Work Machine GNSS Correction Switching for Position Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing RTK positioning methods such as RRS-GNSS and VRS-GNSS may fail to maintain sufficient positioning accuracy due to the positional relationship between the rover and nearby base stations.

Innovation Solution

An assistance device for a working machine that includes a selector to choose between first and second correction information based on the positional relationship between the working machine and an area defined by a polygon connecting multiple base stations, and monitors communication and positioning status to optimize correction information selection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If VRS-GNSS positioning is used to improve positioning accuracy, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the system becomes more complex requiring multiple base stations and virtual reference point management

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between RRS-GNSS and VRS-GNSS positioning methods based on real-time assessment of positioning conditions. The assessment unit evaluates factors such as base station distribution, satellite visibility, and communication status to determine the optimal positioning method, making the system adaptable to changing environmental conditions rather than fixed in one mode

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters by switching between different positioning methods (RRS-GNSS with real reference points vs. VRS-GNSS with virtual reference points). This parameter change allows the system to optimize positioning accuracy based on the specific spatial relationship between the rover and base stations, selecting the method that provides best results for each scenario

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If RRS-GNSS positioning is used, then system complexity is reduced, but positioning accuracy cannot be maintained in all positional relationships with base stations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between RRS-GNSS and VRS-GNSS positioning methods based on real-time assessment of positioning conditions. The assessment unit evaluates factors such as base station distribution, satellite visibility, and communication status to determine the optimal positioning method, making the system adaptable to changing environmental conditions rather than fixed in one mode

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates a feedback mechanism where the assessment unit continuously monitors positioning conditions and adjusts the selected positioning method accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that the system maintains high positioning accuracy by switching methods when conditions change, while keeping the overall system design relatively simple

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If correction information is transmitted to improve positioning accuracy, then positioning accuracy is improved, but communication requirements and potential signal loss increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidcommunication reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between RRS-GNSS and VRS-GNSS positioning methods based on real-time assessment of positioning conditions. The assessment unit evaluates factors such as base station distribution, satellite visibility, and communication status to determine the optimal positioning method, making the system adaptable to changing environmental conditions rather than fixed in one mode

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system prepares for communication failures by having backup positioning methods ready. When VRS-GNSS is selected and communication with base stations is required, the system can switch to RRS-GNSS if communication deteriorates, providing a cushion against potential signal loss and maintaining positioning capability under varying communication conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP4692854A1Assistance device for work machine, assistance system for work machine, and assistance method for work machine
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 KUBOTA CORP
  • EP4692854A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4692854A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4692854A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The positioning accuracy of a working machine is improved by appropriately selecting a positioning method. An assistance device (50) for a working machine (1) includes a first acquirer (52c1) to acquire, from base stations (30) at respective predetermined reference points (RP), one or more satellite signals from one or more positioning satellites (G) received by the base stations; a generator (52m) to generate one or more pieces of first correction information each based on at least one satellite signal acquired by the first acquirer and based on the corresponding reference point of one of the base stations that has received the at least one satellite signal; and generate one or more pieces of second correction information each based on at least one satellite signal received by three or more of the base stations and based on the corresponding reference points of the three or more of the base stations, the one or more pieces of second correction information each including a virtual reference point (VRP), a selector (52K) to select a piece of first correction information or a piece of second correction information of the one or more pieces of first correction information and the one or more pieces of second correction information to be generated by the generator; and a communicator (51) to transmit, to the working machine, the piece of first correction information or the piece of second correction information selected by the selector; wherein the selector is configured or programmed to select the piece of first correction information or the piece of second correction information based on a positional relationship between the working machine and an area (E) defined by a polygon connecting the corresponding reference points of the three or more of the base stations.