Vehicle Optical Sensor Calibration Using Projected Targets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current calibration methods for optical sensors in vehicles are cumbersome, require extensive equipment for various sensor types, and often necessitate on-road dynamic calibration, which is weather-dependent and poses safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A universal calibration system and method that uses a test station with a projection surface, a memory for specific images or videos for each sensor type, and a control unit to adjust the optical axis of the sensor, allowing for efficient calibration regardless of the vehicle manufacturer or model.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional calibration methods are used for optical sensors, then calibration can be performed, but the process becomes cumbersome and requires extensive equipment for various sensor types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal calibration system that can calibrate multiple types of optical sensors (cameras, radar, LIDAR) using a single integrated setup. The system includes a universal target object with multiple types of calibration patterns that work across different sensor types, eliminating the need for separate calibration equipment for each sensor type and making the calibration process more accessible.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a projected image of a calibration target instead of requiring physical calibration targets for each sensor type. The projection device creates a virtual copy of the calibration target that can be displayed on any suitable surface, replacing the need for multiple physical targets and reducing equipment complexity.
2Reliability
If on-road dynamic calibration is performed, then sensor calibration can be achieved, but weather dependence and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces dynamic on-road calibration with a static calibration method using projection technology. Instead of requiring the vehicle to move on roads under various weather conditions, the system projects calibration targets onto surfaces in a controlled environment, eliminating weather dependence and safety risks while maintaining calibration reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a projection device as an intermediary between the calibration system and the optical sensors. This intermediary projects calibration targets onto any suitable surface (wall, ground, screen), creating a controlled calibration environment that eliminates the need for actual road conditions and removes weather-related harmful factors.
3Measurement precision
If manufacturer-specific calibration procedures are used, then accurate calibration can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and model-specific
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal calibration system that works across different vehicle manufacturers and models through a standardized approach. The system includes a universal target object with calibration patterns designed to work with various sensor types and configurations, allowing technicians to perform calibration using a single procedure rather than learning multiple manufacturer-specific processes, thereby reducing time loss while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares calibration targets and projection parameters in advance for different sensor types and vehicle configurations. The system pre-configures appropriate calibration patterns and projection settings, so when calibration is needed, the technician simply selects the appropriate pre-prepared configuration rather than setting everything from scratch, significantly reducing calibration time 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
The system enables quick, reliable, and manufacturer-independent calibration of optical sensors, eliminating the need for on-road dynamic calibration and reducing the risk of driver safety issues.
Implementation Method 1
a projection device configured to project an image of a calibration target onto a projection surface
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method of calibrating a vehicle optical sensor includes positioning a vehicle in a test station and proximate a projection surface, the vehicle having an optical sensor, the projection surface in view of the optical sensor, determining a position of the optical sensor with respect to the projection surface using a control unit that is external to the vehicle, and selecting an image to be displayed. The method further includes displaying the image from the projection surface, adapting the image displayed from the projection surface to dimensions of the projection surface, using the control unit, based on a size of the projection surface and the position of the optical sensor, spatially adjusting the projection surface with respect to the position of the optical sensor, and calibrating the optical sensor by adjusting a position of an optical axis of the optical sensor based on the image.