UWB Train Navigation Using Reference Markers for Precise Track Location
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional train navigation systems are costly, inefficient, and cumbersome, particularly when managing trains on arbitrary paths, due to inaccuracies and uncertainties in location determination, which restrict system capacity and require excessive train spacing for safety.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing ultra-wideband (UWB) technology with reference markers, specifically anchors, to rapidly and accurately determine train location through simple calculations based on ranging to nearby anchors, translating point-to-point distance measurements into precise location within the railway network, employing the dLdR technique for improved accuracy and precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional train navigation systems are used, then train location determination can be achieved, but the system is costly, inefficient, and has low accuracy and precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical/radio-based train location determination systems with an optical imaging system. The imaging device captures images of reference markers, and image processing algorithms calculate train location based on marker positions in the image plane. This substitution of mechanical systems with optical/electronic systems achieves higher accuracy while reducing system complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses reference markers that are placed along the track as virtual copies of known position references. By capturing images of these markers and processing the image data, the system creates a computational model of train location without requiring physical measurement devices at every position. This copying approach reduces system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
2Reliability
If conventional navigation systems are used, then train operation can be controlled, but excessive train spacing is required for safety due to location uncertainty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional location determination methods with optical imaging and image processing. This substitution provides more accurate and precise location data, reducing location uncertainty. The reduced uncertainty allows trains to operate closer together while maintaining safety margins, thereby increasing system capacity without compromising reliability.
3Productivity
If conventional location determination methods are used, then train position can be estimated, but inaccuracies and uncertainties restrict system capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes conventional estimation-based location determination with optical imaging and computational image processing. The imaging device captures precise images of reference markers, and processing circuits calculate exact train location and orientation. This substitution eliminates the inaccuracies and uncertainties inherent in conventional methods, enabling increased system capacity through more reliable location data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses reference markers as positional references that are captured through imaging. By creating image-based copies of marker positions and processing these images computationally, the system achieves high measurement precision without requiring complex physical measurement infrastructure, thus increasing system capacity.
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 train location accuracy and precision, reducing location uncertainty, allowing increased system capacity by minimizing train spacing and enabling dynamic and static track occupancy determination, and supporting worker protection systems.
Implementation Method 1
an ultra-wideband (UWB) based transmitter configured for transmitting signals
Implementation Method 2
an ultra-wideband (UWB) based receiver configured for receiving signals
Implementation Method 3
determining based on processing of communicated UWB signals with at least one wayside unit, range to the at least one wayside unit; and determining based on the determined range to the at least one wayside unit, changes in range (ΔR) to the at least one wayside unit and changes in location (ΔL) on a track
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for ultra-wideband (UWB) based navigation of arbitrary paths based on reference markers. A train-mounted unit may be configured to, when deployed on a train, communicate with any wayside unit, from a plurality of wayside units configured for placement on or near tracks in a railway network, that comes within communication range of the train-mounted device, with the communicating including use of ultra-wideband (UWB) signals, and generate based on communication, train location information, with the generating of the train location information including determining based on processing of communicated UWB signals with at least one wayside unit, range to the at least one wayside unit, and determining based on the determined range to the at least one wayside unit, change in range (ΔR) to the at least one wayside unit and change in location (ΔL) on a track in the railway network.