Computer Vision: Craft, Engineering, and Science

This volume assesses approaches to the construction of computer vision systems. It shows that there is a spectrum of approaches with different degrees of maturity and robustness. The useful exploitation of computer vision in industry and elsewhere and the development of the discipline itself depend on understanding the way these approaches influence one another. The chief topic discussed is autonomy.True autonomy may not be achievable in machines in the near future, and the workshop concluded that it may be more desirable - and is certainly more pragmatic - to leave a person in the processing loop. The second conclusion of the workshop concerns the manner in which a system is designedfor an application. It was agreed that designers should first specify the required functionality, then identify the knowledge appropriate to that task, and finally choose the appropriate techniques and algorithms. The third conclusion concerns the methodologies employed in developing vision systems: craft, engineering, and science are mutually relevant and contribute to one another. The contributors place heavy emphasis on providing the reader with concrete examples of operational systems. The book is based on a workshop held as part of the activities of an ESPRIT Basic Research Action.