The European Machine Vision Association (EMVA) of Frankfurt am Main, Germany, has released a preliminary version of its Standard 1288 "Standard for Measurement and Presentation of Specifications for Machine Vision Sensors and Cameras." Targeted to component manufacturers, integrators and end users, the document helps define a unified method to measure, compute and present specification parameters for the devices. Because definitions of parameters and measurement methods vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, it has been difficult for potential customers to compare the various devices and select the appropriate ones for their applications. It is hoped that the standard will expedite the process and ultimately reduce pre- and postsale support services. The Standardization Working Group has devised a modular approach to define parameters. The first module, downloadable from the EMVA Web site, is titled "Characterizing the Image Quality and Sensitivity of Machine Vision Cameras and Sensors."Interested manufacturers may apply for membership in the group and certify their compliance with the standard.