Optical Sensor Rim Shape Detection for Single Twin Tire Classification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems fail to reliably detect twin tires in flowing traffic due to limited space and shading issues, especially on multi-lane roads, where existing methods struggle to provide clear views of the tire running surface.
Innovation Solution
An optical sensor system that detects the shape of the rim area, using either a 2D or 3D camera, to determine whether single or twin tires are present by analyzing the rim shape and generating a corresponding signal, allowing for tire type identification without requiring additional sensors in the road surface and enabling existing laser scanners to perform both vehicle recognition and tire detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the running surface of the tire is detected using a camera and light section method, then the tire type can be determined, but it is very difficult to achieve in flowing traffic due to limited space and shading from other vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the detection target from the tire running surface to the rim area instead. By detecting the rim area which is visible from the side, the system avoids the shading problems that occur when trying to view the running surface in multi-lane traffic. The rim area serves as a substitute target that provides sufficient information for tire type determination without being affected by the same harmful factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The rim area acts as an intermediary element between the sensor and the tire type information. Instead of directly observing the running surface, the system observes the rim area which correlates with tire characteristics. This intermediary approach allows indirect detection of tire type while avoiding the direct line-of-sight problems caused by shading and limited space in flowing traffic.
2Reliability
If separate sensors such as loops or piezo sensors are installed in the road surface to detect tires, then tire detection can be achieved, but it requires additional infrastructure and increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the existing laser scanner perform multiple functions: vehicle recognition (profile detection) and tire recognition via rim detection. By detecting the rim area shape, the same sensor system that already performs vehicle classification can now also determine tire type, eliminating the need for separate tire detection sensors and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing laser scanner system serves itself by extending its functionality to include tire detection. The same optical sensor and evaluation unit that are already used for vehicle profiling can process rim area data to determine tire characteristics, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating dependency on additional specialized sensors.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a laser scanner is used for vehicle recognition, then existing systems can be utilized, but the scanning plane is typically aligned horizontally which does not optimize rim area detection
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces dynamic adjustment of the scanning plane orientation. Instead of using a fixed horizontal scanning plane, the system can adaptively orient the scanning plane vertically or at optimized angles to better capture the rim area. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the existing laser scanner to achieve precise rim detection while maintaining versatility across different vehicle types and traffic conditions.
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
Enables reliable tire type detection with improved visibility of the rim area, reducing the need for separate road sensors and allowing existing systems to perform vehicle classification and axle counting, while maintaining clear views without shadowing.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor (20), the sensor detecting at least one region of a rim, on which a tire to be determined is mounted
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns a device and a method for detecting a tire on a vehicle to determine whether there is a single or twin tire on an axle. The device has an optical sensor for this purpose, the sensor detecting at least one region of a rim on which a tire to be determined is mounted. An evaluation unit is also provided which is designed to determine a shape of the area of the rim from the sensor signals and to generate a signal from the shape which represents the type of tire.