Train Positioning via GNSS Integrity Checks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current railway positioning systems lack the reliability and precision needed for safe and efficient train control, as they are not as advanced as satellite-based augmentation systems used in aviation, and require a high density of balises for accurate positioning, leading to increased maintenance costs and limitations in infrastructure simplification.
Innovation Solution
A satellite terminal system utilizing Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) such as GPS, Galileo, or GLONASS to determine train position and integrity level, reducing the need for physical balises and enabling continuous, precise location tracking with real-time certification of satellite position data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If satellite-based augmentation systems (SBAS) are used for train positioning, then positioning precision and reliability are improved, but infrastructure complexity and deployment cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/ballistic system of ground-based balises with a satellite-based electromagnetic positioning system. The train positioning system uses GNSS satellites to provide position information, eliminating the need for dense deployment of physical balises along the track. This substitution achieves meter-level positioning precision while significantly reducing infrastructure complexity and deployment cost.
2Reliability
If a high density of balises is deployed for accurate train positioning, then positioning reliability is improved, but maintenance cost and infrastructure complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the positioning function from the ground-based balise system and relocates it to satellite-based GNSS. By taking out the positioning capability from the complex ground infrastructure and placing it in space, the system achieves reliable positioning with minimal ground equipment, thereby reducing maintenance requirements and operational costs.
3Device complexity
If traditional ground-based positioning systems are used, then infrastructure control is simplified, but positioning precision and safety certification capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the train positioning system universal by adopting the widely deployed GNSS satellite infrastructure that already serves aviation, maritime, and other transportation sectors. This multi-functional satellite system provides positioning precision and safety certification capability without requiring railway-specific ground infrastructure, achieving both simplicity and high performance.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention regards a satellite terminal (334) that is designed to be installed on board a train (33) and is configured for receiving navigation signals from satellites belonging to one or more satellite navigation systems. Said satellite terminal (334) is characterized in that it is moreover configured for storing georeferencing data of a railway route of the train (33) and for determining, on the basis of the georeferencing data stored and of navigation signals received, a position of the train (33) along the railway route and an integrity level associated to said calculated position.