Claims:We Claim:

1. A system (200) for inspecting a rail track, the system (200) comprising:
a platform (201),
at least a pair of wheels (202) movably supporting the platform (201) on the rail track, wherein the pair of wheels (202) are connected by an axle (203);
at least a pair of devices (100) supported by the platform (201), wherein each of the pair of devices (100) is adapted for inspecting profile of at least one rail (106) of the rail track;
a sensor (107) positioned on the axle (203), wherein the sensor (107) is configured to detect elevation condition of the rail track; and
a control sensor unit (105) communicatively coupled to each of the pair of devices (100) and the sensor (107), wherein the control sensor unit (105) is configured to:
receive, input signal from each of the pair of devices (100) and the sensor (107); and
determine, the conditions of the rail track based on the received input signals.
2. The system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the pair of devices (100) comprising:
a laser source (101) supported by a support member (103), wherein the laser source (101) is configured to emit laser beam onto a surface of the rail (106); and
an image capturing unit (102) supported by the support member (103) such that, an optical axis of the image capturing unit (102) is aligned at a predetermined angle with respect to an incident axis of the laser beam, wherein the image capturing unit (102) is configured to selectively capture images of the rail (106), upon incidence of the laser beam.
3. The system (200) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the image capturing unit (102) is a camera.
4. The system (200) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the predetermined angle is in a range of about 40 degrees to 50 degrees.
5. The system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the input signals from each of the pair of devices (100) is images of the rails (106), captured by the image capturing unit (102).
6. The system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensor (107) is an inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor.
7. The system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the input signals from the sensor (107) corresponds to a degree of elevation of the rail track with respect to ground.
8. The system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control sensor (107) unit is configured to:
compare, images of the rail (106) captured by the image capturing unit (102) with pre-stored images; and
analyse conditions of the rail track based on comparison of the captured images with the prestored images.
9. The system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control sensor (107) unit is configured to analyse and converts the input signal from the sensor (107) to determine the degree of elevation of the rail track with respect to ground.
10. The system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pre-stored images correspond to images of an ideal rail.
11. The system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein conditions of the rail (106) is at least one deviation in height of the rail (106), shape of the rail (106), edges of the rail (106) and elevation of the rail (106) with respect to ground plane.
12. The system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control sensor unit (105) is configured to determine deviation in inner edges of each rail (106) of the rail track, based on images captured by each of the pair of devices (100) to determine deviation in gauge of rail track.
13. The system (200) as claimed in claim 1, comprises an indication unit (104) communicatively coupled to the control sensor unit (105), wherein the control sensor unit (105) is configured to generate an alert signal corresponding to deviation in the conditions of the rail track and indicate through the indication unit (104).
14. The system (200) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a GPS module communicatively coupled to the control sensor unit (105) and the indication unit (104), wherein the GPS module is configured to store position co-ordinates of the system (200), corresponding to determination of deviations in conditions of the rail (106).

Dated this 30th day of March 2021

Gopinath A S
IN/PA-1852
of K&S Partners
Agent for the Applicant
, Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
[39 of 1970]
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See Section 10 and Rule 13]

TITLE: “A SYSTEM FOR INSPECTING A RAIL TRACK”

Name and Address of the Applicant:
TATA STEEL LIMITED, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, India 831001.

Nationality: INDIAN

The following specification particularly describes the nature of the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Present disclosure in general relates to inspection of a rail track. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a system for inspecting conditions of each rail of the rail track.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Rail tracks find their application in many fields including transportation of goods within a locality or to a distance locality, to commute people from one place to other place, manoeuvring carriers within a shop floor, etc. Such rail tracks often undergo certain catastrophic failures, either because of manufacturing defects of rails or environment in which the rails are adapted. These failures may include both critical and non-critical defects, for example, transverse defects, cracked head defects, cracked horizontal head defects and like.

Hence, it is pertinent to inspect rails of the rail track for anomalies to maintain the rails in appropriate condition. Generally, condition of the rails affects reliability of rail transportation. Maintenance often involves inspection of the rails, which historically has been accomplished through visual inspection by workers/operators. Operators either perform visual inspection on foot using a mantissa gauge instrument or on a moving vehicle such as a hi-railer.

Manual inspection of the rail poses limitations as it would be difficult for the operator to identify small defects or damage in the rails, while inspecting on the moving vehicle and quality of inspection solely rely on skill and experience of the operator. This limitation is aggravated by the fact that, the defects or damage to the rails i.e., cracks, changes in profiles are difficult to notice, which is undesired. Inspection that is performed on foot can provide better results, since the operator can more closely and carefully inspect each portion of the rails. However, inspection performed on foot is a slow and tedious process, requiring many hours to inspect several miles of rail track.

The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitation associated with the prior arts.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by a system as disclosed and additional advantages are provided through the system as described in the present disclosure.

Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In one non-limiting embodiment, a system for inspecting a rail track is disclosed. The system includes a platform, which is movably supported by at least a pair of wheels. The pair of wheels are connected by an axle. Further, the system includes at least a pair of devices, which are supported by the platform. Each of the pair of devices is adapted for inspecting profile of at least one rail of the rail track. Furthermore, the system includes a sensor positioned on the axle, where the sensor is configured to detect elevation condition of the rail track. Additionally, the system includes a control sensor unit, which is communicatively coupled to each of the pair of devices and the sensor. The control sensor unit is configured to receive an input signal from each of the pair of devices and the sensor, and determine conditions of the rail track based on the received input signal.
In an embodiment, each of the pair of devices include a laser source supported by a support member. The laser source is configured to emit laser beam onto a surface of the rail. Further, the device includes an image capturing unit supported by the support member such that, an optical axis of the image capturing unit is aligned at a predetermined angle with respect to an incident axis of the laser beam. The image capturing unit is a camera, which is configured to selectively capture images of the rail, upon incidence of the laser beam.
In an embodiment, the predetermined angle is in a range of about 40 degrees to 50 degrees.
In an embodiment, wherein the input signal from each of the pair of devices is images of the rails, captured by the image capturing unit.
In an embodiment, the sensor is an inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor.
In an embodiment, the input signals from the sensor corresponds to a degree of elevation of the rail, with respect to ground.
In an embodiment, the control sensor unit is configured to compare images of the rail captured by the image capturing unit with pre-stored images and determine conditions of the rails based on comparison of the captured images with the prestored images.
In an embodiment, the control sensor unit is configured to analyse and convert the input signal from the sensor to determine the degree of elevation of the rail with respect to ground.
In an embodiment, the pre-stored images correspond to images of an ideal rail.

In an embodiment, conditions of the rail are at least one deviation in height of the rail, shape of the rail, edges of the rail and elevation of the rail with respect to ground plane.

In an embodiment, the control sensor unit is configured to determine deviation in inner edges of each rail of the rail track, based on images captured by each of the pair of devices to determine deviation in gauge of rail track.

In an embodiment, the system includes an indication unit communicatively coupled to the control sensor unit. The control sensor unit is configured to generate an alert signal corresponding to deviation in the conditions of the rail track and indicate through the indication unit.

In an embodiment, the system includes a GPS module communicatively coupled to the control sensor unit and the indication unit. The GPS module is configured to store position co-ordinates of the system, corresponding to determination of deviations in conditions of the rail.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES

The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended description. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

Figure. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure. 2 illustrates a front view of wheels of the system of Figure. 1, which are connected by an axle, and equipped with a sensor, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a device of the system of Figure. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure. 4 illustrates a sectional view of the rail track depicting change in profile of the rail.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the apparatus and system illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the description of the disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent apparatus and systems depart from the scope of the disclosure. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, as to operation of the apparatus and system, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.
Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a system for inspecting a rail track. The system may facilitate real-time inspection of the rail, without human intervention. Conventionally, inspection of rails has been accomplished through visual inspection by operators. Operators either perform a visual inspection on foot using a mantissa gauge instrument or on a moving vehicle such as a hi-railer. Manually inspecting condition of the rail, pose limitations as it would be difficult for the inspector to identify small defects or damages in the rails while inspecting on the moving vehicle and quality of inspection rely on skill and experience of the operator. Inspection that is performed on foot can provide better results, since the inspector can more closely and carefully inspect each of the rail components. However, inspection performed on foot is a slow and tedious process, requiring many hours to inspect several miles of rail track. Accordingly, the present disclosure discloses a system for inspecting the rail of the rail track.

The system for inspecting the rail of the rail track may include a platform, which may be configured to be movable on the rail track, such that inspection of the rail track can be performed on the fly. The platform may be movably supported by at least a pair of wheels, which may be connected by an axle. Further, the system may include at least a pair of devices, which may be supported on the platform and each of the pair of devices may be configured to inspect at least one rail of the rail track. Each of the pair of devices may include a laser source supported by a support member. The laser source may be configured to emit laser light onto a surface of the rail. Further, the device may include an image capturing unit, which may be supported by the support member. The image capturing unit may be positioned such that, an optical axis of the image capturing unit may be aligned at a predetermined angle with respect to an incident axis of the laser beam. The image capturing unit may be configured to selectively capture images of the rail upon incidence of the laser beam. Furthermore, the system may include a sensor, which may be positioned on the axle. The sensor may be configured to detect elevation condition of the rail.

The system may further include a control sensor unit, which may be communicatively coupled to each of the pair of devices and the sensor. The control sensor unit may be configured input signals from each of the pair of devices, which correspond to images of the rail captured by the image capturing unit of the device and compare the captured images with pre-stored images. Based on the comparison, the control sensor unit may determine conditions i.e., deviation in height of the rail, shape of the rail and edges of the rail of the rail. Further, the control sensor unit may be configured to receive inputs signals from the sensor, which corresponds to elevation condition of the rail with respect to ground and with respect to other rail of the rail track and analyse the input signals to determine the elevation of the rail. Additionally, the system includes a GPS module, which may be communicatively coupled to the control sensor unit. The GPS module may be configured to store position co-ordinates of the system, which may correspond to determination of deviations in the conditions of the rail. This configuration of the system facilitates in inspecting the rail through out its length, in conjunction to movement of the platform. Further, the system aids in determining conditions of the rail automatically without human intervention and thus, accurate determination about the conditions of the rail is achieved.

In the following detailed description, embodiments of the disclosure are explained with reference to accompanying figures that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.
Figure. 1 is a perspective view of a system (200) for inspecting a rail track, which may typically include two rails (106). The system (200) may be configured to carryout inspection of the rail track on the fly, which facilitates in inspecting the rail track throughout its length. As seen in Figure. 1, the system (200) may include a platform (201), which may be configured to be movable on the rail track. The platform (201) may be supported by at least a pair of wheels (202), which may be connected to each other by an axle (203). In an embodiment, at least the pair of wheels (202) may be powered by a prime mover (203) such as but not limiting to a motor, to traverse the platform (201) on the rail track at desired speed to carryout inspection of the rail track. Further, in an embodiment, the platform (201) may be operated by the operator on-board the platform (201) or may be operated remotely through suitable remote controllers [not shown in figures]. As apparent from Figure. 1, the system (200) may include at least a pair of devices (100), which may be supported on the platform (201). In an embodiment, each of the pair of devices (100) may be supported on either side of the platform (201), relative to corresponding rails (106) of the rail track. As an example, the pair of devices (100) may be supported to the platform (201) by one or more brackets [not shown in Figures] which are fixed to the platform by one of a mechanical joining process such as fasteners and, a thermal joining process such as welding, brazing and the like. In an embodiment, each of the pair of devices (100) may be adapted to inspect at least one rail (106) of the rail track, in conjunction to traversing of the platform (201) to perform inspection of the rail (106).
Further, as seen in Figure. 2, the system (200) may include a sensor (107), which may be positioned on the axle (203), which connects at least the pair of wheels (202). In an embodiment, the sensor (107) may be an inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor or may be an inclinometer, which may be positioned at a substantially central portion of the axle (203). The sensor (107) may be configured to detect elevation condition of the rail (106) [as seen in Figure. 2]. In an embodiment, the term “elevation condition” may be inferred as raise in height of the rail (106) with respect to ground and with respect to the other rail (106). Further, sensor (107) may be configured to detect elevation of the rail (106) in yaw, pitch and roll and may generate input signals corresponding to elevation condition [i.e., by how much the rail (106) has elevated with respect to the ground and with respect to the other rail]. The input signals may be suitably analysed to determine the elevation condition of the rail (106).
Referring to Figure. 3, which is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating a perspective view of the device (100) positioned on the platform (201). The device (100) may be configured to generate inspection data relating to at least one condition of the rail (106). In an embodiment, the at least one condition of the rail (106) may be deviation in height of the rail (106), shape of the rail (106), edges of the rail (106) and gauge (G), which is distance between two rails (106) of the rail track. Deviation in the conditions of the rail (106) may be inferred as alteration in the conditions of the rail (106), in conjunction to an ideal rail, aiding in safe traversing of a rolling stock. As apparent from Figure. 3, the device (100) may include a support member (103), which may be configured to support a plurality of components of the device (100). Further, the device (100) may include a laser source (101), which may be supported by the support member (103). The laser source (101) may be configured to emit laser beam onto surface and other portions of the rail (106). That is, the laser beam is incident on the different portion of the rail (106) to illuminate the rail (106), to perform inspection of the rail (106) accurately. In an embodiment, the laser source (101) may be supported by the support member (103) such that, an incident axis (A-A) of the laser beam may be substantially perpendicular to the rail (106).
Now referring again to Figure. 3, the device (100) may further include an image capturing unit (102), which may be supported by the support member (103). In an embodiment, the image capturing unit (102) may be but not limiting to a camera. The image capturing unit (102) may be supported such that, an optical axis (B-B) of the image capturing unit (102) is aligned at a predetermined angle with respect to the incidence axis (A-A) of the laser beam. In an embodiment, the predetermined angle may range from about 40 degrees to 50 degrees. Particularly, the predetermined angle may be 45 degrees, forming a triangular configuration. That is, the arrangement of the laser source (101), the image capturing unit (102) in relation to the rail (106), may form a triangular configuration. Further, the image capturing unit (102) may be configured to selectively capture images of the rail (106) upon incident of the laser beam. In other words, the image capturing unit (102) may continuously capture images of the rail (106) during traversing of the platform (201) to perform inspection of the rail (106). In an embodiment, positioning the image capturing unit (102) at 45 degrees with respect to the incident axis (A-A) of the laser beam helps in obtaining maximum intensity of laser beam on to the image capturing unit (102). This may result in obtaining an accurate and brighter image profile of the rail (106).
Furthermore, the system (200) may include a control sensor unit (105), which may be communicatively coupled to the each of the at least a pair of devices (100) and the sensor (107). In an embodiment, the control sensor unit (105) may be communicatively coupled to the image capturing unit (102) and the laser source (101) of the device (100). The control sensor unit (105) may be configured provide an activation signal to the sensor (107) and to the image capturing unit (102) and the laser source (101) of the device (100) to initiate the inspection. Further, the control sensor unit (105) may be configured to receive the inputs signals from each of the pair of devices (100) i.e., images of the rail (106) captured by the image capturing unit (102) and compare the captured images of the rail (106) at every instance with pre-stored images. The pre-stored images may be images of the rail (106) in an ideal condition. The ideal rail may be a rail, which is newly manufactured without any defects and readily adapted in the rail track. In an embodiment, the control sensor unit (105) may compare height of the rail (106) from the captured image with the pre-stored image to determine any deviation in height of rail (106). Similarly, the control sensor unit (105) may compare profile of the rail (106) in the captured image with the profile of the rail (106) in the pre-stored image, to determine any deviation in profile of the rail (106). In some embodiments, the control sensor unit (105) may be communicatively coupled to a memory unit [not shown], and the memory unit stores the pre-stored images or any other parameters of the rail (106) in the ideal conditions. Additionally, the control sensor unit (100) may receive input signals from the sensor (107) and analyse the input signals to determine elevation condition of the rail (106) with respect to ground and with respect to the other rail (106).
In an embodiment, the control sensor unit (105) may be one of a computer, mobile phone, a remote control and other devices intended to perform similar functions. Further, the control sensor unit (105) may include specialized processing units such as integrated system (bus) controllers, memory management control units, floating point units, graphics processing units, digital signal processing units, etc. The processing unit may include a microprocessor, such as AMD Athlon, Duron or Opteron, ARM’s application, embedded or secure processors, other line of processors, and the like.
As seen in Figure. 3, the system (200) may further include an indication unit (104), which may be communicatively coupled to the control sensor unit (105). The indication unit (104) may be configured to display/indicate the conditions of the rail (106) determined by the control sensor unit (105), based on the comparison.
In an embodiment, the control sensor unit (105) may be configured to determine deviation in inner edges of each rail (106) of the rail track [best seen in Figure. 4], based on comparison of the images captured by the image capturing unit (102) with pre-stored images, to determine deviation in gauge (G) of the rail track. That is, the control sensor unit (105) may compare inner edges of the rail (106) in the images captured by the image capturing unit (102) with inner edges of the rail (106) of the pre-stored images. Based on comparison, the control sensor unit (105) may determine change in dimension of the inner edges of the rails (106) to determine deviation in gauge (G).
The system (200) may further include a GPS module, which may be communicatively coupled to the control sensor unit (105) and the indication unit (104). In an embodiment, the GPS module may be integrated within the indication unit (104). The GPS module may be configured to store position co-ordinates (i.e., latitude and longitude) of the system (200), corresponding to determination of deviations in the conditions of the rail (106). The stored position co-ordinates may be displayed in the indication unit (104). This aids the operator to easily identify the defect location in the rail (106) and carrying out the maintenance activity at the defect location.
In an operational embodiment, the platform (201) may be positioned on the rail track whose rails (106) are to be inspected. Further, the platform (201) may be operated by the operator to traverse over the rails (106). During traversing of the platform (201), the device (100) [thus, image capturing unit (102)], may continuously capture images of the rails (106), which may be received by the control sensor unit (105), and the sensor (107) may continuously detect elevation of the rail track in yaw, pitch and roll generates an input signals, which may be received by the control sensor unit (105). Simultaneously, the control sensor unit (105) may compare the images captured by the device (100) with the pre-stored images to determine condition of the rail (106) such as deviation in height of the rail (106), shape of the profile, edges, and gauge, and may analyse the input signal from the sensor (107) and determine the elevation condition of the rail (106) with respect to the ground and the other rail (106). The determined conditions of the rail track may be displayed in the indication unit (104) in a human understandable format.
In an embodiment, upon determination in deviation in any of the conditions of the rail (106), the control sensor unit (105) may generate an alert signal through an indication unit (104) to the operator, and thus facilitating in carrying out instantaneous maintenance of the rail track.
In an embodiment, the control sensor unit (105) may determine condition of the rail (106) throughout a length of the rail (106) in conjunction to movement of the platform (201). Based on determination of deviation in condition of the rail (106), the control sensor unit (105) may provide an alert signal through an indication unit (104). As an example, the alert signal may be one of an audio signal, and a visual signal or combination of audio and visual signal. Based on the alert signal, the operator may carry out maintenance work to correct the condition of the rail (106).
In an embodiment, the system (200) aids in real time inspection of the rail (106) and provide alert signal instantly for the operator along with position co-ordinates, corresponding to deviation of conditions of the rail (106). Therefore, facilitates in carrying out maintenance of the rail (106), instantly.
In an embodiment, the system (200) includes minimum number of components and aids in accurate inspection of the rail (106), without human intervention.

EQUIVALENTS

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

Referral Numerals:

Referral Numerals Description
100 Device
101 Laser source
102 Image capturing unit
103 Support member
104 Indication unit
105 Control sensor unit
106 Rail
107 Sensor
200 System
201 Platform
202 Wheels
203 Axle