Guideway Vehicle Localization via Fusion Sensor Arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Guideway mounted vehicles face communication interruptions and errors in communication train based control systems, leading to unreliable location and speed determination, which can cause vehicles to brake unexpectedly or operate inefficiently.
Innovation Solution
A fusion sensor arrangement is integrated with a vehicle on-board controller, utilizing multiple sensors (optical, thermal, RADAR, laser, and RFID) to detect objects along the guideway, providing redundant data fusion to confirm object presence and type, resolve conflicts, and track objects, thereby enhancing communication reliability and reducing errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If communication train based control systems are used to determine location and speed, then centralized control can be achieved, but communication interruptions and errors occur leading to unreliable location determination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces wayside mounted optical sensors as intermediary devices that detect transponders and provide location information independently of the communication system. These sensors act as mediators between the vehicle and the control system, ensuring location determination continues even when communication fails.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a redundant copy of the location determination function using optical sensors and transponders. This copy operates independently of the primary communication-based control system, providing backup location information that mirrors the function of the central control system's location determination.
2Reliability
If multiple sensors are integrated to detect objects along the guideway, then detection reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor types (optical sensors, thermal sensors, RADAR, laser sensors, and RFID readers) into a single fusion sensor arrangement mounted on the vehicle. This merging of sensors provides redundant detection capabilities while consolidating them in one integrated system rather than distributing them separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The fusion sensor arrangement performs multiple functions simultaneously: detecting objects, determining location, measuring speed, and providing redundant data fusion. This multi-functionality allows a single sensor system to replace what would otherwise require multiple separate systems, managing complexity while improving reliability.
3Measurement precision
If fusion sensor arrangement is used to provide redundant data, then location determination accuracy improves, but computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fusion sensor arrangement processes and fuses data from multiple sensors autonomously on the vehicle, without requiring continuous external computational support. The system self-manages its computational tasks by prioritizing and filtering sensor data locally, reducing the energy burden on external systems while maintaining high accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprises a speed detector, a marker sensor, a controller, a sensor unit, and a processor. The speed detector is configured to generate speed data associated with a movement of a vehicle. The marker sensor is configured to generate marker data based on a detection of an object along a wayside of a guideway. The controller is configured to calculate a distance the vehicle moved, generate location information, and generate an indication the vehicle is stationary. The sensor unit comprises an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and a magnetometer. The sensor unit is configured to generate sensor data based on information gathered by one or more of the accelerometer, the gyroscope, or the magnetometer. The processor is configured to process the sensor data to determine a vehicle position based on the sensor data and the location information. The controller is further configured to compare the location information with the vehicle position.