公开(公告)号：US08813543B2

公开(公告)日：2014-08-26

申请号：US12945185

申请日：2010-11-12

Applicant: Michael W. Douglas

Inventor： Michael W. Douglas

IPC: G01M1/00

CPC classification number: G01M1/225 ,  G01M1/14

Abstract: A method for reducing imbalance correction weight usage during a balancing operation of a vehicle wheel assembly. An imbalance of the vehicle wheel assembly is initially determined and utilized together with an established acceptable threshold of imbalance for the vehicle wheel assembly to compute a reduced imbalance value having a magnitude less than the determined imbalance. Using the reduced imbalance value, correction weight amounts and placement locations for application to the vehicle wheel assembly are identified. Determined differences between the identified correction weight amount using the reduced imbalance value and a convention correction weight amount are identified as imbalance correction weight savings.

Abstract translation: 一种用于在车轮组件的平衡操作期间减少不平衡校正重量使用的方法。 首先确定车轮组件的不平衡性，并与车轮组件的已建立的不平衡阈值一起使用，以计算具有小于所确定的不平衡的量值的减小的不平衡值。 使用减小的不平衡值，识别用于车轮组件的校正重量量和放置位置。 使用减少的不平衡值和常规校正重量量的所识别的校正重量量之间的确定差异被识别为不平衡校正重量节省。

公开(公告)号：US08553236B2

公开(公告)日：2013-10-08

申请号：US12873455

申请日：2010-09-01

Applicant: Daniel R. Dorrance ,  Nicholas J. Colarelli, III ,  Timothy A. Strege ,  Thomas J. Golab ,  David A. Voeller ,  Mark S. Shylanski

Inventor： Daniel R. Dorrance ,  Nicholas J. Colarelli, III ,  Timothy A. Strege ,  Thomas J. Golab ,  David A. Voeller ,  Mark S. Shylanski

IPC: G01B11/14 ,  G02B5/12

CPC classification number: G01B11/2755 ,  G01B2210/143 ,  G01B2210/30

Abstract: An optical target for temporary application in non-determined placement on a surface of an object such as a vehicle wheel assembly within the field of view of an imaging sensor of a machine vision vehicle service system. The optical target consists of a flexible body which is relatively thin and generally flat, capable of conforming to the contours of a surface onto which it is secured in releasable manner by a means of adhesion. A set of visible optical elements are disposed on a front face of the target body for observation and imaging by the imaging sensors.

Abstract translation: 一种用于在机器视觉车辆服务系统的成像传感器的视场内的诸如车轮组件的物体的表面上的非确定放置中的临时应用的光学目标。 光学目标由柔性体组成，其相对较薄并且大致平坦，能够通过粘附方式以可释放的方式固定在其上的表面的轮廓。 一组可见光学元件设置在目标体的前表面上，用于通过成像传感器进行观察和成像。

公开(公告)号：US20130176428A1

公开(公告)日：2013-07-11

申请号：US13781977

申请日：2013-03-01

Applicant: Hunter Engineering Company

Inventor： Michael T. Stieff ,  Daniel R. Dorrance ,  Thomas J. Golab ,  Mark S. Shylanski

IPC: G01B11/275

CPC classification number: H04N7/18 ,  B60R11/04 ,  G01B11/275 ,  G01B11/2755 ,  G01B2210/12 ,  G01B2210/14 ,  G01B2210/30

Abstract: A machine vision vehicle wheel alignment system for acquiring measurements associated with a vehicle. The system includes at least one imaging sensor having a field of view and at least one optical target secured to a wheel assembly on a vehicle within the field of view of the imaging sensor. The optical target includes a plurality of visible target elements disposed on at least two surfaces in a determinable geometric and spatial configuration which are calibrated prior to use. A processing unit in the system is configured to receive at least two sets of image data from the imaging sensor, with each set of image data acquired at a different rotational position of the wheel assembly around an axis of rotation and representative of at least one visible target element on each of the two surfaces, from which the processing unit is configured to identify said axis of rotation of the wheel assembly.

Abstract translation: 一种用于获取与车辆相关联的测量的机器视觉车轮对准系统。 该系统包括至少一个具有视野的成像传感器和在成像传感器的视场内固定到车辆上的车轮组件的至少一个光学目标。 光学目标包括以可确定的几何和空间配置布置在至少两个表面上的多个可见目标元件，其在使用之前被校准。 系统中的处理单元被配置为从成像传感器接收至少两组图像数据，其中每组图像数据在轮组件的不同旋转位置周围围绕旋转轴线获取，并且代表至少一个可见光 目标元件在两个表面中的每一个上，处理单元从该目标元件构造成识别车轮组件的所述旋转轴线。

公开(公告)号：US20130110314A1

公开(公告)日：2013-05-02

申请号：US13659566

申请日：2012-10-24

Applicant: Hunter Engineering Company

Inventor： Michael T. Stieff

IPC: G01B11/275 ,  G06F17/00

CPC classification number: G01B11/275 ,  G01B11/27 ,  G01B2210/16 ,  G01S7/4026 ,  G01S13/931 ,  G01S2007/403 ,  G01S2013/9375

Abstract: A method and apparatus for utilizing a vehicle wheel alignment system to guide the placement and orientation of a vehicle service apparatus or alignment fixture relative to the thrust line of a vehicle. A laser adapter for projecting a reference line is mounted to a steerable wheel of the vehicle, and is aligned relative to both a line of the vehicle and to the supporting surface on which the vehicle is disposed. The vehicle line is determined by the vehicle wheel alignment system, and the steerable wheel, together with the adapter, are steered relative to the determined vehicle line, such that a projected reference line defined by the position and orientation of the adapter is established parallel to both the supporting surface and the vehicle line. The placement and orientation of the vehicle service apparatus or alignment fixture is subsequently adjusted relative to the projected reference line.

Abstract translation: 一种用于利用车轮对准系统来引导车辆服务设备或对准夹具相对于车辆的推力线的放置和定向的方法和装置。 用于投影参考线的激光适配器安装到车辆的可转向轮上，并且相对于车辆的一条线和车辆所在的支撑表面对准。 车辆线路由车辆车轮定位系统确定，并且可转向轮与适配器一起相对于确定的车辆线路转向，使得由适配器的位置和方向限定的投影基准线被平行于 支撑面和车线。 随后相对于投影的参考线调整车辆维修设备或对准夹具的放置和定向。

公开(公告)号：USD667037S1

公开(公告)日：2012-09-11

申请号：US29382917

申请日：2011-01-10

Applicant: Dennis M. Linson ,  Michael T. Stieff

Designer： Dennis M. Linson ,  Michael T. Stieff

公开(公告)号：US08250915B1

公开(公告)日：2012-08-28

申请号：US12495847

申请日：2009-07-01

Applicant: David A. Voeller ,  Douglas S. Hanneken ,  Steve Molbach ,  Joel Clasquin ,  Michael D. Gerdes

Inventor： David A. Voeller ,  Douglas S. Hanneken ,  Steve Molbach ,  Joel Clasquin ,  Michael D. Gerdes

IPC: G01M1/16 ,  G01M1/00

CPC classification number: B60C25/056 ,  B60C25/138 ,  G01M17/021

Abstract: A tire changer with a controller includes a with a mount assembly adapted for contacting a wheel assembly to mount the wheel to a rotating spindle. The tire changer controller is configured to regulated the operation of a motor, which may be hydraulically driven, and which is operatively connected to the rotating spindle to rotate the wheel assembly. A sensor coupled to the controller provides a data representative of the rotational position of the wheel assembly about a rotational axis. The controller is further configured to regulate the operation of a hydraulic actuating means for engaging a load roller with the wheel assembly to apply a radial force to a tire mounted on a rim of the wheel assembly during rotation of the wheel, and to regulate the operation of a tire handling means adapted to hold the tire during rotation of the wheel rim enabling automated adjustment of the tire angular mounting position relative to the wheel rim.

Abstract translation: 具有控制器的轮胎更换器包括：一个安装组件，其适于接触车轮组件以将车轮安装到旋转主轴上。 轮胎更换器控制器被配置为调节可以被液压驱动的电动机的操作，并且其可操作地连接到旋转主轴以使车轮组件旋转。 耦合到控制器的传感器提供表示轮组件围绕旋转轴线的旋转位置的数据。 控制器进一步构造成调节用于使装载辊与轮组件接合的液压致动装置的操作，以在车轮旋转期间向安装在车轮组件的轮辋上的轮胎施加径向力，并且调节操作 轮胎处理装置适于在轮辋旋转期间保持轮胎，使得能够相对于轮辋自动调整轮胎角度安装位置。

公开(公告)号：US08033028B2

公开(公告)日：2011-10-11

申请号：US13071172

申请日：2011-03-24

Applicant: Michael T. Stieff ,  Daniel R. Dorrance ,  Thomas J. Golab ,  Mark S. Shylanski

Inventor： Michael T. Stieff ,  Daniel R. Dorrance ,  Thomas J. Golab ,  Mark S. Shylanski

IPC: G01B11/275 ,  G01B5/255

CPC classification number: H04N7/18 ,  B60R11/04 ,  G01B11/275 ,  G01B11/2755 ,  G01B2210/12 ,  G01B2210/14 ,  G01B2210/30

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the alignment of a vehicle wheel using an optical target attached to the vehicle wheel, the optical target having a dimensionally stable shape and a plurality of visible features defining target elements arranged in a known geometric and spatial configuration relative to each other across at least two surfaces. A two-dimensional image of the optical target is acquired by an imaging system to detect a plurality of target element images corresponding to the plurality of target elements. A spatial orientation of the optical target and an alignment of the vehicle wheel is then determined from the plurality of target element images and the known geometric and spatial configuration of the plurality of target elements on the target surfaces.

Abstract translation: 一种用于使用附接到车轮的光学目标来确定车轮的对准的方法和装置，所述光学目标具有尺寸稳定的形状和多个可见特征，所述多个可见特征限定了以相对于每个的已知几何和空间配置布置的目标元件 至少两个表面的另一个。 通过成像系统获取光学目标的二维图像，以检测对应于多个目标元素的多个目标元素图像。 然后从多个目标元素图像和目标表面上的多个目标元素的已知几何和空间配置确定光学目标的空间取向和车轮的对准。

公开(公告)号：US07930834B2

公开(公告)日：2011-04-26

申请号：US12720453

申请日：2010-03-09

Applicant: Michael T. Stieff ,  Daniel R. Dorrance ,  Thomas J. Golab ,  Mark S. Shylanski

Inventor： Michael T. Stieff ,  Daniel R. Dorrance ,  Thomas J. Golab ,  Mark S. Shylanski

IPC: G01B11/275 ,  G01B5/255

CPC classification number: H04N7/18 ,  B60R11/04 ,  G01B11/275 ,  G01B11/2755 ,  G01B2210/12 ,  G01B2210/14 ,  G01B2210/30

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the alignment of a vehicle wheel using an optical target attached to the vehicle wheel, the optical target having a dimensionally stable shape and a plurality of target elements arranged in a known geometric and spatial configuration relative to each other. A two-dimensional image of the optical target is acquired by an imaging system to detect a plurality of target element images corresponding to the plurality of target elements arranged on the optical target. A spatial orientation of the optical target and an alignment of the vehicle wheel is then determined from the plurality of target element images and the known geometric and spatial configuration of the plurality of target elements on the optical target.

Abstract translation: 一种用于使用附接到车轮的光学目标来确定车轮的对准的方法和装置，具有尺寸稳定形状的光学目标和以相对于彼此已知的几何和空间配置布置的多个目标元件。 通过成像系统获取光学目标的二维图像，以检测与布置在光学目标上的多个目标元件相对应的多个目标元素图像。 然后从多个目标元素图像和光学目标上的多个目标元素的已知几何和空间配置确定光学目标的空间取向和车轮的对准。

公开(公告)号：US20110040443A1

公开(公告)日：2011-02-17

申请号：US12857675

申请日：2010-08-17

Applicant: Blackford F. Brauer

Inventor： Blackford F. Brauer

IPC: G01M17/06 ,  G01M17/00 ,  G06F19/00 ,  G01B11/275

CPC classification number: G01B11/2755 ,  G01B2210/26 ,  G01M17/06

Abstract: A method for conducting a basic front-end wheel alignment measurement and adjustment procedure together with a routine vehicle maintenance procedure of a vehicle service shop. Vehicle front wheel turn plate assemblies, and optionally, vehicle rolling mechanisms, are incorporated into a support structure in a service area within the vehicle service shop at which the vehicle will undergo the maintenance procedures. When the vehicle is moved into the service area to undergo the maintenance procedures, basic measurements associated with the front-end wheel alignment are acquired by an associated service system, which prompts vehicle technicians to carry out a sequence of basic procedures to facilitate the acquisition of the basic measurements. Based on the results of the measurements, the service system provides the vehicle technicians with graphical guidance for performing any required adjustment to the vehicle front end wheel alignment, which may be carried out concurrent with other maintenance procedures.

Abstract translation: 一种用于进行基本前端车轮定位测量和调节程序的方法以及车辆服务车间的常规车辆维护程序。 车辆前轮转向板组件以及任选的车辆滚动机构被结合到车辆服务车间内的服务区域中的支撑结构中，在该区域内车辆将进行维护过程。 当车辆进入维修区域进行维护程序时，与前端车轮定位相关联的基本测量由相关的服务系统获取，这促使车辆技术人员执行一系列基本程序以便于获取 基本测量。 基于测量结果，服务系统为车辆技术人员提供图形引导，用于对车辆前端轮对准进行任何所需的调整，可以与其他维护过程同时执行。

公开(公告)号：US07869018B2

公开(公告)日：2011-01-11

申请号：US12716459

申请日：2010-03-03

Applicant: Timothy A. Strege ,  Patrick Callanan ,  David A. Voeller ,  Mark S. Shylanski

Inventor： Timothy A. Strege ,  Patrick Callanan ,  David A. Voeller ,  Mark S. Shylanski

IPC: G01B11/275

CPC classification number: B66F7/28

Abstract: A method and apparatus for comparing reference planes during a vehicle wheel alignment procedure using a machine vision vehicle wheel alignment system. The machine vision vehicle wheel alignment system is configured to acquire position and orientation data associated with at least one optical target disposed in a field of view, to establish a first reference plane associated with a surface on which a vehicle undergoing an alignment procedure is disposed. Positional information associated with each wheel of the vehicle is then acquired by the machine vision vehicle wheel alignment system, and utilized to establish a second reference plane associated with each wheel of the vehicle. Differences between an orientation of the first reference plane and an orientation of the second reference plane are determined and identified to an operator or utilized to characterize components of the vehicle or vehicle support surface.

Abstract translation: 一种用于使用机器视觉车轮对准系统在车辆车轮定位过程期间比较参考平面的方法和装置。 机器视觉车轮对准系统被配置为获取与设置在视野中的至少一个光学目标相关联的位置和方向数据，以建立与其上布置有对准过程的车辆的表面相关联的第一参考平面。 然后由机器视觉车轮对准系统获取与车辆的每个车轮相关联的位置信息，并且用于建立与车辆的每个车轮相关联的第二参考平面。 第一参考平面的取向与第二参考平面的取向之间的差异被确定并识别给操作者或用于表征车辆或车辆支撑表面的部件。