Vehicle Location Detection Using Wayside Tag Sequence Validation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle location and direction determination systems using RFID tags are prone to errors due to misplaced or incorrectly programmed tags, posing safety risks as they provide inaccurate location information, which can lead to unsafe vehicle operation.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize wayside devices along a route to determine vehicle location and direction by examining a series of tags for sequential increases or decreases in location data, identifying misplaced tags by comparing tag location data with expected differences and determining accurate vehicle positions within a tolerance range, and using this information to ensure safe vehicle operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If RFID tags are installed along the route to determine vehicle location and direction, then the system can provide location information for safe vehicle operation, but misplaced or incorrectly programmed tags can provide incorrect location information and pose safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback by comparing the sequence of location data from multiple tags against expected sequential patterns (increases or decreases). When the actual sequence deviates from the expected pattern, the system identifies potential tag errors and adjusts or rejects the location information, thereby maintaining reliability despite individual tag failures
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary validation by examining a series of tags before accepting location data. It checks whether location data exhibits the expected sequential increase or decrease pattern before using the data for vehicle location determination, preventing incorrect data from compromising safety
2Ease of operation
If the system relies on reading tags to determine vehicle location and direction, then the vehicle can operate safely based on location information, but misplaced tags can provide incorrect information and compromise safety
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor the sequence of location data from tags. When discrepancies are detected (location data not showing expected sequential patterns), the system automatically adjusts its operation by rejecting or correcting the problematic data, maintaining safe operation without manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
Before using tag data for automatic vehicle operation, the system performs preliminary checks to verify the data exhibits expected sequential patterns. This preliminary validation ensures that only reliable data is used for automatic control decisions, preventing unsafe operations
3Ease of manufacture
If tags are installed during route maintenance, then the route can be maintained and upgraded, but tags may be inadvertently placed in incorrect locations during the process
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides feedback by monitoring the sequence of location data from tags installed during maintenance. When tags are misplaced, the sequential pattern check detects the anomaly, allowing operators to identify and correct placement errors. This feedback mechanism maintains high placement accuracy even during routine maintenance operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary validation of tag placement by checking whether location data from newly installed tags exhibits the expected sequential increase or decrease pattern. This preliminary check catches placement errors immediately after installation, ensuring high manufacturing precision before the system goes into full operation
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 approach enhances the accuracy of vehicle location and direction determination, reducing the risk of accidents caused by incorrect tag placement or programming, thereby improving safety and operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
radio frequency identification tags installed along a railway track to determine the locations of the vehicles. The vehicles may interrogate the RFID tags with an RFID reader
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for determining a direction of travel of a vehicle and/or identifying a misplaced wayside device obtain location data from wayside devices. The location data are representative of locations of the wayside devices along a route being traveled by a vehicle. The system and method also determine whether the location data in a series of the wayside devices exhibit an increase or a decrease in the location data across the wayside devices in the series and, responsive to determining whether the location data in the series of the wayside devices does exhibit the increase or the decrease in the location data, the system and method determine a direction of travel of the vehicle along the route, determine a location of the vehicle along the route, and/or identify a misplaced wayside device.