Vehicle Sensor Calibration Fixture Using Camera-Guided Target Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing calibration apparatuses for vehicular sensors are bulky and require numerous measurements in controlled environments, making them cumbersome and inefficient for field setups.
Innovation Solution
A calibration apparatus comprising a reference structure with a camera and an offset-target structure having a guide arm, which allows for minimal measurements by using image data to position the apparatus relative to the vehicle, enabling efficient calibration in field environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing calibration apparatuses are used, then calibration can be performed, but the apparatus becomes bulky and requires numerous measurements in controlled environments
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration apparatus is divided into separate modular components: a reference structure with mounting features, an offset-target structure with guide arm, and a wheel-target structure. These can be detached and reconfigured as needed, reducing the complexity of any single component while maintaining overall calibration precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with a camera-based optical system. The camera captures images of the vehicle and calibration targets, and software processes these images to determine calibration parameters, eliminating the need for bulky mechanical measurement devices and repeated physical measurements.
2Measurement precision
If existing calibration apparatuses are used, then calibration can be performed, but the setup process becomes time-consuming requiring repeated measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The reference structure and offset-target structure are pre-configured with specific geometric relationships and mounting features. The guide arm is pre-positioned to restrict motion in predetermined ways. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for time-consuming repeated measurements during the actual calibration process, as the geometry is already established.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a camera to capture images and software to automatically process these images for calibration calculations. This optical-digital system replaces time-consuming manual measurement processes, allowing calibration to be performed rapidly from a single or few images without repeated mechanical measurements.
3Measurement precision
If existing calibration apparatuses are used, then calibration can be performed, but the apparatus is unwieldly and requires controlled environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces sensitive mechanical measurement systems with a robust camera-based optical system that can operate in various environmental conditions. The camera captures images that can be processed regardless of minor environmental variations, allowing calibration to be performed in field environments rather than requiring controlled facilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration apparatus is designed to be universally applicable to different vehicle types and sensor configurations. The reference structure, offset-target structure, and wheel-target structure can be configured for different calibration scenarios, and the image processing software can handle various vehicle geometries, making the system adaptable to different environments and applications.
Data Source
AI summary
A calibration apparatus and method suitable for calibration of an offset sensor of a subject vehicle. The calibration apparatus comprises a reference structure that is placed into, a reference locus using image data generated by a camera associated with the reference structure. An offset-target structure is then placed into position by coupling the offset-target structure to the reference structure, the coupling providing an appropriate locus for the offset-target structure during calibration of the offset sensor. The coupling restricts the linear and rotational displacement of the offset-target structure during calibration.