Researcher of the month is Johanna Ylisaari

Johanna Ylisaari is currently in Measurement Information research group at Tampere University of Technology, lead by Risto Ritala. She is a researcher in the modeling and measurements/ QVision theme, which belongs to the research program EffTech (Intelligent, resource-efficient production technologies) of the Forestcluster Ltd. In 2007, Johanna graduated from Tampere University of Technology in Automation Technology degree program.

QVision project focuses on image-based quality measurement methods in pulping and papermaking. The optical transmittance of the paper web can be imaged web-wide continuously. The goal of Johanna's research is to develop methods of using the web-wide transmittance image for better diagnostics and control. The web-wide transmittance image provides an excellent possibility for analyses of web variations in scales between those observable by scanning measurements and those analyzed by sample images or in laboratory.

Current image data is from the fault detection system that has 18 cameras. The images are combined to get one web-wide image for 120 seconds, i.e. over several kilometers in machine direction. Johanna concentrates on developing 2D analysis methods for web variations and estimation methods combining transmittance with the scanner measurements. Currently the data is offline but the goal is that in future the analyses can be done online.

The best thing working at such a large project is to get to know all other experts in this research area. The benefits for Johanna to work in this kind of EffTech program are networking and co-operation.

When not working, Johanna spends time, for example, doing tai chi and fishing in the summer cottage.