公开(公告)号：US06298284B1

公开(公告)日：2001-10-02

申请号：US09110771

申请日：1998-07-06

申请人： Leigh R. Burns, Jr. ,  Timothy A. Strege ,  Michael T. Stieff ,  Daniel B. January ,  Nicholas J. Colarelli, III

发明人： Leigh R. Burns, Jr. ,  Timothy A. Strege ,  Michael T. Stieff ,  Daniel B. January ,  Nicholas J. Colarelli, III

IPC分类号： G01M138

CPC分类号： G01B11/275 ,  G01B11/2755 ,  G01B2210/12 ,  G01B2210/143 ,  G01B2210/146 ,  G01B2210/20 ,  G01B2210/30 ,  G01B2210/303

摘要： Apparatus and method for determining the alignment positions and orientations of vehicle wheels includes optical targets mounted on the wheels. A pair of cameras or other image sensing devices on each side of the vehicle 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. The surface on which the wheels are disposed may be an automotive lift or a stationary runway. One camera on each side is directed at the target on the corresponding front wheel and the other camera on each side is directed at the target on the corresponding rear wheel. When used with a rack, the major axis of the field of view of each camera is disposed vertically. When used with a stationary runway, the major axis of the field of view of each camera is disposed horizontally.

摘要翻译： 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目标。 使用车辆两侧的一对照相机或其他图像感测装置来获得各种光学目标的图像，并且计算机响应目标的图像来确定车辆的车轮对准参数的值。 轮子所在的表面可以是汽车升降机或固定跑道。 每一侧的一个摄像机指向相应前轮上的目标，并且每一侧上的另一摄像机被引导到相应后轮上的目标。 当与机架一起使用时，每个摄像机的视野的主轴垂直布置。 当与固定跑道一起使用时，每个摄像机的视场的主轴水平放置。

公开(公告)号：US07454841B2

公开(公告)日：2008-11-25

申请号：US11555047

申请日：2006-10-31

申请人： Leigh R. Burns, Jr. ,  Daniel R. Dorrance ,  Nicholas J. Colarelli, III ,  Timothy A. Strege ,  Gerald E. Friton ,  Mark S. Shylanski ,  David A. Voeller

发明人： Leigh R. Burns, Jr. ,  Daniel R. Dorrance ,  Nicholas J. Colarelli, III ,  Timothy A. Strege ,  Gerald E. Friton ,  Mark S. Shylanski ,  David A. Voeller

IPC分类号： G01B11/275

CPC分类号： G01B11/2755 ,  G01B11/2509 ,  G01B11/2513 ,  G01B11/2545 ,  G01B2210/146 ,  G01B2210/28 ,  G01B2210/286

摘要： A machine vision vehicle wheel alignment system configured with at least one cameras for acquiring images of the wheels of a vehicle, and an associated light projectors configured to project a pattern image onto the surfaces of vehicle components such as vehicle wheel assemblies. Images of the projected patterns acquired by the camera, are processed by the vehicle wheel alignment system to facilitate a determination of the relative orientation and position of the surfaces such as wheel assemblies in three dimensional space, from which vehicle parameters such as wheel alignment measurements can be subsequently determined.

摘要翻译： 配置有用于获取车辆的车轮的图像的至少一个照相机的机器视觉车轮对准系统，以及被配置为将图案图像投影到诸如车轮组件的车辆部件的表面上的相关联的投光器。 由照相机获取的投影图案的图像由车辆车轮对准系统处理，以便于确定三维空间中诸如车轮组件之类的表面的相对取向和位置，车轮对准测量的车辆参数 随后确定。

公开(公告)号：US07336350B2

公开(公告)日：2008-02-26

申请号：US10958872

申请日：2004-10-05

申请人： Daniel R. Dorrance ,  Nicholas J. Colarelli, III ,  Timothy A. Strege ,  Thomas J. Golab ,  David A. Voeller ,  Mark S. Shylanski ,  Leigh R. Burns, Jr.

发明人： Daniel R. Dorrance ,  Nicholas J. Colarelli, III ,  Timothy A. Strege ,  Thomas J. Golab ,  David A. Voeller ,  Mark S. Shylanski ,  Leigh R. Burns, Jr.

IPC分类号： G01B11/26

CPC分类号： G01B11/2755 ,  G01B2210/143 ,  G01B2210/286

摘要： A vehicle wheel alignment system utilizing a non-contact range finding system in conjunction with one or more optical imaging sensors to acquire images of a fixed target, fixed random object, or the vehicle wheels, from which three-dimensional information related to one or more optical imaging sensor positions or vehicle wheel alignment angles can be obtained.

摘要翻译： 一种车轮对准系统，其利用非接触测距系统与一个或多个光学成像传感器相结合，以获取固定目标，固定随机对象或车辆车轮的图像，三维信息与一个或多个 可以获得光学成像传感器位置或车轮对准角度。

公开(公告)号：US07100289B1

公开(公告)日：2006-09-05

申请号：US11024215

申请日：2004-12-22

申请人： Timothy A. Strege ,  Michael T. Stieff ,  Nicholas J. Colarelli, III

发明人： Timothy A. Strege ,  Michael T. Stieff ,  Nicholas J. Colarelli, III

IPC分类号： G01B7/30

CPC分类号： G01B7/315

摘要： Compact and robust sensors for utilization with vehicle wheel alignment angle sensor units and vehicle service devices. The sensors incorporate one or more micro-electromechanical devices configured to measure movement and/or orientation of the sensor about one or more orthogonal axes, such as when a wheel alignment angle sensor unit is coupled to a vehicle wheel during a vehicle wheel alignment angle measurement procedure, or when a vehicle lift system is articulated to raise or lower a vehicle. The sensor are further configured to provide output signals representative of the measured movement and/or orientation to a vehicle wheel alignment system processor or vehicle service device controller.

摘要翻译： 紧凑和坚固的传感器，用于车轮定位角度传感器单元和车辆服务设备。 这些传感器包括一个或多个微机电装置，其被配置为测量传感器围绕一个或多个正交轴线的运动和/或取向，例如当车轮对准角度传感器单元在车轮对准角度测量期间联接到车轮时 或者当车辆升降系统被铰接以升高或降低车辆时。 传感器还被配置为向车辆对准系统处理器或车辆服务设备控制器提供表示测量的运动和/或姿态的输出信号。

公开(公告)号：US5774361A

公开(公告)日：1998-06-30

申请号：US502497

申请日：1995-07-14

申请人： Nicholas J. Colarelli, III ,  Timothy A. Larson ,  Timothy A. Strege ,  Daniel B. January

发明人： Nicholas J. Colarelli, III ,  Timothy A. Larson ,  Timothy A. Strege ,  Daniel B. January

IPC分类号： G01B21/26 ,  G06F17/30

CPC分类号： G01B21/26

摘要： A vehicle alignment and inspection system is provided which uses context sensitive information from several sources to enable the user/operator to achieve a more efficient alignment or inspection than previous systems. Features include digital photographs responsive to point-and-click operations by the operator, drop-down menus allowing direct access to specific operations, a database of tools and parts required for the job, and a "smart" alignment procedure.

摘要翻译： 提供车辆对准和检查系统，其使用来自多个来源的上下文敏感信息，以使得用户/操作者能够实现比先前系统更有效的对准或检查。 功能包括响应操作员点击操作的数字照片，允许直接访问特定操作的下拉菜单，作业所需的工具和零件数据库以及“智能”对齐过程。

公开(公告)号：US06894771B1

公开(公告)日：2005-05-17

申请号：US10439153

申请日：2003-05-15

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

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

IPC分类号： G01B11/26 ,  G01B11/275 ,  G01B13/18 ,  G01C1/00

CPC分类号： G01B11/2755 ,  G01B2210/143 ,  G01B2210/286

摘要： A vehicle wheel alignment system utilizing one or more optical imaging sensors to acquire either images gradient brightness optical targets affixed to vehicle wheels, or direct images, of the vehicle wheels, from which three-dimensional information related to one or more vehicle wheel alignment angles can be obtained.

摘要翻译： 一种车轮对准系统，其利用一个或多个光学成像传感器来获取固定在车辆车轮上的​​图像梯度亮度光学目标或车辆车轮的直接图像，三维信息与一个或多个车轮对准角相关联 得到。

公开(公告)号：US08553236B2

公开(公告)日：2013-10-08

申请号：US12873455

申请日：2010-09-01

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

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

IPC分类号： G01B11/14 ,  G02B5/12

CPC分类号： G01B11/2755 ,  G01B2210/143 ,  G01B2210/30

摘要： 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.

摘要翻译： 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：US08392048B2

公开(公告)日：2013-03-05

申请号：US11947144

申请日：2007-11-29

申请人： Nicholas J. Colarelli, III ,  Timothy A. Strege

发明人： Nicholas J. Colarelli, III ,  Timothy A. Strege

IPC分类号： G01M17/00

CPC分类号： G01B21/26 ,  B60C23/0408 ,  G01B2210/26

摘要： A computer-based vehicle service system, such as a wheel alignment system, is configured with a tire pressure monitoring system interface to acquire measurements of the air pressure directly from tire pressure monitoring system sensor installed in the tires of a vehicle undergoing a service procedure. The vehicle service system is further configured to utilize the acquired air pressure measurements to complete at least one vehicle diagnostic procedure.

摘要翻译： 基于计算机的车辆服务系统，例如车轮对准系统，配置有轮胎压力监测系统接口，以直接从安装在经历服务程序的车辆的轮胎中的轮胎压力监测系统传感器获取空气压力的测量值。 车辆服务系统还被配置为利用所获取的空气压力测量来完成至少一个车辆诊断程序。

公开(公告)号：US20110051151A1

公开(公告)日：2011-03-03

申请号：US12873455

申请日：2010-09-01

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

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

IPC分类号： G01B11/14

CPC分类号： G01B11/2755 ,  G01B2210/143 ,  G01B2210/30

摘要： 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.

摘要翻译： 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：US06219134B1

公开(公告)日：2001-04-17

申请号：US09262524

申请日：1999-03-04

申请人： David A. Voeller ,  Nicholas J. Colarelli, III ,  Timothy A. Strege

发明人： David A. Voeller ,  Nicholas J. Colarelli, III ,  Timothy A. Strege

IPC分类号： G01B1126

CPC分类号： G01B11/2755 ,  G01B2210/143 ,  G01B2210/20 ,  G01B2210/26 ,  G01B2210/28 ,  G01B2210/30

摘要： A system for measuring vehicle alignment angles has a plurality of sensor elements for mounting to wheels of a vehicle to be aligned. The system uses the sensor elements to measure various angles such as steer ahead angle and toe, and the system also has a display for displaying information to a user and a memory for storing operating instructions for the system. Operating instructions are stored in the memory for determining from compensation measurements taken at a minimum of first and second longitudinally displaced positions whether the toe parameter of two wheels falls outside a predetermined toe range, and whether the steer ahead angle of the vehicle falls within a predetermined range. The operating instructions stored in the memory further include instructions responsive to the toe parameter falling outside the toe range to control the system to display to the user information indicative of the need to adjust the toe parameter before taking additional compensation measurements. The operating instructions stored in the memory further include instructions responsive to the toe parameter not falling outside the toe range and to the steer ahead angle falling outside the predetermined range to control the system to display to the user information indicative of the need to adjust steer ahead angle before taking additional compensation measurements.

摘要翻译： 用于测量车辆对准角度的系统具有多个用于安装到待对准的车辆的车轮的传感器元件。 该系统使用传感器元件来测量诸如转向前角和脚趾的各种角度，并且系统还具有用于向用户显示信息的显示器和用于存储系统的操作指令的存储器。 操作指令被存储在存储器中，用于通过在第一和第二纵向位移位置的最小值处进行的补偿测量来确定两个轮的脚趾参数是否落在预定的脚趾范围之外，以及车辆的转向前角是否落在预定的范围内 范围。 存储在存储器中的操作指令还包括响应于脚趾参数落在脚趾范围之外的指令，以控制系统向用户显示指示在进行附加补偿测量之前需要调整脚趾参数的信息。 存储在存储器中的操作指令还包括响应于脚趾参数不会落在脚趾范围之外的指令以及落在预定范围之外的转向前角，以控制系统向用户显示指示需要调整转向前进的信息 在进行额外的补偿测量之前，