Flitch tracking
AssigneeUsnr, LLC
InventorsPaul W. Green, Dwayne Seawai Fujima
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
In various embodiments, a scanner optimizer system may generate a virtual model of a predicted flitch based on a 3D model of a log/cant and a cut solution for the log/cant. The scanner optimizer system may compare a virtual model of an actual flitch to virtual models of predicted flitches by comparing data points at a fixed elevation relative to one or both faces of the models. Based on the comparisons, the scanner optimizer system may identify the source log from which the actual flitch was cut. In addition, the scanner optimizer system may identify the saw used to cut the actual flitch, and/or other relevant information, and use the additional information to monitor and adjust the saws and other equipment. Embodiments of corresponding apparatuses and methods are also described.
Claims30
A system for identifying a primary workpiece as a source of a flitch, wherein the primary workpiece is a log or a cant, the system comprising:
- a plurality of first geometric sensors collectively operable to measure a geometric profile of the primary workpiece as the primary workpiece is transported along a first path of flow;
- a plurality of second geometric sensors collectively operable to measure a geometric profile of an actual flitch that has been cut from the primary workpiece;
- and
- a computer system programmed with instructions operable, upon execution by one or more processors of the computer system, to cause the computer system to:
- receive or generate a 2D model of a predicted flitch to be cut from the primary workpiece, wherein the 2D model of the predicted flitch represents an outer contour of the predicted flitch at a first elevation relative to a first face of the predicted flitch,
- receive or generate a 2D model of an actual flitch that has been cut from the primary workpiece, wherein the 2D model of the actual flitch represents an outer contour of the actual flitch at the first elevation relative to a first face of the actual flitch,
- compare the 2D model of the actual flitch to the 2D model of the predicted flitch, and
- based on the comparison, identify the primary workpiece as the source of the actual flitch.
A method of identifying a primary workpiece as a source of a flitch, wherein the primary workpiece is a log or a cant, the method comprising:
- receiving or generating a 2D model of a predicted flitch to be cut from the primary workpiece, wherein the 2D model of the predicted flitch represents an outer contour of the predicted flitch at a first elevation relative to a first face of the predicted flitch,
- receiving or generating a 2D model of an actual flitch that has been cut from the primary workpiece, wherein the 2D model of the actual flitch represents an outer contour of the actual flitch at the first elevation relative to a first face of the actual flitch,
- comparing the 2D model of the actual flitch to the 2D model of the predicted flitch, and
- based on the comparison, identifying the primary workpiece as the source of the actual flitch.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.