For manufacturers who handle large volumes, this process has the potential to improve yields. Since wood is a highly variable product, automating a system to detect flaws was not easy. Also, because of the difficulty of processing the large amounts of computer data required by video systems, there has been no widespread commercial process for grading and sorting wood with cameras. Steele said their method has simplified the process by using temperature data. As the heated wood passes beneath an infrared camera, defects show up as white in a computer-controlled video process.
Knots are hotter and voids are cooler than the surrounding clear wood.
Information is fed in digital form to another computer, which can quickly use the information to determine processing alternatives. When used in conjunction with other systems, Steele said he believes the newly patented process will save time and money. His next step is to seek commercial development. I think we'll be able to develop customized lumber grades suited to each manufacturer's product. The process will be faster and yields will be greater.