CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial
No. 611661,205, filed June 18, 2012, and entitled "METHODS AND SYSTEMS
FOR SIGNAL FINGERPRINTING." The entirety of the aforementioned application
is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
TECHNICAL FIELD
Embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein relate to vehicle
transmission systems.
DISCUSSION OF ART
Vehicle networks have developed as separate and individual networks
during different time periods in which varying technology was implemented. This
has resulted in difficulties with interoperability based at least in part upon a
disconnect between technological capabilities and each vehicle network. In
particular, signaling systems andlor automated control systems between vehicle
networks lack compatibility.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
In one embodiment, a method is provided. The method includes
establishing a downlink communication between a downlink transmitter and a
downlink receiver. The method further includes transmitting a telepowering signal in
the downlink communication. The method further includes transmitting a fingerprint
signal modulated with the telepowering signal in the downlink communication.
In one embodiment, a system is provided. The system includes a balise
transmission module with a downlink wireless transmitter and an uplink wireless
receiver. The system further includes a balise with an uplink wireless transmitter and
a downlink wireless receiver. The system further includes the balise and the balise
transmission module that establish a downlink channel to communicate a first signal
and an uplink channel to communicate a second signal. The system further includes
the balise transmission module that communicates a third signal modulated with the
first signal to the balise with the downlink channel. The system further includes the
balise transmission module with a fingerprint receiver that detects the fingerprint
signal.
In one embodiment, a system is provided. The system includes a
transmission module with at least one transmitter and at least one receiver. The
system further includes a wayside equipment module with at least one transmitter and
at least one receiver. The system further includes the transmission module that
communicates with the wayside equipment module. The system further includes an
uplink with a wireless transmission from the wayside equipment module to the
transmission module. The system further includes a downlink with a wireless
transmission from the transmission module to the wayside equipment module. The
system further includes the downlink with a fingerprint signal that is communicated
with a telepowering signal from the transmission module to the wayside equipment
module and reflected from the wayside equipment module to the transmission
module.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which particular
embodiments and further benefits of the invention are illustrated as described in more
detail in the description below, in which:
FIG. 1 is an illustration of an embodiment of a system for modulating a
telepowering signal in a downlink communication;
FIG. 2 is an illustration of an embodiment of the transmission module
utilized in the system of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is an illustration of an embodiment of the wayside equipment
module utilized in the system of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is an illustration of an embodiment of a system for communicating
data with a fingerprint signal modulated with a telepowering signal in a downlink
communication;
FIG. 5 is an illustration of an embodiment of the computation module
utilized in the system of FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is an illustration of an embodiment of the DSPA module utilized in
the system of FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is a graph of a fingerprint signal in a downlink band;
FIG. 8 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method for modulating a
telepowering signal in a downlink communication; and
FIG. 9 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method for adjusting a
geographic location based upon a communicated fingerprint signal.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and systems for
modulating a telepowering signal in a downlink communication. In particular, a
generated fingerprint signal can be modulated with a telepowering signal for
communication in a downlink communication. The modulated fingerprint signal is
reflected and enables additional communications other than the downlink
communication and an uplink communication between a transmission module and a
wayside equipment module.
With reference to the drawings, like reference numerals designate identical
or corresponding parts throughout the several views. However, the inclusion of like
elements in different views does not mean a given embodiment necessarily includes
such elements or that all embodiments of the invention include such elements.
The term "vehicle" as used herein can be defined as any asset that is a
mobile machine that transports at least one of a person, people, or a cargo, or that is
configured to be portable from one location to another. For instance, a vehicle can be,
but is not limited to being, a locomotive or other rail vehicle, an intermodal container,
a marine vessel, a mining equipment, a stationary portable power generation
equipment, an industrial equipment, a construction equipment, and the like.
The term "balise" as used herein can be defined as an electronic beacon or
transponder for a vehicle on or near a path for the vehicle.
The term "balise transmission module" as used herein can be defined as at
least one of a portion of software, a portion of hardware, or a combination thereof that
transmits or receives a wireless signal on-board a vehicle.
The term "wayside equipment" as used herein can be defined as at least
one of a portion of software, a portion of hardware, or a combination thereof that
transmits a wireless signal to a vehicle or receives a wireless signal from a vehicle.
The terms "downlink," "uplink," and "telepowering" (and the various
forms thereof) may be used interchangeably herein and refer to a wireless
communication from a transmission module to a wayside equipment module or vice
versa, respectively, wherein the wireless communication can provide telepowering to
the wayside equipment module.
FIG. 1 is an illustration of an embodiment of a system 100 for modulating
a telepowering signal in a downlink communication. The system 100 includes a
transmission module 110 that communicates with a wayside equipment module 120.
The communication between the transmission module 110 can be a wireless
communication that includes at least one of an uplink communication ("UPLINK") or
a downlink communication ("DOWNLINK") (also referred to as "telepowering").
The downlink communication can be a wireless communication from the transmission
module 110 to the wayside equipment module 120, wherein, for instance, the
downlink communication telepowers the wayside equipment module 120 via a
telepowering signal. Furthermore, the uplink communication can be a wireless
communication from the wayside equipment module 120 to the transmission module
110.
The transmission module 110 can generate a fingerprint signal that is
modulated with the telepowering signal. The fingerprint signal can include packaged
data or information, wherein such information or data is modulated with the
telepowering signal during communication within the downlink communication. As
depicted in FIG. 1, the downlink communication (also referred to as "DOWNLINK")
includes the telepowering signal (indicated by an arrow) and the fingerprint signal
(indicated by an arrow). Thus, the downlink communication includes the fingerprint
signal modulated with the telepowering signal, wherein the fingerprint signal can
include packaged data or information.
The fingerprint signal modulated with the telepowering signal can be
selected with at least one particular frequency. In an embodiment, the modulation on
the telepowering signal and the fingerprint signal can include a center frequency such
that the spectrum is within the telepowering antenna bandwidth. (See FIG. 7). The
frequency selection for the modulation allows the modulated signal (e.g., fingerprint
signal modulated with the telepowering signal) to be received by the wayside
equipment module 120, wherein the wayside equipment module 120 receives the
telepowering signal and reflects the fingerprint signal.
The system 100 further includes a fingerprint receiver module 130 that
receives the reflected fingerprint signal communicated within the downlink
communication. The fingerprint receiver module 130 can be configured to receive
frequencies associated with the transmitted fingerprint signal. In other words, the
fingerprint module 130 can be configured in connection with the transmission module
110 and at least one frequency utilized to communicate the fingerprint signal
modulated with the telepowering signal in the downlink communication. It is to be
appreciated that the fingerprint receiver module 130 can be a separate module (as
illustrated), incorporated into the transmission module 110, andlor a suitable
combination thereof.
In particular, the fingerprint signal can be reflected by the wayside
equipment 120 and received by the transmission module 110 when within range for
the transmission module 110 to transmit signals (e.g., via inductive transponders) to
the wayside equipment 120. In other words, when the transmission module 110 is
within a range of the wayside equipment module 120, the fingerprint signal can be
reflected and received by the transmission module 110. Thus, such reflected and
received signal can be utilized to identify a location for the wayside equipment
module 120. The fingerprint signal is a signal technology that minimizes interference
with existing wireless signals (e.g., radio signals, etc.) whereas inductive transponders
are exposed to interference (e.g., cross-talk, etc.).
The downlink communication includes the telepowering signal transmitted
from the transmission module 110 to the wayside equipment module 120. The uplink
communication includes a signal transmitted from the wayside equipment module 120
to the transmission module 110. Furthermore, the fingerprint signal transmitted by
the transmission module 110 can be reflected by the wayside equipment module 120.
The reflected fingerprint signal received at the transmission module 1 10 can designate
a location of the wayside equipment module 120 based upon digital signal analysis
(discussed in more detail below).
Typically, inductive transponders provide the uplink communication
and/or the downlink communication between the transmission module 110 and the
wayside equipment module 120. However, the uplink communication and the
downlink communication are managed independently resulting in discontinuity. For
instance, a downlink (e.g., telepowering) may not occur for a corresponding uplink
(e.g., no transmission from uplink communication). In another example, the
telepowering may be delayed resulting in a delayed transmission for the uplink
communication. Moreover, inductive transponders provide low accuracy to identify
geographic location between a transmitter and receiver as well as potential cross-talk
interference with proximate wireless transmissions and/or signals.
With the fingerprint receiver module 130, a fingerprint signal enables an
alternative communication path for signaling between the transmission module 110
and the wayside equipment module 120. In other words, the system 100 provides
communication for the telepowering signal and the fingerprint signal in the downlink
communication as well as any signal(s) in the uplink communication. This
fingerprint signal communication minimizes interferences with existing wireless
signals as well as provides cross-talk rejection (e.g., rejection of interference from
cross-talk). Moreover, the fingerprint signal can be leveraged to optimize wireless
communication between the transmission module 110 and the wayside equipment
module 120 to identify geographic location(s) (discussed in more detail below).
FIG. 2 is an illustration of an embodiment of the transmission module 110.
The transmission module 110 includes an uplink receiver 220 and an antenna 250.
The uplink receiver 220 can receive an uplink signal via the antenna 250 from the
uplink communication (also referred to as "uplink"). Moreover, the uplink receiver
220 can demodulate the uplink signal received via the antenna 250. Additionally, the
transmission module 110 includes a downlink transmitter 210 and an antenna 240.
The downlink transmitter 210 transmits a telepowering signal via the antenna 240
through the downlink communication (also referred to as "downlink" or
"telepowering"). The downlink transmitter 210 can modulate the telepowering signal
transmitted via the antenna 240.
The transmission module 110 can be a suitable module that communicates
a signal. By way of example and not limitation, the transmission module 110 can be
an on-board module, an off-board module, on-board a vehicle module, an on-board an
asset module, and/or a suitable combination thereof. In another example, the
transmission module 110 can be off-board such as on an exterior of a vehicle, on an
exterior of an asset, among others.
Although the transmission module 110 is illustrated with the antenna 260,
two or more antenna can be utilized to detect the reflected fingerprint signal. The
antenna 260 is depicted as an example and a suitable number of antenna can be
employed to detect the reflected fingerprint signal.
The transmission module 110 can include a fingerprint module 202. The
fingerprint module 202 can be incorporated into the transmission module 110 (as
illustrated), a separate or stand-alone module, and/or a suitable combination thereof.
The fingerprint module 202 can create a fingerprint signal. The fingerprint signal can
be a suitable signal that can be modulated with the telepowering signal in the
downlink communication. By way of example and not limitation, the modulation can
be an amplitude modulation. Moreover, a suitable modulation technique can be
employed with the subject innovation. In particular, the fingerprint signal can be
modulated about a center frequency that is within a spectrum of the downlink
communication. By way of example and not limitation, the modulation center
frequency of the fingerprint module 202 can be selected such that the spectrum is
within the telepowering (e.g., downlink) antenna (e.g., antenna 240) bandwidth.
Thus, the modulated fingerprint signal and telepowering signal can be communicated
via the downlink communication.
The transmission module 110 depicted in FIG. 2 includes the fingerprint
receiver module 130. As discussed, the fingerprint receiver module 130 can be a
separate module, incorporated into the transmission module 110 (as illustrated),
and/or a suitable combination thereof. The transmission module 110 andlor the
fingerprint receiver module 130 can include fingerprint receiver 230 and an antenna
260. The fingerprint receiver 230 can receive a fingerprint signal via the antenna 260.
In particular, the antenna 260 and the fingerprint receiver 230 can be configured to
receive a signal frequency associated with the fingerprint signal created and
communicated in the downlink communication. For instance, the antenna 260 can be
configured to receive a frequency selected for the fingerprint signal, wherein such
frequency allows communication through the downlink communication but not
interfere with the uplink communication and/or other signal(s) or signaling system(s).
By way of example and not limitation, the fingerprint receiver 230 and
antenna 260 can receive signals within a range of frequencies. In particular, the
center frequency can be a spectrum inside a downlink band (e.g., downlink
communication) yet not interfering with the uplink communication frequency
range(s). Referring to FIG. 7 briefly, a graph 700 of a fingerprint signal in a downlink
band is illustrated. The graph 700 depicts the fingerprint signal having a center
frequency (fi- f3 and fl + f3) that is within the downlink band. This selection of the
center frequency allows the fingerprint signal to be transmitted through the downlink
communication and reflected from the wayside equipment module to the transmission
module 110. As illustrated a downlink communication frequency (fl) can have an
amplitude of &/2. The uplink communication can be centered on f2 and can include a
low frequency ( f ~a)n d a high frequency (fH), wherein each amplitude is A,/2. A
filter that includes the bandwidth of the fingerprint signal (also referred to as FP
signal) can be utilized with digital signaling processing techniques in order to recover
or receive the fingerprint signal. Thus, the fingerprint signal frequency is selected
such that it can be included within a filter as well as not interfere with fl, fL, f2, and/or
f~ .
In an embodiment, the transmission module 110 can be a balise
transmission module. In another embodiment, the transmission module 110 can be a
balise transmission module on-board a vehicle (e.g., vehicle balise transmission
module). In another embodiment, the transmission module 110 can be a balise
transmission module on-board a railway vehicle. In another embodiment, the
transmission module 110 is associated with a train protection system such as, for
example, an Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system, European Train Control
System (ETCS), European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS), among
others.
FIG. 3 is an illustration of an embodiment of the wayside equipment
module 120. The wayside equipment module 120 includes the downlink
communication and the uplink communication. The wayside equipment module 120
includes a downlink receiver 310 and an antenna 330 for the downlink
communication. The downlink receiver 3 10 can receive the telepowering signal via
the antenna 340 from the downlink communication (e.g., also referred to as
"downlink"). Moreover, the downlink receiver 3 10 can demodulate the second signal
received via the antenna 330.
The downlink communication can include the fingerprint signal and the
telepowering signal based at least in part upon the modulation of the two signals. In
particular, the downlink communication includes the fingerprint signal and the
telepowering signal, wherein the telepowering signal is utilized further as discussed
below. The fingerprint signal is reflected from the wayside equipment module 120
back to the transmission module (not shown). The reflection of the fingerprint signal
is based at least in part upon the frequency selection for transmission of the
telepowering signal and/or the fingerprint signal. Additionally, the reflection of the
fingerprint signal can identify a location of the downlink receiver 3 10 and, in turn, the
wayside equipment module 120
The wayside equipment module 120 further includes a trigger 360 and a
power supply 370. The power supply 370 can provide power to at least the uplink
transmitter 320. In a particular example, the trigger 360 can employ a threshold for
an amount of power for at least the uplink transmitter 320. For instance, if the
threshold is met by the downlink receiver 310 (e.g., via telepowering from downlink
transmitter 320 with the telepowering signal), the power supply 370 can power the
uplink transmitter 320.
The transmission module 110 further includes an uplink transmitter 320
and an antenna 340. The uplink transmitter 320 can transmit an uplink signal via the
antenna 340 through the uplink communication (also referred to as "uplink").
Moreover, the uplink transmitter 320 can modulate the first signal transmitted via the
antenna 340.
In an embodiment, the wayside equipment module 120 can be a balise. In
another embodiment, the wayside equipment module 120 can be a wayside equipment
for a railway. In another embodiment, the wayside equipment module 120 can be at
least one of a switch, a derail, a wayside signal, a rail connection, a switch power
cabinet, a track shunt, a track impedance bond, or an insulated joint. In another
embodiment, the wayside equipment module 120 can be a balise placed between rails
of a railway as part of a train protection system such as, for example, an Automatic
Train Protection (ATP) system, European Train Control System (ETCS), European
Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS), among others. In still another example,
the wayside equipment module 120 can be any asset associated a train protection
system such as, for example, an Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system, European
Train Control System (ETCS), European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS),
among others.
FIG. 4 is an illustration of an embodiment of a system 400 for
communicating data with a fingerprint signal modulated with a telepowering signal in
a downlink communication. The system 400 includes the transmission module 110
that communicates with the wayside equipment module 120 utilizing the downlink
communication, the uplink communication, and the fingerprint signal. The uplink
signal can be transmitted from the uplink transmitter 320 via the antenna 340 and
received by the uplink receiver 220 via the antenna 250. The telepowering signal can
be transmitted by the downlink transmitter 210 via the antenna 240 and received by
the downlink receiver 310 via the antenna 330. Furthermore, the fingerprint signal
can be created by the fingerprint module 202 and modulated with the telepowering
signal for transmission by the downlink transmitter 210 via the antenna 240. The
fingerprint module 202 can create the fingerprint signal to include information, data,
and the like. Moreover, the fingerprint signal can be centered about a particular range
of frequencies as discussed above. The fingerprint signal transmitted by the downlink
transmitter 21 0 via the antenna 240 is reflected from the wayside equipment module
120. The transmission module 110 further includes the fingerprint receiver module
130 which can include the fingerprint receiver 230 that receives fingerprint signal via
the antenna 260. The fingerprint receiver 230 and/or the antenna 260 can be
configured to receive a range of frequencies associated with the transmitted
fingerprint signal.
? The system 400 further includes a computation module 410 that can
evaluate the signals (from the uplink communication, from reflection, etc.). In
particular, the computation module 410 can include Digital Signal Processing
Analysis (DSPA) in order to evaluate the uplink signal and/or the fingerprint signal.
The computation module 410 can further control a vehicle based upon the
communications. The computation module 410 can be a separate module (as
illustrated), incorporated into the transmission module 110, and/or a suitable
combination thereof.
FIG. 5 is an illustration of an embodiment of the computation module 41 0.
The computation module 410 includes a Digital Signal Processing Analysis (DSPA)
component 510 that employs DSPA for the uplink signal received via the uplink
communication and/or the fingerprint signal received via reflection. The DSPA
component 410 is described in further detail in FIG. 6. A location component 530
utilizes at least one of the uplink signal and/or the fingerprint signal to identify a
geographic location. In particular, the uplink signal can be utilized to provide a
geographic location or utilized to calculate a geographic location. The location
component 530 can further utilize the fingerprint signal to adjust the calculated
geographic location. For instance, the receipt of the fingerprint signal can correspond
to a location of a downlink transmitter or in general, a wayside equipment module
based upon the reflected signal which can provide a more accurate geographic
location.
The computation module 41 0 can further include a control component 520
that provide a control to at least one of a driver of the vehicle (e.g., notification,
message, etc.) or the vehicle (e.g., automated control of the vehicle). In general, the
control component 520 outputs data to a vehicle based upon the location component
530 and/or the DSPA component 510. By way of example and not limitation, the
output can be a notification (e.g., telegram) for a driver. In still another example, the
control component 520 can notify a driver with a notification indicating at least one of
a geographic location, an indication of an upcoming change in direction for a route, an
upcoming change in elevation for a route, an adjustment to a route a vehicle travels,
an adjustment to a trajectory (e.g., speed, brake, acceleration, etc.) of a vehicle, an
emergency message (e.g., an upcoming issue/problem on a route, a wreck, etc.). In
another instance, the output can be a control for a vehicle such as, but not limited to, a
speed adjustment, a speed, a brake, an acceleration, etc.
By way of example and not limitation, the communication between the
transmission module and the wayside equipment module can be related to identifying
a geographic location for a vehicle, wherein the vehicle includes the transmission
module on-board and the wayside equipment module is a balise. The fingerprint
signal can be identified and unpacked by the computation module 410 by DSPA,
wherein the unpacking of data within the fingerprint signal can provide, for example,
a more accurate identification of the geographic location for the balise and, in turn,
the vehicle. For example, the uplink signal can include geographic location
information, yet such information can be inaccurate due to technological deficiencies
of inductive transponders (discussed above). The computation module 410 can
identify receipt of the fingerprint signal which corresponds to a location for a balise.
In another example, the fingerprint signal can include data that identifies a geographic
location for such balise. Thus, the fingerprint signal can be utilized to adjust the
geographic location providedfdetermined by the uplink signal. In other words, receipt
of the fingerprint signal (reflected and received) can indicate proximity to a balise and
thus a location for such balise. The fingerprint signal communication provides
geographic location with cross-talk rejection as well as minimal interference with
signals in the environment.
FIG. 6 is an illustration of an embodiment of the Digital Signal Processing
Analysis (DSPA) module 510. The DSPA module 510 can include the antenna 260
(see FIG. 2). The antenna 260 can receive the reflected fingerprint signal via
reflection from the downlink communication. The fingerprint signal can be passed
through a low noise amplifier 610 and subsequently a filter 620. The filtered
fingerprint signal can be passed to an Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) 630. Once
the fingerprint signal is converted, a digital signal analysis (DSA) 640 is performed to
detect the wayside equipment module.
The DSPA component 510 is an exemplary digital signal processing that
can be utilized with the fingerprint signal and it is to be appreciated and understood
that a suitable digital signal processing can be utilized in order to identify receipt of
the fingerprint signal, unpack data within the fingerprint signal, and/or a suitable
combination thereof.
The aforementioned systems, modules (e.g., transmission module, wayside
equipment module, systems 100, 200, etc.), and the like have been described with
respect to interaction between several modules, components, and/or elements. It
should be appreciated that such modules and elements can include those elements or
sub-elements specified therein, some of the specified elements or sub-elements,
and/or additional elements. Further yet, one or more elements and/or sub-elements
may be combined into a single component or single module to provide aggregate
functionality. The elements may also interact with one or more other elements not
specifically described herein for the sake of brevity, but known by those of skill in the
art.
In view of the exemplary devices and elements described supra,
methodologies that may be implemented in accordance with the disclosed subject
matter will be better appreciated with reference to the flow charts of FIGS. 8-9.
While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the methodologies are shown and
described as a series of blocks, it is to be understood and appreciated that the claimed
subject matter is not limited by the order of the blocks, as some blocks may occur in
different orders and/or concurrently with other blocks from what is depicted and
described herein. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks may be required to implement
the methods described hereinafter.
FIG. 8 illustrates a flow chart of a method 800 for modulating a
telepowering signal in a downlink communication. At reference numeral 8 10, a
downlink communication between a downlink transmitter and a downlink receiver
can be established. At reference numeral 820, a telepowering signal can be
transmitted in the downlink communication. At reference numeral 830, a fingerprint
signal can be modulated and transmitted with the telepowering signal in the downlink
communication.
By way of example and not limitation, the uplink communication and the
downlink communication can be associated with a transmission module and a
wayside equipment module. In another example, the uplink communication and the
downlink communication can be between a vehicle balise transmission module and a
balise. Yet, the uplink communication and the downlink communication can be
between a suitable on-board vehicle and wayside equipment. Moreover, the
fingerprint signal reduces an amount of interference with an existing radio signal.
Additionally, cross-talk rejection can be employed between the fingerprint signal and
any disparate wireless communication based upon the use of the fingerprint signal.
FIG. 9 illustrates a flow chart of a method 900 for adjusting a geographic
location based upon a communicated fingerprint signal. At reference numeral 910, a
downlink communication can be established between a downlink transmitter and a
downlink receiver. At reference numeral 920, a telepowering signal can be
transmitted in the downlink communication.
At reference numeral 930, a fingerprint signal modulated with the
telepowering signal can be transmitted in the downlink communication. At reference
numeral 940, a reflected fingerprint signal can be received at a fingerprint receiver.
For instance, the reflected fingerprint signal can correspond to the transmitted
fingerprint signal and is reflected from the wayside equipment module.
At reference numeral 950, a digital signaling processing technique can be
utilized to identify the fingerprint signal.
At reference numeral 960, a geographic location calculation can be
adjusted based upon the receipt of the fingerprint signal. For example, a geographic
location can be communicated or identified based upon an uplink signal from an
uplink communication. Moreover, this geographic location can be adjusted based
upon the fingerprint signal, and in particular, the time and location of a receipt of the
fingerprint signal.
For instance, the geographic data can be a suitable data that can be utilized
to identify a geographic position. In another embodiment, the method 900 can
include communicating data through the fingerprint signal related to an indication of
an upcoming change in direction for a route. For example, the data can include an
upcoming change in direction such as a left turn, a right turn, a series of turns, a
combination of a left turn and a right turn, etc.). The method 900 can further include
communicating data through the fingerprint signal related to an indication of an
upcoming change in elevation for a route. For example, the change in elevation can
be uphill, downhill, a banked turn, etc. The method 900 can further include triggering
an adjustment to a route a vehicle travels based upon the fingerprint signal. For
instance, a transfer from one route to another route can be employed for a vehicle. By
way of example and not limitation, the route change can be for a vehicle to switch
from one railway line to another railway line via a switch.
The method 900 can further include employing cross-talk rejection
between the downlink communication and a signal from a disparate communication,
the downlink communication includes at least the telepowering signal and the
fingerprint signal. Moreover, the method 900 can include modulating the fingerprint
signal with the telepowering signal with a suitable modulation technique (e.g.,
amplitude modulation, etc.). The method 900 further includes selecting a frequency
for the modulation within a telepowering antenna bandwidth and/or reflecting the
fingerprint signal to the downlink transmitter based upon the selected frequency.
The method 900 can further include packaging data within the fingerprint
signal, wherein the data can be a suitable data associated with an Automatic Train
Protection (ATP) system, European Train Control System (ETCS), European Rail
Traffic Management System (ERTMS), among others. The method can further
unpack the packaged data and utilized such data accordingly. Moreover, the method
900 includes identifying a geographic location for the downlink receiver based upon
receipt of the fingerprint signal.
In an embodiment, a method can be provided that includes at least the
steps of establishing a downlink communication between a downlink transmitter and a
downlink receiver; transmitting a telepowering signal in the downlink
communication; and transmitting a fingerprint signal modulated with the
telepowering signal in the downlink communication. In the embodiment, the
fingerprint signal includes data for identifying a geographic location. In the
embodiment, the downlink communication is from a balise to a vehicle balise
transmission module. In the embodiment, the fingerprint signal reduces an amount of
interference with an existing radio signal associated with at least one of the balise or
the vehicle balise transmission module relative to the existing radio signal when the
fingerprint signal is not transmitted.
In an embodiment, the method can further include employing cross-talk
rejection between the downlink communication and a signal from a disparate
communication. In an embodiment, the method can further include receiving the
fingerprint signal. In an embodiment, the method can further include receiving the
fingerprint signal and the telepowering signal. In an embodiment, the method can
further include modulating the fingerprint signal with the telepowering signal to
combine the fingerprint signal with the telepowering signal used for transmission.
In an embodiment, the method can further include selecting a frequency
for the modulation within a telepowering antenna bandwidth. In an embodiment, the
method can further include reflecting the fingerprint signal to the downlink
transmitter based upon the selected frequency. In an embodiment, the method can
further include calculating a geographic location for a vehicle based upon a signal
received via an uplink communication and adjusting the calculated geographic
location based upon the fingerprint signal. In an embodiment, the method can further
include communicating geographic data within a signal received via an uplink
communication and utilizing the fingerprint signal to adjust a geographic location
identified via the communicated geographic data.
In an embodiment, the method can further include identifying a geographic
location for the downlink receiver based upon receipt of the fingerprint signal. In an
embodiment, the method can further include packaging data in the fingerprint signal.
In an embodiment, the method can further include utilizing a digital signal analysis
technique to unpack the data in the fingerprint signal. In an embodiment, the method
can further include adjusting a trajectory of a vehicle based upon the fingerprint signal
and a signal received via an uplink communication.
In an embodiment, a system can be provided that includes a balise
transmission module that includes a downlink wireless transmitter and an uplink
wireless receiver and a balise that includes an uplink wireless transmitter and a
downlink wireless receiver. The balise and the balise transmission module are
configured to establish a downlink channel to communicate a first signal and an
uplink channel to communicate a second signal. The balise transmission module is
configured to communicate a third signal modulated with the first signal to the balise
with the downlink channel and the balise transmission module includes a fingerprint
receiver that detects a fingerprint signal.
In an embodiment, the system can include a first component configured to
calculate a geographic location for a vehicle based upon the second signal and a
second component configured to modify the calculated geographic location based
upon the third signal. In an embodiment, the system can include a third component
configured to adjust a trajectory of a vehicle based upon the third signal and the
second signal received at the balise transmission module.
In an embodiment, a system is provided that can include a transmission
module that includes at least one first transmitter and at least one first receiver. The
transmission module is configured for communication with a wayside equipment
module that includes at least one second transmitter and at least one second receiver.
The communication includes an uplink that includes a first wireless transmission
from the wayside equipment module to the transmission module and a downlink that
includes a second wireless transmission from the transmission module to the wayside
equipment module. The downlink includes a fingerprint signal that is communicated
with a telepowering signal from the transmission module to the wayside equipment
module and reflected from the wayside equipment module to the transmission
module.
In an embodiment, a system is provided that includes a wayside equipment
module that includes at least one second transmitter and at least one second receiver.
The wayside equipment module is configured for communication with a transmission
module that includes at least one first transmitter and at least one first receiver. The
communication can include an uplink that includes a first wireless transmission
from the wayside equipment module to the transmission module and a downlink that
includes a second wireless transmission from the transmission module to the wayside
equipment module. The downlink includes a fingerprint signal that is communicated
with a telepowering signal from the transmission module to the wayside equipment
module and reflected from the wayside equipment module to the transmission
module.
In the specification and claims, reference will be made to a number of
terms that have the following meanings. The singular forms "a", "an" and "the"
include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Approximating
language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to
modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting
in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified
by a term such as "about" is not to be limited to the precise value specified. In some
instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an
instrument for measuring the value. Moreover, unless specifically stated otherwise,
any use of the terms "first," "second," etc., do not denote any order or importance, but
rather the terms "first," "second," etc., are used to distinguish one element from
another.
As used herein, the terms "may" and "may be" indicate a possibility of an
occurrence within a set of circumstances; a possession of a specified property,
characteristic or function; and/or qualify another verb by expressing one or more of an
ability, capability, or possibility associated with the qualified verb. Accordingly,
usage of "may" and "may be" indicates that a modified term is apparently appropriate,
capable, or suitable for an indicated capacity, function, or usage, while taking into
account that in some circumstances the modified term may sometimes not be
appropriate, capable, or suitable. For example, in some circumstances an event or
capacity can be expected, while in other circumstances the event or capacity cannot
occur - this distinction is captured by the terms "may" and "may be."
This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including
the best mode, and also to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the
invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any
incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims,
and may include other examples that occur to one of ordinary skill in the art. Such
other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have
structural elements that do not differentiate from the literal language of the claims, or
if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the
literal language of the claims.
PARTS LIST
system
transmission module
wayside equipment module
fingerprint receiver module
downlink transmitter
uplink receiver
fingerprint receiver
antenna
antenna
antenna
downlink receiver
uplink transmitter
antenna
antenna
trigger
power supply
system
computation module
DSPA component
control component
location component
LN A
filter
ADC
DSA
graph
method
method step
method step
method step
900 method
9 10 method step
920 method step
930 method step
940 method step
950 method step
960 method step

We Claims:
1. A method, comprising:
establishing a downlink communication between a downlink transmitter and a
downlink receiver;
transmitting a telepowering signal in the downlink communication; and
transmitting a fingerprint signal modulated with the telepowering signal in the
downlink communication.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the fingerprint signal includes data for
identifying a geographic location.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the downlink communication is from a
balise to a vehicle balise transmission module.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the fingerprint signal reduces an amount of
interference with an existing radio signal associated with at least one of the balise or
the vehicle balise transmission module relative to the existing radio signal when the
fingerprint signal is not transmitted.
5. The method of claim 1, further comprising employing cross-talk rejection
between the downlink communication and a signal from a disparate
communication.
6. The method of claim 1, further comprising modulating the fingerprint
signal with the telepowering signal to combine the fingerprint signal with the
telepowering signal used for transmission.
7. The method of claim 6, further comprising:
selecting a frequency for the modulation within a telepowering antenna
bandwidth; and reflecting the fingerprint signal to the downlink transmitter
based upon the selected
frequency.
8. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
calculating a geographic location for a vehicle based upon a signal received
via an uplink communication; and
adjusting the calculated geographic location based upon the fingerprint signal.
9. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
communicating geographic data within a signal received via an uplink
communication;
and
utilizing the fingerprint signal to adjust a geographic location identified via the
communicated geographic data.
10. The method of claim 1, further comprising identifying a geographic
location for the downlink receiver based upon receipt of the fingerprint signal.
1 1 . The method of claim 1, further comprising:
packaging data in the fingerprint signal; and
utilizing a digital signal analysis technique to unpack the data in the
fingerprint signal.
12. The method of claim 1, further comprising adjusting a trajectory of a vehicle
based upon the fingerprint signal and a signal received via an uplink
communication.
1 3. A system, comprising:
a balise transmission module that includes a downlink wireless transmitter
and an uplink wireless receiver; and
a balise that includes an uplink wireless transmitter and a downlink wireless
receiver;
wherein the balise and the balise transmission module are configured to
establish a downlink channel to communicate a first signal and an uplink channel to
communicate a second signal;
wherein the balise transmission module is configured to communicate a
third signal modulated with the first signal to the balise with the downlink
channel; and
the balise transmission module includes a fingerprint receiver that detects a
fingerprint
signal.
14. The system of claim 13, further comprising:
a first component configured to calculate a geographic location for a vehicle
based upon the second signal; and
a second component configured to modify the calculated geographic location
based upon the third signal.
15. The system of claim 13, further comprising a third component configured
to adjust a trajectory of a vehicle based upon the third signal and the second
signal received at the balise transmission module.