Enhancement of ALPS packing yield using a polygon cutting model

The automated lumber processing system (ALPS) is a multi-disciplinary effort directed towards increasing the yield obtained from hardwood lumber boards during their process of remanufacture into secondary products (furniture, etc.). ALPS proposes a non-destructive vision system to scan a board for its dimension and the location and expanse of surface defects on it. This information is then used to determine an efficient placement of the desired wood parts. Current research on ALPS investigates the potential of increasing the yield of arbitrarily shaped cuttings from hardwood lumber by modeling the cuttings as polygons. Previously, research activity was limited to remodeling cuttings as convex polygons instead of rectangles as is used in current production systems. Research on “Poly-ALPS”; however, models cuttings as their true shape whether convex or concave. Results show an increase in yield of up to 15% as concave cuttings are allowed to “wrap” around board defects and each other during the packing operation