Ad-Hoc Network Train Group Control Without Ground Infrastructure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing train control systems require ground-based management and continuous wireless coverage, leading to high construction and maintenance costs, low reliability, and lack autonomous networking and management capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A train group control method and system utilizing an ad-hoc network that enables trains to form networks without ground-based equipment, allowing direct train-to-train communication for autonomous operation and dynamic adjustment of train intervals based on track conditions and train states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ground-based management equipment and continuous wireless coverage are used, then train control reliability is improved, but construction cost and maintenance cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the ground-based management equipment and continuous wireless coverage infrastructure from the train control system, replacing them with direct train-to-train communication. This eliminates the need for extensive ground infrastructure while maintaining control functionality through peer-to-peer communication between trains.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling trains to autonomously establish communication networks and perform mutual authentication without ground-based equipment. Trains independently manage their own control operations, forming ad-hoc networks and exchanging control information directly, thereby eliminating dependency on ground infrastructure.
2Reliability
If ground-based management equipment is deployed, then train control functionality is ensured, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes ground-based management equipment from the system architecture, replacing it with onboard communication devices that enable direct train-to-train interaction. This extraction eliminates the need for expensive ground infrastructure while preserving essential control functionality through decentralized communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by having each train equipped with communication capabilities that replicate the management functions previously performed by ground equipment. Each train becomes a node that can both send and receive control information, effectively distributing the management function across multiple copies rather than relying on a centralized ground system.
3Reliability
If centralized ground control is used, then train coordination is achieved, but system response time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized ground control function into distributed train-to-train communication. Instead of all trains communicating through a central ground system, each train directly communicates with adjacent trains, breaking the centralized communication path into multiple independent segments. This reduces communication hops and delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional communication architecture by having trains communicate directly with each other rather than through ground equipment. The information flow is reversed from ground-to-train to train-to-train, eliminating the intermediate ground relay and significantly reducing communication latency.
4Reliability
If ground-based equipment is used, then train management is centralized, but system autonomy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling trains to autonomously perform networking functions including establishing ad-hoc networks, performing mutual authentication, and managing communication connections without ground-based equipment. This significantly enhances autonomous networking capability while maintaining effective train management control.
5Reliability
If continuous wireless coverage is provided, then communication reliability is improved, but infrastructure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the continuous wireless coverage infrastructure from the system, replacing it with direct train-to-train wireless communication. This eliminates the need for extensive ground-based wireless network infrastructure while maintaining communication reliability through direct peer-to-peer links between trains.
Data Source
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AI summary
A train group control method based on an ad-hoc network, comprising: searching for, by ad-hoc network equipment on a train, communication equipment of another train within a preset distance; determining whether the train is on the same track as another train; if the train is on the same track as another train, determining whether a networking condition is satisfied; if the networking condition is satisfied, determining whether an ad-hoc network exists or not; if no ad-hoc network exists, establishing, by another train satisfying the networking condition, an ad-hoc network with an original train; if an ad-hoc network exists, adding another train satisfying the networking condition to the ad-hoc network; and controlling, by the train set in the ad-hoc network, the train operation in the ad-hoc network by means of the ad-hoc network. The present invention further discloses a train group control system based on an ad-hoc network. By means of the control method and the control system, a train group control is achieved on the basis of a train-to-train communication technology in the ad-hoc network. Trains are automatically networked when the conditions are satisfied, and inter-train data are transmitted between the trains without relying on the ground base station. No central control equipment needs to be arranged on the ground, and no wireless network coverage is needed in a ground section. A train interval is dynamically adjusted according to track conditions, a temporary speed restriction and the states of various trains in the group.