Multi-Modal Sensor Targets for Vehicle Localization Calibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current autonomous vehicle technologies face challenges in localization due to limited landmark information, sensor occlusion, and lack of effective sensor calibration, especially in GPS-denied environments, leading to potential accidents and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a sensor target with recognition zones dedicated to various sensor modalities on road-side structures, enabling calibration and providing localization-dependent information through both visual patterns and wireless communication, ensuring continuous sensor performance and enhanced localization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional landmarks are used for localization, then the system can operate with simple infrastructure, but the localization precision and sensor calibration capability are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocalization precisionVSAvoidinfrastructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor target is divided into multiple recognition zones, each dedicated to a specific sensor modality (camera, lidar, radar, ultrasonic). This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific sensor type while maintaining a unified target structure, thereby improving localization precision without proportionally increasing overall infrastructure complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor target serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a localization landmark, provides calibration patterns for multiple sensor types, and enables diagnostic testing. This multi-functionality allows a single infrastructure element to replace what would otherwise require multiple separate systems, improving precision while controlling complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If no human is onboard the autonomous vehicle, then operational efficiency is improved, but the ability to detect sensor errors and perform calibration is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidsensor error detection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-calibration and self-diagnosis by providing automated calibration procedures that use the recognition zones on sensor targets. The vehicle can autonomously detect sensor errors and perform corrections without human intervention, maintaining both operational efficiency and reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The calibration system incorporates feedback mechanisms where sensor readings are continuously compared against known patterns on the sensor target. This closed-loop feedback enables automatic detection and correction of sensor drift or errors, ensuring reliability without requiring onboard human operators

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If GPS is used for localization, then the system can operate in open environments, but it fails in GPS-denied environments such as tunnels, indoor applications, or areas with tall buildings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental adaptabilityVSAvoidlocalization information availability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor target with recognition zones provides a universal localization solution that works across multiple environments including GPS-denied areas. By offering alternative localization methods that don't depend on satellite signals, the system maintains adaptability while preventing loss of localization information in challenging environments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor target acts as an intermediary localization reference that bridges the gap when GPS is unavailable. Instead of relying directly on satellite signals, the system uses detectable patterns on physical targets as intermediate reference points, enabling continuous localization across diverse environmental conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of manufacture

If existing infrastructure with 2D bar codes or QR codes is used, then implementation cost is reduced, but the system cannot handle sensor occlusion or provide comprehensive calibration for multiple sensor types

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplementation costVSAvoidsensor modality coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the target into modality-specific recognition zones rather than using a single universal code, the system maintains simplicity and low cost while enabling support for multiple sensor types. Each zone can be independently optimized for its sensor modality without requiring completely different infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12536904B2Method and control arrangement for autonomy enabling infra-structure features

Publication Date: 2026.01.27 SCANIA CV AB

AI summary

A method, a control arrangement and a sensor target for enabling calibration of vehicle sensors. The sensor target comprises a plurality of recognition zones, each comprising a recognition pattern dedicated to a distinct sensor modality, for enabling calibration of vehicle sensors of the respective sensor modality; and localization dependent information associated with at least one recognition zone, provided to the vehicle via a vehicle sensor reading.