Whether high-speed or high-resolution, low-light, smart, or specialized, cameras are the core component in nearly all machine-vision and image-processing applications. Our annual guide to finding the right camera for an application-the Worldwide Industrial Camera Directory-begins after page 20. Cameras from more than 150 manufacturers and dozens of distributors in North America, Europe, and Asia are listed, identified by manufacturer, product name, sensor type, color or mono, scan type, resolution, spectrum, interface, and frame or data rate. In addition to being part of our November issue, this directory will be widely distributed at trade shows for the next year and is currently available on our Web site at www.vision-systems.com.
A series of special technical articles supplements the Camera Directory and provides perspective on recent trends in the development and implementation of image-capture technology. These articles range from descriptions of a new compressive sensing technology to the use of optical filters that extend the usefulness of infrared cameras. Other articles describe a system that improves color discrimination, one that inspects the surfaces of stents used in medical procedures, and one that helps in wine bottling.
In our main features, the role of other peripherals that affect image capture is highlighted. Editor Andy Wilson, for example, looks at how vendors are adding intelligence to LED lighting to better control illumination for image capture. Our cover article describes a robotic system with multiple cameras that help perform surface-defect detection, optical character verification, and dimensional measurements. And an interview with system-integrator Markus Tarin at MoviMED points to the importance of finding the right camera and peripherals to meet the needs of each specific application.
WEB SITE INSPECTION
At Vision Systems Design we have made some significant design and content changes to our Web site. In addition to technology and business articles, webcasts, white papers, and our archives, our new site features an enhanced Product Center, with new products listed soon after they are announced, a complete Buyers Guide, the Industrial Camera Directory, and a Product Showcase. We also have added an interactive section that includes a Feedback Forum so that readers can post technical questions to other experts in the field, along with opinion and commentary from editor Andy Wilson, system integrators, and end users.
In addition, we have created five special “resource areas” for Smart Cameras, Gigabit Ethernet, Infrared Imaging, Lighting and Optics, and Machine-Vision Software. Lastly, we now have a video library that shows applications of machine-vision systems in action. Although it may not threaten YouTube.com, we hope it will provide engineers and system integrators with a place to view what others have achieved with the technology. Please feel free to contact me with any ideas or suggestions you may have for this exciting interactive video section. As they say in Hollywood, “Roll the cameras.”
W. Conard Holton
Editor in Chief
[email protected]