Near field wireless optical communication apparatus, alignment method, and storage medium

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of wireless optical communication, particularly provides a near-field wireless optical communication device, an alignment method and a storage medium, and aims to solve the problem of low train data transmission rate in the prior art. In order to achieve the purpose, the near-field wireless optical communication device comprises a train terminal, a platform terminal and a controller, the train terminal is fixedly connected with a train, and a first laser communication module used for laser communication is arranged on the train terminal; the platform terminal is connected with a station platform, the platform terminal is provided with a second laser communication module used for communication, and the second laser communication module and the first laser communication module are set to be capable of laser communication; the controller is in signal connection with the platform terminal and the train terminal, and the controller is set to be capable of controlling the platform terminal and the train terminal. The controller realizes centralized control and management of communication links. Therefore, operations such as start-stop, alignment and calibration in the communication process can be automatically carried out, and the intelligent degree of the system is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of wireless optical communication, and specifically provides a near-field wireless optical communication device, an alignment method, and a storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of technology, communication technologies are constantly innovating. Currently, data transmission in the rail transit sector mainly uses 2G cellular networks, 4G cellular networks, Wi-Fi, and 5G millimeter wave technology. However, these traditional communication methods are inadequate when faced with real-time data transmission scenarios such as high-speed trains. For example, the dozens of high-definition cameras on high-speed trains can generate massive amounts of data daily, with single data transfers exceeding 300GB. Even using 5G millimeter wave or Wi-Fi technology for data transfer would take more than 40 minutes. This inefficiency makes traditional data transmission methods unable to meet the demands of modern rail transit.

[0003] Existing laser communication technology is generally used for communication between satellites and the ground or between satellites. It has a long communication distance, requires complex aiming and scanning, and is also costly, making it unsuitable for the rail transportation field.

[0004] Accordingly, a new technical solution is needed in this field to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned technical problems and address the issue of low train data transmission rate in the prior art.

[0006] This invention provides a near-field wireless optical communication device, comprising: a train terminal, a platform terminal, and a controller; The train terminal is fixedly connected to the train, and the train terminal is equipped with a first laser communication module for laser communication. The platform terminal is connected to the station platform, and the platform terminal is equipped with a second laser communication module for communication. The second laser communication module and the first laser communication module are configured to communicate via laser. The controller is signal-connected to the platform terminal and the train terminal, and the controller is configured to control the platform terminal and the train terminal.

[0007] By employing the above technical solution, near-field wireless optical communication technology replaces traditional communication methods such as cellular networks, Wi-Fi, and 5G millimeter wave, significantly improving data transmission efficiency. The laser communication link established between the first and second laser communication modules fully leverages the extremely wide bandwidth of laser communication. Centralized control and management of the communication link are achieved by introducing a controller connected to the signals of both terminals. This automates operations such as starting and stopping communication and alignment calibration, reducing manual intervention and improving system reliability and intelligence.

[0008] In the specific implementation of the above-described near-field wireless optical communication device, the platform terminal and the controller are connected by a wired signal, and the train terminal and the controller are connected by a wireless signal.

[0009] With the above technical solutions, the platform terminal and controller are connected via a wired connection, ensuring the stability and low latency of control signal transmission. The train terminal and controller are connected wirelessly, adapting to the dynamic characteristics of train movement and stopping. This hybrid connection architecture ensures control reliability while also taking into account implementation flexibility.

[0010] In the specific implementation of the above-mentioned near-field wireless optical communication device, both the platform terminal and the train terminal include an image capturing module, which is configured to capture images containing the opposite terminal.

[0011] By employing the above technical solution, image capture modules are installed at both the platform terminal and the train terminal, enabling them to acquire image information from the opposite terminal. This makes subsequent fine alignment based on image processing possible.

[0012] In the specific implementation of the aforementioned near-field wireless optical communication device, both the platform terminal and the train terminal are equipped with markers, which are configured to be captured by the image capturing module of the opposite terminal; and / or Both the platform terminal and the train terminal are equipped with multiple laser emission ports and laser receiving ports.

[0013] By employing the above technical solution, specialized markers are installed, enabling the image capture module to more quickly and accurately identify and locate the peer terminal in the image. This reduces the complexity requirements of the image recognition algorithm, improves alignment speed and robustness, and is particularly advantageous under complex lighting conditions or partial obstruction. Compared to using beacon light for aiming, this reduces costs. By setting up multiple laser emission ports and laser reception ports, the limited reception range and power of a single laser reception port are avoided, facilitating alignment between platform terminals and train terminals.

[0014] This invention also discloses an alignment method for a near-field wireless optical communication device, the alignment method for the near-field wireless optical communication device described above comprising: Acquire signals from the train terminal located within the station; Obtain information from the train terminal; Obtain the location of the train terminal within the station; Based on the position of the train terminal within the station, control the platform terminal and the train terminal to aim at each other; Acquire the recognition images of the platform terminal and the train terminal; Based on the recognized image, the platform terminal and the train terminal are controlled to turn. When the center position of the recognized image of the platform terminal is the train terminal, the platform terminal stops rotating. When the center position of the recognized image of the train terminal is the platform terminal, the train terminal stops rotating.

[0015] By employing the aforementioned technical solution, this method establishes a complete automated alignment process through a series of steps, including acquiring train position, controlling mutual alignment, acquiring and recognizing images, and controlling steering based on the images. This multi-stage alignment method effectively overcomes minor positional deviations that may exist in near-field environments, ensuring the rapid and accurate establishment of the optical link and laying a solid foundation for high-speed data transmission. This method does not rely on a single coarse positioning but combines radio communication connections, position acquisition, and image recognition feedback to form a closed-loop control. This significantly improves the alignment success rate and link stability, avoiding communication interruptions or quality degradation caused by misalignment.

[0016] In a specific embodiment of the above-described near-field wireless optical communication device alignment method, the step of acquiring information from the train terminal further includes: Obtain the terminal name and password of the train terminal; Verify the terminal name and password; If the verification passes, the information of the train terminal is determined.

[0017] By employing the above technical solution, verifying the terminal name and password ensures that only authorized train terminals can access the system and conduct data communication. This prevents unauthorized access or interference, enhancing system security and controllability. Furthermore, the train terminal information can be identified simply by its name.

[0018] In a specific embodiment of the above-described near-field wireless optical communication device alignment method, the step of obtaining the position of the train terminal within the station further includes: The location of the train terminal is determined using Wi-Fi positioning and recorded as the first location; The location of the train terminal is determined using Bluetooth positioning and recorded as the second location; If the deviation between the first position and the second position is less than or equal to one meter, then the midpoint between the first position and the second position is taken as the position of the train terminal within the station; otherwise, the first position and the second position are redefined.

[0019] Using the above technical solution, a fusion positioning method is employed, combining Wi-Fi and Bluetooth positioning technologies, with deviation judgment conditions set. This method leverages the complementarity of different positioning technologies to obtain more reliable and accurate initial train position information than a single technology, laying a solid foundation for subsequent coarse pointing via laser communication terminals.

[0020] In the above-described near-field wireless optical communication device alignment method, the step of acquiring the identification images of the platform terminal and the train terminal further includes: The platform terminal is controlled to rotate, and the image capturing module of the platform terminal scans the position of the train terminal. Acquire the first scanned image; When the train terminal is detected in the first image, the rotation of the platform terminal is stopped; The train terminal is controlled to rotate, and the image capturing module of the train terminal scans the position of the platform terminal. Acquire the second scanned image; When the platform terminal is detected in the second image, the rotation of the train terminal is stopped.

[0021] When employing the above technical solution, before acquiring a high-precision recognition image, the terminal is first controlled to perform a rotational scan, using the image capture module to conduct a wide-range search until the peer terminal is detected in the image. This step ensures that the system can automatically capture the target even when the position of the peer terminal is somewhat uncertain, creating conditions for subsequent fine alignment based on the recognition image and improving the system's adaptability.

[0022] In a specific embodiment of the above-described near-field wireless optical communication device alignment method, rangefinders are respectively installed at both ends of the station along the length of the train track; the step of obtaining the position of the train terminal within the station further includes: Obtain the distance measurement result from the rangefinder; Based on the detection results of the rangefinder, the position of the train within the station is calculated; The position of the train terminal within the station is calculated based on its relative position on the train.

[0023] By employing the above technical solution, unlike the aforementioned positioning methods, the train's position within the station is determined by the distances between the train's front and rear ends and the corresponding rangefinders. Furthermore, the position of the train's terminal is determined by the predicted relative position of the terminal on the train. This method offers more accurate positioning and lower costs.

[0024] The present invention also discloses a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions for causing the computer to perform the above-described method. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a flowchart of the main steps of the alignment method for near-field wireless optical communication devices; Figure 2 This is a flowchart of the unfolding step of step S102 in the near-field wireless optical communication device alignment method; Figure 3 This is a flowchart of the unfolding step of another embodiment of step S103 in the near-field wireless optical communication device alignment method. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Preferred embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical principles of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Those skilled in the art can make adjustments as needed to adapt to specific application scenarios.

[0027] It should be noted that those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0028] To address the low data transmission rate of trains in existing technologies, this invention provides a near-field wireless optical communication device, comprising: a train terminal, a platform terminal, and a controller; the train terminal is fixedly connected to the train and is equipped with a first laser communication module for laser communication; the platform terminal is connected to the station platform and is equipped with a second laser communication module for communication, the second laser communication module being configured to communicate with the first laser communication module via laser; the controller is signal-connected to both the platform terminal and the train terminal and is configured to control both terminals. Thus, by employing near-field wireless optical communication technology, traditional cellular networks, Wi-Fi, and 5G millimeter-wave communication methods are replaced, significantly improving data transmission efficiency. The laser communication link established between the first and second laser communication modules fully leverages the extremely wide bandwidth of laser communication. The introduction of a controller signal-connected to both terminals enables centralized control and management of the communication link. This allows for automated operations such as starting and stopping communication and alignment calibration, reducing manual intervention and improving system reliability and intelligence.

[0029] In one or more implementations, the platform terminal and controller are connected via a wired signal connection, while the train terminal and controller are connected via a wireless signal connection. This wired connection ensures stable and low-latency control signal transmission. The wireless connection adapts to the dynamic characteristics of train movement and stopping. This hybrid connection architecture ensures control reliability while also providing implementation flexibility. It should be noted that the platform terminal and controller can also be connected wirelessly.

[0030] In one or more embodiments, both the platform terminal and the train terminal include an image capturing module, which is configured to capture images containing the opposite terminal. Specifically, the image capturing module of the platform terminal is used to capture images containing the train terminal, and the image capturing module of the train terminal is used to capture images containing the platform terminal. In one or more embodiments, both the platform terminal and the train terminal are provided with markers, which are configured to be captured by the image capturing module of the opposite terminal. The markers can be colors or patterns that facilitate image recognition, such as red or green circular stickers. Of course, the setting of markers is not mandatory. Those skilled in the art can choose whether to set markers and the specific structure of the markers based on the specific application scenario. Alternatively, markers can be omitted, and the image capturing module can directly capture images of the opposite terminal.

[0031] In one or more embodiments, both the platform terminal and the train terminal are equipped with multiple laser emitting ports and laser receiving ports. By providing multiple laser emitting ports and laser receiving ports, the limited receiving range and optical power of a single laser receiving port are avoided, facilitating alignment between the platform terminal and the train terminal. It should be noted that, preferably, both the platform terminal and the train terminal are equipped with two laser emitting ports and two laser receiving ports; however, those skilled in the art can choose the number of laser emitting ports and laser receiving ports on the terminal based on specific application scenarios.

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, the present invention also discloses an alignment method for a near-field wireless optical communication device, the alignment method for the near-field wireless optical communication device described above comprising: S101, Obtain the signal that the train terminal is located within the station. Specifically, when the train terminal is located within the station, the train sends its position information to the controller, thus confirming that the train terminal is located within the station.

[0033] S102, Obtain information from the train terminal. Specifically, the station is equipped with a Wi-Fi module. This Wi-Fi module can establish wireless communication with the train terminal. The train terminal information is determined by the name of the train terminal connected to the Wi-Fi module. The train terminal information includes: the location of the train terminal on the train, the train number, etc.

[0034] S103, Obtain the location of the train terminal within the station. Specifically, the location of the train terminal within the station is determined via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth positioning. By obtaining data from the station's backend, the train's lane can be determined, further refining the train terminal's location within the station.

[0035] S104, based on the position of the train terminal within the station, controls the platform terminal and the train terminal to align with each other. For example, if the position of the train terminal is determined to be A, the platform terminal is controlled to point to position A. If the position of the platform terminal is fixed and denoted as B, the train terminal is controlled to point to position B.

[0036] S105, acquire recognition images from the platform terminal and the train terminal. Specifically, the image capturing module of the platform terminal captures an image and sends it to the controller, while the image captured by the train terminal is also sent to the controller.

[0037] S106, based on the recognized image, controls the steering of the platform terminal and the train terminal. When the center of the recognized image of the platform terminal is the train terminal, the platform terminal stops rotating; conversely, when the center of the recognized image of the train terminal is the platform terminal, the train terminal stops rotating. Thus, this method, through a series of steps including acquiring the train position, controlling mutual alignment, acquiring the recognized image, and controlling steering based on the image, forms a complete automated alignment process. This multi-stage alignment method effectively overcomes minor positional deviations that may exist in near-field environments, ensuring the rapid and accurate establishment of the optical link and laying a solid foundation for high-speed data transmission. This method does not rely on a single coarse positioning but combines radio communication connection, position acquisition, and image recognition feedback to form a closed-loop control. This significantly improves the alignment success rate and link stability, avoiding communication interruptions or quality degradation caused by misalignment. In one or more embodiments, when markers are provided on the platform terminal and the train terminal, the platform terminal and the train terminal are controlled to turn based on the recognition image. When the center position of the recognition image of the platform terminal is the marker of the train terminal, the platform terminal stops rotating. When the center position of the recognition image of the train terminal is the marker of the platform terminal, the train terminal stops rotating.

[0038] like Figure 2 As shown, in one or more embodiments, step S102, which involves acquiring information from the train terminal, further includes: S201, Obtain the train terminal's terminal name and password. Specifically, this is initiated by the controller. When the train enters the station's communication range, the train terminal broadcasts a signal containing its own "terminal name." After detecting this signal, the controller sends a password authentication request to the train terminal. The terminal name is a unique identifier, and the password is a pre-assigned key securely stored in the train terminal.

[0039] S202, Verify Terminal Name and Password. Specifically, after receiving the name and password from the train terminal, the controller compares them with pre-registered legitimate terminal information in its database. This process ensures that the train terminal attempting to establish a connection is an authorized device, and not some other illegal or irrelevant device. Password verification is a core security step, effectively preventing unauthorized access and potential network attacks.

[0040] S203. If the verification is successful, the train terminal information is determined. Specifically, once the password verification is successful, the system confirms the legitimate identity of the train terminal and can obtain other information related to the terminal, such as its communication capabilities, train number, and data priority.

[0041] like Figure 3 As shown, in one or more embodiments, the step of obtaining the location of the train terminal within the station further includes: S301 uses Wi-Fi positioning to determine the location of the train terminal and records it as the first location. Specifically, multiple Wi-Fi access points are usually deployed inside the station. During positioning, the controller can receive the signal strength of the Wi-Fi access from each train terminal, then match it with a pre-established signal fingerprint database, and then estimate the location of the train terminal through algorithms such as triangulation, and record it as the first location.

[0042] S302 uses Bluetooth positioning to determine the location of the train terminal and records it as the second location. Specifically, Bluetooth beacons are deployed at specific locations within the station. The train terminal scans the signal strength of nearby beacons and sends the results to the controller, which calculates the position of the train terminal relative to these known Bluetooth beacons.

[0043] S303: If the deviation between the first and second positions is less than or equal to one meter, the midpoint between the first and second positions is taken as the position of the train terminal within the station; otherwise, the first and second positions are redefined. Specifically, when data from two independent sources are highly consistent, taking the midpoint helps to further smooth out random measurement noise, making the final output position coordinates more stable and closer to the true value than using either result alone. If the deviation is greater than one meter, a safety fault-tolerance mechanism is triggered by repositioning. This indicates that at least one positioning technology has been significantly interfered with at the current moment, or the equipment has experienced a brief malfunction, resulting in an unreliable output. Forcing the use of one of the results may point the laser communication terminal in a completely wrong direction, leading to subsequent failure of fine alignment. It should be noted that the setting of a deviation less than or equal to one meter is not mandatory. Those skilled in the art can choose the deviation between the first and second positions based on the specific application scenario; the deviation can be 2 meters or 3 meters, etc. When the deviation is greater than one meter more than five times, the deviation between the first and second positions is set to be less than or equal to two meters, and the midpoint between the first and second positions is taken as the position of the train terminal within the station. This process is repeated, gradually increasing the threshold for the deviation between the first and second positions. When the deviation between the first and second positions exceeds five meters, while using the above positioning method, a position deviation alert is sent to the controller to remind staff that maintenance is required.

[0044] In another or more embodiments, distance measuring instruments are respectively installed at both ends of the station along the length of the train track. Step S103, obtaining the position of the train terminal within the station, further includes: S301, Obtain the distance measurement results from the distance measuring device. Specifically, after the train comes to a complete stop, the front position distance measuring device detects the distance between the front of the train and the rear position distance measuring device detects the distance between the rear of the train and the rear position distance measuring device. The results obtained by the distance measuring devices are transmitted to the controller.

[0045] S302, based on the rangefinder's detection results, calculates the train's position within the station. Specifically, the rangefinder's position is pre-calibrated and known; combining the rangefinder's measurements, the train's position on the track can be determined. It should be noted that the train's specific track location within the station can also be obtained via radio communication, further confirming its position.

[0046] S303 calculates the position of the train terminal within the station based on its relative position on the train. Specifically, the installation position of the train terminal on the train body is fixed; once the train's position is determined, the position of the train terminal within the station can also be calculated. Thus, the train's position within the station is determined by the distances between the front and rear of the train and the corresponding rangefinders, and the position of the train terminal is determined by the known relative position of the train terminal on the train. This method offers more accurate positioning and lower costs.

[0047] The present invention also discloses a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions for causing a computer to execute the above-described method. Thus, the above-described method can be executed in the storage medium, which provides a hardware carrier for the method.

[0048] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the processes in the method of the above embodiment of the present invention can also be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. The computer program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, and when executed by a processor, it can implement the steps of the various method embodiments described above. The computer program includes computer program code, which can be in the form of source code, object code, executable file, or some intermediate form. The computer-readable storage medium can include any entity or device capable of carrying computer program code, media, USB flash drive, portable hard drive, magnetic disk, optical disk, computer memory, read-only memory, random access memory, electrical carrier signals, telecommunication signals, and software distribution media, etc. It should be noted that the content included in the computer-readable storage medium can be appropriately added or removed according to the requirements of legislation and patent practice in the jurisdiction. For example, in some jurisdictions, according to legislation and patent practice, the computer-readable storage medium does not include electrical carrier signals and telecommunication signals.

[0049] The various component embodiments of the present invention can be implemented in hardware, or as software modules running on one or more processors, or a combination thereof. Those skilled in the art will understand that microprocessors or digital signal processors (DSPs) can be used in practice to implement some or all of the functions of some or all of the components in a satellite platform or ground platform according to embodiments of the present invention. The present invention can also be implemented as a device or apparatus program (e.g., a PC program and PC program products) for performing some or all of the methods described herein. Such programs implementing the present invention can be stored on a PC-readable medium, or can be in the form of one or more signals. Such signals can be downloaded from an Internet website, provided on a carrier signal, or provided in any other form.

[0050] Those skilled in the art will understand that although some embodiments described herein include certain features included in other embodiments but not others, combinations of features from different embodiments are intended to be within the scope of this application and form different embodiments. For example, any of the claimed embodiments in the claims of this application can be used in any combination.

[0051] The technical solution of the present invention has been described above with reference to the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the scope of protection of the present invention is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principles of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features, and the technical solutions after such changes or substitutions will all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A near-field wireless optical communication device, characterized in that, include: Train terminals, platform terminals, and controllers; The train terminal is fixedly connected to the train, and the train terminal is equipped with a first laser communication module for laser communication. The platform terminal is connected to the station platform, and the platform terminal is equipped with a second laser communication module for communication. The second laser communication module and the first laser communication module are configured to communicate via laser. The controller is signal-connected to the platform terminal and the train terminal, and the controller is configured to control the platform terminal and the train terminal.

2. The near-field wireless optical communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The platform terminal is connected to the controller via a wired signal, while the train terminal is connected to the controller via a wireless signal.

3. The near-field wireless optical communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the platform terminal and the train terminal include an image capturing module, which is configured to capture images containing the opposite terminal.

4. The near-field wireless optical communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the platform terminal and the train terminal are equipped with markers, which are configured to be captured by the image capture module of the opposite terminal; and / or Both the platform terminal and the train terminal are equipped with multiple laser emission ports and laser receiving ports.

5. A method for aligning a near-field wireless optical communication device, characterized in that, The alignment method based on the near-field wireless optical communication device according to any one of claims 1-4 includes: Acquire signals from the train terminal located within the station; Obtain information from the train terminal; Obtain the location of the train terminal within the station; Based on the position of the train terminal within the station, control the platform terminal and the train terminal to aim at each other; Acquire the recognition images of the platform terminal and the train terminal; Based on the recognized image, the platform terminal and the train terminal are controlled to turn. When the center position of the recognized image of the platform terminal is the train terminal, the platform terminal stops rotating. When the center position of the recognized image of the train terminal is the platform terminal, the train terminal stops rotating.

6. The alignment method for a near-field wireless optical communication device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The step of obtaining information from the train terminal further includes: Obtain the terminal name and password of the train terminal; Verify the terminal name and password; If the verification passes, the information of the train terminal is determined.

7. The alignment method for a near-field wireless optical communication device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The step of obtaining the location of the train terminal within the station further includes: The location of the train terminal is determined using Wi-Fi positioning and recorded as the first location; The location of the train terminal is determined using Bluetooth positioning and recorded as the second location; If the deviation between the first position and the second position is less than or equal to one meter, then the midpoint between the first position and the second position is taken as the position of the train terminal within the station; otherwise, the first position and the second position are redefined.

8. The alignment method for a near-field wireless optical communication device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The step of acquiring the recognition images of the platform terminal and the train terminal includes the following prior to the following steps: The platform terminal is controlled to rotate, and the image capturing module of the platform terminal scans the position of the train terminal. Acquire the first scanned image; When the train terminal is detected in the first image, the rotation of the platform terminal is stopped; The train terminal is controlled to rotate, and the image capturing module of the train terminal scans the position of the platform terminal. Acquire the second scanned image; When the platform terminal is detected in the second image, the rotation of the train terminal is stopped.

9. The alignment method for a near-field wireless optical communication device according to claim 6, characterized in that, Distance measuring instruments are installed at both ends of the station along the length of the train track; The step of obtaining the location of the train terminal within the station further includes: Obtain the distance measurement result from the rangefinder; Based on the detection results of the rangefinder, the position of the train within the station is calculated; The position of the train terminal within the station is calculated based on its relative position on the train.

10. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions, characterized in that, The computer instructions are used to cause the computer to perform the method according to any one of claims 5-9.

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