Tire Sidewall Code Engraving Using Hourglass Mark Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for applying machine-readable codes to vehicle tires face challenges in determining the appropriate position and ensuring accurate and efficient application.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a distinctive marking of two congruent triangles connected at one vertex, such as an upright hourglass shape, is applied to the tire sidewall, which is detected using image processing and a camera, followed by engraving a code next to this marking, preferably using a laser.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a machine-readable code is applied to a vehicle tire sidewall, then the tire can be identified and tracked, but finding the appropriate position for the code becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
A distinctive marking (two triangles joined at a vertex) is applied to the tire sidewall during the vulcanization process, before the code application step. This preliminary marking serves as a visual reference that simplifies subsequent code positioning, eliminating the need for complex real-time position finding algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The distinctive marking acts as an intermediary element between the tire sidewall and the code. It provides a clear visual reference point that facilitates accurate code placement without requiring direct complex image recognition of the code area itself, thereby reducing processing time and improving reliability.
2Measurement precision
If image processing software is used to detect markings on the tire sidewall, then detection accuracy improves, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The marking uses high-contrast visual characteristics (two triangles joined at a vertex) that create a distinctive pattern easily distinguishable by image processing software. This visual design enhances detection accuracy through simple binary contrast recognition, avoiding the need for complex image analysis algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The marking consists of two triangles joined at a single vertex, creating an asymmetric and highly distinctive geometric pattern. This asymmetry ensures the marking can be easily differentiated from other tire sidewall features by image processing software, improving detection accuracy without requiring complex recognition logic.
3Reliability
If the marking is made more distinctive to improve detection, then detection reliability increases, but the marking may interfere with other sidewall information
Solution Approach 1:
The marking is positioned in a specific area of the tire sidewall and separated from other sidewall information such as letters and symbols. The code is then applied in a free area adjacent to but distinct from the marking, ensuring that the distinctive marking improves detection reliability without interfering with other essential sidewall information.
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 method allows for rapid and reliable detection and application of codes on vehicle tires, enhancing accuracy and efficiency by providing a highly distinctive marking that can be easily identified and processed.
Implementation Method 1
the engraving of the code is carried out with a laser
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for improving the application of a code to the sidewall of a vehicle tire, comprising the following steps: a) providing a vehicle tire on a holding device, b) using a camera and an image recognition application to detect a marking on the sidewall (1) of the vehicle tire, c) detecting the marking (2) in the form of two triangles joined together, wherein the triangles are congruent and connected at one of their vertices, d) engraving a code on a free area (5, 6) next to the marking (2). The invention further relates to a vehicle tire with two sidewalls.