Knowledge base

Learn more about machine vision! In our knowledge base we are explaining key technical terms about image processing. We give you an overview to topics like 3D machine vision or the established standards like CameraLink, GigE Vision or GenICam.

Illumination

Selecting and correctly configuring the optimal illumination setup is one of the key factors when designing a vision system. Missing image information caused by incorrect illumination makes subsequent analysis much more difficult or even impossible, as no analysis algorithm can recover information that has never been captured.

Advanced illumination solutions

Getting the best image is a combination of the right illumination, the right lensing and filters to complement and enhance the features in the image with a camera that is set up correctly.

Angle of illumination

Probably the most important factor that governs how the captured image appears is the angle at which the light falls on the target.

Collimated light

Collimation is a method of controlling illumination so that the light rays are parallel.

Colour control and filtering

Colour is often an extremely important consideration for imaging tasks.

Colour theories

Two different colour systems exist: the "additive" and the "subtractive".

Gas vapour discharge lamp

Fluorescent illumination and xenon lamps.

Illumination control

Illumination usually needs to be controlled in some way. Lights can be strobed or pulsed, the intensity can be raised or lowered or, in a more complex set- up, different lighting scenarios can be pre-programmed using a lighting controller so a combination of images can be used to perform a reliable inspection.

Illumination safety: lasers

Most European countries have very strict rules concerning the use of lasers. As lasers are commonly used for test or placement applications in machine vision, it is very important to be aware of the safety standards.