Log 3D Structure Detection via Single Device Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting the three-dimensional structure of logs in log cutting plants are either complex and expensive or limited by the need for multiple detection devices, and they struggle to effectively scan logs fed perpendicularly to their extension direction, often resulting in incomplete or inaccurate assessments due to restricted access.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that uses a single detection device positioned on one side of the log, with the log rotated about two axes parallel to its main direction, allowing for the detection of the entire lateral surface through sequential scanning and reconstruction of surface structures, utilizing techniques like laser triangulation and time of flight to capture the surface texture and geometry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single detection device is used to scan the log, then the device complexity and cost are reduced, but the ability to detect the entire lateral surface is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The detection device is mounted on the movable carriage that moves along the log length, and the log itself rotates on supporting means. This dynamic configuration allows a single stationary detection device (relative to the carriage) to scan the entire lateral surface by exploiting the relative motion between the device and the log surface, eliminating the need for multiple fixed detectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution adds temporal dimension to the detection process. Instead of using multiple devices simultaneously (spatial approach), a single device scans sequentially along the log length and around its circumference by utilizing the carriage movement and log rotation, transforming a spatial coverage problem into a temporal scanning process.
2Productivity
If the log is fed perpendicularly to its extension direction on high-productivity lines, then productivity is improved, but the ability to scan the entire lateral surface with available detectors is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to work with logs fed perpendicularly by mounting the detection device on the movable carriage. As the carriage moves the log through the cutting position, the detection device simultaneously scans the lateral surface. The log rotation on supporting means ensures complete circumferential coverage, allowing full surface detection to occur during the normal high-speed perpendicular feeding operation without requiring log rotation or stopping.
3Loss of information
If multiple detection devices are used to detect the entire lateral surface simultaneously, then detection completeness is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using multiple detectors simultaneously, the invention employs a single detection device that moves with the carriage along the log. Combined with log rotation on supporting means, this dynamic single-device approach achieves complete lateral surface detection equivalent to multiple simultaneous detectors, but with reduced complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection process creates multiple virtual detection positions through the motion of the single device. As the carriage moves and the log rotates, the single detector effectively samples different locations on the log surface, creating a complete detection dataset without requiring physical multiplication of detection devices.
4Measurement precision
If the log is stopped for three-dimensional scanning upstream, then detection accuracy is improved, but the productivity of the cutting line is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The detection of log surface structure is performed in advance during the natural log feeding and positioning process, before cutting begins. The carriage moves the log into position while the detection device scans the surface, and the log rotates on supporting means to expose all surfaces. This preliminary detection during normal operation eliminates the need for separate stopping and scanning operations, maintaining both accuracy and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection process occurs continuously during the log feeding and positioning operation rather than requiring separate stopping. As the carriage naturally moves the log along its path and the log rotates on supports, the detection device continuously scans the surface, transforming idle or necessary movement into productive detection time without interrupting the workflow.
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
Enables efficient detection of the three-dimensional structure of logs using a single device during a single rotation, suitable for high-productivity lines where logs are fed perpendicularly, reducing costs and improving accuracy by reconstructing the entire surface from overlapping portions and end surface information.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing techniques like laser triangulation and time of flight to capture the surface texture and geometry
Implementation Method 2
utilizing techniques like laser triangulation and time of flight to capture the surface texture and geometry
Data Source
AI summary
A method for detecting the three-dimensional structure of a log comprises the operating steps of:making the log (2) rotate axially, leaving it free to translate during the rotation;during said rotation repeating the step of detecting the relative surface structure of the log (2) at least at one log surface portion (13), so that the relative surface structure of substantially all of the points of at least the log (2) lateral surface is detected at least once; andcombining the relative surface structures detected to reconstruct an overall surface structure for at least the log (2) lateral surface,the detection steps being carried out in such a way that each detection step result shares at least several points with at least one other detection step result, while the step of combining the relative surface structures is carried out in such a way that the shared points are made to coincide with each other.