Abstract: In a machine vision system utilizing computer processing of image data, an imaging module incorporates the image sensor as well as pre-processing circuitry, for example, for performing a background subtraction and/or a gradient calculation. The pre-processing circuitry may also compress the image information. The host computer receives the pre-processed image data and performs all other calculations necessary to complete the machine vision application, for example, to determine one or more wheel alignment parameters of a subject vehicle. In a disclosed example useful for wheel alignment, the module also includes illumination elements, and the module circuitry provides associated camera control. The background subtraction, gradient calculation and associated compression require simpler, less expensive circuitry than for typical image pre-processing boards.

Abstract: A diagnostic system allows a service technician to diagnose a malfunction that occurs during operation of a wheel alignment system after the malfunction has occurred and is no longer apparent. The system, which includes one or more cameras for gathering images of the alignment, gathers information in real time about the alignment of a plurality of wheels. The images include reflections from a target mounted on each wheel, and a processing system in communication with the cameras receives the images and generates analysis data based on them, the analysis data providing an analysis of the alignment of the wheels. A memory device stores the images and the analysis data, and a storage control causes the memory device to store the images and the analysis data in response to activation of the storage control by the operator during the occurrence of the malfunction.

Abstract: A position determination system comprises a data processing system, a first measuring module, and a second measuring module. Both of the measuring modules are coupled to the data processing system. The first measuring module includes a first sensing device for obtaining positional data of a first testing target. A calibration sensing device is rigidly linked to the first sensing device. The positional relationship between the first sensing device and the calibration target is known. The system has a rotation mechanism for rotating the sensing device of the first sensing device. The second measuring module includes a second sensing device for obtaining positional data of a second testing target. A calibration target is rigidly linked to the second sensing device, and is used with the calibration sensing device to obtain a positional relationship between the calibration target and the calibration sensing device. The positional relationship between the second sensing device and the calibration target is known.

Abstract: A retaining clip for holding paper, garments, and other objects is provided. Also, the retaining clip is designed to attach to a portable device (or non-portable) and receive articles of clothing, clothing accessories, automobile visors, or other areas whereby it is available for conveniently receiving and retaining the device such as retaining a pager to a belt. The retaining clip, when used with a device, optionally can be rotated for awkward areas of attachment, or convenient areas of placement such as a purse strap. The holder broadly comprises of a base, a leg, and a biasing means.

Abstract: A retaining clip for holding paper, garments, and other objects is provided. Also, the retaining clip is designed to attach to a portable device (or non-portable) and receive articles of clothing, clothing accessories, automobile visors, or other areas whereby it is available for conveniently receiving and retaining the device such as retaining a pager to a belt. The retaining clip, when used with a device, optionally can be rotated for awkward areas of attachment, or convenient areas of placement such as a purse strap. The holder broadly comprises of a base, a leg, and a biasing means.

Abstract: A holder for eyeglasses and the like is provided. The holder is designed to be attached to articles of clothing, clothing accessories, automobile visors, or other areas whereby it is available for conveniently receiving and retaining a pair of eyeglasses. The eyeglass holder desirably can be rotated for awkward areas of attachment, or convenient areas of placement such as a purse strap. The holder can desirably have a releasable cover for a wearer to have a variety of choices of holder aesthetics. The holder broadly comprises of a clip or a pin, pivot, and hook arrangement; a cylindrical connection or a slit and guide connection; and a frontal elongate plate member pivotally mounted onto a base member with perpendicular or inwardly bent clips to maintain a gap for eyeglass temples; and, optionally, a removable cover.

Abstract: An apparatus and methodology for diagnosing an alignment condition of a vehicle. The methodology includes determining an alignment condition of the vehicle using an apparatus set forth herein, and calculating a result corresponding to a difference between the determined alignment condition of the vehicle and specifications for a plurality of alignment conditions stored in a memory. The methodology further includes selecting one of a plurality of graphics stored in the memory, each corresponding to a value defined by the stored specifications, by determining the value to which the result corresponds, and outputting the selected one of the plurality of graphics.

Abstract: In combination with a vehicle wheel aligner comprising at least one sensor for generating data indicative of the relative angular orientation of one or more wheels of a vehicle, a computer for calculating alignment values for the vehicle from the data and a video display for displaying the alignment values, the invention is the improvement comprising a digital memory for storing a plurality of vehicle attributes, a computer processor for causing two or more of the attributes to be displayed on the video display, an input device for allowing the operator to select the attributes relating to a subject vehicle, and a digital memory for storing the attributes relating to the subject vehicle which are selected by the operator, whereby a computer model of the subject vehicle is created.

Abstract: A holder for eyeglasses and the like is provided. The holder is designed to be attached to articles of clothing, clothing accessories, automobile visors, or other areas whereby it is available for conveniently receiving and retaining a pair of eyeglasses. The eyeglass holder desirably can be rotated for awkward areas of attachment, or convenient areas of placement such as a purse strap. Notably, the holder can be pressed open by the wearer for ease of eyeglass temple bar insertion or removal. The holder can desirably have a releasable cover for a wearer to have a variety of choices of holder aesthetics. The holder broadly comprises of a clip or a pin, pivot, and hook arrangement; a cylindrical connection or a slit and guide connection; and a frontal elongate plate member pivotally mounted onto a base member; and, optionally, a removable cover.

Abstract: A wheel alignment apparatus comprising eight sensors for measuring the toe angles of the wheels of a vehicle and a computer for calculating toe angle information from any six companion sensors and for comparing the toe angle information calculated using the six sensors with the toe angle information calculated using at least the remaining two sensors to determine if the wheel alignment apparatus is in calibration.

Abstract: An apparatus for aligning an acetabular cup for proper placement in a socket in hip joint replacement includes a frame having feet which are placed against and fastened to the anterior superior iliac spines and the pubic tubercles respectively of the pelvis. A light beam is directed from a source through an aperture to a mirror mounted on an implant inserter. The light beam is reflected back from the mirror to a target region. When the incident and reflected beams are coincident, the cup is aligned for correct placement. The target region is rotatably and pivotably mounted for precise adjustment of the angles of abduction and anteversion respectively.