Method, apparatus and rail vehicle

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method and a video surveillance system for a rail vehicle. The invention further relates to a rail vehicle with such a video surveillance system.

[0002] Rail vehicles used to transport passengers are equipped with surveillance systems, such as digital video systems for recording the vehicle interior. Such a video system is typically connected to a data network to transmit the captured video signals. The goal is to provide reliable and fail-safe video surveillance.

[0003] The published patent application EP 3 517 397 A1 discloses a device and a method for monitoring an interior of a vehicle comprising a video camera and an evaluation device for evaluating the image data of the video camera, wherein the evaluation device determines an actual state of imaged furnishings on the basis of the image data, which is compared with a desired state of the furnishings.

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a method and a device for operating a video surveillance system for a rail vehicle, each of which can contribute to reliable video surveillance and to safe operation of the rail vehicle.

[0005] The problem is solved by a method and a video surveillance system for a rail vehicle having the features of the respective independent patent claim. Advantageous embodiments of the method are specified in the dependent patent claims.

[0006] According to one aspect of the invention, a method for operating a video surveillance system for a rail vehicle, to which a video camera and a function control element are assigned, which is designed to establish an optical function control of the video camera, comprises detecting a measurement signal from the video camera that is representative of image data of an environment of a vehicle interior of the rail vehicle. The method further comprises determining image data of the environment of the vehicle interior as a function of the detected measurement signal and activating the function control element as a function of the determined image data. The method further comprises checking a functional state of the video camera using the activated function control element.

[0007] Using the described method, reliable and secure video surveillance of a rail vehicle's interior can be achieved. The method enables the performance of an automated self-test of a video camera, thus providing a useful method for functional monitoring.

[0008] The video surveillance system includes, for example, a digital video system for recording the interior of a rail vehicle, a so-called closed-circuit television (CCTV) video surveillance system. The video camera can therefore also be referred to as a CCTV camera. The functional element is a component of the video surveillance system that can be activated as needed and enables reliable functional monitoring of the monitoring video camera.

[0009] It is a finding in connection with the present invention that the number of CCTV cameras or surveillance cameras on trains is increasing. Therefore, a manual functional check of each individual video camera is time-consuming. The described method provides an automatic functional check with automatic testing options, which enables reliable, time-saving, and convenient diagnosis of deployed video cameras. This is necessary, among other things, because surveillance cameras can be impaired or completely disrupted due to vandalism such as covering them with tape, sticking chewing gum, or spraying paint, thus rendering reliable video surveillance impossible.

[0010] According to a preferred development of the method, the function control element is designed as or comprises a further video camera. Accordingly, activating the function control element and checking the functional status of the video camera comprises capturing a measurement signal from the further video camera, which is representative of image data of an environment of the vehicle interior of the rail vehicle in which the video camera is located. The method further comprises determining and providing further image data with information about the video camera depending on the captured measurement signal from the further video camera.

[0011] The additional video camera enables visual external inspection of the video camera and is positioned, for example, in the interior of the rail vehicle so that its field of view or recording area encompasses the video camera under investigation. However, the method can also include a predetermined alignment of the additional video camera before capturing a measurement signal, so that a corresponding recording area is aligned with the video camera.

[0012] The additional video camera is preferably designed as a relatively high-resolution camera and is arranged in the vehicle interior for monitoring or checking the adjacent cameras. By observing each other, such neighboring cameras can be used to determine whether modifications have been made to a housing or lens cover of the video camera. The additional video camera is pre-positioned or configured such that the video camera to be checked lies within the surveillance cone of a neighboring video camera. Furthermore, with such a camera-based visual inspection, it is beneficial if the ambient light conditions provide sufficient brightness to enable a reliable statement about the external functional status of the video camera at a relatively high magnification of the image data to be acquired.

[0013] Furthermore, the function control element is designed as or comprises an infrared diode. The infrared diode is assigned to the video camera and, for example, installed in a common housing with the video camera. Alternatively, the infrared diode is arranged at a distance from the video camera in its vicinity, so that detectable illumination of the recording area of ​​the video camera can be established using the infrared diode. Accordingly, activating the function control element and checking the functional status of the video camera comprises illuminating an area surrounding the video camera using the infrared diode and capturing a further measurement signal from the video camera, which is representative of image data of the illuminated area of ​​the vehicle interior of the rail vehicle.The method further comprises determining further image data of the illuminated surroundings of the vehicle interior as a function of the detected further measurement signal and comparing the determined image data of the surroundings and the determined further image data of the surroundings illuminated by means of the infrared diode.

[0014] Comparing the determined image data of the illuminated and the non-illuminated environment can, in particular, comprise determining contrast values, so that contrast values ​​are determined for the determined image data of the non-illuminated environment and contrast values ​​are determined for the additional image data of the illuminated environment. The method according to such a development then further comprises comparing the determined contrast values ​​of the determined image data and the additional image data. The contrast values ​​can be determined using an algorithm and include an analysis of existing surfaces and edges in the recorded image data.

[0015] The additional image data relates to the illuminated environment in the vehicle interior, with the illumination provided by the infrared diode. The image data acquired by the video camera relates to an unlit environment in the vehicle interior or an environment recorded without external illumination using an infrared diode. Furthermore, multiple infrared diodes or groups of infrared diodes can be used to provide greater luminosity and reliably illuminate the area surrounding the video camera.

[0016] By attaching and inserting an infrared diode that emits light in a range invisible to humans, a video camera calibration and functional check can be performed simply and reliably. The infrared diode's illumination function is preferably switchable, allowing, for example, a dynamic range—i.e., a range between dark and light—to be easily determined. Furthermore, modern digital surveillance cameras are relatively sensitive in terms of spectral recording capabilities, even in the infrared spectral range. Thus, the described method provides a testing option that is not perceived as disruptive by train attendants and passengers, because the human eye is not sensitive to the corresponding frequency or wavelength ranges.

[0017] In addition, a functional test of the infrared diode itself can also be performed. The functionality of the infrared diode can be easily and conveniently checked using a mobile phone with a built-in camera, for example, by pointing the mobile phone's camera at the infrared diode and activating the infrared diode. Infrared spectral components can then be detected as "gray" light.

[0018] By combining a CCTV camera or video camera with a nearby infrared diode, a basic level of brightness can be created in the area surrounding the video camera. This contrasts with darkness or a dark environment, for example, when the camera is switched off or off, allowing for automated testing of the video camera. Such a functional test can be performed by first taking an image with the video camera without external illumination or with the infrared diode switched off, followed by another image with external illumination or with the infrared diode switched on.

[0019] The images captured with and without infrared illumination can then be compared. If there is no difference in contrast or brightness within a specified tolerance range, it is highly likely that the video camera or its lens is defective or malfunctioning. This is the case, for example, if the lens of the video camera has been taped over.

[0020] If different measured values ​​arise based on the recorded images but do not correspond to the specified normal values, this could be due to a partial defect in the video camera or a defect caused by chewing gum, paint spray or partial masking of a lens or the optics or its casing.

[0021] Using the described method, an automated self-test of a video camera for a rail vehicle can be performed, providing direct indication of the camera's functionality or malfunction. A service or diagnostic message can then be generated, which then leads to the specific video camera being checked.

[0022] According to a preferred development of the method or one of the developments of the method, checking the functional status of the video camera comprises comparing the additional image data acquired in conjunction with the functional control element with stored data containing information about the video camera. In this way, predefined standard values ​​or threshold values ​​can be incorporated. In the event of a deviation from such standard values ​​or an exceedance or undershoot of a predefined threshold value, it can be concluded that the video camera is not operating properly, and an inspection or replacement can be initiated.

[0023] According to a particularly preferred development, the method comprises outputting an indication signal depending on the verification of the functional status of the video camera. The indication signal can, in particular, represent an alarm signal and can be output, for example, acoustically and / or visually in a driver's cab of the rail vehicle. For example, a control monitor in the driver's cab indicates that a video camera has failed a functional test conducted according to the described method.

[0024] Alternatively or additionally, the warning signal can trigger a type of function test. For example, such a trigger signal can cause a neighboring video camera in the vehicle interior to align itself with the video camera being checked and perform a visual function test as described above.

[0025] Using the described method or one of the described refinements of the method, a direct visual inspection of a video camera to be inspected, which must be performed manually by train personnel, is no longer necessary. It is possible to automatically detect why a specific video camera is transmitting no image or only a distorted image.

[0026] A further aspect of the invention relates to a video surveillance system for a rail vehicle, to which a video camera, a function control element and a control unit are assigned, wherein the function control element has an infrared diode, wherein the control unit is configured to carry out one of the methods described above.

[0027] Alternatively, but not within the scope of the claimed invention, or additionally, a server unit external to the rail vehicle can be configured to carry out one of the described methods. The server unit and the rail vehicle are then capable of communicating with each other via signaling.

[0028] According to a further aspect, a rail vehicle comprises a car body and a video surveillance system coupled to the car body, wherein a function control element and a control unit are associated with the video surveillance system, wherein the function control element comprises an infrared diode.

[0029] The function control element is designed to establish an optical function check of the video camera. The rail vehicle further comprises an embodiment of the previously described device that is capable of carrying out a method for operating the video surveillance system. The device is signal-coupled to the video camera and the function control element.

[0030] The above-mentioned properties, features and advantages of the invention and the manner in which they are achieved are explained in the following description of the

[0031] Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail in conjunction with the corresponding figures. They show: Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a rail vehicle with a video surveillance system, Figure 2 shows a flow chart for a method for operating the video surveillance system for the rail vehicle.

[0032] Figure 1shows a schematic side view of a rail vehicle 1 with a video surveillance system 10, which has a video camera 3 and at least one function control element 4, 5. The video surveillance system 10 is assigned to a vehicle interior 8 of a car body 2 of the rail vehicle 1 and enables monitoring of the vehicle interior 8. It is implemented, for example, as a CCTV surveillance system, which represents a self-contained video surveillance system.

[0033] As will be explained below, a method for operating the video surveillance system 10 enables reliable and safe functional control of the video camera 3 and can enable reliable video surveillance and contribute to increased safety of the rail vehicle 1.

[0034] The video surveillance system 10 further comprises a control unit 6, which is signal-coupled to the video camera 3 and the function control element 4, 5. The function control element 4, 5 is designed to establish an optical function control of the video camera 3. The function control element is implemented, for example, as an infrared diode 4, which is arranged adjacent to the video camera 3 in the vehicle body 2. Alternatively or additionally, the functional element is implemented as or comprises another video camera 5. By combining a CCTV camera or the video camera 3 and the infrared diode 4 mounted nearby, a basic brightness can be created in the vicinity of the video camera 3, which, in contrast to darkness or a dark environment, enables automated checking of the video camera 3.Furthermore, an infrared diode can also be assigned to the additional video camera 5, which, analogous to the infrared diode 4 and the video camera 3, enables a functional check of the additional video camera 5. Furthermore, the additional video camera 5 can also be monitored and controlled using the video camera 3.

[0035] A method for operating the video surveillance system 10 and for performing a functional test of the video camera 3 can be carried out according to the Figure 2 shown flowchart. In a step S1, measurement signals from the video camera 3 are acquired, and an image is recorded with the video camera 3 without external illumination or with the infrared diode 4 switched off.

[0036] In a further step S2, further measurement signals from video camera 3 are acquired, and an image is recorded with video camera 3 using external illumination or with the illumination activated by infrared diode 4. Steps S1 and S2 can also be performed in a different order.

[0037] In step S3, the recorded images or the image data determined from the acquired measurement signals are compared with and without infrared illumination. For example, a contrast and / or brightness ratio is examined, and it is checked whether the image data match within a specified tolerance range. If no or only a slight difference is detected in terms of contrast or brightness, it can be concluded with a high probability that there is a defect or functional impairment of the video camera 3 or its optics. This applies, for example, if the optics of the video camera 3 have been taped over.

[0038] If different measured values ​​arise on the basis of the recorded images, but do not correspond to the specified normal values, this may be due to a partial defect in the video camera 3 or a defect caused by chewing gum, paint spray or partial masking of a lens or the optics or its covering.

[0039] In a step S4, an indication signal can then be issued if it has been detected that there is a functional impairment of video camera 3. The indication signal can, for example, be issued as a visual alarm signal via a control monitor in a driver's cab of rail vehicle 1 to inform the train driver that the video camera is not operational. Alternatively or additionally, the indication signal can be provided as a trigger signal, so that a visual inspection of video camera 3 is carried out using the additional video camera 5.

[0040] Using the described method, an automated self-test of the video camera 3 for the rail vehicle 1 can be performed, and a direct indication of the functionality or malfunction of the video camera 3 can be obtained. A service or diagnostic message can then be generated, which then leads to the inspection of the specific video camera 3.

[0041] Although the invention has been illustrated and described in detail using exemplary embodiments, the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments and the specific feature combinations explained therein. Further variations of the invention may be obtained by a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. List of reference symbols

[0042] 1Rail vehicle 2Rail vehicle body 3Video camera 4Infrared diode 5Additional video camera 6Rail vehicle control unit 8Rail vehicle interior 10Video surveillance system S(i)Step of a method for operating a video surveillance system for the rail vehicle

Claims

1. Method for operating a video monitoring system (10) for a rail vehicle (1), to which a video camera (3) and a function control element (4, 5) are assigned, comprising: - capturing a measuring signal of the video camera (3), which is representative of image data of a surrounding area of a vehicle interior (8) of the rail vehicle (1), - determining image data of the surrounding area of the vehicle interior (8) as a function of the captured measuring signal, - activating the function control element (4, 5) as a function of the determined image data, - checking a function state of the video camera (3) by means of the activated function control element (4, 5), characterised in that the function control element (4, 5) is embodied to set up a visual function control of the video camera (3) and wherein the function control element has an infrared diode (4) which is assigned to the video camera (3) and in which the activation of the function control element and the checking of the function state of the video camera (3) comprises: - illuminating a surroundings of the video camera (3) by means of the infrared diode (4), - capturing a further measuring signal of the video camera (3) which is representative of image data of the illuminated surrounding area of the vehicle interior (8) of the rail vehicle (1), - determining further image data of the illuminated surroundings of the vehicle interior (8) as a function of the captured further measuring signal, and - comparing the determined image data of the surrounding area and the determined further image data of the surrounding area illuminated by means of the infrared diode (4).

2. Method according to claim 1, in which the function control element has a further video camera (5) and in which the activation of the function control element and the checking of the function state of the video camera (3) comprises: - capturing a measuring signal of the further video camera (5) which is representative of image data of a surrounding area of the vehicle interior (8) of the rail vehicle (1), in which the video camera (3) is located, and - determining and providing further image data with information about the video camera (3) as a function of the captured measuring signal of the further video camera (5).

3. Method according to claim 2, in which with respect to a recording region the further video camera (5) is set up preliminarily to capture a measuring signal predetermined on the video camera (3).

4. Method according to claim 1, in which the comparison of the determined image data of the surrounding area and the determined further image data of the illuminated surrounding area comprises: - determining contrast values of the determined image data of the surrounding area, - determining contrast values of the determined further image data of the illuminated surrounding area, and - comparing the determined contrast values of the determined image data and the determined further image data.

5. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, in which the checking of a function state of the video camera (3) comprises: aligning the image data determined in conjunction with the function control element (4, 5) with stored data, which comprises information about the video camera (3).

6. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, comprising: outputting a warning signal as a function of the checking of the function state of the video camera (3).

7. Video monitoring system (10) for a rail vehicle (1), to which a video camera (3), a function control element (4, 5) and a control unit are assigned, wherein the function control element has an infrared diode (4), characterised in that the control unit is set up to carry out one of the methods described previously.

8. Rail vehicle (1) comprising: - a vehicle body (82), - a video monitoring system according to claim 7 (10) which is coupled to the vehicle body (2), wherein the video camera and the function control element of the video monitoring system are assigned to a vehicle interior (8) of the vehicle body (2), characterised in that the function control element (4, 5) is embodied to set up an visual function control of the video camera (3).