Abstract: A vehicle lift system includes a plurality of mobile lift columns each including a wireless communication system for sending and receiving wireless signals, each of the plurality of mobile lift columns further including an inclinometer for detecting an amount of tilt of the plurality of mobile lift columns. A remote control unit includes a wireless communication system capable of transmitting wireless control signals to the plurality of mobile lift columns. A control unit is associated with the plurality of lift columns for controlling operation of the plurality of lift columns, the control unit further receiving a signal indicative of the amount of tilt of the plurality of mobile lift columns and providing a warning signal if any mobile lift column has an amount of tilt exceeding a predetermined amount.

Abstract: An automatic wheel changer robot has a includes a drive assembly, a torque gun, a sensor assembly, and a controller. The drive assembly has a mobile base and two wheel-clamping assemblies, each configured to engage a wheel. The controller generates a set of instructions based, at least in part, on information obtained from the sensor assembly. The drive assembly uses the set of instructions to cooperatively remove respective wheels from respective hubs on a vehicle and/or attach respective wheels to respective hubs on a vehicle. The device may have lidar sensors and Mecanum wheels that the controller is programmed to use to move between respective hubs and wheel storage locations install wheels, replace wheels, rotate tires, and perform similar operations.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for acquiring three-dimensional (3D) measurements of object surfaces are provided. In one aspect, an optical scanning system includes: a first digital illuminator configured to illuminate a sequence of first patterns along a first optical path directed upon an object surface, a second digital illuminator configured to illuminate at least one sequence of second patterns along a second optical path onto the object surface, and at least one digital camera disposed facing the object surface and configured to capture both images of the sequence of first patterns reflected from the object surface and images of the at least one sequence of second patterns reflected from the object surface to generate 3D reconstruction data of the object surface. The second optical path is different from the first optical path, and the at least one sequence of second patterns is different from the sequence of first patterns.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting hail damage on a vehicle are described including, receiving an image of at least a section of a vehicle. Detecting a plurality of hail damage including, detecting a plurality of damaged areas distributed over the entire section of the vehicle, and differentiating the plurality of damaged areas from one or more areas of noise, processing the received image to classify one or more sections of the vehicle as one or more panels of the vehicle bodywork, and using the detected areas of damage, the classification of the seriousness of the damage and the classification of one or more panels to compute a panel damage density estimate.

Abstract: A lift assembly including a lifting structure, a lifting arm, a yoke structure fixed to the lifting structure, a pin pivotally coupling the lifting arm with the yoke structure, and an integrated anti-rotational assembly associated with both the yoke structure and the pin. The lifting structure can actuate relative to the ground between a lowered position and a raised position. The lifting arm is configured to actuate with the lifting structure between the lowered position and the raised position. The integrated anti-rotational assembly can inhibit rotation of the pin relative to the yoke structure about the longitudinal axis of the pin.

Abstract: An environment association system (“EAS”) comprising: a processor and a memory; an object recognition process configured to identify objects within images, the objects including one or more of a vehicle, a vehicle lift, a vehicle repair tool, and an alignment fixture; and an EAS interface configured to communicate with a user device, the user device comprising a camera and a display; wherein the processor is configured to: determine, for at least one object in the set of objects, create a virtual overlay for the image based on the position of the at least one object within the image and a virtual marking associated with the at least one object; and provide the virtual overlay to the user device, wherein the virtual overlay is configured to cause the user device to simultaneously display the image and the virtual overlay via the display. The system provides information about the alignment of lifting points of the object with lifting members.

Abstract: A lift system includes a lift structure and a lift structure actuation assembly. The lift structure can actuate between a lowered position and a raised position. The lift structure actuation assembly includes a hydraulic cylinder operably coupled with the lift structure, a motor, a hydraulic pump powered by the motor, and a flow control assembly that can limit hydraulic fluid exiting the hydraulic cylinder to a maximum volumetric flow rate. The hydraulic pump can pump hydraulic fluid into the hydraulic cylinder in order to raise the lift structure. The lift structure actuation assembly can lower the lift structure in a fast descent mode and a slow decent mode. In the slow descent mode, the hydraulic pump pumps hydraulic fluid toward the hydraulic cylinder such that the hydraulic fluid exits the hydraulic cylinder at a slower volumetric flow rate compared to the maximum volumetric flow rate.

Abstract: A vehicle lift assembly includes a control unit and a first lift device. The first lift device includes a lifting carriage, a lift actuation assembly that can actuate the lifting carriage between a lowered position and a raised position, and an indicator assembly. The indicator assembly can generate a visual indicator on a surface proximal to the first lift device under control of the control unit, such as one selected as a function of a state of the first lift device.

Abstract: A vehicle lift includes a vehicle carrier and a pair of arms. The vehicle carrier can selectively raise and lower a vehicle relative to the ground. Each arm in the pair of arms is pivotally coupled with the vehicle carrier. Each arm in the pair of arms includes a first arm segment, a second arm segment, and an adapter. The arm segments have a telescoping relationship. The adapter is coupled with the second arm segment and is slidable along at least part of the length of the second arm segment. The adapter is capable of coupling with an accessory at a first vertical profile and a lower vertical profile to thereby allow the accessory to contact a vehicle to allow the vehicle carrier to raise and lower the vehicle.

Abstract: A set of lift controls may be configured to determine the load on the motor (112) by a vehicle of an unknown weight during operation at a standard lift speed and use such information to determine a potential speed that the motor may raise the vehicle at while staying within safe operational levels for the motor. One or more of a magnitude of electrical power drawn, a pressure generating by a hydraulic lifting, or a sensed vehicle weight may be used to provide an indication of load on the motor and/or a higher potential speed.

Abstract: A calibration and repair system for advanced driver assistance systems (“ADAS”) and features is configured to provide secure, automated workflow management related to the calibration of User Remote ADAS. Automated workflows include steps and interfaces to aid in preparation of a vehicle for calibration, local-remote collaboration during calibration, customer interactions, workflow and event notification, user authentication, remote system management, and other tasks. The system is also capable of automatically and dynamically adding new and updated calibration specifications that are usable during local-remote collaboration.

Abstract: A laser scanner determines the direction and distance of one or more targets by emitting two substantially parallel beams and receiving respective return beams. Components for handling the received beams are affixed to a monolithic block to ensure fixed relative placement. The direction of the target is determined using an optical encoder to reduce the timing window for interpolation to a fraction of the time it takes for the scanner to make a full revolution. A detection algorithm adapts detection thresholds for the different signatures of return signals depending on the distance to the target. Distance calculations are also adjusted for thermal expansion of the scanner components by including a temperature-variant thermometer output signal in the distance calculation algorithm. Target location and orientation information is used to adjust the location of ADAS calibration targets and perform the ADAS calibration process.

Abstract: A vehicle lift system uses locally and globally available datasets to provide various automated and semi-automated lift positioning modes that may be used to position lift arms and engage adapters with lift points of a vehicle. A set of sensors are used to determine a position and orientation of a vehicle within a lift area. Each lift arm includes a camera that is coupled to the lift arm with a static field of view relative to the adapter despite extension, retraction, or rotation of lift arm members. The cameras provide images of the adapter and its surroundings that may be analyzed with object recognition to identify the vehicle's lift points. Lift point positions may also be determined using back-calculation. Automatic positioning of the lift arms may be performed based on identified lift points and may also include projection of an optical locator from a locator within the adapter.

Abstract: An improved vehicle surface scanning system for assessing the damaged surfaces of a vehicle with resulting estimates of repair costs. A mobile scanning booth is assembled in an open-ended tunnel-like rig having a plurality of reflective panels positioned along opposite sides and across the roof of the booth to serve as deflection screens. A plurality of scanner modules are mounted in fixed positions about opposite ends of the booth and positioned to face the interior of the booth. Wheels provide controlled locomotion/movement of the scanning booth over the vehicle. The scanner modules use a combined hybrid methodology of active stereo 3D reconstruction and deflectometry to acquire data measurements along the surfaces of the vehicle incrementally as the booth is moved. The incremental measurement data acquired during the mobile scanning is processed and furthermore combined to produce accurate reports of the damage surfaces and estimates of associated repair costs.

Abstract: A calibration and repair system for advanced driver assistance systems (“ADAS”) and features is configured to provide secure, automated workflow management related to the calibration of User Remote ADAS. Automated workflows include steps and interfaces to aid in preparation of a vehicle for calibration, local-remote collaboration during calibration, customer interactions, workflow and event notification, user authentication, remote system management, and other tasks. The system is also capable of automatically and dynamically adding new and updated calibration specifications that are usable during local-remote collaboration.

Abstract: A mobile lift column (200) is configured to automatically position itself with respect to a vehicle (112) to be lifted. A proximity and object sensor is used to identify a location of a vehicle and navigate obstructions while advancing to the vehicle. The column includes a set of automatically driven Mecanum wheels (222, 224) that can be variably controlled to provide precise movement in any direction without rotating the column. A camera (244) positioned on the column identifies a wheel of the vehicle, and an alignment beam is projected onto the wheel to verify centering on the wheel. Once positioned, the column may operate one of several lift members, including a pair of removable fork adapters (216, 218), to extend underneath the vehicle and contact the vehicle lifting points. With at least two columns properly positioned, each mobile column can simultaneously raise its lift member(s) to lift the vehicle to a desired height.

Abstract: A calibration and repair system for advanced driver assistance systems (“ADAS”) and features is configured to provide secure, automated workflow management related to the calibration of ADAS. Automated workflows include steps and interfaces to aid in preparation of a vehicle for calibration, local-remote collaboration during calibration, customer interactions, workflow and event notification, user authentication, remote system management, and other tasks. The system is also capable of automatically and dynamically adding new and updated calibration specifications that are usable during local-remote collaboration.

Abstract: An automation system uses cameras (134) and sensors (136) to identify a set of vehicle wheels within a lift area (118), then virtualizes the position and orientation of the vehicle relative to the lift posts (122, 130). Lift arms (124, 132) extending from the lift posts are moved to a first position that places a profile camera near the predicted position of lift points, and image analysis is used to positively identify the lift points. The lift arms are then moved to a second position that places an adapter camera below the identified lift points, and image analysis is used to confirm safe positioning below the lift point. Captured images and feedback from image analysis are used to improve and refine the system's ability to identify wheels, profile view lift points, and plan view lift points. The system may be integrated with lift arms allowing for automated rotation, extension, and elevation of lift adapters.

Abstract: A vehicle arm adapter that includes a base member, a platform assembly coupled to the base member, and an adjustable frame retaining assembly coupled with the platform assembly. The base member can selectively couple with a lifting arm of a vehicle lift. The platform assembly includes a vehicle engagement surface. The platform assembly can engage and lift a vehicle in coordination with the vehicle lift. The adjustable frame retaining assembly includes a first retractable assembly and a second retractable assembly that are both capable of actuating between an extend configuration and a retracted configuration. The first and second frame retaining assemblies can cooperate to contain a first subset of vehicle frames in the extended configuration. The first and second frame retaining assemblies are prevented from retaining a second subset of vehicle frames in the retracted configuration.

Abstract: A calibration and repair system for advanced driver assistance systems (“ADAS”) and features is configured to provide secure, automated workflow management related to the calibration of User Remote ADAS. Automated workflows include steps and interfaces to aid in preparation of a vehicle for calibration, local-remote collaboration during calibration, customer interactions, workflow and event notification, user authentication, remote system management, and other tasks. The system is also capable of automatically and dynamically adding new and updated calibration specifications that are usable during local-remote collaboration.