ADAS Calibration Positioning With Optical Targets and Cameras

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ADAS sensor calibration systems face precision issues due to manual operator dependency and lack of accuracy in positioning the calibration apparatus and target panels, leading to potential errors in ADAS sensor calibration and operation.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle service system with a calibration apparatus equipped with a position detection system comprising optical apparatuses and cameras that capture images of positioning targets, an electronic control system to determine the position of the calibration apparatus relative to the vehicle, and a handling assembly to guide precise positioning, ensuring accurate alignment and calibration of ADAS sensors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual positioning is used by an operator, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but positioning precision and calibration accuracy deteriorate due to operator error

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of positioning operationVSAvoidpositioning precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated optical measurement system. Cameras capture images of positioning targets, and a processing system automatically calculates the calibration apparatus position and orientation, eliminating operator-dependent manual positioning while achieving high precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-positioning through automated detection and calculation. The processing system uses images from cameras to automatically determine the calibration apparatus position relative to the vehicle, allowing the system to self-correct positioning errors without operator intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If automated positioning systems are introduced to improve precision, then measurement accuracy improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a universal camera system that can capture positioning target images from multiple positions. The same cameras and processing system handle both positioning measurement and calibration verification, reducing the need for separate specialized devices and minimizing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces positioning targets as intermediaries between the calibration apparatus and the measurement system. These targets simplify the measurement process by providing clear, easily detectable reference points that the cameras can accurately track, reducing the complexity of direct position measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If multiple cameras and optical devices are deployed to ensure high positioning accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but the risk of camera damage and system cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidrisk of camera damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses positioning targets as protective intermediaries. The cameras only need to capture images of these durable, stationary targets rather than directly observing the calibration apparatus or vehicle, reducing the risk of camera damage while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary positioning verification by capturing images of positioning targets before actual calibration begins. This preliminary check ensures the calibration apparatus is correctly positioned, preventing unnecessary calibration attempts that could expose cameras to harmful conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system achieves high-precision positioning and calibration of ADAS sensors, reducing operator error and ensuring accurate ADAS system operation while reducing costs and risk of camera damage, and enabling automatic correction of positioning errors.

Implementation Method 1

a position detection system (7), which comprises optical apparatuses (8) and cameras (10)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical detection: Photography

Data Source

PatentUS11921232B2Vehicle service system and operating method thereof

Publication Date: 2024.03.05 TEXA SPA

AI summary

A vehicle service system comprising a calibration apparatus, which is designed to calibrate an ADAS sensor of a vehicle, a calibration device and a position detection system, which comprises, in turn, two optical apparatuses, which are arranged on opposite sides of the vehicle and are configured to capture first images containing images of the vehicle. The optical apparatuses have respective positioning targets, which are oriented so as to face the calibration apparatus. The position detection system further comprises two cameras, which are mounted on the calibration apparatus so as to be arranged in lateral positions on opposite sides with respect to the calibration device. The two cameras are optically oriented towards the optical apparatuses so as to capture the images of the positioning targets.