Multi-Antenna Vehicle Lateral Positioning Using Regression Curves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the lateral position of a vehicle in Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) systems suffer from low accuracy due to RF nulls, vehicle reflections, and incorrect position determination, leading to wrong tolls and license plate recordings.
Innovation Solution
A method using regression analysis to generate a regression curve from signals received by multiple antennas mounted at different lateral positions, recording signal times and positions, and determining the vehicle's lateral position accurately by fitting these signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If separated coverage areas are used for antennas, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to RF nulls and wrong detection during lane crossings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the advantages of both separated and overlapping coverage areas by using multiple antennas with overlapping coverage zones. This allows the system to maintain simpler antenna configuration while achieving higher measurement precision through signal processing of multiple receiving antennas, resolving the contradiction between device complexity and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces signal processing methods as an intermediary between the antenna configuration and position determination. By processing signals from multiple antennas using techniques like time of flight measurement and signal strength analysis, the system achieves high measurement precision without requiring complex antenna configuration, thus resolving the technical contradiction.
2Measurement precision
If overlapping coverage areas are used for antennas, then measurement precision is improved by reducing RF nulls, but device complexity increases and position determination becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters used for position determination from simple signal presence detection to sophisticated signal analysis including time of flight, signal strength, and phase information. This allows the system to achieve high measurement precision with overlapping coverage areas while managing device complexity through systematic parameter analysis rather than complex hardware configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical antenna positioning and configuration with signal processing algorithms. By using software-based position determination methods that analyze signals from multiple antennas, the system achieves high measurement precision without the mechanical complexity of precisely positioned antennas, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
3Device complexity
If simple position determination methods are used (most signals, first signal, last signal, highest signal strength), then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates resulting in wrong position determination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic position determination that adapts to the specific situation by selecting and combining different determination methods based on signal characteristics and vehicle position. This dynamic approach achieves high measurement precision without requiring permanently complex device configuration, as the system adjusts its complexity based on the operational context.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback from multiple signal measurements to continuously refine position determination. By analyzing signals from multiple antennas and iteratively improving position estimates, the system achieves high measurement precision while keeping the base device complexity low, as the enhanced precision comes from information processing rather than hardware 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
Improves the accuracy of lateral position determination, reducing errors in tolls and license plate recordings, and allowing flexible adaptation to different road speeds and antenna setups.
Implementation Method 1
Automatic Vehicle Identification (AVI) and vehicle tracking is achieved by the use of Radio Frequency ("RF") communications between a transponder carried by a vehicle and several antennas
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for determining a lateral position (xv) of a vehicle (2) passing a road (3) and carrying a transponder (9), the method (18) using at least two antennas (12i) mounted at different lateral positions (xi) and connected to a processor (13) and comprising: triggering (19) the transponder and recording (20) signals (24i,j) from responses (23k) of the transponder by the processor, each signal being received via one of the antennas and recorded as i) a time of receipt (ti,j) at said one antenna and ii) the lateral position of said one antenna; generating (21) by the processor a regression curve (27) fitting all recorded signals; and determining (22) by the processor the lateral position of the vehicle from the generated regression curve. The invention further relates to an apparatus (1) implementing said method.