Vehicle Train State Estimation Using Wireless Sensor Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for vehicle trains face challenges in accurately identifying vehicles and determining whether information from on-board sensors and wireless communication pertains to the same vehicle, especially when the vehicle length varies, and in situations where a non-transmitting vehicle moves into the train.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a processor unit that receives vehicle parameters via wireless communication and uses a detector unit to measure relative parameters between vehicles, estimating the state of the forward vehicle using a model and generating a state signal, which includes using extended Kalman filtering to fuse sensor data and determine if information comes from the same vehicle by calculating covariance thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If distance sensors and cameras are used to eliminate driver reaction time, then traffic safety is improved, but the system cannot detect occurrences more than a couple of vehicles ahead and cannot react proactively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces wireless communication as an intermediary between vehicles to transfer information about traffic occurrences. Instead of relying solely on direct sensor detection, vehicles communicate information about occurrences (such as braking events) to following vehicles, enabling proactive reaction to events that are beyond the direct sensor range.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables preliminary action by receiving and processing information about traffic occurrences before they directly affect the vehicle. By using wireless communication to obtain advance notice of braking events or other occurrences in vehicles ahead, the system can prepare and react earlier than would be possible with direct sensor detection alone.
2Quantity of substance
If information is received from both on-board sensors and wireless communication, then more comprehensive data is available, but it becomes problematic to assess whether the information pertains to the same vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where vehicles continuously exchange information about their state (position, speed, acceleration) and use this feedback to verify whether sensor detections and wireless communications refer to the same vehicle. The system compares expected sensor measurements with received wireless data, and uses this feedback loop to maintain accurate vehicle identification and tracking.
3Productivity
If the time gap between vehicles is reduced from 3 seconds to 0.5-1 second, then transport efficiency is improved, but traffic safety is compromised without advanced systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical reaction-based safety system with an electronic information processing system. By substituting driver reaction time and mechanical brake response with electronic sensor detection, wireless communication, and automated control systems, the vehicle can maintain safer stopping distances even at reduced time gaps, thereby improving transport efficiency without compromising safety.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a system in the context of a vehicle train which comprises at least two vehicles adapted to communicating via wireless communication. The system comprises a processor unit adapted to receiving wirelessly from at least the more forward of the two vehicles data which comprise at least one vehicle parameter for the vehicle. The processor unit is further adapted to receiving data from a detector unit on board the rear vehicle, which detector unit is adapted to measuring a relative vehicle parameter between the forward vehicle and the rear vehicle. The processor unit is then adapted to estimating a vehicle state for the forward vehicle on the basis of at least a model of the vehicle and said vehicle parameters, and to generating a state signal which indicates said estimated vehicle state. The invention comprises also a method in the context of vehicle trains.