Vehicle Servicing Device Marker Elements for Sensor Calibration Validation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for validating the calibration of sensor units in vehicles are inefficient, requiring dedicated calibration stations and extra time, and do not account for changes in sensor orientation or obstructions, which can lead to inaccurate surroundings surveillance and potential accidents.

Innovation Solution

A method that utilizes a vehicle servicing device with integrated marker elements to validate sensor unit calibration by determining the relative position of the sensor unit to the marker elements, allowing for on-site recalibration and deactivation of faulty control functions without the need for additional space or time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a dedicated calibration station is used to validate sensor unit calibration, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and loss of time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor calibration validation accuracyVSAvoidtime for driving to calibration station
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the calibration validation function with the routine vehicle servicing process. The marker elements are integrated into the vehicle servicing device, allowing sensor calibration validation to be performed simultaneously with regular servicing operations, eliminating the need for separate calibration stations and reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The vehicle servicing device is given multiple functions: it performs routine servicing operations and simultaneously validates sensor unit calibration. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for dedicated calibration stations, reducing device complexity and time requirements while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If a dedicated calibration station is established, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor calibration validation accuracyVSAvoidcalibration station infrastructure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The calibration validation system is merged with the existing vehicle servicing device. The marker elements are integrated into the servicing device structure, and the validation process is combined with routine servicing operations, eliminating the need for separate calibration station infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The vehicle servicing device performs both routine servicing and sensor calibration validation functions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated calibration station infrastructure, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision through the use of integrated marker elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If sensor unit calibration is validated during routine servicing, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision may worsen without dedicated calibration infrastructure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor validation efficiencyVSAvoidcalibration validation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The marker elements are pre-positioned at known locations within the vehicle servicing device, and their reference position data are pre-calculated and stored. This preliminary preparation enables accurate calibration validation to be performed quickly during routine servicing operations, maintaining both productivity and measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The marker elements serve as intermediaries between the sensor units and the vehicle servicing device. These markers provide known reference positions that enable accurate calibration validation without requiring complex dedicated calibration infrastructure, thus maintaining measurement precision while improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 efficient validation and recalibration of sensor units during routine vehicle servicing, preventing false maneuvers and accidents by ensuring accurate sensor data without requiring separate calibration stations, thus enhancing vehicle safety and operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

at least one sensor unit (26, 27)... detects the at least one marker element (31, 32)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight detection: Light

Data Source

PatentEP3588010B1Method for validating calibration data of at least one sensor unit of a vehicle and corresponding vehicle servicing device and servicing system
Publication Date: 2021.12.15 ARGO AI GMBH
  • EP3588010B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3588010B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention provides a method for validating calibration data (25) of at least one sensor unit (26, 27) of a vehicle (13), while the vehicle (13) is positioned inside a vehicle servicing device (11) in a predefined relative servicing position (15). The invention is characterized in that in the vehicle servicing device (11) at least one marker element (31, 32) is provided, wherein the at least one marker element (31, 32) is arranged in a predefined relative position with regard to the servicing position (15). While the vehicle (13) is in the servicing position (15) a control unit (12) of the vehicle (13) operates the at least one sensor unit (26, 27) and thereby determines position data (34) describing a position of the at least one marker element (31, 32) and determines a difference (36) between the position data (34) and predefined reference position data (35).