Alexander Little

Title: Alexander Little and Precision Sensor Calibration for Automated Vehicles.

Introduction

Alexander Little is an inventor associated with Blacksburg, Virginia, and Torc Robotics, Inc. His patent work addresses the precise calibration of sensors used in automated vehicles.

Latest Patents

Little is named on one patent, Precision Multi-Point Sensor Position and Attitude Calibration Brackets. The invention describes systems, methods, and apparatuses that use calibration targets mounted on a bracket attached near a vehicle sensor. A two-target bracket can be positioned near a GNSS antenna, while a three-target bracket can be placed near an inertial measurement unit, such as in the passenger cabin or on the vehicle chassis.

The targets have retroreflective surfaces that return signals, including infrared signals, to a theodolite or total station. Preprogrammed offset values allow the instrument or a computer to account for the targets’ positions relative to the sensor being calibrated. This approach is designed to support accurate sensor position and attitude calibration.

Career Highlights

Little’s listed patent connects his work with the technical challenges of calibrating sensors on automated vehicles. The disclosed bracket configurations accommodate different sensor types and mounting locations.

Collaborations

Little’s listed coworkers include Dietrich Linde and Matthew Marti. His company affiliation is Torc Robotics, Inc.

Conclusion

Alexander Little’s patent describes a practical calibration system that uses precisely positioned, reflective targets to help determine the position and attitude of automated-vehicle sensors.