公开(公告)号：US20220390226A1

公开(公告)日：2022-12-08

申请号：US17653430

申请日：2022-03-03

Applicant: Hunter Engineering Company

Inventor： John M. Boncek ,  Timothy A. Strege ,  Nicholas J. Colarelli, III

IPC: G01B11/275

Abstract: A machine-vision vehicle wheel alignment measurement system configured with at least one optical sensor to acquire images of optical targets disposed within an operative field of view. The system further includes a processing system configured with software instructions to determine relative spatial positions and orientations of one or more optical targets visible within images acquired by the optical sensor. The processing system is further configured with software instructions to automatically identify an axle count and axle configuration for a vehicle undergoing an alignment inspection or service using the determined relative spatial positions and orientations of the visible optical targets.

公开(公告)号：US20210209794A1

公开(公告)日：2021-07-08

申请号：US17208858

申请日：2021-03-22

Applicant: Hunter Engineering Company

Inventor： Brian M. Cejka ,  Daniel R. Dorrance ,  Asher L. Haggard ,  Timothy A. Strege ,  Charles P. Johannigmeier

IPC: G06T7/73 ,  H04N5/232

Abstract: A machine-vision vehicle service system, and methods of operation, incorporating at least one at least one camera and an optical projector for guiding placement of vehicle service components relative to a vehicle undergoing service. The camera and optical projector are operatively coupled to a processing system configured with software instructions to selectively control a projection axis orientation for the optical projector to enable projection of visible indicia onto various surfaces visible within the field of view of the camera.

公开(公告)号：US20210005031A1

公开(公告)日：2021-01-07

申请号：US16908336

申请日：2020-06-22

Applicant: Hunter Engineering Company

Inventor： Blackford F. Brauer ,  James Kaleb Silver ,  Nicholas J. Colarelli, III ,  Timothy A. Strege

IPC: G07C5/08 ,  G07C5/00 ,  H04W4/40

Abstract: A system and method for vehicle technician communication utilizing a local vehicle service system operatively coupled to a remote vehicle service system via a network connection. The system enables bi-directional communication between the local service technician and a service specialist associated with the remote vehicle service system by configuring the local vehicle service system with software instructions and hardware to provide a communication interface, such as a software app, graphical user interface, or teleconference functionality. Using the communication interface, the service specialist can: (1) guide the local technician through the initial process of establishing a connection between the vehicle undergoing service or inspection and the remote vehicle service system; (2) direct necessary actions during a diagnostic analysis of the vehicle, such as turning on the vehicle's engine, turning a steering wheel, etc.; and (3) convey results of the vehicle diagnostic analysis in verbal, written, or visual form.

公开(公告)号：US10803340B2

公开(公告)日：2020-10-13

申请号：US16213416

申请日：2018-12-07

Applicant: Hunter Engineering Company

Inventor： Philip G. Grunzinger, Jr. ,  Timothy A. Strege ,  Kevin V. Schoemehl

IPC: G06K9/00 ,  G06K9/32 ,  G06K9/20 ,  G01B11/275 ,  H04N5/247

Abstract: A vehicle service system incorporating a set of imaging sensors disposed in an inspection lane through which a vehicle is driven. A first imaging sensor is disposed with a field of view aligned to observe leading surfaces on an approaching vehicle, while a second imaging sensor is disposed with a field of view aligned to observe trailing surfaces of a departing vehicle. A processor is configured with software instructions to capture a set of images from the first imaging sensor as the vehicle approaches, and a set of images from the second imaging sensor as the vehicle departs. The processor evaluates the acquired images from the first and second imaging sensors according to a set of rules to identify images in which a license plate is present on an observed surface of the vehicle, and to extract license plate information from at least one of the identified images.

公开(公告)号：US20190180132A1

公开(公告)日：2019-06-13

申请号：US16213416

申请日：2018-12-07

Applicant: Hunter Engineering Company

Inventor： Philip G. Grunzinger, JR. ,  Timothy A. Strege ,  Kevin V. Schoemehl

IPC: G06K9/32 ,  G06K9/20 ,  H04N5/247 ,  G01B11/275

Abstract: A vehicle service system incorporating a set of imaging sensors disposed in an inspection lane through which a vehicle is driven. A first imaging sensor is disposed with a field of view aligned to observe leading surfaces on an approaching vehicle, while a second imaging sensor is disposed with a field of view aligned to observe trailing surfaces of a departing vehicle. A processor is configured with software instructions to capture a set of images from the first imaging sensor as the vehicle approaches, and a set of images from the second imaging sensor as the vehicle departs. The processor evaluates the acquired images from the first and second imaging sensors according to a set of rules to identify images in which a license plate is present on an observed surface of the vehicle, and to extract license plate information from at least one of the identified images.

公开(公告)号：US10311835B1

公开(公告)日：2019-06-04

申请号：US15704714

申请日：2017-09-14

Applicant: Hunter Engineering Company

Inventor： Daniel R. Dorrance ,  Nicholas J. Colarelli, III ,  Timothy A. Strege

IPC: G01M17/02 ,  G01M17/013 ,  B60C11/03 ,  G01B21/18 ,  G06F17/30 ,  G09G5/40 ,  B60C99/00 ,  H04N13/204

Abstract: A vehicle service system configured to acquire images of a three-dimensional region of a vehicle wheel assembly tire tread surface. The vehicle service system is configured to process the acquired images to produce a collection of data points corresponding to the spatial position of surface points in the region from which tire tread wear characteristics are identified. The acquired images are further utilized to provide both a graphical and a numerical display to an operator, with the numerical display linked to specifically annotated or indexed points or windows within the graphical display, thereby enabling an operator to quickly identify specific focus points or regions on the tire surface which have been measured at the numerically identified tread depths.

公开(公告)号：US09805697B1

公开(公告)日：2017-10-31

申请号：US13835241

申请日：2013-03-15

Applicant: Hunter Engineering Company

Inventor： Daniel R. Dorrance ,  Nicholas J. Colarelli, III ,  Timothy A. Strege

IPC: G01M17/02 ,  G01B11/22 ,  G01B21/18 ,  G01N21/95 ,  G09G5/40 ,  B60C99/00 ,  H04N13/02

CPC classification number: G09G5/40 ,  B60C99/006 ,  H04N13/204

Abstract: A vehicle service system having a means for acquiring images of a three-dimensional region of a vehicle wheel assembly tire tread surface. The vehicle service system is configured to process the acquired images to produce a collection of data points corresponding to the spatial position of surface points in the region from which tire tread wear characteristics are identified. The acquired images are further utilized to provide both a graphical and a numerical display to an operator, with the numerical display linked to specifically annotated or indexed points or windows within the graphical display, thereby enabling an operator to quickly identify specific focus points or regions on the tire surface which have been measured at the numerically identified tread depths.

公开(公告)号：US09778030B2

公开(公告)日：2017-10-03

申请号：US14200564

申请日：2014-03-07

Applicant: Hunter Engineering Company

Inventor： James W. McClenahan ,  Michael T. Stieff ,  John M. Boncek ,  Timothy A. Strege ,  Nicholas J. Colarelli, III

IPC: G01B11/275

CPC classification number: G01B11/2755 ,  G01B2210/12 ,  G01B2210/143 ,  G01B2210/20 ,  G01B2210/24 ,  G01B2210/28 ,  G01B2210/30

Abstract: A vehicle wheel service system including a plurality of sensors positioned in proximity to a heavy-duty multi-axle vehicle, to measure angles associated with three or more axles of the vehicle without repositioning the mounting of the sensors after initiating a measurement procedure. Additional sensors, associated with a vehicle reference, such as the vehicle frame axis, are disposed to provide vehicle reference measurement data which is communicated to a processing system. The processing system is configured with software instructions to evaluate the measurement data and to determine various vehicle wheel alignment angle measurements and/or necessary vehicle adjustments for each axle relative to the vehicle reference or to a fixed axle having a determined relationship to the vehicle reference.

公开(公告)号：US20160116273A1

公开(公告)日：2016-04-28

申请号：US14920181

申请日：2015-10-22

Applicant: Hunter Engineering Company

Inventor： David A. Voeller ,  Timothy A. Strege

IPC: G01B11/275 ,  G01M17/007

CPC classification number: G01B11/2755 ,  G01B2210/12 ,  G01M17/007

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling a vehicle wheel alignment measurement system to compensate one or more vehicle wheel alignment angles or vehicle body measurements acquired from a vehicle for changes associated with adjustments in the elevation of vertically movable runways of an automotive vehicle lift supporting the vehicle. An initial set of pose measurements are acquired with the movable runways at a stable first elevation. Following an elevation change to the movable runways, a second set of pose measurements are acquired with the movable runways at a second stable elevation. One or more compensation factors used to compensate vehicle wheel alignment angles or vehicle body measurements for changes in the automotive vehicle lift configuration are determined by a comparison of the initial and second sets of pose measurements.

Abstract translation: 一种用于使车辆车轮对准测量系统能够补偿从车辆获得的一个或多个车辆车轮定位角度或车身测量值的变化的方法和装置，用于与支撑车辆的机动车辆升降台的垂直移动跑道的高度调节相关的变化。 用稳定的第一高度的可移动跑道获取初始的姿态测量集。 在对可移动跑道进行升降改变之后，在第二稳定高度处可移动跑道获得第二组姿态测量。 用于补偿车辆对准角度的车辆车辆对准角度或汽车车体测量结果中的变化的一个或多个补偿因子通过初始和第二组姿态测量的比较来确定。

公开(公告)号：US09026305B2

公开(公告)日：2015-05-05

申请号：US13946043

申请日：2013-07-19

Applicant: Hunter Engineering Company

Inventor： Gregory F. Meyer ,  Joel Clasquin ,  Timothy A. Strege

IPC: G01M17/02 ,  B60C99/00 ,  G01M17/013 ,  B60C23/06

CPC classification number: G01M17/013 ,  B60C23/062 ,  G01M17/025

Abstract: A vehicle service or inspection system including a load roller for applying a radial load to a vehicle wheel assembly consisting of a tire mounted to a rim, with at least one sensor for acquiring measurements of acoustical energy generated by the wheel assembly during loaded rotational movement. The vehicle service or inspection system is configured with a programmed processor to evaluate the acquired measurements to provide a measure of tire road noise, identification of tire defects, and/or identification of sources of noise, vibrations, or acoustical energy on the tire surface such as tire flat spots, cupping, bubbles, embedded foreign objects, or other defects. The processor is further configured with software instructions to utilize the acquired measurements to provide a consumer with a figure of merit associated with the acoustics of the tire undergoing testing.

Abstract translation: 一种车辆服务或检查系统，包括用于将负载施加到由安装在轮辋上的轮胎组成的车轮组件的负载辊，至少一个用于在加载的旋转运动期间获取由车轮组件产生的声能的测量的传感器。 车辆服务或检查系统配置有编程处理器，以评估所获取的测量结果，以提供轮胎道路噪声的量度，轮胎缺陷的识别和/或轮胎表面上的噪声，振动或声能源的识别，例如 作为轮胎平坦点，拔罐，气泡，嵌入异物等缺陷。 处理器进一步配置有软件指令以利用获取的测量来向消费者提供与经历测试的轮胎的声学相关联的品质因数。