Vehicle Sensor Calibration Using Projected Optical Markers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensor calibration systems for vehicles require a non-transitory tangible calibration marker, which increases costs and logistical complexities due to the need for installation and maintenance of physical facilities.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that use a projection device on the vehicle to project an optical image representing a calibration marker onto the sensor's detection range, allowing for the calculation of calibration values based on detected optical image information, eliminating the need for a physical calibration marker.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a non-transitory tangible calibration marker is used for sensor calibration, then calibration can be performed with established methods, but installation and maintenance costs increase and logistical complexities arise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalibration reliabilityVSAvoidlogistical complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates an optical copy (projection) of the calibration marker instead of using a physical marker. The projection device generates an optical image representing the calibration marker pattern, which is projected onto a surface within the sensor's detection range. This optical copy eliminates the need for physical fabrication, installation, and maintenance of tangible markers while maintaining calibration functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical calibration marker system with an optical projection system. Instead of using a physical object that requires mechanical handling, installation, and maintenance, the system uses light projection to create the calibration pattern, substituting mechanical operations with optical operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If a non-transitory tangible calibration marker is installed, then calibration data can be obtained, but installation and maintenance costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalibration accuracyVSAvoidinstallation and maintenance cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an optical copy (projection) of the calibration marker to eliminate physical manufacturing and installation costs. The projection device creates the calibration pattern using light, requiring no physical materials, fabrication processes, or installation procedures associated with tangible markers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses existing vehicle components (projection device, sensor) to perform calibration without requiring external facilities or specialized installation infrastructure. The calibration function is self-contained within the vehicle's existing hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If physical calibration facilities are established, then sensor calibration can be performed, but facility installation and maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalibration operationVSAvoidfacility infrastructure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical calibration facilities with an optical projection system that can be implemented using existing vehicle hardware. The calibration marker is copied as light rather than being a physical object requiring facility installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The projection device, already present in the vehicle for other purposes, is utilized for calibration functionality as well. This multi-functional use eliminates the need for dedicated calibration facilities while maintaining calibration capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enables cost-effective and flexible sensor calibration without the need for physical calibration markers, reducing installation and maintenance costs while improving calibration accuracy and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

using a projection device mounted to the vehicle, projecting an optical image representing a calibration marker onto a detection range of the sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight projection: Light

Data Source

PatentUS10935643B2Sensor calibration method and sensor calibration apparatus

Publication Date: 2021.03.02 DENSO CORP

AI summary

A sensor calibration apparatus for calibrating a sensor mounted to a vehicle is provided. The sensor calibration apparatus includes a projection instruction unit that causes a projection device, which is mounted to the vehicle and projects light, to project an optical image representing a calibration marker onto a detection range of the sensor, an optical image information acquisition unit that acquires optical image information detected by the sensor, and a calculation unit that calculates a calibration value of the sensor based on the optical image information.