Adrian! posted:Datdupa46_Novotronics posted:Adrian,
This is really fascinating. I am hoping that you are continuing this work. I may be missing something here, but for block detection, why not go ultrasonic sensors with the Pi? I have used similar products with a STM micros and have had great success for detection and rate of change calculations. You could even do a train based detection system. This would require complex filtering like Kalman filters for self awareness(adjusting the output using velocity calculations and tailoring it to corrective position display), but you theoretically could communicate with each locomotive and display which block it is on. You could use MATLAB to model the layout geometry and such, or nestle in checkpoints that blend in with scenery to make the corrections easier. Or even a Passive RFID system (This seems like it would be really troubling, though. Between common mode noise and EMC compliance it sounds like it would be a nightmare.) I am wondering if "not touching the layout at all" literally meant nothing, but just a camera. Either way, I am loving this idea and I am excited to see what else comes of it. I may have to try it myself.
James
Hi James,
The challenge was to do the most non-invasive and minimal hardware block detector possible. The camera is essentially an entirely software solution, and its a good one for layouts with modular sections that change often, because you can just load new coordinate geometry for the block definitions. I'm going to try this on a full scale layout when I get a moment. In this post, I was just getting a feel for how well it works before I go after a full scale one.
Cheers!
Adrian,
I kind of figured that was the case. Just some thoughts. I was looking over some of your research and PhD. topic yesterday... Very fascinating. It really seems like you are a true expert and a gem in your field. IC design is an art, but all the applications you're using it for is a level above that, quite amazing. I'm more on the embedded side and am looking at PhD. programs myself right now. I will have to reach out to you sometime. I'm using a SoC FPGA from Intel for a DNA sequencing project to finish my undergrad right now. I probably will stay with genomics on SoC moving forward in academia. it would be good to get some insight from someone who designs them.
James
