A three-dimensional (3-D) machine-vision safety-solution involving a method and apparatus for performing high-integrity, high efficiency machine vision. The machine vision safety solution converts two-dimensional video pixel data into 3-D point data that is used for characterization of specific 3-D objects, their orientation, and other object characteristics for any object, to provide a video safety "curtain." A (3-D) machine-vision safety-solution apparatus includes an image acquisition device arranged to view a target scene stereoscopically and pass the resulting multiple video output signals to a computer for further processing. The multiple video output signals are connected to the input of a video processor adapted to accept the video signals. Video images from each camera are then synchronously sampled, captured, and stored in a memory associated with a general purpose processor. The digitized image in the form of pixel information can then be stored, manipulated and otherwise processed in accordance with capabilities of the vision system. The machine vision safety solution method and apparatus involves two phases of operation: training and run-time.
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