The Level Crossing Obstacle Detection System performs the automatic detection of obstacles at level crossings preventing accidents to incoming trains.
The Level Crossing Obstacle Detection System, named LOD, scans the crossing area immediately after the barriers are closed to detect the presence of any obstacles can potentially cause accident, only if the area is free than the signals are cleared and the trains can pass safely at the level crossing.
Level Crossing Obstacle Detection System
The detection is made through one or more sensing units, depending on the size of the level crossing, and it’is based on laser infrared technology adopting the principle of time of flight. A wayside control unit collects the information received by the sensing units and generates alarms based on high-level thresholds (minimum obstacle dimensions). The control unit is able to integrate LOD with the traditional level crossing protection system with complete barriers and drives and to communicate with the Interlocking System through safe interfaces.
LOD'is high reliability (SIL-4 architecture) and extreme accuracy makes it one of the most advanced on the market today, even in harsh weather conditions such as rain, snow and fog. Several trials are currently going on with European railways thanks to LOD ease of installation, flexible configuration, seamless integration with the existing signalling systems.