Vehicle Position Sensor Calibration Using Map and Odometry Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for calibrating position sensors in vehicles are time-consuming and costly, requiring separate manufacturing steps and manual intervention, which can lead to sensor malfunctions due to installation inaccuracies.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves storing virtual location information in a vehicle map, moving the vehicle along a predefined calibration route, detecting actual location information, comparing it with the map-based movement, and calibrating the sensors based on the difference between map-based and odometry-based movements, allowing for self-calibration without manual intervention or special equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional calibration methods using calibration stands are used, then sensor position and orientation can be accurately determined, but the calibration process becomes time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a digital copy of the production environment by storing virtual location information of features along the production route in a map. This virtual map serves as a reference for calibration, eliminating the need for physical calibration stands while maintaining calibration accuracy through comparison of actual sensor detections with the pre-stored virtual map data
Solution Approach 2:
The production route serves multiple functions: it is both the manufacturing pathway and the calibration test route. The same route used for vehicle production automatically becomes the calibration path, eliminating the need for separate calibration infrastructure and reducing both time and cost
2Reliability
If separate calibration facilities and manual intervention are used, then sensor calibration can be performed, but the process complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration system performs self-calibration by automatically comparing sensor detections with the pre-stored virtual map without requiring manual intervention or external calibration specialists. The control device autonomously processes the comparison between actual and virtual location information to determine sensor position and orientation, reducing human involvement while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the calibration system with the existing production control system. The same control device that manages production operations also performs calibration functions by accessing the virtual map and processing sensor data, eliminating the need for separate calibration equipment and reducing overall system complexity
3Productivity
If installation tolerances are not compensated, then production speed is maintained, but sensor malfunctions occur due to incorrect installation positions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the calibration parameters from fixed physical measurements at calibration stands to variable comparisons between actual sensor detections and virtual map data. This allows the system to automatically compensate for installation tolerances by calculating the actual position and orientation offsets, ensuring sensor reliability without slowing down production
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for calibrating at least one position sensor (1) in a vehicle (2), comprising the following steps: storing a map in the vehicle (2) with at least one item of virtual location information from the environment of a predefined calibration route (4); moving the vehicle (2) on the predefined calibration route (4); detecting at least one item of actual location information (5) via the at least one position sensor (1), while the vehicle (2) moves on the predefined calibration route (4); carrying out a comparison between the at least one item of virtual location information and the at least one item of actual location information (5); calculating a map-based movement of the vehicle (2) within the stored map based on the comparison; calculating an odometry-based movement of the vehicle (2); and calibrating the at least one position sensor (1) based on a comparison between the map-based movement and the odometry-based movement. The invention also relates to a computer program (7), a storage means having a computer program (7) stored thereon, a control device (3) having a computer program (7) installed thereon, and a calibration route (4) for calibrating the position sensor (1).