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The priority associated with U.S. efforts to increase productivity has led to, among other things, the development of Machine Vision systems for use in manufacturing automation requirements. Many such systems combine solid state television cameras and data processing equipment to facilitate high speed, on-line inspection and real time dimensional measurement of parts and assemblies. These parts are often randomly oriented and spaced on a conveyor belt under continuous motion. Television imagery of high speed events has historically been achieved by use of pulsed (strobe) illumination or high speed shutter techniques synchronized with a camera's vertical blanking to separate write and read cycle operation. Lack of synchronization between part position and camera scanning in most on-line applications precludes use of this vertical interval illumination technique. Alternatively, many Machine Vision cameras incorporate special techniques for asynchronous, stop-motion imaging. Such cameras are capable of imaging parts asynchronously at rates approaching 60 hertz while remaining compatible with standard video recording units. Techniques for asynchronous, stop-motion imaging have not been incorporated in cameras used for High Speed Videography. Imaging of these events has alternatively been obtained through the utilization of special, high frame rate cameras to minimize motion during the frame interval. High frame rate cameras must undoubtedly be utilized for recording of high speed events occurring at high repetition rates. However, such cameras require very specialized, and often expensive, video recording equipment. It seems, therefore, that Machine Vision cameras with capability for asynchronous, stop-motion imaging represent a viable approach for cost effective video recording of high speed events occurring at repetition rates up to 60 hertz.
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