Near-Infrared Spectrometry for Non-Destructive Tree Species Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for identifying tree species, such as anatomical analysis and genetic analysis, are complex, costly, and require sample collection or felling trees, while near-infrared spectrometry is indirect and time-consuming, making it difficult to rapidly and non-destructively determine oak species in forest or industrial settings.
Innovation Solution
A method using near-infrared spectrometry that applies incident radiation to the entire tree, processes the reflected radiation to obtain a spectrum, and identifies the species using reference spectra, allowing for rapid, non-destructive, and cost-effective identification of tree species directly in the field or industry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If anatomical analysis or genetic analysis is used to identify tree species, then identification reliability is improved, but the method becomes complex, costly, and requires sample collection or felling trees
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical and laboratory-based analysis systems (anatomical microscopy, DNA extraction equipment) with a portable near-infrared spectrometer that uses optical radiation to identify tree species. This substitution maintains high identification reliability while dramatically simplifying the system and enabling field deployment without sample collection or tree felling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces near-infrared radiation as an intermediary between the tree and the identification system. The radiation interacts with the tree's chemical composition and anatomical structure, carrying information about species identity to the spectrometer. This intermediary enables non-contact, non-destructive measurement while maintaining the reliability previously achievable only through direct sample analysis.
2Ease of operation
If near-infrared spectrometry is used to identify tree species, then the method becomes non-destructive and can be applied to entire trees, but the analysis time increases due to sample preparation and transportation to laboratory
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the identification measurement directly on the entire tree in its natural location, eliminating the preliminary actions of sample collection, transportation, and laboratory preparation that previously consumed time. The spectrometer is brought to the tree, and measurement occurs immediately, transforming the workflow from 'tree-to-lab' to 'lab-to-tree'.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the laboratory-based spectrometry system with a portable field-deployable instrument. This substitution eliminates the need for sample transportation and laboratory infrastructure, enabling immediate analysis directly at the tree location and dramatically reducing total analysis time while maintaining non-destructive measurement capabilities.
3Measurement precision
If laboratory-based near-infrared analysis is used, then species identification can be achieved, but it requires felling the tree and preparing a sample, preventing rapid decision-making directly in the field
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the species identification measurement directly on the entire tree in its natural location, eliminating the preliminary actions of sample collection, transportation, and laboratory preparation that previously consumed time. The spectrometer is brought to the tree, and measurement occurs immediately, transforming the workflow from 'tree-to-lab' to 'lab-to-tree'.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the laboratory-based spectrometry system with a portable field-deployable instrument. This substitution eliminates the need for sample transportation and laboratory infrastructure, enabling immediate analysis directly at the tree location and dramatically reducing total analysis time while maintaining non-destructive measurement capabilities.
4Reliability
If current identification methods are used, then reliable species determination is achieved, but the costs are substantial and sample collection or tree felling is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces destructive sampling methods (tree felling, core extraction, tissue collection) with optical near-infrared spectrometry that measures reflected radiation from the tree surface or canopy. This substitution maintains species identification reliability while completely eliminating material loss and avoiding the need to fell or significantly damage the tree.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces near-infrared radiation as an intermediary that carries information about the tree's species identity without physically interacting with or removing any tree material. The radiation reflects off the tree, carrying spectral information that reveals species characteristics, enabling identification without sample loss or tree damage.
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 quick, reliable, and non-destructive identification of tree species, facilitating rapid decision-making and batch production, suitable for various tree types, including oaks, and applicable in forestry and cooperage for sensory property control of wines and spirits.
Implementation Method 1
This optical method relies on the selective absorption of near-infrared radiation by the tree's organic compounds
Implementation Method 2
receive, using said spectrometer, reflected radiation emitted by organic molecules present in said tree
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~2b
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a method (100) for identifying a tree species characterized in that it comprises the following steps: - step 1 (110): applying incident near-infrared radiation (10) against an entire tree (1) using an infrared spectrometer (6), - step 2 (120): receiving, using said spectrometer, reflected radiation (14) emitted by organic molecules (12) present in said tree (1), - step 3 (130): processing the reflected radiation (14) to obtain a near-infrared spectrum corresponding to said tree, - step 4 (140): identifying to which species said entire tree belongs from the infrared spectrum obtained in step 3 and from reference near-infrared spectra corresponding to known species.