Test device

Abstract

Testing device (100) for a vehicle (F), preferably a motor vehicle, comprising: at least one headlight adjustment device (10) with a light collecting box (11), at least one radar testing device (20) with at least one radar channel (21) and at least one radar target simulator (22), at least one rail (32) on which the radar testing device (20) is mounted, wherein the radar testing device (20) is mounted on the rail in such a way that the position of the radar testing device (20) relative to the testing device (100) can be changed.

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present subject matter relates to a test device for aligning and calibrating vehicle headlights and radar sensors, in particular for integrating a radar target simulator into an existing headlight adjustment device. Background of the invention

[0002] Headlight adjustment devices are known in the prior art. These are usually moved on rollers toward a vehicle to be tested and feature the appropriate technical features for checking the correct adjustment of the headlights. For example, the applicant supplies such a device under the designation MAHA MLT3000.

[0003] The ever-increasing integration of sensors and similar devices in modern motor vehicles makes it desirable to offer test devices that can not only check headlight adjustments but also test radar target simulators in a single process, while maintaining a space-saving design. Such devices are currently unknown but would be of great value in terms of increasing the efficiency of vehicle testing. Summary of the invention

[0004] Thus, the technical object of the present disclosure is to offer a device that enables efficient, more comprehensive vehicle testing with a space-saving device.

[0005] To achieve the above object, reference is made to the appended claims, wherein dependent claims relate to preferred further developments.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure comprises a testing device for a vehicle, preferably one with wheels and particularly preferably a motor vehicle. The testing device comprises, in particular, the following units: at least one headlight adjustment device with a light collecting box, at least one radar test device with at least one radar channel and at least one radar target simulator, and / or at least one rail on which the radar test device is mounted.

[0007] The rail can support the radar test device in such a way that the radar test device can be moved relative to a location of the test fixture. "Relative to (a location of) the test fixture" means that the position of the radar test device can be changed relative to a position of the test fixture or a component of the test fixture. In particular, this can include the radar test device being extended, retracted, or similarly moved / displaced / etc. at / in its attachment to the test fixture.

[0008] The test fixture described above allows both a light test and a radar test to be performed with a single fixture, which both saves space in a test or workshop environment and accelerates the efficiency of the testing processes; for example, because the test fixture only needs to be aligned or set up once to perform different test procedures.

[0009] The attachment of the radar test device by means of a rail that is fastened to the headlight adjustment device or a holder of the test device allows an alignment function for the radar test device relative to the test device with relatively simple basic mechanical components, so that the test device or the light collecting box can be aligned with regard to the headlight(s) of the motor vehicle, while the arrangement / mounting of the radar test device brings with it further degrees of freedom of movement, which allows its simultaneous alignment - without the test device itself / as a whole having to be moved / repositioned and / or aligned.

[0010] In the preferred case, the rail can be a rail that allows linear movement in at least one direction, for example along the longitudinal axis of the rail and preferably along a Y-axis according to the figures attached here. The rail itself can preferably be mounted on the light collecting box of the headlight adjustment device. Particularly preferably, the rail is mounted on a part of the device base of the testing device, for example a holding device. In both cases, and particularly in the latter case, the rail can also be mounted so as to be relatively movable in a second direction; this is possible, for example, in that the rail is in turn mounted on a rail that can be moved, for example, vertically (in the X-direction), while a first direction can correspond, for example, to a Y-direction.

[0011] The rail according to the present disclosure can be understood purely as examples including linear guides, telescopic rails, etc.

[0012] Additional rails can be provided that allow movement in other directions, e.g. laterally (Z-direction).

[0013] The relative displacement or movability can be achieved, for example, by the rail or a part of the rail being fixed relatively stationary to the test device or a device base thereof, while another component of the rail, e.g. a carriage or a telescopic arm, can be moved or displaced relative to the stationary part and this movable component holds the radar test device.

[0014] Furthermore, it should be noted here that the radar channel can preferably be an elongated, hollow component which, for example, has a width and height in cross-section which are smaller than its depth. The width and height can be identical or different from one another. The length is preferably selected to correspond to a length which the radar beams are intended to travel between the vehicle or its radar unit and the radar target simulator. The radar target simulator can be a conventional one and is not described in detail here. Likewise, the headlight adjustment device, in particular the light collecting box, can be a conventional one, i.e., like the radar channel, it also has a hollow space of elongated design, wherein an opening facing the vehicle on one of the cross-sections has a lens at one longitudinal end to direct the light beams of a vehicle headlight.The other longitudinal end has a projection surface or a CCD sensor or similar device to project the headlight light or its image. This image is preferably also displayed on a display on the light collection box, as is also commonly known.

[0015] Furthermore, the testing device may comprise a 3D camera unit for detecting the vehicle position and / or the vehicle orientation and preferably also a control unit, the latter being configured to control the units of the testing device.

[0016] The 3D camera unit can be a standard camera capable of capturing objects in 3D (three-dimensional). This is possible, for example, with a stereo camera, but is not limited to this. The position and / or orientation of the vehicle is preferably captured relative to the position of the camera itself.

[0017] The control unit can control various units, preferably all units, of the testing device; for example, it can control a relative movement of the radar testing device by means of a motor in / on the rail, control an alignment of the 3D camera unit, and possibly control wheels or leveling units of the testing device, etc. The control unit can be housed in a separate component of the testing device, although this is preferably part of the headlight adjustment device and in particular of a control panel on the light collecting box. The control unit, as well as other control and computing units, e.g., the image processing unit described below, can be software-based, hardware-based, and particularly preferably both software- and hardware-based. The latter can be implemented, for example, by providing a hardware architecture with memory and computing components, and storing / storing software for execution thereon.

[0018] By integrating 3D-supported positioning, operation can be further simplified and efficiency in workshops and test benches can be further increased.

[0019] Furthermore, the 3D camera unit can be mounted above and / or to the side of the light collection box on the inspection device. Furthermore, the inspection device can be connected to an image processing unit and / or have an image processing unit that has an image processing software module, preferably an AI-based one. The image processing software module can be configured to detect the vehicle position and pose, in particular relative to the inspection device or to the 3D camera unit or to its location.

[0020] The image processing unit can be part of the control unit of the testing device, can be a separate module of the testing device, or can be arranged remotely from the testing device and connected to it or its control device, for example, via a wireless data connection. In particular, an image processing software module is present or is part of the image processing unit that can evaluate the image and / or video data from the 3D camera unit in real time or near real time. This can particularly preferably be done using an AI-based image processing software module. For this purpose, an artificial intelligence (AI) or a machine learning module can be trained. The AI ​​can be formed, for example, using networks that are particularly suitable for image processing, such as CNNs (Convolutional Neural Networks).These can be trained for the intended use here, whereby the training data particularly includes image and / or video data from the 3D camera unit when the test device is brought to a motor vehicle by a human trainer and, for example, by means of inputs, including voice inputs, the AI ​​learns the correct positioning in combination with the image and / or video data.

[0021] The trained AI can then support positioning in a real-life application, for example by providing instructions to the human user or by automated control commands for wheels or their motors and / or leveling devices or their motors.

[0022] By integrating automated alignment and 3D-assisted positioning, operation can be further simplified and efficiency in workshops and test benches can be increased even further.

[0023] Furthermore, the radar testing device can be mounted on the rail so that it can be moved linearly; preferably in such a way that the radar testing device can be moved so that it protrudes from the testing device or in front of the light collecting box. As already explained above, the rail can have the named embodiments. A configuration of the radar testing device so that it can be moved so that it protrudes is possible, for example, by mounting the rail on the testing device such that a travel position of the rail is such that the radar testing device protrudes forward, e.g., in the Y direction. Such movability allows the radar testing device to be optimally aligned with the radar device of the vehicle without having to change the position of the testing device.This then allows both the light test and the radar test to be tested in one pass, without having to realign / position the test fixture between the individual test processes.

[0024] A further rail can be provided at a right angle or at an angle other than 90°, so that the radar test device can be moved in both the Y and Z directions.

[0025] Furthermore, the testing device can include a motor that can be configured to move a portion of the rail and / or the radar testing device. Alignment by motor allows for increased efficiency through automated movement / adjustment.

[0026] Furthermore, the radar target simulator can be arranged at one longitudinal end of the radar channel, and the radar channel can have a length from one longitudinal end to the longitudinal end at which the radar target simulator is arranged, which corresponds to a predetermined distance between the radar unit of a vehicle to be tested and the radar target simulator. This enables optimal radar signal transmission, allowing for a quick and accurate testing of the vehicle's radar function.

[0027] Preferably, the radar channel can also be configured to be telescopic, for example, by having the side walls of the radar channel slide into each other. This allows the length of the radar channel to be adjusted to different conditions.

[0028] Furthermore, the radar channel can have an electromagnetically absorbent inner lining, which can be designed to minimize reflections. This can be done using commonly known materials and increases the signal yield or reduces signal interference, allowing radar testing to be carried out quickly and accurately.

[0029] Furthermore, the test device can have a (software) interface with which OEM-specific calibration protocols can be processed. Such an interface can be provided, for example, on the light collection box, e.g., in the form of a female connector for an OBD cable or similar. The interface can also be implemented additionally or exclusively as software, so that wireless communication between the vehicle and the test device is possible. The software interface can preferably be part of the control unit. Providing an interface to the vehicle can enable (additional) tests (at the same time), since, among other things, vehicle data can be read out and used for tests.

[0030] Furthermore, the control unit can perform light and radar calibration simultaneously or sequentially. Simultaneous execution, in particular, enables maximum time efficiency.

[0031] Furthermore, the testing device, preferably the headlight adjustment device, can have a control panel, which preferably includes a display, and wherein the control panel outputs the positioning instructions for the testing device to a user visually via the display and / or acoustically as spoken positioning instructions, e.g., via a loudspeaker of the control panel. The control panel can have a touch display, so that user inputs are enabled via the touch display. It can also have one or more displays (indicators) and control elements, such as buttons, switches, and the like. In particular, displaying instructions or outputting them via loudspeakers to the user significantly simplifies correct positioning for the user, since the user only has to follow simple arrow symbols for alignment or positioning and / or audio outputs such as "further left," "further right," "closer to the vehicle," "rotate by X°," etc.

[0032] Furthermore, the testing device may comprise a device base on which the units of the testing device can be mounted and which may comprise a leveling and / or rolling device.

[0033] The device base enables the mechanical structural integration of the described units and, in particular, has the aids mentioned to enable the test device to be positioned quickly and safely in front of a vehicle.

[0034] In summary, a test bench or testing device is described here that enables a significant increase in efficiency when testing vehicle functions, in particular light adjustment and radar adjustment, in test or workshop environments. Short description of the characters Fig. 1 shows schematically a test device according to the disclosure. Fig. 2a-c schematically show different views and configurations of the test device according to the disclosure. Fig. 3a-b schematically show the use of the test device according to the disclosure on a motor vehicle to be tested. Fig. 4a-b schematically show the use of the test device according to the disclosure on a motor vehicle to be tested. Fig. 5 schematically shows a test device according to the disclosure during alignment in front of a motor vehicle. Detailed description of the figures and preferred embodiments

[0035] Examples and embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying figures. Identical or similar elements in the figures may be designated by the same reference numerals.

[0036] The following figures show how the basic concept of the present disclosure can be configured and implemented in a test device 100.

[0037] Fig. Figure 1 shows a testing device 100 according to the present disclosure. The units or components thereof are supported by a device base 30, which here, for example, has a stand 33 formed essentially from two legs 33a, 33b arranged at right angles to each other. One leg 33a is preferably oriented such that it runs along a virtual / imaginary Z-axis. A corresponding imaginary coordinate system with its origin at the intersection point of the two legs 33a, 33b is also shown in the Fig. 1. The arrangement of the leg with reference numeral 33a is preferably aligned in the Z-axis, since this part faces the vehicle F during the vehicle test and thus does not protrude in the direction of the vehicle F and thus does not unnecessarily restrict the maneuvering space.

[0038] The device base 30 further comprises a holding device 34, which essentially forms a vertical axis, preferably attached at the origin of the imaginary coordinate system and extending in the X-direction. At least one radar testing device 20, a headlight adjustment device 10, and a 3D camera unit 40 can be arranged and attached to this holding device 34, e.g., a metallic hollow profile, offset from one another in the vertical direction.

[0039] Rollers 31 are preferably mounted on the legs 33a, 33b, allowing quick and easy movement of the testing device 100. It should be noted that no motor is shown in the present figures to drive the rollers. However, such a motor may be provided and controlled by a control unit (also not shown).

[0040] In the illustrated representation and configuration of the test bench device 100, the radar testing device 20 is mounted above the base 33 on the holding device 34, which in this case comprises in particular a radar channel 21 and at least one radar target simulator 22. The radar channel 21 is of elongated design, and the radar target simulator 22 is mounted on a longitudinal end facing away from the vehicle F during test operation. Preferably, the radar channel 21 and the radar target simulator 22 can be moved together, which is arranged by means of a rail 32. A part of the rail 32 can be extended, for example, together with the radar testing device 20, relative to the rest of the test device 100, as shown in Fig. 1 is also shown.

[0041] Specifically, the Fig. 1, how the radar testing device 20 is arranged so as to protrude forward (i.e., along or opposite the Y-direction) using the rail 32. In such a position, the radar signals can be exchanged / transmitted between the vehicle F via the radar channel 21 and the radar target simulator 22 with as little loss as possible, wherein the distance from a vehicle headlight to an opening / lens 12 of a light collecting box 11 of the headlight adjustment device 10 can remain unchanged in order to optimally capture the light image of the headlight in the light collecting box 11.

[0042] The rail 32 is preferably connected to the holding device 34 of the testing device 100. Alternatively, the rail 32 can also be mounted on the light collecting box 11.

[0043] The headlight adjustment device 10 is preferably arranged above the radar test device 20, whereby both can also be vertically movable by means of vertical rail systems (not shown) on the headlight adjustment device 10—this can be provided alternatively or in addition to a leveling device (not shown) of the test device 100. A leveling device is otherwise known in the art and can, for example, comprise a telescopic function of the holding device 34, which can also be motorized.

[0044] The headlight adjustment device 10 can be designed in a conventional manner and, among other things, also have a control element / panel 13, which, in addition to conventional control elements, can also include one or more displays 14. The display can be used to output positioning instructions to a user, for example, in the form of arrows indicating a change in positioning, and also to display headlight images from the light collection box 11.

[0045] Above and / or to the side of the light collecting box, a 3D camera unit 40, as shown in Fig. 1, wherein "above" and "laterally" may also include, for example, the longitudinal end of the holding device 34 and a displacement device 41. The displacement device 41 may, for example, be designed as a rail or sliding guide in order to mount the 3D camera unit 40 in a vertically displaceable manner.

[0046] The Fig. 2a, Fig. 2b and Fig. 2c further show different views of the test device 100 according to Fig. 1, where Fig. 2a shows a side view in the direction of the Z-axis and wherein the radar test device 20 is fully extended (fully extended / projecting position). Fig. 2b shows just like Fig. 2c shows a position of the radar testing device 20 in which it is fully retracted. Between these two end positions, the radar testing device 20 can also be set to any desired position. In the case of a sliding guide, this is preferably ensured by a preset travel / sliding resistance, which prevents it from slipping out of a set position too easily. Alternatively or additionally, the rail 32 can also have predefined locking positions (not shown) that securely hold the radar testing device 30 in a selected position, e.g., by a spring element locking into a groove or other conventional means.

[0047] The Fig. 2b shows how the Fig. 2a a side view of the test device 100 while the Fig. 2c shows a side front view of the test device 100.

[0048] Furthermore, the Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b and the Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b shows a possible positioning of the testing device 100 in front of a vehicle F, which is to be tested in the present case. As each of the figures shows, the stand 33 is placed at a distance in front of the front of the vehicle F, in such a way that the leg according to reference numeral 33a ( Fig. 3a) is aligned substantially parallel to the vehicle's transverse axis. The opening 12 of the light collection box 11 is positioned at a sufficient distance to receive the light image of the vehicle's headlights, and by means of the rail 32 in the extended position, the radar channel 21 is positioned directly in front of the radar device (not shown) of the vehicle F in order to optimally receive the radar signals and to guide them to the radar target simulator 22 or to guide signals from the simulator 22 to the radar sensor of the vehicle F (both directions are possible according to the present disclosure). Fig. 3b, Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b then show the same position from the side in perspective, from above and from behind in perspective.

[0049] The Fig. 5 further shows a top view of the vehicle F and the testing device 100, illustrating a detection angle 42 of the camera unit 40, which exemplifies the situation during the alignment of the testing device 100. The testing device is positioned manually or automatically in front of the vehicle F. The image processing unit, including the KI software module, can provide the user with instructions for positioning or supply the control unit (not shown) of the testing device 100 with control commands so that it can drive the motors for moving the testing device 100.

[0050] Examples or embodiments of the present disclosure and their advantages have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying figures. It should be emphasized again that the present disclosure is in no way limited or restricted to the above-described embodiments and their design features, but rather further encompasses modifications of the embodiments, in particular those encompassed by modifications of the features of the described examples or by combining one or more of the features of the described examples within the scope of the independent claims.

[0051] In summary, according to the present disclosure, a solution to the problem described above is obtained and, in particular, a particularly efficiently usable testing device for the light and radar testing of a vehicle F is provided. Reference symbol 10 Headlight adjustment device 11 Light collecting box 12 aperture / lens 13 Control panel 14 Display 20 radar test equipment 21 radar channel 22 Radar Target Simulator 30 device base 31 roles 32 rail 33 Stand 34 Holding device 40 3D camera unit 41 Camera movement device 42 Camera field of view 100 test fixtures

Claims

[1] Testing device (100) for a vehicle (F), preferably a motor vehicle, comprising: at least one headlight adjustment device (10) with a light collecting box (11), at least one radar testing device (20) with at least one radar channel (21) and at least one radar target simulator (22), at least one rail (32) on which the radar testing device (20) is mounted, wherein the radar testing device (20) is mounted on the rail in such a way that the position of the radar testing device (20) relative to the testing device (100) can be changed. [2] The testing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a 3D camera unit (40) for detecting the vehicle position and the vehicle orientation, and a control unit configured to control units of the testing apparatus (100). [3] Testing device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the 3D camera unit (40) is mounted above and / or laterally of the light collecting box (11) on the testing device (100) and wherein the testing device (100) is connected to an image processing unit and / or has an image processing unit which has an image processing software module, preferably an AI-based one, which is configured to detect the vehicle position and vehicle pose, in particular relative to the testing device (100). [4] Testing device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the radar testing device (20) is mounted on the rail (32) in a linearly movable manner. [5] Testing device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein a motor is provided which is adapted to move a part of the rail (32) and / or the radar testing device (20). [6] Testing device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the radar target simulator (22) is arranged at a longitudinal end of the radar channel (21) and the radar channel (21) has a length from one longitudinal end to the longitudinal end at which the radar target simulator (22) is arranged, which corresponds to a predetermined distance between a radar unit of the vehicle (F) and the radar target simulator (22). [7] Testing device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the radar channel (21) has an electromagnetically absorbing inner lining adapted to minimize reflections. [8] Test device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the test device (100) further comprises an interface with which OEM-specific calibration protocols can be processed. [9] Testing device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit can perform light and radar calibration simultaneously or sequentially. [10] Testing device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the testing device (100), preferably the headlight adjustment device (10), has a control panel (13) which preferably comprises a display (14), and wherein the control panel (13) outputs positioning instructions for the testing device to a user visually via the display (14) and / or acoustically as spoken positioning instructions, for example by means of a loudspeaker of the control panel (13). [11] Testing device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the testing device (100) comprises a device base (30) on which the units of the testing device (100) are mounted, and which comprises a leveling and / or rolling device.

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