Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC), for use in an imaging module of a wheel alignment system, incorporates an image sensor as well as a number of other features. Some of the added features are implemented within the integrated circuit. The IC also incorporates interfacing for signaling or communication with other devices in the imaging module or elsewhere in the wheel alignment system. Some examples of added internal features include a temperature sensor, unique chip ID, and chip power control. The addition of analog and/or digital I/O to the integrated circuit enables control of an image module illumination function, control of an imaging module positioning function, various cooling functions, and operator interface control. A communications hub may be added to the IC, to enable operation in a networked system environment.

Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC), for use in an imaging module of a wheel alignment system, incorporates an image sensor as well as a number of other features. Some of the added features are implemented within the integrated circuit. The IC also incorporates interfacing for signaling or communication with other devices in the imaging module or elsewhere in the wheel alignment system. Some examples of added internal features include a temperature sensor, unique chip ID, and chip power control. The addition of analog and/or digital I/O to the integrated circuit enables control of an image module illumination function, control of an imaging module positioning function, various cooling functions, and operator interface control. A communications hub may be added to the IC, to enable operation in a networked system environment.

Abstract: A measurement system processes data representing an images of an optical target, e.g. on a contact probe, to determine position of each of a number of points on a vehicle or other object. The system uses two reference frames and processes an image of the two frames, to define a three-dimensional (3D) coordinate system, for example, in relation to a designated first frame. The image processing determines the position of the other frame in that coordinate system. For any measurement in which the first reference frame is visible in an image with the probe, processing directly determines position of the point in the 3D coordinate system. For any measurement in which that reference frame is not sufficiently visible, but the second reference frame is sufficiently visible, the image processing determines position relative to the second reference frame and transforms that position into a measurement in the defined three-dimensional coordinate system.

Abstract: A system for measuring the relative locations of points on a vehicle includes plural electromagnetic radiation sources adapted to be fixed relative to the vehicle and plural electromagnetic radiation receivers, a processor for determining angles between each receiver and each source, a display device, and a processor program routine for monitoring each receiver and generating a graphical display indicating for each source and each receiver whether or not the source is in the field of view of the receiver. A hand-held probe may have at least one additional electromagnetic radiation source and an indicator to indicate whether or not the probe source is in the field of view of all receivers.

Abstract: A system for graphic display of point-to-point distance measurements in an object measuring system includes display of a graphic drawing representing the object and depictions of measured points representing their locations on the object and displays of lines between the points of selected pairs of displayed points to indicate where a distance measurement is taken. For each line there is displayed an indication that the measured distance is (a) within tolerance limits of a standard distance, (b) shorter than the standard distance by a difference greater than a lower tolerance limit or (c) greater than the standard distance by a difference exceeding an upper tolerance limit. There may simultaneously be displayed an alphanumeric table indicating the points, the measured and standard distances and the differences, which table may utilize the same tolerance indication scheme as the graphical representation.

Abstract: A network-based method and system for distributing data, such as service data for various types of service processes and models, including software applications, specifications, user's manuals, or parameters, etc, over a data transmission network. A remote service provider maintains a database of the data. The database is updated frequently. The remote service provider maintains a website for authorized users to access the data. Authorized users can access and download desired data by connecting to the remote service provider via the data transmission network. Certain approaches are used to verify a user's identity. In one aspect, a combination of a product code that is specific to a system and a license/activation code that is generated based on the product code is verified. Unless a proper combination exists, the downloaded data cannot be properly accessed. The remote service provider also allows users to purchase a license to access the data online.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for providing a system that has a plurality of devices in which the position of a device of the plurality of devices relative to another device of the plurality of devices is self-calibrated. In one embodiment, the system is a five-camera aligner for use in aligning motor vehicle wheels. In this embodiment, the aligner includes a first camera pod having two alignment cameras and a calibration camera, and a second camera pod having another two alignment cameras and a calibration target. Because the aligner has four alignment cameras and a calibration camera, the aligner is often referred to as a five-camera aligner. For illustration purposes, the first camera pod is herein referred to as the left camera pod and the second camera pod is herein referred to as the right camera pod. In one embodiment, the left camera pod is placed to the left of the aligner, and the right camera pod is placed to the right of the aligner.

Abstract: A computerized automotive service equipment system is adapted to access remotely located computer systems to retrieve or exchange data and/or software applications, or to undergo live or real-time and two-way interaction. The system and its components are dynamic with respect to both function and data, and can be easily updated or otherwise altered. The system of the present invention utilizes World Wide Web technology, which enables the use of universal and widely compatible programming tools and techniques for efficient and fast system development.

Abstract: A method for conducting a vehicle diagnostic analysis comprises the machine-implemented steps of executing a software application for conducting the vehicle diagnostic analysis, receiving signals representative of parameters of a vehicle, accessing a software object over a data transmission network, the software object containing information necessary for conducting the vehicle diagnostic analysis, and determining a vehicle diagnostic state based on the signals representative of the parameters of the vehicle and the information contained in the software object. Since the information necessary for conducting the vehicle diagnostic analysis is distributed in different systems that are connected with a data communication network, an automotive service system can minimize the size of software stored locally and can access most of the information and/or algorithm required for conducting the vehicle diagnostic analysis from a remote system.

Abstract: A computerized automotive service equipment system is adapted to access remotely located computer systems to retrieve or exchange data and/or software applications, or to undergo live or real-time and two-way interaction. The system and its components are dynamic with respect to both function and data, and can be easily updated or otherwise altered. The system of the present invention utilizes World Wide Web technology, which enables the use of universal and widely compatible programming tools and techniques for efficient and fast system development.

Abstract: A multi-point serial link protocol, such as USB, is used to transfer vehicle diagnostic information back and forth between vehicle diagnostic sensors and a host computer. Multiple distinct vehicle servicing applications may be added to or removed from the service bay without requiring substantial software changes or revisions. The amount of vehicle diagnostic hardware is also minimized. The multi-point serial link may originate in the vehicle's on-board computer, allowing the vehicle itself to function as a data hub for the diagnostic automotive service sensors.

Abstract: An automatic wheel alignment system for aligning the wheels of an automotive vehicle includes head units adapted for coupling to the wheels of the automotive vehicle and a hand held module. The wheel units provide angle information related to the alignment of the wheels of the automotive vehicle. The hand held module is coupled to the wheel alignment units and provides information to an operator through a liquid crystal display. The hand held module includes a controller and memory means. A keypad input is provided for receiving an input from the operator. The liquid crystal display includes an liquid crystal display matrix for forming an image. A contrast control means is coupled to the liquid crystal display and provides a contrast signal to the liquid crystal display.

Abstract: An automatic wheel alignment system for aligning the wheels of an automotive vehicle includes head units adapted for coupling to the wheels of the automotive vehicle and a hand held module. The wheel units provide angle information related to the alignment of the wheels of the automotive vehicle. The hand held module is coupled to the wheel alignment units and provides information to an operator through a liquid crystal display. The hand held module includes a controller and memory means. A keypad input is provided for receiving an input from the operator. The liquid crystal display includes an liquid crystal display matrix for forming an image. A contrast control means is coupled to the liquid crystal display and provides a contrast signal to the liquid crystal display.

Abstract: A cross toe zero calibration system for use in an automotive vehicle wheel alignment system uses a calibration bar for receiving cross toe measuring head units. A first set of cross toe measurements are taken with the bar in a first position and a second set of cross toe measurements are taken with the bar in a second position. In the second position, the bar is rotated 180.degree. from the first position. The two sets of measurements are averaged to yield zone cross toe angle calibration factors. The combination of rotating the bar and averaging the two sets of measurements nulls out errors introduced into the calibration measurements due to deformities in the bar. The calibration bar is mounted on the main console of an automotive vehicle wheel alignment system. Switches are included which indicate the position of the bar.