Forestry Vehicle Tree Detection for Grid-Based Density Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current forestry vehicles face challenges in accurately measuring and analyzing tree density and distribution in forest areas, leading to inefficiencies in thinning operations due to manual measurement methods and interference from terrain and weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method for measuring and analyzing a forest area using a forestry vehicle equipped with a tree detection device, such as a stereo camera or lidar, to identify and position trees within a grid, allowing for accurate detection and display of tree density and distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual measurement methods are used to measure tree basal area, then the operator can obtain measurement data, but the process is time-consuming and requires the operator to leave the vehicle and work in various terrain and weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement methods with an automated optical detection system. A camera mounted on the forestry vehicle captures images of trees, and image processing algorithms automatically calculate tree dimensions and basal area, eliminating the need for manual measurement and significantly reducing operation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service measurement by automatically capturing tree data through the camera and computing basal area without requiring operator intervention for each measurement. The vehicle's movement and the camera's imaging work together to automatically collect and process measurement data throughout the forest area.
2Measurement precision
If manual measurement and calculation of basal area index is performed by the operator, then tree density data can be obtained, but the results may differ depending on individual operator experience and judgment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective human judgment with objective automated image processing. The system uses consistent algorithms to analyze camera images and calculate tree parameters, ensuring uniform measurement standards across all trees and eliminating variability caused by different operators' experience and judgment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates visual copies (images) of trees and processes these copies through standardized algorithms. This allows the same measurement criteria to be applied consistently to every tree, ensuring reliable and repeatable results regardless of operator changes or experience levels.
3Ease of operation
If drones or small flying aircraft devices are used to measure tree density, then remote measurement is possible, but correct measurement is often not possible due to foliage of the trees, branches in the fly path, terrain obstacles and weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a camera with a field of view that intentionally exceeds the immediate target area, capturing not only the intended trees but also surrounding context. This excessive coverage ensures that trees are captured from optimal angles and allows the system to select the best images for measurement, compensating for partial obstructions from foliage and terrain.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary image capture and selection before final measurement. Multiple images are taken as the vehicle moves through the area, and the system pre-processes these images to select the clearest views of each tree, ensuring accurate measurements are obtained before the final calculation is made.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method provides a more accurate and efficient means of measuring tree density and distribution, reducing the need for manual measurements and improving the precision of thinning operations by automating the detection process.
Implementation Method 1
a tree detection device (40) adapted to be mounted to the vehicle and to detect trees in the forest area
Implementation Method 2
A method for measuring and analyzing a forest area using a forestry vehicle equipped with a tree detection device, such as a stereo camera or lidar
Data Source
AI summary
A method for measuring and analyzing a forest area for a forestry vehicle. The forestry vehicle comprises a tree detection device coupled to the vehicle and configured to detect trees in the forest area. A vehicle positioning device coupled to the vehicle and configured to detect a position and an orientation of the vehicle. A forest work area is divided into homogeneous square areas or a grid. The tree detection device identifies standing trees which are assigned to the grid, so that an average tree amount or a tree density is detected. The tree amount or density is displayed on a display coupled in an operation cabin of the vehicle.