How to master machine vision (Pt 2 of 2)

Previously on this blog we discussed the importance of tacit knowledge in machine vision. Today I’m going to offer a suggestion for how to develop that knowledge.

The answer lies in the apprentice system. Of course, if you clicked on the Wikipedia link above you’ll already know this, but for those too lazy to click links, let me explain. An apprenticeship allowed a junior, (a newbie in today’s vernacular,) to learn through a period of observation, followed by supervised practice. This enabled the apprentice to learn the “tricks of the trade” from a master; even though the senior may not have been able to explain all the details to his junior he was able to pass on his accumulated expertise.

So what we need in the machine vision world are apprenticeships. Newcomers to our craft need to learn under the tutelage of a master, enabling them to observe and practice in a risk-free environment.

Now I do appreciate that formal machine vision apprenticeships are unlike to appear in our highly fragmented industry, so I offer a practical alternative: if you want to learn about machine vision put together a basic lab rig and play with it. There’s no need to spend a lot of money – a webcam and a flashlight is the easiest way to get started – but if you want the “proper” stuff you’ll find it all on eBay. Then, when equipped, spend some hours, OK, many hours, trying to do things. Measure dimensions, find blobs, classify coffee stains, it doesn’t really matter what you, just set yourself little challenges and figure out solutions.

And when you need expert advice? That’s what forums are for. Your experts are out there, beavering away at the desks and workbenches, and they are usually willing to offer advice to the eager newcomer. All you have to do is ask.