Abstract: The present invention comprises a modified commercially available laser level, with a series of accessories to enable it to be used in a variety of usage configurations and orientations. The precise lazer tool includes at least one laser level assembly, at least two extensions, at least two base assemblies, at least one free standing magnetic scale, and a magnetic tape measure. The present invention is capable of establishing a datum line under the vehicle or other structure, along the sides, or other points remote from the frame. In addition, the present invention has means for placing it on a level surface. The present invention is also significantly less expensive than prior measuring devices.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for providing a system that has a plurality of devices in which the position of a device of the plurality of devices relative to another device of the plurality of devices is self-calibrated. In one embodiment, the system is a five-camera aligner for use in aligning motor vehicle wheels. In this embodiment, the aligner includes a first camera pod having two alignment cameras and a calibration camera, and a second camera pod having another two alignment cameras and a calibration target. Because the aligner has four alignment cameras and a calibration camera, the aligner is often referred to as a five-camera aligner. For illustration purposes, the first camera pod is herein referred to as the left camera pod and the second camera pod is herein referred to as the right camera pod. In one embodiment, the left camera pod is placed to the left of the aligner, and the right camera pod is placed to the right of the aligner.

Abstract: An alignment device (30) for mounting on a laser mapping machine in place of a tire. The alignment device (30) comprises alignment surfaces S1-S5 which, when mapped by the machine, will provide alignment parameters. Specifically, the mapping of the alignment surface S1 and the mapping of the alignment surface S2 reflect the perpendicularity of the machine's laser relative to the machine's rail in a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The mapping of the alignment surface S2 and the alignment surface S3 will reflect the parallelism of the rail to the machine's shaft in the first and second directions. The mapping of the alignment surface S4 and the alignment surface S5 will reflect radial and out-of-plane wobble.

Abstract: A device for determining the wheel and/or axle geometry of motor vehicles in a measuring space, using an optical measuring device having at least two image recording devices, which records from at least two different perspectives a marking device including a plurality of wheel features arranged on a wheel, at least one vehicle body feature and a reference feature array having at least three reference features offset in at least one plane, and having an evaluation device, the position of the reference features in the measuring space being known to the evaluation device, the recording of the marking device taking place during the passage of the motor vehicle and the axis of rotation of a measured wheel being ascertained by the simultaneous recording of the wheel features and of the at least one vehicle body feature at a plurality of points in time in the measuring space.

Abstract: An image processing type aligner enables proper set-up of one of two optical adjustment elements used to align an adaptive cruise control sensor or the like mounted on a vehicle. One element, such as a laser beam source, is mounted with the sensor on the vehicle; and the other element, such as a mirror, is mounted on a stand. A carrier on the stand positions two optical targets of the aligner at transversely spaced apart locations. The stand is positioned between the vehicle and the aligner and manipulated until the aligner indicates that the axis of the adjustment element on the stand is aligned relative to the thrust line of the vehicle. A beam of light is transmitted between the two adjustment elements, and the technician adjusts the sensor until the beam position indicates a desired alignment of the sensor relative to the thrust line.

Abstract: A wheel alignment adjustment system includes sensing apparatus for sensing alignment characteristics of a vehicle to be aligned, and a memory for storing alignment specifications for a plurality of vehicles and alignment adjustment parts. A fixture is provided to secure the sensing apparatus to a wheel hub of the vehicle upon removal of the vehicle wheel rim and tire assembly, and a logic circuit is provided to determine, from sensed alignment characteristics, and corresponding alignment specifications, an adjustment to alter the vehicle alignment characteristics. A display is also included for displaying to a user a representation of the determined alignment.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a pair of wheel-mounting spindles respectively mounted to a pair of vertically swingable wheel support arms for being steered about respective king pin axes. During assembly of the vehicle on an assembly line, right- and left-hand laser toe gauges are mounted to the spindle shafts in a defined orientation wherein target surfaces of the gauges lie along a respective king pin axis. Length-adjustable tie-rods are coupled to the spindles and adjustable in order that a laser beam emitted from one toe gauge impinges on the target of the other toe gauge when the toe-in is within a prescribed range for resulting in steering and tire wear characteristics. The toe gauges are constructed such that the laser beam direction may be adjusted to calibrate the toe gauge for the particular vehicle being assembled.

Abstract: In order to measure a two-wheeled vehicle frame, in which an essentially U-shaped measurement bracket (12) with two limbs (13) and an upper crossbar (14) is inserted, centered, into a retaining hole (5) which is at right angles to the longitudinal axis, and is moved to a fixed angular position, an optically acting component (9) is mounted in a defined position relative to the steering axis (2) of the two-wheeled vehicle frame, and a relative position between the measurement bracket (12) and the optical component (9) is fixed by means of a beam path between the measurement bracket (12) and the optically acting component (9), the invention provides that the optically acting component (9) is mounted in the headstock (1) without any play but such that it can rotate, using an adjustable-height insert (7) which in provided with a first scale, the crossbar (14) is provided with a horizontal marking (18) and with a central horizontal second scale (17), the crossbar is provided with an optically acting surface (16), w

Abstract: A system for obtaining positional information about a vehicle includes a vision imaging system and a vehicle position adjustment mechanism for moving the vehicle between at least two positions for detection by the vision imaging system. The vehicle position adjustment mechanism includes a body, surface support wheels, a motor, and a controller. The body engages the vehicle, and the controller controls the direction and distance the vehicle position adjustment mechanism moves the vehicle. The surface support wheels are connected to the body and support the body on a surface. The motor drives the vehicle between the at least two positions.

Abstract: A target system for determining the location of a position on a vehicle comprises a target body, one or more target elements, a trigger, and a point definer. The target elements are disposed on the target body and are detectable by a position determination system. The trigger is positioned on the target body and is remote from the position determination system. The trigger operates the position determination system by selectively changing the detection of one or more of the target elements by the position determination system. The point definer extends from the target body, and the point definer includes a point its a distal end. The point is capable of being located adjacent the position on the vehicle and is at a known location from the target body. The position determination system determines a location of the target body after detecting the target elements disposed on the target body. Methods of using the target system are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the dynamic characteristics of the vehicle wheel alignment in non-contact fashion with high accuracy is disclosed. A laser light source (4) emits a laser beam of a predetermined geometric pattern toward the wheel side surface. A laser beam control device (6) controls the width of the laser beam in such a manner as to be radiated only in a predetermined range of the wheel side surface. Two laser light sources (120), (121) emit non-parallel laser beams. A photdetecting device (122) receives the two laser beams and converts them to two corresponding image data. A processing unit calculates the distance between the two images based on the two image data and calculates the wheel alignment based on the same distance.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and system for determining symmetry and Ackermann geometry status of the steering system of a vehicle. A system according to the disclosure determines symmetry of the steering system based on toe angle differences of the steerable wheels. Thus, no specification is required for determining symmetry of the steering system. A system according to the disclosure determines symmetry of the steering system based on normalized toe angles. Consequently, the steerable wheel does not have to be positioned at a specific angle. Additionally, the present disclosure determines symmetry in the steering system of a vehicle without requiring turning steering wheels through a large angular range. Hence, technician efforts in steering the wheel are reduced. The disclosure also provides an improved alignment procedure that implements determination of symmetry of the steering system into the alignment procedure.

Abstract: A system for servicing a racing car or other car at a track, other race course, or similar destination employs an open platform for supporting the car by its tires in a horizontal position. The platform supports the car, and is itself supported by a crawler, in a carrier vehicle, for example a truck or trailer, when the carrier vehicle is transporting the car. The crawler and platform are also used to unload and load the car from and into the carrier vehicle. To unload the car at the destination, the crawler, with the platform and car on it, is driven out of the carrier vehicle and onto the ground. Next, the platform is elevated by extending its legs so that it rises off, is spaced from, and straddles the crawler. Then the crawler is driven out from under the platform. Then the platform is lowered to the ground, where it is used as a lift to elevate the car so that its undercarriage may be accessed. The platform may also be used to tune the chassis of the car.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for determining the position of a part on a vehicle are provided. The methods comprise measuring the respective distances from first and second measuring locations to each of a plurality of measuring points associated with the part whose position is to be determined. The position of each of the measuring points is then calculated relative to a fixed location, and these values are compared to determine the position of the part. The inventive apparatus comprises a main body which is attached to the vehicle. The main body includes an elongate member extending substantially therefrom and mounted to pivot relative to the main body about a pivot point central to the location of attachment of the main body to the vehicle. Finally, the main body comprises a retractable wire which can be extended to droppers removably fixed to the vehicle at various pick-up points. A sensing unit determines the distance from the main body to the pick-up point from the length of wire extended.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for generating vehicle alignment reports. Preferred aspects of the present invention comprise receiving at a computer a plurality of alignment characteristics in an electronic format directly from a vehicle alignment auditing machine, receiving at the computer alignment session information, and outputting the alignment characteristics and alignment session information via computer network to a central alignment data repository remote from the computer. An additional aspect of the present invention comprises downloading historical vehicle alignment characteristics, historical alignment session information and predefined alignment specification information via computer network from the central alignment data repository and generating at least one historical alignment report based on the downloaded data.

Abstract: A method of aligning an ACC-sensor on a vehicle includes the following steps: (a) arranging a reflection surface in front of the vehicle for reflecting emitted ACC-sensor rays; (b) aligning the horizontal axis of the reflection surface parallel to the rear axle of the vehicle; (c) aligning the vertical axis of the reflection surface essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle which is defined by the alignment of the front and rear axle; and (d) adjusting the ACC-sensor such that a defined or maximal fraction of the emitted rays is reflected.

Abstract: An alignment head for use in aligning the wheels of a vehicle. The alignment head includes left and right covers configured for engaging each other to establish a housing. A frame assembly is positioned within a central portion of the housing, and sensors are mounted on the frame assembly. First and second transceivers are positioned respectively within front and rear portions of the housing. The sensors and transceivers provide information that is used by certain control circuitry to generate alignment information that can be used to align the wheels of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method and system for providing an improved camber adjustment technique. The method comprises the steps of: turning the steerable wheel to a first position in which the steerable wheel is either toe-in or toe-out, then turning the steerable wheel to a second position in which the steerable wheel is toe-out if the steerable wheel is toe-in in the first position, and in which the steerable wheel is toe-in if the steerable wheel is toe-out in the first position. Toe angles and camber angles during the turning of the steerable wheel from the first position to the second position are measured. An adjustment amount of camber at any toe angle is determined by the difference between the camber angle at zero toe and a specification camber angle.

Abstract: Attitude angles of motor vehicles are measured, in particular the toe-in and camber angles or the wheels. According to the invention: a) four laser-beam measuring heads are arranged in predetermined positions, one for each wheel, so as to define an invariable spatial reference system; b) a laser beam sweeping over a plurality of horizontal planes which are situated at a relative distance from each other and which pass through the plane of the wheel is emitted by each measuring head, and a signal representing the spatial position of measurement transition points (p1, p2, pj, pn) on the said wheel is captured on the beam reflected by the surface of the wheel; c) and finally, on the basis of the spatial position of a set of said measurement points (p1, p2, pj, pn), the position of the plane of the wheel and its axis of rotation as well as the characteristic angles formed by the plane of the wheel, with respect to said spatial reference system, are calculated.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring vehicle wheel alignment comprising a yoke having a pair of aligned center pins engageable with a transverse axis in the vehicle; a collimated beam projector connectable to the yoke and adapted to project its beam at right angles to the axis of the center pins, and longitudinally of the vehicle with reference to the transverse axis and a target for the beam so attachable to a wheel of the vehicle that alignment of the wheel can be measured. In one embodiment the target is a mirror and the projector is provided with a transverse scale for measuring the reflected beam. In the other embodiment the target comprises a set of scales hung or clamped to the wheel.

Abstract: In order to measure a two-wheeled vehicle frame, in which an essentially U-shaped measurement bracket (12) with two limbs (13) and an upper crossbar (14) is inserted, centered, into a retaining hole (5) which is at right angles to the longitudinal axis, and is moved to a fixed angular position, an optically acting component (9) is mounted in a defined position relative to the steering axis (2) of the two-wheeled vehicle frame, and a relative position between the measurement bracket (12) and the optical component (9) is fixed by means of a beam path between the measurement bracket (12) and the optically acting component (9), the invention provides that the optically acting component (9) is mounted in the headstock (1) without any play but such that it can rotate, using an adjustable-height insert (7) which in provided with a first scale, the crossbar (14) is provided with a horizontal marking (18) and with a central horizontal second scale (17), the crossbar is provided with an optically acting surface (16), w

Abstract: The present invention relates to a control circuit for controlling the driving stability of a vehicle where the input quantities determining the course of track are input in a vehicle model circuit which determines at least on nominal value for a control quantity subject to parameters memorised in the vehicle reference model on the basis of a vehicle reference model reproducing the characteristics of the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a mechanism for positioning video cameras for use in measuring vehicle wheel alignment includes optical targets for mounting to the wheels of a vehicle, at least one video camera for viewing said optical targets and producing at least one image thereof, a computer system for measuring said at least one image and for using said measurements to compute vehicle wheel alignment information, a positioning system for positioning said at least one video camera such that said optical targets are visible to said at least one video camera and such that said at least one video camera can produce said at least one image of said targets, and a controller for controlling said positioning system such that a user of said apparatus can cause said at least one video camera to be positioned in at least one desired position and such that said user can further cause said controller to remember said at least one desired position so that any user can, at a later time, cause said controller to

Abstract: The invention relates to a measurement method for determining the position and the orientation of a moving assembly in a base frame of reference. According to the invention, the method comprises the steps of: taking an image of an optical reference mark associated with the moving assembly by means of a first camera having a focal axis lying in a direction that is known in the base frame of reference; taking an image of an optical reference mark associated with the first camera by means of a second camera associated with the moving assembly; measuring the distance between a point associated with the first camera and a point associated with the second camera by using self-contained measurement means that are independent of said first and second cameras; and computing the position and the orientation of the moving assembly in the base frame of reference on the basis of the images taken and of the measured distance.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for aligning the steerable (front) wheels or hubs of a vehicle with the fixed (rear) wheels or hubs in substantially parallel longitudinal alignment. The steerable wheels are thus set in a straight ahead position for connection of a steering wheel to the steering linkage in the corresponding straight ahead position. Laser devices measure the relative angles of the front and rear wheel hubs as the vehicle or chassis is carried along an assembly line. A computer controlled power wrench then rotates the steering gear to longitudinally align the plane of the steerable hub on one side of the vehicle substantially parallel with the plane of the fixed hub in the same side. The steering wheel is then installed so that both the steering wheel and the steerable wheels are set in the straight ahead position. Additional features are also disclosed.

Abstract: A portable alignment system for aligning the front and rear wheels of a motorcycle has a rear wheel assembly including rigid, longitudinally extending, first and second alignment members and a front wheel assembly including rigid, longitudinally extending, third and fourth alignment members. First and second laser units are removably mounted to the first and second alignment members, respectively. At least one measuring indicia is removably mounted to each of the third and fourth alignment members. Rear and front clamping subsystems removably clamp the first and second alignment members on either side of the rear wheel and the third and fourth alignment members on either side of the front wheel during the alignment procedure. The first and second laser units emit laser beams onto the measuring indicia mounted to the third and fourth alignment members, respectively, to provide an objective indication of the degree of alignment of the front and rear wheels.

Abstract: An optical installation for determining the relative positions of at least two objects, such as vehicle wheels, includes two optical systems for determining the position of an object in space, each with respect to its observation frame. An optical reference system includes a target visible from the other optical system in the absence of the objects. The other optical system includes a device for analyzing an image of the target and a device for positioning the target with respect to its observation frame, so as to deduce therefrom the position of the observation frame of the other optical system with respect to the observation frame of the of the optical reference system, on the basis of the positions of the target with respect to the observation frame and of the target with respect to the observation frame of the optical reference system.

Abstract: A system (10) for measuring the dynamic orientation of the plane of a wheel (12) on a vehicle (14). The system (10) includes a test surface (16) which rotates with the wheel (12) and a orientation-determining device (18) which is unattached to the vehicle (14). The test surface (16) is positioned in a plane corresponding to the plane of the wheel (12) and the orientation-determining device (18) determines the orientation of the plane of the test surface (12) at a specific point of time while the vehicle is being driven. A processor (20) receives output signals from the orientation-determining device (18) and converts the output signals into data corresponding to the orientation of the wheel plane for the specific instant in time.

Abstract: A vehicle chassis and body measurement system and method of operation thereof is disclosed. The measurement system uses light-reflective targets placed at known offsets from measurement points on a vehicle. The system has a measuring head that directs two beams of light from the head at the light-reflective targets. When the light reflects back from the targets to the head, it is sensed and enables the system to determine the location of the target. The lights in the head are adjusted by the system until the reflected light signal disappears. The system can determine the relative position of the vehicle measurement points using the calculated target location measurements and the manually measured position of the targets.

Abstract: A non-contact type wheel alignment measuring apparatus includes a fixed-focal-length lens and a pair of light sources located on the opposite sides of the lens for projecting a pair of laser beams onto the side surface of a wheel to be measured. The apparatus also includes a CCD sensor on which images reflecting from the wheel are formed and the distance between the two images is detected as a function of pixels of CCD sensor between them. The information of this distance (or the number of pixels) is utilized to determine the distance between the measuring apparatus and a point of interest on the wheel. With two or more such information for different locations on the wheel, its alignment characteristic, such as toe-in and camber angles, can be determined.

Abstract: A repair device for repairing body panels for motor vehicles and the like includes a thin filament with a hook at one end and a Y-shaped body at the other. The device is used by attaching the hook and the body to the respective portions of the body and then tensioning the filament in between to establish a straight line. A body filler then may be added to repair the panel as required using the straight line as a guide. The filament may be cut off and left in the filler for reinforcement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for adjusting the alignment of a beam characteristic of a distance sensor, in particular of a proximity radar for a motor vehicle. An apparatus for positioning a motor vehicle, preferably a headlight aiming device, is joined to the target object for the distance sensor. Also provided is a service unit with which measured values or data of the distance sensor can be read out. On the basis of at least one predefined criterion, the measured values or data are analyzed in such a way that necessary displacement directions of the distance sensor can be displayed by way of the service unit. Preferably the capability of the distance sensor to determine angular positions of detected target objects is utilized. Otherwise adjustment is performed to predefined reception levels.

Abstract: The disclosure shows a face plate or main plate for mounting to a tire axle with arms extending outward to hold a tire positioned where a rim would otherwise hold the tire so that the user may determine if the tire and rim will work with the vehicle wheel well. Expanding arms with grips on either side for holding opposite sides of the tire bead are described so that the tire may be held in an expanded position. All of the parts are interchangeable or expandable to allow a plurality of tires or lug bolt patterns to be accommodated. A process for using the device is also taught.

Abstract: A laser based vehicle alignment kit is installed on an existing centerline gauge system to provide a pair of laser beams directed towards one end of a vehicle and a center laser which may be rotated 360° to simultaneously direct a beam towards the opposed end of the vehicle. The system includes a plurality of horizontal mounting bars, each equipped with structure for coupling with the center assembly of a centerline gauge and a pair of dependent blocks for leveling engagement with the gauge crossbars. One bar is equipped with a laser at each lateral end as well as a laser mounted above the center point of the gauge assembly. The center laser is rotatable 360° about an axis perpendicular with the bar. The remaining bars each include three upstanding transparent targets for sighting alignment with the lasers. The rotatable center laser is coupled with a scale and a series of stops for parallel or perpendicular alignment of the beam with respect to the lateral beams.

Abstract: A four sensor wheel aligner has a single omnidirectional angle sensor mounted on each of four vehicle support wheels. Each sensor is in optical communication with the other sensors. Data is produced from which toe, camber, caster and steering axis inclination angles are computed. No reference is made to vertical. Redundant data sets are produced which provide system reliability and error tracking features and maximum accuracy from available data sets. Frame distortion measurements are made to facilitate collision repair in coordination with wheel alignment.

Abstract: A computer-assisted method for adjusting alignment angles of a wheel attached to a wheel mounting structure of a vehicle. This method includes measuring a baseline wheel alignment angle with respect to a rim or hub of a wheel and using a computer for storing baseline wheel alignment angle data in a memory. A required change in the wheel alignment angle is determined from the baseline wheel alignment angle. Then, the wheel and rim are removed from the mounting structure and, using the computer, the baseline wheel alignment angle data is retrieved from the memory. Finally, a change in wheel alignment angle from the baseline wheel alignment angle is measured while adjusting the mounting structure. The change in wheel alignment angle data and the required change in the wheel alignment angle are compared.

Abstract: A vehicle alignment sensor system includes a first sensor assembly for measuring at least a first angle with respect to a fixed reference, that angle being related in a predetermined manner to an alignment angle of a vehicle whose alignment is to be measured, and a second sensor assembly for mounting in a known geometrical relationship to a wheel of a vehicle whose alignment is to be measured. The first sensor assembly has at least one detector, and the second sensor assembly has at least a pair of emitters in fixed geometrical relationship with respect to each other. The detector is capable of measuring the apparent geometrical relationship of the pair of emitters to determine a relative alignment angle of the vehicle, so that a true alignment angle of the vehicle is determinable from the first angle and the relative alignment angle. A calibration method using the present system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A non-handed horizontal headlamp adjustor mechanism. The mechanism includes a directing member and drive structure operatively coupled to the directing member. The directing member is engageable with a reflector of a headlamp assembly mounted in a vehicle. The drive structure is rotatable to effect movement of the directing member and adjust a position of the reflector. Indicia is provided on the mechanism generally proximate the drive member. The indicia relates to which direction to rotate the drive structure to effect movement of the reflector in a direction which is either toward or away from a centerline of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method of aligning an ACC-sensor on a vehicle includes the following steps: (a) arranging a reflection surface in front of the vehicle for reflecting emitted ACC-sensor rays; (b) aligning the horizontal axis of the reflection surface parallel to the rear axle of the vehicle; (c) aligning the vertical axis of the reflection surface essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle which is defined by the alignment of the front and rear axle; and (d) adjusting the ACC-sensor such that a defined or maximal fraction of the emitted rays is reflected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for determining a roll radius of a vehicle wheel for use in alignment and other diagnostic or maintenance operations. An optically scannable target is attached to a wheel of the vehicle. A first position measurement is made using a machine vision system, such as a three-dimensional aligner. The vehicle is rolled a short distance and a second position measurement is made. The linear and angular differences of the first and second position measurements are used to compute and store a roll radius value. Alignment values resulting from alignment of the motor vehicle are modified based on the roll radius value. A plane angle value may also be created and stored for use in adjusting the alignment values.

Abstract: An axle alignment system includes a transmitter, reflectors, and an indicator area. The transmitter transmits signals, preferably laser beams, to each reflector. Signals received by the reflectors attached to the end of the axles are reflected at a predetermined angle and direction to be viewed on an indicator area. The indicator area receives the redirected signals from each reflector and provides a visual illustration of the relationship between the suspension axle and another suspension part such as the suspension subframe siderails. Accordingly, the angularity of the axles relative to the siderails may be adjusted such that each of the reflected signals are displayed simultaneously on a reference marker. Once the reflected signals are aligned with respect to the reference marker, the axles are assured to be in accurate alignment.

Abstract: Wheel alignment errors are substantially eliminated by making a first set of wheel alignment measurements while a vehicle is disposed at a first position with substantially all lateral forces applied thereto being relieved while the vehicle remains supported by its wheels, and making a second set of wheel alignment measurements while the vehicle is disposed at a second position with substantially all lateral forces applied thereto being relieved while the vehicle remains supported by its wheels.

Abstract: A four sensor wheel aligner has a single omnidirectional angle sensor mounted on each of four vehicle support wheels. Each sensor is in optical communication with the other sensors. Data is produced from which toe, camber, caster and steering axis inclination angles are computed. No reference is made to vertical. Redundant data sets are produced which provide system reliability and error tracking features and maximum accuracy from available data sets. Frame distortion measurements are made to facilitate collision repair in coordination with wheel alignment.

Abstract: Steering wheel lash and suspension play are checked by comparing predefined movements of the steering wheel and the road wheels. A steering wheel fixture adapted to be mounted to the steering wheel particularly facilitates the steering wheel lash determination. Quickly mountable and removable road wheel angle sensors also facilitate the method.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the position and/or alignment of objects such as motor vehicle wheels, and including targets for attachment to the objects, a pair of optical sensing means such as television cameras for viewing the targets, an electronic processing means connected to the optical sensing means for processing data relating to images of the targets to determine position and/or alignment information, and a display means for displaying the position and/or alignment information. The optical sensing means view a target located on each object and form an image of each target. Electronic signals corresponding to each of the images are transferred to the electronic processing means which correlates the image signals of each of the targets with the true shape of each target.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the orientation parameters of a wheel-alignment optical target 10 affixed to a vehicle wheel 20 by a no-compensation wheel clamp 16. The wheel-alignment optical target includes a stub shaft 24 adapted for insertion within an axial bore 18 of the no-compensation wheel clamp after the wheel clamp is secured to the vehicle wheel. An optical imaging system observes the optical target and measures the orientation of the target face in a first position. The optical target is rotated partially about the longitudinal axis of the stub shaft, and the optical target is again observed and the orientation of the target face is again measured by the optical imaging system. By comparing the measured orientations of the optical target at the two rotational positions, a compensation vector Vc describing the alignment of the target face relative to the stub shaft is be determined and stored for subsequent uses of the optical target.

Abstract: A system for measuring the points on a vehicle includes reference emitters fixed relative to the vehicle, electromagnetic radiation-emitting probes, a camera, and a computer. The camera senses the direction of the emitter from three different locations so the computer can triangulate to determine the position of the emitter. The position is then put onto a standard coordinate system and is compared to standard data for the type of vehicle to determine the extent of deviation of the measured point from the standard data. This provides real time data to a person who is straightening the vehicle or aligning parts of the vehicle to know when the straightening or aligning is complete.

Abstract: A laser measuring device, for accurately measuring and realigning damaged vehicle structural elements. The device comprises a body with a horizontal magnetic surface, a ruler which extends perpendicularly to the magnetic surface, a slide which moves along the ruler, and a laser affixed to the slide. The laser can be moved to a designated distance from the upper magnetic surface of the magnet. The laser is pivotally moveable relative to the slide so that the laser can be leveled. The laser includes a line generation prism to project a horizontal line from the laser. The invention is used in conjunction with an autobody frame and helps establish a horizontal (laser) datum line from which reference measurements can be taken to designated measurement points on the frame of the automobile.

Abstract: An alignment system is comprised of a lower base plate coupled to an upper slide plate. The plates are coupled together by a sliding mechanism configured to allow the upper plate to slide in two dimensions parallel to the lower plate. A mounting surface is formed in the upper plate proximate a first outer edge, the mounting surface being inclined at a angle below the horizontal relative to the outer edge of the upper plate. A vertical plane of light is generated and is visible when the light impinges upon an object. An alignment bar is coupled to the outer edge of the upper slide plate in an orientation parallel to the plane of light. When a support surface is level, the upper plate is inclined at an angle and gravity causes the upper plate to slide relative to the lower plate until the alignment bar rests against a component to be measured.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for determining the alignment of a wheel of a vehicle includes mounting a known optical target to a wheel on the vehicle, the known optical target having a plurality of optical elements, each optical element having at least one straight edge disposed on a background, obtaining at least one video image of the optical target, estimating from the video image of the optical target the characteristics in said video image of a plurality of lines corresponding to projections onto the video image of the straight edges of the optical elements, and determining from the estimates of the characteristics the alignment of the wheel. A similar target for determining the position of a runway on which the vehicle is positioned is also disclosed.