Machine vision developments

Purpose – To review recent developments in machine vision hardware and techniques, as revealed in the Image Processing and Optical Technology Exhibition, 2006.Design/methodology/approach – Different sections of the paper examine new cameras and their interfacing, smart cameras with DSP processors, a powerful framegrabber, high intensity light emitting diode (LED) lighting, and developments in teraherz sources and detection.Findings – Smart cameras now exist with greater processing speed than a PC. A new generic programming interface aims to ease the incompatibilities of digital cameras. Water cooling has produced a very intense and long life LED light, and a novel goniophotometer has no moving parts. Rapid advances are occurring in the field of terahertz imaging.Originality/value – Provides an update on machine vision technology for scientists and engineers generally, and a source of contact information for specialists to follow up where necessary.