Train On-Board Wireless Device With 5G–Sidelink Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless communication systems in tunnels face challenges when vehicles obstruct synchronization between base stations, particularly for vehicles traveling in a single direction, limiting their applicability to vehicles equipped with wireless devices in both the front and rear.
Innovation Solution
An on-board wireless device for trains equipped with a first communication unit for 5G communication with a directional antenna, a second communication unit for sidelink communication with other trains, and a determination unit to dynamically select the optimal communication path based on environmental conditions, ensuring continuous data transmission and reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wireless devices are installed in both front and rear parts of a vehicle to relay synchronization signals, then synchronization between base stations can be maintained, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the single wireless device universal by enabling it to perform multiple functions: it can communicate with base stations using 5G NR when direct communication is available, and switch to sidelink communication with other trains when direct communication is obstructed. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate front and rear wireless devices while maintaining synchronization reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic communication mode switching based on the train's position and communication environment. The determination unit dynamically selects between 5G NR communication and sidelink communication, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions (tunnel entrances, obstructions, base station positions) without requiring fixed front-rear device configurations.
2Device complexity
If a vehicle uses only a wireless device in the traveling direction due to specification reasons, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to maintain synchronization in tunnels is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces sidelink communication with other trains as an intermediary mechanism. When the single wireless device cannot directly communicate with base stations (e.g., in tunnel obstructions), it uses sidelink to relay synchronization signals through neighboring trains, thereby maintaining synchronization reliability without adding front-rear devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The single wireless device is designed with universal communication capabilities, supporting both 5G NR and sidelink modes. This multi-functionality allows it to compensate for the reduced device count by adapting its communication method based on environmental conditions, ensuring synchronization is maintained even with a single device.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the tunnel wall surface is close to the traveling object, then the space utilization is improved, but base station installation inside the tunnel becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the base station from the tunnel environment and places it outside the tunnel. The synchronization signal is then transmitted from the external base station to trains inside the tunnel via 5G NR or relayed through sidelink communication between trains, eliminating the need for physical base station installation inside the constrained tunnel space.
Solution Approach 2:
Other trains act as intermediaries to transmit synchronization signals from external base stations to trains that cannot receive direct signals. This mediator approach allows the system to overcome the physical constraints of narrow tunnels where base stations cannot be installed, while still achieving reliable synchronization.
Data Source
AI summary
An on-board wireless device to be installed in a train includes: a local 5G terminal and a carrier 5G terminal that are communication units capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from a base station by a wireless communication scheme using an antenna having directivity in a traveling direction; a sidelink terminal that is a communication unit capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from an on-board wireless device installed in another train using wireless communication by sidelink; a determination unit that determines a communication unit to be used for transmission and reception of data based on a communication environment of the train at a position of the train; and a train gateway that controls transmission and reception of data in the local 5G terminal, the carrier 5G terminal, and the sidelink terminal based on a determination result of the determination unit.