Vehicle Sensor Calibration via Wireless Facility Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle sensors degrade over time due to harsh operating environments, affecting the accuracy of vehicle control systems, which existing calibration methods fail to adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A method using wireless network-connected sensors where a vehicle connects to a facility's network, requests measurement data from more accurate facility-based sensors, and recalibrates its own sensors based on the received data using strategies like offset application or transfer function shifts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If vehicle sensors are used in harsh operating environments, then the vehicle can operate in various conditions, but the accuracy of the sensors degrades over time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration actions by storing calibration data from facility sensors before the vehicle operates in harsh conditions. When the vehicle is proximate to a facility with calibrated sensors, it automatically retrieves and applies calibration data, preventing accuracy degradation rather than correcting it after the fact.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the vehicle's sensor manager continuously monitors sensor measurements and compares them against calibration data from facility sensors. When discrepancies are detected or when proximate to a facility, the system automatically requests and applies calibration corrections, creating a closed-loop feedback system that maintains accuracy despite harsh operating conditions.
2Measurement precision
If existing calibration methods are used, then the current sensor accuracy is maintained, but they fail to adequately address sensor degradation over time
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle's sensor manager autonomously manages the calibration process without requiring manual intervention. It automatically determines when calibration is needed, requests calibration data from facility sensors when proximate to facilities, applies the calibration corrections, and maintains calibration records. This self-service approach ensures continuous calibration effectiveness despite sensor degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs calibration actions in advance when the vehicle is proximate to facilities with calibrated sensors, before the sensors are exposed to harsh operating conditions that would cause degradation. This preliminary calibration establishes an accurate baseline that compensates for future degradation.
3Measurement precision
If the vehicle connects to facility networks for calibration, then sensor accuracy is improved, but additional communication infrastructure is required
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle's communication controller is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a network communication interface for calibrating sensors and as a general-purpose communication device for other vehicle functions. This universal design allows the same hardware infrastructure to support calibration without adding dedicated calibration-specific communication equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The facility sensors act as intermediaries that provide calibration reference data. Rather than requiring complex direct calibration equipment in the vehicle, the system uses readily available facility sensors as mediators to transfer calibration information wirelessly, simplifying the overall calibration infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
Method and apparatus are disclosed for vehicle sensor calibration using wireless network-connected sensors. An example disclosed vehicle includes a communication controller and a sensor manager. The example communication controller communicatively couples to a network associated with a facility. The example sensor manager determines when the vehicle is proximate the facility. Additionally, the sensor manager calibrates sensors of the vehicle based on a measurement data of sensors installed at the facility that are communicatively coupled to the network.