Prototyping an automated lumber processing system

The efforts toward realizing a prototype of the Automated Lumber Processing System (ALPS), a multi-disciplinary continuing effort directed toward increasing the yield obtained from hardwood lumber boards during their process of remanufacture into secondary products, are presented. ALPS proposes a no...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inForest products journal Vol. 43; no. 2; pp. 11 - 18
Main Authors KLINKHACHORN, P, KOTHARI, R, HUBER, H. A, MCMILLIN, C. W, MUKHERJEE, K, BARNEKOV, V
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Madison, WI Forest Products Society 01.02.1993
Subjects
Alliances
Applied sciences
Automation
Cameras
Characteristics
Computers
Exact sciences and technology
Feasibility studies
Forest products industry
Information systems
Lasers
Materials handling
Mechanical woodworking and drying
Optimization
Polymer industry, paints, wood
Prototypes
R&D
Research & development
Statistical data
Vision systems
Wood
Wood. Paper. Non wovens
United States > US
Cutting
Automation
Board
Machining
Laser cutting
Hardwood
Yield
Optimization
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Summary:The efforts toward realizing a prototype of the Automated Lumber Processing System (ALPS), a multi-disciplinary continuing effort directed toward increasing the yield obtained from hardwood lumber boards during their process of remanufacture into secondary products, are presented. ALPS proposes a nondestructive vision system to scan a board for its dimension and the location and expanse of surface defects on it. This information is then used to determine an efficient placement of the desired wood parts. Finally, a laser path planning algorithm is used to obtain an efficient path for the Computer Numeric Controlled laser to follow to effectively punch out desired parts. Recent success with the vision system required by ALPS has made the integration of the individual modules of ALPS possible. The vision subsystem and some other subsystems have been prototyped at West Virginia University. A live demonstration of the ALPS prototype was recently presented at Michigan State University.
ISSN:0015-7473
2376-9637