Sensor calibration setup tool with angular offset functionality

Abstract

A setup tool for assisting in calibration of vehicle sensors has a structure with first and second vehicle contact points configured to contact a vehicle and establish a calibration axis. A substantially vertically projected flat blade laser can be placed at a location normal to the calibration axis and used to align the setup tool with the center of the vehicle. Once centered, the laser can be cooperatively transitioned with a protractor to project a laser line at a discrete angle away from the center of the vehicle, the protractor having a baseline parallel to the calibration axis (now substantially parallel to the lateral axis of the vehicle). A target can then be placed along the laser line to assist in calibration of the vehicle sensors.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the calibration of vehicle sensors, and in particular vehicle sensors that can be utilized by the autonomous functions of a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Motor vehicles can utilize one or more sensors to assist in navigating their surroundings autonomously, semi-autonomously, or by providing information to the driver. For example, in vehicles with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), a sensor could be a proximity sensor, which identifies objects near the vehicle and, in conjunction with a computing system, autonomously navigates around the object or notifies the driver of its approach. In adaptive cruise control systems, sensors identify the distance from one vehicle to another and automatically adjust the cruise speed of the following vehicle to ensure a safe following distance. An example of such a sensor is a radar sensor. Therefore, in autonomous vehicles, which can brake or steer without driver input, sensors effectively provide the vehicle with a field of vision and play a crucial role in vehicle navigation; thus, the calibration of such sensors may be necessary to ensure proper functioning.

[0003] Sensors may require calibration for such autonomous systems to achieve optimal performance. As part of regular maintenance, sensors may need to be calibrated or tested to ensure they meet proper operating specifications, thus ensuring the safety of such autonomous systems. Sensor calibration may also be required after vehicle repairs, such as replacing the windshield or other body components that house or support the sensors. Current calibration tools are typically bulky and stationary, requiring the vehicle to be taken to an auto service center or similar controlled environment. As vehicles become increasingly autonomous, it is conceivable that a vehicle with a faulty sensor may not be able to drive safely (or even drive itself) until the sensor is repaired, calibrated, or its calibration verified. In scenarios where calibration equipment is large and bulky, or only available at a service center, towing the vehicle will be necessary.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a calibration device that is mobile enough to allow calibration procedures to be performed outside of automotive service centers, such as in parking lots, owner garages, along the roadside, or anywhere the vehicle is when calibration is desired. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One aspect of this disclosure relates to a setting tool for assisting vehicle sensor calibration. In this aspect, the setting tool has at least one lateral member, a first contact member, a second contact member, a protractor structure, and a laser-bearing structure. The lateral member has a central region disposed between a first end region and a second end region. The first contact member is connected to and extends away from the first end region of the lateral member. The first contact member also has a first portion configured to contact the vehicle. The second contact member is connected to and extends away from the second end region of the lateral member. The second contact member also has a second portion configured to contact the vehicle. The first and second contact members define a vehicle-facing side of the setting tool when in contact with the vehicle on the same side of the lateral member. Similarly, through this contact with the vehicle, the first and second contact members define a field-facing side of the setting tool, which is opposite to the vehicle-facing side.

[0006] The protractor structure is essentially centered in the central region of the transverse member. The protractor structure has a center point and provides a measurable angular profile outward from the center point on the field-facing side. A laser-bearing structure is pivotally connected to the setting tool. The protractor structure has a laser-emitting component configured to project a substantially vertical, flat-blade laser along one of the protractor's angular profiles in an outwardly extending direction on the field-facing side of the setting tool.

[0007] In this respect, the setting tool may also have a first contact member and a second contact member, both of which extend substantially orthogonally from the lateral member. The lateral member may also be generally straight, and the protractor structure may have a baseline substantially parallel to the lateral member. Furthermore, in this respect, the first and second contact members are configured to contact the vehicle and provide first and second contact points, respectively, wherein when the setting tool is centered on the vehicle, the first and second contact points identify / define the lateral axis of the vehicle. The setting tool is then configured to have a protractor structure having a baseline substantially parallel to the lateral axis of the vehicle.

[0008] In this respect, the laser emitting component can be positioned in a reverse position. When the laser emitting component is in the reverse position, it projects a vertical, flat-blade laser beam backward toward the vehicle-facing side. This projection can be in a direction substantially 90 degrees to the baseline of the setting tool or the lateral axis of the vehicle. This projection helps the user center the setting tool in a straight line with the vehicle's centerline by laterally moving (sliding) the setting tool along the front of the vehicle until the laser line aligns with the vehicle's identified center point or alignment point. In the design of the front of the vehicle, most cars are visually symmetrical, and the flat-blade laser line can be aligned with the center point of the front trim panel, bumper, hood center divider, emblem, license plate holder, front camera or sensor, or any other defined center point of the vehicle. Preferred alignment points on the vehicle can be recommended or specified for different vehicle brands, models, and trim packages.

[0009] Once centered, the laser-bearing structure can then pivot from a position facing away from or towards the vehicle to draw at another angle ranging from 90 to 270 degrees. These drawings provide a flat-blade laser line extending outward from the vehicle's front center point at a known angle, allowing the target or reflective surface to be placed in several different angular offset positions in front of the vehicle. Placing the target at different angular positions in front of the vehicle allows for testing or recalibrating the field of view of a single sensor or sensor array. This can be used to calibrate, recalibrate, or test whether a sensor is correctly aligned with the vehicle or with other sensors. The setup tool can also be used to align sensors on the rear of the vehicle in a similar manner.

[0010] The setup tool may also include a target. This target is configured to be positioned along a projected flat-blade laser, which is drawn along the angle of a protractor on the field-facing side of the setup tool. The target may also have an alignment component configured to align with the projected flat-blade laser. This alignment component may be a visible line on the target, a reflector, or an electronic device that receives or identifies the projected laser and provides proper alignment indication. Indication of proper alignment with the laser can be provided using an indicator light on the target.

[0011] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a setup tool for assisting in the calibration of vehicle sensors, the vehicle having a main structure having first and second contact points configured to contact the vehicle. A second contact point is offset from the first contact point and, when properly positioned to contact the vehicle, defines a calibration axis. In this aspect, a protractor is connected to the main structure having a baseline substantially parallel to the calibration axis. The protractor provides at least three angular depictions, one of which is perpendicular to the calibration axis. In this aspect, a line laser projection device is connected to the main structure and is rotatable on the protractor to depict a projected laser line along each angle.

[0012] The laser line projection device of this setting tool is rotatably connected to the main structure to project a laser line along each angle, and it is also reversibly connected to project a laser line in the opposite direction along the same angle. In a first position, the line laser projection device projects a laser line along one of the angles in a direction away from the vehicle. In a second position, i.e., a reversible position from the first position, the line laser projection device projects a laser line along one of the angles in a direction towards the vehicle.

[0013] When the first and second contact points contact the vehicle, and when the line laser projector is in the second position and at an angle perpendicular to the lateral axis, the line laser projector projects a laser line that allows the user to visually align it with the center of the vehicle using a setting tool. Once the setting tool is oriented with the vehicle's centerline, the laser projector can be configured (reversibly) to move to the first position and at an angle other than the angle perpendicular to the lateral axis (rotatable). This allows the laser line to extend away from the vehicle's center point at discrete angles, thereby aiding in the placement of targets for vehicle sensor calibration.

[0014] The main structure may also have adjustable feet and a leveling bubble. It is advantageous to position the vehicle on a reasonably flat surface and level the setting tool to obtain a more accurate displayed laser line. The main structure may have three or more feet, with three feet providing support for orienting the setting tool when in contact with the ground. At least one of the three feet may be vertically adjustable, and in conjunction with at least one leveling bubble, the user can level the setting tool in at least one direction. If the setting tool has all three vertically adjustable feet and leveling bubbles arranged substantially vertically, the user can level the entire main structure, thereby providing a horizontal plane for reference gravity. In the case of a substantially vertical flat-blade laser line, leveling the setting tool can provide a more realistic vertical laser line projection, thereby increasing the accuracy of main structure centering and target placement.

[0015] Therefore, this other aspect may also include a target. The target is separate from the main structure and is configured to be positioned along the projected laser line. The target may also have an alignment component configured to align with the projected laser line. This alignment component may be a visible line on the target, a reflector, or an electronic device that receives or identifies the projected laser line and provides appropriate alignment guidance. Proper alignment guidance with the laser can be achieved using an indicator light on the target.

[0016] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a method for placing a sensor target at a position angularly offset from the vehicle. First, a setting tool is placed on the ground adjacent to the front or rear surface of the vehicle. Then, the front or rear surface of the vehicle is brought into contact with first and second contact points of the setting tool. These two contact points define a calibration axis. Next, a substantially vertical flat-blade laser line is projected from the setting tool from a vehicle-facing position perpendicular to the calibration axis. This allows the setting tool to be centered by aligning the flat-blade laser with the center of the front or rear surface. Finally, the laser projection device is configured to cooperate with a protractor providing an angle delineation to project the flat-blade laser along the ground on the field-facing side of the setting tool.

[0017] Using this method, the target can be traced along the laser line at a discernible angle. The method can also incorporate a leveling setup tool.

[0018] The foregoing and other aspects of this disclosure will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of a setup tool, showing a protractor and a projected laser drawn along an angle of the protractor.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a front view of the setting tool, which projects a line laser toward the vehicle in a second or reversible position to center the setting tool on the vehicle.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a side view of the setup tool, which depicts the projected laser line in the first position at discrete angles away from the vehicle.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a top view of the setup tool, which depicts the projected laser line in the first position at discrete angles away from the vehicle.

[0023] Figure 5 It is a side perspective view showing laser lines projected from the front of the vehicle at discrete angles, with targets positioned along the laser lines.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of setting a target at a known angle in front of a vehicle using the setting tool described in this specification. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The illustrated embodiments are disclosed with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of implementations that can be carried out in various and alternative forms. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and some features may be enlarged or reduced to show details of specific components. The specific structural and functional details disclosed should not be construed as limiting, but rather as a representative basis for instructing those skilled in the art on how to practice the disclosed concepts.

[0026] Figure 1 The main structure 10 of the setup tool is shown. The main structure 10 has a transverse member 12, which has a first end region 14, a second end region 16, and a central region 18 disposed between the first end region 14 and the second end region 16. In this embodiment, the transverse member 12 is generally straight, although different shapes can be used to provide structural support and separation from other components on the main structure 10. The term “generally” applied here to the word “straight” means that the transverse member does not have to be perfectly straight, and standard geometric tolerances can be applied to the straightness of the transverse member.

[0027] In this embodiment, the first contact member 24 is shown extending connectedly to a first end region 14 away from the transverse member 12. The first contact member 24 is also generally straight, although other shapes can be contemplated, and extends substantially orthogonally from the transverse member 12. As used herein, substantially orthogonal means that it does not have to be perfectly 90°, but can be within standard geometric tolerances applied in the field / industry, or between 85° and 95°, whichever is greater. The second contact member 26 is shown extending connectedly to a second end region 16 away from the transverse member 12. The second contact member 26 is also generally straight and also extends substantially orthogonally from the transverse member 12.

[0028] The main structure 10 of the setting tool has feet 30. In this specific embodiment, three adjustable feet 30a, 30b, and 30c are shown. Although this embodiment is shown with three adjustable feet 30a, 30b, and 30c connected to the main structure 10, embodiments may exist that do not include any adjustability of the feet or include only a single adjustable foot 30. Other embodiments may have more than three feet 30, whether or not they are adjustable, and any combination thereof. Feet 30a, 30b, and 30c are shown to be adjustable in the vertical direction to allow leveling of the main structure 10 in the direction of each respective foot 30. The feet 30 in this embodiment use a threaded shaft connected to a handle 32, similar to the threaded shaft of a valve handle, which raises or lowers the feet 30 relative to the main structure 10 when rotated.

[0029] The leveling bubble 34 can be attached to the main structure 10, allowing the user to adjust one of the legs 30 and level the setting tool in at least one direction. In this embodiment, at least two leveling bubbles 34a, 34b are shown. The leveling bubbles 34a and 34b are aligned substantially orthogonally to each other. The user can adjust the legs 30 until the bubble is centered within the centerline of the leveling bubbles 34a, 34b and provides a plane substantially vertical to gravity. As used herein, this essentially means within 5° in either direction. The leveling bubble 34 can be attached to the main structure 10 to a fixed component that does not move relative to most of the main structure, such as the transverse member 12, or the first and second contact members 24, 26, or the leveling bubble 34 can be attached to a movable structure, as shown herein. It is advantageous to position a first leveling bubble 34a (see below) substantially parallel to the projected laser 54 and a second leveling bubble 34b substantially vertical to the projected laser 54. A third leveling bubble (not shown) can also be used, which may be orthogonal to both the first and second leveling bubbles 34a, 34b.

[0030] The protractor structure 40 is connected to the main structure 10. The protractor 40 is substantially centered on the central region 18 of the transverse member 12. "Substantially centered" as used herein means that the center of the protractor is within + / - 5 cm of the center of the transverse member 12. The protractor 40 has a baseline 42. The baseline 42 is substantially parallel to the transverse member 12. "Substantially parallel" as used herein means within 5° in either direction. The protractor structure 40 has a center point 44 and multiple angular delineations 46 extending outward from the center point 44. As the name suggests, the center point 44 is also substantially centered on the protractor structure 40, and therefore on the transverse member 12. "Substantially centered" as used herein means that the center point is within + / - 5 cm of the center of either the protractor structure 40 or the transverse member 12. The angular delineation 46 can have a first angular delineation 46a that is substantially 90° to the baseline 42, a second angular delineation 46b that is substantially 0° to the baseline 42, and a third angular delineation 46c that is substantially 180° to the baseline 42, i.e., a straight forward direction and a direction directly toward the left and right sides of the main structure 10. "Substantially" (as used herein with reference to the angular delineation) means within + / - 2°. The second and third angular delineations 46b, 46c can also be at 45° and 135°, or any other delineation as desired. The protractor 40 can also have 180 different and separate measurable angular delineations 46, such as... Figure 1 As shown.

[0031] Additionally, the laser-carrying structure 50 or the line laser projection device 50 is pivotally connected to the main structure 10, and preferably to the protractor structure 40. The laser structure / device 50 has a laser-emitting component 52 that emits a laser 54 or other visible directional light source. The laser structure / device 50 is pivotally connected in such a way that the emitted laser 54 traces one of the angles 46 drawn by the protractor 40 from a center point 44 and follows outwards. Therefore, the pivot point of the laser structure / device 50 can be at the center point 44 of the protractor 40. The laser structure / device 50 may have a locking pawl to structurally align with the angle drawing 46 on the protractor 40, thereby locking to a specific angle.

[0032] Laser emitting component 52 can emit a flat-blade laser 54, which essentially emits a flat V-shaped beam outward from the lens (in... Figure 2 and 3 (Optimal visibility is achieved in the center), however, a pinpoint laser angled towards the floor, or any other light projection device or type, can also be used to allow the visual line to be seen on the floor or ground at a reasonable distance from the main structure 10 under normal daylight conditions. Preferably, the projected laser line 54 is a flat-beam laser line, which is a substantially vertical flat-beam laser projected relative to the plane provided by the leveling bubble 34.

[0033] The laser emitting component 52 is also reversibly connected relative to the laser structure / device 50, such that it can emit a laser line 54 outward along any angle 46, or it can be reversed, such that it emits a laser line 54 in the opposite direction along any angle 46. However, for clarity, in Figure 1 In the image, the laser emitting component 52 is shown in a forward position, and Figure 2 This is shown as being in the reverse position. This reversibility of the emitted laser line 54 assists in the alignment of the main structure 10 with the vehicle. Therefore, when the laser structure / device 50 is pivoted to a 90° angle drawing 46a on the protractor 40 and the laser emitting component 52 is in the reverse position, a vertically flat-blade laser can be emitted to visually assist in the alignment of the main structure with the front or rear of the vehicle.

[0034] The second laser 56 can also be connected to the main structure 10. The second laser 56 can be a pinpoint laser or laser structure / device 50 connected to the protractor structure 40, configured to extend a second laser line (not shown) from the center point 44 in a substantially vertical direction. The protractor structure 40 and the laser structure / device 50 can be connected to the main structure 40 via a track 58. The track 58 extends substantially orthogonally from the transverse member 12 and allows the protractor structure 40 to move along the track 58. The track 58 or carriage 58 allows the baseline 42 and center point 44 of the protractor 40 to move substantially orthogonally relative to the transverse member 12 and the first and second contact members 24, 26. This allows the user's reference vehicle 60 to align with the main structure 10 (see...). Figure 2-5 The second laser 56 is used to move the protractor structure 40 forward or backward to align the baseline 42, and especially the center point 44, with the outermost edge of the vehicle.

[0035] Figure 2 The main structure 10, adjacent to and in contact with vehicle 60, is shown. In this example, the main structure 10 is located in front of the front trim panel 62 of vehicle 60. Vehicle 60 has a longitudinal axis X extending from the front to the rear of vehicle 60. Vehicle 60 also has a lateral axis Y, which is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis X and, for example, traverses the vehicle in the axle direction. Vehicle 60 also has a centerline (represented by a dividing line 64 in trim panel 62). It should be noted that each brand, model, year, and sometimes package of vehicle will have different body shapes and features, especially trim panels; however, visual indicators such as dividing lines, logos, half-distance measurements of the grille, or any other indicator can be chosen to represent the centerline of the vehicle. Manufacturers may wish to guide users in determining the best way to visually represent the vehicle's centerline 64.

[0036] In this example, the first contact member 24 has a first portion 70 configured to contact the vehicle 60. In this case, the first portion 70 contacts the right side of the front trim panel 62 and provides a first contact point 72. The second portion 74 of the second contact member 26 is configured to contact the vehicle 60, in this case, the left side of the front trim panel 62, and provides a second contact point 76 offset from the first contact point 72. The main structure 10 is then centered on the vehicle 60 by visually aligning the emitted laser line 54 with a visual indicator of the vehicle's centerline 64 (in this case, the dividing line 64). This is achieved by pivoting the laser structure / device 50 to a 90° angle drawing 46a and rotating the laser emitting component 52 to the opposite position. Now, the emitted laser line 54, in this example, is a vertical, flat-blade laser line 54, is emitted from the centerline of the main structure 10 of the setting tool toward the vehicle 60.

[0037] When the setting tool is centered on vehicle 60, the first and second contact points 72, 76 define the calibration axis of the vehicle. The calibration axis is substantially parallel to the lateral axis Y of vehicle 60. Similarly, the calibration axis is substantially parallel to the baseline 42 of protractor 40, thus making the baseline 42 of protractor 40 also substantially parallel to the lateral axis X of vehicle 60. With protractor 40 centered on vehicle 60 and baseline 42 parallel to the lateral axis X of vehicle 60, the user can rotate the laser emitter 52 and trace the emitted laser line 54 forward from the front center of the vehicle at any desired angle. It should be understood that this can also be done from the rear of the vehicle or from any side surface where the sensor field of view is to be inspected. As described above, using the leveling bubble 34 (see...) Figure 1 It also allows users to place the protractor 40 in a plane that is essentially perpendicular to gravity, which provides better accuracy.

[0038] Figure 3 and 4 A leveling (on a plane), centered setting tool is shown with first and second contact points 72, 76 that contact the vehicle, the contact points defining a calibration axis 78 substantially parallel to the lateral axis Y. The first and second contact members 24, 26 are configured to contact the vehicle 60 (at the first and second contact points 72, 76) on the same side of the lateral member 12 defining the vehicle-facing side 80 of the setting tool. Opposite to the vehicle-facing side 80 of the setting tool is the site-facing side 82.

[0039] In this configuration, the baseline 42 of the protractor 40 is substantially parallel to the calibration axis 78, which is also substantially parallel to the lateral axis Y of the vehicle 60. The center point 44 of the protractor 40 is substantially aligned with the centerline 64 of the vehicle 60. The protractor 40 has several measurable angular depictions 46 extending outward from the center point 44 on the field-facing side 82, and in its simplest form as a setting tool, it will have at least three of these angular depictions. One of the three angular depictions 46 is perpendicular to the calibration axis 78 or aligned with the centerline 64 of the vehicle. This angular depiction may be referred to as being at 90° to the baseline 42 on the protractor 40. The protractor 40 may then have a second angular depiction identified as the outer edge of the sensor's field of view; this angular depiction may be referred to as θ.

[0040] The laser structure / device pivots on the protractor structure 40 at an angle θ, and the laser emitting component 52, in a forward position, projects a substantially vertical, flat-blade laser 54 along a direction extending outward from angle θ on the field-facing side 82 of the setting tool. Many modern vehicles have sensors located in various positions around the vehicle to assist in its operation. These sensors can be proximity sensors or optical sensors that scan the area around the vehicle to detect objects. Sensors are inherently physical; they must be attached to the vehicle and calibrated to have an appropriate field of view around it. The sensor's field of view can be tested using a target positioned at a certain distance and angle from the vehicle's front centerline.

[0041] Figure 5 Target 90 is shown. Target 90 is separate from the main structure 10. Target 90 is configured to be positioned along the projected laser 54. Target 90 may have a specified distance c along the laser line 54. Target 90 may have an alignment member 94 configured to align with the projected laser line / blade laser 54. Alignment member 94 may be a line, etched, or electronic laser receiver that indicates when a receiving lens is aligned with the laser 54. The setup tool may work in conjunction with a recalibration or testing device (not shown) that accesses the vehicle's computer / diagnostic system via an OBDII port or other equivalent. A wireless dongle 92 may be inserted into the OBDII port and, in conjunction with electronic diagnostic tools, can test sensors.

[0042] The sensor can be placed in test mode so that the target 90 can be positioned at a specific angle in front of the vehicle 60, and if the sensor can see the target 90, it is within specifications. If the sensor cannot see the target 90, then the sensor may need to be replaced or modified. Therefore, once the setting tool is oriented, the laser projection device 50 can be configured to move to the angle drawing to provide laser lines 54 extending at discrete angles from the front of the vehicle 60, thereby assisting in the placement of the target 90 for vehicle sensor calibration.

[0043] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for placing a sensor target at an angle offset from the vehicle. The first step 100 involves placing a setting tool adjacent to the vehicle, preferably on the ground adjacent to the front or rear surface of the vehicle. The second step 102 of this example requires bringing the vehicle into contact with the first and second contact points. By bringing the vehicle into contact with the first and second contact points, the setting tool defines a calibration axis extending between the two contact points.

[0044] The third step 104 in the flowchart involves aligning the projected laser with a positioning point on the vehicle. In the case of the front or rear surface of the vehicle, this can be achieved by placing a substantially vertical flat-blade laser line projector in a position perpendicular to the calibration axis and facing the vehicle, and then visually aligning the laser with the center point of the vehicle.

[0045] Another alignment or partial step in step 104 may include moving the protractor relative to the main structure of the setting tool. Preferably, during this movement, the protractor is moved while keeping its baseline substantially parallel to the calibration axis. During this movement, a second, substantially vertically projected laser may be used to align the center point of the protractor with a second point on the vehicle. The desired second point on the vehicle may be the outermost edge or contour of the vehicle. This partial step may be performed at any time in the method; however, performing it directly before, after, or simultaneously with step 104 is most preferred.

[0046] Step 106 in this example includes a leveling setup tool. Once centered and leveled, the calibration axis is substantially parallel to the vehicle's lateral axis, and the setup tool has a protractor whose baseline is substantially parallel to both the calibration axis and the lateral axis, with its center point also at the center of the vehicle. This provides the protractor with an angular depiction of the vehicle's centerline. It may be preferable to perform step 106 before step 104, or an iterative approach may be necessary, as performing step 104 may require releveling. In any case, steps 102-106 can be performed in a different order.

[0047] The method now provides a fifth step 108, which allows the laser projection device to be switched to work in conjunction with a protractor that provides an angle delineation, projecting a laser line along the ground on the field-facing side of the setting tool. The laser line can be provided by a substantially vertical, flat-beam laser line. The final step 110 of this example is to place the target along the laser line with a known angle delineation. This target placement supports the inspection, calibration, recalibration, or repair of vehicle sensors used to detect objects near vehicles.

[0048] While exemplary embodiments have been described above, these embodiments are not intended to describe all possible forms of the disclosed devices and methods. Rather, the language used in this specification is descriptive rather than limiting, and it should be understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Features of various embodiments may be combined to form further embodiments of the disclosed concepts.

Claims

1. A setup tool for assisting in vehicle sensor calibration, comprising: A transverse member having a central region disposed between a first end region and a second end region; A first contact member extends connectedly from a first end region of the transverse member, the first contact member having a first portion configured to contact the vehicle; A second contact member extends connectedly away from the second end region of the transverse member. The second contact member has a second portion configured to contact the vehicle. The first and second contact members are configured to contact the vehicle on the same side of the transverse member, thereby defining a vehicle-facing side of the setting tool and a site-facing side of the setting tool opposite to the vehicle-facing side. A protractor structure, substantially centered on the central region of a transverse member having a center point, provides a measurable angular depiction outward from the center point on the field-facing side; and A laser-bearing structure, pivotally connected to the setting tool and cooperating with the protractor structure, the laser-bearing structure having a laser-emitting component configured to project a substantially vertical flat-blade laser in an outwardly extending direction on the field-facing side of the setting tool along one of the angles depicted by the protractor.

2. The setting tool according to claim 1, wherein, Both the first contact member and the second contact member extend substantially orthogonally from the transverse member.

3. The setting tool according to claim 1, wherein, The transverse member is generally straight, and the protractor structure has a baseline that is substantially parallel to the transverse member.

4. The setting tool according to claim 1, wherein, The first contact member is configured to contact the vehicle and provide a first contact point, and the second contact member is configured to contact the vehicle and provide a second contact point, wherein the first and second contact points define the lateral axis of the vehicle when the setting tool is centered on the vehicle, and the protractor structure has a baseline substantially parallel to the lateral axis of the vehicle.

5. The setting tool according to claim 1, wherein, The laser emitting component is also configured to be placed in a reverse position so that the projection direction of the substantially vertical flat-blade laser is reversed and directed backward toward the vehicle-facing side.

6. The setting tool according to claim 5, wherein, When the laser-bearing structure is pivoted to a 90-degree angle and the laser-emitting component is in the reverse position, the vertical flat-blade laser is configured to be visually aligned with the center of the vehicle.

7. The setting tool according to claim 1 further includes a target, wherein, The target is configured to be placed on the field-facing side of the setting tool along a projected flat-blade laser, which traces a projection along the angle of the protractor.

8. The setting tool according to claim 7, wherein, The target also includes an alignment component configured to align with the projected flat-blade laser.

9. A setup tool for assisting in vehicle sensor calibration, comprising: The main structure has a first contact point configured to contact the vehicle and a second contact point offset from the first contact point, the second contact point also configured to contact the vehicle, the first and second contact points defining a calibration axis; A protractor connected to the main structure, the protractor having a baseline substantially parallel to the calibration axis and at least three angular depictions, one of which is perpendicular to the calibration axis; A line laser projection device, which is connected to the main structure, works in conjunction with a protractor to project a laser line along one of the at least three angles.

10. The setting tool according to claim 9, wherein, The line laser projection device is reversibly connected to the main structure and has a first position and a second position, the first position for projecting a laser line along one of the at least three angles in a direction extending away from the vehicle, and the second position for projecting a laser line along one of the at least three angles in a direction toward the vehicle.

11. The setting tool according to claim 10, wherein, When the first and second contact points come into contact with the vehicle, and when the line laser projection device is in the second position and is drawn at an angle perpendicular to the lateral axis, the line laser projection device projects a laser line that is visually aligned with the center of the vehicle, thereby providing orientation for the main structure.

12. The setting tool according to claim 11, wherein, Once the main structure is oriented, the laser projection device can be configured to move to the first position to provide laser lines extending at discrete angles from the front of the vehicle, thereby assisting in the placement of targets for vehicle sensor calibration.

13. The setting tool according to claim 9, further comprising at least three legs connected to the main structure, wherein, At least one of the legs is adjustable in the vertical direction to allow partial leveling of the main structure.

14. The setting tool of claim 13 further includes a leveling bubble connected to the main structure, the leveling bubble being configured to allow a user to adjust one of the legs and level the main structure in at least one direction.

15. The setting tool according to claim 13, wherein, At least three of the legs are vertically adjustable, and the system also includes at least two leveling bubbles connected to the main structure, which allow the user to adjust the three legs to provide a plane substantially vertical to gravity, wherein the projected laser line is a flat-beam laser line that projects a substantially vertical flat-beam laser relative to the plane.

16. The setting tool according to claim 9, further comprising a target separate from the main structure, wherein, The target is configured to be positioned along the projected laser line.

17. The setting tool according to claim 16, wherein, The target also includes an alignment component configured to align with the projected laser line.

18. A method for placing a sensor target at a position offset at an angle from the vehicle, comprising the following steps: Place the setting tool on the ground near the front or rear surface of the vehicle; The front or rear surface of the vehicle is brought into contact with the first and second contact points of the defined calibration axis of the setting tool; The essentially vertical flat-blade laser line projector is placed in a position perpendicular to the calibration axis and facing the vehicle. The setting tool is centered by aligning the flat-blade laser with the center of the front or rear surface. and Working in conjunction with a protractor that provides angle mapping, the laser projection device is transformed into a flat-blade laser that projects along the ground on the field-facing side of the setting tool.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising the following steps: The target is placed along the laser line at the stated angle.

20. The method of claim 18, further comprising the following steps: Adjust the settings tool.

Images