Tyre tread depth assessment using portable optical imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing tyre tread depth and condition are cumbersome, often requiring the vehicle to be off the ground and not suitable for regular monitoring or enforcement checks, leading to potential safety hazards due to overlooked worn or damaged tyres.
Innovation Solution
A portable system using a smartphone or separate camera with image analysis software to capture and assess tyre images, providing instant tread depth reports and condition assessments, which can be communicated to a remote computer for further analysis, enabling easy and objective measurements on or off a vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional tread depth gauges are used, then measurement capability is provided, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring kneeling, squatting or lying on the ground and only small parts being accessible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical tread depth gauge system with an optical imaging system using a camera and image analysis software. Instead of physically inserting a probe into the tyre groove and reading a scale, the system captures images of the tyre tread and automatically analyzes them to determine tread depth and wear patterns, eliminating the need for awkward physical positioning and manual measurement operations.
2Measurement precision
If structured light illumination imaging is used, then tyre surface contour information can be obtained, but device complexity increases and portability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a standard camera to capture a two-dimensional image that serves as a copy or representation of the tyre tread surface. Through image analysis algorithms, the system extracts contour information and tread depth data from this optical copy, avoiding the need for complex structured light projection hardware while achieving similar measurement capabilities.
3Reliability
If annual MOT testing is used, then tyre condition is checked, but reliability deteriorates as tyres could be worn and dangerous for some months before the test
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables vehicle owners to perform self-inspection of their own tyres using a portable camera device and image analysis software. This self-service capability allows frequent monitoring without requiring professional inspection facilities or scheduling annual appointments, empowering owners to detect wear issues immediately and maintain tyres proactively between official MOT tests.
4Productivity
If tread depth gauges are used on vehicles on the road, then on-spot inspection is possible, but ease of operation worsens due to limited accessibility and awkward positioning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional mechanical probe measurement to two-dimensional optical imaging. By capturing an image of the tyre tread and analyzing pixel variations across the image plane, the system can assess the entire visible tread surface simultaneously without requiring physical contact or awkward positioning, enabling efficient on-spot inspections while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for assessing tyre tread depth and/or tyre condition by taking and analysing a camera image or images of a tyre using portable instrumentation.