Vehicle Sensor Alignment Using Spatial Templates After Replacement

Solution Overview

Problem

Computer vision systems on vehicles require precise sensor alignment to maintain data accuracy, which is challenging due to sensor removal or replacement, and inconsistencies across similar vehicles.

Innovation Solution

A method using processors to collect and generate representations of sensor output, adjusting sensor positions based on spatial templates with reference indicators to align removable sensors accurately, ensuring external features align with template markers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of repair

If sensors are removed or replaced during vehicle operation, then sensor maintenance and replacement can be performed, but sensor alignment accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor replacementVSAvoidsensor alignment accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary alignment by capturing images during the sensor replacement process and automatically calculating adjustment parameters before the sensor is fully installed. This preliminary action ensures that when the sensor is replaced, the alignment is already optimized, maintaining measurement precision while enabling easy replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment procedures with an automated computer vision system. Instead of physically adjusting sensor positions through trial and error, the system uses image processing and automated calculations to determine precise alignment parameters, substituting mechanical adjustment with computational methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of manufacture

If sensors are placed in approximate areas on vehicles, then initial installation is simplified, but computer vision system performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinitial sensor placementVSAvoidcomputer vision system performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary alignment by capturing images during the sensor replacement process and automatically calculating adjustment parameters before the sensor is fully installed. This preliminary action ensures that when the sensor is replaced, the alignment is already optimized, maintaining measurement precision while enabling easy replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses image capture and processing to provide feedback on sensor alignment status. By comparing captured images against expected geometric relationships, the system generates feedback signals that guide automatic adjustment mechanisms, enabling real-time correction of alignment deviations and ensuring consistent computer vision system performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If manual sensor alignment procedures are used, then alignment adjustment can be performed, but alignment time and labor requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment adjustmentVSAvoidalignment time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-alignment by automatically capturing images, processing them through computer vision algorithms, and adjusting sensor positions without requiring manual intervention. The sensor alignment system serves itself by using its own imaging capabilities to detect misalignment and automatically correct it, eliminating the need for external alignment tools and reducing both time and labor requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment procedures with an automated computer vision system. Instead of physically adjusting sensor positions through trial and error, the system uses image processing and automated calculations to determine precise alignment parameters, substituting mechanical adjustment with computational methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12123983B2Aligning sensors on vehicles using sensor output

Publication Date: 2024.10.22 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

Systems and methods of aligning removable sensors mounted on a vehicle based upon sensor output of such sensors are described. Sensor output is collected from a removable sensor (e.g., a digital camera), and a representation of such sensor output is generated (e.g., a digital image). The representation of the sensor output is compared against a spatial template (e.g., a digital mask overlaid on the representation) to determine whether external references in the representation align with corresponding reference indicators in the spatial template. When alignment is required, the removable sensor is aligned by one or both of the following until the external references in a representation of sensor data at an updated current location align with the corresponding reference indicators in the spatial template: (i) adjusting the position of the removable sensor on the vehicle or (ii) adjusting the representation of the sensor output to simulate such repositioning.