SE540910C2 - Spectroscopic method and device for determining the characteristics of a tree - Google Patents
Spectroscopic method and device for determining the characteristics of a treeInfo
- Publication number
- SE540910C2 SE540910C2 SE1750520A SE1750520A SE540910C2 SE 540910 C2 SE540910 C2 SE 540910C2 SE 1750520 A SE1750520 A SE 1750520A SE 1750520 A SE1750520 A SE 1750520A SE 540910 C2 SE540910 C2 SE 540910C2
- Authority
- SE
- Sweden
- Prior art keywords
- tree
- wood
- bark
- measurement
- trees
- Prior art date
Links
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- 239000002023 wood Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 184
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 171
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- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 claims description 28
- 244000052769 pathogen Species 0.000 claims description 24
- 238000001069 Raman spectroscopy Methods 0.000 claims description 15
- 241000894007 species Species 0.000 claims description 15
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- 238000004476 mid-IR spectroscopy Methods 0.000 claims description 13
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Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N33/00—Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups G01N1/00 - G01N31/00
- G01N33/46—Wood
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01J—MEASUREMENT OF INTENSITY, VELOCITY, SPECTRAL CONTENT, POLARISATION, PHASE OR PULSE CHARACTERISTICS OF INFRARED, VISIBLE OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT; COLORIMETRY; RADIATION PYROMETRY
- G01J3/00—Spectrometry; Spectrophotometry; Monochromators; Measuring colours
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01J—MEASUREMENT OF INTENSITY, VELOCITY, SPECTRAL CONTENT, POLARISATION, PHASE OR PULSE CHARACTERISTICS OF INFRARED, VISIBLE OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT; COLORIMETRY; RADIATION PYROMETRY
- G01J3/00—Spectrometry; Spectrophotometry; Monochromators; Measuring colours
- G01J3/28—Investigating the spectrum
- G01J3/44—Raman spectrometry; Scattering spectrometry ; Fluorescence spectrometry
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
- G01N21/17—Systems in which incident light is modified in accordance with the properties of the material investigated
- G01N21/25—Colour; Spectral properties, i.e. comparison of effect of material on the light at two or more different wavelengths or wavelength bands
- G01N21/31—Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
- G01N21/17—Systems in which incident light is modified in accordance with the properties of the material investigated
- G01N21/25—Colour; Spectral properties, i.e. comparison of effect of material on the light at two or more different wavelengths or wavelength bands
- G01N21/31—Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry
- G01N21/35—Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using infrared light
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
- G01N21/17—Systems in which incident light is modified in accordance with the properties of the material investigated
- G01N21/25—Colour; Spectral properties, i.e. comparison of effect of material on the light at two or more different wavelengths or wavelength bands
- G01N21/31—Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry
- G01N21/35—Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using infrared light
- G01N21/3563—Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using infrared light for analysing solids; Preparation of samples therefor
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
- G01N21/62—Systems in which the material investigated is excited whereby it emits light or causes a change in wavelength of the incident light
- G01N21/63—Systems in which the material investigated is excited whereby it emits light or causes a change in wavelength of the incident light optically excited
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
- G01N21/62—Systems in which the material investigated is excited whereby it emits light or causes a change in wavelength of the incident light
- G01N21/63—Systems in which the material investigated is excited whereby it emits light or causes a change in wavelength of the incident light optically excited
- G01N21/65—Raman scattering
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N33/00—Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups G01N1/00 - G01N31/00
- G01N33/0098—Plants or trees
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Spectroscopy & Molecular Physics (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
- Biochemistry (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Immunology (AREA)
- Pathology (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
- Medicinal Chemistry (AREA)
- Food Science & Technology (AREA)
- Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
- Botany (AREA)
- Investigating Or Analysing Materials By Optical Means (AREA)
Abstract
The invention relates to a method for determining the characteristics of a tree (100) and/or of the wood (3) of the tree (100). The method comprises the following steps: performing a measurement at a selected location on the tree (100), analysing the result of the measurement, determining the characteristics of the tree (100) and/or of the wood (3) of the tree (100) based on the analysis of the result of the measurement. The measurement is made on and/or in the bark (1, 2) of the tree (100).The invention also relates to a device for determining the characteristics of a tree (100) and/or of the wood (3) of the tree (100).In addition, the invention relates to a unit (40) for collecting, storing and/or processing data regarding the characteristics of trees and/or of the wood of trees.
Description
Spectroscopic method and device for determining the characteristics of a tree TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to the field of wood analysis. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a method and a device for determining the characteristics of a tree and/or of the wood of a tree.
BACKGROUND Wood is a very important, sustainable, renewable, natural resource. Wood can be used to form a wide range of products, such as paper, construction elements, furniture etc. Some products, such as planks, are formed by mainly mechanical processing. In order to obtain planks of a certain quality, for example with certain hardness, or a certain ability to absorb impregnation, it is essential to select trees comprising wood with certain characteristics when making the planks.
For other products, such as paper and rubber, the raw material from the tree has to undergo both chemical and mechanical treatment. When making paper, for example, knowledge of the characteristics of the wood is essential for the production process. The amount and type of chemicals used and energy required to make paper out of wood may be optimized based on the characteristics of the wood.
It would hence be beneficial for the optimal utilization of a forest to be able to determine the characteristics of trees in order to find the perfect use for the trees or the perfect trees for a required use.
The characteristics of a tree may be affected by the type of the tree, the age and environmental circumstances, etc. In addition, a pathogen infection or an insect attack on a tree affects the characteristics of the tree and the wood in the tree. One pathogen commonly infecting trees is fungi, such as rot. The rot starts to spread from the bottom central core of woody tissues of the tree. In order to minimize the risk of contamination or for environmental protection purposes, it may be better to leave a tree infected by rot in the forest than to harvest it.
Currently, trees with certain characteristics resulting in suboptimal quality (e.g. those infected by rot) are detected by a visual inspection of the trees. However, trees with suboptimal quality (e.g. rot) are not always possible to discover by visual inspection of a standing tree (e.g. early stages of rot infection). Therefore, a visual inspection of the cutting surface of the log is also often performed, as it may provide additional information regarding a possible suboptimal quality of the tree.
Unfortunately, visual inspection of trees and logs is an unreliable method for determining the characteristics of the tree, even for well-defined traits, such as rot. Moreover, this visual inspection is often time consuming and thus generally performed after the logs have been transported to the production site, such as a paper mill or a saw mill. At the production site, logs with suboptimal quality (e.g. those infected by rot) are sorted out and either considered as unusable waste or used as fuel, possibly with further transportation involved before burning. Thus, time and money is wasted on handling and transporting suboptimal quality logs. This way of handling forest raw materials has a considerable negative impact on the environment.
In order to save time and money and limit the environmental impact of forestry, it would be beneficial to determine the characteristics of a tree and/or of the wood of the standing tree already in the forest. Knowledge of the characteristics of the tree and/or of the wood of the standing tree could be used in order to determine whether or not to harvest the tree, and if harvested, which is the best use for the tree and organise transportation accordingly.
The current method to determine certain characteristics of wood, that is, the chemical constituents of wood, is relying on direct measurements of the woody tissue: either by analysing a core drilled into the wood or using a board cut form the wood, see for example W02006086873.
To drill a core of a tree in order to analyse the wood of the tree is time consuming and damages the tree and the wood. In addition, this method of analysing the wood often makes the tree vulnerable for fungi and insect attacks.
Hence, it would be of great advantage if the characteristics of the tree and/or of the wood of the tree could be determined in a quick and reliable manner with minimal or no invasion of the tree.
SUMMARY In view of the above mentioned problems with the current methods to analyse trees and/or the wood of trees, there is a need for improvement. It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved method and device for determining the characteristics of a tree and/or of the wood of the tree. It is an object of the invention to provide an alternative method and device for determining the characteristics of a tree and/or of the wood of the tree. It is also an object of the invention to provide a fast, reliable and accurate method and device for determination of the characteristics of a tree and/or of the wood of the tree. It is also an object of the invention to provide a method and device for determining the characteristics of a tree and/or of the wood of the tree without affecting the tree and/or of the wood of the tree in a negative way. The inventive method and device presented herein meets one or more of the above-mentioned challenges of conventional methods of analysing wood.
The above objects are achieved by a method for determining the characteristics of a tree and/or of the wood of the tree. The method comprises the following steps: performing a measurement at a selected location on the tree; analysing the result of the measurement; and determining the characteristics of the tree and/or of the wood of the tree based on the analysis of the result of the measurement. The measurement is performed in and/or on the bark of the tree.
By performing a measurement in or on the bark of the tree in order to determine the characteristics of a tree and/or of the wood of the tree, a fast, reliable and accurate determination can be made. In addition, the method is performed without damaging the tree. The method described performs the determination of the characteristics of the tree and/or of the wood of the tree without interfering with the wood of the tree. The described method does not affect the wood of the tree since the measurement is performed in and/or on the bark of the tree. At least, the described method does not affect the wood of the tree in a negative way. Since the wood of the tree is left intact all of the wood of the tree may be utilized. This results in a cost-efficient method of determining the characteristics of a tree and/or of the wood of the tree. In addition, the method does not increase the risk of spreading pathogens within the tree or to other trees. By using the described method, there is no damage to or physical interference with the wood of the tree, and hence, the method does not increase the risk of spreading pathogens. The presented method is fast and reliable, safe and simple to execute. The presented method is further user friendly and it does not require additional heavy tools or machinery. In addition, the presented method enables a cost and time efficient analysis of the tree and/or of the wood of the tree.
According to one example, the location on the tree where the measurement is performed is selected in order to optimize the result of the measurement. In other words, a location where a reliable result of the measurement can be received is chosen.
In one example of the disclosure, several measurements are performed on the same tree at different locations simultaneously or sequentially. The results from the measurements are analysed in order to accurately determine the characteristics of the tree and discover quality differences at different locations in the tree, such as the spread of rot.
According to one example, the selected location of the tree where the measurement is performed is selected in order to simplify the measurement performed, such as a location easy to reach.
The location on the tree where the measurement is performed is according to one example situated along the trunk or along a branch of the tree.
According to one example, the measurements are performed on the surface of the bark of the tree. This is a measurement method which does not interfere with the tree and/or with the wood of the tree, and hence, no damage is caused to the tree or to the wood of the tree. Only the bark of the tree is assessed by the measurement. Since the wood of the tree is not interfered with, the described method does not increase the risk of spreading pathogens in the wood.
According to one example, the measurement is performed in the bark of the tree, below the outer surface of the bark. This is a measurement method which does not harm a living tree. Minimal to no damage occurs on the bark of the tree during the measurement, depending on the type of penetration (mechanical or radiation or both). One type of penetration of the bark is radiation penetration. The radiation penetration does not damage the tree to any extent and hence, no harm is done to the wood of the tree. In other words, the wood of the tree is not affected by the described method. Another type of penetration of the bark is a mechanical penetration of the bark. The mechanical penetration does not harm the tree to any extent and in particular no harm is done to the wood of the tree. In other words, the wood of the tree is not affected by the described method. Another type of penetration is the combination of mechanical and radiation penetration.
According to one example of the disclosure, the measurement comprises the following steps: exposing the location to electromagnetic radiation, detecting reflected and/or scattered electromagnetic radiation and generating/creating a spectrum of the detected electromagnetic radiation.
By using non-damaging electromagnetic radiation in order to determine the characteristics of the tree and/or of the wood of the tree, the tree is not at all or is only minimally affected by the measurement performed. The wood of the tree is not affected by the method. By using a measurement method involving non-damaging electromagnetic radiation, information regarding the tree and/or of the wood of the tree can be obtained without damaging the tree and/or of the wood of the tree. Hence, all of the wood of the tree can be used for the intended purpose. Risk of pathogen spread is not increased by using the method, contrary to methods where a core is drilled in the tree. In addition, the described method is quick and reliable. The described method is easy and safe to perform.
According to one example of the disclosure the measurement includes Raman spectroscopy.
By using Raman spectroscopy, very detailed chemical characteristics of the tree and/or of the wood of the tree can be obtained, rapidly and non-destructively. The measurement can be performed in the bark of the tree without having to physically remove any part of the outer surface of the bark as the laser radiation can be focused below the surface of the bark. In other words, by using Raman spectroscopy a radiation penetration of the bark can be performed. Additionally, mechanical penetration may also be used. However, the required size and depth of the penetration area in the bark is minimal, and thus it causes no harm for the living tree. Only the bark of the tree is affected by this method. The wood of the tree is left unaffected. The laser used for the measurements can be chosen so that water in or on the surface of the bark does not disturb the measurement. Hence, the measurement will not be affected by weather / seasonal changes of humidity or water content in the tree.
According to one example of the disclosure the measurement includes near infrared or midinfrared spectroscopy.
Near infrared or mid-infrared spectroscopy is used in order to determine the characteristics of a tree and/or of the wood of the tree. While near infrared or mid-infrared spectroscopy can be more sensitive to water than Raman spectroscopy, the potential fluorescence problems of Raman spectroscopy are not present when using near infrared or mid-infrared spectroscopy in the measurements performed in or on the bark of the tree. When using near infrared or mid-infrared spectroscopy, mechanical penetration into the bark may be required in order to get a reliable measurement. However, the required size and depth of the penetration area in the bark is minimal, and thus it causes no harm for the living tree. Only the bark of the tree is affected by this method. The wood of the tree is left unaffected.
According to one example of the disclosure the characteristics of the tree and/or of the wood of the tree comprise any one or any combination of: the species of the tree, the age of the tree, the density of the tree, the occurrence of pathogens in the tree, the chemical composition of the tree, the capacity of the tree to bear fruits.
By using the described method, very detailed information of the characteristics of the tree and/or of the wood of the tree can be obtained. Based on this information, optimal decisions regarding the usage of the tree may be made. One example of such decision may be to leave the tree or part of the tree in the forest instead of felling the tree. One example of such decision may be to fell the tree and use the tree and/or the wood of the tree for a certain product for which the determined characteristics of the tree make it best suited.
The measurement according to the described method is fast and reliable and hence, time and costs are saved by using the described method.
According to one example the determination of the characteristics of the tree and/or of the wood of the tree is made on a standing tree or on a felled tree.
The measurements of the tree and/or of the wood of the tree may be performed on a standing living tree or alternatively on a felled tree. Hence, the method is flexible and may be used in all kinds of situations.
According to one example the measurement is made on the surface of the bark or in the bark, below the surface of the bark.
By performing measurements on the surface of the bark of the tree, detailed information regarding the tree and/or of the wood of the tree may be received without affecting/damaging the tree. Hence, the method described provides a fast, reliable and harmless way to determine the characteristics of the tree and/or of the wood of the tree. In addition, the method is cost and time efficient since the tree is kept intact. By using the described method, no processing or coring of the tree is required for determining the characteristics of the tree and/or of the wood of the tree. Hence, all of the wood of the tree is left intact and may be used for its purpose. In addition, the method does not increase the risk of spreading pathogens.
In some situations, a more reliable result of the measurements will be received by performing a measurement in the bark of the tree, below the surface. According to one example, mechanical penetration of the bark is performed in order to be able to conduct measurements in the bark of the tree. According to one example, radiation penetration is performed in order to be able to conduct measurements in the bark of the tree. According to one example, both mechanical and radiation penetration is performed. However, a measurement in the bark of the tree does not harm the tree, since only the bark is penetrated with minimum invasion. All the wood in the tree remains intact and can be utilized. Hence the method is cost-efficient and does not harm the tree and/or the bark of the tree.
According to one example the data from the measurement is automatically sent to a unit comprising a database.
By sending the data from the measurements to a unit comprising a database, information regarding the trees on which a measurement has been performed may be collected in the database. The collected data may be used in order to target trees of certain characteristics and/or areas with trees of certain characteristics. This information may be useful when managing forests to save time and money or decide on protective measures or optimal cultivation strategies such as thinning, nutritional needs, irrigation needs, etc. In addition, utilization of the forest may be optimized.
According to one example, a device for determining the characteristics of a tree and/or of the wood of the tree is described. The device comprises: means arranged to perform a measurement at a selected location on the tree; means arranged to analyse the result of the measurement; and means for determining the characteristics of the tree and/or of the wood of the tree based on the analysis of the result of the measurement, wherein the measurement is performed on and/or in the bark of the tree.
By performing a measurement in or on the bark of the tree in order to determine the characteristics of a tree and/or of the wood of the tree, a fast, reliable and accurate determination can be made, without harming the tree. By using the device the determination of the characteristics of the tree and/or of the wood of the tree can be performed without interfering with the wood of the tree. The device enables a determination of the characteristics of the tree and/or of the wood of the tree where the wood is not affected since the measurement is performed in and/or on the bark of the tree. At least, by using the device the wood of the tree is not affected in any negative way. Since the wood of the tree is left intact, or not affected in any negative way all of the wood of the tree may be utilized. By using the described device, a cost-efficient method of analysing the tree and/or of the wood of the tree is achieved. By using the device, there is no risk of spreading pathogens within the tree or to other trees. By using the described device, there is no interference with the wood of the tree, and hence, use of the device does not increase the risk of spreading pathogens to or within the wood. The presented device provides a fast and reliable, safe and simple method for determining the characteristics of a tree and/or of the wood of the tree. The device is user friendly. In addition, the presented device enables a cost and time efficient analysis of the tree and/or of the wood of the tree.
According to one example, the location where the measurement is performed is selected in order to optimize the result of the measurement. In other words, a location where a reliable result of the measurement can be received is chosen.
In one example of the disclosure, several measurements are performed on the same tree at different locations simultaneously or sequentially. The results are compared to each other in order to accurately determine the characteristics of the tree and discover quality differences at different locations in the tree, such as the spread of rot.
According to one example, the selected location where the measurement is performed is selected in order to simplify the measurement performed, such as a location easy to reach.
The location where the measurement is performed is according to one example situated along the trunk or along a branch of the tree.
According to one example, the measurements are performed on the bark of the tree, on the surface of the bark. This is a measurement method which does not interfere with the tree and/or wood, and hence, no harm is done to the tree. Only the bark of the tree is affected by the measurement. Since the wood of the tree is not interfered with, the described method does not increase the risk of spreading pathogens to or within the wood (such as rot).
According to one example, the measurement is performed on the bark of the tree, in the bark. This is a measurement method which does not harm a living tree. Minimal to no damage occurs on the bark of the tree during the measurement, depending on the type of penetration (mechanical and/or radiation). The radiation used does not damage the tree and hence, no harm is done to the tree or to the wood of the tree.
According to one example, the device comprises: means for exposing the location to electromagnetic radiation; means for detecting reflected and/or scattered electromagnetic radiation; and means for generating a spectrum of the detected electromagnetic radiation.
By using a device comprising means for exposing the bark to detecting electromagnetic radiation, and means for detecting reflected and/or scattered electromagnetic radiation; in order to determine the characteristics of the tree and/or of the wood of the tree, the tree is not at all or is only minimally affected by the measurement performed. The wood of the tree is not affected by the method. In addition, information regarding the tree and/or of the wood of the tree can be obtained without damaging the tree and/or of the wood of the tree. Hence, all of the wood of the tree can be used for the intended purpose. Pathogens are not spread by the use of the device. In addition, the device enables a quick and reliable measurement method that is easy and safe to perform.
According to one example the device comprises means arranged to include Raman spectroscopy.
By using Raman spectroscopy, very detailed chemical characteristics of the tree and/or of the wood of the tree can be obtained, rapidly and non-destructively. The measurement can be performed in the bark without having to physically remove any part of the outer surface of the bark as the laser radiation can be focused below the surface. A radiation penetration of the bark can be performed by using Raman spectroscopy. The laser used in the measurements can be chosen so that water in or on the surface of the bark does not disturb the measurement. Hence, the measurement will not be affected by weather / seasonal changes of humidity or water content of the tree.
According to one example the device comprises means arranged to include near infrared spectroscopy or mid-infrared spectroscopy during the measurement.
Near infrared or mid-infrared spectroscopy is used in order to obtain chemical compositional information, similarly to Raman spectroscopy. While near infrared or mid-infrared spectroscopy can be more sensitive to water than Raman spectroscopy, the potential fluorescence problems of Raman spectroscopy are not present when using near infrared or mid-infrared spectroscopy. When using near infrared or mid-infrared spectroscopy small mechanical penetrations into the bark may be required in order to get a reliable measurement. However, the size and depth of the penetration area is minimal, and thus it causes no harm for the living tree. Only the bark of the tree is affected. The wood of the tree is left unaffected.
According to one example, the device is arranged to determine the characteristics of the tree and/or of the wood of the tree on a standing tree or on a felled tree.
The device arranged to performed measurements of the tree and/or of the wood of the tree may be used on a standing tree or alternatively on a felled tree. Hence, the device is flexible and may be used in all kinds of situations.
According to one example the device is arranged to perform measurement on the surface of the bark and/or in the bark, below the surface of the bark.
By performing measurements on the bark of the tree that is on the surface of the bark of the tree, detailed information regarding the tree and/or of the wood of the tree may be received without affecting/damaging the tree. Hence, the device enables a fast, reliable and nondestructive way to determine the characteristics of the tree. In addition, the device enables a cost and time efficient determination of the characteristics of the tree and/or of the wood of the tree, since the tree is kept intact. By using the described device, no processing or coring of the wood of the tree is required for determining the characteristics of the tree and/or of the wood of the tree. Hence, all of the wood may be used for its purpose.
In some situations, a more reliable result of the measurements will be received by performing a measurement in the bark of the tree, below the surface, either by mechanical and/or radiation penetration. However, a measurement in the bark of the tree, even below the surface of the bark of the tree does not harm the tree, and all the wood in the tree remains intact and can be utilized. Hence the method is cost-efficient and does not harm the tree. It can minimally affect the bark of the tree.
According to one example the device comprises means for automatically sending the data from the measurement to a unit for collecting, storing and/or processing data.
By sending the data from the measurements to a unit comprising a database, information regarding the trees on which a measurement has been performed may be collected in the database. The collected data may be used in order to target trees of certain characteristics and/or areas with trees of certain characteristics. This information may be useful when managing forests to save time and money or decide on protective measures or optimal cultivation strategies such as thinning, nutritional needs, irrigation needs, etc. In addition, utilization of the forest may be optimized.
According to one example the device comprises a construction arranged to be positioned at the trunk of a tree, wherein said construction comprises: a spectrometer comprising at least one source of electromagnetic radiation and at least one detector arranged to detect electromagnetic radiation reflected and/or scattered from the bark of the tree.
According to one example, the device comprises more than one detectors.
According to one example, a unit for collecting, storing and/or processing data regarding the characteristics of trees and/or of the wood of trees is described, wherein at least part of the data is collected according to the above described method.
By collecting and utilizing the data regarding the characteristics of the trees and/or of the wood of the tree, forests may be better managed with help of said data. This data in the unit may be used to find certain trees with certain characteristics. The data in the unit may be used to find areas comprising at least a predefined number of trees with certain characteristics. The data in the unit may be used in order to efficiently manage forests in order to create a healthy population of trees and/or to select trees for a specific use, maximizing the usage of the trees in an area, and/or selecting a certain area of land for harvesting in order to fulfil requirements of the characteristics of the trees and/or of the wood of the trees and at the same time harvest trees in a time efficient, cost efficient and environmentally friendly way.
According to one example, the data is used for selecting trees according to certain characteristics.
By selecting trees of certain characteristics, a time and cost efficient management of the forest may be achieved, enabling optimal use of the trees and the forest.
According to one example, the data is used for selecting an area of land, according to certain characteristics of a number of trees in said area of land.
By selecting an area of land according to the characteristics of a number of trees in said area of land, an optimal area of land may be chosen for a specific use of the trees in said area and hence optimal usage of the land or forest is achieved.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the following description of embodiments of the proposed technique, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings of which: Fig. 1 illustrates the components of a trunk or a branch of a tree; Fig. 2 illustrates a device according to one example of the disclosure; Fig. 3a illustrates a device according to one example of the disclosure; Fig. 3b illustrates a device according to one example of the disclosure; Fig. 3c illustrates a device according to one example of the disclosure; Fig. 3d illustrates a device according to one example of the disclosure; Fig. 4a illustrates the method according to one example of the disclosure; Fig. 4b illustrates the method according to one example of the disclosure; Fig. 5a illustrates spectra received according to one example of the disclosure; and Fig. 5b illustrates the result of an experiment performed on a number of trees.
The term "link" refers herein to a communication link which may be a physical connection such as an opto-electronic communication line, or a non-physical connection such as a wireless connection, via e.g. radio frequency or microwave frequency link.
The characteristics of a tree and/or of the wood of a tree comprise a number of parameters. One characteristic of a tree and/or the wood of the tree is the chemical composition of the tree and/or of the wood of the tree. The species of the tree and the age of the tree may affect the overall chemical composition of the tree, including the wood of the tree. However, in addition to the species and age of the tree, each individual tree has its own setup, and hence the chemical composition varies within a certain range even for trees of the same species and of the same age. The chemical composition of a tree and/or of the wood of the tree can also affect the hardness and elasticity of the wood. When the wood is used as a raw material, for example for producing paper or bioethanol, the composition of the tree and/or of the wood of the tree will affect the production process, for example the amount of energy and chemicals needed for the production processes. By determining the chemical composition of the tree and/or of the wood of the tree, optimal usage of the tree and/or of the wood of the tree can be achieved.
Another characteristic of the tree and/or of the wood of the tree is the density of the tree. The density of the tree is affected by a number of factors, for example: species and age of the tree, but also environmental factors affecting growth, such as temperature, amount of sun reaching the tree, and other weather factors (amount and distribution of precipitation, etc.), the angle at which the tree grows (tension or compression wood), damages of the tree, composition of the soil where the tree grows, attacks by insects or pathogens, altitude and latitude where the tree grows (growth season length), etc. Hence, the density of a tree varies even for the same species of trees with the same age. The density of the wood of the tree affects the optimal use for the tree. Generally, the same species of a tree with a higher density has wood that is harder than a same species of tree with lower density. Hence, the density is an important factor to consider when deciding what the wood in the tree should be used for.
Another characteristic of the tree and/or of the wood of the tree is the occurrence of pathogens in the tree. One common pathogen is rot. The occurrence of rot in a tree affects both the density of the wood of the tree and the chemical composition of the wood of the tree. Compositional changes may manifest in areas where the rot is not present, as the tree tries to fight the pathogen and compensate for the damage. Rot is contagious, and hence, it is desirable to have knowledge of the existence of rot in a tree before it is felled since one option to minimize the spreading of rot is to not harvest a tree with rot, or apply chemicals on the fallen and remaining trees and on remaining parts of fallen trees to stop rot spreading. However, application of such chemicals needs to be restricted to cases where it is deemed essential, and the type and amount of chemicals need to be selected based upon the type of rot and considering environmental aspects as well as economic aspects (time and cost).
Another characteristic of the tree and/or of the wood of the tree is the occurrence of and the susceptibility to insect attacks. Insect attacks may affect the health and therefore the growth, life expectancy and overall quality and value of the tree. A possible insect attack of a tree is important to detect and to be able to predict in order to make the best use of the tree and/or of the wood of the tree and provide timely and effective treatment and/or protection. It may be beneficial to clear out a tree that is damaged by insect attacks as a protective measure for the rest of the forest and to facilitate better growth conditions and nourishment for the healthy trees.
Experiments have shown that the characteristics of the bark of a tree can be correlated to the characteristics of the tree and/or of the wood of the tree. Hence, by performing measurements on or in the bark of the tree, the characteristics of the tree and/or of the wood of the tree can be determined. To perform measurements on the bark and thereby determine the characteristics of a tree and/or of the wood of the tree enables quick, reliable and harmless measurements to be performed. The described method saves cost and time compared with common measurement methods for determining characteristics of the wood. The measurements may be performed on standing trees or on felled trees. The described method enables reliable decisions about the usage of the tree and/or whether the tree should be felled or not. By using the described method, detailed information of the characteristics of the tree and/or of the wood of the tree is obtained in a quick and reliable manner without harming the tree. This enables efficient and environmentally friendly management of the forest.
Figure 1 illustrates a view of a part of a trunk or a branch of a tree. The bark of the tree refers to the outermost often heterogeneous layers of stems and roots of woody plants, such as trees, woody vines, and shrubs. The bark is often divided into the inner bark 1 and the outer bark 2. The bark as referred to in this disclosure includes all parts of both the inner 1 and outer 2 bark. The term "wood" 3 referred to in this disclosure includes all tissues of the tree situated inside the bark 1, 2. When harvesting the tree, depending on the intended use of the tree and/or of the wood of the tree, the bark 1, 2 may be removed from the tree and only the wood 3 of the tree is utilized for the decided purpose. For other intended uses of the tree, such as burning, both the bark 1, 2 and the wood 3 of the tree may be used.
Figure 2 illustrates a device 10 according to one example of the disclosure. The device 10 comprises means 20, 15 arranged to perform a measurement at a selected location of a tree. According to one example the means arranged to perform a measurement are a source of electromagnetic radiation 15 and a detector 20. The source of electromagnetic radiation 15 is arranged to emit the electromagnetic radiation onto or into the bark 1, 2 of the tree. The detector 20 is arranged to detect the reflected and/or scattered electromagnetic radiation from the bark 1, 2 of the tree. According to the illustrated example the device 10 comprises one source 15 and one detector 20. However, the device 10 may comprise any number of sources 15 and detectors 20, for example two sources and two detectors or one source and two detectors, etc.
The source of electromagnetic radiation 15 is arranged to direct electromagnetic radiation onto or into the bark 1, 2 of a tree. According to one example, the means 15 is arranged to direct the electromagnetic radiation onto the surface of the bark 1, 2. According to one example, the means 15 is arranged to direct the electromagnetic radiation to a location below the surface of the bark, i.e. into the bark 1, 2. The means 15 is according to one example arranged to adjust the focus of the electromagnetic radiation to a point below the surface of the bark. The bark 1, 2 is according to one example penetrated by the radiation itself. The means 15 is arranged to adjust the focus of the electromagnetic radiation to a point at a certain depth below the outer surface of the bark. The depth to which the focus is adjusted is a depth that is suitable for the tree on which measurements are performed. According to one example, the depth to which the focus is adjusted depends on the thickness of the bark of the tree. According to one example, the depth of the focus is adjusted based on the density of the bark of the tree. According to one example, the depth of the focus is adjusted based on the chemical composition of the bark. According to one example, the depth of the focus is adjusted based on the anatomical/morphological properties of the bark. The thickness, density, anatomy/morphology and chemical composition of the bark of a tree varies depending on a number of factors such as the species, the age of the tree and growth conditions. For spruce and pine trees, the depth to which the focus is adjusted is according to one example 0-10 mm below the outer surface of the bark. For another type of tree, the depth to which the focus is adjusted may be larger or smaller.
According to one embodiment, the device 10 comprises a number of electromagnetic radiation sources 15. In addition or instead, a number of directors (not illustrated) may be connected to the electromagnetic radiation source 15. The electromagnetic radiation of the source 15 is directed via the directors to a number of locations where measurements on or in the bark 1, 2 are performed.
According to another example of the disclosure not illustrated, the device 10 comprises at least one probe. The probe is arranged to be attached onto or mechanically penetrate the bark 1, 2. According to this example, the electromagnetic radiation is transmitted from the source 15 through the probe onto or into the bark 1, 2 of the tree. The detector 20 is arranged to detect the reflected and/or scattered electromagnetic radiation from the bark 1, 2. According to one embodiment, the detector 20 is arranged in the probe. The probe may be arranged to be attached onto the bark 1, 2 or to mechanically penetrate the bark 1, 2 with a penetration depth suitable for the specific tree. According to one example, the depth to which the focus is adjusted depends on the thickness of the bark of the tree. According to one example, the depth of the focus is adjusted based on the density of the bark of the tree. According to one example, the depth of the focus is adjusted based on the chemical composition of the bark. According to one example, the depth of the focus is adjusted based on the anatomical/morphological properties of the bark. The thickness, density, anatomy/morphology and chemical composition of the bark of a tree varies depending on a number of factors such as the species, the age of the tree and growth conditions. For spruce and pine trees, the depth to which the focus is adjusted is according to one example 0-10 mm below the outer surface of the bark. For another type of tree, the depth to which the focus is adjusted may be larger or smaller.
According to another example of the disclosure not illustrated, the device 10 is arranged to scrape layer(s) off the bark 1, 2 off at the location where the measurements are to be performed. The means 15 is arranged to direct the electromagnetic radiation to the selected location on the tree 100 where layer(s) of the bark 1, 2 had been scraped off. The measurement is according to this example performed on the location where the layer(s) of the bark 1, 2 had been scraped off. According to one example, another means (not illustrated) scrapes off layer(s) of the bark 1, 2 before the device 10 performs measurements on the location of the tree where layer(s) of the bark had been scraped off.
According to one example, the device 10 comprises at least one detector 20. The detector 20 may be arranged to simultaneously detect the reflected and/or scattered electromagnetic radiation at several locations at the tree. Alternatively, or in addition, several measurements may be performed sequentially at different locations on the same tree.
The detector 20 is arranged to detect the electromagnetic radiation reflected and/or scattered from the surface of the bark 1, 2 or from inside the bark 1, 2, below the surface of the bark. The detector 20 transmits data regarding the detected reflected and/or scattered electromagnetic radiation to a first control unit 30.
The first control unit 30 is arranged to control the operation of device 10 so as to for example perform measurements on or in the bark 1, 2 of a tree. The first control unit 30 is arranged to receive data from the measurement performed on the bark 1, 2 of the tree. The first control unit 30 is according to one example arranged to analyse the result of the measurement on or in the bark 1, 2 of the tree. The first control unit 30 is connected to a second control unit 60 via a link L1. According to one embodiment, the first control unit 30 sends the data to the second control unit 60 via the link L1. According to one embodiment, the analysis of the data from the measurement is performed by the first control unit 30. According to one embodiment, the analysis is partly or completely performed by a second control unit 60 or by another external control unit not illustrated. The control units 30, 60 are arranged to determine the characteristics of the tree and/or of the wood of the tree based on the analysis of the result of the measurement. Alternatively, an external control unit determines the characteristics of the tree and/or of the wood of the tree based on the analysis of the result of the measurement.
The device 10 comprises according to the illustrated example a first user interface 25, via which a user can communicate with the first control unit 30 of the device 10.
The device 10 is according to the illustrated example connected to a unit 40 via a link L1. The data from the measurements may be transmitted to the unit 40 via link L1. The unit 40 may be connected to another unit or device 50 via a link L3. The units 40, 50 may exchange data via the link L3. According to one embodiment not illustrated, several units or devices are connected to the unit 40 via links simultaneously and/or sequentially.
According to the illustrated embodiment, the unit 40 comprises a database 80 wherein data is collected and a second control unit 60. The second control unit 60 is according to one example arranged to analyse the data in the database 80 and to update the database 80 with new data from devices 10 and/or 50.
According to one example, the first control unit 30 generates a spectrum of the detected electromagnetic radiation based on data received from the measurements performed on or in the bark 1, 2 of a tree. According to another example, the second control unit 60 generates a spectrum based on the data received from the measurements performed on or in the bark 1, 2 of a tree. According to another example, an external control unit, not illustrated, generates a spectrum based on data received from the measurements performed on or in the bark 1, 2 of a tree.
A second user interface 70 may be connected to the unit 40 via link L2. A user may communicate with the unit 40 via said second user interface 70 via link L2. In addition, a user may communicate with the device 10 via the user interface 70, via links L2 and L1.
According to one example, the data from the measurements of the bark 1, 2 of the tree is utilized to improve a reference spectra comprised in the control units 30, 60 and/or to improve a model used by the control units 30, 60 for determining characteristics of the tree and/or of the wood of the tree.
The device 10 is according to one example a portable device arranged to be handled by a person, see figure 3a. According to this example, the device is light and in a size which makes it possible for a person to carry. The first control unit 30 of the device 10 is arranged to be able to communicate with the unit 40.
According to one example, the device 10 is attached to a forestry machine, such as a harvester 11, see figure 3b. The first control unit 30 of the device 10 is according to one embodiment arranged to initiate measurements on or in the bark 1, 2 of a tree. Alternatively, the measurements performed by the device 10 are initiated via a remote control (not illustrated) handled by a person, for example the person handling the forestry machine 11 (fig. 3a-d). According to one embodiment, this remote control may be part of the operating system of the forestry machine or otherwise integrated into the forestry machine.
According to one example, the measurement performed on or in the bark 1, 2 of a tree is a spectroscopic measurement. The data received from the measurement is used in order to generate a spectrum.
According to one example, the measurement performed on or in the bark 1, 2 of a tree includes Raman spectroscopy.
According to one example, the measurement performed on or in the bark 1, 2 of a tree includes near infrared spectroscopy or mid-infrared spectroscopy.
The spectra generated from the data received from the measurements may be analysed by studying the generated spectra. The analysis of the spectra may be performed by the first or second control unit 30, 60, by an external control unit not illustrated, or by a person skilled in the art. The analysis of the spectra is according to one embodiment performed by both the first and the second control unit 30, 60. By analysing the spectra, conclusions regarding the characteristics of the tree and/or of the wood of the tree may be drawn. According to one example, the existence of rot in the wood of the tree can be determined by studying certain peaks in the generated spectra. This determination may be done by the control units 30, 60 or alternatively by a person skilled in the art.
Experiments have shown that spectra generated from data received from measurements on or in the bark 1, 2 of a tree, where the tree is infected by rot differs from spectra generated from data received from measurements on or in the bark of a tree, where the tree is not infected by rot (Figure 5b). Hence, by analysing the generated spectra received from the method as described, some conclusions regarding the characteristics of the tree and/or of the wood of the tree can be determined, such as the presence of rot for example. Hence, the spectra itself can be analysed in order to determine some characteristics of the tree.
According to another example, a number of reference spectra are stored in the control unit 30, 60. The spectrum generated from the data received from a measurement performed on or in the bark 1, 2 of the tree is according to one example compared to at least one reference spectrum stored in the control unit 30, 60 by means of the control unit 30, 60. The reference spectra in the control unit 30, 60 are according to one example generated based on data received from measurements of reflected and/or scattered electromagnetic radiation, where the measurements have been performed on or in the bark of the tree, where said trees and/or wood have known characteristics. Such characteristics may for example be "healthy tree" and "tree infected by rot" or species of tree such as "pine" or "spruce", etc. When the control unit 30, 60 compares the generated spectrum with a reference spectrum, the control unit 30, 60 may draw conclusions regarding some characteristics of the tree and/or of the wood of the tree may be received, for example healthy tree, the species of the tree and/or the age of the tree. According to one example, a generated spectrum based on data from measurements performed in or on the bark 1, 2 of the tree is compared to several reference spectra in order to determine the characteristics of the tree and/or of the wood of the tree. The comparison may be performed by the control unit 30, 60, or alternatively by a person skilled in the art or by another external control unit.
According to one example, both an analysis of the spectrum itself is performed as well as comparison of the spectrum to one or several reference spectra, in order to determine at least one characteristics of the tree and/or of the wood of the tree. The analysis and/or the comparison of the spectra received is according to one example performed by the first control unit 30 and/or the second control unit 60. The analysis and/or the comparison of the spectra is according to one embodiment performed by a person skilled in the art.
The characteristics of the tree and/or of the wood of the tree comprise any one or any combination of: the species of the tree, the age of the tree, the density of the tree and/or of the wood of the tree, the occurrence of pathogens in the tree and/or in the wood of the tree, the chemical composition of the tree and/or of the wood of the tree.
The measurement performed in or on the bark of the tree is according to one example performed on a standing tree. Hence, the result of the measurement may be used in a decision process with regards to felling a tree or not, and alternatively or additionally, the result of the measurement may be used in a decision process with regards to how the tree should be labelled and/or sorted after being felled.
According to one example where the method is performed on a standing tree, the measurement may be used in a decision process with regard to only partially harvesting the tree, leaving the suboptimal quality part (due to e.g. rot) as e.g. a long stub, and harvesting only a part of the tree with a suitable quality.
According to one example where the method is performed on a standing tree, the measurement may be used in a decision process with regard to labelling and/or sorting different parts of the tree according to their individual qualities and/or best use and/or transportation route and/or customer (destination).
According to one example, when rot has been detected in a tree, the tree is not felled e.g. in order to minimize the risk of spreading the rot.
According to one example, a tree with certain characteristics is labelled and/or sorted in order to optimize the use of the tree and/or of the wood of the tree. This labelling and/or sorting of the tree can be performed already in the forest and hence transportation of the tree is optimized, saving costs and time.
The measurement of the tree is according to one example performed on a felled tree. The result of the measurement may be used in a decision process with regards to labelling and/or sorting the tree. For example, if a tree is attacked by a pathogen such as rot, the best use of the tree may be as fuel, and hence the tree is placed in a pile comprising of trees which are to be burned. This labelling and/or sorting of the trees is possible to perform already in the forest by using the described method and device, which optimizes transportation of the trees, saving time and money in comparison to sorting the trees later on in the process (after transportation).
According to one example, the data received from the measurement performed by the device 10 is sent to a unit 40 comprising a database 80. The database 80 may be used in order to manage a forest and/or in order to gain knowledge of trees and wood. According to one embodiment, the database 80 is consulted in order to decide on an area of land where the trees are to be felled. Wood of certain characteristics may be demanded, and the data in the database 80 can provide the user with information about which trees to take down in a selected area. Alternatively, the data in the database 80 can indicate which area of land comprises the most trees of certain characteristics. In addition, the data in the database may be used in order to decide which trees should be felled in order to prevent attacks and/or the spread of attacks from insects or pathogens, since it has been discovered that trees with certain characteristics are more vulnerable to insect and pathogen attacks. In order to prevent insect or pathogen attacks or the spread of insect or pathogen attack, the trees in the risk zone could be felled before an attack has occurred or has spread (i.e. containing the damage). In addition, the data in the database 80 may be used to derive reference spectra.
The data in the database 80 may be used to generate or refine existing models for determining characteristics of the trees and/or of the wood of trees. The data in the database 80 may be used to generate or refine existing models to establish correlation to new characteristics of the trees and/or of the wood of the trees.
Figure 3a illustrates an embodiment of device 10 arranged to determine the characteristics of the tree and/or of the wood of the tree wherein the device 10 is handheld. Measurements are according to the illustrated example performed in or on the bark 1, 2 of the tree 100, on the trunk of the tree 100 on a standing tree. The determined characteristics of the standing tree 100 and/or of the wood of the standing tree 100 may be used for determining whether the tree and/or parts of the tree should be felled, and/or what use the tree 100 is most suited for. According to one example, the measurement result is used in order to label and/or sort the tree once it is felled. According to one example, the measurement result is used in order to derive reference spectra.
According to another embodiment not illustrated, the measurements are performed on a branch of the tree 100. Several measurements on the same or on different locations on the tree 100 may be performed.
Figure 3b illustrates an embodiment of the device 10 arranged to determine the characteristics of a tree and/or of the wood of the tree 100 wherein the device 10 is attached to a forestry machine 11, such as a harvester. The measurement is performed on a standing tree 100.
Figure 3c illustrates an embodiment of the device arranged to determine the characteristics of a tree and/or of the wood of the tree wherein the device 10 is handheld and used on a felled tree 100.
Figure 3d illustrates an embodiment of the device arranged to determine the characteristics of a tree 100 and/or of the wood of the tree wherein the device 10 is attached to a forestry machine 11, such as a harvester, and used on a felled tree 100.
Figure 4a is a flow chart illustrating a method for determining the characteristics of the tree and/or of the wood of the tree, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
In a first step S1, a method for determining the characteristics of the tree and/or of the wood of the tree is performed. The method comprises the following steps: performing a measurement at a selected location on the tree; analysing the result of the measurement; and determining the characteristics of the tree and/or of the wood of the tree based on the analysis of the result of the measurement. The measurement is made on and/or in the bark 1, 2 of the tree 100.
Figure 4b is a flow chart illustrating a method for determining the characteristics of the tree and/or of the wood of the tree, according to one example of the present disclosure.
In a first step M1, the bark 1, 2 of the tree 100 is exposed to electromagnetic radiation. Any device capable of performing the measurement on or in the bark 1, 2 of the tree 100, such as a device 10 illustrated in Fig. 2 may be used. The outer surface of the bark 1, 2 may be exposed to electromagnetic radiation. Alternatively, or in addition, a location up to several millimetres into the bark, below the outer surface of the bark 1, 2, may be exposed to electromagnetic radiation either via radiation penetration (i.e. focusing the electromagnetic radiation below the surface of the bark) or via mechanical penetration by inserting for example a probe into the bark or by scraping off the outer surface of the bark 1, 2 or by a combination of both (i.e. mechanical penetration of the probe to a certain depth from which further radiation penetration is achieved into the bark 1, 2).
The tree 100 on which a measurement is performed may be standing or felled. The measurements may be performed on the trunk and/or on a branch of the tree, in and/or on the bark 1, 2 of the tree. Several measurements may be performed on the same tree 100 at the same or at different locations along the trunk and/or branch, simultaneously or sequentially.
In a second step M2, the reflected and/or scattered electromagnetic radiation, received from the exposure of the bark of the tree to electromagnetic radiation, in and/or on the bark 1, 2 of the tree is detected by means of a detector 20. The detector 20 is arranged to detect reflected and/or scattered electromagnetic radiation from the surface of the bark 1, 2 or from a location at a position up to several millimetres inside the bark 1, 2.
In a third step M3, a spectrum is created or generated from the data received from the detected reflected and/or scattered electromagnetic radiation received from the exposure of the bark of the tree to electromagnetic radiation, in and/or on the bark 1, 2 of the tree. The spectrum may be created by the first control unit 30 of the device 10. Alternatively, data from the measurement is sent to a second control unit 60 via a link L1, and a spectrum may be created by the second control unit 60 of a unit 40 connected to the device 10 via a link L1. Alternatively, an external unit (not disclosed) connected to the device 10 or the unit 40 generates a spectrum based on the data received from the detected reflected and/or scattered electromagnetic radiation.
In a fourth step M4, the generated spectrum is analysed. This analysis can be made by said first and/or second control units 30, 60 or an external control unit not illustrated. Alternatively, the analysis of the generated spectrum is made by a person skilled in the art.
The analysis of the spectrum enables the determination of characteristics of the tree 100 and/or of the wood of the tree 100 in a fifth step M5. The analysis may be performed by analysing the retrieved spectrum itself. Alternatively or in addition, the analysis may be performed by comparisons of the spectrum to reference spectra stored in for example the database 80 or in the first or second control unit 30, 60. Alternatively or in combination, the analysis may be performed by applying models based on the reference spectra.
In a sixth step M6, data is sent to the database 80. This step may alternatively be performed after any step following step M2.
After the step M6 the method is ended.
The execution of the illustrated steps M1-M6 may be performed in any order.
Figure 5a illustrates two typical spectra 200, 300 obtained by using the method according to one example of the disclosure. The two spectra 200, 300 were generated from two measurements made in or on the bark of one tree, at different locations along the trunk of the tree. The illustrated spectra 200, 300 were received by using Raman spectroscopy for the measurements made. The solid spectrum 300 was received from measurements in the bark of the tree. The dotted spectrum 200 was received from measurement made on the wood of the same tree. Some of the spectral bands 410, 420, 430 are labelled according to the chemical compositional information they provide (e.g. cellulose content, etc.). The spectra 200, 300 provide chemical fingerprints that can be correlated to determine certain characteristics of the tree and/or of the wood of the tree, such as the presence of rot etc.
Figure 5b illustrates the result of an experiment performed on a number of trees, both healthy trees and trees containing rot. The herein described method was used in order to generate spectra from measurements made in or on the bark of the trees, i.e. measurements were made in the bark of the trees by means of electromagnetic radiation. The spectra were analysed by using a multivariate discriminant model. The result of the analysis is illustrated in the diagram, where the circles represent the results of the measurements made on the healthy trees and the triangles represent the results of the measurements made on the trees infected by rot. As can be seen in figure 5b, the model of multivariate discriminant analysis used on the spectra received from the measurements enables to differentiate healthy trees, represented by the circles in the diagram, from those that contain rot in their wood, represented by the triangles in the diagram.
From the illustrated diagram, it is clear that by analysing spectra received from measurements made on or in the bark 1, 2 of the tree, trees containing rot, represented by the triangles in the diagram, can be differentiated from trees not containing rot, represented by the circles in the diagram.
The spectra received from measurements made on the bark 1, 2 of trees containing rot, can be used as reference spectra. A spectrum received from a measurement in or on the bark of a tree is according to one embodiment compared to at least one of the reference spectra received from the measurement of trees containing rot on which the experiment was made, represented by the triangles in the diagram. If the spectra received from a measurement in or on the bark 1, 2 of a tree is similar to one or more of the spectra received from measurements of the trees containing rot (represented by the triangles in the diagram), the tree is determined to contain rot. On the contrary if the spectra received from a measurement in or on the bark of a tree is similar to one or more of the spectra received from measurements made on healthy trees (represented by the circles in the diagram), the tree is determined to be healthy.
Claims (15)
1. A method for determining the characteristics of a tree (100) and/or of the wood (3) of the tree (100) comprising of the following steps: - performing a measurement at a selected location on the tree (100); wherein the measurement comprises the following steps: o exposing the location to electromagnetic radiation; o detecting reflected and/or scattered electromagnetic radiation; and o generating a spectrum of the detected electromagnetic radiation, - analysing the result of the measurement; and - determining the characteristics of the tree (100) and/or of the wood (3) of the tree (100) based on the analysis of the result of the measurement, wherein the measurement is performed on and/or in the bark (1, 2) of the tree (100), and wherein the determination of the characteristics of the tree (100) and/or of the wood (3) of the tree (100) is made on a standing tree (100) or on a felled tree (100).
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the measurement includes Raman spectroscopy.
3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the measurement includes near infrared spectroscopy or mid-infrared spectroscopy.
4. The method according to any of the preceding claims wherein the characteristics of the tree (100) and/or of the wood (3) of the tree (100) comprise any one or any combination of: the species of the tree (100), the age of the tree (100), the density of the tree (100) and/or of the wood (3) of the tree (100), the occurrence of pathogens in the tree (100), the chemical composition of the tree (100) and/or of the wood (3) of the tree (100), the capacity of the tree (100) to bear fruit, any characteristics of the tree (100) and/or the wood (3) of the tree (100) that can be derived from the chemical composition of the tree (100) and/or the wood (3) of the tree (100).
5. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the measurement is made on the surface of the bark (1, 2) and/or in the bark (1, 2), below the surface of the bark (1, 2).
6. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the data from the measurement is automatically sent to a unit (40) for collecting, storing and/or processing data.
7. A device (10) for determining the characteristics of a tree (100) and/or of the wood (3) of the tree (100) comprising: - means (15) arranged for exposing the location to electromagnetic radiation; - means (20) arranged for detecting reflected and/or scattered electromagnetic radiation; - means (30) for generating a spectrum of the detected electromagnetic radiation; - means (30) arranged to analyse the result of the measurement; and - means (30) for determining the characteristics of the tree (100) and/or of the wood (3) of the tree (100) based on the analysis of the result of the measurement, wherein the measurement is performed on and/or in the bark (1, 2) of the tree (100), and wherein the determination of the characteristics of the tree (100) and/or of the wood (3) of the tree (100) is made on a standing tree (100) or on a felled tree (100).
8. The device (10) according to claim 7, wherein the measurement includes Raman spectroscopy.
9. The device (10) according to claim 7, wherein the measurement includes near infrared spectroscopy or mid-infrared spectroscopy.
10. The device (10) according to any of claim 7 to 8 wherein the characteristics of the tree (100) and/or of the wood (3) of the tree (100) comprise of any one or any combination of: the species of the tree (100), the age of the tree (100), the density of the tree (100) and/or of the wood (3) of the tree (100), the occurrence of pathogens in the tree (100), the chemical composition of the tree (100) and/or of the wood (3) of the tree (100), the capacity of the tree (100) to bear fruit, any characteristics of the tree (100) and/or the wood (3) of the tree (100) that can be derived from the chemical composition of the tree (100) and/or the wood (3) of the tree (100).
11. The device according to any of claim 7 to 10, wherein the measurement is made on the surface of the bark (1, 2) and/or in the bark (1, 2), below the surface of the bark (1, 2).
12. The device according to any of claim 7 to 11, wherein the data from the measurement is automatically sent to a unit (40) for collecting, storing and/or processing data.
13. A unit (40) for collecting, storing and/or processing data regarding the characteristics of a tree (100) and/or of the wood (3) of the tree (100), wherein at least part of the data is collected according to the method in any of claims 1-6.
14. The unit (40) according to claim 13, wherein the data is used for selecting trees according to certain characteristics.
15. The unit (40) according to claim 13, wherein the data is used for selecting an area of land, according to certain characteristics of a number of trees in said area of land.
Priority Applications (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| SE1750520A SE540910C2 (en) | 2017-05-02 | 2017-05-02 | Spectroscopic method and device for determining the characteristics of a tree |
| PCT/SE2018/050446 WO2018203808A1 (en) | 2017-05-02 | 2018-05-02 | Spectroscopic method and device for determining the characteristics of a tree |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| SE1750520A SE540910C2 (en) | 2017-05-02 | 2017-05-02 | Spectroscopic method and device for determining the characteristics of a tree |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| SE1750520A1 SE1750520A1 (en) | 2018-11-03 |
| SE540910C2 true SE540910C2 (en) | 2018-12-18 |
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Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| SE1750520A SE540910C2 (en) | 2017-05-02 | 2017-05-02 | Spectroscopic method and device for determining the characteristics of a tree |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| SE (1) | SE540910C2 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2018203808A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RU2712945C1 (en) * | 2019-06-03 | 2020-02-03 | Федеральное государственное бюджетное образовательное учреждение высшего образования "Волгоградский государственный технический университет" (ВолгГТУ) | Method of assessing environmental pollution |
| SE543752C2 (en) * | 2019-11-15 | 2021-07-13 | Log Max Ab | A harvesting head for length determination of a tree truck and an associated method |
Family Cites Families (10)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SE466420B (en) * | 1989-11-14 | 1992-02-10 | Svenska Traeforskningsinst | PROCEDURE AND DEVICE FOR THE DETECTION OF BARK AND DETERMINATION OF BARKING RATE BY WOOD OR TIP |
| DE19827743C2 (en) * | 1998-06-22 | 2002-03-28 | Siemens Ag | Method and device for controlling and / or regulating a woodworking process |
| SE520897C2 (en) * | 1999-11-03 | 2003-09-09 | Erik Persson | Identifying types of wood during timber sorting, by comparing spectrometric analysis data with reference data for known logs |
| CA2302537A1 (en) * | 2000-03-15 | 2001-09-15 | Dean R. Kopp | Raw log species identification |
| NZ507297A (en) * | 2000-10-03 | 2003-01-31 | Ralph Lindsay Boardman | Non-destructive testing of wooden members for their strength characteristics using sound or shock waves |
| AU2002257083A1 (en) * | 2001-03-22 | 2002-10-08 | University Of Utah | Optical method and apparatus for determining status of agricultural products |
| DE20300470U1 (en) * | 2003-01-14 | 2004-05-19 | Römer, Daniel | Plant freshness sensor for measuring the freshness of harvested plants or plant parts, e.g. Christmas trees, has a sensor unit with needles that are inserted into a stem, twig or trunk to measured the sap amount |
| WO2006086873A1 (en) * | 2005-02-16 | 2006-08-24 | Fpinnovations | Method for determining native wood constituents using visible-light raman spectrometry |
| US20170249512A1 (en) * | 2014-10-21 | 2017-08-31 | Tolo, Inc. | Remote detection of insect infestation |
| US11287411B2 (en) * | 2015-07-30 | 2022-03-29 | Ecoation Innovative Solutions Inc. | Systems and methods for crop health monitoring, assessment and prediction |
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2017
- 2017-05-02 SE SE1750520A patent/SE540910C2/en unknown
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2018
- 2018-05-02 WO PCT/SE2018/050446 patent/WO2018203808A1/en active Application Filing
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| SE1750520A1 (en) | 2018-11-03 |
| WO2018203808A1 (en) | 2018-11-08 |
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