公开(公告)号：US06252973B1

公开(公告)日：2001-06-26

申请号：US09416643

申请日：1999-10-12

Applicant: Daniel B. January ,  Leigh R. Burns, Jr. ,  Nicholas J. Colarelli, III

Inventor： Daniel B. January ,  Leigh R. Burns, Jr. ,  Nicholas J. Colarelli, III

IPC: G06K900

CPC classification number: G01B11/2755 ,  G01B2210/12 ,  G01B2210/143 ,  G01B2210/30 ,  G01B2210/303

Abstract: Apparatus and method for determining the alignment of a wheel of a vehicle includes mounting a known optical target to a wheel on the vehicle, the known optical target having a plurality of optical elements, each optical element having at least one straight edge disposed on a background, obtaining at least one video image of the optical target, estimating from the video image of the optical target the characteristics in said video image of a plurality of lines corresponding to projections onto the video image of the straight edges of the optical elements, and determining from the estimates of the characteristics the alignment of the wheel. A similar target for determining the position of a runway on which the vehicle is positioned is also disclosed.

Abstract translation: 用于确定车辆的车轮的对准的装置和方法包括将已知的光学目标安装到车辆上的车轮，已知的光学靶具有多个光学元件，每个光学元件具有设置在背景上的至少一个直边缘 获得所述光学对象的至少一个视频图像，从所述光学对象的视频图像估计与所述光学元件的直线边缘的视频图像上的投影相对应的多条线的所述视频图像中的特征，以及确定 从轮胎的对准特性的估计。 还公开了用于确定车辆位于其上的跑道位置的类似目标。

公开(公告)号：US5870315A

公开(公告)日：1999-02-09

申请号：US859477

申请日：1997-05-20

Applicant: Daniel B. January

Inventor： Daniel B. January

IPC: G01B11/275 ,  G01B11/26 ,  G01B7/315

CPC classification number: G01B11/2755 ,  G01B11/275 ,  G01B2210/12 ,  G01B2210/143 ,  G01B2210/30 ,  G01B2210/303

Abstract: Apparatus and method for determining the alignment positions and orientations of vehicle wheels includes optical targets mounted on the wheels and optical targets mounted in a fixed relationship with respect to the surface on which the wheels are disposed. Video cameras are used to obtain images of the various optical targets and a computer is responsive to the images of the targets to determine values of wheel alignment parameters of the vehicle relative to said surface on which the vehicle wheels roll. The surface on which the wheels are disposed may be an automotive lift, and apparatus is disclosed for keeping the optical targets in the same position in the field of view of the camera(s) whether the lift is in its rest or in an elevated or reclined position.

Abstract translation: 用于确定车轮的对准位置和取向的装置和方法包括安装在车轮上的光学靶和相对于其上布置轮的表面以固定关系安装的光学靶。 视频摄像机用于获得各种光学目标的图像，并且计算机响应于目标的图像来确定车辆相对于车轮滚动的所述表面的车轮对准参数的值。 轮子设置在其上的表面可以是汽车升降机，并且公开了用于将光学目标物保持在相机视野内的相同位置的装置，无论升降机是在其静止状态还是升高的 倾斜的位置

公开(公告)号：US5724128A

公开(公告)日：1998-03-03

申请号：US580465

申请日：1995-12-28

Applicant: Daniel B. January

Inventor： Daniel B. January

IPC: G01B11/275

CPC classification number: G01B11/275 ,  G01B2210/12 ,  G01B2210/143 ,  G01B2210/30 ,  G01B2210/303

Abstract: Apparatus and method for determining the alignment positions and orientations of vehicle wheels includes optical targets mounted on the wheels and optical targets mounted in a fixed relationship with respect to the surface on which the wheels are disposed. Video cameras are used to obtain images of the various optical targets and a computer is responsive to the images of the targets to determine values of wheel alignment parameters of the vehicle relative to said surface on which the vehicle wheels roll. Methods of calibrating such an apparatus and methods using such apparatus to determine the flatness of the surface on which the wheels roll are also disclosed.

Abstract translation: 用于确定车轮的对准位置和取向的装置和方法包括安装在车轮上的光学靶和相对于其上布置轮的表面以固定关系安装的光学靶。 视频摄像机用于获得各种光学目标的图像，并且计算机响应于目标的图像来确定车辆相对于车轮滚动的所述表面的车轮对准参数的值。 还公开了使用这种装置校准这种装置和方法以确定车轮滚动的表面的平坦度的方法。

公开(公告)号：US4381548A

公开(公告)日：1983-04-26

申请号：US178747

申请日：1980-08-18

Applicant: James M. Grossman ,  Daniel B. January

Inventor： James M. Grossman ,  Daniel B. January

IPC: G01B7/315 ,  G01B5/24

CPC classification number: G01B7/315

Abstract: Apparatus for guiding the alignment adjustment on vehicle wheels in which a computer is used to receive vehicle alignment specifications and tolerances data for a known vehicle, and to receive actual alignment information from that known vehicle, these two sources of alignment data being conditioned such that on recall it can be displayed in visual format or through a system of light bars which are driven by the computer to display only differences between the known vehicle specifications and tolerance data and the actual alignment data. The display of alignment data and actual data is made available on a CRT screen, as well as being transmitted to a portable display for movement about a vehicle during alignment adjustment.

Abstract translation: 用于引导车轮上的对准调整的装置，其中计算机用于接收车辆对准规格和已知车辆的公差数据，并且从该已知车辆接收实际对准信息，这两个对准数据源被调节为使得在 回想起来，它可以以视觉格式显示，或通过由计算机驱动的轻型系统来显示已知车辆规格和公差数据与实际对准数据之间的差异。 对准数据和实际数据的显示在CRT屏幕上可用，并且被发送到便携式显示器以在对准调整期间围绕车辆移动。

公开(公告)号：US6064750A

公开(公告)日：2000-05-16

申请号：US781284

申请日：1997-01-10

Applicant: Daniel B. January ,  Leigh R. Burns, Jr. ,  Nicholas J. Colarelli, III

Inventor： Daniel B. January ,  Leigh R. Burns, Jr. ,  Nicholas J. Colarelli, III

IPC: G01B11/275 ,  G06K9/00

CPC classification number: G01B11/2755 ,  G01B2210/12 ,  G01B2210/143 ,  G01B2210/30 ,  G01B2210/303

Abstract: Apparatus and method for determining the alignment of a wheel of a vehicle includes mounting a known optical target to a wheel on the vehicle, the known optical target having a plurality of optical elements, each optical element having at least one straight edge disposed on a background, obtaining at least one video image of the optical target, estimating from the video image of the optical target the characteristics in said video image of a plurality of lines corresponding to projections onto the video image of the straight edges of the optical elements, and determining from the estimates of the characteristics the alignment of the wheel. A similar target for determining the position of a runway on which the vehicle is positioned is also disclosed.

Abstract translation: 用于确定车辆的车轮的对准的装置和方法包括将已知的光学目标安装到车辆上的车轮，已知的光学靶具有多个光学元件，每个光学元件具有设置在背景上的至少一个直边缘 获得所述光学对象的至少一个视频图像，从所述光学对象的视频图像估计与所述光学元件的直线边缘的视频图像上的投影相对应的多条线的所述视频图像中的特征，以及确定 从轮胎的对准特性的估计。 还公开了用于确定车辆位于其上的跑道位置的类似目标。

公开(公告)号：US5675515A

公开(公告)日：1997-10-07

申请号：US651766

申请日：1996-05-22

Applicant: Daniel B. January

Inventor： Daniel B. January

IPC: G01B11/275 ,  G01B11/26 ,  G01B7/315

CPC classification number: G01B11/2755 ,  G01B11/275 ,  G01B2210/12 ,  G01B2210/143 ,  G01B2210/30 ,  G01B2210/303

Abstract: Apparatus and method for determining the alignment positions and orientations of vehicle wheels includes optical targets mounted on the wheels and optical targets mounted in a fixed relationship with respect to the surface on which the wheels are disposed. Video cameras are used to obtain images of the various optical targets and a computer is responsive to the images of the targets to determine values of wheel alignment parameters of the vehicle relative to said surface on which the vehicle wheels roll. The surface on which the wheels are disposed may be an automotive lift, and apparatus is disclosed for keeping the optical targets in the same position in the field of view of the camera(s) whether the lift is in its rest or in an elevated or reclined position.

Abstract translation: 用于确定车轮的对准位置和取向的装置和方法包括安装在车轮上的光学靶和相对于其上布置轮的表面以固定关系安装的光学靶。 视频摄像机用于获得各种光学目标的图像，并且计算机响应于目标的图像来确定车辆相对于车轮滚动的所述表面的车轮对准参数的值。 轮子设置在其上的表面可以是汽车升降机，并且公开了用于将光学目标物保持在相机视野内的相同位置的装置，无论升降机是在其静止状态还是升高的 倾斜的位置

公开(公告)号：USRE33144E

公开(公告)日：1990-01-09

申请号：US443381

申请日：1982-11-22

Applicant: Lee Hunter ,  Daniel B. January

Inventor： Lee Hunter ,  Daniel B. January

IPC: G01B11/275

CPC classification number: G01B11/2755 ,  G01B2210/283

Abstract: Vehicle wheel alignment apparatus having active alignment determining means operatively mounted on the steerable and non-steerable wheels so as to be substantially insensitive to mechanical distortion of the vehicle wheels and operable in combination with wheel run out compensation means to produce wheel alignment results of improved accuracy, and utilizing the improved arrangement of alignment apparatus for supplying information which can be used for computing the important angular relationship of the wheels to a vehicle reference.

公开(公告)号：US06498959B1

公开(公告)日：2002-12-24

申请号：US09487563

申请日：2000-01-19

Applicant: Daniel B. January ,  Nicholas J. Colarelli, III

Inventor： Daniel B. January ,  Nicholas J. Colarelli, III

IPC: G05B1918

CPC classification number: G01B11/00 ,  G01B11/275

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a mechanism for positioning video cameras for use in measuring vehicle wheel alignment includes optical targets for mounting to the wheels of a vehicle, at least one video camera for viewing said optical targets and producing at least one image thereof, a computer system for measuring said at least one image and for using said measurements to compute vehicle wheel alignment information, a positioning system for positioning said at least one video camera such that said optical targets are visible to said at least one video camera and such that said at least one video camera can produce said at least one image of said targets, and a controller for controlling said positioning system such that a user of said apparatus can cause said at least one video camera to be positioned in at least one desired position and such that said user can further cause said controller to remember said at least one desired position so that any user can, at a later time, cause said controller to recall said remembered position and move said at least one video camera to said remembered position.

Abstract translation: 用于控制用于测量车轮对准的摄像机的定位机构的装置和方法包括用于安装到车辆的车轮的光学目标，至少一个摄像机，用于观看所述光学目标并产生其至少一个图像， 计算机系统，用于测量所述至少一个图像并使用所述测量来计算车轮对准信息;定位系统，用于定位所述至少一个摄像机，使得所述光学目标对于所述至少一个摄像机是可见的，并且使得所述 至少一个摄像机可以产生所述目标的所述至少一个图像，以及控制器，用于控制所述定位系统，使得所述设备的用户可以使所述至少一个摄像机被定位在至少一个期望的位置， 所述用户可以进一步使所述控制器记住所述至少一个所需位置，使得任何用户可以在稍后的时间， 使所述控制器回忆所述记忆位置，并将所述至少一个摄像机移动到所述记忆位置。

公开(公告)号：US06209209B1

公开(公告)日：2001-04-03

申请号：US08882994

申请日：1997-06-26

Applicant: Dennis Linson ,  Daniel B. January

Inventor： Dennis Linson ,  Daniel B. January

IPC: G01B11275

CPC classification number: G01B5/255

Abstract: Wheel alignment errors are substantially eliminated by making a first set of wheel alignment measurements while a vehicle is disposed at a first position with substantially all lateral forces applied thereto being relieved while the vehicle remains supported by its wheels, and making a second set of wheel alignment measurements while the vehicle is disposed at a second position with substantially all lateral forces applied thereto being relieved while the vehicle remains supported by its wheels.

Abstract translation: 当车辆设置在第一位置时，通过进行第一组车轮对准测量，车轮定位误差基本上消除，同时基本上施加到其上的所有侧向力被释放，同时车辆保持由其车轮支撑，并且制造第二组车轮定位 当车辆设置在第二位置时，基本上施加到其上的所有侧向力被释放，同时车辆保持由其车轮支撑。

公开(公告)号：US6134792A

公开(公告)日：2000-10-24

申请号：US196008

申请日：1998-11-19

Applicant: Daniel B. January

Inventor： Daniel B. January

IPC: G01B11/275 ,  G01B21/26

CPC classification number: G01B11/2755 ,  G01B21/26 ,  G01B2210/12 ,  G01B2210/14 ,  G01B2210/30

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the orientation parameters of a wheel-alignment optical target 10 affixed to a vehicle wheel 20 by a no-compensation wheel clamp 16. The wheel-alignment optical target includes a stub shaft 24 adapted for insertion within an axial bore 18 of the no-compensation wheel clamp after the wheel clamp is secured to the vehicle wheel. An optical imaging system observes the optical target and measures the orientation of the target face in a first position. The optical target is rotated partially about the longitudinal axis of the stub shaft, and the optical target is again observed and the orientation of the target face is again measured by the optical imaging system. By comparing the measured orientations of the optical target at the two rotational positions, a compensation vector Vc describing the alignment of the target face relative to the stub shaft is be determined and stored for subsequent uses of the optical target.

Abstract translation: 用于通过无补偿轮夹16确定固定在车轮20上的轮对准光学靶10的取向参数的装置和方法。车轮对准光学靶包括短轴24，短轴24适于插入轴向孔 车轮夹紧固定在车轮后的18号无补偿轮夹。 光学成像系统观察光学目标并测量目标面部在第一位置的取向。 光学目标部分围绕短轴的纵向轴线旋转，并且再次观察光学目标，并且通过光学成像系统再次测量目标面部的取向。 通过比较在两个旋转位置处的光学目标的测量取向，可以确定并存储描述目标面相对于短轴的对准的补偿矢量+ E，rar + EE c，以便随后使用光学目标 。