Multi-Light Tire Imaging for Accurate Groove Depth Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging systems struggle to accurately determine the shape and depth of tire grooves in black objects like tires due to low light reflectance, requiring improved methods to enhance surface contrast and precision.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus with a detachable mounting unit for general-purpose devices, adjustable light sources capable of switching between on and off, and a synchronization unit to capture images in multiple lighting patterns, enhancing contrast using photometric stereo methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a camera images a black object like a tire without additional lighting, then the imaging setup is simple, but the surface contrast is insufficient and groove depth cannot be accurately determined
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing multiple images under different lighting patterns (different light source combinations) before processing. This allows the subsequent calculation of surface normals and groove depth to be performed with sufficient contrast information already present in the captured image set, resolving the contradiction by preparing the necessary illumination data in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from two-dimensional image intensity information to three-dimensional surface geometry information by using photometric stereo techniques. By capturing images under multiple lighting conditions and calculating surface normals from the intensity variations, the system recovers 3D shape information, effectively adding a dimensional aspect to overcome the insufficient surface contrast in single images.
2Measurement precision
If multiple light sources are used to improve surface contrast for black objects, then imaging accuracy improves, but the imaging time increases due to multiple lighting patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic action by sequentially activating different combinations of light sources in a structured manner. Multiple light sources are turned on and off in different patterns across multiple captures, allowing the system to gather sufficient photometric information through repeated measurements with varying illumination conditions, thereby achieving accurate groove depth measurement while managing imaging time through systematic periodic illumination.
3Measurement precision
If a dedicated imaging device is designed for tire inspection, then measurement precision is high, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies universality by designing an imaging apparatus that can handle multiple imaging scenarios through a standardized mounting interface. The mounting unit can accommodate different camera devices, making the system versatile and adaptable to various imaging needs beyond just tire inspection. This multi-functionality approach allows the system to achieve dedicated-device-level precision while maintaining the flexibility and lower complexity of a general-purpose platform.
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 system effectively determines the shape and depth of tire grooves with high accuracy by improving surface contrast and reducing imaging time, allowing for efficient tire inspection.
Implementation Method 1
one or more light sources capable of switching between on and off for each of the light sources, each of the light sources capable of illuminating an imaging area of the camera
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus includes a mounting unit detachably mounting a device having a camera, and one or more light sources capable of switching between on and off for each of the light sources, each of the light sources capable of illuminating an imaging area of the camera.