Sensor Calibration Using Mobile Reference Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor calibration methods for traffic infrastructure components require manual measurement of calibration devices, leading to inaccuracies and prolonged disruption due to road closures for device placement.
Innovation Solution
A method using mobile calibration devices with integrated measuring instruments to automatically ascertain and transmit calibration information to the sensor, allowing for automatic calibration without manual measurement, reducing time and errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual measurement of calibration devices is used, then calibration can be performed, but calibration time increases and errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement processes with automated optical measurement systems. Cameras and pattern recognition algorithms automatically detect calibration device positions and orientations, eliminating manual measurement errors and significantly reducing calibration time while improving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration system performs self-calibration by automatically detecting calibration devices and computing transformation parameters without human intervention. The system uses automated image processing and coordinate system transformations to complete the entire calibration process independently, resolving the contradiction between speed and accuracy.
2Productivity
If manual calibration process is used, then sensor calibration can be completed, but traffic disruptions are prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing manual calibration operations with automated optical measurement and computer vision systems, the calibration process speed is dramatically increased. This automation enables rapid calibration completion, directly reducing the duration of traffic disruptions caused by calibration activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pre-defined detection features and patterns on calibration devices that are optimized for rapid automated recognition. These pre-configured visual markers enable the measurement system to quickly acquire and process calibration data without manual intervention, thereby shortening calibration time and reducing traffic disruption.
3Measurement precision
If automated calibration with mobile calibration devices is used, then calibration accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration devices are designed as mobile, multi-functional units that combine precise positioning capabilities with integrated detection features. These devices serve multiple purposes: they provide known reference positions, contain detectable patterns for automated recognition, and can be relocated to different positions. This multi-functionality achieves high measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses visual patterns and detection features on calibration devices that can be easily replicated and recognized by the camera system. These patterns serve as optical copies or representations of the calibration device positions, enabling accurate position measurement through image processing without requiring complex physical measurement instruments on each calibration device.
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 faster, more reliable sensor calibration with reduced disruption and cost savings by eliminating manual measurement and minimizing inaccuracies.
Implementation Method 1
a lidar sensor and/or a radar sensor and/or an ultrasonic sensor and/or a camera
Implementation Method 2
a lidar sensor and/or a radar sensor and/or an ultrasonic sensor and/or a camera
Implementation Method 3
a lidar sensor and/or a radar sensor and/or an ultrasonic sensor and/or a camera
Data Source
AI summary
A method, a calibration device and a fusion unit for calibrating a sensor. The method includes: ascertaining a first piece of information representing a distance and/or a position of a first calibration device with respect to a second calibration device, ascertaining a piece of calibration information representing a distance and/or a position of the first calibration device with respect to the sensor based on the first piece of information and a second piece of information, which represents an absolute position of the second calibration device and/or a distance and/or a position of the second calibration device with respect to the sensor, transmitting the calibration information to the sensor, and calibrating the sensor based on the calibration information and a determination of the distance and/or position of the first calibration device and the second calibration device with respect to the sensor by way of a measurement by the sensor.