Rolling Stock Identification Via Signaling Infrastructure and Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for tracking rolling stock in railway environments are inefficient, particularly in non-signposted areas, and face challenges with electromagnetic interference, accuracy under varying lighting and weather conditions, and the need for extensive infrastructure, leading to high costs and unreliable identification.
Innovation Solution
A system combining electromagnetic, thermal, and sound emissions sensors with RFID tags, global navigation satellite system data, and electronic imaging devices to identify rolling stock, using image and signal processing to track vehicles in both signposted and non-signposted areas, incorporating virtual blocks for comprehensive monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple readers are installed at entries and exits of each track for tracking railcars, then identification coverage is improved, but system cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing signaling infrastructure (axle counters and track circuits) perform dual functions: their original train detection function plus new rolling stock identification function. By reading identification boards through the existing signaling system, the patent eliminates the need for separate dedicated readers at every track entry and exit, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining comprehensive identification coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the identification function with the existing signaling system by integrating identification board reading capabilities into the axle counter and track circuit infrastructure. This merging approach allows a single system to handle both safety-critical train detection and operational rolling stock tracking, reducing the total number of components needed.
2Ease of manufacture
If optical character recognition is used for identification, then equipment cost is reduced, but measurement accuracy decreases under varying lighting and weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical recognition systems with an electromagnetic field-based identification system. Instead of using cameras and optical character recognition that are sensitive to lighting conditions, the system uses the existing signaling infrastructure's electromagnetic fields to read identification boards mounted on rolling stock, thereby eliminating weather and lighting dependencies while maintaining low equipment costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter used for identification from optical reflection (camera-based OCR) to electromagnetic field interaction (RFID-like reading through signaling infrastructure). This parameter change allows identification to occur regardless of visual conditions, as electromagnetic fields are not affected by lighting or weather in the same way optical systems are.
3Ease of manufacture
If axle counters and track circuits are used for identification, then infrastructure cost is reduced, but identification capability is limited to signposted facilities only
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the functionality of existing signaling infrastructure (axle counters and track circuits) to provide rolling stock identification not only in signposted facilities but also in non-signposted areas. By utilizing the electromagnetic fields already present in these systems, the patent enables identification capabilities across the entire railway network without requiring additional infrastructure investment.
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
Enables accurate, real-time identification and tracking of rolling stock across railway facilities, optimizing infrastructure use and reducing costs by integrating non-intrusive data acquisition from signaling systems, enhancing monitoring capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
capturing signals by at least one set of sensors for characterisation of the rolling stock, wherein the sensors are configured to capture electromagnetic, thermal and sound emissions
Implementation Method 2
capturing signals by at least one set of sensors for characterisation of the rolling stock, wherein the sensors are configured to capture electromagnetic, thermal and sound emissions
Implementation Method 3
capturing signals by at least one set of sensors for characterisation of the rolling stock, wherein the sensors are configured to capture electromagnetic, thermal and sound emissions
Implementation Method 4
RFID tags
Implementation Method 5
capturing images by one or more electronic imaging devices
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and system for monitoring a railway facility designed to identify rolling stock using posts (1, 2, 4) at entries/exits, signposted (6) and non-signposted (7) areas for identification at entries/exits and to create virtual blocks in non-signposted areas, facilitating the tracking of rolling stock. A local computer (28) from posts (1, 2, 4) processes signals and captured images to send them to a data center (400), wherein an image identification computer (33) detects the rolling stock, and another identification computer (37) identifies it by comparing signal information with historical data and extracting unique identifiers (13) associated with the rolling stock. An AEI computer (34) processes sensor signals to compare them with historical data and validate the identification. An image recognition computer (38) extracts information from signaling elements, differentiating signposted and non-signposted areas. Finally, this information is associated with the identified rolling stock and its geographic position by a tracking computer (39) at the data center (400).