Tire Observation Camera Positioning via Range Sensors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire observation techniques face challenges in accurately positioning cameras and illuminators relative to moving tires, leading to measurement inaccuracies, especially for vehicles in motion.
Innovation Solution
A tire observation apparatus comprising a camera, range sensors, and a position and angle controller, which adjusts the camera's position and angle to ensure accurate imaging of the tire surface by calculating the tire's position relative to the camera using multiple distance measurements from range sensors, allowing for precise alignment and measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a camera and illuminator are fixed at a ground position to image a moving tire, then the device structure is simple, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to difficulty in locating the device at a suitable position relative to the tire
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the camera and illuminator movable rather than fixed. The imaging device includes a moving mechanism that allows the optical axis of the camera to be dynamically adjusted to always point at the tire center, and the illumination direction to be dynamically changed to always illuminate the tire surface perpendicularly, regardless of the vehicle's motion state.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback by detecting the position of the tire relative to the camera and using this information to automatically adjust the camera's orientation and the illuminator's angle. The control unit receives position information and generates control signals to maintain optimal imaging and illumination conditions in real-time.
2Measurement precision
If the camera position and angle are adjusted to accurately image the tire, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional positioning and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the camera, illuminator, and range sensor into a single integrated imaging device. This combination allows the system to simultaneously perform imaging, illumination, and distance measurement functions while sharing common control mechanisms, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite the added functionality required for precise positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs self-service through automatic control where the control unit automatically adjusts the camera and illuminator positions based on tire detection data without requiring manual intervention. The system self-regulates to maintain optimal imaging conditions through automated feedback loops.
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 accurate measurement of tire conditions by ensuring the camera is positioned and angled correctly relative to the tire, even when the vehicle is in motion, reducing measurement errors and improving the reliability of tire surface inspections.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of range sensors provided at a fixed position relative to the camera, and measuring a distance to the tire
Data Source
AI summary
A tire observation apparatus includes a computer and an imaging device including a camera and range sensors positioned at different angles relative to a ground surface. The computer is configured or programmed to calculate a position of a tire relative to the camera by using various distances to the tire calculated by the range sensors. By using the position of the tire, the computer is configured or programmed to calculate an amount of adjustment usable by the imaging device to adjust the position and an angle of the camera such that an imaging center of the camera is directed at a center of the tire or at a surface of the tire that is to be measured.