Rail Vehicle Route Network Image Generation via Activity Pattern Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rail vehicles, especially in tunnels and underground railways, cannot rely on navigation satellite systems or balises for determining route networks due to connectivity issues and potential failures, leading to delays.
Innovation Solution
A method that records and sequences activities of the rail vehicle while traveling, using pattern recognition to generate an image of the route network independently of satellite and balise systems, allowing for cost-effective and reliable route mapping and localization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If navigation satellite system (GPS) is used to determine route network, then location information can be obtained, but it cannot be used in tunnels and underground railways due to connectivity issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the route network by recording and analyzing sequences of activities (acceleration, braking, door operations) to generate an image of the route network. This virtual representation replaces the need for physical GPS infrastructure in tunnels, allowing route determination without satellite connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of activity sensors and pattern recognition algorithms that mediate between the rail vehicle's operations and route determination. Instead of directly relying on GPS signals, the system uses intermediate activity data to infer location and route information.
2Measurement precision
If balises are integrated into routes to provide location information, then route network can be determined, but delays occur when balises fail as the rail vehicle waits for location information
Solution Approach 1:
The rail vehicle determines its own location and route by analyzing its own activity data (acceleration, braking, door operations) without needing external balise infrastructure. This self-service approach eliminates waiting times for balise signals and makes the system independent of external location providers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary recording of activity sequences during normal operations to build the route network image in advance. This pre-established virtual route map allows immediate location determination without waiting for balise signals, preventing vehicle delays.
3Loss of information
If balises and GPS receivers are deployed for route determination, then location information can be obtained, but high costs are incurred for acquisition, maintenance, and data transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential location determination function from complex external infrastructure (GPS satellites, balise systems) and relocates it to the rail vehicle itself through onboard sensors and processing. This extraction eliminates the need for expensive external infrastructure while maintaining location information availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The activity recording system serves multiple functions: it monitors vehicle operations for safety, provides data for route determination, and enables predictive maintenance. This multi-functionality replaces multiple specialized systems (GPS receivers, balise readers) with a single versatile activity monitoring system.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for generating an image of a route network that is travelled through by a rail vehicle. The image is generated with the use of activities that are recorded by the rail vehicle as it travels through the route network and sorted in an activity sequence. In order to provide an improved method, patterns in the activity sequence are identified with use of a pattern detection method and the image of the route network is generated with the use of the identified patterns.