Tire Sidewall Character Recognition via Image Linearization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for tire recognition, such as RFID tags, are cumbersome for general users to access tire information without prior knowledge, and image-based recognition methods struggle with accurately identifying characters on tires due to varying photographing conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using a terminal with a camera to capture tire images, convert them into linear format, extract character areas, and compare them to a pre-constructed learning database for accurate identification, with adaptive guidelines to account for photographing conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If RFID tags are attached to tires to provide information, then tire information can be obtained, but a separate reader is needed which limits accessibility for general users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical copying by capturing images of tire sidewall characters with a smartphone camera. Instead of requiring physical contact with RFID tags or specialized readers, the system creates a visual copy of the tire information through image capture and processing, making tire identification accessible to general users without specialized equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical RFID reading system with an optical imaging system. Instead of using electromagnetic fields to read tags, the system uses a camera to capture light reflected from the tire sidewall characters, substituting a complex electronic reading mechanism with a simple optical copying process that any smartphone can perform
2Ease of operation
If image-based recognition is used to identify tire characters, then no additional hardware is needed, but accurate character identification is difficult due to varying photographing conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary image processing actions before character recognition: it first captures the tire image, then converts the circular tire profile into a linear format, extracts the character region of interest, and enhances the image quality. These preliminary actions prepare the data in advance to ensure accurate character recognition despite varying photographing conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the tire image into distinct components: it separates the tire sidewall area from the background, extracts only the character region containing the information, and divides the character data into recognizable units. This segmentation isolates the relevant information from the complex circular tire structure, making accurate recognition possible
3Manufacturing precision
If circular tire images are processed directly, then no image conversion is needed, but character extraction and recognition are inaccurate due to the round shape
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the two-dimensional circular tire image into a one-dimensional linear format by unrolling the circular profile. This dimensional change from circular to linear geometry straightens the character arrangement, making it possible to extract and recognize text characters that would be difficult to identify in their circular configuration
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a method and an apparatus for recognizing a tire by using an image of a tire captured by using a terminal. The apparatus recognizes a tire by converting an image of a round tire included in the image into a linear image, extracting an area of a character to be recognized from the linear image, and determining a character for learning, which is most similar to the extracted area of the character to be recognized from among a pre-constructed group of characters for learning, as a character in the area of the character to be recognized.