Foreign object detection in actuating part of turnout using structural similarity index

A switch point is a mechanical installation enabling trains to be guided from one track to another. A switch point moves a tung rail left or right to determine which track to follow. A switch may interfere with some unwanted objects on the track, such as rocks, bolts and nuts etc., which may be stuck between tung rail and tracks to follow. To detect these unwanted objects, we applied the so-called Structure Similarity Index (SSTM) algorithm, which is a type of image recognition device. The purpose is to detect and remove objects from tracks to help maintenance of the railroad. The test results showed a score of 0.9 or less when the object was detected between stock rail and tung rail.