Appeal No. 1997-3819
Application No. 08/278,153
determine the shape of irregular cylindrical objects such as
logs. On page 5 of the specification, Appellants identify
that the logs are moveably supported by headblocks into an
area proximate the saw blade. A laser projects one or more
lines of light into the area proximate the saw blade, and a
camera is positioned to observe this area. On page 6 of the
specification, Appellants identify that when the laser light
first appears on the surface of the logs, the position of the
headlocks is used to determine the horizontal profile of the
log. As the log is moved further forward, the lines of laser
light on the surface of the log are observed by the camera to
determine the straightness of the log. Appellants identify on
page 7 of the specification that this information is processed
by a control device which then adjusts the headblocks to
position the log to cut the boards.
Independent claims 1 and 9 are representative of the
invention:
1. A scanning system for determining dimensions and
shape of an object, comprising:
means for projecting at least one line onto a
scanning area, said line extending in a first direction;
means for moving the object, in a second direction
2
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