Log Block Scanner System for Optimum Yield Axis Calculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current forestry industry methods for calculating the optimum yield axis of log blocks in veneer lathes are inefficient, leading to waste and increased costs due to the inability to accurately determine this axis, resulting from the use of multiple independent single-point scanners that are costly to install, align, and maintain.
Innovation Solution
The use of four block profile scanners capable of measuring 512 scanned distances each, employing triangulation technology with CCD or CMOS imaging, to generate a series of scan points that provide three-dimensional data for calculating the optimum yield axis, with overlapping scan regions enhancing accuracy and eliminating shadowing issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple independent single-point scanners are used to scan log blocks, then measurement coverage is improved, but installation, alignment, and maintenance costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple single-point laser scanners into a single integrated scanner assembly that scans the log block in multiple directions simultaneously. This merging approach maintains comprehensive measurement coverage while eliminating the need for multiple independent scanner installations, alignments, and maintenances, directly resolving the technical contradiction between measurement coverage and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated scanner assembly performs multiple scanning functions (radial, tangential, and diagonal scans) that previously required separate scanner units. This multi-functional design achieves the measurement coverage of multiple scanners while reducing the system to a single maintainable unit, addressing both measurement precision and maintenance complexity concerns
2Measurement precision
If traditional scanning methods are used to determine log center axis, then approximate positioning is achieved, but accurate optimum yield axis calculation is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional radial scanning to three-dimensional scanning by adding tangential and diagonal scan directions. This multi-dimensional approach captures the log block's geometry more comprehensively, enabling accurate calculation of the optimum yield axis that accounts for grain direction and structural features, thereby reducing veneer waste
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the scanning parameters by introducing multiple scan directions (radial, tangential, diagonal) and varying scan densities. This parametric approach allows the system to capture critical geometric information needed for precise optimum yield axis determination, directly addressing the accuracy-waste contradiction
3Measurement precision
If log blocks are scanned at high resolution to capture surface irregularities, then measurement accuracy is improved, but data processing complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the scanning process into multiple passes with different scan directions and densities. By dividing the comprehensive scan into radial, tangential, and diagonal components, the system captures surface irregularities accurately while organizing data in a structured manner that facilitates efficient processing, balancing measurement precision with processing time
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary scanning at lower resolution to identify regions of interest containing surface irregularities, then applies high-resolution scanning only to those specific areas. This preliminary action approach maintains high measurement accuracy for critical features while reducing overall data volume and processing time
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
This approach significantly reduces waste by accurately determining the optimum yield axis, increasing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of veneer extraction by providing precise three-dimensional analysis of log blocks, even in the presence of surface irregularities and shadowing conditions.
Implementation Method 1
Each block profile scanner is capable of measuring 512 scanned distances and is suspended over the log block in a known and fixed position. The four block profile scanners are active at the same time and each takes a slice or cross-sectional view of the log block in a known and fixed orientation.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1
Figure 2~3B
AI summary
A measurement system and method for computing a geometric center of a log block (12) in three dimensions is provided. The system comprises a charger apparatus and at least one block scanner (20) mechanism. The scanner block mechanism (20) includes an illumination source (23) for projecting light along the length of the surface of the log block, forming a plurality of scan points and an imaging device (32) for receiving the plurality of scan points that are reflected from the surface of the log block (12). The system further comprises processing unit (40) that compiles information from the imaging device (32) representative of a three-dimensional image of the log block. The processing unit calculated an optimum yield axis from the three dimensional image.