KR102696586B1 - Apparatus and method for vehicle radar inspection - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a radar inspection device and method, and more particularly, to a radar inspection device and method capable of automatically and accurately moving the position of a target portion in a horizontal or vertical direction remotely even when the radar mounting positions are different depending on the vehicle type, and of maintaining the target portion horizontal regardless of the inclination of the road surface through an electronic level, thereby enabling calibration and operation inspection of a radar device to be common.

Description

{APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR VEHICLE RADAR INSPECTION}

The present embodiments relate to a vehicle radar inspection device and method.

As the number of cars increases rapidly due to the rapid spread of automobiles, the risk of collisions between cars on the road is increasing day by day. Accordingly, various intelligent safety systems are being developed and applied in conjunction with the needs of consumers who want safer and more intelligent cars and the development of the automobile-related industry. In particular, many studies are being conducted on collision warning and avoidance between the vehicle and the preceding vehicle or the vehicle and the following vehicle by installing radar sensors. At this time, it is important to check the status of the part location after installing the radar sensor on the vehicle to minimize installation errors.

However, in the past, location inspection of radars mounted on vehicles was not properly performed, and even though the mounting location changed depending on the vehicle type, there was no inspection device that could properly recognize this, resulting in problems such as reduced marketability and safety.

Therefore, it is necessary to provide a radar inspection device and method that can improve the accuracy of measurement data and work efficiency by establishing a stable test environment through remote control.

Against this backdrop, the present embodiments can provide a remotely controllable radar inspection device and method.

In one aspect, the present embodiments can provide a vehicle radar inspection device characterized by including a target unit that receives a signal transmitted from a radar mounted on a vehicle, a receiving unit that receives target position information of the target unit input by a user through wired or wireless communication, a driving unit that moves the target unit to the target position information, at least one laser range finder that measures the distance between the target unit and the radar or the height of the target unit, an electronic level that measures the angle of the road surface on which the target unit is installed, and a control unit that controls the driving unit based on at least one of the target position information, the position measured by the laser range finder, and the angle of the road surface measured by the electronic level.

In another aspect, the present embodiments can provide a vehicle radar inspection method, characterized by including a communication step of receiving target position information of a target portion input from a user by wired or wireless communication, a signal receiving step of receiving a signal transmitted from a radar mounted on a vehicle, a measuring step of measuring a distance between the target portion and the radar or the height of the target portion using a laser range finder and measuring an angle of a road surface on which the target portion is installed using an electronic level, and a control step of controlling a driving unit that moves the position of the target portion based on at least one of the target position information, the position measured by the laser range finder, and the angle of the road surface measured by the electronic level.

According to the present embodiments, a remotely controllable radar inspection device and method can be provided for calibration and operation inspection of a vehicle-mounted radar.

Therefore, the radar inspection device and method according to the present embodiment can provide the effect of improving work efficiency by enabling correction and operation inspection to be shared even if the radar mounting location and targeting method of the radar signal are different depending on the vehicle type.

In addition, the radar inspection device according to the present embodiment can provide a more convenient and rapid alignment operation by automatically and remotely moving the position of the target portion in a horizontal or vertical direction.

In addition, the radar inspection device according to the present embodiment can provide an effect of improving the reliability of the radar device by enabling the target portion to be maintained horizontally regardless of the inclination of the road surface through an electronic level.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a radar inspection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 2 is a drawing for explaining the structure of a radar inspection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining the operation of a radar inspection device moving in a horizontal direction according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining the operation of a radar inspection device moving in a vertical direction according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining the lower structure of a target portion of a radar inspection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining an operation of a radar inspection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure to change its inclination in the left-right direction.
FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining an operation of a radar inspection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure to change an inclination in an up-down direction.
FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining the front structure of a target portion of a radar inspection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of a radar inspection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a radar inspection method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to exemplary drawings. When adding reference numerals to components of each drawing, the same components may have the same numerals as much as possible even if they are shown in different drawings. In addition, when describing the present embodiments, if it is determined that a specific description of a related known configuration or function may obscure the gist of the technical idea of the present invention, the detailed description thereof may be omitted. When "includes," "has," "consists of," etc. are used in this specification, other parts may be added unless "only" is used. When a component is expressed in the singular, it may include a case where the plural is included unless there is a special explicit description.

Additionally, in describing components of the present disclosure, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used. These terms are only intended to distinguish the components from other components, and the nature, order, sequence, or number of the components are not limited by the terms.

In a description of the positional relationship of components, if it is described that two or more components are "connected", "coupled" or "connected", it should be understood that the two or more components may be directly "connected", "coupled" or "connected", but the two or more components and another component may be further "interposed" to be "connected", "coupled" or "connected". Here, the other component may be included in one or more of the two or more components that are "connected", "coupled" or "connected" to each other.

In the description of the temporal flow relationship related to components, operation methods, or manufacturing methods, for example, when the temporal chronological relationship or the chronological flow relationship is described as "after", "following", "next to", or "before", it can also include cases where it is not continuous, as long as "immediately" or "directly" is not used.

Meanwhile, when a numerical value or its corresponding information (e.g., level, etc.) for a component is mentioned, even if there is no separate explicit description, the numerical value or its corresponding information may be interpreted as including an error range that may occur due to various factors (e.g., process factors, internal or external impact, noise, etc.).

The vehicle-mounted radar in this specification is an essential element for implementing advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) such as collision warning systems, automatic emergency braking systems (AEB), and smart cruise control systems (SCC), and means a radar that is mounted inside the front bumper of the vehicle and transmits and receives radar signals through a radar cover formed on the grill. However, the vehicle-mounted radar may be installed on the rear or side of the vehicle, and is not limited to being installed on the front of the vehicle.

In this specification, the horizontal direction refers to the driving direction of the vehicle body, and the vertical direction refers to the height direction of the vehicle body. In addition, the left-right inclination refers to the degree to which the road surface is tilted to the left or right in the width direction of the vehicle body, and the up-down inclination refers to the degree to which the road surface is tilted up and down in the length direction of the vehicle body.

The laser pointer in this specification is a component that is detachably mounted on a radar mounted on a vehicle and is configured to irradiate a laser beam in the direction that the radar is facing, thereby enabling the direction that the radar is facing to be identified. The laser pointer is described as an example of a laser beam, but may be changed depending on the type of radar of the vehicle.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a radar inspection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 1, a radar inspection device (100) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a target unit (110) that receives a signal transmitted from a radar mounted on a vehicle, a receiving unit (120) that receives target location information of the target unit input from a user via wired or wireless communication, a driving unit (130) that moves the target unit to the target location information, at least one laser range finder (140) that measures the distance between the target unit and the radar or the height of the target unit, an electronic level (150) that measures the angle of the road surface on which the target unit is installed, and a control unit (160) that controls the driving unit based on at least one of the target location information, the position measured by the laser range finder, and the angle of the road surface measured by the electronic level.

The target unit (110) can receive a signal transmitted from a radar mounted on a vehicle. For example, the target unit (110) can include a sensor that detects the direction and focus of a laser beam incident from a laser pointer mounted on the radar. The target unit (110) can determine the accuracy of the location where the radar is mounted using the direction and focus of the detected laser beam.

The receiving unit (120) can receive target location information of a target unit input by a user through wired or wireless communication. For example, the receiving unit (120) can receive target location information through a receiving antenna, etc., in order to automatically move the radar inspection device (100) to the target location information. For another example, the receiving unit (120) can use various wireless communication methods such as Wi-Fi communication, Zigbee communication, or Bluetooth communication. For a specific example, the receiving unit (120) can be configured as an RF receiving module suitable for remote control that can receive target location information input by an RF remote control.

Here, the target position information received by the receiver (120) can be input by the user using an input device. The input device is a device that performs input, reception, calculation, control, printing, communication, etc. for controlling the radar inspection device, and may be a device that displays calculated information and recognizes an input command. In addition, the input device may include a display screen or memory. For example, the input device may output test condition data on a display screen and may store the data in a memory. At this time, the test condition data may include a test date and time, a user ID, a distance from the target, a height, an angle, etc.

The driving unit (130) may be composed of a horizontal driving unit, a vertical driving unit, and a tilt driving unit. For example, the horizontal driving unit may move the target unit (110) in the driving direction of the vehicle. Specifically, the horizontal driving unit may drive wheels attached to both ends of a lower frame connected to an upper frame to which the target unit (110) is attached. The horizontal driving unit may include a first motor that moves the target unit (110) in a horizontal direction.

For another example, the vertical drive unit can move the target unit (110) in the height direction of the vehicle. The vertical drive unit can adjust the length of the upper frame. At this time, the upper frame can be extended in the vertical direction with the target unit (110) attached to one end and the lower frame connected to the other end. In addition, the vertical drive unit can include a second motor that moves the target unit (110) in the vertical direction.

As another example, the tilt drive unit can change the tilt of the target unit (110) according to the tilt of the road surface. The tilt drive unit can include a third motor attached to the rear of the target unit and rotating the tilt of the target unit in the left-right direction or the up-down direction.

The laser rangefinder (140) can measure the distance between the vehicle and the target portion (110) of the radar inspection device (100). In addition, the laser rangefinder (140) can measure the height of the target portion (110). For example, the laser rangefinder (140) can measure the distance to the target portion (110) by measuring the time it takes for a laser pulse to be reflected from the target portion (110) at the speed of light after being emitted. As another example, the laser rangefinder (140) can also measure the distance by varying the measurement cycle.

The electronic level (150) can determine the horizontal state of the floor on which the radar inspection device (100) is located. For example, the electronic level (150) can accurately measure the angle, horizontality, flatness, and straightness of the floor. In addition, the electronic level (150) can be installed on the inside of the radar inspection device (100) to minimize external influence. For example, the electronic level (9150) can be attached to the target portion (110) of the radar inspection device (100).

The control unit (160) can control the position of the target portion (110) of the radar inspection device (100) to move using the driving unit (130). For example, the control unit (160) can compare a value measured by the laser distance measuring device (140) of the radar inspection device (100) with the target position information. The control unit (160) can determine whether the measured value is within a preset offset range from the target position information. The control unit (160) can control the driving unit so that the position of the target portion (110) is corrected according to the determination result.

For another example, the control unit (160) can vary the measurement cycle of the laser range finder (140) depending on the position of the target unit (110). The control unit (160) can control the driving unit (130) to move the target unit (110) until the value measured according to the variable measurement cycle falls within a preset offset range from the target position information.

The control unit (160) can control the movement speed of the driving unit (130) that moves the target unit (110) of the radar inspection device (100). For example, the control unit (160) can determine whether a value measured by the laser distance measuring device (140) of the radar inspection device (100) falls within a preset offset range from the target position information. If it is determined that the position of the target unit (110) falls within the offset range, the control unit (160) can control the driving unit (130) so that the movement speed of the target unit (110) of the radar inspection device (100) is changed to a predetermined speed or less.

The control unit (160) can control the driving unit (130) so that the inclination of the target portion (110) of the radar inspection device (100) is changed. For example, the control unit (160) can calculate the movement amount of the inclination driving unit (130) by using the up-down inclination angle value and the left-right inclination angle value of the road surface measured through the electronic level (150) of the radar inspection device (100). The control unit (160) can control the driving unit (130) so that the inclination of the target portion (110) is changed according to the calculated movement amount.

The control unit (160) can detect the position of a laser beam incident from a laser pointer mounted on the vehicle's radar. The control unit (160) can control the position of the target portion (110) of the radar inspection device (100) to be corrected based on the position of the detected laser beam and the target position information. The control unit (160) can store the corrected position of the target portion (110) as final position information. The control unit (160) can store and use the stored final position information as a reference value of the setup environment.

FIG. 2 is a drawing for explaining the structure of a radar inspection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 2, a radar inspection device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a target portion (110), an upper frame (220), and a lower frame (230).

The target portion (110) is formed as a radio wave absorbing plate, and may include a reflector at the center of the front surface. For example, the reflector may be a corner reflector. If the reflector is formed in the shape of a corner reflector, it is easy to measure the angle at which radar waves are incident and the angle at which they are reflected, so that the radar can be aligned more effectively. This is because the corner reflector can reflect all radio waves incident within the effective aperture back to the direction in which they were incident, regardless of the angle of incidence. Therefore, the reflector may be formed as a shape corresponding to one corner of the cube, and composed of three mutually orthogonal surfaces.

The target portion (110) can reflect all radar signals. For example, the target portion (110) can be located at the front side of the vehicle to provide a reference for checking the mounting position and normal operation of the vehicle radar.

The target portion (110) can be installed so as to be rotatable left and right or up and down through a tilt driving unit. The target portion (110) can be adjusted to a certain angle through a rotatable member attached to the rear, and can be installed so that the level of the target portion (110) is maintained regardless of the inclination of the road surface. For example, the inclination of the target portion (110) can be configured so that the angle is adjusted manually or automatically according to the rotation of the motor.

The upper frame (220) can be installed so that the target portion (110) can reciprocate up and down through a vertical driving unit. For example, the upper frame (220) can be formed in a shape such as a cylindrical pipe shape or a rod shape. In addition, the upper frame (220) can be configured using a typical rotating mechanism (ex, screw), a sliding mechanism (ex, rail), etc. For example, the upper frame (220) is configured so that the axis of the upper frame (220) can be raised and lowered, and the height of the target portion (110) can be adjusted. In addition, the upper frame (220) can further include a fixing means for fixing the upper frame (220) to a specific height.

In addition, the lower frame (230) may be installed so that the target portion (110) can be reciprocated in the forward and backward direction through a horizontal driving unit. For example, the lower frame (230) may be formed in the shape of a plate, etc. In addition, the lower frame (230) may be configured using a conventional guide mechanism (ex, conveyor), a slide mechanism (ex, rail), or a moving mechanism (ex, wheel), etc. The lower frame (230) is configured so that the radar inspection device (100) can move in the forward and backward direction, and can be manually or automatically moved to a desired position to measure. In addition, the lower frame (230) may further include a fixing means for fixing it at a specific position.

FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining the operation of a radar inspection device moving in a horizontal direction according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 3, a radar inspection device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can adjust the distance (320) between the radar inspection device (100) and a radar (330) mounted on a vehicle.

For example, the radar inspection device (100) may include a laser range finder (140) on one side of the lower frame (230). In addition, the radar inspection device (100) may be formed with a structure in which an upper frame (220) having a target portion (110) attached thereto is connected to the upper end of the lower frame (230), and wheels are attached to both ends of the lower or side of the lower frame (230).

The radar inspection device (100) can be controlled to move the position of the target unit (110) in a horizontal direction through the control unit (160). For example, the control unit (160) of the radar inspection device (100) can control the rotation of the wheel by sending a control signal to the horizontal driving unit (310). The horizontal driving unit (310) can include a first motor that is connected to the wheel and supplies rotational power. At this time, the first motor uses a servo motor that is connected to the control unit (160), and the power of the servo motor can be transmitted to the wheel.

For example, in a state where the front-rear and left-right directions of the vehicle are aligned, the control unit (160) of the radar inspection device (100) can move the target unit (110) horizontally in response to the front side of the radar (330) mounted on the vehicle. The control unit (160) of the radar inspection device (100) can move the target unit (110) horizontally to a location corresponding to a predetermined distance (320) set based on the specifications of the radar (330) mounted on the vehicle. At this time, the predetermined distance (320) may be target location information of the target unit (110) input by the user.

The radar inspection device (100) can control the position of the target portion (110) to move within a preset offset range from the target position information through the control unit (160). For example, the control unit (160) of the radar inspection device (100) can set the target position information and the offset range according to the specifications of the radar and control the position of the target portion (110) to move based on this. For example, the control unit (160) of the radar inspection device (100) can set the offset range to within ±1 cm from the target position information. However, the offset range can be set in various ways in consideration of the error range of the radar device, and is not limited thereto.

The radar inspection device (100) can measure the distance from the radar (330) mounted on the vehicle to the target (110) through the laser range finder (140). For example, when the control unit (160) of the radar inspection device (100) drives the horizontal drive unit (310), the laser range finder (140) can move in the horizontal direction to measure the distance to the vehicle and output the measured distance data.

For example, the control unit (160) of the radar inspection device (100) can compare the value measured by the laser range finder (140) with the target location information input by the user. In addition, the control unit (160) of the radar inspection device (100) can control the horizontal driving unit (310) so that the position of the target unit (110) is corrected until the measured value falls within a preset offset range from the target location information.

As another example, the control unit (160) of the radar inspection device (100) can vary the measurement cycle of the laser range finder (140). For example, if the location of the radar inspection device (100) is positioned at a predetermined distance or more from the target location information, the control unit (160) of the radar inspection device (100) can control the measurement cycle of the laser range finder (140) to be set to a predetermined cycle or more. On the other hand, if the location of the radar inspection device (100) is positioned within a predetermined distance from the target location information, the control unit (160) of the radar inspection device (100) can control the measurement cycle of the laser range finder (140) to be set to a predetermined cycle or less. Accordingly, the control unit (160) of the radar inspection device (100) can control the measurement cycle of the laser range finder (140) to be set to be shorter as the location of the radar inspection device (100) gets closer to the target location information based on the predetermined distance.

As another example, the control unit (160) of the radar inspection device (100) can control the movement speed of the horizontal drive unit (310) that moves the target unit (110) of the radar inspection device (100). For example, if the position of the radar inspection device (100) is positioned at a predetermined distance or more from the target position information, the control unit (160) of the radar inspection device (100) can control the movement speed of the horizontal drive unit (130) to be changed to a predetermined speed or more. On the other hand, if the position of the radar inspection device (100) is positioned within a predetermined distance from the target position information, the control unit (160) of the radar inspection device (100) can control the movement speed of the horizontal drive unit (130) to be changed to a predetermined speed or less. Accordingly, the control unit (160) of the radar inspection device (100) can control the movement speed of the horizontal drive unit (130) to be slower as the position of the radar inspection device (100) gets closer to the target position information based on the predetermined distance.

Accordingly, the control unit (160) of the radar inspection device (100) can control the movement speed of the horizontal driving unit (310) or the measurement cycle of the laser distance measuring device (140) to vary based on the position of the radar inspection device (100).

FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining the operation of a radar inspection device moving in a vertical direction according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 4, a radar inspection device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can adjust the height of a target portion from the ground.

As an example, the radar inspection device (100) may include a laser range finder (140) at the bottom of the target portion (110). In addition, the radar inspection device (100) may include an upper frame (220) to which the target portion (110) is attached at one end and a lower frame (230) is connected at the other end and extends in a vertical direction.

The radar inspection device (100) can be controlled to vertically move the position of the target portion (110) through the control unit (160). For example, the control unit (160) of the radar inspection device (100) can control the height of the target portion by sending a control signal to the vertical driving unit (410). For example, the vertical driving unit (410) can include a second motor that is connected to the rotation mechanism and supplies rotation power. At this time, the second motor uses a servo motor that is connected to the control unit (160), and the power of the servo motor can be transmitted to the rotation mechanism. In addition, the vertical driving unit (410) can be installed together with the control unit (160).

For example, in a state where the front-rear and left-right directions of the vehicle are aligned, the control unit (160) of the radar inspection device (100) can vertically move the target portion (110) in response to the height of the radar (330) mounted on the vehicle. The control unit (160) of the radar inspection device (100) can vertically move the target portion (110) to a location corresponding to a predetermined height (420) set based on the mounting position of the radar (330) mounted on the vehicle. At this time, the predetermined height (420) may be target position information of the target portion (110) input by the user.

The control unit (160) of the radar inspection device (100) can set an offset range and control the height of the target portion (110) to move within a preset offset range from the target position information. For example, the control unit (160) of the radar inspection device (100) can set the offset range to within ±1 cm from the target position information. However, the offset range can be set in various ways in consideration of the error range of the radar device, and is not limited thereto.

The radar inspection device (100) can measure the height of the target (110) through the laser distance measuring device (140). For example, the control unit (160) of the radar inspection device (100) can drive the vertical driving unit (410) to move the laser distance measuring device (140) in the vertical direction, thereby outputting measured height data from the laser distance measuring device (140) to the ground.

For example, the control unit (160) of the radar inspection device (100) can compare the value measured by the laser range finder (140) with the target location information input by the user. In addition, the control unit (160) of the radar inspection device (100) can control the vertical driving unit (410) so that the height of the target unit (110) is corrected until the measured value falls within a preset offset range from the target location information.

For another example, the control unit (160) of the radar inspection device (100) can vary the measurement cycle of the laser distance meter (140). The control unit (160) of the radar inspection device (100) can control the measurement cycle of the laser distance meter (140) to be set to a predetermined cycle or less as the height of the target portion (110) gets closer to the target position information based on a predetermined height.

As another example, the control unit (160) of the radar inspection device (100) can control the movement speed of the vertical driving unit (410) that moves the target portion (110) of the radar inspection device (100). The control unit (160) of the radar inspection device (100) can control the movement speed of the vertical driving unit (410) to a predetermined speed or lower as the height of the target portion (110) gets closer to the target position information based on a predetermined height.

Accordingly, the control unit (160) of the radar inspection device (100) can control the movement speed of the vertical driving unit (410) or the measurement cycle of the laser distance measuring device (140) to vary based on the height of the target unit (110).

FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining the lower structure of a target portion of a radar inspection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, a laser distance measuring device (140) may be placed in the target portion (110) of the present disclosure. In this case, details regarding the target portion (110) are as described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

For example, the laser distance meter (140) may be attached to the bottom of the target portion (110) to measure the height of the target portion (110). For example, the laser distance meter (140) may be attached to the center of the bottom of the target portion (110). Alternatively, the laser distance meter (140) may be attached to each corner of the bottom of the target portion (110). When measured by more than one laser distance meter (140), the height of the target portion (110) may be calculated as an average of the measured values.

For example, the control unit (160) of the radar inspection device (100) can compare an average value of values measured by one or more laser range finders (140) with target location information input by the user. In addition, the control unit (160) of the radar inspection device (100) can control the vertical driving unit (410) so that the height of the target portion (110) is corrected until the measured value falls within a preset offset range from the target location information.

According to another example, an electronic level (150) may be attached to the target portion (110) to measure the inclination of the target portion (110). For example, the electronic level (150) may be attached to the center of the bottom, the back, or the inside of the target portion (110). However, the electronic level must be attached so as to be level with the target portion (110).

FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining an operation of a radar inspection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure to change its inclination in the left-right direction.

Referring to FIG. 6, a radar inspection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can change the inclination of a target portion in the left and right directions.

The radar inspection device (100) may include an electronic level (150) in the target portion (110). For example, the radar inspection device (100) may measure the left and right inclination angle values of the road surface using the electronic level (150).

The radar inspection device (100) can control the tilt of the target portion (110) to rotate in the left and right directions (620) through the control unit (160). The control unit (160) of the radar inspection device (100) can control the rotation of the wheel by sending a control signal to the tilt driving unit (610). The tilt driving unit (610) can include a third motor that supplies rotational power.

For example, the radar inspection device (100) can calculate the amount of movement of the tilt driving unit (610) based on the measured left-right tilt angle values, and control the left-right tilt (620) of the target unit (110) to change according to the calculated amount of movement. As another example, the radar inspection device (100) can control the rotation of the rotation axis that rotates the target unit (110) in the left-right direction (620). The target unit (110) can rotate up to 360 degrees according to the rotation of the rotation axis that rotates it in the left-right direction (620). Therefore, the radar inspection device (100) can control the rotation of the rotation axis of the target unit (110) so that it can maintain a horizontal position in response to an inclined road surface.

The radar inspection device (100) can control the left-right inclination of the target portion (110) to be changed within a preset offset range from the left-right inclination angle value of the road surface through the control unit (160). In addition, the control unit (160) of the radar inspection device (100) can control the inclination driving unit (610) so that the position of the target portion (110) is corrected until the value measured through the electronic level (150) corresponds to a preset offset range from the horizontal angle. For example, the control unit (160) of the radar inspection device (100) can set the offset range to within ±0.1˚ from the horizontal angle. However, the offset range can be set in various ways in consideration of the error range of the radar device, and is not limited thereto.

For another example, the control unit (160) of the radar inspection device (100) can vary the measurement period of the electronic level (150) according to the left-right inclination of the target portion (110). For example, if the left-right inclination of the target portion (110) of the radar inspection device (100) has a difference of a predetermined angle or more from the horizontal angle, the control unit (160) of the radar inspection device (100) can control the measurement period of the electronic level (150) to be set to a predetermined period or more. On the other hand, if the left-right inclination of the target portion (110) of the radar inspection device (100) has a difference of a predetermined angle or less from the horizontal angle, the control unit (160) of the radar inspection device (100) can control the measurement period of the electronic level (150) to be set to a predetermined period or less. Accordingly, the control unit (160) of the radar inspection device (100) can control the measurement cycle of the electronic level (150) to be set to a predetermined cycle or less as the left-right inclination of the target portion (110) approaches the horizontal angle.

As another example, the control unit (160) of the radar inspection device (100) can control the rotation speed of the tilt driving unit (610) that changes the left-right tilt (620) of the target portion (110) of the radar inspection device (100). For example, if the left-right tilt (620) of the target portion (110) of the radar inspection device (100) is greater than a predetermined angle from the horizontal, the control unit (160) of the radar inspection device (100) can control the rotation speed of the tilt driving unit (610) to be greater than a predetermined speed. On the other hand, if the left-right tilt (620) of the target portion (110) of the radar inspection device (100) is within a predetermined angle from the horizontal, the control unit (160) of the radar inspection device (100) can control the rotation speed of the tilt driving unit (610) to be less than a predetermined speed. Accordingly, the control unit (160) of the radar inspection device (100) can control the rotation speed of the tilt drive unit (610) to a predetermined speed or lower as the left-right tilt of the target unit (110) of the radar inspection device (100) approaches the horizontal angle.

Accordingly, the control unit (160) of the radar inspection device (100) can control the movement speed of the tilt driving unit (610) or the measurement cycle of the electronic level (150) to vary based on the left-right tilt of the target unit (110) of the radar inspection device (100).

FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining an operation of a radar inspection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure to change an inclination in an up-down direction.

Referring to FIG. 7, a radar inspection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can change the inclination of a target portion in the up-down direction.

The radar inspection device (100) can control the tilt of the target portion (110) to rotate in the up-and-down direction (720) through the control unit (160). The control unit (160) of the radar inspection device (100) can control the rotation of the wheel by sending a control signal to the tilt driving unit (710). The tilt driving unit (710) can include a third motor that supplies rotational power. In addition, the control unit (160) can also be installed together with the tilt driving unit (710).

For example, the radar inspection device (100) can calculate the amount of movement of the tilt drive unit (710) based on the up-and-down tilt angle value measured by the electronic level (150), and control the up-and-down tilt (720) of the target unit (110) to be changed according to the calculated amount of movement. As another example, the radar inspection device (100) can control the rotation of the rotation axis that rotates the target unit (110) in the up-and-down direction (720). The target unit (110) can rotate up to 360 degrees according to the rotation of the rotation axis that rotates it in the up-and-down direction (720). Therefore, the radar inspection device (100) can control the rotation of the rotation axis of the target unit (110) so that it can maintain a horizontal position in response to an inclined road surface. For example, if the vertical inclination angle value measured through the electronic level (150) corresponds to 60 degrees upward, the radar inspection device (100) can change the inclination of the target portion (110) so that the vertical inclination of the target portion (110) matches 60 degrees upward.

The radar inspection device (100) can control the control unit (160) so that the vertical inclination of the target portion (110) is changed to within a preset offset range from the vertical inclination angle value of the road surface. In addition, the control unit (160) of the radar inspection device (100) can control the inclination driving unit (710) so that the position of the target portion (110) is corrected until the value measured by the electronic level (150) corresponds to within a preset offset range from the horizontal angle. For example, the control unit (160) of the radar inspection device (100) can set the offset range to within ±0.1˚ from the horizontal angle. However, the offset range can be set in various ways in consideration of the error range of the radar device, and is not limited thereto.

For another example, the control unit (160) of the radar inspection device (100) can vary the measurement cycle of the electronic level (150) according to the vertical inclination of the target portion (110). The control unit (160) of the radar inspection device (100) can control the measurement cycle of the laser range finder (140) to be set to a predetermined cycle or less as the vertical inclination of the target portion (110) approaches the horizontal angle.

As another example, the control unit (160) of the radar inspection device (100) can control the rotation speed of the tilt driving unit (710) that changes the up-and-down inclination (720) of the target portion (110) of the radar inspection device (100). The control unit (160) of the radar inspection device (100) can control the rotation speed of the tilt driving unit (710) to a predetermined speed or lower as the up-and-down inclination of the target portion (110) of the radar inspection device (100) gets closer to a horizontal angle.

FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining the front structure of a target portion of a radar inspection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, components of the target portion (110) of the radar inspection device (100) of the present disclosure can be arranged.

According to an example, the target portion (110) may include a reflector (810) and a sensor (820) for detecting the direction and focus of a laser beam. For example, the reflector (810) of the target portion (110) may be a component on which a laser beam of a laser pointer attached to a radar mounted on a vehicle is illuminated. For example, the reflector (810) and the sensor (820) for detecting the direction and focus of the laser beam may be placed at the center of the target portion (110) so as to be aligned with the position of the radar mounted on the vehicle.

For another example, the target portion (110) may indicate a point where the laser beam should shine when the vehicle-mounted radar is mounted in the correct position and aligned. Alternatively, even if the target portion (110) does not indicate a point where the laser beam should shine, the point where the laser beam should shine may be measured and determined through the relative position with respect to the reflector (810) when the vehicle-mounted radar is mounted in the correct position and aligned.

Accordingly, the reflector (810) and sensor (820) of the target portion (110) can be positioned so as to be fixed without moving relative to each other.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of a radar inspection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 9, an example of an operation for controlling a radar inspection device to change the position of a target portion (110) according to a radar mounted on a vehicle is described.

The radar inspection device can receive distance information corresponding to the target position information of the target part from the user through the input device (S901). For example, the distance information can be input differently depending on the installation location and role based on the measurement range (ex, angle, distance) of the radar installed in the vehicle.

For example, the input device is a device that performs input, reception, calculation, control, printing, communication, etc., for controlling the radar inspection device, and may be a device that displays calculated information and recognizes input commands. In addition, the input device may include a display screen or memory. For example, the input device may output test condition data on a display screen and may store the data in memory. At this time, the test condition data may include test date and time, user ID, distance from the target, height, angle, etc.

The radar inspection device can move horizontally based on the input distance information (S902). For example, the driving unit of the radar inspection device can move the target unit horizontally to the input distance information. Details are as described above with reference to FIG. 3.

The radar inspection device can compare the value measured by the laser range finder with the input distance information to determine whether it is within the preset offset range. As a result of the determination, the driving unit of the radar inspection device can move horizontally until it is located within the preset offset range from the input distance information (S903). For example, if the radar inspection device is determined to be located within the preset offset range from the input distance information, it can stop moving horizontally.

The radar inspection device can receive height information corresponding to the target position information of the target part from the user through the input device (S904). For example, the height information can be input differently depending on the height of the radar installed in the vehicle and the height of the measurement target.

The radar inspection device can move vertically based on the input height information (S905). For example, the driving unit of the radar inspection device can move the target unit vertically to the input height information. Details are as described above with reference to FIG. 4.

The radar inspection device can compare an average value of values measured by one or more laser rangefinders with input distance information to determine whether it is within a preset offset range. As a result of the determination, the driving unit of the radar inspection device can move in the vertical direction until it is located within the preset offset range from the input height information (S906). At this time, since the vertical direction of the radar inspection device may have an error depending on the incline of the road surface, the movement can be performed using the average value of the measured values, unlike the horizontal direction. For example, if the radar inspection device is determined to be located within the preset offset range from the input distance information, the movement in the vertical direction can be stopped.

The radar inspection device can measure the angle of the road surface where the target is installed through an electronic level (S907). For example, the angle of the road surface can mean the inclination angle of the road surface in the width direction or length direction of the vehicle.

The radar inspection device can change the inclination of the target portion based on the measured angle of the road surface (S908). For example, the driving unit of the radar inspection device can change the left-right inclination of the target portion if the measured inclination angle of the road surface corresponds to a certain angle in the width direction of the vehicle. In addition, the driving unit of the radar inspection device can change the up-down inclination of the target portion if the measured inclination angle of the road surface corresponds to a certain angle in the length direction of the vehicle. Therefore, the radar inspection device can place the target portion and the road surface horizontally by changing the inclination of the target portion. The details are as described above with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

The radar inspection device can check the location of the radar mounted on the vehicle through the sensor of the target part (S909). For example, the location of the radar can be checked by detecting the direction and focus of a laser beam incident from a laser pointer mounted on the radar.

In addition, the driving unit of the radar inspection device can finely adjust the position of the target portion by using the point where the laser beam is incident (S1910). For example, the radar inspection device can be finely adjusted beyond the preset offset range by adjusting it through the tilt driving unit. Accordingly, the target portion angle of the radar inspection device can be finely adjusted so that the laser pointer mounted on the radar accurately points to the center of the reflector or sensor of the target portion.

The radar inspection device can store the position of the target part where the fine adjustment is completed as the final position information and can store it as the reference value of the setup environment (S911). The radar inspection device can store the reference value of the setup environment and complete the setup (S912). For example, the radar inspection device can automatically move the target part in the forward/backward or up/down direction by the horizontal or vertical driving unit, so that the radar calibration and operation test can be shared even if the radar mounting position and the type of radar are different depending on the vehicle type. In addition, the radar inspection device can automatically rotate the target part left/right or up/down inclination by the inclination driving unit, so that the radar calibration and operation test can be accurately performed even if the inclination of the road surface on which the radar inspection device is located is different. At this time, the radar inspection device can quickly set the movement position of the target by using the reference value of the stored setup environment.

Below, a radar inspection method that can be performed by the radar inspection device described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9 is described.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a radar inspection method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 10, the radar inspection method of the present disclosure may include a communication step (S1010). For example, the radar inspection device may receive target position information of a target portion input from a user through wired or wireless communication.

Additionally, the radar inspection method may include a signal receiving step (S1020). For example, the radar inspection device may receive a signal transmitted from a radar mounted on a vehicle.

In addition, the radar inspection method may include a measurement step (S1030). For example, the radar inspection device may measure the distance between the target part and the radar or the height of the target part using a laser range finder, and may measure the angle of the road surface on which the target part is installed using an electronic level.

In addition, the radar inspection method may include a control step (S1040). For example, the radar inspection device may control a driving unit that moves the position of the target unit based on at least one of target position information, a position measured by a laser range finder, and an angle of the road surface measured by an electronic level.

For example, a radar inspection device can compare a value measured by a laser range finder with target position information to determine whether it is within a preset offset range. Based on the determination result, the radar inspection device can control a driving unit so that the position of the target portion is corrected until it is within the preset offset range.

As another example, the radar inspection device can calculate the amount of movement of the tilt drive unit by using the up-down tilt angle values and left-right tilt angle values of the road surface measured using an electronic level. The radar inspection device can control the drive unit so that the tilt of the target unit changes according to the calculated amount of movement.

As another example, a radar inspection device can detect the position of a laser beam incident from a laser pointer mounted on a radar and correct the position of a target portion based on the target position information. The radar inspection device can store the corrected position of the target portion as final position information and save it as a reference value in the setup environment.

As described above, according to the present disclosure, a remotely controllable radar inspection device and method can be provided. In particular, a radar inspection device and method capable of commonizing correction and operation inspection even when the radar mounting position and the targeting method of the radar signal are different depending on the vehicle type can be provided. In addition, a radar inspection device and method capable of automatically and accurately moving the position of a target portion in a horizontal or vertical direction remotely and maintaining the level of the target portion regardless of the inclination of the road surface through an electronic level can be provided, thereby making it possible to more conveniently and quickly perform correction and operation inspection of a radar device.

The above description is merely an illustrative description of the technical idea of the present disclosure, and those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains may make various modifications and variations without departing from the essential characteristics of the technical idea of the present disclosure. In addition, the present embodiments are not intended to limit the technical idea of the present disclosure but to explain it, and therefore the scope of the technical idea of the present disclosure is not limited by these embodiments. The protection scope of the present disclosure should be interpreted by the claims below, and all technical ideas within a scope equivalent thereto should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the rights of the present disclosure.

Claims (15)

A target unit that receives signals transmitted from a radar mounted on a vehicle;
A receiving unit that receives target location information of the target section input by a user via wired or wireless communication;
A driving unit that moves the target portion to the target position information;
At least one laser range finder for measuring the distance between the target portion and the radar or the height of the target portion;
An electronic level for measuring the angle of the road surface on which the target portion is installed; and
A vehicle radar inspection device characterized by including a control unit that controls the driving unit based on at least one of the target location information, the location measured by the laser range finder, and the angle of the road surface measured by the electronic level. In paragraph 1,
The above target area is,
A vehicle radar inspection device characterized by including a sensor that detects the direction and focus of a laser beam incident from a laser pointer mounted on the radar. In paragraph 1,
The above driving part,
A vehicle radar inspection device characterized by comprising a horizontal driving unit, a vertical driving unit, and a tilt driving unit. In the third paragraph,
The above horizontal driving part,
A vehicle radar inspection device characterized by including a first motor for moving the target portion in a horizontal direction by driving wheels attached to both ends of a lower frame connected to an upper frame to which the target portion is attached. In the third paragraph,
The above vertical driving part,
A vehicle radar inspection device characterized by including a second motor for moving the target portion in the vertical direction by adjusting the length of an upper frame to which the target portion is attached at one end and a lower frame is connected at the other end and extends in the vertical direction. In the third paragraph,
The above-mentioned tilt driving unit is,
A vehicle radar inspection device characterized by including a third motor attached to the rear surface of the target portion and rotating the inclination of the target portion in the left-right direction or up-down direction. In paragraph 1,
The above control unit,
A vehicle radar inspection device characterized in that the device compares the value measured by the laser range finder with the target position information to determine whether it is within a preset offset range, and controls the driving unit so that the position of the target portion is corrected according to the determination result. In paragraph 1,
The above control unit,
A vehicle radar inspection device characterized in that, if the value measured by the laser range finder falls within a preset offset range from the target location information, the driving unit is controlled so that the moving speed of the target unit is changed to a predetermined speed or lower. In paragraph 1,
The above control unit,
A vehicle radar inspection device characterized in that the measurement cycle of the laser range finder is varied according to the position of the target portion, and the driving unit is controlled so that the target portion moves until the value measured by the laser range finder falls within a preset offset range from the target position information. In paragraph 1,
The above control unit,
A vehicle radar inspection device characterized in that the movement amount of the tilt drive unit is calculated using the upper and lower tilt angle values and the left and right tilt angle values of the road surface measured using the electronic level, and the driving unit is controlled so that the tilt of the target unit changes according to the movement amount. In paragraph 1,
The above control unit,
The position of the laser beam incident from the laser pointer mounted on the radar is detected, and the position of the target part is corrected based on the target position information.
A vehicle radar inspection device characterized in that the position of the corrected target part is stored as final position information and stored as a reference value of the setup environment. A communication step of receiving target location information of a target section input by a user through wired or wireless communication;
A signal receiving step for receiving a signal transmitted from a radar mounted on a vehicle;
A measuring step of measuring the distance between the target part and the radar or the height of the target part using a laser range finder and measuring the angle of the road surface on which the target part is installed using an electronic level; and
A vehicle radar inspection method characterized by comprising a control step for controlling a driving unit that moves the position of the target portion based on at least one of the target position information, the position measured by the laser range finder, and the angle of the road surface measured by the electronic level. In Article 12,
The above control step is,
A vehicle radar inspection method characterized in that the value measured by the laser range finder is compared with the target position information to determine whether it is within a preset offset range, and the driving unit is controlled so that the position of the target portion is corrected according to the determination result. In Article 12,
The above control step is,
A vehicle radar inspection method characterized in that the movement amount of the tilt drive unit is calculated using the upper and lower tilt angle values and the left and right tilt angle values of the road surface measured using the electronic level, and the driving unit is controlled so that the tilt of the target unit changes according to the movement amount. In Article 12,
The above control step is,
The position of the laser beam incident from the laser pointer mounted on the radar is detected, and the position of the target part is corrected based on the target position information.
A vehicle radar inspection method characterized by storing the position of the corrected target part as final position information and storing it as a reference value of the setup environment.

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