Volume measurement and cutting plan from the 3D profile of logs
The log passes on the chain conveyor through laser profile sensors arranged in a ring; encoder-synchronised profiles build a full point cloud of the log circumference. From the cloud the bark-free volume, sweep and taper are computed; the highest value cutting plan is derived and sent to the saw positioning.
Log volume, diameter series and sweep are written to the log record; the selected cutting plan is sent to the saw positioning and a log whose sweep exceeds the limit is diverted to the short-cut lane.
- 01 Infeed
- 02 Scan
- 03 Model
- 04 Cutting plan
The log advances on the chain conveyor towards the sensor ring.
- Bark-free volume
- —
- Sweep
- —
- Mid diameter
- —
Scenes are illustrative simulations; they are not customer references or performance guarantees.
Need
A log is irregular, swept and tapered; measurement from one direction gives the wrong diameter and sweep. Bark remnants, branch stubs and a wet surface disturb the laser line, and the log can roll and jolt on the chain.
Solution approach
Laser profile sensors arranged in a ring around the conveyor are triggered together and give the closed circumference profile of the log at every encoder step. Profiles are stacked along the axis into a point cloud; a circle is fitted at each section, giving the axis curve and the diameter series. Bark thickness is subtracted to get the volume; diameter and sweep feed the cutting plan optimiser.
Process steps
- 01
Infeed
The log advances on the chain conveyor towards the sensor ring.
- 02
Scan
The laser lines in the ring capture the circumference profile of the log at every encoder step.
- 03
Model
Section circles are fitted to the point cloud; axis, diameter series and volume are computed.
- 04
Cutting plan
The highest value cutting plan is chosen from diameter and sweep and goes to the saw positioning.
Related applications
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