Guideway Vehicle Localization Using Radar Markers During Communication Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing guideway-mounted vehicle communication train-based control systems face interruptions and inaccuracies in location and speed information, leading to suboptimal vehicle detection and potential braking issues due to communication failures or incorrect data transmission.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle localization system equipped with a set of sensors, including RADAR and LIDAR, on both ends of the vehicle, which detect markers along the guideway to determine position and velocity, and a metasurface plate generating unique RF and other signatures to enhance detection accuracy and reduce reliance on external systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If communication train-based control systems are used to determine vehicle location and speed, then centralized control can be achieved, but communication interruptions cause vehicle braking and reduced productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of sensors and markers that enable direct local measurement of vehicle position and speed, acting as a mediator between the vehicle and control system, thereby reducing dependency on communication channels and preventing unnecessary braking during communication interruptions
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle is equipped with its own sensors (RADAR, LIDAR, cameras) that autonomously detect markers and calculate position and speed locally, enabling the vehicle to self-determine its state without relying on external communication, thus maintaining operation continuity even when communication fails
2Measurement precision
If transponders are positioned along the guideway for location determination, then vehicle positioning can be achieved, but detection accuracy is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple detection technologies (RADAR, LIDAR, cameras) into a unified sensor system that works together to detect markers, combining the advantages of each technology to achieve high-precision position and speed measurement while managing system complexity through integration
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting markers for position determination, measuring speed through Doppler effect, and providing redundancy for reliability, making the detection system universal and adaptable to different measurement needs without requiring separate specialized systems
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
The system provides accurate and reliable vehicle position and velocity data, reducing the likelihood of unnecessary braking and improving overall vehicle detection by using redundant sensors and unique signatures from metasurface plates, thus enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
A vehicle localization system equipped with a set of sensors, including RADAR and LIDAR, on both ends of the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
A vehicle localization system equipped with a set of sensors, including RADAR and LIDAR, on both ends of the vehicle
Implementation Method 3
a metasurface plate generating unique RF and other signatures to enhance detection accuracy
Data Source
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AI summary
A system comprises a first sensor on a first end of a vehicle and an on-board controller coupled to the first sensor. The first sensor is configured to detect a radio frequency (RF) signature of a marker along a guideway. The first sensor is a radar detection device. The on-board controller is configured to determine a first position of the vehicle on the guideway or a first distance from the position of the vehicle to a stopping location along the guideway based on at least the RF signature received from the first sensor. The marker is a metasurface plate comprising a first diffused element, a first retroreflector element, a first absorbing element and a second diffused element between the first retroreflector element and the first absorbing element.