For image processing professionals, I would like to introduce two examples of cameras that have a close relationship with our work. The first example is to ensure that the presence of the camera is not noticeable during shooting. The camera is a combination of an infrared camera with a sensitivity peak in the infrared range and a light source that cuts visible light wavelengths. The on/off control of the light source is managed by the software performing the image processing, but during debugging, it is not visible to the human eye whether the light source is being controlled. By limiting the wavelength in this way, it becomes a showcase for the image processing department in terms of "noise reduction" and focus adjustment methods (such as autofocus). The second example is the development of image processing in high-temperature environments. Fortunately, there are cameras specifically designed for high-temperature environments, used in applications like welding and furnaces. The operating ambient temperature can reach 1300°C for in-furnace models (insertion type) and a maximum of 150°C for external installation types. For us in image processing, as long as the video signal output is the same, the differences in cameras are not directly relevant, but having such cameras allows us to meet customer demands. We are very grateful for this. *News is distributed through our company newsletter.

This product implements standard image processing techniques, allowing you to "try" necessary processes without programming during development and debugging. It has been updated from Ver.2.1.1.0C to Ver.2.1.1.0D. This software is the same for both the commercial and trial versions. By entering a license key, you will be able to use all features as the commercial version. The "license keys" that were prepared have all been sold or used up in the "Image Processing Learning Set Campaign" and "Image Processing Seminar," necessitating a switch to a new protection method. At that time, the development environment used Borland products, which made it easy to create GUI elements like icons, but we had to port it to the Visual Studio environment for our convenience. There are no changes to the implemented image processing functions, but some operation buttons have been turned into menus and the appearance has changed. Existing users can continue to operate by entering their already obtained "license key." If you are moving to the new version, please uninstall the old one before installing the new version. *News is distributed through our company newsletter.

Our image processing algorithm is sometimes provided in a "library" format to be integrated into "applications" for use in "devices." Since this is a simultaneous development, the initial "sample image data" is limited, but we prepare "parameter tuning" in advance for when new images can be obtained. The case we are introducing this time is about the "method of tuning." The library's documentation includes usage instructions, sample applications, and explanations of parameters. However, to optimize the parameters, it is important to understand the principles behind the methods and what can be adjusted through the parameters. The creator knows the principles, which naturally leads to certain "assumptions" in their mind, but explaining this is challenging. For example, in our "image stitching library," good results can be obtained by appropriately setting the template and search range. However, adjusting while only looking at result images that claim a success rate of 98% is not acceptable. "Why is that position appropriate?" Ideally, one should understand the principles and conclude that "this position is appropriate for this image." This is difficult because the human brain cannot be replicated. There is no end to improving explanation skills. *News is distributed through our company newsletter.

For over twenty years, I have been serving as a seminar instructor in the gaps of my main job in development, but for the past two years, events have been canceled due to the impact of COVID-19. The decision to hold this event was made during a period when the number of infections had significantly decreased. The differentiation of our seminars comes from the voices of those in the image processing development field, so we ask the attendees who are eager to learn something specific today to raise their hands, allowing us to focus on the most requested topics. During the practical sessions, I observe everyone's screens and provide individual hints when I notice someone is struggling. At the time of this column, the organizers are also focusing on "risk avoidance" and are planning for in-person attendance at the venue. Organizer: Japan Techno Center, February 24 (Thursday) https://www.j-techno.co.jp/seminar/seminar-47031/ There is a possibility that it may be changed to "the first online seminar." I am somewhat skeptical about whether "responding and improvising" can work online, but even if it switches to online, I aim for participants to feel that they gained something from attending. *News is distributed through our company newsletter.

I would like to introduce a situation that often occurs during the planning of development projects, where an optimal solution has not yet been determined. To advance the discussion, let's assume we are dealing with an "image inspection device." The project manager for the entire device will divide the device configuration and assign development responsibilities. For example: 1. Mechanical components 2. Optical components such as cameras and lighting 3. The "image processing" part that processes data input from the camera and produces results. I believe those reading this column are aware that our company specializes in "3." At the kickoff meeting, the leaders of sections 1 to 3 will gather. From the perspective of section 3, the requirement is, "At the very least, we need the image data of the object being inspected." However, from the perspective of section 2, the question arises, "What resolution is suitable for image processing?" From section 1's standpoint, there may be concerns like, "Is vibration an issue? There will be some vibration if the mechanics move quickly," and so on. Based on past experience, I believe there is no optimal solution to this discussion. The compromise is that it does not have to perfectly match when the device is assembled, so I would request that we first proceed with capturing the images. A "decision" is necessary, and it is indeed a challenging situation. *News is distributed through our company newsletter.

There have long been many inquiries about image processing from departments with production management titles at various different companies. The common keyword in these inquiries has been "inspection." Most of them pertain to the inspection of defective products and the inspection of manufactured goods. The reason I chose "production management" as the theme this time is to introduce the various tasks beyond inspection that we receive requests for, specifically related to "images." Here are some themes other than inspection: 1) Human movement Tracing the movements of workers in the factory. 2) Tracing the position of transport vehicles In an unmanned factory, I assumed that the control system would naturally know the position of the transport vehicles. However, it was surprising to hear that they wanted to trace this completely separately from the device that operates it, as a form of third-party verification. 3) Inventory management Outbound management is easy to arrange since everything is produced in-house. However, inbound management involves a wide variety of companies, so the sizes of the packaged boxes vary, making it difficult to standardize the quantity checks of the contents. The scope of production management tasks is very broad, and there seem to be new opportunities for inquiries like "Can we do this using images?" *News is distributed through our company newsletter.

A popular campaign for the image processing learning set is now underway. The date for the next event has been decided. From March 7 to April 3, 2022, an application acceptance page will be created on the Ipros website. During this period, the textbook will be available for anyone to download all pages. It is the same material used in a paid seminar scheduled for February 24, 2022. In the textbook, the standard techniques for image processing and the software used for defect detection practice is the learning software "IP Kit 3." This software is also sold directly by our company, but during the campaign period, we will conduct a lottery for those who apply, and 10 people will receive it as a gift. Please note that the application period is limited. The textbook covers a wide range of topics related to the application fields of image processing, including camera selection, explanations of standard processing techniques, and challenges during practical training. The seminar will address that there are multiple answers to the challenges, and while the hardening of processing is also included in the lecture, the hardening section requires consideration of various trade-offs, so we have limited the textbook to the content before the hardening section. *News is distributed through our company newsletter.

The "Image Processing Seminar," which was originally limited to a maximum of two times a year, has not been held for a long time due to the impact of infectious diseases and the realization that online seminars do not convey the same experience. During this time, there have been advancements in technology, and the "materials" used as textbooks in the seminar have been updated. We have added GPU programming to the means of realization that were previously "software and hardware," based on "industry information" such as application fields of image processing, image sizes, and pixel rates. Not only the materials but also the lectures will include ad-libbed topics based on "areas of interest to the participants," so we are looking forward to what new information will be discussed this time. The seminar is organized by the Japan Techno Center. It is scheduled to be held on February 24, 2022. https://www.j-techno.co.jp/seminar/seminar-47031/ We aim to convey firsthand information from the field that specializes in "image processing" every time. The instructor introduction discount is also valid for newsletter subscribers. Please bring any questions related to image processing, regardless of the seminar lecture content. *News is distributed through our company newsletter.

This is exciting information we received from a company we assisted in developing for basic research purposes. In the basic research, they expressed a desire to "quantify human sensory evaluation." Since our company specializes in image processing, it relates to "visual" aspects. While we start with visual input, the evaluation targets are not limited to appearance alone. The first time we challenged ourselves to "quantify sensory evaluation" was a request from a company that had been conducting "skin diagnostics" ten years ago. This time, the subject is industrial products, and upon hearing their story, it became clear that "I see! Evaluating from that perspective would be difficult for machines." This was the theme that emerged. They acknowledged that it would be challenging since they are a research institute, but they wanted to take on the challenge. Currently, we are developing a completely different theme from what the person in charge at that time was working on. However, recently we received an inquiry asking, "Could you make some changes to that software from back then?" When I asked for more details, I was surprised to learn that they had actually begun incorporating that research into actual product development, and this request came from the field. Honestly, this is quite rare, but I felt compelled to share it. *News is distributed through our company newsletter.

This is a discussion about business negotiations for developing "custom processing" tailored to our customers' requests, which is our main business. Even though we call it a negotiation, it mostly involves "specification determination." We listen to our customers' requests and make proposals to realize them. Since the industries and applications are different each time, it is difficult to fully understand the requests in one go. Therefore, the exchange of "specifications" corresponds to the negotiation. At times, the conversation may be perceived as "modest" or "conservative," not from the person we are exchanging ideas with, but from someone in between the two parties. In our case, the person conducting the negotiation often becomes the one responsible for development. If we proceed by saying "we can do it" without much thought, only to later say "it turns out we can't do it with the expected method," the time spent considering the matter becomes a disadvantage for both parties. However, simply stating "we can't do it" is a no-go for a development company. What approach can make it possible? What are the merits and demerits of that approach? Being able to discuss these directly with the users of the deliverables is the advantage of sales talk. *News is distributed through our company newsletter.

This year, the International Image Equipment Exhibition was held at Pacifico Yokohama. Last year's event, which took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, had a total of 5,148 attendees. This time, the organizers announced 8,106 attendees, but it felt to me like double last year's number. However, before the pandemic, the attendance was around 15,000, so it seems we are not yet fully back to normal. Additionally, at this exhibition, the organizers created a new system on their website called "Exhibition Booth PR Videos," where exhibitors can upload videos of their booths filmed during the exhibition period. I am not sure how well these videos can convey the atmosphere to those who could not attend, but I found it to be a very interesting initiative and wanted to share it. https://www.adcom-media.co.jp/movie-ite/ Even with a lower total number of attendees, I strongly felt that there were people who were specifically struggling with "image processing development" and were eagerly waiting for this exhibition, to the point where they couldn't contact us immediately. I hope the videos can serve as a useful reference. *News is distributed through our company's newsletter.

Recently, we completed the final year and final delivery of the "image processing" project, which was part of a five-year plan, and held the last "delivery presentation meeting." We developed an image recognition component for a theme focused on "automation" of a certain action performed by humans. "Automation" is a common theme, and many projects aim for labor-saving. From basic research over five years to the development of actual equipment, the theme was extensive in both cost and duration. Depending on the application, it likely holds significant value. I was responsible for the image processing component, and the equipment was successfully completed. During the final delivery presentation meeting, I was surprised to learn that the "purpose of the entire equipment" was that "automation" was not merely for labor-saving but an essential function. Since the target objects are pharmaceuticals, it was explained that "automation" was necessary to avoid human contact with "bacteria." I have been involved in image processing development for many years, but through this long period of collaboration, I realized my immaturity in not understanding the true purpose. At the same time, I felt the excitement of the future, knowing that there are still many people who need image processing that I have yet to meet. *News is distributed through our company newsletter.

This is a seminar aimed at broadly and shallowly (ideally deeply) acquiring the development process of image processing. - For those whose work involves image processing development: if your specialty is software, you may want to learn about hardware development. Conversely, if your specialty is hardware development, you may want to learn about method development. - For those who outsource image processing development but want to understand how the outsourcing partner conducts their development. - For those managing product development using image processing but want to know the key points of their subordinates' development activities. - For users of inspection devices that utilize image processing, who want to know not only about sales pitches from equipment manufacturers but also what key factors to focus on to achieve the desired takt time. 1) Introduction: In which industrial fields is "image processing" used, and how? 2) Practical training on standard processing using the image processing learning software IP Kit 3. 3) Practical training on thinking about detection methods for distinctive parts. 4) Means of implementing heavy processing (software, GPU, hardware = FPGA): How to choose the means of implementation? Differentiating between GPU processing and SoC FPGA. 5) FPGA implementation: From Verilog circuits to computational accuracy. 6) Case demonstrations. 7) Q&A session. This seminar is full of improvisation.

Last year, we were unable to participate in the International Image Equipment Exhibition due to the state of emergency. This year, we will be exhibiting as K.I. Technology Co., Ltd. The event will be held from December 1 to 3, 2021, at Pacifico Yokohama. We will be at booth number 6. Please stop by when you visit. We will showcase three types of "image processing that you can see and understand." 1. Optical Flow Detection (First Public Release) Optical flow is a process that "vectorizes motion." It is a very effective process, but the computational cost has been a challenge. Come see the processing speed that you will be impressed with at this image size and speed! 2. Image Stitching Returning to the origins of KIT, we will demonstrate image stitching by moving a camera using handmade toys, even if the camera's movement accuracy is rough. 3. Two-Dimensional Code Reading You will be able to see a demo where multiple images captured simultaneously by a single camera are read at the same time. The differentiating factor is "robustness." Please check on-site that it can read codes even with brightness variations and at an angle. At the venue, please share with us any challenges you are facing with image processing. *News is distributed through our company newsletter.

Recently, I had a very pleasant experience regarding an inquiry about a business meeting. It was about a software we developed in the past that quantifies a certain type of video. The inquiry was, "We would like to request some improvements for the next fiscal year's budget, so could you provide us with a quote for budget application?" It's naturally gratifying to receive a quote request when doing business, but this time, the background made me particularly happy, so I decided to share it. When we developed the software in the past, the requesting department was the "Research Institute," and it involved developing software to quantify a certain video. After the initial delivery, we assisted with improvements to the quantification method a couple of times, and it seemed they continued their research using the software because "they were able to obtain the desired values." This time, the person who made the request was from the business division and was actually specialized in manufacturing, although the people from the Research Institute were also included in the correspondence. Our image processing department worked seriously on the development, but I learned from this inquiry that the values obtained have significant importance for commercialization, and I was very pleased to know that products reflecting those values are already available in the market. *News is distributed via our company newsletter.

The popular image processing learning set is now available for everyone to download the "introductory book" for free, but only during the campaign period. The "learning software (IP kit 3)" will be raffled off to those who have downloaded the "introductory book," and the raffle has now concluded, so we will announce the winners. (Previous winners are excluded from this raffle.) This software is available for license purchase through our direct sales or on the Vector website. Direct sales are only available as CD-ROM. If you are interested, you can try out the software for free as a "trial version," so please download it and give it a try. (The trial version has some functional limitations.) (The announcement of winners will list the company names and initials of the last names in no particular order.) Mr. M from Company T, Mr. M from Company N, Mr. M from Company J, Mr. T from Company R, Mr. N from Company D, Mr. Y from Company S, Mr. T from Company H, Mr. M from Company M, Mr. W from Company S, Mr. M from Company D. In total, 10 individuals will receive the software sent to the company names and sections registered with Ipros. We hope you find it useful for learning and practical applications in image processing. *News is distributed via our company newsletter.

We will be exhibiting at the "International Image Device Exhibition 2021," which will be held at Pacifico Yokohama from December 1 to 3, 2021. The summer "Image Sensing Exhibition" and the winter "International Image Device Exhibition" are important opportunities for us as a company engaged in image processing development to hear the voices of those struggling with various applications of image processing. By understanding the needs of our clients, we can prepare solutions to the challenges that need to be addressed. For example, as superior sensors are developed and cameras equipped with them are released, the output I/F standards (currently the fastest being CoaXPress) will also become faster. Consequently, the subsequent "image processing" will be required to perform at higher speeds. "Edge computing" and "smart cameras," which handle processing at the front end, face issues related to heat and power supply. Heavy computations are expected to be realized in the later stages. Where processing should take place? There is no definitive answer. It depends on the specific application. The role of image processing changes depending on its use. What kind of exhibits will we see this year? As an exhibitor, I am also excited about the displays from other companies. *News is distributed through our company newsletter.

It was a question at the exhibition venue. The question was, "With the improvement in CPU performance, image processing development has also become easier, right?" Since cameras and capture boards were also displayed at the same exhibition venue, I provided an explanation while guiding them through those exhibits. As you can see, thanks to advancements in semiconductors, CPU performance has significantly improved. Similarly, the sensors built into cameras have increased in pixel count and improved frame rates, and the manufactured products that are the subjects of inspection using these technologies have also become higher quality. Therefore, I feel that development has not necessarily become easier. Reflecting on this guidance, I realized that due to the advancements in the aforementioned technologies, the demand for companies like ours, which specialize in development, continues unabated. It is not easy, but it is not a struggle either. I believe that this is what allows our work to continue for a long time. If the horizontal and vertical pixel counts of the sensor double, the processing unit will require four times the speed. Even if the pixel count remains the same, if the frame rate doubles, the processing unit will also require double the speed. It seems that competition and improvement will continue in every field. *News is distributed through our company newsletter.

In the company's "Communication Time (weekly regular meeting)," a popular activity is the ranking guessing quiz. Recently, the topic was "2020 Semiconductor Manufacturer Ranking (TOP 10)," so I will provide the names of the manufacturers that KIT is related to in a work context (used as a user) from the TOP 10. Ranked first, and also the clear number one as a user, is Intel. This is a strong contender with no surprises, as we rely heavily on them not only for computer CPUs but also for FPGAs. NVIDIA is on the rise in the rankings, and its usage rate is increasing within our company. The rise in the rankings is said to be driven by AI, but it originally excelled in image processing chips, and we are utilizing it as a GPU board with improved performance. However, to fully leverage its capabilities, we still need to understand the underlying mechanisms, which is a chance for us as a development company to showcase our skills. Considering the semiconductor components we purchase and implement, FPGA was the clear number one, so it seems the person who proposed this theme hit the mark. *News is distributed through our company newsletter.

For a limited time (1 month), we are running a campaign where you can download all pages of the introductory book used in our paid seminar for free. Additionally, among those who download the introductory book, we will randomly select 10 people to receive a commercially available image processing learning software (worth 10,000 yen) that is used in the textbook as a gift. The lottery will be conducted after the download site is closed. Winners will be announced via our newsletter and news updates. The introductory book and software are intended for "learning," so we encourage you to start by looking at the HELP section of the introductory book and software to understand the changes in images intuitively and learn more deeply. Once you reach the phase where you want to progress further, you can use the "custom" feature of the software to learn original experiments you have devised. By focusing on learning, the software offers many functions that require you to think for yourself rather than relying on "auto" features, and it is designed to be studied in conjunction with the introductory book. Participation is free, so please download it from: https://www.ipros.jp/catalog/detail/500095?hub=54 *News updates are distributed via our company newsletter.

It may be the first time I have been asked to write a name outside my area of expertise in a column title. A "spectral camera" is a camera that incorporates different types of sensors along a single optical axis using optical technology. For image processing professionals, the fact that these different types of sensors can be obtained simultaneously without positional discrepancies is a valuable source of information input. For example, different wavelengths have different characteristics in terms of transmission and reflection. By performing "composite judgment" on these differing characteristics, it becomes easy to distinguish objects that are otherwise difficult to differentiate. In this case, to create a composite judgment method, various ideas are tested and experimented with through software processing. Once the processing is determined, it is hardened (FPGA internal logic computation) to perform calculations at high speed. However, if there are loop processes involved, the advantages of hardening diminish, so the algorithm is modified to enable implementation through pipeline processing. While this may sound simple in writing, it is often a point of heated debate during actual project development. I have provided an example of how advancements in optical technology increase the demand for image processing technology. *News is distributed through our company newsletter.

It seems like the title might be misleading, but we have had to shift from the long-standing "meetings in conference rooms" to web meetings since last year, establishing "how to proceed with web meetings" from discussions about their merits and demerits. One thing that doesn't pose much of a problem on the web is "report meetings." However, "specification meetings" are particularly challenging when it comes to deciding specifications with customers, as the priorities for the customer and the workload (which is synonymous with difficulty) for the implementing side often do not have a proportional relationship. Therefore, these meetings are aimed at aligning those differences. Since the advent of the web era, it has become a challenge that those who are not visible on the screen may not smoothly receive our statements, and the information senders are unaware of this. As a countermeasure, we have tried preparing meeting materials with many branches and details before the meeting. However, having too many branches can blur the important points and lead to discussions about the branches, leaving the main issue ambiguous. The title "brain exercise" reflects the significant difficulties we face in preparing the pre-meeting materials and conducting the meeting on the day itself. *News is distributed through our company's newsletter.

"Development" is something that cannot be understood without trying it. How do we carry out tasks that involve this? Here’s a guide. Whether on a daily, weekly, monthly, or multi-month basis, the method remains the same. 1. List the tasks. 2. Prioritize the list. This prioritization is not about importance, but about order. This ordering is crucial. For example, if "creating a questionnaire" is on the task list, it involves a counterpart who needs time to respond. Conversely, it becomes a "wait" until the response comes. Tasks like this should be prioritized higher, allowing for other work to be done during the waiting time. As another example, consider "speed research." This is something you investigate yourself, but you predict multiple outcomes. The accuracy of these predictions varies based on experience. The meaning of prediction is to train yourself with statements like, "If it's around **, the next action is ××" or "If it's around ○○, the next action is △△." This practice should be continuously applied and revised for the entire project. I believe this helps in completing the "development" tasks within the planned timeframe. *News is distributed through our company newsletter.

To our regular newsletter subscribers, thank you for your patience. The biannual "Image Processing Learning Set" giveaway campaign will soon begin accepting applications. The campaign period will be one month, from September 9 to October 10, using the Ipros website. During the campaign period, we will offer a free download of the "Introduction to Image Processing (Full Page Version)" and will randomly select 10 individuals who download it to receive the image processing learning software "IP Kit 3" for free. This software is also available for purchase (approximately 10,000 yen). At the "Image Processing Seminar" hosted by the Japan Tech Center, we conduct practical exercises using this "Introduction to Image Processing" and "IP Kit 3" to develop algorithms for defect detection. In lectures, we can confirm "What don't you understand?" face-to-face, but while considering how much we can convey through materials, we have added some new content for this first time. Please check the Ipros website for the start of the campaign. *News is distributed through our company newsletter.

We will be exhibiting at the "Techno Horizon Group Solution Fair 2021 in Nagoya," which will be held at the Nagoya City Small and Medium Enterprise Promotion Hall Large Exhibition Hall from September 29 to 30. Since this is a "private fair showcasing the group's cutting-edge technologies," there will not be a general public attendance. Our company will be exhibiting in the "Machine Vision Solutions" area. We will also be in charge of the "Image Processing Consultation Corner," so please feel free to bring your concerns to us. *News is distributed through our company's newsletter.

This time, we will discuss the acceleration of newcomer training at our company. The first part of the common training curriculum for them is to deeply memorize "the fundamentals of image processing." Once this phase is completed, the next theme will be to program a 9×9 smoothing filter as an example. This program should be completed in one day. Next, they will measure the execution speed of the "processing part" of the software they created. Within the company, there are two types of processing programs created for this training. The difference between the two types is that one is versatile, while the other prioritizes speed. Now, we move on to the evaluation phase. They will self-assess whether their software is slower than both references above, or somewhere in between. This will prompt them to think about what the differences are. First, they will consider this without looking at the source code, and if they have any insights, they will discuss those insights and predict how much they could speed it up before being allowed to "try it out" in an experiment. The basics involve techniques for skipping addresses, while the intermediate level focuses on reducing the number of calculations. The learning continues daily. *News is distributed through our company newsletter.

The beginning of this was the creation of a textbook for the "Image Processing Seminar" hosted by a seminar company. The seminar takes a full day and covers various specialized areas of knowledge that differ from the development flow, including "fields of application for image processing," "examples of processing," "standard processing," "considering algorithms," "types of implementation methods," "software processing," "hardware processing," "FPGA selection," and "FPGA circuits." We believe that it is difficult to convey this content through materials alone, so we extracted only the first half and are distributing it as an "Introduction to Image Processing" for a limited time during campaigns by Ipros. This announcement is regarding the "update" of this material. Last year, we provided a table for selecting FPGAs with an awareness of pin compatibility, but it was difficult to convey this information through written documents alone, and it was only included in the seminar materials. This time, we have created a table reflecting the "classification of image processing technologies" from three perspectives, which will also be included in the "Introduction to Image Processing" (as an addition). Please look forward to the seminar and the giveaway campaign. *News is distributed through our company newsletter.

It seems that the era of expressing the scale of FPGAs in terms of ASIC gate equivalents is over. A unit is defined as one logic cell, which consists of a logic circuit (actually a LUT) and a flip-flop (FF), and the number of these blocks is one indicator of scale. Even so, since we are talking about millions of cells, it is rare for the desired circuit not to fit, excluding component costs. Circuits that traditionally consumed logic cells, such as multipliers, have dedicated DSP blocks available. The embedded memory, which is a strength of FPGAs, is also in the Mb class. Thus, SoC FPGAs, which incorporate CPUs (currently both top manufacturers use ARM) alongside logic circuits on the same silicon, are being developed. From the perspective of a development engineer, while CPUs offer many advantages, it is important to remember that they reduce the number of I/O pins. Other hardware accelerators that have been announced recently seem to circle back to ASSPs (Application-Specific Standard Products) when examined closely, but I am very interested and look forward to the day when I can get my hands on actual devices. *News is distributed through our company's newsletter.

Our company conducts image processing seminars twice a year (currently suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic). Specifically, I serve as a lecturer for seminars organized by the Japan Techno Center. The content begins with an overview of the "fields of application for image processing," but primarily focuses on practical exercises in algorithm development, where participants work on solving problems using established combinations of techniques in the first half. The second half involves exploring implementation methods for the algorithms developed, culminating in the FPGA implementation of the processing. The aim is to provide participants with insights into adjacent fields of their expertise or to help those who are outsourced understand the practical work being done externally. This material is updated annually due to the rapid advancement of technology. The seminar in spring was canceled due to the pandemic, but the materials have been updated. Additionally, the first half of the seminar is offered as a giveaway twice a year through the "Ipros Campaign." The content will also be updated for the next campaign, so please look forward to it. *News is distributed through our company newsletter.

Our company belongs to the "Techno Horizon Group," which consists of various companies from different industries. In the field of "imaging," we have previously gathered optical systems for light entry, camera manufacturers that capture light and convert it into data, capture boards that take in camera outputs, and our company's image processing manufacturers that process the captured data. Recently, a sibling company that also specializes in image processing has joined us. What surprised me is that even without a face-to-face meeting, we can have conversations through email that are just like our usual internal discussions. Although each company's core image processing technology serves similar purposes, we discovered that the industries utilizing that technology differ. I am excited to see how this will expand. *News is distributed through our company's newsletter.