BIRMINGHAM, England, Feb. 5 -- Computer vision techniques may free up sewer systems in Europe for telephone and internet traffic. A new sewer inspection system using integrated machine vision technology (IMV) recently underwent trials in Prague conducted by ISAAC, a European Commission project looking at applying the method to the sewer inspection process. The trials operated on the water sewer network in and around Prague. ISAAC said computer vision enabled faster inspection times, more measurement accuracy and improved data retention, making it a more attractive proposition for communications companies to use sewers for cable infrastructure instead of digging up roads. A typical IMV system uses a camera to take photographic images of objects on a production line. A computer then processes the images, often by trying to recognize a pattern, or by making a measurement. Some systems can examine the internal structure of products by generating images using x-rays or magnetic resonance. Its performance is unaffected by temperature, noise or toxins that could otherwise pose hazards to workers doing manual inspections. The system will be unveiled at the Image Processing and Optical Technology exhibition in Bermingham, England, next week, by EUTIST-IMV, a European Commission-funded project aimed at promoting the uptake of IMV technology in industry. Sawyer said 23 similar projects are underway in Europe. "Machine vision technology is an exciting concept with almost limitless applications, and the European Commission is working tirelessly to make its benefits available to organizations throughout Europe," said Mark Sawyer, Edinburgh-based technical coordinator for the EUTIST-IMV project. For more information, visit: www.spt.fi/eutist