Using near-infrared hyperspectral images on subalpine fir board. Part 2: Density and basic specific gravity estimation

AbstractWood density (ρMC) and basic specific gravity (BSG) are important properties in several forest products manufacturing processes. In this study, near-infrared hyperspectral images were tested to produce two-dimensional (2D) ρMC and BSG images of subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa Hook) board. A total of 107 cubic samples with the size of 4 cm were prepared from 14 boards. All samples were dried to various moisture contents (MCs) during several steps until being completely dried. The resulting MCs ranged from 1% to 137% (dry basis). After the last drying step, the samples were soaked in water to determine BSG. Hyperspectral images and weight measurements were acquired over each sample at each drying step. ρMC was also estimated at each MC level. Partial least squares (PLS) models were developed for estimating both ρMC and BSG from the near-infrared hyperspectral imaging (NIR-HSI) system absorbance spectra acquired over all the samples during each drying step. The ρMC model provides a reasonable accurac...