Abstract: An external tire reader can be configured to read a tire tread. The external tire reader can include an offset structure, a camera system, and a controller. The offset structure can be configured to be applied to the tire tread. The camera system can be configured to generate an image of the tire tread while the offset structure is applied to the tire tread. The offset structure can be configured to provide a fixed distance between the camera system and the tire tread while the offset structure is applied to the tire tread. The controller can be coupled with the camera system. The controller can be configured to process the image of the tire received from the camera system.

Abstract: A system for measuring a tread of a tire can include a nonmagnetic layer, a frame, and a housing. The nonmagnetic layer can provide a drive-over surface adapted to receive the tire thereon including the tread to be measured. The frame can have a magnet and a magnetic sensor coupled thereto. The housing can include a cavity therein. The frame with the magnet and the magnetic sensor can be mounted in the cavity. The nonmagnetic layer can be provided on the housing and on the frame.

Abstract: According to some embodiments disclosed herein, a system is provided to measure a tread of a tire. The system includes a nonmagnetic layer providing a drive over surface, a magnet, and a magnetic sensor associated with the magnet. The drive over surface is adapted to receive the tire thereon including the tread to be measured. The magnet has opposing first and second magnetic poles, the nonmagnetic layer is between the drive over surface and the magnet, and the magnet is arranged so that the first magnetic pole is between the second magnetic pole and the nonmagnetic layer. The nonmagnetic layer is between the drive over surface and the magnetic sensor, and the magnetic sensor is configured to detect a magnetic field resulting from the magnet and the tire on the drive over surface.