Ask the Expert


Machine Vision Knowledge
which type of lighting is useful for machine vision system at present?

The types of lighting used vary greatly - as do the types of machine vision applications. They differ in the source of light (such as halogen bulb, tungsten lamp, LED or laser), in the geometry used (such as line light, panel) and in the operational mode (continuous wave or flashed). Sometimes, light forming optics may be used. All of this depends on the machine vision task at hand and therefore no general statement can be made about which technology is the most current or best one. It is generally true, however, that illumination is a key factor that determines the performance of the whole system to a great extent. Please contact us with a description of the specific details of your machine vision tasks at via email to: info@emva.org. We will then be able to provide a contact which will be able to help you with your specific machine vision/illumination application.

 
If I use a USB 2.0 interface in my machine vision application, what is the maximum cable length?
The typical maximum length for safe operation is between 4.5 and 10 metres. This can be extended to up to 30 metres by using 5 hubs.
 
Machine Vision Standards
Gen<i>cam Question. Our company is a registered AIA member and GigE committee member. We are trying to use the Gen<i>cam standard available for download in Linux. Our programmers say that the standard appears to be designed for windows. How do we obtain a download for Linux? I am a non-programmer electrical engineer.</i></i>

The reference implementation for LINUX has been completed (with the exception of the binary release, which is being worked on at the moment). We suggest you become a member of the GenICam Working Group which will give you access to the reference implementation instantly. Membership is free of charge. The necessary document to apply for the membership is found online at: http://www.emva.org/files/GenICam_License_20072005.pdf

 
I´ve heard that there will be a European sub-committee for the Japanese initiated lens mount standardization. How can I join this group ?

Yes, in fact the EMVA has been informing interested stakeholders about the progress of the Lens Mount Standardization initiative of the Japanese association JIIA. We are planning to launch such a sub-committee soon. Please send your contact details to info@emva.org with the request to be informed about Lens Mount Standardization and we will keep you informed.