Vehicle Sensor Recalibration Using Virtual Calibration Targets

The patent replaces physical calibration panels with virtual calibration targets represented in map data. Instead of requiring actual hardware panels to be installed in the environment, the system uses digital copies or representations of calibration targets that are already stored in the vehicle's map database. This allows the sensor system to perform calibration by comparing sensor readings against these virtual targets, eliminating the need for physical hardware installation while maintaining calibration accuracy.

The system enables the vehicle to perform self-calibration using pre-stored map data containing virtual calibration targets. The sensor system automatically identifies these virtual targets in the environment and uses them for calibration without requiring external calibration panels or human intervention to set up hardware. This self-service approach allows calibration to be performed whenever the vehicle encounters the appropriate geographic location, eliminating the need to park at specific calibration sites and significantly increasing calibration frequency and convenience.

The patent implements selective data processing where the sensor system focuses computational resources on specific regions of interest rather than uniformly processing all sensor data. When calibration is needed, the system activates virtual calibration targets only in relevant geographic areas or directions where calibration is required, rather than continuously processing and analyzing all sensor inputs from every direction. This localized approach maintains necessary data completeness for calibration while significantly reducing overall computational burden and energy consumption.