Method and apparatus for using machine vision to detect relative locomotive position on parallel tracks
US6128558A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 9, 1998 |
| Grant date | Oct 3, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 9, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB61L2205/04
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An automatic train control system, including a track occupancy detector is disclosed which utilizes an image sensor disposed on the front of a locomotive which scans an image immediately in front of the locomotive and is capable of detecting the presence of the occupied track and any parallel tracks disposed on either side of the occupied track. Image processing is accomplished using a Laplacian edge detection algorithm and a Hough transform line detection algorithm. An on-board computer determines the slope of lines corresponding to rails extending ahead of the locomotive. The lines are grouped into lines having positive and negative slope and the number of lines in each group is determined. Based upon the number of lines having positive and negative slopes, a determination of occupancy is made. The information from the track occupancy detector is provided to other equipment located on the locomotive and used to assist with other advanced train control functions.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.