Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring and detecting various events or anomalies of interest on or along an object of interest, such as a transportation path, road, or railway, are presented. Data regarding the detected events can be collected near its source and transmitted to a data collection or processing object for analysis or storage. These events may include, but not limited to, rock falls, wheel or tire flat spots, or other acoustic or vibration generating events at or near the object of interest.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring torque on a rotating component, comprising of signal-producing components which are applied to the rotating component, and a means for obtaining the signals produced by said signal producing components, in which at least two signal producing components are applied to the rotating component with some linear separation between the two signal producing components and their corresponding devices for obtaining signals produced, such that torque applied to the rotating component will cause a change in phase between the signals received from each of the signal-producing components and thus permit the measurement of torque based on this change in phase; one embodiment of this invention comprising two magnetic rings, one at either end of a driveshaft, with sensor coils placed near to each magnetic ring such that an alternating electrical current is produced, the comparative phase between these currents permitting measurement of torque on the driveshaft.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring torque on a rotating component, comprising of signal-producing components which are applied to the rotating component, and a means for obtaining the signals produced by said signal producing components, in which at least two signal producing components are applied to the rotating component with some linear separation between the two signal producing components and their corresponding devices for obtaining signals produced, such that torque applied to the rotating component will cause a change in phase between the signals received from each of the signal-producing components and thus permit the measurement of torque based on this change in phase; one embodiment of this invention comprising two magnetic rings, one at either end of a driveshaft, with sensor coils placed near to each magnetic ring such that an alternating electrical current is produced, the comparative phase between these currents permitting measurement of torque on the driveshaft.

Abstract: An improved maintenance, inspection, and/or measurement solution is provided. An embodiment of the invention includes a handheld measurement device for measuring an object, such as a railway wheel on a train. The handheld measurement device can comprise a single unit to provide one handed operation and can include various features, such as onboard evaluation, a graphical user interface, and/or a self-health monitor. Additionally, aspects of the invention provide an inspection environment that incorporates preliminary measurement data, wireless communications, and/or historical data into the measurement and evaluation process.

Abstract: A solution for monitoring a property of an object and/or an area using a Micro-ElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS)-based monitoring device is provided. In an embodiment of the invention, the MEMS-based monitoring device includes a MEMS-based sensing device for obtaining data based on a property of the object and/or area and a power generation device that generates power from an ambient condition of the monitoring device. In this manner, the monitoring device can operate independent of any outside power sources or other devices. Further, the monitoring device can include a transmitter that transmits a signal based on the property. The monitoring device can be used to monitor a moving component of a machine, and can be integrated with a health monitoring system of the machine using one or more relay devices.

Abstract: A solution for optically evaluating a wheel along at least one circumference of the wheel is provided. Image data is obtained while the wheel moves along a path having a length of at least one circumference of the wheel. The path and/or wheel can be illuminated to enhance the resulting image data. One or more attributes of the wheel are measured based on the image data. The attributes can then be used to detect one or more defects in the wheel. In one embodiment, the wheel is a rail wheel, and a rail segment is illuminated. The rail can be specially configured to enhance a contrast between the rail and the rail wheel and/or to provide a consistent path for the rail wheel to travel.

Abstract: A non-visible radiation imaging system is provided in which an image is obtained based on non-visible radiation of an object. The image can be enhanced to increase its resolution. Additionally, the image can be combined with another image based on visible light for the object. Further, a non-visible radiation inspection system and method are provided that perform an inspection of the object using one or more of the images.

Abstract: A solution for directing electromagnetic radiation, such as visible light, from multiple fields of view in differing directions to a single view point is provided. The radiation received from one or more fields of view is directed onto a first reflective surface, the radiation reflected off of the first reflective surface is then directed to a view point that comprises a transparent portion of the first reflective surface. In this manner, the invention enables the viewing and/or imaging of the radiation from any location in the full panorama at a single location.

Abstract: The invention provides an image-based visibility measurement solution in which an image is used to calculate a visibility (visual range). In one embodiment, a lighting condition for the image is determined and the visibility calculation is adjusted based on the lighting condition. Further, the invention can obtain image data for a set of portions of the image and estimate a visual range based on each portion. The estimated visual ranges can be combined to calculate the visibility for the image. Still further, multiple metrics can be calculated, each of which is used to estimate a visual range. Subsequently, the visual ranges can be used to calculate the visibility for the image. Even further, configuration data that is based on a set of training images can be used to calculate the visibility for a new image.

Abstract: An improved solution for performing an inspection is provided, in which a user can use a handheld computing device to obtain and/or record the set of attributes required for the inspection. In particular, an inspection schedule can be initiated on the handheld computing device and the user can be prompted for the various attributes based on the inspection schedule. Various solutions can be incorporated for receiving the attributes on the handheld computing device, including manual entry, audible entry and/or one or more data sensing devices. Subsequently, the set of attributes can be communicated to a base station for further processing and/or more permanent storage.

Abstract: An improved system for monitoring an area, and in particular a public area such as a passenger area of a vehicle. Various types of sensing devices and analysis solutions are incorporated and the results combined to enable the monitoring system to operate in an intelligent manner. To this extent, the monitoring system can monitor and confirm the identification of individuals as well as numerous events that may occur within the monitored area. Further, the invention can determine one or more actions to be taken in response to an event, and perform the action(s) automatically without intervention from a user. As a result, the invention provides a solution that can autonomously monitor an area, requiring minimal oversight from a user.

Abstract: The invention provides a handheld electronic gauge that is configured to obtain measurement data for an object, such as a wheel, rail, axle, or the like. The gauge includes one or more position sensors that automatically determine when the gauge is in a measurement position. The invention also provides a handheld computing device that can automatically determine when a gauge is in the measurement position and automatically obtain measurement data using the gauge. As a result, the invention provides a solution for measuring an object, such as a railway wheel, that is portable and capable of repeatedly providing various desired measurements, irrespective of the operator.