Train Obstacle Distance Estimation Using Rail Width Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing train control systems face a significant computation load when calculating the distance to obstacles using image analysis, which can be resource-intensive.
Innovation Solution
The system calculates the distance to obstacles based on the recognized rail image width, utilizing a database for pre-stored data or ground device assistance to reduce computational burden.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If image analysis is used to calculate distance to obstacles, then distance measurement capability is improved, but computation load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces rails as an intermediary reference object between the imaging device and the obstacle. Instead of directly analyzing the obstacle image for distance calculation, the system uses the rails as a mediator - capturing rail images, calculating rail width from these images, and using the rail width as an intermediate parameter to determine distance. This reduces computation load because rail images are simpler to process than obstacle images, and the rail width provides a reliable geometric reference for distance calculation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified copy of the distance measurement problem by using rail width as a proxy measurement. Instead of directly measuring distance to the obstacle through complex image analysis, the system captures a copy of the scene (rail image), extracts a simplified feature (rail width), and uses this copied information to infer the actual distance. This copying approach reduces computational complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If complex image analysis is performed on the train control device, then obstacle detection accuracy is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary information (rail width) from the captured image data, rather than performing comprehensive analysis of the entire scene. By taking out just the rail width measurement from the image, the system achieves sufficient distance calculation accuracy without the time cost of analyzing all image features. This selective extraction reduces processing time while maintaining the needed measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by capturing rail images and calculating rail width in advance, before obstacle detection is needed. The rail width calculation serves as a pre-computed reference that can be quickly used for distance determination when obstacles are detected, reducing the processing time required during critical obstacle detection events.
Data Source
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AI summary
A train control device comprising: an imaging device that captures images from a train traveling on a rail; and a recognition unit that recognizes the rail and an obstacle on the rail with the image data captured by the imaging device, and calculates the distance to the obstacle on the basis of the rail width of the point where the obstacle exists.