Log Pile Attribute Sensing for Reliable Forestry Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing forestry technologies face challenges in accurately monitoring and tracking log piles due to data loss during collection, especially when logs are covered by snow or plants, which impairs productivity and data reliability.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method that uses sensors on forwarders and harvesters to collect and store log pile attributes such as species, timber assortment, and location, with the ability to compare these attributes to an inventory and send data to a remote location for analysis, enabling efficient monitoring and tracking of logs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If individual logs are sensed one by one to ensure reliable data collection, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple log sensing operations into a single simultaneous measurement. The sensor system is configured to detect attributes of multiple logs (diameter, length, species) in one scanning action, merging what would otherwise require multiple sequential measurements. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining measurement precision while eliminating the time penalty of individual log sensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical sensors to create digital copies or representations of log attributes without physical contact. Instead of manually measuring each log, the system captures optical images and derives measurement data from these copies. This allows rapid data collection that maintains precision while dramatically reducing the time required compared to traditional individual log measurement methods.
2Reliability
If logs are covered with snow or plants, then reliability of log identification deteriorates, but sensing capability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by sensing only the exposed portions of logs (tops or ends) rather than requiring complete log visibility. The sensor system is positioned to target specific local regions of each log that remain accessible even when logs are partially covered by snow or vegetation. This allows reliable identification to be maintained by focusing measurement efforts on the visible local areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary sensing operations to identify and locate logs before full processing. By first detecting the presence and position of log tops or ends, the system can then target subsequent detailed measurements to these identified locations. This preliminary action allows the system to adapt to environmental conditions and maintain reliability even when logs are partially obscured.
3Productivity
If multiple logs are loaded at a time to improve efficiency, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to sense each log individually
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual log sensing operations into a single simultaneous measurement process. The sensor array is configured to detect and distinguish multiple logs in parallel, capturing attributes of each log (diameter, length, species) in one scanning action. This allows the system to maintain measurement precision for individual logs while loading multiple logs simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between productivity and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical individual-log handling and measurement systems with optical sensing that can penetrate and detect multiple logs simultaneously. Instead of physically manipulating and measuring each log separately, the optical sensor system captures data from multiple logs at once, maintaining precision while enabling batch loading operations that improve productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
In the method a forwarder is applied, including one or more sensors adapted to sense one or more log pile attributes that concern and identify a pile of logs as a whole, each log pile attribute representing a property of the log pile, the forwarder further collecting the logs in each sensed log pile. In the method a forest harvester is applied, adapted to harvest trees to produce logs that are deposited in log piles, including one or more sensors adapted to sense one or more log pile attributes that concern and identify a pile of logs as a whole, the forest harvester storing and/or processing the sensed one or more log pile attributes, and/or sending them to a remote location, and/or sending them to one or more forwarders. The method including comparing the sensed one or more log pile attributes to identify the log pile. The arrangement includes the forest harvester and the forwarder.