Locomotive Gesture Control Using Onboard Cameras

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing locomotive control systems require operators to use portable control units, which can be cumbersome and limit the ability to make rapid, natural adjustments to locomotive operations.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing onboard cameras and neural networks to recognize gestures made by operators, allowing for remote control of locomotives through hand signals and body language, eliminating the need for portable control units.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If portable control units are used for remote locomotive control, then operators can control locomotives from a distance, but the control process becomes cumbersome and response time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of locomotive controlVSAvoidresponse time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical portable control unit with a gesture recognition system using cameras and neural networks. The camera captures video of the operator's gestures, the neural network processes the video to recognize gestures, and the locomotive control unit executes commands based on recognized gestures, eliminating the need for physical control devices and reducing response time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If portable control units are used, then operators can send commands remotely, but the system complexity increases due to additional input devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote control capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the control input function from the portable control unit and relocates it to the operator's natural gestures. The camera system captures gesture data, the neural network processes it to extract control commands, and the locomotive control unit executes them, eliminating the need for separate control devices while maintaining remote control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Productivity

If gesture recognition is implemented, then operators can make rapid adjustments without additional devices, but the system requires advanced video processing and neural networks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol speedVSAvoidprocessing system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual control device manipulation with automated gesture recognition. The camera continuously captures video, the neural network processes the video stream in real-time to recognize gestures, and the control unit executes commands rapidly based on recognized gestures, enabling faster control responses without physical devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12462612B2Systems and methods for remotely controlling locomotives with gestures

Publication Date: 2025.11.04 CATTRON NORTH AMERICA INC

AI summary

Exemplary embodiments are disclosed of systems and methods for remotely controlling locomotives with gestures. In an exemplary embodiment, a system is configured for allowing an operator(s) to remotely control operation of a locomotive with gesture(s) made by an operator(s). The system includes at least one processor configured to be operable for visually recognizing gesture(s) made by an operator(s) in one or more images captured by at least one camera. A locomotive control unit is configured to be operable for controlling the operation of the locomotive according to the visually recognized gesture(s) made by the operator(s).