A novel method for automatically detecting the scrape and exfoliation of train wheelset
tread surfaces was proposed. In this method, data on train wheelset tread surfaces are gained by
using laser displacement sensors, and analyzed through deviation rectifying, interpolation and
multistage median filtering. The digital matrix for the tread surfaces is digitized so as to gain their
status. A universal software for the measuring system was developed with VC++ and Matlab
programming languages. This software can automatically show 2-and 3-D views of train wheelset
tread surfaces, and print the image of scrape and exfoliation areas.