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Using Horus for the detection and classification of objects or hazards on or about the rail corridor.
Identification of upcoming hazards and objects is core to safe operations. A train operator’s ability to reliably see is often hampered by environmental factors including night-time, sun glare, low-light areas such as subterranean/metro tunnels, or during inclement weather conditions. Whilst these conditions may not stop rail services, the reduction or interruption in network performance may come at a significant cost to the communities they serve.
New advanced technologies can assist in providing a train operator with real-time information. For example, a thermal camera can detect any object with a heat signature, such as a human or animal in the Right of Way (ROW), or even the state of switches in night-time, poor light, or freezing conditions.
4AI Systems has created Horus, a sophisticated vision and multi- sensor perception system, to aid train operator situational awareness and provide earlier warning to potential hazards in the ROW. The Horus SensorBar features a combination of calibrated colour and thermal cameras supported by multiple sensors in a pre-assembled array. Alternatively, Horus sensors can be embedded into the front panels of a rail vehicle cabin.
Horus uses proprietary software but aims to be hardware agnostic, with all sensors being commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) equipment. Each sensor configuration is calibrated specifically for an operator’s use case, can be swapped in or out, and replaced or upgraded as business needs and technologies evolve. Using COTS hardware allows 4AI Systems to offer a flexible deployment solution that meets the changing needs of operators and the technology market, without compromising system functionality.
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.
Flexible sensor configuration: Sensors can be swapped in or out and replaced or upgraded as required for both operating purpose and as newer technologies become available.
Accurate location reporting: Configured as to the client needs and availabilities of technologies.
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.
Real-time infrastructure detection: Horus can detect track objects such as signs, signal aspects, adjacent tracks, switches and points, and calculate distances to any detections.
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.