ADAS Sensor Calibration Using Database-Guided Vehicle Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for calibrating ADAS sensors in vehicles are tedious and time-consuming due to the need to adjust the position of calibration structures according to manufacturer-specific specifications, which often require multiple positioning systems and reference points.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method for calibrating ADAS sensors that includes a base unit with swiveling wheels, a support structure, and a vehicle calibration assistance structure. This system allows for flexible positioning using a database and server to retrieve reference parameters and geometric data, enabling calibration based on different reference elements chosen by the operator.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple positioning systems are used to accommodate different manufacturer specifications, then calibration accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration accuracyVSAvoidpositioning system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal positioning system that can accommodate multiple manufacturer specifications (BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Volkswagen, etc.) through a single integrated apparatus. The system uses a database storing reference parameters for different vehicle manufacturers and automatically retrieves the appropriate parameters based on the vehicle being calibrated. This eliminates the need for operators to manually switch between multiple positioning systems while maintaining calibration accuracy across all vehicle types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a database and control unit as intermediaries between the positioning system and the operator. The database stores reference parameters for multiple vehicle manufacturers, and the control unit automatically retrieves and applies the correct parameters based on the vehicle being calibrated. This intermediary layer eliminates the need for operators to manually configure different positioning systems for each vehicle type, reducing complexity while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the calibration structure is repositioned for each vehicle according to manufacturer specifications, then calibration precision is improved, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration precisionVSAvoidcalibration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent pre-stores reference parameters for multiple vehicle manufacturers in a database before calibration begins. The control unit automatically retrieves the appropriate parameters based on the vehicle being calibrated, eliminating the need for operators to manually measure and calculate positioning parameters for each vehicle. This preliminary preparation of data significantly reduces calibration time while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements an automated feedback loop where the control unit receives vehicle identification information, automatically queries the database for the corresponding manufacturer's reference parameters, and adjusts the positioning system accordingly. This automated feedback mechanism eliminates manual intervention and reduces the time required to reposition the calibration structure for different vehicles while ensuring precise positioning according to each manufacturer's specifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple reference points on the vehicle are used, then adaptability to different manufacturers is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturer compatibilityVSAvoidoperator complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically identifying the vehicle manufacturer and retrieving the appropriate reference parameters from the database without operator intervention. The control unit autonomously configures the positioning system based on the vehicle being calibrated, eliminating the need for operators to manually select from multiple positioning systems or reference points. This self-service capability maintains high adaptability to different manufacturers while significantly improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3686552B1Apparatus for calibrating an ADAS sensor of an advanced driver assistance system of a vehicle, and server
Publication Date: 2025.06.04 NEXION SPA
  • EP3686552B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3686552B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3686552B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

An apparatus (1) for calibrating an ADAS sensor of an advanced driver assistance system of a vehicle (9) positioned in a service area (8), comprises: a support structure (3); 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 of the vehicle (9); a positioning system; a computer (102), having access to a database (101) and configured to: receive one or more information items as input; query the database (101) to retrieve a reference parameter (111) and a geometric parameter (112) as a function of the input information; process the reference parameter (111) and the geometric parameter (112) to generate derived data (114) relating to a reference position of the vehicle calibration assistance structure (4). The application further discloses a server comprising a database (101) including the reference parameters (111) and the geometry parameters (112), and a processor programmed to select from the database (101) a reference parameter (111) and a geometry parameter (112).