Automated Transport System Using Optical Strip Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current urban transportation systems lack flexibility and inclusivity, particularly for children, elderly, blind individuals, and those without a driving license, as they do not provide a private and user-friendly environment for travel within urban areas, and existing automated systems lack central management and accurate localization capabilities.
Innovation Solution
An automated public transportation system featuring vehicles without drivers, equipped with RFID and transponders for accurate localization, and a central management unit that guides vehicles along a low-cost, rubber-based rail with optical characteristics, allowing multiple vehicles to join in a train and operate autonomously or manually, with communication links for secure data exchange and redundant safety measures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional public transportation systems (bus, tramway, subway) are used, then large numbers of people can be transported along main strategic axes, but the system is limited to specific sections and does not provide a user-friendly environment for all users
Solution Approach 1:
The transportation system is divided into multiple autonomous vehicles that can operate independently or in groups. Each vehicle is a self-contained unit with its own propulsion, control, and localization systems, allowing flexible deployment throughout the urban area without requiring a monolithic infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces heavy mechanical rail infrastructure with a lightweight optical guidance system using painted strips on existing pavement. The guidance function is achieved through optical detection (cameras or optical sensors) rather than mechanical rail contact, dramatically reducing infrastructure complexity while maintaining vehicle guidance capability
2Ease of operation
If automated vehicles without drivers are deployed, then user-friendly private environment transport is provided, but the system lacks central management and accurate localization capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where vehicles constantly monitor their position using optical detection of painted strips and RFID transponders embedded in the pavement. Localization data is fed back to both the vehicle's autonomous control system and the central management unit, enabling real-time tracking and coordination
Solution Approach 2:
RFID transponders embedded in the pavement serve as intermediaries between the vehicle's localization system and the central management unit. These passive transponders provide reference points that help vehicles accurately determine their position without requiring complex active communication infrastructure
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple vehicles operate independently, then flexibility and coverage are improved, but coordination and safety management become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple autonomous vehicles can merge to form virtual trains when traveling in the same direction or to the same destination. This combining capability allows the system to optimize resource utilization and improve energy efficiency while maintaining the flexibility of individual vehicle operation when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts vehicle formation and grouping based on real-time conditions such as destination, passenger load, and traffic patterns. Vehicles can transition between independent operation and grouped formation, optimizing system performance for varying operational scenarios
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
This system reduces infrastructure costs, provides flexible and inclusive transportation, ensures accurate vehicle localization, and maintains high safety standards, enabling efficient and autonomous travel while accommodating diverse user needs and promoting a sustainable urban environment.
Implementation Method 1
Each vehicle includes localisation and detection means with an antenna suited for transmission of radiofrequency signals towards transponders, these localization and detection means being used to identify the optical characteristics in order to follow the strip during the vehicle motion and to detect the localisation signals received from the transponders reacting to the radiofrequency signals in order to locate the vehicle.
Data Source
AI summary
Automated transport system including at least one automotive vehicle (10) without a driver and one central computer (14), the vehicle being able to go automatically from a departure point to a destination point using signals transmitted by the central computer and following a rail (12) integrated in the pavement. The rail is a rubber strip or equivalent mounted on the pavement having continuous optical characteristics and having chip contactless devices or transponders (20) at regular spacing. Each vehicle is equipped with localization and detection means (18) adapted to identify the strip's optical characteristics in order to follow the strip during its motion and to detect localization signals received from the transponders reacting to the radio frequency signals in order to localize the vehicle.