Portable Vehicle Sensor Calibration via Position Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle sensors, especially in heavy-duty vehicles, face calibration challenges due to added equipment and trailers that occlude their view, necessitating portable sensors that can be easily repositioned and recalibrated for effective driver assistance and autonomous driving systems.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for calibrating portable vehicle sensors that allows them to be releasably mounted at multiple positions on a vehicle, using inputting means to receive position and orientation information, and calibration means to adapt the sensor's position and orientation, facilitated by a portable measurement device that can obtain and communicate this information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If fixed vehicle sensors are used, then calibration is stable and reliable, but the sensors cannot be repositioned when equipment or trailers occlude their view

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor repositionabilityVSAvoidcalibration accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor system transitions from fixed to portable and repositionable, allowing dynamic adjustment of sensor locations. The calibration system adapts dynamically by receiving new position information and recalculating calibration parameters based on the sensor's current location, enabling the system to maintain accuracy despite position changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The calibration parameters are changed based on the sensor's position information. When the portable sensor is moved to a new location, the system receives updated position data and adjusts the calibration parameters accordingly, allowing the sensor to maintain accurate operation at different positions on the vehicle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If portable sensors are used, then the sensors can be repositioned to avoid occlusion, but calibration becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor repositionabilityVSAvoidcalibration system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The manual calibration process is replaced with an automated electronic calibration system. Instead of physically adjusting and manually calibrating sensors at each position, the system uses electronic position information input and automated calibration parameter adjustment, significantly reducing complexity and time requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The calibration system performs self-calibration by automatically receiving position information and adjusting calibration parameters without requiring complex external calibration equipment or procedures. The system serves itself by using the portable measurement device to obtain position data and automatically updating the calibration state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If manual calibration at each position is performed, then calibration accuracy is maintained, but time consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration accuracyVSAvoidcalibration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary calibration at reference positions and stores the calibration data. When the sensor is moved to new positions, the system uses the pre-stored calibration information combined with position data to quickly determine new calibration parameters, avoiding the need for time-consuming calibration at every single position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The calibration system uses feedback from position information to automatically adjust calibration parameters. By continuously receiving position data from the portable measurement device and automatically updating calibration based on this feedback, the system maintains accuracy while minimizing the time required for recalibration at each new position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4012451A1A system and method for calibrating a portable vehicle sensor
Publication Date: 2022.06.15 VOLVO TRUCK CORP
  • EP4012451A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4012451A1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b
  • EP4012451A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a system (1) and method for calibrating a portable vehicle sensor (2) which is releasably mountable to a vehicle (100) at least at a first (P1) and a second (P2) position on the vehicle (100), wherein the first and second positions (P1, P2) are offset from each other, the system comprising: - inputting means (11) configured to receive position information (x1, y1, z1) relating to the second position (P2) when or after the portable vehicle sensor (2) has been moved from the first position (P1) to the second position (P2); - calibration means (12) configured to calibrate the position of the portable vehicle sensor (2) with respect to the second position (P2) by use of the received position information.