Tire Sidewall Image Capture for Reliable Marking Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for identifying vehicle tire sidewall markings are prone to errors and cumbersome, lacking reliability and ease of use.

Innovation Solution

A method and device utilizing a turntable system with centering blocks to align tires, combined with image processing systems and sensors to capture and format tire sidewall images, enabling precise identification of tire markings through image analysis and automated evaluation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual inspection methods are used to identify tire sidewall markings, then the process is simple to implement, but the method is prone to errors and cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentification reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated image processing system that captures images of tire sidewall markings using a camera or sensor, processes the images through software algorithms, and automatically identifies marking characteristics. This substitution eliminates human error while maintaining operational simplicity through automated workflows.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates digital copies (images) of the tire sidewall markings instead of requiring direct human observation. The image processing system captures, stores, and analyzes digital representations of the markings, enabling reliable identification without direct mechanical or manual intervention with the physical tire.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If a turntable system with centering blocks is used to align tires, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemarking identification precisionVSAvoidturntable system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The centering blocks are designed to automatically self-align with the tire's inner diameter, eliminating the need for complex manual positioning mechanisms. The blocks slide along radial axes and naturally find their correct position based on the tire dimensions, providing precise alignment through self-service rather than complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The turntable system with adjustable centering blocks serves multiple functions: it centers tires of various diameters, rotates the tire to different angular positions, and positions the tire for image capture. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate devices for each operation, managing complexity through consolidation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If image processing systems are used to examine tire sidewalls, then the reliability of identification is improved, but the ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetire identification reliabilityVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The image processing system provides automated feedback through the display device, showing processed images and identification results to the operator. This feedback loop allows operators to verify results quickly without manually examining tires, maintaining ease of operation while significantly improving reliability through automated analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual inspection operations with automated image capture and processing. The system automatically captures images, processes them through algorithms, and presents results, eliminating the need for operators to manually examine and interpret tire markings while maintaining simple interaction through display-based interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4667895A1Method and apparatus for identifying sidewall tires and tires
Publication Date: 2025.12.24 CONTINENTAL REIFEN DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
  • EP4667895A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4667895A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4667895A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Method for identifying tire sidewalls and vehicle tires (100) that are rotatable about a first axis of rotation (Rx1), comprising the steps of providing the vehicle tire (100), placing the vehicle tire (100) on a turntable (10) that is rotatable about a second axis of rotation (Rx2) along a direction of rotation (UR), centering the vehicle tire (100) with respect to the turntable (10) such that the first axis of rotation (Rx1) coincides with the second axis of rotation (Rx2), aligning the vehicle tire (100) by means of the turntable (10) into a first defined position (P1), rotating the turntable (10) so that the vehicle tire (100) assumes a second defined position (P2).The procedure further comprises the steps of examining a defined area (110) of the vehicle tire (100) with an image processing system (20) so that an image (120) of the defined area (110) is created, wherein the defined area (110) represents an area of ​​the vehicle tire (100) that is arranged along the direction of rotation (UR) between the first defined position (P1) and the second defined position (P2), and displaying the image (120) using a display device (30).