Array tags in forestry

Abstract

The authors describe array-tag technology and its application in the forest industry. Array tag technology uses 2-D printed tag symbols consisting of an array of cells and tag readers consisting of a lens system and a video camera interfaced via a frame grabber to an image processing computer. The authors outline various array tag configurations, tag materials, and printing options. They describe the computer hardware and software image processing algorithms, and optical subsystems of array tag readers. In addition, example additions of the technology to lumber and log tracking and inventory control are discussed.<>