Computer vision derives complex information from two-or three-dimensional images or objects through computer analysis. The technology, also called machine vision, grew from specialized research into pattern recognition. Enabling a computer to "see" is a complex process, involving many factors. In general, images to be analyzed must have any special patterns identified, then precise measurements of the characteristics of the patterns are taken and finally, a comparison of each part or pattern takes place. Jerome Lemelson was a pioneer in this field. During the 1950s, he experimented with programmed industrial robots. By equipping them with special sensors, they were able to see and could thus inspect products being passed before them. Lemelson's prototypes used light beams and photoelectric cells to scan objects, but with rapid advances in hardware and computer technology, his designs were soon improved. By 1960, he used television cameras linked to digitizer-equipped computers to measure...