Rail Carriage Floor Alignment Using Platform Pattern Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling the position of a railway carriage's floor relative to a platform are costly and time-consuming, requiring multiple sensors and complex calculations, which are error-prone and unsuitable for users with reduced mobility due to height differences.
Innovation Solution
A method using a camera to capture images of platform patterns, compare them to memorized reference images, and adjust suspension height to align the carriage with the platform, eliminating the need for unnecessary sensors and complex calculations by recognizing specific geometric features and calculating vertical displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors and complex calculations are used to control carriage floor position, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sensor systems with an optical system using a camera to capture images of platform patterns. This substitution reduces device complexity while maintaining measurement capability through image processing and pattern recognition algorithms that calculate vertical displacement from geometric features in the captured images.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a camera to create an optical copy (image) of the platform pattern, which is then processed to determine vertical displacement. This copying approach eliminates the need for direct physical contact sensors and complex mechanical measurement systems, simplifying the overall device while preserving measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors and complex calculations are used to control carriage floor position, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent stores reference images of platform patterns in advance during the preliminary action phase. When the carriage needs position adjustment, the system simply compares the current captured image against these pre-stored references, eliminating the need for complex real-time calculations and significantly reducing the time required for position determination and suspension adjustment.
3Manufacturing precision
If complex calculation methods are used to determine suspension height, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical calculation systems with an optical image-based measurement system. The camera captures platform patterns, and standard image processing techniques determine vertical displacement, simplifying the manufacturing and implementation process while maintaining the precision needed for suspension height adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling a position of a floor of a carriage of a railway vehicle moving on rails, relative to a platform. The carriage includes a body including the floor, at least one bogie, and at least one suspension interposed between the body and the bogie. The method includes determining a level difference between the actual position of the carriage relative to the platform and an expected position of the carriage relative to the platform, adjusting a height of the suspension for compensating the determined level difference. Determining the level difference includes capturing an image of at least one predetermined pattern comprised on the platform with a camera borne by the body, comparing the captured image with a memorized reference image of the at least one pattern of the platform, and calculating a vertical displacement from the images to determine the level difference.