The patent, Device to Capture High Resolution Images of the Undercarriage of a Freight Car, “confirms Dous’ methodology and the supporting technology as the standard for wayside detection, transforming and providing safety for the railcar inspection processes through innovative state-of-the-art engineering and AI [Artificial Intelligence],” Duos reported Jan. 14.
According to the company, the obliquevue® Oblique Vehicle Undercarriage Examiner improves the detection of anomalies that traditional systems might overlook.
“The obliquevue® is an arrangement of four high-resolution area scan cameras configured and arranged at specific angles of pitch and yaw to provide images at an oblique angle to the train direction of travel,” explained Duos (see picture, top). “The obliquevue® system is most commonly deployed in pairs with two chassis and a total of eight high-resolution area scan cameras facing each other to fully capture the leading and trailing surfaces of transiting equipment. Each high-resolution area scan camera is illuminated by a Duos custom-designed and fabricated ring light of six high-power LEDs.
“The obliquevue® system is capable of supporting train speeds up to 125 mph by the deliberate triggering of the system to capture various areas of interest on the car or locomotive underside. These areas of interest include truck inner spring nest, traction motor, axles, brake linkages and securement, center bolster, and in most cases tread brake condition. These areas of interest, usually difficult to manually inspect, can provide for identification of defects at train speeds providing identification of any defects before the train enters the next yard.”
Duos added that the system integrates with its RIP® (Railcar Inspection Portal)that was patented in mid-2024 and its CENTRACO® Enterprise Information Management Software platform, leveraging AI and imaging sensors “to meet stringent safety standards, including those set by the Association of American Railroads (AAR) and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).”
“This patent solidifies Duos’ position as an intellectual property leader in the rail industry,” Duos CEO Chuck Ferry said. “With obliquevue®, we deliver unparalleled accuracy and efficiency, allowing operators to identify and address safety concerns in real time, ensuring the reliability of rail networks globally.”
