OBSTACLE DETECTION FOR HIGH SPEED GROUND TRANSPORTATION

Results are presented from the investigation of optical sensors as a means for detecting obstacles on the guideway of a high speed transportation system. Operating characteristics for such sensors were investigated experimentally and analytically. Both approaches are described in the report. In addition, the kinematics of the optical sensor for scanning the guideway is reviewed. A scanner was designed and demonstrated in the laboratory. The performance of the optical sensor is dependent upon the extent of the ray bending which is caused by the solar heating of the air immediately above the guideway. The effect of ray bending is presented in terms of a relationship between obstacle size and length of the optical path. The sensor is investigated for deployment along a TACV guideway and estimates of cost per mile are included. (Author)

• Corporate Authors:

  General Applied Science Lab, Inc

  ,    
• Authors:
  • Magnus, D E
  • Medecki, H
  • Panunzio, S
  • Sallustio, P
• Publication Date: 1970-6

Media Info

• Pagination: 121 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Air cushion vehicles; Barriers (Roads); Flicker; Guideways; High speed ground transportation; Lasers; Light; Mathematical models; Optical detectors; Optical scanners; Particle beams; Passenger transportation; Proximity detectors; Rapid transit; Refractivity; Tracked air cushion vehicles
• Uncontrolled Terms: Barriers; Models; Obstacle detectors
• Old TRIS Terms: Beams radiation; Light visible radiation; Optical detection; Scintillation
• Subject Areas: Passenger Transportation; Railroads; Terminals and Facilities;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00039238
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: GENAPPSL-TR-745 Final Rpt
• Contract Numbers: DOT-FR-0057
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Nov 24 1973 12:00AM