JP2008532049A - Automotive sensors - Google Patents

Abstract

Automotive sensors that are adjustably attached to automobiles were introduced. The sensor includes at least one imager (4) and / or the sensor is designed for the visible or infrared spectral range. A light source (3), in particular an LED, is provided at a fixed position relative to the sensor, generates a reference beam (11) in the visible spectral range and is operable for sensor adjustment. In particular, use in a camera, a lidar system, and a radar system installed in a vehicle is conceivable, and an ordinary headlight adjustment device (9) is used for adjustment.

Description

  The present invention relates to an automotive sensor such as a camera, lidar system or radar system for detecting the surroundings, wherein the sensor is adjusted towards a target range.

  What is important for the satisfactory functioning of the sensor in the car is the correct adjustment towards the target range to be considered. Coordination takes place at the factory prior to delivery of the vehicle. Peripheral influences may change the sensor position and require readjustment at the car factory. An external laser adjustment device is typically used for sensor adjustment, or a predetermined pattern is taken at predetermined intervals for camera adjustment, for example, and compared with a reference image. The latter modification is described in particular in EP 1376051. Both of these methods have the disadvantage that each factory that performs this sensor adjustment has to purchase an extra expensive special adjustment device, thus resulting in high extraordinary costs.

  The object of the present invention is to introduce a device that allows simple and inexpensive modification of sensors in automobiles such as cameras, radar systems and lidar systems at a repair shop.

  In accordance with the present invention, it has been found that, for example, for passive sensors, adjustment to the target range of the sensor in the vehicle is facilitated by an additional light source. The light source is fixedly installed in the automobile together with the sensor. The light source is in a predefined position relative to the sensor and may be integrated into the sensor, for example, or outside it. What is important is that the sensor and the light source always change in the same place during adjustment, and their relative positions remain unchanged. The light source generates a reference beam that is activated for sensor adjustment. The reference beam is adjusted as much as possible to the sign provided for it.

  In a preferred arrangement of the device, a headlamp adjustment device is used for sensor adjustment. This configuration is advantageous for sensors that look in the direction of travel, such as cameras, radar systems, and lidar systems for detecting the surroundings. The adjustment by the device also used for adjusting the headlamp offers the advantage that the factory does not have to buy extra equipment and that this embodiment is an inexpensive alternative to the methods known so far. The headlamp adjusting device is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, i.e. the optical axis is oriented parallel to the direction of travel. This is done in a variety of ways. In the manufacturing plant there is a department in which the vehicle has a roller that is directed at right angles to the adjusting device during the rotation of the wheel and is adjusted by itself. In an automobile factory, for example, the laser pointer can be directed to the axle and the device can be oriented at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle via measurements on specific vehicle characteristics or via an axle measuring device.

  A sign on the car can be used to adjust the sensor, which can be used, for example, during vehicle interior space monitoring.

  Another deployment of the device is the use of signs on the periphery of the vehicle for adjustment, which may be signs on the wall at a predetermined distance in front of the car, for example.

  The wavelength of the reference beam in the visible spectral range is particularly advantageous.

  In a preferred embodiment, since the light source comprises optical means, the reference beam is suitably indicated on the sign provided for it. The optical means is selected, for example, so that the reference beam extends approximately parallel to the sensor beam. In particular, if the sensor is a camera system or a system based on near infrared, the visible reference beam may pass through optical means provided for the sensor. In that case, the sensor beam and the reference beam may overlap. Nearly parallel or intersecting rays are also conceivable. It may be the same for the optical means and the sensor beam. In another embodiment, different incident points are provided for the sensor beam and the reference beam. The optical means can consist of a plurality of parts, which are made of different materials. For example, the reference beam can pass through an optical means made of a predetermined first material, whereas the sensor beam passes through parts made of a different type of second material. In a preferred development, an LED (light emitting diode) is provided as a light source for the reference beam.

  Other advantages and features of the invention are explained in more detail by means of examples and drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows a sensor device 1 including a transmitter 2 and a receiver 4. The transmitter 2 and the receiver 4 are provided apart from each other, and here are provided with optical means 8a and 8b, for example, condenser lenses. The orientation of the transmitter and receiver is indicated by broken lines 7a, 7b. Further, an LED light source 3 is provided near the transmitter 2 to generate a reference beam 11 in the visible spectral range. An equivalent embodiment is to place the LED beside the receiver 4. The transmitter 2 and receiver 4 operate in the near infrared spectral range typical for lidar systems. The material of the optical means 8a in front of the transmitter is chosen so that the visible light of the LED and the infrared of the transmitter can pass. The transmitter 2 and the LED 3 are provided such that their rays pass through the same optical means 8a. The reference beam 11 has a predetermined position for transmitter and receiver orientation 7a, 7b.

  For the adjustment of the sensor device 1, means are provided for turning the device 1 about its longitudinal axis 6 and horizontal axis 5.

  Furthermore, FIG. 1 shows a headlamp adjusting device 9 which is positioned in front of the automobile. The reference light beam 11 enters the headlight adjusting device 9 through the optical means 13. The reference beam is projected in this device 9 onto a focus glass 12 which is provided at an angle to the incident beam and is visible from above. On the focus glass 12, there is an adjustment mask 10 provided for adjustment of the sensor device 1 and is provided with a mark to which the reference light beam 11 is directed. The arrow next to it indicates the adjustability of the reference beam 11 when the sensor device 1 is turned about its longitudinal axis 6 or horizontal axis 5.

  Headlamp adjustment devices are available on the market and are generally already present in automobile factories. Therefore, only an additional adjustment mask is required for sensor adjustment.

  The sensor device is shown in plan view along with a reference beam and headlight adjustment device.

Claims (9)

  A sensor for an automobile (1) that is adjustably attachable to an automobile, wherein the sensor comprises at least one imager and / or the sensor is designed for the visible or infrared spectral range (1) comprises an additional light source (3) for generating a reference beam (11), the light source (3) being provided at a fixed position relative to the sensor (1), 11. A sensor, characterized in that 11) is operable for adjustment of the sensor.   Sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that the wavelength of the reference beam is in the visible spectral range.   Sensor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor (1) generates electromagnetic waves in the invisible wavelength range.   Sensor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light beam comprises optical means.   Sensor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reference beam (11) passes through optical means (8a) provided for the sensor.   Sensor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light source (3) is an LED.   Method for adjusting a sensor (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the sensor (1) is used in the interior space of an automobile and a sign on the automobile is used for adjustment.   Method for adjusting a sensor (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that signs in the vicinity of the motor vehicle are used for the adjustment.   Method for adjusting a sensor (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a headlight adjustment device (9) is used to adjust the sensor (1).

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