Sensor Obstruction Detection in Tire Tread Depth Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tire wear assessment using traditional methods is prone to inaccuracies due to manual measurements and imaging-based mechanisms that suffer from reduced accuracy due to contact-related issues and debris on the measurement device.
Innovation Solution
A computing device equipped with a light emitter and image sensor captures depth scan data by distinguishing between reflections from the tire and potential obstructions on the scan window, generating alerts for debris and ensuring accurate depth measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If imaging-based mechanisms are used to measure tire tread depth, then measurement speed and objectivity are improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to contact between the device and tire and debris on the measurement device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and separately analyzes reflections from different depth ranges by creating distinct regions in the image data. The second region specifically captures reflections from a shallower depth range that indicates obstructions, separating this information from the main tread depth measurement in the first region.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by analyzing the second region of image data to detect obstructions and using this information to determine whether to proceed with or adjust the tread depth measurement, ensuring measurement accuracy by accounting for detected obstructions.
2Device complexity
If manual tread depth measurement is performed, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement with an optical imaging system that captures depth scan data and uses image analysis to determine tread depth, eliminating human error while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
3Productivity
If the computing device continues to capture images without detecting obstructions, then productivity is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inaccurate depth measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary analysis of the second region of image data to detect obstructions before finalizing the tread depth measurement. This preliminary detection action ensures that only valid measurements are recorded, maintaining precision without significantly impacting productivity.
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
The solution provides reliable and accurate tire tread depth measurements by detecting and accounting for obstructions, enhancing the precision and reliability of tire wear assessment.
Implementation Method 1
at an emitter of the computing device, emitting a beam of light through a scan window toward a treaded surface traversed by the computing device; at an image sensor of the computing device, for a sequence of positions of the computing device along the treaded surface: (i) capturing a sequence of images corresponding to the sequence of positions, each image in the sequence having a first region and a second region; (ii) wherein the first regions depict a first subset of reflections of the beam of light originating from a first depth range; and (iii) wherein the second regions depict a second subset of the reflections originating from a second depth range
Data Source
AI summary
A method of detecting sensor obstructions in a computing device includes: at an emitter, emitting a beam of light through a scan window toward a treaded surface; at an image sensor, for a sequence of positions of the computing device along the treaded surface: capturing a sequence of images corresponding to the sequence of positions, each image in the sequence having a first region and a second region; wherein the first regions depict a first subset of reflections of the beam of light originating from a first depth range; and wherein the second regions depict a second subset of the reflections originating from a second depth range; at a controller: receiving the sequence of images; determining, based on the second regions, whether an intensity of the second subset of the reflections exceeds a occlusion threshold; and when the determination is affirmative, generating an alert indicating obstruction of the scan window.