Some impartial sources of machine vision know-how

If you’re new to machine vision – perhaps you’ve just been assigned your first vision project and you found your way to me via Google – it’s not easy to learn about the capabilities and limitations of the technology. Neither is it easy to figure out how to approach your particular application.

There are two trade associations that try to help: in the US there’s the Automated Imaging Association (AIA) and in Europe there’s the European Machine Vision Association (EMVA). I’ve mentioned the AIA before, so today I want to steer you towards the EMVA website.

If you go to their home page (www.emva.org – note that they do prefer you to use the Firefox browser,) on the far right you’ll see a section headed “Site tours for:” Take those tours; there’s good information there, including a host of case studies submitted by vendors.

Another place to go for vision info is the website of the UK Industrial Vision Association (UKIVA). Once there I suggest you go to the “free resources” section, (from the top menu bar,) and download their excellent publication entitled “Machine Vision Handbook.” The download is free but you will have to register. Trust me, it’s worth the few seconds it takes.