Rail Track Branch Detection Using Clustering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current rail track branch detection systems face challenges in accurately detecting branching tracks due to overlapping results and varying detection parameters, which complicates the identification of the track to be traveled by a railroad vehicle, especially at a distance.

Innovation Solution

The rail track branch detection apparatus employs a track detector that performs multiple track detections using preset parameters and a clustering device to classify results into clusters, excluding overlapping outcomes and using track width and branch number as classification parameters to enhance accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple track detections are performed using preset parameters, then detection coverage is improved, but detection accuracy deteriorates due to overlapping results

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection coverageVSAvoiddetection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the detection results by applying clustering algorithms to divide multiple track detection results into distinct clusters. Each cluster represents a separate track branch, allowing the system to handle multiple detections without overlap confusion. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by organizing diverse detection outcomes into structured groups.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new dimension of analysis by applying clustering algorithms that consider multiple parameters simultaneously (position, orientation, detection confidence). This multi-dimensional approach transforms the problem from dealing with overlapping 2D track lines to organizing data in a higher-dimensional parameter space, enabling accurate distinction between different track branches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Length of stationary object

If track detection is performed at longer distances, then detection range is improved, but detection accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection rangeVSAvoiddetection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple track detection results through clustering, combining information from various detection attempts and parameters. By aggregating detection data and identifying consistent patterns across multiple results, the system maintains accuracy even when detecting tracks at longer distances where individual detections may be less reliable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The clustering process provides feedback by evaluating detection results against multiple parameters and iteratively refining the classification of track branches. This feedback mechanism allows the system to correct errors in distant detections by comparing them with other detection results and clustering patterns, thereby maintaining accuracy across varying distances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If clustering algorithms are applied to classify track detection results, then branch detection accuracy is improved, but computational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebranch detection accuracyVSAvoidcomputational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by using clustering algorithms that optimize classification based on key parameters such as track position, orientation, and detection confidence. By adjusting and weighting these parameters appropriately, the system achieves high branch detection accuracy while managing computational complexity through focused parameter analysis rather than exhaustive processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4223614A1Rail track branch detection apparatus and program
Publication Date: 2023.08.09 KK TOSHIBA
  • EP4223614A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4223614A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4223614A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

It is an objective to provide a rail track branch detection apparatus and a program that can detect a branching track of a railroad with higher accuracy. The rail track branch detection apparatus according to an embodiment includes a track detector and a clustering device. The track detector executes track detection of detecting a track of one route of a railroad vehicle from an image captured in an advancing direction of the railroad vehicle, multiple times according to the number of a plurality of preset detection parameters. The clustering device detects a branch of the track in the image by classifying a plurality of track detection results obtained by the track detector into a plurality of clusters.