Orientation of circular connectors using vision processing

The determination of the angular orientation of circular connectors is made using a first and second camera in order to enable an automated system to successfully connect cables. Vision processing is used to locate a key and keyway on a metal ring forming an annular mating surface on each male and female mating surface. As the first camera records an image of the male connector, the threshold between black and white is adjusted so that the keyway appears in the form of a break in the metal ring around the connector. As the second camera observes the female connector, the threshold between black and white is adjusted by a control signal from the automated system so that the keys appear as protrusions from an unbroken ring. Finally, by isolating the background beyond a certain radius, the first and second cameras are able to produce a first and second video signal in which the plurality of pins and holes in each connector are isolated against a background. The first and second video signals thereby contain sufficient information to enable the automated system to successfully connect cables while maximizing unattended operation times.