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Broken Rail Detection from Flashing Rear End Device

Award Information
Agency: Department of Transportation
Branch: N/A
Contract: 6913G618C100012
Agency Tracking Number: 171FR2015II
Amount: $149,999.00
Phase: Phase II
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: 171FR2
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2018
Award Year: 2018
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2018-05-09
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2019-05-08
Small Business Information
1600 Providence Highway
Walpole, MA 02081-2553
United States
DUNS: 125933916
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: Yes
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: Yes
Principal Investigator
 Bo Ling
 President & CEO
 (508) 660-0328
 bling@migmasys.com
Business Contact
 Bo Ling
Title: President & CEO
Phone: (508) 660-0328
Email: bling@migmasys.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

Proposal title: A Robust Railway Track Crack Detection System Using Thermal Signatures

In Phase I, we developed a practical sensor platform suitable for mounting on the back of train. A large amount of IR images associated with rail tracks were collected on an MBTA train. Algorithms were developed to identify both right and left tracks from a moving train. To help detect track cracks, we developed new algorithms for IR image enhancement and track crack identification.
Algorithms were also developed to detect the rail cracks in real time. In Phase II, we will further develop new software algorithms solving some issues observed in Phase I. A smaller sensor platform will be developed for data collection on MBTA train, which incorporates a higher resolution IR camera and smaller gyro stabilizer. Using this new sensor platform, we will collect more data of
both regular rail tracks and track cracks. We will then develop software algorithms for image quality improvement under various operating conditions, thermal signature variations, and discrimination between true track cracks and background clutters. In Phase II, we will work with engineers in both Vehicle Department and Track Department of MBTA. To support our Phase II effort, MBTA has provided an endorsement letter. Feedback from MBTA will be incorporated into the final system.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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