With the Imagechecker AX40, Panasonic introduces for the first time a Machine Vision system which can process grey value images and color images at the same time. This opens new inspection possibilities, because the information given by colors is an important additional image evaluation feature. Thus, e.g., grey value measurements can be combined with an object-recognition in the color image. In addition, a special differential-image mode is available. It is suited particularly for surface inspection and print controls. The software of the AX40 offers all common inspection algorithms of grey value systems and color inspection systems. In total approximately 3,500 inspection combinations are possible. With this scope of so called checkers, the device is suited for virtually all inspection tasks such as assembly control, product differentiations, measurements or the print control.