Hydra Scanner
Hydra Sensor Head	Scanner Installation	Hotlink Interface
The Hydra family of sensors provide real time dimensional measurement of raw logs and wood for input to the computer controlled optimisation process employed in modern lumber mills. The Hydra sensors provide  a choice of one or two laser planes, overlapping or independent camera views, 60 or 120 Hz profile rate, and optics optimised for each configuration, all based on the same internal electronics, mounting configuration and interface protocol. Sensors are connected via rugged fibre optic cable to a custom 4 channel Hotlink VME interface which supports simultaneous 160 MBaud communications with four sensors. A typical application comprises three Hydra sensors mounted on a steel frame surrounding a conveyor belt on which lumber is transported to computer controlled circular saws. The sensors acquire slices or 2 Dimensional profiles of the lumber as it passes through the steel scanner frame and pass these profiles to a VME based computer which builds a 3-Dimensional model of the entire piece of lumber. This information is used to develop the optimum cutting solution based on prevailing market prices for different finished lumber dimensions and grade. This solution is passed to the saw controllers which position the saws to the appropriate lateral position. The latest generation of saws providing dynamic lateral and angular motions to follow along the timber grain. This 'curve sawing' technique produces maximum yield from each log. For more information on lumber applications, contact CAE Newnes
Specifications
Configuration 2 cameras 60Hz field rate Individually phase locked to system time base Software selectable camera gain, shutter speed, & laser threshold 1 or 2 laser line generators Field of view - 100mm x 600mm to 500mm x 1000m Quad A,B encoder interface for position readback	Performance 120 profiles per second Typical accuracy - better than +/- 1mm at 600mm Ambient temperature range of -20 to +50 degrees Celsius	Interface 160 Mbd Duplex Fibre Optic Real time laser centroid data 1/10 real time gray scale video for set up, calibration and diagnostics
Calibration   The Hydra sensors are calibrated either in situ or a factory calibration followed by in-situ final alignment. Calibration is based on proprietary techniques that utilise precision target arrays and built in calibration software. A typical three sensor system can be completely calibrated in-situ in less than 15 minutes. The precision target arrays are provided in self contained light boxes for customer use.