Train Obstacle Detection with Aligned Camera and Laser Axes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional obstacle detection systems using infrared cameras face reduced detection accuracy with increasing distance due to a fixed field of view and complications in aligning laser irradiation directions, leading to deviations in monitoring directions.
Innovation Solution
An obstacle detection device that aligns the optical axes of a camera and laser distance measuring device using an optical element, coupled with a monitoring area control unit to adjust the sensor unit's direction based on train position, map information, and attitude angles, enabling precise obstacle detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the field of view of the infrared camera is mechanically moved to improve detection accuracy at varying distances, then detection accuracy is improved, but the alignment between laser irradiation direction and camera monitoring direction becomes complicated and deviates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical axes of the camera and laser distance measuring sensor through a common optical element (beam splitter), ensuring they always maintain the same monitoring direction. This eliminates the alignment complexity that would arise from mechanically moving the camera field of view while keeping the laser alignment simple and fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a beam splitter as an intermediary optical element that enables both the camera and laser sensor to share the same optical path. This mediator allows the camera to capture images while the laser measures distance, with both devices aligned to the same direction without requiring complex mechanical coordination.
2Device complexity
If a fixed field of view camera is used to simplify the system, then device complexity is reduced, but detection accuracy deteriorates as distance to the obstacle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the sensor unit universally applicable to various distances by combining the camera and laser distance measuring sensor. The laser component adds the capability to accurately measure distances to obstacles at varying ranges, while the camera provides visual identification, creating a multi-functional system that maintains detection accuracy across different distances without increasing overall system complexity.
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
Improves detection accuracy by aligning the camera and laser axes, allowing for accurate obstacle detection and collision avoidance actions, even in varying train conditions and environments.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor unit 23 including a camera 231, a laser distance measuring device 232, and an optical element 233, by which an optical axis of the camera 231 and an optical axis of the laser distance measuring device 232 are set to an optical axis in the same direction with use of the optical element 233
Implementation Method 2
a laser distance measuring device 232
Implementation Method 3
a camera 231
Data Source
AI summary
An obstacle detection device includes: a sensor unit including a camera, a laser distance measuring device, and an optical element, and setting optical axes of the camera and the laser distance measuring device to an optical axis in the same direction using the optical element; a monitoring area control unit calculating a monitoring area to be monitored by the sensor unit using a position of a train, map information indicating a position of a track of the train, and an attitude angle of the train, and performing control to cause a direction of the optical axis of the sensor unit to be on a course of the train using a drive mirror; and an obstacle determination unit detecting an obstacle on the course of the train based on monitoring results of the camera and the laser distance measuring device, and determining whether a collision avoidance action is necessary.