Vehicle Sensor Field Calibration Using Other Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing driver assistance and autonomous vehicle systems face challenges in efficiently recalibrating sensors in the field due to the inconvenience, cost, and time required to bring vehicles to specialized facilities for recalibration.
Innovation Solution
A system for online calibration of vehicle sensors using a processor, a subject sensor, and multiple location sensors that communicate to provide reference measurements, allowing for calibration coordination and the performance of predetermined maneuvers to generate multiple reference points for accurate sensor recalibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are recalibrated at specialized facilities, then measurement precision is maintained, but loss of time and ease of operation deteriorate due to inconvenient, costly, and time-consuming vehicle transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces other vehicles as intermediary objects that serve as dynamic calibration targets. These vehicles equiped with location sensors and predetermined maneuver capabilities act as mobile reference points, eliminating the need to transport the subject vehicle to specialized facilities while maintaining calibration accuracy through coordinated movement and measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration system enables the subject vehicle to perform self-calibration in the field using other vehicles as references. The vehicle processors autonomously coordinate calibration maneuvers, process sensor data, and adjust sensor parameters without requiring external specialized equipment or facilities, making the calibration process convenient and time-efficient
2Measurement precision
If sensors are recalibrated at specialized facilities, then measurement precision is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates due to inconvenience and cost
Solution Approach 1:
Other vehicles serve as mobile intermediary calibration targets that can be easily positioned and maneuvered in normal traffic environments. This eliminates the need for specialized calibration facilities, making the calibration process as convenient as normal vehicle operation while maintaining precision through controlled maneuvering and coordinated measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration system uses other vehicles with dual functionality: they serve as both normal traffic participants and calibration references. The location sensors and maneuver capabilities are integrated into regular vehicle operations, eliminating the need for separate specialized calibration equipment or facilities and making calibration as convenient as everyday driving
3Measurement precision
If multiple reference measurements are collected through predetermined maneuvers, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases due to coordination requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the calibration function with normal vehicle operation by integrating location sensors and maneuver coordination into regular vehicle processors and communication systems. This combines multiple functions (navigation, communication, calibration) into existing vehicle infrastructure, reducing overall system complexity while enabling precise multi-point calibration through coordinated maneuvers
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for determining if a field calibration of a subject sensor associated with a vehicle is warranted, and calibrating the subject sensor using a sensor associated with another vehicle when calibration is warranted. Reference vehicles may perform predetermined maneuvers in order to provide additional measurements for use during calibration.