Abstract: In a lumber inspection and optimization system, an electro-optical defect position scanner is combined with a voice recognition device to enable a human inspector to locate and classify flaws on the surface of a board. The human inspector, by means of an indicator, pierces a light curtain to electro-optically locate a flaw. The indicator can be used to enhance the flaw by physically marking the board. With voice recognition, the human inspector can vocally classify the flaw. These voice classifications are later correlated with flaw information and used to process the board into its finished products.