Patent Publication Number: US-2023139320-A1

Title: Systems and Methods for Determining a Weight Rating of a Transporter

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Pat. Application No. 63/273,478, entitled “Systems and Methods for Determining Weight Rating of Transporter,” filed on Oct. 29, 2021. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention relate to a new and improved system and method for determining a weight rating for a surface road transporter (for example, a large tractor-trailer truck or “semi”). More particularly, embodiments of the present invention provide a new and improved system and method for determining a gross allowable weight value for a specific surface road transporter by using a computing system and digital camera to identify various visible attributes of the transporter and then, based on those visible attributes, to determine a maximum allowable load limit for that transporter in a given jurisdiction. In addition, embodiments of the present invention may include a digital optical device and related software configured to scan and decipher a QR code printed on an “overweight” permit issued by a local jurisdiction, where the overweight permit authorizes a specific transporter to carry a load that exceeds its normal gross allowable weight by a specified amount or percentage. Embodiments of the present invention may incorporate that specified overage amount or percentage in its determination of the gross allowable weight rating for that transporter. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Road transport of cargo is often accomplished by a surface road transporter, which may include a truck, optionally in combination with one or more trailers. Manufacturers often suggest maximum load restrictions for their transporters. Some governments also place maximum load restrictions on transporters. In many cases, government-imposed maximum load restrictions are based at least in part on the number and spacing of axles and/or axle groups on the transporter. 
     It can be difficult and/or time-consuming to objectively determine a reliable maximum load restriction for a given transporter configuration (a configuration, for example, comprising a specific tractor-trailer configuration with a certain number of axles and/or axle groups). To accomplish this task, a worker at a transport weighing station (or scale) will typically use a tape measure to measure the distance from one axle or axle group on the transporter to each adjoining axle or axle group, record that information, and then access one or more of a series of tables printed by a government jurisdiction to manually determine a gross allowable weight rating for the transporter configuration. 
     To address these limitations, embodiments of the present invention disclose systems and methods that make it easier and more efficient to determine a gross allowable weight rating of a transporter reliably and accurately for a given government jurisdiction. Such systems and methods for determining a gross allowable weight rating of a transporter are useful at least for: (1) promoting the safety and efficiency in the road-transport industry; (2) facilitating compliance with government regulations; and (3) identifying violations of and enforcing compliance with government regulations. 
     To achieve at least those ends, the following description discloses embodiments of systems and methods for determining a gross allowable weight rating for a transporter in a given jurisdiction. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     This summary is provided to introduce certain concepts in simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to limit in any way the scope of the claimed invention. 
     In one embodiment, a computer method for determining the Gross Allowable Weight of a transporter comprises: obtaining with a camera a digital image of a transporter; providing a computer interface to facilitate marking the digital image to identify a number of axles or axle groups on the transporter; measuring the distance between the identified axles; calculating a weight capacity rating or Gross Allowable Weight rating for the transporter based on the number and spacing of identified and measured axles; and displaying the Gross Allowable Weight rating on a display. 
     In a second embodiment, a system and method for determining the weight rating of a transporter comprises: a camera, wherein the camera is configured to obtain a digital image of a transporter; a processor coupled to the camera, wherein the processor is configured to calculate a weight capacity rating or Gross Allowable Weight rating for the transporter; a display coupled to the processor, wherein the display is configured to display the digital image, and wherein the display is configured to display the weight capacity rating or Gross Allowable Weight; and an input device coupled to the processor, wherein the input device is configured to place vertical guide lines on the digital image to identify a number and/or location of axles on the transporter. 
     In a third embodiment, a system and method for determining the weight rating or Gross Allowable Weight for a transporter comprises: a processor configured to receive a digital image of the transporter, wherein the processor is configured to provide an identification of a plurality of axles on the transporter, and wherein the processor is configured to provide a calculated weight capacity rating or Gross Allowable Weight for the transporter, wherein the calculated Gross Allowable Weight for the transporter is based at least partially on the identification of the number and spacing of a plurality of axles on the transporter. 
     In a fourth embodiment, a system and method for determining the weight rating or Gross Allowable Weight for a transporter comprises: a processor configured to receive a digital image of the transporter, wherein the processor is configured to display the digital image of the transporter, interface with an operator to provide an identification of a plurality of axles and/or axle groups on the transporter, calculate a weight capacity rating or Gross Allowable Weight for the transporter, wherein the calculated Gross Allowable Weight for the transporter is based at least partially on the identification of the number and spacing of a plurality of axles on the transporter. 
     In addition, embodiments of the present invention may include a QR scanning device and related software configured to scan and decipher a QR code printed on an overweight permit issued by a local jurisdiction. An overweight permit is a permit issued by a government authority that authorizes a transporter to carry a load that exceeds its normal gross allowable weight by a specified amount or percentage. Embodiments of the present invention may use a QR code on an overweight permit to access government-supplied information about the transporter and incorporate the specified overage amount or percentage, as provided by the overweight permit, in its determination of the gross allowable weight rating for that transporter. 
     The above summary of embodiments of the present invention has been provided to introduce certain concepts that are further described below in the Detailed Description. The summarized embodiments are not necessarily representative of the claimed subject matter, nor do they span the scope of features described in more detail below. They simply serve as an introduction to the subject matter of the various claimed inventions. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       So that the above recited features of the present invention can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. 
         FIG.  1    illustrates a typical transporter configuration comprising a truck and a single trailer. 
         FIG.  2    illustrates a transporter configuration comprising a truck and two trailers. 
         FIG.  3    illustrates a transporter configuration comprising a truck and a single trailer, where the trailer has more than one axle group. 
         FIG.  4 A  is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a system and method for determining a weight rating of a transporter, in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG.  4 B  a block diagram of a computing device for a system and method for determining a weight rating of a transporter, in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG.  5    illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a display component of a system and method for determining a weight rating of a transporter, in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG.  6    illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a graphic overlay component of a system and method for determining a weight rating of a transporter, in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG.  7    illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an input device component of a system and method for determining a weight rating of a transporter, in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG.  8    illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the same input device component of a system and method for determining a weight rating of a transporter shown in  FIG.  7   , where the input device has been placed in a first operational state, in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG.  9    illustrates another exemplary embodiment of the same input device component of a system and method for determining a weight rating of a transporter shown in  FIG.  7   , where the input device has been placed in a second operational state, in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG.  10    illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an input device component and a display device component of a transport weight rating system, in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG.  11 A  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a transport calibration system, in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG.  11 B  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a transport calibration method, in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG.  12    is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a method for determining a Gross Allowable Weight rating of a transporter, in accordance with the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like reference numerals throughout, and wherein the leftmost digit of each reference number refers to the drawing number of the figure in which the referenced part first appears. 
     Embodiments of the present invention herein are intended to be used to determine the appropriate maximum Gross Allowable Weight of a surface road transporter, as allowed by federal, state, or local law (a jurisdiction). By accurately determining the maximum Gross Allowable Weight of a transporter, an operator can obtain and record documentary evidence of compliance with jurisdictional freight and cargo limitations. 
     Definitions 
     Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) in this disclosure have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the specification and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined otherwise in this disclosure. Thus, for brevity and/or clarity, well-known functions or constructions might not be described in detail. 
     The terms used throughout the disclosure are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to be limiting. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. 
     The terms “coupled to,” “coupled with,” “connected to,” “in connection with,” “in communication with,” or “connecting” include any suitable connection or communication, including mechanical connection, electrical connection (e.g., one or more wires), or signal-conducting channel. 
     The term “transporter” is used herein to mean any combination of truck, freight truck, tractor, tractor trailer, semi-tractor trailer, trailer, or other hauling vehicle intended to transport products and/or material over surface roads. 
     The term Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (“GVWR”) is the maximum loaded weight of a transporter vehicle, as determined by the transporter’s manufacturer. 
     The term Maximum Gross Combined Weight (“MGCW”) is the maximum loaded weight of a combined tractor and trailer that is allowed by federal, state, or local regulations. 
     The term Gross Axle Weight Rating (“GAWR”) is the maximum downward force, or weight, allowed for each vehicle axle. The term GAWR is typically given for both the front axle (the front rating or “FR”) and the rear axle (the rear rating or “RR”). 
     The term Gross Trailer Weight (“GTW”) is the actual total weight of a loaded trailer. 
     The term Tongue Weight is the downward force, or weight, exerted at the back of a transporter by the trailer load. 
     The terms Curb Weight and/or Empty Weight refer to the weight of a transporter apart from passengers or cargo. 
     The term Dry Weight is the weight of a transporter without passengers, cargo, or fluids. 
     Finally, the term Gross Allowable Weight (“GAW”) or Gross Allowable Weight rating will be used herein to mean the maximum allowable load limit of a specific transporter configuration in a given jurisdiction. GAW is a weight rating normally expressed in pounds. 
     Transporters 
       FIG.  1    illustrates a typical Transporter  100  configuration comprising a Truck  101  and a single Trailer  103  connected to Truck  101 . Truck  101  may comprise the tractor component of Transporter  100 . Trailor  103  may comprise a container for carrying cargo, such as products and other material. Trailer  103  may be loaded or unloaded. Each of the Truck  101  and Trailer  103  may have wheels  110 ,  120 , and  130  on Axles  105 ,  106 , and/or  107  (respectively). For example, Truck  101  may have at least one Truck Front Wheel  110  on an Axle  105  and at least one Truck Rear Wheel  120  on an Axle  106 . Trailer  103  may have at least one Trailer Wheel  130  on an Axle  107 . When multiple axles are substantially adjacent to each other, the axles may form an “axle group.” An axle group may have three axles, such as Axle Group  140 , which refers to the entire group of Axles  107  each of which supports one of the Trailer Wheels  130 . 
       FIG.  2    illustrates a Transporter  200  configuration comprising a Truck  201  and two tailers: a First Trailer  203  and a Second Trailer  204  connected in line, as shown, to Truck  201 . Truck  201  may comprise the tractor component of Transporter  200 . Trailers  203  and  204  may comprise containers for carrying cargo, such as products and other material. Trailers  203  and  204  may be loaded or unloaded. Each of the Truck  201 , Trailer  203 , and Trailer  204  may have wheels  210 ,  220 ,  230 , and  240  on Axles  205 ,  206 ,  207 , and  208  (respectively). For example, Truck  201  may have at least one Truck Front Wheel  210  on an Axle  205  and at least one Truck Rear Wheel  220  on an Axle  206 . Trailer  203  may have at least one Trailer Wheel  230  on an Axle  207 . Trailer  204  may have at least one Trailer Wheel  240  on an Axle  209 . As in  FIG.  1   ,  FIG.  2    shows that when multiple axles are substantially adjacent to each other, the axles may form an “axle group.” An axle group may have three axles, such as Axle Group  250 , which refers to the entire group of Axles  107  supporting Trailer Wheels  230 . Similarly, Axle Group  260  may have two axles and comprise Axles  208  supporting Trailer Wheels  240 . 
       FIG.  3    illustrates a Transporter  300  configuration comprising a Truck  301  and a single Trailer  303  connected to Truck  301 , where the Trailer  303  has more than one axle group. Truck  301  may comprise the tractor component of Transporter  300 . Trailor  303  may comprise a container for carrying cargo, such as products and other material. Trailer  303  may be loaded or unloaded. Each of the Truck  301  and Trailer  303  may have Wheels  310 ,  320 ,  330 , and  340  on Axles  305 ,  306 ,  307 , and  308  (respectively). For example, Truck  301  may have at least one Truck Front Wheel  310  on an Axle  305  and at least one Truck Rear Wheel  320  on an Axle  306 . Trailer  303  may have at least one Trailer Wheel  330  on an Axle  307  and another Trailer Wheel  340  on an Axle  308 . When multiple axles are substantially adjacent to each other, the axles may form an “axle group.” An axle group may have two axles, such as Axle Group  350 , which refers to the entire group of Axles  307  each of which supports one of the Trailer Wheels  330 . An axle group may also have four axles, such as Axle Group  360 , which refers to the entire group of Axles  308  each of which supports one of the Trailer Wheels  340 . 
     In addition to the embodiments shown in each of  FIGS.  1 - 3    wherein the Transporter  100 ,  200 , or  300  has at least one Trailer  103 ,  203 ,  204 , or  303 , a transporter such as Transporter  100  may have a Truck  101  but no trailer. Similarly, a truck such as Truck  101  may comprise a “box” configuration (not shown but which is well known by those skilled in the art) where the trailer is supported by Truck Front Wheel(s)  110  and Truck Rear Wheel(s)  120  and not have separate trailer wheels, such as Trailor Wheel(s)  130 . 
     The full length of any given transporter, such as Length  190 ,  290 , or  390  (each shown individually in  FIGS.  1 ,  2 , and  3    respectively), is the distance from the front of the truck (such as Truck  101 ) to the back of the rearmost trailer (such as Trailer  103 ). If a transporter has no trailer, then the full length of the transporter is the distance from the front of the truck to the back of the truck. 
     Systems and Methods Overview 
       FIG.  4 A  is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a System and Method  400  for determining a weight rating of a Transporter  401 , in accordance with the present invention. A Camera  410  may be positioned to visually capture an image comprising the full length of a Transporter  401 . A QR Scanner  415  may be positioned to capture a QR code printed on an Overage Permit  405 . Camera  410  may be electronically coupled or connected to a Computing Device  420 . QR Scanner  415  may also be electronically coupled or connected to Computing Device  420 . Computing Device  420  may then be electronically coupled or connected to a Display Device  430  and to an Input Device  440 . Camera  410 , QR Scanner  415 , Computing Device  420 , Display Device  430 , and Input Device  440  may be electronically connected by a physical cable or may communicate with each other by various remote or wireless telecommunications technologies known by those skilled in the art. 
     Camera  410  may be configured to obtain a Digital Image  431  of a transporter such as Transporter  401 . As mentioned above, Camera  410  may be connected by data-transmission cables to Computing Device  420 . Alternatively, Camera  410  may comprise an internet-protocol device that transmits captured images wirelessly to Computing Device  420 . Camera  410  may also be capable of receiving instructions from Computing Device  420 , such as to capture an image, to zoom in or out, or to pan the Camera  410  in a selected direction. For example, Camera  410  may be a pan-tilt-zoom (“PTZ”) camera that is capable of remote direction and zoom control. Display Device  430  may be configured to display the Digital Image  431  to a user (the user is not shown). 
     QR Scanner  415  may be configured to obtain data from a QR code, such as a QR Code  407  printed on Overage Permit  405 . Data obtained from QR Code  407  may then allow software executing on Computing Device  410  to access the original government issued version of the Overage Permit  405  via a network and examine its contents directly, thereby minimizing the chance that the Overage Permit  405  has been improperly modified. 
     Computing Device 
       FIG.  4 B  a block diagram of a Computing Device  420 , first shown in  FIG.  4 A , for a system and method for determining a weight rating of a transporter, in accordance with the present invention. Computing Device  420  may be programmed with instructions for receiving commands from Input Device  440  for controlling Camera  410 , for receiving and displaying Digital Image  431 , and/or for manipulating Digital Image  431  on Display Device  430 . Computing Device  420  may be configured to obtain the Digital Image  431  from the Camera  410  and to display the Digital Image  431  on the Display Device  430 . Computing Device  420  may be further configured to calculate a Gross Allowable Weight Rating  433  (shown in  FIG.  4 A ) for the Transporter  401 . Gross Allowable Weight Rating  433  may be presented on the Display Device  430  as an overlay on top of Digital Image  431 . In some embodiments, the calculated Gross Allowable Weight Rating  433  may be at least partially based on the number and spacing of the axles on Transporter  401  (see Axles  105 ,  106 , and  107  of  FIG.  1   ). 
     Staying with  FIG.  4 B , Computing Device  420  may comprise any device known in the art that is capable of processing data and/or information, such as any general purpose and/or special purpose computer, including as a personal computer, workstation, server, minicomputer, mainframe, supercomputer, computer terminal, laptop, tablet computer (such as an iPad), wearable computer, mobile terminal, Bluetooth device, communicator, smart phone (such as an iPhone, Android device, or BlackBerry), a programmed microprocessor or microcontroller and/or peripheral integrated circuit elements, an ASIC or other integrated circuit, a hardware electronic logic circuit such as a discrete element circuit, and/or a programmable logic device such as a PLD, PLA, FPGA, or PAL, or the like, etc. In general, any device on which a finite state machine CAN reside that is capable of implementing at least a portion of the methods, structures, APIs, and/or interfaces described herein may comprise Computing Device  420 . 
     Computing Device  420  may comprise components such as one or more Network Interfaces  421 , one or more Processors  423 , one or more Memories  422  where some Memories  422  contain Instructions and Logic  424 , one or more Input/Output (I/O) Devices  425 , and one or more User Interfaces  426 , which may be coupled to the I/O Devices  425 , etc. 
     A Memory  422  can be any type of apparatus known in the art that is capable of storing analog or digital information, such as instructions and/or data. Examples include a non-volatile memory, volatile memory, Random Access Memory (RAM), Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), Electronically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM), Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM), flash memory, magnetic media, hard disk, solid state drive, floppy disk, magnetic tape, magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) memory, optical media, optical disk, compact disk, CD, digital versatile disk, DVD, and/or RAID array, etc. Memory  422  can be coupled to a processor such as Processor  423  and/or can store instructions adapted to be executed by a processor, such as according to an embodiment disclosed herein. 
     In particular, the one or more Memories  422  may store computer executable instructions that, when executed by the one or more Processor  423 , may cause the one or more Processors  423  to implement the methods, procedures, and/or techniques described herein. The one or more Processors  423  may be operably associated with the one or more Memories  422  so that the computer executable instructions can be provided to the one or more Processors  423  for execution. For example, the one or more Processors  423  may be operably associated to the one or more Memories  422  through one or more data buses and/or control busses. Furthermore, Computing Device  420  may possess or may be operably associated with Input/Output (I/O) Devices  425 , including, for example, a keyboard, a keypad, controller, a mouse, a microphone, a touch screen, a sensor, a computer screen, a printer, or a speaker. 
     Input/Output (I/O) Device  425  may comprise any sensory-oriented input and/or output device known in the art, such as an audio, visual, and/or haptic device, including, for example, a monitor, display, projector, overhead display, keyboard, keypad, mouse, trackball, joystick, gamepad, wheel, touchpad, touch panel, pointing device, microphone, speaker, video camera, camera, scanner, printer, vibrator, tactile simulator, and/or tactile pad, optionally including a communications port for communication with other components in Computing Device  420 . 
     Instructions and Logic  424  may comprise directions adapted to cause a machine, such as Computing Device  200 , to perform one or more particular activities, operations, or functions. The directions, which can sometimes comprise an entity called a “kernel”, “operating system”, “program”, “application”, “utility”, “subroutine”, “script”, “macro”, “file”, “project”, “module”, “library”, “class”, “object”, or “Application Programming Interface,” etc., can be embodied as machine code, source code, object code, compiled code, assembled code, interpretable code, and/or executable code, etc., in hardware, firmware, and/or software. Instructions and Logic  424  may reside in Processor  423  and/or Memory  422 . 
     Network Interface  421  may comprise any device, system, or subsystem capable of coupling an information device to a network. For example, Network Interface  421  can comprise a telephone, cellular phone, cellular modem, telephone data modem, fax modem, wireless transceiver, Ethernet circuit, cable modem, digital subscriber line interface, bridge, hub, router, switch, or other similar device. 
     Processor  423  may comprise a device and/or set of machine-readable instructions for performing one or more predetermined tasks. Processor  423  can comprise any one or a combination of hardware, firmware, and/or software. Processor  423  can utilize mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical, magnetic, optical, informational, chemical, and/or biological principles, signals, and/or inputs to perform the task(s). In certain embodiments, Processor  423  can act upon information by manipulating, analyzing, modifying, converting, transmitting the information for use by an executable procedure and/or an information device, and/or routing the information to an output device. Processor  423  can function as a central processing unit, local controller, remote controller, parallel controller, and/or distributed controller, etc. Unless stated otherwise, Processor  423  can comprise a general-purpose device, such as a microcontroller and/or a microprocessor, such the Pentium IV series of microprocessors manufactured by the Intel Corporation of Santa Clara, California. In certain embodiments, the processor can be dedicated purpose device, such as an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) or a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) that has been designed to implement in its hardware and/or firmware at least a part of an embodiment disclosed herein. Other examples of Processors  423  include sequential state machines, microprocessors, microcontrollers, graphics processing units (GPUs), central processing units (CPUs), application processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), reduced instruction set computing (RISC) processors, systems on a chip (SoC), baseband processors, application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), gated logic, and other suitable hardware configured to perform the various functionality described throughout this disclosure. 
     Computing Device  420  may execute an appropriate operating system such as LINUX®, UNIX®, MICROSOFT® WINDOWS®, APPLE® MACOS®, IBM® OS/2®, ANDROIDⓇ, and PALMⓇ OS, and/or the like. 
     User Interface  426  may comprise any device and/or means for rendering information to a user and/or requesting information from the user, including Display Device  430 . User Interface  426  may include, for example, at least one of textual, graphical, audio, video, animation, and/or haptic elements. A textual element can be provided, for example, by a printer, monitor, display, projector, etc. A graphical element can be provided, for example, via a monitor, display, projector, and/or visual indication device, such as a light, flag, beacon, etc. An audio element can be provided, for example, via a speaker, microphone, and/or other sound generating and/or receiving device. A video element or animation element can be provided, for example, via a monitor, display, projector, and/or another visual device. A haptic element can be provided, for example, via a very low frequency speaker, vibrator, tactile stimulator, tactile pad, simulator, keyboard, keypad, mouse, trackball, joystick, gamepad, wheel, touchpad, touch panel, pointing device, and/or other haptic device, etc. User Interface  426  can include one or more textual elements such as, for example, one or more letters, number, symbols, etc. User Interface  426  can include one or more graphical elements such as, for example, an image, photograph, drawing, icon, window, title bar, panel, sheet, tab, drawer, matrix, table, form, calendar, outline view, frame, dialog box, static text, text box, list, pick list, pop-up list, pull-down list, menu, tool bar, dock, check box, radio button, hyperlink, browser, button, control, palette, preview panel, color wheel, dial, slider, scroll bar, cursor, status bar, stepper, and/or progress indicator, etc. A textual and/or graphical element can be used for selecting, programming, adjusting, changing, specifying, etc. an appearance, background color, background style, border style, border thickness, foreground color, font, font style, font size, alignment, line spacing, indent, maximum data length, validation, query, cursor type, pointer type, auto-sizing, position, and/or dimension, etc. User Interface  426  can include one or more audio elements such as, for example, a volume control, pitch control, speed control, voice selector, and/or one or more elements for controlling audio play, speed, pause, fast forward, reverse, etc. User Interface  426  can include one or more video elements such as, for example, elements controlling video play, speed, pause, fast forward, reverse, zoom-in, zoom-out, rotate, and/or tilt, etc. User Interface  426  can include one or more animation elements such as, for example, elements controlling animation play, pause, fast forward, reverse, zoom-in, zoom-out, rotate, tilt, color, intensity, speed, frequency, appearance, etc. User Interface  426  can include one or more haptic elements such as, for example, elements utilizing tactile stimulus, force, pressure, vibration, motion, displacement, temperature, etc. 
     Display and Input Devices in Operation 
       FIG.  5    illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a Transport Weight Rating Display  500  component of a system and method for determining a weight rating of a transporter, in accordance with the present invention. Display  500  may be configured to display a Digital Image  531  of a transporter such as Transporter  501  on Display Device  530 . Display  500  may also be configured to display Vertical Guides  541 ,  543 ,  545 , and  547  on Display Device  530 . A Vertical Guide is a line that is oriented vertically (i.e., up/down) on Display Device  530  and may be aligned by a user over a wheel or axle or axle group on the Transporter  501  shown in Digital Image  531 . In some embodiments, a Vertical Guide may be aligned over an axle group rather than over a single axle. For example, in  FIG.  5   , Vertical Guide  541  is aligned over Truck Front Wheel  551 ; Vertical Guide  543  is aligned over Truck Rear Wheels  553 ; Vertical Guide  545  is aligned over Trailer Wheels  555 ; and Vertical Guide  547  is aligned over the rear end of Transporter  501 . In some embodiments, there may be more or fewer vertical guides. 
       FIG.  6    illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a graphic overlay component (shown as Transporter Data  601 ) of a system and method for determining a weight rating of a transporter, in accordance with the present invention.  FIG.  6    illustrates the same Display  500  component as shown in  FIG.  5   , but in  FIG.  6    it is labeled Transport Weight Rating Overlay  600 . As in  FIG.  5   , Transport Weight Rating Overlay  600  may be configured to display a Digital Image  531  of a transporter such as Transporter  501  on Display Device  530 . However, in  FIG.  6   , a graphic overlay is illustrated, which displays Transporter Data  601  comprising information about a transport such as Transporter  501 , that was imaged and shown in Digital Image  531 . Various information may be displayed in the graphic overlay comprising Transporter Data  601 . For example, in Transporter Data  601 , the Gross Allowable Weight rating is displayed as “Maximum Load 73,271 lb.” During normal operation, Transporter Data  601  may or may not be shown, depending on the operation(s) currently being performed. 
       FIG.  7    illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a Transport Weight Rating Input Device  700  component of a system and method for determining a weight rating of a transporter, in accordance with the present invention. Transport Weight Rating Input Device  700  is the same Input Device  440  that is illustrated in  FIG.  4   . Transport Weight Rating Input Device  700  may be implemented using a variety of components known to those skilled in the art, including a traditional keyboard, a mouse or joystick or similar pointing and/or selection device, user-selectable buttons, user-settable knobs and/or switches, and /or data displays. Transport Weight Rating Input Device  700  may also be implemented using a smart phone or similar device that is programmed to receive instructions and/or commands from a user. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  7   , Transport Weight Rating Input Device  700  may comprise: (1) a row of four Knobs or encoders  701 A-D and four corresponding Knob Indicators  711 A-D (the value “01234” shown in  711 A-D is illustrative); (2) a row of six Buttons  731 A-F and six corresponding Button Indicators  721 A-F (the text “xyz” shown in  721 A-F is illustrative); and (3) a Joystick  740  or other similar user selection device, such as a device comprising a pan-tilt and/or left-right-up-down movement actuators. In some embodiments Joystick  740  may also have a Joystick Button  741  that can be used as a selection actuator. 
     Knobs  701 A-D may be programmed to perform certain functions at certain times, the results of which may be shown or displayed by Knob Indicators  711 A-D. 
     Buttons  731 A-F may be programmed to perform certain functions at certain times, corresponding to the names of functions displayed by Button Indicators  721 A-F. Each of the Buttons  731 A-F may be configured to light up or display certain colors under certain conditions. 
     Systems and Methods Details 
       FIG.  8    illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the same Transport Weight Rating Input Device component  700  of a system and method for determining a weight rating of a transporter shown in  FIG.  7   , where the input device has been placed in a first operational state, in accordance with the present invention. As shown in  FIG.  8   , once System and Method  400  initializes and begins, only four of Buttons  731 A-F may be functional. The &lt;Func&gt;, &lt;2 Ax&gt;, &lt;3 Ax&gt;, and &lt;4 Ax&gt; buttons (shown as Buttons  731 A,  731 D,  731 E and  731 F, respectively, where each such Button corresponds to Button Indicators  721 A,  721 D,  721 E, and  721 F, each displaying the corresponding text “Func,” “2 Ax,” “3 Ax,” or “4 Ax”) are available to begin a new Transporter measurement with the corresponding preset values indicating axle groups having two, three, or four axles, respectively. 
     When Button Indicator  721 A shows text “Func” (as shown in  FIG.  8   ) and Button  731 A is pressed, an embodiment of System and Method  400  will respond by configuring Input Device  700  to enter a configuration operation shown in  FIG.  9   . 
       FIG.  9    illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the same Transport Weight Rating Input Device  700  component of a system and method for determining a weight rating of a transporter shown in  FIG.  7   , where the input device has been placed in a second operational state, in accordance with the present invention. In this embodiment, pushing Button  731 B, corresponding to Button Indicator  721 B labeled &lt;Rstrt&gt; will causes System and Method  400  to restart. Pushing Button  731 C, corresponding to Button Indicator  721 C labeled &lt;End&gt; to cause System and Method  400  to shut down and/or end. Pushing Button  731 E, corresponding to Button Indicator  721 E labeled &lt;Calbr&gt; to cause System and Method  400  to initiate a calibration process of System and Method  400 . Pushing Button  731 F, corresponding to Button Indicator  721 F labeled &lt;Can&gt; to cause System and Method  400  to cancel a current weight rating operation and return the user back to the initial phase of a new transporter measurement operation. 
       FIG.  10    illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an Input Device component  700  and a Display Device component  530  of a Transport Weight Rating System  1000 , in accordance with the present invention. As shown in  FIG.  10   , Transport Weight Rating System  1000  may comprise Display Device  530  and Input Device  700 . Working with both Display Device  530  and Input Device  700 , a user (not shown) may use Joystick  740  to move the Vertical Guides  541 ,  543 ,  545 , and  557  over Digital Image  531  until the lines match the centers of the axles or axle groups visible in Transporter  501  and illustrated as Truck Front Wheel  110 , Truck Rear Wheel(s)  120 , and Trailer Wheel(s)  130 . Alternatively, a user may use any of the four Knobs  701 A-D to move the Vertical Guides  541 ,  543 ,  545 , and  557  over Digital Image  531  until the lines match the centers of the axles or axle groups  551 ,  553  and/or  555 . In some embodiments, a user may use the rightmost Knob  701 D to move a vertical guide such as Vertical Guide  541  over the Truck Front Wheel  551  of Transporter  501  shown in the Digital Image  531 . In some embodiments, either Joystick  740  or a Knob  701 A-F may be so used, and at different speeds, thus providing both coarse and fine adjustment options. To select and move a different vertical guides, such as Vertical Guide  543 , a user can turn a different Knob, such as Knob  701 C. In some embodiments, a user might use the Joystick  740  and/or the Joystick button  741  to cycle through the various Vertical Guides  541 ,  543 ,  545 , and  557  and position them over the axles or axle groups visible in Transporter  510 . 
     Once a user has positioned vertical guides, such as Vertical Guides  541 ,  543 ,  545 , and/or  557 , to identify the locations of the axles or axle groups visible in Transporter  501 , the user may use Buttons  731 A,  731 B, or  731 C to set the axle count (i.e., the number of axles in an axle group) corresponding to each identified axle or axle group in Transporter  510 . In some embodiments, pressing the top of a Button  731 A,  731 B, or  731 C may act as a toggle to raise the corresponding axle count, but pressing the bottom of a Button  731 A,  731 B, or  731 C may act as a toggle to lower the corresponding axle count. 
     An axle group may be identified with two or more corresponding Vertical Guides. But only a single Button selected from Buttons  731 A-F may correspond to an axle count for an axle group associated with a given vertical guide. In some embodiments, the Joystick  740  may be used to change the axle count, for example by moving the Joystick  740  up or down. Button Indicators  721 A,  721 B, and  721 C show that Transporter  501  has 3 axles in the left-most axle group (corresponding to Trailer Wheels  555 ), 2 axles in the center axle group (corresponding to Truck Rear Wheels  553 ), and 1 axle in the right-most axle group (corresponding to Truck Front Wheel  551 ). 
     Still referring to  FIG.  10   , a user may use the &lt;Save&gt; Button  731 E corresponding to Button Indicator  721 E displaying “Save” text, to save all compiled data about the measurements of Transporter  501  to memory (for example to preserve the data for proof of regulatory compliance) and clear Digital Image  531 . The &lt;Can&gt; Button  731 F (corresponding to Button Indicator  721 F displaying “Can” text) may cancel the current transporter measurement operation and may return the user back to the main page to start a new measurement. 
       FIG.  11 A  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a Transport Calibration System  1100 , in accordance with the present invention. A calibration process may use an input device such as Input Device  700  (for example, the Knobs  701 A-F) to identify within Display Device  530  four Registration Points marked on a Transporter Weighing Scale  1110 . The Registration Points mark locations at each end of Scale  1110  and each third of the length on it. Registration Point  1111  marks the starting point or zero distance point on the Scale  1110 . Registration Point  1113  marks the first third of the distance across the Scale  1110 . Registration Point  1115  marks the second third of the distance across the Scale  1110 . Registration Point  1117  marks the final third of the distance across the Scale  1110 . A user can start a calibration process by pressing the &lt;Calbr&gt; Button  731 E (see  FIG.  9   ). Alternatively, a user can start a calibration process of the system  100  by: first pressing the &lt;Func&gt; Button  731 A (see  FIG.  8   ); then pressing the &lt;Calbr&gt; Button  731 E (see  FIG.  9   ). After the four Registration Points ( 1111 ,  1113 ,  1115 , and  1117 ) have been marked on Display Device  530  by aligning Vertical Guides  1101 ,  1103 ,  1105 , and  1107  with the four Registration Points  1111 ,  1113 ,  1115 , and  1117 , respectively, calibration can be completed by recording the pixel locations of the Vertical Guides corresponding to each Registration Point. 
       FIG.  11 B  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a Transport Calibration Method  1140 , in accordance with the present invention. As described above with respect to Transport Calibration System  1100 , Method  1140  may begin at Step  1141  by identifying within Display Device  530  each of the four Registration Points marked on a Transporter Weighing Scale  1110 . The fact that System  1100  and Method  1140  use four (4) points is exemplary; one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that other numbers of points may be used. At Step  1142 , a user aligns Vertical Guides  1101 ,  1103 ,  1105 , and  1107  (of  FIG.  11 A ) with the four Registration Points  1111 ,  1113 ,  1115 , and  1117  (also  FIG.  11 A ). The Method  1140  then records the digital locations of each of the Vertical Guides  1101 ,  1103 ,  1105 , and  1107  at Step  1143  and creates a mapping for use in determining the physical (versus digital-graphic) locations of, and distances between, wheel axles and/or axle groups in a transporter such as Transporter  501 . 
       FIG.  12    is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a Method  1200  for determining a Gross Allowable Weight rating of a transporter, in accordance with the present invention. The method  1200  comprises Steps  1210 ,  1215 ,  1220 ,  1225 ,  1230 ,  1235 , and  1240 . Method  1200  also comprises optional Steps  1205 ,  1250 ,  1255 ,  1260 ,  1270 , and  1275 . 
     At Step  1205 , the transporter imaging system is calibrated, according to the Transport Calibration System  1100  and/or Method  1140 , shown in  FIGS.  11 A and  11 B , respectively. 
     At Step  1210 , a digital image such as Digital Image  431  (see  FIG.  4 A ) is obtained of a transporter such as Transporter  401 , using a camera such as Camera  410 . 
     At Step  1215 , the digital image of the transporter is displayed to an operator/user, via a display device such as Display Device  430  or  530 . 
     At Step  1220 , a user interacts with a transporter weight rating system such as Transporter Weight Rating System  1000  shown and described with respect to  FIG.  10   . Using an input device such as Input Device  700 , a user may identify a location of each of the axles on Transporter  401  shown in Digital Image  431 . In one embodiment, using Input Device  700 , the user-operator (not shown) may manipulate the Digital Image  431  on Display Device  430  to designate, assign, or overlay Vertical Guides  541 ,  543 ,  545 , and/or  547  over the axles and/or wheels and/or axel groups of Transporter  401 . 
     For example, referring to  FIG.  5   , a user-operator may select and move Vertical Guide  541  to align with Truck Front Wheel  110 . At Step  1225 , the graphical-digital location of Vertical Guide  541  may be converted to a relative physical location for later use in determining a weight rating for the transporter. At Step  1230 , the user-operator may then use Input Device  700  to identify the number of axles associated with Truck Front Wheel  110  aligned with Vertical Guide  541 . 
     Steps  1220 ,  1225 , and  1230  may be repeated for each axle and/or axle group on the transporter. For example, repeating Step  1220 , the user-operator may then select and move Vertical Guide  543  to align with Truck Rear Wheel(s)  120 . At Step  1225 , graphical-digital location of Vertical Guide  543  may be converted to a relative physical location for later use in determining a weight rating for the transporter. At Step  1230 , the user-operator may then use Input Device  700  to identify the number of axles associated with Truck Rear Wheel(s)  120  aligned with Vertical Guide  543 . 
     Repeating Steps  1220 ,  1225 , and  1230  again, the user-operator may repeat Step  1220  to select and move Vertical Guide  545  to align with Truck Rear Wheel(s)  130 . At Step  1225 , graphical-digital location of Vertical Guide  545  may be converted to a relative physical location for later use in determining a weight rating for the transporter. At Step  1230 , the user-operator may then use Input Device  700  to identify the number of axles associated with Truck Rear Wheel(s)  130  aligned with Vertical Guide  545 . 
     This axle selection and number-identification process may repeat until all axles and/or axle groups associated with Transporter  401  have been identified. The axle selection and number-identification process may be accomplished by the user-operator turning Knobs  701 A-F, or using Joystick  740  and/or Joystick Button  741 . 
     At Step  1235 , Computing Device  420  may run an algorithm to calculate a weight capacity rating for Transporter  401 . Preferably, the calculated weight capacity rating will be the Gross Allowable Weight, but other weight ratings may be used. The algorithm will use techniques known by those of ordinary skill in the art to access appropriate rules, charts, tables, and reference materials that define allowable weights for various transporter and/or freight-hauling configurations in the relevant governmental jurisdiction. Such charts, tables, and reference materials may be accessed via the Internet in real time, or they may be downloaded to Computing Device  420  in advance. The algorithm may use the data acquired in Steps  1220 ,  1225 , and  1230  to search the jurisdiction’s relevant rules, charts, tables, and reference materials to identify a Gross Allowable Weight (or other desired weight rating) for the jurisdiction corresponding to the transporter’s axle and/or axle group configuration. 
     Optionally, Method  1200  for determining a Gross Allowable Weight rating of a transporter may include steps to process an overage permit (such as Overage Permit  405  shown in  FIG.  4 A ) that can allow a transporter such as Transporter  401  to validly carry additional weight (i.e., to be overweight) under certain conditions. 
     Normally, in the prior art, truck scales and transport weight rating systems such as Transport Weight Rating System  1000  are required to accept a paper version of overage permits. Embodiments of the present invention reduce or eliminate the possibility that an overage permit may be improperly modified by using a digital optical device such as QR Scanner  415  to scan the QR code. 
     At Step  1250 , a transport driver may provide an Overage Permit  405  to an operator of a transport weight rating system such as Transport Weight Rating System  1000 . The operator may then use Scanner  415  to scan a QR code on Overage Permit  405  and send the scanned QR code to the Computing Device  420 . At Step  1255 , Computing Device  420  may use the data obtained from the QR code to access the actual overage permit issued by a governmental or jurisdictional authority for Transporter  401  (for example, a digital PDF version of the Overage Permit  405  may be obtained) via a network such as the Internet. At Step  1260 , the allowed overage amount for Transporter  401  may be obtained from the actual overage permit. The VIN number of Transporter  401  and other identifying information may also be obtained from the digital PDF version of the Overage Permit  405 . At Step  1265 , the operator of the transport weight rating system may confirm that the Overage Permit  405  was issued for Transporter  401  by comparing the VIN number on Transporter  401  to the VIN number specified in the Overage Permit  405 . 
     As described above, Computing Device  420  may run an algorithm at Step  1235  to calculate a weight capacity rating for Transporter  401 , where the weight capacity rating includes the overage amount specified by actual overage permit. 
     At Step  1240 , after a weight capacity rating has been calculated, the weight capacity rating may be displayed on Display Device  430  (or  530 ), for example displaying the weight capacity rating within the Transporter Data  601  shown in  FIG.  6   . 
     At Step  1270 , the transporter may be optionally weighed using a scale such as Scale  1110  (see  FIG.  11   ). 
     At Step  1275 , the actual weight of Transporter  401  determined in Step  1270  may be displayed on Display Device  430  (or  530 ). At this point, the actual weight of Transporter  401  may be compared to the weight capacity rating determined at Step  1235  to determine if Transporter  401  is overweight. 
     Benefits and Advantages 
     Embodiments of the systems and methods disclosed herein provide the advantage of quickly determining an objective maximum gross allowable weight for a transporter, which can then be compared against the actual weight of the transporter to demonstrate regulatory compliance. 
     Embodiments of the invention can determine a gross allowable weight for a transporter in much less time than systems and methods found in the prior art: in seconds rather than many minutes. This gain in efficiency can translate to significant savings, both for transporters and their trucking companies, as well as the jurisdictional agencies tasked with ensuring transporters are compliant with regulatory requirements. 
     Embodiments of the invention also improve the accuracy of the transport weight rating process because many of the tasks that are currently done manually, are automated and therefore mistakes are significantly reduced. 
     With respect to overage permits, embodiments of the invention can significantly reduce the possibility of fraud, because QR codes are very difficult to fake, and embodiments described herein are not reliant on the text printed on a paper permit provided by a transport operator. Instead, a QR code enables the originally issued version of an overage permit to be accessed from a jurisdictional database and verified directly. This improves the efficiency and the accuracy of transport weigh rating systems. 
     Variations 
     It is to be understood that any element of the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in a single structure, a single step, a single substance, or the like. Similarly, a given element of the disclosed embodiment may be implemented in multiple structures, steps, substances, or the like. 
     The foregoing description illustrates and describes the processes, machines, manufactures, compositions of matter, and other teachings of the present disclosure. Additionally, the disclosure shows and describes only certain embodiments of the processes, machines, manufactures, compositions of matter, and other teachings disclosed, but, as mentioned above, it is to be understood that the teachings of the present disclosure are capable of use in various other combinations, modifications, and environments and are capable of changes or modifications within the scope of the teachings as expressed herein, commensurate with the skill and/or knowledge of a person having ordinary skill in the relevant art. The embodiments described hereinabove are further intended to explain certain best modes known of practicing the processes, machines, manufactures, compositions of matter, and other teachings of the present disclosure and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the teachings of the present disclosure in such, or other, embodiments and with the various modifications required by the particular applications or uses. Accordingly, the processes, machines, manufactures, compositions of matter, and other teachings of the present disclosure are not intended to limit the exact embodiments and examples disclosed herein. Any section headings herein are provided only for consistency with the suggestions of 37 C.F.R. § 1.77 or otherwise to provide organizational queues. These headings shall not limit or characterize the invention(s) set forth herein. 
     While the foregoing descriptions have described specific embodiments of the present invention and many details have been put forth for the purpose of illustration or example, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the invention is susceptible to additional embodiments and that certain of the details described herein can be varied considerably without departing from the basic principles of the invention. 
     Embodiments of the present invention can be realized in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. Embodiments can be realized in a centralized fashion in one computing system, or in a distributed fashion where different elements are spread across several computing systems. Any kind of computer system or other apparatus adapted for implementing the limitations described herein is suitable. 
     Although the present disclosure provides certain embodiments, other embodiments apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, including embodiments that do not provide all the features and advantages set forth herein, are also within the scope of this disclosure. 
     The foregoing disclosure has been set forth merely to illustrate the invention and is not intended to be limiting. It will be appreciated that modifications, variations, and additional embodiments are covered by the above teachings and within the purview of the appended claims without departing from the spirit and intended scope of the invention. Other logic may also be provided as part of the exemplary embodiments but are not included here so as not to obfuscate the present invention. Since modifications of the disclosed embodiments incorporating the spirit and substance of the invention may occur to persons skilled in the art, the invention should be construed to include everything within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereof.