초록 ▼

Apparatus and method for determining the alignment positions and orientations of vehicle wheels includes optical targets mounted on the wheels. A pair of cameras or other image sensing devices on each side of the vehicle are used to obtain images of the various optical targets and a computer is resp

Apparatus and method for determining the alignment positions and orientations of vehicle wheels includes optical targets mounted on the wheels. A pair of cameras or other image sensing devices on each side of the vehicle are used to obtain images of the various optical targets and a computer is responsive to the images of the targets to determine values of wheel alignment parameters of the vehicle. The surface on which the wheels are disposed may be an automotive lift or a stationary runway. One camera on each side is directed at the target on the corresponding front wheel and the other camera on each side is directed at the target on the corresponding rear wheel. When used with a rack, the major axis of the field of view of each camera is disposed vertically. When used with a stationary runway, the major axis of the field of view of each camera is disposed horizontally.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A wheel alignment apparatus for determining the alignment of the wheels of a vehicle, said apparatus comprising:a set of predetermined optical targets adapted to be mounted to front and rear wheels of a vehicle;at least a first camera disposed to receive images of said

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A wheel alignment apparatus for determining the alignment of the wheels of a vehicle, said apparatus comprising:a set of predetermined optical targets adapted to be mounted to front and rear wheels of a vehicle;at least a first camera disposed to receive images of said optical target mounted to a front wheel of the vehicle;at least a second camera disposed to receive images of said optical target mounted to a rear wheel of the vehicle, said rear wheel being disposed on the same side of the vehicle as said front wheel, each of said cameras having a field of view;the first camera having its field of view directed at the optical target mounted to said front wheel of the vehicle and the second camera having its field of view directed at the optical target mounted to said rear wheel of the vehicle;computing circuitry operatively connected to said cameras, said computing circuitry being responsive to the images of said targets to determine values of wheel alignment parameters of the vehicle.