Sounds easy, doesn’t it? While machine vision doesn’t have to be difficult, there is certainly more to it than just identifying a spot for a camera. Of course you will need a camera, but you will also need a lens, a light source, a processor, and a program. For some applications, you will need additional components like optical filters and mirrors. Finally, you have the challenge of the interface between the machine vision system and the other equipment in the system. This article outlines the components of a machine vision system and some of the considerations you will make in picking them.