Train Device Positioning via Radio Wave Strength Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing position specifying systems for devices on trains face limitations as they require RFID tags storing position information to be affixed to device installation positions, which can be shielded, making it difficult to use in operational vehicle bodies and leading to unmanaged device information.
Innovation Solution
A position specifying device that stores device installation position information and reads individual information items from RFID tags using varying radio wave strengths, allowing for accurate association of devices with their installation positions on trains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If RFID tags storing position information are affixed to device installation positions, then device position management is enabled, but the RFID tags can be shielded by devices installed at those positions, preventing reading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the position information storage function from the RFID tag and separates it into a dedicated position management system. The RFID tags on devices store only individual device information, while position information is stored separately in the position specifying device's memory, eliminating the shielding problem while maintaining position tracking capability
Solution Approach 2:
The position specifying device acts as an intermediary between the RFID readers and the devices. It receives individual device information from RFID tags, compares it with stored position information, and determines device locations without requiring direct reading of position-embedded RFID tags, thus avoiding shielding issues
2Measurement precision
If RFID tags storing position information are affixed to device installation positions in operational vehicles, then position specification is possible, but the configuration is complex and difficult to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The position specifying device serves multiple functions: it stores device installation position information, receives individual device information from RFID tags, compares the information, and specifies device positions. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate position-embedding mechanisms in each device installation location, simplifying the overall system
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-storing device installation position information in the position specifying device before actual position specification is needed. This allows the system to efficiently determine device positions by simply comparing current RFID readings with the pre-stored position data, avoiding complex real-time position calculation
3Ease of manufacture
If individual device information is not managed, then device installation is simple, but ascertaining what kind of train in what operation has used a device becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The position specifying device automatically manages device information by receiving individual device information from RFID tags and comparing it with stored position data. This self-service mechanism creates and maintains device usage history without requiring manual intervention or complex installation procedures, preserving ease of device installation while enabling comprehensive information tracking
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
Enables efficient specification of device positions on trains, reducing work time and improving management of device information, even in operational vehicle bodies.
Implementation Method 1
emits radio waves toward the identification tag to read the individual information item stored in the identification tag
Data Source
AI summary
Included are: a storage unit that stores device installation position information indicating installation positions for devices installed under floors of vehicles of a train, stores reading locations at each of which at least one individual information item identifying one of the devices is read from an identification tag storing the individual information item, each of the reading locations being where radio waves are emitted toward the identification tag affixed to corresponding one of the devices, and stores, correspondingly to radio wave strength for each of the plurality of the reading locations, at least one individual information item that is read with varied radio wave strengths in radio wave emission; and a position specifying unit that ascertains which device carrying the individual information item is in which installation position of the vehicles of the train and associates the installation position with the individual information item identified.