Collaborative Sensor Calibration Using Assisting Vehicle Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current autonomous driving technologies do not adequately address the unique challenges of trucks and truck fleets, such as the need for advanced sensor calibration and awareness of larger geographical surroundings, which is crucial for safe navigation and obstacle avoidance.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for collaborative sensor calibration on-the-fly using communication between vehicles, where an assisting vehicle helps calibrate sensors of an ego vehicle by providing target information and adjusting its position to ensure accurate sensor data, even while in motion, utilizing a fleet management center to coordinate the calibration process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional autonomous driving technologies are used for trucks, then general autonomous driving functions are achieved, but sensor calibration accuracy and awareness of larger geographical surroundings deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the calibration process into multiple phases: pre-calibration planning, dynamic calibration during motion, and post-calibration verification. This segmentation allows traditional autonomous driving technologies to be adapted for truck-specific requirements by breaking down the complex calibration task into manageable stages that address both general and truck-specific challenges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic calibration capabilities that adapt to changing truck operating conditions, including variable speeds, loads, and environmental factors. The system continuously adjusts calibration parameters based on real-time sensor data and truck state, enabling accurate calibration that accounts for the unique dynamics of heavy vehicle operation.
2Measurement precision
If sensor calibration is performed while the vehicle is stationary, then calibration accuracy is improved, but navigation productivity and response time deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration actions during periods when the truck is stationary or low-speed operating, establishing baseline calibration parameters. These pre-established parameters are then refined during dynamic operation, allowing the system to maintain high accuracy without requiring extended stationary calibration periods that would reduce productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous calibration processes that operate throughout the truck's navigation cycle. Rather than performing discrete calibration events that stop productivity, the system continuously refines sensor parameters using ongoing data from multiple sensors, ensuring calibration accuracy is maintained without interrupting navigation operations.
3Measurement precision
If collaborative calibration between multiple vehicles is implemented, then sensor calibration accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fleet management center as an intermediary that coordinates collaborative calibration between multiple vehicles. This central mediator receives data from participating vehicles, processes calibration information, and distributes refined calibration parameters, simplifying the complexity by providing a centralized coordination point rather than requiring direct peer-to-peer communication between all vehicle pairs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges calibration data from multiple vehicles to improve overall calibration accuracy. By combining observations and sensor data from several trucks undergoing calibration, the system creates more robust calibration parameters that account for variations in individual vehicle conditions, achieving higher accuracy while managing complexity through data aggregation.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein include a method of receiving, by a moving assisting vehicle, a calibration assistance request related to a moving ego vehicle that requested assistance in collaborative calibration of a sensor deployed on the moving ego vehicle. The method further includes analyzing the calibration assistance request to extract at least one of a schedule or an assistance route associated with the requested assistance. The method includes communicating with the moving ego vehicle about a desired location relative to the position of the moving ego vehicle for the moving assisting vehicle to be in order to assist the sensor to acquire information of a target present on the moving assisting vehicle. The method includes facilitating to drive the moving assisting vehicle to reach the desired location to achieve the collaborative calibration of the sensor on the moving ego vehicle.