Wood tracking by identification of surface characteristics
US7200458B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 23, 2004 |
| Grant date | Apr 3, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 9, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N33/46
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A “woodprint™” characterization and identification technique unique employs cameras (16), lighting (14), camera interface hardware (18), a computer (20), and/or image processing software to collect and analyze surface characteristics of pieces of wood (8) to track them through an automated production process in real-time with information that is specific to each wood piece (8), such as what machining is required, its value, and/or its destination. When a wood piece (8) reaches a point in the production process where a decision is required, its unique identity is used to retrieve appropriate information previously determined and assigned to the wood piece (8).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.