A Laser Plane Attitude Evaluation Method for Rail Profile Measurement Sensors

The non-coplanar lasers on both sides of the rail during full-section rail profile measurement based on line-structured light vision will cause the measured profile to be distorted, resulting in measurement errors. Currently, in the field of rail profile measurement, there are no effective methods for evaluating laser plane attitude, and it is impossible to determine the degree of laser coplanarity quantitatively and accurately. This study proposes an evaluation method based on fitting planes in response to this problem. Real-time fitting of laser planes with three planar targets of different heights provides information about the laser plane attitude on both sides of the rails. On this basis, laser coplanarity evaluation criteria were developed to determine whether the laser planes on both sides of the rails are coplanar. Using the method in this study, the laser plane attitude can be quantified and accurately assessed on both sides, effectively resolving the problem with traditional methods that can only assess the laser plane attitude qualitatively and roughly, thereby providing a solid foundation for calibration and error correction of the measurement system.