Fusion of inertial and optical data for monitoring the geometry of the rail track

Abstract

Methods and means of monitoring the state of the rail track by a number of key geometric parameters are analyzed. The concept of joint use of inertial and optical technologies as an accurate and cost-effective solution in this area is proposed. An assessment of the influence of errors of individual measuring modules of an optical-inertial diagnostic system on the accuracy of determining the geometric parameters of a rail track has been carried out. Questions related to the recognition of the rail image in the readings of optical sensors against the background of stray lighting and sun glares are touched upon. Attention is paid to the methods of obtaining a priori data on the position of the rail head profile on the matrix of the scanner camera. The results of experimental testing of the proposed solutions are presented. The current approach to the indirect assessment of the dynamical behavior of a railway mobile unit’s bogie in a track is analyzed. An approach is proposed for direct control of this dynamics without introducing an intermediate parameter of equivalent conicity.