ADAS calibration system for calibrating at least one headlamp of a vehicle

Abstract

At least one headlamp (H) of the vehicle (100) L The ADAS calibration system (1) for calibrating an ADAS vehicle (100) includes a support (2) and a laser measuring device (3) configured to detect a distance from the support (2) to two front or rear wheels of the vehicle (100), the laser measuring device (3) being attached to the support (2), a projection surface (4) being attached to the support (2), and a headlamp (H L a headlamp beam setter (10) comprising a screen (12) configured to display a pattern generated by a two-dimensional projection of a light beam emitted by the headlamp (H); and a camera (13) configured to acquire an image of the pattern displayed on the screen (12); and a headlamp beam setter (10) configured to receive the detected distance from the laser measuring device (3), receive the image of the pattern from the camera (13), and adjust the headlamp (H) accordingly. L and a control unit (5) configured to calculate an alignment angle of the

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an ADAS calibration system for calibrating at least one headlamp of a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] An important safety aspect in traffic is the correct calibration of headlamps to provide good illumination of the road with minimal glare to oncoming vehicles.

[0003] A headlamp beamsetter or tester is an instrument used during scrutineering to check both the orientation and intensity of the light emitted by a vehicle's headlamps.

[0004] Known headlamp beamsetters are in the form of a movable trolley, a height adjustable optical group slidably mounted on a vertical post aligned with a headlamp of the vehicle to receive a collimated light beam; a mirror or laser alignment system mounted on the top of the vertical pillar, which allows the setter to be aligned with the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

[0005] The optical group includes a series of lenses configured to focus the light beam of all types of headlamps.

[0006] Typically the trolley has a T- or L-shaped base with three wheels to position the headlamp beamsetter in front of the headlamp to be checked.

[0007] In some applications, the wheels of the trolley can slide on rails that are placed on the floor at the front of the vehicle.

[0008] With the widespread use of LED headlamps in the last few years, recent models of headlamp beamsetters are equipped with a camera for capturing an image and an electronic unit for digital processing of the image (light pattern), i.e. filtering or increasing the resolution.

[0009] In practice, the light beam from the headlamp is directed towards a digital camera in the headlamp beamsetter and the electronic unit processes the acquired images to command a representation of the exact pointing position and shape of the light beam, so that the light beam can be checked and calibrated.

[0010] One problem with known solutions is that the mechanic performs headlamp alignment by empirically using the vehicle's longitudinal or thrust axis as an alignment target, which requires additional tools such as a laser beam or pointer to identify a target point on the vehicle body.

[0011] Furthermore, known solutions envisage sophisticated operating systems and software applications equipped with databases containing the specifications of different models of vehicles.

[0012] Furthermore, adjusting the headlamp beamsetter is a time-consuming task for a mechanic, and the task is often subject to positioning errors.

[0013] In recent years, public interest in improving automotive safety has expanded from traditional passive safety systems (such as airbags, seat belts, and crashworthiness) to advanced active safety systems, known to experts as ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems).

[0014] ADAS systems are electronic driver assistance systems for vehicles that support the driver with the aim of increasing safety and / or driving comfort.

[0015] By way of example, ADAS systems that are already in widespread use include adaptive cruise control, automatic full-beam headlamp adjustment, automatic headlamp orientation, automatic parking systems, navigation systems with traffic information, night vision systems, blind spot monitors, forward collision warning systems, and automatic emergency braking.

[0016] At a technical level, ADAS systems are based on multiple sensors (TV cameras, radar, Lidar, etc.) that can detect different information that can potentially be used as input data for smart algorithms that monitor the degree of autonomy of the vehicle.

[0017] Before the vehicle is put on the market, these sensors are calibrated directly by the manufacturer.

[0018] For example, the initial calibration of the camera is performed through a simulation environment specially provided by the manufacturer, in which the camera is placed opposite a monitor onto which configurable dynamic scenarios (such as pedestrians crossing a road) are projected.

[0019] After the vehicle is on the market, the above-mentioned sensors are calibrated periodically (e.g. when the vehicle is serviced) or after an exceptional event (e.g. replacement of a sensor following the warning of a defect, damage or failure).

[0020] The Applicant has recently developed an ADAS calibration system and method for calibrating optical sensors mounted on a vehicle, as disclosed in European Patent Application published as EP 3588001. The system is fully digital, as it uses a screen or panel to project images / video associated with the particular optical sensor being calibrated.

[0021] Furthermore, modern headlamps formed by an active LED matrix are connected to the vehicle's ADAS calibration system, in particular to the front-facing camera installed in the vehicle, in order to adapt the intensity and / or orientation of the light beam to the traffic situation.

[0022] Document EP 3 628 996 A1 discloses, according to its abstract, a vehicle headlight measurement system instrumentation arrangement comprising a support structure, a vehicle calibration support structure supported by the support structure and including a headlight aiming device, a positioning target element having a surface provided with predetermined graphic features, the positioning target element being supported by the support structure and oriented in a forward direction towards a service area, a positioning device configured to assist in relative positioning between the vehicle and the vehicle calibration support structure, and a processing system operatively connected to the positioning device.

[0023] According to its abstract, document US2012 / 224171A1 proposes a vehicle headlight aiming device including a housing that is vertically and horizontally adjustable along vertical and horizontal tracks. The housing includes a lens that receives and focuses the vehicle's headlight beams to form an image on an internal screen, and a control unit mounted on the housing that is vertically and horizontally rotatable relative to the housing. The housing and the control unit each emit a laser beam for configuring and evaluating the alignment of the device relative to the vehicle. The control unit compensates for uneven support surfaces of the device and / or vehicle and indicates whether the headlights are properly aimed according to a selected aiming criterion based on the image, the configuration of the vehicle and the device, and any compensation for any uneven support surfaces of the device and / or vehicle.

[0024] Document GB2307312A, according to its abstract, discloses an apparatus and method for directing vehicle headlights to a standard image pattern including a frame movable relative to the vehicle. The housing, supported on a vertically adjustable housing, includes a lens for focusing the headlight beam onto a reflective screen, which reflects the beam image to a camera. A controller compares an area of ​​a digitized image output from the camera to the standard image pattern and generates a correlation coefficient based on the difference between the reflected image and the standard image. Based on the difference, the controller generates an output signal to an adjustment device engageable with the headlight mounting frame to adjust the position of the mounting frame to null the difference. Summary of the Invention

[0025] In this context, the object of the present invention is to propose an ADAS calibration system for calibrating at least one headlamp of a vehicle, which overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art mentioned above.

[0026] In particular, the object of the invention is to propose an ADAS calibration system for calibrating at least one headlamp of a vehicle, which is simpler and faster to use than known solutions.

[0027] Another object of the present invention is to provide an ADAS calibration system for calibrating at least one headlamp of a vehicle that is more reliable than known solutions.

[0028] The stated technical problem and identified objectives are substantially achieved by an ADAS calibration system for calibrating at least one headlamp of a vehicle, the ADAS calibration system comprising: A support; - a detection means arranged to detect a distance from the support to the two front or rear wheels of the vehicle, the detection means being attached to the support; a projection surface for projecting an image or video, the projection surface being mounted on a support; at least one headlamp beamsetter comprising: a screen configured to display a pattern generated by a two-dimensional projection of a light beam emitted by a headlamp disposed substantially in front of the headlamp beamsetter; and a camera configured to acquire an image of the pattern displayed on the screen; and a control unit configured to receive the detected distances for the two wheels from the detection means and the image of the pattern from the camera, and to calculate an alignment angle of the headlamps accordingly.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the headlamp beamsetter is mounted on a support and is horizontally slidable on the support.

[0030] In one aspect of the invention, the support comprises a horizontal bar on which the headlamp beamsetter is slidably mounted along a first predetermined direction.

[0031] Preferably, the horizontal bar is slidable along a second predetermined direction transverse to the first predetermined direction.

[0032] According to another embodiment, the headlamp beam setter is arranged on a further support separate from the support, which means that the support and the further support are not integrally connected.

[0033] According to another embodiment, there are two headlamp beam setters mounted on a support.

[0034] Preferably, the two headlamp beam setters are mounted on a horizontal bar of the support.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the camera is positioned in front of the screen relative to the light beam emitted by the headlamp.

[0036] According to another embodiment, the camera is placed behind the screen with respect to the light beam emitted by the headlamp.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the headlamp beamsetter further comprises at least one lens for focusing the light beam coming from the headlamp before reaching the screen.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the screen, camera and lens (if present) are housed in a box.

[0039] According to one aspect of the invention, the camera is positioned at a low or high position relative to the optical axis of the lens.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the detection means comprise two laser meters slidably mounted on the support.

[0041] According to another embodiment, the detection means comprise two cameras mounted on a support.

[0042] According to one aspect of the invention, the control unit is also configured to command the projection of images or videos for calibrating one or more optical sensors mounted on the vehicle.

[0043] For example, the projection surface is a screen or a panel.

[0044] Preferably, the control unit is configured to communicate with the vehicle's EOBD diagnostic socket via a wireless or cable connection. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0045] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the non-limiting description of preferred, but non-exclusive, embodiments of an ADAS calibration system for calibrating at least one headlamp of a vehicle, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] 1 illustrates generally an ADAS calibration system for calibrating at least one headlamp of a vehicle according to the present invention; [Diagram 2] 2 shows a schematic diagram of a headlamp beamsetter of the system of FIG. 1; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0046] With reference to the figure, the number 1 denotes at least one headlamp H of a vehicle 100. L 1 shows an ADAS calibration system for calibrating the

[0047] In particular, the vehicle 100 is placed in a test station 50, which consists of a level or sloped floor upon which the stationary vehicle 100 is parked.

[0048] The vehicle 100 is, for example, a passenger car, a bus, a large truck, a road tractor, a tractor trailer, agricultural machinery, a work vehicle, a self-propelled vehicle, or the like.

[0049] The ADAS calibration system 1 comprises a support 2 , preferably mobile, i.e. movable by wheels, for being placed in front of a vehicle 100 arranged at a test station 50 .

[0050] The ADAS calibration system 1 includes at least one headlamp beam setter 10 .

[0051] According to one embodiment, the headlamp beamsetter 10 is mounted on the support 2 and is horizontally slidable on the support 2. In practice, the headlamp beamsetter 10 isL The movable member 10 is slidable along a first predetermined direction X that is substantially transverse to the orientation direction Y of the movable member 10.

[0052] Preferably, the support 2 comprises a horizontal bar 20 on which the headlamp beamsetter 10 is slidably mounted. The horizontal bar 20 extends along or parallel to a first predetermined direction X.

[0053] By sliding horizontally, the headlamp beamsetter 10 can be positioned in front of either of the front headlamps of the vehicle 100.

[0054] The horizontal bar 20 is preferably slidable along a second predetermined direction Z that is transverse to the first predetermined direction X and the pointing direction Y. In particular, the horizontal bar 20 is slidable perpendicularly to the base of the support 2.

[0055] The support 2 preferably comprises one or two posts 21 extending parallel to the second predetermined direction Z. A horizontal bar 20 is arranged transversely to the one or two posts 21 and slidably attached thereto.

[0056] According to another embodiment shown in Fig. 1, there are two headlamp beamsetters 10 mounted on a support 2. In particular, the two headlamp beamsetters 10 are spaced apart so as to be located in front of corresponding front headlamps of the vehicle 100.

[0057] Also attached to the support 2 is a projection surface 4 for projecting images or video. Preferably, the projection surface 4 is mounted on a post 21 of the support 2.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the invention, projection surface 4 is a screen, for example a computer or television display.

[0059] According to another aspect of the invention, the projection surface 4 is the display of a multimedia interactive whiteboard.

[0060] According to another embodiment of the invention, the projection surface 4 is a panel, for example a panel made of a high contrast PVC fabric.

[0061] Also attached to the support 2 are detection means 3 for detecting the distance from the support 2 to the two front or rear wheels of the vehicle 100 .

[0062] According to one embodiment, the detection means 3 comprise two laser meters 3 slidably mounted on a horizontal bar 20 .

[0063] In particular, one laser measuring device 3 (visible in FIG. 1, W L 1 and the other laser meter 3 is arranged to detect the distance of the left front wheel (indicated with a red dot) and the other laser meter 3 is arranged to detect the distance of the right front wheel (not shown). It should be noted that similar detection can be performed for the left and right rear wheels.

[0064] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, each headlamp beamsetter 10 is positioned adjacent to one of the two laser measuring instruments 3 .

[0065] Alternatively, the detection means 3 comprise two cameras mounted on a horizontal bar 20 .

[0066] The vehicle 100 is equipped with one or more sensors that may require calibration. For example, in FIG. 1, an optical sensor of a forward-facing camera 30 is shown mounted on the vehicle 100.

[0067] The support 2 is positioned in front of the test station 50 so that the sensor 30 can acquire an image or video projected onto the projection surface 4 .

[0068] Each headlamp beamsetter 10 comprises a screen 12 and a camera 13. The screen 12 is attached to the camera 13 by a support structure, for example by having a frustoconical or prismatic shape.

[0069] The screen 12 is arranged to display a pattern produced by a two-dimensional projection of the light beams emitted by the corresponding headlamps.

[0070] Camera 13 is a headlamp H L In other words, the camera 13 is positioned in front of or behind the screen 12 with respect to the light beam emitted by the headlamp H. L Alternatively, the screen 12 may be disposed between the camera 13 and the headlamp H L It may be placed between.

[0071] For example, the screen 12 is made of PMMA or a similar material. The screen 12 may be opaque to allow the projection of a pattern with perceptible contrast, especially when the camera 13 is in front of the screen 12.

[0072] Alternatively, when the camera 13 is behind the screen 12, the screen 12 is semi-transparent.

[0073] For example, a 30cm x 30cm screen can be used.

[0074] A camera 13 is aimed to capture an image of the pattern displayed on the screen 12 .

[0075] Preferably, the headlamp beamsetter 10 also comprises a lens 14 or a series of lenses for focusing the light beam coming from a corresponding headlamp of the vehicle 100 .

[0076] The camera 13 is preferably positioned between the screen 12 and the lens 14. In order not to obstruct the light beam coming from the headlamp, the camera 13 is preferably positioned at a low or high position relative to the optical axis of the lens 14.

[0077] The light beam coming from the headlamp is collimated by a lens 14 and projected in the form of a pattern onto a screen 12 and acquired by a camera 13 .

[0078] The screen 12, the camera 13 and the lens 14 may also be integrated in a box, indicated with the number 15 in FIG.

[0079] The ADAS calibration system 1 includes a control unit 5, Receive the distance detected by the laser measuring device 3 (or generally by a detection means), Receive an image of the pattern captured by the camera 13; A control unit 5 is provided which is adapted to calculate the alignment angle of the headlamps depending on the distance and the image.

[0080] The control unit 5 is also configured to command the projection of an image or video onto the projection surface 4 for calibration of the sensor 30 .

[0081] In addition, the image of the pattern acquired by the camera 13 may be projected onto the projection surface 4. This allows the operator to receive alignment instructions directly from the projection surface 4.

[0082] The images or videos for calibrating the sensor 30 are selected from an archive that may be stored in the memory. In particular, the memory includes a number of images and / or videos stored according to the type of sensor.

[0083] According to one aspect of the invention, the control unit 5 is configured to adapt or transform the image or video to the size of the projection surface 4 .

[0084] The control unit 5 is preferably housed in a handheld device, commonly known in the art as a "scan tool," which can be connected to the vehicle's EOBD diagnostic socket via a wireless or cable connection.

[0085] The memory can also be contained in the same portable device.

[0086] Alternatively, the memory may be the computer's memory or an external memory, i.e. a USB memory that can be directly connected to the television.

[0087] According to an alternative embodiment (not shown), the headlamp beamsetter 10 is mounted on a further support separate from the support 2 of the ADAS calibration system 1. Preferably, the support 2 and the further support are not integrally connected. The further support of the headlamp beamsetter 10 can be a trolley of known type.

[0088] The function of the ADAS calibration system according to the present invention will be described below.

[0089] The vehicle 100 is placed at the test station 50 and the support 2 is brought in front of the vehicle 100 such that the projection plane 4 is positioned substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 100 .

[0090] The operator connects a handheld device (scan tool) to the EOBD diagnostic socket on the vehicle 100 .

[0091] The handheld device has a display on which a graphical interface is displayed, configured to allow an operator to input text or instructions.

[0092] In particular, an operator can select the vehicle 100 to be calibrated by choosing from various types of vehicles divided by brand (manufacturer) and model. Recognition of the vehicle 100 can also be performed automatically or semi-automatically by a scan tool.

[0093] The operator then selects the sensor that needs to be calibrated, namely the optical sensor of the forward camera 30 mounted on the vehicle 100.

[0094] The laser measuring device 3 detects the distance from the support 2 to the two front or rear wheels and transmits these data to the control unit 5 .

[0095] The light beam emitted by the headlamp is collimated by a lens 14 and projected in the form of a pattern onto a screen 12 and acquired by a camera 13 which can transmit these data to the control unit 5 .

[0096] Depending on these data, the control unit 5 commands the projection of an image or a video onto the projection surface 4, intended in particular for the calibration of that optical sensor. In particular, the control unit 5 searches in its memory for an image or a video related to the type of optical sensor to be calibrated.

[0097] Additionally, the headlamp alignment angles are calculated and optionally displayed on the projection surface 4.

[0098] The features and advantages of the ADAS calibration system for calibrating at least one headlamp, according to the present invention, are apparent as well as the benefits.

[0099] When calibrating headlamp beams that function as part of an ADAS system, particularly when calibrating forward-facing cameras for lane keeping, collision warning, adaptive cruise control, etc., the beamsetter is typically put into calibration mode by commands sent to the headlamp ECU by a suitable diagnostic scan tool that connects to the ECU via the vehicle's diagnostic connector. In such calibration mode, the headlamp projects specific beam patterns, and in effect, the shape of the projected beam changes. The headlamp beamsetter's camera measures the position of these patterns and calculates the necessary correction factors, which are then returned by the scan tool to the headlamp ECU.

[0100] A single slidable headlamp beamsetter or two headlamp beamsetters are mounted on supports in the ADAS calibration station so that their positions are controlled by the ADAS calibration system.

[0101] Including a headlamp beamsetter in an ADAS calibration system that controls other sensors on the vehicle allows the headlamp beamsetter to receive instructions / information to adjust the headlamp optical group, i.e., orientation and / or intensity, quickly, easily and in a manner that is safe for the operator. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0102] [Patent Document 1] EP3588001 [Patent Document 2] EP3628996A1 [Patent Document 3] US2012 / 224171A1 [Patent Document 4] GB2307312A

Claims

1. At least one headlamp (H) of the vehicle (100) Ｌ 1. An ADAS calibration system (1) for calibrating an ADAS, comprising: A support (2); a detection means (3) configured to detect the distance from the support (2) to the two front or rear wheels of the vehicle (100), the detection means (3) being attached to the support (2); a screen (4) for projecting images or videos, the screen (4) being attached to said support (2); At least one headlamp beam setter (10), the headlamp (H) being arranged substantially in front of the headlamp beam setter (10). Ｌ a screen (12) configured to display a pattern generated by a two-dimensional projection of a light beam emitted by a headlamp beam setter (10), and a camera (13) configured to acquire an image of the pattern displayed on the screen (12); The distances detected for the two wheels are received from the detection means (3), the image of the pattern is received from the camera (13), and the headlamp (H) is controlled accordingly. Ｌ and a control unit (5) configured to calculate an alignment angle of the The control unit (5) is also configured to command the projection onto the screen (4) of images or videos for calibration of one or more optical sensors (30) mounted on the vehicle, ADAS calibration system (1).

2. 2. The ADAS calibration system (1) according to claim 1, wherein said at least one headlamp beam setter (10) is mounted on said support (2) and is horizontally slidable on said support (2).

3. 3. The ADAS calibration system (1) of claim 2, wherein the support (2) comprises a horizontal bar (20) on which the headlamp beam setter (10) is slidably mounted along a first predetermined direction (X).

4. 4. The ADAS calibration system (1) according to claim 3, wherein the horizontal bar (20) is slidable along a second predetermined direction (Z) transverse to the first predetermined direction (X).

5. 2. The ADAS calibration system (1) according to claim 1, comprising a further support for the headlamp beam setter (10) separate from the support (2), meaning that the support (2) and the further support are not integrally connected.

6. 2. The ADAS calibration system (1) according to claim 1, comprising two headlamp beam setters (10) mounted on said support (2).

7. 7. The ADAS calibration system (1) according to claim 6, wherein the support (2) comprises a horizontal bar (20) on which the two headlamp beam setters (10) are mounted.

8. The camera (13) is connected to the headlamp (H Ｌ 8. The ADAS calibration system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the ADAS calibration system (1) is arranged in front of or behind the screen (12) with respect to the light beam emitted by a light source (14).

9. The at least one headlamp beam setter (10) directs the light from the headlamp (H) to the screen (12) before reaching the screen. Ｌ 9. The ADAS calibration system (1) according to claim 1, further comprising at least one lens (14) for focusing the light beam coming from the first optical axis (12).

10. 10. The ADAS calibration system (1) of claim 9, wherein the at least one headlamp beamsetter (10) comprises a box (15) housing the screen (12), the camera (13) and the at least one lens (14).

11. 11. The ADAS calibration system (1) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the camera (13) is positioned at a low or high position relative to the optical axis of the at least one lens (14).

12. 12. The ADAS calibration system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the detection means (3) comprises two laser meters (3) slidably mounted on the support (2).

13. 13. The ADAS calibration system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the detection means (3) comprise two cameras mounted on the support (2).

14. 14. The ADAS calibration system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the control unit (5) is configured to communicate with an EOBD diagnostic socket of the vehicle (100) via a wireless or cable connection.

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