The document describes Project SLOPE which aims to develop intelligent systems for tree marking, felling, hauling, and processing in mountain forests. It outlines the tasks, participants, goals, challenges, and timeline for Task 3.1 which focuses on developing an intelligent system for tree marking using RFID tags, GPS, and a rugged tablet computer to store and access forest inventory data and mark trees efficiently in mountainous terrain. The key challenges are ensuring the systems are ergonomic for mountain forest conditions and have high tag survival and reading rates to enable full traceability.

1. Project SLOPE
1
WP 3 – Integration of novel intelligent
harvesting systems operating in mountain
areas (hardware development)

2. Task 3.1 – Intelligent tree marking
Kick-off Meeting
8-9/jan/2014
Tree marking in selective cuts
Key operation in forestry affecting cost of harvest
operations, environment, ecology, etc.
Forest inventory integration

3. Task 3.1 – Intelligent tree marking
Kick-off Meeting
8-9/jan/2014
An optimal organization of work implies tree
marking after the definition of the hauling
direction (and the extraction system).
The forester should have access to
full information about the forest
and the harvesting system
-> one of the goal of SLOPE

4. Task 3.1 – Intelligent tree marking
Kick-off Meeting
8-9/jan/2014
Marks must be easy to recognize
Different systems can be used (debarking, colours)
The new marking will couple with traditional system

5. Task 3.1 – Intelligent tree marking
Kick-off Meeting
8-9/jan/2014
Participants:
- CNR
- MHG
- BOKU
- GREIFEMBERG
- TREMETRICS
- ITENE
Interactions:
- WP3. direct interactions tasks 3.2, 3.3, 3.4;
- WP2. task 2.4 (3D modeling for harvesting planning) Virtual Forest Model which ideally will
be implemented in the marking phase (M8-15);
- WP5. task 5.1 (Database to support novel inventory data content) where a RFID code to
single entry indexing is envisaged (M8-17).
Start M6, end M17 (May 2015)
Deliverables (both due in M17):
D3.01 Portable RFID tag reader/programmer
D3.02 RFID tag test

6. Task 3.1 – Intelligent tree marking
Kick-off Meeting
8-9/jan/2014
CNR, BOKU, GRE
high-precision GPS and rugged PC
• position of the planned cable-crane skyline
• the plot’s boundaries
• single trees already identified as candidates (WP2)
• visualize the related information
• potentially input new info in the database (species,
diameter, defects, wildlife, etc.)
Deadline M17, by M12 a interim delivery report
should be prepared

7. Task 3.1 – Intelligent tree marking
Kick-off Meeting
8-9/jan/2014
ITENE, MHG, TRE
RFID UHF tags, a programming/reading tool (possibly the
former rugged PC) and an inserting device
• effectively marking trees
• easy to place and to read
• robust and long-lasting
• definition of the most appropriate position in the
standing tree
• programmable blank tag or index association to
database for unique identity tags
• association of traditional marking (color, debarking)
with IT marking
Deadline M17, by M12 a interim delivery report should
be prepared

8. Task 3.1 – Intelligent tree marking
Kick-off Meeting
8-9/jan/2014
Many possible options
• nail shaped RFID tags
• mixed UHF and color/barcode tags
• others
Important is the interaction with the following steps
of felling, hauling and processing (tasks 3.2-3.4)

9. Task 3.1 – Intelligent tree marking
Kick-off Meeting
8-9/jan/2014
Different solutions for different work stages?
• edge shaped RFID tag
• butt position (only on felled trees or logs)
• potentially bridging in task 3.4

10. Task 3.1 – Intelligent tree marking
Kick-off Meeting
8-9/jan/2014
Ergonomics in mountain forest is crucial
Devices must be light, compact, tough, waterproof and reliable

11. Task 3.1 – Intelligent tree marking
Kick-off Meeting
8-9/jan/2014
Challenges
The chosen system will influence all the traceability performance
A cumbersome or heavy system would not be accepted by
operators
The survival rate and reading success rate must be high and
secured over a reasonable span of time
Interaction among tags and machines as well as tag readers and
ERP is crucial

12. Task 3.1 – Intelligent tree marking
Kick-off Meeting
8-9/jan/2014
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
1 Definition of requirementsand system analysis
1.1 Users and System requirements
1.2 Hardware and equipment definition
1.3 Human Machine Interface(HMI) definition
1.4 Mountainous Forest inventory data model definition
1.5 System architecture
2 Forest information collection
2.1 Remote sensing and multispectralanalysis
2.2 UAV data acquisitionand processing
2.3 On-fielddigital survey systems
2.4 3D Modellingfor harvesting planning
2.5 Road and Logistic planning
3 Complex machine system
3.1 intelligenttree marking X X
3.2 intelligenttree felling/haulin
3.3 IntelligentCable crane (improvement)
3.4 intelligentprocessor head
3.5 intelligenttransport truck
3.6 data management back-up
4 Multi-SenrorModel-based quality control of mountain
4.1 Data mining and model integrationof stand quality indicators from
4.2 Evaluationof near infraredspectroscopy as a tool
4.3 Evaluationof hyperspectral imaging (HI) for the determinationof
4.4 Data mining and model integrationof log/biomass quality
4.5 Evaluationof cutting process (CP) for the determinationof
4.6 Implementationof the log/biomass grading system
5 Forest information system development
5.1 Database to support novel inventory data content
5.2 Platform for near real time control of operations
5.3 Online purchasing/invoicingof industrial timber and biomass
5.4 Long term optimization; strategic planning
5.5 Mid-longterm optimization;strategic and tactical planning
6 System Integration
6.1 Definitionof the integrationsteps
6.2 First Integration– Forest inventory & harvesting systems
6.3 Second integration– Forest management
6.4 Third integration -System validation
7 Piloting the SLOPE demonstrator
7.1 Definitionof evaluationmethodology
7.2 Preparationand deployment of demonstrators
7.3 Trials Recommendations and validationcycle
7.4 Training

13. INTELLIGENT TREE FELLING AND
HAULING
Task 3.2

14. Special professional garment
task 3.2 composed by GRE, CNR, KESLA,
BOKU, ITENE, will develop professional
garment fo forestry operators
Light and resistent for easy movement and
a a suitable distribution of weight with
special pocket and communication devices.
According to safety and norms

15. And technological needs?
What kind of equipment and professional
devices do we need for our new
technological purposes?
We will study and share solutions which
will be suitable for the operator

16. Professional features
GPS, TAGS reader and the duplication system
should address to 3.1 task carried out by CNR
• Devices and equipment should fit with the
pockets and the garment studied
professionally.

17. Safety and strenght matter
• I would stress the importance of the
professional feature of the equipment which is
to be considered safe and strong for
the use in the forest

18. Working in the forest
cuts, vibrations, dust, soil, noise, weather
hazard may occur
I would suggest the use of an IP 67 level
which can grant high protection against dust
and water

19. Rising safety level
• The aim is to rise the safety level of the
equipment which i think is not an easy tasks
having seen that it is not always present in
the field
• Our task will be to find solutions and
alternatives in order to provide light and easy
equipment able to grant safety and resistance
at the same time in every environment

20. RFID UHF tags devices
The operator should be equipped with the
necessary devices for tags reader and coupling
tool being able to manage them according to
needs

21. RFID UHF tags devices
In case of damage or malfunctioning the
operator should be able to replace them by
coupling or by turning them off from the plant

22. Other devices
• The operator should also be equipped with
chainsaw, timber measuring tape. We will
think about the chance of finding other types
of reading measures devices.

23. Training matters
It is of utmost importance to convey the need
and importance of training for new machinery
and equipment and for the new working
systems
Courses will be organized accordingly in
advance

24. Evaluation and competence skills
Forestry workers will be trained in
working with automatic systems being
able to evaluate and to interact for a
safe and effective process outcome

25. INTELLIGENT CABLE CRANE
Task 3.3

26. Tecno carriage
PLC data processing for controls and
functiong.
some technical features:
power 80 kW,
max inclination 100%,
supporting cable/skyline d=24mm,
pulling up lifting power 3200kg,
speed 4,7 m/sec

27. Tecno carriage
All weather rugged tablet pc with gps control
and maps for the definition of the carriage
position on the skyline
• Wi-fi interface with the carriage enabling its
programming and managing
Measurement of load weight by mean
of a tension sensor on the dropline
drum

28. Tecno carriage
• A fixed RFID reader integrated in the carriage
in a place that can get close (1-3 m) to the tags
• Real time recording of line data (inclination,
tilt angle, lenght, numebr of intermediate
supports, direction of hauling, fuel
consumption, work cycle duration
•

29. Tecno carriage
• Plc integrated with data transmitter module
GPRS/UMT/3G and internal hard disk for data
storage with transmission to the black box

30. CHOCKERS

31. chockers
• Remote controlled and programmable
chockers with automatic opening system
• Chockers will interact with the carriage
• A built-in sensor will comunicate the opening
and closure of the chockers
• .

32. chockers
• The opening command may prove ineffective
for several reasons . The communication
system built in in the carriage will thus allow a
complete automation of the carriage working
cycle in full security.

33. chockers
When the unloading cycle occurs and when
the built.in sensor will detect the absence of
tension, it will stop the winch and will open
the chockers

34. chockers
• The carriage leaves automatically the
unloading point only when the chockers are
open and zero load is registered on the
dropline

35. chockers
• When the unoading area is being approached
there will be a sensor with sound and light
telling that the unloading manouvre is going
to take place.

36. SYNTHETIC ROPE LAUNCHER

37. Synthetic rope launcher
• Skyline setting up system with synthetic rope
launcher (compressed air propelled)

38. Synthetic rope launcher
The system is composed by a trailer with two
devices resembling fishing reels on board.
• These devices prepare the cable for the
launch. The cable is measured according to
lenght and launch data.

39. Synthetic rope launcher
• The system will also include a winch for the
winding and for the lay out of the supporting
cable and a high pressure compressor(300
bar),

40. Synthetic rope launcher
• The system includes also a launching tube and
a motorized orienteering system working on
GPS coordinates by tablet/PC
• With this system a single operator just needs
to carry a light pulley and to insert the
synthetic rope so taht to create the ring

41. Synthetic rope launcher
• Then the winch winding up the synthetic rope
will lay out the supporting cable setting up
the skyline without fatigue and harzard.
•
• We can say that we are talking about a
traction force of 1800 daN.

42. Synthetic rope launcher
• Eventually with this system forestry workers
will be at ease with the difficult task in laying
out cable during skyline setting.

43. A Slope
type of company

44. Thank you for your attention

45. Task 3.4 Intelligent processor head
Kick-off Meeting
8-9/jan/2014
Questionnaire
T1.1.
Hardware
and
Software
meets all
needs?
Market needs
Hardware
definition
T1.2.
Software
definition
Machine Interface
(HMI)
T1.3
Intelligent processor head T 3.4
%
Covered
Needs

46. Task 3.4 Intelligent processor head
Kick-off Meeting
8-9/jan/2014
Intelligent processor head T 3.4
The development of a prototype harvester head
INTEGRATION
A fixed RFID reader integrated in the Harvester Head.
Each processed log measured.
GPS in the base machine.
Marking system log by log.
Base machine logs.
Others.

47. Task 3.4 Intelligent processor head
Kick-off Meeting
8-9/jan/2014
 Hydraulic performance
 Computer controls
 Protections for Safety
 Link-up mods
Intelligent processor head T 3.4
Creating the prototype

48. Task 3.4 Intelligent processor head
Kick-off Meeting
8-9/jan/2014
• Controlling the pumps of the
machine to give maximum oil
flow to the harvester head Hoses
and pipes designed for high oil
flow *
• Oil cooler *
• Tuning of the engine for extra
horsepower *
 Hydraulic Performance
*Tasks performed by Excavator owner

49. Task 3.4 Intelligent processor head
Kick-off Meeting
8-9/jan/2014
 Human Machine Interface
The integration of all data in one single system
is the key to analyse and provide with valuable
information along the procurement chain.
Operational real time online system

50. Task 3.4 Intelligent processor head
Kick-off Meeting
8-9/jan/2014
 Intelligence starts with
Safety
• Safety frame around the cabin *
• Windscreen made of polycarbonate
qualifies for the safety standards. No
bars in front of the window thus
excellent view from the cabin.
• Halogen or Xenon lights
• Extra protection for engine
compartment, coolers, pumps,
chassis… *
*Tasks performed by Excavator owner

51. Task 3.4 Intelligent processor head
Kick-off Meeting
8-9/jan/2014
 Link-up and system integration
Information Flow

52. Project SLOPE
52
T 3.5 - Intelligent transport truck
Trento, January 08th, 2014

53. Index
53
1. Scope
2. Background
3. Proposed Workplan
4. Time Schedule
5. Contact info

54. 1. Scope
54
• This task aims to:
– Add intelligence to transport trucks
– Technologies that will be implemented
• RFID
• GPS positioning
• BUS CAN connection to trucks
• GPRS / UMTS
• To be developed from M12 to M24
• Includes development of “D3.05 Intelligent Truck”
• Partners involved:
– ITENE (leader), CNR, MHG, BOKU

55. 2. Background
55
• What is RFID

56. 2. Background
56
• What is GPS

57. 2. Background
57
• What is CANBUS

58. 2. Background
58
• What is GPRS

59. 2. Background
59
• Onfleet description

60. 2. Background
60
• Onfleet description
– FMS developed by ITENE
• Localisation of vehicles
• Historic of routes
• status in real time - dashboard
• Reports

61. 2. Background
61
• Onfleet hardware

62. 2. Background
62
• Onfleet software

63. 3. Proposed Workplan
63
• 1. Define trucks to use
– Manufacturer
– Model
• 2. Develop firmware for CAN DATA
acquisition
– Different depending on truck model
• 3. Develop RFID integration module
• 4. Hardware installation in truck
• 5. Check and analyse gathered data

64. 4. Time Schedule
64
• Deliverable: D3.05. Intelligent Truck

65. 5. Contact info
65
• Juan de Dios Díaz
– juan.diaz@itene.com
• Emilio Gonzalez
– egonzalez@itene.com
• Patricia Bellver
– pbellver@itene.com