Patents by Inventor Timothy A. Strege

Timothy A. Strege 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: 11872965
    Abstract: A vehicle ADAS target or fixture is configured with an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) consisting of a combination of accelerometers and gyroscopes capable of estimating a relative position and orientation within the spatial volume of the vehicle service area by tracking changes in acceleration and rotation. A controller monitors movement of the IMU relative to an established reference location, generating output utilized by a vehicle service system to guide a technician to position and orient the vehicle ADAS target or fixture at a selected location within the vehicle service area required to conduct a vehicle ADAS service procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: HUNTER ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: Timothy A. Strege, Nicholas J. Colarelli, III
  • Patent number: 11721140
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: HUNTER ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: Blackford F. Brauer, James Kaleb Silver, Nicholas J. Colarelli, III, Timothy A. Strege
  • Patent number: 11614380
    Abstract: A drive-through vehicle inspection system acquiring information from engraved markings on the tire sidewalls of a moving vehicle. Optical imaging sensors disposed on opposite sides of the vehicle acquire images of the sidewall surfaces for each passing wheel assembly. The acquired images are evaluated by a processing system configured to identify, within the acquired images, visible markings engraved into the tire sidewall surfaces which include at first portion having a first optical reflectivity, and a second portion having a second optical reflectivity which is different from the first optical reflectivity. Each identified marking is decoded to retrieve data stored therein, representative of the tire, wheel assembly, and/or associated vehicle onto which the wheel assembly is installed. The retrieved data is incorporated into an inspection report and/or utilized by the vehicle inspection system to access vehicle-specific information contained within an indexed database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: HUNTER ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventor: Timothy A. Strege
  • Patent number: 11544870
    Abstract: A machine-vision vehicle service system, and methods of operation, incorporating at least one at least one camera and an optical projector for guiding placement of vehicle service components relative to a vehicle undergoing service. The camera and optical projector are operatively coupled to a processing system configured with software instructions to selectively control a projection axis orientation for the optical projector to enable projection of visible indicia onto various surfaces visible within the field of view of the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: HUNTER ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: Brian M. Cejka, Daniel R. Dorrance, Asher L. Haggard, Timothy A. Strege, Charles P. Johannigmeier
  • Publication number: 20220390226
    Abstract: A machine-vision vehicle wheel alignment measurement system configured with at least one optical sensor to acquire images of optical targets disposed within an operative field of view. The system further includes a processing system configured with software instructions to determine relative spatial positions and orientations of one or more optical targets visible within images acquired by the optical sensor. The processing system is further configured with software instructions to automatically identify an axle count and axle configuration for a vehicle undergoing an alignment inspection or service using the determined relative spatial positions and orientations of the visible optical targets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2022
    Publication date: December 8, 2022
    Inventors: John M. Boncek, Timothy A. Strege, Nicholas J. Colarelli, III
  • 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
  • Patent number: 11338621
    Abstract: A modular drive-over vehicle inspection system for measuring tire tread depth at multiple points on each individual wheel of a moving vehicle passing through an inspection lane, and which is capable of accommodating vehicles having a range of axle configurations, including three or more of any combination of single-wheel axles, super-single wheel axles, and dual-wheel axles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventors: Andrew B. Nevin, Timothy A. Strege, Nicholas J. Colarelli, III
  • Patent number: 11333525
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for aligning, calibrating, or inspecting an onboard vehicle sensor having an external field of view by providing a calibration component on a support structure for positioning at a short calibration distance from the vehicle and which is within the field of view of said sensor. The calibration component is configured to appear to the sensor as if it was positioned at a predetermined linear calibration distance from the vehicle which is greater than the actual short calibration distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventors: David A. Voeller, Gerald E. Friton, Timothy A. Strege, Patrick Callanan
  • Patent number: 11300668
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: HUNTER ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: Nicholas J. Colarelli, III, Timothy A. Strege
  • Publication number: 20210347338
    Abstract: A vehicle ADAS target or fixture is configured with an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) consisting of a combination of accelerometers and gyroscopes capable of estimating a relative position and orientation within the spatial volume of the vehicle service area by tracking changes in acceleration and rotation. A controller monitors movement of the IMU relative to an established reference location, generating output utilized by a vehicle service system to guide a technician to position and orient the vehicle ADAS target or fixture at a selected location within the vehicle service area required to conduct a vehicle ADAS service procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2021
    Publication date: November 11, 2021
    Inventors: Timothy A. Strege, Nicholas J. Colarelli, III
  • Publication number: 20210318117
    Abstract: A vehicle service system including a set of cameras and a processing system configured to access a database of vehicle-specific information, which includes data identifying vehicle-specific targets and/or service fixtures. The processing system is configured with a user interface to convey instructions to an operator, including the identification of vehicle-specific targets and/or service fixtures required to carry out a selected vehicle service. The processing system subsequently evaluates images acquired from the set of cameras to identify features present within the images, including placed vehicle-specific targets, from which identification of, and verification of correctly selected, vehicle-specific targets is made.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2021
    Publication date: October 14, 2021
    Inventors: Timothy A. Strege, Nicholas J. Colarelli, III
  • Publication number: 20210209794
    Abstract: A machine-vision vehicle service system, and methods of operation, incorporating at least one at least one camera and an optical projector for guiding placement of vehicle service components relative to a vehicle undergoing service. The camera and optical projector are operatively coupled to a processing system configured with software instructions to selectively control a projection axis orientation for the optical projector to enable projection of visible indicia onto various surfaces visible within the field of view of the camera.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2021
    Publication date: July 8, 2021
    Inventors: Brian M. Cejka, Daniel R. Dorrance, Asher L. Haggard, Timothy A. Strege, Charles P. Johannigmeier
  • Publication number: 20210155055
    Abstract: A modular drive-over vehicle inspection system for measuring tire tread depth at multiple points on each individual wheel of a moving vehicle passing through an inspection lane, and which is capable of accommodating vehicles having a range of axle configurations, including three or more of any combination of single-wheel axles, super-single wheel axles, and dual-wheel axles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2020
    Publication date: May 27, 2021
    Inventors: Andrew B. Nevin, Timothy A. Strege, Nicholas J. Colarelli, III
  • Publication number: 20210148702
    Abstract: A heavy-duty vehicle measurement system utilizing displacement sensor modules disposed in housings on opposite sides of a vehicle inspection lane to acquire a set of displacement measurements associated with a moving heavy-duty vehicle. Displacement data along one or more measurement axes is acquired independently by each of the displacement sensor module to measure corresponding distances between the sensor module and points on a surface of the passing heavy-duty. A processing system is configured to receive and evaluate the set of displacement measurements, together with known parameters of the measurement system, to identify heavy-duty vehicle features, such as configuration, body panels, wheel assemblies, and tire surfaces, and to calculate heavy-duty vehicle parameters such as velocity, wheel rim or tire dimensions, axle relative orientations (scrub angles) and wheel assembly spatial orientations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2020
    Publication date: May 20, 2021
    Inventors: Timothy A. Strege, Daniel R. Dorrance, Nicholas J. Colarelli, III
  • Patent number: 10997451
    Abstract: A vehicle service system incorporating a set of imaging sensors disposed in an inspection lane through which a vehicle is driven. A processor is configured with software instructions to capture a set of images from the set of imaging sensors and to evaluate the captured images according to a set of rules to identify images in which a license plate is visible on an observed surface of the vehicle. The processor is further configured with software instruction to extract license plate information from the identified images, assign a figure of merit to the extracted information, and generate an output in response to the assigned figures of merit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: HUNTER ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: Philip G. Grunzinger, Jr., Timothy A. Strege, Kevin V. Schoemehl
  • Patent number: 10957128
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: HUNTER ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: Philip G. Grunzinger, Jr., Donald L. Glaser, III, Timothy A. Strege, Nicholas J. Colarelli, III
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20210005031
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2020
    Publication date: January 7, 2021
    Inventors: Blackford F. Brauer, James Kaleb Silver, Nicholas J. Colarelli, III, Timothy A. Strege
  • Publication number: 20210003481
    Abstract: A drive-through vehicle inspection system acquiring information from engraved markings on the tire sidewalls of a moving vehicle. Optical imaging sensors disposed on opposite sides of the vehicle acquire images of the sidewall surfaces for each passing wheel assembly. The acquired images are evaluated by a processing system configured to identify, within the acquired images, visible markings engraved into the tire sidewall surfaces which include at first portion having a first optical reflectivity, and a second portion having a second optical reflectivity which is different from the first optical reflectivity. Each identified marking is decoded to retrieve data stored therein, representative of the tire, wheel assembly, and/or associated vehicle onto which the wheel assembly is installed. The retrieved data is incorporated into an inspection report and/or utilized by the vehicle inspection system to access vehicle-specific information contained within an indexed database.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2020
    Publication date: January 7, 2021
    Inventor: Timothy A. Strege
  • Publication number: 20200380284
    Abstract: A vehicle service system incorporating a set of imaging sensors disposed in an inspection lane through which a vehicle is driven. A processor is configured with software instructions to capture a set of images from the set of imaging sensors and to evaluate the captured images according to a set of rules to identify images in which a license plate is visible on an observed surface of the vehicle. The processor is further configured with software instruction to extract license plate information from the identified images, assign a figure of merit to the extracted information, and generate an output in response to the assigned figures of merit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2020
    Publication date: December 3, 2020
    Inventors: Philip G. Grunzinger, JR., Timothy A. Strege, Kevin V. Schoemehl