Abstract: A method for tracking and measuring volume, shape and surfaces of objects, such as logs, simultaneously. In series of load and unload operations along a procurement line, series of images are captured by e.g., CCD stereo cameras with sufficient spatial resolution capabilities. Simultaneously, the location of objects (logs) are registered by a GPS system aiding the tracking of the objects. The load and unload operations are typically performed by machineries such as harvesters, forwarders or trucks all equipped with a crane. On such machines digital cameras are mounted on jib arms and a computer system is attached. A GPS system is mounted on the machines too and the computer system is attached here as well. Thus the real time processing of stereo images can be accomplished and the volume, shape and surface of the 3D objects are computed simultaneously with their location in space. The resulting data are sent to a central database that keeps track of objects and their locations.

Abstract: A physical property of an object such as a lying log is determined by taking pairs of images of the opposed end faces and of the exposed upper side from elevated positions relative to the log, so that the images allow stereo imaging of the log seen from both ends. The stereo images are used for determining the physical property of the object. A plurality of logs can be imaged using a single camera or a pair of cameras mounted on a vehicle that is moved relative to the lying logs, or using a single camera or a pair of cameras mounted on a fixed frame and moving the logs past the cameras.

Abstract: A method for tracking and measuring volume, shape and surfaces of objects, such as logs, simultaneously. In series of load and unload operations along a procurement line, series of images are captured by e.g., CCD stereo cameras with sufficient spatial resolution capabilities. Simultaneously, the location of objects (logs) are registered by a GPS system aiding the tracking of the objects. The load and unload operations are typically performed by machineries such as harvesters, forwarders or trucks all equipped with a crane. On such machines digital cameras are mounted on jib arms and a computer system is attached. A GPS system is mounted on the machines too and the computer system is attached here as well. Thus the real time processing of stereo images can be accomplished and the volume, shape and surface of the 3D objects are computed simultaneously with their location in space. The resulting data are sent to a central database that keeps track of objects and their locations.