Autonomous ADAS Sensor Calibration via Projected Visual References

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional ADAS sensor calibration techniques are limited to specific vehicle regions, labor-intensive, and costly, failing to address the need for comprehensive calibration across the vehicle and often require manual intervention, which can lead to faulty system operation due to mechanical alignment issues and sensor placement changes.

Innovation Solution

A handheld diagnostic tool and kiosk system that communicate with a vehicle's onboard computer to autonomously calibrate ADAS sensors by projecting calibration images onto adjacent surfaces, using computer-executable instructions to guide the calibration process and identify sensors requiring adjustment, thereby streamlining the calibration process and reducing labor costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional ADAS calibration techniques are used for sensors in specific regions, then calibration can be performed with existing methods, but the system cannot calibrate sensors throughout the entire vehicle and requires multiple resources and instructions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor coverage areaVSAvoidcalibration system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The portable calibration device is designed to calibrate ADAS sensors throughout the entire vehicle, not just specific regions. The device includes a display that can show calibration instructions for multiple sensor types and locations, and a projector that can project calibration images to various positions around the vehicle, making it a universal calibration solution

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

Solution Approach 2:

The portable calibration device serves as an intermediary between the technician and the ADAS sensors. It provides centralized access to calibration instructions and images, mediating the calibration process by delivering appropriate guidance and visual references to the technician based on which sensor is being calibrated

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If conventional calibration methods requiring multiple resources and manual look-up of instructions are used, then calibration can be performed with existing tools, but the process becomes labor intensive with high cost and long turnaround times

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration speedVSAvoidcalibration process simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The calibration system enables the technician to independently access and follow calibration instructions without needing multiple external resources or manual look-up procedures. The portable device self-provides all necessary calibration guidance through its display and projector, making the calibration process self-contained and easier to operate

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges calibration instructions, sensor identification, and calibration images into a single portable device. This consolidation eliminates the need for technicians to access multiple separate resources and manual documentation, combining all calibration necessities into one integrated tool that improves both productivity and ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If manual calibration procedures are used, then calibration can be performed without automated systems, but the process requires significant human intervention and increases the risk of faulty operation due to alignment issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor alignment accuracyVSAvoidcalibration automation level
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The calibration system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the display shows real-time calibration instructions and the projector provides visual references that feedback to the technician about proper sensor alignment. This feedback loop helps ensure accurate calibration by continuously guiding the technician through the process with visual confirmation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12112583B2Automotive sensor calibration system and related methodology
Publication Date: 2024.10.08 INNOVA ELECTRONICS CORP
  • US12112583B2 patent drawing
  • US12112583B2 patent drawing
  • US12112583B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of calibrating an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) sensor on a vehicle includes receiving a signal at a handheld vehicle diagnostic tool from an onboard vehicle computer, with the signal including a list of ADAS sensors located on the vehicle. The list is displayed on the diagnostic tool and user input is received on the diagnostic tool identifying a selected ADAS sensor from the list. Calibration instructions associated with the selected ADAS sensor are displayed in response to receiving the user input. An image is projected onto a projection surface adjacent the vehicle, with the projected image being associated with calibrating the selected ADAS sensor. Computer executable instructions are executed on the diagnostic tool to autonomously calibrate the selected ADAS sensor using the projected image in response to receipt of the user input and projecting the image onto the projection surface.