Wood Product Selection by Computer Vision for Real-Time Grading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wood optimization systems require manual markings on wood products as they move across the handling area, which is inefficient and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A wood optimization system that uses a wood product selector, imaged by a computer vision system, to identify selected wood products for new trimming or grading instructions, allowing these instructions to be wirelessly communicated and implemented into optimization data without the need for manual markings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual markings are made on wood products to indicate new trimming or grading instructions, then operators can communicate instructions, but the process becomes inefficient and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical marking system with an automated optical recognition system. The camera captures images of the handling area, the processor identifies the wood product selector and selects the target wood product, and the system wirelessly transmits instructions to update optimization data, eliminating the need for physical markings on wood products
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a computer vision system as an intermediary between the operator's selection action and the optimization data update. The camera and processor act as mediators to automatically recognize the selected wood product and translate the selection into digital optimization data, replacing the manual marking intermediary
2Ease of operation
If manual markings are made on wood products, then instructions can be communicated, but accuracy decreases due to errors in marking and reading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual marking and reading process with an automated optical recognition system. The camera captures precise images, the processor accurately identifies the wood product selector position and selects the correct wood product through coordinate analysis, and the system wirelessly transmits instructions without manual intervention, eliminating marking and reading errors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the camera continuously monitors the handling area, the processor analyzes the position of the wood product selector relative to wood products, and the system updates optimization data based on this feedback loop, ensuring accurate instruction communication without manual markings
3Productivity
If the production line moves wood products at high speed (366-610 m/min), then productivity increases, but automated decision-making becomes necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a computer vision system as an intermediary that automatically tracks wood products and identifies selections at high speeds. The camera captures images of the handling area, the processor analyzes coordinates to identify the selected wood product, and the system updates optimization data automatically, enabling automated decision-making to keep pace with high-speed production
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual tracking and selection methods with an automated optical recognition system that operates at high speeds. The camera and processor automatically identify the wood product selector and select the target wood product based on image analysis, enabling automated decision-making compatible with high-speed production lines
4Extent of automation
If a wood tracker with computer vision system is used to track wood products, then automation increases, but the system requires manual markings to be read
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual marking requirement with an automated optical recognition system. Instead of reading markings on wood products, the camera captures images of the handling area, the processor identifies the wood product selector and selects the target wood product through coordinate analysis, and the system wirelessly transmits instructions to update optimization data, completely eliminating the need for manual markings
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by instead of having markings on the wood product that the camera reads, the system now detects the wood product selector's position and uses that information to identify and select the target wood product, reversing the direction of information flow from product-marking-reading to selector-detection-selection
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 efficient and error-free implementation of new trimming or grading instructions for wood products in real-time, improving the automation and accuracy of the wood optimization process.
Implementation Method 1
receiving from the camera an image representing at least a portion of the handling area
Data Source
AI summary
There is described a wood optimization system for a production line. The wood optimization system generally having a conveyor moving wood products across a handling area; a wood product selector positioned proximate to a selected wood product in the handling area; and a computer vision system along the production line having a camera imaging the handling area, a processor communicatively coupled to the camera, and a computer-readable memory having program code that when executed by the processor perform the steps of: receiving from the camera an image representing at least a portion of the handling area; finding the wood product selector in the image; identifying the selected wood product in the image as the wood product of the plurality being most proximate to the wood product selector; receiving an instruction associated to the selected wood product; and implementing the instruction into optimization data associated to the selected wood product.