Method and device for determining an angular orientation of a log

Method for determining an angular orientation of a log about a longitudinal development axis of the log, the method comprising the following work steps:

• a first acquisition step performed by one or more first digital cameras, during which one or more first digital photographs are acquired of the lateral surface of the log placed in a reference position, the one or more first digital photographs showing the outer appearance of the lateral surface of the log, and wherein each first digital photograph is acquired by observing the log from a relative first known viewpoint position;
• a second acquisition step performed by one or more second digital cameras, during which one or more second digital photographs are acquired of the lateral surface of the log placed in a second position, the one or more second digital photographs showing the outer appearance of the lateral surface of the log, and wherein each second digital photograph is acquired by observing the log from a relative second known viewpoint position;
• a first generation step performed by an electronic unit, during which one or more first digital images are generated of the lateral surface of the log placed in the reference position, using the one or more first digital photographs;
• a second generation step performed by said or another electronic unit, during which one or more second digital images are generated of the lateral surface of the log placed in the second position, using the one or more second digital photographs;
• a comparison step performed by said or another electronic unit, during which the one or more second digital images are compared with the one or more first digital images to identify a match between a second digital image of the log placed in the second position and a first digital image of the log placed in the reference position;
• and
• a determination step performed by said or another electronic unit, during which the angular orientation of the log in the second position is determined, with reference to a reference angular orientation of the log in the reference position, based on information related to the first digital images and the second digital images for which a match was identified.