Abstract

A wheel adapter (2) for fastening to a wheel (1), in particular to a wheel (1) of a motor vehicle, has at least two arms (22, 23, 24), which, in a common plane, extend outward from a central housing (10) of the wheel adapter (2). Each of the arms (22, 23, 24) has at least one movable element (32a, 33a, 34a), which is movable outward and inward along the arm (22, 23, 24). A removable claw (12, 13, 14; 42, 43, 44) can be mounted on each of the movable elements (32a, 33a, 34a) and is designed to contact the tread (7) of a wheel (1) when the wheel adapter (2) is mounted on the wheel (1). The wheel adapter (2) has at least two sets of claws (12, 13, 14; 42, 43, 44), which can be mounted selectively on the movable elements (32a, 33a, 34a) Each set of claws (12, 13, 14; 42, 43, 44) comprises at least as many claws (12, 13, 14; 42, 43, 44) as the wheel adapter (2) has arms (22, 23, 24). The claws (12, 13, 14; 42, 43, 44) of different sets of claws (12, 13, 14; 42, 43, 44) are of different design, and therefore the wheel adapter (2) can be adapted to different sizes of wheel (1) by the selection of a set of claws (12, 13, 14; 42, 43, 44), which are mounted on the movable elements (32a, 33a, 34a)

IPC Classes  ?

• G01B 21/04 - Measuring arrangements or details thereof, where the measuring technique is not covered by the other groups of this subclass, unspecified or not relevant for measuring length, width, or thickness by measuring coordinates of points
• G01B 21/26 - Measuring arrangements or details thereof, where the measuring technique is not covered by the other groups of this subclass, unspecified or not relevant for measuring angles or tapersMeasuring arrangements or details thereof, where the measuring technique is not covered by the other groups of this subclass, unspecified or not relevant for testing the alignment of axes for testing wheel alignment

Abstract

The invention relates to a measuring bar (14) according to the invention for optical measurement of a chassis and/or preparation of calibration of a driver assistance system of a vehicle (6), the measuring bar being intended and designed to be arranged on a measuring station (2) in front of a vehicle (6) with substantially horizontal alignment. At least one measuring camera (16) for capturing images of measurement boards on the vehicle wheels (8) is arranged at each of left and right outer regions of that side of the measuring bar (14) which is directed toward the vehicle (6). On that side of the measuring bar (14) which is directed toward the vehicle (6), in a region between the left and the right measuring cameras (16), at least one luminous strip (22, 24) is arranged with horizontal alignment, for displaying signals for optical measurement of the chassis and/or preparation of calibration of a driver assistance system of the vehicle (6). The at least one luminous strip (22, 24) makes it possible to display a large number of optical signals which are readily discernible to the operator, namely optical feedback messages and optical operator aids, for the measurement and/or for the preparation of calibration.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01B 11/275 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring angles or tapersMeasuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for testing the alignment of axes for testing wheel alignment

Goods & Services

Motor vehicle service machines, in particular hydraulic axle jacks, pneumatic axle jacks, machines for fitting tyres, wheel alignment machines, hand-held tools, other than hand-operated, tools [parts of machines], holding devices for machine tools, lifting platforms. Electronic measuring and testing apparatus for motor vehicles, in particular chassis measuring apparatus, contact and contactless chassis measuring apparatus and axle measuring apparatus, brake testing apparatus, shock absorber testing apparatus, climatic testing apparatus, apparatus for measuring the profile depth of tyres and for tyre diagnostics, diagnostic apparatus, in particular diagnosis apparatus for vehicle electronics and for vehicle electrics, roller dynamometers (measuring and testing equipment); optical headlamp adjustment apparatus, in particular video-based optical headlamp adjustment apparatus, testing installations for motor vehicles, consisting of electronic equipment (included in class 9); electricity indicators, electronic notice boards, steering apparatus, automatic, for vehicles, encoded service cards, remote control apparatus, cameras [photography], cloud servers, cloud server software, cloud computing software; surveying tools, in particular for vehicle wheel alignment; wheel alignment measuring targets for vehicles; wheel alignment measuring holders for vehicles; wheel alignment measuring turntables and sliding plates for vehicles. Machinery installation, maintenance and repair; repair, assistance and maintenance relating to vehicles, in particular motor vehicles.

Goods & Services

Motor vehicle service machines, in particular hydraulic axle jacks, pneumatic axle jacks, machines for fitting tyres, wheel alignment machines, hand-held tools, other than hand-operated, tools [parts of machines], holding devices for machine tools, lifting platforms. Electronic measuring and testing apparatus for motor vehicles, in particular chassis measuring apparatus, contact and contactless chassis measuring apparatus and axle measuring apparatus, brake testing apparatus, shock absorber testing apparatus, climatic testing apparatus, apparatus for measuring the profile depth of tyres and for tyre diagnostics, diagnostic apparatus, in particular diagnosis apparatus for vehicle electronics and for vehicle electrics, roller dynamometers (measuring and testing equipment); optical headlamp adjustment apparatus, in particular video-based optical headlamp adjustment apparatus, testing installations for motor vehicles, consisting of electronic equipment (included in class 9); electricity indicators, electronic notice boards, steering apparatus, automatic, for vehicles, encoded service cards, remote control apparatus, cameras [photography], cloud servers, cloud server software, cloud computing software; surveying tools, in particular for vehicle wheel alignment; wheel alignment measuring targets for vehicles; wheel alignment measuring holders for vehicles; wheel alignment measuring turntables and sliding plates for vehicles. Machinery installation, maintenance and repair; repair, assistance and maintenance relating to vehicles, in particular motor vehicles.

Abstract

a) inward in radial direction. The wheel holder (1) further comprises a coupling element (60) that mechanically couples the traction elements (62, 63, 63) of the at least two arms (22, 23, 24) to each other.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60B 30/02 - Means for holding wheels or parts thereof engaging the tyre, e.g. the tyre being mounted on the wheel rim
• G01B 5/00 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of mechanical techniques
• G01B 5/255 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of mechanical techniques for measuring angles or tapersMeasuring arrangements characterised by the use of mechanical techniques for testing the alignment of axes for testing wheel alignment
• B60B 30/04 - Means for holding wheels or parts thereof engaging the tyre, e.g. the tyre being mounted on the wheel rim the tyre not being mounted on a rim, i.e. holders or supports for tyres alone
• G01B 21/26 - Measuring arrangements or details thereof, where the measuring technique is not covered by the other groups of this subclass, unspecified or not relevant for measuring angles or tapersMeasuring arrangements or details thereof, where the measuring technique is not covered by the other groups of this subclass, unspecified or not relevant for testing the alignment of axes for testing wheel alignment

Goods & Services

Calibration devices, calibration apparatus, calibration instruments and calibrating apparatus, Especially, Calibration devices, calibration apparatus, calibration instruments and calibrating apparatus of driver assistance systems for vehicles and cameras, sensors, in particular cameras and radar sensors for vehicles; Targets, target panels, instrument panels and reflecting mirrors for calibrating driver assistance systems, cameras and sensors, in particular cameras and radar sensors for vehicles; Undercarriage measuring apparatus and axle measuring apparatus, Especially Contact and contactless undercarriage measuring apparatus and axle measuring apparatus, including parts and fittings therefor, All goods included in class 9; Optical wheel alignment measuring apparatus for vehicles; Electric wheel alignment measuring apparatus for vehicles; Wheel alignment measuring instruments for vehicles; the aforementioned not being driver assistance systems for vehicles or obstacle and collision detection systems in the collective passenger transport sector or goods transportation sector.

Abstract

A wheel holder (2) for fastening to a wheel (1), in particular to a wheel (1) of a motor vehicle, comprises at least two arms (22, 23, 24) extending outward from a center (28) of the wheel holder (2) in a radial direction; each of the arms (22, 23, 24) having at least one movable element (32, 33, 34) that is movable in the radial direction; a rotation element (40) that is arranged in the center (28) of the wheel holder (2) such that it can rotate; at least two coupling elements (52, 53, 54) each extending between one of the movable elements (32, 33, 34) and the central rotation element (40) such that the movable elements (32, 33, 34) are movable in the radial direction by rotation of the rotation element (40); and at least one drive device (63, 64) which is connected to one of the movable elements (32, 33, 34) via a force transmitting element (73, 74) and which is designed to apply, via the force transmitting element (73,74), a force to the movable element (32, 33, 34) that is directed towards the center (28) of the wheel holder (2).

IPC Classes  ?

• B60B 30/02 - Means for holding wheels or parts thereof engaging the tyre, e.g. the tyre being mounted on the wheel rim
• B60B 30/04 - Means for holding wheels or parts thereof engaging the tyre, e.g. the tyre being mounted on the wheel rim the tyre not being mounted on a rim, i.e. holders or supports for tyres alone

Abstract

A wheel holder for fastening to a wheel comprises at least two arms extending outward from a base plate of the wheel holder radially; each of the arms having at least one movable element that is movable radially; a central rotation element that is arranged in the center of the wheel holder such that it can rotate; and at least two coupling elements each extending between one of the movable elements and the central rotation element such that the movable elements are movable radially by rotation of the rotation element. The rotation element is attached to the base plate of the wheel holder via a freewheeling system. The freewheeling system has at least one operating state in which the rotation element is rotatable in a freewheeling direction and rotation of the rotation element in a blocking direction opposite to the freewheeling direction is blocked.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60B 30/02 - Means for holding wheels or parts thereof engaging the tyre, e.g. the tyre being mounted on the wheel rim
• G01B 5/255 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of mechanical techniques for measuring angles or tapersMeasuring arrangements characterised by the use of mechanical techniques for testing the alignment of axes for testing wheel alignment
• G01B 21/26 - Measuring arrangements or details thereof, where the measuring technique is not covered by the other groups of this subclass, unspecified or not relevant for measuring angles or tapersMeasuring arrangements or details thereof, where the measuring technique is not covered by the other groups of this subclass, unspecified or not relevant for testing the alignment of axes for testing wheel alignment

Goods & Services

Wheel alignment measuring tools for vehicles; wheel alignment measuring targets for vehicles; wheel alignment measuring holders for vehicles; wheel alignment measuring turntables and sliding plates for vehicles.

Goods & Services

Chassis measuring apparatus and axle measuring apparatus, in particular contact and contactless chassis measuring apparatus and axle measuring apparatus, including accessories therefor, included in this class; optical wheel alignment measuring apparatus for vehicles; electric wheel alignment measuring apparatus for vehicles; wheel alignment measuring instruments for vehicles; wheel alignment measuring tools for vehicles; wheel alignment measuring targets for vehicles; wheel alignment measuring holders for vehicles; wheel alignment measuring turntables and sliding plates for vehicles.

Abstract

A wheel clamp (2) for fastening to a wheel (1), in particular to a wheel (1) of a motor vehicle, comprises at least two arms (22, 23, 24) which extend outward from a center (28) of the wheel clamp (2) in a radial direction. Each of the arms (22, 23, 24) has at least one movable element (32, 33, 34) which is movable in the radial direction. The wheel clamp (2) comprises a locking member (82) which is designed such that the movable elements (32, 33, 34), by operation of the locking member (82), can be fixed such that the movable elements (32, 33, 34) are no longer movable in the radial direction. The wheel clamp (2) also comprises an unlocking member (84) which is designed such that a fixation of the movable elements (32, 33, 34) can be released by operation of the unlocking member (84).

IPC Classes  ?

• G01B 5/255 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of mechanical techniques for measuring angles or tapersMeasuring arrangements characterised by the use of mechanical techniques for testing the alignment of axes for testing wheel alignment
• G01B 5/00 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of mechanical techniques
• G01B 7/315 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques for measuring angles or tapersMeasuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques for testing the alignment of axes for testing wheel alignment
• G01B 11/275 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring angles or tapersMeasuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for testing the alignment of axes for testing wheel alignment

Abstract

A wheel clamp (2) for fastening to a wheel (1), in particular to a wheel (1) of a motor vehicle, comprises at least two arms (22, 23, 24) which extend outward from a center (28) of the wheel clamp (2) in a radial direction, and a central rotary element (40) which is rotatably arranged in the center (28) of the wheel clamp (2). Each arm (22, 23, 24) has at least one movable element (32, 33, 34) which is movable in the radial direction in order to permit varying the length of the arm (22, 23, 24) in the radial direction. The wheel clamp (2) comprises furthermore at least two coupling elements (52, 53, 54) which each extend between one of the movable elements (32, 33, 34) and the central rotary element (40) such that the movable elements (32, 33, 34) are movable in the radial direction by rotation of the rotary element (40).

IPC Classes  ?

• F16M 13/00 - Other supports for positioning apparatus or articlesMeans for steadying hand-held apparatus or articles
• F16M 13/02 - Other supports for positioning apparatus or articlesMeans for steadying hand-held apparatus or articles for supporting on, or attaching to, an object, e.g. tree, gate, window-frame, cycle
• G01B 21/26 - Measuring arrangements or details thereof, where the measuring technique is not covered by the other groups of this subclass, unspecified or not relevant for measuring angles or tapersMeasuring arrangements or details thereof, where the measuring technique is not covered by the other groups of this subclass, unspecified or not relevant for testing the alignment of axes for testing wheel alignment

Goods & Services

Motor vehicle service machines, in particular hydraulic axle jacks, pneumatic axle jacks, Machines for fitting tyres, Wheel alignment machines, Hand-held tools, other than hand-operated, Tools [parts of machines], Holding devices for machine tools, Lifting platforms. Electronic measuring and testing apparatus for motor vehicles, In particular chassis measuring apparatus, Contact and contactless chassis measuring apparatus and axle measuring apparatus, Brake testing apparatus, Shock absorber testing apparatus, climatic testing apparatus, Apparatus for measuring the profile depth of tyres and for tyre diagnostics, Diagnostic apparatus, In particular diagnosis apparatus for vehicle electronics and for vehicle electrics, Roller dynamometers (measuring and testing equipment); Optical headlamp adjustment apparatus, In particular video-based optical headlamp adjustment apparatus, Testing installations for motor vehicles, consisting of electronic equipment (included in class 9); Electricity indicators, Electronic notice boards, Steering apparatus, automatic, for vehicles, Encoded service cards, Remote control apparatus, Cameras [photography], Cloud servers, Cloud server software, Cloud computing software; Surveying tools, in particular for vehicle wheel alignment; Wheel alignment measuring targets for vehicles; Wheel alignment measuring holders for vehicles; Wheel alignment measuring turntables and sliding plates for vehicles. Machinery installation, maintenance and repair; Repair, assistance and maintenance relating to vehicles, in particular motor vehicles.

Goods & Services

Motor vehicle service machines, in particular hydraulic axle jacks, pneumatic axle jacks, Machines for fitting tyres, Wheel alignment machines; Hand-held tools, other than hand-operated; Tools [parts of machines]; Holding devices for machine tools; Lifting platforms; Surveying tools, in particular for vehicle wheel alignment; Wheel alignment measuring targets for vehicles; Wheel alignment measuring holders for vehicles; Wheel alignment measuring turntables and sliding plates for vehicles. Electronic measuring and testing apparatus for motor vehicles, In particular chassis measuring apparatus; Contact and contactless chassis measuring apparatus and axle measuring apparatus; Brake testing apparatus; Shock absorber testing apparatus; climatic testing apparatus; Apparatus for measuring the profile depth of tyres and for tyre diagnostics; Diagnostic apparatus, In particular diagnosis apparatus for vehicle electronics and for vehicle electrics; Roller dynamometers (measuring and testing equipment); Optical headlamp adjustment apparatus, In particular video-based optical headlamp adjustment apparatus; Testing installations for motor vehicles, consisting of electronic equipment (included in class 9); Electricity indicators; Electronic notice boards; Steering apparatus, automatic, for vehicles; Encoded service cards; Cameras [photography]; All the aforesaid goods solely relating to electronic measuring and testing apparatus for motor vehicles; None of the aforesaid goods relating to data storage, data security, data reproduction and/or data archiving solutions, or data analysis or data enrichment.

Goods & Services

Motor vehicle service machines, in particular hydraulic axle jacks, pneumatic axle jacks, Machines for fitting tyres, Wheel alignment machines; Hand-held tools, other than hand-operated; Tools [parts of machines]; Holding devices for machine tools; Lifting platforms; Surveying tools, in particular for vehicle wheel alignment; Wheel alignment measuring targets for vehicles; Wheel alignment measuring holders for vehicles; Wheel alignment measuring turntables and sliding plates for vehicles. Electronic measuring and testing apparatus for motor vehicles, In particular chassis measuring apparatus; Contact and contactless chassis measuring apparatus and axle measuring apparatus; Brake testing apparatus; Shock absorber testing apparatus; climatic testing apparatus; Apparatus for measuring the profile depth of tyres and for tyre diagnostics; Diagnostic apparatus; In particular diagnosis apparatus for vehicle electronics and for vehicle electrics; Roller dynamometers (measuring and testing equipment); Optical headlamp adjustment apparatus, In particular video-based optical headlamp adjustment apparatus; Testing installations for motor vehicles, consisting of electronic equipment (included in class 9); Electricity indicators; Electronic notice boards; Steering apparatus, automatic, for vehicles; Encoded service cards; Remote control apparatus; Cameras [photography].

Goods & Services

Motor vehicle service machines, in particular hydraulic axle jacks, pneumatic axle jacks, Machines for fitting tyres, Wheel alignment machines; Hand-held tools, other than hand-operated; Tools [parts of machines]; Holding devices for machine tools; Lifting platforms; Surveying tools, in particular for vehicle wheel alignment; Wheel alignment measuring targets for vehicles; Wheel alignment measuring holders for vehicles; Wheel alignment measuring turntables and sliding plates for vehicles. Electronic measuring and testing apparatus for motor vehicles, In particular chassis measuring apparatus; Contact and contactless chassis measuring apparatus and axle measuring apparatus; Brake testing apparatus; Shock absorber testing apparatus; climatic testing apparatus; Apparatus for measuring the profile depth of tyres and for tyre diagnostics; Diagnostic apparatus, In particular diagnosis apparatus for vehicle electronics and for vehicle electrics; Roller dynamometers (measuring and testing equipment); Optical headlamp adjustment apparatus, In particular video-based optical headlamp adjustment apparatus; Testing installations for motor vehicles, consisting of electronic equipment (included in class 9); Electricity indicators; Electronic notice boards; Steering apparatus, automatic, for vehicles; Encoded service cards; Remote control apparatus; Cameras [photography].

Goods & Services

Wheel alignment measuring tools for vehicles; Wheel alignment measuring targets for vehicles; Wheel alignment measuring holders for vehicles; Wheel alignment measuring turntables and sliding plates for vehicles.

Goods & Services

Wheel alignment measuring tools for vehicles; Wheel alignment measuring targets for vehicles; Wheel alignment measuring holders for vehicles; Wheel alignment measuring turntables and sliding plates for vehicles. Chassis measuring apparatus and Axle measuring apparatus, In particular contact and contactless chassis measuring apparatus and Axle measuring apparatus, Including accessories therefor, included in class 9; Optical wheel alignment measuring apparatus for vehicles; Electric wheel alignment measuring apparatus for vehicles; Wheel alignment measuring instruments for vehicles.

Abstract

An apparatus for automatically evaluating chassis or wheel alignment measurement data comprises: a memory device configured to store a number of chassis data records, with each chassis data record containing at least one chassis parameter and a tolerance range allocated to each chassis parameter; a provisioning device configured to provide a data record of current chassis parameters, which comprises at least one current chassis parameter; a selection device configured to select, on the basis of the data record provided by the provisioning device, a subset of chassis data records from the chassis data records stored in the memory device; and a determination device configured to determine the proportion of the chassis data records from the subset of chassis data records for which the current chassis parameter's of the data record provided by the provisioning device are within the specified tolerance ranges.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01B 21/26 - Measuring arrangements or details thereof, where the measuring technique is not covered by the other groups of this subclass, unspecified or not relevant for measuring angles or tapersMeasuring arrangements or details thereof, where the measuring technique is not covered by the other groups of this subclass, unspecified or not relevant for testing the alignment of axes for testing wheel alignment
• G06V 20/20 - ScenesScene-specific elements in augmented reality scenes

Abstract

A device for wheel alignment measurement comprises at least two sensors which are configured to record each time at least two images of the front wheels and the rear wheels of a vehicle passing by; and an evaluation device which is configured to evaluate the images recorded by the sensors in order to determine whether the vehicle has traveled along a straight line. The sensors are arranged such that a vehicle to be measured can pass between the at least two sensors. The evaluation device is configured to determine the geometric travel axis of the vehicle and/or the individual tracks of the wheels on the front axle and/or the rear axle of the vehicle when the evaluation of the images recorded by the sensors reveals that the vehicle has traveled along a straight line.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01B 11/27 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring angles or tapersMeasuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for testing the alignment of axes for testing the alignment of axes
• G01B 11/275 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring angles or tapersMeasuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for testing the alignment of axes for testing wheel alignment

Abstract

A wheel adapter for fastening on a wheel, in particular on a wheel of a motor vehicle, includes at least two arms which extend in a radial direction starting from a central area of the wheel adapter Each of the arms includes at least one movable element which is movable in the radial direction in order to vary the length of the arm in the radial direction. The movable elements of at least two arms are mechanically coupled to one another in such a way that a movement of one movable element of a first arm results in a corresponding movement of a least one movable element of a second arm.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01B 5/255 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of mechanical techniques for measuring angles or tapersMeasuring arrangements characterised by the use of mechanical techniques for testing the alignment of axes for testing wheel alignment

Abstract

A device for checking the mounting of tires on a vehicle includes at least one image recording device that is configured for recording images of at least two tires mounted on the vehicle, the images each capturing at least one area of a tire, and at least one data processing device that is adapted for analyzing the recorded images to determine whether the tires have been correctly mounted on the vehicle.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06K 9/00 - Methods or arrangements for reading or recognising printed or written characters or for recognising patterns, e.g. fingerprints
• G01M 17/02 - Tyres
• G06F 16/583 - Retrieval characterised by using metadata, e.g. metadata not derived from the content or metadata generated manually using metadata automatically derived from the content
• G06T 7/00 - Image analysis
• G06K 9/62 - Methods or arrangements for recognition using electronic means
• H04N 5/76 - Television signal recording

Abstract

A device for checking the wheel suspension of a vehicle, in particular, of a motor vehicle, includes: a device for determining the wheel normals and/or the center of rotation of a wheel of the vehicle; a device for determining the movement trajectory of the wheel normals and/or of the center of rotation of the wheel during a movement of the vehicle; and a comparison and evaluation device, which is configured to compare the determined movement trajectory of the wheel normals and/or of the center of rotation of the wheel to a predefined movement trajectory, and to output a defect message when the deviation of the determined movement trajectory from the predefined movement trajectory exceeds a predefined limiting value.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01M 17/04 - Suspension or damping
• G01M 17/06 - Steering behaviourRolling behaviour
• G01B 11/275 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring angles or tapersMeasuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for testing the alignment of axes for testing wheel alignment

Abstract

A method for providing an image of a contoured surface includes: a) recording images of one or a plurality of regions of the surface using different light exposure and/or illumination; b) generating an optimized image for each of the regions from the plurality of recorded images; and c) assembling the optimized images generated for the individual regions of the surface to form an optimized total image of the surface.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06K 9/46 - Extraction of features or characteristics of the image
• B60R 1/00 - Optical viewing arrangementsReal-time viewing arrangements for drivers or passengers using optical image capturing systems, e.g. cameras or video systems specially adapted for use in or on vehicles
• H04N 5/225 - Television cameras
• H04N 5/232 - Devices for controlling television cameras, e.g. remote control
• H04N 5/265 - Mixing

Abstract

A device for recognizing the inscription on the wall of a tire, including a driving surface plane, at least one directional light source to illuminate the tire; at least one camera to record multiple images of a wall of the tire rolling on the driving surface plane; and an evaluation device to synthesize an image of the wall of the tire from the multiple recorded images and to evaluate the synthesized image with the aid of a text recognition method.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06K 9/32 - Aligning or centering of the image pick-up or image-field
• H04N 5/232 - Devices for controlling television cameras, e.g. remote control
• G06K 9/20 - Image acquisition
• G06K 9/00 - Methods or arrangements for reading or recognising printed or written characters or for recognising patterns, e.g. fingerprints
• G06K 9/46 - Extraction of features or characteristics of the image
• G06T 7/20 - Analysis of motion
• H04N 5/265 - Mixing
• H04N 7/18 - Closed-circuit television [CCTV] systems, i.e. systems in which the video signal is not broadcast
• G06T 7/73 - Determining position or orientation of objects or cameras using feature-based methods

Abstract

A device for measuring the profile of the tread of a tire (12) comprises: a running surface (16), which is provided for the tire (12) to roll on and in which at least one measurement slot (14) is formed; at least one illumination apparatus (4), which is formed and arranged in such a manner that during operation it projects a plurality of light lines (6) through the measurement slot (14) onto the profile to be measured; and at least one image capture apparatus (18), which is formed to capture at least one image of at least one region of the profile to be measured. At least one monitoring and calibration device (22) is formed at at least one measurement slot (14), said monitoring and calibration device having at least one channel-shaped depression (24), which faces the illumination apparatus (4). The at least one depression (24) is formed at an angle to the plane of the running surface (16), which is parallel to the direction of a light beam, which in the proper state is emitted by the illumination apparatus (4) and is incident into the depression (24).

IPC Classes  ?

• G01B 11/24 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring contours or curvatures
• G01M 17/02 - Tyres
• G01B 11/22 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring depth
• G01B 11/25 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring contours or curvatures by projecting a pattern, e.g. moiré fringes, on the object

Abstract

A method for checking the correct positioning of a vehicle on a measuring station for vehicle measurement includes: a) taking images of at least two tires of the vehicle; b) identifying features, in the images taken, which describe at least one area of the respectively recorded tire; c) fitting a mathematical model to the identified features; d) determining the extent of the flattening of each tire from the fitted mathematical model; e) comparing the flattening of the at least two tires.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01M 17/007 - Wheeled or endless-tracked vehicles
• G06T 7/00 - Image analysis
• G01B 11/16 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring the deformation in a solid, e.g. optical strain gauge

Abstract

A device for measuring the tread depth of a tire includes measuring modules situated transversely with respect to the running direction of the tire and connected to a shared evaluation device. Each measuring module includes (i) an illumination device which is configured and situated in such a way that during operation it projects at least one light line onto the tread to be measured, and (ii) at least one image recording device recording at least one image of at least one area of the tread to be measured. The at least one illumination device and the at least one image recording device are configured and situated in such a way that the illumination direction of the illumination device and the image recording direction of the image recording device are oriented neither in parallel to one another nor orthogonally with respect to the tread.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01B 11/22 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring depth
• G01M 17/02 - Tyres
• G01B 11/245 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring contours or curvatures using a plurality of fixed, simultaneously operating transducers
• G01B 11/25 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring contours or curvatures by projecting a pattern, e.g. moiré fringes, on the object

Abstract

A method for the automatic optical inspection of a tread profile of at least one wheel of a vehicle is provided, the method encompassing the following steps: Irradiating at least one section of the tread profile using radiation from at least one radiation device; detecting the radiation reflected by the tread profile using at least one radiation detection device; processing the reflected radiation using a data processing device; and outputting an analysis result regarding a two-dimensional and/or three-dimensional structure of the tread profile, i.e., for suitability for winter weather road conditions.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01B 11/06 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring length, width, or thickness for measuring thickness
• G01M 17/02 - Tyres
• G01B 11/22 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring depth
• B60C 25/00 - Apparatus or tools adapted for mounting, removing or inspecting tyres

Abstract

A method for testing a vehicle underbody of a motor vehicle includes: recording at least one image of at least one region of the vehicle underbody of the motor vehicle using a camera device; producing a three-dimensional depth image with the aid of the at least one recorded image of the at least one region of the vehicle underbody of the motor vehicle; and testing the at least one region of the vehicle underbody of the motor vehicle with the aid of the produced three-dimensional depth image of the vehicle underbody using optical image recognition.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 7/18 - Closed-circuit television [CCTV] systems, i.e. systems in which the video signal is not broadcast
• G01B 11/275 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring angles or tapersMeasuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for testing the alignment of axes for testing wheel alignment
• G06T 1/00 - General purpose image data processing
• G06T 7/593 - Depth or shape recovery from multiple images from stereo images

Abstract

A recording device for recording images of an underbody of a vehicle includes: at least one camera recording images of areas of the underbody; and mirrors situated to project images of the underbody into the at least one camera. The mirrors are situated in such a way that the mirrors project adjoining areas of the underbody transversely to the driving direction of the vehicle into the camera as image areas situated one above the other.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 7/18 - Closed-circuit television [CCTV] systems, i.e. systems in which the video signal is not broadcast
• H04N 5/77 - Interface circuits between an apparatus for recording and another apparatus between a recording apparatus and a television camera
• B60R 1/10 - Front-view mirror arrangementsPeriscope arrangements
• G02B 23/08 - Periscopes
• B60R 16/02 - Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided forArrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric

Abstract

A method and a device for determining the orientation of at least one rail of a measuring station of a chassis measuring device or a motor vehicle test line. The device has at least one sensing device, the at least one sensing device has at least one camera and at least one illumination unit. The at least one illumination unit illuminates at least one section of the rail using structured or unstructured light and the at least one camera records the light reflected by the rail.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01C 3/08 - Use of electric radiation detectors
• G01B 11/26 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring angles or tapersMeasuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for testing the alignment of axes
• G01B 11/275 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring angles or tapersMeasuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for testing the alignment of axes for testing wheel alignment
• G01B 21/26 - Measuring arrangements or details thereof, where the measuring technique is not covered by the other groups of this subclass, unspecified or not relevant for measuring angles or tapersMeasuring arrangements or details thereof, where the measuring technique is not covered by the other groups of this subclass, unspecified or not relevant for testing the alignment of axes for testing wheel alignment
• G01B 11/14 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring distance or clearance between spaced objects or spaced apertures

Abstract

A device for testing a vehicle includes at least one sound recording device, which is designed for recording the sound emitted by a vehicle to be tested, and an evaluation device, which is designed for evaluating the sound recorded by the at least one sound recording device. The device may include at least one image recording device, which is designed for recording at least one image of the vehicle to be tested, and a display device which is designed for representing the source(s) of the recorded sound in at least one image of the vehicle to be tested.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01M 17/007 - Wheeled or endless-tracked vehicles
• G01N 29/14 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic wavesVisualisation of the interior of objects by transmitting ultrasonic or sonic waves through the object using acoustic emission techniques
• G01N 29/04 - Analysing solids

Abstract

A method for tire inspection which includes taking at least one image of at least one first area of a tread of a tire that is to be inspected; determining the profile depth of a second area of the tread of the tire, the second area being included in the first area; and displaying the profile depth of the at least one image of the at least one first area and the position of the second area in the first area. The method may additionally include automatically analyzing the images taken of the tread, so as to arrive at statements on the condition of the tread.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01B 11/22 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring depth
• G01N 21/95 - Investigating the presence of flaws, defects or contamination characterised by the material or shape of the object to be examined
• G06T 7/00 - Image analysis
• G06T 7/40 - Analysis of texture
• G01B 11/25 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring contours or curvatures by projecting a pattern, e.g. moiré fringes, on the object

Abstract

A measuring station system for calibrating a reference system for vehicle measurement has at least one image recording device, a calibration device having multiple calibration device reference features, and a calibration frame having at least three support points which are designed for accommodating a reference system carrier for the reference system to be calibrated. The calibration frame has at least three calibration frame reference features. The positions of the support points and of the calibration frame reference features in a shared coordinate system are known.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01B 21/02 - Measuring arrangements or details thereof, where the measuring technique is not covered by the other groups of this subclass, unspecified or not relevant for measuring length, width, or thickness
• G01B 11/275 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring angles or tapersMeasuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for testing the alignment of axes for testing wheel alignment
• G01B 21/04 - Measuring arrangements or details thereof, where the measuring technique is not covered by the other groups of this subclass, unspecified or not relevant for measuring length, width, or thickness by measuring coordinates of points

Abstract

A method for determining the rolling radius of a wheel, of a motor vehicle on a road surface, including: projecting a light pattern onto the wheel and road surface; recording a light pattern reflected by the wheel and road surface using an image recording device; determining 3D coordinates of points of the reflected light pattern; identifying points of the reflected light pattern of the wheel; identifying points of the reflected light pattern of the road surface; determining the position of the center of rotation of the wheel from the reflected light pattern points identified as belonging to the wheel; determining the position of the road surface from the reflected light pattern points identified as belonging to the road surface; determining the rolling radius on the contact surface of the wheel as the distance between the center of rotation of the wheel and the position of the road surface.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01B 11/02 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring length, width, or thickness
• G01B 21/20 - Measuring arrangements or details thereof, where the measuring technique is not covered by the other groups of this subclass, unspecified or not relevant for measuring contours or curvatures, e.g. determining profile
• G01B 5/008 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of mechanical techniques for measuring coordinates of points using coordinate measuring machines
• G01B 11/10 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring diameters of objects while moving
• G01B 13/18 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of fluids for measuring angles or tapersMeasuring arrangements characterised by the use of fluids for testing the alignment of axes
• G01B 3/12 - Measuring wheels

Abstract

A method for determining distances for chassis measurement of a vehicle having a body and at least one wheel includes determining a center of rotation of a wheel of the vehicle by projecting a structured light pattern at least onto the wheel, recording a light pattern reflected by the wheel using a calibrated imaging sensor system, determining a 3D point cloud from the reflected light pattern, and determining the center of rotation of the wheel from the 3D point cloud. The method also includes determining a point on the body by evaluating the previously determined 3D point cloud or by evaluating a plurality of grey-scale images recorded under unstructured illumination. A height level is determined as a vertical distance between the center of rotation of the wheel and the point on the body.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01C 11/02 - Picture-taking arrangements specially adapted for photogrammetry or photographic surveying, e.g. controlling overlapping of pictures
• G01B 11/275 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring angles or tapersMeasuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for testing the alignment of axes for testing wheel alignment

Abstract

A method for determining characteristics of an axle geometry of a vehicle including the following: steering a wheel mounted on an axle of the vehicle to various steering positions having different steering angles; determining the spatial position of the wheel at the different steering positions; determining the particular axis of rotation of the wheel in the different steering positions from the results of the determination of the spatial position; modeling a parametric model of the steering axis; adapting the parametric model of the steering axis to the axes of rotation of the wheel determined from the measurement of the spatial position; and determining characteristics of the axle geometry from the adapted parametric model of the steering axis.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01C 1/00 - Measuring angles
• G01B 21/26 - Measuring arrangements or details thereof, where the measuring technique is not covered by the other groups of this subclass, unspecified or not relevant for measuring angles or tapersMeasuring arrangements or details thereof, where the measuring technique is not covered by the other groups of this subclass, unspecified or not relevant for testing the alignment of axes for testing wheel alignment

Abstract

In a method for controlling a measuring system in a chassis measuring station, the motor vehicle is detected automatically in the measuring station by at least one detection unit and its position is ascertained with respect to at least one measuring device which is controlled on the basis of a signal of the detection unit in that an operating state of the measuring device is activated. The measuring system includes at least two mutually opposite measuring devices, which respectively have one image acquisition unit and one transverse referencing unit, and at least one detection unit, which is a light barrier having at least one transmitter and receiver.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 7/18 - Closed-circuit television [CCTV] systems, i.e. systems in which the video signal is not broadcast
• G01B 11/275 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring angles or tapersMeasuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for testing the alignment of axes for testing wheel alignment

Abstract

A marker device is described for vehicle measurement and has at least one mark that is optically detectable by a measurement camera, and it also has at least one level gauge connected to the mark. The level gauge is configured so that it enables a determination of the spatial orientation of the mark.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01B 11/14 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring distance or clearance between spaced objects or spaced apertures

Abstract

In a method for determining a wheel or axle geometry of a vehicle, the following steps are provided: illuminating a wheel region with structured and with unstructured light during a motion of at least one wheel and/or of the vehicle; acquiring multiple images of the wheel region during the illumination, in order to create a three-dimensional surface model having surface parameters, a texture model having texture parameters, and a motion model having motion parameters of the sensed wheel region; calculating values for the surface parameters, the texture parameters, and the motion parameters using a variation computation as a function of the acquired images, in order to minimize a deviation of the three-dimensional surface model, texture model, and motion model from image data of the acquired images; and determining a rotation axis and/or a rotation center of the wheel as a function of the calculated values of the motion parameters.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 13/02 - Picture signal generators
• G01B 11/275 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring angles or tapersMeasuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for testing the alignment of axes for testing wheel alignment

Abstract

The following features may be carried out: providing a wheel suspension alignment system having four measuring heads situated in a known position with respect to one another; recording a wheel or a measuring target mounted on it in an initial position of the vehicle; shifting the vehicle from the initial position to at least one further position; recording a wheel, or a measuring target mounted on it, of the vehicle standing in the further position; recording a reference target in at least one of the initial position and the further position of the vehicle, and determining from this an absolute scale; carrying out local 3D reconstructions for determining the translation vectors, the rotation vectors and the wheel rotational angles as well as the wheel rotational centers and the wheel rotational axes of the wheels; and determining the wheel suspension alignment parameters of the vehicle.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01M 15/00 - Testing of engines

Abstract

A chassis testing unit (2) according to the present invention, in particular a shock absorber testing unit, for a vehicle on a test set-up (4) includes at least one correlation sensor (14-18), having an associated lens, situated at the side of the test set-up (4). The correlation sensor (14-18) is directed toward the test set-up (4), and is designed to detect a time sequence of images of a section of a motor vehicle (6), in particular of the body of the motor vehicle (6) and of the motor vehicle wheel, moving on the test set-up (4), and to determine directional velocity components therefrom. The chassis testing unit also includes a data processing unit which is connected to the correlation sensor or correlation sensors (14-18), and which is designed to determine the motion of the motor vehicle, in particular of the body of the motor vehicle (6) and of the motor vehicle wheel, on the basis of the directional velocity components of the correlation sensor or correlation sensors (14-18).

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 17/02 - Diagnosis, testing or measuring for television systems or their details for colour television signals
• H04N 9/47 - Colour synchronisation for sequential signals
• G01M 17/04 - Suspension or damping

Abstract

A method for wheel suspension alignment includes: providing four measuring heads each having a monocular picture recording device; recording at least three geometrical details of one wheel, respectively, of a vehicle in an initial position, using each of the four measuring heads; carrying out relative motion between the vehicle and the measuring heads from the initial position into at least one further position; recording at least three geometrical details of one wheel, respectively, of the vehicle in the further position, using each of the four measuring heads; carrying out local 3D reconstructions for determining translation vectors, rotation vectors and wheel rotational angles between the at least two positions, and wheel rotational centers and wheel rotational axes from the recorded geometrical details; determining a global scale for the measuring heads by scaling the translation vectors to have the same length; and determining camber, single toe and/or total toe of the vehicle.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01M 17/04 - Suspension or damping

Abstract

A chassis measuring system comprises an illumination device for producing a structured illumination (38, 58, 78, 98), which is developed in such a way that it produces a structured image on a measuring head (32, 52; 72, 92) situated opposite in the transverse vehicle direction, a reference surface (40, 60, 80, 100) facing in the same direction as the illumination device (38, 58, 78, 98), on which a structured image produced by an illumination device (38, 58; 78, 98) of the measuring head (32, 52; 72, 92) situated opposite in the transverse vehicle direction may be projected, and at least one measuring camera (34, 36; 54, 56; 74, 76; 94, 96) facing in the same direction as the illumination device (38, 58, 78, 98), which is developed in such a way that it detects the structured image on the reference surface (40, 60; 80, 100) of the opposite measuring head (32, 52; 72, 92) in order to determine the position parameters of the measuring head (32, 52, 72, 92).

IPC Classes  ?

• G01B 11/14 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring distance or clearance between spaced objects or spaced apertures

Abstract

A method for ascertaining the axis of rotation of a vehicle wheel in which a light pattern is projected at least onto the wheel during the rotation of the wheel and the light pattern reflected from the wheel is detected by a calibrated imaging sensor system and analyzed in an analyzer device. Accurate and robust measurement of the axis of rotation and, optionally, of the axis and wheel geometry, in particular when the vehicle is passing by, is achieved in that a 3D point cloud with respect to the wheel is determined in the analysis and a parametric surface model of the wheel is adapted thereto; normal vectors of the wheel are calculated for different rotational positions of the wheel for obtaining the axes of rotation; and the axis of rotation vector is calculated as the axis of rotation from the spatial movement of the normal vector of the wheel.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06K 9/36 - Image preprocessing, i.e. processing the image information without deciding about the identity of the image

Abstract

real at the detection instants, and determining the damping constant kA, the spring rate cA, and the body mass mA therefrom; and determining the damping measure θ of the vibration damper.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01M 17/00 - Testing of vehicles
• G01M 17/04 - Suspension or damping

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for determining the wheel geometry and/or axle geometry of motor vehicles by means of an optical measuring apparatus. According to said method, at least two recording points are assigned to each other and are referenced in relation to the measuring space with the aid of an image recording system, optionally taking into account reference characteristics and vehicle body characteristics, an object segment (6) comprising the wheel (5) that is to be measured is detected from different perspectives, and the position of wheel characteristics in the measuring space is evaluated during the measurement. In order to create an advantageous procedure regarding the operation and the accuracy of the measurement, a plurality of individual 3D pixels representing the three-dimensional surface of the object segment that is detected by the at least two image recording devices (2) are determined from the object segment using image processing methods by correlating images, and the wheel characteristics and/or reference characteristics and/or vehicle body characteristics are obtained therefrom.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06K 9/00 - Methods or arrangements for reading or recognising printed or written characters or for recognising patterns, e.g. fingerprints

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for optically measuring a chassis at a testing station. According to said method, radiation that is reflected by a surface structure of a vehicle, comprising at least one wheel (5) and a surrounding bodywork section, is detected by a measuring device with the aid of appropriate sensors, and at least the wheel plane and the wheel center point are determined by an evaluation of the positional data obtained by means of the detected radiation. To achieve a reliable, precise measurement of the chassis in a simple operation, the surface structure of at least the vehicle bodywork section and at least the wheel is scanned, over its entire surface or at least by any two lines that record both the wheel and the bodywork, using a laser beam (12) that is emitted by the measuring device (10), and at least two surface profiles are obtained from the scanned surface structure as characteristic structures.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01B 11/26 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring angles or tapersMeasuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for testing the alignment of axes

Goods & Services

Motor vehicle-servicing apparatus and machines, in particular balancing, axle-measuring, brake-testing and shock absorber apparatus and machines.

Goods & Services

Devices and machines for servicing vehicles, namely balancing devices, balancing machines, devices and machines for measuring the position of automobile wheels, devices and machines for checking brakes, devices and machines for fitting tyres, devices and machines for checking shock absorbers, devices for testing combustion gases, devices for testing engines.