AIVR Pace
What is it
AIVR Pace is a product used to provide reliable odometry signal distribution for rail inspection systems mounted on trains, including other AIVR Smart Capture devices.
AIVR Pace differs from conventional Tachometer Distribution Units (TDUs) in automatically and constantly assessing the quality of signals from on-board encoders (sometimes referred to in a broader sense as tachometers) and dynamically selecting the best quality signal for onward distribution. It is also able to transmit a real-time log via a connected AIVR Connect device to provide insight into the operation and any issues.
When used in an AIVR system, AIVR Pace distributes its signal to AIVR Tempus, AIVR’s Tacho Interface Unit (TIU). AIVR Pace can also be connected to other systems.
AIVR Pace: The tachometer monitors rail wheels to measure minute movements.
Why it matters
Encoders fitted to train wheels measure their rotational speed. AIVR Pace ingests encoder feeds and selects the best available signal to pass on.
This is important because encoders record even tiny forward movements of the train, data that is used to help derive precise measurements of the train position. The data supplied by AIVR Pace allows AIVR Tempus to perform these key functions:
- Coordination of data capture – so on-board sensors such as AIVR Focus can capture images at the correct rate, whatever speed the train is travelling.
- Synchronisation of positioning data with data streams from other sensors. This allows users to precisely geolocate any faults detected on the rail network, so trackside engineers can find and fix them.
While AIVR calculates positioning from multiple inputs, including GPS, a reliable stream of tachometer data is vital to both 1 and 2, above. Any delay or failure in the signal from tachometers could lead to both gaps in the flow of key positioning data (causing AIVR Focus to capture data unevenly) and inaccurate reporting of fault locations.
AIVR Pace improves on conventional TDUs in ensuring a consistent flow of the best available data.
When it is used
AIVR Pace operates continuously whenever AIVR Focus is active on a monitoring vehicle. It plays a vital role during routine inspection journeys, testing sessions or specialised surveys.
Where it is used
The unit is deployed across the UK rail network as part of One Big Circle’s AIVR Focus hardware suite. It is installed on inspection vehicles and rolling stock equipped with AIVR technology, typically operating alongside AIVR Tempus and AIVR Connect and additional positioning systems to deliver cloud-integrated imaging datasets accessible through the AIVR Platform.
How it works
AIVR Pace constantly monitors encoder feeds and validates their health. If one fails, it switches automatically to a validated backup. Pace outputs a single harmonised tacho signal and delivers it to AIVR Tempus.