Patent Description:
The invention relates to the calibration and/or the alignment of ADAS sensors of an advanced driver assistance system of a vehicle.

As it is known, last-generation vehicles are provided with advanced driver assistance systems, hereinafter referred to as ADAS systems. ADAS systems are generally provided with electronic sensor devices, such as radar sensors and optical sensors (cameras), hereinafter referred to a ADAS sensors, mounted on board the vehicle. ADAS systems are further provided with processing systems, which treat the information provided by the ADAS sensors in order to implement assistance functions that help drivers while driving so as to increase their safety.

In order to re-align/re-calibrate the aforesaid ADAS sensors, for example following a crash of the vehicle, vehicle service system are further used, which are provided with an ADAS calibration apparatus.

The ADAS calibration apparatus is generally provided with a vertical support structure, on which two target panels are mounted, which are structured so as to facilitate the calibration of the ADAS sensors.

The calibration process entails, among different steps, an initial positioning step to position the ADAS calibration apparatus and the target panels in a predetermined calibration position with respect to the vehicle.

The aforesaid calibration position is generally determined based on a series of calibration conditions, which are defined by the vehicle manufacturer and commonly correspond to a pre-established distance and orientation of the ADAS calibration apparatus and of the target panel with respect to a known point of the vehicle.

An imprecise positioning of the ADAS calibration apparatus and/or of the target panels with respect to the provisions of the calibration conditions significantly affects the final result of the calibration of the ADAS sensor and can lead to significant errors that jeopardise the correct operation of the ADAS system.

In some vehicle service system, the aforesaid positioning is manually carried out by an operator. This solution is subjected to a high risk of errors, since it basically depends on the precision and on the expertise of the operator carrying out the positioning operation.

In order to overcome this drawback systems were conceived, such as for example the ones described in <CIT> and <CIT>, which facilitate the positioning of the ADAS calibration apparatus in front of the vehicle.

However, these systems, even though - on the one hand - they increased the level of positioning precision, on the other hand do not completely ensure the required degree of accuracy.

Therefore, a different vehicle service system is needed, which is versatile, simple, ensures high performances and is capable of determining, with utmost precision, the position of the ADAS calibration apparatus and/or of the target panel with respect to the vehicle.

Furthermore, the solution described in <CIT> is known, which discloses a system comprising an ADAS calibration apparatus arranged in front of the vehicle and two optical devices arranged on the side of the vehicle. The system further comprises two association cameras, which are arranged on the two optical devices and are oriented so as to observe two targets mounted on the ADAS calibration device.

Furthermore, the solutions described in <CIT> and <CIT> are known, wherein the system comprises an ADAS calibration apparatus provided with two lateral targets, two wheel targets mounted on the rear wheels of the vehicle and two measuring devices, which are arranged on the side of the vehicle and are each provided with two front cameras observing the relative target mounted on the ADAS calibration apparatus and with two rear cameras observing the relative wheel target.

The object of the invention is to provide a vehicle service system provided with a calibration apparatus for an ADAS sensor of a vehicle, which meets the aforesaid needs.

In accordance with this object, according to the invention, there are provided a vehicle service system and an operating method thereof, as defined in the relative independent claims and preferably, though not necessarily, in any one of the claims depending on them.

The appended claims describe preferred embodiments of the invention and form an integral part of the description.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, number <NUM> indicates, as a whole, a vehicle service system comprising a calibration apparatus <NUM>, which is designed to calibrate the electronic sensor devices, hereinafter indicated with ADAS sensors <NUM>, comprised in an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) <NUM> of a vehicle <NUM> arranged in a service area <NUM>. In the example shown herein, the service area <NUM> has an axis K.

The ADAS sensor <NUM> can comprise any sensor of the advanced driver assistance system <NUM>. For example, the ADAS sensor <NUM> can comprise: a radar sensor, an optical sensor, a camera, a LIDAR sensor, an ultrasound sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor or any other similar sensor.

Obviously, according to this description, the "calibration" (and/or re-calibration) function carried out by the calibration apparatus <NUM> includes, in addition and/or alternatively, an "alignment" (or re-alignment) function for an ADAS sensor <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the calibration apparatus <NUM> is designed to move (and/or be moved) on a resting surface W1 adjacent (for example, horizontal and coplanar) to the vehicle service area <NUM> so as to face the vehicle <NUM>.

The calibration apparatus <NUM> comprises one or more calibration devices <NUM>, which are designed to be detected by the relative ADAS sensors <NUM> of the vehicle <NUM> during their calibration process.

According to the invention, the vehicle service system <NUM> further comprises a position detection system <NUM>, which comprises optical apparatuses <NUM>. According to an explanatory embodiment shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the position detection system <NUM> comprises four optical apparatuses <NUM>. The optical apparatuses <NUM> are arranged in the service area <NUM> in such a way that each pair is opposite the other pair with respect to the longitudinal axis S of the vehicle <NUM> (or to the axis K of the service area <NUM>). The axis S of the vehicle <NUM> can correspond to the symmetry axis or to the thrust axis of the vehicle. The optical apparatuses <NUM> are configured to capture first images containing lateral images of the vehicle <NUM>.

According to the invention, the optical apparatuses <NUM> have respective positioning targets <NUM>, which are oriented so as to face the calibration apparatus <NUM>. According to a possible embodiment, the position detection system <NUM> comprises four optical apparatuses <NUM> and four positioning targets <NUM>, each of which is associated with/firmly fixed on the relative optical apparatus <NUM> (in the way described in detail below) and is oriented so as to face (be directed towards) the calibration apparatus <NUM>. According to the invention, the vehicle service system <NUM> further comprises two video cameras <NUM> (or cameras or the like), which are mounted in/on the calibration apparatus <NUM> so as to be arranged in lateral positions on opposite sides with the respect to the calibration device/s <NUM>.

According to the invention, the two cameras <NUM> are oriented/directed towards the respective optical apparatuses <NUM> and are designed to capture/acquire second images, which contain the positioning targets <NUM> present on the respective optical apparatuses <NUM>.

According to a possible embodiment, in which the position detection system <NUM> comprises four optical apparatuses <NUM> and four positioning targets <NUM>, the two cameras <NUM> are mounted in/on the calibration apparatus <NUM> so as to be oriented/directed towards the four optical apparatuses <NUM> in order to capture/acquire the second images, which contain the respective four positioning targets <NUM> of the four optical apparatuses <NUM>.

According to the invention, the vehicle service system <NUM> further comprises an electronic control system <NUM> (schematically indicated in the accompanying figures), which is configured so as to determine a first position, which is indicative of the position of the calibration apparatus <NUM> and/or of the position of the calibration devices <NUM> (and/or of the calibration assistance assembly <NUM> described in detail below) with respect to the vehicle <NUM>, based on the first images and the second images.

Conveniently, the electronic control system <NUM> is further configured so as to control/guide the positioning of the calibration apparatus <NUM> and/or of the calibration devices <NUM> (and/or of the calibration assistance assembly <NUM> described in detail below) in a pre-established calibration position based on the determined first position.

Conveniently, according to the invention, the electronic control system <NUM> can further be configured so as to provide a user, by means of a user interface device <NUM>, with information to assist/guide the positioning, namely the movement of the calibration apparatus <NUM> and/or the handling of the calibration device <NUM> (and/or of the calibration assistance assembly <NUM> described in detail below) in/to the pre-established calibration position based on the determined first position.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention shown in <FIG>, the calibration apparatus <NUM> comprises a base <NUM>, which is designed to move on a resting plane W1. The base <NUM> can be designed to be moved by means of a manual push. To this regard, the base <NUM> is movable and can be provided, at the bottom, with support wheels <NUM>. The wheels <NUM> can be, for example, cylindrical wheels and/or spherical wheels pivoting around a plurality of axes in order to allow the base <NUM> to freely move on the resting plane W1 in any horizontal direction. Alternatively or in addition, the base <NUM> can be designed to move in an autonomous manner (automatically) and be provided with motorised wheels, which are caused to rotate by motorised eclectic units (not shown herein) and are designed to be oriented, on command, by means of electronic/electromechanical guide members, which control the direction thereof.

According to a preferred explanatory embodiment shown in <FIG>, the calibration apparatus <NUM> comprises a support frame <NUM>. The support frame <NUM> is preferably coupled/connected to the base <NUM> and extends above the latter.

According to a preferred explanatory embodiment shown in <FIG>, the calibration apparatus <NUM> further comprises a support frame <NUM>, which is coupled to the support frame <NUM> and supports the calibration devices <NUM> and the cameras <NUM>. The support frame <NUM>, the calibration devices <NUM> and the cameras <NUM> form a calibration assistance assembly <NUM>.

According to a preferred explanatory embodiment shown in <FIG>, the support frame <NUM> is provided (at the bottom) with a straight rod or bar <NUM>, which extends approximately horizontally. The cameras <NUM> are firmly arranged at the two opposite free ends of the straight bar <NUM> and are oriented so that they can observe the respective positioning targets <NUM>. The cameras <NUM> are firmly arranged at the two opposite free ends of the straight bar <NUM> and are oriented so that they can capture the images of the positioning targets <NUM> present on the optical apparatuses <NUM>.

The support frame <NUM> can comprise a column <NUM>, which extends along an approximately vertical axis A. The column <NUM> can be mounted on the base <NUM> so that it can rotate around the axis A. The rotation of the column <NUM> relative to the base <NUM> determines the rotation of the calibration assistance assembly <NUM> around the axis A. The rotation of the calibration assistance assembly <NUM> around the axis A determines a corresponding change in the angle present between the flat ADAS calibration surfaces associated with the respective calibration devices <NUM> and the axis S of the vehicle <NUM>.

The support frame <NUM> can be coupled to the support frame <NUM> in an easily removable (separable) manner. The support frame <NUM> can be (mechanically) coupled to the support frame <NUM> so as to move along the axis A (in a vertical manner) from and to the base <NUM> arranged underneath. The movement of the support frame <NUM> along the axis A from and to the base <NUM> determines a change in the height of the calibration assistance assembly <NUM> (measured vertically with respect to the vehicle <NUM> or the resting plane). The support frame <NUM> can further be (mechanically) coupled to the support frame <NUM> so as to move along a horizontal axis B (which is orthogonal to the axis A). The movement of the support frame <NUM> along the axis B determines the horizontal movement of the calibration assistance assembly <NUM> (with respect to the base <NUM>).

The support frame <NUM> can further be (mechanically) coupled to the support frame <NUM> so as to move along a horizontal axis C (<FIG>), which is orthogonal to the axis A and B, in order to move the calibration assistance assembly <NUM> (with respect to the base <NUM>) from and to the vehicle <NUM>, thus adjusting the distance from the latter.

According to a preferred explanatory embodiment shown in the accompanying Figures, the calibration devices <NUM> comprise a target panel 6a suited for the calibration of optical ADAS sensors <NUM>, preferably the cameras of the vehicle <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the target panel 6a can comprise a monitor/display (flat-panel, LCD or OLED or the like) designed, in use, to display, on command, a digital image of a calibration target, which depends on the optical ADAS sensor <NUM> to be calibrated. The flat ADAS calibration surface of the target panel 6a (shown in <FIG>) corresponds to the active surface of the monitor/display, which displays the pre-established image of the camera calibration target. According to a further embodiment, the target panel 6a can comprise a rectangular panel, whose flat ADAS calibration surface is used to create (for example, through printing) and/or project (by means of a projector that is not shown herein) the pre-established image of the camera calibration target of the vehicle <NUM>.

In the example shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the calibration device <NUM> comprises a radar panel 6b suited for the calibration of ADAS radar sensors. The radar panel 6b is coupled to the support frame <NUM> so that it can rotate around the axis B. The flat ADAS calibration surface of the radar panel 6b is represented by the active radar refection surface facing the vehicle <NUM> (shown in <FIG>).

In use, the rotation of the radar panel 6b around the axis B determines a corresponding change in the angle between the flat ADAS calibration surface of the radar panel 6b and the axis S of the vehicle <NUM>.

The calibration apparatus <NUM> can further comprise a handling assembly <NUM> (schematically shown in <FIG>) designed, on command, to: rotate the support frame <NUM> around the axis A in order to adjust the angle of the calibration assistance assembly <NUM> (or of the calibration device <NUM>) relative to the axis S of the vehicle <NUM>, and/or move the support frame <NUM> along the axis A in order to adjust the height of the calibration assistance assembly <NUM> (or of the calibration device <NUM>), and/or move the support frame <NUM> along the axis B (from and to the base <NUM>) in order to adjust the horizontal position of the calibration assistance assembly <NUM> (or of the calibration device <NUM>), and/or rotate the radar panel 6b around the axis B.

The handling assembly <NUM> is further designed, on command, to move the support frame <NUM> along the axis C in order to adjust the distance with respect to the vehicle <NUM>.

The handling assembly <NUM> can comprise a series of electric devices/motors and/or electric actuators (and/or slides) selectively controlled by the electronic control system <NUM> so as to carry out the positioning described above.

The electronic control system <NUM> can conveniently be configured to control the handling assembly <NUM> based on the determined first position, so as to place the calibration assistance assembly <NUM> (and/or the calibration device <NUM>) in the pre-established calibration position.

The pre-established calibration position can comprise: a pre-established distance of the calibration apparatus <NUM> or of a calibration device <NUM> or of the calibration assistance assembly <NUM> with respect to the vehicle <NUM>, a pre-established height of a calibration device <NUM> and/or of the calibration assistance assembly <NUM> with respect to the vehicle <NUM> or to the resting plane. The pre-established calibration position can further comprise a pre-established angle (for example, a ninety degree angle) between the axis S of the vehicle <NUM> and the flat calibration surface of a calibration device <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the optical apparatuses <NUM> each comprise a column-shaped container body <NUM>, which extends along an approximately vertical axis U and is arranged so as to rest on the service area <NUM> adjacent to a relative side of the vehicle <NUM>. At least one image capturing device <NUM>, which is oriented/directed towards the vehicle <NUM>, is arranged in the container body <NUM>.

The container body <NUM> can have an approximately square or rectangular cross section, transverse to the vertical axis U, and has a preferably flat side or flank or wall 22a, which faces the calibration apparatus <NUM>. In the example shown in <FIG>, the flat wall 22a approximately lies on a vertical plane, orthogonal to the axis K.

In the example shown herein, the container body <NUM> comprises an oblong box-shaped body substantially having the shape of a vertical bar or rod. Preferably, in the example shown herein, the container body <NUM> has not, namely lacks, horizontal protruding arms, which project from the box-shaped body. The Applicant found out that this compact shape reduces the space taken up, increases the sturdiness of the optical apparatus <NUM> and reduces the exposure of the camera to hits and, hence, to the risk of damages.

The positioning target <NUM> of the optical apparatus <NUM> is arranged on the side, namely on the flat wall 22a of the container body <NUM>. The positioning target <NUM> preferably is approximately planar, can comprise a two-dimensional (quadrangular) image representing a pre-established pattern and is rigidly/firmly fixed on the flat wall 22a.

Obviously, according to a possible embodiment (which is not shown herein), the optical apparatus <NUM> can be provided with two positioning targets <NUM>, one of them being arranged on the flat wall 22a and the other one being arranged on the opposite flat wall. The Applicant found out that this configuration has, on the one hand, the technical effect of allowing operators to indifferently install each optical apparatus <NUM> in any position with no need to distinguish it from the others and, on the other hand, has the technical effect of being able to carry out the measurement of the position even when the calibration apparatus <NUM> is arranged at the back of the vehicle.

Conveniently, the optical apparatuses <NUM> do no comprise, namely lack, cameras arranged so as to frame the calibration apparatus <NUM>. The flat wall 22a of the container body <NUM>, which has the positioning target <NUM>, is free from cameras facing, directed towards the calibration apparatus <NUM> in order to frame it. Conveniently, the optical apparatuses <NUM> do not comprise cameras arranged so as to frame a wheel target, namely a target panel mounted on the wheel, for example the rear wheel of the vehicle. The flat wall of the container body <NUM> opposite the flat wall 22a on which the positioning target <NUM> is installed does not comprise, namely lacks, cameras arranged so as to frame a target mounted on the wheel of the vehicle.

In the example shown herein, the pattern comprises a geometry containing predetermined graphic elements (squares) in a (black and white) almost chessboard-like arrangement.

With reference to <FIG>, the optical image capturing device <NUM> comprises at least one camera 23a. In the example shown in <FIG>, the optical image capturing device <NUM> further comprises a camera 23b, which is vertically arranged at a pre-established distance under the camera 23a.

According to a possible embodiment, the cameras 23a and 23b cooperate with the electronic control system <NUM> so as to implement a binocular stereoscopic vision method of the vehicle <NUM> in order to determine a three-dimensional 3D image of the vehicle <NUM>, or of pre-established parts thereof, based on the images captured by the optical apparatuses <NUM>. The operation of the binocular stereoscopic vision method by means of two cameras in order to construct a three-dimensional image is known and will not be described any further.

The electronic processing system <NUM> can conveniently be designed to exchange (in a two-way manner) data/images/signals with the optical apparatuses <NUM> and/or with the electric/electronic devices of the calibration apparatus <NUM> by means of a wireless communication system (which is not shown herein).

According to a preferred embodiment shown in <FIG>, the camera 23a and the camera 23b are firmly arranged in the container body <NUM> so that the relative optical assemblies (lenses) face and are oriented on a common face/side 22b of the container body <NUM>, which is orthogonal to the wall/side 22a, so as to frame a side of the vehicle <NUM>. Preferably, the cameras 23a and 23b can frame the side of the vehicle <NUM> through through openings made in the face/side of the container body <NUM>. The cameras 23a and 23b are arranged in the container body <NUM> so as to be axially spaced apart from one another along the axis U at a pre-established distance. Preferably, the optical image capturing device <NUM> can further comprise at least one light source 23c designed to emit a light beam to irradiate the side of the vehicle <NUM>.

According to the preferred embodiment shown in <FIG>, the camera 23b is arranged in the support column <NUM> in a lower position. The camera 23a is arranged in the container body <NUM> in an upper position, immediately under the upper end of the column <NUM> itself. The light source 23c can vertically be arranged between the two cameras 23a and 23b.

According to a possible embodiment, each optical apparatus <NUM> can comprise a plate-shaped element <NUM> (a plate), which is arranged so as to rest on the service area <NUM> and has, on its upper surface, a reference target <NUM> (<FIG>). The container body <NUM> can be coupled to the plate-shaped element <NUM> in a position immediately adjacent to the target <NUM>. The optical image capturing device <NUM> is arranged in the container body <NUM> so as to frame and capture, for example by means of the camera 23a, the image of the target <NUM> present on the plate-shaped element <NUM> arranged underneath.

The optical apparatuses <NUM> can advantageously be of the type shown and described in <CIT> filed by the Applicant.

According to the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the electronic control system <NUM> receives the first images from the optical apparatuses <NUM> and processes them in order to determine the position of the vehicle <NUM> in the service area <NUM> with respect to a pre-established reference system. In <FIG> and <FIG>, the pre-established reference system SR is represented, by mere way of example, by means of a Cartesian system with three axes X, Y and Z orthogonal to one another. In <FIG> and <FIG>, for the sole purpose of improving the comprehension of the invention, the pre-established reference system SR is associated with an optical apparatus <NUM>. The reference system SR can obviously be established by a processing algorithm implemented by the electronic control unit <NUM>.

The electronic control system <NUM> comprises memory devices (not shown), which contain first items of information indicative of the position of the optical apparatuses <NUM> with respect to the pre-established reference system SR (and/or reciprocal). Preferably, the detection/determination and the storing of the first items of information indicative of the positions of the optical apparatuses <NUM> with respect to the pre-established reference system SR can be carried out during an initial adjustment phase. The initial adjustment can entail having the electronic control system <NUM> process the images of opposite adjustment targets (not shown), which are present on a panel vertically arranged on the central middle line of the service area <NUM> (axis K) and face the respective optical apparatuses <NUM>. The processing of the images of the adjustment targets captured by the optical apparatuses <NUM>, by the electronic control system <NUM>, determines the position of each optical apparatus <NUM> with respect to the reference system SR.

According to a possible embodiment, the electronic control system <NUM> can further determine, through the processing of the first images of the vehicle <NUM> captured by the optical apparatuses <NUM> and of the first items of information, second items of information indicative of the position of at least one of the following elements of the vehicle <NUM> with respect to the pre-established reference system SR: the front axle, the rear axle, the front logo, an ADAS sensor device (camera), a side-view mirror or similar elements. Following the determination of the second items of information concerning the position of one or more elements of the vehicle <NUM>, the electronic control system <NUM> is capable of determining the position of the vehicle <NUM> (and/or pre-established vehicle reference element) in the reference system SR, for example based on a series of dimensional data of the vehicle contained, for example, in the memory devices and determined based on items of information identifying the vehicle (model or plate number or the like) given to users, for example, through the interface device <NUM>.

Conveniently, the determination of the second items of information indicative of the position of the vehicle <NUM> by the electronic control system <NUM> can be carried out in a static manner, namely by processing the first images in a discontinuous manner, i.e. at predetermined time intervals, or in a dynamic manner, namely by processing the first images in a substantially continuous manner (in real time).

According to a possible embodiment, the electronic control system <NUM> controls the cameras <NUM> so as to capture the second images containing the positioning targets <NUM> and determines, based on the processing of the second images, third items of information, which are indicative of the position of the calibration apparatus <NUM> and/or of the calibration assistance assembly <NUM> and/or of a calibration device <NUM> with respect to the positioning targets <NUM> of the optical apparatuses <NUM>.

In the example shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the optical apparatuses <NUM> are respectively arranged in the area of, approximately adjacent to (facing) the four wheels of the vehicle <NUM>. Preferably, the positioning targets <NUM> are arranged on the two opposite optical apparatuses <NUM>, which are adjacent to the front wheels of the vehicle <NUM>, so that they can observed by the cameras <NUM>. Obviously, according to a variant (which is not shown herein), the positioning targets <NUM> can be arranged, in addition or alternatively, on the two opposite optical apparatuses <NUM>, which are adjacent to the rear wheels of the vehicle <NUM>, so that they can observed by the cameras <NUM>.

The electronic control system <NUM> is further designed to process the third items of information and the first items of information concerning the position of the optical apparatuses <NUM> provided with the positioning targets <NUM> with respect to the pre-established reference system SR, so as to determine fourth items of information indicative of the position of the calibration apparatus <NUM> and/or of the calibration assistance apparatus <NUM> and/or of the calibration device <NUM> with respect to the pre-established reference system SR.

The electronic control system <NUM> is further designed to process the fourth items of information and the second items of information concerning the position of the vehicle <NUM> (and/or of a pre-established vehicle reference element) with respect to the pre-established reference system SR, so as to determine fifth items of information, which are indicative of the position of the calibration apparatus <NUM> and/or of the calibration assistance apparatus <NUM> and/or of the calibration device <NUM> with respect to the vehicle <NUM>.

The fifth items of information can comprise: the distance of the calibration apparatus <NUM> and/or of the calibration assistance assembly <NUM> and/or of the calibration device <NUM> with respect to the vehicle <NUM> (and/or a pre-established vehicle reference element), the height of the calibration assistance assembly <NUM> and/or of the calibration device <NUM> with respect to the vehicle <NUM> (and/or a pre-established vehicle reference element), the angle present between the resting plane of the calibration surface of the calibration device <NUM> and the axis S of the vehicle <NUM>.

According to a possible embodiment, the electronic control system <NUM> further is conveniently designed to determine the attitude of the wheels of the vehicle <NUM> based on the processing of the first images of the vehicle <NUM> captured by the optical apparatuses <NUM>.

According to a possible embodiment, the electronic control system <NUM> can further be designed to determined the thrust axis of the vehicle <NUM> based on the attitude of the wheels of the rear axle, wherein the attitude is determined through the processing of the first images.

According to a possible embodiment, the electronic control system <NUM> can further determine (instant by instant), based on the fifth items of information, the difference/deviation between the position of the calibration apparatus <NUM> with respect to the vehicle <NUM> and the pre-established calibration position (stored) in the memory means (which are not shown herein).

The electronic control system <NUM> can provide movement control signals/data indicative of the movement to be made by the calibration apparatus <NUM> and/or by the calibration assistance assembly <NUM> and/or by the calibration device <NUM> with respect to the vehicle <NUM> (and/or a pre-established vehicle reference element) based on the difference/deviation, so as to reduce it/cause it to become zero in order to reach the pre-established calibration position.

According to a possible embodiment, the electronic control system <NUM> can provide the user interface device <NUM> with the movement control signals. The user interface device <NUM> can be configured to implement algorithms that process the movement control signals and transform/convert them into visual/visible guide signals/data (which can be observed by operators) and/or sound guide signals/data (intermittent messages or sounds). Said guide signals/data can be programmed so as to guide/assist operators in placing and/or adjusting the position of the calibration apparatus <NUM> and/or of the calibration assistance apparatus <NUM> and/or of the calibration device <NUM> with respect to the vehicle <NUM> in the pre-established calibration position.

The electronic control system <NUM> is further configured to provide the handling assembly <NUM> with the movement control signals in order to automatically control the movement of the calibration apparatus <NUM> and/or of the calibration assistance assembly <NUM> and/or of the calibration device <NUM> with respect to the vehicle <NUM> based on the difference/deviation, so as to reduce it/cause it to become zero in order to reach the pre-established calibration position.

In this way, the system <NUM> conveniently is able to adjust/tune, in a completely automatic manner and with a high precision, the position of the calibration apparatus <NUM> and/or of the calibration assistance assembly <NUM> and/or of the calibration device <NUM> with respect to the vehicle <NUM>, so as to cause it to reach the pre-established calibration position.

The operating method of the vehicle service system <NUM> described above basically entails placing the calibration apparatus <NUM> in the service area <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>), for example in front of the vehicle <NUM>; placing (if they are not already present) the optical apparatuses <NUM> in the relative positions in the service area <NUM>, so that the relative positioning targets <NUM> are oriented towards and can be observed by the cameras <NUM> of the calibration apparatus <NUM>.

Obviously, the vehicle service system <NUM> can entail the calibration step mentioned above, to which the optical apparatuses <NUM> are subjected in order to determine and store the first items of information indicative of the position thereof with respect to the reference system SR. Conveniently, the optical apparatuses <NUM> can be removed/separated from the plate-shaped elements <NUM> and mounted again in the same positions associated with the first items of information stored, whereas the targets <NUM>, during the separation, can conveniently remain firmly anchored on the surface of the service area <NUM> by means of the plate-shaped elements <NUM>. The images of the targets <NUM> captured by the optical apparatuses <NUM> and processed by the electronic control system <NUM> following the re-installation of the column container bodies <NUM> allow the optical apparatuses <NUM> to be re-calibrated each time (without repeating the initial adjustment) in order to determine and/or correct the first items of information indicative of the actual positions of the optical apparatuses <NUM> with respect to the reference system SR. In other words, the processed images of the targets <NUM> allow the system to implement a self-zero algorithm, which determines, with utmost precision and with every installation of the optical apparatuses <NUM>, the position thereof with respect to the reference system SR.

The operating method of the vehicle service system <NUM> further comprises the step of determining second items of information indicative of the position of the vehicle <NUM> with respect to the reference system SR based on the processing of the first images of the vehicle (images of the opposite sides) captured by the optical apparatuses <NUM> and on the first items of information.

The operating method of the vehicle service system <NUM> further comprises the step of determining third items of information indicative of the position of the calibration apparatus <NUM> and/or of the calibration assistance assembly <NUM> and/or of the calibration device <NUM> with respect to the optical apparatuses <NUM> (targets <NUM>) based on the processing of the second images containing the positioning targets <NUM> captured by the cameras <NUM>.

The operating method of the vehicle service system <NUM> further comprises the step of determining fourth items of information indicative of the position of the calibration apparatus <NUM> and/or of the calibration assistance assembly <NUM> and/or of the calibration device <NUM> with respect to the reference system SR based on the processing of the third and first items of information.

The operating method of the vehicle service system <NUM> further comprises the step of determining fifth items of information indicative of the position of the calibration apparatus <NUM> and/or of the calibration assistance assembly <NUM> and/or of the target devices <NUM> with respect to the vehicle <NUM> (and/or to the pre-established vehicle reference element) based on the fourth items of information and on the second items of information.

The operating method of the vehicle service system <NUM> further can conveniently comprise the step of determining the deviation/difference between the pre-established calibration position of the calibration apparatus <NUM> and the determined position/orientation of the calibration apparatus <NUM> and/or of the calibration assistance assembly <NUM> and/or of the calibration device <NUM>.

The operating method of the vehicle service system <NUM> further can conveniently comprise the step of guiding operators through the interface device <NUM> based on the deviation/difference between the pre-established calibration position of the calibration apparatus <NUM> and the determined position/orientation of the calibration apparatus <NUM> and/or of the calibration assistance assembly <NUM> and/or of the calibration device <NUM>. The interface device <NUM> can guide operators in a controlled manner based on the aforesaid determined position/orientation so as to cause the aforesaid deviation/difference to become zero.

The operating method of the vehicle service system <NUM> further can conveniently comprise the step of automatically controlling the handling assembly <NUM> based on the deviation/difference between the pre-established calibration position of the calibration apparatus <NUM> and the determined position/orientation of the calibration apparatus <NUM> and/or of the calibration assistance assembly <NUM> and/or of the calibration device <NUM>.

The handling assembly <NUM> can be controlled by the electronic control system <NUM> based on the determined position/orientation so as to cause the aforesaid deviation/difference to become zero. The handling assembly <NUM> can move, in response to the control signal provided by the electronic control system <NUM>, in a selective and/or alternative manner: the calibration assistance assembly <NUM> and/or the calibration device <NUM> around the axis A and/or along the axis B and/or around the axis B and/or along the axis C until it reaches the relative calibration position.

The Applicant found out that the use of the cameras <NUM> (firmly) mounted on the calibration apparatus <NUM> to observe/capture the positioning targets <NUM> mounted, in turn, on the optical apparatuses <NUM>, in order to determine the mutual position of the calibration apparatus and of the vehicle, leads to different advantages.

First of all, the overall costs of the vehicle service system can be reduced, especially when operators have to carry out the calibration of a plurality of vehicles arranged in different service areas by means of one single calibration apparatus. In this case, the system guides the positioning of the calibration apparatus in the areas with the aid of two sole cameras <NUM>, exploiting the positioning targets mounted on the optical apparatuses present in the areas. The Applicant found out that a different configuration from the one described above, entailing - for example - installing two positioning targets on the calibration apparatus and observing the positioning targets by means of the cameras mounted on the optical apparatuses, significantly increases the cost of the positioning system compared to the solution disclosed herein.

This technical problem affects, for example, the system described in <CIT>. In particular, in case a workshop uses one single calibration apparatus to carry out the calibration of a series of vehicles arranged in a plurality of service areas provided with respective pairs of optical devices, the system requires the use of as many pairs of association cameras. For example, in case in the workshop there are four service areas and eight optical devices, the system described in <CIT> requires the use of eight association cameras.

Therefore, the technical effect obtained by the invention thanks to the positioning of the targets on the optical apparatuses and to the installation of the two cameras on the calibration apparatus is that of conveniently using only two cameras in case of a series of service areas, so as to reduce costs.

The Applicant further found out that the installation of the cameras on the calibration apparatus reduces the risk of damaging thereof. As a matter of fact, the cameras mounted on the optical apparatuses are exposed to hits by operators and, as a consequence, are subjected to damaging.

The Applicant further found out that the use of the two cameras mounted on the calibration apparatus in front of the vehicle allows, in the configuration with four optical apparatuses and four targets, the measuring precision to be improved. In this case, indeed, the two cameras capture four images of targets associated with as many points that the system can process in order to determine the items of information concerning the position.

Furthermore, the Applicant found out that the combined use of the targets arranged on the plate-shaped elements and of the positioning targets obtained on the support columns increases the measuring precision, since the targets define two references, which are conveniently used by system each time, for example with each new placing of the optical apparatus in the service are, in order to carry out a re-calibration so as to correct position errors (self-zero).

Moreover, the system is conveniently simplified, besides being more precise, compared to those system that involve the use of reference targets mounted on the wheels. In these systems, indeed, an incorrect positioning of the target on the wheel leads to errors in the measurement of the position.

Finally, the use of the optical apparatuses operating in a stereoscopic manner allows the service system to be used both to carry out the calibration of the ADAS sensors and to determine the attitude of the wheels of the vehicle and, if necessary, to automatically correct the error caused in the positioning of the calibration apparatus and/or of the calibration device and/or of the calibration assistance assembly also based on the actual attitude.

Finally, it is clear that the system and the method described above can be subjected to changes and variants, without for this reason going beyond the scope of protection of the invention.

Claim 1:
A vehicle service system (<NUM>) (<NUM>) comprising:
- a calibration apparatus (<NUM>), which is designed to calibrate at least one ADAS sensor (<NUM>) comprised in an advanced driver assistance system (<NUM>) of a vehicle (<NUM>) arranged in a vehicle service area (<NUM>), said calibration apparatus (<NUM>) is designed to move on a resting plane adjacent to said vehicle service area (<NUM>) and comprises at least one calibration device (<NUM>), which is designed to be detected by said ADAS sensor (<NUM>) during the calibration of the ADAS sensor (<NUM>) itself,
said vehicle service system is characterised in that it comprises a position detection system (<NUM>) comprising:
- at least two optical apparatuses (<NUM>), which are arranged in the vehicle service area (<NUM>) on opposite sides of said vehicle (<NUM>) one with respect to the other, and are configured to capture first images containing images of the vehicle (<NUM>), said optical apparatuses (<NUM>) have respective positioning targets (<NUM>) which are orientated in order to be facing said calibration apparatus (<NUM>),
- two cameras (<NUM>) which are mounted on said calibration apparatus (<NUM>) so as to be arranged in lateral positions, on opposite sides with respect to said calibration device (<NUM>); the two cameras (<NUM>) are optically orientated towards said optical apparatuses (<NUM>) to capture second images which contain said positioning targets (<NUM>) of said optical apparatuses (<NUM>),
- electronic processing means (<NUM>) which are configured so as to determine a first position indicative of the position of said calibration apparatus (<NUM>) and/or of the position of said calibration device (<NUM>) with respect to said vehicle (<NUM>), based on said first images and said second images.