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Using Horus to identify anomalies or hazards around the locomotive to detect potential collisions.
The rail industry is now able to look to addressing and minimising collision incidents using the advancement of modern Artificial Intelligence (AI) computing methods and sensor technologies. Issues that can be addressed include misread signals, train over-speed, train operator distraction or fatigue, or environmental conditions that impact visibility for decision making.
Once a potential collision is detected, a customised configuration of these technologies can provide an alert to warn the train operator to take action or mechanically intervene if the train operator fails to do so within the preconfigured business rules. The response time will depend on factors such as visibility, environmental factors, the speed at which the vehicle is travelling, and its braking ability, to name a few.
Horus is a specific solution using AI processing of sensor technology data to support rail vehicle operators by providing a highly accurate, independent location assurance system. Once location assurance has been achieved, the task of determining whether an object is in the right of way can be confirmed by comparing known track data against anomalies presented.
Acting as a never tired or distracted observer, Horus uses a combination of vision sensors to continuously monitor the environment around the locomotive in real-time to identify hazards or differences, and issues alarms or braking commands per network rules. Horus can detect objects in or around the rail corridor up to 2 kilometres / 1.24 miles ahead, subject to conditions, such as the object’s size and camera quality.
When Horus is integrated with an EN4CER system, emergency braking can be automatically engaged (depending on network rules) via an independent SIL4-rated safety computer to create an Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system. Each ATP application does need to undergo functional safety assessment per train type, network and operation. 4AI Systems can provide this capability and has already participated in a functional safety assessment in a client environment. This established and independently verified process enables faster deployment in other environments.
Object and hazard detection: New sensor technologies are enabling the detection of objects in conditions not possible by a human, enabling alerts for earlier intervention.
Advanced Driver Advisory System (ADAS): In-cab Human Machine Interface communicates the business specific configured information to the Train Operator for response or actioning.
Situational awareness: Interpreting the train’s real-time virtual 3D environment to determine its location/position in relation to its surrounds and cross checking against its movement authority.
All-weather and light detection: Horus and its sensors have been proven in use in poor visibility conditions such as lowlight, glare, dusty, and inclement weather conditions.
SIL-certified braking relay (optional): A braking interface for automatic braking of a train in case of failure to slow or stop. SIL accredited on a case-by-case basis.
Real-time onboard processing: All detection and classification of objects is done onboard the train using ruggedised rail-rated computer loaded with the Horus processing software. Data connectivity is only used in specific use cases.
Train Control System (TCS) agnostic: Horus is a supporting technology which can integrate with most modern TCS’s or work as an independent overlay system. This is useful for trains traversing multiple networks.