Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically generating an art index. The method is both sympathetic to the individual characteristics of art—a hedonic approach—and accurate in tracking changes in price over time—a repeat sales approach. Artworks with similar core characteristics are organized into groups according to their specific criteria. The characteristics include genre, date range, content, materials, size, coloration, style, and other characteristics. Following these guidelines, the system is able to generate hundreds of thousands of ever-increasing datasets, providing the statistical foundation required to derive accurate indices, while remaining true to the unique nature of art. The system is also operative to generate various types of reports.

Abstract: An illumination head (1) for machine vision has an annular support (2) with first, second, third, and fourth illumination sections (3, 4, 5, and 6). The third section (5) has three sets of LEDs (12, 13, 14) arranged in a pattern so that each set illuminates at approximately the same angle. Each set is driven in succession so that a series of three monochrome images at the same angle are captured. These are superimposed by an image processor to provide a color image, although the camera is monochrome. More information can be obtained in such a color image and the high resolution and robustness of monochrome cameras is availed of.

Abstract: An illumination head (1) for machine vision has an annular support (2) with first, second, third, and fourth illumination sections (3, 4, 5, and 6). The third section (5) has three sets of LEDs (12, 13, 14) arranged in a pattern so that each set illuminates at approximately the same angle. Each set is driven in succession so that a series of three monochrome images at the same angle are captured. These are superimposed by an image processor to provide a color image, although the camera is monochrome. More information can be obtained in such a color image and the high resolution and robustness of monochrome cameras is availed of.