Computer and Machine Vision is an exciting area that is growing at phenomenal rates due to the lower costs associated with digital imaging. It has become a topic of interest not only to the researcher but also in an industrial environment. This module will give the learner the necessary knowledge and skills to design, specify and implement industrial machine vision inspection systems.
Image sensors & hardware
Classification of the different types of solid state image sensors and their characteristics. Camera types (digital, analogue & line scan) and associated image representations. Video standards. Digital imaging including sub-pixel resolution. Architecture and functionality of frame grabbers & vision processors.
Optical principles and lighting design
Lens calculations, selection and application examples Principles of light (Reflection, Refraction, Diffraction) Lighting design methods; front/back lighting, light/dark field illumination, offset illumination, use of diffusers, industrial systems available. Filter selection (polarization, UV, IR, etc.). Image calibration & accuracy
Feature extraction
To include thresholding, blob detection, pattern matching (greyscale & binary), edge detection (Roberts/Sobel), corner detection, histogram equalization. Optical character recognition.
Image Analysis
Template matching and correlation Connected component analysis Principal component analysis Shape and boundary descriptors.
Image transforms
Mathematical morphology: binary & grayscale, choosing a structuring element, erosion, dilation, opening, closing. Distance transform and applications Fourier Transform and applications Hough transform and generalised form.
3D Imaging techniques, texture and colour image analysis
Stereo Vision, triangulation, correspondence problem Camera calibration and metrology Laser ranging Moiré fringe methods
Future Trends & Alternative imaging techniques
Future developments, case study of new technologies & commercial systems available. Application areas (industrial inspection & measurement, medical etc.). X-Ray, thermal and laser imaging analysis. Vision guided motion concepts & applications.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Other Assessment(s) | 40 |
| Formal Examination | 60 |