Magnetic Marker Vehicle Positioning Under GPS Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
In environments like container yards and airports, vehicles face challenges in reliable position identification due to interference from metal containers and facilities, which hinders cost-effective management and control, especially when GPS signals are obstructed.
Innovation Solution
A vehicular system that uses magnetic markers with RFID tags, arranged in a predetermined polarity pattern, to enable reliable vehicle position identification by detecting the magnetic markers and utilizing their detection history for accurate positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GPS positioning is used for vehicle location identification, then positioning can be achieved in open areas, but positioning reliability deteriorates in environments with metal containers and facilities that interfere with GPS radio waves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces magnetic markers as an intermediary positioning infrastructure. Instead of relying directly on GPS signals that are blocked by metal containers, the system uses magnetic markers embedded in the ground as intermediate reference points. Vehicles detect these magnetic markers through magnetic sensors, creating an indirect positioning method that bypasses the harmful GPS signal interference in enclosed environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic-based GPS system with a magnetic field-based detection system. By substituting radio wave detection (GPS) with magnetic field detection (magnetic markers), the system overcomes the limitation of GPS signal blockage by metal structures, as magnetic fields can penetrate or be detected through the ground without being blocked by above-ground metal objects.
2Measurement precision
If RFID tags are annexed to all magnetic markers for reliable position identification, then positioning accuracy is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by annexing RFID tags to only some magnetic markers rather than all of them. The magnetic markers without RFID tags still serve their primary function of providing magnetic field detection for basic positioning. The subset of markers with RFID tags provides enhanced identification capability when needed, achieving good position identification accuracy while controlling system costs by avoiding universal RFID tag deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal magnetic marker system that serves multiple functions. Magnetic markers without RFID tags provide basic positioning through magnetic field detection, while markers with RFID tags provide both magnetic field detection and wireless identification. This multi-functional design allows the system to achieve reliable position identification using either method, reducing the need for widespread RFID tag implementation and lowering overall system cost.
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 allows for high-reliability vehicle position identification and management, even in areas with GPS signal interference, reducing operational costs by minimizing the need for widespread RFID tag implementation and maintaining accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic marker 10 that generates a magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
a wireless tag 15 that transmits (outputs) tag information via wireless communication
Data Source
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AI summary
A vehicular system (1) where a vehicle moves in a traveling area (1A) in which magnetic markers (10) are arranged so that magnetic polarities form a predetermined pattern and a wireless tag is annexed correspondingly to some of the magnetic markers (10), the wireless tag outputting, by wireless communication, tag information allowing a position of the magnetic marker (10) to be identified, includes a first position identifying part which identifies a vehicle position where the vehicle (5) is located based on the position of the magnetic marker (10) identified by using the tag information and a second position identifying part which identifies, on a route after the vehicle passes over the magnetic marker (10) serving as a reference when the first position identifying part identifies the vehicle position, a magnetic marker (10) newly detected by the vehicle (5) based on detection history of magnetic markers (10) and identifies the vehicle position based on the position of the identified magnetic marker (10) . The system is suitable for management, control, and so forth of the vehicle (5) moving in the traveling area (1A).