Onboard Sensor Calibration Using Map Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing onboard vehicle sensor calibration techniques are inadequate for real-time calibration during vehicle operation, often relying on non-zero offset values that can lead to inaccurate data, and lack effective utilization of available vehicle data for precise calibration.

Innovation Solution

A method that collects vehicle status data and navigation map data during operation to calculate a current calibration factor for onboard sensors, determining calibration initiation conditions to apply a zero offset value for accurate sensor data generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional calibration techniques are used, then sensor calibration can be performed, but the calibration accuracy deteriorates due to reliance on non-zero offset values and inability to perform real-time calibration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor calibration accuracyVSAvoidsensor data accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by collecting vehicle status data and navigation map data before calculating the calibration factor. It determines calibration initiation conditions based on pre-collected data, ensuring that calibration is performed under appropriate conditions (e.g., vehicle at rest or steady state) to achieve accurate zero offset values.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback by continuously monitoring vehicle status data and navigation map data to determine when calibration initiation conditions are satisfied. The calculated calibration factor is then fed back to adjust sensor readings in real-time, improving measurement precision while maintaining data accuracy during vehicle operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If real-time calibration is implemented, then calibration timing is improved, but system complexity increases due to need for data collection and condition analysis

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration speedVSAvoidcalibration system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The calibration system leverages existing universal data sources already present in modern vehicles - vehicle status data from the control system and navigation map data from the navigation system. This multi-functionality approach allows the same data infrastructure to serve both navigation and calibration purposes, reducing the need for dedicated calibration hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service calibration by automatically collecting required data, analyzing calibration initiation conditions, and calculating calibration factors without requiring manual intervention or specialized calibration equipment. The control system autonomously manages the calibration process using readily available vehicle data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If calibration is performed during vehicle operation, then calibration accessibility is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to motion-induced sensor offsets

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration accessibilityVSAvoidsensor reading accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts to vehicle operating conditions by continuously monitoring vehicle status data and navigation map data to determine when calibration initiation conditions are satisfied. This allows the system to perform calibration at appropriate moments during vehicle operation (e.g., when vehicle is at rest or in steady state) while maintaining measurement precision through real-time adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9996986B2Sensor offset calibration using map information
Publication Date: 2018.06.12 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

Systems, processes, and techniques for calibrating an onboard sensor of a vehicle are presented here. The vehicle has a control system that is capable of performing at least some of the tasks related to the calibration procedure. An exemplary methodology collects vehicle status data and obtains navigation map data during operation of the vehicle. A current calibration factor is calculated for the onboard sensor, based on the collected vehicle status data and the obtained navigation map data. More specifically, the vehicle status and navigation map data can be used to determine when the current conditions are suitable for performing calibration. When the current conditions are satisfactory, the calibration factor is calculated. Thereafter, the onboard sensor can be calibrated in response to the current calibration factor.