Tire rubber flow detection method, system and device

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of vehicle tires, and provides a tire rubber material flowability detection method, system and device, wherein the tire rubber material flowability detection method comprises the following steps: collecting an image of an outer surface of a tire with marks; identifying the marks in the image, and judging the tire rubber material flowability according to the types, positions and mark features of the marks, the types include one or more of diagonal lines, horizontal lines and arc lines, the positions include one or more of tire sides, tire shoulders and tire crowns, and the mark features include one or more of breakpoints, inflection points, quantities and distances. The application can nondestructively, comprehensively and at low cost detect the rubber material flowability of vehicle tires.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments in this specification relate to the field of automotive tire technology, and in particular to methods, systems and devices for testing the flowability of tire rubber compounds. Background Technology

[0002] In the manufacturing of automotive tires, poor rubber flowability can lead to defects such as sidewall creases, uneven surfaces, and cracks.

[0003] Existing technologies use flowable stickers to detect tire sidewall creases, but the flowable sticker material for tire sidewalls is expensive, easily sticks to the mold, and the mold needs to be repaired, which increases manufacturing costs.

[0004] The existing technology of identifying tire sidewall creases by cutting cross sections is very likely to damage tires with acceptable rubber flowability, increase the scrap rate of tires, and thus increase manufacturing costs.

[0005] In existing technologies, severe blistering and large cracks can be identified by the naked eye, but there is currently no method to identify blistering and cracks that are not visible to the naked eye.

[0006] In conclusion, the need for non-destructive, comprehensive, and low-cost testing of the rubber flowability of automotive tires is a crucial issue that the industry urgently needs to address. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In view of this, embodiments of this specification provide a tire rubber compound flowability testing system. One or more embodiments of this specification also relate to tire rubber compound flowability testing methods and apparatus to address technical deficiencies in the prior art.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the embodiments of this specification, a tire rubber flowability testing system is provided, comprising:

[0009] Image acquisition module, used to acquire images of the marked outer surface of the tire;

[0010] The image processing module is used to identify markers in the images acquired by the image acquisition module, and to determine the flowability of the tire rubber material based on the type, location, and characteristics of the markers. The type includes one or more of diagonal lines, horizontal lines, and arcs; the location includes one or more of the tire sidewall, tire shoulder, and tire crown; and the marker characteristics include one or more of the following: breakpoints, inflection points, quantity, and distance.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the image acquisition module includes a first image acquisition module, and the image processing module includes a first image processing module. The first image acquisition module is used to acquire a first tire sidewall image with one or more oblique lines marked on the tire sidewall relative to the lateral axis of the tire sidewall. The first image processing module is used to identify the oblique lines from the first tire sidewall image, extract the breakpoints and / or inflection points of the oblique lines, and determine that the number of breakpoints is not 0 and / or the tire rubber flowability is unqualified if the inflection point is at a critical position.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the image acquisition module includes a second image acquisition module, and the image processing module includes a second image processing module. The second image acquisition module is used to acquire a second tire sidewall image with multiple horizontal lines marked at intervals along the lateral axis of the tire sidewall. The second image processing module is used to identify the horizontal lines from the second tire sidewall image, obtain the number of the horizontal lines, and determine that the tire rubber flowability is unqualified if the number of horizontal lines is less than a set number. Or / and the second image processing module is used to identify the horizontal lines from the second tire sidewall image, obtain the interval distance between adjacent horizontal lines, and determine that the tire rubber flowability is unqualified if the interval distance exceeds a set interval distance threshold.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the image acquisition module includes a third image acquisition module, and the image processing module includes a third image processing module. The third image acquisition module is used to acquire an image of a tire shoulder marked with one or two arcs, the arcs being formed by marking the tire sidewall and the shoulder contour along the shoulder contour using a stretchable coating. The third image processing module is used to identify the arcs from the tire shoulder image, extract a first distance extending from the junction line to the shoulder direction, and determine that the tire rubber material flowability is unqualified if the first distance exceeds a set first distance threshold. Or / and the third image processing module is used to identify the arcs from the tire shoulder image, extract a second distance extending from the junction line to the tire sidewall direction, and determine that the tire rubber material flowability is unqualified if the second distance exceeds a set second distance threshold.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the image acquisition module includes a fourth image acquisition module, and the image processing module includes a fourth image processing module. The fourth image acquisition module is used to acquire an image of a tire crown marked with one or more arcs, the arcs being formed by marking along the tire crown grooves with a stretchable coating. The fourth image processing module is used to identify the arcs from the tire crown image, extract a third distance of the arcs relative to the top surface of the tire crown, and determine that the tire rubber material flowability is unqualified if the third distance exceeds a set third distance threshold.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the tire rubber flowability detection system further includes a decision module for outputting decision data based on the judgment result of the image processing module. The decision data includes one or more of the following: increasing the flowability of the sidewall rubber, adjusting the crown thickness, adjusting the edge thickness of the pad rubber, adjusting the edge size of the rubber core, and adjusting the amount of shoulder material.

[0016] According to a second aspect of the embodiments of this specification, a method for testing the flowability of tire rubber compounds is provided, comprising:

[0017] Acquire images of the marked outer surface of the tire;

[0018] The markings in the image are identified, and the flowability of the tire rubber compound is determined based on the type, location, and characteristics of the markings. The type includes one or more of diagonal lines, horizontal lines, and arcs; the location includes one or more of the tire sidewall, tire shoulder, and tire crown; and the marking characteristics include one or more of the following: breakpoints, inflection points, number, and distance.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the tire rubber flowability testing method includes:

[0020] Acquire a first image of the tummy side marked with one or more oblique lines that are inclined relative to the lateral axis of the tummy side;

[0021] Identify diagonal lines from the first tire sidewall image, extract the breakpoints and / or inflection points of the diagonal lines, and determine that the number of breakpoints is not zero and / or the tire rubber flowability is substandard at critical locations of the inflection points; or / and

[0022] A second image of the tire sidewall was acquired, showing multiple horizontal lines marked at intervals along the lateral axis of the tire sidewall.

[0023] Horizontal lines are identified from the second tire sidewall image, and the number of these horizontal lines is determined. If the number of horizontal lines is less than a set number, the tire rubber flowability is deemed unqualified; or / and

[0024] A second image of the tire sidewall was acquired, showing multiple horizontal lines marked at intervals along the lateral axis of the tire sidewall.

[0025] Horizontal lines are identified from the second tire sidewall image, and the distance between adjacent horizontal lines is obtained. Tire rubber material flowability is deemed unqualified if the distance exceeds a set threshold.

[0026] The image of the tire shoulder is captured, with one or two arcs marked on the tire shoulder. The arcs are formed by marking the tire sidewall and the shoulder contour along the junction line of the shoulder using a stretchable paint.

[0027] Extract the first distance extending from the boundary line to the shoulder direction of the arc, and determine that the tire rubber material flowability is unqualified if the first distance exceeds a set first distance threshold; or / and

[0028] The image of the tire shoulder is captured, with one or two arcs marked on the tire shoulder. The arcs are formed by marking the tire sidewall and the shoulder contour along the junction line of the shoulder using a stretchable paint.

[0029] The arc is identified from the tire shoulder image, and a second distance extending from the junction line to the tire sidewall is extracted. Tire rubber material flowability is deemed unqualified if the second distance exceeds a set second distance threshold; or / and

[0030] The image of the tire crown is captured, which is marked with one or more arc lines, the arc lines being formed by marking along the grooves of the tire crown with a stretchable coating;

[0031] The arc is identified from the tire crown image, and the third distance of the arc relative to the top surface of the tire crown is extracted. If the third distance exceeds the set third distance threshold, the tire rubber material is deemed to have unqualified flowability.

[0032] According to a third aspect of the embodiments of this specification, a tire rubber flowability testing device is provided, including a memory and a processor. The memory is used to store computer-executable instructions, and the processor is used to execute the computer-executable instructions. When the computer-executable instructions are executed by the processor, the steps of the above-described tire rubber flowability testing method are implemented.

[0033] In one possible implementation, the tire rubber flowability testing device further includes a tire marking device for marking the outer surface of the tire.

[0034] This invention acquires images of the marked outer surface of a tire and performs image processing, including marker recognition and feature extraction. Based on the type, location, and features of the extracted markers, the flowability of the tire rubber compound is determined. This method eliminates the need to cut the tire cross-section and avoids mold contamination, achieving non-destructive testing of tire rubber flowability and reducing tire manufacturing costs. Furthermore, this invention utilizes image processing to detect tire rubber flowability, resulting in high image accuracy. By combining marker type, location, and features to detect tire rubber flowability, this invention achieves comprehensive tire inspection. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of a vehicle tire provided in one embodiment of this specification;

[0036] Figure 2 This is a schematic flowchart of a tire rubber material flowability testing method provided in one embodiment of this specification;

[0037] Figure 3 This is a schematic flowchart of a tire rubber material flowability testing method provided in the second embodiment of this specification;

[0038] Figure 4 This is a schematic flowchart of a tire rubber material flowability testing method provided in the third embodiment of this specification;

[0039] Figure 5 This is a schematic block diagram of a tire rubber flowability testing system provided in one embodiment of this specification;

[0040] Figure 6 This is a schematic block diagram of a tire rubber flowability testing device provided in one embodiment of this specification;

[0041] The components are as follows: 1. Tire crown; 2. Tire shoulder; 3. Tire sidewall; 10. Image acquisition module; 11. First image acquisition module; 12. Second image acquisition module; 13. Third image acquisition module; 14. Fourth image acquisition module; 20. Image processing module; 21. First image processing module; 22. Second image processing module; 23. Third image processing module; 24. Fourth image processing module; 30. Decision module; 100. Tire rubber flowability detection device; 110. Memory; 120. Processor; 130. Bus; 140. Access device; 150. Database; 160. Network; 170. Tire marking device. Detailed Implementation

[0042] Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a full understanding of this specification. However, this specification can be implemented in many other ways than those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar extensions without departing from the spirit of this specification. Therefore, this specification is not limited to the specific implementations disclosed below.

[0043] The terminology used in one or more embodiments of this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the one or more embodiments of this specification. The singular forms “a” and “the” as used in one or more embodiments of this specification and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term “and / or” as used in one or more embodiments of this specification refers to and includes any or all possible combinations of one or more associated listed items.

[0044] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, etc., may be used to describe various information in one or more embodiments of this specification, such information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish information of the same type from one another. For example, first may also be referred to as second without departing from the scope of one or more embodiments of this specification, and similarly, second may also be referred to as first. Depending on the context, the word "if" as used herein may be interpreted as "when," "when," or "in response to a determination."

[0045] This specification provides a method for testing the flowability of tire rubber compounds. This specification also relates to a tire rubber compound flowability testing system and apparatus, a computing device, and a computer-readable storage medium, which are described in detail in the following embodiments.

[0046] See Figure 1 , Figure 1 This specification shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a vehicle tire according to one embodiment. The vehicle tire mainly includes a crown 1, a shoulder 2, and a sidewall 3. In order to ensure the flowability of the rubber compound used in manufacturing the tire, it is necessary to perform non-destructive testing on the crown 1, shoulder 2, and sidewall 3.

[0047] Figure 2 This is a schematic flowchart of a tire rubber compound flowability testing method provided in one embodiment of this specification, as shown below. Figure 2 As shown, the tire rubber compound flowability testing method includes:

[0048] Step S11, collect data from one or more lines marked on the tire sidewall relative to the lateral axis (e.g., ...). Figure 1 The first side view of the tire (with a straight line with an arrow in the middle) is shown by a slanted oblique line.

[0049] Step S12: Identify the diagonal line from the first tire side image and extract the breakpoint and inflection point of the diagonal line;

[0050] Step S13: Determine whether the number of breakpoints is 0;

[0051] If the number of breakpoints is not 0, then proceed to step S14: determine that the tire rubber compound is not qualified in terms of fluidity;

[0052] If the number of breakpoints is 0, then proceed to step S15: determine whether the inflection point is at a critical position;

[0053] If the inflection point is at a critical position, then proceed to step S14: determine that the tire rubber compound has unqualified flowability;

[0054] If the inflection point is not in a critical position, proceed to step S16: determine that the tire rubber compound has acceptable flowability.

[0055] exist Figure 2 In the application scenario, the angle of the oblique line relative to the lateral axis of the tire sidewall is 30°-60°, preferably lower, and the angle is 45°.

[0056] exist Figure 2 In the application scenario, the marked position of the diagonal line is from the tire bead opening to the outer end of the tire sidewall, avoiding the tire sidewall joint.

[0057] The tire rubber flowability testing method of this invention collects tire sidewall images marked with oblique lines and examines the flowability of the tire sidewall rubber by combining breakpoints and inflection points. Folds, overlapping layers, and cracks in the sidewall rubber will cause the oblique lines to break and shift, thus generating breakpoints and inflection points. Therefore, the tire rubber flowability testing method of this invention can detect tire sidewall rubber defects such as folds, overlapping layers, and cracks in a non-destructive, accurate, fast, and low-cost manner.

[0058] In one specific embodiment of the present invention, the tire rubber compound flowability testing method includes:

[0059] For each of 100 vehicle tires, from the bead opening to the outer end of the sidewall, avoiding the sidewall joint, mark three 45° diagonal lines on the upper mold and three 45° diagonal lines on the lower mold, and then capture the first sidewall image of each tire after the above marking.

[0060] Identify the diagonal lines from the first lateral image and extract the breakpoints and inflection points of the diagonal lines;

[0061] Determine whether the number of breakpoints is 0. If the number of breakpoints is not 0, the tire rubber compound is deemed to have unqualified flowability. Through this step, 6 tire rubber compounds were screened out as having unqualified flowability.

[0062] Determine whether the inflection point of the first tire sidewall image that has passed the breakpoint detection is in a critical position. If the inflection point is in a critical position, the tire rubber flowability is deemed unqualified. Three tires with inflection points in the tread, four tires with inflection points at the edge of the rubber dotting, and three tires with inflection points at the breakpoint of the rubber core are selected as unqualified.

[0063] Tire rubber compounds with inflection points not in critical locations were deemed to have acceptable flowability. Twenty tires with inflection points located on waterproof lines, anti-friction lines, parting lines, or lettering were selected as acceptable because their inflection points were not in critical locations.

[0064] The tires that were deemed unqualified were sent to a professional institution for re-inspection using specialized equipment. It was found that the accuracy rate of the tire rubber flowability testing method of this invention was as high as 99%.

[0065] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a tire rubber compound flowability testing method provided in the second embodiment of this specification, as shown below. Figure 3 As shown, the tire rubber compound flowability testing method includes:

[0066] Step S21: Acquire a second tire side image with multiple horizontal lines marked at intervals along the lateral axis of the tire side;

[0067] Step S22: Identify horizontal lines from the second tummy side image and obtain the number of horizontal lines and the spacing between adjacent horizontal lines;

[0068] Step S23: Determine whether the number of horizontal lines is less than the set number;

[0069] If the number of horizontal lines is less than the set number, then proceed to step S24: determine that the tire rubber material is not up to standard.

[0070] If the number of horizontal lines is not less than the set number, then step S25 is executed: determine whether the interval distance between adjacent horizontal lines exceeds the set interval distance threshold.

[0071] If the set interval distance threshold is exceeded, proceed to step S24: determine that the tire rubber material is not up to standard.

[0072] If the set interval distance threshold is not exceeded, proceed to step S26: determine that the tire rubber material is of acceptable quality.

[0073] The tire rubber flowability testing method of this invention acquires tire sidewall images marked with multiple horizontal lines and examines the flowability of the tire sidewall rubber by combining the number of horizontal lines and their spacing. Poor flowability of the tire sidewall rubber can lead to problems such as overlapping layers and cracks, causing line swallowing. This results in the number of horizontal lines identified from the image being less than the number of marked horizontal lines, and the spacing between adjacent horizontal lines that are swallowed becomes larger. Therefore, the tire rubber flowability testing method of this invention can detect defects such as overlapping layers and cracks in a non-destructive, accurate, fast, and low-cost manner.

[0074] exist Figure 3 In the application scenario, the multiple horizontal lines extend from the tire bead opening to the tire side flexure area, avoiding the tire side joint, and are spaced apart.

[0075] In one specific embodiment of the present invention, the tire rubber compound flowability testing method includes:

[0076] For each of the 100 vehicle tires, from the bead opening to the sidewall flexure area (avoiding the sidewall joint), 15-20 horizontal lines were marked with 10mm (15 horizontal lines for ordinary tires, 20 horizontal lines for high-specification low-profile tires, one horizontal line and one diagonal line in the upper and lower molds in one area, and the second sidewall image of each tire after the above marking was collected.

[0077] Horizontal lines are identified from the second lateral image, and the number of horizontal lines and the spacing between adjacent horizontal lines are obtained.

[0078] Determine if the number of horizontal lines is less than the number of horizontal lines marked in the first step. If the number of horizontal lines is less than the number of horizontal lines marked in the first step, the tire rubber material is deemed to have unqualified flowability. This step filters out 10 tire rubber materials that have unqualified flowability.

[0079] Determine whether the interval between adjacent horizontal lines exceeds 15mm. If the interval exceeds 15mm, the tire rubber material is deemed to have unqualified flowability. Three tire rubber materials with unqualified flowability are selected.

[0080] The tires that were deemed unqualified were sent to a professional institution for re-inspection using specialized equipment. It was found that the accuracy rate of the tire rubber flowability testing method of this invention was as high as 99.5%.

[0081] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a tire rubber compound flowability testing method provided in the third embodiment of this specification, as shown below. Figure 4 As shown, the tire rubber compound flowability testing method includes:

[0082] Step S31: Acquire a tire shoulder image with one or two first arc lines marked on the tire shoulder. The first arc lines are formed by marking along the shoulder contour at the junction of the tire sidewall and the shoulder with a stretchable paint. Acquire a tire crown image with one or more second arc lines marked on the tire crown. The second arc lines are formed by marking along the tire crown groove with a stretchable paint.

[0083] Step S32: Identify the first arc from the shoulder image and the second arc from the crown image, and extract the first distance of the first arc extending from the junction line to the shoulder direction, the second distance of the first arc extending from the junction line to the sidewall direction, and the third distance of the second arc relative to the top surface of the crown.

[0084] Step S33: Determine whether the first distance exceeds the set first distance threshold;

[0085] If the first distance threshold is exceeded, proceed to step S34: determine that the tire rubber material is not up to standard.

[0086] If the distance does not exceed the first distance threshold, proceed to step S35: determine whether the second distance exceeds the set second distance threshold;

[0087] If the second distance threshold is exceeded, proceed to step S34: determine that the tire rubber compound is not up to standard.

[0088] If the distance does not exceed the second distance threshold, proceed to step S36: determine that the third distance exceeds the set third distance threshold;

[0089] If the third distance threshold is exceeded, proceed to step S34: determine that the tire rubber material is not up to standard.

[0090] If the distance does not exceed the third distance threshold, proceed to step S37: determine that the tire rubber material is of acceptable quality.

[0091] The tire rubber flowability testing method of this invention collects tire shoulder images marked with a first arc and tire crown images marked with a second arc, and combines this with distance measurements to inspect the rubber flowability of the tire shoulder and crown. Insufficient shoulder material, excessively thin crown thickness, and excessively wide crown shoulder width will all cause poor rubber flowability, resulting in the first distance exceeding the threshold. Excessive shoulder material will also cause poor rubber flowability, resulting in the second distance exceeding the threshold. External wrapping of the left and right tire sides and excessive crown thickness will cause poor rubber flowability, resulting in the third distance exceeding the threshold. Therefore, the tire rubber flowability testing method of this invention can detect the above-mentioned defects in the tire shoulder and crown in a non-destructive, accurate, fast, and low-cost manner, ensuring that the tire shoulder and crown can match the mold after molding and extension.

[0092] exist Figure 4 In the application scenario, the extensible coating is white glue.

[0093] In one specific embodiment of the present invention, the tire rubber compound flowability testing method includes:

[0094] Two first arc lines were formed by marking the two intersection lines of the tire sidewall and the shoulder with white glue along the shoulder contour of 100 vehicle tires respectively; a second arc line was formed by marking along the groove in the middle of the tire crown; the tire shoulder image and tire crown image of each tire after the above marking were collected;

[0095] Extract the first distance of the first arc extending from the boundary line to the shoulder direction, the second distance of the first arc extending from the boundary line to the sidewall direction, and the third distance of the second arc relative to the top surface of the tire crown;

[0096] Determine if the first distance exceeds 5mm. If the first distance exceeds 5mm, the rubber material flowability of the tire is deemed unqualified. Through this step, 8 tires were screened out as having unqualified rubber material flowability.

[0097] Determine if the second distance exceeds 5mm. If the second distance exceeds 5mm, the tire rubber material flowability is deemed unqualified. Through this step, 3 tires were screened out as having unqualified rubber material flowability.

[0098] Determine if the third distance exceeds 15mm. If the third distance exceeds 15mm, the tire rubber material flowability is deemed unqualified. Through this step, 3 tires were screened out as having unqualified rubber material flowability.

[0099] The tires that were deemed unqualified were sent to a professional institution for re-inspection using specialized equipment. It was found that the accuracy rate of the tire rubber flowability testing method of this invention was as high as 99.5%.

[0100] In the above embodiments, the tire rubber flowability testing method further includes:

[0101] Based on the image processing results, decision data is output. For example: when the inflection point is at the edge of the tread and the padding edge, indicating that the tire rubber flowability is unqualified, decision data is output to control the thickness of the tread and padding edge; when the inflection point is at the end of the rubber core, indicating that the tire rubber flowability is unqualified, decision data is output to control the size of the rubber core edge; when the horizontal line is swallowed or the interval distance exceeds the threshold, indicating that the tire rubber flowability is unqualified, decision data to improve the flowability of the sidewall rubber is output; when the first distance of the first arc exceeds the threshold, indicating that the tire rubber flowability is unqualified, decision data to increase the shoulder material is output; when the second distance of the first arc exceeds the threshold, indicating that the tire rubber flowability is unqualified, decision data to reduce the shoulder material is output.

[0102] In the above embodiments, identifying markers from an image can be achieved by converting the image to grayscale and then performing thresholding to obtain a binary image. Marker features can then be extracted using image feature extraction methods, such as edge extraction to identify markers, breakpoint detection methods (eight-neighborhood analysis, EDLines algorithm, etc.) to extract breakpoints, and Hough transform to extract inflection points and distances. Alternatively, marker features can be extracted using image feature extraction methods based on deep learning.

[0103] Corresponding to the above method embodiments, this specification also provides embodiments of a tire rubber compound flowability testing system. Figure 5 This is a schematic block diagram of a tire rubber flowability testing system provided in one embodiment of this specification. Figure 5 As shown, the tire rubber flowability testing system includes:

[0104] Image acquisition module 10 is used to acquire images of the marked outer surface of the tire;

[0105] The image processing module 20 is used to identify the marks in the image acquired by the image acquisition module 10, and to determine the flowability of the tire rubber material based on the type, position and characteristics of the marks. The type includes one or more of diagonal lines, horizontal lines and arcs; the position includes one or more of the tire sidewall, tire shoulder and tire crown; the mark characteristics include one or more of the following: breakpoint, inflection point, number and distance.

[0106] In one possible implementation, the image acquisition module 10 includes a first image acquisition module 11, and the image processing module 20 includes a first image processing module 21. The first image acquisition module 11 is used to acquire a first tire sidewall image with one or more oblique lines marked on the tire sidewall relative to the lateral axis of the tire sidewall. The first image processing module 21 is used to identify the oblique lines from the first tire sidewall image, extract the breakpoints and / or inflection points of the oblique lines, and determine that the number of breakpoints is not 0 and / or the tire rubber flowability is unqualified if the inflection point is at a critical position.

[0107] In one possible implementation, the image acquisition module 10 includes a second image acquisition module 12, and the image processing module 20 includes a second image processing module 22. The second image acquisition module 12 is used to acquire a second tire sidewall image with multiple horizontal lines spaced apart along the lateral axis of the tire sidewall. The second image processing module 22 is used to identify the horizontal lines from the second tire sidewall image, obtain the number of the horizontal lines, and determine that the tire rubber flowability is unqualified if the number of horizontal lines is less than a set number. Or / and the second image processing module 22 is used to identify the horizontal lines from the second tire sidewall image, obtain the interval distance between adjacent horizontal lines, and determine that the tire rubber flowability is unqualified if the interval distance exceeds a set interval distance threshold.

[0108] In one possible implementation, the image acquisition module 10 includes a third image acquisition module 13, and the image processing module 20 includes a third image processing module 23. The third image acquisition module 13 is used to acquire an image of a tire shoulder marked with one or two arcs, the arcs being formed by marking the tire sidewall and the shoulder contour along the shoulder contour using a stretchable coating. The third image processing module 23 is used to identify the arcs from the tire shoulder image, extract a first distance from the junction line to the shoulder direction, and determine that the tire rubber material flowability is unqualified if the first distance exceeds a set first distance threshold. Or / and the third image processing module is used to identify the arcs from the tire shoulder image, extract a second distance from the junction line to the tire sidewall direction, and determine that the tire rubber material flowability is unqualified if the second distance exceeds a set second distance threshold.

[0109] In one possible implementation, the image acquisition module 10 includes a fourth image acquisition module 14, and the image processing module 20 includes a fourth image processing module 24. The fourth image acquisition module 14 is used to acquire an image of a tire crown marked with one or more arcs, the arcs being formed by marking along the tire crown grooves with a stretchable coating. The fourth image processing module 24 is used to identify the arcs from the tire crown image, extract a third distance of the arcs relative to the top surface of the tire crown, and determine that the tire rubber material flowability is unqualified if the third distance exceeds a set third distance threshold.

[0110] In the above embodiments, the tire rubber flowability detection system further includes a decision module 30, which is used to output decision data based on the judgment result of the image processing module 20. The decision data includes one or more of the following: increasing the flowability of the sidewall rubber, adjusting the crown thickness, adjusting the edge thickness of the pad rubber, adjusting the edge size of the rubber core, and adjusting the amount of shoulder material.

[0111] This invention provides a tire rubber flowability testing system. An image acquisition module captures images of the marked outer surface of a tire, and an image processing module performs mark recognition and feature extraction on these images. The system determines the tire rubber flowability based on the type, location, and features of the extracted marks. This non-destructive testing eliminates the need to cut the tire cross-section and avoids mold contamination, thus reducing tire manufacturing costs. Furthermore, this invention utilizes image processing to detect tire rubber flowability, resulting in high image accuracy. By combining mark type, location, and features, the system achieves comprehensive tire inspection.

[0112] It should be noted that the aforementioned tire rubber compound flowability testing system can be either hardware or software. When the tire rubber compound flowability testing system is hardware, it can be implemented as a distributed cluster consisting of multiple servers or terminal devices, or as a single server or terminal device. When the tire rubber compound flowability testing system is software, it can be installed on the hardware devices listed above. It can be implemented as, for example, multiple software programs or software modules to provide distributed services, or as a single software program or software module. No specific limitations are made here.

[0113] Figure 6 This is a schematic block diagram illustrating the configuration of a tire rubber flowability testing device according to one embodiment of this specification. The components of this tire rubber flowability testing device 100 include, but are not limited to, a memory 110 and a processor 120. The processor 120 is connected to the memory 110 via a bus 130. The memory 110 stores computer-executable instructions, and the processor 120 executes these computer-executable instructions. When executed by the processor 120, these computer-executable instructions implement the steps of the aforementioned tire rubber flowability testing method.

[0114] The computer instructions include computer program code, which may be in the form of source code, object code, executable file, or some intermediate form. The computer-readable medium may include: any entity or device capable of carrying the computer program code, recording media, USB flash drive, portable hard drive, magnetic disk, optical disk, computer memory, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), electrical carrier signals, telecommunication signals, and software distribution media, etc.

[0115] The tire rubber flowability testing device 100 also includes an access device 140 that enables the computing device to communicate via one or more networks 160. Examples of these networks 160 include Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), Personal Area Network (PAN), or combinations of communication networks such as the Internet. The access device 140 may include one or more of any type of wired or wireless network interface (e.g., network interface card (NIC)), such as an IEEE 802.11 Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) wireless interface, Wi-MAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) interface, Ethernet interface, Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, cellular network interface, Bluetooth interface, or Near Field Communication (NFC).

[0116] The tire rubber flowability testing device 100 also includes a database 150 for storing data.

[0117] In one embodiment of this specification, the above-mentioned components of the tire rubber flowability testing device 100 and Figure 6 Other components, not shown, can also be connected to each other, for example, via bus 130. It should be understood that... Figure 6 The structural block diagram of the tire rubber flowability testing device 100 shown is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of this specification. Those skilled in the art can add or replace other components as needed.

[0118] In one possible implementation, the tire rubber flowability testing device 100 further includes a tire marking device 170 for marking the outer surface of the tire.

[0119] The tire marking device 170 can be any device capable of automatically controlling the marking and / or application of rubber compound.

[0120] To improve the accuracy of tire rubber flowability testing, one possible implementation involves using the strength, type, location, and characteristics of the tire marking device marking the vehicle tires as input, and the accuracy of tire rubber flowability testing as output to construct a deep learning model, which is then trained using training data.

[0121] The above is a schematic scheme of a tire rubber flowability testing device according to this embodiment. It should be noted that the technical solution of this tire rubber flowability testing device belongs to the same concept as the technical solution of the tire rubber flowability testing method and system described above. For details not described in detail in the technical solution of the tire rubber flowability testing device, please refer to the description of the technical solution of the tire rubber flowability testing method and system described above.

[0122] This invention provides a simple, easily applicable, and comprehensive method, system, and apparatus for testing tire rubber compound flowability. It enables early identification of issues such as sidewall creases, overlapping layers, and cracks, reducing tire manufacturing costs. This invention allows for early identification and prevention of crease and overlapping layer problems during the product development stage, further reducing manufacturing costs. It can be widely applied to tire blanks with abnormal beads, first-batch tire blanks, and random sampling of normal tire blanks. No tire blank cutting is required, and markings on qualified vehicle tires can be removed, achieving non-destructive testing of vehicle tires.

[0123] The foregoing has described specific embodiments of this specification. Other embodiments are within the scope of the appended claims. In some cases, the actions or steps recited in the claims may be performed in a different order than that shown in the embodiments and may still achieve the desired result. Furthermore, the processes depicted in the drawings do not necessarily require the specific or sequential order shown to achieve the desired result. In some embodiments, multitasking and parallel processing are possible or may be advantageous.

[0124] It should be noted that, for the sake of simplicity, the foregoing method embodiments are all described as a series of actions. However, those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments in this specification are not limited to the described order of actions, because according to the embodiments in this specification, some steps can be performed in other orders or simultaneously. Furthermore, those skilled in the art should also understand that the embodiments described in this specification are all preferred embodiments, and the actions and modules involved are not necessarily essential to the embodiments in this specification.

[0125] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments.

[0126] The preferred embodiments disclosed above are merely illustrative of this specification. The optional embodiments do not exhaustively describe all details, nor do they limit the invention to the specific implementations described. Clearly, many modifications and variations can be made based on the embodiments described herein. These embodiments are selected and specifically described in this specification to better explain the principles and practical applications of the embodiments, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to better understand and utilize this specification. This specification is limited only by the claims and their full scope and equivalents.

Claims

1. A tire rubber compound flowability testing system, characterized in that, include: Image acquisition module, used to acquire images of the marked outer surface of the tire; An image processing module is used to identify markers in images acquired by the image acquisition module, and to determine the flowability of tire rubber based on the type, location, and characteristics of the markers. The type includes one or more of diagonal lines, horizontal lines, and arcs; the location includes one or more of the tire sidewall, tire shoulder, and tire crown; and the marker characteristics include one or more of breakpoints, inflection points, number, and distance. The image acquisition module includes a first image acquisition module, and the image processing module includes a first image processing module; The first image acquisition module is used to acquire a first tire side image with one or more oblique lines marked on the tire side that are inclined relative to the lateral axis of the tire side; The first image processing module is used to identify diagonal lines from the first tire sidewall image, extract the breakpoints and inflection points of the diagonal lines, and determine that the number of breakpoints is not 0 and the tire rubber flowability is unqualified when the inflection point is at a critical position. The image acquisition module includes a fourth image acquisition module, and the image processing module includes a fourth image processing module; The fourth image acquisition module is used to acquire images of the tire crown marked with one or more arc lines, the arc lines being formed by marking along the grooves of the tire crown with a stretchable coating; The fourth image processing module is used to identify the arc from the tire crown image, extract the third distance of the arc relative to the top surface of the tire crown, and determine that the tire rubber material flowability is unqualified if the third distance exceeds the set third distance threshold.

2. The tire rubber flowability testing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The image acquisition module includes a second image acquisition module, and the image processing module includes a second image processing module; The second image acquisition module is used to acquire a second tire side image with multiple horizontal lines marked at intervals along the lateral axis of the tire side; The second image processing module is used to identify horizontal lines from the second tire sidewall image, obtain the number of horizontal lines, and determine that the tire rubber material flowability is unqualified if the number of horizontal lines is less than a set number; or / and the second image processing module is used to identify horizontal lines from the second tire sidewall image, obtain the interval distance between adjacent horizontal lines, and determine that the tire rubber material flowability is unqualified if the interval distance exceeds a set interval distance threshold.

3. The tire rubber flowability testing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The image acquisition module includes a third image acquisition module, and the image processing module includes a third image processing module; The third image acquisition module is used to acquire images of the tire shoulder marked with one or two arc lines. The arc lines are formed by marking the tire sidewall and the shoulder contour along the shoulder contour using a stretchable paint. The third image processing module is used to identify the arc from the tire shoulder image, extract the first distance of the arc extending from the boundary line to the shoulder direction, and determine that the tire rubber material flowability is unqualified if the first distance exceeds a set first distance threshold; or / and the third image processing module is used to identify the arc from the tire shoulder image, extract the second distance of the arc extending from the boundary line to the tire sidewall direction, and determine that the tire rubber material flowability is unqualified if the second distance exceeds a set second distance threshold.

4. The tire rubber flowability testing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a decision module, which outputs decision data based on the judgment result of the image processing module. The decision data includes one or more of the following: increasing the flowability of the sidewall rubber, adjusting the crown thickness, adjusting the edge thickness of the pad rubber, adjusting the edge size of the rubber core, and adjusting the amount of shoulder material.

5. A method for testing the flowability of tire rubber compounds, characterized in that, The method, applied to the tire rubber flowability testing system according to any one of claims 1-4, comprises: Acquire images of the marked outer surface of the tire; The markings in the image are identified, and the flowability of the tire rubber compound is determined based on the type, location, and characteristics of the markings. The type includes one or more of diagonal lines, horizontal lines, and arcs; the location includes one or more of the tire sidewall, tire shoulder, and tire crown; and the marking characteristics include one or more of the following: breakpoints, inflection points, number, and distance. A first tire sidewall image is acquired, showing one or more oblique lines marked on the sidewall that are inclined relative to the lateral axis of the tire sidewall; the oblique lines are identified from the first tire sidewall image, and the breakpoints and inflection points of the oblique lines are extracted. The tire rubber flowability is determined to be unqualified if the number of breakpoints is not 0 and the inflection point is at a critical position. The image of the tire crown, which is marked with one or more arcs, is acquired. The arcs are formed by marking along the grooves of the tire crown with a stretchable coating. The arcs are identified from the tire crown image. The third distance of the arcs relative to the top surface of the tire crown is extracted. If the third distance exceeds a set third distance threshold, the tire rubber material is deemed to have unqualified flowability.

6. The method for testing the flowability of tire rubber compounds according to claim 5, characterized in that, include: A second image of the tire sidewall was acquired, showing multiple horizontal lines marked at intervals along the lateral axis of the tire sidewall. Horizontal lines are identified from the second sidewall image, and the number of horizontal lines is obtained. If the number of horizontal lines is less than a set number, the tire rubber flowability is deemed unqualified. Alternatively, a second sidewall image is acquired showing multiple horizontal lines spaced apart along the lateral axis of the sidewall. Horizontal lines are identified from the second sidewall image, and the distance between adjacent horizontal lines is obtained. If the distance exceeds a set threshold, the tire rubber flowability is deemed unqualified. Alternatively, a shoulder image is acquired showing one or two arcs marked on the shoulder. These arcs are formed by a stretchable coating marked along the shoulder contour at the junction of the sidewall and the shoulder. A first distance is extracted from the junction to the shoulder direction, and it is determined that the first distance exceeds a set threshold. Tire rubber material flowability is deemed unqualified if it exceeds a threshold value; or / and acquire images of a tire shoulder marked with one or two arcs, the arcs being formed by marking along the shoulder contour using a stretchable coating on the sidewall and shoulder boundary line; identify the arcs from the tire shoulder image, extract a second distance extending from the boundary line to the sidewall, and determine that tire rubber material flowability is unqualified if the second distance exceeds a set second distance threshold; or / and acquire images of a tire crown marked with one or more arcs, the arcs being formed by marking along the crown grooves using a stretchable coating; identify the arcs from the tire crown image, extract a third distance of the arcs relative to the top surface of the crown, and determine that tire rubber material flowability is unqualified if the third distance exceeds a set third distance threshold.

7. A device for testing the flowability of tire rubber compounds, characterized in that, The device includes a memory and a processor, the memory being used to store computer-executable instructions, and the processor being used to execute the computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by the processor, implement the steps of the tire rubber flowability testing method according to any one of claims 5 and 6.

8. The tire rubber flowability testing device according to claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes tire marking equipment for marking the outer surface of tires.

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