Tire Condition Detection with Multispectral TOF Imaging for Debris Filtering
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining tire condition, such as tread depth, are hindered by debris and require improved accuracy and efficiency, especially in distinguishing tire surface from non-tire materials.
Innovation Solution
A method using a multispectral camera to identify a secondary area on the tire surface free from debris, combined with time-of-flight (TOF) imaging to determine edge maps, which are processed to calculate edge counts at varying exposure times, allowing precise tire condition assessment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional imaging methods are used to inspect tire surface, then the inspection process is simple, but debris on the tire surface interferes with measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tire surface inspection into multiple spectral bands (visible light and infrared), allowing separate analysis of different surface characteristics. The visible light image captures surface reflectivity while the infrared image penetrates deeper to detect tread features, enabling debris to be distinguished from actual tire features through multi-spectral comparison.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spectral dimension to the traditional 2D image inspection by capturing both visible light and infrared wavelengths. This dimensional expansion allows the system to differentiate between debris and tire surface features based on their distinct spectral signatures, improving measurement precision without adding physical complexity to the inspection process.
2Measurement precision
If multiple imaging systems are used to distinguish tire surface from non-tire materials, then measurement accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges visible light imaging and infrared imaging into a single integrated inspection system. Both imaging systems share common components such as the tire rotation mechanism, positioning systems, and data processing unit. The combined system processes multiple spectral images through a unified algorithm that compares reflectivity patterns across different wavelengths to identify tire surface features versus debris.
3Reliability
If comprehensive tire inspection is performed to ensure safety, then traffic safety improves, but inspection time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous imaging capture during tire rotation, with the camera system continuously acquiring visible light and infrared images throughout the inspection cycle. This continuous data acquisition eliminates gaps in inspection coverage while maintaining high throughput. The system processes images in real-time during rotation, ensuring comprehensive coverage without requiring the tire to be stationary or requiring multiple separate inspection passes.
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
Enhances the accuracy and efficiency of tire condition determination by excluding debris interference and providing reliable tread depth measurements, reducing uncertainty and enabling timely tire replacement alerts.
Implementation Method 1
collecting multispectral data of a primary area of a tire with a multispectral camera
Implementation Method 2
collecting time-of-flight images of a primary area of the tire with a time-of-flight sensor
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A method of determining tire condition is disclosed herein, including collecting multi spectral data of a primary area of a tire with a multi spectral camera and determining a secondary area of the primary area based on the multi spectral data. A plurality of TOF images of the primary area and/or the secondary area is collected. Each of the TOF images is edge filtered to determine a plurality of edge maps. A tire condition of the secondary area is determined based on the plurality of edge maps. A device for determining tire condition is disclosed.