Veneer Sorting Control Using Defect Simulation for Grade Tuning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for sorting veneers into quality ranks based on defects require repetitive adjustments of determination parameters, leading to inefficiencies and prolonged sorting times, as the number of veneers sorted into each grade varies significantly with different parameter settings, even when defects are similar.

Innovation Solution

A system that analyzes veneer image data to detect defects, determines quality ranks based on set conditions, totals the number of veneers in each rank, and displays the results on a screen, allowing for rapid adjustment of sorting conditions to optimize the distribution of veneers into face, back, and core veneers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If strict condition values are set for determination parameters, then the number of veneers sorted into high-quality grade decreases, but the sorting time increases due to repetitive adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequality grade accuracyVSAvoidsorting adjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary analysis of historical veneer image data to pre-determine optimal determination parameter values before actual sorting begins. This preliminary action establishes accurate sorting criteria in advance, eliminating the need for repetitive adjustments during production and reducing sorting time while maintaining high-quality grade accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that automatically adjust determination parameters based on real-time sorting results and quality metrics. This closed-loop control enables the system to self-optimize parameter settings without manual intervention, resolving the contradiction between maintaining strict quality standards and minimizing adjustment time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If loose condition values are set for determination parameters, then the number of veneers sorted into high-quality grade increases, but the sorting precision decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehigh-quality veneer outputVSAvoidquality grade accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically changes determination parameter values based on the specific characteristics of the veneer batch being processed. By analyzing image data and adjusting parameters such as defect threshold values, size criteria, and pattern recognition sensitivity, the system optimizes the balance between productivity and precision for each sorting scenario.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The sorting system transitions from static, fixed parameter settings to dynamic, adaptive parameter adjustment. The determination parameters are continuously optimized based on real-time analysis of veneer quality data, allowing the system to maximize high-quality output while maintaining accurate grade classification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If repetitive manual adjustments of determination parameters are performed, then the sorting accuracy can be optimized, but the sorting efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequality rank determination accuracyVSAvoidsorting throughput
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically analyzing veneer image data and determining optimal determination parameter values without requiring manual intervention. The automated algorithm processes historical and real-time data to establish accurate sorting criteria, eliminating the need for operators to repeatedly adjust parameters and thereby maintaining both high accuracy and efficient throughput.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual mechanical adjustment of determination parameters with automated computational analysis. Image processing algorithms and data analysis software substitute for human operators, automatically optimizing sorting criteria based on visual defect detection and statistical analysis, thus maintaining precision while dramatically improving sorting efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4052875B1Veneer sorting control device, veneer sorting control method, and veneer sorting control program
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 MEINAN MASCH WORKS INC
  • EP4052875B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4052875B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4052875B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a veneer sorting control device including: a sorting condition setting unit 11 that sets sorting conditions for each of a plurality of kinds of defects so as to sort a veneer into a plurality of quality ranks; a defect detection unit 13 that detects the plurality of kinds of defects with respect to each of a plurality of pieces of veneer image data acquired from an image storage unit 100; a quality rank sorting unit 14 that sorts a plurality of the veneers into a plurality of quality ranks in correspondence with the sorting conditions which are set and defect detection states; a first totalization unit 15 that totalizes the number or a number ratio of the veneers in the plurality of quality ranks which are sorted; and a display control unit 17 that displays the totalization result on a screen. The number of the veneers sorted into the plurality of quality ranks can be confirmed by a simulation using the veneer image data stored in the image storage unit 100.