Rail Solutions

Integrated Rail Communication, Passenger Information and Video Surveillance System

DTI offers a comprehensive, integrated rail data recording and train systems management unit that delivers the core operating functions of multi-camera CCTV recording, train audio communications recording, train operational data recording and external device control, GPS based rail locating, intelligent audio message announcements, multiple electronic signage control and route or stopping pattern management.

DRU System Server

The heart of every modern, fully integrated rail surveillance system needs a powerful and highly robust server. DTI’s next generation DRU series (DRU-2) is the result of 14 years of ongoing product development mass transit and rail experience. DRU-2’s central processing unit is an industrial grade, single board computer, with fan less CPU, which coordinates and controls the multiple (simultaneous) applications. Processor intensive video and audio encoding processes occur directly on the latest dual core DSP’s (Digital Signal Processors) from Texas Instruments, which are assigned specifically for this task only. The result is increased image processing power for real time recording and simultaneous live viewing at the highest possible PAL & NTSC resolution. Specialised interface circuits manage the numerous contact closure detection inputs, analogue device inputs and serial based communications. The DRU-2 has a host of on-board redundancy features. It also comes in both master and slave versions which are networked across DTI’s robust on-train network, for full redundant operation.

The Data Recording Unit, model DRU-2, provides a number of integrated sub-modules for rail applications.  These sub-modules include:

• Video Surveillance and Security Management with synchronised  audio recording (DRU)
• Train Data Recording System (TDR)
• Rail Location System (RLS)
• Passenger Announcement and Passenger Information Systems (VA and ADAS)
• Video Based Passenger Counting Systems and Analytics

Video Surveillance Recording

DTI’s Data Recorder Unit incorporates a multi-camera CCTV recording sub-system. The DRU is equipped as standard with either 16 or 32 video input channels. The camera frame rate can be remotely configured and customised for each camera channel.

Security information including train and camera identification details, train location (GPS), speed and heading are stored with each recorded image for the purpose of image authenticity testing.

Train Data Recorder (TDR)

A comprehensive range of configurable auxiliary inputs are available for the acquisition and recording of continuous train operating data including RS-232/RS-485 (2 x ports), USB 1.1 (2 x ports), analogue (8 x 0-5/10/30 volt range, over voltage protected inputs) and contact closure type device interfaces (16 x optically isolated inputs).

All I/O input channels (contact closure) to the TDR can be configured as security event triggers. Reactions to detected input event conditions are user configured and may be set to trigger or control other external devices or to archive a segment of train and CCTV data. A typical reaction to an input event may also include the playing of a message announcement or triggering of an output relay (i.e. warning light or alarm).

Passenger Emergency Intercom

The Passenger Emergency Intercom (PASCOM/PEI) operates with the PEI activation button being monitored through the TDR and initiating an alarm recording event once pressed.

On detection of a PEI activation, a user configured segment of train data (normally 5 minutes pre and 5 minutes post PEI press) is quarantined, protected and then automatically downloaded on return of the train to base. The downloaded PEI alarm recording can be configured to include any or all of the parameters of CCTV, audio and TDR data inputs.

Driver Display Unit

The Driver Display Unit is a colour sunlight readable LED flat panel display with integral touch screen for easy use by train operators. The screen offers a resolution of up to 1400 x 960 pixels and an active display area of 10.4 inches.

The screen housing can be specially fabricated to ensure optimum location in the train cowling area and for access by the driver. The control panel (DDU) provides logical, user input tollerant interface for manual override of Passeneger Information System and Emergency Intercom functions. The DDU layout is highly customisable and has already been approved by several cab committies for its ease of use and simple menu structure. Below is a typical DDU control flow layout for CCTV and route entry, currently deployed by a large rail network. In maintenance mode the DDU doubles as a diagnostic display for low level, driver fault reporting.

External Destination Indicator

DTI’s Destination Indicator uses a very wide viewing angle, high contrast and low power consumption LED’s. These Route and Destination signs are currently used on many Australian and European Trains, Trams and Trains.

The EDI utlises ultra-bright daylight viewable Amber LED’s which have a wide viewing angle of 160 degrees. The DI has a Built in Ambient Light Sensor, which guarantees excellent visibility in all lighting conditions, both day and night up to 75M.

Passenger Information Display

The Passenger Information Display is a Multicolour sign capable of displaying text and graphics. It receives messages via a RS485 link or Ethernet.
The standard PID is a 96 x 16 pixel Matrix with 3 basic colours and contains 9 available fonts.

CCTV Investigation Software

DTI's CCTV investigation suite is a software package which provides comprehensive search, data download, incident analysis and review of recorded information.

The software provides both live and historical review with advanced incident searches, image enhancements, data archiving, clip exporting to CD/DVD and printing functions using DTI’s optional Evidence Management Module, for preparation of video evidence in accordance with the Australian courts system.

Player control functions allow forward, backward, frame-by-frame, multi-speed and pause operations during the review of information. Analysis function then allows the use to zoom in/out and pan regions of interest.

Selected information may be printed to hardcopy, saved as still frames (e.g. jpeg, bmp) or saved as video sequences (e.g. mpeg, AVI).

The CCTV investigation suite also offers geographic (street level) mapping with vehicle tracking and graphical overlays vehicle operational data to compliment incident analysis (e.g. brake use, vehicle speed, turn indicator state, door state, g-force levels).

• Review of Automated wireless video and metadata downloads
• Comprehensive secure video evidence sequence editor for preparation of footage for playback on a courtroom PC.
• Live video streams from multiple vehicles with GPS tracking

Surveillance Management System

A comprehensive back-end PIS & CCTV data management system which allows data to be automatically transferred from rail cars to a centralised location (e.g. security control centre) through a combination of LAN and W/LAN infrastructure – typically supplied as part of the CCTV system.

The addition of wireless connectivity enables a host of valuable features, that will not only simplify day to day fleet management tasks, but it will provide critical systems information in real time. Several stakeholders who have remote access will benefit from DTI’s advanced suite of back-office tools such as: Operations staff sending RTA (Remote Train Announcements) and Security staff to stream remote video from the train to depot.The DTI network management layer ensures that 3G roaming connections are optimised. Network bandwidth is managed by the DRU-2 and NCU (Network Control Unit) using both WiFi/3G signal strength information combined with known coverage information from GPS geo-fencing. In addition, DTI’s advanced bandwidth management ensures that demanding data transfers such as video do not overload a 3G network connection and are only performed once the train returns to the depot and auto connects to the depots hi-speed WiFi 802.11n/g network.

Feature summary:

• Utilises wireless and fixed LAN infrastructure to move PIS data from rail vehicles through to a centralised data centre.
• Searchable, map-based, fleet-wide geographic presentation of trains in network Front-end for management of footage downloads.
• Communicates with all trains on arrival on the wireless network (return to engineering depot or wireless active rail station) and while located at this location schedules and manages all required message database uploads.
• TTS (text to speech) messages may be uploaded to a train that is currently connected via 3G or WiFi using a map based menu. If the connection is not currently active, the system will carry out the upload as soon as the train reconnects.
• Provides multi-user, multi-site access to surveillance data with intelligent time and location based searches and comprehensive incident analysis tools.
• Transfers, consolidates and manages PIS data from multiple depots - centralizes, secures and protects fleet data and manages group wide access
• Manages automated time table database uploads via Front-end interface to the RTA server for issuing RTA and monitoring RTA requests.
• Provides live position update of each train (3G/GPRS connection to each train required).

Automated Camera Maintenance System

The difficult item to maintain and constantly condition monitor is the camera image. The quality of image at the point of acquisition is key to the final result where the image is presented in court. DTI's Automated Maintenance System (AMS) is an optional module which monitors the condition of the vast quantity of cameras and recording devices installed across a public transit fleet. This removes the time consuming and onerous task of assessing camera condition from maintenance staff.

AMS undertakes periodic camera and equipment 'health' checks to determine the operating condition and performance of the CCTV fleet . Condition and service reports are then distributed electronically (email) to parties responsible for fleet maintenance.

Automated periodic camera checks are a key feature of AMS and are undertaken to monitor and assess correct camera alignment, focus and optical quality. The system also assists in the detection of visual obstructions and occlusions such as graffiti and other forms of vandalism.

AMS removes the resource intensive task of manually visiting each vehicle to determine if the surveillance system is functioning correctly or has been tampered with.

Fleet Data Management System (FDMS)

A comprehensive back-end PIS & CCTV data management system which allows data to be automatically transferred from rail cars to a centralised location (e.g. security control centre) through a combination of LAN and W/LAN infrastructure – typically supplied as part of the CCTV system.

The DTI back-end data management system:

• Utilises wireless and fixed LAN infrastructure to move PIS data from rail vehicles through to a centralised data centre.
• Searchable, map-based, fleet-wide geographic presentation of trains in network Front-end for management of footage downloads.
• Communicates with all trains on arrival on the wireless network (return to engineering depot or wireless active rail station) and while located at this location schedules and manages all required message database uploads.
• TTS (text to speech) messages may be uploaded to a train that is currently connected via 3G or WiFi using a map based menu. If the connection is not currently active, the system will carry out the upload as soon as the train reconnects.
• Provides multi-user, multi-site access to surveillance data with intelligent time and location based searches and comprehensive incident analysis tools.
• Transfers, consolidates and manages PIS data from multiple depots - centralizes, secures and protects fleet data and manages group wide access
• Manages automated time table database uploads via Front-end interface to the RTA server for issuing RTA and monitoring RTA requests.
• Provides live position update of each train (3G/GPRS connection to each train required).

Vehicle Location System

The Vehicle Location System is an optional module which delivers precision geographical references for all recorded parameters including video images, audio communications and the range of parameters recorded by the Vehicle Data Recorder. The integration of GPS tracking with CCTV data is one of the key features of the DTI system.

Features summary:

• Monitor train locations and display train tracks in coordination with other video surveillance information.
• Display vehicle locations on street maps and other G.I.S. style displays such as aerial photography.
• Overlay train routes, train stop locations and other meta-data during investigation.
• Search and retrieve surveillance information using vehicle locations.
• Integrate and overlay vehicle operational data including speed, heading and location with camera feeds.

Monitoring Station functions:

• comprehensive management of multiple duress calls with on-screen event queuing.
• duplex speech with driver during duress transmission.
• multiple workstation connectivity for concurrent duress event handling.

Vehicle Data Recorder

The Vehicle Data Recorder is an optional software module that enables complimentary train operational and train management data to be recorded, monitored, retrieved and reviewed in coordination with the surveillance data.

A comprehensive range of configurable inputs are provided for the measurement of train operating data and peripheral devices. The measured data streams are recorded digitally by the DRU with respect to date, time and geographical location of the train and are fully integrated with the video and audio surveillance data.

All recorded data may be downloaded for investigation and review and can be analysed and presented graphically using a G.I.S. based mapping interface (see Vehicle Location System module).