Removable Sensor Alignment Apparatus for Vehicle Computer Vision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computer vision systems on vehicles require precise alignment of sensors to maintain accuracy and consistency across different vehicles, which is challenging due to the sensitivity of sensor position and orientation changes during installation or replacement.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using an alignment apparatus with a connector and spatial reference component to ensure the removable sensors are aligned to a desired position and orientation, utilizing an external positioning device for accurate alignment data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If initial sensor placement in a general area is performed, then ease of installation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment apparatus is pre-configured with spatial reference components and connectors that establish the desired sensor position and orientation before the sensor is installed. This preliminary setup allows the sensor to be placed easily in a general area first, then precisely aligned using the pre-established reference framework, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of installation and alignment precision
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment apparatus serves as an intermediary tool between the rough initial placement and the final precise alignment. It provides a mediating reference framework that guides the sensor from its initial general position to the exact desired position and orientation, enabling both easy initial placement and high precision final alignment
2Adaptability or versatility
If sensor removal and reinstallation is performed, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment apparatus creates a reproducible reference framework that can be used repeatedly whenever sensors are removed and reinstalled. This reference framework acts as a template or copy of the desired sensor position and orientation, ensuring that each reinstallation replicates the original precise alignment, thus maintaining both adaptability and precision
Solution Approach 2:
The desired sensor position and orientation are pre-established using the alignment apparatus before any sensor removal or reinstallation occurs. This preliminary reference setup remains available for repeated use, allowing sensors to be easily removed and reinstalled while consistently returning to the exact same precise alignment, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and precision consistency
Data Source
AI summary
A method for aligning a removable sensor on a vehicle includes connecting the removable sensor to a sensor mounting device. The method further includes connecting a connector of an alignment apparatus to either (i) the removable sensor such that a spatial reference component of the alignment apparatus has a known position and orientation relative to a current position and orientation of the removable sensor or (ii) a fixed connection location on the vehicle such that the spatial reference component indicates a desired position and orientation of the removable sensor. In addition the method includes adjusting the current position and orientation of the removable sensor by reference to the alignment apparatus to cause the current position and orientation of the removable sensor to match the desired position and orientation of the removable sensor.