Optical Track Surveying System Using Camera Pattern Recognition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing track surveying systems are inaccurate for precise levelling and lining due to the limitations of traditional measuring chords and pendulum-based vertical measurements, and they often face issues with collisions and mechanical wear, especially in tight curves and dusty environments.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising two outer measuring devices with a camera for pattern recognition, where one device acts as a light source and the other as a shadowing object, allowing for precise detection of track parameters like versine, longitudinal level, twist, and rail gauge, with the option for luminescent elements and adjustable camera positions to maintain accuracy in challenging conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If measuring chords are used for track surveying, then track parameters can be detected, but the measuring chords collide with work units and cause mechanical wear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrack parameter detection accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement system reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical measuring chords with an optical measurement system consisting of a camera and light sources. The camera captures images of light sources positioned at specific locations, and track parameters are calculated from these images through coordinate transformation. This eliminates mechanical contact between measuring components and work units, preventing collisions and mechanical wear while maintaining measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If pendulum-based vertical measurement is used, then vertical position can be detected, but the measurement accuracy is insufficient for precise levelling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevertical measurement simplicityVSAvoidvertical position accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces pendulum-based mechanical vertical measurement with an optical measurement system. The camera captures images of light sources at known positions, and vertical coordinates are determined through image processing and coordinate transformation. This optical approach provides significantly higher measurement precision suitable for precise levelling while maintaining operational simplicity through automated image analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If multiple measuring chords are arranged above rails, then vertical positions can be transmitted, but the measuring chords collide with work units in tight curves

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevertical position transmission accuracyVSAvoidoperation in tight curves

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces multiple physical measuring chords with a single camera system that captures images of light sources. This optical system has no mechanical components that can collide with work units, enabling operation in tight curves and complex track geometries without the collision problems associated with multiple measuring chords.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Measurement precision

If traditional measuring systems are used, then track parameters can be detected, but mechanical wear occurs due to contact with track components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegeometric track parameter detectionVSAvoidsystem service life

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a contactless optical measurement system using a camera and light sources to detect track parameters. Since the measuring components do not physically contact the track or work units, there is no mechanical wear, leading to extended system service life and reduced maintenance requirements while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution enables precise and redundant recording of track parameters, reduces mechanical wear, and maintains functionality even in tight curves and dusty environments, providing a more accurate and efficient method for track surveying and maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

one outer measuring device comprises a camera with a recording area, wherein a measuring object of the other outer measuring device and a measuring object of the central measuring device are arranged in the recording area

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight: Light

Data Source

PatentUS11566383B2System and method of surveying a track

Publication Date: 2023.01.31 PLASSER & THEURER EXPORT VON BAHNBAUMASCHINEN GMBH

AI summary

A system for surveying a track includes two outer measuring devices and a central measuring device disposed therebetween, relative to the longitudinal direction of the track. Each measuring device has a specific position relative to the track in order to detect geometric track parameters. One outer measuring device includes a camera with a recording area in which a measuring object of the other outer measuring device and a measuring object of the central measuring device are disposed. The camera is connected to an evaluation device for pattern recognition. All of the position parameters of the track required for precise lining and levelling of the track are thus recorded by a single camera. A method of operating the system is also provided.