Patents by Inventor Michael T. Stieff

Michael T. Stieff has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20230280155
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2023
    Publication date: September 7, 2023
    Inventors: Brian M. Cejka, Nicholas J. Colarelli, III, Michael T. Stieff
  • Patent number: 11704830
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: HUNTER ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: Brian M. Cejka, Michael T. Stieff
  • Patent number: 11692818
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: HUNTER ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: Brian M. Cejka, Nicholas J. Colarelli, III, Michael T. Stieff
  • Patent number: 11639849
    Abstract: A system and method for aligning a floor target relative to a vehicle, the floor target including a calibration pattern for observation by a vehicle safety system sensor during calibration. The system includes at least one optical projection system consisting of at least one optical projector having an orientable projection axis. The optical projection system is operatively controlled by a processor to orient said projection axis towards a selected location on the floor surface relative to the vehicle, and to activate the optical projected to illuminate a point, a line, or a boundary, against which the floor target is aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: HUNTER ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: Brian M. Cejka, Nicholas J. Colarelli, III, Michael T. Stieff
  • Patent number: 11610335
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: HUNTER ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: Brian M. Cejka, Michael T. Stieff
  • Publication number: 20220244045
    Abstract: A system and method for aligning a floor target relative to a vehicle, the floor target including a calibration pattern for observation by a vehicle safety system sensor during calibration. The system includes at least one optical projection system consisting of at least one optical projector having an orientable projection axis. The optical projection system is operatively controlled by a processor to orient said projection axis towards a selected location on the floor surface relative to the vehicle, and to activate the optical projected to illuminate a point, a line, or a boundary, against which the floor target is aligned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2022
    Publication date: August 4, 2022
    Inventors: Brian M. Cejka, Nicholas J. Colarelli, III, Michael T. Stieff
  • Publication number: 20220237821
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2022
    Publication date: July 28, 2022
    Inventors: Brian M. Cejka, Michael T. Stieff
  • Patent number: 11385134
    Abstract: A vehicle service system and method to determine spatial parameters of a vehicle, employing a display system under processor control, to display or project visible indicia onto surfaces in proximity to a vehicle undergoing a safety system service or inspection identifying one or more locations, relative to the determined vehicle centerline or thrust line, at which a calibration fixture, optical target, or simulated test drive imagery is visible for observation by a sensor onboard the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: HUNTER ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael T. Stieff, Timothy A. Strege
  • Publication number: 20220155063
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2022
    Publication date: May 19, 2022
    Inventors: Brian M. Cejka, Nicholas J. Colarelli, III, Michael T.. Stieff
  • Patent number: 11287251
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventors: Michael T. Stieff, Nicholas J. Colarelli, III, Brian M. Cejka
  • Publication number: 20220042794
    Abstract: A vehicle service system incorporating a pair of gimbal-mounted optical projection systems enables an operator to selectively orient each optical emitter of the optical projection system to illuminate a location on a vehicle surface in proximity to the system. Signals indicative of an orientation of each optical emitter about three-axes of rotation are received at a controller programmed with software instructions to utilize the received signals, together with known locations for the systems, to calculate a three-dimensional coordinate for the illuminated location within an established frame of reference. The controller is further programmed to utilize the calculated three-dimensional coordinate of the illuminated location as an origin point for determining one or more placement locations within the established frame of reference for ADAS sensor calibration or alignment targets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2020
    Publication date: February 10, 2022
    Inventors: BRIAN M CEJKA, DANIEL R DORRANCE, PATRICK G. CALLANAN, MICHAEL T. STIEFF
  • Patent number: 11145084
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: HUNTER ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: Brian M. Cejka, Michael T. Stieff
  • Publication number: 20210223034
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2021
    Publication date: July 22, 2021
    Inventors: Michael T. Stieff, Nicholas J. Colarelli, III, Brian M. Cejka
  • Publication number: 20210166423
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2021
    Publication date: June 3, 2021
    Inventors: Brian M. Cejka, Michael T. Stieff
  • Patent number: 10996314
    Abstract: A procedure for calibrating a vehicle onboard sensor 202 by facilitating the placement of a calibration fixture 110 on a floor relative to a stationary vehicle 100 using a laser emitter 102 secured to a front steerable wheel 104 of the vehicle on the same lateral side as the vehicle onboard sensor. A beam projection axis X of the laser projector is aligned at a known orientation relative to a geometric characteristic of the vehicle 100, such that the beam projection axis X is directed over a placement location P of the calibration fixture on the floor, either inherently or by guided steering of the supporting steerable wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: HUNTER ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael T. Stieff, Patrick G. J. Callanan
  • Patent number: 10996053
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: HUNTER ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael T. Stieff, Nicholas J. Colarelli, III, Brian M. Cejka
  • Patent number: 10935465
    Abstract: A vehicle service system and method to determine spatial parameters of a vehicle, employing a display system under processor control, to display or project visible indicia onto surfaces in proximity to a vehicle undergoing a safety system service or inspection identifying one or more locations, relative to the determined vehicle centerline or thrust line, at which a calibration fixture, optical target, or simulated test drive imagery is visible for observation by a sensor onboard the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: HUNTER ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael T. Stieff, Timothy A. Strege
  • Patent number: 10848316
    Abstract: A vehicle measurement station utilizing one or more displacement sensors disposed on each opposite side of an inspection region of a vehicle inspection lane to acquire displacement measurement data along associated measurement axes. At least a portion of the displacement measurement data is associated with the outermost wheel assemblies on an axle of a moving vehicle passing through the inspection region, and utilized to determine one or more vehicle characteristics, such as an axle total toe condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventors: Michael T. Stieff, Timothy A. Strege, Daniel R. Dorrance
  • Patent number: 10788400
    Abstract: A vehicle service system and method to determine spatial parameters of a vehicle, employing a display system under processor control, to display or project visible indicia onto surfaces in proximity to a vehicle undergoing a safety system service or inspection identifying one or more locations, relative to the determined vehicle centerline or thrust line, at which a calibration fixture, optical target, or simulated test drive imagery is visible for observation by a sensor onboard the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventors: Michael T. Stieff, Timothy A. Strege
  • Publication number: 20200208968
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2020
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Inventors: Michael T. Stieff, Nicholas J. Colarelli, III, Brian M. Cejka