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Using Horus to cross reference live sensor data against an infrastructure database to create a wholly onboard location assurance solution.
Railways are using signalled track which relies heavily on rail-mounted track circuits or axle counters to provide location assurance for trains as they travel along a network. This type of train control is referred to as Centralised Train Control (CTC), using Rail Vehicle Detection (RVD). In remote unsignalled dark territories, satellite navigation may be used.
The problem for both situations is that location assurance is reliant on costly and extensive external systems when today’s modern technology allows for more cost-effective onboard solutions. For example, wayside infrastructure is capital intensive, requires regular maintenance, is vulnerable to theft and vandalism, and a component failure can have a significant impact on all train operations. Conversely, an onboard solution can address many of these issues.
Many rail networks across the world are now seeking to minimise wayside equipment as they adopt communications-based train control systems in lieu of RVD systems. 4AI Systems is addressing these issues using data from multiple cameras and sensors, with a focus on visual perception, to produce an onboard system which can determine a vehicle’s position within the rail network.
Our solution, called Horus, can be used for location and route assurance on rail networks by using fused sensor data to estimate the rate of change between distances and angles of any detected infrastructure. These calculations are then used to triangulate the train’s location and operating track from a known reference infrastructure database. In this manner, a wholly onboard process is provided to both locate a train and provide track operating assurance. This system and method are proven in commercial operations in both open-air and subterranean rail environments, at line speed.
Wholly onboard location assurance: Horus does not need external data systems sources.
Wide variety of onboard sensors: Providing multiple sensor and calculation redundancies and can integrate with off-board data as needed to further improve Horus’ capabilities.
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.
Installation with remote upgrades: Once installed, system functionality is then upgraded remotely over-the-air without the need to revisit a physical installation unless additional sensors and their drivers are required.
Interoperable to internal systems: Using open- system data interoperability methods, Horus can be configured to work with existing systems.
Essential technology basis: Horus provides a foundation for enabling future Grades of Automation (GoA) operations.