The automation of visual inspection is becoming more and more important in modern industry as a consistent, reliable means of judging the quality of raw materials and manufactured goods . The Machine Vision Handbook equips the reader with the practical details required to engineer integrated mechanical-optical-electronic-software systems. Machine vision is first set in the context of basic information on light, natural vision, colour sensing and optics. The physical apparatus required for mechanized image capture lenses, cameras, scanners and light sources are discussed followed by detailed treatment of various image-processing methods including an introduction to the QT image processing system. QT is unique to this book, and provides an example of a practical machine vision system along with extensive libraries of useful commands, functions and images which can be implemented by the reader. The main text of the book is completed by studies of a wide variety of applications of machine vision in inspecting and handling different types of object.

Design and Analysis of Integrated Manufacturing Systems is a fresh look at manufacturing from a systems point of view. This collection of papers from a symposium sponsored by the National Academy of Engineering explores the need for new technologies, the more effective use of new tools of analysis, and the improved integration of all elements of manufacturing operations, including machines, information, and humans. It is one of the few volumes to include detailed proposals for research that match the needs of industry. Table of Contents Front Matter Integrated Manufacturing Systems: An Overview Manufacturing Systems: Meeting the Competitive Challenge Design and Analysis of Integrated Electronics Manufacturing Systems Flexible Machining in an Integrated System Material Handling in Integrated Manufacturing Systems Designing an Information System for Integrated Manufacturing Systems Integration and Flexibility of Software for Integrated Manufacturing Systems Process and Economic Models for Manufacturing Operations A New Perspective on Manufacturing Systems Analysis Simulation in Designing and Scheduling Manufacturing Systems The Human Role in Advaced Manufacturing Systems Modeling in the Design Process The Strategic Approach to Product Design Advisory Committee for the Conference Contributors Glossary Index

The lean Japanese production systems that brought success to that country's manufacturing industries have reached their limits. This book examines the question of how to restructure robust technology bases to enhance the competitiveness of manufacturing industries.