Calibration Target Pattern for Precise Autonomous Vehicle Sensor Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional calibration markers for imaging systems lack precision, flexibility, and reliability due to their geometric configurations, limiting the accuracy and effectiveness of calibration processes.

Innovation Solution

A calibration target with an internal circular region, pattern fiducials, reference points, and a hexagonal border is used to enhance the calibration process for autonomous vehicles, incorporating a plurality of pattern fiducials and reference points to improve sensor calibration through precise detection and orientation analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If simple geometric shapes or basic fiducial patterns are used for calibration markers, then the device complexity is low and ease of manufacture is high, but the measurement precision and reliability of calibration processes are sub-optimal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalibration accuracyVSAvoidmarker complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The calibration marker is segmented into multiple functional regions: an internal circular region containing pattern fiducials for precise orientation detection, reference points circumferentially disposed for position calibration, and a hexagonal border for target identification. Each segment serves a specific calibration function, allowing the system to achieve high measurement precision through specialized sub-regions rather than requiring the entire marker to be overly complex.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the calibration marker have different local qualities optimized for specific detection tasks. The internal circular region with pattern fiducials provides high-contrast geometric features for orientation determination, while the circumferential reference points provide precise radial position references, and the hexagonal border provides robust target detection. This local optimization of features throughout the marker structure enables superior calibration accuracy without requiring uniform complexity across the entire marker.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Manufacturing precision

If conventional geometric configurations are used for calibration markers, then the ease of manufacture is maintained, but the precision and reliability in calibration processes are sub-optimal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalibration precisionVSAvoidmarker fabrication difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The calibration marker uses planar two-dimensional patterns that can be precisely copied onto various carrier surfaces using standard printing or fabrication techniques. The geometric patterns (circular region, hexagonal border, fiducial arrangements) are defined by mathematical relationships that can be replicated with high precision through conventional manufacturing processes, avoiding the need for complex three-dimensional structures or specialized fabrication methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The marker design allows for parameter optimization within conventional manufacturing capabilities. The sizes, positions, and arrangements of the circular region, hexagonal border, fiducials, and reference points can be adjusted as numerical parameters to achieve optimal calibration precision for different applications, while still being manufacturable using standard processes. This parametric approach enables high manufacturing precision without requiring exotic fabrication techniques.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If basic calibration markers with limited features are used, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability and flexibility for different calibration scenarios are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalibration flexibilityVSAvoidmarker feature complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The calibration marker is designed as a universal multi-functional target that can serve different calibration needs simultaneously. The combination of pattern fiducials for orientation detection, circumferential reference points for position calibration, and the hexagonal border for target identification creates a single marker structure that can be used across multiple calibration scenarios and with different sensor types, eliminating the need for multiple specialized markers for different applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12541879B2Calibration targets and autonomous vehicle systems for communicating with same

Publication Date: 2026.02.03 TORC ROBOTICS INC

AI summary

Calibration targets including patterns are disclosed. The calibration targets are visually displayed on carrier components and include an internal circular region, and a plurality of pattern fiducials positioned within the internal circular region. The plurality of pattern fiducials define a fiducial pattern of the calibration target. Additionally, the calibration target includes a plurality of reference points circumferentially disposed within and around a perimeter of the internal circular region, and a hexagonal border surrounding the internal circular region including the plurality of pattern fiducials and the plurality of reference points.