Automatic tree-ring mark detection for teak and pine trees

In this paper, we address the problem of tree-ring mark detection for teak and pine trees. Tree ring marks, especially from teak images, are barely visible since they are well-blended with the background. Moreover, wood patterns are spread across the timber samples. In addition, noise appears all over the samples. Therefore, the tree ring marks are hardly detectable. To cope with the indistinct tree-ring marks, we present a new automatic tree-ring mark detection algorithm. First, anisotropic diffusion technique is employed to enhance boundaries, and at the same time, try to eliminate noise and wood patterns. Then, strong edges are detected by using Canny method. Next, convolutional kernels are applied to extract horizontally-inclined lines. Subsequently, connected component labeling is used to get rid of the remaining noise. After that, mathematical manipulation is exploited to get the tree ring marks. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed method can provide robust aPnd feasible tree-ring mark locations.