Tire Sidewall Data Acquisition from Moving Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle inspection systems cannot effectively capture and decode unique identifying information from tire sidewall markings as a vehicle moves through the inspection system, limiting the retrieval of vehicle-specific and tire-specific data.
Innovation Solution
A drive-through vehicle inspection system equipped with optical imaging sensors that capture images of tire sidewall surfaces and a processing system to identify and decode one-dimensional or two-dimensional codes engraved on the tires, allowing for the retrieval of data representative of the tire, wheel assembly, and associated vehicle, which is then incorporated into inspection reports or used to access database information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If laser marking systems are used to engrave unique codes on tire sidewalls, then unique tire and vehicle identification information can be obtained, but the system cannot effectively capture and decode these markings when the vehicle is moving through an inspection system
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by positioning multiple optical imaging sensors along the vehicle's path of travel before the vehicle enters the inspection area. These sensors are pre-configured to capture images of tire sidewalls at specific locations, ensuring that identification codes are captured during vehicle movement without requiring the vehicle to stop or slow down.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from stationary image capture to dynamic moving vehicle capture by arranging optical imaging sensors in a spatial array along the vehicle's travel path. This multi-dimensional sensor arrangement captures images from multiple angles and positions as the vehicle moves through the inspection area, enabling code capture during motion rather than requiring static positioning.
2Productivity
If optical imaging sensors are positioned to capture tire sidewall images during vehicle movement, then real-time data acquisition is enabled, but the system complexity increases due to multiple sensors and coordination requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The optical imaging sensors serve multiple functions: capturing images of tire sidewalls, identifying engraved identification codes, and providing data for both unique tire identification and general vehicle inspection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized systems while maintaining real-time data acquisition capabilities during vehicle movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs an intermediary processing system that coordinates between multiple optical imaging sensors, the vehicle movement dynamics, and the data analysis components. This intermediary layer manages the complexity by centralizing the coordination logic, synchronizing sensor operations with vehicle position, and consolidating image processing tasks.
3Ease of manufacture
If embossed or raised markings are used on tire sidewalls, then tire characteristics and manufacturing information are provided, but no unique tire or vehicle identifying information is encoded
Solution Approach 1:
The laser marking system performs preliminary action by engraving unique identification codes onto the tire sidewall during or after the tire manufacturing process, but before the tire is mounted on the vehicle. This timing allows the unique codes to be permanently integrated into the tire structure while enabling subsequent automated capture and decoding during vehicle inspection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameter of the tire sidewall markings from embossed or raised characters (which cannot encode unique information) to laser-engraved codes with varying optical reflectivity. This parameter change enables the surface to encode complex unique identification information while remaining visible to optical imaging sensors for automated capture during vehicle movement.
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 the acquisition and utilization of vehicle-specific and tire-specific information in real-time during inspections, enhancing the accuracy and completeness of inspection reports and facilitating data-driven maintenance and analysis.
Implementation Method 1
images of engraved codes can be easily captured using a smart phone camera or handheld optical imaging system
Implementation Method 2
Laser markings on tire sidewall surfaces are engraved directly into the rubber surface by vaporization of the rubber upon exposure to focused laser light
Data Source
AI summary
A drive-through vehicle inspection system acquiring information from engraved markings on the tire sidewalls of a moving vehicle. Optical imaging sensors disposed on opposite sides of the vehicle acquire images of the sidewall surfaces for each passing wheel assembly. The acquired images are evaluated by a processing system configured to identify, within the acquired images, visible markings engraved into the tire sidewall surfaces which include at first portion having a first optical reflectivity, and a second portion having a second optical reflectivity which is different from the first optical reflectivity. Each identified marking is decoded to retrieve data stored therein, representative of the tire, wheel assembly, and/or associated vehicle onto which the wheel assembly is installed. The retrieved data is incorporated into an inspection report and/or utilized by the vehicle inspection system to access vehicle-specific information contained within an indexed database.