Wood tracking by identification of surface characteristics

A "Woodprint(TM)" characterization and identification technique employs cameras ( 16 ), lighting ( 14 ), camera interface hardware ( 18 ), a computer ( 20 ), and/or image processing software to collect and analyze surface characteristics of pieces of wood ( 8 ) to track them through an automated production process in real-time with information that is specific to each wood piece ( 8 ), such as what machining is required, its value, and/or its destination. When a wood piece ( 8 ) reaches a point in the production process where a decision is required, its unique identity is used to retrieve appropriate information previously determined and assigned to the wood piece ( 8 ).