Vehicle Sensor Calibration via Optical Detection and Coordinate Transformation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for calibrating vehicle sensors are inflexible and lack precision, requiring precise placement of reference objects which can be challenging for sensors with varying positions and orientations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a calibration space with a space-fixed coordinate system and an optical detection system to detect vehicle and sensor positions, transform calibration object positions into sensor-fixed coordinates, and calculate intrinsic and extrinsic parameters for precise calibration, allowing for flexible and reproducible calibration of vehicle sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a calibration device is positioned in a fixed alignment in relation to the vehicle to which the sensor is attached, then the sensor calibration can be performed, but the calibration process requires precise placement of the reference object which is challenging for sensors with varying positions and orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the calibration object movable rather than fixed. The calibration object can be positioned at different locations and orientations in the calibration space, allowing it to adapt to various sensor positions and orientations. This transforms the static calibration setup into a dynamic one, enabling flexible calibration of sensors with varying parameters while maintaining precision through controlled movement of the calibration object.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary calibration object that serves as a mediator between the sensor and the calibration process. This calibration object with known position and orientation in the calibration space acts as a reference that can be detected by the sensor, allowing the sensor to determine its own parameters without requiring direct fixed alignment. The intermediary object bridges the gap between the sensor's variable positioning and the calibration requirements.
2Reliability
If the reference object is arranged preset for a specific vehicle sensor, then the calibration can be performed for that sensor, but the method lacks adaptability for differently positioned vehicle sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a calibration object that can serve multiple sensors with different positions and orientations. The calibration object is designed to be detectable by various sensors and can be positioned to provide accurate calibration references for any sensor location. This single calibration object performs the calibration function for multiple different sensors, making the system versatile and adaptable without sacrificing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a calibration space with a space-fixed coordinate system that adds a third dimension to the calibration process. By positioning the calibration object in three-dimensional space rather than just on a two-dimensional plane, the system can accommodate sensors with varying positions and orientations. This dimensional expansion allows the calibration method to handle sensors across different locations and angles while maintaining reproducibility through the structured coordinate system.
3Measurement precision
If precise placement of the reference object is required, then accurate calibration results can be achieved, but the calibration process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the sensor to automatically determine its own calibration parameters by detecting the movable calibration object. Instead of requiring external intervention to precisely position reference objects, the sensor actively detects the calibration object's position and orientation in the calibration space and uses this information to calculate its own intrinsic and extrinsic parameters. This self-calibration approach reduces system complexity while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physically positioning and fixing reference objects with an optical detection system. Instead of mechanically adjusting and securing reference objects in precise locations, the system uses optical detection to determine the calibration object's position and orientation. This substitution eliminates the complex mechanical positioning requirements while maintaining calibration accuracy through non-contact optical measurement.
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 precise and reproducible calibration of vehicle sensors, including those with arbitrary positions and orientations, by accurately determining sensor alignment and storing calibration parameters, facilitating automatic calibration of multiple sensors.
Implementation Method 1
detecting a vehicle position in a space-fixed coordinate system with the aid of an optical detection system situated in the calibration space
Data Source
AI summary
A method for calibrating at least one vehicle sensor situated in a vehicle. The method includes: providing the vehicle in a calibration space; detecting a vehicle position in a space-fixed coordinate system using an optical detection system situated in the calibration space; ascertaining a position of the relevant vehicle sensor in the fixed coordinate system; situating a calibration object in a detection field of the relevant vehicle sensor in the calibration space; detecting a calibration object position in the space-fixed coordinate system using the optical detection system; transforming the calibration object position into an estimated vehicle sensor-fixed coordinate system to obtain a first relative position; detecting the position of the calibration object using the vehicle sensor in the vehicle sensor-fixed coordinate system as the second relative position; calculating intrinsic and/or extrinsic calibration parameters from a comparison between the first relative position and the second relative position.