What's ahead in automated lumber grading

This paper discusses how present scanning technologies are being applied to automatic lumber grading. The presentation focuses on 1) what sensing and scanning devices are needed to measure information for accurate grading feature detection, 2) the hardware and software needed to efficiently process this information, and 3) specific issues related to softwood lumber grading and hardwood lumber grading. Practical experiences will be shared as to the advantages and limitations of automatic lumber grading technologies. Guidance will be provided on how to justify the purchase of these systems, as they become commercially available and proven technologies.