Patent Publication Number: US-2022235897-A1

Title: Focused Light Beam Alignment Apparatus for Aligning Fixture Relative to a Vehicle

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/282,559 entitled “FOCUSED LIGHT BEAM ALIGNMENT APPARATUS FOR ALIGNING FIXTURE RELATIVE TO A VEHICLE” filed on Feb. 22, 2019, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. This application also claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/572,887 entitled “FOCUSED LIGHT BEAM ALIGNMENT APPARATUS FOR ALIGNING FIXTURE RELATIVE TO A VEHICLE” filed on Sep. 17, 2019, which is also incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The present application is directed to apparatus and methods used to align a movable fixture relative to a vehicle. More particularly, the present application is directed to an apparatus and method for aligning a focused light beam generator with a centerline of a vehicle and aligning a movable fixture relative to a vehicle for the purpose of mounting or adjusting a camera, or other device to the vehicle in a desired location. 
     Vehicles often come equipped with a camera or other devices to aid in driving and collision avoidance. In some instances, a vehicle is in an accident or a bumper needs to be replaced or adjusted. In order to replace or adjust a camera or other device on the vehicle, it is important that an alignment stand is properly aligned with the vehicle to allow for proper positioning or adjustment of the camera or other device with the vehicle. In the past, a plumb bob was used which was strung over or underneath a vehicle to determine front and back center points of the vehicle and establish a centerline of the vehicle, to provide a proper alignment of a movable stand relative to the vehicle. However, aligning a movable stand using a plumb bob is typically a two-man job. Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide an apparatus and method of aligning a focused light beam generator with a centerline of a vehicle and aligning a movable stand relative to a vehicle to provide proper alignment for mounting or adjusting a camera or other device to or with the vehicle. 
     In addition, a target mounting system is typically used in the alignment process. The target mounting system typically includes a movable base with a vertical beam extending upwardly from the base and a crossbeam attached to the vertical beam. A number of targets are positioned on the cross beam for use in the alignment process. Once the alignment process is complete the target mounting system needs to be stowed. Because of the crossbeam extending from the vertical beam, the target mounting system takes up a lot of space and is cumbersome to move. Accordingly, there is a need to provide a target mounting system that takes up less space when stored. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure is directed to the use of a focused light beam generator and a focused light beam receptor to align the focused light beam in a desired location relative to a vehicle. The focused light beam receptor is placed in front (or rear) of a vehicle and the focused light beam generator is placed such that the focused light beam receptor is positioned between the focused light beam generator and the vehicle. The focused light beam is directed along a centerline of the vehicle and onto a focused light beam receiving surface on the focused light beam receptor. A vertical marking or slot is aligned with the focused light beam from the focused light beam generator to align and square the focused light beam receptor with the centerline of the vehicle. Vehicles typically have an emblem or marking to show where the centerline of the vehicle is positioned. 
     A vehicle centerline is a line in a vertical plane extending through a horizontal centerline passing through a vehicle, such as a longitudinal horizontal centerline extending between the front and rear of the vehicle. Once the focused light beam receptor is aligned and squared with the centerline of the vehicle front (or rear), another or the same focused light beam generator is positioned on the opposite end of the vehicle where the focused light beam receptor is positioned. The focused light beam can be directed underneath the vehicle along a centerline of the vehicle. Once the focused light beam generator is properly aligned with the focused light beam receptor such that the focused light beam is centered on both (1) a vertical marking or slot on the focused light beam receiving surface of the focused light beam receptor, and (2) a centerline of the vehicle, a movable alignment stand may be moved into position in the same path of the focused light beam where the focused light beam receptor was positioned, although the alignment stand is typically not positioned against the vehicle but proximate to the vehicle, e.g., up to two meters or more from the vehicle. The alignment stand may then be aligned with the focused light beam from the focused light beam generator. The focused light beam receptor may have a vertical marking or slot to align the focused light beam from the focused light beam generator on the focused light beam receptor. The focused light beam receptor may have a T-shaped construction with a vertical member upwardly extending from the base, and the vertical member is positioned against an end of the vehicle to provide for alignment of the focused light beam on the focused light beam receptor. The alignment stand may also have a focused light beam aligner that is used to align the focused light beam from the focused light beam generator with the focused light beam aligner on the alignment stand. 
     The present disclosure further provides an improved, collapsible target mounting system, or Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) calibration target mounting system, also referred to herein as a target stand. The collapsible target mounting system is configured to be converted from a collapsed state to an un-collapsed stated and from the un-collapsed state to the collapsed state. The general purpose of the target stand is to allow a normally wide, cumbersome target mounting system to be quickly and conveniently consolidated into a slim profile for easy storage. 
     The target stand may include a movable base, a vertical beam, a height-adjustable, pivoting crossbeam, and one or more adjustable target mounting plates. The pivoting crossbeam can be locked in the horizontal position for mounting ADAS calibration targets while still being allowed to travel vertically for height adjustment, and also be rotated into the vertical position and locked in place which significantly reduces the amount of space necessary for storage. In the horizontal position, a length of the pivoting crossbeam extends horizontally, whereas in the vertical position, the length of the pivoting crossbeam extends vertically. The pivoting crossbeam can be rotated into a locked position from the vertical position and also locked into a vertical position when rotated from the horizontal position The locking and rotation assembly that provides for rotation of the crossbeam may include a spring loaded pivot pin plunger which engages apertures in a plate at distinct horizontal and non-horizontal positions (sometimes vertical), and a locking, tightening knob which secures the assembly together when the crossbeam is in the horizontal position for accurate positioning while in use. 
     To operate the pivoting mechanism from the horizontal position, one would loosen the threaded pivot lock knob, then pull out the spring loaded pin plunger knob which allows the crossbeam to freely rotate. The crossbeam is then rotated counter-clock-wise to the non-horizontal position (sometimes vertical) wherein the plunger engages in a resting hole. To further secure the crossbeam in the non-horizontal position, a locking quick-release pin is inserted through a fixed bracket and into the lower section of the crossbeam. 
     To return to the horizontal, working position, the above process is reversed, with the plunger pin engaging in a resting hole for the horizontal position, and then the threaded pivot locking knob is tightened to secure the locking and rotation assembly together. 
     Alternate mechanisms for rotating the crossbeam from a horizontal position to a non-horizontal position are also provided. 
     In one aspect, a target stand is provided that includes a base, a vertical beam extending upwardly from the base, a crossbeam, a locking and rotation assembly having a first portion engaged for vertical movement with the vertical beam and a second portion attached to the crossbeam. The first portion is attached to the second portion with a pivot bolt. The crossbeam is configured to be disposed in a first locked horizontal position using the locking and rotation assembly. The crossbeam is rotatable about the pivot bolt to move into a first non-horizontal position. 
     In another aspect, a method is provided including the steps of: (i) providing a target stand having a base, a vertical beam extending upwardly from the base, a crossbeam, a locking and rotation assembly having a first portion engaged for vertical movement with the vertical beam and a second portion attached to the crossbeam, the first portion attached to the second portion with a pivot bolt, wherein the crossbeam is configured to be disposed in a first locked horizontal position using the locking and rotation assembly, and wherein the crossbeam is rotatable about the pivot bolt to move into a first non-horizontal position; (ii) locking the crossbeam into the first locked horizontal position using a pivot pin secured to the second portion of the locking and rotation assembly and extending the pivot pin into an aperture in the first portion of the locking and rotation assembly; (iii) unlocking the crossbeam from the first locked horizontal position by removing the pivot pin from the aperture in the first portion of the locking and rotation assembly; and (iv) rotating the crossbeam into the first non-horizontal position 
     In another further aspect, a method is provided including the steps of: (i) providing a target stand having a base, a vertical beam extending upwardly from the base, a crossbeam, a locking and rotation assembly having a first portion engaged for vertical movement the vertical beam and a second portion attached to the crossbeam, the first portion attached to the second portion with a pivot bolt, wherein the crossbeam is configured to be disposed in a first locked horizontal position using the locking and rotation assembly, and wherein the crossbeam is rotatable about the pivot bolt to move into a first non-horizontal position, wherein the second portion of the locking and rotation assembly includes a notch; wherein a slot is positioned in the first portion of the locking and rotation assembly; wherein a knob having a pin that extends through the slot is secured to the first portion of the locking and rotation assembly; wherein the pin of the knob extends through the notch on the second portion of the locking and rotation assembly when the crossbeam is in the first locked horizontal position; (ii) moving the pin of the knob in the slot to move the pin out of notch in the second portion of the locking and rotation assembly; and (iii) rotating the crossbeam about the pivot bolt to move the crossbeam into the first non-horizontal position. 
     These as well as 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. Further, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this overview and elsewhere are intended to be examples only and do not necessarily limit the scope of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Example embodiments are described herein with reference to the following drawings. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective front view of movable alignment apparatus  100 , according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of movable alignment apparatus  100  shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of movable alignment apparatus  100  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
         FIG. 4A  is a perspective front view of movable alignment apparatus  100  shown in  FIGS. 1-3  with laser target board  140  positioned thereon, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 4B  is a close up view of the movable alignment apparatus  100  shown in  FIGS. 1-4A , with a focused light beam aligner  114 , according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of focused light beam receptor  250  with vertical marking or slot  280 , according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 5B  is a further perspective view of focused light beam receptor  250  positioned in front of vehicle  300 . 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of focused light beam generator  150  and mirror mount  410  and mirror  420  positioned on base  400 . 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an embodiment of focused light beam generator  150  and mirror  420 ′ positioned on base  400 ′. 
         FIG. 8A  is a perspective view of focused light beam receptor apparatus  600  with upright arms  610  and  620  extending upwardly from base  602 , and focused light beam aligner  650  positioned on the base  602 , according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 8B  is a top view of focused light beam receptor apparatus  600  shown in  FIG. 8A   
         FIG. 8C  is a perspective view of focused light beam receptor apparatus  600  shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8B  with focused light beam aligner  650  separated from base  602 . 
         FIG. 8D  is a top view of focused light beam receptor apparatus  600  shown in  FIG. 8C . 
         FIG. 8E  is a perspective view of focused light beam aligner  650 , according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 8F  is a side view of focused light beam aligner  650  shown in  FIG. 8E . 
         FIG. 9A  is a top view of vehicle  300  with focused light beam  152  from focused light beam generator  150  aligned with focused light beam receptor  250  and a centerline of vehicle  300 . 
         FIG. 9B  is a top view of vehicle  300  with focused light beam generator  150  positioned behind the vehicle  300 , and a focused light beam receptor  250  positioned in front of the vehicle  300 . 
         FIG. 9C  is a top view of vehicle  300  with focused light beam generator  150  positioned behind the vehicle  300 , and a movable alignment apparatus  100  positioned in front of the vehicle  300   
         FIG. 10A  is a perspective view of focused light beam aligner  114  of movable alignment apparatus  100  with focused light beams  152  and  154  directed thereon, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 10B  is another perspective view of focused light beam aligner  114  with focused light beams  152  and  154  directed thereon. 
         FIG. 10C  is yet another perspective view of focused light beam aligner  114  with focused light beams  152  and  154  aligned thereon. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of focused light beam generator apparatus  500 , focused light beam receptor apparatus  600 , and movable alignment apparatus  100 . 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of target stand  700  with crossbeam  730  shown in a horizontal position. 
         FIG. 13  is a front view of target stand  700  shown in  FIG. 12 . 
         FIG. 14  is another perspective view of target stand  700  with crossbeam  730  shown in a vertical position. 
         FIG. 15  is a front view of target stand  700  shown in  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 16A  is a close-up view of the crossbeam  730  secured to vertical beam  720  in a horizontal position with a locking and rotation assembly. 
         FIG. 16B  is a close-up view of crossbeam  730  being rotated slightly into a non-horizontal position. 
         FIG. 16C  is a close-up view of crossbeam  730  after further rotation from the horizontal position. 
         FIG. 16D  is a close-up view of crossbeam  730  after it has been rotated and locked into a vertical position. 
         FIG. 16E  is a close-up view of cross beam locking and plate  760 . 
         FIG. 17  shows a bottom portion of target stand  700  with crossbeam  730  locked in a vertical position on base  710 . 
         FIG. 18  shows a partial front view of an alternate locking and rotation assembly  800  with crossbeam  730  locked in a horizontal position. 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of locking and rotation assembly  800  with crossbeam  730  locked in a horizontal position. 
         FIG. 20  is a front view of locking and rotation assembly  800  with crossbeam  730  shown locked in a horizontal position. 
         FIG. 21  is a front view of locking and rotation assembly  800  shown after crossbeam  730  has been unlocked from a horizontal position and rotated into a non-horizontal position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In this description, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are used to introduce elements and/or functions of the example embodiments. The intent of using those articles is that there is one or more of the introduced elements and/or functions. In this description, the intent of using the term “and/or” within a list of at least two elements or functions and the intent of using the terms “at least one of” and “one or more of” immediately preceding a list of at least two elements or functions is to cover each embodiment including a listed element or function independently and each embodiment comprising a combination of the listed elements or functions. For example, an embodiment described as comprising A, B, and/or C, or at least one of A, B, and C, or one or more of A, B, and C is intended to cover each of the following possible embodiments: (i) an embodiment comprising A, but not B and C, (ii) an embodiment comprising B, but not A and C, (iii) an embodiment comprising C, but not A and B, (iv) an embodiment comprising A and B, but not C, (v) an embodiment comprising A and C, but not B, (v) an embodiment comprising B and C, but not A, and (vi) an embodiment comprising A, B, and C. For the embodiments comprising element or function A, the embodiments can comprise one A or multiple A. For the embodiments comprising element or function B, the embodiments can comprise one B or multiple B. For the embodiments comprising element or function C, the embodiments can comprise one C or multiple C. In this description, the use of ordinal numbers such as “first,” “second,” “third” and so on is to distinguish respective elements rather than to denote a particular order of those elements unless the context of using those terms explicitly indicates otherwise. 
     The diagrams, flow charts, and data shown in the figures are provided merely as examples and are not intended to be limiting. Many of the elements illustrated in the figures and/or described herein are functional elements that can be implemented as discrete or distributed elements, individually or in conjunction with other element(s), and in any suitable combination and/or location. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other arrangements and elements can be used instead. Furthermore, the functions described as being performed by one or more elements can be carried out by a combination of hardware, firmware, and/or software (e.g., a processor that executes computer-readable program instructions). 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective front view of movable alignment apparatus  100 , according to an example embodiment.  FIG. 2  is a front view of movable alignment apparatus  100  shown in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 3  is a side view of movable alignment apparatus  100  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Movable alignment apparatus  100  includes a base  110  positioned on wheels  112 . A vertical member  120  extends upwardly from base  110 . A horizontal member  130  is positioned perpendicular to vertical member  120 . Horizontal member  130  may be moved up and down with respect to vertical member  120  using handle  122 . Laser target mounts  132  and  134  are positioned on the horizontal member  130 . Focused light beam aligner  114  is positioned on base  110  and is adapted to receive a focused light beam, such as a laser beam or collimated light beam, for alignment purposes. 
     Laser beams or other focused light beams may be used to align the movable alignment apparatus  100  with a centerline of a vehicle to properly align the movable alignment apparatus  100  when mounting or adjusting a camera or other device to or with a vehicle. 
       FIG. 4A  is a perspective front view of movable alignment apparatus  100  shown in  FIGS. 1-3  with laser target board  140  positioned thereon, according to an example embodiment. Laser target board  140  includes laser targets  142  and  144 . 
       FIG. 4B  is a close up view of the movable alignment apparatus  100  shown in  FIGS. 1-4A . Focused light beam aligner  114  is shown positioned on base  110  which is in turn mounted over wheels  112 . 
     Before aligning movable alignment apparatus  100  with a vehicle, one step is ensure that the focused light beam(s) from focused light beam generator  150  (shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 ) is aligned with a centerline of the vehicle. In order to align the focused light beam(s) of focused light beam generator  150  with the centerline of the vehicle, a focused light beam receptor is positioned at the front of the vehicle with a focused light beam receiving surface positioned perpendicular to the centerline of the vehicle. The focused light beam(s) from the focused light beam generator  150  are aligned with an emblem or marking denoting the centerline of the vehicle, and then aligned with a marking or slot on the focused light beam receiving surface of focused light beam receptor  250 , such that the focused light beam receptor is aligned with and square to a centerline of the vehicle. 
       FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of focused light beam receptor  250 , according to an example embodiment. Focused light beam receptor  250  has a T-shaped configuration with a base  260  and a vertical member  270  that extends upwardly from base  260 . Other configurations are also possible, such an L-shaped configuration in which a vertical member extends upwardly from one end of a base. Vertical member  270  is a focused light beam receiving surface and includes a vertical marking or slot  280  positioned thereon that is used to align a focused light beam received from a focused light beam generator  150  (shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 ) to align the focused light beam from the focused light beam generator with the centerline of the vehicle. In operation, the focused light beam receptor  250  is positioned in front of the front end of the vehicle  300  as shown in  FIG. 5B . The upwardly extending vertical member  270  may be positioned against the bumper  310  of vehicle  300 . As shown in  FIG. 9A , the focused light beam receptor  250  is positioned between the front end of the vehicle  300  and a focused light beam generator  150 . The focused light beam  152  from the focused light beam generator  150  is aligned with an emblem or marking on the vehicle  300  and aligned with the vertical marking or slot  280  on the focused light beam receiving surface (vertical member)  270  of focused light beam receptor  250  to align and square the focused light beam receptor  250  with the centerline of vehicle  300 . In at least some of the implementations, focused light beam receptor  250  is metallic, plastic or at least partially metallic or partially plastic. In at least some of those or other implementations, the vertical member  270  includes vertical markings on opposing sides. 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of focused light beam generator  150  positioned on a base  400 . In addition, a mirror mount  410  is positioned on base  400 . Mirror  420  is secured on mirror mount  410 . Mirror mount  410  is angled so as to allow a person to view where the focused light beam from focused light beam generator  150  is positioned on focused light beam receptor  250 , without having to get down on the ground to look under vehicle  300  to view where the focused light beam is aligned on focused light beam receptor  250 . 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of focused light beam generator apparatus  500 , according to an example embodiment. Focused light beam generator apparatus  500  includes a base  400 ′ upon which focused light beam generator  150  is positioned. A mirror  410 ′ is also positioned on base  400 ′ mounted at an angle. Mirror  410 ′ may be mounted at an angle of 30-60 degrees, and in some embodiments advantageously positioned at an angle of 45 degrees. Mirror  410 ′ may be an acrylic mirror secured beneath mirror housing  422 . Focused light beam generator  150  is positioned behind the rear end of the vehicle  300 , or vice versa. Focused light beam generator  150  directs one or more focused light beams beneath the vehicle  300  and onto the focused light beam receiving surface (vertical member)  270  of focused light beam receptor  250  positioned in front of the vehicle, or vice versa. Focused light beam generator  150  may generate vertical and horizontal focused light beams  152  and  154 , and may be a self-leveling laser beam generator. Focused light beam generator  150  may be a Stanley Cubix STHT77340, Johnson 40-6656 self-leveling laser beam generator, as an example The focused light beam generator  150  is adjusted/rotated until the focused light beam is aligned with the vertical marking or slot  280  on the focused light beam receiving surface (vertical member)  270  of the focused light beam receptor  250 . 
     Once properly aligned, the focused light beam receptor  250  is at the proper distance and perpendicular to the vehicle. A mirror such as mirror  420  or  420 ′ may be used to view the alignment of the focused light beams  152 ,  154 , shown here as laser beams on the focused light beam receiving surface (vertical member)  270  of focused light beam receptor  250  or  650  (shown in  FIGS. 8A-8F ). Once the focused light beams  152 ,  154  are properly aligned, the focused light beam receptor  250  may be removed (or remain in the case of focused light beam aligner  650 ) and the movable alignment apparatus  100  may be moved into position in front of the vehicle. The focused light beam aligner  114  on the movable alignment apparatus  100  may be used to insure that the movable alignment apparatus  100  is in a proper position by aligning the laser beams on the vertical marking or slot  157  on focused light beam aligner  114  of movable alignment apparatus  100 . A measuring tape may be used to position movable alignment apparatus  100  into a specified or desired distance in front of the vehicle. Once the movable alignment apparatus  100  is properly positioned, a camera or other mounting device may be secured to vehicle  300 , or adjusted. 
     An alternate embodiment of focused light beam receptor  250  shown in  FIG. 5A  is shown in  FIGS. 8A-8F , as focused light beam receptor apparatus  600 . Focused light beam receptor apparatus  600  includes a base  602  upon which focused light beam aligner  650  is positioned. Focused light beam aligner  650  includes a marking or slot  660  that is used to align a focused light beam from focused light beam generator  150 . Focused light beam receptor apparatus  600  also includes a pair of upright arms  610  and  620  that are positioned against a bumper of the vehicle, in the same manner as vertical member  270  of focused light beam receptor  250  shown in  FIG. 5A . Focused light beam receptor apparatus  600  also advantageously includes a focused light beam generator  630  that can be used to align the focused light beam receptor apparatus  600  with the centerline of the vehicle. 
     The focused light beam receptor apparatus  600  is located against the front middle of the vehicle, the upright arms  610  and  620  are to remain in contact with the bodywork on the front of the vehicle. The focused light beam generator  630  is switched on and projects onto the vehicle centerline feature (usually the logo/emblem) and projects along the lines  660  on the focused light beam aligner  650 . This setup is the equivalent of the plumb bob being dropped from the vehicle to establish the first point of the vehicle centerline. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 8C and 8D , the focused light beam receptor apparatus  600  is removed leaving the focused light beam aligner  650  in place positioned at the centerline of the vehicle. The focused light beam generator apparatus  500  is positioned on the opposite side of the vehicle from focused light beam aligner  650  offset (middle) at the back of the vehicle. Focused light beam(s) from focused light beam generator  150  (shown in  FIG. 7 ) is projected at the rear vehicle centerline reference (logo/emblem). The mirror  420 ′ is used to view the focused light beam(s) from focused light beam generator  150  as it projects under the vehicle onto focused light beam aligner  650  positioned in alignment at the front of the vehicle. The position of the focused light beam generator apparatus  500  is adjusted until the focused light beam from focused light beam generator  150  projects onto both the rear vehicle reference and the markings on focused light beam aligner  650  along the lines  660 . This establishes the vehicle centerline. The movable alignment apparatus  100  (shown in  FIGS. 1-4 ) is then positioned at a set distance (typically 1-2 meters) in front of the vehicle so the focused light beam(s) from focused light beam generator  150  projects onto focused light beam aligner  114  of movable alignment apparatus  100 . The movable alignment apparatus  100  is pivoted/rotated until the focused light beams from focused light beam generator  150  projects onto the focused light beam aligner  114  and aligns along the slots  157  on focused light beam aligner  114 . This ensures that the movable alignment apparatus  100  is perpendicular to the vehicle centerline. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 8B-8F , the focused light beam aligner  650  includes markings  660  that extend to an angled front surface  652  of focused light beam aligner  650 . Focused light beam aligner  650  also includes a rear surface  654  extending downwardly and acts as a footing for focused light beam aligner  650 . The rear surface  654  of focused light beam aligner  650  may be removably secured to the base  602  of focused light beam receptor apparatus  600  one or more magnets. 
       FIG. 9A  is a top view of vehicle  300  with focused light beam generator  150  aligning and squaring focused light beam receptor  250  with a centerline of vehicle  300 .  FIG. 9B  is a top view of vehicle  300  with focused light beam generator  150  positioned behind vehicle  300 , and focused light beam receptor  250  positioned in front of vehicle  300 . Focused light beam generator is then aligned with the centerline of the vehicle and focused light beam receptor  250 . Once the focused light beam generator  150  is aligned with the focused light beam receptor  250 , the focused light beam receptor  250  is removed and replaced with movable alignment apparatus  100 , as shown in  FIG. 9C . The focused light beam  152  is used to align focused light beam aligner  114  along slot  157  to properly align and square movable alignment apparatus  100  with the centerline of vehicle  300 . 
       FIG. 10A  is a perspective view of focused light beam aligner  114  of movable alignment apparatus  100  with focused light beams  152  and  154  directed thereon, according to an example embodiment. In this embodiment, focused light beam aligner  114  has an angled focused light beam receiving surface  220  and is used to align the movable alignment apparatus  100  into proper alignment relative to a focused light beam generator  150  (shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 ) and relative to a centerline of a vehicle. Focused light beam receiving surface  220  may be positioned as an inclined plane at an angle of 30-60 degrees from vertical, and preferably 45 degrees from vertical. As shown in  FIG. 10A , focused light beams  152  and  154  are not yet properly aligned on focused light beam receiving surface  220  of focused light beam aligner  114 . A vertical marking or slot  157  is positioned on a focused light beam aligner  114 . 
       FIG. 10B  is another perspective view of focused light beam aligner  114  with focused light beams  152  and  154  directed thereon. In  FIG. 10B , the focused light beams  152  and  154  are more centered than in  FIG. 10A , but not yet intersecting in a desired center of the vertical marking or slot  157  of focused light beam receiving surface  220  of focused light beam aligner  114 . 
       FIG. 10C  is yet another perspective view of focused light beam aligner  114  with focused light beams  152  and  154  aligned with vertical marking or slot  157  on focused light beam receiving surface  220  of focused light beam aligner  114 . In  FIG. 10C , focused light beams  152  and  154  are shown intersecting in the center of vertical marking or slot  157  of focused light beam receiving surface  220  of focused light beam aligner  114 , indicating that the movable alignment apparatus  100  is in proper alignment with focused light beam generator  150 . Once the movable alignment apparatus  100  is in proper alignment with focused light beam generator  150 , then, using movable alignment apparatus  100 , a camera or other device may be mounted or adjusted to or with the vehicle  300 . 
       FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the apparatuses used to align movable alignment apparatus  100  with a centerline of a vehicle. Focused light beam receptor apparatus is positioned against a front end of a vehicle, and focused light beam generator  630  is used to align a focused light beam with a centerline of the vehicle and with a focused light beam aligner  650  positioned on focused light beam receptor apparatus  600 . Once the focused light beam aligner  650  is aligned and square with the centerline of the vehicle, focused light beam generator apparatus  500  is positioned behind a vehicle and focused light beams are directed onto focused light beam aligner  650  of focused light beam receptor apparatus  600  which is positioned against the bumper of the front of the vehicle to properly align the focused light beam generator  150  with the centerline of the vehicle and the focused light beam receptor. Once the focused light beam generator apparatus  500  is properly aligned with the focused light beam receptor apparatus  600 , focused light beam receptor apparatus  600  is removed, leaving the focused light beam aligner  650  in an aligned position in front of the vehicle. Movable alignment apparatus  100  is then moved into place in front of the vehicle. Then the focused light beam aligner  114  on movable alignment apparatus  100  is aligned with the focused light beams from focused light beam generator  150  until the movable alignment apparatus  100  is aligned and squared with the centerline of the vehicle. Once the movable alignment apparatus  100  is in proper alignment square to the centerline of the vehicle, then a camera or other device may be mounted/adjusted to or with the vehicle. 
     A vehicle, such as the vehicle  300 , is a mobile machine that can be used to transport a person, people, or cargo. A vehicle can be driven or otherwise guided along a path (e.g., a paved road or otherwise) on land, in water, or in the air or outer space. A vehicle can be wheeled, tracked, railed, or skied. A vehicle can be guided by a user within the vehicle or by a user outside of the vehicle by use of a remote control. A vehicle can be guided at least partially autonomously. In the case of an autonomous vehicle, the vehicle can at least sometimes be guided along a path without any person or cargo inside or on the vehicle. A vehicle can include an automobile, a motorcycle, an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) defined by ANSI/SVIA-1-2007, a snowmobile, a personal watercraft (e.g., a JET SKI® personal watercraft), a light-duty truck, a medium-duty truck, a heavy-duty truck, a semi-tractor, a farm machine, a van (such as a dry or refrigerated van), a tank trailer, a platform trailer, or an automobile carrier. A vehicle can include or use any appropriate voltage or current source, such as a battery, an alternator, a fuel cell, and the like. A vehicle can include or use any desired drive system or engine. That drive system or engine can include items that use fossil fuels, such as gasoline, natural gas, propane, and the like, electricity, such as that generated by a battery, magneto, fuel cell, solar cell and the like, wind and hybrids or combinations thereof. A vehicle can 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  can detect a malfunction in the vehicle and set a DTC indicative of the malfunction to an active status. 
     A vehicle manufacturer can build various quantities of vehicles each calendar year (i.e., January 1 st  to December 31 st ). Some vehicle manufacturers build one vehicle model or multiple different vehicle models. In some instances, a vehicle manufacturer defines a model year for a particular vehicle model to be built. The model year can start on a date other than January 1 st  and/or can end on a date other than December 31 st . The model year can span portions of two or more calendar years. Two or more different vehicle models built by a vehicle manufacturer during a particular calendar year can have the same or different defined model years. The vehicle manufacturer can build vehicles of a vehicle model with different vehicle options. For example, a particular vehicle model can include vehicles with six-cylinder engines and vehicles with eight-cylinder engines. The vehicle manufacturer or another entity can define vehicle identifying information for each vehicle model built by the vehicle manufacturer. Particular vehicle identifying information identifies particular sets of vehicles (e.g., all vehicles of a particular vehicle model for a particular vehicle model year or all vehicles of a particular vehicle model for a particular vehicle model year with a particular set of one or more vehicle options). 
     As an example, the particular vehicle identifying information can include indicators of characteristics of the vehicle such as when the vehicle was built (e.g., a vehicle model year), who built the vehicle (e.g., a vehicle make (i.e., vehicle manufacturer)), marketing names associated with vehicle (e.g., a vehicle model name), and features of the vehicle (e.g., an engine type). In accordance with that example, the particular vehicle identifying information can be referred to by an abbreviation YMME or Y/M/M/E, where each letter in the order shown represents a model year identifier, vehicle make identifier, vehicle model name identifier, and engine type identifier, respectively, or an abbreviation YMM or Y/M/M, where each letter in the order shown represents a model year identifier, vehicle make identifier, and vehicle model name identifier, respectively. An example Y/M/M/E is 2004/Toyota/Camry/4Cyl, in which “2004” represents the model year the vehicle was built, “Toyota” represents the name of the vehicle manufacturer Toyota Motor Corporation, Aichi Japan, “Camry” represents a vehicle model name built by that manufacturer, and “4Cyl” represents an engine type (i.e., a four cylinder internal combustion engine (ICE)) within the vehicle. A person skilled in the art will understand that other features in addition to or as an alternative to “engine type” can be used to identify a vehicle model using particular vehicle identifying information, and for some purposes, a vehicle model could be identified by its vehicle make and vehicle model name M/M. These other features can be identified in various manners, such as a regular production option (RPO) code, such as the RPO codes defined by the General Motors Company LLC, Detroit Mich. Furthermore, the vehicle identifying information can be combined and displayed as a vehicle identification number (VIN). The VIN can be displayed on a VIN label. 
       FIG. 12  is a perspective view of target stand  700  with crossbeam  730  shown in a horizontal position.  FIG. 13  is a front view of target stand  700  shown in  FIG. 12 .  FIG. 14  is another perspective view of target stand  700  with crossbeam  730  shown in a vertical position.  FIG. 15  is a front view of target stand  700  shown in  FIG. 14 . Target stand  700  includes a base  710 , vertical beam  720  that extends upwardly from base  710 , and crossbeam  730  which is secured to vertical beam  720 . Alignment target mounts  732  are positioned on crossbeam  730 . Handle  740  is used to move crossbeam  730  vertically up or down using a pulley  750  and cable  752  (see  FIG. 16A ) attached to second plate  765  (see  FIG. 16A ) so that crossbeam  730  is at a desired height above the base  710  while crossbeam  730  is in its horizontal position. The handle  740 , pulley  750 , and cable  752  can also be used to raise or lower the crossbeam  730  when the crossbeam is in a non-horizontal position. In  FIGS. 12-15 , target stand  700  includes a locking and rotation assembly  705  described further below that is used to rotate crossbeam  730  from a horizontal position shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13  to a non-horizontal position (sometimes vertical) shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 . 
     Target stand  700  also includes a focused light beam aligner  770  on base  710 . Focused light beam aligner  770  may be removably secured to base  710 , and configured in the same manner as focused light beam aligner  650  and other focused light beam aligners described above. 
       FIG. 16A  is a close-up view of the crossbeam  730  secured to vertical beam  720  in a horizontal position with a locking and rotation assembly  705 . Locking and rotation assembly  705  includes a first portion having a first plate  760  secured to a second plate  765  which rides in one or more linear bearings on vertical beam  720 . Locking and rotation assembly  705  also includes a second portion  790  secured to crossbeam  730  having an upwardly extending flange  794 . Second portion  790  includes a plunger pin  780 , also referred to as a locking pin, used to lock crossbeam  730  in a horizontal position. First plate  760  includes a curved groove  762  that the end of plunger pin  780  rides in as crossbeam  730  is rotated from a horizontal position to a vertical position as well as from the vertical position to the horizontal position. An aperture  764  is positioned in curved groove  762 . When crossbeam  730  is rotated into a desired non-horizontal position, such as vertical, the plunger pin  780  extends into aperture  764  to lock the crossbeam  730  in a desired non-horizontal position. Plunger pin  780  may advantageously be spring-loaded to bias the plunger pin  780  into apertures in first plate  760 , such as aperture  764 . The plunger pin  780  may be a GN 822.8 mini indexing plunger available from JWWinco, New Berlin, Wis. Other types of pins may also be used, and may not require being spring-loaded. 
     A threaded locking pin  771  extends into first plate  760  and is used to further secure crossbeam  730  to vertical beam  720  in a horizontal position. When threaded locking pin  771  is tightened, it engages upwardly extending flange  794  of second portion  790  to further secure crossbeam  730  in a locked horizontal position. Threaded locking pin  771  may have M6×1 mm threads and be attached to an M6×1 mm steel knurled grip knob available from McMaster-Carr, Elmhurst, Ill. 
     In addition a pivot bolt  795  is used to connect second portion  790  to first plate  760  and second plate  765 . During rotation, the crossbeam  730  rotates about pivot bolt  795 . Pivot bolt  795  may be an M10 bolt that is positioned within a bushing  797  (see  FIG. 16E ), such as a brass or bronze 10 mm bushing. The bushing  797  may be an oil-embedded flanged sleeve bearing available from McMaster-Carr. The use of the bushing  797  about pivot bolt  795  allows for free rotation of crossbeam  730  with respect to vertical beam  720 . The pivot bolt  795  may be a black-phosphate steel screw with M10×1.5 mm threads available from McMaster-Carr. As used herein, the term “pivot bolt” encompasses both threaded and unthreaded configurations. The pivot bolt, when threaded, may be secured with a threaded nut. The pivot bolt, when unthreaded may be secured with a cotter pin or other type of suitable fastener. In some implementations, the pivot bolt includes a flange bolt or a shoulder bolt. 
     As shown in  FIG. 16A , crossbeam  730  is shown in a locked horizontal position. To unlock crossbeam  730  to allow for rotation of crossbeam  730 , the first step is to untighten the threaded locking pin  771  so that it no longer secures second portion  790  to first plate  760 . The next step is to remove plunger pin  780  from an aperture  782  (see  FIGS. 16B and 16C ) in first plate  760 . Once plunger pin  780  is removed from the aperture in first plate  760 , the crossbeam  730  is free to rotate about pivot bolt  795  into a desired non-horizontal position. 
       FIG. 16B  is a close-up view of crossbeam  730  after being rotated slightly into a non-horizontal position. In  FIG. 16B , plunger pin  780  has been removed from aperture  782  in first plate  760  and threaded locking pin  771  has been loosened such that crossbeam  730  is free to rotate about pivot bolt  795 . Notch  766  in second portion  790  is shown and is used to accommodate the threaded extension of threaded locking pin  771 . A level  785  may be positioned on second portion  790  to allow for a user to level crossbeam  730  in two axes. 
       FIG. 16C  is a close-up view of crossbeam  730  after further rotation from the horizontal position. In  FIG. 16C , first plate  760  includes a curved groove  762  that the plunger pin  780  rides in during rotation. Aperture  782  positioned in curved groove  762  is used to hold plunger pin  780  when crossbeam  730  is in a horizontal position. A second aperture  784  is also positioned in curved groove  762  and is positioned at 10-15 degrees of rotation of crossbeam  730 . As crossbeam  730  begins to rotate, spring-biased plunger pin  780  will extend into second aperture  784  as a safety feature to stop rotation of crossbeam  730  to insure there is proper clearance beneath the crossbeam  730  for further rotation. The plunger pin  780  is then removed from second aperture  784  in curved groove  762  to allow for rotation of crossbeam  730  into a desired non-horizontal position (sometimes vertical). 
       FIG. 16D  is a close-up view of crossbeam  730  after it has been rotated and locked into a vertical position. In  FIG. 16D , plunger pin  780  is positioned in aperture  764  (shown in  FIG. 16A ) to lock crossbeam  730  into a desired non-horizontal position (here shown as vertical). 
       FIG. 16E  is a close-up view of first plate  760  attached to second plate  765 . Aperture  798  for pivot bolt  795  is also shown along with curved groove  762 . The first plate  760  may be made of Delrin® plastic so that the plunger pin  780  glides smoothly within curved groove  762  during rotation. In addition, the first plate  760  may be chamfered leading into apertures  764 ,  782 , and  784  providing for inverted cone-shaped apertures for easier insertion of plunger pin  780 . 
       FIG. 17  shows a bottom portion of target stand  700  with crossbeam  730  locked in a non-horizontal position (e.g., a vertical position) on base  710 . Locking bracket  714  is attached to base  710  and a locking pin  716  extends through locking bracket  714  and into a side of crossbeam  730  to lock crossbeam  730  into a desired non-horizontal position (shown here as vertical). In operation, the lower end of crossbeam  730  passes over tape measure  712  and locking bracket  714  until in the desired non-horizontal position and crossbeam  730  is then lowered onto base  710  using pulley  750  and cable  752  described above. Once crossbeam  730  is in proper position, locking pin  716  is inserted into the lower end of crossbeam  730  to lock crossbeam  730  into a desired non-horizontal position. Alternatively, locking pin  716  could be inserted into a front face of the crossbeam  730  to provide locking of the crossbeam  730  in a desired non-horizontal position. Still further, a pocket could be positioned in base  710  into which the lower end of the crossbeam  730  could be inserted to lock the crossbeam  730  in a desired non-horizontal position. The pocket could be positioned within the base, or formed using brackets extending upwardly from the base. A strap could also be used to secure the lower end of the crossbeam  730 . The desired non-horizontal position may be completely vertical, or less than completely vertical. For example, crossbeam  730  could be positioned 10-20 degrees, or more, from vertical and still provide for the advantages of having taking up reduced space during storage. 
     To return crossbeam  730  to the horizontal position, locking pin  716  is pulled back to unlock crossbeam  730  and crossbeam  730  is lifted up by pulley  750  and cable  752  to a height to clear locking bracket  714  and tape measure  712  and rotated back to the horizontal position. To lock in the horizontal position, plunger pin  780  is inserted into aperture  782  of first plate  760 . Then threaded locking pin  771  is tightened to squeeze upwardly extending flange  794  of second portion  790  against first plate  760  to further secure crossbeam  730  in a horizontal position. Using both plunger pin  780  and threaded locking pin  771  to lock crossbeam  730  into a horizontal position provides a desired redundancy and additional safety, in case of failure of one of them. In addition, having both plunger pin  780  and threaded locking pin  771  to lock crossbeam  730  into a horizontal position provides additional safety because two distinct steps are required to unlock crossbeam  730  from a horizontal position and allow for rotation into a non-horizontal position. Such redundancy prevents accidental unlocking and accidental rotation of crossbeam  730 . 
       FIG. 18  shows a partial front view of an alternate locking and rotation assembly  800  with crossbeam  730  locked in a horizontal position.  FIG. 19  is a perspective view of locking and rotation assembly  800  with crossbeam  730  locked in a horizontal position.  FIG. 20  is a front view of locking and rotation assembly  800  with crossbeam  730  shown locked in a horizontal position. In  FIGS. 18-20 , locking and rotation assembly  800  includes a pivot bolt  895  about which crossbeam  730  may rotate with respect to vertical beam  720 . In this embodiment, locking and rotation assembly  800  includes a second portion  890  secured to crossbeam  730  and includes lower bracket  880 . Second portion  890  includes an upwardly extending flange  870 . Second portion  890  is attached to plate  860  with pivot bolt  895 . A slot  812  is positioned in plate  860  through which a knobbed pin  810  extends. When the crossbeam  730  is the locked horizontal position, knobbed pin  810  extends into a notch  831  beneath an upper end of  830  of upwardly extending flange  870 . To unlock crossbeam  730  from the locked horizontal position, the knobbed pin  810  is moved in slot  812  of plate  860  out of the notch  831  beneath upper end  830 , such that the crossbeam  730  is free to rotate into a non-horizontal position as shown in  FIG. 21 . 
     Target stand  700  has a number of significant advantages. Crossbeam  730  may be locked in a horizontal position and also travel vertically for height adjustment during an alignment process (e.g., aligning a vehicle component with respect to a target attached to target mount  732 ). Crossbeam  730  can also advantageously be rotated into the non-horizontal or vertical position and locked in place which significantly reduces the amount of space necessary for storage. The overall height of target stand  700  is on the order of 80 inches when the crossbeam  730  is in a vertical position. This height also advantageously allows the target stand  700  to be moved through standard doorways, such as into a closet or storage room. Base  710  of target stand  700  is equipped with wheels so that target stand  700  can be easily moved into storage where target stand  700  will take up very little space. During movement of target stand  700  into storage, as shown in  FIG. 17  crossbeam  730  may advantageously be locked in a vertical position to base  710  using locking bracket  714  and locking pin  716  so the crossbeam  730  does not move during transportation. Target stand  700  provides a safe and convenient way to provide for a target stand with safety features and reduces the space necessary for storage. 
     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 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.