Patents by Inventor Thomas J. Golab

Thomas J. Golab 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).

  • Patent number: 10240916
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for calibrating laser displacement sensors within a vehicle inspection system. A calibration target structure is positioned within an operative field of view for the laser displacement sensor, providing one or more optical targets onto which illuminating laser beams from the laser displacement sensor are projected. Displacement measurements are acquired with the optical targets disposed at a plurality of positions within the field of view. The resulting displacement measurements, together with known position information for the optical targets, are utilized to calibrate an associated imaging sensor such that the displacement measurements associated with each illuminating laser beam and known positional information agree to within a desired tolerance throughout the operative field of view for the laser displacement sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventors: Thomas J. Golab, Bruce E. Bernard, Michael T. Stieff, Brian M. Cejka
  • Patent number: 9644952
    Abstract: A process for calibrating and evaluating a machine-vision vehicle wheel alignment system having front and rear imaging components associated with each of the left and right sides of a vehicle support structure. Each pair of imaging components defines a front and rear field of view, with a common overlapping region associated with each respective side of the vehicle support structure. Optical targets disposed within each of the overlapping field of view regions are observed by the imaging components to establish performance ratings for the system as a whole, for groups of components within the system, and for individual components within the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventors: Mark S. Shylanski, Daniel R. Dorrance, Bruce E. Bernard, Thomas J. Golab, Michael T. Stieff, James W. McClenahan, J. Kaleb Silver, Timothy A. Strege, Nicholas J. Colarelli, III
  • Patent number: 9544545
    Abstract: A machine vision vehicle wheel alignment system for acquiring measurements associated with a vehicle. The system includes at least one imaging sensor having a field of view and at least one optical target secured to a wheel assembly on a vehicle within the field of view of the imaging sensor. The optical target includes a plurality of visible target elements disposed on at least two surfaces in a determinable geometric and spatial configuration which are calibrated prior to use. A processing unit in the system is configured to receive at least two sets of image data from the imaging sensor, with each set of image data acquired at a different rotational position of the wheel assembly around an axis of rotation and representative of at least one visible target element on each of the two surfaces, from which the processing unit is configured to identify said axis of rotation of the wheel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventors: Michael T. Stieff, Daniel R. Dorrance, Thomas J. Golab, Mark S. Shylanski
  • Publication number: 20140354818
    Abstract: A machine vision vehicle wheel alignment system for acquiring measurements associated with a vehicle. The system includes at least one imaging sensor having a field of view and at least one optical target secured to a wheel assembly on a vehicle within the field of view of the imaging sensor. The optical target includes a plurality of visible target elements disposed on at least two surfaces in a determinable geometric and spatial configuration which are calibrated prior to use. A processing unit in the system is configured to receive at least two sets of image data from the imaging sensor, with each set of image data acquired at a different rotational position of the wheel assembly around an axis of rotation and representative of at least one visible target element on each of the two surfaces, from which the processing unit is configured to identify said axis of rotation of the wheel assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Michael T. Stieff, Daniel R. Dorrance, Thomas J. Golab, Mark S. Shylanski
  • Patent number: 8875407
    Abstract: A machine vision vehicle wheel alignment system for acquiring measurements associated with a vehicle. The system includes at least one imaging sensor having a field of view and at least one optical target secured to a wheel assembly on a vehicle within the field of view of the imaging sensor. The optical target includes a plurality of visible target elements disposed on at least two surfaces in a determinable geometric and spatial configuration which are calibrated prior to use. A processing unit in the system is configured to receive at least two sets of image data from the imaging sensor, with each set of image data acquired at a different rotational position of the wheel assembly around an axis of rotation and representative of at least one visible target element on each of the two surfaces, from which the processing unit is configured to identify said axis of rotation of the wheel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventors: Michael T. Stieff, Daniel R. Dorrance, Thomas J. Golab, Mark S. Shylanski
  • Publication number: 20140111645
    Abstract: A process for calibrating and evaluating a machine-vision vehicle wheel alignment system having front and rear imaging components associated with each of the left and right sides of a vehicle support structure. Each pair of imaging components defines a front and rear field of view, with a common overlapping region associated with each respective side of the vehicle support structure. Optical targets disposed within each of the overlapping field of view regions are observed by the imaging components to establish performance ratings for the system as a whole, for groups of components within the system, and for individual components within the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: HUNTER ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: Mark S. Shylanski, Daniel R. Dorrance, Bruce E. Bernard, Thomas J. Golab
  • Patent number: 8561307
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the alignment of a vehicle wheel using an optical target assembly secured to the vehicle wheel in a non-determined position, the optical target assembly having a dimensionally stable shape and a plurality of optical target elements disposed on a plurality of target surfaces. Images of the optical target elements are acquired by an imaging system, together with target identifying indicia, and utilized together with previously stored target characterization data to determine a spatial orientation of the optical target assembly and an alignment of the vehicle wheel onto which it is secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventors: Michael T. Stieff, Dennis M. Linson, Daniel R. Dorrance, Thomas J. Golab, Mark S. Shylanski
  • Patent number: 8553236
    Abstract: An optical target for temporary application in non-determined placement on a surface of an object such as a vehicle wheel assembly within the field of view of an imaging sensor of a machine vision vehicle service system. The optical target consists of a flexible body which is relatively thin and generally flat, capable of conforming to the contours of a surface onto which it is secured in releasable manner by a means of adhesion. A set of visible optical elements are disposed on a front face of the target body for observation and imaging by the imaging sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventors: Daniel R. Dorrance, Nicholas J. Colarelli, III, Timothy A. Strege, Thomas J. Golab, David A. Voeller, Mark S. Shylanski
  • Publication number: 20130250098
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the alignment of a vehicle wheel using an optical target assembly secured to the vehicle wheel in a non-determined position, the optical target assembly having a dimensionally stable shape and a plurality of optical target elements disposed on a plurality of target surfaces. Images of the optical target elements are acquired by an imaging system, together with target identifying indicia, and utilized together with previously stored target characterization data to determine a spatial orientation of the optical target assembly and an alignment of the vehicle wheel onto which it is secured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventors: Michael T. Stieff, Dennis M. Linson, Daniel R. Dorrance, Thomas J. Golab, Mark S. Shylanski
  • Patent number: 8490290
    Abstract: A machine vision vehicle wheel alignment system for acquiring measurements associated with a vehicle. The system includes at least one imaging sensor having a field of view and at least one optical target secured to a wheel assembly on a vehicle within the field of view of the imaging sensor. The optical target includes a plurality of visible target elements disposed on at least two surfaces in a determinable geometric and spatial configuration which are calibrated prior to use. A processing unit in the system is configured to receive at least two sets of image data from the imaging sensor, with each set of image data acquired at a different rotational position of the wheel assembly around an axis of rotation and representative of at least one visible target element on each of the two surfaces, from which the processing unit is configured to identify said axis of rotation of the wheel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventors: Michael T. Stieff, Daniel R. Dorrance, Thomas J. Golab, Mark S. Shylanski
  • Patent number: 8341848
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the alignment of a vehicle wheel using an optical target assembly secured to the vehicle wheel in a non-determined position, the optical target assembly having a dimensionally stable shape and a plurality of optical target elements disposed on a plurality of target surfaces. Images of the optical target elements are acquired by an imaging system, together with target identifying indicia, and utilized together with previously stored target characterization data to determine a spatial orientation of the optical target assembly and an alignment of the vehicle wheel onto which it is secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventors: Michael T. Stieff, Dennis M. Linson, Daniel R. Dorrance, Thomas J. Golab, Mark S. Shylanski
  • Publication number: 20120236146
    Abstract: A machine vision vehicle wheel alignment system for acquiring measurements associated with a vehicle. The system includes at least one imaging sensor having a field of view and at least one optical target secured to a wheel assembly on a vehicle within the field of view of the imaging sensor. The optical target includes a plurality of visible target elements disposed on at least two surfaces in a determinable geometric and spatial configuration which are calibrated prior to use. A processing unit in the system is configured to receive at least two sets of image data from the imaging sensor, with each set of image data acquired at a different rotational position of the wheel assembly around an axis of rotation and representative of at least one visible target element on each of the two surfaces, from which the processing unit is configured to identify said axis of rotation of the wheel assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: HUNTER ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael T. Stieff, Daniel R. Dorrance, Thomas J. Golab, Mark S. Shylanski
  • Patent number: 8244024
    Abstract: A machine vision system is configured to facilitate placement of a vehicle service apparatus relative to an associated vehicle. The machine vision system is configured to utilize images of optical targets received from one or more cameras to guide the placement of the vehicle service apparatus relative to the associated vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventors: Daniel R. Dorrance, Timothy A. Strege, Leigh R. Burns, Jr., Mark S. Shylanski, Thomas J. Golab
  • Patent number: 8215023
    Abstract: A machine vision vehicle wheel alignment system for acquiring measurements associated with a vehicle. The system includes at least one imaging sensor having a field of view and at least one optical target secured to a wheel assembly on a vehicle within the field of view of the imaging sensor. The optical target includes a plurality of visible target elements disposed on at least two surfaces in a determinable geometric and spatial configuration. A processing unit in the system is configured to receive at least two sets of image data from the imaging sensor, with each set of image data acquired at a different rotational position of the wheel assembly around an axis of rotation and representative of at least one visible target element on each of the two surfaces, from which the processing unit is configured to identify said axis of rotation of the wheel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventors: Michael T. Stieff, Daniel R. Dorrance, Thomas J. Golab, Mark S. Shylanski
  • Publication number: 20110316979
    Abstract: A machine vision vehicle wheel alignment system for acquiring measurements associated with a vehicle. The system includes at least one imaging sensor having a field of view and at least one optical target secured to a wheel assembly on a vehicle within the field of view of the imaging sensor. The optical target includes a plurality of visible target elements disposed on at least two surfaces in a determinable geometric and spatial configuration. A processing unit in the system is configured to receive at least two sets of image data from the imaging sensor, with each set of image data acquired at a different rotational position of the wheel assembly around an axis of rotation and representative of at least one visible target element on each of the two surfaces, from which the processing unit is configured to identify said axis of rotation of the wheel assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: HUNTER ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael T. Stieff, Daniel R. Dorrance, Thomas J. Golab, Mark S. Shylanski
  • Patent number: 8033028
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the alignment of a vehicle wheel using an optical target attached to the vehicle wheel, the optical target having a dimensionally stable shape and a plurality of visible features defining target elements arranged in a known geometric and spatial configuration relative to each other across at least two surfaces. A two-dimensional image of the optical target is acquired by an imaging system to detect a plurality of target element images corresponding to the plurality of target elements. A spatial orientation of the optical target and an alignment of the vehicle wheel is then determined from the plurality of target element images and the known geometric and spatial configuration of the plurality of target elements on the target surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventors: Michael T. Stieff, Daniel R. Dorrance, Thomas J. Golab, Mark S. Shylanski
  • Publication number: 20110170089
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the alignment of a vehicle wheel using an optical target attached to the vehicle wheel, the optical target having a dimensionally stable shape and a plurality of visible features defining target elements arranged in a known geometric and spatial configuration relative to each other across at least two surfaces. A two-dimensional image of the optical target is acquired by an imaging system to detect a plurality of target element images corresponding to the plurality of target elements. A spatial orientation of the optical target and an alignment of the vehicle wheel is then determined from the plurality of target element images and the known geometric and spatial configuration of the plurality of target elements on the target surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: HUNTER ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael T. Stieff, Daniel R. Dorrance, Thomas J. Golab, Mark S. Shylanski
  • Patent number: 7930834
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the alignment of a vehicle wheel using an optical target attached to the vehicle wheel, the optical target having a dimensionally stable shape and a plurality of target elements arranged in a known geometric and spatial configuration relative to each other. A two-dimensional image of the optical target is acquired by an imaging system to detect a plurality of target element images corresponding to the plurality of target elements arranged on the optical target. A spatial orientation of the optical target and an alignment of the vehicle wheel is then determined from the plurality of target element images and the known geometric and spatial configuration of the plurality of target elements on the optical target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventors: Michael T. Stieff, Daniel R. Dorrance, Thomas J. Golab, Mark S. Shylanski
  • Publication number: 20110051151
    Abstract: An optical target for temporary application in non-determined placement on a surface of an object such as a vehicle wheel assembly within the field of view of an imaging sensor of a machine vision vehicle service system. The optical target consists of a flexible body which is relatively thin and generally flat, capable of conforming to the contours of a surface onto which it is secured in releasable manner by a means of adhesion. A set of visible optical elements are disposed on a front face of the target body for observation and imaging by the imaging sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: HUNTER ENGINEERING CO.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Dorrance, Nicholas J. Colarelli, III, Timothy A. Strege, Thomas J. Golab, David A. Voeller, Mark S. Shylanski
  • Publication number: 20110001821
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the alignment of a vehicle wheel using an optical target assembly secured to the vehicle wheel in a non-determined position, the optical target assembly having a dimensionally stable shape and a plurality of optical target elements disposed on a plurality of target surfaces. Images of the optical target elements are acquired by an imaging system, together with target identifying indicia, and utilized together with previously stored target characterization data to determine a spatial orientation of the optical target assembly and an alignment of the vehicle wheel onto which it is secured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: HUNTER ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael T. Stieff, Dennis M. Linson, Daniel R. Dorrance, Thomas J. Golab, Mark S. Shylanski