Check Grader Interface for Lumber Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lumber grading systems lack real-time feedback and accuracy in tracking the location of boards and check graders, leading to displacement issues with projected solution overlays, limiting the amount of information a check grader can absorb and process effectively.
Innovation Solution
A check grader-actuatable interface that continuously tracks the location of boards and the check grader's hands, allowing for gestures to interact with specific boards and request additional information, displayed on monitors or augmented reality devices, ensuring accurate and timely feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the check grader moves along the board conveyor to interact with a particular board, then the check grader can access boards of interest, but the solution overlay is projected to the wrong location
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously tracks the position of both the board and the check grader's hands, providing real-time feedback to maintain accurate overlay projection even when the grader moves along the conveyor to access different boards
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the static mechanical projection system with a dynamic vision-based tracking system that uses cameras and image processing to automatically adjust overlay positioning based on detected board and hand locations
2Loss of information
If more board attribute information is projected onto boards, then the check grader has more data for decision-making, but the check grader experiences information overload
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides different levels of information detail in different locations and contexts - basic information is always visible, while additional detailed attributes are only projected when the check grader interacts with or hovers over specific boards of interest
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of projecting all possible board attributes continuously, the system projects only the necessary information by default and adds supplementary attributes partially only when needed, based on detected check grader interaction
3Adaptability or versatility
If the check grader overrides the solution by writing a mark on the board, then the board can be processed later, but the process lacks real-time feedback capability
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time feedback by continuously monitoring check grader hand gestures and immediately projecting relevant board attributes and solution information, enabling the grader to make informed override decisions without physical contact with the boards
Data Source
AI summary
A lumber check grader-actuatable interface enables a check grader to interact with grade-quality measured boards of lumber conveyed along a flow path and passing in front of the check grader. The interface accurately and continuously tracks the location of each board in front of a check grader and tracks the location of the check grader's hands relative to the boards. Gestures can, therefore, be used for a selected board to perform additional actions, such as changing the grade or changing the trims. The interface enables a check grader to walk alongside and keep pace with a board of interest as it is transported and to provide feedback to the interface about a needed change for the board of interest. By knowing which board is of interest to a check grader, the interface can display additional information for only that board without overwhelming the check grader with non-stop information overload.