Precut processing of logs based on selected cut patterns

A system for processing a workpiece as the workpiece is moved along a flow path to obtain a desired cut product, wherein the workpiece is a log or a cant and the desired cut product is a board, the system comprising:

• a profiler module disposed along the flow path and having one or more profiling heads;
• a first saw module disposed downstream of the profiler module along the flow path;
• an edger disposed downstream of the first saw module along the flow path;
• and
• a computer system operatively coupled with the profiler module, wherein the computer system is programmed with instructions operable, upon execution by one or more processors of the computer system, to cause the computer system to:
• determine a value of a first group of cut patterns, wherein the first group of cut patterns is configured for implementation by at least the profiler module and the first saw module to form the longitudinal sides of the board along a first side of the workpiece and to cut the board from the workpiece, respectively;
• determine a value of a second group of cut patterns, wherein the second group of cut patterns is configured for implementation by at least the profiler module, the first saw module, and the edger to form the longitudinal sides of a block along the first side of the workpiece, to cut the block from the workpiece, and to cut the block into the board and at least a first waste piece, respectively, wherein the first waste piece includes at least a portion of one of the longitudinal sides of the block, and wherein each of said groups of cut patterns defines a through-cut to be made through the workpiece along a cutting plane by at least the profiler module and the first saw module;
• select one of the groups of cut patterns for implementation based at least in part on a comparison of the determined values;
• and
• in response to selecting said one of the groups of cut patterns, send one or more instructions to the profiler module to thereby cause the profiler module to cut the workpiece according to a corresponding cut pattern of the selected group of cut patterns such that the profiler module makes a first portion of the through-cut through the workpiece along the cutting plane.