Log Origin Identification Using Harvester Imaging and GPS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for identifying the origin of logs in the timber industry are unreliable due to fading identification codes under climate and handling conditions, and fail to accurately link logs to specific trees or felling sites, leading to inefficiencies in the supply chain.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize an imaging device on a forest harvester to capture images of a log's side, combined with GPS to determine the felling location, and a data processor to create identification information, which is authenticated by comparing features of subsequent images, ensuring accurate origin tracking and processing at sawmills.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If identification codes are sprayed or imprinted on logs at high speed, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates because the identification becomes poor quality and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical spraying or imprinting systems with an optical imaging system. Instead of physically applying identification codes to the log surface, the system captures images of the log's natural features (bark texture, knots, diameter variations) using imaging devices mounted on the forest harvester. This substitution eliminates the reliability issues of mechanical application while maintaining high-speed operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the log's unique surface features through imaging. Rather than applying a physical identification code that may fade or deteriorate, the system captures an optical copy (image) of the log's inherent characteristics. This digital replica serves as the identification marker, which can be stored, transmitted, and compared without degrading in quality.
2Device complexity
If conventional imaging methods are used to capture log images, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates because the images fail to provide accurate origin identification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple data sources into a unified identification system. It combines images captured by imaging devices with GPS location data from the forest harvester's positioning system. The data processor integrates these separate inputs to create comprehensive identification information that includes both visual characteristics and precise geographical origin, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring overly complex individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a data processor as an intermediary between the imaging devices/GPS receiver and the final identification output. This intermediary component processes raw images and location data, extracts relevant features, correlates them with database information, and generates accurate origin identification. The data processor acts as a mediator that transforms simple inputs into precise identification results.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a system for managing identification information for a log. The system comprises an arrangement for determining an origin of the log, a computing device communicably coupled to the remote server arrangement and a communication interface that is operable to transmit the captured at least one subsequent image to the remote server arrangement. The arrangement for determining an origin of the log further comprises at least one imaging device coupled to a forest harvester, a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver that is operatively coupled to the forest harvester and a data processor that is communicably coupled to a remote server arrangement and operable to process the captured at least one image and the determined felling location of the log to create the identification information for the log.