Detecting Pole Positions by a Doppler Laser Distance-Measuring Device

Abstract

Presently the pole positions on overhead contact lines of electric railways are detected by comparing data measured by electric inspection cars in reference to the measuring places. The detection is done aboard the electric inspection cars by a program method using an optical pole detector and a distance pulse generator installed on the wheel axle. The drawback of this method is that distance pulses are not generated due to sliding wheels. We developed a new pole position detecting system using a Doppler laser distance-measuring device and an ATS beacon position detector. Tests at RTRI made it clear that the Doppler laser device using two optical sensors could measure the distance exactly. Successive test results with the electric inspection car show that this device can measure the running velocity and distance when supplemented with an interpolate function. We confirmed the effectiveness of this system.