Over sixty imaging and machine vision experts from thirty-six leading companies worldwide gathered in Chicago during October under the auspices of global Machine Vision organizations AIA, EMVA, JIIA, VDMA, and CMVU (collectively known as G3). This year’s Fall International Vision Standards Meeting focused on advancing key standards including GenICam software framework and interfaces like CoaXPress, USB 3.0 Vision, Camera Link HS, GigE Vision.

Key Developments in Interface Technologies

CoaXPress Updates

The CoaXPress working group addressed two major initiatives: a maintenance release for V1.1 with enhanced rugged connectors featuring improved locking mechanisms, and preparation for the upcoming V2.0 standard offering significantly increased bandwidth capabilities. The new version will support up to 10/12.5 Gbps per cable (double current capacity), incorporate Forward Error Correction technology, enable data striping for parallel processing, and provide native compatibility with both 3D imaging systems and GenICam event triggering functionality.

GigE Vision Enhancements

The GigE Vision standard development team is advancing V2.1 specifications with several notable improvements: expanded support for multi-part data streams essential for complex applications like three-dimensional video capture; enhanced RJ45 connector security features; ongoing enhancements to validation frameworks increasing test coverage by approximately 30%; preliminary work on emerging technologies including NBASE-T implementation for higher-speed Ethernet cable transmission, alternative connection interfaces, and improved wireless compatibility protocols.

USB3 Vision Improvements

The USB3 Vision working group focused their efforts on two critical areas: comprehensive revision of the validation suite used by camera manufacturers to ensure complete standard compliance; planned release of V1.1 specifications adding support for multiple simultaneous image streams and explicit three-dimensional imaging functionality earlier than previously projected in Q1 2016.

Software Framework Innovations

GenICam Advancements

The GenICam working group prioritized finalizing the next-generation implementation (v3.0) which delivers substantial performance improvements through reduced memory footprint while maintaining faster processing speeds compared to previous v2.x versions. Key innovations include comprehensive support for three-dimensional cameras, refined event handling mechanisms, and general compatibility enhancements across all interface standards.

Embedded Vision Considerations

The Future Standards Forum conducted a thorough assessment of existing machine vision standards’ suitability for embedded vision systems—typically characterized by different requirements regarding cable lengths and specialized connectors. The study group identified several critical questions requiring resolution: whether to develop a dedicated standard specifically for embedded applications, how to extend extant frameworks to meet these needs, or if it would be more efficient to adapt established third-party technologies from outside the machine vision domain.

Optical Interface Research

The JIIA Optical Interface working group reported significant progress in evaluating optical transmission solutions compatible with multiple G3 standards (particularly Camera Link HS and CoaXPress). Their research aims to identify one-to-two viable candidate protocols suitable for industrial implementation by year-end, addressing growing demands for higher bandwidth capabilities.

Industry Collaboration

The annual Plug Fest tradition continued as manufacturers across all sectors worked systematically to validate interoperability between diverse products—from cameras to frame grabbers—across all major standards frameworks. This comprehensive testing ensures seamless system integration and reliable operational compatibility before technologies reach the marketplace.

Meanwhile, technical committees maintained parallel development momentum with several standard-setting bodies preparing for future roadmap planning during the spring 2016 IVSM meeting in Japan, following the London-based study group’s progress report to G3 members. The Machine Vision Brochure—maintained by standards leadership teams—is scheduled for year-end release incorporating updated information reflecting current status updates and minor corrections addressing user feedback.

These coordinated efforts demonstrate how global industry stakeholders are systematically advancing machine vision technology infrastructure through collaborative innovation, maintaining the collective framework of Machine Vision standards while simultaneously addressing evolving needs across traditional industrial applications alongside emerging technological frontiers.

Last Updated: 2025-09-04 20:44:38