens orientation of the two cameras and the light-emitting surface orientation of the modulated laser light source are set to the direction in which the imaging range of the two cameras and the light emission range of the modulated laser light source overlap. The modulated laser light source is used to emit specific wavelength modulated light pulses in the non-sunlight main energy band, and the lenses of the two cameras are equipped with narrowband filters that can pass through specific wavelength light signals.
2. The contact wire image acquisition device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The modulated laser light source is positioned directly between the two cameras. The light-emitting surface of the modulated laser light source faces a direction perpendicular to the plane of the mounting bracket. The lenses of the two cameras are symmetrically positioned to the plane containing the light-emitting surface.
3. The contact wire image acquisition device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The lenses of both cameras are set to face at an angle of 60° to 70° to the plane of the mounting bracket.
4. The contact wire image acquisition device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The modulated laser source is used to emit 905nm modulated light pulses, and the narrowband filter that can pass light signals of a specific wavelength is a 905±5nm narrowband filter.
5. The contact wire image acquisition device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The camera is also equipped with a housing for accommodating the camera. The housing has a through hole at the position opposite to the camera lens so that the camera can take pictures through the through hole.
6. The contact wire image acquisition device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The narrow-band filter is fixed to the housing and positioned to cover the through-hole.
7. The contact wire image acquisition device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The narrowband filter is fixed to the outer casing with glass glue.
8. The contact wire image acquisition device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting bracket is provided with fixing holes for fixing the mounting bracket to the roof of the contact wire inspection vehicle.
9. The contact wire image acquisition device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The fixing hole is provided with an upper cover that can be detachably connected to the mounting bracket.