Load Scanning Apparatus for Automated Timber Volume Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for determining the volume of usable timber in log loads are labor-intensive, prone to human error, and pose safety risks, as they require manual measurements that are time-consuming and inefficient, especially when logs are not circular or vary greatly in diameter.
Innovation Solution
A load scanning apparatus equipped with a scanning robot and sensors that capture images from multiple angles, processing them to generate 3D representations of the load, allowing for automated measurement of physical characteristics such as length, diameter, and volume without the need to remove logs from vehicles, thereby reducing human intervention and increasing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual measurement methods are used to determine timber volume, then measurement capability is achieved, but labor intensity and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement tools (rulers, tape measures) with an automated optical scanning system comprising multiple cameras and sensors. The system captures images and uses photogrammetry to automatically calculate timber dimensions and volume, eliminating the need for manual measurement operations and significantly improving productivity while reducing time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital 3D model (copy) of the timber load by capturing multiple images from different angles and processing them through photogrammetry algorithms. This digital replica allows for automated measurement and volume calculation without physically touching or moving the timber, enabling rapid assessment while preserving the original load configuration.
2Measurement precision
If logs are removed from vehicles for measurement, then accurate physical characteristics can be obtained, but operation complexity and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows the timber load to remain in its original position on the vehicle while the scanning apparatus moves around it to capture images. The load essentially 'measures itself' through the automated image capture and processing system, eliminating the need for complex operations to remove, reposition, or handle the logs, thereby reducing operational complexity and safety risks while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional single-point or single-plane manual measurement to a multi-dimensional approach by capturing images from multiple angles and positions around the load. This spatial dimensionality enables comprehensive measurement of irregularly shaped logs while they remain on the vehicle, achieving high measurement precision without increasing operational complexity.
3Measurement precision
If multiple measurements are taken for irregular logs, then measurement accuracy improves, but labor intensity and operational time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple measurement operations into a single automated process. Instead of taking multiple separate measurements manually for different parts of irregular logs, the system captures a set of images simultaneously or in rapid sequence and processes them together through photogrammetry algorithms to extract all necessary dimensional information, thereby maintaining high measurement precision for irregular shapes while dramatically improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The scanning system operates continuously by moving around the load and capturing images in a continuous or near-continuous manner, rather than stopping to take discrete manual measurements. This continuous operation, combined with automated image processing, enables rapid acquisition of multiple measurement points across irregular log surfaces, maintaining accuracy while increasing measurement speed and productivity.
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 apparatus enables precise, efficient, and safe measurement of log loads while they remain on vehicles, reducing labor costs and operational time, and providing accurate data for timber volume calculation, thus enhancing the efficiency and safety of timber measurement processes.
Implementation Method 1
a scanning robot including a plurality of sensors arranged in an array spanning substantially across at least one of said load dimensions
Implementation Method 2
a processor for processing a collection of images taken by the plurality of sensors and stitching the collection of images together to generate a 3D representation of said load
Data Source
AI summary
A load scanning apparatus for taking physical measurements from a load. The load scanning apparatus has a scanning robot including a plurality of sensors arranged in an array spanning substantially across at least one load dimension in a first direction. The array of sensors moves together in a second direction, in a scanning plane. The plurality of sensors are configured to take images of the load from the scanning plane, and are configured to capture distance information about the distance of said load from the scanning plane.