Focused beam alignment equipment for aligning fixed devices relative to vehicles

Abstract

An apparatus includes: a focused beam receiver device configured to be positioned near a first end of a vehicle; a focused beam generator; and wherein the focused beam receiver device includes a focused beam receiving surface for receiving a focused beam from the focused beam generator to provide alignment of the focused beam receiver relative to the centerline of the vehicle. A method for aligning the focused beam receiver, the focused beam generator, and a movable alignment bracket relative to the centerline of the vehicle is also provided.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 282,559, filed February 22, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to apparatus and methods for aligning a movable fixed device relative to a vehicle. More specifically, this application relates to an apparatus and method for aligning a focused beam generator with the centerline of a vehicle, and for aligning a movable fixed device relative to a vehicle for mounting or adjusting a camera or other device to the vehicle in a desired position. Background Technology

[0004] Vehicles are often equipped with cameras or other devices to aid driving and avoid collisions. In some cases, the vehicle is involved in an accident, or the bumper needs replacement or adjustment. To replace or adjust cameras or other devices on a vehicle, it is important to properly align the alignment bracket with the vehicle to allow for proper positioning or adjustment of the camera or other device. Historically, a plumb bob, suspended on or under the vehicle, was used to determine the front and rear center points of the vehicle and establish its centerline, thus providing proper alignment of the movable bracket relative to the vehicle. However, calibrating the movable bracket using a plumb bob is typically a two-person task. Therefore, it is desirable to provide an apparatus and method for aligning a focused beam generator with the centerline of the vehicle and aligning the movable bracket relative to the vehicle to provide proper alignment for mounting or adjusting a camera or other device to or with the vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure relates to using a focused beam generator and a focused beam receiver to align a focused beam relative to a vehicle at a desired location. The focused beam receiver is positioned at the front (or rear) of the vehicle, and the focused beam generator is positioned such that the focused beam receiver is located between the focused beam generator and the vehicle. The focused beam is guided along the centerline of the vehicle onto a focused beam receiving surface on the focused beam receiver. A vertical mark or slot is aligned with the focused beam from the focused beam generator so that the focused beam receiver is aligned with and perpendicular to the centerline of the vehicle. The vehicle typically has markings or signs indicating the location of the vehicle's centerline.

[0006] The vehicle centerline is a line in a vertical plane that extends through a horizontal centerline that passes through the vehicle, such as a longitudinal horizontal centerline extending between the front and rear of the vehicle. Once the focused beam receiver is aligned and perpendicular to the centerline of the front (or rear) of the vehicle, another or identical focused beam generator is positioned at the opposite end of the vehicle where the focused beam receiver is located. The focused beam can be guided along the centerline of the vehicle below the vehicle. Once the focused beam generator and focused beam receiver are properly aligned such that the focused beam is focused on (1) a vertical mark or slot on the focused beam receiving surface of the focused beam receiver and (2) the centerline of the vehicle, a movable alignment bracket can be moved to the same path of the focused beam where the focused beam receiver is located, although the alignment bracket is typically not positioned against the vehicle but close to it, for example, up to two meters or more away. The alignment bracket can then be aligned with the focused beam from the focused beam generator. The focused beam receiver may have a vertical mark or slot to align the focused beam from the focused beam generator onto the focused beam receiver. The focused beam receiver may have a T-shaped configuration, wherein a vertical member extends upward from the base and is positioned against one end of the vehicle to provide alignment of the focused beam on the focused beam receiver. The alignment bracket may also have a focused beam aligner for aligning the focused beam from the focused beam generator with the focused beam aligner on the alignment bracket.

[0007] In one aspect, an apparatus is provided comprising: a focused beam receiver device configured to be positioned near a first end of a vehicle; a focused beam generator; and wherein the focused beam receiver device includes a focused beam receiving surface for receiving a focused beam from the focused beam generator to provide alignment of the focused beam receiver relative to the centerline of the vehicle. The apparatus may further include a movable alignment bracket having a base, wheels fixed to the base, a vertical member extending upward from the base, a horizontal member extending from the vertical member, and a focused beam aligner fixed to the base.

[0008] On the other hand, a method is provided, comprising the steps of: (i) positioning a focused beam receiver near a first end of a vehicle; (ii) positioning a focused beam generator such that the focused beam receiver is located between the first end of the vehicle and the focused beam generator; (iii) guiding one or more focused beams to the centerline of the vehicle and to a focused beam receiving surface on the focused beam receiver, such that the focused beam receiver is aligned with and perpendicular to the centerline of the vehicle; (iv) positioning the focused beam generator at an end of the vehicle opposite to the first end of the vehicle; (v) guiding one or more focused beams from the focused beam generator to the focused beam receiving surface of the focused beam receiver; and (vi) aligning one or more focused beams on the focused beam receiving surface of the focused beam receiver to provide alignment of the focused beam generator relative to the centerline of the vehicle. The method may further include the following steps: (vii) providing a movable alignment bracket having a base, wheels fixed to the base, a vertical member extending upward from the base, a horizontal member extending from the vertical member, and a focused beam aligner positioned on the base; and (viii) once the focused beam generator is properly aligned with the centerline of the vehicle, removing the focused beam receiver and replacing it with the movable alignment bracket located in the path of one or more focused beams from the focused beam generator.

[0009] These and other aspects and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this overview and elsewhere are intended only as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0010] This document describes an example embodiment with reference to the following figures.

[0011] Figure 1 This is a perspective front view of the movable alignment device 100 according to an example embodiment.

[0012] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The front view of the movable alignment device 100 shown.

[0013] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 and Figure 2 The side view of the movable alignment device 100 shown.

[0014] Figure 4A According to the example embodiment Figures 1-3 The image shows a perspective front view of the movable alignment device 100, with the laser target plate 140 located on the movable alignment device 100.

[0015] Figure 4B According to the example embodiment Figures 1-4A A close-up view of the movable alignment device 100 shown, which has a focused beam aligner 114.

[0016] Figure 5A This is a perspective view of a focused beam receiver 250 with a vertical mark or slot 280 according to an example embodiment.

[0017] Figure 5B This is another perspective view of the focused beam receiver 250 located in front of the vehicle 300.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the focused beam generator 150 and the mirror mount 410 and mirror 420 located on the base 400.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of a focusing beam generator 150 and a reflector 420' located on a base 400'.

[0020] Figure 8A This is a perspective view of a focused beam receiver device 600 according to an example embodiment, wherein the focused beam receiver device has upright arms 610 and 620 extending upward from a base 602, and a focused beam aligner 650 located on the base 602.

[0021] Figure 8B yes Figure 8A The top view of the focused beam receiver device 600 shown.

[0022] Figure 8C yes Figure 8A and Figure 8B The diagram shows a perspective view of a focused beam receiver device 600, wherein the focused beam aligner 650 is separated from the base 602.

[0023] Figure 8D yes Figure 8C The top view of the focused beam receiver device 600 shown.

[0024] Figure 8E This is a perspective view of a focused beam aligner 650 according to an example embodiment.

[0025] Figure 8F yes Figure 8E The side view of the focused beam aligner 650 shown.

[0026] Figure 9AThis is a top view of the vehicle 300, in which a focused beam 152 from the focused beam generator 150 is aligned with the focused beam receiver 250 and the centerline of the vehicle 300.

[0027] Figure 9B This is a top view of the vehicle 300, in which the focused beam generator 150 is located at the rear of the vehicle 300 and the focused beam receiver 250 is located at the front of the vehicle 300.

[0028] Figure 9C It is a top view of the vehicle 300, wherein the focused beam generator 150 is located at the rear of the vehicle 300 and the movable alignment device 100 is located at the front of the vehicle 300.

[0029] Figure 10A This is a perspective view of a focused beam aligner 114 of a movable alignment device 100 according to an example embodiment, wherein focused beams 152 and 154 are directed to the focused beam aligner 114.

[0030] Figure 10B This is another perspective view of the focused beam aligner 114, in which focused beams 152 and 154 are directed to the focused beam aligner 114.

[0031] Figure 10C This is another perspective view of the focused beam aligner 114, in which focused beams 152 and 154 are aligned.

[0032] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the focused beam generator device 500, the focused beam receiver device 600, and the movable alignment device 100. Detailed Implementation

[0033] In this specification, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are used to describe elements and / or functions of the example embodiments. The purpose of using these articles is to include one or more of the described elements and / or functions. The intention of using the term “and / or” in a list of at least two elements or functions, and the intention of using the terms “at least one” and “one or more” immediately preceding the list of at least two elements or functions, is to cover each embodiment that independently includes the listed elements or functions, as well as each embodiment that includes a combination of the listed elements or functions. For example, descriptions of embodiments including A, B, and / or C, or at least one of A, B, and C, or one or more of A, B, and C, are intended to cover each of the following possible embodiments: (i) embodiments including A but excluding B and C, (ii) embodiments including B but excluding A and C, (iii) embodiments including C but excluding A and B, (iv) embodiments including A and B but excluding C, (v) embodiments including A and C but excluding B, (v) embodiments including B and C but excluding A, and (vi) embodiments including A, B, and C. For embodiments that include element or function A, the embodiment may include one A or more A's. For embodiments that include element or function B, the embodiment may include one B or more B's. For embodiments that include element or function C, the embodiment may include one C or more C's. In this specification, ordinal numbers such as "first," "second," and "third" are used to distinguish the corresponding elements, rather than to indicate a specific order of these elements, unless the context of using these terms clearly indicates otherwise.

[0034] The diagrams, flowcharts, and data shown in the figures are provided as examples only and are not intended to be limiting. Many of the elements shown in the figures and / or described herein are functional elements that can be implemented individually or in combination with other elements as discrete or distributed elements, and can be implemented in any suitable combination and / or location. Those skilled in the art will understand that other arrangements and elements can be used instead. Furthermore, functions described as being performed by one or more elements can be performed by a combination of hardware, firmware, and / or software (e.g., a processor executing computer-readable program instructions).

[0035] Figure 1 This is a perspective front view of the movable alignment device 100 according to an example embodiment. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The front view of the movable alignment device 100 shown. Figure 3 yes Figure 1 and Figure 2The movable alignment device 100 is shown as a side view. The movable alignment device 100 includes a base 110 located on wheels 112. A vertical member 120 extends upward from the base 110. A horizontal member 130 is positioned perpendicular to the vertical member 120. The horizontal member 130 can be moved up and down relative to the vertical member 120 using a handle 122. Laser target mounts 132 and 134 are positioned on the horizontal member 130. A focused beam aligner 114 is positioned on the base 110 and adapted to receive a focused beam, such as a laser beam or collimated beam, for alignment purposes.

[0036] A laser beam or other focused beam can be used to align the movable alignment device 100 with the centerline of the vehicle to ensure proper alignment of the movable alignment device 100 when a camera or other device is mounted to or adjusted with the vehicle.

[0037] Figure 4A According to the example embodiment Figures 1-3 The diagram shows a perspective front view of the movable alignment device 100, with a laser target plate 140 positioned on the movable alignment device 100. The laser target plate 140 includes laser targets 142 and 144.

[0038] Figure 4B yes Figures 1-4A A close-up view of the movable alignment device 100 shown. The focused beam aligner 114 is shown positioned on a base 110, which in turn is mounted on wheels 112.

[0039] Before aligning the movable alignment device 100 with the vehicle, one step is to ensure that the beam from the focused beam generator 150 (such as...) Figure 6 and Figure 7 One or more focused beams (as shown) are aligned with the centerline of the vehicle. To align the focused beams of the focused beam generator 150 with the centerline of the vehicle, a focused beam receiver is positioned in front of the vehicle, with its focused beam receiving surface positioned perpendicular to the centerline of the vehicle. The focused beams from the focused beam generator 150 are aligned with a mark or marker indicating the centerline of the vehicle, and then with a mark or slot on the focused beam receiving surface of the focused beam receiver 250, such that the focused beam receiver is aligned with and perpendicular to the centerline of the vehicle.

[0040] Figure 5AThis is a perspective view of a focused beam receiver 250 according to an example embodiment. The focused beam receiver 250 has a T-shaped configuration, including a base 260 and a vertical member 270 extending upward from the base 260. Other configurations are also possible, such as an L-shaped configuration in which the vertical member extends upward from one end of the base. The vertical member 270 is a focused beam receiving surface and includes a vertical mark or slot 280 positioned thereon for aligning with the focused beam generator 150 (…). Figure 6 and Figure 7 The focused beam (as shown) is received to align the focused beam from the focused beam generator with the centerline of the vehicle. In operation, as... Figure 5B As shown, the focused beam receiver 250 is positioned in front of the front end of the vehicle 300. An upwardly extending vertical member 270 can be positioned against the bumper 310 of the vehicle 300. Figure 9A As shown, a focused beam receiver 250 is positioned between the front end of the vehicle 300 and the focused beam generator 150. A focused beam 152 from the focused beam generator 150 is aligned with a mark or marking on the vehicle 300 and with a vertical mark or slot 280 on the focused beam receiving surface (vertical member) 270 of the focused beam receiver 250, such that the focused beam receiver 250 is aligned with and perpendicular to the centerline of the vehicle 300. In at least some embodiments, the focused beam receiver 250 is metallic, plastic, or at least partially metallic or partially plastic. In at least some of these or other embodiments, the vertical member 270 includes vertical marks on opposite sides.

[0041] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the focused beam generator 150 positioned on the base 400. Furthermore, a mirror mount 410 is positioned on the base 400. A mirror 420 is fixed to the mirror mount 410. The mirror mount 410 is angled, allowing observation of the position of the focused beam from the focused beam generator 150 on the focused beam receiver 250 without having to lie on the ground and look under the vehicle 300 to observe the alignment of the focused beam on the focused beam receiver 250.

[0042] Figure 7This is a perspective view of a focused beam generator device 500 according to an exemplary embodiment. The focused beam generator device 500 includes a base 400' on which a focused beam generator 150 is positioned. A reflector 410' is also positioned on the base 400', which is mounted at an angle. The reflector 410' can be mounted at an angle of 30-60 degrees, and in some embodiments is advantageously positioned at an angle of 45 degrees. The reflector 410' can be an acrylic reflector fixed below a reflector housing 422. The focused beam generator 150 is positioned behind the rear end of a vehicle 300, or vice versa. The focused beam generator 150 directs one or more focused beams below the vehicle 300 and onto a focused beam receiving surface (vertical member) 270 of a focused beam receiver 250 positioned at the front of the vehicle, or vice versa. The focused beam generator 150 can produce vertically and horizontally focused beams 152 and 154, and can be a self-leveling laser beam generator. As an example, the focused beam generator 150 may be a Stanley Cubix STHT77340 or Johnson 40-6656 self-leveling laser beam generator. Adjust / rotate the focused beam generator 150 until the focused beam is aligned with the vertical mark or slot 280 on the focused beam receiving surface (vertical member) 270 of the focused beam receiver 250.

[0043] Once correctly aligned, the focused beam receiver 250 is at the appropriate distance and perpendicular to the vehicle. A reflector, such as reflector 420 or 420', can be used to check the alignment of the focused beams 152, 154, which are shown here as focused beam receivers 250 or 650 (e.g., Figures 8A-8F The laser beam is focused on the beam receiving surface (vertical member) 270 (shown in the diagram). Once the focused beams 152 and 154 are correctly aligned, the focused beam receiver 250 can be removed (or retained in the case of the focused beam aligner 650), and the movable alignment device 100 can be moved to a position in front of the vehicle. The focused beam aligner 114 on the movable alignment device 100 can be used to ensure that the movable alignment device 100 is in the proper position by aligning the laser beam on the vertical mark or slot 157 on the focused beam aligner 114 of the movable alignment device 100. A measuring tape can be used to position the movable alignment device 100 within a specified or desired distance in front of the vehicle. Once the movable alignment device 100 is correctly positioned, the camera or other mounting device can be fixed to or adjusted on the vehicle 300.

[0044] Figure 5A An alternative embodiment of the focused beam receiver 250 shown in Figures 8A-8FThe image shows a focused beam receiver device 600. The focused beam receiver device 600 includes a base 602 on which a focused beam aligner 650 is positioned. The focused beam aligner 650 includes a mark or slot 660 for aligning a focused beam from a focused beam generator 150. The focused beam receiver device 600 also includes a pair of upright arms 610 and 620, which are designed to... Figure 5A The vertical member 270 of the focused beam receiver 250 shown is positioned against the bumper of the vehicle in the same manner. The focused beam receiver device 600 also advantageously includes a focused beam generator 630, which can be used to align the focused beam receiver device 600 with the centerline of the vehicle.

[0045] A focused beam receiver device 600 is positioned against the front center of the vehicle, with upright arms 610 and 620 maintaining contact with the vehicle body on the front of the vehicle. A focused beam generator 630 is switched on and projects onto a centerline feature of the vehicle (typically a logo / marker) and along a line 660 on a focused beam aligner 650. This setup is equivalent to lowering a plumb bob off the vehicle to establish the first point of the vehicle's centerline.

[0046] like Figure 8C and Figure 8D As shown, the focused beam receiver device 600 is removed, leaving the focused beam aligner 650 positioned appropriately along the vehicle's centerline. The focused beam generator device 500 is positioned on the opposite side of the vehicle from the focused beam aligner 650, offset (center) at the rear of the vehicle. From the focused beam generator 150 (as shown...) Figure 7 One or more focused beams (as shown) are projected onto the rear vehicle centerline reference (logo / marker). When the focused beam generator 150 projects from below the vehicle onto a focused beam aligner 650 positioned at the front of the vehicle, a reflector 420' is used to view the focused beams (one or more) from the focused beam generator 150. The position of the focused beam generator device 500 is adjusted until the focused beams from the focused beam generator 150 are projected along line 660 onto the rear vehicle reference and the mark on the focused beam aligner 650. This establishes the vehicle centerline. The movable alignment device 100 (as shown) is then... Figure 1The movable alignment device 100 (as shown in Figure 4) is positioned at a predetermined distance (typically 1-2 meters) in front of the vehicle, such that one or more focused beams from the focused beam generator 150 are projected onto the focused beam aligner 114 of the movable alignment device 100. The movable alignment device 100 is pivoted / rotated until the focused beam from the focused beam generator 150 is projected onto the focused beam aligner 114 and aligned along the slot 157 on the focused beam aligner 114. This ensures that the movable alignment device 100 is perpendicular to the centerline of the vehicle.

[0047] like Figures 8B-8F As shown, the focused beam aligner 650 includes a mark 660 extending to an angled front surface 652 of the focused beam aligner 650. The focused beam aligner 650 also includes a downwardly extending rear surface 654, which serves as a footing for the focused beam aligner 650. The rear surface 654 of the focused beam aligner 650 can be removably secured to the base 602 of the focused beam receiver device 600 by one or more magnets.

[0048] Figure 9A This is a top view of the vehicle 300, in which the focused beam generator 150 aligns the focused beam receiver 250 with the center line of the vehicle 300 at a right angle. Figure 9B This is a top view of vehicle 300, where a focused beam generator 150 is positioned at the rear of vehicle 300, and a focused beam receiver 250 is positioned at the front of vehicle 300. The focused beam generator is then aligned with the centerline of the vehicle and the focused beam receiver 250. Figure 9C As shown, once the focused beam generator 150 is aligned with the focused beam receiver 250, the focused beam receiver 250 is removed and replaced with the movable alignment device 100. The focused beam 152 is used to align the focused beam aligner 114 along the mark 157 to properly align the movable alignment device 100 with the centerline of the vehicle 300 and make it perpendicular.

[0049] Figure 10A This is a perspective view of a focused beam aligner 114 of a movable alignment device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment, wherein focused beams 152 and 154 are guided onto the focused beam aligner 114. In this embodiment, the focused beam aligner 114 has an angled focused beam receiving surface 220 and is used to align the movable alignment device 100 relative to a focused beam generator 150 (e.g., ...). Figure 6 and Figure 7 (As shown in the diagram) and aligned correctly with respect to the centerline of the vehicle. The focused beam receiving surface 220 can be positioned as an inclined plane at an angle of 30-60 degrees to the vertical direction, and preferably at an angle of 45 degrees to the vertical direction. Figure 10A As shown, focused beams 152 and 154 are not yet properly aligned on the focused beam receiving surface 220 of the focused beam aligner 114. A vertical mark or slot 157 is positioned on the focused beam aligner 114.

[0050] Figure 10B This is another perspective view of the focused beam aligner 114, in which focused beams 152 and 154 are guided onto the aligner 114. Figure 10B In the middle, the focused beams 152 and 154 are compared Figure 10A It is more centered, but it does not yet intersect with the desired center of the vertical mark or slit 157 of the focusing beam receiving surface 220 of the focusing beam aligner 114.

[0051] Figure 10C This is another perspective view of the focused beam aligner 114, wherein focused beams 152 and 154 are aligned with vertical marks or slots 157 on the focused beam receiving surface 220 of the focused beam aligner 114. Figure 10C In the diagram, focused beams 152 and 154 are shown intersecting at the center of a vertical mark or slot 157 on the focused beam receiving surface 220 of the focused beam aligner 114, indicating that the movable alignment device 100 is correctly aligned with the focused beam generator 150. Once the movable alignment device 100 is correctly aligned with the focused beam generator 150, a camera or other device can be mounted to or adjusted together with the vehicle 300 using the movable alignment device 100.

[0052] Figure 11This is a perspective view of a device used to align a movable alignment device 100 with the centerline of a vehicle. A focused beam receiver device 500 is positioned against the front of the vehicle, and a focused beam generator 630 is used to align the focused beam with the centerline of the vehicle and a focused beam aligner 650 located on the focused beam receiver device 500. Once the focused beam aligner 650 is aligned with the centerline of the vehicle at a right angle, the focused beam generator device 500 is positioned at the rear of the vehicle, and the focused beam is guided onto the focused beam aligner 650 of the focused beam receiver device 600, which is positioned against the front bumper of the vehicle to properly align the focused beam generator 500 with the centerline of the vehicle and the focused beam receiver. Once the focused beam generator device 500 and the focused beam receiver device 600 are properly aligned, the focused beam receiver device 600 is removed, leaving the focused beam aligner 650 in an aligned position at the front of the vehicle. The movable alignment device 100 is then moved to the position at the front of the vehicle. Then, the focusing beam aligner 114 on the movable alignment device 100 is aligned with the focusing beam from the focusing beam generator 150 until the movable alignment device 100 is aligned with the centerline of the vehicle and at a right angle. Once the movable alignment device 100 is correctly aligned at a right angle with the centerline of the vehicle, the camera or other device can be mounted on the vehicle or adjusted together with the vehicle.

[0053] A vehicle, such as vehicle 300, is a mobile machine used to transport people, persons, or goods. A vehicle may travel or be otherwise guided along a path (e.g., a paved road or other means) on land, in water, in the air, or in space. A vehicle may be wheeled, tracked, rail-mounted, or gliding. A vehicle may be guided by a user inside the vehicle or by a user outside the vehicle using a remote control. A vehicle may be guided at least partially autonomously. In the case of an autonomous vehicle, the vehicle may be guided along a path at least sometimes inside the vehicle or without any persons or goods on board. A vehicle may include automobiles, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) as defined in ANSI / SVIA-1-2007, snowmobiles, personal boats (e.g., JET SKI® personal boats), light trucks, medium trucks, heavy trucks, semi-tractor units, agricultural machinery, vans (e.g., dry or refrigerated vans), tank trailers, platform trailers, or car carriers. A vehicle may include or use any suitable voltage or current source, such as batteries, alternators, fuel cells, etc. The vehicle may include or use any desired drive system or engine. The drive system or engine may include items that use fossil fuels such as gasoline, natural gas, propane, etc.; use electricity, such as electricity generated by batteries, magneto, fuel cells, solar cells, etc.; use wind power and hybrid power; or combinations thereof. The vehicle may include an electronic control unit (ECU) 3, a data link connector (DLC) 2, and a vehicle communication link 4 operatively connecting the DLC 2 to the ECU 3. The ECU 3 can detect faults in the vehicle and activate fault-indicating diagnostic codes (DTCs).

[0054] Vehicle manufacturers may build a variety of numbers of vehicles in each calendar year (i.e., from January 1 to December 31). Some vehicle manufacturers build one vehicle model or several different vehicle models. In some cases, vehicle manufacturers define a model year for a particular vehicle model to be built. A model year may begin on a date other than January 1 and / or may end on a date other than December 31. A model year may span parts of two or more calendar years. Two or more different vehicle models built by a vehicle manufacturer during a particular calendar year may have the same or different defined model years. Vehicle manufacturers may build vehicles with different vehicle options for vehicle models. For example, a particular vehicle model may include a vehicle with a six-cylinder engine and a vehicle with an eight-cylinder engine. A vehicle manufacturer or another entity may define vehicle identification information for each vehicle model built by the vehicle manufacturer. Specific vehicle identification information identifies a specific group of vehicles (e.g., all vehicles for a specific vehicle model for a specific vehicle model year, or all vehicles for a specific vehicle model for a specific vehicle model year in a specific group with one or more vehicle options).

[0055] As an example, specific vehicle identification information may include indicators of vehicle characteristics, such as when the vehicle was built (e.g., vehicle model year), who built the vehicle (e.g., the vehicle manufacturer), the marketing name associated with the vehicle (e.g., vehicle model name), and vehicle features (e.g., engine type). According to this example, specific vehicle identification information may be referred to by the abbreviation YMME or Y / M / M / E, where each letter in the indicated order represents the model year identifier, vehicle manufacturer identifier, vehicle model name identifier, and engine type identifier, respectively; or by the abbreviation YMM or Y / M / M, where each letter in the indicated order represents the model year identifier, vehicle manufacturer identifier, and vehicle model name identifier, respectively. An example of Y / M / M / E is 2004 / Toyota / Camy / 4Cyl, where "2004" represents the model year the vehicle was built, "Toyota" represents the name of the vehicle manufacturer, Toyota Motor Corporation of Aichi, Japan, "Camry" represents the model name of the vehicle built by that manufacturer, and "4Cyl" represents the type of engine within the vehicle (i.e., a four-cylinder internal combustion engine (ICE)). Those skilled in the art will understand that other characteristics besides "engine type," or as alternatives to "engine type," can be used to identify a vehicle model using specific vehicle identification information, and for certain purposes, a vehicle model can be identified by its vehicle manufacturer and vehicle model name M / M. These other characteristics can be identified in various ways, such as by a Regular Production Option (RPO) code, such as an RPO code defined by General Motors Company LLC of Detroit, Michigan. Furthermore, vehicle identification information can be combined and displayed as a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The VIN can be displayed on a VIN label.

[0056] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and not for limitation, and the true scope is indicated by the claims and the full scope of their equivalents. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for describing particular embodiments only and not for limitation.

Claims

1. A focusing beam alignment device, comprising: A focused beam receiver device (600), configured to be located near the front longitudinal end of a vehicle, and comprising: First base; First focusing beam generator (630); and A first focused beam aligner is removably fixed to the first base; A second focusing beam generator is configured to be located at the opposite rear longitudinal end of the vehicle; and A movable alignment device (100) includes a second focused beam aligner configured to be located near the front longitudinal end; The first focused beam aligner includes a focused beam receiving surface configured to: receive an unreflected focused beam directly from the first focused beam generator (630) to provide alignment of the focused beam receiver device (600) with the longitudinal horizontal centerline of the vehicle, the longitudinal horizontal centerline extending between the front longitudinal end and the rear longitudinal end of the vehicle; and receive an unreflected focused beam directly from the second focused beam generator to provide alignment of the second focused beam generator with the longitudinal horizontal centerline of the vehicle after the focused beam receiver device (600) has been aligned; and The second focused beam aligner includes a focused beam receiving surface for receiving an unreflected focused beam directly from the second focused beam generator located at the rear longitudinal end of the vehicle, to provide alignment of the movable alignment device (100) with the longitudinal horizontal centerline of the vehicle.

2. A focusing beam alignment device, comprising: A focused beam receiver device (250) is configured to be located near the front longitudinal end of the vehicle; A movable alignment device (100) includes a first base and a first focused beam aligner located on the first base; and A first focused beam generator is capable of being located at the front longitudinal end of the vehicle to position the focused beam receiver device (250) perpendicular to the longitudinal horizontal centerline of the vehicle, which extends between the front and rear longitudinal ends of the vehicle; and is capable of being located at the opposite rear longitudinal end of the vehicle to guide an unreflected beam below the vehicle and illuminate the focused beam receiver device (250) located near the front longitudinal end of the vehicle. The focused beam generator is rotatable to align the unreflected beam with a vertical mark or slot on the focused beam receiver device (250) and with the longitudinal horizontal centerline of the vehicle, and after the focused beam receiver device (250) is removed, the focused beam generator is used to align the first focused beam aligner with the longitudinal horizontal centerline of the vehicle.

3. The focused beam alignment apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The focused beam receiver device (600) includes a pair of upright arms (610, 620) extending from the first base.

4. The focused beam alignment apparatus of claim 3, wherein, The second focused beam generator is configured to align the focused beam receiver device with the longitudinal horizontal centerline of the vehicle at a right angle.

5. The focusing beam alignment device according to claim 2, wherein, The focused beam receiver device (250) is a T-shaped member having a second base and a second focused beam aligner, the second focused beam aligner including a first vertical member extending upward from the central portion of the second base.

6. The focusing beam alignment device according to claim 5, wherein, The focusing beam receiving surface of the focusing beam receiver device (250) is on the first vertical member.

7. The focusing beam alignment device according to claim 1, wherein, The focusing beam receiving surface of the first focusing beam aligner includes a mark or slot, and one or more focused beams from the first focusing beam generator are aligned onto the mark or slot to provide alignment of the first focusing beam generator relative to the vehicle.

8. The focusing beam alignment device according to claim 1, wherein: The movable alignment device (100) further includes: Second base; Wheel (112) fixed on the second base; A vertical member (120) extending upward from the second base; A horizontal member (130) extending from the vertical member; and The second focused beam aligner is fixed on the second base.

9. The focusing beam alignment device according to claim 8, wherein, The second focused beam aligner on the movable alignment device includes a vertical mark or a vertical slot.

10. The focusing beam alignment device according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein, The focused beam receiver devices (600, 250) are configured to be observed using a mirror mount positioned adjacent to the first focused beam generator, and the mirror is positioned on the mirror mount.

11. The focusing beam alignment device according to claim 10, wherein, The reflector mounting component is at an angle to the vertical direction.

12. The focusing beam alignment device according to claim 11, wherein, The first focused beam generator and the reflector mount are located on the base.

13. The focusing beam alignment device according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein, The first focused beam aligner includes a mark or slot extending toward the front of the first focused beam aligner.

14. The focusing beam alignment device according to claim 13, wherein, The mark or slot extends to the angled surface of the first focusing beam aligner.

15. A method for aligning a focused beam of light relative to a vehicle, comprising: Position the focused beam receiver near the first longitudinal end of the vehicle; Position the first focused beam generator such that the focused beam receiver is located between the first longitudinal end of the vehicle and the first focused beam generator; One or more focused beams from the first focused beam generator are directed onto the vehicle centerline feature of the vehicle and toward the focused beam receiving surface on the focused beam receiver; The second focused beam generator is positioned near the second longitudinal end of the vehicle, which is opposite to the first longitudinal end of the vehicle; One or more focused beams from the second focused beam generator are directed onto the focused beam receiving surface of the focused beam receiver and onto the vehicle centerline reference; and The one or more focused beams from the second focused beam generator are aligned with a mark on the focused beam receiving surface of the focused beam receiver to establish alignment of the longitudinal horizontal centerline of the vehicle, which extends between the first longitudinal end of the vehicle and the opposite longitudinal end of the vehicle.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The focused beam receiver has a first focused beam aligner.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein, The first focused beam aligner is removably fixed to the first base of the focused beam receiver.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein, The focused beam receiver includes a pair of upright arms and a first focused beam generator, which is located on a first base of the focused beam receiver.

19. The method according to claim 17, wherein, The first focused beam aligner includes a line or slot for aligning one or more focused beams from the second focused beam generator with the first focused beam aligner.

20. The method of claim 17, further comprising removing the first base of the focused beam receiver from the first focused beam aligner.

21. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The focused beam receiver is a T-shaped member having a base and a first vertical member extending upward from the central portion of the base.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein, The focused beam receiving surface is on the first vertical member.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein, The focused beam receiving surface includes a vertical mark or slot, and one or more focused beams from the second focused beam generator are aligned with the vertical mark or slot so that the focused beam receiver is aligned with and perpendicular to the longitudinal horizontal centerline of the vehicle.

24. The method of claim 15, further comprising the following steps: Provides a movable alignment device, including: Second base; Wheels fixed to the second base; A second vertical member extending upward from the second base; A horizontal member extending from the second vertical member; and The second focusing beam aligner is located on the second base; and Once the second focused beam generator is correctly aligned with the longitudinal horizontal centerline of the vehicle, the focused beam receiver is removed and replaced with the movable alignment device located in the path of the one or more focused beams from the second focused beam generator.

25. The method of claim 24, further comprising aligning the one or more focused beams with a second focused beam aligner on the second base of the movable alignment device.

26. The method according to claim 25, wherein, The second focused beam aligner includes a vertical mark or a vertical slot.

27. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of using a mirror to observe the alignment of the one or more focused beams on the focused beam receiving surface of the focused beam receiver.

28. The method according to claim 27, wherein, The reflector is mounted on a reflector mount located adjacent to the second focused beam generator.

29. The method according to claim 28, wherein, The reflector mounting component is at an angle to the vertical direction.

30. The method according to claim 29, wherein, The second focused beam generator and the reflector mount are positioned on the base.

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