Industrial Imaging and Machine Vision Year in Review

The end of December often becomes a time of reflection as we consider the happenings of the year and plan for the upcoming year. Over this last year in industrial imaging and machine vision, we have seen CMOS make technology leaps and approaching the quality of CCD image sensors. A new interface, CoaXPress, became a worldwide standard. It seemed like everyone was buzzing about 3D and machine vision cameras found new uses in rugged defense systems and intelligent traffic systems.

We introduced this blog at the end of 2010 to offer industrial imaging professionals more details on the information provided on brochures and datasheets of industrial camera manufacturers.  We spent a lot of time discussing different sensor technologies, new interface options, and how to compare cameras.

In the grand tradition of “best of” lists at the end of the year and only a hint of shameless self promotion, we highlight some of our most popular blogs just in case you missed them.

	Sensor Technology: CCD vs. CMOS Image Sensors in Machine Vision CCD vs. CMOS Image Sensors in Defense Cameras Can small pixel CMOS image sensors be useful in Machine Vision?
	Interface Options: Considerations when choosing between CoaXPress, Camera Link, GigE Vision and others From Analog to Digital Video in Defense Systems – How CoaXPress makes it possible
	Comparing Cameras: Image Sensors vs. Cameras, how does camera technology make a better picture? Comparing Camera Performance, Part 1 Sensitivity Advantages of in-camera image processing: How camera technology makes a better picture part 2
	Applications: Shorter Integration Times to Increase Throughput and Reduce Costs in FPD inspection, SPI, and others Machine Vision Camera Parameters for 3D Adimec CoaXPress Cameras for Semiconductor Wafer Metrology Systems

Next year we will offer more information on camera performance topics and then turn our focus on connecting all of these camera details to the applications we serve.  We will begin with an in depth look at License Plate Recognition (LPR) in intelligent traffic systems.  We look forward to continuing our dialogue in 2012!