초록 ▼

Apparatus and methods for determining the deformation of a vehicle body comprising coded targets including coded reflective surfaces positioned in predetermined locations relative to the vehicle body for indicating deformation of the body by determining the spatial position of the targets, a laser g

Apparatus and methods for determining the deformation of a vehicle body comprising coded targets including coded reflective surfaces positioned in predetermined locations relative to the vehicle body for indicating deformation of the body by determining the spatial position of the targets, a laser generating unit positioned for sweeping a laser beam across the reflective surfaces of the targets, a receiver for receiving the reflected beam, and computer-based, electronic equipment and logic responsive to the receiver for indicating the spatial position of the target means relative to a predetermined normal position with respect to the vehicle body. Apparatus also for determining two and three dimensional spatial coordinates of objects from each other and from a base, utilizing the foregoing components. Additional apparatus comprising portions of the foregoing.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method of determining frame alignment of a vehicle having reference points and having associated alignment specifications expressed as the positions of the respective reference points relative to a vehicle reference, said method comprising the steps of:(a) establishing

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method of determining frame alignment of a vehicle having reference points and having associated alignment specifications expressed as the positions of the respective reference points relative to a vehicle reference, said method comprising the steps of:(a) establishing a pair of reference origins spaced from the vehicle and spaced a known distance apart;(b) determining the respective angles from each of said origins to a vehicle reference point; and(c) using said known distance and said angles as a basis for determining the position of said reference point relative to the vehicle reference,step (b) further including the steps ofplacing a beam-reflective target in known relationship with the reference point,producing a reflected beam emanating from said target to at least one of said origins,detecting said reflected beam at said one origin for determining the beam reflection angle of said reflected beam relative to said one origin, said beam reflection angle being one of said respective angles,modulating said reflected beam in the manner indicative of the spacing between said reference point and said reflected beam relative to said target, anddemodulating said reflected beam to determine said spacing,step (c) including the step of using said spacing for determining the position of said reference point relative to the vehicle reference.