Tire Defect Inspection Using Model-Based Dimension Recognition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tire inspection methods using optical cutting techniques face challenges in accurately determining tire dimensions and detecting defects without requiring manual parameter adjustments for each tire type and diameter, especially when dealing with black objects like tires that are difficult to illuminate uniformly.

Innovation Solution

An inspection device and method that utilizes a shape recognition unit to analyze tire images, extracts tire information, calculates dimensions based on recognized model numbers, and determines defects using photometric stereo methods, eliminating the need for strip-shaped or line-shaped light irradiation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If optical cutting method with strip-shaped or line-shaped light is used to inspect tire surface, then surface shape can be measured, but manual parameter adjustment is required for each tire type and diameter which reduces inspection efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface shape measurement accuracyVSAvoidinspection speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The inspection device automatically identifies tire type and diameter from captured images, then self-adjusts inspection parameters without manual intervention. The system extracts tire information including model numbers from images, automatically sets appropriate inspection parameters based on the identified tire specifications, and proceeds with defect detection, eliminating the need for operators to manually adjust parameters for each tire type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes inspection parameters based on the automatically identified tire specifications. Different tire types and diameters trigger different parameter settings for the optical cutting method, allowing the same inspection device to adapt to various tire configurations without manual reconfiguration, thereby maintaining measurement precision while improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If manual parameter adjustment is required for each tire type and diameter, then measurement accuracy can be maintained, but operator burden increases and inspection efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedimension measurement accuracyVSAvoidoperator burden

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The inspection device performs automatic tire identification and parameter setting, making the system self-sufficient. The image processing unit automatically extracts tire information from captured images, identifies the tire type and diameter, and the control unit automatically configures appropriate inspection parameters, completely eliminating the need for operator intervention in parameter adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical process of parameter adjustment by operators is replaced with an automated image recognition and parameter setting system. The system uses image processing algorithms to identify tire specifications and automatically configures inspection parameters, substituting human操作 with automated computational processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Area of stationary object

If uniform illumination is applied to black tire surfaces, then complete surface coverage is achieved, but light reflection from black surfaces makes defect detection difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveilluminated surface areaVSAvoiddefect detection difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using uniform illumination across the entire tire surface, the system employs localized lighting strategies. The optical cutting method projects line-shaped or strip-shaped light that creates high-contrast edges and shadows, making defect detection easier on black surfaces by emphasizing local surface variations rather than attempting uniform illumination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes the optical properties of black surfaces by employing illumination that creates strong contrast through reflection and shadowing effects. The optical cutting technique projects light that reflects differently from defect areas versus normal tire surface, creating detectable variations in the captured images that overcome the challenge of black surface absorption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Data Source

PatentUS20260038102A1Inspection device, inspection method, and non-transitory computer-readable recording medium

Publication Date: 2026.02.05 NEC CORP

AI summary

An inspection device includes a shape recognition means for recognizing a shape of a tire from one or more images of the tire and detecting a defect candidate of the tire; and a tire information recognition means for extracting a character from the one or more images of the tire and recognizing tire information including a model number of the tire; a reference dimension setting means for acquiring information about a specification dimension of the tire based on the recognized model number of the tire; a dimension calculation means for calculating a dimension of the defect candidate based on the specification dimension of the tire and the shape of the tire; and a determination means for determining presence or absence of a defect of the tire based on the dimension of the defect candidate.