Onboard Video Track Identification for Train Route Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current train control systems face challenges in optimizing route planning for reduced emissions and fuel consumption, particularly in multiple-track regions where accurate identification of the rail vehicle's track number is difficult, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to the need for manual tracking and costly infrastructure maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize route information to adjust mission plans dynamically, incorporating GPS and onboard video camera systems to actively determine the track assignment, and a computer software module to optimize route changes for reduced emissions and fuel consumption, allowing for real-time adjustments and updates to the database without requiring extensive modifications to the information technology system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automatic radio communications from wayside equipment to the train are used to provide route information, then the trip optimizer system can adjust mission plans for reduced emissions and fuel consumption, but the implementation cost becomes expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The train determines its own track number using onboard video cameras and image processing, eliminating the need for expensive wayside equipment and automatic radio communications. The system serves itself by capturing images of track signs, processing them locally, and automatically updating its position information for the trip optimizer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/infrastructure-based automatic radio communication system with an optical/image-based system using onboard cameras. This substitution eliminates expensive wayside equipment while achieving the same function of providing route information to the trip optimizer.
2Reliability
If the train control system enforces control signals for distinct areas along particular tracks, then operational safety is improved, but the system requires accurate knowledge of the rail vehicle's track number which is difficult to obtain in multiple-track regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces track number signs as intermediary objects that provide visual identification of track numbers. The onboard video camera captures images of these signs, and image processing extracts the track number information, serving as a reliable mediator between the physical track and the control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy of the track number information by capturing images with onboard cameras and processing them to extract numerical data. This copied information is then used by the control system to enforce appropriate control signals, eliminating the need for direct physical measurement of track identity.
3Reliability
If the operator manually determines track number in multiple track areas, then the train control system can enforce correct control signals, but operational time and efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The train automatically determines its own track number using onboard video cameras and image processing algorithms. This eliminates the need for operator intervention in manual track identification, freeing the operator to focus on other operational tasks while maintaining accurate track number knowledge for control signal enforcement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual operator determination with an automated optical recognition system. Video cameras capture track number signs, and image processing algorithms automatically extract and identify the track number, substituting human cognitive and manual processes with automated technological systems.
4Reliability
If complete database updates are transmitted to the powered system, then the route optimization information is current and accurate, but the transmission time and bandwidth requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the essential track number information from images captured by onboard cameras, rather than transmitting or processing complete database updates. This extraction approach obtains current and accurate route information without the time and bandwidth costs of complete database synchronization.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling a powered system, the method including operating the powered system to perform a mission based on an optimized mission plan, identifying when the powered system is approaching a location in the mission where the powered system may change from a first route to a second route, obtaining information about whether the first route or the second route will be taken, and if the second route is taken, adjusting the mission plan to optimize reduced emissions output and/or reduced fuel consumption based on the route change.