Patent ID: 12259495

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG.1shows a sensor device10on the front of a locomotive12, although the sensor device10can be used on any form of vehicle. The sensor device10is used to assist the driver of the locomotive12to make driving decisions.

A close-up view of the sensor device10is shown inFIG.2and an exploded view of its components is shown inFIG.3. The sensor device10has an encasement14and a sensor array. The sensor array comprises a first RGB camera16, a lidar detector18, a telephoto lens camera20, an infra-red camera22and a second RGB camera24.

The encasement14provides a substantial contribution to the working of the invention because it allows a sensor system to be economically and quickly retrofitted to an existing locomotive, rather than having to entirely replace the existing locomotive with a new locomotive at great expense. In other words, it is cheaper to give a train eyes than a new head.

The lidar detector18measures distances by illuminating a target with laser light and measuring the reflection with a sensor. Differences in laser return times and wavelengths can then be used to make digital3D representations of the target.

The two RGB cameras16and24provide the sensor device10with stereoscopic vision. This enables the sensor device10to perceive distance and angle. It also enables the sensor device10to appreciate the centre line of the locomotive10. For example, if there is a post along side the track of the locomotive12, the stereoscopic cameras16and24can calculate the distance and location of that post from the locomotive12.

The encasement14has a glass shield26which protects the sensor array from wind, rain and debris. The glass shield26is sloped outwardly to increase its deflection ability and strength. The glass shield26has a gallium arsenide insert28that enables infrared wavelengths of light to penetrate the glass shield26and be detected by the infra-red camera22. The encasement14has a visor hood30that deflects solar radiation. The sensor device10also has two antennas32and34that receive GPS signals for location processing.

Each antenna housing contains an inertial navigation sensor (INS). The INS is a navigation device that uses motion sensors (accelerometers) and rotation sensors (gyroscopes) to continuously calculate by dead reckoning the position, orientation, and velocity (direction and speed of movement) of a moving object without the need for continuous external references. The GPS signal is used as an external reference to the INS processor which is why they are in the same mounting. If GPS is lost (e.g., in a tunnel), then the INS acts by dead reckoning through the tunnel until a reference GPS signal becomes available again. INS loses accuracy over time and does need an external reference to be continuously reset in case a GPS outage occurs.

In some embodiments of the invention, the sensor device10may also include a barometric altimeter, magnetic sensors (magnetometers), and/or speed measuring devices.

Data from the sensor array and antennas is transmitted through a router (namely, a Power over Ethernet switch) to a computer processor36that is located in an equipment rack (not shown) within the locomotive12. The sensor device10may have a radio communications antenna (not shown) for transmitting data to remote third parties.

The computer processor36is programmed to receive data from the sensor array, store real time data from the sensor array, and store a master data sequence file of data previously collected from the sensors. The computer processor36has software which is programmed to correlate data from the sensor array with data from the master data sequence file, make inferences based on data about an event, and communicate alarms as programmed.

The master data sequence file comprises processed data extracted from previous runs from all locomotives operating on that particular track. The data is processed data. It is not video. Artefacts are extracted from previous runs are sorted as a sequence of objects, events and conditions. The computer processor36is looking for the differences between what artifacts the sensors are sensing and what was recorded in the master data sequence file. The computer processor36is programmed to look for particular differences between the incoming data and the master data sequence file which may indicate an alarm condition. This may include, for example, an unexpected item such as a cow or a car on the track ahead. The alarm can include a warning for the driver to apply the brakes on the locomotive12.

The alarms can also be relayed electronically via the communications device to remote third parties so that they are aware of the event which could also present danger to them or the wider network. For example, a sensor device could make a rail network aware of cows on a particular section of track.

Each access panel of the sensor device10may have a sensor switch which is capable of detecting when the access panel has been opened or removed as an intrusion alarm. This detection helps to prevent tampering by a third party. An alarm may also be activated to a remote third party via the communications device. These alarms will not be activated to a driver as the device is not accessible to an intruder while the train is operating.

In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

The appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.