National Instruments offers a downloadable Vision Resources Kit to learn the components of a vision system, the essentials of image acquisition, and the tools and techniques of image processing.
The material can be downloaded here, and it includes:
• The Edmund Optics’ Imaging Resources Guide: Read an overview on how to select and integrate imaging components such as lighting and optics
• The Fundamentals of Image Acquisition White Paper: Learn the basics of cameras and frame grabbers
• Image Analysis and Processing Tutorial: Get a grasp on image processing methods
• 10 Things to Consider When Choosing Vision Software White Paper: View important points to consider when selecting vision software
• Vision Concepts Manual: Access in-depth tutorials on image processing techniques and how to apply them.