Method and apparatus for non-contact and rapid identification of wood species

Abstract: A method and apparatus for non-contact and rapid identification of wood species is provided. The method comprises irradiation of a substance with infra-red radiation which is intense enough to introducs microstructural modifications of the substance surface. Various wood species are identified by analyzing intensity of optical radiation which is scattered from the modified surf ace. The surface is irradiated with two (2) infra-red beams of different level of energy density. A wood sample is analyzed with optical beams: the first optical scanning is done prior to the first infra-red irradiation; the second optical scanning is done after the first infra-red irradiation; the third optical scanning is done after the second infra-red irradiation. It has been determined experimentally, that various wood species can be identified by analyzing intensities of the optical beams scattered from the modified surface. The method allows for non-contact, rapid and in-line identification of various species of wood. Also, it has been found, that the invented method allows for simultaneous determination of the moisture content. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a source of optical radiation, an infra-red radiation source with adjustable energy densities, and a detector. The arrangement of optical axes of the detector and the radiation sources is such that they converge at the substance surface. In second embodiment, the apparatus includes two (2) sources of optical radiation, two (2) detectors, and an infra-red radiation source with adjustable energy densities. The arrangement of optical axes of the sources and detectors is such, that they are in line with the respect to the direction in which a substance is being moved.

Description: This invention concerns a method and apparatus for in-line identification of various wood species. The common method or species identification is based on visual analysis of grain and fibre morphology of samples. More precise identification may require chemical and microscopic analysis or mass spectroscopy measurements. These methods either are limited to stationary measurements or they require rather sophisticated instrumentation. In general, they are not practical for in-line applications where virtually instantaneous species identification are required. WO 85/⊘⊘657 discloses a method and apparatus for identification of timber quality and structure in which a plurality of optoelectrical sensor organs make measurements using reflected light. In accordance with this invention, a method and apparatus for non-contact and rapid species identification have been devised. The method and apparatus are derived from the fact that absorption of infra-red radiation by wood depends on type of species which is being irradiated. It has been experimentally demonstrated, that a relationship exists between the types of wood being irradiated with intense infra-red radiation and the density of surface modifications caused by this radiation. Furthermore, it has been determined, that the density of surface modifications can be translated into a quantitative measure by using an optical beam. An analyzed wood sample is irradiated with infra-red beams two (2) times: first with lower- and then with higher-energy density beam. The effects of these irradiations are analyzed with scanning optical beams. Intensities of the scattered optical beams are recorded by optical detector(s). It has been found, that various wood species may be identified by experimentally determining the following two (2) parameters: SIP₁ = ( I in - I₁ ) / I in SIP₂ = ( I in - I₂ ) / I in where: SIP₁ - Species Identification Parameter. The values of the parameter SIP₁ are predetermined experimentally for a preselected energy density P₁ of the infra-red radiation. The values of the SIP₁ are predetermined for all the range of the moisture content for given species; SIP₂ - Species Identification Parameter. The values of the parameter SIP₂ are predetermined experimentally for a preselected energy density P₂ (such that P₂ > P₁) of the infra-red radiation. The values of the SIP₂ are predetermined for all the range of the moisture content for given species; I in - is the intensity of optical radiation scattered from the analyzed portion of a substance surface prior to irradiation with the infra-red radiation. I₁ - is the intensity of optical radiation scattered from the analyzed portion of a substance surface after it was irradiated with the infra-red radiation of the lower intensity (P₁); I₂ - is the intensity of optical radiation scattered from the analyzed portion of a substance surface after it was irradiated with the infra-red radiation of the higher intensity (P2); It has been found that a set of the parameters SIP₁ and SIP₂ is the characteristic property of every type of wood and it can be used as the basis for the identification of various species. These parameters are also function of a moisture content. Therefore, they may be simultaneously used for the determination of the moisture content. The values of the SIPs are predetermined experimentally for all the range of moisture content of given species. These values are recorded and used as the calibration data. The values of P₁ and P₂ are preselected energy densities of the infra-red radiation which is used in the measurements. These values are characteristic for a given apparatus. The values of I₁, I₂ and I in are measured by the optical detector(s) during the identification process. It has been experimentally demonstrated, that every set of SIP1 and SIP2 determines explicitly a given species and its moisture content. The invention allows for non-contact rapid identification of various wood species according to the methods of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 1⊘ and apparatus according to claim 16. The identification of species can be done either for moving or stationary samples. The additional advantage of the method is that the apparatus can be placed at a distance from the analyzed substance because all the measurements may be carried out by low-divergence beams. Figures 1 and 2 illustrate schematic views of two versions of the apparatus. Figures 3 - 8 illustrate data obtained by using exemplary apparatus for species identification in accordance with this invention. FIGURE 1 illustrates a schematic view of apparatus capable of identification of stationary samples. The apparatus includes an energy density adjustable infra-red source, a single source of optical radiation, and an optical detector. FIGURE 2 illustrates a schematic view of apparatus capable of identification of moving samples. The apparatus includes an energy density adjustable source of infra-red radiation, two sources of optical radiation, and two optical detectors. FIGURE 3 presents a graph plotting the species identification parameters SIP₁ and SIP₂ for lumber samples of spruce and balsam. FIGURE 4 presents a graph plotting the species identification parameters SIP₁ and SIP₂ for lumber samples of pine and balsam. FIGURE 5 presents a graph plotting the species identification parameters SIP₁ and SIP₂ for lumber samples of douglas-fir and balsam. Figure 6 presents a graph plotting the species identification parameters SIP₁ and SIP₂ versus moisture content for lumber samples of spruce and balsam. Figure 7 presents a graph plotting the species identification parameters SIP₁ and SIP₂ versus moisture content for lumber samples of pine and balsam. Figure 8 presents a graph plotting the species identification parameters SIP₁ and SIP₂ versus moisture content for lumber samples of douglas-fir and balsam. The apparatus of the present invention is suittable for the species identification of stationary or moving samples. In the case of stationary samples, the sample is first scanned with an analyzing optical light source such as HeNe laser. The scattered optical radiation (I₁n) is collected by lens and recorded by an optical detector. This is followed by irradiating the sample surface with a first energy density (P₁) low-divergence light beam, for example an infra-red beam, from CO₂ laser. The CO₂ beam is combined with the HeNe laser beam by using a ZnSe beam combiner. The CO₂ laser beam is focused on the sample by a curved mirror. The following step is to scan the same sample surface again with the optical light source and to record the intensity of scattered optical radiations (I₁) by the optical detector. The next step is to irradiate the sample with a second energy density (P₁) low-divergence light beam from the CO₂ laser (P₂>P₁) and to scan the surface again with the HeNe beam. The intensity (I₂) of scattered radiation is recorded by the detector. The arrangement of optical axes of the detector and the radiation sources is such that they converge at the sample surface. All the system components are controlled by a computer. The computer is equipped with a data aquisition board, which is used for data recording and analysis. Referring specifically to Figure 1, the apparatus, generally designated by reference numeral 1⊘, comprises an optical light source 12 such as a HeNe laser and a low-divergence light beam source 14 providing intense infra-red radiation. The optical light emitted from optical light source 12 is represented by arrow 16. Flat mirror 18 directs optical light 16 to beam combiner 2⊘. The intense infra-red radiation emitted by low-divergence light beam source 14 is represented by arrow 22. Curved mirror 24 reflects both optical light 16 and intense infra-red radiation 22 after their passage through beam combiner 2⊘. Lens 26 is provided to converge reflected light 36 to optical detector 28. Amplifier 3⊘ amplifies the signal provided from detector 28. The components of the system are controlled by computer 32 which is equipped with a data acquisition board which is used for data recording and analysis. The arrangement of optical axis of the detector and the radiation sources is such that they converge at the sample surface. When it is desired to identify the species of stationary sample 34, a selected area 38 of sample 34 is first scanned with optical beam 16 from HeNe laser 12 which has been reflected through mirrors 18 and 24 and passed through beam combiner 2⊘. The reflected optical radiation, which is identified by arrow 36, is collected by lens 26, forwarded to optical detector 28 through amplifier 3⊘ and recorded by computer 32. Selected area 38 of sample 34 is then irradiated by a first intense infra-red radiation 22 from low-divergence light beam source 14 such as a CO₂ laser. The intense infra-red radiation 22 is combined to optical light 16 through beam combiner 2⊘, preferably a ZnSe beam combiner. The intense infra-red radiation 22 is focused on selected area 38 of sample 34 through mirror 24. This scanning causes the microstructure of sample 34 to be permanently modified at selected area 38. Following irradiation, selected surface 38 of sample 34 is scanned again with optical light 16 and the reflected intensity 36 is recorded by the optical detector 28. Selected area 38 of sample 34 is then irradiated by a second intense infra-red radiation 22A also from low-divergence light beam source. It should be noted that for illustration purposes, infra-red radiation 22A is shown above infra-red radiation 22, even though radiation 22A passes through the same axis as radiation 22. Infra-red 22A is also combined to optical light 16 through beam combiner 2⊘. Following this second irradiation, selected surface 38 of sample 34 is scanned once more with optical light 16 and the reflected intensity 36 is recorded by optical detector 29. The analyzed wood species are identified by calculating parameters SIP₁ and SIP₂ according to formulas [1,2] and then comparing their values with predetermined and recorded calibration data. In the case of a moving sample, a conveyor causes the sample to move past infra-red radiation from a CO₂ laser and optical beams from two HeNe laser. The scattered optical radiation (I in , I₁ and I₂) are recorded by two optical detectors. The arrangement of optical axes of the radiation sources and the detectors is such, that they are in line with respect to the direction in which the sample is being moved. The infra-red CO₂ laser irradiates the surface with two (2) pulses of an intense radiation of predetermined energy densities P₁ and P₂ (such that P₂ > P₁). This radiation causes the surface modifications. The modified portion of the surface is then scanned with the optical beam. The optical radiation scattered from the modified surface is recorded by the detector. All the system components are controlled by a computer. The computer is equipped with a data aquisition board, which is used for data recording and analysis. Referring specifically to Figure 2, the apparatus, generally designated by reference numeral 5⊘, presents some similarities with the apparatus described in Figure 1. Hence, the apparatus 5⊘ comprises a first optical light source 52, a flat mirror 54 to reflect optical light 56 to beam combiner 58 and a curved mirror 6⊘ to focus optical light beam 56 and 56A. Also included is a low-divergence light beam source 62 which provides intense infra-red radiation 64 and 64A. Lens 66 provides reflected optical light 68 to detector 7⊘. The detected signal 72 is amplified through amplifier 74 and analyzed by computer 76. The system 5⊘ illustrated in Figure 2 also comprises a further optical light source 8⊘ which is also preferably a HeNe laser, a second curved mirror 82 to focus optical light 84 and a second lens 86 to provide reflected optical light 88 to detector 9⊘. The detected signal 92 is amplified by amplifier 94 and analyzed by computer 76. When it is desired to identify the species of sample 1⊘⊘ from selected area 1⊘2, sample 1⊘⊘ is moved on conveyor 1⊘4 and selected area 1⊘2 is subjected to optical light 56. Reflected optical light 68 is analyzed through detector 7⊘. The sample 1⊘⊘ which continuously moves on conveyor 1⊘4 is then irradiated at the same selected area 1⊘2 by a first intense infra-red radiation 64 which causes a permanent modification of the microstructure of sample 1⊘⊘ at selected area 1⊘2. Sample 1⊘⊘ is then scanned with optical light 56A at selected surface 1⊘2 and reflected light 68A is recorded by detector 7⊘. Selected area 1⊘2 of sample 1⊘⊘ is then irradiated by a second intense infra-red radiation 64A. Sample 1⊘⊘ then continues its path in the direction of arrow 1⊘6 and is scanned again at selected area 1⊘2 by optical beam 84 from further light source 8⊘. Reflected optical light 88 is then analyzed through second detector 9⊘. The arrangement of optical axis of the radiation sources and detectors is such that they are in line with respect to the direction 1⊘6 in which sample 1⊘⊘ is being moved. The sample is identified by comparing the calculated values of the parameters SIP₁ and SIP₂ with predetermined and recorded data. In the following examples, a CO₂ laser has been used as the source of infra-red radiation (MPB's model IN-7⊘ wavelength 1⊘.6 micron, 6⊘ Watt output power, 7 mm beam diameter, pulsed at 5⊘ msec). HeNe lasers have been used as the sources of the optical beams (Melles Griot's model ⊘5LHP 991₂ wavelength ⊘.6328 micron, 1⊘ m Watt output power, ⊘.7 mm beam diameter). The curved mirror (1 meter radius of curvature, 2.54 cm (1 inch) diameter) was used to focus the laser beam on the samples. The distance between the sample surface and the mirror was approximately ⊘.5 meter. The optical detectors used were manufactured by EG&G (Model 3⊘8⊘9). The computer was equipped with a data acquisition board (a 12 bit analog-to-digital converter). It has been determined, that there is a linear relationship between the optimum intensity of the CO₂ laser beam and the speed of the conveyor. For example, the 6⊘ Watt output power corresponds to the optimum speed of the conveyor of 6⊘.8 cm/s (12⊘ feet per minute). Also, it has been determined, that the optimum value of higher intensity infra-red radiation (i.e. P₂) should be two (2) times higher than the P₂. Example 1 Pieces of two by four lumber spruce and balsam were analyzed with the described apparatus . All the analyzed samples contained various moisture content in the range from ⊘% to 4⊘%. The samples were moving with the speed of 7.6 cm/s (15 feet/minute). A CO₂ laser was used as the source of the infra-red radiation. The preselected values of the infra-red energy densities were : I₁ = ⊘.⊘2 and I₂ = ⊘.⊘4 [Joule/mm²]. The graph of the species identification parameters SIP₁ and SIP₂ are plotted on Figure 3. All the points along each of the plotted lines correspond to various moisture content for a given species. The arrows indicate moisture content gradient from ⊘% to 4⊘%. Figure 6 is a 3-dimensional representationh of the species identification and moisture measurement calibration data for spruce and balsam. The arrows on the Figure 6 show the data interpretation sequence. For example, if the measured value of SIP₁ is 2.3 (i.e. point A₁), then there are two (2) possible corresponding values of SIP₂ i.e. B₁ and B₂. If the measured value of SIP₂ is in the range of 4.3, then it is explicit that the analyzed sample is spruce and its moisture content is in the range of 16%. If the measured value of SIP₂ is in the range of 5.7, then the analyzed sample in balsam and its moisture content is 14%. Example 2 Pieces of two by four lumber pine and balsam were analyzed with the described apparatus. All the analyzed samples contained various moisture content in the range from ⊘% to 4⊘%. The samples were moving with the speed of 7.6 cm/s (15 feet/minute). A CO₂ laser was used as the source of the infra-red radiation. The preselected values of the infra-red energy densities were : I₁ = ⊘.⊘2 and I₂ = ⊘.⊘4 [Joule/mm²]. The graph of the species identification parameters SIP₁ and SIP₂ are plotted on Figure 4. All the points along each of the plotted lines correspond to various moisture content for a given species. The arrows indicate moisture content gradient from ⊘% to 4⊘%. Figure 7 is a 3-dimensional representationh of the species identification and moisture measurement calibration data for pine and balsam. Example 3 Pieces of two by four lumber douglas-fir and balsam were analyzed with the described apparatus. All the analyzed samples contained various moisture content in the range from ⊘% to 4⊘%. The samples were moving with the speed of 7.6 cm/s (15 feet/minute). A CO₂ laser was used as the source of the infra-red radiation. The preselected values or the infra-red energy densities were : I₁ = ⊘.⊘2 and I₁ = ⊘.⊘4 [Joule/mm²]. The graph of the species identification parameters SIP₁ and SIP₂ are plotted on Figure 5. All the points along each of the plotted lines correspond to various moisture content for a given species. The arrows indicate moisture content gradient from ⊘% to 4⊘% . Figure 8 is a 3-dimensional representationh of the species identification and moisture measurement calibration data for douglas-fir and balsam.

Claims: A method for the non-contact identification of wood species, said method comprising: subjecting a wood sample to be identified to an optical light beam of predetermined energy density and measuring the intensity of said optical light reflected from said sample; irradiating an area of said wood sample with a laser beam of first and second predetermined energy density levels, each of said density levels being sufficient to produce modifications of the microstructure of said sample; subjecting said irradiated area to an optical light beam of predetermined energy density and measuring the intensity of said optical light reflected from said irradiated area after irradiation at each of said first and second energy density levels; and identifying said wood species by comparing said measurements of optical light reflected from said sample and from said irradiated area to predetermined wood species optical light reflected data. A method for the non-contact identification of wood species, said method comprising: subjecting a wood sample to be identified to an optical light beam of predetermined energy density and measuring the intensity of said optical light reflected from said sample; irradiating at least one area or said wood sample with laser beams of first and second predetermined energy density levels, each of said density levels being sufficient to produce modifications of the microstructure of said sample at one or more areas thereof; subjecting said irradiated areas to an optical light beam of predetermined energy density and measuring the intensity of said optical light reflected from said irradiated areas after irradiation at each of said first and second energy density levels; and identifying said wood species by comparing said measurements of optical light reflected from said sample and from said irradiated areas to predetermined wood species optical light reflected data. A method for non-contact and rapid identification of wood species comprising: (a) measuring initial intensity of scattered optical radiation of predetermined energy density from a selected area on surface of analyzed wood sample; (b) subjecting selected area on surface of said wood sample to modifications of its microstructure by irradiating said selected area on surface of said wood sample with infra-red radiant energy at two (2) or more predetermined energy density levels; (c) measuring the intensities of scattered optical radiation from said modified area on surface of said wood sample after irradiation at each of said first and second energy density levels, and; (d) identifying the type of wood species by using said intensities of scattered optical radiation from said modified area of said wood sample and comparing them with predetermined data for the analyzed types of wood species. A method of identifying the type of wood species by making measurements at different locations therealong, comprising : (a) measuring initial intensities of scattared optical radiation of predetermined energy density from preselected areas along on surface of analyzed wood sample; (b) subjecting each one of plurality of preselected areas along on surface of said wood sample to modifications of its microstructure by irradiating said selected areas on surface of said wood sample with infra-red radiant energy at two (2) or more predetermined energy density levels; (c) measuring the intensities of scattered optical radiation from said modified areas on surface of said wood sample after irradiation at each of said first and second energy density levels, and; (d) identifying the type of species by using said measurements of intensities of scattered optical radiation from said modified areas of said wood sample and comparing them with predetermined data for the analyzed types of wood species. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein for each surface areas, steps (a), (b), (c) and (d) as set forth in claim 2 are carried out simultaneously. The method as claimed in claim 3, wherein said piece of wood moves at a speed relative to radiant energy sources. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein said piece of wood moves at a speed relative to radiant energy sources. The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein said piece of wood moves at a speed relative to radiant energy sources. A method for non-contact and rapid identification of wood species comprising: (a) measuring initial intensity of scattered optical radiation of predetermined energy density from a selected area on surface of analyzed wood sample; (b) subjecting selected area on surface of said wood sample to modifications of its microstructure by irradiating said selected area on surface of said wood sample with infra-red radiant energy at two (2) or more predetermined energy density levels; (c) measuring the intensities of scattered optical radiation from said modified area on surface of said wood sample after irradiation at each of said first and second energy density levels, and; (d) identifying the type of species by using said intensities of scattered optical radiation from said modified area of said wood example and comparing them with predetermined data for the analyzed types of wood species. A method of identifying the type of wood species by making measurements at different locations therealong, comprising: (a) measuring initial intensities of scattered optical radiation of predetermined energy density from preselected areas along a surface of an analyzed wood sample; (b) subjecting each one of plurality of preselected areas along on surface of said wood sample to modifications of its microstructure by irradiating said selected areas on surface of said wood sample with infra-red radiant energy at two (2) or more predetermined energy density levels; (c) measuring the intensities of scattered optical radiation from said modified areas on surface of said wood sample after irradiation at each of said first and second energy density levels, and; (d) identifying the type of species by using said intensities of scattered optical radiation from said modified areas of said wood sample and comparing them with predetermined data for the analyzed types of wood species. The method as claimed in claim 1⊘, wherein for each surface areas, steps (a), (b), (c) and (d) an set forth in claim 8 are carried out simultaneously. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein said piece of wood moves at a speed relative to radiant energy sources. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein said piece of wood moves at a speed relative to radiant energy sources. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein said piece of wood moves at a speed relative to radiant energy sources. An apparatus for carrying out the method of any one of claims 1 to 14. An apparatus for the non-contact identification of wood species samples, said apparatus comprising in combination : an optical light source for subjecting said wood species sample to optical light; an optical detector positioned relative to said optical light source to measure the intensity of optical light reflected by said wood species samples after having subjected said wood species samples to optical light; and an infra-red source to irradiate said wood species samples on a selected area of said samples at an energy density sufficient to modify the microstructure of said wood species samples, means for actuating said optical light source and detector and means for controlling said infra-red source, to measure the intensity or optical light reflected by said wood species samples after having subjected said samples to said optical light, and to measure the intensity of optical light reflected by said selected area of said wood species samples after having irradiated said area with said infra-red source at a plurality of energy densities and means for identifying said wood species by comparing said optical light reflected from said sample and from said modified area to predetermined wood species optical reflected data.

Inventors: JAMROZ WES R, TREMBLEY JULIEN, WONG BRIAN, JAMROZ, WES R., TREMBLAY, JULIEN, WONG, BRIAN, TREMBLEY, JULIEN
Applicants: MPB TECHNOLOGIES INC, MPB TECHNOLOGIES INC.
Application year: 1993
Main classification: G01N21
IPC codes: G01N21, G01N33