SENSOR CALIBRATION DEVICE WITH CONFIGURABLE ELEMENTS

Abstract

Sensor calibration device (103) comprising: a base frame (201) comprising a primary base member (301) and a secondary base member (303) transversely secured to the primary base member (301) within a predetermined tolerance, the base frame (201) further comprising a first holder (307) and a second holder (309); a stand frame (203) operable to couple to the base frame (201) by engaging the first holder (307), the stand frame (203) comprising a hinge (507), a primary stand member (501), and a secondary stand member (503) transversely secured to the primary stand member (501) within a predetermined tolerance; a measuring frame (205) comprising a primary measuring member (701) and a secondary measuring member (703) secured transversely to the primary stationary member (501) within a predetermined tolerance, the measuring frame (205) being operable to couple to the stationary frame (203) such that the primary measuring member (701) is substantially parallel to the primary stationary member (501) within a predetermined tolerance; a cross member (207) configured for releasable coupling to the measuring frame (205), the cross member (207) being within a predetermined tolerance transverse to the primary measuring member (701) when coupled; a target (215) configured for releasable coupling to the cross member (207), the target (215) having a predetermined configuration suitable for sensor calibration; and a guide rail frame (209) operable to be releasably coupled to the base frame (201) by engaging the second holder (309), the guide rail frame (209) comprising a primary guide rail member (801) and a secondary guide rail member (803) transversely secured to the primary guide rail member (801) within a predetermined tolerance.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the calibration of sensors and, in particular, to sensors of a vehicle used for advanced driver assistance functions. BACKGROUND

[0002] In vehicles with advanced driver assistance systems, the associated sensors require calibration for proper operation. Calibration may be required as part of regular maintenance or on specific occasions, such as the repair or replacement of the windshield or other vehicle glass components. Certain repairs can be performed on-site, such as at the vehicle owner's home or workplace. Current calibration tools are typically bulky and stationary, requiring the vehicle to be taken to an auto service center or similar controlled environment for calibration.

[0003] WO 2019 / 201343 A1 discloses a device for calibrating motor vehicles, comprising a holding device and a position adjustment device attached to the holding device. The position adjustment device comprises a sliding element, a holding element, and an adjustment element. The holding element is movably attached to the sliding element. One of the sliding element and the support element comprises a rack. The adjustment element comprises a gear. The gear (242) engages with the rack.

[0004] Therefore, it is desirable to have a calibration device that is sufficiently mobile so that the calibration process can be performed at a desired location outside of an auto service center. Furthermore, it is desirable for such a calibration device to be assembled and disassembled for storage or transport. SUMMARY

[0005] One aspect of the present invention is directed to a sensor calibration device comprising a base frame, a stand frame, a measuring frame, a cross beam, a target, and a sliding beam. The stand frame may be operable to couple to the base frame and may include a hinge. The measuring frame may be operable to couple to the stand frame. The cross beam may be operable to couple to the measuring frame. The target may be operable to couple to the cross beam. The sensor calibration device may be considered operatively assembled when the stand frame is coupled to the base frame, the measuring frame is coupled to the stand frame, the cross beam is coupled to the measuring frame, and the target is coupled to the cross beam. One or more of these couplings may be releasable.The sliding support may extend between the stand frame and the base frame and provide the sensor calibration device with the ability to adjust the inclination of the target relative to the base frame when the sensor calibration device is operatively mounted.

[0006] Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a sensor calibration device comprising a base frame, a stand frame, a measuring frame, a mounting support, a cross member, and a target. The stand frame may be operable to couple to the base frame and may include a hinge. The measuring frame may be operable to couple to the stand frame. The cross member may be operable to couple to the mounting support. The target may be operable to couple to the cross member. The sensor calibration device may be considered operatively assembled when the stand frame is coupled to the base frame, the measuring frame is coupled to the stand frame, the mounting support is coupled to the measuring frame, and the target is coupled to the cross member. One or more of these couplings may be releasable.

[0007] Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a sensor calibration device comprising a base frame, a stand frame, a measuring frame, a cross member, a target, and a guide rail frame. The stand frame may be operable to couple to the base frame and may include a hinge. The measuring frame may be operable to couple to the stand frame. The cross member may be operable to couple to the measuring frame. The target may be operable to couple to the cross member. The guide rail frame may be operable to couple to the base frame. The sensor calibration device may be considered operatively assembled when the stand frame is coupled to the base frame, the measuring frame is coupled to the stand frame, the cross member is coupled to the measuring frame, the target is coupled to the cross member, and the guide rail frame is coupled to the base frame.One or more of these couplings may be releasable. The guide rail frame may be operable to apply a braking force suitable for restricting movement of the sensor calibration device when operatively mounted.

[0008] The above aspects of the present disclosure, as well as other aspects, are explained in more detail below with reference to the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is an illustration of a vehicle sensor and a sensor calibration device during sensor calibration. Fig. Figure 2A is an illustration of a sensor calibration device. Fig. Figure 2B is an illustration of the sensor calibration device of Fig. 2A with a target element. Fig. 3 is an illustration of a sliding support between a base frame and a stand frame of a sensor calibration device. Fig. Figure 4A is an illustration of a slide support and base frame of a sensor calibration device. Fig. Figure 4B is an exploded view of a slide support of a sensor calibration device. Fig. 5 is an illustration of a stand frame of a sensor calibration device. Fig. Figure 6 is an exploded view of a tilt lock connected to a stand frame of a sensor calibration device. Fig. Figure 7A is an illustration of a measurement frame, mounting supports, and a cross member of a sensor calibration fixture. Fig. Figure 7B is an exploded view of a measuring frame, mounting supports, and a cross member of a sensor calibration fixture. Fig. Figure 8A is an illustration of a guide rail frame of a sensor calibration device. Fig. Figure 8B is an illustration of a guide rail frame of a sensor calibration device with a cutaway showing some elements thereof. Fig. Figure 8C is a detailed view of locking components of a guide rail frame of a sensor calibration device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] The illustrated embodiments are disclosed with reference to the drawings. It should be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments are intended to be merely examples that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. The specific structural and functional details disclosed are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to practice the disclosed concepts.

[0010] Fig. 1 shows a vehicle 100 with a sensor 101 under calibration conditions. Calibration utilizes a sensor calibration device 103 that provides a reflective surface suitable for calibration. During calibration, the sensor 103 generates a signal 105 suitable for reflection from the sensor calibration device 103. In the embodiment shown, the sensor 101 may comprise a radar sensor, but other embodiments may comprise an optical sensor, a camera, an ultraviolet sensor, a lidar sensor, an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or any other sensor known to one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the teachings disclosed herein.In the embodiment shown, the sensor calibration device 103 is used to calibrate the sensor 101 of the vehicle 100, but other embodiments may be used to calibrate sensors not connected to a vehicle.

[0011] Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B shows a view of a sensor calibration device 103 in more detail. Fig. 2A shows the sensor calibration device 103, which includes a base frame 201, a stand frame 203, a measuring frame 205, a cross member 207, a guide rail frame 209, a slide beam 211, and a plurality of mounting supports 213. Fig. Figure 2B shows an additional view of the sensor calibration device 103 with the same components as shown in Fig. 2A, but additionally with a target 215. In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor calibration device 103 can be disassembled and reassembled for convenience in transport and storage, such as when loading a disassembled device into a service vehicle. Disassembly and assembly can be accomplished via releasably coupling the elements of the sensor calibration device 103.

[0012] In the illustrated embodiment, the stand frame 203 may be removably coupled to a base frame 201, the measuring frame 205 may be removably coupled to the stand frame 203, the cross member 207 may be removably coupled to the measuring frame 205, and the target 215 may be removably coupled to the cross member 207. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting supports 213 may be removably coupled to the measuring frame 205, and the guide rail frame 209 may be removably coupled to the base frame 201. In the illustrated embodiment, the slide beam 211 may extend from the base frame to the stand frame 203.

[0013] In the illustrated embodiment, the target 215 may provide a reflective surface suitable for calibrating or testing a sensor. The illustrated embodiment of the target 215 includes concentric conical portions of a monochrome design feature, but other embodiments may include other designs without departing from the teachings disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the target 215 may include one or more supports operable to couple or lock to one or more other elements of the sensor calibration device 103. Such additional supports may be advantageous for embodiments that include large or heavy configurations of the target 215. In some embodiments, the sensor calibration device 103 may include multiple targets 215 without departing from the teachings disclosed herein.In some embodiments, some or all of the designs presented by each of the targets 215 may be different from the other designs without departing from the teachings disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the design of the target 215 may be configurable, which may advantageously provide suitable functionality of the target 215 for use with a variety of sensor types or specifications. In some embodiments, the sensor calibration device 103 may include multiple interchangeable targets 215, each for use with a variety of sensor types or specifications, without departing from the teachings disclosed herein.

[0014] In the illustrated embodiment, when each element is coupled to its associated elements as described above, the sensor calibration device 103 may be considered "functionally assembled." In some embodiments, the sensor calibration device 103 may be considered functionally assembled provided the elements are properly coupled to place the target 215 in a particular position relative to a sensor, without departing from the teachings disclosed herein. Some embodiments may not utilize the guide rail frame 209 without departing from the teachings disclosed herein. Some embodiments may not utilize one or more mounting supports 213 without departing from the teachings disclosed herein. Some embodiments may not utilize a slide support 211 without departing from the teachings disclosed herein.Additional aspects of the elements are discussed in more detail below.

[0015] Fig. 3 provides a detailed view of a base frame 201. The base frame 201 is formed by primary base members 301 and secondary base members 303. The embodiment shown includes a pair of primary base members 301 and a pair of secondary base members 303, but other embodiments may include other configurations with a different number of either primary base members 301 or secondary base members 303 without departing from the teachings disclosed herein. Some embodiments may include only a single one of a primary base member 301 or secondary base member 303 without departing from the teachings disclosed herein. In the embodiment shown, the secondary base members 303 are attached to the primary base members 301 at a transverse angle within a predetermined tolerance, thereby forming a frame formed by right angles within the predetermined tolerance.Other embodiments may include other configurations without departing from the teachings disclosed herein.

[0016] In the illustrated embodiment, the base frame 201 includes a number of wheels 305 coupled to the primary base members 301. The wheels 305 can advantageously improve the mobility of the sensor calibration device and thereby improve the accuracy of placement of the sensor calibration device relative to the sensor undergoing calibration. In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor calibration device includes four wheels 305, but other embodiments may include a different number or configuration without departing from the teachings disclosed herein. Some embodiments may not include wheels without departing from the teachings disclosed herein.

[0017] The primary base members 301 are further provided with a number of first brackets 307 operable to couple the base frame 201 and the stand frame 203. The first brackets 307 are adapted to provide a releasable coupling between the base frame 201 and the stand frame 203, and thus, the first brackets 307 may also be referred to as "stand brackets" 307. Once coupled via the stand brackets 307, the stand frame 203 forms a transverse angle with a predetermined tolerance with both the primary base members 301 and the secondary base members 303. The angle of the stand frames 203 can be adjusted after coupling to the base frame 201 using mechanisms of the slide bracket 211 (described in more detail later).

[0018] The base frame 201 may further include a number of second brackets 309 operable to couple the handlebar frame 209 to the base frame 201. The second brackets 309 are suitable for providing a releasable coupling between the base frame 201 and the handlebar frame 209, and thus, the second brackets 309 may also be referred to as "handle brackets" 309. When coupled via the handlebar brackets 309, the handlebar frame 209 forms a transverse angle of a predetermined tolerance with both the primary base members 301 and the secondary base members 303. In the embodiment shown, the handlebar brackets 309 include socket brackets operable to receive link components of the handlebar bracket 309, but other embodiments may include other configurations without departing from the teachings disclosed herein.In the illustrated embodiment, each of the handlebar holders 309 may include a handlebar frame lock to secure the handlebar holder 209 in the coupled configuration to the base frame 201. In the illustrated embodiment, the handlebar frame locks 311 may include a screw-lock configuration, but other embodiments may include other configurations without departing from the teachings disclosed herein. Some embodiments may include a different number or arrangement of handlebar frame locks 311 without departing from the teachings disclosed herein. Some embodiments may not include a handlebar frame lock without departing from the teachings disclosed herein.

[0019] Disassembly of the sensor calibration device may be assisted by features designed to improve portability and storage of the device. In the illustrated embodiment, the base frame 201 further includes a slide support receptacle 313 operable to provide support for the slide support 211 when the sensor calibration device is disassembled. The slide support receptacle 313 may advantageously improve portability of the sensor calibration device by retaining the slide support 211 in a compact configuration, thereby allowing a user to easily store or transport the base frame 201. In the illustrated embodiment, the slide support receptacle includes a slide support lock 315 operable to retain one end of the slide support 211 in a coupled configuration with the slide support receptacle 313.Some embodiments may include other configurations of the slide support receptacle 313 without departing from the teachings disclosed herein. Some embodiments may not include a slide support receptacle without departing from the teachings disclosed herein.

[0020] Fig. 4A provides another view of the base support 201 and the sliding support 211. In the embodiment shown, the sliding support 211 includes a sleeve member 401 and an inner member 403. The longitudinal length of the sliding support 211 can be adjusted by changing the relative disposition of the inner member 403 with respect to the sleeve member 401. In the embodiment shown, the inner member 403 can slide in and out of the sleeve member 401 along the longitudinal dimension of the sleeve member 401. This sliding adjustment can be used to adjust the longitudinal length of the sliding support 211. Adjusting the longitudinal length of the sliding support 211 can advantageously allow a user to control the inclination of the stand frame 203 with respect to the base frame 201.This may advantageously allow the user to control the inclination of the measuring frame 205 and subsequently the target 215 with respect to the base frame 201, such as during calibration.

[0021] The longitudinal length of the sliding support 211 can be fixed using a sleeve lock 405. The sleeve lock 405 can be actuated to fix the relative position of the inner member 403 with respect to the sleeve member 401 and thus the longitudinal length of the sliding support 211. In the embodiment shown, the sleeve lock 405 comprises a screw-lock configuration, but other embodiments may include other configurations without departing from the teachings disclosed herein.

[0022] The slide support 211 may be configured to be located between the base frame 201 and the stand frame 203 (not shown, see Fig. 3). Since the slide beam 211 is configured to have an adjustable longitudinal length, the angle of the extended slide beam 211 may be adjustable to accommodate length differences. The slide beam 211 includes a hinge at each end, each hinge operable to enhance extension between the base frame 201 and the stand frame 203. In the embodiment shown, the hinges may include a base-side hinge 407 and a stand-side hinge 409. Other embodiments may include other configurations without departing from the teachings disclosed herein.

[0023] In the illustrated embodiment, the base-side hinge is attached to one of the secondary base members 303. The slide bracket 211 may be releasably coupled to the stand frame 203 via a stand-side lock 411. The stand-side lock 411 may be operable to releasably couple the stand-side hinge 409 to the stand frame 203.

[0024] Fig. Figure 4B illustrates an exploded view of the slide support 211, providing additional details of the coupling mechanism between the slide support 211 and the stand frame 203 in close-up. Fig. Figure 4B provides additional details showing how the stand-side latch 411 is coupled to the stand frame 203. The stand-side latch 411 is configured to be locked to a sliding bracket 413 mounted on the stand frame 203 (not shown, see Fig. 3). In some embodiments, the slide bracket 413 may be adjustably attached to the stand frame 203 and operable to be adjustably positioned at various locations along the longitudinal length of the stand frame 203. In the illustrated embodiment, the coupling of the stand-side latch 411 to the slide bracket 413 is achieved using a number of locking pins 415, but other embodiments may include other configurations without departing from the teachings disclosed herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the slide bracket 211 may utilize a locking pin 417 to retain the slide bracket 211 in a particular arrangement relative to the stand frame 203, but other embodiments may include other configurations without departing from the teachings disclosed herein.In the embodiment shown, the locking pin 417 includes a screw locking configuration, but other embodiments may include other configurations without departing from the teachings disclosed herein.

[0025] Fig. 5 shows a view of the stand frame 203 in the context of coupling to the base frame 203 and the sliding support 211. The stand frame 203 is formed by primary stand members 501 and secondary stand members 503. The embodiment shown includes a pair of primary stand members 501 and a pair of secondary stand members 503, but other embodiments may include other configurations with a different number of either primary stand members 501 or secondary stand members 503 without departing from the teachings disclosed herein. Some embodiments may include only a single one of primary stand members 501 or secondary stand members 503 without departing from the teachings disclosed herein. In the embodiment shown, the secondary stand members 503 are attached to the primary stand members 501 at a transverse angle within a predetermined tolerance, thereby forming a frame formed by right angles within the predetermined tolerance.Other embodiments may include other configurations without departing from the teachings disclosed herein.

[0026] The stand frame 203 further comprises a measuring holder 505 which is operable to detachably connect the stand frame 203 to the measuring frame 205 (not shown, see Fig. 2A). In the embodiment shown, the measuring fixture 505 may include a number of mounting slots operable to engage the measuring frame 205, but other embodiments may include other configurations without departing from the teachings disclosed herein. In the embodiment shown, the measuring fixture 505 is attached to one of the primary stand members 501 in a direction transverse to the primary stand member 501 within a predetermined tolerance, but other embodiments may include other configurations or arrangements without departing from the teachings disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the measuring fixture 505 may be replaced with a secondary stand member 503 having certain mounting features without departing from the teachings disclosed herein.

[0027] The stand frame 203 further comprises a number of hinges 507, each of the hinges being operable to engage the stand holders 307 (see Fig. 3, Fig. 4A) to couple the stand frame 203 to the base frame 201. The hinges 507 are further operable to adjust the relative inclination of the stand frame 203 with respect to the base frame 201. When the sensor calibration device is operatively mounted, this inclination adjustment effectively adjusts the inclination of the target 215 (see Fig. 2B). Since stabilization of the tilt angle is desirable for reliable calibration measurement, the tilt of the stand frame 203 may be stabilized by the sliding support 211 and a tilt lock 509. The tilt lock 509 may be operable to provide initial stabilization of the tilt of the stand frame 203, and the sliding support 211 may be used to provide additional stabilization of the tilt. In some embodiments, the hinges 507 may be operable to impart extended tilt movement to the stand frame 203, such as up to 180 degrees of movement relative to the base frame 201, without departing from the teachings disclosed herein. Such ranges of movement may advantageously enhance the usability of the sensor calibration device on uneven or inclined surfaces during calibration.

[0028] Fig. Figure 6 shows a close-up and exploded view of the tilt lock 509 in conjunction with the stand frame 203 (see Fig. 5B). The tilt lock 509 is formed by a locking member 601, a connecting member 603, and a locking bracket 605. The locking bracket 605 may be configured as a carriage within a primary post member 501 that is operable to provide a mounting position for the tilt lock 509. The connecting member 603 may provide a frictional force to hold the tilt lock 509 in position. When the connecting member 603 is disengaged, the tilt lock 509 may be operable to be adjustably positioned along an axis 607 of the primary post member 501. Further, the locking member 601 includes locking prongs 609 that are operable to engage the secondary post member 503 and restrict movement of the hinge 507.The locking member 601 can be moved along the axis 607 away from the secondary support member 503 to disengage the locking prongs 609. The locking member 601 and the connecting member 603 can be coupled using a number of connecting pins 611. The locking member 601 and the connecting member 603 can be coupled to the locking bracket 605 using a locking pin 613. The locking pin 613 can be configured to allow manual removal to advantageously allow convenient adjustment of the tilt lock 509 between an engaged and disengaged state.

[0029] Fig. 7A is an illustration of the measuring frame 205 when coupled to the mounting supports 213 and the cross member 207. The measuring frame 205 is formed by primary measuring members 701 and secondary measuring members 703. The illustrated embodiment includes a triplet of primary measuring members 701 and a triplet of secondary measuring members 703, but other embodiments may include other configurations having a different number of either the primary measuring members 701 or the secondary measuring members 703 without departing from the teachings disclosed herein. Some embodiments may include only a single one of the primary measuring member 701 or the secondary measuring member 703 without departing from the teachings disclosed herein.In the illustrated embodiment, the secondary measuring members 703 are attached to the primary measuring members 701 at a transverse angle within a predetermined tolerance, thereby forming a frame defined by right angles within the predetermined tolerance. Other embodiments may include other configurations without departing from the teachings disclosed herein.

[0030] In the illustrated embodiment, the measurement frame 205 further includes an alignment sensor 705 operable to make measurements of the position or relative angle of the sensor calibration device when operatively mounted. In the illustrated embodiment, the alignment sensor 705 may comprise a camera, but other embodiments may comprise an optical sensor, a radar sensor, a lidar sensor, a laser measurement device, an ultrasonic sensor, or any other sensor known to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the teachings disclosed herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the alignment sensor 705 may be operable to be coupled to a computing device to provide a visual indication to a user as to whether the sensor calibration device may be properly positioned.

[0031] By way of example and not limitation, the computing device may be operable to display the data obtained by the alignment sensor 705 as an image overlaid with a silhouette of the vehicle undergoing calibration. The user may determine the position and relative angle of the operatively mounted sensor calibration device with respect to the vehicle (such as the vehicle 100, see Fig. 1) until the image of the vehicle and the silhouette overlap within a predetermined tolerance. Other embodiments may include other examples of how the alignment sensor 705 may be used to perform measurements relevant to the positioning of the sensor calibration device during calibration.

[0032] In the illustrated embodiment, the alignment sensor 705 may be coupled to the computing device via a cable connection, such as a universal serial bus (USB) connection. Advantageously, such cable connections may supply power from the computing device to the alignment sensor 705 during the coupling. The connection between the alignment sensor 705 and the computing device may include a TCP / IP connection, a local area network (LAN) connection, a plain-old-telephone-service (POTS) connection, an Internet Protocol connection, electrical wiring, a conductive conduit, an electrical bus, a fiber optic path, or any other alternative embodiment known to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the teachings disclosed herein.In some embodiments, the orientation sensor 705 may instead be connected to the computing devices using a wireless connection. The orientation sensor 705 may be configured to communicate wirelessly via an RF (radio frequency) specification, cellular channels (analog or digital), cellular data channels, a Bluetooth specification, a Wi-Fi specification, a satellite transceiver specification, infrared transmission, a ZigBee specification, a local area network (LAN), a wireless local area network (WLAN), and / or any other alternative configuration, protocol, or standard known to one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the teachings disclosed herein.

[0033] The cross member 207 includes a number of target holders 707 operable to engage a target 215 (not shown, see Fig. 2B). In the embodiment shown, the target mounts 707 may be operable to engage magnetic pins of a target, but other embodiments may include other mounting configurations without departing from the teachings disclosed herein. In the embodiment shown, the target mounts 707 may be adjustably positioned along the length of the cross member 207, which may advantageously increase the compatibility of the sensor calibration device with a wider range of target configurations. Some embodiments may include a different number of target mounts 707 without departing from the teachings disclosed herein.

[0034] The mounting brackets 213 may be operable to provide additional support for the crossbeam 207 when coupled to the measurement frame 205 and supporting the target 215 (not shown). In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting brackets 213 may include a magnetic surface suitable for magnetic coupling to the crossbeam 207, but other embodiments may include other configurations without departing from the teachings disclosed herein.

[0035] Fig. Figure 7B provides another view of the measuring frame 205, the mounting supports 213, and the cross member 207. Fig. 7B, in particular, provides an exploded view showing particular elements used to couple the components. In particular, the mounting supports 213 may include a number of mounting locks 709 and mounting pins 711. The mounting locks 709 may be operable to engage the coupling between a mounting support 213 and the measurement frame 205. The coupling of a mounting support 709 may be adjustable with respect to the primary measurement member 701, advantageously enabling a wider range of arrangements suitable for a functionally mounted sensor calibration device. The illustrated embodiment utilizes two mounting supports 213, but other embodiments may utilize other configurations without departing from the teachings disclosed herein.In the illustrated embodiments, the relative arrangement of mounting supports 213 with respect to the measurement frame 205 may be symmetrical, or may be asymmetrical or otherwise irregular without departing from the teachings disclosed herein. This configurable arrangement of mounting supports 213 may advantageously allow a wider range of configurations of the functionally mounted sensor calibration device to conform to a predetermined configuration according to a variety of sensors.

[0036] The mounting pins 711 may be operable to provide support for the coupling of the mounting supports 213 and the measurement frame 205. The mounting pins 711 may provide additional force to stabilize the coupling of a mounting support 213 to the measurement frame 205, which may advantageously enable the sensor calibration device to accommodate larger and heavier targets in a functionally mounted arrangement. In the embodiment shown, the mounting pins 711 include a plurality of pins with a screw configuration, but other embodiments may include other configurations without departing from the teachings disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a different number of mounting pins 711 may be present without departing from the teachings disclosed herein.In some embodiments, various of the mounting pins 711 may have different configurations without departing from the teachings disclosed herein. Some embodiments may not include mounting pins 711 without departing from the teachings disclosed herein.

[0037] The mounting supports 213 may further comprise a number of support pins 713. Each of the support pins 713 may be operable to provide additional mounting support for a target, such as the target 215 (not shown; see Fig. 2). This additional support can advantageously enable the sensor calibration device to accommodate larger and heavier targets in a functionally mounted arrangement. In particular, the additional support provided by a support pin 713 reduces the overall weight assumed by the target mounts 707 and by the cross member 207. Embodiments of the mounting supports 213 with mounting pins 711 and support pins 713 may alternatively be referred to as "stag antlers."

[0038] As in Fig. 7B, the crossbeam mounts 715 are operable to couple the crossbeam 207 to the measuring frame 205. In the embodiment shown, the crossbeam mounts 715 may be operable to couple the crossbeam 207 directly to the measuring frame 205 or to one or more surfaces of the mounting supports 213 when the mounting supports 213 are coupled to the measuring frame 205. In the embodiment shown, the crossbeam mounts 715 may be operable to enable adjustable coupling of the crossbeam 207. In the embodiment shown, the crossbeam mounts 715 may include a magnetic coupling mechanism, but other embodiments may include other configurations without departing from the teachings disclosed herein.

[0039] Fig. 8A is a more detailed illustration of the guide rail frame 209. The guide rail frame 209 is formed by primary guide rail members 801 and secondary guide rail members 803. The illustrated embodiment includes a pair of primary guide rail members 801 and a pair of secondary guide rail members 803, but other embodiments may include other configurations including a different number of either primary guide rail members 801 or secondary guide rail members 803 without departing from the teachings disclosed herein. Some embodiments may include only a single one of the primary guide rail member 801 or the secondary guide rail member 803 without departing from the teachings disclosed herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the secondary guide rail members 803 are attached to the primary guide rail members 801 at a transverse angle within a predetermined tolerance.Other embodiments may include other configurations without departing from the teachings disclosed herein.

[0040] In the embodiment shown, the primary guide bar members 801 are configured to engage the guide bar holder 309 of the sensor calibration device when operatively mounted (see Fig. 3). In the embodiment shown, the primary guide rail members 801 are compatible with the guide rail frame locks 311 (see Fig. 3). Other embodiments may include other configurations without departing from the teachings disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the operatively mounted sensor calibration device may not include one or more of the handlebar holders 309 or handlebar frame locks 311 without departing from the teachings disclosed herein.

[0041] In the illustrated embodiment, the secondary guide post members 803 may comprise two different configurations, with the secondary guide post member 803a having a cylindrical shape and the secondary guide post member 803b having a rectangular cross-section. Other embodiments may include other configurations having additional or different cross-sections without departing from the teachings disclosed herein. The cylindrical shape of the secondary guide post member 803a may advantageously provide an ergonomic gripping surface for a user to position the sensor calibration device when operatively mounted. In some embodiments, some or all of the secondary guide post members 803 may comprise different shapes without departing from the teachings disclosed herein.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, the secondary guide post member 803a is coupled to a tablet mount 805 to effectively couple a tablet computing device (not shown) to the guide post frame 209. This coupling may advantageously provide a user with ergonomic access to the functions of a tablet computing device during use of the sensor calibration device, while allowing the user to keep their hands free for other tasks. The tablet computing device may be operable to perform functions related to the setup and use of the sensor calibration device when operatively mounted. By way of example, and not limitation, the tablet computing device may be configured for digital communication with other elements of the sensor calibration device, such as the alignment sensor 705 (see Fig. 7). Although the illustrated embodiment includes a tablet mount 805 specifically configured to interact with a tablet computing device, other embodiments may include other mounts suitable for other processing devices without departing from the teachings disclosed herein. In such embodiments, the associated computing device may include a mobile processing device, a smartphone, a laptop computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA) device, a portable processing device, a special-purpose processing device, a portable terminal that communicates with a system of processors distributed over a network, or any other alternative embodiment known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Some embodiments may not include a tablet mount 805 without departing from the teachings disclosed herein.

[0043] The guide rail frame 209 further includes a number of foot locks 807 operable to restrict movement of the sensor calibration device when operatively mounted. In the illustrated embodiment, the guide rail frame 209 includes a pair of foot locks 807, but other embodiments may include a different number without departing from the teachings disclosed herein. Some embodiments of the sensor calibration device may not include foot locks without departing from the teachings disclosed herein.

[0044] The foot locks 807 may be operable to apply a frictional force to a support surface of the sensor calibration device (e.g., the ground or a floor). When the sensor calibration device is operatively mounted, the frictional force applied by the foot locks 807 may be sufficient to prevent normal free movement of the sensor calibration device, such as the rolling of the wheels 305 (see Fig. 3), to restrict.

[0045] In the illustrated embodiment, the foot locks 807 can be selectively engaged with the support surface, thereby allowing the user to selectively restrict movement of the sensor calibration device when operatively mounted. The selective restriction of movement can be controlled by a user via a number of locking handles 809. Each of the locking handles 809 can include a number of positions corresponding to a degree of movement restriction behavior of an associated foot lock 807. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking handles 809 can be independently controlled to selectively adjust an associated foot lock 807, but other embodiments can include a configuration with combined locking handle behaviors.In the embodiment shown, the guide bar frame 209 includes a pair of locking handles 809, but other embodiments may include a different number of locking handles without departing from the teachings disclosed herein.

[0046] Fig. 8B shows a guide rail frame 209 with a cutaway view of the interior of the primary guide rail members 801, showing additional details of the functional components of the foot locks 807. The foot lock 807 is connected to the locking handle 809 via a locking post 811 disposed within the primary guide rail member 801, such that movement of the locking handle 809 is correlated with movement of the foot lock 807. In the embodiment shown, the locking post 811 is disposed within the primary guide rail member 801, but other embodiments may be partially disposed or differently disposed with respect to the guide rail frame 209 without departing from the teachings disclosed herein.

[0047] To provide a frictional force with the support surface, the foot lock 807 is biased by a force from a spring 813. The force exerted by the spring 813 can be controlled by adjusting the position of the locking handle 809 to affect the extension of the locking column 811 within the primary guide post member 801. The spring 813 can be configured to provide a force sufficient to restrict movement of the sensor calibration device when operatively mounted.Such a force may be predetermined in response to factors such as the expected coefficient of friction of predetermined support surfaces, the maximum weight of the sensor calibration device when functionally mounted, and other expected forces that may contribute to the movement of the sensor calibration device (e.g., wind or gravitational forces, or expected forces from a user pushing or pulling the sensor calibration device). In some embodiments, the spring 813 may have adjustable configurations that respond to predetermined forces and advantageously allow the foot lock 807 to have optimized utility in a variety of configurations of the sensor calibration device (e.g., with different configurations of a target).

[0048] Fig. Figure 8C provides a more detailed view of the internal components of the primary guide bar member 801 (see Fig.8A). Selective control of the foot lock 807 may be achieved based on a position of the locking handle 809 relative to a locking handle plate 815. In the embodiment shown, the locking handle plate 815 includes a channel operable to guide the selective position of the locking handle 809. In the embodiment shown, the locking handle plate 815 may include a first position 817 and a second position 819. When the locking handle 809 is moved to the first position 817, the locking post 811 is in an extended position that allows the spring 813 to provide a force to the foot lock 807 that engages the foot lock 807 with the support surface.When the locking handle 809 is moved to the second position 819, the locking column 811 is in a contracted position, forcing the spring 813 to compress and disengage the foot lock 807 from the support surface. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking handle plate 815 is attached to a primary guide post member 801, but other embodiments may include other configurations without departing from the teachings disclosed herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking handle plate 815 includes two positions, but other embodiments may include other configurations without departing from the teachings disclosed herein.

[0049] Although exemplary embodiments are described above, these embodiments are not intended to describe all possible forms of the disclosed apparatus and method. Instead, the terms used in the description are for the purpose of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as claimed. The features of various implementing embodiments may be combined to form further embodiments of the disclosed concepts.

Claims

[1] Sensor calibration device (103) comprising: a base frame (201) comprising a primary base member (301) and a secondary base member (303) transversely secured to the primary base member (301) within a predetermined tolerance, the base frame (201) further comprising a first holder (307) and a second holder (309); a stand frame (203) operable to couple to the base frame (201) by engaging the first holder (307), the stand frame (203) comprising a hinge (507), a primary stand member (501), and a secondary stand member (503) transversely secured to the primary stand member (501) within a predetermined tolerance; a measuring frame (205) comprising a primary measuring member (701) and a secondary measuring member (703) secured transversely to the primary stationary member (501) within a predetermined tolerance, the measuring frame (205) being operable to couple to the stationary frame (203) such that the primary measuring member (701) is substantially parallel to the primary stationary member (501) within a predetermined tolerance; a cross member (207) configured for releasable coupling to the measuring frame (205), the cross member (207) being within a predetermined tolerance transverse to the primary measuring member (701) when coupled; a target (215) configured for releasable coupling to the cross member (207), the target (215) having a predetermined configuration suitable for sensor calibration; and a guide rail frame (209) operable to be releasably coupled to the base frame (201) by engaging the second holder (309), the guide rail frame (209) comprising a primary guide rail member (801) and a secondary guide rail member (803) transversely secured to the primary guide rail member (801) within a predetermined tolerance. [2] The sensor calibration device (103) of claim 1, wherein the guide rail frame (209) further comprises a tablet mount (805) configured to support a tablet computing device. [3] The sensor calibration device (103) of claim 1, wherein the base frame (201) further comprises a number of wheels (305). [4] The sensor calibration device (103) of claim 1, wherein the base frame (201) further comprises a guide rail frame lock (311) operable to fix the guide rail frame (209) to the base frame (201). [5] The sensor calibration device (103) of claim 4, wherein the second holder (309) comprises the guide rail frame lock (311). [6] The sensor calibration device (103) of claim 1, wherein the guide rail frame (209) further comprises a foot operable to restrict movement of the sensor calibration device (103) when the sensor calibration device (103) is operatively mounted. [7] The sensor calibration device (103) of claim 6, wherein the foot is configured to selectively restrict movement of the sensor calibration device (103) when the sensor calibration device (103) is operatively mounted. [8] The sensor calibration device (103) of claim 7, wherein the guide rail frame (209) further comprises a locking handle (809) for controlling the foot to selectively restrict movement of the sensor calibration device (103). [9] The sensor calibration device (103) of claim 8, wherein a column and spring assembly connects the locking handle (809) and the base, the column and spring assembly being at least partially housed in the primary guide post member (801). [10] The sensor calibration device (103) of claim 9, wherein the column and spring assembly provides a braking force to the foot calibrated to a predetermined force value corresponding to the weight of the sensor calibration device (103) when operatively mounted.

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