Vehicle RTK Positioning via Intermediary Base Station
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current GPS systems for train positioning have limited accuracy, typically providing locations within 7.8 meters with a 95% probability, which is not sufficient for precise train control, and introducing additional hardware for improved accuracy can be costly and power-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A system that combines satellite positioning data with real-time kinematic (RTK) position correction data received from a ground-based base station, communicated via a communication link between onboard devices to enhance the accuracy of geographical location determination to within 1 centimeter horizontally and 2 centimeters vertically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If standard GPS receivers are used for train positioning, then the system is simple and power-efficient, but the positioning accuracy is limited to within 7.8 meters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a base station as an intermediary component that receives GPS satellite signals and generates correction data. This base station acts as a mediator between the satellite signals and the mobile receivers, providing differential corrections that improve positioning accuracy without requiring the mobile receivers themselves to be more complex. The correction data is transmitted to mobile receivers, enabling them to achieve centimeter-level accuracy using standard GPS hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a differential GPS system where a base station at a known location receives satellite signals and calculates correction values. These correction values are then transmitted to mobile receivers, effectively creating a 'copy' of the corrected positioning information. The mobile receivers apply these corrections to their own GPS measurements, achieving high accuracy without each receiver needing independent correction capabilities.
2Measurement precision
If additional hardware is introduced to improve GPS accuracy, then positioning precision increases, but power consumption and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The base station serves as an external intermediary that performs the computationally intensive tasks of signal processing and correction calculation. Mobile receivers only need to receive and apply correction data, significantly reducing their processing power requirements and energy consumption while achieving high positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for complex, power-hungry onboard processing hardware with a simpler system that receives correction data via communication channels. This substitutes mechanical/computational complexity with information transfer, reducing power consumption while maintaining or improving accuracy.
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 combination significantly improves the accuracy of geographical location determination for both lead and trailing vehicles, enabling more precise control of train operations without the need for additional power-hungry hardware, achieving accuracy within 1-4 centimeters.
Implementation Method 1
receiving position correction data that is based on phase measurements of satellite signals
Implementation Method 2
combines satellite positioning data with real-time kinematic (RTK) position correction data
Data Source
AI summary
A communication system includes communication units onboard a vehicle system. A first unit receives satellite positioning data and correction data based on phase measurements of satellite signals. A second unit receives the satellite positioning data. One or more processors determine a first geographical position of the first unit based on the position correction data and the satellite positioning data. The processors communicate the position correction data or a copy thereof to the second unit. The processors determine second geographical position data of the second unit based on the position correction data and the satellite positioning data. The one or more processors communicate the second geographical position data that is determined to the first communication unit.