Vehicle Detection System Calibration Using Mirror Reflections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing detection systems in autonomous vehicles face challenges in efficient calibration, requiring extensive setup and resource allocation, which hinders timely operation and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for calibrating detection systems using mirrors, where computing devices detect mirror and vehicle characteristics to determine transforms, allowing for precise positioning and calibration of detection systems relative to the vehicle, enabling quicker and more efficient calibration processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional calibration methods are used for detection systems, then calibration accuracy can be achieved, but the calibration process requires extensive setup and resource allocation, increasing time and cost
Solution Approach 1:
A mirror is introduced as an intermediary object to enable the detection system to capture images of fiducial markers on the vehicle. The mirror reflects light from the markers back to the detection system, allowing calibration without requiring complex external equipment or extensive setup procedures. This intermediary approach simplifies the calibration process while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror creates an optical copy (reflection) of the fiducial markers on the vehicle, allowing the detection system to detect marker positions indirectly. This copying mechanism enables calibration to be performed using simple image capture rather than requiring direct physical measurement or complex sensor arrays, significantly reducing calibration time and resource requirements.
2Reliability
If traditional calibration methods are used for detection systems, then calibration can be performed, but resource consumption and costs increase due to extensive setup requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror serves as a resource-efficient intermediary that enables reliable calibration without requiring additional calibration equipment, multiple detection systems, or extensive physical setup. By using the existing detection system to capture reflections of fiducial markers, the method achieves reliable calibration with minimal resource consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system calibrates itself by detecting fiducial markers on its own vehicle through mirror reflections. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external calibration equipment, operators, or complex procedures, thereby reducing resource consumption while maintaining calibration reliability.
3Measurement precision
If complex calibration procedures are used, then detection system positioning accuracy is improved, but the complexity of the calibration process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror acts as a simple intermediary that converts a potentially complex multi-sensor calibration problem into a simple single-camera fiducial detection problem. By reflecting images of fiducial markers back to the detection system, the mirror enables accurate positioning determination through straightforward image processing and geometric calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The method replaces complex mechanical or manual calibration procedures with an optical-based image capture and processing system. Instead of requiring physical measurements, alignment tools, or manual adjustments, the system uses digital image capture of fiducial markers and computational geometry to determine detection system positioning, significantly simplifying the calibration process.
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 approach allows for rapid and accurate calibration of detection systems, reducing resource consumption and enabling vehicles to operate more efficiently, with improved safety and reduced costs.
Implementation Method 1
the mirror reflects at least a portion of the vehicle to the detection system
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides for a method of calibrating a detection system that is mounted on a vehicle. The method includes detecting characteristics of the mirror and characteristics of a vehicle portion using the detection system. The mirror reflects the vehicle portion to be detected using the detection system. The method also includes determining a first transform based on the detected one or more of mirror characteristics, determining a second transform based on the one or more vehicle portion characteristics, and determining a third transform based on a known position of the vehicle portion in relation to the vehicle. Further, the method includes determining a position of the detection system relative to the vehicle based on the first, second, and third transforms and then calibrating the detection system using the determined position of the detection system relative to the vehicle.