Vehicle Control System Using EM Pulses for Position Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromagnetic (EM)-based distance measuring systems for vehicles are inefficient due to long transmission times and the inability to manage multiple transmitters in dynamic environments, and GPS systems are unsuitable for underground applications.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle control system using high RF signals and EM pulses with a receiver unit that includes a magnetic field receiver and processing module to determine proximity and position, employing a listen-before-talk mechanism for concurrent communication and integrating with on-board navigation systems for precise location tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional EM-based distance measuring systems use low frequency EM carrier signals for data transmission, then transmitter identification data can be transmitted, but transmission time becomes very long and the number of transmitters that can be reliably identified within a given space and time is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic EM pulses instead of continuous low-frequency carrier waves. Each pulse is a short burst of high-frequency energy that carries distance measurement information, allowing multiple pulses to be transmitted in quick succession to identify multiple transmitters within the same time window that would otherwise require long transmission periods
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the frequency parameter from low frequency carrier signals to high frequency EM pulses. This parameter change enables much faster transmission cycles, reducing the time required to identify and communicate with multiple transmitters while maintaining data transmission capability through pulse timing and pattern recognition
2Reliability
If EM-based distance monitoring systems negotiate transmission slots for EM transmitters in real-time to avoid on-air collisions, then collision avoidance is achieved, but in environments with fluid number of transmitters this problem becomes unmanageable and distance update periods increase to seconds rather than milliseconds
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-assigns time slots and frequencies to transmitters before they begin operating, eliminating the need for real-time negotiation. Transmitters operate according to predetermined schedules that prevent collisions, allowing the system to handle fluid numbers of transmitters without increasing update periods
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of active transmitters and their assigned parameters without requiring re-negotiation. New transmitters can be added to the system and assigned pre-configured time slots and frequencies, allowing the system to adapt to changing environmental conditions while maintaining high update rates
3Measurement precision
If GPS tracking is used to determine vehicle position for collision avoidance and reporting, then position information can be obtained for above ground applications, but the system is not available underground
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces EM pulses as an intermediary medium for position determination that can propagate through underground environments where GPS signals cannot reach. Transmitters emit EM pulses that bounce off the ground and are detected by receivers, providing position information in environments that are completely inaccessible to satellite-based GPS systems
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
This solution reduces transmission time significantly, allows for more vehicles to operate in a given area, and provides accurate proximity and position detection, even in environments without direct line-of-sight, enhancing operational safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
one or more transceiver devices that can emit an electromagnetic (EM) pulse and a radio frequency (RF) signal from the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
a receiver unit disposed off-board the vehicle receiving at least one of the plural signals, the control unit can determine a location of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle control system is provided that includes a control unit that can be disposed onboard a vehicle to control movement of the vehicle; and one or more transceiver devices that can emit plural signals from the vehicle, with at least one of the plural signals containing a vehicle identifier, and, responsive to a receiver unit disposed off-board the vehicle receiving at least one of the plural signals, the control unit can determine a location of the vehicle and can communicate a signal to the one or more transceiver devices based on the location. The control unit can change the movement of the vehicle based on the vehicle location information.