Optical Camera Localization for Rail Vehicle Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for locating track-bound vehicles after decommissioning are laborious and require manual intervention, leading to increased operational costs and reduced efficiency, especially in driverless rail operations, as they rely on labor-intensive methods like balises and Cold Movement Detection, which are energy-intensive and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
The use of cameras to image stationary optical markers with known absolute positions, allowing for the determination of a rail vehicle's absolute position by calculating its relative position to these markers, thereby enabling quick and automated localization with reduced personnel and energy costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional location markers (balises) and manual procedures are used for vehicle localization after decommissioning, then measurement precision can be achieved, but productivity is reduced and loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical balise-based localization system with an optical camera-based system. Cameras capture images of optical markers, and image processing algorithms determine vehicle position, eliminating the need for physical train movement over balises and manual procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary localization by capturing images of optical markers before the vehicle begins movement. This allows position determination to occur in advance, eliminating the need for laborious driver-operated slow drives and enabling immediate reactivation.
2Productivity
If more trackside equipment (beacons) are installed at shorter intervals to improve localization speed, then productivity increases, but device complexity and loss of substance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visual copying of optical marker patterns through camera imaging. Instead of requiring multiple physical beacons, the system creates optical copies of marker positions through photographs, which are then processed to determine location. This reduces infrastructure requirements while maintaining localization speed.
3Measurement precision
If manual image comparison procedures are used to monitor parked vehicles, then measurement precision can be achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual image comparison procedures with automated computer vision algorithms. The system automatically processes camera images, detects optical markers, calculates vehicle positions, and generates localization results without human intervention, dramatically improving ease of operation while maintaining precision.
4Use of energy by moving object
If the on-board train protection system is switched off to save energy, then use of energy by moving object decreases, but reliability of vehicle position information deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary vehicle localization while the train protection system is still active and reliable position data is available. This preliminary position information is stored and used during the energy-saving standby period, eliminating the need to keep the protection system running solely for localization purposes.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method allows for rapid and precise vehicle localization with minimal effort, reducing the need for costly infrastructure and manual operation, ensuring safe and efficient reactivation of vehicles in restricted modes until accurate positioning is achieved, thereby lowering operational and personnel costs.
Implementation Method 1
at least one camera is used for localization, which camera takes an image of the vehicle and of at least one stationary optical marker
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for locating a track-bound vehicle (FZ) in a road network after the vehicle (FZ) has been put into operation. For localization, at least one camera (CM1 ... CM4) is used, which captures an image of the vehicle (FZ) and of at least one stationary optical marker (OM1, OM2) whose absolute position in the road network is known. Furthermore, the relative position of the vehicle (FZ) to the stationary optical marker (OM1, OM2) is determined in the image, and the absolute position of the vehicle (FZ) in the road network is determined taking into account the absolute position of the marker and the relative position of the vehicle (FZ). The invention also includes an arrangement for locating a track-bound vehicle (FZ) in a road network after the vehicle (FZ) has been put into operation, a computer program, and a delivery device for the computer program.