Abstract: A method and system for detecting and controlling the quality of debarking at the surface of a wooden log provide information on main parameters related to the debarking quality of the log surface, including fiber loss and residual bark. The debarking quality detecting method and system involve measurement of three-dimensional profile of at least a portion of the log surface to generate corresponding profile image data, which is processed to generate data indicative of the texture of the log surface. The texture data is then analyzed to generate resulting data on the debarking quality parameters. That quality indicative information can be generated on a continuous basis to provide an objective assessment of the quality performance in real-time in view of target productivity, and may then be used to perform optimal adjustments of the debarker operating parameters, either manually by the operator or automatically through feedback control.

Abstract: Sawmill auditing and control apparatus and methods employ information from one or more scan zones and/or controllers (e.g., PLCs). Boards may be logically associated with mill equipment which produced the boards, allowing defects or imperfections to be tied to certain equipment. For example, boards may be associated with a primary breakdown machine or a gangsaw, or with a pair of cutters (e.g., saws, chip heads). Such allows auditing of mill operations to identify improperly functioning machinery or out of tolerance conditions, to correct such, and/or provide notification.

Abstract: The log debarking assembly comprises an auto-aligning ring debarker that in turn comprises a base, a movable frame carried by the base and movable relative to the base, a log opening formed in the movable frame, a ring-type cutting tool mounted to the movable frame and protruding in the log opening, the cutting tool for debarking logs that are fed through the log opening, and a powered debarker actuator assembly capable of selectively moving the movable frame relative to the base. The log debarking assembly also comprises a log shape and position detector comprising a scanner located upstream of the debarker for detecting the shape and position of logs at the location of the scanner and for generating log data as a result of detected log shape and position at the location of the scanner; and a control device capable of receiving the log data and of controlling the powered debarker actuator assembly as a result of the log data.