Rail Vehicle Sensor Validation via Automated Test Track
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current on-board sensor systems for rail vehicles lack reliability, precision, and robustness in validating obstacle localization functions, often requiring time-consuming manual setup and prone to inaccuracies during validation processes.
Innovation Solution
An arrangement and method for validating a sensor unit's object localization function using a test rail section with a test object and self-localization units, which determine reference and ego positions, allowing for precise relative and absolute position calculations, and automated validation without manual markings, utilizing sensors like lidar and radar systems, and incorporating self-localization units for accurate alignment and correction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual positioning of test objects and markers is used for validation, then setup simplicity is maintained, but validation time increases and measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated guidance system that uses a test track and positioning markers to guide the rail vehicle to precise measurement locations. The sensor unit automatically captures data at predetermined positions, eliminating manual intervention and improving both precision and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The validation system is designed to be self-executing, where the rail vehicle automatically follows the test track, the sensor unit autonomously detects objects at marked positions, and the system自行 validates the sensor's positioning accuracy without requiring continuous manual operation.
2Reliability
If manual positioning of markers is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of validation deteriorates due to inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces positioning markers as intermediaries placed at predetermined locations on the test track. These markers serve as reference points that mediate between the physical test environment and the sensor unit's measurement system, enabling accurate and reliable validation without direct manual positioning during the measurement process.
3Measurement precision
If automated validation with self-localization units is implemented, then measurement precision and reliability improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The self-localization units serve multiple functions: they determine the rail vehicle's position on the test track, guide the vehicle to correct measurement locations, and provide reference data for validation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems for each task, thereby limiting the increase in overall device 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
Enhances the reliability, precision, and robustness of obstacle detection systems by automating the validation process, reducing manual errors, and improving the accuracy of obstacle localization, enabling safer rail operations.
Implementation Method 1
sensor unit (7) for detecting a relative position of the test object (3) to the sensor unit (7)
Implementation Method 2
utilizing sensors like lidar and radar systems
Implementation Method 3
a first self-localization unit (4) for determining a reference position of the test object (3)
Implementation Method 4
a second self-localization unit (9) for determining an ego position of the rail vehicle (6)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
An arrangement (1) for validating the function of a sensor unit (7) of a rail vehicle (6) for object localization is described. The arrangement (1) comprises a test track (2) and a test object (3) on the test track (2). The test object (3) comprises a first self-localization unit (4) for determining a reference position (RPT) of the test object (3). The rail vehicle (6) comprises a sensor unit (7) for detecting a relative position (RLP) of the test object (3) to the sensor unit (7), a second self-localization unit (9) for determining an ego position (EP) of the rail vehicle (6), and a position determination unit (8) for determining an absolute position (AP) of the test object (3) based on the detected relative position (RLP) of the test object (3) to the sensor unit (7) and the determined ego position (EP) of the rail vehicle (6).Part of the arrangement (1) is also a validation unit (10) for determining a deviation (AW) of the determined absolute position (AP) of the test object (3) from the reference position (RPT) of the test object (3). A method for validating a function of a sensor unit (7) of a rail vehicle (6) for object localization is also described.