Stereo Camera System for Rail Vehicle Door Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current monitoring systems for rail vehicle door areas require multiple sensors to detect objects and determine positions, which is complex and costly, and existing solutions do not effectively integrate different monitoring functions into a single unit.
Innovation Solution
An optical camera system generating a stereo image is used to detect objects and determine positions, integrating multiple sensor functionalities into a single unit, allowing for cost reduction and simplified evaluation using existing processors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors (light barrier, ultrasonic sensor, stereo camera) are used to detect objects and determine positions, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single stereo camera system to perform multiple monitoring tasks: detecting objects in the door area, determining spatial coordinates of objects, and measuring distance/position of platform parts. This replaces the need for separate light barriers, ultrasonic sensors, and stereo cameras, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision through the camera system's comprehensive evaluation capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple sensor functions into a single stereo camera system. By combining object detection, spatial coordinate determination, and distance measurement functions into one integrated system, the patent reduces the number of components while achieving the same or better measurement precision through unified image evaluation
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are installed to achieve the same monitoring functions, then measurement precision is improved, but the cost of the monitoring device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stereo camera system is designed to perform multiple functions (object detection, spatial coordinate determination, distance measurement) that would traditionally require separate sensors, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining position determination precision through comprehensive image evaluation
Solution Approach 2:
By merging the functions of light barriers, ultrasonic sensors, and stereo cameras into a single camera system, the patent reduces the bill of materials and assembly costs while achieving equivalent or superior position determination precision through integrated evaluation
3Ease of operation
If contact-based monitoring is used in door areas, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates under adverse weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces contact-based mechanical monitoring systems with a non-contact optical camera system. This substitution eliminates the reliability issues associated with contact-based systems in adverse weather conditions while maintaining ease of operation through automated image-based detection and evaluation
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
The solution enables efficient detection and positioning of objects and structures, improving operational safety and reducing costs by eliminating the need for multiple sensors, while also providing a waterproof and dustproof design.
Implementation Method 1
an optical camera system with a first camera for providing a first image and a second camera for providing a second image, wherein the camera system is designed to generate a stereo image from the first and second images
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a monitoring device for monitoring an entry or exit area (4) of an access opening (5) of a vehicle to a building component (1, 2), comprising an optical camera system (3), having a first camera for providing a first image and a second camera for providing a second image, so that a stereo image can be generated from the first and the second image. The monitoring device further comprises an analysis unit, such that at least one object in the entry or exit area (4) can be detected from the stereo image and/or a position of the building component (1, 2) relative to at least one part of the vehicle can be determined from the stereo image for monitoring an entry or exit area (4).