Vehicle Sensor Target Alignment Using Projected Centerline Guides
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional calibration systems for Automated Driver Assisted Safety Systems (ADAS) are impractical due to the need for dedicated floor space, susceptibility to damage, and imprecision in determining the vehicle's centerline, leading to potential miscalculations in obstacle detection.
Innovation Solution
A target alignment system that uses wheel-mounted visual guide line projectors to create a visible guide line perimeter around a vehicle, allowing for precise alignment of the vehicle's centerline and optimal placement of calibration targets, even on irregular surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional calibration systems use permanently affixed markings on the floor, then calibration reference points are established, but the markings can be damaged or obscured and the system requires dedicated floor space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses projectors to create virtual calibration markings that can be projected onto any flat surface, replacing permanent physical markings. This allows the calibration reference system to be temporarily established and removed as needed, providing flexibility in floor space usage while maintaining calibration reliability through consistent projected reference points
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration system transitions from static permanent markings to dynamic projected markings that can be adjusted, moved, or removed at will. The projected markings adapt to different calibration needs and can be repositioned without damaging the underlying surface, enabling versatile use of floor space
2Ease of operation
If conventional systems use plumb bob suspension from vehicle emblems to determine centerline, then a centerline can be established, but the method is imprecise leading to potential miscalculations in obstacle detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical plumb bob suspension system with an optical projection system. Instead of using gravity-dependent physical markers, the system uses laser or light-based projectors to create precise, visible centerline and calibration markings directly on the ground, eliminating mechanical errors and improving measurement precision while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from vertical reference (plumb bob hanging down from vehicle emblem) to horizontal reference (projected markings on ground surface). This dimensional shift allows for more precise and stable centerline determination by creating extended visual references that can be accurately aligned and measured
3Reliability
If conventional calibration systems use complex devices, then calibration can be performed, but the setup and dismantlement processes are time consuming and labor intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration system is divided into separate functional modules: projectors for creating reference markings, measurement devices for capturing sensor data, and processing systems for calibration calculations. This segmentation allows each component to be independently optimized and quickly deployed or removed, reducing setup time while maintaining calibration accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration system uses multi-functional projectors and measurement devices that can serve multiple purposes - creating various types of calibration markings, establishing different reference frames, and supporting multiple sensor types. This universality reduces the number of specialized devices needed, simplifying setup and increasing productivity without compromising calibration reliability
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
The system enables accurate and efficient calibration of ADAS sensors by ensuring the thrust line of the vehicle matches the centerline, improving the precision of obstacle detection and reducing the risk of miscalculations.
Implementation Method 1
wheel-mounted visual guide line projectors to create a visible guide line perimeter around a vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A target alignment system for calibrating a safety sensor mounted on a vehicle with front and rear wheels by locating an optimum target position upon a horizontal surface for accurate calibration of the sensor. The target alignment system comprises a plurality of visual guide projectors and a pair of target assemblies which project a visible guide line perimeter around the vehicle, the perimeter including parallel longitudinal lines on either side of the vehicle, a lateral alignment guide line crossing the longitudinal lines in front of the vehicle, and a center guide line colinear with the vehicle center line. The front and rear wheels of the vehicle are longitudinally aligned causing the vehicle thrust line to match the vehicle center line. One of the visual guide projectors projects a transverse line across the center guide line, creating an intersection point which marks the optimum target position.