Wooden Beam Positioning via Optical Defect Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual processes for identifying and correcting surface defects in laminated wooden beams are inefficient and costly due to the inability to precisely track the position of beams along processing lines, leading to errors in defect removal and insertion.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a first detection station to identify distinctive elements on the beam's surface with high precision, followed by a second station for automated positioning using image scanning and comparison to correct theoretical positions, allowing for precise localization of defects for automated processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual inspection and processing of defects is used, then skilled workers can identify and correct defects, but productivity is low and operating costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection and processing with an automated optical-mechanical system. Image capture devices (cameras) automatically detect defects on the beam surface, and a robotic positioning system with controlled precision moves the beam to the correct processing locations, eliminating the need for manual inspection and positioning while significantly increasing productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the processing line to automatically identify and locate defects without human intervention. The image capture devices continuously monitor the beam surface, automatically detect defects, calculate their positions relative to the beam coordinate system, and guide the processing equipment to the correct locations, making the system self-sufficient in defect identification and positioning.
2Productivity
If automated processing is implemented, then productivity increases, but precise positioning of beams becomes critical and difficult due to inertia and slipping movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where image capture devices continuously monitor the beam surface during movement, automatically detecting defects and calculating their real-time positions relative to the beam coordinate system. This feedback loop allows the system to compensate for positioning errors and maintain manufacturing precision even during automated high-speed processing with beam movement and inertia.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy of the beam surface through image capture, allowing virtual identification and positioning of defects before physical processing occurs. This optical copying enables precise defect location to be determined and transferred to the processing station without requiring continuous manual measurement during beam movement.
3Ease of operation
If rollers are used to convey beams, then beams can be moved along the processing line, but small slipping movements occur that cause positioning errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical position measurement methods with an optical image-based positioning system. Instead of relying on mechanical encoders or position sensors that are affected by roller slipping, the system uses image capture devices to visually identify defect positions directly on the beam surface, making the positioning independent of mechanical conveyance accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates an optical copy of the beam surface with defects, allowing position identification to be based on visual features rather than mechanical position references. This copying approach eliminates the transmission of positioning errors from the roller conveyance system to the defect processing accuracy.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for checking the positioning of a wooden element along a processing line comprises the operating steps of identifying at least one distinctive element (8) on the surface of the wooden element (1), obtaining at least a first image (10) corresponding to an area in which the distinctive element (8) is located, identifying with a first degree of precision the position of the distinctive element (8), feeding the wooden element (1) to a processing station (7), checking its position with a second degree of precision which is lower than the first degree of precision, identifying the theoretical point where the distinctive element (8) should be, obtaining a second image (14) of the zone (13) of the surface comprising said theoretical point and comparing the first image (10) with the second image (14) to identify the exact point where the distinctive element (8) is located and, consequently the position of the wooden element (1).