Technology to transport people safely  

   updated May 2012 - See: Options

 

 

 

INTRODUCTION

This system has been specifically developed for "Ferrovie Italiane" (Italian Railway System)  and allows operators to monitor the MECHANICAL CONDITIONS of TRAIN pantographs in TRANSIT from a distance USING IMAGES.

In terms of train transport SAFETY and PREVENTION, the system has proven to be HIGHLY EFFECTIVE, allowing for immediate interventions on trains with visible pantograph damages or anomalous shoegear wear before these result in serious damages to ET infrastructure and lead to interruption in Rail traffic.

                      

EFFICIENCY is very IMPORTANT for transport. A LACK of PREVENTION and/or CONTROLS can inevitably cause unscheduled interruptions in transport, diminishing TRUST in the RAIL system among passengers as well as generating a perception of UNRELIABILITY with respect to this type of transport. This results in a LOSS of IMAGE in terms of Public opinion. As such, PREVENTION and CONTROLS MUST BE INCREASED by employing all available technologies both before transport starts (when the engines leave the deposits) and on all Rail tracks.

For years, Micronova has been working to increase Remote Control System efficiency and to improve safety levels.

Aim of the Pantograph Monitoring System

The system is comprised of:

·      Remote Shot Positions (RSP), installed along rail tracks

·      Place Central Control (PCC) installed at each compartment operating centre as well as at a national supervisory centre, if required.

The RSP takes a photograph of each pantograph as a train passes. The images are taken by DIGITAL HIGH RESOLUTION cameras in the Remote Shot Position (RSP) and are automatically sent to the Place Central Control (PCC) in real time. The Operator is automatically alerted by the system and can check its status using images. Should serious anomalies be found, the Operator can arrange for the train to be stopped.

Each Remote Shot Position can be either connected to the Place Central Control (PCC) with a point/point line using a G.SHDSL Modem or using a PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) Modem, GSM, LAN.

A careful combination of Camera, their performances, flashes and RSP control modules - especially designed - by us ensure that clear pantograph photographs are can be taken at speeds of 300 km/h.

REGULATIONS

Please also note that the technical characteristics and performances of all our equipment are markedly superior to current regulation requirements.

Remote Shot Position (RSP)

The REMOTE system is comprised of two ELECTRONIC MODULES (for DIN guides) - manufactured by us, which handle up to 4 Digital Cameras for each individual RSP position as well as the relative Illumination, modems or communication interfaces.

Each ELECTRONIC module is interactive and fully controls camera parameters. The sensors connected to it can be used to synchronise each photograph with a high degree of precision. Specifically, please note that the electronic components which make up the Modules have been specifically chosen to provide LOW CONSUMPTION LEVELS and INCREASED RELIABILITY.

>Absorption for a 2 track REMOTE system (with 2 cameras and relative Flash ) is less than  60 W.

The (RFI) system records both LEGAL and ILLEGAL traffic.

 

LAN NETWORK

Our Pantograph Monitoring systems can interface with a LAN network using both CABLE and Wi-Fi (Wireless).

All operators are granted full access to RSP photographs taken in their own compartment as well as those taken in other compartments on the Rail INTRANET network.

This ensures that images supplied for each train – taken while it travels through each compartment – can be quickly, safely and accurately monitored.

The system is “OPEN”; that is, it can be implemented and adapted to fulfil Customer needs. The system is also equipped with REMOTE assistance. As such, parameters and their relative efficiency can be monitored by all RSP or PCC REMOTE Positions. FIRMWARE can also be implemented from any Position.

Place  Central Control (PCC)

A modem connects the PCC to the remote RSP.

Each image is automatically presented on a FULL screen as it is received. At the same time, an ACOUSTIC SIGNAL warns the Operator that the image has been delivered.

All FILES received contain the following data:

- Journey no (RFI  data)

- Train no. (Trenitalia engine data)

- Name, city, RSP location

- Even-numbered or odd-numbered track

- date and time (hours-minutes-seconds).

The Files are AUTOMATICALLY stored in folders created on a daily basis by the software (General Archive).

The General Archive is logical, easy to use and can be employed to carry out a historical analysis on all trains in transit.

 

Another file (Anomaly Archive) saves and stores photographs showing noticeable damages in a CLEAR manner

FILES are stored in standard international “Jpeg” format.

The latest generation in Digital Cameras employs high definition technology which - combined with a powerful, easy-to-use ZOOM system, provides enlargements of details on photographs for quick, meticulous and accurate inspections.

Operators learn to use the system in just a few minutes because it is highly AUTOMATED, STRAIGHTFORWARD and USER FRIENDLY.

 

Example of a damaged pantograph

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Special version with double DIGITAL Camera to collect data

"TRAIN number”

 

The “TRAIN NUMBER” (engine) is printed in the upper right hand side of the image, which also contains a summary of the data shown in the photograph above including the name of the site, the date and time.

Files are automatically saved by the program under a “Train name” to help quick, rational searches (RFI system data).

All identification data is summarised on the edge of the image when PRINTED:

 

Furthermore, a special version containing “Engine Train No. – Trenitalia” data also allows operators to obtain images on LOWERED pantographs.

 

 

Partial magnification of a lowered pantograph

 

 

FURTHER USES – MONITORING LEVEL CROSSINGS

The system can be used on Level Crossings (LC) to monitor the vehicle crossing area from a distance.

Apart from providing a view of the LC area, the system also allows operators to send TDS warning messages and receive sounds.

Another version, used to monitor “INFRACTIONS”, allows operators to document these events.

Connections with MANNED or OTHER stations can be put in place with no limits in terms of distance by employing either twisted pair cables or FOs.

 

OPTIONS

Further complementary options are currently available for the new PANTOGRAPH DIGITAL monitoring systems. These options can be integrated with the system on request, even at a later time.

With new Hardware is possible verify parameters to Thrust towards the overhead contact line (cm. raised or lowered) and other environmental parameters (speed, wind direction, etc.). A warning will be AUTOMATICALLY sent to the CMP when any parameter is surpassed.

New, preliminary studies on FREIGHT CARS have shown that the system can be employed to identify the position of each individual car in the country (unequivocal code). This allows the compartment and track on which the car has travelled to be quickly identified and allows operators to monitor the distance travelled by each car (both automatically and manually). These figures are used to establish when each car requires maintenance.

Cameras with 8M pixels are now available. Because of their 1” CCD, the cameras supply improved magnification and a greater colour depth. Cameras currently in use can be easily substituted with these new cameras.

Further studies are currently being carried out to supply other types of controls on the same digital pantograph monitoring system.  

( i  Trenitalia version )                             RSP Installation                        ( RFI version  h )

Home Page.UK