The concept is to sense induced rail-vibration signals to detect the approach of trains to warn maintenance screws. IDEA project results indicated that vibration signatures could potentially be used to determine train position, speed, and direction.
CSX Transportation, Inc. and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority participated in the data collection and field experimentation. A vibration sensor analyzer showed the potential to detect a train at a distance or to determine that the train is right at the sensor. This attribute led to the design of two different devices that can be used to alert a flagman that a train is approaching. These same devices can be adapted as an inexpensive means of operating a warning system at a grade crossing.
The final report for this IDEA project can be found at:
