Exceptional image quality and accuracy, either depot or mainline, even in tough environments, day or night

Complete and reliable assessment of brake shoe (block) condition

BrakeView-Shoe machine vision system operates on passing trains at mainline operational speeds and uses a multi-camera high-speed digital imaging unit to take multiple images of every brake shoe for inspection and measurement. It provides a complete and reliable assessment of the brake shoe (block) condition by highlighting obvious shoe defects. It is fully automated and can operate in extreme conditions—indoors and out. Enclosures are installed on two short towers, one on each side of the track, mounted on two concrete or steel footings. Cameras and illumination systems are installed at a safe distance from the center of the track. Since each brake shoe is viewed by two cameras, a complete and reliable assessment of the brake shoe condition is provided.

Sophisticated image processing that works 24/7

Brake shoes are viewed from top and bottom perspectives. Acquired images are processed by a set of sophisticated image processing algorithms. The imaging system and processing algorithms are insensitive to ambient light conditions and can operate day or night.

Integrate image data easily into train monitoring workflows

Brake shoe data is easily integrated into the Trimble WISE data management system which gives web-based access to data including images.

Dramatic time and cost savings, versus manual inspections

Automate and complete brake wear profile, detection, cracks and breakage, retainer key presence, and height inspections quicker, minimizing time taken, costs, and issues that disrupt service.

Rolling stock stays in service for longer

With accurate measurements at mainline operational speeds there is minimal disruption to rolling stock schedules.

Limits risk to personnel, works 24/7, even in tough environments

BrakeView works in even the toughest environments and at night so field workers are not in unpleasant or unsafe working conditions thereby reducing the risk to their safety.

Digital accurate records, with automated alerts of issues

Providing digital records that are usable across operations and maintenance BrakeView reduces manual and paper-based workflows saving time and money. Critical issues are flagged and reported automatically so that corrective actions can be taken with less impact on service.

Easy to install system minimizes disruption and cost

BrakeView requires no track structure modification for ease of installation.

Features

• Speeds of 0 to 85 mph (140 km/h)
• Operating temperature: –40°C to 55°C
• Capable of operating in extreme environments
• Installed on trackside with no track interference
• Easy maintenance
• Automatic alarm generation

Software Features

• Remote monitoring/control
• Digital image acquisition/processing
• Web-based database/visualization
• Automated reporting
• AEI (RFID) integration

Inspections & Measurements

• Shoe detection
• Shoe thickness in top and bottom positions
• Shoe wear profile
• Shoe position with respect to the wheel surface
• Shoe securement such as key inspection
• Obvious shoe breakage
• Brake application status with thermal imaging of brake shoe & wheel contact area (optional)

Specifications subject to change without notice.