Tire Indicator Color Analysis for Accurate Retreading Decisions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies lack precision in determining the degradation state of tires, making it difficult to provide accurate proposals for retreading, which can lead to inappropriate decisions based on the tire's actual condition.

Innovation Solution

A degradation state determination method and apparatus that uses a color change database and a degradation determination model to analyze the tire's degradation based on an indicator attached to the tire, determining the tire's state and proposing suitable retreading options.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional methods (pre-printed expiration date or simple color change indicators) are used to determine tire degradation, then the device complexity is low and ease of operation is high, but the measurement precision of tire degradation state is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetire degradation state measurement precisionVSAvoiddegradation determination system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the degradation determination process into distinct functional modules: an image acquisition unit that captures images of the indicator, a degradation determination unit that analyzes the images using a degradation determination model, and a proposal unit that provides retreading recommendations. This segmentation allows each module to specialize in a specific task, improving overall measurement precision while managing system complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an indicator as an intermediary element attached to the tire that visually reflects the tire's degradation state through color changes. This intermediary translates complex internal tire degradation into observable external color variations, enabling precise non-contact measurement without requiring direct inspection of the tire's internal condition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If conventional methods are used for tire degradation assessment, then the ease of operation is high, but the reliability of retreading proposals is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveretreading proposal reliabilityVSAvoiddegradation determination operation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the degradation determination unit continuously monitors the indicator's color changes and provides real-time degradation state information to the proposal unit. This feedback loop ensures that retreading proposals are based on accurate, up-to-date degradation data, significantly improving the reliability of recommendations while maintaining ease of operation through automated decision support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes in the indicator's color properties (hue, saturation, brightness) as the tire degrades. The degradation determination model analyzes these color parameter changes to quantify the tire's degradation state, providing reliable objective data that directly informs retreading proposals without requiring complex manual assessment procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If a degradation determination model with color change database is implemented, then the measurement precision of degradation state is improved, but the loss of time for data processing increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedegradation state measurement precisionVSAvoiddegradation determination time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-establishing a degradation determination model with a color change database that contains predetermined relationships between indicator color changes and tire degradation states. This pre-computed reference data enables rapid comparison and analysis during actual degradation assessments, reducing processing time while maintaining high measurement precision through standardized reference benchmarks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 determination of tire degradation state, allowing for appropriate retreading decisions and improving the precision of proposals for tire management.

Implementation Method 1

a color component extracted from an image of an indicator attached to a tire... data indicating a relationship between a change in color of the indicator and the amount of a degradation factor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectColor change:

Data Source

PatentEP4407544B1Deterioration condition determination method and deterioration condition determination device
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 BRIDGESTONE CORP
  • EP4407544B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4407544B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4407544B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A degradation state determination method is for a degradation state determination apparatus to determine a degradation state of a tire mounted on a vehicle based on a color of an indicator attached to the tire. The method includes determining the degradation state of the tire, using a degradation determination model that takes an amount of a degradation factor that causes the tire to degrade as input and outputs an index of the degradation state, based on a color change database, including data indicating a relationship between a change in color of the indicator and the amount of the degradation factor, and a color component extracted from an image of the indicator attached to the tire, and proposing, based on the determined degradation state of the tire, an option that is at least one of a method and a product that are selectable when retreading the tire (S44 to S48).