Calibration Unit with Switchable Reflective Display Surface
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current calibration methods for vehicle environment detection units, such as cameras and sensors, require multiple target elements and extensive effort for alignment, especially when replacing units or adjusting to different vehicle types, leading to inefficiencies in workshop operations.
Innovation Solution
A calibration unit with an adjustable target element that changes between a reflection surface and a target display mode, allowing flexible alignment of various vehicle environment detection units, including cameras and sensors, using a base unit with a support system and wireless data transmission for easy setup and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple different target elements are used for different vehicle types and detection units, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single target element with a functional surface that can display multiple different targets for different vehicle types and detection units. The control unit receives vehicle type information and automatically displays the appropriate target pattern, eliminating the need for multiple physical target elements while maintaining alignment precision across all vehicle types and sensor configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The functional surface of the target element is dynamically configurable to display different target patterns based on the vehicle type and detection unit being calibrated. The control unit changes the displayed target in real-time according to the detected vehicle type, allowing one physical element to serve multiple functions without manual reconfiguration
2Measurement precision
If multiple different target elements are used for different vehicle types and detection units, then alignment precision is improved, but time consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary identification of the vehicle type and automatically selects and displays the appropriate target pattern before the alignment process begins. The control unit is pre-programmed with target patterns for different vehicle types, and the system automatically retrieves and displays the correct target without requiring manual intervention or physical target changes
Solution Approach 2:
The functional surface dynamically switches between different target patterns based on the vehicle type and detection unit being calibrated. This dynamic reconfiguration happens electronically and instantaneously, eliminating the time required to physically change target elements while maintaining the precision required for each specific alignment task
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 efficient and precise alignment of different vehicle environment detection units across various vehicle types, reducing effort and time in calibration processes, while minimizing interference and ensuring accurate alignment.
Implementation Method 1
the functional surface has a reflection surface at least in sections in the first operating state... The reflective surface describes a surface with reflective properties, ie the reflective surface is preferably suitable for reflecting electromagnetic waves, e.g. light or laser beams
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a calibration unit for aligning vehicle environment sensing units of a motor vehicle, comprising: a base unit that can be slidably placed on a surface; a support unit connected to the base unit; and a target element with a functional surface that is adjustable on the support unit. To provide a calibration unit that can be used flexibly and reliably for aligning different vehicle environment sensing units of one or more motor vehicles, the functional surface is designed to switch between a first operating state and a second operating state. In the first operating state, the functional surface has at least a partial reflective surface, and in the second operating state, it is designed to display a target that can be freely positioned on the functional surface.