Pancam: In-Service Inspection of Locomotive Pantographs

Pancam is an inspection system for in-service monitoring of wear and damage to pantographs on electric locomotives. Damage and wear of pantographs can cause damage to the locomotive and overhead wiring with subsequent interruption of service. Pancam uses CCD cameras to capture side and top views of the pantographs of locomotives in normal service. The side view is analysed for wear and damage to the carbon current collectors while the top view is analysed for damage to the horns on the pantograph. Analysis results are reported to railway staff through a database with a thin-client Web interface. This paper presents an overview of the Pancam system and discusses some of the analysis techniques. Performance results are also presented.