Collaborative Aspects of Solving Rail-Track Multi-sensor Data Fusion

Multi-sensor data fusion depicts a challenge if the data collected from different remote sensors present with diverging properties such as point density, noise and outliers. To overcome a time-consuming, manual sensor-registration procedure in rail-track data, the TransMVS COMET project was initiated in a joint collaboration between the company Track Machines Connected and the research institute Software Competence Center Hagenberg. One of the project aims was to develop a semi-automated and robust data fusion workflow allowing to combine multi-sensor data and to extract the underlying matrix transformation solving the multi-sensor registration problem. In addition, the buildup and transfer of knowledge with respect to 3D point cloud data analysis and registration was desired. Within a highly interactive approach, a semi-automated workflow fulfilling all requirements could be developed, relying on a close collaboration between the partners. The knowledge gained within the project was transferred in multiple partner meetings, leading to a knowledge leap in 3D point cloud data analysis and registration for both parties.