Mower RTK Base Station Switching Under Blocked Satellite Visibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mowers equipped with RTK carrier phase difference technology face challenges in achieving reliable and accurate positioning due to blocking of satellite signals by buildings and limited satellite observable orientations, leading to insufficient common-view satellites for reliable RTK positioning.

Innovation Solution

A method for switching a base station of a mower, which involves obtaining the number of common-view satellites between the mower and multiple base stations, determining trajectories based on these satellites, calculating a coordinate transformation matrix, and switching the base station to ensure reliable RTK positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the base station is placed in a limited location (e.g., corner or ground level), then the device complexity and installation difficulty are reduced, but the number of observable satellites decreases and positioning reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidpositioning reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the positioning function into multiple base stations instead of relying on a single base station. Each base station serves a specific coverage area, and the mower can switch between base stations based on which one provides better satellite visibility. This segmentation allows each base station to be placed in locations that are easier to install while collectively maintaining high positioning reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between different base stations based on real-time satellite visibility conditions. The mower continuously monitors the number of common-view satellites with each base station and switches to the base station that provides the best positioning conditions. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to maintain high reliability without requiring fixed, difficult-to-install base station locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If the base station is placed in a high location with better satellite visibility, then the number of observable satellites increases and positioning accuracy improves, but the installation difficulty and device complexity increase

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

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of requiring a single high-location base station with complex installation, the system segments the positioning function across multiple base stations that can be placed in simpler locations. Each base station contributes to the overall positioning accuracy, and the system achieves high measurement precision through the collective capability of multiple stations rather than relying on a single complex station.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple base stations with simpler installation configurations work together to provide the positioning function that would otherwise require a single complex high-location base station. The system achieves universal positioning coverage by having multiple base stations that can each be installed in various locations, collectively providing accurate positioning without requiring any single station to be in a difficult-to-access high location.

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

3Device complexity

If the mower uses a single base station for positioning, then the system complexity is reduced, but the positioning reliability deteriorates when satellite signals are blocked by buildings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidpositioning reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning function is segmented across multiple base stations, each handling specific coverage areas. When the mower encounters building blockages that affect visibility to one base station, it can switch to another base station that provides unobstructed satellite signals. This segmentation maintains positioning reliability without requiring an overly complex single-station system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces a base station switching mechanism as an intermediary between the mower and the positioning satellites. This mediator monitors satellite visibility conditions and dynamically selects the most appropriate base station, ensuring continuous reliable positioning even when buildings block signals to any single base station. The intermediary resolves the contradiction by managing the complexity of multiple base stations while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If the mower switches between multiple base stations dynamically, then the positioning reliability improves in blocked environments, but the system complexity and computational requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning reliabilityVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback from satellite visibility monitoring to dynamically control base station selection. The mower continuously monitors the number of common-view satellites with each base station and switches based on predefined thresholds. This feedback mechanism automates the complexity of managing multiple base stations, making the control system manageable while maintaining high positioning reliability in blocked environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameter of base station selection based on satellite visibility conditions. By monitoring parameters such as the number of observable satellites and switching when thresholds are exceeded, the system dynamically adapts to environmental conditions. This parameter-based control resolves the contradiction by providing automated, reliable base station switching without requiring complex manual control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4302587B1Method for switching base station of mower, mower and multi-base station working system
Publication Date: 2025.06.04 WILLAND (BEIJING) TECH CO LTD
  • EP4302587B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4302587B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5A
  • EP4302587B1 patent drawingFigure 5B~5C

AI summary

A method for switching a base station, a mower and a multi-base station working system are provided. The method includes: obtaining, when the number of first common-view satellites between the mower and a first base station is less than a first threshold, the number of second common-view satellites between the mower and a second base station; when the number of the first common-view satellites is less than a second threshold and the number of the second common-view satellites is greater than the second threshold, obtaining the first trajectory of the mower based on the first base station and the second trajectory of the mower based on the second base station; determining, based on the first and second trajectories, a coordinate transformation matrix; and switching from the first base station to the second base station based on the coordinate transformation matrix, the second threshold being less than the first threshold.