The software allows the user (operator and/or customer) to easily quantify the track’s ability to maintain gage under load. Those spots that do not effectively hold gage are identified in the form of an exception (both reported and marked on the track). In addition to real time exception processing, the user is supplied with the ability to determine maintenance requirements for out-of-face and spot tie renewals. The tie maintenance planning reports are developed using the track strength data collected and user (customer/railroad) defined threshold parameters.

The basis for measuring track strength is to measure gage under defined lateral and vertical loads, knowing the unloaded gage. In this way, a delta gage value (Gage_loaded - Gage_unloaded) can be determined. Knowing the loads applied (both vertical and lateral) while measuring the delta gage parameter allows for the determination of an index of the track’s lateral track strength. This index is often termed Projected Loaded Gage and is the loaded gage value that could result under a typically loaded freight car. This index can then be checked against safety thresholds to define weak spots in track.

The software was developed to provide a minimum amount of user interaction during testing, yet also provides the flexibility that is required with any software that runs on an automated inspection vehicle and allow for the complex processing of track strength data. The primary run time screen is shown in the figure displayed at left. It can be seen from this illustration that the user is presented with several options that allow for the interaction with the software. There are several notable features.

The main viewport shows the track strength output trace which is a foot-by-foot plot of the measured data along with the thresholds for each parameter. When the measured value is below the threshold the trace is green. When an exception is noted (measured value above the threshold) the trace is red. At the end of an identified exception, a record is printed to the Exceptions frame as well as to the printer. It should be noted that the track is painted for the entire length of an exception. An exception is reported for the length that the parameter (from starting to ending milepost) exceeded the threshold value, and the maximum measurement is provided along with a bench mark and offset to facilitate locating the defect for later maintenance.

The viewport also displays mileposts (and tenths) along with events marked by the user. The user can easily identify events with the click of a mouse button on any event icon that resides in the Events frame. Several events are shown along with milepost and track edit capabilities. In addition to these events, the user has the ability to change track class. Changing track class automatically changes the safety and maintenance thresholds since these values are driven off of track class.

The user is constantly updated with the collected data, location information, and speed as well as the status of connected machinery (on or off). This includes all of the input sensors (gage and pressure transducers, etc.) and output devices (printer, paint spray, etc.). The user is alerted when the gage axle is loaded and when the paint spray device or uninterruptable power supply are active.

A primary safety feature of the system allows the user to modify the percentage of load applied to the track. This allows for reduced loading under certain circumstances. In addition the user has the ability to completely unload the system if necessary.

Before recording data the user has the ability to specify the starting location of the vehicle as well as set several categories of parameters, including viewport setup (channels and scale of plot), threshold values by track class, and device/hardware status. As an example, the device/hardware status input screen is shown below.

As with any inspection vehicle, or system connected to hardware devices, a periodic calibration is required. To facilitate this activity, a calibration routine is included with the system that allows the user to easily walk through the calibration process. The calibration constants can be edited if they are known, or the calibration process, which uses a multiple measurement technique, can be utilized.

In addition to the real time processing characteristics of the system, TrackSTAR™ allows the user to post-process any collected data file for reviewing purposes or develop several maintenance planning reports in an off-line mode. These include, printing the strip chart to an attached printer, calculating tie statistics (number of ties, number of bad ties, etc. for a given milepost), and creating tie maintenance planning reports (number of ties for a given category, number of maintenance ties required to break up clusters, or number of ties for out-of-face renewals). A sample tabular output of the tie planning report is shown below.

Included with the TrackSTAR™ system is a standard Windows™ help file, a sample of which is shown below. The help file allows the user to find detailed information on any given topic easily by using topic menus or an indexed search.

The TrackSTAR™ software was developed for use on a personal computer with a graphical user interface to allow for a complete system that is easy and intuitive to use by inspection vehicle personnel. The system was developed as a native Windows™ application for use in a 16 or 32 bit environment.