Rail
Integrating intelligence enhances comfort
The railway industry is increasingly adopting new technologies with artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) being at the forefront. Relec Electronics’ sales director John Stone explains how they can be simply and cost-effectively integrated to enhance rail travel
W
ithin the rail industry, AI and IoT have been adopted as key technologies. Their integration offers
immense opportunities to analyse behaviour, conduct diagnostics on rolling stock, and gather data that can greatly enhance both comfort and safety for passengers.
New technologies
Although train operations have become almost semi-automatic, the human element in the form of a driver is still essential for ensuring safe and reliable operation. As drivers remain isolated in their cabs, AI implemented at the edge of the network can detect incidents such as acute medical conditions. Onboard surveillance systems can monitor driver activity, triggering an alarm if the driver falls or fixates on one direction for an extended period. This alarm would alert the control centre, which can then initiate emergency procedures. Beyond the driver’s cab, the same surveillance system can also monitor passenger numbers and behaviour, notifying the driver or central control of any concerning situations.
Networked cameras and AI software can detect when passengers are seated or alighting from the train to provide real-time status data for accurate updates of capacity. Displays in each carriage can depict which have free seats so passengers can easily move along the train to find a seat. The IoT means that the occupancy status can also be displayed on passengers’ phones for active updates.
Sealed, enclosed monitors Relec Electronics offers a range of EN 50155-certified touchscreen railway monitors which are designed to be integrated with the latest AI and IoT systems. Enclosed in an aluminium casing with an IP65 rating at the front, the
18 June 2023 Components in Electronics
knowledge of system integration for applications which are expected to operate in some of the harshest and most demanding environments.
Relec also offers a range of EN50155 approved panel PCs from 10.4” to 15” formats based on the Intel Atom E3845 processor.
monitors offer versatile interface options (VGA, DVI, and HDMI) and support VESA or panel mounting. They deliver a brightness of 500 cd/m2, support 16.2 million colours, and provide wide viewing angles. Monitors are designed to meet the EN50155 and EN45545 standards, with an input range of 24 Vdc to 110 Vdc and an operating temperature range of -25 to +55°C.
The IoT and data
The IoT relies on sensors, which relay data to a central location which accesses onboard diagnosis and predictive maintenance. Through signals and data analysis, train operators can know the status of the bogie or axle via software and tackle any areas which display behaviour which is typically a precursor to failure or damage to avoid serious accidents and minimise repairs when the stock is out of action. This data is collected by different sensors located throughout the train and via various protocols. Gateways integrate data and transmit it to the central management system to locate and identify any potential problems quickly. Onboard
surveillance systems comprising transportation-
certified computer hardware, security software and cameras require expert electromechanical design as well as
Relec Electronics is a specialist power conversion and display product provider with a wealth of experience in the rail industry. Its portfolio includes Axiomtek’s purpose-built transportation embedded computer products and enclosed TFT displays. Axiomtek designs and manufactures rail industry-qualified sealed displays and customisable embedded computer products to integrate technologies into rail freight around the world. Many have been certified to EN 50155, EN 50121 and EN 45545 for railway applications. The broad portfolio of ITS and mass transit surveillance solutions saves integration costs but improves time-to-market for transportation system developers.
Relec is also experienced in sourcing products for the railway industry. It can provide display modules in sizes ranging from 3.5” to 31.5” with options for both train- borne and trackside projects. Features include operating temperatures from -40°C to +80°C, high shock, and vibration immunity, as well as rugged PCAP touch panels with excellent EMI/ EMC performance.
In addition to standard solutions, the company works with customers to understand an application’s particular requirements. This sometimes means going the extra mile to customise a product or a feature to achieve optimum performance.
The engineering skills of its sales team combined with the ability to source the most appropriate products means that Relec consistently and meticulously delivers the best-performing and most robust power and display solutions available.
http://www.relec.co.uk www.cieonline.co.uk.uk
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