Vehicle Sensor Axis Misalignment Detection Using Pre-Stored Reference Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing axis misalignment determining apparatuses for sensors on vehicles, such as LiDAR, cannot detect misalignment until detection results are stored, and detection is delayed until the vehicle starts moving, posing a technical challenge for immediate detection and timely correction.
Innovation Solution
An axis misalignment determining apparatus that includes a storage for normal detection results, an acquirer to obtain present detection results, and a determinator to compare these results to determine misalignment, using a washer nozzle as a determining member with independent mounting to avoid integral misalignment, allowing for quick and accurate detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If detection results are stored before determination, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing detection results from when the vehicle is in a normal state (no axis misalignment) into the storage unit. This allows the determination unit to immediately compare current detection results with pre-stored normal state results as soon as the vehicle starts moving, eliminating the need to accumulate detection results over time and enabling immediate axis misalignment detection.
2Loss of time
If detection is performed immediately after vehicle start, then loss of time is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying by storing a copy of detection results from the normal state (when no axis misalignment exists) into the storage unit. This copied normal state data serves as a reference that can be immediately compared with current detection results, enabling both immediate detection and high precision without requiring accumulation of current detection data.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used for detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by using the existing sensor (LiDAR or camera) that is already mounted on the vehicle for its primary function to also perform axis misalignment detection. The sensor detects both the determining member (washer nozzle) for misalignment determination and other objects for its original function, eliminating the need for additional dedicated sensors and reducing device complexity while maintaining detection 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
Enables immediate and accurate detection of axis misalignment in sensors like LiDAR, preventing delays in detection and allowing for timely correction without increasing apparatus complexity or cost.
Implementation Method 1
a laser light emitter configured to emit laser light toward an object in front of the vehicle, a laser light receiver configured to receive the laser light reflected from the object
Data Source
AI summary
An axis misalignment determining apparatus is configured to determine an axis misalignment in a sensor mounted on a vehicle by using a determining member mounted on the vehicle. The axis misalignment determining apparatus is provided with: a storage configured to store therein a result of detection of the determining member by the sensor in a condition in which there is no axis misalignment, as a detection result in a normal case; an acquirer configured to detect the determining member by using the sensor and configured to obtain it as a present detection result; and a determinator configured to determine whether or not there is an axis misalignment in the sensor by comparing the present detection result with the detection result in the normal case.