 Accurate tie condition information provides basis for effective tie Replacement planning Forecasting of short term and intermediate tie requirements Detailed listing of bad tie clusters and FRA violations Ability to prioritize tie replacement requirements to Accommodate changes in budgets, resources, etc. Manages tie infrastructure assets and costs Features Ergonomically designed custom hand input unit and Windows CE-based “palmtop” computer Enables inspector to record tie condition (good, marginal, bad) as they walk along track Records tie condition data into database; together with information about location, curvature, Tie type, tie material, etc. Downloads data to a Windows 95 or NT computer for analysis, display and storage Analysis software graphically displays each mile of track, showing every tie and its condition Calculates the number of bad ties and bad tie clusters per mile Compares multiple inspections of same track Optional software calculates replacement requirements based on track class and curvature |
What is TieInspect?
TieInspect® is a comprehensive computerized crosstie inspection system designed to accurately and efficiently collect tie condition data based on a tie inspector’s assessment of condition. This first-of-its-kind unit aids the tie inspector by providing an easy-to-use mechanism that allows for the complete collection and storage of valuable tie condition data. This data can be stored for each and every tie inspected, providing a complete database of real-time and historical tie conditions. In addition, offline analysis software is provided for viewing and analyzing the collected data and assisting in replacement decision planning.
Easy-to-Use, Hand Held Tool
The system is outfitted with a handgrip input device, which is connected to a palmtop computer via an RS-232 interface. The palmtop computer is conveniently held in a belt pouch, which also contains a rechargeable battery good for hours of continuous inspection. All inspection data is stored on the palmtop and can be downloaded to a desktop PC for analysis and reporting. Acquisition and offline analysis software is provided with the system.
|
Easy to operate, hand-held grip enables inspector to input tie condition into palmtop PC |
|
Windows CE palmtop PC records hand-held input as inspector walks along track |
The palmtop computer records the tie inspector's input for tie condition from the handgrip. The inspector also records key data, including direction, fastener type, curvature, tie material and type, and comments through the palmtop keyboard. Using TieInspect, the inspector can quickly evaluate how many good, marginal, bad, and total ties were counted for any given milepost while in the field. A complete record of all inputs is kept on the palmtop until downloaded to the host software.
State-of-the Art Software
Palmtop Software: The palmtop software is the control system that allows the user to input, collect, and store tie condition data in an easy and intuitive manner. The palmtop computer uses the Windows CE operating system and is compatible with Windows 95/98/NT. The software allows the user to input information using controls such as drop-down list boxes, radio buttons, and input text boxes.
 |
| The main access screen provides the user with the current status of the input variables. These variables can be changed as necessary during inspection. |
Offline Analysis Software: Enables users to upload inspection data into a comprehensive database for later retrieval, viewing and analysis. Utilities are provided for uploading the TieInspect field-collected data files. These utilities parse the incoming data and create a database (Microsoft Access and Excel compatible) for use with the analysis and reporting features.
Users can select from several viewing options, including charts that show a summary of data for each milepost, tie counts, and percentage breakdowns of ties in each condition category.
TieInspect’s software also defines bad tie clusters and FRA defects. Summary data can be printed for any defined section of track.
 |
| Offline analysis software gives a graphical representation of the tie inspection data, identifying details such as location and number of good, marginal and bad ties in each mile. |
900 Kings Highway North Cherry Hill, NJ 08034
Tel: (856) 779-7795 Fax: (856) 779-7436
www.zetatech.com