Vehicle Aligner Drive Direction Calculation for No-Stop Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera-based vehicle aligners require rigid mounting of cameras, additional hardware for calibration, and time-consuming positioning procedures, which are inefficient for large vehicles and do not support quick and easy alignment without extra hardware or rigid beams, and lack a simple system for calibrating advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) sensors.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle alignment system using image sensors and gravity sensors to calculate drive direction and wheel alignment parameters without direct left-to-right measurements, employing inclinometers to measure gravity direction and cameras to determine vehicle drive direction, transforming these measurements into a common coordinate system for accurate alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If cameras are rigidly mounted on a beam to maintain fixed relative positions, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rigid beam structure with a computational approach. Instead of physically constraining cameras to fixed positions, the system uses image processing algorithms to calculate and compensate for camera position variations, substituting mechanical rigidity with computational correction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a common reference target that both cameras can view as an intermediary element. This reference target serves as a mediator to establish spatial relationships between cameras and the vehicle, eliminating the need for direct mechanical coupling between cameras
2Measurement precision
If additional cameras and calibration hardware are added to determine camera positions, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the vehicle's own features (wheel targets, vehicle geometry) as calibration references, eliminating the need for separate calibration hardware. The vehicle itself provides the reference information needed for accurate measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the measurement targets serve multiple functions: they are used both for wheel alignment measurement and for camera calibration. The same targets viewed by the cameras provide information for both purposes, eliminating the need for dedicated calibration targets
3Measurement precision
If positioning and caster swing procedures are performed with stops to ensure accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous measurement during the positioning and caster swing procedures without requiring stops. The system captures images continuously throughout the motion range, processing data in real-time to maintain both speed and accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses real-time image processing and feedback algorithms to continuously monitor and adjust measurements during motion. This allows the procedure to proceed without stops while maintaining measurement accuracy through continuous validation and correction
4Measurement precision
If technicians hold the vehicle steady at certain points during positioning, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical action of holding the vehicle steady with an automated computational system. The image processing and data analysis algorithms automatically compensate for vehicle movement, eliminating the need for manual stabilization
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
Enables fast and accurate wheel alignment for various vehicles, including large trucks, without the need for rigid camera mounting or additional hardware, and facilitates easy calibration of ADAS sensors, improving efficiency and reducing operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a first gravity sensor attached to the first image sensor, for measuring a sensed orientation relative to gravity
Implementation Method 2
a first image sensor for viewing a first target disposed on a first wheel of the vehicle
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2C
AI summary
Vehicle alignment systems and methods are disclosed which operate based on a calculation of "drive direction," or the direction in which a vehicle is moving. Since a vehicle can be assumed to be a rigid body, each wheel has the same drive direction. Consequently, an alignment parameter of one wheel can be compared to the same parameter of another wheel by equating their drive direction, eliminating the need for the aligner to "see" both sides of the vehicle at the same time. Embodiments include a system having one or more cameras on a fixture carrying a calibration element for an ADAS system, and one or more targets placed on the vehicle to measure the drive direction of the vehicle. The drive direction is assumed to be parallel to the vehicle thrust line and can be used as the line for orientation of the fixture to the vehicle.