Train Carriage Scanning System Using Wheelbase and Image Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing train scanning systems face issues with missed or false scanning due to singular identification methods and environmental susceptibility, requiring manual assistance, which increases costs and reduces adaptability.

Innovation Solution

The equipment combines a wheelbase measuring device and an image capturing device with a control system to identify carriage types, reducing manual involvement and improving automation by measuring wheelbases and capturing images, and adjusting radiation scanning modes accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If wheelbase identification system or photoelectric sensors are used to identify carriage type, then identification can be performed automatically, but missed scanning or false scanning occurs due to singular identification method and environmental susceptibility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic identificationVSAvoididentification accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The identification system is segmented into multiple independent identification methods: wheelbase identification, image recognition identification, and radio wave identification. Each method operates independently to identify carriage type, reducing the risk of missed or false scanning caused by any single method's limitations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies composite identification by combining multiple identification technologies (wheelbase measurement, image recognition, radio wave detection) into a unified system. This composite approach leverages the strengths of each method while compensating for their individual weaknesses, significantly improving identification reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If manual assistance is added to identify carriage type, then identification accuracy improves, but manual cost increases and the process becomes semi-automatic

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentification accuracyVSAvoidautomation level
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-identification through multiple automated methods including wheelbase measurement, image recognition, and radio wave detection. The carriage type is automatically determined by the control system based on data from these identification devices, eliminating the need for manual assistance while maintaining high accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The control system receives feedback from multiple identification devices simultaneously and processes this information to automatically determine carriage type. The system cross-validates data from different sources and makes automated decisions, achieving both high accuracy and full automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If monitoring camera and other manual assistance tools are used, then identification capability is enhanced, but the tools are susceptible to environmental influences

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentification capabilityVSAvoidenvironmental susceptibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The identification capability is segmented across multiple devices with different operating principles: wheelbase sensors (mechanical measurement), image recognition cameras (optical), and radio wave detectors (electromagnetic). This segmentation ensures that environmental factors affecting one device do not compromise the entire identification system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses composite identification approaches combining multiple technologies that are less susceptible to environmental influences. The control system integrates data from these diverse sources, creating a robust identification capability that overcomes the environmental limitations of individual devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

4Productivity

If existing scanning device is used, then scanning function is provided, but the device occupies large range of land with high civil construction cost and poor adaptability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescanning functionVSAvoidland occupation and adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The scanning device is designed with multi-functionality to perform identification (wheelbase, image, radio wave) and scanning operations. The system can adapt to different carriage types and scanning requirements, reducing the need for specialized equipment for each function and minimizing land occupation requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable components that can adapt to different operational requirements. The identification and scanning parameters can be dynamically adjusted based on the detected carriage type, improving the device's versatility and reducing the need for fixed infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3495852B1An equipment and method for scanning a carriage of a train
Publication Date: 2023.09.27 NUCTECH CO LTD
  • EP3495852B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3495852B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3495852B1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

The present invention relates to an equipment and method for scanning a carriage of a train, wherein the device for automatically scanning a carriage of a train comprises: a first wheelbase measuring device for measuring a wheelbase of a carriage; a first image capturing device for capturing an image of the carriage; a radiation scanning device for scanning the carriage; and a control system which determines a type of the carriage according to wheelbase information measured by the first wheelbase measuring device and the image captured by the first image capturing device, and adjusts a mode of the radiation scanning device according to the type of the carriage. By providing the first wheelbase measuring device and the first image capturing device, the present invention may identify a type of the carriage in at least such two manners as to measure the wheelbase and capture the image, so as to reduce the occurrence of problems such as missed scanning or false scanning. Moreover, after measuring the wheelbase and capturing the image, a type of the carriage is finally judged by the control system, so that it is possible to cancel manual assistance in judgment of a type, lessen manual involvement and reduce manual mistake; and it is also possible to reduce manual cost and improve the degree of automation.