Patent ID: 8131017

Claim:
A method for automatic measured value-dependent setting of image recording and exposure for an automobile service device or wheel alignment system measuring in a contactless manner comprising: directing two respective cameras ( 32 , 34 ; 42 , 44 ; 421 , 441 ) under different angles to a wheel ( 36 ) of a motor vehicle ( 12 ); operating an illuminating unit ( 62 , 64 ; 422 , 442 ) associated with each camera selected from said two respective cameras ( 32 , 34 ; 42 , 44 ; 421 , 441 ) with a predetermined intensity of illumination; capturing at least one image of said wheel ( 36 ) or a wheel rim by said two respective cameras ( 32 , 34 ; 42 , 44 ; 421 , 441 ); transmitting image(s) of said wheel ( 36 ) or said wheel rim to an image processing-unit and, respectively, image pre-processing-unit; determining specific features of said image(s) of said wheel ( 36 ) or said wheel rim by said image processing-unit and, respectively, image pre-processing-unit using image processing and image pre-processing, by examining an entire image portion or a partial image portion for significant geometric forms and by a rough pre-segmentation in order to find concentric circles, and by determining image portions to be evaluated in an area of circles, of segments of a circle between tire and rim and of circumferential lines of said circles; generating control parameters for said illuminating unit ( 62 , 64 ; 422 , 442 ) and/or for said two respective cameras ( 32 , 34 ; 42 , 44 ; 421 , 441 ) from said image(s) and from said specific features; and, controlling said illuminating unit ( 62 , 64 ; 422 , 442 ) and/or said cameras ( 32 , 34 ; 42 , 44 ; 421 , 441 ) with said control parameters.