Technology

Innovative Technology: Infrastructure-Based Sensor System

DB Lightgate is based on a modular sensor system installed in railway infrastructure that scans passing train carriages with light signals. The principle is straightforward: the more passengers and luggage are on board, the less light passes a carriage .

At the core of the hardware are precisely calibrated sensors with different transmitter and receiver units. The sensors collect various measurement values for the passing train synchronously — such as the position of windows and carriages, as well as occupancy.

The result is high-resolution raw data from which our advanced algorithms calculate occupancy data.

Measurement Results:The infrastructure-based sensors create a light pattern for every passing train. Depending on the train’s speed and length, this pattern consists of several tens of thousands of light points. From these, occupancy data is calculated.

The system is designed to be used forall common rolling stock types. Sensors can be positioned at any height and can be supplemented with additional measuring sections for double-decker vehicles. This makes DB Lightgate vehicle-independent. Installation and maintenance require no train to be removed from service.

Durable housings protect the sensors from weather conditions, and the system is designed for continuous operation in a railway environment. Outdoors, the sensors are powered autonomously by photovoltaic modules; in tunnels, they are connected to a low-voltage power supply. Data transmission to our servers takes place wirelessly and securely via the mobile network.

The captured raw data is fed directly into the DB Lightgate system, where it is processed and analyzed using specially developed algorithms. The system is built on a modular software framework with configurable interfaces for easy integration into external systems.

Frequently Asked Questions about our Hardware

How does the system handle weather conditions?

Weather conditions generally do not affect our sensors. However, it must be ensured that the sensors are not obstructed (e.g., by vegetation).

What happens with graffiti?

If carriages are covered in graffiti at the measurement height, our sensors cannot scan through them. We flag unusual measurements that may indicate graffiti and correct them automatically in consultation with the customer.

Can DB Lightgate be used for all train types?

Yes. DB Lightgate can be used for all common train types with opposing windows. Functionality depends on the windows allowing sufficient light transmission (transmission rate > 30%). This is typically the case for manufacturer-installed glass that has not been retrofitted with film. For double-decker trains or other layouts, our sensors can be flexibly extended to additional measurement heights.

Is the system compliant with data protection regulations?

Yes.Our optical sensors only generate light patterns. No personal data about passengers is collected or processed at any point.