Rover Relay System for GPS Correction Data in Non-Cellular Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Land surveying rovers in areas without cellular coverage face challenges in communicating with networked corrections control centers, as traditional radio broadcasting methods have limited range and cellular communication is not available in many infrastructure development areas.
Innovation Solution
A system that combines cellular and non-cellular communication devices, using a router to establish communication between rovers and control centers, allowing rovers without cellular connectivity to use non-cellular communication to relay data through cellular-enabled rovers, enabling the delivery of GPS correction data over long distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cellular communication is used to deliver GPS correction data to rovers, then communication reliability is improved, but device cost increases due to requiring cellular devices on all rovers
Solution Approach 1:
A base rover acts as an intermediary device between the control center and rovers without cellular coverage. The base rover receives correction data via cellular connection and relays it to other rovers through non-cellular communication methods, eliminating the need for expensive cellular devices on all rovers while maintaining communication reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the rover fleet into two categories: base rovers with cellular capability that maintain continuous connection to the control center, and mobile rovers without cellular devices that obtain correction data through non-cellular communication from base rovers. This segmentation reduces overall device costs while ensuring communication reliability for the entire fleet
2Device complexity
If traditional radio broadcasting methods are used to deliver correction data, then device cost is reduced, but communication range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The base rover serves as a mobile intermediary that extends the effective range of non-cellular communication. By positioning the base rover within cellular coverage area and using it as a relay point, correction data can be delivered to mobile rovers over distances beyond the normal range of radio broadcasting methods
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a spatial dimension to the communication architecture by deploying base rovers at strategic locations within cellular coverage zones. This creates a multi-hop communication path that extends the effective delivery range of correction data beyond what direct radio broadcasting from the control center could achieve
3Adaptability or versatility
If all rovers are equipped with cellular devices to ensure communication capability, then communication availability is improved, but operational cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base rover performs multiple functions: it maintains cellular connection to the control center, receives correction data, and provides non-cellular communication relay to mobile rovers. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for duplicate cellular devices on mobile rovers, reducing operational costs while maintaining communication availability across the entire rover fleet
Solution Approach 2:
Mobile rovers obtain correction data through non-cellular communication from base rovers without requiring their own cellular subscriptions or direct connection to the control center. The base rover network provides self-service communication relay, reducing the operational burden and cost on individual mobile rovers
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention pertain to methods and systems for communicating information to a roving positioning device. In one embodiment, a cellular communication device, a non-cellular wireless communication device, and a computer networking device for forwarding data packets are coupled with a bus. A request originating from a roving positioning device for a location-specific position correction is received via the non-cellular wireless communication device. A controller coupled with the bus causes the request to be forwarded via the cellular communication device.