阅读说明：本技术 用于相对于交通工具对准固定装置的聚焦光束对准设备 (Focused beam alignment apparatus for aligning a fixture relative to a vehicle ) 是由 C·F·戈夫卡 E·P·卡希尔 D·R·斯蒂尔 于 2020-02-12 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种设备,包括:聚焦光束接收器设备,其被配置为靠近交通工具的第一端定位；聚焦光束发生器；并且其中聚焦光束接收器设备包括聚焦光束接收表面,用于接收来自聚焦光束发生器的聚焦光束,以提供聚焦光束接收器相对于交通工具的中心线的对准。还提供了一种相对于交通工具的中心线对准聚焦光束接收器、聚焦光束发生器和可移动对准支架的方法。(A device includes a focused beam receiver device configured to be positioned proximate a first end of a vehicle; a focused beam generator; and wherein the focused beam receiver device comprises a focused beam receiving surface for receiving the focused beam from the focused beam generator to provide alignment of the focused beam receiver with respect to a centerline of the vehicle. A method of aligning a focused beam receiver, a focused beam generator and a movable alignment bracket with respect to a centerline of a vehicle is also provided.)

1. An apparatus, comprising:

a focused beam receiver device configured to be located near a first end of a vehicle;

a focused beam generator; and

wherein the focused beam receiver device comprises 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 a centerline of the vehicle.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the focused beam generator is located at an end of the vehicle opposite the focused beam receiver, and the focused beam generator is to align a focused beam from the focused beam generator with the focused beam receiver and a centerline of the vehicle.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the focused beam receiver apparatus comprises a focused beam aligner and a pair of upright arms.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the focused beam receiver apparatus comprises a focused beam generator for aligning and squaring the focused beam receiver apparatus to a centerline of the vehicle.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the focused beam receiver apparatus has a T-shaped member with a base and a vertical member extending upward from a central portion of the base.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the focused beam receiving surface is on the upright member.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the focused beam receiving surface comprises a mark or slot onto which one or more focused beams from the focused beam generator are aligned to provide alignment of the focused beam generator relative to the vehicle.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the focused beam receiver apparatus comprises a focused beam aligner.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the focused beam aligner is removably secured to the focused beam receiver apparatus.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a movable alignment support comprising:

a base;

a wheel fixed to the base;

a vertical member extending upwardly from the base;

a horizontal member extending from the vertical member; and

a focusing beam aligner fixed to the base.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the focused beam aligner on the movable alignment support comprises a vertical mark or a vertical slot.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a mirror mount is positioned adjacent the focused beam generator and the mirror is positioned on the mirror mount.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the mirror mount is angled from vertical.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the focused beam generator and the mirror mount are located on a bed.

15. A focused beam generator apparatus comprising:

a base;

a focused beam generator located on the bed;

a mirror mount located on the base; and

a mirror secured to the mirror mount.

16. A focused beam generator apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein the mirror mount and the mirror are positioned at an angle of 30 to 60 degrees to the vertical.

17. The focused beam generator apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the mirror is an acrylic mirror.

18. A focused beam receiver device, comprising:

a base;

a vertical member extending upwardly from the base;

a focusing beam aligner located on the base; and

a focused beam generator located on the base.

19. The focused beam receiver apparatus of claim 18 wherein said vertical member comprises a pair of upstanding arms.

20. The focused beam receiver apparatus of claim 18 wherein said focused beam aligner includes a mark or slot extending toward a front of said focused beam aligner.

21. The focused beam receiver apparatus of claim 20 wherein said marks or slots extend to an angled face of said focused beam aligner.

22. The focused beam receiver apparatus of claim 20 wherein said focused beam aligner is removably secured to said base.

23. A method, comprising:

positioning a focused beam receiver near a first end of a vehicle;

positioning a focused beam generator such that the focused beam receiver is located between a first end of the vehicle and the focused beam generator;

directing one or more focused beams to a centerline of the vehicle and to a focused beam receiving surface on the focused beam receiver to align and square the focused beam receiver with the centerline of the vehicle;

positioning a focused beam generator at an end of the vehicle opposite the first end of the vehicle;

directing one or more focused beams from the focused beam generator onto a focused beam receiving surface of a focused beam receiver; and

aligning the 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 vehicle centerline.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the focused beam receiver has a focused beam aligner.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the focused beam aligner is removably secured to a base of the focused beam receiver.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the focused beam receiver comprises a pair of upright arms and a focused beam generator located on a base of the focused beam receiver.

27. The method of claim 25, wherein the focused beam aligner comprises a line or slot for aligning one or more focused beams from the focused beam generator with the focused beam aligner.

28. The method of claim 25, further comprising removing the base of the focused beam receiver from the focused beam aligner.

29. The method of claim 23, wherein the focused beam receiver is a T-shaped member having a base and a vertical member extending upwardly from a central portion of the base.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein the focused beam receiving surface is on the upright member.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein the focused beam receiving surface comprises a vertical mark or slot onto which one or more focused beams from the focused beam generator are aligned to align and square the focused beam receiver to a centerline of the vehicle.

32. The method of claim 23, further comprising the steps of:

providing a movable alignment bracket comprising:

a base;

a wheel fixed to the base;

a vertical member extending upwardly from the base;

a horizontal member extending from the vertical member; and

a focusing beam aligner located on the base; and

once the focused beam generator is properly aligned with the centerline of the vehicle, the focused beam receiver is removed and replaced with the movable alignment bracket located in the path of the one or more focused beams from the focused beam generator.

33. The method of claim 32, further comprising aligning the one or more focused beams with the focused beam aligner on the base of the movable alignment support.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein the focused beam aligner comprises a vertical marker or a vertical slot.

35. The method of claim 23, 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.

36. The method of claim 35, wherein the mirror is mounted on a mirror mount positioned adjacent the focused beam generator.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein the mirror mount is angled from vertical.

38. The method of claim 37, wherein the focused beam generator and the mirror mount are positioned on the base.

Technical Field

The present application relates to an apparatus and method for aligning a moveable fixture relative to a vehicle. More particularly, the present application relates to an apparatus and method for aligning a focused beam generator with a centerline of a vehicle and aligning a movable fixture relative to the vehicle for mounting or adjusting a camera or other device to the vehicle in a desired position.

Background

Vehicles are often equipped with cameras or other devices to assist in driving and to avoid collisions. In some cases, the vehicle is in an accident, or the bumper needs to be replaced or adjusted. In order to replace or adjust a camera or other device on a vehicle, it is important that the alignment bracket be properly aligned with the vehicle to allow the camera or other device to be properly positioned or adjusted with the vehicle. In the past, plumbs were used that were suspended on or under the vehicle to determine the front and rear center points of the vehicle and establish the centerline of the vehicle to provide proper alignment of the movable support relative to the vehicle. However, the use of a plumb bob to calibrate a mobile carriage is typically a two-person task. Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide an apparatus and method for aligning a focused beam generator with the centerline of a vehicle and aligning a movable mount relative to the vehicle to provide proper alignment for mounting or adjusting a camera or other device to or with the vehicle.

Disclosure of Invention

The present disclosure relates to the use of a focused beam generator and a focused beam receiver to align a focused beam in a desired position relative to a vehicle. The focused beam receiver is placed at the front (or rear) of the vehicle and the focused beam generator is placed such that the focused beam receiver is located between the focused beam generator and the vehicle. The focused beam is directed along a centerline of the vehicle onto a focused beam receiving surface on a focused beam receiver. The vertical mark or slot is aligned with the focused beam from the focused beam generator so that the focused beam receiver is aligned and at right angles to the centerline of the vehicle. Vehicles often have signs or markers to show where the centerline of the vehicle is located.

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 that extends between the front and rear of the vehicle. Once the focused beam receiver is aligned and at right angles to the centerline of the front (or rear) of the vehicle, another or the same focused beam generator is located at the opposite end of the vehicle from where the focused beam receiver is located. The focused beam may be directed along the centerline of the vehicle under the vehicle. Once the focused beam generator is properly aligned with the focused beam receiver so 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, the movable alignment bracket may be moved to a position where the focused beam receiver is located on the same path of the focused beam, although the alignment bracket is typically not positioned against the vehicle, but is close to the vehicle, e.g., up to two meters or more from the vehicle. The alignment fixture may 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 on the focused beam receiver. The focused beam receiver may have a T-shaped configuration with a vertical member extending upwardly from the base and positioned against an end of the vehicle to provide alignment of the focused beam on the focused beam receiver. The alignment fixture 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 fixture.

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 comprises a focused beam receiving surface for receiving the focused beam from the focused beam generator to provide alignment of the focused beam receiver relative to the vehicle centerline. The apparatus may also include a movable alignment stand 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.

In another aspect, a method is provided that includes the steps of (i) positioning a focused beam receiver proximate a first end of a vehicle; (ii) positioning the focused beam generator such that the focused beam receiver is located between the first end of the vehicle and the focused beam generator; (iii) directing one or more focused beams to a centerline of the vehicle and to a focused beam receiving surface on a focused beam receiver such that the focused beam receiver is aligned and at right angles to the centerline of the vehicle; (iv) positioning a focused beam generator at an end of the vehicle opposite the first end of the vehicle; (v) directing one or more focused beams from a focused beam generator onto a focused beam receiving surface of a focused beam receiver; and (vi) aligning the 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 steps of (vii) providing a movable alignment stand having a base, wheels fixed to the base, a vertical member extending upwardly from the base, a horizontal member extending from the vertical member, and a focusing beam aligner positioned on the base; and (viii) once the focused beam generator is correctly aligned with the centre line of the vehicle, removing the focused beam receiver and replacing it with a movable alignment bracket located in the path of the focused beam or beams from the focused beam generator.

These and other aspects and advantages will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by reading the following detailed description, with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this summary and elsewhere are intended to be examples only, and do not necessarily limit the scope of the invention.

Drawings

Example embodiments are described herein with reference to the following drawings.

Fig. 1 is a perspective front view of a movable alignment device 100 according to an example embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a front view of the movable alignment apparatus 100 shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a side view of the movable alignment apparatus 100 shown in fig. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4A is a perspective front view of the movable alignment device 100 shown in FIGS. 1-3 with a laser target plate 140 positioned on the movable alignment device 100, according to an example embodiment.

Fig. 4B is a close-up view of the moveable alignment device 100 shown in fig. 1-4A having a focusing beam aligner 114, according to an example embodiment.

Fig. 5A is a perspective view of a focused beam receiver 250 having vertical marks or slots 280 according to an example embodiment.

Fig. 5B is another perspective view of the focused beam receiver 250 positioned in front of the vehicle 300.

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

Figure 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a focused beam generator 150 and a mirror 420 'positioned on a bed 400'.

Fig. 8A is a perspective view of a focused beam receiver device 600 having upright arms 610 and 620 extending upward from a base 602, and a focused beam aligner 650 located on the base 602, according to an example embodiment.

Fig. 8B is a top view of the focused beam receiver device 600 shown in fig. 8A.

Fig. 8C is a perspective view of the focused beam receiver apparatus 600 shown in fig. 8A and 8B with the focused beam aligner 650 separated from the base 602.

Fig. 8D is a top view of the focused beam receiver device 600 shown in fig. 8C.

Fig. 8E is a perspective view of a focusing beam aligner 650 in accordance with an example embodiment.

Fig. 8F is a side view of the focusing beam aligner 650 shown in fig. 8E.

Fig. 9A is a top view of the vehicle 300 with the focused beam 152 from the focused beam generator 150 aligned with the focused beam receiver 250 and the centerline of the vehicle 300.

Fig. 9B is a top view of the vehicle 300 with the focused beam generator 150 located behind the vehicle 300 and the focused beam receiver 250 located in front of the vehicle 300.

Fig. 9C is a top view of the vehicle 300 with the focused beam generator 150 located behind the vehicle 300 and the movable alignment device 100 located in front of the vehicle 300.

Fig. 10A is a perspective view of a focusing beam aligner 114 of a movable alignment device 100 according to an example embodiment, wherein focusing beams 152 and 154 are directed to the focusing beam aligner 114.

Fig. 10B is another perspective view of focusing beam aligner 114 to which focusing beams 152 and 154 are directed.

FIG. 10C is yet another perspective view of the focusing beam aligner 114 with the focusing beams 152 and 154 aligned on the focusing beam aligner 114.

Figure 11 is a perspective view of a focused beam generator device 500, a focused beam receiver device 600 and a movable alignment device 100.

Detailed Description

In this specification, the articles "a," "an," and "the" are used to introduce elements and/or functions of example embodiments. The articles are used for the purpose of presenting one or more of the elements and/or functions presented. In this specification, the intent of using the term "and/or" in a list of at least two elements or functions and the intent 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 separately including the listed elements or functions and each embodiment including combinations of the listed elements or functions. For example, embodiments described as 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) an embodiment that includes A but not B and C, (ii) an embodiment that includes B but not A and C, (iii) an embodiment that includes C but not A and B, (iv) an embodiment that includes A and B but not C, (v) an embodiment that includes A and C but not B, (v) an embodiment that includes B and C but not A, and (vi) an embodiment that includes A, B and C. For embodiments comprising an element or function a, an embodiment may comprise one a or more as. For embodiments that include an element or function B, an embodiment may include one B or more B. For embodiments that include an element or function C, an embodiment may include one C or more C. In this specification, ordinal numbers such as "first," "second," "third," etc., are used to distinguish between corresponding elements and not to indicate a particular order of the elements unless otherwise indicated by the context in which the terms are used.

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 may be implemented as discrete or distributed elements, alone or in combination with other elements, and in any suitable combination and/or location. Those skilled in the art will understand that other arrangements and elements may be used instead. Further, functionality described as being performed by one or more elements may be performed by a combination of hardware, firmware, and/or software (e.g., a processor executing computer-readable program instructions).

Fig. 1 is a perspective front view of a movable alignment device 100 according to an example embodiment. Fig. 2 is a front view of the movable alignment apparatus 100 shown in fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a side view of the movable alignment apparatus 100 shown in fig. 1 and 2. The movable alignment apparatus 100 includes a base 110 on wheels 112. The vertical member 120 extends upward from the base 110. The 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 the handle 122. Laser target mounts 132 and 134 are positioned on horizontal member 130. A focused beam aligner 114 is positioned on the base 110 and is adapted to receive a focused beam of light, such as a laser beam or collimated beam, for alignment purposes.

A laser beam or other focused beam may be used to align the movable alignment apparatus 100 with the centerline of the vehicle to properly align the movable alignment apparatus 100 when a camera or other device is mounted to or adjusted with the vehicle.

FIG. 4A is a perspective front view of the movable alignment device 100 shown in FIGS. 1-3 with a laser target plate 140 positioned on the movable alignment device 100, according to an example embodiment. The laser target plate 140 includes laser targets 142 and 144.

Fig. 4B is a close-up view of the moveable alignment device 100 shown in fig. 1-4A. The focusing beam aligner 114 is shown positioned on the base 110, the base 110 in turn being mounted on wheels 112.

One step before aligning the movable alignment device 100 with the vehicle is to ensure that the focused beam(s) from the focused beam generator 150 (as shown in fig. 6 and 7) are aligned with the centerline of the vehicle. To align the focused beam(s) of the focused beam generator 150 with the centerline of the vehicle, a focused beam receiver is positioned in front of the vehicle with the focused beam receiving surface positioned perpendicular to the centerline of the vehicle. The focused beam(s) from the focused beam generator 150 are aligned with a mark or mark representing the centerline of the vehicle and then with a mark or slot on the focused beam receiving surface of the focused beam receiver 250 so that the focused beam receiver is aligned and at right angles to the centerline of the vehicle.

Fig. 5A is a perspective view of a focused beam receiver 250 according to an example embodiment. The focusing beam receiver 250 has a T-shaped configuration with a base 260 and a vertical member 270 extending upwardly from the base 260. Other configurations are also possible, such as an L-shaped configuration in which the upright member extends upwardly 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 a focused beam received from the focused beam generator 150 (shown in fig. 6 and 7) to align the focused beam from the focused beam generator with the centerline of the vehicle. In operation, as shown in fig. 5B, the focused beam receiver 250 is positioned forward of the front end of the vehicle 300. The upwardly extending vertical member 270 may be positioned against a bumper 310 of the vehicle 300. As shown in fig. 9A, the focused beam receiver 250 is positioned between the front end of the vehicle 300 and the focused beam generator 150. The focused beam 152 from the focused beam generator 150 is aligned with a mark or mark 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 and at right angles to the centerline of the vehicle 300. In at least some of the 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 members 270 include vertical markings on opposite sides.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the focused beam generator 150 positioned on a bed 400. Further, a mirror mount 410 is positioned on the base 400. The mirror 420 is fixed to the mirror mount 410. The mirror mount 410 is angled to allow one to view where the focused beam from the focused beam generator 150 is located on the focused beam receiver 250, rather than having to lie on the ground below the vehicle 300 to view where the focused beam is aligned on the focused beam receiver 250.

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

Once properly aligned, the focused beam receiver 250 is at the proper distance and perpendicular to the vehicle. A mirror, such as mirror 420 or 420', may be used to see the alignment of the focused beam 152, 154, here shown as a laser beam on a focused beam receiving surface (vertical member) 270 of a focused beam receiver 250 or 650 (as shown in fig. 8A-8F). Once the focused beams 152, 154 are properly aligned, the focused beam receiver 250 may be removed (or retained in the case of the focused beam aligner 650) and the movable alignment device 100 may be moved into position in front of the vehicle. The focused beam aligner 114 on the movable alignment apparatus 100 can be used to ensure that the movable alignment apparatus 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 apparatus 100. The tape measure may be used to position the movable alignment device 100 within a prescribed or desired distance in front of the vehicle. Once the movable alignment apparatus 100 is properly positioned, the camera or other mounting device may be secured to the vehicle 300 or adjusted.

An alternative embodiment of the focused beam receiver 250 shown in fig. 5A is shown in fig. 8A-8F as a focused beam receiver apparatus 600. The focus beam receiver apparatus 600 includes a base 602 on which a focus beam aligner 650 is positioned. The focused beam aligner 650 includes a mark or slot 660 for aligning the focused beam from the focused beam generator 150. The focused beam receiver apparatus 600 also includes a pair of upright arms 610 and 620 that are positioned against the bumper of the vehicle in the same manner as the vertical member 270 of the focused beam receiver 250 shown in fig. 5A. The focused beam receiver apparatus 600 also advantageously includes a focused beam generator 630 that can be used to align the focused beam receiver apparatus 600 with the centerline of the vehicle.

The focused beam receiver device 600 is positioned against the front middle of the vehicle with the upright arms 610 and 620 held in contact with the vehicle body on the front of the vehicle. The focused beam generator 630 is turned on and projected onto a vehicle centerline feature (typically a logo) and along line 660 on the focused beam aligner 650. This arrangement corresponds to lowering the plumb from the vehicle to establish a first point of the vehicle centerline.

As shown in fig. 8C and 8D, the focused beam receiver device 600 is removed, leaving the focused beam aligner 650 positioned in place on the centerline of the vehicle. The focused beam generator device 500 is positioned on the opposite side of the vehicle from the focused beam aligner 650, offset (in the middle) at the rear of the vehicle. The focused beam(s) from the focused beam generator 150 (as shown in fig. 7) are projected at the rear vehicle centerline reference (logo/emblem). When the focused beam generator 150 is projected under the vehicle onto a focused beam aligner 650 positioned to be aligned at the front of the vehicle, the mirror 420' is used to view the focused beam(s) from the focused beam generator 150. The position of the focused beam generator device 500 is adjusted until the focused beam from the focused beam generator 150 is projected along line 660 onto a mark on the rear vehicle reference and focused beam aligner 650. This establishes the vehicle centerline. The movable alignment device 100 (as shown in fig. 1-4) is then positioned at a set distance (typically 1-2 meters) in front of the vehicle such that the focused beam(s) from the focused beam generator 150 are projected onto the focused beam aligner 114 of the movable alignment device 100. The movable alignment apparatus 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 in the focused beam aligner 114. This ensures that the movable alignment device 100 is perpendicular to the vehicle centerline.

As shown in fig. 8B-8F, focus beam aligner 650 includes a mark 660 extending to an angled front surface 652 of focus beam aligner 650. The focusing beam aligner 650 further includes a rear surface 654 extending downward, and the rear surface 654 serves as a footing (footing) for the focusing beam aligner 650. The back surface 654 of the focused beam aligner 650 may be removably secured to the base 602 of the focused beam receiver apparatus 600 by one or more magnets.

Fig. 9A is a top view of a vehicle 300 with a focused beam generator 150 aligning and right-angled a focused beam receiver 250 with the centerline of the vehicle 300. Fig. 9B is a top view of the vehicle 300 with the focused beam generator 150 positioned behind the vehicle 300 and the focused beam receiver 250 positioned in front of the vehicle 300. The focused beam generator is then aligned with the centerline of the vehicle and the focused beam receiver 250. As shown in fig. 9C, 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 and square the moveable alignment device 100 with the centerline of the vehicle 300.

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a focusing beam aligner 114 of a movable alignment device 100 according to an example embodiment, wherein focusing beams 152 and 154 are directed onto the focusing 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 in the correct alignment with respect to the focused beam generator 150 (as shown in fig. 6 and 7) and with respect to the centerline of the vehicle. The focused beam receiving surface 220 may be positioned as an inclined plane at an angle of 30-60 degrees from vertical, and preferably at an angle of 45 degrees from vertical. As shown in fig. 10A, the 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 marker or slot 157 is positioned on the focused beam aligner 114.

Fig. 10B is another perspective view of focused beam aligner 114 in which focused beams 152 and 154 are directed onto aligner 114. In FIG. 10B, focused beams 152 and 154 are more centered than in FIG. 10A, but have not yet intersected at the desired center of vertical mark or slit 157 of focused beam receiving surface 220 of focused beam aligner 114.

Fig. 10C is yet another perspective view of the focusing beam aligner 114 in which the focusing beams 152 and 154 are aligned with vertical marks or slots 157 on the focusing beam receiving surface 220 of the focusing beam aligner 114. In fig. 10C, the focused beams 152 and 154 are shown intersecting in the center of the vertical mark or slot 157 of the focused beam receiving surface 220 of the focused beam aligner 114, indicating that the movable alignment apparatus 100 is properly aligned with the focused beam generator 150. Once the movable alignment apparatus 100 is properly aligned with the focused beam generator 150, a camera or other device may be mounted to the vehicle 300 or adjusted with the vehicle 300 using the movable alignment apparatus 100.

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of an apparatus for aligning the movable alignment apparatus 100 with the centerline of a vehicle. The focused beam receiver device is positioned against the front end 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 600. Once the focused beam aligner 650 is aligned and at right angles to the centerline of the vehicle, the focused beam generator device 500 is located behind the vehicle and the focused beam is directed onto the focused beam aligner 650 of the focused beam receiver device 600, the focused beam aligner 650 of the focused beam receiver device 600 is positioned against the bumper at the front of the vehicle to properly align the focused beam generator 150 with the centerline of the vehicle and the focused beam receiver. Once the focused beam generator device 500 is properly aligned with the focused beam receiver device 600, the focused beam receiver device 600 is removed so that the focused beam aligner 650 is in an aligned position in front of the vehicle. The movable alignment device 100 is then moved into position in front of the vehicle. The focusing beam aligner 114 on the movable alignment device 100 is then aligned with the focusing beam from the focusing beam generator 150 until the movable alignment device 100 is aligned with and at right angles to the centerline of the vehicle. Once the movable alignment apparatus 100 is properly aligned at right angles to the centerline of the vehicle, a camera or other device may be mounted to or adjusted with the vehicle.

A vehicle, such as vehicle 300, is a mobile machine that may be used to transport people, or cargo. Vehicles may travel or otherwise be guided along a path (e.g., paved roads or otherwise) in land, water, air, or space. The vehicle may be wheeled, tracked or planing. The vehicle may be guided by a user inside the vehicle or by a user outside the vehicle by using a remote control. The vehicle may be guided at least partially autonomously. In the case of autonomous vehicles, the vehicle may be guided along a path, at least sometimes without any people or cargo within or on the vehicle. The vehicle may comprise an automobile, a motorcycle, an All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) as defined by ANSI/SVIA-1-2007, a snowmobile, personal watercraft (e.g., JET SKI personal watercraft), a light truck, a medium truck, a heavy truck, a semi-tractor, farm machinery, a truck (e.g., a dry or refrigerated truck), a tank trailer, a flatbed trailer, or an automobile transporter. The vehicle may include or use any suitable source of voltage or current, such as a battery, alternator, fuel cell, or the like. The vehicle may include or use any desired drive system or engine. The drive system or engine may include an article that uses fossil fuels such as gasoline, natural gas, propane, and the like; using electricity, such as electricity generated by batteries, magnetos, fuel cells, solar cells, and the like; using wind power and hybrid power; or a combination thereof. The vehicle may include an Electronic Control Unit (ECU)3, a Data Link Connector (DLC)2, and a vehicle communication link 4 that operatively connects the DLC 2 to the ECU 3. The ECU 3 may detect a fault in the vehicle and set a DTC indicating the fault to an active state.

Vehicle manufacturers may build various numbers of vehicles per calendar year (i.e., 1 month, 1 day to 12 months, 31 days). Some vehicle manufacturers build one vehicle model or multiple different vehicle models. In some cases, a vehicle manufacturer defines a model year for a particular vehicle model to be built. The model year may start on a date other than 1 month and 1 day, and/or may end on a date other than 12 months and 31 days. Model years may span portions 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. A vehicle manufacturer may build a vehicle model of vehicles with different vehicle options. For example, a particular vehicle model may include a vehicle having a six cylinder engine and a vehicle having an eight cylinder engine. The vehicle manufacturer or another entity may define vehicle identification information for each vehicle model number built by the vehicle manufacturer. The particular vehicle identification information identifies a particular group of vehicles (e.g., all vehicles of a particular vehicle model for a particular vehicle model year or all vehicles of a particular group of vehicles having one or more vehicle options for a particular vehicle model year).

As an example, the specific vehicle identification information can include indicators of vehicle characteristics, such as when the vehicle was built (e.g., vehicle model year), who built the vehicle (e.g., vehicle manufacturer (i.e., vehicle manufacturer)), a marketing name associated with the vehicle (e.g., vehicle model name), and vehicle characteristics (e.g., engine type). According to this example, the specific vehicle identification information may be referred to by the acronymme or Y/M/E, where each letter in the sequence shown represents a model year identifier, a vehicle manufacturer identifier, a vehicle model name identifier, and an engine type identifier, respectively, or by the acronym or Y/M, where each letter in the sequence shown represents a model year identifier, a vehicle manufacturer identifier, and a vehicle model name identifier, respectively. An example of Y/M/M/E is 2004/Toyota/Camy/4Cyl, where "2004" represents the model year of the vehicle build, "Toyota" represents the name of the Toyota Motor Corporation, which is known to vehicle manufacturers on a daily basis, "Camry" represents the name of the vehicle model built by the manufacturers, and "4 Cyl" represents the engine type within the vehicle (i.e., four-cylinder Internal Combustion Engine (ICE)). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other features in addition to or instead of "engine type" may be used to identify the vehicle model using specific vehicle identification information, and for some purposes, the vehicle model may be identified by its vehicle manufacturer and vehicle model name M/M. These other characteristics may be identified in various ways, such as a conventional production option (RPO) code, such as that defined by General Motors Company LLC of detroit, Mich. Further, the vehicle identification information may be combined and displayed as a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The VIN may be displayed on the VIN label.

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 purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope being indicated by the following claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting.