Steering Wheel Position Detection Using Optical Reference Markers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting the steering wheel position, angle, and inclination are complex and lack efficiency, often requiring multiple sensors and calibration processes, especially in vehicle geometry measurements.
Innovation Solution
A device utilizing at least two cameras to detect the steering wheel, with three releasably fastened reference objects that define the steering wheel plane, allowing for precise determination of the steering wheel position, angle, and inclination, and can be calibrated to a common reference system for accurate vehicle geometry measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors and complex calibration processes are used for detecting steering wheel parameters, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical copying through cameras to create image representations of the steering wheel and reference objects. Instead of using multiple physical sensors, the system captures optical images and processes them computationally to extract steering wheel parameters, thereby reducing hardware complexity while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical sensor-based detection systems with an optical-digital system. Cameras capture images and computer algorithms process these images to determine steering wheel position, angle, and inclination, substituting mechanical measurement approaches with optical and computational methods that simplify the overall device architecture
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors and calibration processes are used for detecting steering wheel parameters, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring reference objects with known geometric relationships and pre-calibrating the camera system to a common reference system. This preliminary setup enables rapid subsequent measurements without requiring complex real-time calibration, thereby improving productivity while maintaining precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameters from direct physical sensor readings to optical image parameters. By capturing images and extracting geometric parameters computationally, the system achieves both high precision and improved efficiency, as image processing can be performed rapidly once the initial calibration is complete
3Measurement precision
If reference objects are fastened to the steering wheel for detection, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the reference object system into multiple discrete reference objects that can be independently attached to the steering wheel. This segmentation allows for flexible positioning to define the steering wheel plane accurately while enabling easier attachment and removal of individual reference objects, improving ease of operation without sacrificing measurement precision
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
This solution simplifies the detection of steering wheel parameters, enhances precision, and facilitates efficient calibration, improving the accuracy of vehicle geometry measurements, including toe and camber angles, while being adaptable to various steering wheel designs.
Implementation Method 1
at least two cameras (5, 6) which can sense the steering wheel (304)
Data Source
AI summary
A device for detecting a steering wheel position, the steering wheel angle and/or the inclination of the steering wheel (304) of a vehicle is disclosed. The device includes at least two cameras (5, 6; 202, 203) by means of which the steering wheel (304) can be sensed (8, 9; 204, 205). At least three reference objects (301, 302, 303) are provided which can be releasably fastened to the steering wheel (304).