Tire determination via high-speed optical imaging

Abstract

Various tire determination devices and methods of capturing high-speed images are provided. An example tire determination device includes a tire camera. The tire determination device also includes at least one flash element. The at least one flash element is positioned adjacent to the tire camera. The tire determination device further includes a vehicle detection device. The vehicle detection device indicates an instance in which a vehicle is passing through a capture zone. The tire determination device still further includes at least one processing device. The at least one processing device is configured to cause the tire camera to capture at least one tire image of the vehicle in the capture zone. The tire camera captures the at least one tire image in an instance in which the vehicle is moving.

Description

Atty. Docket. No.: 046232.00041TIRE DETERMINATION VIA HIGH-SPEED OPTICAL IMAGINGCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 715,740 filed November 4, 2024, and titled “TIRE DETERMINATION VIA HIGH-SPEED OPTICAL IMAGING.” The contents of the application are incorporated by reference in its entirety.TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to imaging of tires and wheels of a vehicle, and in particular to determining tire recommendations for a vehicle based on high-speed optical imaging.BACKGROUND

[0003] Over 240 million replacement tires are sold each year, which creates a large amount of time spent providing accurate tire selection. Currently, tire providers may employ some digital systems that provide recommendation, but such systems often require manual entry of vehicle type, tire / wheel size, tire brand, and / or the like. As such, the current process is time consuming and creates a risk that the wrong tire will be used for a replacement tire. Therefore, there exists a need to allow for more secure and efficient tire determination and recommendations for a vehicle.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0004] The following paragraphs present a summary of various embodiments of the present disclosure and are merely examples of potential embodiments. As such, the summary is not meant to limit the subject matter or variations of various embodiments discussed herein.

[0005] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a tire determination device, the device including: a tire camera; at least one flash element, wherein the at least one flash element is positioned adjacent to the tire camera; a vehicle detection device, wherein the vehicle detection device indicates an instance in which a vehicle is passing through a capture zone; and at least one processing device, wherein the at least one processing device is configured to cause the tire camera to capture at least one tire image of the vehicle in the capture zone, wherein the tire camera captures the at least one tire image in an instance in which the vehicle is moving.

[0006] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a device, further including a tag camera, wherein the tag camera is positioned to capture a tag image of a tag on the vehicle.1202238606.1 -(Ricky Parker)Atty. Docket. No.: 046232.00041

[0007] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a device, wherein the at least one processing device is configured to cause the tag camera to capture the tag image of the tag on the vehicle in the capture zone.

[0008] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a device, wherein the at least one flash element include a first flash element and a second flash element, wherein the first flash element is positioned adjacent to the tire camera on a first side and the second flash element is positioned adjacent to the tire camera on a second side opposite the first side.

[0009] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a device, wherein the vehicle detection device is a pressure sensor.

[0010] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a device, wherein the vehicle detection device is positioned in a vehicle lane, wherein the vehicle drives over the vehicle detection device.

[0011] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a device, wherein the tire camera, the at least one flash element, and the at least one processing device are defined within a housing.

[0012] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a device, wherein the housing is positionable adjacent to a vehicle lane, wherein the tire camera is directed to the vehicle lane.

[0013] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a device, wherein each of the camera and the at least one flash element have an aperture defined on a camera side of the housing.

[0014] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a device, further including a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is connected to a network, wherein the at least one processing device is further configured to cause a transmission of the at least one tire image via the network.

[0015] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a device, wherein at least one vehicle characteristic is received via the communication interface in response to the transmission of the at least one tire image.

[0016] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a device, wherein the at least one processing device is further configured to determine a tire recommendation based on the at least one vehicle characteristic.

[0017] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a device, wherein the determination of the tire recommendation is based at least partially on a vendor inventory, wherein the vendor inventory indicates one or more available tires.2202238606.1 -(Ricky Parker)Atty. Docket. No.: 046232.00041

[0018] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a device, further including a vehicle detection sensor, wherein the vehicle detection sensor is a radar that monitors motion based on the vehicle detection device.

[0019] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a device, wherein the vehicle detection sensor is a radar positioned adjacent the tire camera.

[0020] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a device, further including a pedestal, wherein a housing containing the tire camera, the at least one flash element, and the at least one processing device is placed on top of the pedestal.

[0021] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a device, wherein the tire camera is at least eight megapixels.

[0022] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a device, wherein the at least one processing device is further configured to adjust at least one image parameter to adjust a quality of the at least one tire image.

[0023] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a device, wherein the at least one image parameter is adjusted based on the quality of a test tire image.

[0024] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a device, wherein the at least one processing device is further configured to cause the at least one tire image to be cropped.

[0025] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method of determining a tire on a moving vehicle, the method including: receiving, via a vehicle detection device, an indication of a vehicle passing through a capture zone; based on the indication of the vehicle passing through the capture zone, causing at least one tire image to be captured via a tire camera, wherein the at least one tire image includes a tire of the vehicle; determining at least one vehicle characteristic based on the at least one tire image captured by the tire camera; and determining a tire recommendation based on the at least one vehicle characteristic.

[0026] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, further including causing a transmission of the at least one tire image via a communication interface, wherein the determination of the at least one vehicle characteristic is based on a transmission received via the communication interface based on the transmission of the at least one tire image.

[0027] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, further including causing a capture of a tag image via a tag camera, wherein the tag camera is positioned to capture the tag image of a tag on the vehicle.3202238606.1 -(Ricky Parker)Atty. Docket. No.: 046232.00041

[0028] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the vehicle detection device is a pressure sensor.

[0029] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the determination of the tire recommendation is based at least partially on a vendor inventory, wherein the vendor inventory indicates one or more available tires.

[0030] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, further including adjusting at least one image parameter to adjust a quality of the at least one tire image.

[0031] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the at least one image parameter is adjusted based on the quality of a test tire image.

[0032] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, further including causing the at least one tire image to be cropped.

[0033] These and other advantages will be apparent to those skilled in the art.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Many aspects of the present disclosure will be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, with emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the disclosure. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views. It should be recognized that these implementations and embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles of the present disclosure. Therefore, in the drawings

[0035] FIG. 1 illustrates a tire determination device, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0036] FIG. 2 illustrates an additional view of the tire determination device with the access door transparent to view inside of the housing, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0037] FIG. 3 illustrates a tire determination device installed in a vehicle lane for use to image tires on a vehicle, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0038] FIG. 4 illustrates a vehicle pulling into a vehicle lane with a tire determination device installed, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0039] FIG. 5 illustrates an example tire image obtained via the tire determination device, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;4202238606.1 -(Ricky Parker)Atty. Docket. No.: 046232.00041

[0040] FIG. 6 illustrates a zoomed-in version of the tire image of FIG. 5 to illustrate the markings on a tire, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0041] FIG. 7 is a flow chart 700 of an example method of determining a tire on a moving vehicle, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0042] FIG. 8 illustrates an example configuration of a tire determination device, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0043] FIG. 9 illustrates another example configuration of a tire determination device, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0044] FIGs. 10A-10C illustrate various views of another example tire determination device, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0045] FIG. 11 illustrates an exploded view of the tire determination device shown in FIGs. 10A- 10C, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0046] FIG. 12 illustrates the reverse side of the exploded view of FIG. 11, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0047] FIG. 13 illustrates an exploded view of another example tire determination device, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0048] FIG. 14 illustrates a component board used in a tire determination device, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0049] FIG. 15 illustrates the positioning of a flash element, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0050] FIG. 16 illustrates an example flow diagram for a tire determination device, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0051] FIG. 17 illustrates an example system environment for use of a tire determination device, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] The presently disclosed subject matter now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter are shown. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. The presently disclosed subject matter may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements.5202238606.1 -(Ricky Parker)Atty. Docket. No.: 046232.00041

[0053] Indeed, many modifications and other embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the presently disclosed subject matter pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the presently disclosed subject matter is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

[0054] Throughout this specification and the claims, the terms “comprise,” “comprises”, and “comprising” are used in a non-exclusive sense, except where the context requires otherwise. Likewise, the term “includes” and its grammatical variants are intended to be non-limiting, such that recitation of items in a list is not to the exclusion of other like items that can be substituted or added to the listed items.I. Devices and Methods

[0055] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a tire determination device, the device including: a tire camera; at least one flash element, wherein the at least one flash element is positioned adjacent to the tire camera; a vehicle detection device, wherein the vehicle detection device indicates an instance in which a vehicle is passing through a capture zone; and at least one processing device, wherein the at least one processing device is configured to cause the tire camera to capture at least one tire image of the vehicle in the capture zone, wherein the tire camera captures the at least one tire image in an instance in which the vehicle is moving. The term moving may refer to vehicle in motion and / or immediately upon stopping motion (e.g., a vehicle may come to a stop adjacent the tire determination device). The tire determination device may also be used on a vehicle that is stopped (e.g., the tire determination device may capture images on vehicles in motion and / or vehicles at rest).

[0056] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method of determining a tire on a moving vehicle, the method including: receiving, via a vehicle detection device, an indication of a vehicle passing through a capture zone; based on the indication of the vehicle passing through the capture zone, causing at least one tire image to be captured via a tire camera, wherein the at least one tire image includes a tire of the vehicle; determining at least one vehicle characteristic based on the at least one tire image captured by the tire camera; and determining a tire recommendation based on the at least one vehicle characteristic.II. Example Use Case6202238606.1 -(Ricky Parker)Atty. Docket. No.: 046232.00041

[0057] Various different wheel and tire types may be equipped on a vehicle. As such, replacing tires can be difficult. Traditionally, to create a tire quote for a customer, a tire vendor would have to manually determine the tire on the vehicle (e.g., manually read the tire size, tread width, speed rating, load rating brand, etc.) and select either the same tire or a corresponding tire. However, the manual process is time consuming and relies on an appropriate tire currently being used on the vehicle. Additionally, it creates issues with changing to different tires (e.g., a vendor may mistakenly put a tire that is not rated properly that otherwise matches the recommended tire size).

[0058] Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide for high-speed imaging of one or more tire and wheel on a vehicle and provide recommendations for a replacement tire based on the tire image. As shown and discussed herein, the tire determination device of various embodiments includes a tire camera that captures one or more tire images in an instance a vehicle is passing (e.g., in an instance in which a vehicle is being pulled into a vehicle bay at a vendor). A vehicle detection device (e.g., a pressure sensor) may be used to detect the vehicle and the tire camera may be asynchronously triggered to capture a tire image of at least one of the tire / wheels on the vehicle. The detection device may include any number of sensors positioned to detect a vehicle.

[0059] Based on the tire image(s), the tire determination device may be able to determine vehicle characteristic(s) relating to the vehicle, the wheels on the vehicle, the tires on the vehicle, recommended tires for the vehicle, and / or the like. Example vehicle characteristics may include vehicle year, make, and / or model; vehicle tire size, including speed and load rating; unique wheel rim characteristics (e.g., bent or damaged wheels may be identified); current tires, make and model; tire type (e.g., summer or winter or all-season tires); tire options and specifications (e.g., run flat tires, extra load rated tires, etc.); DOT code for tire age; and / or the like. For example, a tire determination device may determine the original tire dimensions, the currently equipped tire dimensions, tire options and specifications, recommended tire pressures, current brand tire, and / or the like. The tire determination device may also receive information from other images, such as a tag image that allows the tire determination device to determine vehicle characteristics, such as make, model, and year, as well as owner information.

[0060] The vehicle character! stic(s) may be determined via a third party using a network, to an Application Programming Interface (API) of a computing environment, or through a local table lookup. The tire determination device may use the vehicle characteristic(s) to determine or more recommended tires for a given vehicle. In an example embodiment, the tire determination device7202238606.1 -(Ricky Parker)Atty. Docket. No.: 046232.00041 may determine a quote for multiple different tires (e.g., a quote for the tire that came on the vehicle from the manufacture, a quote for the current tire on the vehicle, a quote for an economy priced tire for higher mileage vehicles).

[0061] The tire determination device may also be connected to a vendor inventory database. For example, a vendor inventory database may include information relating to product availability (e.g., available tires), product pricing (e.g., prices for available and / or unavailable tires), and / or the like. As such, the tire determination device may determine one or more recommended tires that are available in the vendor’s inventory. As such, the tire determination device may be able to recommend tires in an instance in which the current or preferred tire is unavailable. Additionally, the tire determination device may be capable of recommending different tires based on the vehicle characteristic(s). For example, an economy tire may be recommended for a higher mileage car and a higher performance tire may be recommended for a high-performance vehicle.III. With Reference to the Figures

[0062] Referring now to the figures, various embodiments of a tire determination device 100 are shown in accordance with various embodiments. The embodiments shown are examples and may be configured differently based on the usage of the tire determination device 100.

[0063] FIG. 1 illustrates a tire determination device 100 of various embodiments. FIG. 1 is merely an example configuration of a tire determination device 100, additional configurations are also shown in FIGs. 10A-13. The tire determination device 100 may have a tire camera 110, at least one flash element (e.g., a first flash element 115A, a second flash element 115B, etc.), and at least one processing device (e.g., a microprocessor not shown). The tire camera 110 and the flash elements may be housed within a housing 105. The housing 105 may define apertures to provide the tire camera 110 and flash element to interact with an environment (e g., the flash elements provide light through the apertures and the tire camera receives light through the apertures). The tire camera 110 and the flash elements may be defined on a camera side 125 of the housing 105. The tire camera 110 may be directed orthogonal to the camera side 125, such that the tire camera 110 may obtain a straight shot of a tire, as discussed herein.

[0064] The tire camera 110 may be any imaging device that is capable of taking images of objects in motion. It does so by utilizing high-speed imaging that can have frame rates ranging from hundreds to thousands of frames per second (fps). The term high-speed imaging as used herein may refer to any type of imaging done while an object is moving. For example, a tire image may8202238606.1 -(Ricky Parker)Atty. Docket. No.: 046232.00041 be capture by the tire camera 1 10 while the vehicle is moving from slightly more than zero miles per hours to approximately 5 miles per hour. In various embodiments, the resolution of the camera may be increased to allow for faster speeds. In various embodiments, the tire camera 110 may have a resolution that is sufficient to capture details on a tire. For example, an example tire camera 110 may be at least 8 megapixels. The resolution of the tire camera 110 may be based on the setup location of the tire determination device 100 (e.g., the farther the tire camera 110 is away from the vehicle in the capture zone, the higher the necessary resolution). The tire camera 110 may be capable of being asynchronously triggered. The tire camera 110 may also adjust various image parameters, such as exposure, gain, white balance, saturation, and / or the like. The image parameters may be updated in an instance in which a tire determination device 100 is installed. Additionally or alternatively, the image parameters may be dynamically updated (e.g., the image parameters may be adjusted based on the results of tire images or other test images).

[0065] An example tire camera is capable of capturing 14 frames per second at 8 megapixel resolution. The tire camera may have an image sensor integrated that includes a global shutter. An example image sensor is a Sony IMX546 color CMOS sensor. Any number of different image sensors may be contemplated. An example camera that uses the image sensor is an a2A2840- 14gcBAS Basler ace 2 GigE camera. A lens may be attached to the tire camera. For example, a Basler C-Mount lens may be used. The lens may have a fixed focal length and resolution (e.g., a fixed focal length of 8 millimeters and a resolution of 5 megapixels).

[0066] One or more tire sensing device(s) (not shown) may also be provided for the tire determination device (e.g., within the housing 105 or connected to the housing 105). The tire sensing device(s) may be an RFID tag reader that is capable of obtaining information from an RFID tag. For example, a tire manufacturer may place an RFID tag on or within a tire, which includes information about the tire (e.g., tire specifications, production date, unique identifier, etc.). For example, the RFID tags on the tires may retrieve data associated to each tire identifier (e.g., SGTIN96) in the relevant tire manufacturer's databases. A data referential lists all standardized data that can be communicated through public or private access thanks to a standard API. As such, the tire determination device 100 may include one or more tire sensing device(s) to scan any RFID tags. The tire sensing device(s) may be adjacent to or close in relation to the tire camera 110 to allow for the tire camera to capture the tire image(s) and the tire sensing device(s)9202238606.1 -(Ricky Parker)Atty. Docket. No.: 046232.00041 to scan the RFID tag. In various embodiments, the tire sensing device(s) may be used in place of the tire camera 110.

[0067] The tire sensing device(s) may be one or more RFID antennas. For example, an RFID antenna may be mounted on the exterior of the housing 105 with wiring components housed within the housing 105 (e.g., a connector protruding through an aperture in the housing). Additional mounts and / or seals may be implemented to allow for the housing 105 to achieve IP-65 ingress protection. In various embodiments, the RFID antenna may be a compact patch antenna. The RFID antenna may have a circular polarization and a radiation pattern characterized by a wide beam in all directions in one hemisphere. Example operating frequencies include FCC (902-928MHz) and ETSI (865-868MHz). Various other operating frequencies may be used.

[0068] The flash elements (e.g., the first flash element 115A and a second flash element 115B) may be any light emitting device that provides a light for the tire camera during operation. The flash elements may be coordinated with the tire camera to trigger before and / or during the capture of the tire image(s). For example, the flash elements may be strobe lights that are illuminated for a predetermined amount of time (e.g., 750 milliseconds) before and / or during the capture of the tire image(s). As shown, the first flash element 115A may be positioned on a first side of the tire camera 110 and the second flash element 115B may be positioned on a second side of the tire camera 110 opposite the first side. While the flash elements are shown as two flash elements adjacent to the tire camera, any number of different flash elements may be contemplated (e.g., more or less flash elements may be used). An example flash element may have a strobe effect to provide a light to the tire and / or tag being imaged. An example flash element is a LHI-DO series light from Smart Vision Lights. The flash element may also have a light diffusing film.

[0069] The housing 105 may be sized for the tire camera to be able to capture images of passing vehicles. For example, the housing 105 may be 30 inches tall and 24 inches wide. In some embodiments, the housing 105 may be positioned on top of a pedestal (e.g., a 1.5-inch tall pedestal). The dimensions of the housing 105 and / or the pedestal are merely example dimensions and may be based on the location of the tire camera 110 (e.g., the tire camera may be positioned to be approximately the height of the middle of the wheel of a vehicle).

[0070] The housing 105 may define one or more access doors (e.g., access door 120). The access door 120 shown in FIG. 1 is opposite of the camera side 125 of the housing 105. Any number of different access doors may be used and positioned on the housing 105.10202238606.1 -(Ricky Parker)Atty. Docket. No.: 046232.00041

[0071] FIG. 2 illustrates an additional view of the tire determination device 100 with the access door 120 transparent to view inside of the housing 105. FIG. 2 shows the interior of the housing 105 with the tire camera 110, the flash elements, and other components (e.g., power supply 200). The at least one processing device (e.g., a microprocessor) may also be housed within the housing 105, but is not shown. Various other imaging devices, such as a tag camera, may be included part of the housing and / or otherwise in communication with the tire determination device. An example location of a tag camera is shown in FIG. 3, as a tag camera is provided on a pylon 350. In various embodiments, cameras, such as the tire camera, may be provided in inserts 205 shown in FIG. 2 or on the side opposite the insert 205 location.

[0072] FIG. 3 illustrates a tire determination device 100 installed for use to image tires on a vehicle (e.g., in a vehicle bay or lane that a vehicle is being driven). The tire determination device 100 of FIG. 3 includes a tire camera 110, flash elements (the first flash element 115 A and the second flash element 115B), a vehicle detection device 300, a radar or laser sensor 305, and a computing device 310.

[0073] The computing device 310 may be a laptop, tablet, desktop, and / or other computer. The computing device 310 may be configured to assist or replace the microprocessor discussing in FIGs. 1 and 2. For example, the computing device 310 may cause the operations discussed in reference to the at least one processing device discussed herein. The computing device 310 may also provide additional functionality, such as a communication interface. For example, tire determination device 100 may be connected (wired and / or wirelessly) to the computing device 310 and the computing device 310 may be connected to a network, as discussed herein. In various embodiments, a microprocessor, memory device, communication interface, and / or the like may be used to replace the computing device 310 shown in FIG. 3 (e.g., the housing 105 shown in FIGs. 1 and 2 may house each of the components). The housing 105 may be weatherized to allow for indoor and / or outdoor use.

[0074] The tire determination device 100 is positioned adjacent to a vehicle lane 315 on which a vehicle will be driven. For example, the vehicle lane 315 (as indicated by the arrow of travel) may be a bay in a garage that the vehicle is being parked to inspect or otherwise provide tire recommendations. A tire determination device 100 may be capable of outside and / or inside use (e.g., the image parameter for the tire camera may be adjusted based on exposure and other factors). The tire determination device 100 is positioned such that the tire camera 110 is directed at the11202238606.1 -(Ricky Parker)Atty. Docket. No.: 046232.00041 location of a tire within the vehicle lane (e.g., in order to obtain a tire and wheel picture, such as the one shown in FIG. 5.

[0075] A vehicle detection device 300 may be provided for detecting a vehicle in the vehicle lane. The vehicle detection device 300 is a pressure sensor (e.g., a pressure pad that detects a vehicle in an instance the pressure pad is depressed). In an instance in which the vehicle detection device 300 is a pressure sensor, the vehicle detection device 300 may be positioned within the vehicle lane, such that upon entrance into the vehicle lane, at least one tire of the vehicle engages the vehicle detection device 300. As such, the vehicle detection device 300 may be positioned, as shown in FIGs. 3 and 4 to be engaged by one side of tires on a vehicle. For example, the front and rear rightside tires of a vehicle may engage the vehicle detection device 300. The vehicle detection sensor may be any type of detection sensor, such as a pressure sensor, a laser detection sensor, a radar detection sensor, a line-of-sight sensor, and / or the like. An example laser detection sensor is a Banner™ Q2CKLAF laser measurement sensor. Any number of different laser sensors may be used.

[0076] Various embodiments may have different vehicle detection device configurations (e.g., a pressure sensor may be extended across the vehicle lane in the direction perpendicular to the movement of the vehicle, such that the front and / or rear wheels of both sides engage the vehicle detection device 300). Additionally or alternatively, other style sensors may be used as the vehicle detection device 300. For example, a radar or laser sensor 305 is provided to confirm the engagement of the vehicle detection device 300. In various embodiments, a light emitting sensor or other non-contact sensor may be used in addition to or in place of a pressure sensor.

[0077] In various embodiments, a tag camera 805 and / or a tag detection sensor 815 (discussed in reference to FIG. 8) may also be provided adjacent the vehicle lane (e.g., attached to the housing and / or remote from the housing). For example, the tag camera 805 and / or the tag detection sensor 815 may be provided on pylon 350. The tag camera 805 and / or the tag detection sensor 815 may be positioned at any number of locations adjacent the vehicle lane. In various embodiments, the vehicle detection sensor may be used as the tag detection sensor (e.g., the tire determination device may determine the time to capture the tag image via the vehicle detection sensor).

[0078] FIG. 4 illustrates an example tire determination device 100 positioned within a vehicle lane 315. The vehicle lane 315 may be any area in which a vehicle is being driven and does not explicitly have to be a vehicle bay or the like. As shown, the vehicle detection device 300 may be12202238606.1 -(Ricky Parker)Atty. Docket. No.: 046232.00041 positioned within the vehicle lane 315. As the vehicle 400 moves into the vehicle lane 315, at least one tire of the vehicle 400 engages the vehicle detection device 300. The tire determination device 100 (via the at least one processing device) causes the tire camera to capture at least one tire image as the vehicle is still moving (e.g., as the vehicle is travelling at approximate 1-5 miles per hour). As such, the tire image is captured before the vehicle is parked, allowing for quicker response times. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the tire determination device 100 is positioned near the right rear side of the vehicle lane 315 (e.g., where the right rear of the vehicle 400 will be located in an instance in which the vehicle 400 is pulled completely into the vehicle lane 315).

[0079] The tire image may be taken of the front tire and / or the rear tires. In an instance in which a vehicle detection device 300 detects a vehicle, the tire determination device 100 may be programmed to immediately capture the tire image(s) (e.g., the tire camera may be positioned such that upon receiving the indication of a vehicle from the vehicle detection device 300, the tire camera 110 is positioned to capture the appropriate tire image). In some embodiments, a delay may be employed (e.g., a tire camera may be triggered at a predetermined amount of time after the indication of a vehicle is received from the vehicle detection device 300). In such an instance, the delay may be calibrated either manually or automatically (e.g., test images determine whether the delay time is appropriate). In some instance, a radar may be used to determine the vehicle speed to calibrate the delay time in real-time or near real-time.

[0080] In various embodiments, multiple images may be captured and then filtered based on images that include the tire / wheel. For example, a tire camera may take multiple images upon receiving the indication of a vehicle is received from the vehicle detection device 300 and the images that include the tire / wheel (e.g., FIG. 5) may be selected as a tire image. In various embodiments, the tire determination device 100 may be calibrated using previous images capture by the tire camera. For example, multiple images that are obscured or otherwise do not capture the wheel / tire may indicate that the tire camera needs to be calibrated (e.g., the delay time between the indication of vehicle is received from the vehicle detection device 300 and the triggering of the tire camera needs to be updated).

[0081] While FIG. 4 illustrates the tire determination device 100 positioned on a single side of the vehicle lane 315, thereby only allowing tire images of a single side of the vehicle, various embodiments may use a second tire camera and flash elements (e.g., a second tire determination device 100) positioned on the opposite side of the vehicle lane 315 to image the front and / or rear13202238606.1 -(Ricky Parker)Atty. Docket. No.: 046232.00041 tires on the opposite side of the vehicle. As such, various embodiments may allow for any number of tires and wheels to be imaged on a vehicle by simply driving the vehicle into the vehicle lane 315. For example, a tire image may be taken of a single tire, two tire, three tire, or four tire on a vehicle with four tires.

[0082] FIGs. 5 and 6 illustrate tire images that may be obtained via the tire camera 110 discussed herein. As shown in FIG. 5, the tire image may include the tire 500 and the wheel 505. The tire image may be cropped to remove excess area around the tire and wheel. For example, tire size and vehicle size may cause the tire image to include too much or too little of the tire and wheel. As such, the tire image may be taken in order to obtain satisfactory tire images for different style vehicles. In various embodiments, the tire determination device 100 may automatically adjust the image parameters based on the type of vehicle (e.g., via the tag image or other identifying factors of the vehicle, the tire image may zoom in or out before the tire image is obtained in order to get the highest quality image possible.

[0083] As discussed herein, the tire image may be adjusted in order to be processed. Potential factors in determining tire image quality include the resolution of the image (e.g., a vehicle moving too quickly through the capture zone may cause a blurry image), the contents of the image (e.g., a portion of the tire and wheel may be out of frame), the ability to read markings on the tire (e.g., tire size, tread width, speed rating, load rating, DOT information, etc.), and / or the like. In various embodiments, the tire determination device 100 may determine an instance in which the tire image is unacceptable, acceptable, or needs adjustment. A tire image may be unacceptable in an instance in which the tire or wheel are out of frame. A tire image may need adjustment in an instance the exposure needs to be corrected. The determination of whether the tire image is acceptable may be completed by the tire determination device 100 and / or a third-party computing device (e.g., the tire determination device 100 may transmit the tire image and the third-party entity may determine whether the tire image is acceptable). In various embodiments, one or more operations may be completed remote from the tire determination device 100. For example, the tire determination device 100 may have a communication interface that allows connection to a network. Other third- party computing devices may receive the tire image(s) and provide vehicle information as discussed herein.

[0084] FIG. 6 illustrates a zoomed-in version of the tire image of FIG. 5 to illustrate the markings on a tire. As shown, the markings 600 on a tire may be difficult to read or process in an image. As14202238606.1 -(Ricky Parker)Atty. Docket. No.: 046232.00041 such, the image parameters may be adjusted to allow the markings to be identified. In various embodiments, the location of the markings causes difficulties. For example, a first set of markings may be on a first surface and a second set of markings may be on a second surface, and both surfaces may be difficult to capture in a single tire image. In such an instance, multiple tire images may be captured using different image parameters.

[0085] Referring now to FIG. 7, a flow chart 700 of an example method of determining a tire on a moving vehicle is provided. The method may use any of the components discussed herein. For example, the tire determination device 100 may capture the tire image(s) and / or complete other operations discussed herein. Additionally, unless otherwise noted, any of the operations discussed in reference to FIGs. 1-6 and / or 8-17 may also be part of the method discussed in reference to FIG. 7, and vice versa. The operations of FIG. 7 may be carried out by the tire determination device 100 and / or the computing device(s) 1710 shown in FIG. 17.

[0086] Referring now to Block 710 of FIG. 7, the method includes receiving, via a vehicle detection device, an indication of a vehicle passing through a capture zone. The vehicle detection device may be any number of different vehicle detection devices, such as the vehicle detection device 300, shown in FIG. 3 (e.g., a pressure pad). In various embodiments, the vehicle detection device may register an engagement and create the indication of a vehicle passing through the capture zone. In various embodiments, a capture zone may be the vehicle lane 315 shown in FIGs. 3 and 4. In various embodiments, the system may have one or more checks to determine whether an engagement of the vehicle detection device 300 is a vehicle, such as minimum engagement (e.g., a vehicle may have a higher impedance than a person standing on a pressure pad) or secondary detection devices (e.g., radar or other detection devices).

[0087] Referring now to Block 720 of FIG. 7, the method includes causing at least one tire image to be captured via a tire camera based on the indication of the vehicle passing through the capture zone. The tire image(s) may be capture by the tire camera 110 discussed in various embodiments herein. The tire image(s) include at least one tire / wheel of the vehicle.

[0088] Referring now to optional Block 730 of FIG. 7, the method includes causing a capture of a tag image via a tag camera. As discussed above in reference to FIG. 3, a tag camera may be positioned to capture the tag image of a tag on the vehicle. The tag image may be an image of a front mounted tag and / or a rear mounted tag. In various embodiments, the tag camera may be any imaging or detection device, such as an RFID sensor.15202238606.1 -(Ricky Parker)Atty. Docket. No.: 046232.00041

[0089] Referring now to optional Block 740 of FIG. 7, the method includes adjusting at least one image parameter to adjust a quality of the at least one tire image. As discussed herein, the tire camera 110 may also adjust various image parameters, such as exposure, gain, white balance, saturation, and / or the like. The image parameters may be dynamically updated (e.g., the image parameters may be adjusted based on the results of tire images or other test imagesj.The image parameter(s) may be adjusted in response to a low-quality image (e.g., an image is rejected by a third-party reviewing system). In various embodiments, the at least one image parameter may be adjusted based on the quality of a test tire image. A test tire image may be any image that includes a tire / wheel.

[0090] In various embodiments, tire image(s) may be adjusted or otherwise edited after being taken. For example, tire image(s) may be cropped to include only the tire / wheel and not the surrounding environment. Additionally, one or more image parameters may be able to be changed after the tire image is captured (e g., the tire image may be edited using various editing tools).

[0091] In various embodiments, the video and / or images (e.g., the tire image) may be compressed to allow for faster transmission. The amount of compression may be based on an acceptable image quality. For example, the acceptable image quality may be required to process the tire image. In such an example, the tire image may be compressed such that the tire image still maintains at least the acceptable image quality. As such, the at least one image parameter may include the amount of compression performed on the tire image. The amount of compression may be adjusted based on feedback (e g., in response to transmission of the tire image) and / or via image analysis performed onboard (e.g., the system may determine whether the tire image meets the acceptable image quality for transmission). The image quality may also be based on the quality of the initial image (e.g., the system may determine the quality of the tire image before compression). In such an instance, the amount of compression may be adjusted based on the quality of the tire image captured.

[0092] Referring now to optional Block 750 of FIG. 7, the method includes causing a transmission of the at least one tire image via a communication interface. The communication interface may allow the tire determination device 100 to communicate with a network. Via the network, the tire determination device 100 may receive vehicle characteristics based on the tire image(s). For example, the tire image may be used by the tire determination device or a third-party computing device to determine vehicle characteristics, such as vehicle type, tire type, recommended tire,16202238606.1 -(Ricky Parker)Atty. Docket. No.: 046232.00041 original tire, wheel type, any damage to wheels, and / or the like. The vehicle characterise c(s) may be determined remote from the tire determination device 100. For example, the vehicle characteristic(s) may be determined via a cloud and / or remote computing device.

[0093] Referring now to Block 760 of FIG. 7, the method includes determining at least one vehicle characteristic based on the at least one tire image captured by the tire camera. The determination may be based on an analysis of the tire image(s) by the tire determination device 100 or via a third- party computing device (received via the communication interface).

[0094] Referring now to Block 770 of FIG. 7, the method includes determining a tire recommendation based on the at least one vehicle characteristic. The tire recommendation may be based on the original tire on the car, the current tire on the car, other compatible tires for the wheel, the type of car (e.g., performance, high mileage, etc.), the vendor inventory (e.g., available tires), and / or the like. As discussed herein, the tire determination device 100 may be connected to a vendor inventory database that include information relating to current inventory for the vendor. For example, a vendor may have an inventory of tires that available, the location of the available tires, specification of the available tires, cost of the available tires, and / or the like. The recommended tire(s) may be cross-referenced with the vendor inventory database to make a recommendation.

[0095] FIGs. 8 and 9 each illustrate an example configuration of a tire determination device, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. The configurations shown in FIGs. 8 and 9 are merely example configurations. The various components (e.g., cameras, sensors, etc.) may be interchanged and / or moved unless otherwise stated.

[0096] Referring to FIG. 8, a tire determination device 100 may include a tire camera 110. The tire camera 110 may be contained within a housing 105 (e.g., such as the housing 105 shown in FIG. 1). Various other components may be contained within the housing 105, such as flash elements, a tag camera 805 (e.g., positioned within the insert 205 of the housing 105 shown in FIG. 2), a microprocessor, and / or the like.

[0097] Additional components of the tire determination device 100 may be exterior to the housing 105. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the tire determination device 100 may include a vehicle detection device 300 (e.g., apressure pad sensor) and / or a vehicle validation sensor 810. In various embodiments, the vehicle validation sensor 810 may be part of or replace the vehicle detection device 300. As such, the vehicle detection sensor may carry out any of the operations discussed17202238606.1 -(Ricky Parker)Atty. Docket. No.: 046232.00041 herein relating to the vehicle detection device 300. The vehicle validation sensor 810 may be any type of detection sensor, such as a proximity sensor. The vehicle validation sensor 810 may be considered the vehicle detection sensor discussed herein. In various embodiments, the vehicle detection device 300 and the vehicle validation sensor 810 may be used to verify the presence of a vehicle (e.g., prevent false positives due to engagement of the vehicle detection device 300 by non-vehicle, such as a person walking on the pressure pad sensor). For example, in an instance in which the vehicle detection device 300 detects a vehicle, but no vehicle has been detected by the vehicle validation sensor 810, the tire camera may not be triggered to capture the tire image(s).

[0098] A tag detection sensor 815 may also be provided to detect the location of the vehicle to activate the tag camera 805. The tag detection sensor 815 may be any type of detection sensor, such as a proximity sensor. As such, the tag camera 805 may capture an image of the tag on the vehicle upon detection by the tag detection sensor 815. The tag detection sensor 815 may be positioned along the vehicle lane, such that the vehicle tag is visible to the tag camera 805 in an instance in which the tag detection sensor 815 detects a vehicle. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the tag detection sensor 815 is positioned after the tag camera 805 to capture the tag of the vehicle passing.

[0099] In an example embodiment with the configuration of FIG. 8, an example use flow for a vehicle 400 driving adjacent to the tire determination device may include receiving an indication from the vehicle validation sensor 810 of a vehicle (e.g., the detection path 811 of the vehicle validation sensor 810 being broken). Upon engagement of the vehicle detection device 300, the tire determination device 100 may trigger the tire camera 110 to capture the one or more tire images. In various embodiments, the tire camera 110 may be triggered in an instance the vehicle detection device 300 is engaged and / or disengaged after being engaged (e.g., the tire camera may be triggered immediately after the vehicle detection device 300 is disengaged). The timing of the triggering of the tire camera 110 may be based on the speed of the vehicle, the delay on the camera, and / or the like. The tire determination device 100 may also receive an indication from the tag detection sensor 815 of a vehicle (e.g., the detection path 816 of the tag detection sensor 815 being broken). In such an instance, the tag camera 805 may be triggered to capture the tag image. While the term “tag image” is used, any type of tag recognition may be obtained.

[0100] Referring now to FIG. 9, another example configuration of a tire determination device is provided, in accordance with various embodiments. As shown, the tire determination device 10018202238606.1 -(Ricky Parker)Atty. Docket. No.: 046232.00041 includes the tire camera 1 10 positioned within the housing 105. The tag camera 805 is positioned exterior to the housing 105. A vehicle validation sensor 810 is positioned adjacent or within the housing 105. Additionally, the vehicle detection device 300 is provided as a proximity sensor. As discussed herein, the various sensor types may be interchanged for different configurations. For example, the configuration shown in FIG. 9 may be achieved using a pressure pad sensor for the vehicle detection device 300, such pressure pads which may, in one embodiment, comprise sensors from Recora™ including safety and pressure detection mats for low voltage operations, typically 12 watts at 24 volts or DC varieties. The pressure pads may have sensitivity to around 10-15 pounds, and be comprised of molded or laminated bodies with structural integrity to resist vehicular trafficking.

[0101] In an example embodiment with the configuration of FIG. 9, an example use flow for a vehicle 400 driving adjacent to the tire determination device may receive an indication of a vehicle from the vehicle validation sensor 810 of a detected vehicle (e.g., the detection path 811 of the vehicle validation sensor 810 being broken) and then an indication that the vehicle detection device 300 detects a vehicle. Upon engagement of the vehicle detection device 300, the tire determination device 100 may trigger the tire camera 110 to capture the one or more tire images. In various embodiments, the tire camera 110 may be triggered in an instance the vehicle detection device 300 is engaged and / or disengaged after being engaged (e.g., the tire camera may be triggered immediately after the vehicle detection device 300 is disengaged). The tag camera 805 may be triggered simultaneously or near simultaneously with the tire camera 110 (e.g., based on the engagement of the vehicle detection device 300). As such, the triggering of the tag camera 805 is based on the vehicle detection device 300 and / or the vehicle validation sensor 810.

[0102] FIGs. 10A-14 include various additional embodiments of a tire determination device, as discussed herein. Any of the components shown in FIGs. 10A-14 may be used interchangeably with the components discussed in reference to FIGs. 1-9, unless otherwise stated. In various embodiments, the various embodiments of the tire determination device 100 shown and discussed in reference to FIGs. 10A-14 may be used with any of the configurations discussed herein, such as the configurations shown in FIGs. 3, 4, 8, and 9. The tire determination devices of FIGs. 10A- 14 may also be used with various other components discussed herein, such as the vehicle detection device, the tag camera, and / or the like. FIG. 15 also includes a configuration of a tire determination device 100 that may be in accordance with various embodiments discussed herein.19202238606.1 -(Ricky Parker)Atty. Docket. No.: 046232.00041

[0103] Referring now to FTGs. 1 OA-12, another example tire determination device 100 is shown. The tire determination device 100 of FIGs. 10A-12 may include any of the components discussed in reference to the tire determination device 100 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 10A is a side view of the tire determination device 100. FIG. 10B is a front view of the tire determination device 100. FIG. 10C is a rear view of the tire determination device 100 with the rear cover removed (e.g., a rear cover may seal the box for operation but is not shown to illustrate the interior components).

[0104] As shown in FIGs. 10A-10C, the tire camera 110 of the tire determination device 100 may be disposed at a position that is not center of the housing 105. As shown in FIG.1, the tire camera 110 may be centered on the camera side 125 of the housing 105. However, FIGs. 10A-13 illustrate different camera positions may be contemplated. For example, the tire camera 110 may have a “left-hand” configuration (FIGs. 1 OA-12) and / or “right-hand” configuration (FIG. 13). A left-hand configuration may define the tire camera, as shown in FIGs. 10B and 10C. The left-hand configuration, as shown in FIG. 10C, includes a tire camera 110 towards the left side of the housing 105 (from the rearview). The right-hand configuration, as shown in FIG. 13, includes a tire camera 110 towards the right side of the housing 105 (from the rear view).

[0105] The tire camera 110 may be mounted on the component board 1050. The tire camera 110 may be positioned or otherwise mounted adjacent one of the camera apertures in the component board (e.g., left-hand camera aperture 1055A or right-hand camera aperture 1055B). The tire camera 110 may be positioned to capture image and / or video through a housing camera aperture 1100 shown in FIG. 11. The position of the housing camera aperture 1100 may be dependent on the configuration of the tire determination device 100. For example, the housing camera aperture may align with the tire camera 110 in an instance in which the tire camera is mounted in the lefthand configuration (FIGs. 10A-12), the tire camera is mounted in the right-hand configuration (FIG. 13), the tire camera is mounted in the center configuration (FIG. 1), and / or the like. In various embodiments, multiple tire cameras may be disposed within the housing 105 and as such, multiple apertures may be provided in the housing.

[0106] The tire camera 110 may be disposed to read tire image(s) at an angle (e.g., the tire image may be capture of the tire without being completely parallel with the tire). In various embodiments, the tire camera 110 may define a field of vision that allows the tire camera 110 to capture tire image(s) of a passing vehicle (e.g., such as the configurations shown in FIGs. 3, 4, 8, and 9). The field of vision of the tire camera 110 may be based on the position of the tire determination device20202238606.1 -(Ricky Parker)Atty. Docket. No.: 046232.00041100. For example, a tire determination device 100 may be positioned at near an entrance of a vehicle lane 315 and the field of vision for the tire camera 110 may be sufficient to capture a tire image of the passing vehicle.

[0107] In various embodiments, the flash element(s) (e.g., the first flash element 115A) may be disposed outside of the housing 105. For example, the flash element(s) may be attached to the exterior of the housing 105. As shown, the first flash element 115 may be mounted (e.g., via brackets 1115A, 1115B shown in FIG. 11) to the exterior of the housing 105. In various embodiments, any number of flash element(s) may be provided within and / or exterior to the housing 105. As shown in FIG. 10B, one of the flash element(s) may be provided opposite the side closest to the tire camera. For example, as shown in FIG. 10B, the tire camera 110 is disposed closer to one side of the housing and the flash element is provided along an edge opposite the tire camera.

[0108] In various embodiments, at least one of the flash element(s) may be positioned on a side of the housing 105 adjacent the camera side 125. The flash element(s) may be mounted directly to the housing (e.g., via brackets 1115A, 1115B). The position of the flash element(s) may be based on the position of the tire camera 110. For example, as shown in FIG. 10C, the flash element may be positioned along the right side of the housing 105 from the rear view in an instance in which the tire camera 110 is in the direction of the left side of the housing from the rear view.

[0109] Any number of different flash element locations may be contemplated inside and / or outside of the housing 105. For example, flash element(s) may be provided within the housing 105 (as shown in FIG. 1) and / or outside of the housing 105 (as shown in FIGs. 3 and 10A-13). The position of the flash element(s) may be selected to provide a light effect to the tire being imaged by the tire camera. For example, the markings of a tire being imaged may be lit by the flash element(s) to make the markings (e.g., markings 600 of FIG. 6) easier to read by the tire determination device 100.

[0110] In various embodiments, the flash element(s) may be angled relative to the tire camera 110, such that the flash element(s) provides lighting to the tire being imaged at an angle. As shown in FIG. 15, the flash element(s) may be angled relative to the camera side 125 of the housing 105. For example, the flash element(s) may be angled for the lighting path 1505 to hit the tire passing at an angle (e.g., not directly perpendicular). In various embodiments, the angle defined between the lighting path 1505 and the housing 105 may be less than 90 degrees. The light provided by the21202238606.1 -(Ricky Parker)Atty. Docket. No.: 046232.00041 flash element(s) may create a shadow caused by the markings on the tire (e.g., allowing for the markings to be easier to read by optical character recognition (OCR) or other processing techniques). An imaging path 1500 is also shown in FIG. 15, which may cause the tire image to be capture as shown in FIG. 5. The angle of lighting path 1505 allows for the tire image to be improved by creating a shadow of the markings in the tire image.

[0111] As shown in FIG. 10C, a component board 1050 may be provided to mount the various components (e.g., tire camera 110) discussed herein). In various embodiments, the component board 1050 may be mounted or otherwise attached within the housing 105. The component board 1050 is shown individually in FIG. 14. In various embodiments, the component board 1050 may be part of the housing 105. The component board 1050 may include attachment means for any number of components, such as the power supply 200, the tire camera 110, processing devices, and / or the like. Example components include components 1015, 1020, and 1025. The components 1015, 1020, 1025 may be any number of components, such as processing device(s), memory device(s), communication interface(s), and / or the like.

[0112] As shown in FIG. 11, each aperture of the housing 105 may be sealed or otherwise protected to protect the interior component within the housing 105 from the exterior environments (e.g., rain and / or other water). For example, the housing 105 may be waterproof or water resistant. In various embodiments, the tire determination device 100 may be used for indoor use and / or outdoor use. For example, the tire camera 110 may have a protective lens 1105 that seals the housing camera aperture 1100.

[0113] The housing 105 may be attached to abase 1000. The base 1000 may be the same or similar to the pedestal discussed in reference to FIG. 1. The base 1000 may also have an intermediate base pad 1110. The intermediate base pad 1110 and / or the base 1000 may provide a cushioning effect for the housing 105. In various embodiments, the tire determination device 100 may be positioned on a ground surface (e.g., on the ground of a shop) and the intermediate base pad 1110 and / or the base 1000 may provide a cushioning effect from vehicles (e.g., to protect image quality).

[0114] FIG. 12 shows a reverse view of the tire determination device 100 shown in FIG. 11. The tire determination device 100 may include the component board 1050. The component board 1050 may be removably attached to the inside of the housing 105. As discussed herein various components may be mounted and / or otherwise attached to the component board 1050, such as the tire camera 110, the power supply 200, components 1015, 1020, and 1025, and / or the like. In22202238606.1 -(Ricky Parker)Atty. Docket. No.: 046232.00041 various embodiments, the components may be mounted and / or otherwise attached to the component board 1050 to allow easy installation within the housing 105.

[0115] The component board 1050, as discussed herein may also be universal and / or configured for more than one camera positions. For example, the component board 1050 shown in FIG. 12 includes left-hand camera apertures 1055 A and right-hand camera aperture 1055B. As such, in various embodiments, the same component board 1050 may be used with different style housings. While the component board 1050 and the housing 105 are shown as individual components, in various embodiments, the component board 1050 and the housing 105 may be unitary and / or the same component (e.g., the components may be directly attached to the interior of the housing 105).

[0116] Referring now to FIG. 13, another example tire determination device 100 is shown. As shown in FIGs. 12 and 13, the component board 1050 may be universal (e.g., allowing the tire camera 110 to be used in “left-hand” configuration (FIGs. 10A-12) and / or “right-hand” configuration (FIG. 13). In various embodiments, a component board 1050 may be designed specifically for a single configuration (e.g., only an aperture for the left-hand configuration or a right-hand configuration may be provided). Multiple tire cameras may also be provided (e.g., a tire camera may be present in both camera apertures 1055A, 1055B. In various embodiments, the housing 105 may be designed for a specific configuration (e.g., the housing 105 of FIGs. 10A-12 may have an aperture defined that aligns with the tire camera in the left-hand configuration and the housing 105 of FIG. 13 may have an aperture defined that aligns with the tire camera in the right-hand configuration). In various embodiments, a housing 105 may define multiple apertures for multiple different configurations (e.g., an aperture that is not used for a tire camera may be capped to protect the interior components).

[0117] Referring now to FIG. 14, a component board 1050 is shown that may be used in the tire determination device of FIGs. 10A-12 and / or the tire determination device of FIG. 13. In various embodiments, the component board may be adapted for a center mounted camera, as shown in FIG. 2. The component board 1050 may be attachable to the housing 105. For example, the component board 1050 may be attached to the interior of the housing 105. In various embodiments, the component board may be unitary with the housing 105 (e.g., via the attachment of the component board 1050 to the housing 105 or the component board 1050 being part of the housing 105).23202238606.1 -(Ricky Parker)Atty. Docket. No.: 046232.00041

[0118] In various embodiments, the component board 1050 may include apertures or other attachment means to receive any number of different components, such as a controller, a power supply 200, etc. The component board may have any number of apertures and / or attachment means to attach components. For example, apertures may be provided below the camera apertures 1055A, 1055B to attach a mount for the tire camera (as shown in FIG. 14, the tire camera 110 is mounted adjacent to the left-hand camera aperture 1O55A).

[0119] Referring now to FIG. 15, an imaging path 1500 of the tire camera 110 and a lighting path 1505 of a flash element are shown. The imaging path 1500 and the lighting path 1505 are merely example paths for each component. For example, the tire camera 110 may define a field of vision that includes imaging path 1500 and the lighting from the flash element may define a field of lighting that includes the lighting path 1505. While FIG. 15 shows a tire determination device 100 with a left-hand configuration (as shown in FIGs. 10A-12), the imaging path 1500 and / or the lighting path 1505 may be the same across multiple different configurations (e.g., the lighting path 1505 may be angled in a right-hand configuration and / or a center configuration).

[0120] As discussed herein, the flash element(s) may be angled relative to the camera side 125 of the housing 105. For example, the flash element(s) may be angled for the lighting path 1505 to hit the tire passing at an angle (e.g., not directly perpendicular). In various embodiments, the angle defined between the lighting path 1505 and the housing 105 may be less than 90 degrees. The light provided by the flash element(s) may create a shadow caused by the markings on the tire (e.g., allowing for the markings to be easier to read by OCR or other processing techniques). An imaging path 1500 is also shown in FIG. 15, which may cause the tire image to be capture as shown in FIG. 5. The angle of lighting path 1505 allows for the tire image to be improved by creating a shadow of the markings in the tire image.

[0121] Referring now to FIG. 16, a block diagram of a tire determination device 100 is shown. The block diagram illustrates the operations performed by an example tire determination device. Each component of the block diagram is merely an example and not required for the operation of a tire determination device. The block diagram 1600 illustrates the flow of instructions and / or transmissions (e.g., stored in a memory device and / or the like) across multiple components within the tire determination device. Block 1605 of FIG. 16 illustrates a power input (e.g., a 24 volt power input) that may be provided to power various components within the tire determination device 100.24202238606.1 -(Ricky Parker)Atty. Docket. No.: 046232.00041For example, the power input may supply power to sensor(s), camera(s), processing device(s), and / or the like).

[0122] Block 1610 of FIG. 16 refers to sensor input connections. The sensor input connections include any sensors discussed herein, such as the vehicle detection sensors and / or the like. The tire determination device 100 may receive transmissions from the given sensors. For example, the vehicle detection sensor may provide an indication of a vehicle being detected, as discussed herein. Block 1615 of FIG. 16 includes receiving inputs from optical isolators. The operation of Block 1615 of FIG. 16 may be in addition to or alternatively from the sensor inputs in Block 1610 of FIG. 16. The optical isolators may be used in combination with vehicle detection sensor(s) and / or other types of sensing devices discussed herein.

[0123] As shown in Blocks 1620 of FIG. 16, the processing device of the tire determination device 100 may receive the inputs from the sensors and / or optical isolators shown in Block 1610 and Block 1615. The processing device may process the input information to determine whether a vehicle is present for performing the operations discussed herein. For example, the processing device(s) of the tire determination device 100 may determine the input from a vehicle detection sensor indicates that a vehicle is present in vehicle lane as discussed herein.

[0124] Upon determining a vehicle is proximate the tire determination device for imaging, the processing device(s) may provide an output to power relays (Block 1625) and / or optical isolators (Block 1630). The power relay may provide power to one or more components (e.g., tire camera(s), tag camera(s), etc ). The power relays may receive power from the input power of Block 1605 and provide power to a power supply (e.g., a 15-volt power supply as shown in Block 1640) and / or directly to individual components. The power supply may be the power supply 200 discussed herein. An example power supply is a PULS PIANO series power supply.

[0125] The camera(s) (e.g., the tire camera(s), the tag camera(s), and / or the like) may receive the power (e.g., via the power supply of Block 1640). The camera(s), upon receiving power, may capture tire image(s) and / or tag image(s) as discussed herein. The tire determination device may process the tire image(s) and / or the tag image(s) directly (e.g., using on-boarding processing device(s)) and / or transmit the tire image(s) and / or the tag image(s) via the network 1700 for processing via a remote processing device.

[0126] The output of the processing device of Block 1620 may also cause the flash element(s) discussed herein to be actuated. The flash element(s) may also receive power via the power relays25202238606.1 -(Ricky Parker)Atty. Docket. No.: 046232.00041 of Block 1625. Block 1635 of FIG. 16 represents the flash element(s), which may be an LED light and / or other light type.

[0127] Referring now to FIG. 17, a system environment for any of the operations discussed herein is shown in accordance with various embodiments. As shown, the system may include the tire determination device 100 and one or more computing devices 1710 connected via a network 1700. The tire determination device 100 may transmit and / or receive data via the network 1700.

[0128] In various embodiments, the tire determination device 100 may include one or more processing devices and / or one or more memory devices. The operations discussed herein may be carried out via the tire determination device 100. In various embodiments, one or more operations (e.g., the operations discussed in reference to FIG. 7) may be completed by a computing device remote from the tire determination device 100. For example, the computing device(s) 1710 may be used to carry out one or more operations discussed herein. The tire determination device 100 may have an on-board computer, such as a Raspberry Pi 5 and / or other processing device to carry out the operations discussed herein.

[0129] The components (e.g., the tire determination device 100 and / or the computing device(s) 1710) of the system may be connected to the network via wired and / or wireless connection. Example connection types include local (e.g., Bluetooth, wi-fi, and / or the like) connection and / or cellular connections. Any number of network connections may be contemplated.

[0130] The computing device(s) 1710 may be any number of different computing devices, such as a desktop computer 1715, a mobile phone 1720, a laptop 1725, a tablet, a virtual computing device, and / or the like. Any number of different devices that include processing device(s) and / or memory device(s) may be used as the computing device(s) 1710. In various embodiments, the computing device(s) 1710 may share components with other computing devices and / or the tire determination device 100. For example, the operations discussed herein may be performed by the processing device(s) of the computing device(s) 1710 and / or the tire determination device 100. In various embodiments, one or more of the computing device(s) 1710 may be controlled by a third-party (e.g., a third-party may determine the vehicle characteristic(s) and / or other information relating to the vehicle and / or tire). Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the computing device(s) 1710 may be controlled by the same entity as the tire determination device 100 (e.g., an entity may have control of both the tire determination device 100 and one or more computing devices).26202238606.1 -(Ricky Parker)Atty. Docket. No.: 046232.00041

[0131] Unless stated otherwise, any of the configurations of various embodiments may be used interchangeably. It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure are merely possible examples of implementations set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the abovedescribed embodiment(s) without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims.IV. Claims Clauses

[0132] Clause 1. A tire determination device, the device comprising: a tire camera; at least one flash element, wherein the at least one flash element is positioned adjacent to the tire camera; a vehicle detection device, wherein the vehicle detection device indicates an instance in which a vehicle is passing through a capture zone; and at least one processing device, wherein the at least one processing device is configured to cause the tire camera to capture at least one tire image of the vehicle in the capture zone, wherein the tire camera captures the at least one tire image in an instance in which the vehicle is moving.

[0133] Clause 2. The device of Clause 1, further comprising a tag camera, wherein the tag camera is positioned to capture a tag image of a tag on the vehicle.

[0134] Clause 3. The device of Clause 2, wherein the at least one processing device is configured to cause the tag camera to capture the tag image of the tag on the vehicle in the capture zone.

[0135] Clause 4. The device of Clause 1, wherein the at least one flash element comprises a first flash element and a second flash element, wherein the first flash element is positioned adjacent to the tire camera on a first side and the second flash element is positioned adjacent to the tire camera on a second side opposite the first side.

[0136] Clause 5. The device of Clause 1, wherein the vehicle detection device is a pressure sensor.

[0137] Clause 6. The device of Clause 5, wherein the vehicle detection device is positioned in a vehicle lane, wherein the vehicle drives over the vehicle detection device.

[0138] Clause 7. The device of Clause 1, wherein the tire camera, the at least one flash element, and / or the at least one processing device are defined within a housing.

[0139] Clause 8. The device of Clause 7, wherein the housing is positionable adjacent to a vehicle lane, wherein the tire camera is directed to the vehicle lane.27202238606.1 -(Ricky Parker)Atty. Docket. No.: 046232.00041

[0140] Clause 9. The device of Clause 7, wherein each of the camera and the at least one flash element have an aperture defined on a camera side of the housing.

[0141] Clause 10. The device of Clause 1, further comprising a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is connected to a network, wherein the at least one processing device is further configured to cause a transmission of the at least one tire image via the network.

[0142] Clause 11. The device of Clause 10, wherein at least one vehicle characteristic is received via the communication interface in response to the transmission of the at least one tire image.

[0143] Clause 12. The device of Clause 11, wherein the at least one processing device is further configured to determine a tire recommendation based on the at least one vehicle characteristic.

[0144] Clause 13. The device of Clause 12, wherein the determination of the tire recommendation is based at least partially on a vendor inventory, wherein the vendor inventory indicates one or more available tires.

[0145] Clause 14. The device of Clause 1, further comprising a vehicle detection sensor, wherein the vehicle detection sensor is a radar that monitors motion based on the vehicle detection device and / or a laser that monitors motion based on the vehicle detection device.

[0146] Clause 15. The device of Clause 14, wherein the vehicle detection sensor is a radar and / or a laser positioned adjacent the tire camera.

[0147] Clause 16. The device of Clause 1, further comprising a pedestal, wherein a housing containing the tire camera, the at least one flash element, and the at least one processing device is placed on top of the pedestal.

[0148] Clause 17. The device of Clause 1, wherein the tire camera is at least eight megapixels.

[0149] Clause 18. The device of Clause 1, wherein the at least one processing device is further configured to adjust at least one image parameter to adjust a quality of the at least one tire image.

[0150] Clause 19. The device of Clause 18, wherein the at least one image parameter is adjusted based on the quality of a test tire image.

[0151] Clause 20. The device of Clause 1, wherein the at least one processing device is further configured to cause the at least one tire image to be cropped.

[0152] Clause 21. A method of determining a tire on a moving vehicle, the method comprising: receiving, via a vehicle detection device, an indication of a vehicle passing through a capture zone; based on the indication of the vehicle passing through the capture zone, causing at least one tire image to be captured via a tire camera, wherein the at least one tire image includes a tire of the28202238606.1 -(Ricky Parker)Atty. Docket. No.: 046232.00041 vehicle; determining at least one vehicle characteristic based on the at least one tire image captured by the tire camera; and determining a tire recommendation based on the at least one vehicle characteristic.

[0153] Clause 22. The method of Clause 21, further comprising causing a transmission of the at least one tire image via a communication interface, wherein the determination of the at least one vehicle characteristic is based on a transmission received via the communication interface based on the transmission of the at least one tire image.

[0154] Clause 23. The method of Clause 21, further comprising causing a capture of a tag image via a tag camera, wherein the tag camera is positioned to capture the tag image of a tag on the vehicle.

[0155] Clause 24. The method of Clause 21, wherein the vehicle detection device is a pressure sensor.

[0156] Clause 25. The method of Clause 21, wherein the determination of the tire recommendation is based at least partially on a vendor inventory, wherein the vendor inventory indicates one or more available tires.

[0157] Clause 26. The method of Clause 21, further comprising adjusting at least one image parameter to adjust a quality of the at least one tire image.

[0158] Clause 27. The method of Clause 26, wherein the at least one image parameter is adjusted based on the quality of a test tire image.

[0159] Clause 28. The method of Clause 21, further comprising causing the at least one tire image to be cropped.29202238606.1 -(Ricky Parker)

Claims

Atty. Docket. No.: 046232.00041CLAIMSTherefore, the following is claimed:

1. A tire determination device, the device comprising: a tire camera; at least one flash element, wherein the at least one flash element is positioned adjacent to the tire camera; a vehicle detection device, wherein the vehicle detection device indicates an instance in which a vehicle is passing through a capture zone; and at least one processing device, wherein the at least one processing device is configured to cause the tire camera to capture at least one tire image of the vehicle in the capture zone, wherein the tire camera captures the at least one tire image in an instance in which the vehicle is moving.

2. The device of Claim 1, further comprising a tag camera, wherein the tag camera is positioned to capture a tag image of a tag on the vehicle.

3. The device of Claim 2, wherein the at least one processing device is configured to cause the tag camera to capture the tag image of the tag on the vehicle in the capture zone.

4. The device of Claim 1, wherein the vehicle detection device is a pressure sensor or a laser sensor.

5. The device of Claim 4, wherein the vehicle detection device is positioned in a vehicle lane, wherein the vehicle drives over the vehicle detection device.

6. The device of Claim 1, wherein the tire camera and the at least one processing device are defined within a housing.

7. The device of Claim 6, wherein the housing is positionable adjacent to a vehicle lane, wherein the tire camera is directed to the vehicle lane.30202238606.1 -(Ricky Parker)Atty. Docket. No.: 046232.000418. The device of Claim 1, further comprising a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is connected to a network, wherein the at least one processing device is further configured to cause a transmission of the at least one tire image via the network.

9. The device of Claim 8, wherein at least one vehicle characteristic is received via the communication interface in response to the transmission of the at least one tire image.

10. The device of Claim 9, wherein the at least one processing device is further configured to determine a tire recommendation based on the at least one vehicle characteristic.

11. The device of Claim 10, wherein the determination of the tire recommendation is based at least partially on a vendor inventory, wherein the vendor inventory indicates one or more available tires.

12. The device of Claim 1, wherein the at least one processing device is further configured to adjust at least one image parameter to adjust a quality of the at least one tire image.

13. The device of Claim 12, wherein the at least one image parameter is adjusted based on the quality of a test tire image.

14. A method of determining a tire on a moving vehicle, the method comprising: receiving, via a vehicle detection device, an indication of a vehicle passing through a capture zone; based on the indication of the vehicle passing through the capture zone, causing at least one tire image to be captured via a tire camera, wherein the at least one tire image includes a tire of the vehicle; determining at least one vehicle characteristic based on the at least one tire image captured by the tire camera; and determining a tire recommendation based on the at least one vehicle characteristic.

15. The method of Claim 14, further comprising causing a transmission of the at least one tire image via a communication interface, wherein the determination of the at least one31202238606.1 -(Ricky Parker)Atty. Docket. No.: 046232.00041 vehicle characteristic is based on the transmission received via the communication interface based on the transmission of the at least one tire image.

16. The method of Claim 14, further comprising causing a capture of a tag image via a tag camera, wherein the tag camera is positioned to capture the tag image of a tag on the vehicle.

17. The method of Claim 14, wherein the determination of the tire recommendation is based at least partially on a vendor inventory, wherein the vendor inventory indicates one or more available tires.

18. The method of Claim 14, further comprising adjusting at least one image parameter to adjust a quality of the at least one tire image.

19. The method of Claim 18, wherein the at least one image parameter is adjusted based on the quality of a test tire image.

20. The method of Claim 14, further comprising causing the at least one tire image to be cropped.32202238606.1 -(Ricky Parker)

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