Railway Track Plan Transformation for Digital Twin Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current railway infrastructure planning documents are manually created, leading to resource-intensive processes prone to errors and high personnel costs, with limited digital integration of data.
Innovation Solution
A method and computer program product for transforming track plans using image information, recognizing infrastructure elements, and assigning functional relationships to create a digital twin that ensures compliance with safety requirements and reduces manual effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual data entry is used to create PT2 documents, then the process allows flexibility in data creation, but the personnel effort and time required increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical copying (scanning) to digitize printed track plans and automatically transforms them into structured digital data. This copying approach eliminates manual data entry while preserving the original information, resolving the contradiction between operational flexibility and time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of manual data entry with an automated image processing and recognition system. The computer-based transformation system substitutes human operators, dramatically reducing personnel effort while maintaining data creation flexibility through automated rule-based processing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual data entry is used to create PT2 documents, then the process can handle complex data, but the probability of errors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated copying and transformation process eliminates human transcription errors while maintaining the ability to handle complex track plan data. The systematic image-to-data transformation ensures accurate reproduction of all technical details without manual intervention errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements validation and verification mechanisms in the automated transformation process that provide feedback on data quality. This feedback system detects and corrects errors automatically, maintaining high reliability while handling complex railway infrastructure data.
3Loss of information
If printed track plans are used as input, then the information is readily available, but digital processing capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates digital copies of printed track plans through scanning and optical recognition. This copying process preserves all information from the printed source while transforming it into a digital format that enables full automation and computer-based processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the physical printed format with a digital representation through automated image processing. This substitution maintains information availability while enabling digital processing capabilities, eliminating the need for manual data extraction and entry.
4Productivity
If automated transformation is implemented, then personnel effort is reduced, but the complexity of the transformation system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal transformation system that handles multiple types of track plan formats and symbols through a single integrated platform. This multi-functional approach achieves high productivity while managing system complexity through standardized processing routines.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediate image processing stage that bridges the gap between printed input and digital output. This intermediary step simplifies the overall transformation system by breaking down the complex conversion process into manageable stages: scanning, recognition, and data structuring.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention comprises a method for transforming a track plan (GPL) of a railway infrastructure (BI) that is stored as image information, in which the track plan (GPL) is captured and analyzed using a computer. During the analysis, symbols (SBL) in the track plan (GPL) are recognized as infrastructure elements (LET, STE) and placed in the context of the railway infrastructure (BI). As a result of the transformation, data of the recognized infrastructure elements (LET, STE) are stored, and data relating to the functional relationships applicable to these infrastructure elements (LET, STE) within the railway infrastructure (BI) are stored in such a way that the functional relationships are assigned to the respective infrastructure element (LET, STE). Furthermore, the invention comprises a computer program and a computer-readable storage medium.