Patent Grant
11781860
The present invention is directed to a vehicle alignment/calibration method and system, and in particular to a method and system for aligning mobile calibration targets mounted to a first vehicle relative to a second vehicle for alignment of the sensors of the second vehicle when in the field away from a traditional service facility for calibration of the sensors of the second vehicle.
The use of radar, imaging systems, and other sensors, such as LIDAR, ultrasonic, and infrared (IR) sensors, to determine range, velocity, and angle (elevation or azimuth) of objects in an environment are important in a number of automotive safety systems, such as an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) for a vehicle. A conventional ADAS system will utilize one or more sensors. While these sensors are aligned and/or calibrated by the manufacturer during production of the vehicle whereby they are able to provide accurate driver assistance functionality, the sensors may need realignment or recalibration periodically, such as due to the effects of wear and tear, or misalignment due to driving conditions or through mishap, such as a collision.
The present invention provides a mobile method and system using a transport vehicle for calibrating and/or aligning a vehicle-equipped sensor by aligning the vehicle and thereby the vehicle equipped sensor with one or more calibration targets. The transport vehicle is equipped with a target positioning system that is positioned adjacent a sensor equipped vehicle for aligning the vehicle-equipped sensor(s) to the one or more calibration targets. As discussed herein, once a vertical center plane of the equipped vehicle is determined, a lateral center point of a target may be appropriately aligned with the vehicle's ADAS sensors with respect to the vertical center plane. In particular, a controller issues control signals for controlling the driven motion of a mounted target such that the target panel is aligned to the vehicle's ADAS sensors.
According to an aspect of the present invention, a mobile system and method of calibrating a sensor of an equipped vehicle by aligning a target with the sensor includes initially positioning a transport vehicle carrying a target adjustment stand adjacent the equipped vehicle and nominally positioning the equipped vehicle in front of the target adjustment stand, where the target adjustment stand includes a base and a target mount configured to support a target with the target adjustment stand including one or more actuators for adjusting the position of the target mount. An orientation of the vehicle relative to the target adjustment stand is then determined, with the target mount, and thereby the target, being positioned relative to a sensor of the vehicle based on the determined orientation of the vehicle relative to the target adjustment stand, including such as based on a known location of the sensor on the vehicle. Upon positioning the target relative to the sensor a calibration routine is performed whereby the sensor is calibrated using the target.
In a particular embodiment, the target adjustment stand is movably mounted to the transport vehicle and is moveable from a transport position to a deployed position, such as from an interior bay of the transport vehicle. The target adjustment stand includes a base member movably mounted to the base and a tower joined to the base member, and with the target mount supported by the tower. The target adjustment stand further includes a base member actuator configured to selectively move the base member relative to the base and tower actuators configured to selectively move the tower relative to the base member. A computer system is operable to selectively actuate the base member actuator and tower actuators to position the target relative to an equipped vehicle positioned in front of the target adjustment stand, and in particular relative to a sensor of the vehicle. The computer system is configured to determine the orientation of the equipped vehicle relative to the target adjustment stand and to actuate the base member actuator and tower actuators responsive to the determination of the orientation of the equipped vehicle relative to the target adjustment stand.
Still further, the system may utilize two rearward wheel clamps and two forward wheel clamps, wherein the rearward wheel clamps each include a light projector and are configured for mounting to the opposed wheel assemblies of the vehicle furthest from the target adjustment stand, with the forward wheel clamps each including an aperture and being configured for mounting to the opposed wheel assemblies of the vehicle closest to the target adjustment stand. The light projectors are operable to selectively project light at respective ones of the apertures through which the projected light is directed at the target adjustment stand. The target adjustment stand further includes a pair of imagers with each imager operable to image projected light passing through respective ones of the apertures, with the computing system being operable to determine the orientation of the vehicle relative to the target adjustment stand based on the images of projected light obtained by the imagers.
According to a particular aspect of the invention, a pair of spaced-apart imager panels are provided on the target adjustment stand, where the projected light passing through the apertures is projected onto respective ones of the imager panels to form a light pattern on the imager panel, with the imagers configured to image the light patterns. The imager panels may be translucent with the light patterns formed on a front surface of the panels with the imagers arranged to image the light pattern from a back surface of the imager panels.
A pair of the wheel clamps may each further include a distance sensor configured to obtain distance information of the pair of wheel clamps relative to spaced apart portions of the target adjustment stand, such as the imager panels, with the computer system determining the orientation of the vehicle relative to the target adjustment stand based at least in part on the distance information from the distance sensors.
The computer system may comprise a controller disposed at or locally to the target adjustment stand, with the controller configured to selectively actuate actuators of the target adjustment stand. The computer system may further comprise a remote computing device that is configured to determine the orientation of the vehicle relative to the target adjustment stand and transmit control signals to the controller for selectively actuating the actuators, such as via an Internet connection.
The computer system, such as the remote computing device, may interface with one or more databases for performing the alignment of the target relative to the sensor of the vehicle, as well as performing the calibration routine. The databases may include information regarding makes and models of vehicles, as well as databases regarding specifics of the ADAS sensors equipped on such vehicles and processes for calibrating the sensors, including for example locations of the sensors on the vehicle, specifics regarding the type of target to use for calibrating the sensor, and calibration program routines for calibrating the sensor. The databases may further include calibration routines, such as OEM calibration routines. The computer system may further include a computing device, such as an operator computing device, that interfaces with ECUs of the vehicle to obtain information from the vehicle and/or perform a calibration routine.
According to still a further aspect of the present invention, a mobile system for aligning a target to an equipped vehicle for calibration of a sensor on the equipped vehicle includes a transport vehicle with a target adjustment stand moveably mounted to the transport vehicle, wherein the transport vehicle is configured to transport the target adjustment stand to the equipped vehicle for calibration of a sensor on the equipped vehicle, with the target adjustment stand being moveable between a deployed position and a transport position, and with the target adjustment stand being positioned adjacent the equipped vehicle in the deployed position and stowed for transport in the transport position. The target adjustment stand includes a base and a target mount moveably mounted on the base with the target mount configured to support a target. The target adjustment stand further includes a plurality of actuators configured to selectively move the target mount relative to the base. Wheel clamps are affixable to wheels of the equipped vehicle, including two rearward wheel clamps and two forward wheel clamps, where the rearward wheel clamps each include a light projector and are configured for mounting to the opposed wheel assemblies of the equipped vehicle furthest from the target adjustment stand, and where the forward wheel clamps each include an aperture and are configured for mounting to the opposed wheel assemblies of the equipped vehicle closest to the target adjustment stand. The light projectors are configured to selectively project light at respective apertures through which the projected light is directed at the target adjustment stand. The target adjustment stand further comprises a pair of imagers with each imager operable to image projected light passing through respective ones of the apertures. The system also include a computer system configured to selectively actuate the actuators to position the target relative to the equipped vehicle when the equipped vehicle is positioned in front of the target adjustment stand, with the computer system being configured to determine the orientation of the equipped vehicle relative to the target adjustment stand based on images of projected light obtained by the imagers and to actuate the actuators responsive to the determination of the orientation of the equipped vehicle relative to the target adjustment stand to position the target relative to a sensor of the equipped vehicle whereby the sensor is able to be calibrated using the target.
The present invention provides a mobile system and method for accurately positioning a calibration target relative to a sensor of a vehicle and calibrating the sensor, such as in accordance with OEM specifications. The transportability of the target positioning system using the transport vehicle enables convenient repair of sensor equipped vehicles, and the accurate positioning and calibration of the sensor thus aids in optimizing the performance of the sensor to in turn enable the sensor to perform its ADAS functions. These and other objects, advantages, purposes and features of this invention will become apparent upon review of the following specification in conjunction with the drawings.
The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein the numbered elements in the following written description correspond to like-numbered elements in the figures.
In the illustrated embodiment, transport vehicle 21 is configured as a van, panel truck or the like having an enclosed storage area or bay 25 within which target adjustment stand 24 is stored for deployment. Transport vehicle 21 may be driven to the location where vehicle 22 is parked, such as at a parking lot, parking garage, parking spot, driveway or other ground surface, whereby a mechanic, service technician, or operator may perform maintenance on vehicle 22. For example, vehicle 22 may have obtained a cracked windshield, with transport vehicle 21 being used to bring a replacement windshield to vehicle 22, whereby a service technician could replace the windshield. In the case of a forward facing windshield mounted ADAS camera, the mobile vehicle target alignment and sensor calibration system 20 may then be used to calibrate the ADAS camera based on the newly installed windshield. It should be appreciated that transport vehicle 21 may be used in connection with the remote repair and calibration of other vehicle components and sensors, including exterior side view mirrors and sensors mounted therein, bumper or fascia mounted sensors, and the like.
As understood from the illustrated embodiment of
In the illustrated embodiment, for example, distance sensor 33 may provide distance data to a computer of system 20, such as controller 42 discussed below, with the computer in turn controlling lift 31 so as to position target adjustment stand 24 in a desired vertical orientation relative to the ground surface upon which transport vehicle 21 and vehicle 22 are positioned. This may be a distance independent of the vehicle 22 to be repaired, or may be a predetermined distance based on the particular make and model of vehicle 22. Alternatively, target adjustment stand 24 may be lowered to a fixed orientation with other actuators of target adjustment stand 24, discussed below, being used to control the orientation of target 26 relative to vehicle 22, and in particular controlling the vertical orientation of target 26.
It should be appreciated that target positioning system 24 may be alternatively retained and/or mounted within transport vehicle 21, and/or alternatively deployed from transport vehicle 21. For example, as shown in
As discussed in detail below, in order to align the targets relative to the vehicle sensors 30, in one embodiment wheel clamps are mounted to the wheel assemblies 32 of vehicle 22, where the wheel clamps include a pair of rearward clamps or light projector clamps 34a, 34b and a pair of forward clamps or aperture plate clamps 36a, 36b. Light projected from projector clamps 34a, 34b passes through respective aperture plate clamps 36a, 36b and is received by an imager or camera 38 (
Light projector clamps 34a, 34b and aperture plate clamps 36a, 36b will be discussed with initial reference to
In the illustrated embodiment the clamps 34a, 36a are modified from a conventional wheel clamp. The clamps 34a, 36a, include multiple adjustable arms 44 having extendable and retractable projection arms 46 to which are mounted claws 47, where claws 47 are configured for engaging to the wheel flange 48 of the wheel 54 of the wheel assembly 32. Also provided are optional retention arms 50 that engage with the tire of the wheel assembly 32. In use, claws 47 may be disposed about the wheel flange 48 with a spacing of approximately 120 degrees, with projection arms 46 being drawn in, such as by the rotatable handle 52 shown, to securely fix the clamp to the wheel flange 48 of the wheel 54 of the wheel assembly 32. When so mounted, clamps 34a, 36a are co-planar with a plane defined by the wheel 54 and are centered on wheel 54, where wheel 54 is mounted to the hub of the vehicle, which establishes the axis of rotation such that the clamps 34a, 36a are mounted about the axis of rotation of wheel 54. The clamps 34a, 36a further include a central hub 56, which when mounted to wheel 54 is centered on the wheel 54 and is aligned about the axis of rotation of wheel 54.
The projector clamps 34, with reference to the projector clamp 34a shown in
As understood from
Projector controller assembly 68 includes a controller, such as a microprocessor, and software for selective operation of laser 66, as well as includes an internal battery and a transmitter/receiver for wireless communication with controller 42, such as by way of a Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other wireless communication format, which are contained within a housing, as shown in
The aperture plate clamps 36, with reference to the aperture plate clamp 36a shown in
Aperture plate 82 is configured to include pairs of parallel opposed apertures. In the illustrated embodiment these include a pair of vertically oriented elongate apertures 88a, 88b and a pair of horizontally oriented elongate apertures 90a, 90b (see
In the illustrated embodiment distance sensors 86 are configured as time-of-flight (“ToF”) sensors that are used to determine distances to features of the target adjustment stand 24, as discussed in more detail below. Controller assembly 84 includes a controller, such as a microprocessor, and software for selective operation of sensor 86, as well as includes an internal battery and a transmitter/receiver for wireless communication with controller 42, such as by way of a Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other wireless communication format, which are contained within a housing, as shown in
Referring now to
Target adjustment frame or stand 24 further includes a base member 102 that is moveable forwards and backwards via an actuator 104 along an X-axis, where base member 102 is mounted for sliding movement in rails 106 of base frame 96 and the X-axis is thus parallel to rails 106 for movement longitudinally relative to vehicle 22 when in the orientation of
Tower assembly 108 in turn includes an upright frame member configured as a vertically oriented tower 114 with vertically oriented rails 116, with a target support assembly 118 being mounted to rails 116 whereby the assembly 118 is moveable up and down in the vertical or Z-axis, where assembly 118 is moveable by way of actuator 120. Target support assembly 118 is mounted to rails 116 for vertical movement, with a target mount 124 in turn being mounted to horizontal rail 122. Target mount 124 is configured to hold target 26 and is horizontally moveable along rail 122 by way of actuator 126.
System 20 may additionally include holders for retaining the pairs of projector clamps 34 and aperture plate clamps 36 for respective sides of a vehicle when the clamps 34, 36 are not in use. In particular, the holders may be configured as battery charging stations for recharging the batteries of clamps 34, 36, such as between uses, where such holders may be mounted within bay 25 of transport vehicle 21.
Actuators 104, 112, 120 and 126 are operably connected, such as by control wires, with controller 42 whereby controller 42 is able to selectively activate the actuators to move their associated components of target adjustment frame 24. It should be appreciated that various constructions or types of actuators may be used for actuators 104, 112, 120 and 126 for movement of the various components of target adjustment frame 24. In the illustrated embodiment, actuators 104, 112, 120 and 126 are constructed as electrical linear actuators. Alternatively, however, the actuators may be constructed as geared tracks, adjustment screws, hydraulic or pneumatic piston actuators, or the like. Still further, it should be appreciated that alternative arrangements of target adjustment frame and actuators may be employed for positioning of a target within the scope of the present invention. For example, base member 102 may be configured for lateral movement relative to base frame 96 and/or tower 108 may be configured for lateral movement relative to base member 102.
Details of imager housings 40a, 40b will now be discussed with reference to
Housing 40 further includes sides 140 and a moveable lid 142, with panel 134 being configured to pivot downward about support 110. Panel 134 is also connected to a calibration panel or grid 144, whereby when panel 134 is rotated outwardly, calibration panel 144 is disposed in the fixed upright position in which panel 134 was previously disposed. (See
Descriptions of exemplary use and operation of mobile vehicle target alignment system 20 may be understood with reference to
Initially at step 145 transport vehicle 21 is driven to a location at which vehicle 22 is parked and transport vehicle 21 and vehicle 22 are nominally positioned with respect to one another in a longitudinal arrangement relative to the longitudinal axes of the vehicles 21, 22, with the rear of transport vehicle 21 being directed toward vehicle 22. For example, transport vehicle 21 may be backed up to be positioned adjacent vehicle 22, or upon transport vehicle 21 arriving to a location at which vehicle 22 is located, transport vehicle 21 may be parked and vehicle 22 driven into closer proximity to transport vehicle 21. Desirably transport vehicle 21 and vehicle 22 are on approximately flat ground with respect to one another. At step 147 the target positioning system 24 is deployed from the bay 25 of transport vehicle 21 to be generally oriented relative to vehicle 22 as shown in
In an initial vehicle setup step 148 vehicle 22 may be prepared, such as by ensuring that tire pressures are nominal and that the vehicle is empty. Step 148 may further include supplying or inputting information to an operator computer device 166 (
As discussed herein, an operator may be provided a series of instructions for performing the ADAS calibration process 146 via operator computing device 166 provided with an operator interface, such as a graphical user interface (“GUI”). The instructions may be based on a flow chart that both requests information from the operator regarding the vehicle, such as make, model, VIN and/or details regarding equipment of the vehicle, such as tire and wheel size, types of vehicle options, including sensor options, as well as provides information to the operator regarding the system and vehicle setup for calibration of ADAS sensors. The provided instructions may also inform the operator how to mount and position equipment, as well as provide adjustments to the target adjustment frame 24.
At step 150 vehicle 22 and target adjustment frame 24 are nominally positioned with respect to each other such that vehicle 22 is generally longitudinally oriented relative to frame 24, such as shown in either
At step 152 projector clamps 34a, 34b are mounted to the wheel assemblies 32 of vehicle 22 that are furthest from target adjustment frame 24 and aperture plate clamps 36a, 36b are mounted to the wheel assemblies 32 that are closet to target adjustment frame 24. Accordingly, in the orientation of
At step 154, ToF sensors 86 of aperture plate clamps 36a, 36b on either side of vehicle 22 are activated, such as by way of a signal from controller 42 or by an operator manually activating assemblies 76, such as by way of switches 94. Sensors 86 are directed to generate and acquire signals regarding the distance between each of the aperture plate clamps 36a, 36b and the respective panels 134 of imager housings 40a, 40b, with distance information for both sides then being transmitted by the respective controller assemblies 84, such as back to controller 42.
At step 156, based on the acquired distance information of step 154, controller 42 is operable to activate actuator 112 to rotate support 110 and thereby adjust the rotational orientation of imager housings 40a, 40b as required in order to square the housings 40a, 40b to the longitudinal orientation of vehicle 22. Controller 42 is additionally operable to activate actuator 104 to adjust the longitudinal position of tower assembly 108 relative to the longitudinal orientation of vehicle 22 to a specific distance specified for the sensors 30 of vehicle 22 undergoing calibration, where this distance may be specified, for example, by the OEM procedures for calibration, such as including based on the front axle distance to the target. As such each of the aperture plate clamps 36a, 36b will be at a predefined equidistance from its respective associated imager housing 40a, 40b, to thereby align the particular vehicle sensor 30 at issue to the target. It should be appreciated that distance measurements acquired via distance sensors 86 may be continuously acquired during the adjustments of support 110 and tower assembly 108 until the desired position is achieved in a closed-loop manner. Moreover, upon adjusting into the desired position the distance sensors 86 may be deactivated.
At step 158, lasers 66 of projector clamps 34a, 34b are activated, such as by way of a signal from controller 42 or by an operator manually activating projection assemblies 60, such as by way of switches 72. Each laser 66 generates a cross shaped pattern of light planes 70a, 70b directed at the aperture plates 82 of the respective aperture plate clamps 36a, 36b. When so aligned, the horizontal light planes 70a pass through the vertical apertures 88a, 88b to form light points or dots A1 and A2 on each panel 134. Likewise, the vertical light planes 70b pass through the horizontal apertures 90a, 90b to form light points or dots B1 and B2 on each panel 134. Moreover, a portion of the intersecting light planes 70a, 70b of each laser 66 pass through the central aperture 92 of the respective aperture plates 82 to form a cross pattern 71. The dots A1, A2 and B1, B2, as well as the cross pattern 71, thus form a light pattern 73 on the panels 134, which is viewable by camera 38 on surface 138 (
At step 160, the cameras 38 of each of the imager housings 40a, 40b image the back surfaces 138 of the respective panels 134 to obtain images of the light pattern formed on the panels 134 by the lasers 66 as the light planes 70a, 70b pass through the aperture plates 82. The images taken by cameras 38 are transmitted to controller 42, with controller 42 thus being able to define a proper orientation for the target mount 124, and associated target 26, relative to the current position of the vehicle. For example, controller 42 is able to determine the location of the vertical center plane of vehicle 22 relative to target adjustment frame 24 via the respective light patterns 73. The controller 42 may first identify the dots A1, A2 and/or B1, B2, including via use of the cross pattern 71 as a reference for identifying the imaged dots. Controller 42 may then resolve the relative location of dots A1, A2 and/or B1, B2 on each of the panels 134 based on the predetermined known calibration of camera 38 established via calibration panel 144. For example, controller 42 may determine the center line location of vehicle 22 based on the known spacing of housings 40a, 40b relative to the Z-axis and the determination of the relative location of the dots A1, A2 formed on panels 134.
In particular, various vehicle alignment parameters may be determined via light patterns 73. For example, a rolling radius may be determined via the dots B1, B2 and the known symmetrical spacing of apertures 90a, 90b relative to each other about the axis defined by shaft 78, which is in alignment with the axis of the associated wheel assembly 32 to which the clamp 36 is mounted, thus enabling determination of the vertical radial distance from the ground to the axes of the front wheel assemblies 32 of vehicle 22. The rolling radius value from both sides of the vehicle 22 may be obtained and averaged together. Rear toe values may also be obtained from dots B1, B2 with respect to A1, A2 via the vertical laser planes 70b passing through the horizontal apertures 90a, 90b, where a single measurement would be uncompensated for runout of the rear wheel assemblies 32. In addition, the vehicle centerline value may be obtained via the dots A1, A2 formed by laser planes 70a passing through the vertical apertures 88a, 88b on each side of the vehicle 22.
At step 162, based on the acquired vehicle position or center plane information of step 160, controller 42 is operable to activate actuator 126 to adjust the lateral orientation of the target mount 124, and thus the target 26 mounted thereon, to a desired lateral position relative to vehicle 22, and in particular relative to a particular sensor 30 of vehicle 22. For example, a sensor 30 positioned on vehicle 22 may be offset from the vehicle centerline, with system 20 taking this into account, such as based on the vehicle make, model and equipped sensors by way of the information obtained at process step 148 discussed above, whereby target 26 may be positioned in a specified position relative to the sensor 30, such as specified by OEM calibration procedures. As such, system 20 may thus not only align the target 26 with respect not to the XYZ axis of the vehicle, but with respect to a sensor mounted on the vehicle.
In addition to the above, the vertical height of target mount 124 is positioned via actuator 120 to be in a predefined height for a given sensor 30 of vehicle 22, such as specified by an OEM calibration procedure. This height may be based on, for example, a vertical height above the ground surface upon which transport vehicle 21 and vehicle 22 are positioned, including based on a determined distance that target adjustment stand 24 is above the ground surface via distance sensor 33. Alternatively, a chassis height or fender height of vehicle 22 may be determined to further aid in orientating the target 26. For example, the chassis or fender height may be determined, such as at multiple locations about vehicle 22, such that an absolute height, pitch, and yaw of a vehicle mounted sensor may be determined, such as a LDW or ACC sensor. Any conventional method for determining a chassis or fender height of vehicle 22 may be used. For example, one or more leveled lasers may be aimed at targets magnetically mounted to vehicle 22, such as to the fenders or chassis. Alternatively, a non-contact system may be used that does not utilize mounted targets, but instead reflects projected light off of portions of the vehicle itself. Still further, rather than determining a vertical height of vehicle 22 using a chassis or fender height measurement, a vertical height determination or reference of vehicle 22 may be made based on or from a vehicle feature, such as an emblem on a vehicle, such as a hood or front bumper emblem. For example, a laser 33a (
Finally, at step 164, the calibration of sensors 30 of vehicle 22 may be performed, such as in accordance with the OEM calibration procedures. This may involve, for example, operator computing device 166 communicating signals to one or more ECUs of vehicle 22 to activate an OEM calibration routine, where the particular target required for calibration of a given vehicle sensor 30 has thus been properly positioned with respect for the sensor 30 in accordance with the calibration requirements.
It should be appreciated that aspects of process 146 may be altered, such as in order, and/or combined and still enable calibration/alignment of sensors 30 in accordance with the present invention. For example steps 148 and 150, or aspects thereof, may be combined. Still further, simultaneous operation of various steps may occur. This includes, as noted, the use of distance sensors 86 for determining a nominal distance, in which case wheel clamps 34, 36 would be mounted to wheel assemblies 32, whereby at least steps 150 and 152 may be combined.
Further with regard to steps 160 and 162, additional procedures and processing may be performed in situations in which it is desired or required to account for a thrust angle of the vehicle 22 during calibration of vehicle sensors. In particular, with regard to the orientation of
Accordingly, after the vehicle has been moved, a second vehicle centerline value is obtained via the horizontal laser planes 70a passing through the vertical apertures 88a, 88b from each of the left and right sides of the vehicle 22. The second alignment measurement values additionally include determining second rear toe values via the vertical laser planes 70b passing through the horizontal apertures 90a, 90b, which values are uncompensated for runout of the rear wheel assemblies. Based on the first and second vehicle centerline values, runout-compensated alignment values are determined. This includes rear runout-compensated rear toe and thrust angles.
Upon obtaining the alignment values the vehicle 22 is rolled into or back into the original starting calibration position such that wheel assemblies 32 rotate 180 degrees opposite to their original rotation, with cameras 38 again taking images of the light pattern. Controller 42 is thereby able to confirm that dots B1, B2 have returned to the same position on panels 134 as in the original images. Alternatively, vehicle 22 may be located in an initial position and then rolled into a calibration position, such as to have 180 degrees of rotation of the wheel assemblies 32, with the vehicle 22 thrust angle compensation determination being made based on images being taken in the initial and calibration positions. Upon determination of the thrust angle, the determined thrust angle may be used by controller 42 to compensate the specific position at which target 26 is positioned via controller 42 activating one or more of the actuators of target adjustment frame 24. For example, the yaw of tower assembly 109 may be adjusted to compensate for the rear thrust angle. With the vehicle 22 properly aligned with the target frame 80, and the rear thrust angle thus determined, calibration and alignment procedures may be carried out. Vehicle 22 may be rolled forward and backward, or vice versa, by an operator pushing the vehicle.
Alignment and calibration system 20 may be configured to operate independently of external data, information or signals, in which case the computer system of the embodiment comprises the controller 42 that may be programmed for operation with various makes, models and equipped sensors, as well as may include the operator computer device 166. In such a standalone configuration, as illustrated in
Alternative to such a standalone configuration,
Computing system 170 may further send control signals to perform the alignment procedure. For example, computing system 170 may send control signals to controller 42 to activate actuator 120 to position the target mount 124 at the desired vertical height for the particular sensor 30 that is to be calibrated. Computing system 170 may also send control signals to controller 42, with controller 42 selectively wirelessly activating distance sensors 86, with the information obtained from distance sensors 86 in turn transmitted back to computing system 170. Computing system 170 may then process the distance information and send further control signals to controller 42 for activating the actuators 104 and 112 for the yaw and longitudinal alignment, in like manner as discussed above. Upon confirmation of that alignment step, computing system 170 may then transmit control signals to controller 42 for activating lasers 66, with controller 42 in turn transmitting image data signals to computing system 170 based on images of the light patterns formed on panels 134 detected by cameras 38. Computing system 170 in turn processes the image data signals to determine a lateral alignment, and sends control signals to controller 42 for activating actuator 126 to achieve the predefined lateral positioning of the target held by target mount 124.
Databases 172 may thus contain information for performing calibration processes, including, for example, information regarding the specific target to be used for a given vehicle and sensor, the location at which the target is to be positioned relative to such a sensor and vehicle, and for performing or activating the sensor calibration routine. Such information may be in accordance with OEM processes and procedures or alternative processes and procedures.
In either embodiment various levels of autonomous operation by system 20 may be utilized, such as with regard to automatically activating distance sensors 86 and/or light projectors 66 as compared to system 20 providing prompts to an operator, such as by way of operator computing device 166, to selectively turn distance sensors 86 and/or light projectors 66 on and off. This applies to other steps and procedures as well.
Referring now to
In the illustrated embodiment, ground target assembly 180 includes a pair of arms 190 that are securable to the imager housing support 110, with arms 190 extending outwards toward vehicle 22 and being connected to and supporting a lateral rail 192. A moveable rail 194 is disposed in sliding engagement with rail 192, with rail 194 including a bracket 196 for selective connection with target mount 124 when target mount 124 is in a lowered orientation, as shown in
Accordingly, the above discussed process for aligning target mount 24 may be used to position mat 28 about vehicle 22 for calibration of sensors disposed on vehicle 22, including based on known dimensions of mat 28 and locations of targets 180 on mat 28. For example, vehicle 22 is initially nominally positioned relative to target frame 24 and wheel clamps 34, 36 are attached to vehicle 22, with process 146 being employed to position arms 190 and rail 194 as required for calibration of a given sensor on a vehicle 22, including via longitudinal and rotational movement of support 110 by actuators 104 and 112, and laterally with respect to the longitudinal orientation of vehicle 22 by way of actuator 126 that moves target mount 124 along rail 122, where movement of target mount 124 will in turn cause rail 194 to slide along rail 192. Mat 28 may then be secured to rail 194 and rolled out around vehicle 22. Alternatively, mat 28 may be moved by being dragged along the ground into a desired orientation. Upon mat 28 being positioned into a desired orientation, mat 28 may also be checked, such as by an operator, to be sure its sides disposed on either side of vehicle 22 are parallel to each other. For example, as understood from
As noted, mat 28 may also include locators 186 for positioning of targets, such as targets 188. Locators 186 may comprise receptacles in the form of cutouts in mat 28 or printed markings on mat 28 for indicating the correct positional location for placement of targets 188. Still further, locators 186 may comprise embedded receptacles in the form of fixtures, such as pegs, or grooves, or the like, to which targets 188 may connect. Still further, instead of mat 28, or in addition to mat 28, a target assembly may be equipped with rigid arms 189 (
An alternative ground target assembly as compared to assembly 180 may be employed within the scope of the invention. For example, a sliding rail such as sliding rail 194 may be provided with telescoping ends to increase its length, such as to accommodate differently sized mats. Still further, a sliding rail may be configured for lateral movement in an alternative manner than by way of connection to target mount 124 and actuator 126. For example, an actuator may alternatively be mounted to arms 190 extending from support 110.
It should further be appreciated that system 20 may include variations in the construction and operation within the scope of the present invention. For example, with reference to
Moreover, as noted above, the target positioning system may be alternatively arranged within a transport vehicle. As shown in
Still further, target mount 124 or an alternatively constructed target mount may simultaneously hold more than one target, in addition to being able to hold different targets at separate times. Still further, target mount 124 may hold a target configured as a digital display or monitor, such as an LED monitor, whereby such a digital monitor may receive signals to display different target patterns as required for specific sensor calibration processes. Moreover, target adjustment frame may optionally or alternatively include a passive ACC radar alignment system configured for aligning the ACC radar of a vehicle. This may comprise, for example, a modified headlight alignment box having a Fresnel lens mounted to the target stand or frame, with the alignment box configured to project light onto a reflective element of an ACC sensor of the vehicle, with the projected light being reflected back to the alignment box. Alternatively configured wheel clamp devices may be used relative to wheel clamps 34 and 36. For example, projection assembly 60 and aperture assembly 76 may be incorporated into a known conventional wheel clamp, or other wheel clamp specifically constructed to mount in a known orientation to a wheel assembly.
Further changes and modifications in the specifically described embodiments can be carried out without departing from the principles of the present invention which is intended to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims, as interpreted according to the principles of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents.
The present application claims priority of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 62/785,404 filed Dec. 27, 2018, and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/398,404 filed Apr. 30, 2019, which claims priority of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 62/664,323 filed Apr. 30, 2018, and claims priority of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 62/798,268 filed Jan. 29, 2019, all of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20200141724 A1 | May 2020 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
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| 62798268 | Jan 2019 | US | |
| 62785404 | Dec 2018 | US | |
| 62664323 | Apr 2018 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 16398404 | Apr 2019 | US |
| Child | 16728361 | US |
