In-Cabin RADAR Calibration Targets for Repair-Shop Sensor Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current in-cabin sensor calibration methods, such as for RADAR, are expensive, cumbersome, and often require specialized equipment not readily available at repair shops, making them impractical for precise calibration of vital sign detection within vehicle cabins.
Innovation Solution
The use of calibration targets, such as corner reflectors and vibrating speakers, temporarily or permanently integrated into vehicle structures, to facilitate precise calibration of in-cabin sensors by measuring locational parameters and bias adjustments, allowing for simpler, quicker, and more cost-effective calibration processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional calibration methods are used, then calibration precision can be maintained, but the process becomes expensive and cumbersome requiring specialized equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses calibration targets that replicate the electromagnetic scattering properties of human occupants without requiring complex specialized calibration equipment. The targets are designed to reflect RADAR signals in patterns similar to human bodies, enabling accurate calibration through simple placement in the cabin.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration targets are designed as inexpensive, temporary objects that can be easily deployed and removed. Rather than requiring expensive permanent calibration equipment, the system uses affordable targets that serve their purpose during calibration and can be discarded or stored.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional calibration equipment is used, then calibration accuracy is achieved, but the process requires robotic arms and specialized equipment not available at repair shops
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration targets are designed to be self-contained units that automatically provide the necessary calibration signals when placed in the cabin. The targets independently generate and reflect electromagnetic signals without requiring external robotic positioning systems or specialized equipment to manipulate them.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration targets are designed to work with standard in-cabin sensors already present in vehicles, eliminating the need for specialized calibration equipment. The same targets can be used across different vehicle models and sensor types, making the calibration process universally applicable at regular repair shops.
3Measurement precision
If precise in-cabin sensor calibration is performed, then detection precision for vital signs is improved, but the calibration process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration targets are pre-configured with known geometric properties and electromagnetic reflection characteristics. Before calibration begins, the targets are positioned at predetermined locations in the cabin, and their expected signal patterns are pre-calculated and stored in the system for direct comparison during calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration process utilizes changes in electromagnetic signal parameters (amplitude, phase, frequency) reflected by the calibration targets to quickly determine sensor accuracy. By measuring multiple signal parameters simultaneously rather than sequentially, the calibration time is reduced while maintaining precision.
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 accurate and efficient calibration of in-cabin sensors, ensuring precise detection of vital signs and occupant conditions within vehicles, without the need for specialized equipment, by using calibration targets that can be easily positioned and integrated into vehicle designs.
Implementation Method 1
the calibration target may comprise a corner reflector, such as a reflector having three or more reflective surfaces configured to reflect a signal from an in-cabin RADAR sensor or another in-cabin sensor
Implementation Method 2
The calibration target may comprise a vibrational target, such as a speaker. In some such implementations, the step of calibrating the in-cabin vehicle sensor may be performed with the speaker vibrating
Data Source
AI summary
In-cabin vehicle sensor calibration targets, such as calibration targets for in-cabin RADAR sensors, along with related methods. In some implementations, the method may comprise temporarily placing a calibration target within the cabin of a vehicle; promoting movement of the calibration target; detecting the calibration target using an in-cabin vehicle RADAR sensor; and calibrating an in-cabin vehicle RADAR sensor using the calibration target.