BR102016010909A2 - method and system - Google Patents

Abstract

method and system. The present invention relates to monitoring methods and systems. method (600) comprises the steps of, in a detection processor (112), monitoring (602) a fiber optic cable for signals to determine one of vehicle movement or calibration information; in a calibration device (122), outputting (604) a signal to be received by the detection processor (112) through the fiber optic cable; at the detection processor (112) receiving (606) the signal from the calibration device (122); and, in sensing processor (112), determining (608) whether a signal signal level from the calibration device (122) is within a predetermined threshold.

Description

Field of the Invention The present invention relates to monitoring methods and systems.

Background of the Invention Some known systems pick up vibrations that propagate through the ground to detect the presence of one or more objects. These systems can examine the vibrations that are picked up in an attempt to identify objects, determine where objects are located, and the like. An example of such systems picks up ground vibrations using a fiber optic cable that extends below or near the rail tracks. Although these fiber optic cables may have been routed along the railway to provide network connectivity, some railway companies have the ability to use these fiber optic cables to monitor ground vibrations. These vibrations can be used to try to identify the passage of rail vehicles along the rail.

One problem with these known systems is that the systems are not "vital" systems. For example, systems may be unable to automatically correct for changes in captured vibrations that were caused by external factors. Changes in climate and other factors may change vibrations and / or the spread of vibrations across the ground, and may impede or block the ability of these systems to accurately identify rail vehicles based on the vibrations that are generated. Such systems may suffer from incorrect detection of a rail vehicle based on vibrations that are not caused by the rail vehicle but which appear to be caused by a rail vehicle due to the impact of environmental conditions on the propagation of vibrations. Similarly, such systems may suffer from failure to detect a rail vehicle based on the vibrations that are caused by the rail vehicle but do not appear to be caused by a rail vehicle due to the impact of environmental conditions on the propagation of vibrations.

Additionally, existing systems typically rely on a one-time calibration of the exact location of fiber optic cables. Therefore, changes in fiber optic cable or interrogation equipment following calibration may introduce errors in the data used to detect vehicles. For example, if the characteristics of the fiber optic cable or the fiber optic cable itself are moved, data distortion may occur, and system accuracy may be affected. Accordingly, there is a need for a system and method capable of ensuring that physical fiber optic cables do not move, and that they can be calibrated to account for any such movements.

Description of the Invention In one embodiment of the invention, a method (for example, to capture vibrations) includes introducing baseline vibrations into a fiber optic cable with one or more of an assigned frequency or an assigned amplitude, monitoring changes. baseline vibrations using fiber-optic cable, and determine information about environmental conditions outside the fiber-optic cable based, at least in part, on changes in baseline vibrations that are monitored.

[006] In another embodiment, a system (e.g., a monitoring system) includes a control system and a detection system. The control system is configured to introduce baseline vibrations into a fiber optic cable with one or more of an assigned frequency or an assigned amplitude. The detection system is configured to monitor changes in baseline vibrations using fiber optic cable, and to determine information about environmental conditions outside the fiber optic cable based at least in part on changes in fiber optic cable vibrations. baseline that are monitored.

In another embodiment, a detection system includes one or more sensors and one or more detection processors. One or more sensors are configured to examine light traveling through a fiber optic cable that extends along and below a route traveled by vehicles. One or more detection processors are configured to monitor changes in baseline vibrations introduced into the fiber optic cable at assigned times, and to determine information about environmental conditions outside the fiber optic cable based at least in part. changes in baseline vibrations that are monitored.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Reference is made to the accompanying figures, in which particular embodiments and additional benefits of the invention are illustrated as described in more detail in the description below, wherein: Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a system of vibration monitoring according to one embodiment; Figure 2 schematically illustrates a vibration monitoring system detection system shown in Figure 1 during movement of an object of interest according to one embodiment; Figure 3 illustrates an example of a frequency spectrum of vibrations of interest generated by movement of the object of interest shown in Figure 2, as detected by the detection system shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 illustrates a frequency spectrum of baseline vibrations generated by a control system shown in Figure 1 during different environmental conditions, according to one embodiment; Figure 5 illustrates a flowchart of a method for monitoring vibrations according to one embodiment; Figure 6 illustrates a flow chart of a method for verifying the integrity of the vibration monitoring system shown in Figure 1; and Figure 7 illustrates a flowchart of a method for determining the location situation of a vibration monitoring system calibration device shown in Figure 1.

Description of Embodiments of the Invention [009] One or more embodiments of a vibration monitoring system and method are described herein. These systems and methods can generate vibrations that propagate through a portion of the ground that includes one or more sensing cables. The detection cable can be used to detect vibrations. As an example, a fiber optic cable may be used as the sensing cable, with light refraction changes in the fiber optic cable that are representative of the vibrations that propagate through, into or around the cable. Based on the magnitude (eg amplitude), frequency, period or similar of the vibrations that are detected, the presence and / or location of one or more objects on the ground can be determined. For example, the passage of a vehicle above the detection cable may be detected, as well as the speed, travel direction, size or the like of the vehicle. Optionally, vibration changes can be used to identify damaged segments of a route that the vehicle travels.

[010] In one aspect, vibration monitoring systems and methods can detect vibrations caused by moving objects, and determine information about vibrations and / or objects based on the detected vibrations. Such information that is determined may include peaks, waveforms, frequencies, amplitudes or the like in a vibration frequency spectrum, or other information. This information can be used to identify the moving object, determine a location of the moving object, determine an object speed, identify a portion of a route that is traversed by the object, which may be damaged or the like.

[011] Vibrations may change due to factors other than moving objects (eg moving vehicles, damaged routes or the like). For example, under different environmental conditions (for example, different times, seasons, condensation periods, etc.), the same object may cause vibration monitoring systems and methods to detect different vibrations. Differences between detected vibrations may be caused by changing environmental conditions rather than the object of interest. Systems and methods can identify these differences caused by environmental conditions and modify information that is determined based on the vibrations detected to account for changes caused by environmental conditions. Systems and methods can therefore self-correct changes in vibrations that are not caused by objects of interest to enhance the vitality, accuracy, precision and functionality of systems and methods.

[012] Embodiments of the present invention may be used with a variety of vehicles, including rail vehicles, mining vehicles, OHVs, automobiles and the like. Vehicles may use internal combustion engine engines, electricity, a hybrid of the two or other sources of energy. Vehicles can be automated, self-guided or guided through an operator entrance.

[013] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a vibration monitoring system 100 according to one embodiment. System 100 includes a control system 102 that generates baseline vibrations that are used to detect a change in environmental conditions. System 100 also includes a detection system 104 that detects vibrations caused by objects of interest (e.g., vibrations of interest) and baseline vibrations. Optionally, system 100 may include multiple sensing systems 104 that separately detect vibrations of interest or baseline vibrations.

[014] A sensing device 106 is disposed below a ground surface 108 (e.g., the ground surface or other surface). In one embodiment, the sensing device 106 is a fiber optic cable that communicates information between two or more locations by internally refracting light within the device 106. Alternatively, the sensing device 106 may be another type of cable that can be routed. used to detect vibrations in the ground. Detection system 104 includes a plurality of sensors 110 (e.g., sensors 110A through C) operatively connected to detection device 106 at different locations. For example, sensors 110 may be light sensitive devices that measure changes in how light is reflected internally or otherwise refracted to sensing device 106. The amount and arrangement of sensors 110 is provided merely as an example. As described herein, the sensing device 106 may be used to pick up vibrations that propagate through the ground. Alternatively, another device, system or apparatus may be used as the sensing device 106 to detect vibrations. For example, one or more accelerometers, seismometers or the like may pick up vibrations.

A detection processor 112 represents one or more computer processors (e.g. microprocessors), hardware circuits or circuitry, or a combination thereof, that examine data that is emitted by sensors 110 to measure the vibrations that propagate through sensing device 106. For example, sensors 110 may be conductively coupled to sensing processor 112 by one or more wires, cables or the like, and / or may be wirelessly connected to sensing processor 112, so that the sensors 110 can communicate data representative of the detected vibrations using the sensing device 106 to the sensing processor 112.

[016] Sensing processor 112 examines data received from sensors 110 to identify vibrations that propagate through, in and / or around sensing device 106. Based on these vibrations and / or changes in vibrations, the sensing processor detection 112 may determine information about an object on surface 108. This information may include an identification of the object of interest on surface 108, a location of a moving object of interest on surface 108, a speed of movement of the object of interest, a size of the object of interest or the like. For example, different objects, different object locations, different object speeds and / or different object sizes may be associated with different vibration patterns or waveforms that are determined by the detection processor 112 and detected using the device. of detection 106.

[017] In order to account for changes in environmental conditions and the impact of these changes on vibrations caused by objects of interest, the control system 102 may generate baseline vibrations in the ground where the sensing device 106 is located. These baseline vibrations can be generated at pre-assigned times and / or during pre-assigned time periods. Baseline vibrations can be generated with pre-assigned amplitudes and / or frequencies. As described below, these baseline vibrations can be detected by detection system 104 and used to modify and correct changes to vibrations of interest that were caused by environmental conditions.

Figure 2 schematically illustrates the detection system 104 of the vibration monitoring system 100 shown in Figure 1 during the movement of an object of interest 200 according to one embodiment. The object of interest 200 is shown as a vehicle, such as a rail vehicle, automobile, mining vehicle or the like, but alternatively may be another object. For example, sensing device 106 may extend along a route, such as a rail track, to pick up vibrations generated by a vehicle, such as a rail vehicle, which travels along the route. During movement of the object of interest 200 on or near surface 108, vibrations of interest 202 are generated in the ground below surface 108. Vibrations of interest are vibrations that differ from baseline vibrations as described herein. These vibrations of interest 202 propagate through the ground to the sensing device 106. The vibrations of interest 202 can change the way light is reflected within the sensing device 106. These changes are detected by sensors 110 as changes in intensities. changes in light intensities of different or similar wavelengths. Sensors 110 emit data representative of light and / or changes in the way light is reflected within sensing device 106. This data is communicated to sensing processor 112.

[019] Figure 3 illustrates an example of a frequency spectrum of vibrations of interest 300 generated by movement of the object of interest 200 shown in Figure 2 as detected by detection system 104. Vibrations of interest 300 are shown beside a horizontal geometry axis 302 representative of frequencies of the vibrations of interest 300 and a vertical geometry axis 304 representative of amplitude or magnitude of the vibrations of interest 300 at different frequencies.

[020] Vibrations of interest 300 may represent the vibrations detected by detection system 104 during movement of the object of interest 200. These vibrations of interest 300 may represent a signature or waveform that is associated with the object of interest 200. When the vibrations of interest 300 are detected, the object of interest 200 can be identified by the detection processor 112 by comparing the vibrations of interest 300 to different signatures or waveforms that are associated with the different objects of interest 200, and identifying the object of interest 200 based on this comparison. For example, signatures or waveforms may be defined as assigned peaks in the vibrations of interest 300 that are located at assigned frequencies and / or within an assigned frequency range. If the vibrations of interest 300 have peaks in the assigned frequencies and / or the assigned frequency range, then the vibrations of interest 300 can be identified as the object of interest 200 that is associated with the assigned frequencies and / or the assigned frequency range. of the signature or waveform. Optionally, different objects of interest 200 may be associated with different signatures or waveforms, different speeds of different objects of interest 200 may be associated with different signatures or waveforms, different locations of objects of interest 200 may be associated with different signatures or waveforms. different waveforms and the like, so that detection system 104 may have the ability to identify different objects of interest 200, different speeds of objects of interest 200, different locations of objects of interest 200 and the like.

[021] However, detection processor 112 may not be able to identify object of interest 200 due to changes in environmental conditions. For example, soil density, composition, mass or the like may change at different times of the day, during different seasons and during different weather conditions (eg rain, snow, ice, dry weather, etc.). These different environmental conditions may impact the manner in which the vibrations of interest 202 (shown in Figure 2) propagate through the ground and are detected by the detection system 104.

[022] For example, during the first environmental conditions (for example, the dry weather during daylight of a summer month), the vibrations of interest may appear as the vibrations of interest 300 shown in Figure 3. But during In the second different environmental conditions (eg wet weather during the night of a spring month), the same object of interest 200 can generate the vibrations of interest that are detected by detection system 104 as vibrations of interest 306 in Figure 3. During the third different environmental conditions (for example, ground ice during the winter), the same object of interest 200 may generate the vibrations of interest that are detected by the detection system 104 as vibrations of interest 308 in Figure 3. Changing environmental conditions may prevent the detection system 104 from being able to accurately identify the object of interest 200 based on the vibrations that are o detected.

[023] Returning to the description of vibration monitoring system 100 shown in Figure 1, system 100 can adapt to changing environmental conditions by repeatedly monitoring changes in baseline vibrations generated by system 100, and using these changes to modify (for example, correct) the information that is determined from the vibrations of interest generated by objects 200 (shown in Figure 2). Control system 102 can generate baseline vibrations 114 in the ground by moving a heavy object 116 relative to the ground. The heavy object 116 may be a weight, a body with a movable eccentric mass or other body type that can generate vibrations in the ground when moved relative to the ground. Heavy object 116 shown in Figure 1 can be moved toward ground surface 108 to reach ground and generate baseline vibrations 114. Heavy object 116 can then be moved away from ground for preparation for hit the ground again to generate additional baseline vibrations 114.

Control system 102 includes a controller 118 that represents one or more computer processors (e.g. microprocessors), hardware circuits or circuitry, or a combination thereof. Controller 118 controls the generation of baseline vibrations 114 by controlling the movement of object 116. An actuator 120 moves object 116 according to instructional signals received from controller 116. Actuator 120 may include a motor, a piston pneumatically controlled electromagnetic device, or other device capable of moving object 116 to generate baseline vibrations 114. Controller 118 generates instruction signals, and communicates signals to actuator 120 via one or more wired connections and / or wireless. Signals may indicate the times when actuator 120 must move object 116 to generate baseline vibrations 114, the duration of a period of time that actuator 120 must generate baseline vibrations 114 and / or move object 116 to generate baseline vibrations 114. With respect to instructions on how to move object 116, these instructions can tell actuator 120 how high to lift object 116 from surface 108 before releasing or moving the object. object 116 toward surface 108, how fast to move object 116 toward surface 108 (or to drop object 116 on surface 108), how often to move object 116 and / or how often object 116 must be moved. If object 116 is to be released or otherwise moved to contact surface 108 or another object in contact with surface 108 to generate baseline vibrations 114, then the instructions may dictate how fast object 116 is moved toward surface 108 or another object, how far away object 116 is away from surface 108 when object 116 is released or moved toward surface 108, and the like. If object 116 is moved relative to surface 108 without reaching surface 108, or an object on surface 108 (for example, object 116 is an eccentric mass that is rotated or otherwise moved relative to surface 108 to generate baseline vibrations 114), then the instructions may dictate how quickly object 116 is moved, how long object 116 is moved, or the like.

Figure 4 illustrates a frequency spectrum of baseline vibrations 400, 402, 404 generated by the control system 102 shown in Figure 1 during different environmental conditions, according to one embodiment. Baseline vibrations 400, 402, 404 are shown alongside the horizontal and vertical geometry axes 302, 304 described above in connection with Figure 3. Baseline vibrations 400, 402, 404 are generated by control system 102. moving the same object 116 (shown in Figure 1) in the same manner, but at different times and under different environmental conditions. For example, baseline vibrations 400 may be picked up by sensing system 104 in response to a ten pound (or 4.5 kilogram) object 116 that is released on surface 108 (shown in Figure 1) from a feet (or thirty centimeters) above surface 108 during dry conditions during the day. Baseline vibrations 402, 404 may be generated and picked up during other conditions. For example, baseline vibrations 402 may be generated by releasing the same ten pound (or 4.5 kilogram) object 116 that is on surface 108 one foot (or thirty centimeters) above surface 108 during rain. when snow is on surface 108 at night or the like. Baseline vibrations 404 may be generated by releasing the same ten pound (or 4.5 kilogram) object 116 that is on surface 108 one foot (or thirty centimeters) above surface 108 when there is ice on surface 108 .

[026] Control system 102 can generate baseline vibrations at assigned times, such as moments that are known by detection system 104. Control system 102 can generate baseline vibrations at times that are known or known. communicated to the sensing system 104 (e.g., the control system controller 118 or other device) so that the sensing system 104 can differentiate between baseline vibrations and vibrations of interest.

In one aspect, detection processor 112 may determine that system 100 is malfunctioning based at least in part on baseline vibrations. For example, sensing processor 112 may be aware of the times when baseline vibrations are generated by control system 102. If sensing processor 112 does not detect baseline vibrations at a time corresponding to when Baseline vibrations are generated, so detection processor 112 may determine that system 100 is malfunctioning. In response to this determination, the detection processor 112 may report one or more warning signals to another location, such as a repair facility, shipping facility, or the like, to warn of system 100 malfunction and / or request system inspection, repair, maintenance or the like 100.

[028] Baseline vibrations 400 can be assigned as a calibration signature. The sensing system 104 may periodically, regularly, randomly or otherwise repeatedly determine the baseline vibrations that are used as the calibration signature. Subsequently obtained baseline vibrations 402, 404 may be compared to the calibration signature to determine how the vibrations captured by the sensing system 104 change due to changing environmental conditions. For example, detection system 104 can capture baseline vibrations 402 and compare baseline vibrations 402 to baseline vibrations 400 by comparing the characteristics of vibrations 400, 402 to each other. Such features may include, but are not limited to, locations (e.g., frequencies) of 406 peaks (e.g., peaks 406A to H), peak widths 406 (for example, frequency ranges over which one or more peaks 406 extend), peak heights 406 (e.g., the amplitude of one or more of the peaks 406 along the vertical geometry 304) and the like.

In the illustrated example, detection system 104 can compare baseline vibrations 400, 402 and determine that peak 406B at baseline vibration 400 has moved to a lower frequency and / or has a reduced amplitude. relative to peak 406A at baseline vibration 402, that peak 406E at baseline vibration 400 has moved to a lower frequency and / or has a reduced amplitude relative to peak 406D at baseline vibration 402 and / or that peak 406F at baseline vibration 400 has the same or similar frequency as peak 406G (for example, it is within an assigned range of peak 406F, such as 1%, 5%, 10% or the like ) and / or has a reduced amplitude from peak 406G at baseline vibration 402.

[030] Detection system 104 can use these differences between baseline vibrations 400, 402 to correct information about objects 200 that is determined from the vibrations of interest 300, 306, 308 shown in Figure 3. By For example, due to changing environmental conditions, baseline vibrations 400, 402 appear to shift to lower frequencies and / or have reduced amplitudes as described above. To correct the impact of changing environmental conditions on the vibrations of interest, detection system 104 can measure frequencies and / or amplitudes from the vibrations of interest and then modify these frequencies and / or amplitudes. For example, detection system 104 may increase the value of the measured frequencies at which peaks appear at the vibrations of interest 300, 306, 308, may increase the value of the peak amplitudes at the vibrations of interest 300, 306, 308, or the like. Peak frequencies and / or amplitudes at the vibrations of interest 300, 306, 308 may be increased by the same proportion as peak frequencies and / or amplitudes at baseline vibrations 400, 402 may be decreased, or may be increased by a proportion. which is at least partially based on the decrease in peaks at baseline vibrations 400, 402. While detection system 104 may not actually be changing peak frequencies, amplitudes or the like, detection system 104 may change the peaks. measured frequencies, amplitudes or the like, which are measured from the vibrations of interest and used to identify information about the object 200.

As another example, detection system 104 can compare baseline vibrations 400, 404 and determine that peak 406B at baseline vibration 400 has moved to a higher frequency and / or has a reduced amplitude. with respect to peak 406C at baseline vibration 404 and / or that peak 406F at baseline vibration 400 has moved to a higher frequency and / or has an increased amplitude relative to peak 406H at baseline vibration The detection system 104 can use these differences between baseline vibrations 400, 404 to correct information determined from the vibrations of interest 300, 306, 308 shown in Figure 3. For example, due to changing conditions In ambient conditions, baseline vibrations 400, 402 appear to shift to higher frequencies and / or have increased amplitudes as described above. To correct the impact of changing environmental conditions on the vibrations of interest, detection system 104 can modify the frequencies and / or amplitudes that are measured from the vibrations of interest. For example, detection system 104 may decrease the frequencies at which peaks appear at the vibrations of interest 300, 306, 308, may decrease the amplitude of the peaks at the vibrations of interest 300, 306, 308, or the like. Peak frequencies and / or amplitudes at the vibrations of interest 300, 306, 308 may be decreased by the same proportion as peak frequencies and / or amplitudes at baseline vibrations 400, 404 may be increased, or may be decreased by a proportion. which is at least partially based on the increase in peaks at baseline vibrations 400, 404.

[032] In one embodiment, detection system 104 may determine information about environmental conditions based on the differences between baseline vibrations. For example, based on decreases in frequency for one or more peaks in baseline vibrations, detection system 104 may determine that the ground becomes softer, as due to rainfall. Alternatively, based on frequency increases for one or more peaks in baseline vibrations, detection system 104 may determine that the ground becomes harder, as due to ice formation on and / or ground. The sensing system 104 may use this environmental condition information to change the vibrations of interest as described above. Alternatively or alternatively, detection system 104 may use environmental condition information to alert vehicle operators of hazardous conditions. For example, detection system 104 may generate signals that are communicated to vehicles to alert potential vehicles of ice, rain or the like that detection system 104 may have detected.

[033] Once the information determined from the vibrations of interest is corrected, the vibrations of interest may be referred to as corrected or modified vibrations of interest. For example, a waveform, measured peak frequency, measured peak amplitude, or the like, on the vibration of interest can be corrected by changing the measured waveform, the measured frequency, and / or the measured amplitude to a modified waveform, frequency and / or amplitude. This corrected or modified information can be compared to signatures or waveforms associated with different objects of interest. Depending on which signatures or waveforms most closely match or otherwise correspond to corrected or modified information, detection system 104 may be capable of identifying the object of interest, the speed of the object of interest, the location of the object of interest, the size of the object of interest, or the like, based at least in part on corrected or modified information. The identified object, speed, location, size, or the like can be used for a variety of purposes, such as activating a vehicle warning system or warning signal, determining whether a vehicle is moving too fast or too slow. too many to generate control signals that slow down or automatically accelerate the vehicle based on the speed that is determined, or the like. For example, based on corrected information, detection system 104 may determine a size of a moving vehicle, the location of the vehicle and / or how fast the vehicle moves. Vehicle size can be used by detection system 104 to differentiate between different vehicles and thereby identify the vehicle. Based on vehicle location and vehicle speed, detection system 104 may generate control signals that are communicated to one or more locations, such as a dispatch center, where vehicle identification, location and / or speed may be be displayed to one or more operators to monitor vehicle movements. Optionally, these control signals may be communicated to a signal (e.g., a light or a door) to actuate the signal and alert other vehicles of detected vehicle movement.

Figure 5 illustrates a flowchart of a method for monitoring vibrations according to one embodiment. Method 500 may be performed by the monitoring system 100 shown in Figure 1 and described above. At 502, vibrations are picked up. For example, vibrations that propagate through the ground can be detected. Vibrations can be picked up by examining changes in light that is supplied through a cable, such as a fiber optic cable. Alternatively, vibrations may be picked up otherwise, such as using one or more accelerometers or other devices. At 504, a determination is made as to whether the captured vibrations are baseline vibrations. Baseline vibrations may be generated at known or allotted times, or within known or allotted time periods. If vibrations are captured at known or allotted times, within an allotted time period after the known or allotted times (for example, within thirty seconds or other time period), within the known or allotted time periods, or the like. then the captured vibrations can be identified as baseline vibrations. As a result, the flow of method 500 may continue to 506. On the other hand, if the captured vibrations are not captured at times corresponding to the generation of baseline vibrations, then the flow of method 500 may continue to 512, which is described below.

[035] At 506, baseline vibrations are examined for changes of one or more previous baseline vibrations. For example, baseline vibrations captured at 502 can be compared with baseline vibrations captured earlier to determine whether the shapes, waveforms, peaks, or the like at previously captured baseline vibrations have moved (for example , have changed which frequencies the peaks appear), have changed shape (for example, have larger or smaller amplitudes, are wider or narrower, etc.), or have changed otherwise.

[036] At 508, a determination is made as to whether the baseline vibrations change. If the baseline vibrations have changed from one or more previously captured baseline vibrations, then environmental conditions may alter the propagation of vibrations through the ground. As a result, vibrations generated by objects of interest can also be altered by environmental conditions in a similar manner. If baseline vibrations have changed or have been changed by at least a significant amount (for example, the frequency of a peak changes by at least an assigned non-zero amount such as 1%, 5%, 10%, or other then the flow of method 500 may continue to 510. On the other hand, if the baseline vibrations have not changed, or have not changed by a significant amount, then the flow of method 500 may continue to 512, which is described below.

[037] At 510, the corrections to captured vibrations are determined from changes in baseline vibrations. For example, the change in frequencies at which one or more peaks appear in baseline vibrations, the change in peak amplitudes, or other changes can be calculated. In 512, the vibrations of interest are picked up. If the vibrations captured at 504 are not baseline vibrations, then vibration detection at 504 and 512 may be the same operation as detecting the same vibrations. Because vibrations are not baseline vibrations used to determine corrections to account for changing environmental conditions, vibrations may be vibrations of interest. These vibrations can be used to identify an object of interest, the speed of the object of interest, a location of the object of interest, or the like.

In 514, the vibrations of interest are corrected based on the corrections determined from the baseline vibrations. For example, one or more frequencies, amplitudes, waveforms, or the like, which are determined from the vibrations of interest may be modified based on corrections determined from the baseline vibrations. If no correction is determined based on changes in baseline vibrations (for example, baseline vibrations are not affected by environmental conditions or are not significantly affected so that one or more peaks do not change frequencies and / or change the amplitudes by at least an assigned non-zero ratio), then the information obtained from the vibrations of interest cannot be modified. On the other hand, if corrections are determined based on changes in baseline vibrations, then these corrections can be applied to information determined from the vibrations of interest to form corrected or modified information from the vibrations of interest.

[039] At 516, corrected vibrations of interest (or vibrations of interest that have not been corrected due to lack of significant changes to baseline vibrations) are compared to one or more assigned signatures or waveforms. As described above, different signatures or waveforms may include different peak patterns, arrays or the like, and may represent different types of objects of interest, different movement speeds of different objects of interest, different locations of objects of interest, etc. .

[040] In 518 a determination is made as to whether corrected vibrations of interest (or vibrations of interest that have not been corrected due to the lack of significant changes to baseline vibrations) correspond to one or more of the signatures or Waveforms. For example, a determination may be made as to whether the peaks or other formats of the corrected vibration frequency spectrum of interest correspond most closely to the peaks or other formats of a signature or waveform with respect to one or more other signatures. or waveforms. If so, then the flow of method 500 may proceed to 520. For example, the corrected vibrations of interest may closely correspond to the peaks of a signature or waveform representing a particular object of interest, a particular velocity of an object of interest. interest, a particular location of an object of interest, or the like. On the other hand, if the corrected vibrations of interest do not correspond to one or more of the signatures or waveforms, then the vibrations of interest cannot represent an object of interest, a velocity of an object of interest, a location of a object of interest, or the like. As a result, the method 500 flow may return to 502 for additional vibrations to be picked up.

[041] In 520, information about an object of interest is determined based at least in part on the vibrations of interest. For example, the object of interest, the location of the object of interest, the speed of the object of interest, or the like, which are associated with a signature or waveform that corresponds more closely to corrected vibrations of interest than other signatures or shapes. wave can be identified. After this identification, the method 500 flow may return to 502 so that additional vibrations can be captured, corrected and / or used to identify information about an object of interest.

Turning to the description of vibration monitoring system 100 shown in Figure 1, system 100 may adapt to changes in the location of sensing device 106 and / or other sensing system 104 components by continuing and repeatedly the integrity of the detection device signals. Accordingly, in another aspect, system 100 may also include a calibration device 122 which is placed in the vicinity of detection device 106 and which may be used by system 100 as a vital mode to ensure that movements in both the calibration device 122 and on sensing device 106 and / or other components of sensing system 104 are detected and considered. Calibrator 122 may interface with a trackside bungalow 124 that contains communication equipment that relays integrity information from the calibration device 122 to the detection processor 112. Although the calibrator 122 and the trackside bungalow 124 are illustrated as being separate from the control system 102, in one embodiment, the calibration device 122 and the roadside bungalow 124, including the communication equipment contained therein, may be integrated into the control system 102. By integrating if the calibration device and the communication equipment to the control system 102, duplication of components that perform related functions can be clarified.

[043] In one embodiment, the calibration device 122 includes an acoustic device configured to generate and amplify an analog tone 126 that propagates through the air and / or underground to the detection device 106 and is used as a regular calibration. or reference point, as discussed from this point in this document. The acoustic device may be, for example, a low frequency acoustic transducer that is configured to transmit a low frequency acoustic signal (e.g. from 1 to 30 Hz) to the ground or otherwise. Alternatively or additionally, the acoustic device may use what is known as a ground penetrating sonar as described in US Patent No. 5,719,823, issued February 17, 1998 and incorporated herein by reference herein. totality. Part of the acoustic device may be buried in the ground surface to facilitate the transmission of acoustic energy from the device to the ground. Additionally, the soil around the buried portion may become uniform or otherwise increased to facilitate the transfer of acoustic energy from the buried portion to the uninvolved ground in which the fiber optic cable is buried.

[044] Calibration device 122 may be installed on a mobile platform or attached at any point along the roadside route and provides a reference point or location point either through a mile mark, search, GPS, or other known waypoint. The exact location of the calibration device 122 is stored by the detection processor 112 as a reference point that can be repeated and verified as needed to verify system integrity. Once calibrated, a window threshold can be set and, when exceeded, system 100 will be alerted that sensing device 106 has moved or calibration device 122 has moved or been interfered with. In one embodiment, the calibration device 122 may send a continuous signal to the sensing device 106. In other embodiments, the calibration device 122 may produce the reference tone 126 at defined intervals.

In particular, in one embodiment, the calibration device 122 may have a built-in real-time precision clock 128. The embedded software / firmware uses the built-in clock 128 to energize acoustic output at set intervals. Device 122 has communication capabilities that provide for synchronization of device 122 with a trackside location or a backup function to ensure that clock offset 128 is accommodated.

[046] In another embodiment, the calibration device 122 receives communication protocol at regular intervals in case the system 100 needs to verify the accuracy and location of the device 122. The calibration device 122 will then generate the analog signal, and if report to the pickup processor 112 once it has generated the signal. The pickup processor 112 will then confirm that a signal has been received from both sensors 110 as well as the situation from the calibration device 122 to confirm that the output has been successfully energized.

In case the sensing device 106 is moved, and to prevent a false positive signal from the calibrating device 122 to the sensing device 106, the calibrating device 122 is provided as a constant power output device which monitors output signal 126 and ensures that a device failure mode does not falsely produce an increase in signal power or level such that the sensing device 106 detects the reference signal from a much greater distance.

[048] Calibrator 122 may be disposed within a housing (not shown) capable of withstanding the hostile environment from an external roadside location (eg rail). In certain embodiments, Calibration Device 122 accepts both standard DC and AC input to power the device using common connector types such as Wago or Phoenix, and has the ability to communicate over both optical fiber and fiber. Ethernet back to a roadside bungalow 126 or back-up function to report device 122 status as a way of indicating and monitoring health.

[049] Figure 6 illustrates a flowchart of a method 600 for checking the integrity of detection system 104. Method 600 may be performed by the monitoring system 100 shown in Figure 1 and described above. At 602, the sensing processor 112 continuously monitors sensing device 106 for signals in the manner described above for determining vehicle movement or for calibration information generated by calibrator 122. At step 604, The calibration device produces an analog signal to be received by the detection device 106 at one of the locations. At step 606, the detection processor 112 receives the signal generated by the calibration device 122 through the detection device 106. The detection processor 112 at step 608 then verifies that the signal level of the received signal is within a range. predetermined threshold, which means that the calibration device 122 and the detection device 106 have not moved.

[050] Figure 7 illustrates a flow chart of a method 700 for determining the location situation of the calibration device 122. Method 700 may be performed by the monitoring system 100 shown in Figure 1 and described above. At step 702, calibration device 122 may use GPS or other time-based location to determine the situation. The mile station can also be programmed into the calibration device 122. In step 704, the calibration device 122 synchronizes with the detection processor 112 or the trackside equipment to confirm date, time and location. At step 706, the acoustic signal sent through the sensing device 106 is used to verify that the sensing device (i.e. the fiber optic cable) has not moved and the calibration device 122 has not moved. If synchronization does not occur or the detection processor 112 determines that the signal level is unacceptable (for example, outside a predetermined threshold window), the detection processor 112 alerts system 100 in step 708 that the signaling device Calibration 122 cannot be believed.

[051] As discussed above, to ensure that the safety integrity level is maintained and the calibration device 122 has not been relocated, the calibration device 122 includes a form of self-locating, such as GPS or other synchronization based system. similar to the time-based synchronization system. This autolocation information may be communicated either to the fiber interrogation equipment (i.e. the detection processor 112) or stored in the detection processor 112 which will validate the reported position against the possible position. This will provide notification if calibration device 122 has moved to maintain system integrity 100.

[052] In one embodiment, a vibration monitoring system that includes an acoustic device that outputs an analog signal to a fiber cable for calibration and location verification. The acoustic device uses GPS or communication from the roadside bungalow equipment to check real-time GPS or clock location information. The roadside bungalow contains communication equipment that interfaces with the acoustic device and relays health information to a detection processor. The detection processor is configured to detect the acoustic signal emitted by the acoustic device at a known location and verifies that the cable and device have not moved from location by comparing the received signal level against a threshold stored in memory. When the threshold is exceeded, the detection processor sends an alert that the fiber optic cable or acoustic device has changed location.

[053] The system components described herein may include or represent hardware circuits or assemblies that include and / or are connected to one or more processors, such as one or more computer microprocessors. The operations of the methods described herein and the systems may be complex enough that the operations cannot be mentally performed by an average human or a skilled person within a commercially reasonable period of time. For example, the vibration examination may take into account a large amount of information, may rely on relatively complex computations, and the like, so that such a person cannot complete the vibration examination within a commercially reasonable period of time to correct vibrations. measured while a vehicle is passing. The circuitry and / or hardware processors of the systems described herein may be used to significantly reduce the time required to obtain and examine vibrations.

[054] As used herein, a structure, constraint, or element that is "configured to" perform a task or operation is particularly formed, constructed, programmed, or structurally adapted in a manner that corresponds to the task or operation. For the sake of clarity and for the avoidance of doubt, an object that has the ability merely to be modified to perform the task or operation is not "configured to" perform the task or operation as used herein. In contrast, the use of “set to” as used herein denotes structural adaptations or characteristics that program the structure or element to perform the corresponding task or operation in a manner that is different from a “ready to use” structure or element that It is not programmed to perform the task or operation and / or denotes structural requirements of any structure, constraint, or element that is described as being “configured to” perform the task or operation.

[055] It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive. For example, the embodiments (and / or aspects thereof) described above may be used in combination with each other. In addition, various modifications may be made to adapt a specific situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define the parameters of the inventive material, they are by no means limiting, and are exemplary embodiments. Many other accomplishments will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the above description. As used herein, the terms "include" and "in which" are used as equivalents of the plain English terms of the respective terms "understand" and "where". In addition, as used herein, the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. they are used merely as identifications, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

[056] This written description uses examples to reveal various embodiments of inventive matter and also to enable a person skilled in the art to practice the realizations of inventive matter, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any embodied methods. The patentable scope of the invention may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of clauses if they have structural elements that do not differentiate them from the literal language of the clauses, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the clauses.

[057] The above description of certain embodiments of the inventive matter will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. To the extent that the figures illustrate the function block diagrams of various embodiments, the function blocks are not necessarily indicative of the division between the hardware circuitry. Thus, for example, one or more of the function blocks (for example, processors or memories) can be deployed on a single piece of hardware (for example, a general purpose signal processor, microcontroller, random access memory, hard disk). and the like). Similarly, programs may be standalone programs, may be incorporated as subroutines in an operating system, may be functions in an installed software package, and the like. The various embodiments are not limited to the arrangements and instrumentalities shown in the drawings.

[058] As used herein, an element or step referenced in the singular and proceeding from the word "one" should not be construed as an exclusion of plural elements or steps, unless explicitly stated. Furthermore, references to "one embodiment" or "one (1) embodiment" of the inventive material are not intended to be construed as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the foregoing features. In addition, unless explicitly stated otherwise, embodiments "comprising", "including", or "having" one element or a plurality of elements having a particular property may include additional elements such as elements that do not have such a feature. property.

Claims

Claims (13)

1. METHOD (600), characterized in that it comprises the steps of: in a detection processor (112), monitoring (602) a fiber optic cable for signals to determine one of a vehicle movement or signal information. calibration; in a calibration device (122), outputting (604) a signal to be received by the detection processor (112) through the fiber optic cable; at the detection processor (112) receiving (606) the signal from the calibration device (122); and in sensing processor (112) determining (608) whether a signal signal level from the calibration device (122) is within a predetermined threshold. Method (600) according to Claim 1, characterized in that: the calibration device (122) comprises an acoustic device; and the signal from the calibration device 122 comprises an acoustic signal. Method (600) according to Claim 2, characterized in that: the acoustic device applies the acoustic signal for transmission through the ground in which the fiber optic cable is embedded; and the signal received by the sensing processor 112 from the calibration device 122 comprises changes in the light signals propagated through the fiber optic cable, the changes caused by vibrations transmitted to the fiber optic cable by the acoustic signal. Method (600) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: the step of determining whether the signal level of the signal from the calibration device (122) is within a predetermined threshold includes Check that at least one of the calibration device (122) or the fiber optic cable has moved. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least one of the calibration device (122) or the detection processor determines, or is configured to determine, whether the calibration device ( 122) and the fiber optic cable have moved relative to each other based at least in part on at least one determined time-correlated location of at least one of the calibration device (122) or the fiber optic cable . A system (100) comprising: a detection processor (112) configured to monitor a fiber optic cable for signals to determine one of vehicle movement or calibration information; and a calibration device (122) configured to output a signal to be received by the detection processor (112); wherein the sensing processor (112) is further configured to receive the signal from the calibration device (122) and to determine whether a signal level of the signal from the calibration device (122) is within a predetermined threshold. SYSTEM (100) according to Claim 5, characterized in that: the calibration device (122) comprises an acoustic device; and the signal from the calibration device 122 comprises an acoustic signal. SYSTEM (100) according to Claim 6, characterized in that: the acoustic device is configured to apply the acoustic signal for ground transmission in which the fiber optic cable is embedded; and the signal comprises changes in the light signals propagated through the fiber optic cable, the changes caused by vibrations transmitted to the fiber optic cable by the acoustic signal. SYSTEM according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that at least one of the calibration device (122) or the detection processor determines, or is configured to determine, whether the calibration device ( 122) and the fiber optic cable have moved relative to each other based at least in part on at least one determined time-correlated location of at least one of the calibration device (122) or the fiber optic cable . System (100), characterized in that it comprises: a calibration device (122) configured to introduce an acoustic signal into a fiber optic cable; and a detection system configured to detect the acoustic signal emitted by the calibration device (122) at a known location and to verify that the cable and device have not moved from location by comparing an acoustic signal signal level against a level. of threshold signal. SYSTEM (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that: the detection system is configured to send an alert that one of the fiber optic cable or calibration device (122) has changed location when the threshold is exceeded. SYSTEM (100) according to Claim 9 or 10, characterized in that it further comprises: a roadside bungalow containing communication equipment communicatively coupled to the calibration device (122). SYSTEM (100) according to Claim 11, characterized in that: the communication equipment is configured to relay integrity information concerning the calibration device (122) to the detection system.