Vehicle Aligner Drive Direction Calculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional camera-based vehicle aligners require time-consuming positioning and caster swing procedures, necessitate rigid camera mounts, and are less effective for large vehicles, while advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) need simpler and lower-cost calibration systems.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle alignment system using image sensors and gravity sensors to calculate drive direction and alignment parameters without direct left-to-right measurements, employing inclinometers and data processors to transform measurements into a common coordinate system, allowing for fast and accurate wheel alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional camera-based aligners use rigid beams to connect cameras, then camera position and orientation can be determined, but the system becomes complex and space-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the camera mounting structure from the rigid beam configuration and relocates cameras to independent posts positioned around the vehicle. Each camera is mounted on a separate post at a different height, eliminating the need for rigid beams connecting cameras while maintaining the ability to determine camera positions through coordinate transformations based on post locations and heights.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces vertical dimension by mounting cameras at different heights on posts rather than at the same level on rigid beams. This multi-level arrangement around the vehicle provides better geometric diversity for measurement while reducing structural complexity and space requirements compared to traditional rigid beam configurations.
2Measurement precision
If conventional aligners require positioning and caster swing procedures, then alignment measurements can be obtained, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires technician intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration by automatically determining camera positions and orientations through coordinate transformations based on known post locations and heights. The processor automatically calculates the required transformation parameters without requiring technician intervention for positioning procedures or caster swings, enabling the system to self-adjust and self-measure alignment parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a predetermined coordinate system framework with posts positioned at known locations and heights before measurement begins. This preliminary setup of reference points and transformation relationships enables subsequent automatic alignment measurements without requiring time-consuming procedural adjustments during the actual measurement process.
3Measurement precision
If conventional aligners use additional cameras to calibrate relative positions, then camera to camera position can be related, but hardware cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the calibration function from additional cameras and implements it through mathematical coordinate transformations. By using the known positions and heights of posts in the coordinate system, the system calculates camera relative positions through transformation parameters without requiring extra cameras, thereby reducing hardware quantity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of using additional physical cameras for calibration with a computational approach using coordinate transformations. The processor calculates camera relative positions and orientations mathematically based on predetermined post coordinates, substituting hardware-based calibration with software-based transformation methods that reduce component quantity.
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 fast, accurate, and space-efficient wheel alignment for various vehicles, including large trucks, and provides a cost-effective method for ADAS calibration without requiring additional hardware or rigid camera mounts.
Implementation Method 1
a first gravity sensor attached to the first image sensor, for measuring a sensed orientation relative to gravity
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2C
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system for aligning a fixture relative to a vehicle, the system comprising: an image sensor for viewing a target disposed on the vehicle, and for capturing image data of the target as the vehicle is rolled, the image sensor being mounted on the fixture in a known location and orientation relative to a centerline of the fixture; and a data processor for performing the steps of: calculating, using the image data, a plural number of poses of the target as the vehicle is rolled; calculating a drive direction of the vehicle, which is a direction in which the vehicle is moving, using the calculated poses of the target; and guiding a user to orient the centerline of the fixture to the vehicle drive direction using a user interface.