Method of interacting with a monitoring device fixed to an inner surface of a tire mounted on a rim and corresponding interaction system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method and to an interaction system (99) with a monitoring device (1) fixed to an inner surface (2) of a tyre (3) mounted on a rim, said interaction system (99) comprising: a source (90) configured to provide, on request, an identification code of said monitoring device (1) uniquely associated with said monitoring device (1), wherein said source (90) comprises at least one physical means (91) firmly applied to said tyre (3); an interrogation device (92) configured to obtain, from said source (90), the identification code of said monitoring device (1) through at least one respective interaction with the physical means (91), to perform at least one interaction with said monitoring device (1) based on the obtained identification code of said monitoring device (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and a corresponding interaction system for interacting with a monitoring device fixed to the inner surface of a tire mounted on a rim. Background Technology

[0002] Typically, a tire has a generally annular structure about its axis of rotation during operation and includes an equatorial plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation, which is typically a (generally) geometrically symmetrical plane (e.g., ignoring any small asymmetries such as tread design and / or markings on the sidewalls and / or internal structures).

[0003] The "outer surface" of a tire refers to the tire surface that remains visible once the tire is mounted on the corresponding rim.

[0004] The "inner surface" of a tire refers to the tire surface that is no longer visible once the tire is mounted on the corresponding rim.

[0005] Tires are known to include a monitoring device fixed to the inner surface of the tire at the crown, the monitoring device performing a measurement function or evaluating one or more physical quantities related to the tire, such as, for example, temperature, pressure, acceleration, inner surface deformation, etc.

[0006] In the context of this invention, the term monitoring device may also refer generally to an electronic device capable of transmitting tire-related information (such as, for example, DOT number, tire model, physical size, etc.), without necessarily performing any of the aforementioned measurement or evaluation functions. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In the context of a tire that includes a monitoring device, the applicant believes it is useful to be able to interact with the monitoring device, which is fixed to the inner surface of the tire mounted on the corresponding rim (where the monitoring device is not directly visible).

[0008] For example, such interaction may include one or more diagnostic operations of the monitoring device, which are typically performed by instruments external to the vehicle's onboard system when the tire is mounted and / or even when the tire is not mounted on the vehicle. Such diagnostic operations of the monitoring device are generally intended to assess its operation and proper maintenance of one or more functions it performs, even long after the monitoring device is attached to the tire and often multiple times throughout its lifespan.

[0009] In addition to the examples above or as an alternative, the interaction may also include the operator reading measurements or assessments performed by the monitoring device (such as measurements or assessments of the internal temperature of the tire and / or the tire inflation pressure), to be performed quickly, for example, without using the vehicle's onboard systems to read such measurements, and therefore without access to the vehicle's cab and / or onboard computer, and / or also in cases where the tires are not mounted on the vehicle.

[0010] In the above context, the applicant also believes that utilizing wireless communication with these monitoring devices is useful. Thus, typically, each monitoring device is capable of transmitting a corresponding radio signal (e.g., a Bluetooth™ signal) that can be captured by the operator to interact with the monitoring device. Such radio signals typically contain all the information necessary to interact with the corresponding monitoring device, at least in the aforementioned situations (diagnostic and / or measurement readouts).

[0011] The applicant also observed that each radio signal is associated with a specific identification code of the transmission monitoring device (i.e., a unique identifier associated with the monitoring device) (e.g., at the digital / computer level), and is typically reported on the physical structure of the monitoring device itself. Therefore, by knowing such an identification code, it is possible to definitively determine which radio signal originates from a specific monitoring device.

[0012] In the aforementioned scenario, the applicant also observed that two or more monitoring devices, all fixed to and subsequently mounted on corresponding tires on corresponding rims, and located in relatively close spatial proximity to each other in the same environment, could result in two or more corresponding radio signals being present simultaneously and observable by the operator. Sometimes, in conjunction with the radio signals from the monitoring devices, additional radio signals from other sources (e.g., not from the monitoring devices) may also appear in the aforementioned environment.

[0013] When this occurs, the monitoring device is therefore not directly observable by the operator, and the applicant has found a real risk that it is impossible to identify with the expected level of confidence which radio signal was emitted by a particular monitoring device, because it is impossible to trace the identification code of the monitoring device (since it is not directly visible). This leads to problems with the reliability and accuracy of the interaction results regarding both diagnostic and readings of one or more of the above measurements, because it is impossible to explicitly attribute the interaction results to a particular monitoring device.

[0014] For example, this situation may occur when each tire is mounted on its respective wheel of a vehicle (there is no access to the onboard computer, access to the onboard computer is not possible, or access to the onboard computer is not desired), or in a warehouse scenario where multiple tires mounted on the rims are arranged / stacked adjacent to each other.

[0015] Furthermore, it is obvious that in such cases it would be practically impossible to remove each tire from its corresponding rim, as such an operation would significantly and undesirably increase the difficulty of the interaction process.

[0016] Therefore, the applicant has solved the problem of interacting with a monitoring device fixed to the inner surface of a tire mounted on a rim (where the inner surface is inaccessible from the outside) in a simple, reliable and accurate manner, particularly regarding the problem of attributing the results of the interaction to a specific monitoring device.

[0017] The applicant has discovered that the above problem can be solved by providing a source configured to provide an identification code of a given monitoring device upon request, wherein the source includes at least one physical device (different from the monitoring device) firmly applied to the tire, and specifies that such identification code is obtained by at least one corresponding interaction with the physical device, the interaction occurring at least partially outside the tire.

[0018] According to one aspect, the present invention relates to a method for interacting with a monitoring device fixed to the inner surface of a tire mounted on a rim. The method includes:

[0019] - Provide an identification code for the monitoring device that is uniquely associated with the monitoring device;

[0020] - Provide a source configured to provide an identification code of the monitoring device upon request, wherein the source includes at least one physical device that is different from the monitoring device and is securely applied to the tire;

[0021] - Obtain the identification code of the monitoring device from the source through at least one corresponding interaction with the at least one physical device;

[0022] - Based on the identification code of the monitoring device obtained from the source, perform at least one interaction with the monitoring device.

[0023] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to an interactive system for interacting with a monitoring device fixed to the inner surface of a tire mounted on a rim, the interactive system comprising:

[0024] - A source configured to provide, upon request, an identification code of the monitoring device uniquely associated with the monitoring device, wherein the source includes at least one physical device that is different from the monitoring device and is securely applied to the tire;

[0025] - An interrogation device, the interrogation device being configured to:

[0026] - Perform at least one corresponding interaction with the at least one physical device to obtain the identification code of the monitoring device from the source;

[0027] - Perform at least one interaction with the monitoring device based on the identification code of the monitoring device obtained from the source.

[0028] Therefore, according to the applicant, the aforementioned source configured to provide the identification code of the monitoring device allows for the availability of an auxiliary source (i.e., an additional source for the monitoring device) to obtain the identification code of the monitoring device from the auxiliary source when needed, based on which the radio signals emitted by the monitoring device itself are identified, thus enabling reliable and accurate interaction with the monitoring device.

[0029] In particular, due to at least one physical device applied to the tire and the corresponding interaction that is therefore at least partially performed outside the tire, there may be a physical key that always accompanies the tire (and thus the corresponding monitoring device) (in order to obtain the identification code of the monitoring device from the source), making it reliable and accurate in some respects of the correspondence between the obtained identification code and the corresponding physical monitoring device fixed to the tire. It is simple and immediate to look up because it is actually always available with the tire, eliminating the need to directly observe the monitoring device (and therefore, there is no need to remove the tire from the rim or perform other similar operations).

[0030] The applicant also observed that this solution allows for the avoidance of empirical methods used to determine the source of a given radio signal from a specific monitoring device inside the tire, such as methods based on measurements of the power of the received radio signal as a function of the distance from the tire, which is a process that typically carries a high risk of error.

[0031] Furthermore, it was observed that this solution allows for the avoidance of using any of the vehicle's onboard systems (when the tires are mounted on the vehicle), and also applies to situations where the tires (mounted on the rims) are not mounted on the vehicle.

[0032] The present invention may have one or more of the following preferred features in one or more aspects thereof.

[0033] Preferably, the monitoring device includes an electronic unit.

[0034] Preferably, the electronic unit includes: at least one sensor for detecting at least one of the following physical quantities: temperature, pressure, acceleration, deformation; a processing unit; and a transceiver.

[0035] Preferably, the at least one sensor is adapted to detect at least two of the following physical quantities: temperature, pressure, acceleration, and deformation, such as temperature and pressure. More preferably, the at least one sensor is adapted to detect at least three, or even all four, of the physical quantities. Preferably, the at least one sensor is adapted to detect the acceleration, more preferably to detect at least one component of the acceleration (axial, radial, and / or tangential). In this way, the monitoring device provides data that is particularly useful for inferring the condition and / or function of the tire and / or the behavior of the vehicle equipped with the tire.

[0036] Preferably, the monitoring device includes a power supply device electrically connected to the electronic unit.

[0037] The term “power supply device” refers to a component configured to provide electrical energy, whether the energy provided is pre-stored (e.g., pre-stored in an energy storage device, such as a battery or capacitor) or the energy provided is generated and / or received in real time on site (e.g., in an energy recovery device or “energy harvester” with or without an energy storage device).

[0038] Typically, the power supply device is an energy storage device, and more preferably includes a battery, such as a button cell battery.

[0039] In one embodiment, the method includes providing an identification code that uniquely associates the tire with the tire.

[0040] In one embodiment, providing the source includes providing a digital environment (e.g., a database). In another embodiment, the source includes the digital environment.

[0041] In one embodiment, the method includes establishing a unique correlation between the tire's identification code and the monitoring device's identification code within the digital environment. In this way, knowing one identification code necessarily means obtaining another, thereby further improving the reliability and accuracy of the interaction (as better described below with reference to some embodiments of the invention).

[0042] In one embodiment, providing the source includes applying a graphic identifier to the outer surface of the tire.

[0043] In one embodiment, the graphic identifier coincides with the at least one physical device. In this way, the physical device is easy to implement, reliable, and durable.

[0044] In one embodiment, the graphic identifier uniquely represents the tire's identification code. For example, the graphic identifier may coincide with the tire's identification code (e.g., a serial number in a numeric or alphanumeric sequence), or it may be a geometric graphic identifier (e.g., a barcode and / or QR code, etc.), from which the tire's identification code can be uniquely obtained.

[0045] In one embodiment, obtaining the identification code of the monitoring device includes obtaining the identification code of the tire from the graphic identifier (on the outer surface of the tire).

[0046] In one embodiment, obtaining the identification code of the monitoring device includes accessing the digital environment and obtaining the identification code of the monitoring device based on the identification code of the tire. In this way, the network security of the method is optimized because the tire does not carry any sensitive information directly related to the monitoring device placed inside it; instead, such sensitive information is protected within the digital environment (access to the digital environment is required to obtain the identification code of the monitoring device). Furthermore, this method improves versatility because a single identification code of the tire can be associated with more than one identification code (in the digital environment) of the corresponding monitoring device during or after the tire's lifespan, which is particularly useful in the event of a monitoring device malfunction (as will be better described later).

[0047] In one embodiment, the graphic identifier uniquely represents the identification code of the monitoring device.

[0048] In one embodiment, obtaining the identification code of the monitoring device includes retrieving the identification code of the monitoring device from the graphic identifier on the outer surface of the tire. In this way, obtaining the identification code of the monitoring device is quick and direct.

[0049] In one embodiment, providing the source includes providing a communication device for short-range radio communication.

[0050] In one embodiment, the communication device coincides with the at least one physical device. In this way, a communication device typically already present on or within the tire can be utilized, further simplifying the implementation of the method. Furthermore, as a further advantage for security, communication with the communication device can be encrypted.

[0051] In one embodiment, the communication device is configured to transmit digital information, upon request, an identification code that uniquely identifies the tire.

[0052] In one embodiment, obtaining the identification code of the monitoring device includes obtaining the identification code of the tire from the digital information that uniquely identifies the tire (by means of short-range radio communication with the communication device).

[0053] In one embodiment, obtaining the identification code of the monitoring device includes accessing the digital environment and obtaining the identification code of the monitoring device based on the identification code of the tire. In this way, the inherent security of the method is optimized because the tire does not carry any sensitive information directly related to the monitoring device placed inside the tire, but rather such sensitive information is protected in the digital environment.

[0054] In one embodiment, the communication device is configured to transmit digital information, upon request, an identifier code that uniquely identifies the monitoring device.

[0055] In one embodiment, obtaining the identification code of the monitoring device includes retrieving the identification code of the monitoring device from the digital information that uniquely identifies the monitoring device (by means of short-range radio communication with the communication device). In this way, the method is fast and secure.

[0056] Preferably, the graphic designation is placed on the sidewall of the tire during the tire manufacturing stage. This is operationally advantageous.

[0057] Preferably, placing the graphic identifier includes performing one or more of the following techniques: laser writing, manual or automatic writing, applying the label before the tire curing stage, or applying the label after the tire curing stage. These methods have proven particularly advantageous, for example, in terms of ease of implementation and / or cost and / or the durability of the applied graphic identifier.

[0058] Preferably, the graphic identifier includes (more preferably) one or more of the following: a numerical sequence, an alphanumeric sequence, a barcode, or a QR code. Such forms of graphic identifiers are particularly useful for the purposes of this invention.

[0059] Preferably, during the tire manufacturing stage, including the monitoring device fixed to the inner surface of the tire, a unique correlation is established between the tire's identification code and the monitoring device's identification code. In this way, the process is highly rational and controlled, which is beneficial to the reliability of the correlation.

[0060] Preferably, establishing a unique correlation between the tire's identification code and the monitoring device's identification code involves storing information representing this unique correlation within the digital environment (e.g., in the digital environment's memory). In this way, the correlation information is protected and robust, contributing to the accuracy and reliability of obtaining the monitoring device's identification code.

[0061] Preferably, obtaining the identification code of the tire or the identification code of the monitoring device from the graphic identifier includes obtaining at least one digital image of at least a portion of the outer surface of the tire, said at least a portion comprising at least a portion of the graphic identifier. This method allows for quick and direct acquisition.

[0062] Preferably, obtaining the identification code of the tire or the identification code of the monitoring device includes processing the at least one digital image to obtain digital information representing the identification code of the tire (or correspondingly representing the identification code of the monitoring device). In this way, the reliability of obtaining the information is improved.

[0063] Preferably, the communication device is provided to be performed during the tire manufacturing stage.

[0064] Preferably, providing the communication device includes embedding the communication device within the structure of the tire. In this way, the protection of the communication device is improved.

[0065] In one embodiment, performing the at least one interaction with the monitoring device includes performing at least one diagnostic operation of the monitoring device.

[0066] Preferably, performing the at least one diagnostic operation includes assessing the transmission status of radio signals from the monitoring device.

[0067] Preferably, performing the at least one diagnostic operation includes: if the monitoring device fails to transmit the radio signal, determining a first fault state of the monitoring device.

[0068] Preferably, performing the at least one diagnostic operation includes: if the monitoring device transmits the radio signal, then performing the following steps:

[0069] - Obtain from the signal at least one value of the following physical quantities: pressure and temperature, as measured by the monitoring device, and / or the value of the electrical supply voltage of the power supply device of the monitoring device.

[0070] - Compare the at least one value of the physical quantity and / or the value of the electrical supply voltage with a corresponding reference value.

[0071] - Determine the second fault state of the monitoring device based on the comparison.

[0072] In this way, different states of the monitoring device can be determined, which can help improve the effectiveness of the diagnosis.

[0073] In one embodiment (which may alternatively or in combination with the embodiments described above), performing the at least one interaction with the monitoring device includes performing the reading of one or more measured or evaluated values ​​corresponding to one or more physical quantities measured or evaluated by the monitoring device.

[0074] Preferably, the method includes storing the result of the at least one interaction in the memory of the digital environment. In this way, the result can be retrieved later, for example, for statistical purposes.

[0075] Preferably, the communication device is configured to transmit the digital information (a unique identifier of the tire or an identifier of the monitoring device) to the interrogation device upon request. Attached Figure Description

[0076] Figure 1 A first embodiment of a method for interaction according to the present invention is conceptually illustrated;

[0077] Figure 2 A second embodiment of the method according to the invention is conceptually illustrated;

[0078] Figure 3 A third embodiment of the method according to the invention is conceptually illustrated;

[0079] Figure 4 A fourth embodiment of the method according to the invention is conceptually illustrated. Detailed Implementation

[0080] The features and advantages of the invention will become further apparent from the following detailed description of some embodiments, which are given by way of example rather than limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0081] In the following description, the same reference numerals will be used to describe the same elements even in different embodiments of the invention.

[0082] According to one aspect, the present invention relates to an interactive system 99 that interacts with a monitoring device 1 fixed to the inner surface 2 of a tire 3 mounted on a rim (not shown).

[0083] For example, monitoring device 1 includes an electronic unit (not shown), which in turn includes at least one sensor (not shown) for detecting at least one (preferably all) of the following physical quantities: temperature, pressure, acceleration, deformation; a processing unit (not shown); and a transceiver (not shown). For example, the monitoring device also includes a power supply device (not shown, e.g., a button battery) electrically connected to the electronic unit. For example, as shown, monitoring device 1 may include an enlarged surface portion suitable for durable attachment to the inner surface 2 of tire 3. As an example, such a surface may be made of an elastomeric material patch (possibly reinforced with fabric or metal cords, as described, for example, in patent application WO2018 / 065846 under the same applicant's name), or an enlarged base portion for protecting the electronic unit and / or power supply device, as described, for example, in patent application WO2019 / 123118 under the same applicant's name. In another example, the monitoring device may include a container element adapted to house and secure the electronic unit to the inner surface of the tire, preferably reversibly (i.e., having the possibility of removing the electronic unit from the container element, for example, in the event of a failure).

[0084] As an example, the interaction system 99 includes a source 90 configured to provide, upon request, an identification code of the monitoring device 1 that is uniquely associated with the monitoring device 1.

[0085] As an example, the source 90 includes at least one physical device 91, which is different from the monitoring device 1 and is firmly applied to the tire 2.

[0086] As an example, the interactive system 99 also includes an interrogation device 92 configured to perform one or more steps of the interactive method described below. For example, the interrogation device may be a smartphone, a tablet computer, or other electronic device suitably equipped with a processing unit and having suitable software programmed to perform the steps of the method.

[0087] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for interacting with a monitoring device 1, which can be performed by means of an interaction system 99.

[0088] As an example, the method includes providing an identification code for monitoring device 1. For example, the identification code for monitoring device 1 may include a unique identifier (UID) and / or a MAC ("Media Access Control") address for monitoring device 1, or may correspond to a unique identifier (UID) and / or a MAC ("Media Access Control") address for monitoring device 1.

[0089] As an example, the method includes obtaining an identification code of the monitoring device 1 from the source 90 by means of at least one corresponding interaction with at least one physical device 91 by the interrogation device 92. As an example, the at least one corresponding interaction occurs at least partially outside the tire 3 (as will be described in more detail below).

[0090] Depending on the embodiment of the interaction method according to the invention, obtaining the identification code of the monitoring device 1 can be achieved in different ways; for example, it can be achieved by interrogating the device 92. This will now be described in more detail with reference to four different embodiments of the method according to the invention.

[0091] In the first embodiment (conceptually shown) Figure 1 In this method, the method also includes, exemplarily, providing an identification code for the tire 3 that is uniquely associated with the tire. For example, the tire identification code may include the tire's serial number (typically represented by a numeric string) or consist of the tire's serial number.

[0092] In the first embodiment, providing source 90 includes providing a digital environment. As an example, source 90 includes a digital environment. For example, the digital environment may include a computer database loaded on suitable memory, implemented by one or more servers (local and / or remote, such as the cloud), and the querying device 92 may be able to connect to the one or more servers, for example, via a telecommunications network.

[0093] As an example, the method therefore includes establishing a unique correlation between the identification code of tire 3 and the identification code of monitoring device 1 in a digital environment.

[0094] As an example, in the first embodiment, providing source 90 includes placing the graphic identifier GS (in...) Figure 1 The graphic identifier GS (symbolically represented by the symbol X) is applied to the outer surface 4 of the tire 3, wherein the graphic identifier GS overlaps with at least one physical device 91 and uniquely characterizes the tire's identification code. For example, the graphic identifier may be consistent with the tire's identification code, or it may be a geometric identifier (e.g., a barcode and / or a QR code, from which the tire's identification code may be uniquely obtained.

[0095] In the first embodiment, obtaining the identification code of the monitoring device 1 therefore exemplarily includes:

[0096] - Obtain the tire 2's identification code from the graphic mark GS applied to the outer surface 4 of tire 3, and

[0097] - Access the digital environment and obtain the identification code of the monitoring device 1 based on the identification code of tire 3 (due to the unique correlation established in the digital environment).

[0098] This first embodiment is particularly advantageous in terms of the inherent security of the identification code of the monitoring device, because the only information freely visible on the outer surface of the tire can consist solely of the tire's identification code, which provides no useful information to anyone without access to the digital environment by querying the device and / or having the correct credentials. This security is further enhanced when using graphic identifiers made of barcodes or QR codes, whose digital information can be encrypted to prevent unauthorized users from obtaining any information (thus creating graphic identifiers that are unreadable by non-experts).

[0099] Furthermore, in this first embodiment, a variety of methods are possible because a single identification code of the tire can be associated with more than one identification code in the corresponding monitoring device (in a digital environment) during the same or consecutive phases of the tire's lifespan. This is particularly useful, for example, in the event of a monitoring device failure. Indeed, in the case of a faulty monitoring device being replaced with a new one (still attached to the inner surface of the tire), it is possible to update the information contained in the digital environment (i.e., perform a new unique association) by digitally associating the tire's identification code with the identification code of the new monitoring device, without performing any operations on the tire and still being able to use the same graphic identifier already applied to the tire.

[0100] In the second embodiment (conceptually shown) Figure 2 In this embodiment, providing source 90 exemplarily includes applying a graphic identifier GS to the outer surface 4 of tire 3. Except where explicitly stated (see below), the graphic identifier GS is, exemplarily, of the type described with reference to the first embodiment.

[0101] In the second embodiment, the graphic identifier GS exemplarily and uniquely represents the identification code of the monitoring device 1 (different from the first embodiment). In this embodiment, advantageously, the graphic identifier does not include the identification code of the monitoring device written in plain text, but is preferably in the form of an encrypted barcode and / or QR code.

[0102] For example, even in the second embodiment, the graphic identifier GS coincides with at least one physical device 91.

[0103] In the second embodiment, obtaining the identification code of the monitoring device 1 exemplarily includes obtaining the identification code of the monitoring device directly from the graphic identifier GS on the outer surface 4 of the tire.

[0104] In the second embodiment, if necessary, the graphic identifier GS can be removed from the outer surface of the tire, for example, by laser polishing (e.g., in the case of replacing a faulty monitoring device).

[0105] In the first and second embodiments described above, at least one corresponding interaction with the physical device 91 exemplarily occurs entirely outside the tire, since the graphic identifier GS is applied to the outer surface and the graphic identifier is limited to the interaction with only the outer surface of the tire 3.

[0106] In the third embodiment (conceptually shown) Figure 3 In the example provided (e.g., similar to the first embodiment, unless explicitly stated otherwise):

[0107] - Provide the identification code for tire 3.

[0108] -Provide a digital environment as part of Source 90, and

[0109] - In a digital environment, a unique correlation is established between the identification code of tire 3 and the identification code of monitoring device 1.

[0110] For example, in the third embodiment, the providing source 90 includes a communication device 93 for short-range radio communication. For instance, the communication device can be passive, meaning it transmits only when powered by an external device, such as interrogation device 92, or it can be active (e.g., including a corresponding power supply). For example, the communication device 93 can utilize RFID or NFC (“Near Field Communication”) technology.

[0111] Between these two technologies, NFC technology is preferred. The applicant has indeed found NFC technology particularly advantageous for the present invention, wherein this technology allows the interrogation device 92 to communicate with the communication device only at a very short distance from the tire (e.g., almost entirely by placing the interrogation device in contact with the tire), which greatly reduces the risk that the interrogation device may communicate with the communication device of another tire.

[0112] In this third embodiment, the communication device 93 coincides with at least one physical device 91.

[0113] In the third embodiment, the communication device 93 is exemplarily configured to transmit digital information of a unique identifier code representing the tire 3 to the interrogation device 92 upon request, and obtaining the identifier code of the monitoring device 1 exemplarily includes:

[0114] - By means of short-range radio communication with communication device 93, the identification code of tire 3 is obtained from the digital information that uniquely identifies the identification code of tire 3, and

[0115] - Access the digital environment and obtain the identification code of monitoring device 1 based on the identification code of tire 3.

[0116] In the fourth embodiment (conceptually shown) Figure 4In this embodiment, the source 90 exemplarily includes a communication device 93 for short-range radio communication. Exemplarily (compared to the third embodiment), the communication device 93 is configured to transmit digital information, upon request, an identification code that uniquely identifies the monitoring device 1.

[0117] In the fourth embodiment, the communication device 93 is exemplary to overlap with at least one physical device 91.

[0118] In the fourth embodiment, obtaining the identification code of the monitoring device 1 includes, by way of example, obtaining the identification code of the monitoring device 1 from digital information that uniquely identifies the monitoring device by means of short-range radio communication with the communication device 93.

[0119] Exemplary (in the embodiment where it is provided), providing the communication device 93 includes a structure in which the communication device 93 is embedded in the tire 3. Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the diagram, the communication device 93 is shown schematically with dashed lines and is embedded in the sidewall 5 of the tire 3.

[0120] It was observed that in this case (exemplarily in the third and fourth embodiments), at least one corresponding interaction with the physical device 91 occurs at least partially inside the tire structure (i.e., in the tire wall), wherein communication between the interrogation device 92 and the communication device 93 is carried out by means of radio waves that travel outward through the thickness of the tire.

[0121] Exemplarily (in the embodiment where it is provided), the communication device 93 is provided to perform it during the manufacturing phase of the tire 3.

[0122] Exemplary (in the embodiment provided therein), the application of graphic identifier GS is performed on the sidewall 5 of tire 3 during the manufacturing stage of tire 3.

[0123] Exemplarily (in the embodiments provided therein), applying graphic markings GS includes performing one or more of the following techniques: laser writing, manual or automatic writing (e.g., by means of a robotic arm that moves the graphic markings), applying the label before the tire curing stage, and applying the label after the tire curing stage.

[0124] Exemplarily (in the embodiment provided therein), establishing a unique correlation between the identification code of tire 3 and the identification code of monitoring device 1 is performed during the tire manufacturing stage, including the monitoring device fixed to the inner surface of the tire.

[0125] Exemplarily (in the embodiments provided therein), establishing a unique correlation between the identification code of tire 3 and the identification code of monitoring device 1 includes storing information in a digital environment (e.g., in a memory of the digital environment) that represents the unique correlation between the identification code of tire 3 and the identification code of monitoring device 1.

[0126] Exemplarily (in the embodiments provided therein), obtaining the identification code of the tire 3 or the identification code of the monitoring device 1 from the graphic identifier GS includes obtaining at least one digital image (e.g., a matrix image) of at least a portion of the outer surface 4 of the tire 3, said at least a portion comprising at least a portion of the graphic identifier GS.

[0127] For example, the interrogation device 92 obtains at least one digital image by using, for example, a matrix camera.

[0128] Exemplary (in the embodiments provided therein), obtaining the identification code of the tire 3 or the identification code of the monitoring device 1 includes processing the at least one digital image to obtain digital information representing the identification code of the tire 3 or the corresponding identification code of the monitoring device 1.

[0129] For example, in one or more embodiments that provide a graphic identifier GS in the form of a numerical or alphanumeric string, processing a digital image includes using image-based optical character recognition software and / or numeric character recognition software (e.g., OCR software – “optical character recognition”).

[0130] For example, the digital image is processed by the interrogation device 92, for example by means of a processing unit (not shown) mounted on the interrogation device 92 in a vehicle and / or a processing unit remotely mounted and connected to the interrogation device 92 for data processing.

[0131] Exemplarily, regardless of the above embodiments, the interaction method includes performing at least one interaction with the monitoring device 1 based on the identification code of the monitoring device 1 obtained from the source 90. Exemplarily, the interaction is performed by the interrogation device 92, for example, through the processing unit described above.

[0132] In one embodiment, performing the at least one interaction includes performing at least one diagnostic operation by the monitoring device 1. Exemplarily, performing the at least one diagnostic operation includes the monitoring device 1 assessing the transmission status of a radio signal (e.g., a Bluetooth™ signal).

[0133] For example, assessing the transmission status includes identifying the radio signal transmitted by the monitoring device 1 (possibly among other radio signals received by the interrogation device 92) based on the identification code of the obtained monitoring device 1.

[0134] For example, performing the at least one diagnostic operation includes determining a first fault state of the monitoring device 1 if the monitoring device is not transmitting a radio signal. For instance, if there is no radio signal among the various radio signals received by the interrogation device 92 placed near the tire 3 that corresponds to the identification code of the obtained monitoring device 1, it can be reasonably concluded that the monitoring device 1 inside the tire 3 is not transmitting and is therefore faulty or depleted of power.

[0135] For example, performing the at least one diagnostic operation includes: if the monitoring device 1 transmits a radio signal, then performing the following steps:

[0136] - Obtain the value of at least one of the following physical quantities, pressure and temperature, measured by monitoring device 1, and / or the value of the electrical power supply voltage of the power supply device of the monitoring device from the radio signal;

[0137] - Compare the value of the at least one physical quantity and / or the value of the power supply voltage with a corresponding reference value;

[0138] - Based on the comparison, a second fault state of monitoring device 1 is determined.

[0139] For example, if tire 3 is mounted on a rim and is stationary, separated from the vehicle, or the vehicle is stationary, and the tire is correctly inflated to its nominal pressure (e.g., with reasonable certainty that there is no air leakage and / or puncture and / or the tire has not experienced extreme heat conditions), and the monitoring device 1 transmits abnormal pressure and / or temperature values ​​(e.g., values ​​below or above the limits of the symmetrical range of the corresponding reference values ​​and / or values ​​different from those measured by a third-party device), it can be reasonably concluded that the monitoring device is faulty or that at least one sensor contained therein is malfunctioning.

[0140] Regarding the value of the power supply voltage, if the value is lower than the corresponding reference value, it can be concluded that the battery of monitoring device 1, for example, needs to be replaced.

[0141] In one embodiment (which may be alternative to or in combination with the embodiments described above), performing at least one interaction with the monitoring device 1 includes, for example, performing the reading of one or more measured or evaluated values ​​corresponding to one or more physical quantities measured or evaluated by the monitoring device 1 via the aforementioned sensors. For example, it may be possible to know with desired certainty the temperature and / or pressure of the air contained in the internal cavity of the tire (between the tire and the rim), and only by approaching the tire with the interrogation device 92, without entering the vehicle's passenger compartment and associated onboard systems, and / or even without the tire (and rim) being mounted on the vehicle.

[0142] For example, the method also includes storing the results of the interaction with the monitoring device (summarizing one or more pieces of information that can be obtained, for example, as described above) in the memory of the digital environment (e.g., by the interrogation device 92).

[0143] Meanwhile, the results of the interaction can be advantageously displayed to the operator 100 in real time, for example, by sending to a terminal and / or displaying on the screen (not shown) of the interrogation device 92.

[0144] This invention also covers combinations of two or more embodiments described above with reference to the method according to the invention.

Claims

1. A method for interacting with a monitoring device (1) fixed to the inner surface (2) of a tire (3) mounted on a rim, the method comprising: - Provide an identification code for the monitoring device (1) that is uniquely associated with the monitoring device (1); - Provide a source (90) configured to provide an identification code of the monitoring device (1) upon request, wherein the source (90) includes at least one physical device (91) different from the monitoring device (1), the physical device being firmly applied to the tire (3). - Obtain the identification code of the monitoring device (1) from the source (90) by interacting with at least one corresponding physical device (91); - Perform at least one interaction with the monitoring device (1) based on the identification code of the monitoring device (1) obtained from the source (90).

2. The method according to claim 1, the method comprising providing an identification code of the tire (3) uniquely associated with the tire (3), wherein providing the source (90) comprises providing at least one digital environment, and wherein the method comprises establishing a unique correlation between the identification code of the tire (3) and the identification code of the monitoring device (1) in the digital environment.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein providing the source (90) includes placing a graphic identifier (GS) on the outer surface of the tire (3), the graphic identifier (GS) coinciding with the at least one physical device (91).

4. The method according to claims 2 and 3, wherein the graphic identifier (GS) uniquely represents the identification code of the tire (3), and wherein obtaining the identification code of the monitoring device (1) includes: - Obtain the identification code of the tire (3) from the graphic identifier (GS); - Access the digital environment and obtain the identification code of the monitoring device (1) based on the identification code of the tire (3).

5. The method according to claim 3, wherein the graphic identifier (GS) uniquely represents the identification code of the monitoring device (1), and wherein obtaining the identification code of the monitoring device (1) includes obtaining the identification code of the monitoring device (1) from the graphic identifier (GS).

6. The method of claim 1, wherein providing the source (90) comprises providing a communication device (93) for short-range radio communication, the communication device (93) overlapping with the at least one physical device (91).

7. The method according to claims 2 and 6, wherein the communication device (93) is configured to transmit, upon request, digital information uniquely identifying the tire (3), and wherein obtaining the identification code of the monitoring device (1) includes: - The identification code of the tire (3) is obtained from the digital information of the identification code that uniquely represents the tire (3); - Access the digital environment and obtain the identification code of the monitoring device (1) based on the identification code of the tire (3).

8. The method according to claim 6, wherein, The communication device (93) is configured to transmit digital information, upon request, an identification code that uniquely represents the monitoring device (1).

9. The method according to claim 6, wherein, The communication device (93) is provided to be performed during the manufacturing stage of the tire (3), and includes embedding the communication device (93) into the structure of the tire (3).

10. The method according to claim 3, wherein, The placement of the graphic identifier (GS) is performed on the sidewall (5) of the tire (3) during the manufacturing stage of the tire (3), and includes performing one or more of the following techniques: laser writing, manual or automatic writing, applying a label before the curing stage of the tire (3), applying a label after the curing stage of the tire (3), and wherein the graphic identifier (GS) includes one or more of the following: a number sequence, an alphanumeric sequence, a barcode, or a QR code.

11. The method according to claim 2, wherein, Establishing a unique correlation between the identification code of the tire (3) and the identification code of the monitoring device (1) is performed during the manufacturing stage of the tire (3), which includes the monitoring device (1) fixed to the inner surface (2) of the tire (3), and includes storing information representing the unique correlation between the identification code of the tire (3) and the identification code of the monitoring device (1) in the digital environment.

12. The method according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, Obtaining the identification code of the tire (3) or the identification code of the monitoring device (1) from the graphic identifier (GS) includes obtaining at least one digital image of at least a portion of the outer surface (4) of the tire, the at least portion including at least a portion of the graphic identifier (GS), and wherein obtaining the identification code of the tire (3) or the identification code of the monitoring device (1) includes processing the at least one digital image to obtain digital information representing the identification code of the tire (3) or the identification code of the monitoring device (1), respectively.

13. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Performing the at least one interaction with the monitoring device (1) includes performing at least one diagnostic operation on the monitoring device (1), the at least one diagnostic operation including assessing the transmission status of radio signals from the monitoring device (1), and wherein performing the at least one diagnostic operation includes: - If the monitoring device (1) fails to transmit radio signals, then the first fault state of the monitoring device (1) is determined. -If the monitoring device (1) transmits radio signals, then the following steps are performed: - Obtain from the radio signal at least one value of the following physical quantities: pressure and temperature, as measured by the monitoring device (1), and / or the value of the electrical power supply voltage of the power supply device of the monitoring device (1). - Perform a comparison between at least one value of the physical quantity and / or the value of the power supply voltage and a corresponding reference value. -The second fault state of the monitoring device (1) is determined based on the comparison.

14. An interactive system (99) for interacting with a monitoring device (1) fixed to the inner surface (2) of a tire (3) mounted on a rim, the interactive system (99) comprising: - Source (90), the source is configured to provide, upon request, an identification code of the monitoring device (1) uniquely associated with the monitoring device (1), wherein the source (90) includes at least one physical device (91) different from the monitoring device (1), the physical device being securely applied to the tire (3). - Interrogation device (92), the interrogation device being configured to: - Perform at least one corresponding interaction with the at least one physical device (91) to obtain the identification code of the monitoring device (1) from the source (90); - Perform at least one interaction with the monitoring device (1) based on the identification code of the monitoring device (1) obtained from the source (90).

15. The interactive system (99) according to claim 14, wherein, The source (90) includes at least one digital environment, and / or the at least one physical device (91) overlaps with the following components: - A graphic identifier (GS), which is placed on the outer surface of the tire (3) and uniquely represents either the identification code of the tire (3) uniquely associated with the tire (3) or the identification code uniquely representing the monitoring device (1), or - A communication device (93) for short-range radio communication, the communication device being configured to transmit, upon request, digital information to the interrogation device (92) a unique identifier of the tire (3) or a unique identifier of the monitoring device (1).

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