Stereo Camera Track Positioning System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the position of a track relative to a fixed point are limited by the need for stationary fixed points and are influenced by weather and usage, requiring frequent measurements and precise alignment, which can be cumbersome and prone to errors, especially at high speeds.
Innovation Solution
A method using a mobile registering device equipped with a stereo camera system and an inertial measuring unit to continuously record and evaluate image pairs of the track's lateral vicinity, allowing for precise identification of fixed points without relying on specific shapes and accounting for super-elevation, with redundant elements for reliability and high-speed operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fixed points are mounted on stationary facilities and precise alignment is performed using sighting telescopes or rotating lasers, then measurement precision is improved, but the complexity of operation and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical alignment systems (sighting telescopes, rotating lasers) with an optical imaging system (stereo camera). The camera captures images of fixed points and uses image processing to determine positions automatically, eliminating the need for manual optical alignment operations while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs automatic position determination through image capture and processing. The stereo camera system automatically identifies fixed points in the captured images and calculates their positions without requiring operator intervention for alignment, making the system self-sufficient and operationally simple.
2Measurement precision
If measurements are performed using stationary facilities and manual alignment methods, then measurement precision can be maintained, but productivity decreases due to frequent measurements and time-consuming alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The stereo camera system continuously captures images of the track and fixed points as the measuring device moves along the track. This continuous imaging process eliminates the need for stopping and performing manual alignment at each measurement point, enabling uninterrupted measurement and significantly improving productivity while maintaining precision through automated image processing.
3Reliability
If conventional measurement methods are used, then fixed points must have specific shapes for recognition, but this limits adaptability and requires special design constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a digital copy (image) of the fixed point rather than requiring physical interaction with it. The stereo camera captures the visual appearance of the fixed point, and image processing algorithms identify and locate the fixed point based on its visual characteristics. This allows any visually distinguishable object to serve as a fixed point, greatly increasing design flexibility while maintaining reliable recognition.
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 high-precision, automatic tracking with continuous calibration and self-correction, ensuring accurate position determination even at high speeds and under varying conditions, while allowing for flexible fixed point recognition and integration with existing data systems.
Implementation Method 1
Bildpaare der Seitenumsgebung der Strecke kontinuierlich erfasst werden, wobei ein Stereokamerasystem an der mobilen Erfassungs Vorrichtung angeordnet ist
Implementation Method 2
durch ein Trägheitsmessgerät die Position der mobilen Erfassungs Vorrichtung relativ zu einem stationären Bezugssystem kontinuierlich registriert wird
Data Source
AI summary
A method of determining the actual position of a track relative to a fixed point located in a lateral vicinity of the track by using a registering device being mobile on the track includes surveying the position of the fixed point relative to the track. The registering device is moved along the track, image pairs of the lateral vicinity of the track are continuously recorded by a stereo camera system on the registering device and the fixed point is searched for in the image pairs by pattern recognition carried out in an evaluation device. Upon recognition of the fixed point, the position of the fixed point relative to the track is determined by evaluating at least one image pair. This creates the possibility of surveying fixed points in passing with the configuration of the fixed point not being bound to any special form. A measuring system is also provided.