Convoy Vehicle Positioning via Satellite Clock Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for tracking vehicle positions in convoys are inadequate, particularly in routine monitoring, as existing sensors lack sufficient resolution and stability, and synchronization of vehicle clocks to measure inter-vehicle distances is unreliable, leading to errors and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A system combining GPS or Galileo satellite positioning with inter-vehicle communication, where clock synchronization is achieved via GPS, allowing for robust automatic piloting strategies and improved positioning accuracy, using differential GPS mode and inertial systems to maintain precision even in areas with GPS interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If clock synchronization is performed by synchronizing vehicle clocks at departure to measure inter-vehicle distances, then distance measurement is enabled, but clock drifts cause distance errors approaching ten meters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces satellite positioning systems (GPS/Galileo) as an intermediary reference to synchronize vehicle clocks. Instead of relying on direct vehicle-to-vehicle clock synchronization which drifts over time, all vehicles synchronize their clocks to a common satellite-based time reference, eliminating cumulative drift errors and achieving reliable distance measurement precision.
2Productivity
If conventional sensors are used for tracking vehicle positions, then routine monitoring is performed, but sensors lack sufficient resolution and stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical/optical sensors with satellite-based positioning systems (GPS/Galileo) combined with inter-vehicle communication. This substitution provides superior measurement precision and stability by using satellite triangulation and time-synchronized distance calculation, overcoming the resolution and stability limitations of traditional sensors.
3Measurement precision
If artificial vision or RFID systems are deployed for vehicle tracking, then positioning is achieved, but heavy and expensive instrumentation is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes satellite positioning systems and communication equipment that are already universally present in modern vehicles for multiple purposes: navigation, entertainment, and now convoy position tracking. This eliminates the need for specialized heavy instrumentation like RFID readers or artificial vision systems, as existing multi-functional vehicle electronics are repurposed for precise position detection.
4Speed
If minimum distance of 4 meters is maintained at 40m/s for safety, then reaction time is reduced to 0.1 second, but detection of obstacles between vehicles becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous real-time position feedback among all vehicles in the convoy through satellite positioning and inter-vehicle communication. This feedback mechanism allows vehicles to maintain precise awareness of relative positions and detect obstacles between vehicles even at minimum safety distances, as the system continuously monitors and communicates position data to alert drivers of potential hazards.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables precise and reliable detection of relative movements, maintaining safe distances between vehicles, enhancing logistics and transport safety without significant increases in on-board hardware complexity, and addressing the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a propagation time of a signal between vehicles by the communication means, the clocks associated with the communication means being synchronized via satellite positioning means in a reference clock time
Implementation Method 2
measuring a propagation time of a signal between vehicles by the communication means
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a computer-implemented method for managing a convoy comprising at least two vehicles, each of the at least two vehicles including satellite positioning means and vehicle-to-vehicle communication means. The method comprises determining the relative positioning of said vehicles, said determination including measuring the propagation time of a signal between vehicles by the communication means, the clocks associated with the communication means being synchronized via the satellite positioning means to a reference clock time. Developments include the communication between vehicles of various data (e.g., measurement uncertainties, signal-to-noise ratios, residuals), the determination of absolute locations, and the use of a SBAS-type system.The use of differential GPS, Doppler measurements for turns, and the exclusion of a failing satellite are all discussed. A computer program product and associated systems are described.