System for assisting the setting up of a multi-member vehicle, vehicle member, coupling head, computer-implemented method, computer program and non-volatile data carrier

Abstract

A multi-member vehicle is assisted in being set up by a system (150) included in a first vehicle member of said vehicle. A first signal transceiver (100) is mounted on a first coupling head of a central buffer coupler on the first vehicle member. The first coupling head includes a coupling element for mechanical connection to a counter-coupling element of a second coupling head mounted on a second vehicle member of said vehicle. The second coupling head is presumed to comprise a second signal transceiver (200) arranged such that the first and second signal transceivers (100; 200) are positioned facing one another in a physically matching manner when the coupling element is mechanically connected to the counter-coupling element. The first signal transceiver (100) has microwave transmitters and receivers, where the microwave transmitter is communicatively connected to a first waveguide transmitter antenna (131) and the microwave receiver is communicatively connected to a first waveguide receiver antenna (132). The first waveguide transmitter antenna (131) emits a first main lobe (ML1) of radio energy (RE1) in a first spatial direction (A1) in relation to the first signal transceiver (100), and the first waveguide receiver antenna (132) has a maximum sensitivity to incident radio energy (RE2) in a second spatial direction (A2) in relation to the first signal transceiver (100), which second spatial direction (A2) is parallel to the first spatial direction (A1).

Description

[0001] System for Assisting the Setting Up of a Multi-Member Vehicle, Vehicle Member, Coupling Head, Computer- Implemented Method, Computer Program and Non-Volatile Data Carrier

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The invention relates generally to interconnecting the vehicle members in a multi-member vehicle, such as the railroad cars of a train. In particular, the present invention concerns a system according to the preamble of claim 1 , a vehicle member and a coupling head respectively including the proposed system. The invention also pertains to a software-implemented method, a computer program and a non-volatile data carrier containing the computer program.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Today’s railway traffic presupposes that commands, control signals, status messages and signals may be communicated bi-directionally without disruptions between the different railroad cars of a train. In fact, it is also desirable that various signals and messages may be exchanged between the vehicle members of a multi-member vehicle even before the vehicle members have been mechanically connected to one another. Below follows a couple of examples of solutions enabling such communication.

[0006] DE 10 2012 009 1 14 discloses a system for exchanging data related to a state of components, namely bow flaps, which are used in a coupling process between an approaching train and a standing train. The data is exchanged over a high frequency transmission Bluetooth link before a coupling process takes place. The data is transmitted to an evaluation unit arranged at a wagon of the approaching train. A warning is output on a display unit for an engine driver of the approaching train, or an au- tomatic braking of the approaching train is introduced by the evaluation unit, if all the technical requirements for a proper clutching process are not met.

[0007] EP 2 093 122 describes a system that includes data transmitters and receivers, for instance wireless local area network access points, and data processing devices in two coaches, for instance goods wagons, which are coupled together. Here, wireless data transmission is performed between the coupled coaches, in two frequency ranges. The transmission directions are spatially selected so that simultaneous connection exists in a preset spatial position of the coupled coaches and the data transmitters and receivers. In particular, the transmission directions are such that it can be excluded that coaches being located on different tracks are able to exchange data with one another. The coaches are verified by changing of the frequency ranges during coupling of the coaches.

[0008] Thus, solutions exist for communicating between the vehicle members of a multi-member vehicle before the vehicle members are interconnected. However, the known solutions are not satisfying because the former solution is unable to discriminate between different parties. For example technology cannot determine whether another vehicle is located on the same track or on a parallel track. The latter solution is instead problematic because it requires a very complex and inflexible design.

[0009] SUMMARY

[0010] One object of the present invention is therefore to offer a solution that mitigates the above problems and enables straightforward and reliable wireless bi-directional data communication between the vehicle members of a multi-member vehicle before the vehicle members are interconnected.

[0011] According to one aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a system for assisting the setting up of a multi-member vehic- le, where the system is presumed to be included in a first vehicle member of the multi-member vehicle. The system contains a first signal transceiver that is adapted to be mounted on a first coupling head of a central buffer coupler on the first vehicle member. The first coupling head is presumed to include a coupling element configured to connect mechanically to a countercoupling element of a second coupling head mounted on a second vehicle member of the multi-member vehicle. The second coupling head, in turn, is presumed to contain a second signal transceiver that arranged such that the first and second signal transceivers are positioned facing one another in a physically matching manner when the coupling element is mechanically connected to the counter-coupling element. Further, the first signal transceiver contains a microwave transmitter and a microwave receiver, where the microwave transmitter is communicatively connected to a first waveguide transmitter antenna and the microwave receiver is communicatively connected to a first waveguide receiver antenna. The first waveguide transmitter antenna is configured to emit a first main lobe of radio energy in a first spatial direction in relation to the first signal transceiver. For example, to this aim, each of the first waveguide transmitter and receiver antenna may be horn antennas. Further, the first waveguide receiver antenna has a maximum sensitivity to incident radio energy in a second spatial direction in relation to the first signal transceiver, which second spatial direction is parallel to the first spatial direction.

[0012] This system is advantageous because it enables efficient and reliable wireless communication between the first and second vehicle members, so that for example these vehicle members may exchange identity information and other characteristics before being interconnected.

[0013] According to one embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the system contains a controller, and the first signal transceiver includes a first modem configured to obtain a first identity from the controller. The first identity uniquely identifies the first vehicle member. In response to obtaining the first identity, the first modem is configured to cause the microwave transmitter to output a microwave signal, which is emitted through the first waveguide transmitter antenna such that the first main lobe of radio energy carries a wireless signal comprising the first identity. Thus, external parties may gain relevant information about the first vehicle member remotely, for instance in advance of connecting mechanically thereto.

[0014] According to another embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the first modem is further configured to demodulate a second identity from an incoming microwave signal received in the microwave receiver. Here, the incoming microwave signal is based on the incident radio energy that is received by the first waveguide receiver antenna. Consequently, the first vehicle member may also gain remote access to information about other vehicles in its vicinity, for instance a vehicle member to which the first vehicle member is about to connect mechanically.

[0015] Preferably, the controller is configured to obtain the second identity, and based thereon derive an identity of the second vehicle member by assuming that the incident radio energy was emitted from the second signal transceiver.

[0016] According to yet another embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the first modem is further configured to demodulate the first identity that uniquely identifies the first vehicle member itself from an incoming microwave signal received in the microwave receiver. The incoming microwave signal is based on the incident radio energy received by the first waveguide receiver antenna. Here, the incident radio energy represents a portion of the first main lobe of radio energy that has been reflected against at least one object, for example a buffer stop or another railway vehicle that is either stationary or moving.

[0017] According to still another embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the first modem is further configured to extract at least one parameter from the incoming microwave signal that represents said portion of the first main lobe of radio energy which has been reflected against the at least one object and that was received by the first waveguide receiver antenna, and forward the at least one parameter to the controller. Thus, the controller may process the incoming microwave signal in a radar-like manner to draw specific conclusions about an environment around the first vehicle member.

[0018] For example, according to one embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the at least one parameter reflects time-of-flight information and / or Doppler-shift information that is derived from the incoming microwave signal. Here, the controller is configured to derive a distance to the at least one object against which said portion of the first main lobe of radio energy has been reflected, i.e. based on the time-of-flight information, and / or a relative velocity between the first vehicle member and the at least one object against which said portion of the first main lobe of radio energy has been reflected, i.e. based on the Doppler-shift information.

[0019] Further, according to one embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the controller is configured to derive a velocity of the at least one object against which said portion of the first main lobe of radio energy has been reflected based on the least one parameter and a velocity of the first vehicle member. Of course, this is very valuable information during an interconnection process between the first vehicle member and another vehicle member. However, determining the velocity of another vehicle may also be useful in an opposite scenario, e.g. to confirm that a disconnection has been effected.

[0020] According to another embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the first waveguide transmitter antenna is configured to physically match a second waveguide receiver antenna that is presumed to be communicatively connected to a second receiver in the second signal transceiver of the second coupling head. Mo- reover, the first waveguide receiver antenna is configured to physically match a second waveguide transmitter antenna that is presumed to be communicatively connected to a second microwave transmitter of the second signal transceiver, such that when the coupling element of the first vehicle member is mechanically connected to the counter-coupling element of the second vehicle member said antennas are arranged in an interface- module-pair that is adapted to exchange data through microwave signals communicated between the first and second signal transceivers. Consequently, the proposed parallel arrangement of the transmitter and receiver waveguide antennas is also highly beneficial after that the first and second vehicle members have been interconnected.

[0021] According to yet another embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the interface-module-pair includes at least one shielding wall member configured to prevent leakage of electromagnetic radiation from the first and second signal transceivers during operation thereof when the coupling element of the first vehicle member is mechanically connected to the counter-coupling element of the second vehicle member. Namely, once the first and second vehicle members are interconnected, it is preferable if any leakage of microwave energy from the interface-module-pair is minimized, both considering the signal quality in the communication between the first and second vehicle members and potential interference with other communicating parties.

[0022] According to still another embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the first signal transceiver is comprised in a first communication unit of the vehicle member. Analogously, the second signal transceiver is presumed to be comprised in a second communication unit of the second vehicle member. Additionally, the first communication unit contains a first front side arranged to face a second front side presumed to be comprised in the second communication unit, and at least one of the first and second front sides include at least one projecting element configured to be received by at least one matching recess in an op- posite one of the at least one of the first and second front sides when the first coupling head is mechanically connected to the second coupling head. As a result, a mechanical interconnection is formed also in the interface-module-pair. This, in turn, enhances the quality of the communication link and further reduces the risk of microwave energy leakage therefrom.

[0023] According to a further embodiment of this aspect of the invention, each of the first waveguide transmitter and receiver antennas contains a respective sealing membrane that is configured to exclusively allow a unidirectional passage of moisture out from the first signal transceiver. Hence, the transmitter and receiver antenna as well as the circuitry connected thereto may efficiently by protected from humidity-related damages, such as corrosion.

[0024] According to other aspects of the invention, the object is achieved by a vehicle member and a coupling head respectively, which include the proposed system. The advantages of such vehicle member and coupling head, and the preferred embodiments thereof, are apparent from the discussion above with reference to the proposed system.

[0025] According to yet another aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a computer-implemented method, which is executed in a processing unit of a controller in a first vehicle member of the multi-member vehicle, and which method involves controlling a first microwave transmitter in a first signal transceiver to generate an output microwave signal configured to be emitted from a first waveguide transmitter antenna in the form of a first main lobe of radio energy in a first spatial direction in relation to the first signal transceiver. The first signal transceiver is presumed to be mounted on a first coupling head of a central buffer coupler on the first vehicle member. Further, the first coupling head is presumed to contain a coupling element configured to connect mechanically to a counter-coupling element of a second coupling head mounted on a second vehicle member of the multi- member vehicle. Analogously, the second coupling head is presumed to comprise a second signal transceiver arranged such that the first and second signal transceivers are positioned facing one another in a physically matching manner when the coupling element is mechanically connected to the countercoupling element. The method further involves controlling a first microwave receiver in the first signal transceiver to receive an incoming microwave signal which is based on the incident radio energy received by a first waveguide receiver antenna having a maximum sensitivity to incident radio energy in a second spatial direction in relation to the first signal transceiver. The second spatial direction is here parallel to the first spatial direction. Additionally, the method involves controlling a first modem in the first signal transceiver to demodulate the incoming microwave signal to obtain a second identity, and derive an identity of the second vehicle member under an assumption that the incident radio energy was emitted from the second signal transceiver. The advantages of this method, as well as the preferred embodiments thereof, are apparent from the discussion above with reference to the proposed system.

[0026] Further advantages, beneficial features and applications of the present invention will be apparent from the following description and the dependent claims.

[0027] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The invention is now to be explained more closely by means of preferred embodiments, which are disclosed as examples, and with reference to the attached drawings.

[0029] Figure 1 illustrates how pairs of microwave transmitter and receiver antennas may be employed according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0030] Figures 2a-b illustrate how the proposed system may be employed according different embodiments of the invention; Figure 3 shows the design of a transceiver according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0031] Figure 4 shows a central buffer coupler on which the proposed system may be mounted according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0032] Figure 5 shows the design of a communication unit according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0033] Figures 6a-c illustrate communication examples according to embodiments of the invention;

[0034] Figures 7a-b show overview illustrations of the embodiments of Figures 2a and 2b respectively; and

[0035] Figure 8 illustrates, by means of a flow diagram, the general method according to the invention.

[0036] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Figure 1 illustrates how first and second microwave transmitter antennas 131 and 231 respectively and first and second receiver antennas 132 and 232 respectively may be communicate pairwise according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0038] Figure 1 shows a first signal transceiver 100, which is included in a system 150 according to one embodiment of the invention inter alia is shown in Figure 2a. The system 150 is adapted to be arranged in a first vehicle member. The system 150 is configured to assist the setting up of a multi-member vehicle in which a first vehicle member 601 is included, for example as will be explained below with reference to Figures 6a and 6b. The system 150 contains a first signal transceiver 100 and a controller 105.

[0039] The first signal transceiver 100 is adapted to be mounted on a first coupling head 410 of a central buffer coupler 400, for instance as illustrated in Figure 4. Here, the first coupling head 410 includes a coupling element 41 1 , which is configured to connect mechanically to a counter-coupling element (not shown) of a second coupling head being mounted on a second vehicle member 602 of the multi-member vehicle. The second coupling head is presumed to include a second signal transceiver 200, which is arranged such that the first and second signal transceivers 100 and 200 respectively are positioned facing one another in a physically matching manner when the coupling element 411 is mechanically connected to the counter-coupling element of the second coupling head.

[0040] Preferably, as will be explained in further detail below, when the first and second coupling heads are interconnected, the first and second signal transceivers 100 and 200 form part of a communication interface between the first and second vehicle members 601 and 602, in which communication interface the first and second signal transceivers 100 and 200 are mechanically connected to one another.

[0041] The first signal transceiver 100, in turn, contains a first microwave transmitter 11 1 and a first microwave receiver 121. The first microwave transmitter 111 is communicatively connected to the first waveguide transmitter antenna 131 and the first microwave receiver 121 is communicatively connected to the first waveguide receiver antenna 132. Analogously, the second signal transceiver 200 is presumed to contain a second microwave transmitter 211 and a second microwave receiver 221. The second microwave transmitter 211 is further presumed to be communicatively connected to the second waveguide transmitter antenna 231 and the second microwave receiver 121 is presumed to be communicatively connected to the second waveguide receiver antenna 232.

[0042] The first waveguide transmitter antenna 131 is configured to emit a first main lobe ML1 of radio energy RE1 in a first spatial direction A1 in relation to the first signal transceiver 100, for example along an extension direction of the first coupling head 410. The first waveguide receiver antenna 132 has a maximum sensitivity to incident radio energy RE2 in a second spatial direction A2 in relation to the first signal transceiver 100, which second spatial direction A2 is parallel to the first spatial direction A1 . As a result, if for example the second signal transceiver 200 is arranged with its transmitter antenna 231 main lobe ML2 being emitted along an extension direction of the second coupling head, the first microwave receiver 121 will receive a strongest signal when the first and the second coupling heads are oriented directly towards one another.

[0043] To direct the radio energy RE1 being output from the first signal transceiver 100 in the first spatial direction A1 and to obtain the incident radio energy RE2 in an efficient manner in the second spatial direction A2, according to one embodiment of the invention, the first waveguide transmitter and receiver antennas 131 and 132 include a respective horn antenna, for example as shown Figures 1 and 2a.

[0044] The controller 105 is configured to control the microwave transmitter 111 and the microwave receiver 121 to operate in the below-described manner.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first signal transceiver 100 includes a first modem 110, which is configured to obtain a first identity ID1 from the controller 105. The first identity ID1 uniquely identifies the first vehicle member 601 that carries the system 150. Thus, the first identity ID1 may represent a reporting mark, or equivalent designation under a standard that is applicable where the first vehicle member operates.

[0046] In response to obtaining the first identity ID1 , the first modem 110 is further configured to cause the microwave transmitter 111 to output a microwave signal MW1 , which is emitted through the first waveguide transmitter antenna 131 as a part of the radio energy RE1 in the first main lobe ML1.

[0047] Preferably, the first modem 110 is also configured to demodulate a second identity ID2 from an incoming microwave signal MW2 that is received in the microwave receiver 121. The incoming microwave signal MW2 is based on the incident radio energy RE2 received by the first waveguide receiver antenna 132. In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 2a, the incoming microwave signal MW2 originates from the second microwave transmitter 211 of the second signal transceiver 200. Further, analogous to the output microwave signal MW1 emitted through the first waveguide transmitter antenna 131 , the incident radio energy RE2 here includes a signal representing the second identity ID2. The controller 105 is configured to obtain the second identity ID2, and based thereon derive an identity of the second vehicle member 602 under the assumption that the incident radio energy RE2 was emitted from the second signal transceiver 200.

[0048] Figure 6a schematically illustrates how the first and second vehicle members 601 and 602 may communicate through the radio energy RE1 and RE2 emitted via the first and second main lobes ML1 and ML2 respectively while the first and second vehicle members 601 and 602 approach one another and before being interconnected. Preferably, the first and second main lobes ML1 and ML2 have such radiation angles in relation to the respective second spatial directions A2 of the waveguide receiver antennas that the incident radio energy is picked up by the waveguide receiver antennas also if the track upon which the first and second vehicle members 601 and 602 are located is curved as illustrated in Figure 6b.

[0049] Referring now to Figures 2b, 7a and 7b, we will describe how the proposed system may be employed according another embodiment of the invention. Here, there is no second signal transceiver 200 involved, which emits a microwave signal. Instead, only the first signal transceiver 100 emits the radio energy RE1 that is reflected against a passive surface, for example on a stationary object such as a buffer stop 701 , or another railway vehicle 603, which may either be stationary or moving towards or away from the first signal transceiver 100 that is mounted on the first coupling head 410 of the central buffer coupler 400 of the first vehicle member 601 .

[0050] In this embodiment, the first modem 110 is configured to demodulate the first identity ID1 from an incoming microwave signal MW2 received in the microwave receiver 121 , which incoming microwave signal MW2 is based on the incident radio energy RE 1 R received by the first waveguide receiver antenna 132. The incident radio energy RE1 R represents a portion of the first main lobe ML1 of radio energy RE1 that has been reflected against at least one object, for example the above-mentioned vehicle 603 or 701. Consequently, the incident radio energy RE1 R is expected to be relatively weak, at least in comparison to the scenario illustrated in Figure 2a, where the second signal transceiver 200 actively emits radio energy RE2 essentially straight towards the first waveguide receiver antenna 132.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first modem 110 is configured to extract at least one parameter P1 from the incoming microwave signal MW2, which, here, represents the portion of the first main lobe ML1 of radio energy RE1 that has been reflected against at least one object, say 603 or 701 , and that was received by the first waveguide receiver antenna 132. The first modem 1 10 is further configured to forward the at least one parameter P1 to the controller 105.

[0052] For example, the at least one parameter P1 may represent time- of-flight information derived from the incoming microwave signal MW2. In such a case, the emitted radio energy RE1 may contain signal pulses that are separated in time according to a predefined pattern, so that the controller 105 may determine a delay between the emitted and received radio energy, and thus derive a distance to the reflecting object 603 or 701 respectively based on the speed of light, i.e. the propagation speed of said radio energy.

[0053] Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the at least one parameter P1 may represent Doppler-shift information derived from the incoming microwave signal MW2. To derive such a parameter, the controller 105 may study a phase and / or frequency shift in the incoming microwave signal MW2 in relation to a reference signal included the emitted radio energy RE1.

[0054] Given that the at least one parameter P1 reflects time-of-flight information, the controller 105 is preferably configured to derive a distance di-3 or d ? to the at least one object 603 and 701 respectively against which said portion of the first main lobe ML1 of radio energy RE1 has been reflected based on the at least one parameter P1 .

[0055] Given that the at least one parameter P1 reflects Doppler-shift information, the controller 105 is preferably configured to derive a relative velocity V1-3 between the first vehicle member 601 and the at least one object, say 603, against which said portion of the first main lobe ML1 of radio energy RE1 has been reflected.

[0056] Further, according to one embodiment of the invention, the controller 105 is configured to obtain information about a velocity Vi of the first vehicle member 601 , and based thereon, derive an absolute velocity V3 of the at least one object 603 against which said portion of the first main lobe ML1 of radio energy RE1 has been reflected. Naturally, this is very useful during a process that aims to connect the first vehicle member 601 with another vehicle member 603, such as illustrated in Figure 7a, especially if the other vehicle member 603 lacks a system of the type proposed in this disclosure.

[0057] Figure 3 shows the design of a transceiver 100 according to one embodiment of the invention, where the first waveguide transmitter antenna 131 is configured to physically match a second waveguide receiver antenna 232 presumed to be communicatively connected to a second receiver 221 in the second signal transceiver 200 of the second coupling head. Analogously, the first waveguide receiver antenna 132 is configured to physically match a second waveguide transmitter antenna 231 presumed to be communicatively connected to a second microwave transmitter 21 1 of the second signal transceiver 200, such that when the coupling element 411 of the first vehicle member 601 is mechanically connected to the counter-coupling element of the second vehicle member 602 the antennas 131 respective 232 and

[0058] 231 respective 132 are arranged in an interface-module-pair 151 and 251 (see Figure 2a), which is adapted to exchange data through microwave signals MW1 and MW2 respectively that are communicated between the first and second signal transceivers 100 and 200 respectively.

[0059] Referring now also to Figures 4 and 5, according to one embodiment of the invention, to guide the antennas 131 respective

[0060] 232 and 231 respective 132 towards one another as described above, at least one projecting element 171 and at least one matching recess 172 are provided.

[0061] Here, the signal transceiver 100 is comprised in a first communication unit 500 of the vehicle member 601. The second signal transceiver 200 is presumed to be comprised in a corresponding second communication unit of the second vehicle member 602. The first communication unit 500 has a first front side that is arranged to face a second front side presumed to be comprised in the second communication unit. At least one of the first and second front sides contains the at least one projecting element 171 , At least the other one of the first and second front sides contains the matching recess 172 that is configured to be received by the at least one projecting element 171 when the first coupling head 410 is mechanically connected to the second coupling head.

[0062] Figure 5 shows the design of a communication unit 500 according to one embodiment of the invention. Here, the interface- module-pair 151 and 152 is provided with shielding wall members that are configured to prevent leakage of electromagnetic radiation from the first and second signal transceivers 100 and 200 during operation thereof when the coupling element 411 of the first vehicle member 601 is mechanically connected to the counter-coupling element of the second vehicle member 602.

[0063] Such a design is beneficial because it enhances the signal quality in the communication between the first and second vehicle members 601 and 602. The design also reduces the risk of interference with other communicating parties that use overlapping or neighboring frequency bands.

[0064] As shown in Figures 2a and 2b, to reduce the risk of humidity- related damages to the microwave units and / or any of the associated circuitry, it is advantageous if each of the first waveguide transmitter antenna 131 and the first waveguide receiver antenna 132 contains a respective sealing membrane 161 and 162 respectively, which is configured to exclusively allow a unidirectional passage of moisture out from the first signal transceiver 100.

[0065] Moreover, it is generally advantageous if the controller 105 is configured to effect the above procedure in an automatic manner by executing a computer program. Therefore, the controller 105 may include at least one processing unit 107 and a memory unit 108, i.e. non-volatile data carrier, storing a computer program 109, which, in turn, contains software for making the at least one processing unit 107 execute the actions mentioned in this disclosure when the computer program 109 is run on the at least processing unit 107.

[0066] Referring to the flow diagram of Figure 8, we will describe a computer-implemented method for effecting the general method according to the invention method for assisting the setting up of a multi-member vehicle. The method is executed in the at least one processing unit 107 of the controller 105 in the first vehicle member 601 of the multi-member vehicle, and comprises the below steps.

[0067] In a first step 810, the first signal transceiver 100 is controlled to generate an output microwave signal, which is emitted via the first waveguide transmitter antenna 131.

[0068] In parallel, a second step 820 checks if an incoming microwave signal has been received via the first waveguide receiver antenna 132; and if so, a step 830 follows. Otherwise, the procedure loops back, and stays in steps 810 and 820.

[0069] In step 830, the first modem 110 is controlled to demodulate the incoming microwave signal to obtain a second identity, and thereafter, in a step 840, an identity of the second vehicle member 602 derive is derived under an assumption that the incident radio energy received in step 820 was emitted from the second signal transceiver 200 in the second vehicle member 602.

[0070] Subsequently, the procedure ends.

[0071] The process steps described with reference to Figure 8 may be controlled by means of a programmed processor. Moreover, although the embodiments of the invention described above with reference to the drawings comprise processor and processes performed in at least one processor, the invention thus also extends to computer programs, particularly computer programs on or in a carrier, adapted for putting the invention into practice. The program may be in the form of source code, object code, a code intermediate source and object code such as in partially compiled form, or in any other form suitable for use in the implementation of the process according to the invention. The program may either be a part of an operating system, or be a separate application. The carrier may be any entity or device capable of carrying the program. For example, the carrier may comprise a storage medium, such as a Flash memory, a ROM (Read Only Memory), for example a DVD (Digital Video / Versatile Disk), a CD (Compact Disc) or a semiconductor ROM, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), or a magnetic recording medium, for example a floppy disc or hard disc. Further, the carrier may be a transmissible carrier such as an electrical or optical signal which may be conveyed via electrical or optical cable or by radio or by other means. When the program is embodied in a signal, which may be conveyed, directly by a cable or other device or means, the carrier may be constituted by such cable or device or means. Alternatively, the carrier may be an integrated circuit in which the program is embedded, the integrated circuit being adapted for performing, or for use in the performance of, the relevant processes.

[0072] Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

[0073] The term “comprises / comprising” when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components. The term does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more additional elements, features, integers, steps or components or groups thereof. The indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. In the claims, the word “or” is not to be interpreted as an exclusive or (sometimes referred to as “XOR”). On the contrary, expressions such as “A or B” covers all the cases “A and not B”, “B and not A” and “A and B”, unless otherwise indicated. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

[0074] It is also to be noted that features from the various embodiments described herein may freely be combined, unless it is explicitly stated that such a combination would be unsuitable.

[0075] The invention is not restricted to the described embodiments in the figures, but may be varied freely within the scope of the claims.

Claims

Claims1. A system (150) for assisting the setting up of a multi-member vehicle, which system is included in a first vehicle member (601 ) of the multi-member vehicle, and which system comprises: a first signal transceiver (100) adapted to be mounted on a first coupling head (410) of a central buffer coupler (400) on the first vehicle member (601 ), which first coupling head (410) comprises a coupling element (411 ) configured to connect mechanically to a counter-coupling element of a second coupling head mounted on a second vehicle member (602) of the multi-member vehicle, which second coupling head is presumed to comprise a second signal transceiver (200) arranged such that the first and second signal transceivers (100; 200) are positioned facing one another in a physically matching manner when the coupling element (411 ) is mechanically connected to the counter-coupling element, characterized in that the first signal transceiver (100) comprises a microwave transmitter (111 ) and a microwave receiver (121 ), the microwave transmitter (1 11 ) being communicatively connected to a first waveguide transmitter antenna (131 ) and the microwave receiver (121 ) being communicatively connected to a first waveguide receiver antenna (132), wherein the first waveguide transmitter antenna (131 ) is configured to emit a first main lobe (ML1 ) of radio energy (RE1 ) in a first spatial direction (A1 ) in relation to the first signal transceiver (100), and wherein the first waveguide receiver antenna (132) has a maximum sensitivity to incident radio energy (RE2) in a second spatial direction (A2) in relation to the first signal transceiver (100), which second spatial direction (A2) is parallel to the first spatial direction (A1 ).

2. The system (150) according to claim 1 , further comprising a controller (105), and the first signal transceiver (100) comprises a first modem (110) configured to obtain a first identity (ID1 ) from the controller (105), which first identity (ID1 ) uniquely iden-tifies the first vehicle member (601 ), and in response to obtaining the first identity (ID1) the first modem (110) is configured to cause the microwave transmitter (1 11 ) to output a microwave signal (MW1 ) which is emitted through the first waveguide transmitter antenna (131 ) as a part of the radio energy (RE1 ) in the first main lobe (ML1 ).

3. The system (150) according to claim 2, wherein the first modem (110) is further configured to: demodulate a second identity (ID2) from an incoming microwave signal (MW2) received in the microwave receiver (121 ), which incoming microwave signal (MW2) is based on the incident radio energy (RE2) received by the first waveguide receiver antenna (132).

4. The system (150) according to claim 3, wherein the controller (105) is configured to: obtain the second identity (ID2), and based thereon derive an identity of the second vehicle member (602) assuming that the incident radio energy (RE2) was emitted from the second signal transceiver (200).

5. The system (150) according to any one of the claims 2 to 4, wherein the first modem (110) is further configured to: demodulate the first identity (ID1 ) from an incoming microwave signal (MW2) received in the microwave receiver (121 ), which incoming microwave signal (MW2) is based on the incident radio energy (RE1 R) received by the first waveguide receiver antenna (132), and which the incident radio energy (RE1 R) represents a portion of the first main lobe (ML1 ) of radio energy (RE1 ) that has been reflected against at least one object (603, 701 ).

6. The system (150) according to claim 5, wherein the first modem (110) is further configured to: extract at least one parameter (P1 ) from the incoming mic-rowave signal (MW2) that represents said portion of the first main lobe (ML1 ) of radio energy (RE1 ) which has been reflected against the at least one object (603, 701 ) and that was received by the first waveguide receiver antenna (132), and forward the at least one parameter (P1 ) to the controller (105).

7. The system (150) according to claim 6, wherein the at least one parameter (P1 ) reflects at least one of time-of-flight information and Doppler-shift information derived from the incoming microwave signal (MW2), and the controller (105) is configured to derive at least one of: a distance (di-3, d ?) to the at least one object (603, 701 ) against which said portion of the first main lobe (ML1 ) of radio energy (RE1 ) has been reflected, and a relative velocity (V1-3) between the first vehicle member (601 ) and the at least one object (603) against which said portion of the first main lobe (ML1 ) of radio energy (RE1 ) has been reflected.

8. The system (150) according to claim 7, wherein the controller (105) is configured to derive a velocity (V3) of the at least one object (603) against which said portion of the first main lobe (ML1 ) of radio energy (RE1 ) has been reflected based on the least one parameter (P1 ) and a velocity (vi) of the first vehicle member (601 ).

9. The system (150) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the first waveguide transmitter antenna (131 ) is configured to physically match a second waveguide receiver antenna (232) presumed to be communicatively connected to a second receiver (221 ) in the second signal transceiver (200) of the second coupling head, and the first waveguide receiver antenna (132) is configured to physically match a second waveguide transmitter antenna (231 )presumed to be communicatively connected to a second microwave transmitter (21 1 ) of the second signal transceiver (200) such that when the coupling element (411 ) of the first vehicle member (601 ) is mechanically connected to the counter-coupling element of the second vehicle member (602) said antennas (131 , 232; 231 , 132) arranged in an interface-module-pair (151 , 251 ) adapted to exchange data through microwave signals (MW1 ; MW2) communicated between the first and second signal transceivers (100; 200).

10. The system (150) according to claim 9, wherein the inter- face-module-pair (151 , 152) comprises at least one shielding wall member configured to prevent leakage of electromagnetic radiation from the first and second signal transceivers (100, 200) during operation thereof when the coupling element (411 ) of the first vehicle member (601) is mechanically connected to the counter-coupling element of the second vehicle member (602).

11. The system (150) according to any one of claims 9 or 10, wherein the signal transceiver (100) is comprised in a first communication unit (500) of the vehicle member (601 ), the second signal transceiver is presumed to be comprised in a second communication unit of the second vehicle member (602), the first communication unit (500) comprising a first front side arranged to face a second front side presumed to be comprised in the second communication unit, and at least one of the first and second front sides comprising at least one projecting element (171 ) configured to be received by at least one matching recess in an opposite one of the at least one of the first and second front sides when the first coupling head (410) is mechanically connected to the second coupling head.

12. The system (150) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the first waveguide transmitter antenna (131 ) comprises ahorn antenna, and the a first waveguide receiver antenna (132) comprises a horn antenna.

13. The system (150) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the first waveguide transmitter antenna (131 ) and the first waveguide receiver antenna (132) comprises a respective sealing membrane (161 ; 162) configured to exclusively allow a unidirectional passage of moisture out from the first signal transceiver (100).

14. A vehicle member (601 , 602) configured to form part of a multi-member vehicle, which vehicle member (601 , 602) comprises the system (150) according to any of the claims 1 to 13.

15. A coupling head (410) comprising the system (150) according to any of the claims 1 to 13.

16. A computer-implemented method for assisting the setting up of a multi-member vehicle, which method is executed in at least one processing unit (107) of a controller (105) in a first vehicle member (601 ) of the multi-member vehicle, and which method comprises: controlling a first microwave transmitter (1 11 ) in a first signal transceiver (100 ) to generate an output a microwave signal (MW1 ) configured to be emitted from a first waveguide transmitter antenna (131 ) in the form of a first main lobe (ML1 ) of radio energy (RE1 ) in a first spatial direction (A1 ) in relation to the first signal transceiver (100), the first signal transceiver (100) being mounted on a first coupling head (410) of a central buffer coupler (400) on the first vehicle member (601 ), and the first coupling head (410) comprising a coupling element (41 1) configured to connect mechanically to a counter-coupling element of a second coupling head mounted on a second vehicle member (602) of the multi-member vehicle, which second coupling head is presumed to comprise a second signal transceiver (200) ar-ranged such that the first and second signal transceivers (100; 200) are positioned facing one another in a physically matching manner when the coupling element (411 ) is mechanically connected to the counter-coupling element, controlling a first microwave receiver (121 ) in the first signal transceiver (100) to receive an incoming microwave signal (MW2) which is based on the incident radio energy (RE2) received by a first waveguide receiver antenna (132) having a maximum sensitivity to incident radio energy (RE2) in a second spatial direction (A2) in relation to the first signal transceiver (100), which second spatial direction (A2) is parallel to the first spatial direction (A1 ), controlling a first modem (110) in the first signal transceiver (100) to demodulate the incoming microwave signal (MW2) to obtain a second identity (ID2), and derive an identity of the second vehicle member (602) under an assumption that the incident radio energy (RE2) was emitted from the second signal transceiver (200).

17. A computer program (109) loadable into a non-volatile data carrier (108) communicatively connected to at least one processing unit (107), the computer program (109) comprising software for executing the method according to claim 16 when the computer program (109) is run on the at least one processing unit (108).

18. A non-volatile data carrier (108) containing the computer program (109) of the claim 17.

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