Abstract: A vehicle inspection system for acquiring measurements of at least one vehicle moving through an inspection lane is in communication with a remote data processing and storage system to aggregate data from multiple vehicles passing through the inspection lane, and optionally, from multiple inspection lanes. The remote data processing and storage system is configured with suitable software instructions to store the received vehicle inspection data, as well as vehicle service data received from vehicle service equipment, and to generate reports and/or respond to data queries using the stored vehicle inspection and vehicle service data.

Abstract: A system and method for vehicle technician communication utilizing a local vehicle service system operatively coupled to a remote vehicle service system via a network connection. The system enables bi-directional communication between the local service technician and a service specialist associated with the remote vehicle service system by configuring the local vehicle service system with software instructions and hardware to provide a communication interface, such as a software app, graphical user interface, or teleconference functionality. Using the communication interface, the service specialist can: (1) guide the local technician through the initial process of establishing a connection between the vehicle undergoing service or inspection and the remote vehicle service system; (2) direct necessary actions during a diagnostic analysis of the vehicle, such as turning on the vehicle's engine, turning a steering wheel, etc.

Abstract: Methods for operating a vehicle inspection or measurement system to facilitate selection of specification sets associated with a vehicle undergoing inspection or measurement based on an evaluation of vehicle identifying features and acquired vehicle measurement.

Abstract: A system and method of vehicle inspection in which sequences of images of vehicle body surfaces are acquired as a vehicle passes through fields of view associated with imaging sensors disposed on each lateral side of an inspection lane. The acquired sequences of images are evaluated through a software-configured processing system, either automatically or by an operator, to identify the presence of visible damage on the vehicle body surfaces. If visible damage is present, and an election is made to forward the vehicle and/or customer information to a collision repair facility for follow-up, one or more images from the sequences are selected, and communicated together with vehicle and/or customer identifying information from the processing system to the collision repair facility.

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.

Abstract: A vehicle inspection system configured with a processing system and at least one displacement sensor disposed on opposite sides of a vehicle inspection lane sensor region to acquire displacement measurement data associated with a moving vehicle passing through the vehicle inspection lane. The processing system is configured to receive acquired displacement measurement data to determine characteristics of the moving vehicle, such as vehicle velocity, dynamic axle alignment, dynamic wheel alignment, or dimensions. The processing system is further configured to evaluate the determined dynamic vehicle characteristics in relation to static vehicle characteristics, such as static axle alignment or static wheel alignment, through application of one or more compensation factors based on user selected parameters, default parameters, or identified vehicle features.

Abstract: Methods for operating a vehicle inspection or measurement system to facilitate selection of specification sets associated with a vehicle undergoing inspection or measurement based on an evaluation of vehicle identifying features and acquired vehicle measurement.

Abstract: Calibration targets for use during calibration and inspection of vehicle onboard radar systems. The calibration targets incorporate materials having different radar reflective and transmissive properties to provide distinct radar return signatures, facilitating identification of the calibration targets from among various radar returns associated with surfaces and objects located in proximity to the calibration targets, thereby reducing clear space requirements associated with target placement and positioning during a vehicle service or inspection procedure.

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.

Abstract: A vehicle position detection and guidance system for use with an automotive service lift having a pair of runways onto which a vehicle is driven in order to be elevated. The system consists of a LiDAR sensor disposed to provide a field of view encompassing a volume of space extending upward from the upper surface of each lift runway, as well as the intervening region between the runways. The LiDAR sensor to observes at least the leading tread surfaces of two or more wheels on a vehicle approaching the service lift, and a volume of space below the vehicle. Output from the LiDAR sensor is conveyed to a processing system, which monitors the wheel positions relative to the runway surfaces, and provides output indicating steering corrections, obstructions, and a vehicle stopping point as the vehicle is driven onto the runways and/or the lift elevation changes.

Abstract: A vehicle service system for interaction with the on-board electronic systems of a vehicle utilizing a cloud-based vehicle diagnostic system which is configured on-demand for the vehicle undergoing a service procedure. The vehicle service system includes a local processing system in communication with the vehicle and with a cloud-based vehicle diagnostic application service configured to establish an on-demand virtual processing system running a vehicle-specific diagnostic software application. The vehicle-specific diagnostic software application communicates with the vehicle undergoing service to present a service technician with diagnostic results within a graphical user interface of the local processing system. Upon completion of the vehicle service, the remote cloud-based vehicle diagnostic application service terminates the virtual processing system and vehicle-specific diagnostic software application, freeing cloud-based resources for subsequent uses.

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.

Abstract: A method for transforming track representations associated with a spatial position and movement of objects or features observed in an external environment surrounding a vehicle from a vehicle-centric spatial frame of reference, such as associated with a vehicle body or centerline, into a common vehicle movement spatial frame of reference such as may be associated with a vehicle thrust line or vehicle thrust angle.

Abstract: A vehicle service system configured to acquire images of a three-dimensional region of a vehicle wheel assembly tire tread surface. The vehicle service system is configured to process the acquired images to produce a collection of data points corresponding to the spatial position of surface points in the region from which tire tread wear characteristics are identified. The acquired images are further utilized to provide both a graphical and a numerical display to an operator, with the numerical display linked to specifically annotated or indexed points or windows within the graphical display, thereby enabling an operator to quickly identify specific focus points or regions on the tire surface which have been measured at the numerically identified tread depths.

Abstract: A procedure for evaluating tire tread depth measurement data points acquired from a tread region on the surface of a tire in order to generate a representation of the tire tread region having an appearance of having been worn over time, so as to convey to a recipient a visual indication of potential tire tread wear at a point in time subsequent to the acquisition of the tire tread depth measurements.

Abstract: A vehicle inspection system for acquiring measurements of at least one vehicle moving through an inspection lane is in communication with a remote data processing and storage system to aggregate data from multiple vehicles passing through the inspection lane, and optionally, from multiple inspection lanes. The remote data processing and storage system is configured with suitable software instructions to store the received vehicle inspection data, as well as vehicle service data received from vehicle service equipment, and to generate reports and/or respond to data queries using the stored vehicle inspection and vehicle service data.

Abstract: A vehicle position detection and guidance system for use with an automotive service lift having a pair of runways onto which a vehicle is driven in order to be elevated. The system consists of a LiDAR sensor disposed to provide a field of view encompassing a volume of space extending upward from the upper surface of each lift runway, as well as the intervening region between the runways. The LiDAR sensor to observes at least the leading tread surfaces of two or more wheels on a vehicle approaching the service lift, and a volume of space below the vehicle. Output from the LiDAR sensor is conveyed to a processing system, which monitors the wheel positions relative to the runway surfaces, and provides output indicating steering corrections, obstructions, and a vehicle stopping point as the vehicle is driven onto the runways and/or the lift elevation changes.

Abstract: Methods for operating a vehicle inspection or measurement system to facilitate selection of specification sets associated with a vehicle undergoing inspection or measurement based on an evaluation of vehicle identifying features and acquired vehicle measurement.