Measurement panel for vehicle measurement

Abstract

A measurement panel (8) for optical measurement or calibration of vehicle components, particularly for wheel systems or driver assistance systems, the measurement panel (8) includes at least one optical feature (30, 32) and at least one optically detectable information carrier (34) for measuring panel information related to the measurement panel (8) itself. At least one optical feature (30, 32) is formed on or attached to the front side of the measurement panel (8), and at least one optically detectable information carrier (34) is formed on or attached to the rear side of the measurement panel (8).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a measurement panel for optical measurement and / or calibration of vehicle components (particularly the chassis or wheel system of a motor vehicle). The invention also relates to apparatus and methods for performing optical measurement and / or calibration of vehicle components using a measurement panel designed according to the invention. Background Technology

[0002] For optical measurements and / or calibration of vehicle components (particularly the chassis or wheel system of motor vehicles), a measuring head is typically used that captures an image of a measuring panel attached to the wheels of the vehicle. For example, the measuring panel contains optical features that form a pattern of measuring marks. In this way, relevant parameters of the measured wheel system of the motor vehicle, such as camber, toe-in, or rim impact values, can be determined. Such measuring panels can also be used to calibrate components of driver assistance systems, such as sensors / cameras within those systems.

[0003] Optical features are characteristics in a marking pattern that can be detected optically, and their parameters can be determined by algorithms. Optical features can be, for example, important points such as the center, corners, or intersections of a geometric object, but can also be grayscale values ​​or pattern-dependent texture features. For example, a measurement marking pattern may include separate, contacting, intersecting, ordered, or disordered elements, or one or more complex structures whose parameters important for measurement cannot be easily detected by humans.

[0004] In order to perform optical measurements and / or calibrations of vehicle components using a measuring head that observes the measuring panel with only one camera, the parameters of the optical measuring mark pattern formed on the measuring panel (which describes the arrangement of optical features within the measuring mark pattern) must be known with high precision and must be taken into account in the evaluation of the captured images. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a measuring panel for optical measurement and / or calibration of vehicle components, which enables the parameters of the optical measurement mark pattern formed on the measuring panel to be known to the measuring head in a simple and reliable manner.

[0006] This objective is achieved by the subject matter of independent claim 1. Other advantageous embodiments are indicated in the dependent claims.

[0007] The measurement panel according to the invention for optical measurement and / or calibration of vehicle components (particularly for measurement of chassis or wheel systems of motor vehicles) includes at least one optical feature and at least one optically detectable information carrier for measuring panel information related to the measurement panel itself. At least one optical feature is formed on or attached to the front side of the measurement panel, and at least one optically detectable information carrier is formed on or attached to the rear side of the measurement panel.

[0008] By optically detecting, reading, and evaluating optically detectable information carriers, the measuring head can be informed of measuring panel information, including parameters such as measurement mark patterns formed on the corresponding measuring panel, in a simple and reliable manner. In particular, transmission errors that may occur during manual transmission of measuring panel information to the measuring head can be reliably avoided.

[0009] Because at least one optically detectable information carrier is formed on or attached to the rear side of the measurement panel, the optically detectable information carrier is independent of at least one optical feature, and in particular independent of the measurement mark pattern, which includes one or more optical features and is formed on the front side of the measurement panel. Therefore, the optical features or the optical measurement mark pattern are unaffected by the optically detectable information carrier, and without affecting the optical features or the measurement mark pattern, the area of ​​the measurement panel does not need to be increased to accommodate the optically detectable information carrier on the measurement panel other than the measurement mark pattern.

[0010] At least one optically detectable information carrier may include any selection and / or combination of the measurement panel information listed below.

[0011] The first item in the measurement panel information can define a product identifier (“type”). When different measurement tasks use different measurement panels, the product identifier can be used to automatically control the measurement sequence by attaching the appropriate required measurement panel. For example, by changing the measurement panel in a driving vehicle measurement, the program for adjusting driver assistance systems can be automatically switched. However, even without automatic sequence control, the correct measurement panel usage in a measurement task can be checked via the product identifier to avoid erroneous operation.

[0012] Product identifiers also enable the wheel alignment measurement system to use different measurement panels for the same measurement task. This is particularly advantageous if technical modifications to the measurement panels are made during further product development, necessitating adjustments to the measurement parameters. Within the scope of software updates, the wheel alignment measurement system can be continuously expanded using the product identifiers and associated parameters of new measurement panels.

[0013] If there are more than one measurement panel with different measurement marking patterns, the visual determination of optical properties can be simplified by using product identifiers.

[0014] The second measurement panel information can include a single identifier, such as a serial number. This single identifier on the measurement panel allows the software to automatically assign stored parameters to the panel. For example, measurement panel parameters can be downloaded from a server storing parameters for multiple measurement panels. If assignment fails, an error message can be generated to prevent erroneous measurements.

[0015] In this way, low-cost, measurement or calibration panels can also be safely used in monophonic camera systems. By automatically assigning parameters to the relevant measurement panels, erroneous measurements caused by missing or incorrectly assigned parameters from the measurement panels can be prevented.

[0016] Furthermore, the suitability of measurement panels can be automatically checked through software such as online diagnostics or integrated service tools. This allows manufacturers to clearly track measurement panels and, if necessary, recall them specifically as part of a recall campaign or service exchange.

[0017] When checking the accuracy of the system, the individual markings on the measurement panel are also applicable to the sequence control during reasonableness checks and / or so-called “envelope measurements”.

[0018] The third measurement panel information may include geometric information about the measurement panel and / or optical measurement mark patterns formed on the measurement panel. Geometric information about the measurement panel itself or details of the measurement panel (reference object) (e.g., distances between reference points or deviations from a specified reference measurement mark pattern) may be included as parameters or auxiliary parameters in wheel alignment measurements to improve measurement accuracy. In particular, the measurement panel information may also include references to optical features or measurement mark patterns for attachment devices designed to attach the measurement panel to a motor vehicle (e.g., a wheel adapter).

[0019] The fourth measurement panel information can define the optical characteristics of the measurement panel and / or markers. By selecting appropriate start parameters and optimizing the iterative process, the understanding of the optical properties, illumination, and exposure control of the measurement panel and markers can be accelerated throughout the measurement process. Additional information (such as the optical properties of optional transparent protective screens / layers applied to the pattern (e.g., the thickness of the optional transparent protective screen / layer and / or the refractive index used to determine the optical refraction of light)) can be used to improve measurement accuracy.

[0020] Furthermore, measurement procedures for wheel alignment measurements (e.g., steering angle and roll angle) can be adapted to the optical behavior of reflective markers (e.g., reflectivity, reflection angle, etc.), thus enabling optimized and faster overall measurements. This is particularly advantageous when optical features and / or the optical properties of the measurement panel change during further product development.

[0021] In one embodiment, measurement panel information is encoded in at least one optically detectable information carrier. In such an embodiment, all measurement panel information resides in or on the measurement panel itself, and there is no need for the presence and readout of other sources to obtain the desired measurement panel information. This simplifies the handling of the measurement panel and reliably eliminates potential sources of error that might result from incorrectly assigning information encoded in the optically detectable information carrier to a source.

[0022] In order to encode all the required information in a compact optically detectable information carrier, the measurement panel information can be encoded in compressed form in at least one optically detectable information carrier.

[0023] In one embodiment, the measurement panel information is encoded in a machine-readable form in at least one optically detectable information carrier, thereby allowing the measurement panel information to be easily and conveniently read from the optically detectable information carrier with a low probability of error.

[0024] In one embodiment, the machine-readable form includes at least one element selected from alphanumeric symbols or similar symbols, one-dimensional codes (especially barcodes), or two-dimensional codes (especially QR codes), or combinations thereof.

[0025] Alphanumeric symbols can also be detected or recognized by human vision, and if necessary, can be manually transmitted to the measuring head via an input device. One-dimensional codes (such as barcodes) are particularly easy for machines to read and evaluate. In two-dimensional codes (especially QR codes), a large amount of data can be encoded in a small area.

[0026] In one embodiment, in addition to at least one optical feature, at least one optical identification pattern is formed on the front side of the measuring panel, which allows the measuring panel to be identified by means of an image recording device (camera) pointing towards the front side of the measuring panel. In this way, when the measuring panel is mounted on a vehicle wheel in the measuring position (i.e., in the direction from the front side of the measuring panel toward the measuring head), the measuring panel can be uniquely identified by the image recording device present in the measuring head.

[0027] In one embodiment, the identification pattern comprises multiple geometric identification elements, such as circles or polygons, particularly rectangles and / or squares. In another embodiment, the identification pattern comprises multiple similar geometric identification elements. These identification elements can be produced in a particularly simple and inexpensive manner.

[0028] In one embodiment, the identification element is formed on the measurement panel with a measurement panel-specific number, and / or arranged on the test panel in a measurement panel-specific configuration, thereby allowing the measurement panel to be uniquely identified based on the measurement panel-specific number and / or the measurement panel-specific configuration of the identification element. In this way, the measurement panel can be identified by machine with high reliability.

[0029] In one embodiment, the measuring panel includes one or more optically visible areas that can be used for identification. By subsequently eliminating the optical visibility of each individual area, such as by covering, physically or chemically destroying the individual area, the remaining visible arrangement of the identification elements can allow for unique identification of the measuring panel.

[0030] In one embodiment, the identification elements are arranged in rows aligned vertically, horizontally, diagonally, or obliquely on the measuring panel. The identification elements may be arranged above, below, or beside at least one optical feature on the measuring panel. Specifically, when the measuring panel is mounted on the wheel of the vehicle to be measured in a position suitable for wheel alignment measurement, the identification elements may be arranged on the side (outer side) of at least one optical feature facing away from the vehicle.

[0031] In one embodiment, the identification features are integrated into the marking pattern. If different marking patterns are formed on different measuring panels, these marking patterns allow for direct identification of the measuring panels and can therefore be used as identification elements.

[0032] In one embodiment, the measurement panel includes a first measurement panel element and a second measurement panel element, the second measurement panel element being formed separately from the first measurement panel element. In this embodiment, at least one optical feature and at least one optically detectable information carrier are formed on the first measurement panel element, and an identification pattern is formed on the second measurement panel element.

[0033] In one embodiment, the measurement panel element is plate-shaped, i.e., substantially two-dimensional. In other words, the width and height of the measurement panel element are significantly greater than its thickness, such that the measurement panel element can be considered a two-dimensional measurement panel element.

[0034] In one embodiment, the measurement panel includes a measurement panel element support or carrier configured to receive a first measurement panel element and a second measurement panel element. In this case, the first and second measurement panel elements can be attached to or detached from the measurement panel element carrier (particularly independently of each other).

[0035] In this way, different measurement mark patterns can be combined with different identification patterns in the measurement panel element carrier to form a measurement panel. In particular, the first measurement panel element on which optical features or measurement mark patterns are formed can be easily replaced as needed.

[0036] In one embodiment, the optical visibility of a single identification element or area can be temporarily restricted (e.g., by covering) or permanently restricted (e.g., by physical or chemical destruction) to create a unique identification pattern.

[0037] In one embodiment, the measuring element carrier can be attached to the vehicle wheel via an attachment device (particularly via a wheel adapter).

[0038] The invention also includes attachment devices (particularly wheel adapters) comprising a measuring panel according to the invention, wherein the attachment devices are adapted to attach to the wheels of a motor vehicle in order to position the measuring panel relative to the wheels of the motor vehicle.

[0039] The present invention also includes an apparatus for optical measurement and / or calibration of vehicle components (particularly chassis or wheel systems or driver assistance systems), comprising at least one image recording device, at least one image processing unit, and at least one measurement panel designed according to the invention. The at least one measurement panel may be attached to a vehicle wheel, particularly using a wheel adapter, and the at least one image recording device is configured to record or capture images of an optically detectable information carrier of the at least one measurement panel and transmit the captured images to the at least one image processing unit. The at least one image processing unit is adapted to decode measurement panel information from the captured images of the optically detectable information carrier through image processing and to use the decoded measurement panel information in subsequent measurements and / or calibrations.

[0040] In one embodiment, the device for optical measurement and / or calibration of vehicle components includes at least one measuring head, wherein at least one image processing unit and at least one image recording device are formed.

[0041] In one embodiment, each measuring head includes two image recording devices, one image recording device being provided for capturing images of a measuring panel attached to the front wheel of a motor vehicle, and the other image recording device being provided for capturing images of a measuring panel attached to the rear wheel of a motor vehicle.

[0042] In one embodiment, the device for optical measurement and / or calibration of vehicle components specifically includes two measuring heads, which are designed to be arranged on each side of the vehicle.

[0043] In one embodiment, each of the two measuring heads includes a reference system. The reference systems are adapted to determine the position and orientation of the measuring heads relative to each other, thereby allowing the images captured by the two measuring heads to be incorporated into a common coordinate system.

[0044] In one embodiment, the device for optical measurement and / or calibration of vehicle components includes a mobile image recording device formed separately from the measuring head, which is designed to capture images of optically detectable information carriers.

[0045] For mobile image recording devices formed separately from the measuring head, the optically detectable information carrier can be easily detected so that the device (especially the measuring head of the device) knows the measuring panel information contained in the optically detectable information carrier. The mobile image recording device can particularly be an image recording device (camera) of a mobile input device (e.g., a smartphone or tablet PC).

[0046] The present invention also includes a method for optically measuring or calibrating vehicle components (particularly chassis or wheel systems or driver assistance systems) using at least one measuring panel according to the invention, the method comprising the steps of: attaching at least one measuring panel to a vehicle wheel or a measuring device required for calibrating a driver assistance system; capturing an image of at least one optically detectable information carrier; identifying and decoding measuring panel information contained in the image of at least one optically detectable information carrier; capturing at least one image of at least one optical feature; and using the measuring panel information in the measurement or calibration of the vehicle component by means of at least one captured image of at least one optical feature.

[0047] In one embodiment, the method includes capturing at least one image of at least one optical feature using a fixed image recording device for optical measurement and / or calibration of vehicle components. The fixed image recording device may in particular be a two-dimensional (2D) camera of the measuring head.

[0048] In one embodiment, the method further includes capturing an image of at least one optically detectable information carrier using a fixed image recording device. To this end, the method includes rotating a measuring panel and arranging the measuring panel in front of a measuring head such that the optically detectable information carrier formed on the rear side of the measuring panel faces the measuring head and can be detected by the fixed image recording device formed in the measuring head. In this way, costs can be reduced because an additional image recording device for detecting the optically detectable information carrier can be eliminated.

[0049] In one embodiment, the method includes capturing an image of at least one optically detectable information carrier using a mobile image recording device located outside the measuring head. In this way, at least one optically detectable information carrier on the rear side of the measuring panel can be conveniently detected before or after the measuring panel has been mounted to one of the wheels of the motor vehicle, without requiring the measuring panel to be positioned in front of one of the measuring heads with its rear side facing the measuring head.

[0050] In one embodiment, the method includes assigning measurement panel information contained in an optically detectable information carrier to an identification pattern; capturing an image of the identification pattern; using the captured image of the identification pattern to identify at least one measurement panel; and assigning the measurement panel information contained in the optically detectable information carrier to the measurement panel identified using the identification pattern.

[0051] After the measurement panel information contained in the optically detectable information carrier is assigned to the identification pattern, it is sufficient to detect the identification pattern of the measurement panel. This identification pattern can be easily optically detected by the image recording device of the measurement head to access the measurement panel information of each measurement panel. Measurement panels whose measurement panel information is assigned to the identification pattern in this manner can be mounted on the wheels of a motor vehicle in any arrangement; that is, each measurement panel can be mounted on any wheel of the motor vehicle as needed, because the individual measurement panel information can be retrieved and uniquely assigned to each measurement panel based on the optically detectable identification target by the image recording device of the measurement head.

[0052] In this way, the implementation of wheel alignment measurements can be further simplified; and the sensitivity to errors can be significantly reduced because errors caused by incorrectly assigning the measuring panels to the wheels of a motor vehicle are reliably avoided. Attached Figure Description

[0053] In the following, exemplary embodiments of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0054] Figure 1 A perspective view of a motor vehicle parked on a lifting platform is shown, with a measuring panel attached to the vehicle's wheels and a measuring head mounted laterally next to the running track.

[0055] Figure 2 An enlarged front view of a measuring panel according to the invention is shown, which is attached to the wheel of a motor vehicle via a wheel adapter.

[0056] Figure 3 An enlarged rear view of a measuring panel according to the invention is shown, which is attached to the wheel of a motor vehicle via a wheel adapter.

[0057] Figure 4 An enlarged front view of the measuring panel according to the invention is shown.

[0058] Figure 5 An enlarged rear view of the measuring panel according to the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0059] Figure 1A perspective view of a measuring station 1 equipped with a lifting platform 2 and a motor vehicle 6 standing on it is shown.

[0060] The lifting platform 2 has: four uprights 3a and 3b, namely two rear uprights 3a and two front uprights 3b; a rear crossbeam 5a and a front crossbeam 5b, each crossbeam extending between the two front uprights and the two rear uprights 3a and 3b. Left and right running tracks 4a and 4b rest on the crossbeams 5a and 5b. By raising the crossbeams 5a and 5b, the running tracks 4a and 4b and the motor vehicle 6 parked on them can be raised.

[0061] The measuring panel 8, designed according to the present invention, is attached to each of the four wheels 7 of the motor vehicle 6 via a wheel adapter 18. Figure 1 In the perspective view, only the two wheels 7 of the motor vehicle 6 (i.e., the two wheels 7 on the right side of the motor vehicle 6) and three of the four measuring panels 8 are visible.

[0062] The front wheels 7 of the motor vehicle 6 are located on the steering plate 16, which allows the front wheels 7 to turn at an angle.

[0063] The measuring head 10 is installed on the right (outer) side of the right running track 4b (similarly on the outer left side of the left running track 4a, however, the left running track 4a is covered by the motor vehicle 6).

[0064] The measuring head 10 is attached to the two running tracks 4a, 4b of the lifting platform 2 via suitable attachment devices 14. The measuring head 10 can be attached to the running tracks 4a, 4b, for example, by sliding the measuring head 10 to each of the outwardly oriented holding devices 14 attached to the respective running tracks 4a, 4b.

[0065] The measuring head 10 is mounted approximately at the center of the longitudinal direction relative to the running tracks 4a, 4b and the vehicle 6, such that the front (invisible) image recording device of the measuring head 10 can capture images of the corresponding measuring panel 8 on the front wheel 7, and the rearward-oriented image recording device 12 of the measuring head 10 can capture images of the corresponding measuring panel 8 on the rear wheel 7 of the vehicle 6. The image recording device 12 of the measuring head 10 can be specifically designed as a low-cost 2D camera.

[0066] The measuring head 10 also includes an image processing unit 13, which is designed to process and evaluate images captured or recorded by the image recording device 12.

[0067] A reference system, including a lateral camera and optically detectable elements, is positioned on the inner side of the two measuring heads 10 facing the vehicle 6, i.e., on the side of each measuring head 10 facing the opposing measuring head 10. Through this reference system, the two measuring heads 10 reference each other in the lateral direction below the vehicle 6. Therefore, the position and orientation of the measuring heads 10 relative to each other can be determined, and the images recorded from the measuring panels 8 of the two measuring heads 10 can be incorporated into a common coordinate system.

[0068] In addition to the measuring head 10, a mobile and / or stationary operating device 40 may be provided, which allows parameters and commands to be input and transmitted to the measuring head 10. The operating device 40 may also include a display device 42, which is designed to display measurement results, operating instructions, error messages, and / or other information transmitted from the measuring head 10 to the operating device 40.

[0069] Specifically, the operating device 40 may have a touchscreen (“touchscreen”) that can be used as both an input device and a display device 42. Alternatively, the operating device 40 may be configured with a display device (screen) 42 and separate input devices, such as a keyboard, mouse, and / or trackball.

[0070] Furthermore, the operating device 40 may also be equipped with an image recording device (camera) 44. One possible use of such an image recording device 44 within the scope of this invention will be further explained below.

[0071] Operating device 40 can be, for example, a smartphone or tablet PC, and communicates with measuring head 10 and / or a central computer (not shown) via a wired or wireless connection (e.g., Wireless Local Area Network, WLAN, or Bluetooth). The central computer can be a conventional personal computer or a single-board computer, such as a Raspberry Pi. The central computer can be designed to operate as a web server, enabling the display of information, particularly measurement results, via a web browser. In this way, commercially available devices, especially smartphones and tablet PCs, can be used as operating and display devices 40.

[0072] although Figure 2 The measuring station 1 shown is equipped with a lifting platform 2, but the measuring panel 8 formed according to the present invention can also be used at a measuring station 1 that is not equipped with a lifting platform 2. In particular, the measuring head 10 can also be attached to the running tracks 4a, 4b installed on the floor of the measuring station 1, or placed next to the motor vehicle 6 placed on the floor of the measuring station 1.

[0073] Figure 2 and Figure 3The front side of the measuring panel 8 is shown. Figure 2 ) and from the rear ( Figure 3 An enlarged view of the measuring panel 8, which is attached to the wheel 7 of the motor vehicle 6 via a wheel adapter 18.

[0074] Figure 4 and Figure 5 The measuring panel 8 according to the invention is shown from the front side ( Figure 4 ) and from the rear ( Figure 5 (A magnified view of )

[0075] The measuring panel 8 has a frame-shaped measuring panel element carrier 20 that can be connected (e.g., via a pluggable connection) to the wheel adapter 18 to support the measuring panel 8 on the wheel 7 of the motor vehicle 6.

[0076] The measurement panel element carrier 20 carries a first measurement panel element 22 and a second measurement panel element 24. In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figure, the first measurement panel element 22 has a larger surface area than the second measurement panel element 24.

[0077] The two measuring panel elements 22 and 24 shown in the figure are plate-shaped, meaning that the widths B1 and B2 and the heights H1 and H2 of the two measuring panel elements 22 and 24 are significantly greater than their thicknesses. Therefore, the measuring panel elements 22 and 24 can be regarded as essentially two-dimensional measuring panel elements 22 and 24.

[0078] For example, the width B1 and height H1 of the first measuring panel element 22 are between 10cm and 30cm, respectively, and in particular, the width B1 and height H1 are between 15cm and 25cm; and the height (length) H2 of the second measuring panel element is between 10cm and 30cm, and the width B2 is between 5cm and 10cm.

[0079] The thickness of the measuring panel elements 22 and 24 is typically less than 1 cm, and especially less than 0.6 cm.

[0080] The first measuring panel element 22 shown in the figure is octagonal with slightly rounded corners. The first measuring panel element 22 is not formed as an equilateral octagon in the shape of a stop sign. Instead, the vertical side of the first measuring panel element 22 is longer than its horizontal side. However, the first measuring panel element 22 can have other geometries not shown in the figure.

[0081] The second measuring panel element 24 is substantially rectangular in shape, with two chamfered corners 26 and a longitudinal center indentation 28.

[0082] Due to the chamfered corner 26 and indentation 28, the measuring panel element carrier 20 is configured such that the second measuring panel element 24 can only be disposed within the measuring panel element carrier 20 in the indicated direction. Specifically, a protrusion may be formed on the measuring panel element carrier 20 when the second measuring panel element 24 is positioned... Figure 2 and Figure 4 When the orientation shown is set in the measuring panel element carrier 20, the protrusion is set in the central indentation 28.

[0083] The two measuring panel elements 22 and 24 can be independently mounted in and removed from the measuring panel element carrier 20. As a result, different first and second measuring panel elements 22 and 24 can be combined in any way in the measuring panel element carrier 20 to form a measuring panel 8.

[0084] For example, the measuring panel elements 22 and 24 can be slidably inserted into the measuring panel element carrier 20 and / or locked in place in the measuring panel element carrier 20 using snap-fit ​​connections.

[0085] A two-dimensional measurement mark pattern 31, including multiple two-dimensional optical features (e.g., measurement marks 30, 32), is formed on... Figure 2 and Figure 4 On the front side of the first measurement panel element 22 visible in the image, the measurement mark pattern 31 faces one of the measurement heads 10 during measurement operation. The optical features 30, 32 can be formed, for example, as bright measurement marks 30, 32 on a black background, particularly as reflective retroreflective marks.

[0086] In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figure, optical features 30, 32 are formed in a circular or disk-shaped configuration. However, other optical features not shown in the figure are also possible. The only condition for an optical feature or measurement mark pattern is its parameter (e.g., position), which can be determined by an algorithm during optical detection.

[0087] In order to perform wheel alignment measurements with the required accuracy, certain parameters of the optical features 30, 32, such as their positions, must be known with high precision. Since the measuring mark pattern 31 can only be manufactured with certain tolerances, the required precision in its manufacturing cannot be guaranteed. Therefore, the measuring mark pattern 31 is measured with high precision after the first measuring panel element 22 is manufactured, thereby providing the parameters of the measuring mark pattern with the required accuracy.

[0088] Therefore, the parameters of the determined measurement mark pattern 31 are encoded in an optically detectable information carrier 34, particularly in a barcode or QR code 34. For example... Figure 3 and Figure 5As shown, the resulting optically detectable information carrier 34 is attached to the corresponding first measurement panel element 22 or formed on the rear side of the corresponding first measurement panel element 22.

[0089] The optically detectable information carrier 34 can be applied, for example, as a sticker to the back of the corresponding first measurement panel element 22, or it can be printed directly on the back of the corresponding first measurement panel element 22.

[0090] The parameters of the measurement mark pattern 31 can be specifically determined in the form of the deviation (difference) between the measured parameters and the preset reference parameters, and thus can be encoded in the optically detectable information carrier 34 in a space-saving manner.

[0091] By reading the optically detectable information carrier 34, the measuring head 10 can know the parameters of the measuring mark pattern 31 of the first measuring panel element 22.

[0092] In an exemplary embodiment, before the actual measurement begins, the measurement panel 8 or the first measurement panel element 22 is placed in front of the measurement head 10 for this purpose, so that the optically detectable information carrier 34 formed on the rear side of the corresponding first measurement panel element 22 can be optically detected by the image recording device 12 of the measurement head 10. The optically detectable information carrier 34 can then be read and evaluated by the measurement head 10.

[0093] Alternatively, the optically detectable information carrier 34 can be generated by an external / mobile image recording device 44 (particularly via a camera 44 of the mobile operating device 40, see...) Figure 1 )) Detection and evaluation.

[0094] According to the present invention, since the optically detectable information carrier 34 is formed on the rear side of the corresponding first measurement panel element 22, the optically detectable information carrier 34 does not overlap with the measurement mark pattern 31 formed on the front side of the corresponding first measurement panel element 22, and does not occupy any additional space on the front side of the corresponding first measurement panel element 22.

[0095] Therefore, the optically detectable information carrier 34 and the measurement mark pattern 31 can be formed independently on the measurement panel element 22, and the optically detectable information carrier 34 can be formed at a size that is conducive to good recognizability of the encoded parameters and the optically readable code 34, without increasing the size of the first measurement panel element 22 for this purpose, or without losing space for the measurement mark pattern 31 formed on the front surface of the corresponding first measurement panel unit 22.

[0096] In order to avoid having to read the optically detectable information carrier 34 again before each vehicle measurement in order to transmit the parameters of the measurement mark pattern 31 of the corresponding measurement panel element 22 to the measurement head 10, the parameters of the measurement mark pattern 31 stored in the optically detectable information carrier 34 can be assigned to the identification pattern 52 formed on the second measurement panel element 24.

[0097] Therefore, as described above, the optically detectable information carrier 34 is first optically detected by the image recording devices 12, 44 (especially the image recording devices 12, 44 of the measuring head 10 or the moving operation device 40). Then, the parameters encoded in the optically detectable information carrier 34 are assigned to the identification pattern 52 of the second measuring element 24, which is associated with the first measuring element 22 and arranged together with the first measuring element 22 in the same measuring element carrier 20.

[0098] This allocation can also be achieved by using image recording devices 12, 44 to detect the identification pattern 52 of the second measurement panel element 24 associated with the first measurement panel element 22. The image recording devices 12, 44 can be the same image recording devices 12, 44 that previously detected the optically detectable information carrier 34. However, two different image recording devices 12, 44 can be used for both optically detecting the identification pattern 52 and detecting the optically detectable information carrier 34.

[0099] As an alternative, parameters encoded in the optically detectable information carrier 34 can be assigned to the identification pattern 52 of the second measurement panel element 24 by manually entering a unique code 50 (in particular, numbers or letters formed on the second measurement panel element 24) into the operating device 40.

[0100] For each subsequent measurement of the motor vehicle 6, the identification pattern 52 formed on the second measurement panel element 24 is then optically detected by the image recording device 12 of the measuring head 10, so that the measuring head 10 can use the detected identification pattern 52 to access the parameters of the first measurement panel element 22 stored for the detected identification pattern 52.

[0101] As long as the mutual allocation of the first and second measuring panel elements 22, 24 is maintained, and thus the parameters of the measuring panel pattern 31 formed on the first measuring panel element 22 are assigned to the associated identification pattern 52, the measuring panel 8 can be attached to the wheel 7 of the motor vehicle 6 in any arrangement. Based on the identification pattern detected by the camera 12 of the measuring head 10, the measuring head 10 can identify which measuring panel 8 is mounted on which wheel 7 of the motor vehicle 6, and thus retrieve the parameters stored for the measuring mark pattern 31 of each measuring panel 8, and use these parameters in subsequent wheel alignment measurements.

[0102] More than four different measurement panels 8 with different identification patterns 52 can also be provided for one or more measurement stations 1, with the measurement mark pattern 31 of each measurement panel 8 assigned to a different identification pattern 52. In this way, more than four different measurement panel elements 22 can be used at one or more measurement stations 1, for example, adjacent to each other, without causing incorrect allocation of the first measurement panel element 22, which would lead to incorrect measurement results.

[0103] In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figure, the identification pattern 52 includes a plurality of identification pattern marks 54, which are arranged equidistantly along a row, i.e., equidistant from each other. Similar to the optical features 30, 32, the identification pattern marks 54 may be retroreflective marks.

[0104] In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figure, the identification pattern mark 54 is formed as a square and arranged in vertical rows on the outer side of the measuring panel 8 facing away from the vehicle 6.

[0105] The identification pattern mark 54 may also have other geometric shapes, such as rectangles, squares, or ellipses. Advantageously, if the identification pattern mark 54 has a different geometry and / or size from the optical features 30, 32 formed on the first measuring panel element 22, these identification pattern marks 54 can be clearly distinguished from each other.

[0106] The identification pattern mark 54 can also be arranged in a geometric arrangement different from the vertical row, such as in a horizontal row above or below the first measuring panel element 22, or in any other arrangement.

[0107] In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figure, the second measuring panel element 24 is uniquely encoded such that at least one of the identifying pattern marks 54 is missing from the equidistant rows of the identifying pattern marks 54. In this way, the second measuring panel element 24 can be uniquely and reliably encoded, recognized, and identified. However, other types of arrangements / encoding of the identifying pattern marks 54 are also possible, which makes it possible to uniquely identify and distinguish the second measuring panel element 24.

[0108] The proposed design of the measuring panel 8, which has both the first and second measuring panel elements 22 and 24, can be combined with each other as needed, allowing the measuring panel element 22 to be handled flexibly in workshop use. In particular, during the manufacture and measurement of the first measuring panel element 22, the first measuring panel element 22 does not necessarily need to be assigned to one of the wheels 7 (front / rear, right / left) of the motor vehicle 6 to be measured.

[0109] According to the invention, the first measuring panel element 22 is precisely measured after its manufacture, and the parameters of the measuring panel pattern 31 formed on the corresponding first measuring panel element 22 are stored in an optically readable code formed on the rear side of the first measuring panel element 22.

[0110] The aforementioned allocation of one of the first measuring panel elements 22 to the second measuring panel element 24 only occurs at the usage location / measuring station 1. The paired, mutually allocated first and second measuring panel elements 22, 24 are arranged together in the measuring panel element carrier 20 to form a measuring panel 8 that can be used for vehicle measurement.

[0111] Due to the flexible allocation of the first and second measuring panel elements 22, 24 (which does not occur during manufacturing but only at measuring station 1), measuring panel elements 22, 24 can be easily replaced, for example, when measuring panel elements are damaged or replaced by measuring panel elements 22, 24 with other measuring mark patterns 31 due to changes in requirements.

[0112] List of reference numerals

[0113] 1 surveying station

[0114] 2 lifting platforms

[0115] 3a rear column

[0116] 3b front pillar

[0117] 4a Right running track

[0118] 4a Left running track

[0119] 5a rear crossbeam

[0120] 5b front crossbeam

[0121] 6 motor vehicles

[0122] 7 wheels

[0123] 8 Measurement Panels

[0124] 10 measuring heads

[0125] 12 Image Recording Devices

[0126] 13 Image Processing Units

[0127] 14. Holding equipment

[0128] 16-inch steering wheel

[0129] 18 wheel adapters

[0130] 20 Measurement Panel Component Carrier

[0131] 22 First measuring panel element

[0132] 24 Second measuring panel element

[0133] 26 chamfered corner

[0134] 28 center indentation

[0135] 30 optical characteristics

[0136] 31 Measurement Marking Pattern

[0137] 32 Optical Features

[0138] 34 Optically detectable information carriers

[0139] 40 Operating equipment

[0140] 42 display devices

[0141] 44 mobile image recording devices

[0142] 50 identifier

[0143] 52 Identify Patterns

[0144] 54 identification elements

Claims

1. A measurement panel (8) for optical measurement or calibration of a vehicle component, said vehicle component being a wheel system or a driver assistance system, said measurement panel (8) comprising: At least one optical feature (30, 32); as well as At least one optically detectable information carrier (34) for measuring panel information, the panel information being related to the first measuring panel element (22) in the measuring panel (8); The at least one optical feature (30, 32) is formed on or attached to the front side of the measuring panel (8); The at least one optically detectable information carrier (34) is formed on or attached to the rear side of the measuring panel (8); At least one identification pattern (52) is additionally formed on the front side of the measuring panel (8), the identification pattern (52) being capable of identifying the first measuring panel element (22) by a measuring head facing the front side of the measuring panel (8), thereby allowing the measuring head to access parameters of the first measuring panel element (22) stored in association with the identification pattern (52); and The measurement panel (8) includes a first measurement panel element (22) and a second measurement panel element (24) formed separately from the first measurement panel element (22), wherein at least one optical feature (30, 32) and at least one optically detectable information carrier (34) are formed on the first measurement panel element (22), and wherein the identification pattern (52) is formed on the second measurement panel element (24).

2. The measuring panel (8) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The measurement panel information includes at least one of the following: a unique identifier of the measurement panel (8), the geometric dimensions of the measurement panel (8), the geometric dimensions of the optical features (30, 32) formed on the measurement panel (8), the parameters of the measurement panel (8) and / or the parameters of the optical features (30, 32) formed on the measurement panel (8), the optical properties of the measurement panel (8) and / or the optical properties of the optical features (30, 32) formed on the measurement panel (8).

3. The measuring panel (8) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The measurement panel information is encoded in the at least one optically detectable information carrier (34), and the measurement panel information is encoded in the at least one optically detectable information carrier (34) in a compressed form.

4. The measuring panel (8) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The measurement panel information is encoded in a machine-readable form in the at least one optically detectable information carrier (34), the machine-readable form comprising at least one of the following elements: alphanumeric symbols or similar symbols; one-dimensional barcodes; or two-dimensional barcodes; or combinations thereof.

5. The measuring panel (8) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The one-dimensional code is a barcode; the two-dimensional code is a QR code.

6. The measuring panel (8) according to claim 1, wherein, The identification pattern (52) includes a plurality of geometric identification elements (54), which are circles or polygons.

7. The measuring panel (8) according to claim 6, wherein, The identification pattern (52) includes multiple similar geometric identification elements (54).

8. The measuring panel (8) according to claim 6, wherein, The identification element (54) is formed on the measurement panel (8) with a specific number for the measurement panel, and / or is arranged on the measurement panel (8) in a specific arrangement for the measurement panel, wherein the identification element (54) is arranged on the measurement panel (8) in a row arrangement that is vertically or horizontally or diagonally or obliquely aligned.

9. The measuring panel (8) according to claim 8, wherein, The measurement panel (8) includes a measurement panel element carrier (20) adapted to receive the first measurement panel element (22) and the second measurement panel element (24); wherein the first measurement panel element (22) and the second measurement panel element (24) can be attached to the measurement panel element carrier (20) independently of each other and can be detached from the measurement panel element carrier (20) independently of each other.

10. A wheel adapter (18) comprising a measuring panel (8) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The wheel adapter (18) is configured to be attached to the wheels of the motor vehicle (6).

11. An apparatus for optical measurement and / or calibration of a vehicle component, the vehicle component being a wheel system or a driver assistance system, the apparatus comprising: The measuring head includes: At least one image recording device (12), and At least one image processing unit (13), and At least one measuring panel (8) according to any one of claims 1 to 9. The at least one measuring panel (8) is attachable to the wheel (7) of a motor vehicle (6) via a wheel adapter (18), and the at least one image recording device (12) is configured to capture an image of the optically detectable information carrier of the at least one measuring panel (8) and transmit the captured image to the at least one image processing unit (13). The at least one image processing unit (13) is adapted to decode the measurement panel information from the captured image of the optically detectable information carrier (34) through image processing, and to use the decoded measurement panel information in subsequent measurements and / or calibrations.

12. The device according to claim 11, wherein, The device includes a mobile image recording device (44) adapted to capture images of the optically detectable information carrier (34).

13. A method for optical measurement or calibration of a vehicle component, the vehicle component being a wheel system or a driver assistance system, the method using at least one measuring panel (8) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the method comprising the steps of: The at least one measuring panel (8) is attached to the wheel (7) of the motor vehicle (6) or to a measuring device required for the calibration of a driver assistance system. Capture an image of the at least one optically detectable information carrier (34); Identify and decode the measurement panel information contained in the image of the at least one optically detectable information carrier (34). Capture at least one image of the at least one optical feature (30, 32); as well as The measurement panel information is used in the measurement or calibration of the vehicle component using at least one captured image of the at least one optical feature (30, 32).

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The method includes using a fixed image recording device (12) for optical measurement and / or calibration of vehicle components to capture at least one image of the at least one optical feature (30, 32).

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein, The method includes capturing at least one image of the at least one optically detectable information carrier using a fixed image recording device (12) or a mobile image recording device (44), which is a camera of a mobile operating device (40), using a fixed image recording device (12) for the optical measurement and / or calibration of the vehicle component.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The mobile operating device (40) is a smartphone (40) or a tablet PC (40).

17. The method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein, The method further includes: The measurement panel information contained in the optically detectable information carrier (34) is assigned to the identification pattern (52); Capture an image of the identification pattern (52); The at least one measurement panel (8) is identified using a captured image of the identification pattern (52); and The measurement panel information contained in the optically detectable information carrier (34) is assigned to the measurement panel (8) identified using the identification pattern (52).

18. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The method further includes: The measurement panel information contained in the optically detectable information carrier (34) is assigned to the identification pattern (52); Capture an image of the identification pattern (52); The at least one measurement panel (8) is identified using a captured image of the identification pattern (52); and The measurement panel information contained in the optically detectable information carrier (34) is assigned to the measurement panel (8) identified using the identification pattern (52).

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