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WO2018195176A1 - Jauge mécanique portative et procédé de mesure de profondeur de bande de roulement d'un pneu de véhicule - Google Patents

Jauge mécanique portative et procédé de mesure de profondeur de bande de roulement d'un pneu de véhicule Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2018195176A1
WO2018195176A1 PCT/US2018/028136 US2018028136W WO2018195176A1 WO 2018195176 A1 WO2018195176 A1 WO 2018195176A1 US 2018028136 W US2018028136 W US 2018028136W WO 2018195176 A1 WO2018195176 A1 WO 2018195176A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
marks
measurement scale
measurement
interest
region
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2018/028136
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Alan C. Lesesky
Samuel Duke DRINKARD
Ryan D. PARKS
R. Steve OSBORNE
Steven A. OSBORNE
Original Assignee
Itire, Llc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Itire, Llc filed Critical Itire, Llc
Publication of WO2018195176A1 publication Critical patent/WO2018195176A1/fr

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01D—MEASURING NOT SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR A SPECIFIC VARIABLE; ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEASURING TWO OR MORE VARIABLES NOT COVERED IN A SINGLE OTHER SUBCLASS; TARIFF METERING APPARATUS; MEASURING OR TESTING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G01D13/00—Component parts of indicators for measuring arrangements not specially adapted for a specific variable
    • G01D13/02—Scales; Dials
    • G01D13/12—Graduation
    • G01D13/16—Graduation with staggered markings
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01B—MEASURING LENGTH, THICKNESS OR SIMILAR LINEAR DIMENSIONS; MEASURING ANGLES; MEASURING AREAS; MEASURING IRREGULARITIES OF SURFACES OR CONTOURS
    • G01B3/00—Measuring instruments characterised by the use of mechanical techniques
    • G01B3/22—Feeler-pin gauges, e.g. dial gauges
    • G01B3/28—Depth gauges
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01B—MEASURING LENGTH, THICKNESS OR SIMILAR LINEAR DIMENSIONS; MEASURING ANGLES; MEASURING AREAS; MEASURING IRREGULARITIES OF SURFACES OR CONTOURS
    • G01B5/00—Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of mechanical techniques
    • G01B5/0025—Measuring of vehicle parts
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01B—MEASURING LENGTH, THICKNESS OR SIMILAR LINEAR DIMENSIONS; MEASURING ANGLES; MEASURING AREAS; MEASURING IRREGULARITIES OF SURFACES OR CONTOURS
    • G01B5/00—Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of mechanical techniques
    • G01B5/18—Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of mechanical techniques for measuring depth
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01B—MEASURING LENGTH, THICKNESS OR SIMILAR LINEAR DIMENSIONS; MEASURING ANGLES; MEASURING AREAS; MEASURING IRREGULARITIES OF SURFACES OR CONTOURS
    • G01B2210/00—Aspects not specifically covered by any group under G01B, e.g. of wheel alignment, caliper-like sensors
    • G01B2210/58—Wireless transmission of information between a sensor or probe and a control or evaluation unit

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates broadly and generally to a handheld mechanical gauge applicable for use in the automotive and heavy duty trucking industries.
  • the present handheld gauge is used in combination with a mobile device (e.g., smartphone) equipped with a digital camera to measure, record, and report tread depth of a vehicle tire.
  • a mobile device e.g., smartphone
  • a digital camera to measure, record, and report tread depth of a vehicle tire.
  • the present disclosure comprises a handheld mechanical gauge for measuring tread depth of a vehicle tire.
  • the mechanical gauge comprises a housing defining a display window.
  • a fixed stock panel is attached to the housing and comprises a first measurement scale located within the window.
  • the first measurement scale includes a first series of marks spaced apart at regular intervals within a region of interest defined by the display window.
  • the total number of marks in the first measurement scale comprises a calibration value.
  • a slide panel is movably arranged relative to the stock panel, and comprises a second measurement scale adapted to selectively overlie the first measurement scale within the window of the housing.
  • the second measurement scale includes a second series of marks spaced apart at regular intervals corresponding to the first series of marks of the first measurement scale.
  • the term "corresponding" means formed in a substantially identical size, shape, spacing, and pattern.
  • the combined number of exposed marks displayed through the window equals the calibration value.
  • a mark is considered “exposed” if greater than 50% of the mark appears uncovered within the region of interest (as defined by the display window).
  • the term “equals”, as used herein, allows for a certain acceptable degree of variation based on an analysis of the exposed marks within the region of interest. For example, the present disclosure may allow a tolerance of 1 (+/-) such that 33 and 35 "measured" marks are both equal to a calibration value of 34.
  • An elongated measurement probe is affixed to the slide, and adapted for selectively extending and retracting relative to the housing. Tread depth of the vehicle tire is measured by extending the probe into a groove formed in the tire tread and then recording a measurement value using data displayed through the window.
  • the first measurement scale comprises first and second adjacent columns of spaced marks.
  • the marks in the second column are staggered relative to the marks of the first column.
  • staggered refers to a slight offset of the marks in the two longitudinal columns such that laterally adjacent marks are not entirely side-by-side.
  • the second measurement scale comprises first and second adjacent columns of spaced marks.
  • the marks in the second column are staggered relative to the marks of the first column.
  • the first and second columns of marks in the first and second measurement scales are aligned in substantial registration.
  • the term "aligned in substantial registration” means that the two columns of the first measurement scale would be substantially superimposed upon the two columns of the second measurement scale if one scale were laid upon the other.
  • a manual thumb slide is adapted for moving the slide panel to extend and retract said measurement probe.
  • the housing comprises cooperating front and back sections.
  • a magnet is located inside the housing for releasably mounting the handheld gauge to a metal surface.
  • one of the front and back sections of the housing comprises a machine-readable code (e.g., quick response code or "QR code").
  • the code may be used for storing URLs or other information for reading by the mobile computing device (e.g., smartphone) of the present disclosure.
  • one of the first and second housing sections further comprises a product serial number.
  • the front housing section comprises measurement indicia along at least one side of the display window outside of the region of interest.
  • measurement indicia is provided along both sides of the display window outside of the region of interest.
  • the measurement indicia is provided in standard units along one side of the display window and in corresponding metric units along the other side of the display window.
  • the present disclosure comprises a handheld measurement device for measuring tread depth of a vehicle tire.
  • the mechanical gauge comprises a stock panel with a first measurement scale.
  • the first measurement scale includes a first series of marks spaced apart at regular intervals within a region of interest.
  • the total number of marks within the region of interest comprises a calibration value.
  • a slide is movably arranged relative to the stock panel, and comprises a second measurement scale adapted to selectively overlie the first measurement scale within the region of interest.
  • the second measurement scale includes a second series of marks spaced apart at regular intervals corresponding to the first series of marks of the first measurement scale. At any overlying position of the second measurement scale relative to the first measurement scale within the region of interest, the combined number of exposed marks within the region of interest equals the calibration value.
  • An elongated measurement probe is affixed to the slide and adapted for selectively extending into a groove formed in the tread of the vehicle tire. A measured value of tread depth is obtained using data displayed within the region of interest.
  • the present disclosure comprises a method for measuring tread depth of a vehicle tire.
  • the method includes locating a handheld mechanical gauge adjacent the tread of the vehicle tire.
  • the mechanical gauge comprises a first measurement scale including a first series of marks spaced apart at regular intervals within a predetermined region of interest.
  • a slidable second measurement scale is adapted to selectively overlie the first measurement scale within the region of interest.
  • the second measurement scale comprises a second series of marks spaced apart at regular intervals corresponding to the first series of marks of the first measurement scale.
  • An elongated measurement probe is movable in unison with the slidable second measurement scale.
  • the method further includes determining a calibration value comprising a total number of exposed marks within the region of interest of the mechanical gauge.
  • the elongated measurement probe of the mechanical gauge is inserted and extended into a groove formed in the tread of the vehicle tire. With the probe extended, the region of interest of the mechanical gauge is photographed using a digital camera of a mobile computing device. The number of exposed marks of the first measurement scale which are located within the region of interest is determined, and the number of exposed marks of the second measurement scale which are located within the region of interest is determined. The method confirms that the sum total of exposed marks of the first and second measurement scales equals the calibration value. The tread depth is then calculated using a ratio of exposed marks of the first and second measurement scales within the region of interest.
  • determining the calibration value comprises photographing the mechanical gauge at the region of interest using the digital camera of the mobile computing device, and then calculating the total number of marks appearing within the captured image.
  • the method comprises electronically reading a machine-readable code (e.g., QR code) applied to the mechanical gauge.
  • a machine-readable code e.g., QR code
  • the method comprises activating an alert on the mobile computing device once a successfully captured image of the region of interest is obtained.
  • the method comprises activating a flash function of the digital camera based on environmental lighting conditions.
  • the present disclosure comprises an apparatus, system and method for measuring, recording, and reporting tread depth of a vehicle tire.
  • the exemplary disclosure may be implemented via a computer program product (e.g., software application or "mobile app") comprising program instructions tangibly stored on a computer-readable medium, and operable to cause a computing device to perform one or more steps of a method for calculating, recording and reporting tread depth of a vehicle tire.
  • the present disclosure further comprises a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions, executable by processing logic of a computing device, including one or more instructions, that when executed by the processing logic, cause the processing logic to perform one or more steps of a method for calculating, recording and reporting tread depth of a vehicle tire.
  • the present disclosure comprises an article of manufacture including a computer-readable storage medium, and executable program instructions embodied in the storage medium that when executed by processing logic of a computing device causes the processing logic to perform one or more steps of a method for calculating, recording and reporting tread depth of a vehicle tire.
  • the computing device may incorporate or comprise any general or specific purpose machine with processing logic capable of manipulating data according to a set of program instructions. Examples of computing devices include high-end mobile phones or "smartphones", tablet computers, laptops, personal computers, and others.
  • the present disclosure utilizes a handheld mobile computing device (referred to herein as "mobile device").
  • the exemplary mobile device may comprise a smartphone using an operating system such as Google's Android, Apple's iOS, Maemo, Bada, Symbian, Windows Phone, Palm, Blackberry, and others.
  • the mobile device may include a high-resolution touchscreen display, a web browser, high-speed data access via Wi-Fi and mobile broadband, and advanced application programming interfaces (APIs) for running third-party applications.
  • the mobile device may also be equipped with NFC, and paired with NFC tags or stickers which can be programmed by NFC apps and other mobile apps on the device.
  • BlackBerry devices support NFC using BlackBerry Tag on a number of devices running BlackBerry OS.
  • Other handheld mobile devices without built-in NFC chips may utilize MicroSD and UICC SIM cards incorporating industry standard contactless smartcard chips with IS014443 interface, with or without built-in antenna.
  • the exemplary mobile device may also include card slots for removable or nonremovable flash and SIM cards, and may have greater than 32 GB of non-volatile internal memory.
  • One or more of the flash and SIM cards and internal memory may comprise computer-readable storage media containing program instructions applicable for performing one or more steps of a method for calculating, recording and reporting tread depth of a vehicle tire.
  • the SIM card contains an integrated circuit that securely stores the service- subscriber key (IMSI) used to identify a subscriber on the mobile device.
  • SIM hardware typically consists of a microprocessor, ROM, persistent (non-volatile) EEPROM or flash memory, volatile RAM, and a serial I/O interface.
  • SIM software typically consists of an operating system, file system, and application programs.
  • STK SIM Toolkit
  • the SIM may incorporate the use of a SIM Toolkit (STK), which is an application programming interface (API) for securely loading applications (e.g., applets) or data to the SIM for storage in the SIM and execution by the mobile device.
  • STK allows a mobile operator (such as a wireless carrier) to create/provision services by loading them into the SIM without changing other elements of the mobile device.
  • OTA over-the-air
  • SMS Short Message Service
  • IMEI International Mobile Equipment Identity
  • the IMEI number may be used by. the network to identify valid mobile devices.
  • IMEI identifies the device, not the user (the user is identified by an international Mobile Subscriber Identity, IMSI), by a 15-digit number and includes information about the source of the mobile device, the model, and serial number.
  • IMSI international Mobile Subscriber Identity
  • Other features of the exemplary mobile device may include front-facing and rear-facing cameras, Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound, video mirroring and video out support, built-in speaker and microphone, built-in rechargeable lithium-polymer battery, and sensors including three-axis gyro, accelerometer, and ambient light sensor.
  • the exemplary mobile device may also combine aGPS and other location services including Wi-Fi Positioning System and cell- site triangulation, Mobile Phone Tracking, Mobile Positioning, GMS localization, or other hybrid positioning system.
  • the present system and method operates in an environment utilizing a client device, such as the mobile device described above, in communication with a host server (e.g., cloud server) over a computer network, such as the Internet.
  • the host server may comprise a processor and a computer readable medium, such as random access memory (RAM).
  • the processor is operable to execute certain programs used in the present system and method for calculating, recording and reporting tread depth of a vehicle tire, and other computer program instructions stored in memory.
  • Such processor may comprise a microprocessor (or any other processor) and may also include, for example, a display device, internal and external data storage devices, cursor control devices, and/or any combination of these components, or any number of different components, peripherals, input and output devices, and other devices.
  • processors may also communicate with other computer-readable media that store computer program instructions, such that when the stored instructions are executed by the processor, the processor performs the acts described further herein.
  • processors may also communicate with other computer-readable media that store computer program instructions, such that when the stored instructions are executed by the processor, the processor performs the acts described further herein.
  • exemplary environments described herein are not intended to limit application of the present system and method, and that alternative environments may be used without departing from the scope of the invention.
  • the data storage device comprises an electronic database.
  • the data storage device may comprise an electronic file, disk, or other data storage medium.
  • the data storage device may store features of the invention applicable for performing one or more steps of a method for calculating, recording and reporting tread depth of a vehicle tire.
  • the data storage device may also include other items useful to carry out the functions of the present system and method.
  • the present computer programs may further comprise algorithms designed and configured to perform one or more steps of a method for calculating, recording and reporting tread depth of a vehicle tire.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary handheld mechanical gauge applicable for use in the present system and method for measuring, recording and reporting tread depth of a vehicle tire;
  • Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the exemplary handheld gauge
  • Figure 3 is a front view of the exemplary handheld gauge
  • Figure 4 is a rear view of the exemplary handheld gauge
  • Figure 5 is a flow diagram of software used in the exemplary system and method of the present disclosure.
  • Figures 6, 7, and 8 demonstrate operation of the exemplary gauge in combination with a mobile device equipped with a digital camera.
  • any references to advantages, benefits, unexpected results, or operability of the present invention are not intended as an affirmation that the invention has been previously reduced to practice or that any testing has been performed.
  • use of verbs in the past tense is not intended to indicate or imply that the invention has been previously reduced to practice or that any testing has been performed.
  • a handheld mechanical gauge according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated in Figure 1 , and shown generally at broad reference numeral 10.
  • the present handheld gauge 10 is applicable for measuring depth of a vehicle tire tread "T”— See Figures 6-8.
  • the gauge 10 cooperates with a mobile device "M” (e.g., smartphone) equipped with a high resolution digital camera “C”; both represented in Figure 8 and discussed further below.
  • the camera "C” is used by an operator to photograph an image of the gauge 10 at the time a tread measurement is taken.
  • a software application operating on the mobile device analyzes the captured image, and using various algorithms and computing logic calculates the measured tread depth and records the value in standard/SAE or metric units, or both.
  • the measured tread value may be stored in electronic (e.g., flash) memory of the mobile device, and/or transmitted wirelessly to any remote terminal such as a second mobile device, cloud server, vehicle electronic logging device (ELD), or other computing device.
  • a second mobile device e.g., flash
  • ELD vehicle electronic logging device
  • the measured tread value can also be associated with the exact vehicle tire by scanning a tire-identifying QR code, NFC tag, or other RFID tag applied to the tire.
  • the measured tread value may also automatically insert into a corresponding field of an electronic vehicle inspection report.
  • NFC tags to store vehicle and vehicle tire information
  • U.S. Publication No. US2017/0206446 filed on July 20, 2017 and entitled "Smart Tag Assembly for Mounting on an Object to be Tracked".
  • the NFC tag may be applied to a sidewall of the vehicle tire using a rubber-to-rubber bonding interface with an identification label over-molded in rubber.
  • the inspection tool gathers tire pressures and temperatures from a series of tires, associating this data with the appropriate vehicle and tire ID numbers. This data is then transferred to a remote computing device and then to cloud servers.
  • a self-contained dynamic vehicle wheel balancing system is disclosed in Applicant's prior filed application, U.S.
  • a system and method for wireless communication between a vehicle or vehicle component and a remote device is disclosed in Applicant's prior grant U.S. 6,064,299 filed on August 8, 1997 and entitled "Apparatus and Method for Data Communication Between Heavy Duty Vehicle and Remote Data Communication Terminal". The complete disclosure of this prior publication is incorporated herein by reference.
  • the communication is carried out by a dongle device plugged into the vehicle diagnostic port and capable of the communication of vehicle information such as mileage, fuel economy, diagnostic codes, etc. with a mobile device such as a cellular phone.
  • the exemplary handheld gauge 10 comprises a housing 1 1 including separately molded front and back sections 1 1 1 A, 1 1 B joined together by screws 12.
  • the front section 1 1 A has an open square display window 14.
  • a raised stock panel 15 is integrally formed with the back section 1 1 B, and comprises a first measurement scale 21 located for viewing through the display window 14.
  • the first measurement scale 21 includes a first series of rectangular marks 22 spaced apart at regular intervals within a region of interest "ROI" ( Figure 3) defined by the display window 1 .
  • the total number of marks 22 in the first measurement scale 21 establishes a calibration value.
  • the first measurement scale 21 comprises thirty four (34) identical marks 22 arranged in two laterally adjacent columns 22A, 22B— 17 marks per column.
  • the marks 22 in the first column 22A are staggered relative to the marks 22 of the second column 22B such that laterally adjacent pairs of marks 22 are not entirely side-by-side.
  • a slide panel 25 is movably arranged relative to the fixed stock panel 15 inside the housing 1 1 , and comprises a second measurement scale 31 adapted to selectively overlie the first measurement scale 21 within the display window 4.
  • the slide panel 25 is formed within a generally U-shaped frame 32 constructed to reside closely adjacent the raised stock panel 15, and including a relatively thin integrally molded panel spacer 33 and textured thumb slide 34.
  • the panel spacer 33 has a longitudinal groove 35 which mates with complementary internal rail (not shown) located on an inside of housing section 1 1A. With the housing sections 1 1A, 1 1 B assembled, recessed edges 36, 37 cooperate to form a longitudinal slot 38 along which the slide panel 25 moves inside the housing 1 1 .
  • the textured thumb slide 34 is located outside of the housing 1 1 , and is used by an operator to readily and conveniently move the slide panel 25 relative to the fixed stock panel 15.
  • a contact surface of spacer 33 cooperates with textured strip 39 located on the inside of housing section 1 1 B to form a friction interface sufficient to temporarily hold the selected location of the slide panel 25.
  • the second measurement scale 31 of slide panel 25 includes a series of marks 42 spaced apart at regular intervals corresponding to the first series of marks 22 of the fixed first measurement scale 21 .
  • the marks 42 of the second measurement scale 31 are identical in size, shape, spacing, and pattern to the marks 22 of the first measurement scale 21 , but are printed in a contrasting color.
  • the individual marks 22 of the first measurement scale 21 may be solid yellow against an otherwise all black surface of the fixed stock panel 15, whereas the individual marks 42 of the second measurement scale 31 may be solid red against an otherwise all white surface of the slide panel 25.
  • the marks 42 of the second measurement scale 31 are arranged in two laterally adjacent columns 42A, 42B — 17 marks per column.
  • the marks 42 in the first column 42A are staggered relative to the marks 42 of the second column 42B such that laterally adjacent pairs of marks 42 are not entirely side-by-side.
  • the first and second columns of marks 22A, 22B & 42A, 42B in the first and second measurement scales 21 and 31 are aligned in substantial registration.
  • the respective pairs of mark columns 22A, 22B & 42A, 42B become selectively superimposed within the region of interest "ROI" defined by the display window 14.
  • the combined number of exposed marks 22, 42 within the region of interest "ROI” equals the calibration value.
  • a mark 22, 42 may be considered “exposed” if greater than 50% of the mark 22, 42 appears uncovered within the region of interest "ROI" (as defined by the display window 14).
  • An elongated measurement probe 50 is affixed to the slide panel 25, and is adapted for selectively extending and retracting relative to a bottom end of the housing 1 1.
  • tread depth of the vehicle tire is measured by extending the probe 50 into a groove "G" formed in the tire tread "T” ( Figures 6-8) and then recording a measurement value using data displayed through the window 14.
  • Measurement indicia 51 , 52 may be provided adjacent both sides of the display window 14 outside of the region of interest "ROI", as best shown in Figure 3. In one embodiment, the measurement indicia 51 , 52 is provided in standard units along one side of the display window 14 and in corresponding metric units along the other side of the display window 14.
  • one or more labels may be applied to the back section of the housing and may comprise machine-readable code, such as a high capacity colored 2-dimensional (HCC2D) QR code 55.
  • the QR code 55 may be used for storing URLs or other information for reading by the mobile device (e.g., smartphone) of the present disclosure.
  • This and other labels may comprise a product serial number 56, branding indicia 57, minimum tread depths 58, website addresses 59, and other useful information.
  • a magnet 60 may be located inside the housing 1 1 for releasably mounting the gauge 10 to a metal surface.
  • the exemplary system software comprises a "mobile app" downloaded (e.g., via cloud server) to the operator's mobile device.
  • the system software is used in combination with the exemplary handheld gauge 10 described above, wherein the individual marks 22 of the first measurement scale 21 of the fixed stock panel 15 are solid yellow against an otherwise all black background surface, and the individual marks 42 of the second measurement scale 31 of the slide panel 25 are solid red against an otherwise all white background surface.
  • the exemplary software functions according to the flow diagram of Figure 5.
  • the software samples an ongoing stream of frames captured by the mobile device's image sensor. Ideally, the sample rate would match the capture rate of the image sensor, but satisfactory results can be achieved at a much lower sample rate frequency.
  • Initial analysis by the software is seeking to identify the designated region of interest "ROI", described above and indicated in Figure 3. The software does this by filtering for certain defining visual characteristics of marks 22, 42 detected within the ROI, such as hue, shape, size, and relative spacing.
  • the relative size of the "ROI” in relation to the frame size can be bound to a percentage range that will reduce the likelihood of false positives, but also allow the gauge 10 to be read at a reasonable distance from the imaging sensor.
  • the "ROI" of the gauge 10 can be isolated from the rest of the captured image by cropping.
  • the remaining image area is then enlarged to fit the device frame size through use of a "nearest neighbor” zoom algorithm.
  • the zoom algorithm can more accurately enlarge the "ROI”.
  • This enlarged image can now be analyzed.
  • Two filter passes are made in order to detect the two visually distinct marks 22, 42 located on the first and second measurement scales 21 , 31 of the gauge 10. These marks 22, 42 are differentiated by at least one characteristic, in this case hue.
  • Hue as part of the HSV (Hue, Saturation, Value) color model designates the degree to which a stimulus can be described as similar to or different from stimuli that are described as red, green, blue, and yellow. This attribute is generally less reliant on lighting conditions. Pairs of contrasting hues (e.g., red and yellow) are established to ensure that the marks 22, 42 located on measurement scales 21 , 31 of the fixed stock panel 15 and slide panel 25 can be reliably distinguished by computer vision analysis. The first pass detects the hue of exposed marks 42 located on the movable slide panel 25, and the second pass detects the hue of the exposed marks 22 located on the fixed stock panel 15. The combined total number of exposed marks 22, 42 detected in both of these groups is then calculated.
  • contrasting hues e.g., red and yellow
  • the tread depth reported to the operator is equal to the number of exposed marks 22 detected on the fixed stock panel 15. This number divided by 32 will indicate the measured tread depth in inches. The total number of exposed marks 22, 42 will equal C when the tread depth measured falls exactly on the aligned border between two marks.
  • the reading is determined to be invalid and no depth value is reported to the operator.
  • the only case where this condition should occur is if the marks 22, 42 are obstructed from the image sensor of the mobile device "M", and an accurate reading cannot be given in this circumstance.
  • the total number of exposed marks 22, 42 detected equals C+1 , a determination must be made about the area/size of the two partially exposed marks.
  • Each of the two partially exposed marks is necessarily smaller than the fully exposed marks. Therefore, the marks are sorted by size/area and the smallest mark is further analyzed. The determination of the smaller mark's category allows a rounding decision to be made. If the partially exposed mark is a stock panel mark, then the depth is rounded down by reporting to the operator a depth value of C minus the number of slide panel marks detected. This number is divided by 32 to indicate the measured tread depth in inches. If a slide panel mark 42 is determined to be the smallest, then the tread depth is rounded up by reporting to the operator a depth value equal to the number of stock panel marks 22 detected.
  • This number is then divided by 32 to indicate the measured tread depth in inches.
  • a mechanical solution would be to add gradient friction detents in the measurement probe 50 of the gauge 10, such that the probe 50 extends into the tread groove in a predetermined step-wise fashion corresponding to the unit scale defined by the spaced marks.
  • Another exemplary solution may be to increase the "resolution" of the gauge 10 by increasing the calibration value from 34 to 68, using more closely spaced marks 22, 42 on the measurement scales 21 , 31 of both the slide and stock panels 15, 25.
  • the software could analyze the partially exposed mark within region of interest "ROI" and determine if the mark is greater than or less than 50% exposed. In calculating tread depth, marks which are greater than 50% exposed are counted while marks which are less than 50% exposed are not.
  • a tread depth inspection may proceed as described below.
  • An operator outfitted with a mobile device "M” and the present handheld gauge 10 opens a software app on his mobile device to begin the inspection.
  • the inspector uses the mobile device "M" to identify himself by scanning a machine-readable code, such as QR code printed on an inspector identification badge, or by reading an NFC tag embedded in one of the vehicle tires.
  • identity of the inspector could be entered and confirmed through a traditional login screen on the software app, or using the mobile device ID, or using data obtained by reading the QR code applied to the inspector's gauge 10.
  • the vehicle to be inspected may be identified by scanning a machine-readable ID label (e.g., QR code) affixed to the vehicle or vehicle tire, or by reading and receiving an ID code contained in the NFC tag embedded in one of the tires.
  • the vehicle ID label and/or NFC tag may store information about the configuration of the vehicle (e.g., number of axles, wheel positions, etc.) to dictate the format the inspection report.
  • the vehicle ID could be manually entered into designated fields of the mobile app.
  • the vehicle ID may be transmitted wirelessly (Bluetooth, WiFi, etc.) from the vehicle databus, electronic logging device (ELD), or other vehicle computer directly to the mobile device "M".
  • the tire inspection has begun, and information such as inspection start time/date and GPS location can be captured from the mobile device "M" and stored with the report.
  • the mileage from the vehicle odometer may be manually input, or using appropriate communications hardware and software, may be transmitted wirelessly (Bluetooth, WiFi, etc.) from the vehicle databus, electronic logging device (ELD), or other vehicle computer directly to the mobile device "M".
  • ECD electronic logging device
  • ECM Engine Control Module
  • One such device that could carry out the data transfer connects to the vehicle diagnostic port and uses a Bluetooth transceiver to communicate wirelessly with a mobile device.
  • the software app will advance to tire inspection mode.
  • a viewfinder overlaid on the device's camera feed will appear on touchscreen ready to collect tire ID and tread depth readings. Individual tire information can now be gathered.
  • the inspector scans the printed QR code or embedded NFC tag of the ID label on that tire.
  • three tread depth measurements are carried out on the tire tread "T” using the handheld gauge 10 and mobile device "M", as described above. The first measurement should be carried out on the outer edge of the tread pattern, the second measurement at the center of the tread pattern, and the third at the inner edge of the tread pattern.
  • a tread depth measurement is performed by placing the handheld gauge 10 down upon the peak of the tire tread, as indicated by arrow 70 in Figure 6, with the measurement probe 50 in a fully retracted condition.
  • the slight protrusion of the probe 50 from the bottom end of gauge housing 1 1 serves to properly locate the gauge 10, as indicated by arrow 71 of Figure 6, relative to the groove "G" of the tread region being inspected.
  • the thumb slide 34 of the gauge 10 is manually shifted downward, as indicated by arrow 72, to extend the probe 50 into the tread groove "G".
  • the other hand is used to aim the camera "C” of the mobile device “M” at the gauge 10, as shown in Figure 8, taking care not to obstruct the targeted region of interest "ROI.”
  • the handheld gauge 10 can be read when removed from the tire tread "T” by enabling a temporary locking mechanism (or a simple “friction lock") applicable for holding the extended probe 50 in position after inserting into the tire groove "G". The inspector can then properly orient the camera "C” of the mobile device "M” relative to the gauge 10 before taking the photograph and capturing the ROI.
  • the mobile device "M” may alert the inspector by providing haptic feedback through a vibration motor, visual feedback on the display, and/or audio feedback through the device speakers.
  • This data is then stored in flash or other memory of the mobile device "M”, and can be immediately displayed to the inspector on the device's touchscreen. This procedure is repeated until all tires of the vehicle have been inspected.
  • An electronic inspection report is then automatically populated and wirelessly transmitted to a cloud server or other remote terminal, or sent via email, MMS, or other messaging service to devices of other individuals.
  • the inspector's mobile device “M” may also wirelessly connect to the vehicle electronic logging device (ELD) and other sensors in and around the vehicle to automatically populate the tire inspection report with additional useful information, such as vehicle fault codes, tire pressure, mileage, vehicle weight, and vehicle driver information (such as that required by law to be maintained by the vehicle ELD).
  • Tire pressure/temperature could be obtained from a wirelessly connected tire inspection tool.
  • a record of a tire's pressure readings could be related to tread depth over time to perform maintenance analysis and determine the financial return for varying maintenance practices.
  • mobile device cameras “C” generally do not have a short minimum focal length, as they are made primarily for capturing photos some distance away from the camera. As such, in order for the handheld gauge 10 to be in focus, it should be between 7 to 9 inches from the camera "C". At this distance, the gauge 10 appears quite small to the inspector, and to a lesser degree, the computer vision analysis program. For this reason, an automatic zoom feature may be incorporated to digitally enlarge the gauge 10, thereby facilitating faster and more accurate readings of the ROI.
  • the present software app may determine the make and model information of the particular mobile device 10. If the device type is recognized, application parameters can be adjusted to match the previously determined settings best for that device's camera "C". A query can also be sent to the device system in order to adjust sensor settings, such as shutter speed, aperture opening, and color correction to optimize for proper gauge readings.
  • the present mobile device “M” may be equipped with one or more LEDs that provide a flash function for camera sensors. This same LED lighting can serve as a flashlight to clearly display the handheld gauge 10 when ambient lighting conditions are otherwise inadequate.
  • the exemplary mobile device “M” may incorporate photometers which detect ambient lighting conditions, and provide output used to initiate the camera flash when needed.
  • the computer vision algorithms of the present software are tuned such that the filter parameters adapt to current lighting conditions and LED activity. Light level data from the device's photo sensors can also be used to determine the proper color filter parameters to use in identifying color of the scale marks.
  • the handheld gauge may be marked with a calibration pattern for comparison and with a measurement pattern that is variably exposed based upon tread depth.
  • a relationship between pixels and height [the pixel height ratio (R)] can be established.
  • the number of pixels composing the measurement pattern in the image varies based upon the camera's distance from the gauge.
  • R Calibration Pattern Height (C) / Total Vertical Callibration Pixels (Pc)
  • the tread depth may be determined using Optical Character Recognition (OCR) of a readable gauge display.
  • OCR Optical Character Recognition
  • the present disclosure may also employ color recognition/comparison to identify a region of exposed measurement pattern in a measurement probe, and how far the probe is extended into the tread. This same principal can be used to take measurements on many other elements of the vehicle, as well as for purposes beyond the automotive field.
  • fluid levels in battery, coolant and other systems could be measured. The severity of damage such as dents, scratches, and cracked glass could be evaluated. Material thickness could be assessed across many different dimensioning use cases.
  • Many other types of measurement equipment can also be incorporated into this data collection system by displaying weight, pressure, distance, and other measurements in a format to be read optically by the mobile device.
  • Additional applications for this technology include the reading of specially adapted instruments such as brake calipers, spark plug gap gauges, wheel alignment measurement devices, calipers for general measurement, slack adjuster/brake stroke measurement tools, and angular measurement devices.
  • the present technology can be used to read the tire tread depth measurements and store them when using depth micrometers, micrometers, and vernier calipers.
  • the present technology can be utilized in small places, and is capable of measuring distances as small as 0.0001 . The measurements can be stored quickly, and will not be subject to operator "feel" and eye-to-brain readings.
  • any means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures.
  • a nail and a screw may not be structural equivalents in that a nail employs a cylindrical surface to secure wooden parts together, whereas a screw employs a helical surface, in the environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail and a screw may be equivalent structures.
  • a construction under 35 U.S.C. ⁇ 1 12(f) [or 6th paragraph/pre-AIA] is not intended. Additionally, it is not intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Arrangements For Transmission Of Measured Signals (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne une jauge mécanique qui comprend un panneau de jauge d'épaisseur ayant une première échelle de mesure, et un curseur agencé de façon mobile par rapport au panneau de jauge d'épaisseur. La première échelle de mesure comporte une série de marques espacées à intervalles réguliers dans une région d'intérêt. Le curseur comprend une deuxième échelle de mesure adaptée pour recouvrir sélectivement la première échelle de mesure dans la région d'intérêt. La deuxième échelle de mesure a une deuxième série de marques espacées à des intervalles réguliers correspondant à la première série de marques de la première échelle de mesure. Une sonde de mesure allongée est fixée au curseur et adaptée pour s'étendre sélectivement dans une rainure formée dans la bande de roulement du pneu de véhicule.
PCT/US2018/028136 2017-04-18 2018-04-18 Jauge mécanique portative et procédé de mesure de profondeur de bande de roulement d'un pneu de véhicule WO2018195176A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

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US201762486721P 2017-04-18 2017-04-18
US62/486,721 2017-04-18
US201862637768P 2018-03-02 2018-03-02
US62/637,768 2018-03-02

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN110986716A (zh) * 2019-03-26 2020-04-10 中国铁路南昌局集团有限公司南昌车辆段 一种动车组轮对踏面及轴身缺陷深度测量仪

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3170243A (en) * 1961-09-13 1965-02-23 Scovill Manufacturing Co Tire tread-depth gauge
US4257107A (en) * 1978-05-22 1981-03-17 Heymsfield Steven B Measuring device
US7497113B1 (en) * 2007-10-05 2009-03-03 The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company Gauge for a tire
US20150029016A1 (en) * 2012-04-06 2015-01-29 Itire, Llc Tire data collection and communication device, multi-purpose handheld data collection and communication tool, and method for communicating tire data between a vehicle tire and a remote computing device

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3170243A (en) * 1961-09-13 1965-02-23 Scovill Manufacturing Co Tire tread-depth gauge
US4257107A (en) * 1978-05-22 1981-03-17 Heymsfield Steven B Measuring device
US7497113B1 (en) * 2007-10-05 2009-03-03 The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company Gauge for a tire
US20150029016A1 (en) * 2012-04-06 2015-01-29 Itire, Llc Tire data collection and communication device, multi-purpose handheld data collection and communication tool, and method for communicating tire data between a vehicle tire and a remote computing device

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN110986716A (zh) * 2019-03-26 2020-04-10 中国铁路南昌局集团有限公司南昌车辆段 一种动车组轮对踏面及轴身缺陷深度测量仪

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