Vehicle Laser Scanner Calibration With Compact Reflection Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for calibrating laser scanners in vehicles, such as autonomous driving vehicles, are inefficient, requiring large spaces and lacking precision, and do not allow for timely detection and correction of misalignment.
Innovation Solution
A method using a reflection unit with specific geometric configurations, including a first and second plate and a screen, to align laser beams horizontally by measuring distances from reflection surfaces, allowing for precise calibration and real-time correction of misalignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional calibration methods using multiple reference objects are used, then calibration can be performed, but the calibration process requires large space and consumes excessive time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple reference objects (first and second reference objects with different reflection surfaces) into a single integrated reflection unit. This merging allows the laser scanner to perform calibration by measuring distances to multiple reflection surfaces sequentially, reducing the space required and enabling faster calibration compared to using separate reference objects
Solution Approach 2:
The reflection unit is segmented into multiple reflection surfaces (first reflection surface on the first reference object, second reflection surface on the second reference object, and third reflection surface on the screen) arranged at different positions. This segmentation allows the system to obtain multiple measurement points for alignment calculation within a compact structure, improving calibration precision without requiring large space
2Measurement precision
If conventional calibration methods are used, then calibration can be performed, but the required space is excessively large
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple reference objects are merged into a single reflection unit that can be positioned close to the laser scanner. The reflection unit contains multiple reflection surfaces at different locations, allowing comprehensive alignment measurement in a compact area, thus reducing the calibration space requirement while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The reflection surfaces are arranged in different spatial dimensions (different distances from the laser scanner, different angular positions). This multi-dimensional arrangement allows the system to gather sufficient measurement data for accurate alignment calculation without requiring large linear space, effectively utilizing three-dimensional space
3Reliability
If laser beams are not precisely aligned horizontally, then the laser scanner can operate, but it reflects off the ground instead of detecting obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration method uses feedback from distance measurements to multiple reflection surfaces to calculate and determine the laser scanner's alignment. The system measures distances to the first, second, and third reflection surfaces, processes these measurements to determine alignment status, and provides feedback for correction if misalignment is detected, ensuring reliable obstacle detection
Solution Approach 2:
The method performs preliminary alignment calibration before the laser scanner is deployed for obstacle detection. By pre-calibrating the laser scanner using the reflection unit and correcting any misalignment, the system ensures that the laser beams are properly oriented horizontally before actual operation, preventing ground reflection issues
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
The method enables accurate and efficient calibration of laser scanners in vehicles, requiring minimal space and time, with the ability to detect and correct misalignment promptly, enhancing obstacle detection capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a reflection unit for reflecting a laser beam of the laser scanner
Data Source
AI summary
In a method for calibrating a laser scanner of a vehicle by at least one reflection unit for reflecting a laser beam of the laser scanner, the at least one reflection unit including a first plate, a second plate, and a screen, the first plate being arranged between the second plate and the screen in a beam direction, the first plate having a first reflection surface, the second plate having a second reflection surface, the screen having a third reflection surface, a gap that extends in the vertical direction and in a transverse direction being formed between the first plate and the second plate, and a projection of the gap in the beam direction being incident on the third reflection surface, an alignment of the laser scanner being checked by a laser beam of the laser scanner being directed at the at least one reflection unit and the laser beam being moved in the transverse direction along the at least one reflection unit, and, for a plurality of positions of the laser beam in the transverse direction, a respective distance of the laser scanner from that reflection surface from which the laser beam is reflected being measured, and an alignment of the laser scanner being determined from the measured distances, and the alignment of the laser scanner being corrected in the case of an incorrect alignment of the laser scanner. An apparatus, configured to perform the method, includes at least one vehicle having a laser scanner, and at least one reflection unit for reflecting a laser beam of the laser scanner.