PT2021005265B - METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE VOLUME OF WOOD PULP OR PILE OF CONSTRUCTION WOOD - Google Patents

Abstract

"METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE VOLUME OF WOOD PULP OR CONSTRUCTION WOOD PILE" The object of the invention is a method for determining the volume of a wood pulp or construction wood pile (2). In the first step of the method, a wood pulp or construction wood pile (2) is taken to a measuring station (1) comprising measuring instruments. The method comprises the following steps, in which: a) both ends of the wood pulp or construction wood stumps (3) of a wood pulp or construction wood stack (2) brought to the measuring station (1) are illuminated with lighting devices (4a, 5a), b) the solid volume of the wood pulp or construction wood stack (2) is determined with a measuring module comprising measuring instruments (4b, 4c; 5b, 5c), wherein the measuring module comprises: imaging devices (4c; 5c) arranged in connection with each end of the wood pulp or construction wood stack (2) to determine the diameter of each end (3a, 3b) of individual wood pulp or construction wood stumps (3); and distance measuring instruments (4b; 5b) arranged in connection with each end of the wood bundle or construction wood pile (2) to determine the lengths of individual wood bundles or construction wood blocks (3) of a wood bundle or construction wood pile (2) and the proportion of empty space (3c) between them. Q solid volume of the wood bundle or construction wood pile (2) is calculated based on the information determined with the measuring instruments (4b, 4c; 5b, 5c).

Description

DESCRIPTION

METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE VOLUME OF WOOD PULP IN A PILE OF CONSTRUCTION WOOD

The object of the invention is a method for determining the solid volume of a wood pulp or pile of construction wood, wherein in the first step of the method, the wood pulp or pile of construction wood is taken to a measuring station comprising measuring instruments.

Methods for determining the volume of individual construction timber applicable to cutting machines directly at the cutting site are previously known. These measurements are based on information received from measuring instruments located on the cutting machine, which is obtained, for example, during the pruning stage of construction timber, when the tree trunk is moved with the pruning means of the cutting machine. In addition, methods are known for determining the volume of wood pulp or stacks of construction timber piled at the cutting site based at least partially on estimation, where the final results depend on the estimator and are therefore not precise.

Furthermore, volumes are measured in conjunction with individual wood pulp or construction timber blocks, for example, in factories that use wood pulp or construction timber when employing various imaging methods. Such processes often involve the time-consuming separation of the wood pulp or construction timber, rather than volume measurement performed at the factory (or any equivalent facility).

Systems have also been developed to determine the volume of wood pulp or construction timber stacks transported by wood pulp or construction timber trucks. One such solution is implemented by Visisystems Qy. under the trade name Taljari, where a truck carrying a load of wood pulp or construction timber passes through a measuring frame equipped with laser scanners to scan the surface of the load, after which the calculated volume of the timber load is determined. However, this is designed to determine the volume of compact loads, such as wood chips, and is not suitable for the direct and accurate measurement of the solid volume of a wood pulp or construction timber stack. This type of arrangement is not suitable for measuring the volume of a wood pulp or construction timber stack separate from a vehicle, as the measurement depends entirely on the movement of the wood pulp or construction timber stack, i.e., the movement of the vehicle.

Nowadays, a commonly used method for measuring the volume of wood pulp or stacks of construction timber, for example, in the factory, is the immersion measurement by applying Archimedes' principle, a method known to anyone skilled in the art. While this method is relatively accurate on its own, immersion measurement uses water, typically in an outdoor immersion pool, which makes measurement in winter conditions difficult or impossible. Additionally, the immersion pool requires repeated maintenance due to the accumulation of dirt.

The objective of the present invention is to provide a new method for determining the volume of a wood pulp or pile of construction timber, which method is more accurate and reliable than previously known methods, and with which additional information relating to the measured wood pulp or pile of construction timber can also be provided to the final production site, such as the factory, even information about an individual wood pulp or log of construction timber, for further processing purposes. One of the objectives of the invention is, therefore, to provide a method that replaces immersion measurement for measuring volume, a method that is also reliable and accurate under cold conditions.

To achieve the aforementioned objective, the method of the present invention is characterized by comprising the steps in which: a) both ends of the wood pulp or construction wood stumps of a wood pulp or stack of construction wood taken to a measuring station are illuminated using lighting devices; (b) The solid volume of the wood pulp or stack of construction timber is determined using a measuring module comprising measuring instruments, wherein the measuring module comprises: imaging devices arranged at each end of the wood pulp or stack of construction timber for determining the diameters of each end of individual wood pulp or construction timber stumps, and distance measuring devices arranged at each end of the wood pulp or stack of construction timber for determining the lengths of individual wood pulp or construction timber stumps of a wood pulp or stack of construction timber and the proportion of empty space between the wood pulp or construction timber stumps of a wood pulp or stack of construction timber, moving the wood pulp or stack of construction timber (2) and the measuring instruments (4b, 4c; 5b, 5c) relative to each other during the determination of the solid volume of the wood pulp or stack of construction timber (2) such that the measuring plane (M) is longitudinal or at least essentially longitudinal to the wood pulp or construction timber stumps (3) when taking the plane (M) of the measuring beam beyond the end surfaces (3a) and (3b), and wherein the distance measuring instruments (4b) and (5b) are able to form a proportion for determining the void space (3c) between wood pulp or construction wood stumps (3) based on an actual observation, and by c) calculating the solid volume of the wood pulp or construction wood pile based on the information determined with the measuring instruments.

The present invention provides a simple and quick way to measure the solid volume of a wood pulp or construction timber pile in a factory or equivalent production facility where wood pulp or construction timber is used as raw material. The present invention is not limited to measurements being performed in a vehicle, as many corresponding solutions of the prior art do. The solution of the invention allows the image formation of the wood pulp or construction timber pile to be measured using measuring instruments under ideal lighting conditions, so that the empty space ratio between the wood pulp or construction timber stumps can be determined using the measuring instruments, and no calculated assumptions associated with the prior art are required. The ideal lighting conditions also allow determining additional properties of an individual wood pulp or construction timber stump according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

The invention is then described in more detail with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a diagrammatic side view of a measuring station that applies the method according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 shows a top view of the measuring station as per Figure 1.

Figure 3 shows a wooden folder or stack of construction wood viewed from the end of the same on the hook of a material handler according to Figure 1.

Figure 4 shows a diagrammatic side view of a measuring station that applies the method according to another preferred embodiment of the invention, in which the wood pulp or pile of construction wood has been positioned on a scaffold, and

Figure 5 shows a diagrammatic side view of a measuring station that applies the method according to another preferred embodiment of the invention, in which the measuring instruments are arranged in a mobile mounting.

Figures 1 and 2 thus present a preferred embodiment of the measuring station 1 that applies the method according to the invention. The measuring station 1 includes in this document a space in which the wood bundle or stack of construction wood indicated by reference 2 can be placed. The placement can be done using, for example, the hook 6 of the material handler shown in Figures 1 and 2 in such a way that the individual wood bundles or blocks of construction wood 3 of the wood bundle or stack of construction wood 2 are arranged parallel or at least essentially parallel to each other. Both ends of the wood bundle or stack of construction wood 2 and the end surfaces 3a and 3b of the individual wood bundles or blocks of construction wood 3 are illuminated using the lighting devices 4a and 5a. The illumination can be effected using, for example, a necessary number of LED and/or xenon lights, and/or to provide the required lighting power.

The measuring station applying the present method comprises a measuring module comprising imaging devices 4c and 5c arranged at each end of the wood folder or stack of construction wood 2. The first imaging device 4c was preferably arranged in such a position in the aforementioned space that it faces the first end of the wood folder or stack of construction wood 2 (and the end surfaces 3a of the wood folder or individual construction wood blocks 3 thereof) at a distance. Correspondingly, the second imaging device 5c was preferably arranged in such a position in the aforementioned space on the opposite side of the wood folder or stack of construction wood 2 that it faces the second end of the wood folder or stack of construction wood 2 (and the second end surfaces 3b of the wood folder or individual construction wood blocks 3 thereof) at a distance. The objective of these at least two imaging devices 4c and 5c is to determine, at least, the diameter of each end 3a and 3b of the individual wooden blocks or building blocks 3. The imaging devices may be, but are not limited to, for example, Une color scan and/or color matrix cameras.

Additionally, the measuring module comprises distance measuring devices 4b and 5b arranged at each end of the wooden folder or construction wood stack 2. The first distance measuring device 4b was arranged similarly to the first imaging device 4c, preferably in such a position in the aforementioned space that it faces the first end of the wooden folder or construction wood stack 2 (and the end surfaces 3a of the wooden folder or individual construction wood stumps 3 thereof) at a distance. Correspondingly, the second distance measuring device 5b was arranged similarly to the second imaging device 5c, preferably in such a position in the aforementioned space on the opposite side of the wooden folder or construction wood stack 2 that it faces the second end of the wooden folder or construction wood stack 2 (and the second end surfaces 3b of the wooden folder or individual construction wood stumps 3) at a distance. The objective of these at least two distance measuring devices 4b and 5b is to determine the lengths of each wooden pile or construction wood stump 3 from a wooden pile or stack of construction wood 2. Furthermore, the objective of distance measuring devices 4b and 5b is to determine the empty space ratio 3c between the individual wooden pile or construction wood stump 3. The distance measuring devices may be, but are not limited to, for example, laser fans.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first imaging device 4c and the first distance measuring device 4b are arranged in connection with a first straight post 4 located at the edge of the space. The vertical post 4 is, in turn, equipped with guides 4', on which the first imaging device 4c and the first distance measuring device 4b are arranged to move in the vertical direction. Correspondingly, a second imaging device 5c and a second distance measuring device 5b are arranged on the opposite edge of the space, on the other side of the wooden folder or stack of construction wood 2, in connection with the guides 5' of a second straight post 5. Together, they form the measuring module of the invention. Additionally, the lighting devices 4a and 5a can be positioned in connection with the straight posts 4 and 5 as part of the measuring module. Vertical posts 4 and 5 are mounted on the ground or floor, so the aforementioned space remains between them, a space in which the construction timber stack 2 can be placed. Instead of straight posts, other types of means can be used to move the measuring instruments 4b, 4c, 5b, 5c.

In the case shown in Figures 1 and 2, the wood bundle or pile of construction wood 2 placed in the measuring station 1 can be arranged to move relative to the measuring instruments 4b, 4c; 5b, 5c. In this case, the wood bundle or pile of construction wood 2 is moved on the hook of a material handler 6 either automatically or manually, for example, by a material handler operator, so that the measuring instruments 4b, 4c; 5b, 5c can be held in place during the determination of the solid volume.

Figure 4 shows an arrangement corresponding to that shown in Figures 1 and 2, but with the wood pile or stack of construction wood 2 taken to a space on a scaffold 6' where the solid volume of the stack of construction wood 2 is determined. In this embodiment, the scaffold 6' can be lowered during the determination on the ground or floor between the straight posts 4 and 5.

Figure 5 shows an arrangement corresponding to that shown in Figures 1 and 2, but with the measuring module and therefore the measuring instruments arranged on a mobile mount 7. For movement, the mobile mount 7 can be fitted with, for example, wheels 7a, used and controlled by means of power transmission known to you and not shown in this document. Thus, the measuring station 1 consists of a measuring module arranged on a mobile mount 7.

A common feature of these aforementioned embodiments is that the wood pulp or construction wood pile 2 and the measuring instruments 4b, 4c; 5b, 5c move relative to each other during the determination of the solid volume of the wood pulp or construction wood pile 2. This feature allows for a preferred embodiment of the invention to accurately determine the solid volume, wherein a plane passing through the ends 3a; 3b of individual wood pulp or construction wood blocks 3 of a wood pulp or construction wood pile 2 is essentially perpendicular to a measuring plane M of the measuring instruments 4b, 4c; 5b, 5c. Thus, when the measuring plane M is longitudinal or at least essentially longitudinal to the wood pile and construction wood stumps, the distance measuring devices 4b and 5b are capable of forming a determination of the empty space 3c between the wood piles or construction wood stumps 3 (in addition to their length) based on an actual observation. This empty space 3c is illustrated by way of example in Figure 3, which represents the wood pile or construction wood stack 2 viewed from its end.

In the Figures, the plane M of the measuring beam is shown as being horizontal, but it may be in another plane, for example, a vertical plane. In this case, posts 4 and 5 must be equipped with means (not shown) by which the measuring instruments, or at least the distance measuring devices 4b and 5b, can be moved in the vertical direction to bring the plane M of the measuring beam beyond the end surfaces 3a and 3b. A corresponding arrangement can naturally be implemented for the imaging devices 4c and 5c. The movement of the measuring instruments, as well as the movement of the material handler gripper 6, can be performed using electric, hydraulic and/or pneumatic motion means.

Once the information required for calculating the solid volume of the wood pulp or construction wood pile 2 has been determined using the measuring module comprising the measuring instruments 4b, 4c; 5b, 5c with the means of applying the method described above, the solid volume of the wood pulp or construction wood pile 2 is calculated based on the information determined with the measuring instruments 4b, 4c; 5b, 5c. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, this calculation can be performed with a data processing unit 8, which is, for example, a computer or other intelligent device. The data processing unit 8 is, in turn, equipped with receiving means with which the information is determined when using the measuring instruments 4b, 4c; 5b, 5c obtained from measuring instruments 4b, 4c, 5b, 5c by means of electronic data carriers S1, S2, SI' S2’ can be electronically transferred to data processing unit 8. Furthermore, data processing unit 8 is equipped with a corresponding program or application to calculate and indicate the solid volume of wood pulp or construction wood pile 2 based on the aforementioned information. It is also advantageous to equip the data processing unit with a screen, or to have a screen connected to it, from which the final result of the calculation can be read and/or viewed to indicate the final result of the calculation.

Naturally, the calculated and indicated information about the solid volume can be used as an integral part of other information about the wood pulp or construction wood pile 2. For example, once the weight of the wood pulp or construction wood pile 2 is known, the density corresponding to the solid volume of the wood pulp or construction wood pile 2 can be calculated.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the purpose of the two imaging devices 4c and 5c is to determine other properties of wood pulp or construction timber, in addition to the diameter of the ends 3a and 3b of individual wood pulp or construction timber blocks 3, such as the tree species and/or the quality of an individual wood pulp or construction timber block 3. This can be performed, for example, by determining the red, green, or blue color signals from a Une color scan camera or by means of a neural network or other artificial intelligence-based system. Thus, in addition to measuring distance, the correct illumination achieved with the illumination devices 4a and 5a is an important aspect in performing the method according to the invention and in obtaining correct results from the measuring instruments.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments presented, but can be applied in many ways within the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims (12)

1. Method for determining the solid volume of a wood pulp or pile of construction wood (2), wherein the first step of the method comprises taking the wood pulp or pile of construction wood (2) to a measuring station (1) comprising measuring instruments, the method being characterized by comprising the following steps, in which: a) both ends of the wood bundle or construction wood stumps (3) of a wood bundle or construction wood stack (2) brought to a measuring station (1) are illuminated with lighting devices (4a, 5a), b) the solid volume of the wood pulp or pile of construction wood (2) is determined using a measuring module comprising measuring instruments (4b, 4c; 5b, 5c), wherein the measuring module comprises: - imaging devices (4c; 5c) arranged in connection with each end of the wood folder or building wood stack (2) to determine the diameter of each end (3a, 3b) of the individual wood folder or building wood stumps (3), and - distance measuring devices (4b; 5b) arranged in connection with each end of the wood bundle or construction wood stack (2) to determine the lengths of the individual wood bundles or construction wood stumps (3) of a wood bundle or construction wood stack (2) and the proportion of empty space (3c) between them, moving the wood bundle or construction wood stack (2) and the measuring instruments (4b, 4c; 5b, 5c) in relation to each other during the determination of the solid volume, such that the measuring plane (M) is longitudinal or essentially longitudinal relative to the wood bundle or construction wood stumps (3) when the plane (M) of the measuring beam is passed through the end surfaces (3a, 3b), wherein the distance measuring devices (4b, 5b) are able to determine the proportion of empty space (3c) based on an actual observation, and wherein the calculation of the solid volume of the wood bundle or construction wood stack (2) is carried out by a data processing unit (8) based on information determined by the measuring instruments (4b, 4c; 5b, 5c);, and that c) the solid volume of the wood pulp or pile of construction wood (2) is calculated based on the information determined with the measuring instruments (4b, 4c; 5b, 5c). 2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the image-forming devices (4c; 5c) are Une color scan and/or color matrix cameras. 3. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the distance measuring devices (4b; 5b) are laser fans. 4. Method, according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the ends (3a; 3b) of the individual wood pulp or construction wood blocks (3) are illuminated using LED and/or xenon lights, and the lights have been arranged in the measuring module. 5. Method, according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, characterized in that in addition to the diameter of the ends (3a; 3b) of individual wood pulp or construction wood stumps (3), other properties of the stump can be determined with imaging devices (4c; 5c), such as tree species and quality of an individual wood pulp or construction wood stump (3). 6. Method, according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the measuring instruments (4b, 4c; 5b, 5c) have been arranged to move relative to a wooden folder or stack of construction wood (3) placed at the measuring station (1). 7. Method, according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a wooden folder or stack of construction wood (2) placed in the measuring station (1) has been arranged to move relative to the measuring instruments (4b, 4c; 5b, 5c). 8. Method, according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the wood paste or pile of construction wood (2) and the measuring instruments (4b, 4c; 5b, 5c) move relative to each other in such a way that a plane passing through the ends (3a; 3b) of the individual wood paste or pile of construction wood (3) is essentially perpendicular to a measuring plane (M) of the measuring instruments (4b, 4c; 5b, 5c). 9. Method, according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 8, characterized by, when placed in the measuring station, the wood folder or stack of construction wood (2) being in the frame of a material handler (8), the hook of a self-propelled crane for stacking or on a scaffold (6'). 10. Method, according to any one of the preceding claims from 1 to 9, characterized in that the measuring instruments (4b, 4c; 5b, 5c) are arranged on a movable mount (7). 11. Method, according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the information obtained from the measuring instruments (4b, 4c; 5b, 5c) is transferred to a data processing unit (10), in which the solid volume of the wood pulp or pile of construction wood (2) is calculated and indicated based on the aforementioned information. 12. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that the data processing unit (10) is equipped with a corresponding program or other application with which other properties of a wood pile or stack of construction wood (2) or one or more wood piles or stacks of construction wood (3) are determined based on information obtained from measuring instruments (4b, 4c; 5b, 5c).