Management method and system for annular body

Abstract

To provide a management method and system that enables the reliable and accurate identification of target tires from a large number of tires stored in the processing unit, while further reducing the workload.SOLUTION: Pattern application device 2 applies a random pattern P to a desired position on each tire T. Acquisition device 3A acquires image data D containing the pattern P, links it to the unique information of that tire T, and stores it in processing device 4. Acquisition device 3B acquires target image data Dc for target tire Tc. Matching processing is performed to calculate the degree of match between the target image data Dc and the candidate image data D extracted from the image data D based on part of the unique information of the target tire Tc obtained from the mark M on the surface of the target tire Tc and the unique information of each tire T linked to each image data D, and the tire T is identified as the target tire Tc corresponding to the image data D with the highest degree of match to the target image data Dc.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and system for managing annular bodies, and more particularly to a management method and system that can accurately and easily identify a target annular body from among a large number of annular bodies stored in a computing device. [Background technology]

[0002] In the tire manufacturing process, it has been proposed to record the manufacturing conditions and materials used for each tire in order to improve traceability (see Patent Document 1). In the method proposed in Patent Document 1, an identification label attached to a tire is linked to the tire's unique information and stored in a computing device. By reading the identification label with a label reader, the unique information for each tire can be obtained, which is extremely useful for improving traceability.

[0003] If a barcode or similar label is used as an identification label, it is possible that it may become unreadable due to dirt, rubbing, etc. Also, if an IC tag is used as an identification label, it is possible that the IC tag may malfunction (be damaged) and become unreadable.

[0004] Another method for acquiring unique information about each tire has also been proposed (see Patent Document 2). In the method proposed in Patent Document 2, a database is created that associates unique information about each tire with mark position information about the positions of first and second marks on the sidewalls of each tire, and the database is then stored in a computer. The mark position information about the target tire is then acquired and searched for in the database. The unique information about the tire having the mark position information is then acquired as the unique information about the target tire. In this invention, the mark position information is calculated, for example, as the position coordinates (distance) and angle of the first and second marks relative to a certain origin. That is, the numerical values ​​of the position mark information must be calculated for each tire and entered and stored in the database. This makes database creation cumbersome and requires a considerable workload. Furthermore, while it is envisioned to use light points and RFV points on the tire as the first and second marks (see, for example, paragraph 0022 of Patent Document 2), these marks are subject to wear over time. Therefore, this method is disadvantageous for accurately identifying target tires other than new ones. Regarding wheels on which tires are mounted, if it is possible to accurately identify target wheels from among a large number of wheels, it would be extremely beneficial for improving traceability. Therefore, there is room for improvement in identifying target tires and target wheels from among a large number of annular bodies (tires, wheels, etc.) stored in a computing device with high accuracy and with reduced workload. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7092240 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-134994 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a management method and system that can easily and accurately identify a target annular body from among a large number of annular bodies stored in a computing device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The method for managing circular objects of the present invention is a method for managing circular objects that identifies a target circular object from a number of circular objects using image data of each of the circular objects, wherein the circular objects are tires or wheels, a random pattern is applied to a desired position of each of the circular objects, the image data including this pattern is acquired in advance, and each of the image data is linked to the unique information of the circular object and stored in a computing device, and when identifying the target circular object, the image data of the target circular object is acquired as target image data, and a portion of the unique information of the target circular object is acquired from the mark attached to the target circular object, and based on the portion of the unique information of the acquired target circular object and the unique information of each of the circular objects linked to each of the image data stored in the computing device, a matching process is performed to calculate the degree of similarity between the image data of the extracted matching candidate and the target image data, thereby selecting the image data that has the highest degree of similarity with the target image data, and identifying the circular object corresponding to the selected image data as the target circular object.

[0008] The annular body management system of the present invention is a management system for annular bodies that identifies a target annular body from among a number of annular bodies using image data of each of the annular bodies, the annular bodies being tires or wheels, and includes a pattern applying device that applies a random pattern to a desired position of each of the annular bodies, a main image data acquisition device that acquires the image data of a range including the pattern of each of the annular bodies, a calculation device in which each of the image data and unique information of the annular body are linked and stored, a target image data acquisition device that acquires the image data of the target annular body as target image data when identifying the target annular body, and a part of the unique information of the target annular body acquired from a mark attached to the surface of the target annular body by the calculation device. and an input unit for inputting data to a computing device, wherein the computing device performs an extraction step in which matching candidates are extracted from each of the image data stored in the computing device based on a portion of the unique information of the target annular body input to the computing device and the unique information of each of the annular bodies linked to each of the image data stored in the computing device; a matching step in which a matching process is performed to calculate the degree of match between the image data of the extracted matching candidates and the target image data; and an identification step in which the image data that has the highest degree of match with the target image data is selected, and the annular body corresponding to the selected image data is identified as the target annular body. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, even if the number of image data stored in the computing device is enormous, by using a portion of the unique information of the target annular body obtained from marks affixed to the surface of the target annular body and the unique information of each annular body linked to each image data stored in the computing device, the number of image data to be used as match candidates when identifying the target annular body can be significantly reduced. This is advantageous in avoiding excessive workload. Then, a matching process is performed to calculate the degree of match between the extracted image data of the match candidates and the target image data, and the calculated degree of match is used as an index to identify the target annular body. Since it is only necessary to perform data processing to compare the image data to be matched, there is no significant workload involved in creating a database.

[0010] The present invention utilizes the image data of a range including the random pattern, thereby improving confidentiality from third parties. Furthermore, by selecting a position on the annular body that is unlikely to wear over time as the desired position for the pattern is selected, the pattern can be maintained in good condition over a long period of time, which is advantageous for accurately identifying the target annular body even if it is not new. Furthermore, by selecting an inconspicuous position on the annular body as the desired position, deterioration of the appearance quality due to the pattern can be avoided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is an illustration of an embodiment of a toroid management system, illustrating a tire in cross section. FIG. [Figure 2] 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the pattern applying device and the main image data acquisition device (target image data acquisition device) of FIG. 1 as viewed from above. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a right half of a tire in cross section. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a schematic example of image data of a patterned inner surface of a tire. [Figure 5] 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the steps of a matching process using the image data of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating another example of image data of a patterned inner surface of a tire. [Figure 7] 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the steps of a matching process using the image data of FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating another embodiment of the management system from a perspective facing the circumferential surface of the wheel. [Figure 9] 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the pattern applying device and the main image data acquisition device (target image data acquisition device) of FIG. 8 as viewed from above. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, a method and system for managing annular objects according to the present invention will be described based on the embodiments shown in the drawings.

[0013] In the embodiment of the annular body management system 1 illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the annular body to be managed is a vulcanized tire T. By using this management system 1, it is possible to identify which of the many tires T stored in the calculation device 4 any individual tire T (target tire Tc) corresponds to. In other words, this management system 1 has the function of identifying each individual tire T stored in the calculation device 4. The type of tire T is not particularly limited, and it may be a pneumatic tire or various other types of tire T. Arrows W, R, and C in the figures indicate the width direction, radial direction, and circumferential direction of the tire T, respectively. Furthermore, the dashed dotted line CL in the figures indicates the centerline passing through the center of the tire in the width direction.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 3, the tire T is composed of many types of tire components E (E1 to E7). Although only the right half of the tire T is shown in FIG. 3, the left half has substantially the same structure. A typical tire T has an inner liner layer E1 disposed on the innermost periphery, and a carcass layer E2 laminated on its outer periphery. The carcass layer E2 contains many fiber cords. The carcass layer E2 is mounted between a pair of left and right bead portions E3. Both left and right end portions of the carcass layer E2 are folded from the inside to the outside of the tire around the bead cores of the respective bead portions E3.

[0015] A belt layer E4 is embedded on the outer peripheral side of the center portion of the carcass layer E2 in the tire width direction, and a tread portion E7 is laminated on the outer peripheral side of that. The belt layer E4 includes a large number of metal cords. The number of belt layers E4 is set appropriately. Side portions E5 are laminated on the outer sides of both sides of the carcass layer E2 in the tire width direction. Shoulder portions E6 are laminated on the outer sides of the carcass layer E2 between the tread portion E7 and each side portion E5.

[0016] The tire T is not limited to the structure exemplified in Fig. 3, and various structures may be adopted. For example, in addition to the tire components E1 to E7 described above, the tire component E may also include a belt cover layer laminated on the outer circumferential side of the belt layer E4 to cover both end portions of the belt layer 7. The tire T is a composite made of multiple types of materials such as vulcanized rubber, metal (metal cord), and resin (fiber cord).

[0017] As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the management system 1 includes a pattern application device 2, a main image data acquisition device 3A (hereinafter referred to as acquisition device 3A), a target image data acquisition device 3B (hereinafter referred to as acquisition device 3B), a calculation device 4, and an input unit 5. A monitor 6 is connected to the calculation device 4 by wire or wirelessly. In this embodiment, the management system 1 further includes a holding machine 7 for holding the tire T. The holding machine 7 is not essential and can be used as needed.

[0018] In this embodiment, the holding machine 7 is used together with the pattern application device 2 and the acquisition devices 3A and 3B. The holding machine 7 has a holding portion 7a that holds the tire T, and a rotating shaft 7b to which the holding portion 7a is fixed and which rotates the holding portion 7a. In this embodiment, the holding portion 7a corresponds to a rim, and the tire T is held in the holding portion 7a at a predetermined air pressure that is set in advance. When the rotating shaft 7b is rotated by a drive motor or the like, the tire T held in the holding portion 7a is rotated around the rotating shaft 7b.

[0019] The holding machine 7 used with the patterning device 2 and the holding machine 7 used with the acquisition devices 3A and 3B may be the same or different. That is, there may be provided a dedicated holding machine 7 used in the process of applying the pattern P to the tire T with the patterning device 2 and a dedicated holding machine 7 used in the process of acquiring the image data D with the acquisition devices 3A and 3B, or there may be provided a common holding machine 7 used in each process.

[0020] The patterning device 2 applies a random pattern P to a desired position on the inner or outer surface of each tire T. In this embodiment, the pattern P is formed by applying paint to the desired position on the tire T. Specifically, a patterning device 2 having a nozzle for spraying paint is used. Various known paint spraying devices of various specifications can be used as the patterning device 2. By spraying paint at an appropriate pressure from a nozzle installed toward a predetermined position on the tire T held by the holding machine 7, a random pattern P spreading radially as shown in FIG. 4 is formed at the desired position on the tire T. In other words, a different pattern P is applied to the desired position on the tire T each time paint is sprayed. Therefore, each tire T is given a pattern P that is substantially different from each other.

[0021] The random pattern P can be applied by applying paint to desired positions on the tire using not only a nozzle for spraying paint, but also a brush, paintbrush, roller, etc. The pattern P may be in the form of lines, dots, or a combination of these, and its shape is not particularly limited.

[0022] The paint is preferably a color similar to the surface of the tire T (gray or blue) so that the pattern P is not conspicuous. The paint is not limited to normal specifications that are visible when irradiated with visible light, and stealth ink can also be used. Stealth ink is invisible when irradiated with visible light, but becomes visible when irradiated with invisible light (ultraviolet light, infrared light, etc.). In this embodiment, the pattern P is applied by applying stealth ink to the desired position on the tire T. Various known stealth inks can be used.

[0023] The desired position on the tire T where the pattern P is to be applied should be selected as a position that is unlikely to wear out over time as the tire T is used. For example, by applying the pattern P to the inner surface of the tire (particularly the back side of the tread portion E7), the pattern P can be maintained in good condition for a long period of time. Furthermore, by selecting an inconspicuous position on the tire T as the desired position on the tire T where the pattern P is to be applied, it is possible to avoid a deterioration in the appearance quality of the tire T due to the pattern P. Therefore, it is preferable to apply the pattern P to the inner surface of the tire (the back side of any of the side portion E5, shoulder portion E6, or tread portion E7). Note that when applying the pattern P using stealth ink, a deterioration in the appearance quality can be avoided even if the pattern P is applied to the outer surface of the tire T.

[0024] The desired position where the pattern P is applied is not limited to one, but can be multiple positions. For example, the pattern P can be applied to multiple positions (approximately two to four positions) that are shifted in the circumferential direction of the tire T. In this case, the tire T held by the tire holder 7 is rotated around the rotation axis 7b, and the desired positions where the pattern P is applied are shifted in the circumferential direction and the paint is applied. Furthermore, the amount of circumferential shift of each predetermined position may be reduced, so that the patterns P applied to predetermined positions adjacent in the circumferential direction overlap. By overlapping multiple patterns P, the pattern P can be made to have a substantially unique shape.

[0025] The acquisition device 3A acquires image data D of a range including the pattern P applied to each tire T. The acquisition device 3B acquires image data Dc of a range including the pattern P of the target tire Tc (referred to as target image data Dc).

[0026] The acquisition device 3A and the acquisition device 3B may be separate devices, or as in this embodiment, the acquisition device 3A can be used as the acquisition device 3B. Hereinafter, the image data D and the target image data Dc will be collectively referred to as image data D(Dc), and the tire T and the target tire Tc will be collectively referred to as tire T(Tc).

[0027] These acquisition devices 3A and 3B can use various specifications, such as digital cameras that capture still images and videos. In this embodiment, the pattern P is formed using stealth ink, so image data D (Dc) in which the pattern P appears is acquired by irradiating it with light that makes the stealth ink stand out, such as ultraviolet light or infrared light. A grayscale image may be used as the image data D (Dc).

[0028] In this embodiment, a pattern P is applied to the tire inner surface behind the tread portion E7 of the tire T, and therefore image data D (Dc) of the tire inner surface behind the tread portion E7, shoulder portion E6, and side portion E5 are acquired by the acquisition devices 3A and 3B. The acquisition devices 3A and 3B are not limited to the specifications exemplified in Figures 1 and 2, and may have specifications that allow them to acquire image data D (Dc) of a range including the pattern P of the tire T (Tc).

[0029] Each image data D (Dc) is acquired by setting each tire T (Tc) in substantially the same state and conditions. It is also preferable that each image data D (Dc) is set to the same size, i.e., the same scale size for the tire T (Tc).

[0030] In this embodiment, the tire T can be shifted in the circumferential direction by the holding machine 7 to acquire the image data D(Dc). Therefore, continuous image data D(Dc) for one circumference of the tire T(Tc) can be quickly acquired for the inner surface of the tire T(Tc). It is preferable to acquire continuous image data D(Dc) for one circumference of the tire T(Tc). This ensures that the pattern P is included in the image data D(Dc).

[0031] Image data D (Dc) acquired by the image data acquisition devices 3A and 3B is input to the calculation device 4. In addition, an input unit 5 is connected to the calculation device 4 so as to be able to communicate with it.

[0032] The arithmetic unit 4 may be any of various known computers or computer servers, and may be equipped with a CPU, memory, etc. Various data is input to and stored in the arithmetic unit 4, which then performs arithmetic processing using this data. Software that performs matching processing of image data D (Dc), which will be described later, is installed in the arithmetic unit 4.

[0033] The input unit 5 is a device for inputting desired data (information) to the arithmetic device 4. A known keyboard, tablet terminal, mouse, etc., is used as the input unit 5. In this embodiment, a part of the unique information F of the target tire Tc (hereinafter referred to as mark M information) acquired from a mark M such as an inscription affixed to the surface of the target tire Tc is input to the arithmetic device 4 using the input unit 5. Examples of the mark M information include manufacturer information, tire brand name information, tire size information, manufacturing date information, manufacturing location information, and mold number used when vulcanizing the tire of the target tire Tc. The monitor 6 is capable of displaying the image data D (Dc) acquired by the acquisition devices 3A and 3B, various arithmetic processing results by the arithmetic device 4, etc.

[0034] An example of a procedure for identifying a tire that corresponds to the target tire Tc from among the many tires T stored in the arithmetic device 4 using this management system 1 will be described below.

[0035] First, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, a random pattern P is applied to a desired position on a tire T to be managed. In a tire T manufacturing factory, a tire holder 7 is generally installed to inspect the manufactured tires T, so that the random pattern P can be applied to a desired position on each tire T during inspection during the manufacturing process of the tire T.

[0036] In the process of vulcanizing a green tire (unvulcanized tire) to manufacture a tire T, a release agent is used, and so the release agent remains on the surface of the manufactured tire T. This release agent reduces the adhesive strength of paint that is applied to a desired position to apply a pattern P. Therefore, it is also possible to apply a paint to a desired position on a green tire before the tire T is vulcanized using a pattern application device 2, thereby applying a pattern P to the desired position on the green tire. By vulcanizing this green tire, the vulcanized tire T will have the pattern P applied to the desired position. In this way, applying the pattern P to a green tire before a large amount of release agent adheres to it is advantageous for maintaining the pattern P in good condition at the desired position on the tire T for a long period of time.

[0037] Next, the image data D of the multiple tires T to be managed is acquired using the acquisition device 3A. The image data D shown in FIG. 4 is acquired while the tire T is rotated around the rotation axis 7b. The image data D of each tire T can be acquired during inspection in the manufacturing process of the tire T using a holding machine 7 that is generally installed in a tire T manufacturing factory. In other words, it is preferable to acquire the image data D of the tire T when it is unused.

[0038] Each acquired image data D is linked to the unique information F of the tire T and stored in the calculation device 4. The unique information F may include, for example, each material used in the tire T, its lot number, and manufacturing conditions (material mixing conditions, molding conditions, vulcanization conditions). Furthermore, as part of the unique information T of each tire T, the above-mentioned mark M information is also linked to the image data D of the tire T and stored in the calculation device 4. Therefore, a tire manufacturer can store image data D of a huge number of tires T in the calculation device 4, linked to the unique information F.

[0039] It is also possible to acquire image data D of each tire D at a location other than the manufacturing process of the tire T, for example, a tire T stock warehouse, associate the image data D with the unique information F of the tire T, and store the data in the calculation device 4. However, in consideration of work efficiency, it is preferable to perform these operations at a tire manufacturing factory.

[0040] For example, when a target tire Tc that may have a quality abnormality is found on the market, it is identified to which of the tires T stored in the calculation device 4 the target tire Tc corresponds. Therefore, when identifying the target tire Tc, the acquisition device 3B is used to acquire target image data Dc of the target tire T in the same manner as the image data D described above. Furthermore, the appearance of the target tire Tc is referenced to acquire the above-mentioned mark M information of the target tire Tc, and the input unit 5 is used to input it to the calculation device 4. Note that the target tire Tc may be unused or used.

[0041] The mark M information of the target tire Tc preferably includes tire manufacturer information, tire size information, and tire manufacturing date information. Furthermore, it is preferable to input tire manufacturing date and location information as the mark M information to the calculation device 4. That is, it is preferable to input as many types of mark M information as possible that can be obtained from the target tire Tc to the calculation device 4. If the target tire Tc has already been used and part of the mark M has disappeared due to rubbing or the like, the mark M information remaining on the target tire Tc is input to the calculation device 4.

[0042] Next, an extraction step is performed in the calculation device 4. In the extraction step, the calculation device 4 extracts, from each image data D stored in the calculation device 4, a match candidate for performing a matching process, based on the input mark M information of the target tire Tc and the unique information F of each tire T linked to each image data D stored in the calculation device 4.

[0043] The unique information F of the tire T linked to each image data D stored in the calculation device 4 includes mark M information of each tire T. Therefore, image data D having unique information F that matches the mark M information of the input target tire Tc is extracted and set as a matching candidate for the matching process.

[0044] By using the mark M information of the target tire Tc in this way, even if the number of image data D (tires T) stored in the calculation device 4 is enormous, the number of image data D that are candidates for matching when identifying the target tire Tc can be significantly reduced. This is therefore advantageous in avoiding excessive man-hours required to identify the target tire Tc. Using more types of mark M information is even more advantageous in narrowing down the image data D to be matched to a small number.

[0045] Next, the arithmetic unit 4 performs a matching step. In the matching step, the arithmetic unit 4 performs a matching process to calculate the degree of match (degree of match of pattern P) between the extracted image data D of the match candidate and the target image data Dc. As shown in Fig. 5 as an example, this matching process performs so-called pattern matching, in which the target image data Dc is used as a template image, and the target image data Dc is matched with each of the image data D of the match candidates to calculate the degree of match. This matching process can utilize various known software for performing pattern matching.

[0046] Next, the calculation device 4 performs an identification step. In the identification step, a matching process is performed on all image data D of the matching candidates to determine the image data D that most closely matches the target image data Dc, and the image data D that most closely matches is selected. Then, the tire T corresponding to the selected image data D is identified as the target tire Tc.

[0047] As described above, the image data D of each tire T contains a different pattern P. Therefore, by using the degree of match calculated by performing a matching process with the target image data Dc as an index, it is possible to identify the tire T corresponding to the target tire Tc from among the tires T stored in the calculation device 4. Since it is only necessary to perform data processing to compare the image data D with the target image data Dc, a significant workload for creating a database is not required. This is advantageous for reliably and accurately identifying the tire T corresponding to the target tire Tc from among the tires T stored in the calculation device 4 while further reducing the workload. Accordingly, it is possible to grasp in detail the materials used in the target tire Tc, their lot numbers, manufacturing conditions (material mixing conditions, molding conditions, vulcanization conditions), and the like. As a result, it is advantageous for more accurately and quickly identifying the cause of quality issues in the target tire Tc and promptly taking effective measures.

[0048] This management system 1 uses image data D (Dc) of a range that includes the random pattern P, so a third party cannot obtain various information about the tire T even by referring to the random pattern P. This improves confidentiality from third parties. By applying the pattern P with stealth ink as in this embodiment, it is possible to avoid a deterioration in the appearance quality of the tire T and further improve confidentiality from third parties.

[0049] Furthermore, since the management system 1 intentionally sets the position where the pattern P is to be applied to a desired position, as described above, it is advantageous for maintaining the pattern P in good condition for a long period of time. It is also advantageous for avoiding a deterioration in the appearance quality of the tire T due to application of the pattern P.

[0050] This management system 1 can also be applied when the tire T is a retread tire. In this case, each time the tire T is retreaded, the materials used, their lot numbers, and manufacturing conditions (material mixing conditions, molding conditions, and vulcanization conditions) are added and stored in the calculation device 4. As a result, when the target tire Tc is a base tire for retreading, by identifying the tire T corresponding to the target tire Tc from the tires T stored in the calculation device 4, the manufacturing history of the retread can be grasped in detail, which greatly contributes to improving the quality control of retread tires.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 6, even when image data D is acquired by applying patterns P to multiple desired positions that are shifted circumferentially on each tire T, the extraction step, matching step, and identification step can be performed in the same manner as in the previous embodiment to identify a target tire Tc from among the multiple tires T. In this case, the matching step shown in Fig. 7 uses not only the degree of match between the shapes of the patterns P in the image data D and the target image data Dc but also the degree of match between the relative positional relationships between the patterns P, making it possible to identify the target tire Tc with higher accuracy.

[0052] In the embodiment of the management system 1 illustrated in Figures 8 and 9, the annular bodies to be managed are wheels Wh on which tires T are mounted. By using this management system 1, it is possible to identify which of the many wheels Wh stored in the calculation device 4 any individual wheel Wh (target wheel Whc) corresponds to. Arrows W, R, and C in the figures indicate the width direction, radial direction, and circumferential direction of the wheel Wh, respectively.

[0053] In this embodiment, the tire T in the previously described embodiment, in which the object to be managed is a tire T, is replaced with a wheel Wh; however, the configuration of the management system 1 and the functions of each component are the same. In this embodiment, the holder 7 includes a holder 7a fixed to the hub of the wheel Wh by a bolt or the like, and a rotating shaft 7b. In FIG. 8, the upper side is the outside of the wheel Wh (outside of the vehicle), and the lower side is the inside of the wheel Wh. The acquisition devices 3A and 3B are arranged opposite the outer surface (outer peripheral surface) of the wheel Wh.

[0054] The desired location of the wheel Wh where the random pattern P is to be applied is preferably the outer surface (outer peripheral surface), as shown in Fig. 8. The wheel Wh is used with a tire T mounted thereon, and once the tire T is mounted, the outer surface (outer peripheral surface) of the wheel Wh is covered by the tire T, making it less susceptible to damage over time and in an inconspicuous location. Therefore, by applying the pattern P to the outer surface (outer peripheral surface) of the wheel Wh, the pattern P can be maintained in good condition for a long period of time, and deterioration in appearance quality due to the pattern P can be avoided.

[0055] The procedure for identifying the target wheel Whc from among the multiple wheels Wh stored in the calculation device 4 is the same as in the previously described embodiment. In addition, various contents explained in the previously described embodiment can also be applied to this embodiment.

[0056] The material of the wheel Wh is not particularly limited, and may be aluminum, steel, magnesium alloy, carbon, or the like, and may be a cast or forged product.The structure of the wheel Wh is also not particularly limited, and may be one-piece, two-piece, or any other known structure.

[0057] In the above-described embodiment, the annular body to be managed is the tire T or the wheel Wh, but an annular body similar to these may also be managed.

[0058] The present disclosure includes the following inventions. Invention 1: A method for managing annular objects, comprising: identifying a target annular object from among a plurality of annular objects using image data of each of the annular objects; the annular body is a tire or a wheel; A random pattern is applied to a desired position of each of the annular bodies, the image data including the pattern is acquired in advance, and each of the image data is associated with unique information of the annular body and stored in a computing device; When identifying the target annular body, the image data of the target annular body is acquired as target image data, and part of the unique information of the target annular body is acquired from a mark attached to the target annular body; A method for managing ring bodies, which extracts matching candidates from each of the image data stored in the computing device based on a portion of the unique information of the acquired target ring body and the unique information of each of the ring bodies linked to each of the image data stored in the computing device, performs a matching process to calculate the degree of match between the image data of the extracted matching candidates and the target image data, selects the image data that has the highest degree of match with the target image data, and identifies the ring body corresponding to this selected image data as the target ring body. Invention 2: The method for managing annular bodies according to Invention 1, wherein the pattern is formed by spraying paint. Invention 3: The method for managing a ring-shaped body according to invention 1 or 2, wherein stealth ink is used to apply the pattern. Invention 4: 4. The method for managing an annular body according to any one of inventions 1 to 3, wherein the pattern is applied to a plurality of positions shifted in the circumferential direction of the object. Invention 5: 5. The method for managing an annular body according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the object is a tire, and the pattern is applied to the inner surface of the tire behind the tread portion. Invention 6: The method for managing annular bodies according to invention 5, wherein the pattern is applied to a green tire before the tire is vulcanized, and the image data is acquired after the green tire is vulcanized. Invention 7: A method for managing annular bodies according to any one of inventions 1 to 6, wherein part of the unique information of the target annular body obtained from the mark includes annular body manufacturer information, annular body size information, and manufacturing date information. Invention 8: A management system for annular objects, which identifies a target annular object from among a plurality of annular objects using image data of each of the annular objects, the annular body is a tire or a wheel; The system comprises a pattern applying device that applies a random pattern to a desired position on each of the annular bodies, a main image data acquiring device that acquires the image data of a range including the pattern of each of the annular bodies, a calculation device that associates and stores each of the image data and unique information of the annular body, a target image data acquiring device that acquires the image data of the target annular body as target image data when identifying the target annular body, and an input unit that inputs part of the unique information of the target annular body acquired from a mark attached to the surface of the target annular body into the calculation device, an extraction step in which, in the arithmetic device, matching candidates are extracted from each of the image data stored in the arithmetic device based on a portion of the unique information of the target annular body input to the arithmetic device and the unique information of each of the annular bodies linked to each of the image data stored in the arithmetic device; a matching step of performing a matching process to calculate a degree of coincidence between the image data of the extracted match candidates and the target image data; A ring-shaped object management system that performs an identification step in which the image data that is most similar to the target image data is selected, and the ring-shaped object corresponding to this selected image data is identified as the target ring-shaped object. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 1 Management System 2. Patterning device 3A Main image data acquisition device 3B Target image data acquisition device 4 Arithmetic unit 5 Input section 6 monitors 7 Holding machine 7a Holding part 7b Rotation axis T tire (circular) Tc Target tire (target annular body) Wh Wheel (ring) Whc Target Wheel (Torroid) E Tire components E1 Inner liner layer E2 carcass layer E3 Bead section E4 Belt layer E5 Side section E6 Shoulder E7 Tread area M mark P(P1, P2) Pattern D. Image data Dc Target image data

Claims

1. A method for managing annular objects, comprising: identifying a target annular object from among a plurality of annular objects using image data of each of the annular objects; the annular body is a tire or a wheel; A random pattern is applied to a desired position of each of the annular bodies, the image data including the pattern is acquired in advance, and each of the image data is associated with unique information of the annular body and stored in a computing device; When identifying the target annular body, the image data of the target annular body is acquired as target image data, and a part of the unique information of the target annular body is acquired from a mark attached to the target annular body; A method for managing ring bodies, which extracts matching candidates from each of the image data stored in the computing device based on a portion of the unique information of the acquired target ring body and the unique information of each of the ring bodies linked to each of the image data stored in the computing device, performs a matching process to calculate the degree of match between the image data of the extracted matching candidates and the target image data, selects the image data that has the highest degree of match with the target image data, and identifies the ring body corresponding to this selected image data as the target ring body.

2. 2. The method for managing annular objects according to claim 1, wherein the pattern is formed by spraying paint.

3. 3. The method for managing a ring-shaped object according to claim 1, wherein stealth ink is used to apply the pattern.

4. 3. The method for managing annular objects according to claim 1, wherein the pattern is applied to a plurality of positions shifted in the circumferential direction of the object.

5. 3. The method for managing an annular object according to claim 1, wherein the object is a tire, and the desired position is on the inner surface of the tire behind the tread.

6. 6. The method for managing annular bodies according to claim 5, wherein the pattern is applied to a green tire before the tire is vulcanized, and the image data is acquired after the green tire is vulcanized.

7. 3. The method for managing annular objects according to claim 1, wherein information specific to the target annular object obtained from the mark includes information on the manufacturer of the annular object, information on the size of the annular object, and information on the time of manufacture.

8. A management system for annular objects, which identifies a target annular object from among a plurality of annular objects using image data of each of the annular objects, the annular body is a tire or a wheel; The system comprises a pattern applying device that applies a random pattern to a desired position on each of the annular bodies, a main image data acquiring device that acquires the image data of a range including the pattern of each of the annular bodies, a calculation device that associates and stores each of the image data and unique information of the annular body, a target image data acquiring device that acquires the image data of the target annular body as target image data when identifying the target annular body, and an input unit that inputs part of the unique information of the target annular body acquired from a mark attached to the surface of the target annular body into the calculation device, an extraction step in which, in the arithmetic device, matching candidates are extracted from each of the image data stored in the arithmetic device based on a portion of the unique information of the target annular body input to the arithmetic device and the unique information of each of the annular bodies linked to each of the image data stored in the arithmetic device; a matching step of performing a matching process to calculate a degree of coincidence between the image data of the extracted match candidates and the target image data; A ring-shaped object management system that performs an identification step in which the image data that is most similar to the target image data is selected, and the ring-shaped object corresponding to this selected image data is identified as the target ring-shaped object.

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