Route Observer Vehicle Positioning Without GNSS Signal Dependence
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle location determination systems rely on GNSS, which can be unreliable due to electromagnetic interference and obstacles, leading to inaccurate and unreliable location data in areas with poor satellite reception.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle location determining system that uses sensor signals from observer devices mounted along routes to detect vehicle presence and distance, allowing for location calculation independent of satellite communications, utilizing cameras and other sensors to identify vehicles and communicate their location to onboard or remote control devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GNSS receiver is used to determine vehicle location, then location accuracy is improved, but reliability deteriorates in areas with electromagnetic interference or obstacles blocking satellite signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an observer device as an intermediary that monitors the route area and provides sensor signals about vehicle presence and location. This mediator system allows the control unit to determine vehicle location independently of GNSS signals, resolving the contradiction by providing a reliable alternative measurement method that works in areas with blocked satellite reception
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic satellite-based GNSS system with a ground-based optical/mechanical monitoring system using observer devices and sensors. This substitution eliminates dependence on satellite signals that can be blocked by obstacles or interfered with by electromagnetic signals, providing reliable location determination in previously unserviceable areas
2Reliability
If GNSS repeater devices are used to provide location data, then location availability is improved, but location accuracy deteriorates because the repeater only provides the location of the repeater itself
Solution Approach 1:
The observer device acts as an intermediary monitoring system that directly observes and measures the actual vehicle location in the route area, rather than merely repeating fixed location data. This intermediary provides both availability (by working without GNSS) and accuracy (by measuring actual vehicle position through sensor signals)
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates an accurate copy or representation of the actual vehicle location through sensor signals from the observer device, rather than using a fixed repeater location. The control unit processes these sensor signals to generate precise vehicle location data that reflects the true position of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method include a control unit configured to detect a presence of a vehicle within a route area based on sensor signals output by an observer device that monitors the route area. The control unit is configured to determine a distance of the vehicle from the observer device and to determine a vehicle location of the vehicle based on the distance and a predetermined location of the observer device. The system and method include a communication device configured to communicate the vehicle location to at least one of the vehicle or a remote control device that is off-board the vehicle prior to the vehicle starting to move along a route occupied by the vehicle.