Wood Defect Detection From Pre-Split Log Geometry and Surface Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial wood processing faces significant metrological effort in measuring the profile of sawn logs to achieve high wood yield and quality control.
Innovation Solution
A method that combines profile measurement of tree trunks before splitting with imaging inspection of the separated trunk to determine wood defects and defect properties without requiring additional profile measurement post-splitting, using sensors and image processing to align and project defect information onto a virtual log model.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If profile measurement of the sawn log is performed to determine wood defects and verify cut geometry, then measurement precision and quality control are improved, but metrological effort and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs profile measurement of the log before the sawing operation to determine the three-dimensional trunk geometry and identify wood defects in advance. This preliminary measurement allows the cutting plan to be optimized beforehand, eliminating the need for complex post-sawing defect detection while ensuring high measurement precision for quality control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital three-dimensional model (virtual copy) of the log's geometry and defect structure based on preliminary profile measurements. This digital model is then used to simulate and optimize the cutting plan, replacing the need for physical post-sawing inspection and reducing on-site metrological effort while maintaining high detection precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If profile measurement is performed both before and after splitting to ensure quality control, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the critical profile measurement and defect detection before the sawing operation. The three-dimensional trunk geometry is determined in advance, allowing the cutting plan to be optimized and verified beforehand. This eliminates the need for time-consuming post-sawing measurements while maintaining high manufacturing precision through pre-planned cut geometry optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the preliminary profile measurement data to generate feedback for optimizing the cutting plan. The three-dimensional model and identified defects inform the cutting strategy, allowing real-time adjustments to be made to the cutting plan based on actual log geometry, ensuring high manufacturing precision without requiring additional post-sawing measurement time.
3Productivity
If comprehensive profile measurement is conducted to maximize wood yield optimization, then productivity is improved, but device complexity and measurement requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs comprehensive profile measurement and three-dimensional modeling before sawing to identify all wood defects and determine the optimal cutting plan in advance. This preliminary action allows for maximum wood yield optimization by strategically positioning cuts to avoid defects and maximize usable timber, eliminating the need for complex post-sawing measurements while achieving high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a detailed digital three-dimensional model of the log including defect locations and geometry. This virtual copy is used to simulate and optimize the cutting plan, allowing wood yield maximization to be achieved through computational optimization rather than complex physical measurement systems during processing.
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for detecting wood defects and/or wood defect properties during the processing of a tree trunk, comprising the following process steps: A) Profile measurement of the tree trunk (1) and determination of the trunk geometry; B) Separating the tree trunk (1) by creating a processing surface (8) along a trunk axis of the tree trunk (1); C) Imaging examination of the separated tree trunk (1) at least on the processing surface (8) and determination of at least one test image (14); D) Spatially resolved determination of a wood defect (10) and/or a wood defect property on the separated tree trunk as a function of the test image (14) from process step C) and the trunk geometry from process step A).