In the world of machine vision, as in any tech field, there is a distinct divide between hardware and software. The hardware includes components of machine imaging systems such as the physical camera, lensing, cable interfaces, the PC or processor, etc. and are defined by rigid specifications (i.e. resolution of a camera, processing power, bandwidth of interface). 

What is image analysis? The term is widely used over a variety of technology disciplines, and has varying meanings.

Counting objects in an image seems like an easy task, which can be automated through machine vision and image analysis, but it becomes difficult when objects touch, move randomly, or are hard to distinguish from their background.

Over the years, manufacturers of all types of products have deployed literally thousands of machine vision systems for applications such as assembly verification, gaging and motion guidance.