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As airline fleets age, maintenance issues inevitably arise and aircraft inspection becomes more critical. Travelers suffering through recent airport delays associated with these issues surely understand the impact of aircraft [...]

For the most part, the machine-vision industry has comprised a relatively small number of companies with turnovers in the $20 million/year range. Consisting of sensor, camera, lighting, frame grabber, and [...]

Smart cameras, sometimes known as vision sensors, combine either CCD, CID, or CMOS sensors and image processors into one unit that provides an alternative to a complete machine-vision system. They [...]

The article explores on the process and advancement in protein imaging. It notes on the use of advance proteomic mapping and analysis that needs separation and isolation of individual proteins using 2-D gel electrophoresis (2-DGE), thus, issues on imaging proteins must be imaged into a format that can be manipulated done in high resolution laser scanning with fluorescent protein labels. Furthermore, it presents on the advances in charge coupled devices (CCD) technology used in the imaging.

The article discusses various factors to consider when applying color imaging. A decision must be made whether to use a system with a color or monochrome camera when an inspection application requires the recognition and separation of color. According to Jason Dougherty of Midwest Optical Systems, system integrators and designers will often select a color camera based on personal experience and intuition.

The article discusses cameras used for high-speed web inspection systems. These systems have become so fast that they require cameras with very high sensitivity, a parameter met by high-resolution linescan-camera manufacturers. The German companies Dalsa and Basler have developed cameras based around dual-linescan architecture, which contains two arrays of pixels. The article also discusses a series of contact image sensors made by Tichawa for the machine-vision industry.

The article evaluates the Selcom Roline sensor, an imaging system used to measure road-surface smoothness from LMI Technologies Inc.

The article focuses on machine-vision systems that incorporate faster processors and better software algorithms which aids researchers monitor and commercial fisheries harvest numerous aquatic species. Researchers are adapting to new technology in monitoring fish populations by utilizing infrared CCD camera, frame grabber and custom image analysis.

The article reflects on the features and characteristics of the ultraviolet (UV) imaging industry in the U.S. It has been stressed that the UV machine vision is developing as a commercial UV hardware drops in terms of price. In fact, new applications are existing since there are more users who are integrating the off-the-shelf UV cameras into the production environments as well as experiment. It could be noted that the reflected-UV imaging is a new area of machine-vision technology.

The article presents information on a new technology called thermal imaging. Aegis Semiconductor Inc.'s spin-offcompany, RedShift Systems Inc. has taken advantage of the technology in the nontelecommunications arena of thermal imaging. The detection of long-wavelength IR (LWIR) radiation are dominated by three types of infrared cameras. RedShift has developed a low-cost optical thermal camera which uses an optical wavelength converter to lower the cost of these LWIR cameras.

This article focuses on the growth and investments in the field of infrared imaging. This boom in innovation in IR-imaging technology raises hopes for new business ventures and commercial applications. However, whether the federal funding for new technologies is real and sustainable was a matter of debate. Of greater concern for the development of new technologies, overall federal funding for research will fall in FY 2006 by 1.4%, with defense research and development (R&D) staying level and homeland security R&D increasing slightly. As the Federal budget growth levels off, the immediate impact on IR imaging companies is unclear. On one hand, funding pressures will result in the scaling back of programs such as the U.S. Army's Future Combat Systems with its goal of a lighter, faster combat force, and use of numerous advanced imaging technologies.

The article focuses on various aspects of the high-speed cameras. The search to capture motion has continued to today's high-speed digital cameras that can freeze time in an image at upward of 100,000 frames/s, depending on the number of pixels used. It seems a ridiculously fast rate, but very useful for some military, Research & Development, and industrial applications. The use of standard interfaces such as Camera Link, FireWire, and USB, and improvements in off-the-shelf components such as frame grabbers, DSPs, software, and CMOS imaging sensors have broadened the number of high-speed products available and lowered costs considerably. The utilization of new processes and techniques provides better and improved photography options.

Comments on how three-dimensional sensors are enabling a mode of imaging in the United States. Time-of-flight (TOF) principle; Launch of Canesta's Equinox sensor; Patents on the TOF principle.

Discusses the importance of imaging in harsh environments. Role in providing critical data to scientists and engineers and guiding dangerous operations; Example applications cameras in managing clean-up operations.

Examines the status of the imaging systems technology industry in the United States. Military and homeland security opportunities available to the industry; Factors affecting competition within the industry; Top performing companies in the market.

Reports that price and performance improve the allure of imaging for machine vision. Discovery of the IR wavelength region by the English astronomer William Hershel; New applications that have opened up due to the combination of uncooled IR cameras and affordable sensors; Development of infrared cameras.

Focuses on the development of imaging technologies. Maturity of optics and electronics; Biological models for imaging technologies; Design of cameras.