Smart Inspection Systems : Techniques and Applications of Intelligent Vision

Rating:
Summary: A very good book
Review: I do not work directly in the field of automated inspection, so I need a book which introduces key concepts in the field without unnecessary derail. This book does just that. The ideas on features extraction and synergistic classification in the book have been invaluable in my research work. References given will be useful for those who seek further in depth understanding. The book is also useful for lecturers as it contains problems that can be used as examples in class or as the basis of exam questions. My AI course has benefited a great deal from the attached CD since it can be used directly to set up practical sessions in image processing. In short, both serious researchers and lecturers in the field ought to find the book very useful and beneficial.

Rating:
Summary: A theory- and practice based imaging techniques ref.book
Review: Suitable for postgraduates, researchers and practitioners alike, this book attempts to bridge the gap between theory and practice by presenting the core aspects prevalent in modern imaging products. This emphasis greatly assists the reader to comprehend / fabricate and subsequently implement the component parts required in general and application-specific AVI systems.

The layout of the book is primarily in two parts, the first part dealing with the underlying theoretical foundation of such sub-systems and the second part focuses on common and unique applications, especially in industry. Throughout the book, there are clear photographs that highlight specific problems commonly encounted in achieving `fit-for-purpose' results. In terms of mathematical algorithms, none are given, the best source for these being the numerous `software-orientated' books with an emphasis towards Image Processing applications. Never-the-less, the important equations that are adopted in this field are presented, together with comprehensive references (including equipment/software providers, not just academic articles) at the end of each chapter. Further, although not suited as a primary text book, it is still very beneficial for lecturers teaching imaging based courses due to the many highly relevant exercises presented for each chapter.

A very useful ingredient contained within the book are little jems of imparted knowledge (ie. essential philosophy) commonly practised by experienced experts. This practical element of the book cannot be underestimated in terms of its usefulness. It reminds one of a favourite Engineer's acronym called `KISS' - "Keep It Simple, Stupid" that is always beneficial to take into account when dealing with complex systems.

From past experience of this enormously varied and dynamic field, this book can be thoughly recommended as a useful addition to the bookshelf of any `smart' Electronics Engineer / Software Developer who aspires to have a greater understanding of the tools and knowledge involved in intelligent AVI systems.

Keywords: AI; Adaptive Algorithms; Fuzzy Logic; Neural Networks; Genetic Algorithms;

Rating:
Summary: Smart Inspection Systems
Review: The book presents several topics relevant to automated inspection systems. The chapters naturally lead to the final topic of the book - industrial inspection systems - covering background topics such as artificial intelligence in the context of automated visual inspection, image processing issues (acquisition, segmentation, feature extraction), classification, a range of industrial contexts where smart vision is necessary leading to the study of industrial inspection systems.

Each topic is fairly self-containined assuming minimal background knowledge enabling it to function as a tutorial for the researcher new to the field or interested parties with an industrial background. Each chapter concludes with a set of questions enabling the reader to check their comprehension of the issues. Topics are carefully introduced in a highly focused context providing material relevant to industrial inspection systems, without making the background unnecessarily complicated. The book represents a particularly valuable source of focused information.

The CD contains, among other things, a software demo, of the Siemens Pro Vision software package (a development environment for an intelligent camera) and a presentation about the product. It illustrates many of the concepts of the book and would interest both those practically involved in the manufacturing industry, and the researcher alike.