Of mice and men
In science, the outcomes of an event or series of events can often be predicted using rigorous statements to forecast what will happen under specific conditions. Predicting the market outlook for machine-vision products, however, is more akin to interpreting the patterns of tea leaves or Tarot cards or even practicing the art of myomancy—studying the movements of mice to predict the future. However, those attending and exhibiting at this spring’s spate of machine-vision and image-processing trade shows may practice a modern version of myomancy to give themselves a sense of market momentum.
This month, for example, theSPIE Defense, Security, and Sensing show held in Orlando, FL will provide attendees an impression of the state of the markets for imaging components and applications, especially those used in infrared applications. The month after, in Boston, The Vision Show will give both exhibitors and attendees an idea of the health of machine-vision industry in North America.
Automatica, held in Munich, Germany, in June will reveal similar prospects for components and systems in Europe, especially as the show includes a strong robotic exhibition and program. This show, taking place at the same time and place as Intersolar 2010, will also attract an audience for those involved in solar energy products and services.
Crystal balls
Naturally, determining the number of diverse applications for machine-vision and image-processing components and systems does not require tea leaves, myomancy, or crystal balls. Our cover story from China on the x-ray inspection of oversized tires for earth-moving equipment, for example, shows the scale on which machine vision can help industrial manufacturers maintain quality during fabrication. Then, our Product Focus on linescan infrared cameras shows how industrial applications have much to gain from deploying infrared systems.
Industrial equipment manufacturers are not the only ones to benefit from deploying machine-vision systems. In an article on biomedical inspection, editor Andrew Wilson shows how off-the-shelf hardware and software are used to inspect the impedance of electrodes that are eventually bonded within microtiter plates. Also reflecting the current interest in solar energy production, Wilson discusses two systems that perform glass inspection and precision wafer alignment.
Many of the case studies in this issue reflect the needs of system integrators that will attend this year’s trade shows, and tracking the number and whereabouts of the attendees present will be of great concern to organizers and exhibitors as they attempt to predict future industry trends.
However, because the success of most industrial, biomedical, and solar industries is closely aligned to the benefits of using machine-vision and image-processing techniques, it is safe to say that whether you believe in myomancy or monitoring humans, the omens for a healthy year are good.
W. Conard Holton, Editor in Chief
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