For effective process control in modern conditions specialists of timber industry need accurate and objective information about the quantity, volume, quality and dimensional characteristics of processed raw materials. For control and monitoring this information should be presented according different time intervals, and these data should always be on hand,for the appropriate services it should be available on the local network in online mode. For distributed enterprises with branches or with head management companies it should be access to information and also through the Internet. Automated accounting of round timber promptly in real time shows how the performance and the rhythm of the sawmill and carries information about the useful output and efficiency of sawmill.
The introduction of automated system solves this problem. Log measuring device VECTOR registers, accumulates and maintains such information in real time, thus minimizing the subjective factors when determining the geometrical log dimensions. Besides reducing costs related to the organization of accounting by hand payback of implementation of this accounting system VECTOR with one-shift operation is less than a year, even without taking into account factors such as the increase in the accuracy and objectivity of accounting information.
Number of counting stations can be different for different companies. This is due to the existing processing scheme of feeding.
Our specialists have years of experience in the development, production, implementation, service and support of accounting systems in various enterprises of raw timber industry. We put into operation the first electronic measurement device in 1990. Now comes a fifth-generation of log scanners which features a simple and reliable design, improved software, the ability to install on all types of conveyors, advanced communication interfaces with a PC and top-level controllers, including Ethernet. Connection to the PC is via Ethernet. This can be a full-time local area network, or a separate subnet with PC on which the software of accounting systems is installed. The structure of software includes a program "ARM of shift master," a database of under control of MS SQL Server, Web-server to generate and view reports, service programs. Scanner is reliable, so it can operates years in terms of vibration, dust and extremes of temperature without the need of maintenance. It only needs periodically to clean the optical target of foreign objects (pieces of bark, wood chips, etc.)
All the information necessary for the operation of the system is stored in a single database under control of Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Express Edition R2. Database capacity is 8 Gb, which allows to store information for each log accumulated over several years. (other versions of SQL Server are possible). Physically, the server can be located in the operating room directly on PC of foreman, and on a dedicated server. At the request of the customer we can install two databases, one of which is installed on a PC connected with log scanners, the other is in a convenient location for operational control, even in another city or country. Database synchronization is configured by replication tasks.
The reports are designed as web-based interface with the application of modern technology AJAX. The convenience and flexibility of the interface provides a customizable and visual output report forms, which can be accessed either through the company’s network or via the Internet, with a password. In the workplace, users need only a web-browser, for example, Internet Explorer, Firefox, Opera. Built-in authentication system allows users to distinguish between the rights of users parameters viewing and editing, viewing reports. You can integrate the system with existing systems, the correct level of, for example, "1S" or other systems based on SQL Servers.
A special program PLC Setup was developed to configure scanner VECTOR. it has a simple and intuitive interface that allows you to make the correct setting by means of MSR without the help of experts of the manufacturer.
Customizable options respond to the accounting rules - a way of diameters and lengths rounding, the correction for the bark (the equation of linear regression), allowance for length, volume table. The system fully meets the parameters of GOST 2708-75 and GOST R 52117-2003. Round timber. Methods of measurement.
The second question that arises from potential customer of log measuring device VECTOR - is it possible to apply it in our production and where to install it. The biggest part of companies are equipped with transporters with longitudinal single-piece log feeding. There are conveyors at the entrance of the sawmill and at plywood factories it’s feeding in the shop of barking and bucking or conveyors to feed chuks in veneer peeling machine. In most cases, the Vector-1D log scanner can be installed on any longitudinal conveyor. Installation is made without stop of the conveyor, it does not matter, it' s a chain or belt conveyor, high or low traverse, horizontal or inclined conveyor.Software embed into the log scanner VECTOR confidently eliminates interfering factors, and provide accurate measurements. Repeatability for acceptance of the same party of logs rarely exceeds 1% (which is the main indicator of the work of the accounting system). Operational restrictions - logs must be fed by the piece with the appropriate minimum space between ends, the chain of log conveyor should be uniform, i.e it should have the same pitch of units across the log. Often the accounting system has the additional requirements. Log scanner also has various additional functions. One of current applications is giving a signal when detecting the diameter larger than the equipment allows. Another widely used function - determining the direction of movement of the log "butt-end", it is used to control the reversal devices. On the feeding line for sawing (processing) there are butt reducers like Bruks, in this case, the scanner works as a device for automatic detecting of buttress and switching cutters of butt reducing. On the plywood mills scanners VECTOR often are part of an automated system of timber sorting for peeling lines.
