18. Simple onboard track patrol support method using smartphones

To check the overall condition of railway tracks, including maintenance conditions and changes in the track side environment, regular onboard track patrols are conducted by personnel riding in commercial trains.
However, this process involves a significant human burden and, due to a decrease in experienced technicians, there is variability in the assessments.
To address this issue, we have developed an onboard track patrol support application (Train Patroller) that can be installed on a general smartphone and placed at the front of a train to enable synchronized measurement of front-view video, train speed, and vibration acceleration, etc. with simple operation (Figure 1). The smartphone can be easily installed in the driver's cab using a suction cup fixture, allowing measurements to start within three minutes of boarding the train.

Data measured by the onboard track patrol support application are processed using a new feature developed for the track maintenance management database system (LABOCS), which uses analytical method to synchronize video with train speed.
This method assigns distance to the front-view video with an accuracy error of a few meters (Figure 2).
Additionally, it allows for the display of subtitles in the video such as train speed and vibration acceleration, and enables the assessment of track members’ conditions through overhead images (Figure 3).
This allows the acquired vibration acceleration and front-view video to be checked at a desk, enabling confirmation of track conditions independent of the skill level of the onboard personnel. Additionally, it facilitates the formulation of appropriate maintenance plans according to the track conditions.
Furthermore, to promote the adoption of this technology by regional railways, we are also advancing the development of data analysis methods that do not require the direct use of LABOCS.