Magnetic Sensor Vehicle Heading Verification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle navigation systems, particularly GPS, face limitations in accurately determining the correct route or path due to close spacing of tracks or lanes, leading to potential errors in route deviation detection, especially in rail yards or multi-lane roads where the resolution of GPS is insufficient to distinguish between adjacent tracks or lanes.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a magnetic sensor, such as an anisotropic magneto-resistance (AMR) sensor, coupled with a control unit to generate output signals based on the sensor's orientation relative to an external magnetic field, allowing for precise identification of the vehicle's directional heading and verification of the actual route segment traveled, compared to an operator-designated route segment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS is used to determine vehicle route, then the system is simple and widely available, but the measurement precision is insufficient when tracks are closely spaced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the GPS satellite-based positioning system with a magnetic sensor system that detects magnetic field characteristics. This substitution enables precise route identification by measuring magnetic field strength and orientation at different locations, achieving the required measurement precision without relying on GPS resolution limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic field characteristics as an intermediary measurement parameter. Instead of directly measuring vehicle position like GPS, the system measures magnetic field strength and orientation, which serve as indirect indicators of vehicle location and route identification, enabling precise determination in closely spaced track environments.
2Reliability
If GPS resolution is used for route verification, then the system is easy to operate, but the vehicle may travel significant distance before detection of incorrect path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary route verification by continuously monitoring magnetic field characteristics as the vehicle approaches and passes through intersections. The system compares measured magnetic signatures against expected signatures for correct routes, enabling early detection of route deviations before the vehicle travels significant distance, thus improving both reliability and reducing time loss.
3Measurement precision
If magnetic sensor is used to identify directional heading, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the magnetic sensor system multi-functional by using the same sensor to perform both directional heading determination and route identification. The magnetic field measurements serve dual purposes: establishing vehicle orientation and comparing against stored magnetic signatures for route verification, thereby achieving high measurement precision without proportionally increasing system complexity.
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 accurate and timely identification of the vehicle's route segment, even in scenarios where GPS resolution is insufficient, ensuring compliance with designated paths and reducing the risk of route deviations, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The magnetic sensor may include an anisotropic magneto-resistance sensor, or AMR sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A system for verifying a route segment that a vehicle is traveling along includes a magnetic sensor and a control unit. The magnetic sensor generates an output signal based on an orientation of the sensor relative to an external magnetic field. The control unit receives an operator-designated route segment. The operator-designated route segment represents a selected route segment of the route segments that is identified by the operator as being the route segment on which the vehicle is traveling. The control unit identifies a directional heading of the vehicle based on the output signal from the magnetic sensor and determines an actual route segment of the routes segments in the network that the vehicle is actually traveling along based on the directional heading of the vehicle. The control unit verifies that the actual route segment on which the vehicle is actually traveling is the selected route segment.