Digitally record track conditions with a single smartphone in the cab.

DIGITAL TRACK INSPECTION

Train Patrol Support App Powered by Mobile Devices

Just mount a smartphone in the cab of a commercial train. Train vibration, forward camera footage, and positional data are captured in sync, digitizing train patrol work that previously relied on the visual checks and physical sensations of staff. Because it uses a general-purpose smartphone, deployment cost stays low.

"Train Patroller" and "トレインパトローラー" are registered trademarks of the Railway Technical Research Institute.

"LABOCS" is a registered trademark of the Railway Technical Research Institute.

From measurement to visualization and centralized management

PRODUCT OVERVIEW

A single smartphone installed in the cab captures train vibration and forward camera images. Measured data is visualized so track conditions can be reviewed at the desk and used to plan maintenance timing.

Flow from measurement to visualization and centralized management

Low cost, high quality, and ease of use — three values that support track maintenance.

FEATURES

01 — COST

Low Cost

Because the measurement platform uses a commercial off-the-shelf smartphone, no expensive dedicated equipment is required. This enables low-cost train patrol support even for regional railway operators in challenging business conditions.

02 — QUALITY

High Quality

Train vibration and position are measured with an accelerometer / gyroscope (100Hz) and GNSS (1Hz). "LABOCS®" assigns kilometrage with an accuracy of a few meters. Vertical vibration also correlates with the longitudinal level measured by track inspection cars, enabling consistent track condition assessment regardless of staff experience.

03 — SIMPLE

Ease of Use

With a suction-cup mount, setup on the cab windshield takes about three minutes before measurement begins. Choose from three modes — "vibration," "vibration & video," and "video" — to suit the purpose. Even when mounted at a tilt, the 3-axis accelerometer corrects readings to the vertical axis.

Forward-image analysis and train vibration measurement

ANALYSIS

Forward image viewing and AI analysis

FRONT IMAGE ANALYSIS
Forward image viewing and AI analysis

Supports forward image viewing and various anomaly detection via AI analysis. (*Some features under development)

Train vibration measurement

TRACK CONDITION TREND
Train vibration measurement

High-frequency train vibration measurement and tracking of track condition trends

Main measurement items and modes

MEASUREMENT

Choose from three measurement modes depending on the purpose. The smartphone's built-in sensors are used to capture train speed, train vibration, forward video and more in sync.

Sensor / Measurement item Vibration Vibration & Video Video Sampling, etc.
Speed, latitude, longitudeGPS receiver 1Hz
3-axis acceleration / 3-axis angular velocity (train vibration)motion sensor 100Hz
Forward videorear camera Up to 4K / 60fps
Audiomicrophone 44.1kHz
● Supported — Not supported

Technical Details

1) Tanaka, H., Su, D., Nagayama, T.: "Fundamental Study on Low-Cost Track Condition Management Using Mobile Devices," Proceedings of the Railway Engineering Symposium, Vol.22, pp.39-46, 2018.
2) Tanaka, H.: "A Simple Train Patrol Support Method Using Mobile Devices," Journal of the Japan Railway Civil Engineering Association, Vol.61, No.10, pp.18-21, 2023.
3) Tanaka, H., Zhao, B., Su, D., Nagayama, T.: "Study on the Practical Implementation of a Low-Cost Train Patrol Support Method for Railway Track Maintenance Using Mobile Devices," AI & Data Science Proceedings, Vol.5, No.1, pp.56-65, 2024.

Deployment inquiries / Contact

CONTACT

SMARTCITY RESEARCH INSTITUTE CO., LTD.
SMARTCITY RESEARCH INSTITUTE CO., LTD.

Feel free to contact us regarding the features, deployment conditions, and costs of Train Patroller®.

Railway Technical Research Institute, Business Promotion Dept., Sales
RAILWAY TECHNICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE