Log Lateral Surface Imaging for Angular Orientation Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the angular orientation of logs in timber processing are ineffective for logs with regular external surfaces or when end faces are not visible, such as in peeling apparatuses where logs are held by spindles, and when logs are cut into shorter pieces.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize the external appearance of the lateral surface of a log to determine its angular orientation by comparing digital images taken from known viewpoints, allowing for geometric transformation and identification of feature points, even when end faces are not visible.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If 3D scanning is used to detect log orientation by creating virtual three-dimensional models, then log orientation can be determined for logs with irregular surfaces, but the method becomes entirely unsuitable for logs with remarkably regular external surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by marking the log surface with colored bands or patterns that provide visual contrast and distinctive features. These color markers enable the image processing system to reliably detect and track the log's angular orientation regardless of the natural surface regularity, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and adaptability to different surface types
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary marking system (colored bands, patterns, or artificial features) that mediates between the log surface and the detection system. These intermediaries provide sufficient contrast and recognizability for image processing algorithms to determine orientation, working effectively whether the underlying surface is irregular or remarkably regular
2Measurement precision
If end face comparison methods are used to determine log orientation, then orientation can be identified when end faces are visible, but the method fails when end faces are not visible (e.g., in peeling apparatuses where logs are held by spindles)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional end face comparison to three-dimensional lateral surface imaging. By capturing images of the log's lateral surface from multiple viewpoints and using image processing to determine orientation, the system eliminates the dependency on end face visibility while maintaining measurement precision for angular orientation determination
3Reliability
If 3D scanning is used to create virtual three-dimensional models for orientation recognition, then the method works for irregular surfaces, but it cannot recognize logs with remarkably regular external surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses color changes through artificial markings (colored bands, patterns, or contrasting elements) applied to the log surface. These color markers provide reliable visual features for image processing algorithms to detect and track orientation, ensuring reliable recognition whether the natural surface is irregular or remarkably regular, without requiring complex 3D scanning systems
Data Source
AI summary
Method for determining an angular orientation of a log (2) about one of its longitudinal development axes, comprising a first generation step, during which one or more first digital images are generated of the lateral surface of the log placed in a reference position, using one or more first digital photographs, a second generation step, during which one or more second digital images are generated of the lateral surface (1) of the log (2) placed in a second position using the one or more second digital photographs, a step of comparing the one or more second digital images with the one or more first digital images, and a step of determining the angular orientation of the log (2) in the second position with reference to a reference angular orientation of the log (2) in the reference position, based on information related to the first digital images and the second digital images for which a match was identified. Also claimed is a device which can implement is programmed to perform the following of the steps described above: the second generation step, the comparison step and the determination step.