Ralph Wayne Bennett
Engineering at Ramsgate Dr, Tallahassee, FL

6463402, Oct 8, 2002

Mar 6, 2000

09/519195

Ralph W. Bennett - Tallahassee FL 32308-2140
Robert W. Mayer - Tallahassee FL 32308
Harold F. Qualls - Tallahassee FL 32312
Steven F. Bellenot - Tallahassee FL 32303

G06F 760

703 2, 703 6, 144357, 144402, 382141

A method for creating a full surface model of a log using optical scanners mounted on an existing infeed assembly. The method recognizes that a log is only stable for a portion of its travel along the infeed assembly, meaning that only portions of the log may be accurately scanned for both cross-sectional and positional data. The balance of the log can only be scanned for cross-sectional data. The method uses the regions of the log for which both cross-sectional and positional data are known to create a theoretical centerline for the entire log. The cross-sections for the regions without positional data are then placed along the theoretical centerline and all the cross sections are blended together to create a full surface model. The full surface model is then used to determine the optimum configuration of dimensioned lumber which may be sawn from the log.

2004010, Jun 3, 2004

Sep 29, 2003

10/673308

Ralph Bennett - Tallahassee FL, US
Robert Mayer - Tallahassee FL, US
Harold Qualls - Tallahassee FL, US
Steven Bellenot - Tallahassee FL, US

H01J003/14, H01J005/16

250/234000

Techniques for calibrating a laser scanner using a beam and camera which are swept in synchronization across a target object. A special calibration machine is disclosed. This machine mounts a completed scanner assembly and moves a target to collect camera output data from the scanner. The machine includes position sensing means which accurately determine the position of the target. The target position is then correlated to the camera output data for a variety of points. Curve-fitting techniques are then employed to create a mathematical function which converts the a given camera output datum to a distance from the scanner. The calibration machine is also used to create a table of correction factors which are used for different scanner mirror positions. The curve-fitting mathematical function, along with the table of error corrections, are then embedded in the software which converts the raw camera output data to computed points in three-dimensional space. The process does not require the development of complex optical equations.

2003005, Mar 27, 2003

Sep 24, 2001

09/960508

Ralph Bennett - Tallahassee FL, US
Rober Mayer - Tallahassee FL, US
Harold Qualls - Tallahassee FL, US
Steven Bellenot - Tallahassee FL, US

H01J003/14, H01J005/16

250/234000

A scanning device for measuring the distance between the scanning device and a plurality of surface points on a target object. The scanning device sweeps a laser beam and a line scan camera in synchronization up and down the surface of the target object. The line scan camera monitors the impact point of the laser beam upon the target object within its field of view. By knowing the position of the impact point within the camera's field of view, trigonometric principles can be applied to accurately calculate the distance to the impact point.