RTK Base Station Placement Using GNSS Signal Strength Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Robotic garden tools face challenges in accurately determining their location within an operating area due to inadequate signal strength from global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), which affects their navigation and operation.
Innovation Solution
A base station device equipped with a GNSS receiver and an electronic processor that determines signal strength at various locations and provides location calibration information to the robotic garden tool, ensuring adequate signal reception for precise location determination using RTK GNSS principles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a base station device is placed at a location with poor GNSS signal coverage, then the robotic garden tool cannot accurately determine its location, but moving the base station device to improve signal strength may increase installation complexity or reduce coverage area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a portable signal strength measurement device as an intermediary tool. This device measures GNSS signal strength at various potential base station locations and transmits the data to a user device, enabling informed decision-making about optimal placement without requiring complex technical expertise or trial-and-error installation
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing users to independently measure and evaluate GNSS signal strength at different locations using the portable measurement device. Users can autonomously identify optimal base station locations without requiring professional assistance or complex installation procedures
2Reliability
If the base station device is positioned to maximize signal strength for location calibration, then the robotic garden tool achieves better navigation accuracy, but the base station device may be placed in a location that reduces its accessibility or increases installation difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by measuring and evaluating GNSS signal strength at potential base station locations before final installation. The portable measurement device allows users to identify optimal locations in advance, ensuring reliable navigation performance while simplifying the subsequent installation process by selecting positions that are both signal-optimal and accessible
3Measurement precision
If the robotic garden tool relies solely on standard GNSS signals for location determination, then the system remains simple, but location accuracy is insufficient for precise navigation and operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a base station device as an intermediary component that provides differential GNSS correction signals. This additional device enables the robotic garden tool to achieve high-precision RTK localization by correcting standard GNSS errors, transforming the system from simple but inaccurate to slightly more complex but highly accurate
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the robotic garden tool to accurately determine its location and navigate within the operating area by identifying optimal placement of the base station device for enhanced signal strength, improving operational efficiency and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a network interface including a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver. The electronic processor may be configured to receive, via the GNSS receiver, a first location signal from each of a first plurality of satellites
Implementation Method 2
The electronic processor may be configured to determine a first signal strength of the base station device at the first location... determine the first signal strength based on a first amount of satellites of the first plurality of satellites from which respective first location signals were received
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A base station device includes a network interface including a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver and an electronic processor. The electronic processor may be coupled to the network interface. The electronic processor may be configured to receive, via the GNSS receiver, a first location signal from each of a first plurality of satellites while the base station device is located at a first location. The electronic processor may also be configured to determine a first signal strength of the base station device at the first location. The first location may be a first potential location of the base station device from which the base station device is configured to provide location calibration information based on communication with the first plurality of satellites to a robotic garden tool. An indication of the first signal strength may be output via an output device for consumption by a user.