Abstract: A method of analyzing a body (log) containing elements (e.g. knots) having different densities than the remainder of the body by passing electromagnetic energy from at least one source for substantially symmetrical bodies (pruned logs) or at least two sources through the body and sensing the amount of energy passing through the body from each source by sensors mounted opposite each source. Each sensor is formed by an array of discrete detectors positioned in side by side relationship opposite their respective sources. The amount of radiation passing through the body is detected as the body passes between the source(s) and its (their) respective detector(s) and a longitudinal plan is generated based on the radiation detected from each of the sensors over at least a preselected length of the body.

Abstract: A lumber optimizer system that detects the wane in a flitch being processed and by using a plurality of discrete detectors detecting the amount of electromagnetic radiation passing through localized areas of the board to determine the local differences in density provides a density profile of the flitch. The developed data are accumulated as the flitch traverses the detectors and processed in a computer to provide a profile of signal strengths generated by the detectors and used to generate an image of varying intensity depending on the signal (density) for each discrete area of the flitch and provide a density map of the field. The map so produced is analyzed in conjunction with the detected wane to determine the defects in the flitch and the nature and the position of such defects in the flitch and provide a plan of the flitch wherein the locations of good wood, and various defects are provided.