Practice and potential of computer vision for railways

This paper reviews the current practice of computer vision in railways and explores its potential for the future. The principal motivation for the use of computer vision in the railway industry is the drive to more cost effective and hence automated operation and maintenance of railway networks. The use of automatic visual inspection systems is particularly desirable for tasks to be carried out in a difficult working environment (e.g. tunnel inspection) and/or those that pose a safety risk to staff (e.g. by requiring them to walk on the track). Furthermore, special sensors such as infrared cameras render potentially new techniques for railway inspection, maintenance and operation. In general, the use of computer vision in railways can contribute towards improved service quality, lower service costs and increased passenger security.