Mobile GNSS Reference Setup for Precise Working Area Boundaries

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current satellite geolocation systems in land maintenance, such as gardening and agriculture, face limitations in accuracy and flexibility, particularly with Real Time Kinematics (RTK) configurations, which are rigid and require a fixed GNSS position detector and power supply, leading to inefficiencies and safety risks due to imprecise boundary definition of working areas.

Innovation Solution

A portable antenna module with a GNSS satellite position locator and a flexible installation method using a mobile support, allowing the antenna module to be positioned optimally for satellite signal reception and easily moved or constrained to various locations, while maintaining RTK accuracy and enabling precise definition of working area boundaries.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a fixed GNSS position detector is used to define a reference station for RTK configuration, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device flexibility and ease of operation deteriorate due to rigid installation requirements and fixed power supply needs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoiddevice flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the reference station dynamic by allowing the GNSS antenna to be temporarily installed on mobile devices (smartphones, tablets, laptops) rather than fixed structures. The antenna can be moved to different locations and devices as needed, transforming a traditionally static reference station into a dynamic, adaptable system that maintains RTK positioning accuracy while gaining operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables universal use of common mobile devices as reference stations by equipping them with GNSS antennas. Instead of requiring specialized fixed infrastructure, any mobile device can serve as a reference station, allowing the same hardware to perform multiple functions (positioning, navigation, mapping) across different applications and locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a fixed structure is used to mount the GNSS position detector, then signal reception quality is improved, but installation complexity and cost increase due to infrastructure requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal reception qualityVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the GNSS antenna from traditional fixed mounting structures (roofs, poles) and relocates it to mobile devices. This separation allows the antenna to be used independently on any device with sufficient processing capability, eliminating the need for complex fixed infrastructure while maintaining signal reception quality through proper antenna placement and selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If satellite geolocation systems are used for boundary definition, then working area detection is enabled, but boundary definition precision deteriorates due to limited GNSS accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveboundary detection capabilityVSAvoidboundary definition precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a mobile reference station as an intermediary between satellites and the mobile device performing boundary detection. By establishing a local RTK reference frame through the mobile reference station, the system achieves centimeter-level boundary definition precision that exceeds standard GNSS capabilities, while maintaining the ease of operation of software-based boundary detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4224272B1Installation method intended to define a working area
Publication Date: 2024.12.04 STIGA S P A IN BREVE ANCHE ST SPA
  • EP4224272B1 patent drawingFigure 1~6A
  • EP4224272B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4224272B1 patent drawingFigure 4~18A

AI summary

The invention relates to an installation method (500) intended for the definition of a working area (1) within which a mobile device (2) is configured to execute maintenance operations. The installation method (500) comprises the step of arranging (502) an antenna module (10) comprising a satellite position locator (12) housed in a containment volume and configured to emit a position signal representative of the position of the antenna module (10). The installation method (500) comprises the step of arranging at least one mobile device (2) adapted to execute ground maintenance operations, comprising a satellite position locator (3) configured to emit a position signal representative of the position of the mobile device (2). The installation method (500) comprises the further steps of arranging a mobile support (40), of constraining the antenna module (10) to the mobile support (40) and of moving (504) the mobile support (40) along the boundary lines delimiting the working area (1), while the mobile device (2) is maintained in a fixed position.