Rail crossing video recorder and automated gate inspection

• US 6,532,038 B1
• Filed: 08/16/1999
• Issued: 03/11/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 08/16/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: John Morgan Iii Thorington, Joseph Edward Haring
• Original Assignee: John Morgan Iii Thorington, Joseph Edward Haring
• Inventors: Haring, Joseph Edward, Thorington, John Morgan III
• Primary Examiner(s): Kelley, Chris
• Assistant Examiner(s): PARSONS, CHARLES E
• Application Number:
  US09/374,308
• Time in Patent Office: 1,303 Days
• Field of Search: 340/351, 340/903, 348/148, 348/149, 348/143, 348/154, 348/155, 348/128, 375/240.26, 370/224, 701/301
• US Class Current: 348/148
• CPC Class Codes: B61L 2205/04 Satellite based navigation systems, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
• CPC Class Codes: B61L 23/041 Obstacle detection
• CPC Class Codes: B61L 29/00 Safety means for rail/road crossing traffic

Abstract

An invention is presented that expedites cause, fault and liability litigation of rail-highway crossing mishaps by providing a digital audio and video record of the events at the crossing as the locomotive or rail vehicle approaches and passes through the intersection. The electrical system components are located on and within the locomotive and can be powered exclusively by resources available from the locomotive. In addition, the invention may automatically and spontaneously inspect the operational status of the rail-highway crossing gate by capturing and processing the digital images of the gate by computational methods programmed in the locomotive'"'"'s on-board computer. Alternatively, the images or video could be transmitted to a remote station for processing or inspection. If it is determined that the gate is malfunctioning, the computer may tag the digital image with relevant information from positioning equipment such as a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) and may transmit the identified image via satellite or other communications network to the command station for further review. Since the locomotive can power the electrical components of the system, simple mechanical interrupt devices may be used to activate and deactivate the system. This system is effectively secure from sabotage, vandalism and environmental deterioration.

Claims

1. A system for performing inspections of railroad crossings wherein there exists at least one signaling device for warning automotive traffic of an approaching train, said system further comprising:

at least one sensing device mounted to a railroad vehicle for sensing said railroad vehicle approaching a said signaling device,

at least one device mounted to said railroad vehicle for capturing an impression of at least signals from said signaling device,

a recording device mounted to said railroad vehicle for recording at least said signals from said signaling device,

a data processor mounted to said railroad vehicle and coupled to at least said sensing device and said recording device for controlling operation of said recording device responsive to at least said sensing device,

a wireless transmitter associated with said signaling device,

a sensor coupled to each said signaling device and providing a signal indicative of operation of an associated said signaling device, and each said sensor coupled to said wireless transmitter for transmitting each said signal,

a receiver associated with said railroad vehicle for receiving each said signal from said wireless transmitter, said receiver coupled to said data processor, and,

activation means coupled to said sensing device for activating said wireless transmitter as said railroad vehicle approaches said railroad crossing.

2. A system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said railroad vehicle is a locomotive.

3. A system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said device for capturing an impression includes at least one video camera positioned to capture a streaming image of said railroad crossing just prior to said railroad vehicle entering said railroad crossing.

4. A system as set forth in claim 3 wherein said device for capturing an impression includes at least one camera positioned to capture an image of said signaling device as said railroad vehicle is passing through said railroad crossing.

5. A system as set forth in claim 4 wherein said signaling device includes a barrier movable to block said automotive traffic during a train crossing, said data processor further comprising a program for optical determining whether said movable barrier has moved to block said automotive traffic.

6. A system as set forth in claim 5 further comprising indica located on said barrier for registering a position of said barrier with said camera and said data processor.

7. A. A system as set forth in claim 4 further comprising wireless transmission means for transmitting information relating to operation of said signaling device to a remote location.

8. A system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said sensing device further comprises:

a photo optical transmitter,

a photo optical receiver, said photo optical transmitter and said photo optical receiver positioned near a wheel of said railroad vehicle and oriented such that there exists an optical path between said photo optical transmitter and said photo optical receiver,

a light-blocking member mounted to a railroad track upon which said railroad vehicle is riding, said light-blocking member oriented so that said optical path is interrupted by said light-blocking member as said railroad vehicle passes thereover.

9. A system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said sensing device further comprises;

a global positioning sensor in said railroad vehicle and adapted to receive signals from global positioning satellites and accurately fix position of said railroad vehicle in coordinates of a global positioning format,

memory storage registers in said railroad vehicle for storing, in coordinates of said global positioning format, position of all said railroad crossings along a route of said railroad vehicle,

means for comparing position of said railroad vehicle with a position of a nearest one of said railroad crossings along said route,

whereby when said railroad vehicle is at a selected distance from said nearest one of said railroad crossings then activating at least said storage device and recording an image of said signaling devices of said nearest one of said signal crossings as said railroad vehicle passes through said nearest one of said signal crossings.

10. A system as set forth in claim 9 further comprising at least one video camera positioned to capture streaming video of said one of said railroad crossing just prior to said railroad vehicle passing through said crossing.

11. A system as set forth in claim 9 further comprising wireless transmitter means for transmitting recorded data from said storage device to a remote location.

12. A system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said signaling device includes at least one light, said system further comprising means for detecting whether said light is illuminated as said railroad vehicle passes through said railroad crossing.

13. A system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said signaling device includes at least one audible warning, said system further comprising means for detecting whether said audible warning is operating as said railroad vehicle passes through said railroad crossing.

14. A system as set forth in claim 12 wherein said means for detecting whether said light is illuminated further comprises:

at least a wireless transmitter associated with said light for wirelessly transmitting data related to operation of said light to said railroad vehicle, and

at least a wireless receiver associated with said railroad vehicle for receiving transmitted said data from said wireless transmitter, said receiver coupled to said data processor for recording said data.

15. A system as set forth in claim 13 wherein said means for detecting whether said audible warning is operating further comprises:

at least a wireless transmitter associated with said audible warning for wirelessly transmitting data related to operation of said audible warning to said railroad vehicle, and

at least a wireless receiver associated with said railroad vehicle for receiving transmitted said data from said wireless transmitter, said receiver coupled to said data processor for recording said data.