Machine Vision Wheel Alignment Using Projected Optical Targets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional machine vision vehicle wheel alignment systems rely on physical target structures and wheel adapters, which are prone to corruption, require complex setup, and are not forgiving to errors, leading to inefficiencies and increased maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A machine vision vehicle wheel alignment system that uses cameras and light projectors to project target patterns onto vehicle wheels, eliminating the need for physical targets and adapters, and employs image processing to determine wheel alignment angles in three-dimensional space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If physical target structures are mounted on vehicle wheels, then accurate wheel alignment measurement is achieved, but maintenance requirements increase and target corruption occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical mechanical target structures with a projected optical target pattern. Instead of using tangible targets that can be corrupted by grease, impact, or abrasion, the system projects a virtual target pattern onto the wheel surface using a light projector. This substitution eliminates the physical vulnerabilities while maintaining the measurement function, as the projected pattern can be dynamically generated and does not suffer from contamination or physical damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the target pattern through optical projection rather than using a physical duplicate. The target pattern is generated digitally and projected onto the wheel, allowing the measurement system to reference an ideal, uncorrupted pattern. This copying approach enables the system to maintain measurement accuracy without the reliability issues of physical targets, as the projected pattern can be perfectly reproduced and updated as needed.
2Measurement precision
If wheel adapters are used to secure physical targets, then target positioning is achieved, but setup time increases and mounting errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the wheel adapter component from the measurement system. Instead of requiring separate adapters to be mounted onto the wheels to secure targets, the system directly projects the target pattern onto the wheel surface. This removal of the intermediate adapter component eliminates the associated setup time and potential mounting errors, while the projection system can quickly position and adjust the virtual target pattern without physical attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The projected target pattern serves itself by being directly projected onto the wheel surface without requiring external mounting hardware. The projection system automatically positions and adjusts the pattern based on the wheel's location and orientation, eliminating the need for manual adapter installation and positioning. This self-service capability reduces both setup time and the potential for human error in mounting procedures.
3Stability of the object's composition
If physical target structures are used, then fixed pattern reference is provided, but complexity of setup and maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical target structure with an optical projection system. Instead of physically mounting stable target patterns that require careful installation and maintenance, the system projects the pattern digitally onto the wheel. This substitution eliminates the complexity of physical target handling, storage, installation, and maintenance, while the projected pattern maintains stability through digital consistency and can be adjusted without physical manipulation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution reduces maintenance requirements, minimizes errors from target corruption and adapter issues, and streamlines the alignment process by directly projecting patterns onto vehicle wheels, enhancing accuracy and efficiency without the need for physical markings or complex setups.
Implementation Method 1
a light projector capable of projecting a target pattern image onto a vehicle wheel assembly
Implementation Method 2
a camera having an optical axis directed toward the vehicle wheel assembly and a field of view which includes the projected image
Data Source
AI summary
A machine vision vehicle wheel alignment system configured with at least one cameras for acquiring images of the wheels of a vehicle, and an associated light projectors configured to project a pattern image onto the surfaces of vehicle components such as vehicle wheel assemblies. Images of the projected patterns acquired by the camera, are processed by the vehicle wheel alignment system to facilitate a determination of the relative orientation and position of the surfaces such as wheel assemblies in three dimensional space, from which vehicle parameters such as wheel alignment measurements can be subsequently determined.