Scanning of Timber Dimensions within High Ambient Lighting

Hickson, Jason (2020) Scanning of Timber Dimensions within High Ambient Lighting. [USQ Project]

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Abstract

The aim of this project is to produce a Machine Vision system that will provide real time feedback for machinery output while within high levels of ambient lighting. There are camera-laser devices that are used for a variety of industries. If the light levels become too high, the algorithms are unable to determine the line due to saturation. The timber industry has an abundance of old machinery in locations where lighting can be hard to control. As sizing tolerance checking by sampling is labour intensive the ability to scan the timber under these conditions would enable better quality control and utilisation of limited resources. A secondary aim is to produce a system that uses commercially obtainable items that can be mounted and maintained by general maintenance staff and ease of replacing parts on failure. While this paper focuses on timber, the ability to scan objects in high ambient lighting could be used for other applications.

Several design aspects need to be explored to determine the best outcome. One area that will be considered is the options of multi-cameras vs Laser and single camera. Are colour or monochrome cameras with the use of filters best for the required environment and requirements? Then there is green vs red laser performance in an illuminated environment.

All components used in this paper are listed with associated costs. While the aim was to test the final assembly in an industry production environment to ensure accuracy and repeatability, it was unachievable due to many factors including COVID-19.

Results from this project were not as hoped. There was no successful reliable and re-peatable method for line isolation and I was unable to develop software. However, it has been shown that the 850nm laser can create a visible line in full sunlight with the use of a narrow band optical filter. This finding is promising and worth further investigation. The green 525nm laser was able to be detected and isolated but not a the light level required to be feasible.


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Item Type: USQ Project
Item Status: Live Archive
Faculty/School / Institute/Centre: Historic - Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences - School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering (1 Jul 2013 - 31 Dec 2021)
Supervisors: Low, Tobias
Qualification: Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)(Mechatronics)
Date Deposited: 23 Aug 2021 22:58
Last Modified: 26 Jun 2023 04:04
Uncontrolled Keywords: Machine Vision, Lasers, Scanning, Timber, Sawmill
URI: https://sear.unisq.edu.au/id/eprint/43062

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