Fault Detection in Mobile Wireless Systems via Signal Strength Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
In mobile communication systems, detecting and identifying faults in wireless facilities along routes, such as train radio systems, requires on-site investigations, which are costly and time-consuming, and can disrupt operations by necessitating the stopping of mobile bodies like trains.
Innovation Solution
A fault detection method using a mobile communication system with base stations and antennas along routes, where in-vehicle devices measure signal strength, make temporary failure determinations, and transmit results to a control device for final failure determination without requiring on-site investigators, allowing continuous operation of mobile bodies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If on-site investigation is performed to detect and identify faults in wireless facilities, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but loss of time and productivity deteriorate significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-diagnosis of faults by having mobile bodies autonomously measure signal strengths from multiple antennas and automatically identify fault locations through centralized processing, eliminating the need for manual on-site investigations by investigators
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical on-site investigation process with an automated electronic measurement system where mobile bodies equipped with measurement devices automatically collect signal strength data and transmit it to a centralized control device for automated fault identification
2Measurement precision
If on-site investigation is conducted to identify fault locations, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity and operational continuity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Mobile bodies in the system perform self-service fault detection by autonomously measuring signal strengths from antennas and transmitting data to the control device, which automatically identifies fault locations without disrupting mobile body operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary fault detection by continuously monitoring signal strengths from multiple antennas before faults become critical, enabling proactive identification and resolution of issues while maintaining normal operations
3Measurement precision
If traditional on-site investigation methods are used for fault detection, then measurement precision is maintained, but device complexity and investigation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Mobile bodies in the system serve multiple functions: they perform both normal communication operations and fault detection measurements using their existing communication equipment, eliminating the need for separate specialized investigation devices
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the mobile bodies' existing communication equipment to copy the functionality needed for fault detection, repurposing standard communication devices to also serve as measurement instruments for identifying antenna faults
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
Enables rapid and cost-effective fault detection and location identification in wireless facilities during operation, reducing downtime and costs associated with traditional on-site investigations.
Implementation Method 1
a radio wave leaked from the LCX installed along the railroad track is received by a train side device (in-vehicle device)
Data Source
AI summary
A method in which a base station installed in each of a plurality of sections of a route, an antenna which is connected to the base station and installed along the route, and a control device which controls all the base stations installed along the route are used includes: measuring a strength of a signal emitted from the antenna in at least one mobile body in operation; acquiring a temporary failure determination result based on the signal strength, transmitting announcement information by the control device via the base station and the antenna to which it is determined that a failure occurs when the temporary failure determination result is acquired, transmitting an answer to the control device by an arbitrary mobile body in operation and receives the announcement information, and making a final failure determination based on the answer transmitted from each mobile body in the control device.