On the value of filters in machine vision

High-pass, low-pass, we use them all the time, and some run pretty fast, but none can enhance an image as quickly as an optical filter. That’s why I’ve long been a fan of Midwest Optical and their vast product line.

They have filters you can screw on to a lens to eliminate unwanted ‘noise’ or better yet, unwanted wavelengths. They even let you do color image processing on a monochrome camera. Well okay, it’s not quite that simple, but you can perform some neat tricks that will amaze your customers.

So it will be interesting to see what their just-announced competition throws up. This is a chance to show off your favorite non-software image enhancement technique. The prize money isn’t exciting – enough to buy lunch for the team in the office – but the publicity could be worth a great deal.