Optical Tire Tread Evaluation for Precise Wear Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining tire tread depth are often unreliable and lack clear reference points, leading to uncertain and rough estimates, which can result in uneven wear and reduced driving safety, increased waste, and higher operating costs.
Innovation Solution
A method using a condition assessment device with an electronic data processing unit to identify tire type and detect surface topography, correlating this data with reference information to provide detailed, spatially resolved status information on tread depth and abrasion, utilizing optical image capture and machine learning for accurate tire evaluation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated methods are used to determine tread depth using electronic devices, then measurement efficiency is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to lack of clear internal reference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing reference images of new tires with known tread patterns in a database before the actual measurement. During evaluation, the system automatically compares the captured worn tire image against these pre-prepared reference images, eliminating the need for manual reference comparison and providing automated, precise measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating digital images (copies) of the tire tread pattern at different wear stages. These image copies are then processed and compared to determine tread depth, replacing physical measurement tools and enabling automated analysis while maintaining measurement accuracy through pixel-based comparison.
2Ease of operation
If relative tread depth determination is performed without a comparison system, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of information increases as comprehensive tire condition information becomes unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by automatically comparing the captured tire image with reference images and providing quantitative feedback about tread depth, wear patterns, and tire condition. This automated feedback loop delivers comprehensive tire condition information without requiring manual comparison operations from the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary element - a database of reference images and an automated image processing algorithm - that mediates between the captured tire image and the final evaluation. This intermediary system automatically performs the comparison function, maintaining ease of operation while preventing information loss about tire condition.
3Device complexity
If only central tread lines are measured, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates as uneven wear patterns are missed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the tire tread evaluation into multiple measurement zones rather than a single central line. The image processing system automatically segments the tread pattern into different regions and evaluates wear in each zone, enabling detection of uneven wear patterns while keeping the device relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional central line measurement to two-dimensional area-based measurement by analyzing the entire tread pattern in the captured image. This dimensional change allows comprehensive wear pattern detection across the whole tire surface without significantly increasing device complexity, as the same camera captures the expanded measurement area.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method enables reliable and precise determination of tire wear, providing users with comprehensive information on tread depth and abrasion behavior, facilitating uniform tire wear and reducing waste and operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
Detecting a surface topography for at least one profile section of the vehicle tire with an optical detection unit
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for evaluating the tread condition of vehicle tires (10), in particular the tread depth and the wear condition, with a condition evaluation device (12) comprising an electronic data processing device (14) with a storage unit (16), comprising the method steps: a) identifying the tire type of a vehicle tire (10) with an identification unit (18) of the condition evaluation device (12), b) detecting a surface topography for at least one tread section of the vehicle tire (10) with an optical detection unit (20) of the condition evaluation device (12), c) evaluating the condition of the tread section by correlating the detected surface topography with at least one profile information associated with the identified tire type with an evaluation unit (22) of the condition evaluation device (12) to obtain condition information.and d) outputting the status information via an output unit (24) of the status assessment device (12).