公开(公告)号：US09616860B2

公开(公告)日：2017-04-11

申请号：US14203892

申请日：2014-03-11

Applicant: Hunter Engineering Company

Inventor： Michael T. Stieff ,  Craig A. Carroll

IPC: B60S13/00 ,  B60L11/18 ,  B66F7/24 ,  B62B5/00

CPC classification number: B60S13/00 ,  B60L11/18 ,  B62B5/0026 ,  B62B5/003 ,  B62B5/0033 ,  B62B5/0043 ,  B62B5/005 ,  B62B5/0089 ,  B66F7/246

Abstract: A portable powered roller assembly configured to impart a motive force to a wheeled vehicle or structure consists of a roller mounted in a rolling support structure. The roller is rotationally driven by a battery-powered drive unit coupled through a torque multiplying transmission, and is configured for engagement with the circumferential surface of a vehicle wheel. Rotational movement of the roller in engagement with the circumferential surface of the vehicle wheel draws the powered roller assembly towards, and under, the curved circumferential surface of the vehicle wheel, imparting a force to the vehicle wheel which include both a lifting force perpendicular to the supporting surface on which the powered roller is resting, and a motive force parallel to the surface.

公开(公告)号：US09544545B2

公开(公告)日：2017-01-10

申请号：US14464534

申请日：2014-08-20

Applicant: Hunter Engineering Company

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

IPC: G01B11/275 ,  H04N7/18 ,  B60R11/04

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。 该系统包括具有视场的至少一个成像传感器和在成像传感器的视野内的车辆上固定到车轮组件上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处围绕旋转轴线获取，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：US20140223989A1

公开(公告)日：2014-08-14

申请号：US14170175

申请日：2014-01-31

Applicant: Hunter Engineering Company

Inventor： Michael T. Stieff

IPC: G01B11/275

CPC classification number: G01B11/2755 ,  G01B2210/12

Abstract: A calibration fixture for use during a calibration procedure of a machine vision vehicle wheel alignment system. The calibration fixture consists of a pair of support legs, and a rotating transverse bar supported within an outer support tube secured between the support legs. The rotating transverse bar is supported within the outer support tube by a pair of annular bearings adjacent each end of the outer support tube, and is isolated from external influences which may result in deflection or distortion. A hub for receiving a sensor or optical target is secured to each end of the rotating transverse bar, such that optical targets mounted to each hub are maintained in axial alignment at opposite ends of the rotating transverse bar.

Abstract translation: 一种在机器视觉车轮对准系统的校准过程中使用的校准夹具。 校准夹具由一对支撑腿和支撑在固定在支撑腿之间的外部支撑管中的旋转横向杆组成。 旋转的横杆通过邻近外支撑管的每个端部的一对环形支承件支撑在外支撑管内，并且与外部影响隔离，这可能导致偏转或变形。 用于接收传感器或光学目标的轮毂固定到旋转横杆的每个端部，使得安装到每个轮毂的光学靶被保持在旋转横杆的相对端处的轴向对准。

公开(公告)号：US11704830B2

公开(公告)日：2023-07-18

申请号：US17719929

申请日：2022-04-13

Applicant: Hunter Engineering Company

Inventor： Brian M. Cejka ,  Michael T. Stieff

IPC: G06T7/73 ,  G06T7/246 ,  H04N23/54 ,  H04N23/90 ,  H04N23/695 ,  G01S7/40 ,  G01S7/497

CPC classification number: G06T7/74 ,  G06T7/248 ,  H04N23/54 ,  H04N23/695 ,  H04N23/90 ,  G01S7/4026 ,  G01S7/4972 ,  G06T2207/30252

Abstract: A system and method for guiding placement of a vehicle service external fixture relative to a vehicle undergoing service or inspection. A vehicle service system support structure having at least one camera module is positioned at an initial location within a vehicle service area, and a location of the initial location within a vehicle reference frame is established from images of optical targets secured to the vehicle. The vehicle service system support structure is subsequently repositioned relative to the vehicle to a new position located outside of an external fixture placement region, while maintaining at least one of the observed optical targets within a field of view of the camera module. The new position of the vehicle service system support structure within said vehicle reference frame is determined from target images, and a placement location within the placement region for the external fixture is identified relative to the vehicle.

公开(公告)号：US11610335B2

公开(公告)日：2023-03-21

申请号：US17147896

申请日：2021-01-13

Applicant: Hunter Engineering Company

Inventor： Brian M. Cejka ,  Michael T. Stieff

IPC: G06T7/73 ,  H04N5/247 ,  H04N5/225 ,  H04N5/232 ,  G06T7/246 ,  G01S7/40 ,  G01S7/497

Abstract: A machine-vision vehicle service system, and methods of operation, incorporating at least one gimbaled sensor module configured with at least one of a camera, an optical projector, or a range finder to acquire or convey data associated with surfaces in proximity to the vehicle service system for guiding placement of vehicle service components relative to a vehicle undergoing service. The gimbaled sensor module is operatively coupled to a processing system configured with software instructions to selectively control an orientation of the gimbaled guidance system about one or more axis of rotation, enabling observation, projection of visible indicia, or displacement measurement along an associated sensor axis parallel with one of the axis of rotation during vehicle service procedures.

公开(公告)号：US11287251B2

公开(公告)日：2022-03-29

申请号：US17220268

申请日：2021-04-01

Applicant: Hunter Engineering Company

Inventor： Michael T. Stieff ,  Nicholas J. Colarelli, III ,  Brian M. Cejka

IPC: G01B11/275 ,  G01B11/27 ,  G01S7/40 ,  G01M17/06 ,  G01S7/497

Abstract: A support structure having a vertical element supporting a set of cameras associated with a vehicle measurement or inspection system together with at least one target structure required for realignment or recalibration of onboard vehicle safety system sensors. A camera crossbeam carried by the support structure locates the set of cameras as required to view a vehicle undergoing measurement or inspection. The target structure is affixed to the vertical element of the support structure, at an elevation suitable for observation by at least one vehicle onboard sensors during a realignment or recalibration procedure. A set of rollers facilitates positioning of the target structure on a supporting floor surface during a realignment or recalibration procedure.

公开(公告)号：US20180313722A1

公开(公告)日：2018-11-01

申请号：US15962836

申请日：2018-04-25

Applicant: Hunter Engineering Company

Inventor： Michael T. Stieff

IPC: G01M17/02 ,  G01B21/18

Abstract: A protective structure for an outdoor installation of a drive-over tire inspection system. The protective structure consists of a base incorporating approach and departure ramps, vehicle guides on each side of the respective ramps, a pair of sensor receiving recesses centrally disposed between the ramps, and at least one channel for draining water from within the sensor receiving recesses. A drainage channel and a conduit for the routing of data communication cables, power cables, and trigger signal cables connects the sensor receiving recesses. Optionally, protective bollards are disposed in proximity to the corners or sides of the protective structure, guiding vehicles onto the approach and departure ramps, and to prevent vehicles from crossing over the protective structure in unintended directions.

公开(公告)号：US20180017203A1

公开(公告)日：2018-01-18

申请号：US15524184

申请日：2016-12-15

Applicant: Hunter Engineering Company

Inventor： Brian M. Cejka ,  Michael T. Stieff

IPC: F16M7/00 ,  F16C19/06 ,  G01B5/255

CPC classification number: F16M7/00 ,  B66F7/28 ,  F16C19/06 ,  F16M2200/08 ,  G01B5/255 ,  G01B21/26 ,  G01B2210/22 ,  G01M17/0074

Abstract: A turn plate assembly for support of the steered wheels of a vehicle on a precision planar surface. The assembly includes an approach plate establishing a planar surface to within an established measurement tolerance. The approach plate is coupled to a base plate underlying a bearing assembly consisting of a plurality of ball bearings retained between the base plate and an underside of a rotating support disc. An upper surface of the rotating support disc is coplanar with an upper surface of the approach plate. Resting on the upper surface of the rotating support surface, a translational surface or mat is temporarily secured in place by magnetic adhesion. During use, translational forces exerted on the translation surface or mat by a vehicle wheel assembly may overcome the magnetic adhesion, enabling the translational surface or mat to translate relative to the underlying rotating support disc.

公开(公告)号：US09170101B2

公开(公告)日：2015-10-27

申请号：US13659566

申请日：2012-10-24

Applicant: Hunter Engineering Company

Inventor： Michael T. Stieff

IPC: G01C9/00 ,  G01B11/27 ,  G01B11/275

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参考线被平行于 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：US09046446B1

公开(公告)日：2015-06-02

申请号：US14185181

申请日：2014-02-20

Applicant: Hunter Engineering Company

Inventor： Craig A. Carroll ,  Michael T. Stieff

IPC: G01L7/00 ,  G01L7/08 ,  G01N21/00 ,  G01M17/02 ,  G01B11/22

CPC classification number: G01M17/027 ,  G01B11/22 ,  G01D11/26 ,  G01M17/021

Abstract: A drive-over tire tread depth measurement system is configured with components for preventing or impeding environmental contaminates from falling through openings in a vehicle support surface or cover plate onto sensor optical windows and adjacent surfaces. The components may include active mechanisms, in the form of air discharge assemblies, movable shields, guards, wipers or deflectors, and/or passive components such as drip edges, water-accumulating textured surfaces, flow diverters, and selectively placed flanges or fixed guards which operate cooperatively to displace accumulated contaminates, debris, or liquids from the optical windows and adjacent sensor surfaces on a periodic basis.

Abstract translation: 驱动轮胎胎面深度测量系统配置有用于防止或阻止环境污染物从车辆支撑表面或盖板中的开口落到传感器光学窗口和相邻表面上的部件。 部件可以包括主动机构，其形式为排气组件，活动屏蔽件，防护件，刮水器或偏转器，和/或无源部件，例如滴水边缘，蓄水织构表面，流动分流器以及选择性地放置的凸缘或固定护罩 它们协同工作以定期地从光学窗口和相邻的传感器表面移动累积的污染物，碎屑或液体。