ONLINE TREE STEM CHARACTERIZATION WITH 3D SCANNING LASER RANGE FINDERS IN FOREST HARVESTERS

摘要

A new measurement concept for cut to length forest harvesters is presented in this paper. Measurement development is done for cut to length forest harvesters. The cut to length method means that the trees are felled, then delimbed and cut to length by the single-grip harvester before logs are transported to the roadside. Concept includes measurements done to standing trees before felling to calculate optimal cut to length logs. The modern forest harvesters use mechanical measurements for diameter and length. In this paper we will discuss different non-contact methods of measuring tree stems. Standing tree stems are measured with 3D scanner and computer vision systems. Forest 3D scanning system is presented in this paper. Based on these new measurements, tree cutting pattern could be optimized and harvester automation increased, resulting in higher resource utilization.