Fraunhofer Institute for Physical Measurement Techniques IPM
Fraunhofer Institute for Physical Measurement Techniques IPM
Measuring the geometry of passing trains (Sector Profile Scanner SPS)
© Fraunhofer IPM
A stationary system measures the conformity of passing trains by acquiring and analyzing high resolution 3D point clouds.

Improving safety at tunnel entries and railway stations

Four stationary laser scanners monitor train geometries at full speed.

© Fraunhofer IPM

Train Monitoring

Detecting slipped loads or open hatches on the train

Sector Profile Scanner: optical system for the inspection of the geometry of rolling trains
© Fraunhofer IPM
A 3D image of the train geometry is available immediately after the train has passed through the measurement portal and can be examined for geometric irregularities.
Sector Profile Scanner: optical system for the inspection of the geometry of rolling trains
© Fraunhofer IPM
Four laser scanners capture the 3D geometry of passing trains, identifying shifted loads or outher hazards of the rolling stock.

Load slippage represents a safety risk in rail traffic, particularly in stations or tunnels where it can cause accidents with serious consequences. In order to detect any defects and acute dangers in rolling stock at an early stage, the external geometry of trains should be recorded – preferably automatically and during the journey.

Sector Profile Scanner SPS

It is precisely for this purpose that Fraunhofer IPM has developed special laser scanners for a measurement portal measuring the geometric shape of passing trains. The optical sensor system SPS consists of four laser scanners installed as part of a measurement portal. Thanks to extremely high measurement rates, the train does not need to reduce its travel speed when passing through the portal. A three-dimensional image is available immediately after the train has passed through. It shows any geometric irregularities such as slipped or protruding loads, loose tarpaulins, open doors, deformed containers or detached connections between the wagons.

Further applications »Rail infrastructure«