A computer-aided instruction tool for grading hardwood lumber

In order to facilitate the training of hardwood lumber graders, the lumber industry is eager to apply new methods of instruction for this important profession. A computer-aided instruction (CAI) tool can serve as such an instructional aid. There are six stages in building such a tool by utilizing an expert system approach: 1) problem analysis; 2) tool selection; 3) knowledge acquisition; 4) system structure selection; 5) prototype development and testing; and 6) system modification and verification. In the knowledge acquisition stage, in order to ensure the correctness and completeness of the knowledge base, professional hardwood lumber graders were interviewed to extract their rules of thumb. According to the characteristics of the problem domain, a rule-based system was considered as the most natural way to represent the knowledge. The language LISP was utilized to implement this system so that an efficient inference engine could be built to control the system. Inside the inference engine, a forward reasoning method was used to manipulate the knowledge to reach the final solutions. These systems are run on the VAX 11/780 computer. This CAI tool was employed to assist in training professional hardwood lumber graders. In addition, this system can be converted into a component of an automated sawmill system to speed up the lumber production process and decrease production costs.

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