ADAS Sensor Calibration Apparatus with Real-Time Position Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for calibrating advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) sensors in vehicles are tedious, time-consuming, and require significant operator experience due to the need for precise positioning of trolley-like structures at predetermined distances and orientations, which can vary by vehicle manufacturer.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method featuring a base unit with swiveling wheels, a support structure, a calibration device, a position detector, and a processing unit that assists in aligning ADAS sensors by providing real-time position feedback and automatic or manual movement capabilities to achieve optimal positioning based on vehicle-specific reference data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a trolley-like structure is used to support calibration targets, then the calibration device can be positioned and oriented according to manufacturer specifications, but the positioning process becomes tedious and time-consuming requiring significant operator experience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a camera system to capture images of the vehicle and calibration target, with image processing algorithms automatically calculating the relative position and orientation between the trolley and vehicle. This visual feedback loop replaces manual positioning with automated guidance, reducing both time and operator skill requirements while maintaining precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated vision-based system. Instead of operators physically moving the trolley to precise locations, the system uses image capture, processing, and automated calculations to determine and guide positioning, substituting mechanical operator intervention with automated computational methods
2Measurement precision
If the operator manually positions the trolley-like structure, then experience and skill are required to achieve accurate positioning, but this increases the complexity and difficulty of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-positioning by automatically capturing images, processing them to determine relative positions, and guiding the trolley to the correct location without requiring operator expertise. The calibration process serves itself by using the vehicle and target as reference points to automatically establish the correct geometric relationship
Solution Approach 2:
Manual operator positioning is replaced with an automated vision system that uses image capture and processing to determine positions. The system substitutes human skill and experience with automated computational algorithms that calculate relative positions and guide the trolley automatically
3Reliability
If the calibration structure is moved to the optimum position for each vehicle, then accurate calibration can be achieved, but the manoeuvring and positioning becomes highly time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures images and processes position data before final positioning is completed. By preliminarily determining the correct position through image analysis and automated calculations, the system prepares the positioning information in advance, enabling faster and more accurate placement without trial and error
Solution Approach 2:
The vision system provides continuous feedback during the positioning process by capturing images, calculating relative positions, and guiding adjustments. This real-time feedback enables the trolley to be quickly and accurately positioned without requiring multiple manual adjustments, thereby increasing calibration throughput while maintaining accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus (1) for calibrating an ADAS sensor of a vehicle (9) includes: a base unit (2) including a plurality of wheels (20); a support structure (3) integral with the base unit (2); a vehicle calibration assistance structure (4), mounted on the support structure (3) and including a calibration device (41, 42) configured to facilitate aligning or calibrating the ADAS sensor; a position detector, configured to capture values of a position parameter representing a position of the support structure (3) relative to the vehicle (9); a processing unit, configured to process the values of the position 10 parameter in real time to derive information regarding an actual position of the support structure (3) relative to the vehicle (9).