Automated Tire Mounting Verification Using Image Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a method and device to quickly and reliably check the correct mounting of tires on a vehicle, particularly in the aftermarket, to prevent errors that can lead to increased noise and reduced service life due to incorrect tire rotation direction.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that record images of tires and compare them with stored reference images to determine if they are properly installed, using image processing to identify correct orientation and rotation direction, especially for tires with directional tread patterns, and utilizing multiple image recording devices and lighting to ensure accurate and efficient checks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual inspection of tire mounting is performed by trained mechanics, then human judgment can be applied, but the process is time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection by mechanics with an automated optical inspection system using cameras and image processing algorithms. The system captures images of tire treads and automatically analyzes them to detect mounting errors, eliminating the need for human time while maintaining or improving detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection system enables the tire mounting verification to be performed automatically without human intervention. The system self-evaluates the mounting correctness by comparing extracted tread features against reference data, making the inspection process autonomous and significantly faster than manual methods.
2Productivity
If automated image processing is used to check tire mounting, then inspection speed increases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential features needed for mounting verification from the tire images, specifically focusing on tread pattern characteristics. By isolating and analyzing only the relevant tread features rather than processing entire tire images, the system achieves fast inspection with reduced computational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection system divides the complex task of tire mounting verification into separate processing stages: image capture, tread feature extraction, pattern recognition, and mounting verification. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently, improving overall inspection speed while managing system complexity through modular design.
3Measurement precision
If images of tire treads are analyzed to determine running direction, then mounting accuracy improves, but image processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary capture and analysis of tire tread images during the mounting process itself. By acquiring the images at the point of mounting and immediately processing them to verify tread orientation, the system ensures high mounting accuracy without requiring complex post-installation testing equipment.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for testing the mounting of tyres (40, 41, 42, 43) on a vehicle (10), comprising at least one image capturing device (120) which is designed to capture images of at least two tyres (40, 41, 42, 43) mounted on the vehicle (10), the images respectively comprising at least one area of the tyres (40, 41, 42, 43), and at least one data processing device (140) which is designed to evaluate the captured images in order to determine whether the tyres (40, 41, 42, 43) are correctly mounted on the vehicle (10).