Infeed log scanning for lumber optimization

摘要

A method for creating a full surface model of a log using optical scanners mounted on an existing infeed assembly. The method recognizes that a log is only stable for a portion of its travel along the infeed assembly, meaning that only portions of the log may be accurately scanned for both cross-sectional and positional data. The balance of the log can only be scanned for cross-sectional data. The method uses the regions of the log for which both cross-sectional and positional data are known to create a theoretical centerline for the entire log. The cross-sections for the regions without positional data are then placed along the theoretical centerline and all the cross sections are blended together to create a full surface model. The full surface model is then used to determine the optimum configuration of dimensioned lumber which may be sawn from the log.