Vehicle Heading Verification Using Magnetic Sensor and GPS
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle navigation systems, particularly those using GPS, struggle to accurately determine the correct route or track in situations where routes are closely spaced or diverge at intersections, leading to potential operator errors or equipment malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A system that combines a magnetic sensor with a control unit to identify directional headings by generating output signals based on the sensor's orientation relative to an external magnetic field, allowing for precise determination of the vehicle's route segment by comparing these signals with designated headings associated with known route segments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If GPS resolution is used to determine vehicle route, then system simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates in areas with closely spaced tracks or lanes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the navigation determination into two segments: GPS-based location tracking for general positioning, and magnetic sensor-based heading measurement for precise directional identification at intersections. This segmentation allows each method to operate in its optimal performance range, resolving the contradiction between system simplicity and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic sensor acts as an intermediary device that bridges the gap between GPS location data and route identification. By measuring the vehicle's heading relative to magnetic north and comparing it with pre-stored route orientation data, the system achieves precise route determination without relying solely on GPS resolution, thus improving measurement precision while maintaining overall system simplicity.
2Device complexity
If GPS data alone is used for navigation, then device complexity is low, but reliability deteriorates when tracks are closely spaced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges GPS location determination with magnetic sensor heading measurement to create a hybrid navigation system. The control unit combines data from both sources, using GPS for positional context and magnetic sensors for directional precision. This combination significantly improves route identification reliability in closely spaced track scenarios while keeping the added complexity minimal.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously comparing the measured magnetic heading with pre-stored route orientation data. When the vehicle approaches an intersection, the control unit uses the heading measurement to determine which route segment the vehicle is traveling on, providing reliable route identification that compensates for GPS limitations in closely spaced track areas.
3Measurement precision
If magnetic sensor is added to improve heading accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using the magnetic sensor specifically at intersections or points of divergence where precise heading measurement is critical for route identification. The sensor is not continuously used throughout the entire journey, but only activated when needed, thereby improving measurement precision at critical locations while minimizing the overall impact on device complexity.
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 enables accurate verification of the vehicle's route segment, even in scenarios where GPS resolution is insufficient, ensuring compliance with trip plans and reducing errors, thereby improving route accuracy and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic sensor coupled to a vehicle to generate output signals based on its orientation relative to an external magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
A system for confirming a direction of travel of a vehicle includes a location determining system and a control unit. The location determining system is configured to be coupled to a vehicle that travels in a network of plural route segments having fixed positions. The location determining system also is configured to obtain data representative of a measured heading of the vehicle. The measured heading represents a direction of travel of the vehicle. The control unit is configured to receive a designated route segment that is at least one of selected by operator input or provided by a trip plan that designates operational settings of the vehicle for a trip. The control unit is configured to compare the measured heading of the vehicle with one or more designated headings associated with the route segments to verify whether the vehicle is actually traveling on the designated route segment.