A computer-implemented method to provide a cutting pattern for a tree log to obtain wooden boards including a step of obtaining a three-dimensional model containing information about features of a structure of the log and/or about defects of the log. A step of computer-processing of the three-dimensional model, to determine the cutting pattern by optimisation of an objective function, comprises the use of a value map to compute the value of a virtual board having a minor face with set orientation and set dimensions, at a cross-section of the three-dimensional model. The value map, which correlates to the information about the features and/or the defects of the log, assigns to each point of the cross-section a value of a virtual board having its minor face centred at that point and having the set orientation and set dimensions.
Inspection of industrial products entails the “Model Based Design” paradigm with an apparatus associated with a digital clone of the real acquisition system. The digital clone reproduces in a virtual environment the features of said system and of the product affected by anomalies to be inspected.
Inspection of industrial products entails the “Model Based Design” paradigm with an apparatus associated with a digital clone of the real acquisition system. The digital clone reproduces in a virtual environment the features of said system and of the product affected by anomalies to be inspected.
By generating virtual images of the product through simulations on said digital clone and processing virtual images through a vision system including a novel data fusion module, it is possible to define the optimal architecture and parameterization of the real acquisition system that maximize the likelihood of identifying anomalies in products even in conditions that are difficult or expensive to replicate in the real world.
Inspection of industrial products entails the “Model Based Design” paradigm with an apparatus associated with a digital clone of the real acquisition system. The digital clone reproduces in a virtual environment the features of said system and of the product affected by anomalies to be inspected.
By generating virtual images of the product through simulations on said digital clone and processing virtual images through a vision system including a novel data fusion module, it is possible to define the optimal architecture and parameterization of the real acquisition system that maximize the likelihood of identifying anomalies in products even in conditions that are difficult or expensive to replicate in the real world.
This reduces time in designing and set-up as well as costs of an inspection apparatus. Furthermore it enables to reconfigure the apparatus to products and/or anomalies other than those for which it was initially designed.
Retrieving saved information relative to a first pack of boards, which belongs to a plurality of known packs of boards, entails a preparation step comprising a generation step and a saving step for saving reference features in a digital memory together with the information relative to the known pack of boards, creating a digital dataset relative to the known pack of boards, the set of the digital datasets constituting a first digital archive, and a retrieval step comprising an observation step in which at least one digital photograph of the first pack of boards is acquired, a comparison step for comparing first features linked to the digital photograph with the saved reference features, to identify a match with one of the saved reference images, and an extraction step for extracting from the first digital archive information relative to the known pack of boards the comparison step identified the match.
G05B 19/18 - Numerical control [NC], i.e. automatically operating machines, in particular machine tools, e.g. in a manufacturing environment, so as to execute positioning, movement or co-ordinated operations by means of programme data in numerical form
4.
Method for identifying a log of origin of a first board
A method for identifying a log of origin of a first board, comprising an identification step, during which a second board (12) is identified which was obtained from the same log (2) as the first board (11) was obtained from, a studying step, during which identifying features of the second board (12) are identified, and a recognition step during which the log (2) of origin of the first board (11) is recognised, among a plurality of known logs (2) about which saved information is available, and this is done by identifying the log of origin of the second board (12), using the identifying features of the second board (12) itself.
G06V 10/54 - Extraction of image or video features relating to texture
G06V 10/75 - Organisation of the matching processes, e.g. simultaneous or sequential comparisons of image or video featuresCoarse-fine approaches, e.g. multi-scale approachesImage or video pattern matchingProximity measures in feature spaces using context analysisSelection of dictionaries
Apparatus for peeling a log (5) comprising a cutting station (3), a loading station (2) and a device (4) for transferring logs (5) from the loading station (2) to the cutting station (3), the cutting station (3), the loading station (2) and the transfer device (4), in use, interacting with each other to position the log (5) in the cutting station (3). The loading station (2) comprises a device (10) for axially rotating the log (5) about a second rotation axis (11) and a radiographic examination device (19) configured to generate, in use, radiographic scans of the log (5). An electronic unit is connected both to the radiographic examination device (19), to receive digital-format data from it relating to each radiographic scan generated by it, and to the axial rotation device (10), and which is programmed to use said digital-format data to control the operation of the transfer device (4) and/or the cutting station (3).
B27L 5/02 - Cutting strips from a rotating trunk or pieceVeneer lathes
G01N 23/046 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and forming images of the material using tomography, e.g. computed tomography [CT]
Method for determining an angular orientation of a log (2) about one of its longitudinal development axes, comprising a first generation step, during which one or more first digital images are generated of the lateral surface of the log placed in a reference position, using one or more first digital photographs, a second generation step, during which one or more second digital images are generated of the lateral surface (1) of the log (2) placed in a second position using the one or more second digital photographs, a step of comparing the one or more second digital images with the one or more first digital images, and a step of determining the angular orientation of the log (2) in the second position with reference to a reference angular orientation of the log (2) in the reference position, based on information related to the first digital images and the second digital images for which a match was identified. Also claimed is a device which can implement is programmed to perform the following of the steps described above: the second generation step, the comparison step and the determination step.
A method for retrieving saved information relative to a first pack (1) of boards which belongs to a plurality of known packs of boards (2), the method comprising a preparation step and a retrieval step during which the information relative to the first pack (1) of boards is extracted from the relative digital dataset present in the first digital archive, the preparation step comprising a generation step for generating one or more reference images of the known pack (1) of boards, and a saving step for saving reference features in a digital memory (15) together with the information relative to the known pack (1) of boards, creating a digital dataset relative to the known pack (1) of boards, the set of the digital datasets constituting a first digital archive, and the retrieval step comprising an observation step in which at least one digital photograph (17) of the first pack (1) of boards is acquired, a comparison step for comparing first features linked to the digital photograph (17) with the saved reference features, to identify a match with one of the saved reference images, and an extraction step for extracting from the first digital archive information relative to the known pack (1) of boards for which the comparison step identified the match.
A processing head (10) for a forestry machine (1) is intended to process a tree (9) having a trunk (92) with a longitudinal direction (90), branches (94) extending from the trunk (92) transversely to the longitudinal direction (90) and knots (96) extending into the trunk (92). The processing head (10) comprises: a frame (2) having a seat (20) for receiving the trunk (92) of the tree (9) to be processed; a motorised device for moving the trunk (92) relative to the seat (20), by advancing the trunk (92) through the seat (20) along the longitudinal direction (90) of the trunk (92); one or more blades (26) for cutting the branches (94) from the trunk (92) as the trunk (92) advances; a detection system for detecting positions of the branches (94) and/or of the knots (96) on the trunk (92) as the trunk (92) advances. Information on the positions of the branches (94) and/or of the knots (96) is processed to determine an identification code that is based on said positions and that refers to said trunk (92) or to a segment obtained from said trunk (92). The identification code is comparable against a code determined a posteriori for a specific trunk or for a specific segment of trunk, in order to establish whether the specific trunk or the specific segment of trunk corresponds to said trunk (92) or to said segment of trunk (92). The information on the positions of branches (94) and/or of knots (96) can also be used to determine, during a processing of the tree (9), one or more positions on the trunk (92) in which to cut the trunk (92) perpendicularly or transversely to the longitudinal direction (90), which is to say to optimise the truncation of the trunk (92).
G01L 5/00 - Apparatus for, or methods of, measuring force, work, mechanical power, or torque, specially adapted for specific purposes
G01N 23/04 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and forming images of the material
G01N 23/083 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and measuring the absorption the radiation being X-rays
9.
Method and apparatus for capturing an image of a lateral face of a wooden board
Method and apparatus for capturing an image of a lateral face of a wooden board, where the lateral face (2) is parallel to a main axis of development of the wooden board (3), with the method comprising a step for feeding the wooden board (3) with the lateral face (2) transverse to a feeding direction (4), a step for illuminating the lateral face (2), a step for capturing, using a plurality of area scan cameras (9), a plurality of first digital images at different times, where each first digital image comprises a portion (10) of the lateral face (2) extending for an entire height of the lateral face (2) transverse to the main axis of development and for part of a length of the lateral face (2) along the main axis of development, where the set of all such portions (10) corresponds to the entire lateral face (2), and a merging step for merging the first digital images using an electronic processing unit to obtain a second digital image showing the entire lateral face (2).
A tunnel computerised tomographic scanner comprising a rotor (3), an X-ray emitter (7) mounted on the rotor (3), an X-ray detector (8) mounted on the rotor (3), on the opposite side of a detecting zone (4), the X-ray detector (8) comprising a scintillator (9) which has at least one emission face (10) from which the scintillator (9) emits light in the visible spectrum when it is struck by X-rays, and a plurality of video cameras (12) which are positioned in such a way that each of them frames at least one portion of the scintillator (9), for acquiring one after another second images, in the visible spectrum, of the respective portion of the scintillator (9), wherein, according to the method, at least two separate video cameras (12) substantially frame each zone of the emission face (10), and an electronic processing unit is programmed to combine all of the second images obtained by the video cameras (12) and to obtain a first image of the emission face (10), to be used for the tomographic reconstruction of an object (6) which is placed in the detecting zone (4).
G01N 23/046 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and forming images of the material using tomography, e.g. computed tomography [CT]
11.
Apparatus and method for performing a computed tomography scan of an object which has an elongate shape, in particular wooden boards
Apparatus and method for performing computed tomography scans of elongate objects, wherein the object is irradiated with X-rays emitted by a plurality of X-ray emitters which are offset relative to a forward movement direction transversal to the main axis of the object, wherein a rotation device rotates each object about its own main axis of extension while the object is irradiated by one or more beams of X-rays, wherein electronic identifying means estimate the instantaneous position and orientation of the axial portions of the object which are irradiated during the rotation, and wherein an electronic processing and control unit is programmed for combining sets of radiographic data acquired for each axial portion of the object at different detecting moments during the rotation, for processing a three-dimensional tomography reconstruction of the object while taking into account corresponding information about the position and the orientation of each axial portion at each moment.
G01N 23/04 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and forming images of the material
G01N 23/046 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and forming images of the material using tomography, e.g. computed tomography [CT]
A method and a related apparatus for performing a tomographic examination of an object (2) which advances through an examination area (6), wherein the examination area (6) is irradiated with x-rays transversally to a motion trajectory of the object (2) and the residual intensity of the x-rays which have crossed the object (2) is repeatedly detected to obtain, for each detection, an electronic two-dimensional pixel map, the two-dimensional maps thus obtained being processed by a computer to obtain a three-dimensional tomographic reconstruction of the object (2); wherein, during the advancement, the object (2) is made or let rotate, at least partly uncontrolled, in such a way that the object (2) rotates around one or more rotation axes which are transversal both to the motion trajectory and to the propagation directions of the x-rays crossing it; and wherein a computer also determines the spatial position in which the object (2) is located relative to the one or more emitters (4) and/or the one or more detectors (5) at the instant when each two-dimensional map is detected, and factors this in the tomographic reconstruction.
G01N 23/046 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and forming images of the material using tomography, e.g. computed tomography [CT]
G06T 7/73 - Determining position or orientation of objects or cameras using feature-based methods
G06T 7/246 - Analysis of motion using feature-based methods, e.g. the tracking of corners or segments
G01N 23/083 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and measuring the absorption the radiation being X-rays
A computer-implemented method for training a software infrastructure based on machine-learning techniques to analyse data obtained from a instrumental examination of objects of a predetermined type, where each of the objects has been obtained by splitting a product into smaller pieces, wherein the software infrastructure receives, for each object in a training set, training input data comprising the data obtained from the instrumental examination and training output data comprising information on the characteristics of interest of the training object, wherein the information on the characteristics of interest is, at least in part, information that has been obtained from the results of a tomographic examination of the product from which the training object was obtained, and wherein the software infrastructure processes, through its own training unit, the training input data and the training output data for each training object in order to set internal processing parameters for the software infrastructure which correlate the training input data to the training output data.
G06V 10/44 - Local feature extraction by analysis of parts of the pattern, e.g. by detecting edges, contours, loops, corners, strokes or intersectionsConnectivity analysis, e.g. of connected components
14.
Computer implemented methods for training or using a software infrastructure based on machine learning techniques
Computer implemented method for training a software infrastructure based on machine learning techniques and intended for analysis of data obtained from a three-dimensional tomographic inspection of objects of a predetermined type, such as logs, with the aim of determining information about internal characteristics of interest of the self-same objects, wherein, once a training set comprising a plurality of objects of the same predetermined type has been selected, for each object the software infrastructure is supplied with training input data and corresponding training output data, which are processed by the software infrastructure for setting internal processing parameters of the software infrastructure which correlate the training input data with the training output data; where the training input data comprise data obtained from a three-dimensional tomographic inspection of the object, and the training output data comprise information about internal characteristics of interest assessed at internal points of the object, and where the information about the internal characteristics of interest is at least partly assessed at real internal points of the object, previously made accessible by cutting or breaking the object.
G01N 23/046 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and forming images of the material using tomography, e.g. computed tomography [CT]
15.
TUNNEL COMPUTERISED TOMOGRAPHIC SCANNER AND METHOD FOR ACQUIRING IMAGES FROM A SCINTILLATOR OF A TUNNEL COMPUTERISED TOMOGRAPHY SCANNER
A tunnel computerised tomographic scanner comprising a rotor (3), an X-ray emitter (7) mounted on the rotor (3), an X-ray detector (8) mounted on the rotor (3), on the opposite side of a detecting zone (4), the X-ray detector (8) comprising a scintillator (9) which has at least one emission face (10) from which the scintillator (9) emits light in the visible spectrum when it is struck by X-rays, and a plurality of video cameras (12) which are positioned in such a way that each of them frames at least one portion of the scintillator (9), for acquiring one after another second images, in the visible spectrum, of the respective portion of the scintillator (9), wherein, according to the method, at least two separate video cameras (12) substantially frame each zone of the emission face (10), and an electronic processing unit is programmed to combine all of the second images obtained by the video cameras (12) and to obtain a first image of the emission face (10), to be used for the tomographic reconstruction of an object (6) which is placed in the detecting zone (4).
G01N 23/046 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and forming images of the material using tomography, e.g. computed tomography [CT]
16.
Method for establishing a posteriori a match between a piece of wood and a log from which the piece of wood has been obtained
A method for establishing a posteriori a match between a piece of wood and a log from which the piece of wood has been obtained, comprising the following operating steps of performing a tomographic scan of the wooden log, of calculating or selecting a log cutting pattern, of defining, starting with the tomographic information available, one or more virtual individualising characteristics which are linked to the distribution and/or size of physical characteristics of the log inside and/or on the surface of the self-same virtual piece of wood, of saving them in a database, together with information about the identity of the log, of dividing the log into real pieces of wood according to the cutting pattern, of acquiring real information about the distribution and/or size of physical characteristics of the log inside and/or on the surface of a real piece of wood and of defining corresponding real individualising characteristics to be compared with virtual individualising characteristics saved and of identifying an origin of the real piece of wood based on the information about the identity of the log which is saved together with the virtual individualising characteristics which match the real individualising characteristics.
G01N 23/046 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and forming images of the material using tomography, e.g. computed tomography [CT]
G01N 29/06 - Visualisation of the interior, e.g. acoustic microscopy
G01N 24/08 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of nuclear magnetic resonance, electron paramagnetic resonance or other spin effects by using nuclear magnetic resonance
B27D 1/00 - Joining wood veneer with any materialForming articles therebyPreparatory processing of surfaces to be joined, e.g. scoring
This invention relates to a method for non-destructive inspection of a fruit (1) having an axis of rotational symmetry (10). The method comprises the step of positioning the fruit (1) in such a way that its axis of rotational symmetry (10) has an orientation that is substantially parallel to a predetermined plane (20) and the step of radiographing the fruit (1), where the direction of emission of X-rays is substantially perpendicular to said predetermined plane (20) and an X-ray image obtained (41) lies on said predetermined plane (20). The X-ray image obtained (41) is processed to calculate, at corresponding points of the X-ray image (41), respective values of attenuation of the X-ray signal through the fruit (1). The X-ray image (41) is divided into a plurality of sections (415) which are perpendicular to the projection (410) of the axis of rotational symmetry (10) on the predetermined plane (20). Each section (415) is the projection of a corresponding slice of the fruit (1) that is substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotational symmetry (10). For each section (415), the deviation between a signal attenuation trend obtained from processing the X-ray image and a reference trend, or the deviation between a trend of a local coefficient of average attenuation obtained from processing the X-ray image and a trend with constant value, is examined in order to identify any anomalies, discontinuities or variations which are indicative of respective non-uniformities in the corresponding slice of fruit. This invention also relates to an apparatus (9) for carrying out a non-destructive inspection of a fruit (1) having an axis of rotational symmetry (10), said apparatus being configured for implementing the method according to the invention.
G01N 23/04 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and forming images of the material
G01N 23/083 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and measuring the absorption the radiation being X-rays
This disclosure relates to a method for non-destructive inspection of a fruit (1) having an axis of rotational symmetry (10). The method comprises the step of positioning the fruit (1) in such a way that its axis of rotational symmetry (10) has an orientation that is substantially parallel to a predetermined plane (20) and the step of radiographing the fruit (1), where the direction of emission of X-rays is substantially perpendicular to said predetermined plane (20) and an X-ray image obtained (41) lies on said predetermined plane (20). The X-ray image obtained (41) is processed to calculate, at corresponding points of the X-ray image (41), respective values of attenuation of the X-ray signal through the fruit (1). The X-ray image (41) is divided into a plurality of sections (415) which are perpendicular to the projection (410) of the axis of rotational symmetry (10) on the predetermined plane (20). Each section (415) is the projection of a corresponding slice of the fruit (1) that is substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotational symmetry (10). For each section (415), the deviation between a signal attenuation trend obtained from processing the X-ray image and a reference trend, or the deviation between a trend of a local coefficient of average attenuation obtained from processing the X-ray image and a trend with constant value, is examined in order to identify any anomalies, discontinuities or variations which are indicative of respective non-uniformities in the corresponding slice of fruit. This disclosure also relates to an apparatus (9) for carrying out a non-destructive inspection of a fruit (1) having an axis of rotational symmetry (10), said apparatus being configured for implementing the method according to the disclosure.
G01N 23/083 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and measuring the absorption the radiation being X-rays
G01N 23/18 - Investigating the presence of defects or foreign matter
G01N 23/04 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and forming images of the material
B07C 5/34 - Sorting according to other particular properties
This invention relates to a method for non-destructive inspection of a log (1) to identify inner zones of sapwood (14) of the log (1) that have not been attacked by fungi that cause bluestain in the wood. The method comprises a first step of carrying out a tomographic scan of the log (1) to be inspected using X-ray beams that pass through the log (1) and a second step of obtaining a three-dimensional representation of the log (1) that is representative of the local moisture content of the log, the local moisture content being correlated with attenuation of the X-ray beams through the log. The method comprises the step of processing the three-dimensional representation of the log (1) to identify inner regions (145) of the log (1), in which the local moisture content is greater than or equal to a moisture threshold value for a spatial extent greater than an extent threshold. The moisture threshold value corresponds, for trees of the same species as the log (1), to a sapwood (14) with local moisture content such that it excludes the growth of fungi that cause bluestain in the wood. Each inner region (145) identified in this way is classed as a sapwood (14) zone free of bluestain. This invention also relates to a procedure for obtaining one or more wooden products from a log (1), as well as an apparatus for carrying out a non-destructive inspection of a log (1).
G01N 23/046 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and forming images of the material using tomography, e.g. computed tomography [CT]
This invention relates to an apparatus (1) for carrying out a non-destructive inspection on a wooden board (9) or a similar object. The apparatus (1) comprises a movement system (3) comprising at least two chains or belts (32) that are at a distance from one another and substantially parallel to each other. The chains or belts (32) are slidable parallel to a movement path (30) and are and intended to support the wooden board (9). The apparatus (1) also comprises a non-destructive inspection station (2) that is positioned on the movement path (30), for carrying out a non-destructive inspection on the wooden board (9) that is supported by the chains or belts (32). The non-destructive inspection station (2) comprises at least one operating component (22) that is positioned on the same side as the chains or belts (32) and emits or receives a signal or an image, with an emission or reception field (220) that faces towards a region between two chains or belts (32). Each chain or belt (32) comprises an elongate flexible body (320) and at least one rest element (36) that is positioned on the elongate flexible body (320). The at least one rest element (36) projects upwards from the elongate flexible body (320) and has a top face (361) with a width (L36) that is less than the width (L32) of the elongate flexible body (320). The top faces (361) are intended to provide a surface on which the wooden board (9) can rest, so that the wooden board is kept at a distance from the elongate flexible body (320) of each chain or belt (32).
G01N 23/18 - Investigating the presence of defects or foreign matter
G01N 23/046 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and forming images of the material using tomography, e.g. computed tomography [CT]
G01N 23/083 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and measuring the absorption the radiation being X-rays
B65G 17/00 - Conveyors having an endless traction element, e.g. a chain, transmitting movement to a continuous or substantially-continuous load-carrying surface or to a series of individual load-carriersEndless-chain conveyors in which the chains form the load-carrying surface
22.
Method for identifying a piece of wood amongst a plurality of starting pieces of wood and/or for determining its rotation with reference to a known layout
A method for identifying a piece of wood amongst a plurality or for determining its rotation includes the operating steps of: acquiring at least one piece of real X-ray information about the piece of wood; calculating, based on a tomographic reconstruction, a piece of virtual X-ray information in the same way as in the acquisition of the real X-ray information; comparing the real and virtual X-ray information to verify whether they match; and repeating the calculation and comparison steps up to obtaining the matching, and/or, for identification method only, selecting a different tomographic reconstruction and reiterating the calculation and comparison steps and, if necessary, the repetition and/or selection steps.
An X-ray tube comprises a containment element (2) in which a cathode (4) and an anode (5) are mounted. The anode (5) comprises a first main face (6) which is substantially facing towards the cathode (4) and a second main face (7) which is facing the opposite way to the first face (6). There are also cooling means (8) applied to the second main face (7) of the anode (5) and filter means (10) for filtering, based on respective wavelengths, the X-rays emitted by the anode (5). The cooling means (8) and the filter means (10) both consist of a heat conductor element (9) which is thermally coupled with the second face (7) of the anode (5) and which is equipped with a plurality of inner micro - channels in which, in practice, a pressurised coolant liquid can flow with a turbulent motion. The containment element also comprises an X-ray emission section (3) positioned in such a way that, in practice, it receives the X-rays emitted from the second main face (7) of the anode (5) after they have passed through the filter means (10).
A method for scanning the internal quality of wooden elements (1) such as logs or planks comprises the operating steps of irradiating the wooden element (1) with at least one beam (3) of electromagnetic radiation according to one or more directions of irradiation which are transversal to the main axis of extension, at the same time creating a relative helicoidal movement between the wooden element (1) and the beam (3). During the movement, for a plurality of separate reciprocal positions of the wooden element (1) and the beam (3), the residual intensity of the electromagnetic radiation which passed through the wooden element (1) is detected for a detection length (L). The relative movement is created in such a way that the helix has a pitch P equal to Y times the sum of the detection length (L) of all of the detectors used, where Y≧5. Moreover, reconstruction of the internal structure of the wooden element (1), at a cross-section of it, is at least implicitly performed by dividing the volume of the wooden element (1), at the section to be reconstructed, into a plurality of basic volumes having a dimension along the main axis of extension which is equal to at least X times the detection length (L) of each detector used, where X≧5.
A device for proof loading wooden boards including a deformer (9) for deforming the boards (2) which is designed to cause the boards (2) to elongate along their main direction of extension, said deformer including first and second feeders (3), (4) positioned at a first and a second segment (5), (6) of a feed path along which the boards (2) are fed parallel with their main direction of extension, and being able to apply a longitudinal tractive force on the boards (2) using the first and the second feeders (3), (4). A method for proof loading wooden boards is also disclosed, which can be implemented without interrupting board feed along its feed path.
A method for identifying the orientation of wood fibres (2) comprises the operating steps of generating at least one beam of light (4) polarised in a predetermined first polarisation plane, projecting the beam of light (4) onto a surface of a piece of wood (3) to illuminate a zone of said surface and generate diffuse light without polarisation and reflected light (5) polarised in a second polarisation plane (pX2), detecting the linearly polarised reflected light (5) and identifying the orientation of the illuminated fibres (2) at least indirectly based on the orientation in space of the second polarisation plane (pX2) of the reflected light (5). Also claimed is an apparatus (1) for implementing the method, comprising means for supporting a piece of wood (3), a light source (10) for generating at least one beam of light (4) polarised in a first polarisation plane (pS), a detection device (6) for detecting, in practice, the light coming from a zone of the piece of wood (3) illuminated by the beam of light (4) and for filtering said light based on its polarisation, and a processing device operatively connected at least to the detection device (6) for processing what is detected and identifying the orientation of the wood fibres (2) at the illuminated zone.
the detection steps being carried out in such a way that each detection step result shares at least several points with at least one other detection step result, while the step of combining the relative surface structures is carried out in such a way that the shared points are made to coincide with each other.
B23Q 16/00 - Equipment for precise positioning of tool or work into particular locations not otherwise provided for
G01B 11/25 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring contours or curvatures by projecting a pattern, e.g. moiré fringes, on the object
B27B 1/00 - Methods for subdividing trunks or logs essentially involving sawing
Method for calibrating apparatuses for determining the moisture content of products based on capacitive measurements, and device for stimulating the dielectric properties of products, such as wood, for use in this method
calibrating the apparatus (2) based on this comparison.
In turn, the device used in the method comprises at least a first receiving antenna (3), at least an electric terminal (4), in practice electrically connectable to the apparatus (2), and at least one adjustable impedance (5) for modifying the settings of the device (1), and which is electrically connected between the first antenna (3) and the electric terminal (4).
G01R 27/26 - Measuring inductance or capacitanceMeasuring quality factor, e.g. by using the resonance methodMeasuring loss factorMeasuring dielectric constants
29.
Apparatus and method for identifying the position of defects in bodies, in particular in wooden bodies such as logs or planks
An apparatus for identifying the position of defects (100) in bodies (2), comprises feed means (3) for moving the body (3) along a feed direction (A), an emitter (5) designed to direct towards the body (2) a plurality of beams (6′, 6″, 6′″) of electromagnetic radiation lying in lying planes (P1, P2, P3) set at different angles to each other, and transversal to the feed direction (A), and a plurality of sensors (8′, 8″, 8′″) each facing the emitter (5) for receiving a respective beam (6′, 6″, 6′″) after the beam (6′, 6″, 6′″) has passed through the body (2). The lying planes (P1, P2, P3) are positioned one after another along the feed direction (A), allowing each portion of the body (2) to be struck by successive beams (6′, 6″, 6′″) as the body (2) is fed forward. A corresponding method is also claimed.
G01B 5/30 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of mechanical techniques for measuring the deformation in a solid, e.g. mechanical strain gauge
G01B 15/06 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electromagnetic waves or particle radiation, e.g. by the use of microwaves, X-rays, gamma rays or electrons for measuring the deformation in a solid
G01J 1/42 - Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter using electric radiation detectors
30.
Method for determining the moisture content of wood
A method for determining the moisture content of wood (1), including the operating steps of inserting the wood (1) between a first plate and a second plate (3) of a capacitor (4); applying a first signal to the first plate (2) of the capacitor (4) using the plate as a transmitting antenna; detecting on the second plate (3) a second signal induced by the first signal, using the second plate (3) as a receiving antenna; determining from the second induced signal detected, a third reference signal, obtaining a differential signal; determining the components of the differential in phase and in quadrature signals from the first signal; filtering the components of the differential in phase and in quadrature signals to obtain a filtered in phase component and a filtered in quadrature component, which are independent of the frequency of the first signal; and calculating the moisture content of wood (1) based on the value of the filtered in phase and in quadrature components of the differential signal.
G01R 27/26 - Measuring inductance or capacitanceMeasuring quality factor, e.g. by using the resonance methodMeasuring loss factorMeasuring dielectric constants
A process for checking the quality of logs, each log having a front surface (2), a rear surface (6) and a lateral surface (3). In the process, the quality check being carried out by means of a visual examination of the outer appearance of the logs (1). The process also comprising the operating steps of obtaining a first flat photographic representation (7) which represents the flat extension of the lateral surface (3) of the log (1), and if necessary a second flat photographic representation (4) which represents the front surface (2) of the log (1), and a third flat photographic representation (5), representing a rear surface (6) of the log (1). Finally, the quality of the log (1) is evaluated by means of an examination of the photographic representations (4), (5), (7).
A device for proof loading wooden boards comprises means (9) for deforming the boards (2) which are designed to cause the boards (2) to elongate along their main direction of extension, said means comprising first and second feed means (3), (4) positioned at a first and a second segment (5), (6) of a feed path along which the boards (2) are fed parallel with their main direction of extension, and being able to apply a longitudinal tractive force on the boards (2) using the first and the second feed means (3), (4). A method for proof loading wooden boards is also claimed, which can be implemented without interrupting board feed along its feed path.
An apparatus for identifying the modulus of elasticity of logs includes a device (2) equipped for detecting at least one log (T) eigenfrequency (natural frequency) and with a plurality of supports (10) able to move by rotating between a pick up position, in which they are located at a loading station (7), and a release position in which they are located at an unloading station (8) which is on the opposite side of a supports (10) axis of rotation relative to the loading station (7). A method for identifying the modulus of elasticity of logs includes the steps of picking up a log (T) while it is fed along a first direction (A1) on a first conveyor line (102); subjecting the log (T) to a step of detecting at least one natural frequency; and a step of releasing the log (T) on a second conveyor line (103) defining a second feed direction (A2) which is transversal to the first conveying direction (A1).
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Electronic components and their programs for motor vehicles
and engine test benches; data acquisition instruments for
motor vehicles; power electronic units and control devices
to check their condition.
35.
Method and device for measuring the properties of moving objects
A device for measuring the properties of moving objects includes a station (5) for measuring predetermined properties of an object (100) and a first conveyor (2) for transferring the object (100) towards the measuring station (5). The device (1) includes accelerator means (6) for accelerating the object (100), acting on the object and positioned upstream of the measuring station (5) and slowing means (7) for slowing or stopping the object (100), acting on the object and positioned at the measuring station (5). A method for measuring the properties of moving objects includes the steps of: transporting an object (100) along a first conveyor (2) having a predetermined feed speed (T1); accelerating the object (100) relative to the first conveyor (2) feed speed (T1) then slowing the object (100) relative to the first conveyor (2) feed speed (T1) at least at a station (5) for measuring predetermined properties of the object (100).
B65G 47/31 - Devices influencing the relative position or the attitude of articles during transit by conveyors arranging the articles, e.g. varying spacing between individual articles during transit by a series of conveyors by varying the relative speeds of the conveyors forming the series
36.
PROCESS FOR DETECTING THE THREE-DIMENSIONAL STRUCTURE OF AN OBJECT AND APPARATUS FOR IMPLEMENTING THE PROCESS
A process for detecting the three-dimensional structure of an object comprises the operating steps of: - feeding the object (1) along a movement path; - at a first detection zone (3) positioned along the path, detecting the geometric shape (4) of at least one section of the object (1); - again detecting the geometric shape (4) of the sections of the object (1) at least at a second detection zone (5); - repeating the detection steps for all of the transversal sections of the object (1) to obtain a plurality of partial geometric shapes (4); - for each section, comparing the geometric shape (4) detected in the first detection zone (3) with the geometric shape (4) detected in the second detection zone (5) to identify any movements by the object; and - combining the partial geometric shapes (4) to obtain the overall geometric shape of the object (1), taking into consideration any movements identified during the identification step.
G01B 11/25 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring contours or curvatures by projecting a pattern, e.g. moiré fringes, on the object
G01B 11/30 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring roughness or irregularity of surfaces
A process for checking the quality of logs, each log having a front surface (2), a rear surface (6) and a lateral surface (3). In the process, the quality check being carried out by means of a visual examination of the outer appearance of the logs (1). The process also comprising the operating steps of obtaining a first flat photographic representation (7) which represents the flat extension of the lateral surface (3) of the log (1), and if necessary a second flat photographic representation (4) which represents the front surface (2) of the log (1), and a third flat photographic representation (5), representing a rear surface (6) of the log (1). Finally, the quality of the log (1) is evaluated by means of an examination of the photographic representations (4), (5), (7).
A device for measuring the properties of moving objects comprises a station (5) for measuring predetermined properties of an object (100) and a first conveyor (2) for transferring the object (100) towards the measuring station (5). The device (1) comprises accelerator means (6) for accelerating the object (100), acting on the object and positioned upstream of the measuring station (5) and slowing means (7) for slowing or stopping the object (100), acting on the object and positioned at the measuring station (5). A method for measuring the properties of moving objects comprises the steps of: transporting an object (100) along a first conveyor (2) having a predetermined feed speed (Tl); accelerating the object (100) relative to the first conveyor (2) feed speed (Tl) then slowing the object (100) relative to the first conveyor (2) feed speed (Tl) at least at a station (5) for measuring predetermined properties of the object (100).
B65G 47/31 - Devices influencing the relative position or the attitude of articles during transit by conveyors arranging the articles, e.g. varying spacing between individual articles during transit by a series of conveyors by varying the relative speeds of the conveyors forming the series
B27B 25/04 - Feeding devices for timber in saw mills or sawing machinesFeeding devices for trees with feed chains or belts
B27B 31/00 - Arrangements for conveying, loading, turning, adjusting, or discharging the log or timber, specially designed for saw mills or sawing machines
39.
PROCESS FOR IDENTIFYING THE POSITION OF AN OBJECT IN SPACE AND PROCESS FOR PLACING THAT OBJECT IN A PREDETERMINED POSITION
A process for identifying the position of an object in space comprises a step of illuminating the object with a plurality of rays of light distributed in a known way, for creating a set of illuminated points on the surface of the object and a step of detecting the geometric configuration of the set of illuminated points. Then, a first comparison step between said geometric configuration and a saved three- dimensional surface structure of the object allows the discovery of a substantial correspondence between the geometric configuration detected and at least one geometric configuration belonging to the saved three-dimensional surface structure. Finally, there is an at least implicit step of identification of the position of the object in space based on the comparison between the position in space of the geometric configuration detected and the position of the same geometric configuration detected on the saved three-dimensional surface of the object. The claims also refer to a process for placing an object in space based on the position identification process.
A device for identifying the ends of moving objects comprises a first feed surface (2) for transporting objects (100) positioned one after another with their ends in contact with one another, and a second feed surface (3), for transporting objects (100) positioned one after another arriving from the first feed surface (2), adjacent to the first feed surface (2), there being a difference in height (4) between these surfaces. A sensor (6) is operatively associated with the difference in height (4) to detect an end of at least one object (100). A method for identifying the ends of moving objects comprises the steps of: feeding a plurality of objects (100) positioned with their ends in contact with one another along a path; creating a misalignment between two objects (100) fed along the path so as to at least partly expose the ends of the misaligned objects (100); and detecting the end of at least one of the objects (100) positioned at the misalignment zone.
