IDS uEye, uEye SE, uEye RE, uEye LE, uEye HE User Manual
User Manual
uEye
Cameras
Driver Version 3.32
Status: March 2009
Dimbacher Str. 6-8
D-74182 Obersulm
Fax: +49-(0)7134-96196-99
E-Mail: sales@ids-imaging.com
© 2009 IDS Imaging Development Systems GmbH. All rights reserved.
Content
Introduction 6
1
Content
1.1 Copyright
1.2 Preface
1.3 Safety Information
1.4 Operating Environment
1.5 Installation and Maintenance
1.6 EMC Directives
1.7 Trademarks
1.8 Contacting Us
Welcome 9
2
2.1 About this Manual
2.2 What is New in this Version?
General 14
3
6
6
6
6
7
7
8
8
11
12
3.1 System Requirements
3.2 USB uEye SE Driver Compatibility
USB Basics 16
4
4.1 History and Development
4.2 Structure and Topology
4.3 Cabling and Connection
4.4 Data Transmission and Bandwidth
GigE Basics 19
5
5.1 General
5.2 Glossary
Camera Basics 22
6
6.1 Operating Modes
14
15
16
16
17
17
19
20
24
Content
Freerun Mode 6.1.1
Trigger Mode 6.1.2
Standby 6.1.3
Applying New Parameters 6.1.4
Image Display Modes 6.1.5
6.2 Sensor
Sensor Sizes 6.2.1
Fill Factors 6.2.2
Color Filter (Bayer Filter) 6.2.3
Shutter Methods 6.2.4
6.3 Camera Parameters
Pixel Clock, Frame Rate, Exposure Time 6.3.1
Gain and Offset 6.3.2
Automatic Image Control 6.3.3
6.4 Reading out Partial Images
Area of Interest (AOI) 6.4.1
Binning 6.4.2
Subsampling 6.4.3
6.5 Digital Input/Output
Digital Input (Trigger) 6.5.1
Digital Output (Flash Strobe) 6.5.2
28
33
36
38
General Purpose I/O 6.5.3
Serial Interface (RS232) 6.5.4
Installation 40
7
7.1 Downloading the Software
7.2 Installing the uEye Drivers
7.3 Uninstalling the uEye Drivers
7.4 Connecting a USB uEye Camera
7.5 Connecting a GigE uEye Camera
Important Notes 7.5.1
Serial Interface (RS232) 7.5.2
Camera Start-up 7.5.3
Camera Initialization 7.5.4
Camera Recognition 7.5.5
40
41
42
43
45
Applications 52
8
Content
8.1 uEye Camera Manager
Camera List 8.1.1
Control Center 8.1.2
General Information 8.1.3
Camera Information 8.1.4
Creating a Support File 8.1.5
ETH Network Service 8.1.6
Additional Functions (COM Port) 8.1.7
Automatic ETH Configuration 8.1.8
Starter Firmware Upload 8.1.9
Manual ETH Configuration 8.1.10
Parameters 8.1.11
8.2 uEye Demo
Opening a Camera 8.2.1
Toolbars 8.2.2
Menus 8.2.3
52
65
Dialog Boxes 8.2.4
Properties 8.2.5
8.3 uEye Player
Functionality 8.3.1
Loading an AVI File 8.3.2
Operation Controls 8.3.3
Loop Mode 8.3.4
Video Window and Full Screen Mode 8.3.5
Specifications 116
9
9.1 Sensor Data
CMOS Cameras 9.1.1
CCD Cameras 9.1.2
9.2 Mechanical Specifications
USB uEye SE 9.2.1
USB uEye RE 9.2.2
110
116
156
USB uEye LE 9.2.3
GigE uEye SE 9.2.4
GigE uEye HE 9.2.5
Content
Flange Back Distance 9.2.6
Filter Glasses 9.2.7
Ambient Conditions 9.2.8
9.3 Electrical Specifications
USB uEye SE 9.3.1
USB uEye RE 9.3.2
USB uEye LE 9.3.3
GigE uEye SE 9.3.4
GigE uEye HE 9.3.5
9.4 Status LED
USB uEye 9.4.1
GigE uEye 9.4.2
Accessories 215
10
10.1USB uEye SE
10.2USB uEye RE
10.3USB uEye LE
10.4GigE uEye SE
189
212
216
219
222
223
10.5GigE uEye HE
225
User Manual uEye Cameras V3.32
1 Introduction
1.1 Copyright
© IDS Imaging Development Systems GmbH. All rights reserved.
IDS Imaging Development Systems GmbH hereby grants the purchaser the right to use the
software.
1.2 Preface
IDS Imaging Development Systems GmbH has taken every possible care in preparing this User
Manual. We however assume no liability for the content, completeness or quality of the information
contained therein. The content of this manual is regularly updated and adapted to reflect the current
status of the software. We furthermore do not guarantee that this product will function without errors,
even if the stated specifications are adhered to.
Under no circumstances can we guarantee that a particular objective can be achieved with the
purchase of this product.
Insofar as permitted under statutory regulations, we assume no liability for direct damage, indirect
damage or damages suffered by third parties resulting from the purchase of this product. In no event
shall any liability exceed the purchase price of the product.
Please note that the content of this User Manual is neither part of any previous or existing
agreement, promise, representation or legal relationship, nor an alteration or amendment thereof. All
obligations of IDS Imaging Development Systems GmbH result from the respective contract of sale,
which also includes the complete and exclusively applicable warranty regulations. These contractual
warranty regulations are neither extended nor limited by the information contained in this User
Manual. Should you require further information on this product, or encounter specific problems that
are not discussed in sufficient detail in the User Manual, please contact your local uEye dealer or
system installer.
All rights reserved. This manual may not be reproduced, transmitted or translated to another
language, either as a whole or in parts, without the prior written permission of IDS Imaging
Development Systems GmbH.
Status: March 2009
1.3 Safety Information
The product must be connected, taken into operation and maintained only by appropriately qualified
personnel.
The error-free and safe operation of this product can only be ensured if it is properly transported,
stored, set up and assembled, and operated and maintained with due care.
1.4 Operating Environment
Please comply with the requirements for the proper use of this product. Failure to do so will render
the warranty void.
Do not subject this product to direct sunlight, moisture or shock. The environmental conditions
specified in chapter Specifications are required.
© 2009 IDS Imaging Development Systems GmbH6
1.5 Installation and Maintenance
Product type
EMC immunity
EMC emission
USB uEye SE (CMOS sensors)
*2)
EN 61000-6-2:2005
EN 61000-6-3:2001 + A11:2004
USB uEye SE (CCD sensors)
*1)
EN 61000-6-2:2001
EN 61000-6-4:2001
USB uEye RE (CMOS sensors)
*2)
EN 61000-6-2:2001
EN 61000-6-3:2001 + A11:2004
USB uEye RE (CCD sensors)
*2)
EN 61000-6-2:2001
EN 61000-6-3:2001 + A11:2004
USB uEye LE (CMOS sensors)
*2)
EN 61000-6-2:2005
EN 61000-6-3:2001 + A11:2004
GigE uEye SE (CMOS sensors)
*1)
EN 61000-6-2:2005
EN 61000-6-4:2001
GigE uEye SE (CCD sensors)
*1)
EN 61000-6-2:2005
EN 61000-6-4:2001
GigE uEye HE (CMOS sensors)
*2)
EN 61000-6-2:2005
EN 61000-6-3:2001 + A11:2004
GigE uEye HE (CCD sensors)
*2)
EN 61000-6-2:2005
EN 61000-6-3:2001 + A11:2004
The installation, testing, maintenance and extension of, and any necessary repairs to the system
may be performed only by authorized personnel.
1.6 EMC Directives
IDS Imaging Development Systems GmbH hereby confirms that this product has been developed,
designed and manufactured in compliance with the EC Directive 89/336/EEC (Electromagnetic
Compatibility).
Compliance with the directives is demonstrated by meeting the following standards:
1 Introduction
*1)
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device,
pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case
the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
Modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user's authority to operated
the equipment under FCC rules.
*2)
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions,
may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off
and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:
· Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
· Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
· Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
· Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user's authority to operated
the equipment under FCC rules.
© 2009 IDS Imaging Development Systems GmbH 7
User Manual uEye Cameras V3.32
Address:
IDS Imaging Development Systems GmbH
Dimbacher Str. 6-8
D-74182 Obersulm
Fax:
+49-(0)7134-96196-99
Email:
Sales: sales@ids-imaging.com
Support: support@ids-imaging.com
Internet
http://www.ids-imaging.com
1.7 Trademarks
IDS Imaging Development Systems and uEye are registered trademarks of IDS Imaging
Development Systems GmbH. IBM PC is a registered trademark of International Business Machines
Corporation. Microsoft and Windows are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation. All other products or company names mentioned in this manual are used solely for
purposes of identification or description and may be trademarks or registered trademarks of the
respective owners.
1.8 Contacting Us
Visit our web site http://www.ids-imaging.com where you will find all the latest drivers and information
about our software and hardware products. The latest uEye driver is available on our website http://
www.ids-imaging.com.
Please contact your local IDS distributors for first level support in your language. For a list of IDS
distributors worldwide please go to our website and follow the Support link.
© 2009 IDS Imaging Development Systems GmbH8
2 Welcome
The USB uEye SE series features a robust metal housing with a
standard mini-B USB 2.0 connector. Connection is additionally
possible via a screw-mounted micro D-sub connector which also
carries the opto-isolated I/O signals. A USB uEye SE variant with
C-mount front flange has been developed for OEMs. The camera
can also be supplied as PCB stack for special applications.
The USB 2.0 interface is meanwhile available in every standard
PC and notebook/laptop and provides a gross bandwidth of 480
Mbps. The camera is connected and powered through the USB
port by just a single cable.
Figure 1: USB uEye SE
CMOS camera
Figure 2: USB uEye RE
The RE variants of the USB uEye cameras are extremely rugged
and thus offer an extended area of application. In conjunction with
the optional lens tubes, these models meet the requirements of
protection classes IP 65 and IP 67. The USB 2.0 and the I/O
signals are connected via two ports of the same protection class.
The USB uEye RE is therefore particularly suited for harsh
environments.
The USB uEye LE series features extremely compact cameras
with high-speed CMOS sensors. The LE models are designed for
professional use in non-industrial applications. Through the use of
the widespread USB 2.0 technology, the cameras can easily be
interfaced with a vast variety of systems. USB uEye LE cameras
are available with a plastic housing with CS-mount lens adapter,
as a board-level version with M12 or M14 lens holder or without a
lens holder.
Figure 3: USB uEye LE variants
Thank you for purchasing a uEye camera from IDS Imaging Development Systems GmbH.
This manual describes the functions and features of the different uEye camera series.
uEye stands for a range of compact and cost-effective cameras for professional use in industrial,
security and non-industrial applications. Equipped with the widely used USB 2.0 and Gigabit
Ethernet ports, they can easily be interfaced with a vast variety of systems. The images are digitized
in the camera and transmitted digitally to the PC. An additional frame grabber is not required.
uEye cameras have state-of-the-art CMOS and CCD sensors. The CMOS models use either the
global or the rolling shutter method; the CCD models use only the global shutter method. uEye
camera resolutions range from 640 x 480 pixels (VGA) to 2560 x 1920 pixels (QSXGA), depending
on the sensor. Further sensor modules will continuously expand the product portfolio. Depending on
the individual model, the uEye cameras are available either as monochrome and color versions, or as
color versions only.
USB uEye SE
2 Welcome
USB uEye RE
USB Eye LE
© 2009 IDS Imaging Development Systems GmbH 9
User Manual uEye Cameras V3.32
Figure 4: GigE uEye HE
(standard and 90° variant)
The GigE uEye HE offers a rich set of additional features and
functions compared to the other uEye models. Images can be output
at 12 bits per channel. The integrated FPGA allows calculating color
images in the camera, and various LUT curves can be applied to the
images. An integrated 64 MB image memory and two independent
processor cores ensure fast and reliable data transfer. Many of the
GigE uEye HE's sensors can be operated at increased frame rates.
Additional programmable I/Os and a serial RS232 interface in the
camera open up new possibilities for camera integration.
The Gigabit Ethernet interface provides further advantages: More than
twice the bandwidth of USB 2.0, cable lengths up to 100 m, and
widespread use of this interface. The Gigabit Ethernet interface is
meanwhile available in every standard PC and notebook/laptop and
provides a gross bandwidth of 1000 Mbps.
Die GigE uEye SE is a highly compact Gigabit Ethernet camera.
With a housing barely larger than that of the USB uEye models,
the GigE uEye SE offers all the benefits of the Gigabit Ethernet
technology: High bandwidth, cable lengths up to 100 m, and
widespread use of this interface.
Besides the screw-mounted Gigabit Ethernet port, the camera
provides a 6-pin Hirose connector that carries the power supply
as well as the trigger and flash signals.
Figure 5: GigE uEye SE
For every uEye camera, a comprehensive software package is
available as a free download. In addition to the drivers, this
software package features the uEye Camera Manager, the uEye
Demo application and a Software Development Kit (SDK) for
creating your own uEye programs under Windows 2000, XP and
Vista (32-Bit) as well as Linux. Numerous demo applications
make it easy for you to get started with uEye programming. For
detailed information on programming uEye cameras with the uEye
SDK, please refer to the uEye Programming Manual (PDF file).
The latest uEye software is available for download from our
website at http://www.ueyesetup.com.
Figure 6: uEye Camera Manager
GigE uEye HE
GigE uEye SE
uEye Software
Enjoy your new uEye camera!
© 2009 IDS Imaging Development Systems GmbH10
2.1 About this Manual
In these boxes, you will find helpful user information.
In these boxes, you will find important notes and warnings.
This symbol indicates interactive graphics. When you click on an active area in a
graphic, a chapter containing additional information on that area opens automatically.
The uEye User Manual contains all the information you need for operating your uEye camera. The
manual comprises three main parts. The first part provides basic information on USB, Gigabit
Ethernet and camera technology. Please read this chapter to become familiar with the general
functionality of the uEye cameras.
The second part of the manual shows you how to install and use the uEye software.
In the third part, you will find the Specifications: Sensors, which you can use as a reference guide
when integrating the cameras.
Please make sure to read the file named WhatsNew.txt which you will find in the C:\Program
Files\IDS\uEye\Help directory when the installation is completed. This file contains late-breaking
information on new functions and fixed issues.
2 Welcome
© 2009 IDS Imaging Development Systems GmbH 11
User Manual uEye Cameras V3.32
New feature
Described in chapter
Extended trigger mode
The continuous trigger mode allows triggering the uEye
repeatedly. The camera no longer has to be made ready for
the next trigger before each image capture.
Operating Modes: Trigger Mode
New information in the manual
Described in chapter
Detailed presentation of all uEye operating modes
Operating Modes
Updated connected load data on every camera model
Specifications: Sensor Data
Wiring diagrams for the inputs/outputs of the USB uEye LE
USB uEye LE: Wiring
New feature
Described in chapter
Support of GigE uEye SE
The uEye driver version 3.31 introduces the new camera
series GigE uEye SE. This manual provides all the
information you need to integrate and use the new camera.
Welcome: GigE uEye SE
GigE uEye SE Specifications
GigE uEye SE Camera
Dimensions
Improved uEye Camera Manager features
uEye Camera Manager
New feature
Described in chapter
Serial interface of the GigE uEye HE
The serial interface (RS232) on the GigE uEye HE allows the
control of peripherals.
Serial Interface (RS232)
Test image function
The camera transmits a selectable test image that you can
use for testing the data transmission.
Camera properties: Test image
Color calculation in the camera (GigE uEye HE only).
The GigE uEye HE can optionally calculate the color data
from raw Bayer format directly in the camera. This reduces
the load on the host computer's CPU. Color correction and
color saturation are continuously adjustable.
Camera properties: Color
LUT/gamma curves in the camera (GigE uEye HE only).
In addition, the GigE uEye HE can apply LUT and gamma
curves to the image directly in the camera in order to adjust
brightness, contrast and color distribution.
Camera properties: LUT/Gamma
Support of 10 and 12 bit sensor data
Some sensors can output images with a color depth of 10 to
12 bits. This data can now be processed by the uEye
software.
Specifications: Sensors
New color formats
Camera properties: Color
2.2 What is New in this Version?
Version 3.32 of the uEye software package includes many new features and enhancements. The
following table gives you an overview of the major new functions. (For more information, please see
the "What is New in this Version" chapter in the uEye Programming Manual V3.32.)
New in Version 3.32
New in Version 3.31
New in Version 3.30
© 2009 IDS Imaging Development Systems GmbH12
2 Welcome
uEye driver version 3.30 supports a wide range of new color
formats for all uEye cameras. These include:
o
RGB/BGR 30
o
RGBY
o
Y12
o
YCbCr
o
Enhanced YUV
Subsampling for GigE uEye HE cameras with CCD sensors
The GigE uEye HE can also perform binning and
subsampling for CCD sensors. Binning and subsampling are
supported both in the horizontal and vertical direction, and
allow higher frame rates.
For CMOS sensors, subsampling takes place directly in the
sensor and is supported by all uEye models.
Specifications: Sensors
Full support of Windows Vista (32 Bit)
From driver version 3.30 onwards, all uEye cameras will run
under Windows Vista 32.
System Requirements
Localization of the uEye Camera Manager
The uEye Camera Manager offers new features and now also
supports over 10 languages that can be switched anytime.
Camera Manager
© 2009 IDS Imaging Development Systems GmbH 13
User Manual uEye Cameras V3.32
Minimum
Recommended
CPU speed
600 MHz
2.8 GHz
Memory (RAM)
256 MB
512 MB
USB host controller
USB 2.0 high speed (480 Mbps)
USB 2.0 high speed (480 Mbps)
Intel® or NVIDIA® nForce mainboard
chipset
Graphics card
Onboard graphics chip
PCI/PCIe graphics card with
DirectDraw support
DirectX 9.0 or higher
Operating system
Windows 2000 (Service Pack 4)
Windows XP 32 bit (Service Pack 2)
Windows Vista 32 bit
Linux (Kernel 2.6)
Windows XP 32 bit (Service Pack 3)
Windows Vista 32 bit (Service Pack 1)
Linux (Kernel 2.6)
Onboard USB 2.0 ports usually provide significantly better performance than PCI and
PCMCIA USB adapters.
Minimum
Recommended
CPU speed
600 MHz
2.8 GHz
Memory (RAM)
256 MB
512 MB
Network bandwidth
100 Mbps
1000 Mbps
Network card type
---
Intel Pro/1000 GT (PCI)
Intel Pro/1000 PT (PCIe)
Graphics card
Onboard graphics chip
PCI/PCIe graphics card with
DirectDraw support
DirectX 9.0 or higher
Operating system
Windows 2000 (Service Pack 4)
Windows XP 32 bit (Service Pack 2)
Windows Vista 32 bit
Windows XP 32 bit (Service Pack 3)
Windows Vista 32 bit (Service Pack 1)
To ensure optimum performance of the network connection, you need to install the
latest drivers for your network card. We recommend using the drivers of the following
versions:
· Intel® chipsets: version 8.8 or higher
· Realtek chipsets: version 5.7 or higher
3 General
3.1 System Requirements
For operating the uEye cameras, the following system requirements must be met:
USB uEye cameras
GigE uEye cameras
© 2009 IDS Imaging Development Systems GmbH14
3.2 USB uEye SE Driver Compatibility
From driver version 3.10 on, only cameras with USB board revision 2.0 or higher are
supported.
Figure 7: USB revision 1.2
(green LED)
Figure 8: USB revision 2.0
(red/green LED)
The optional memory board of the USB uEye SE and USB uEye RE camera series has
been discontinued.
From version 3.30, the functions required to operate the memory board will no longer be
supported in the uEye driver.
The uEye driver version 3.24 that still supports these functions will continue to be available
in the download area of our website at http://www.ids-imaging.com.
Only the following CMOS camera models of the USB uEye SE series are affected:
· UI-121x
· UI-141x
· UI-144x
· UI-154x
· UI-145x
· UI-146x
You can use the USB Hardware Check (see Software Installation) before installing the driver version
3.10 to check whether your camera is supported. In addition, the uEye Camera Manager version 3.10
or above provides information about the compatibility (see Camera Manager ). An incompatible
camera will be displayed as free and not available.
The LED(s) on the back of the camera housing also indicate the USB board version:
3 General
Note on the uEye memory board
© 2009 IDS Imaging Development Systems GmbH 15
User Manual uEye Cameras V3.32
Figure 9: USB Topology
The maximum bandwidth of 480 Mbps per USB 2.0 host cannot be exceeded. Therefore,
the maximum possible frame rate will be reduced if image data from multiple USB
cameras is transferred simultaneously.
The available bandwidth might also be decreased when you use hubs or repeaters. You
can reduce the bandwidth required for each camera by lowering the frame rate or the
image size.
4 USB Basics
4.1 History and Development
The Universal Serial Bus (USB) is an interface which enables you to easily connect various devices
to a PC. As all data exchange is controlled by the PC, no additional interface controller is needed.
Further advantages of USB are:
· the PC does not have to be shut down when connecting USB devices (hot plugging)
· USB devices can be supplied with power from the PC
· High bandwidth for data transmission
The USB standard was developed by a group of companies including Compaq, IBM, Intel, and
Microsoft. Version 1.0 was presented in 1995. The slightly faster USB 1.1 standard followed in 1998.
At first, the USB interface was designed to connect peripheral devices such as printers, mice, or
keyboards. With the introduction of USB 2.0 in 2000, the transfer rate increased to 480 Mbps,
making USB 2.0 suitable for connecting devices with higher data volumes (such as mass storage
devices, scanners, or cameras).
4.2 Structure and Topology
USB uses a tree topology and is host-controlled. That means that a PC with host functionality is
mandatory for using USB. Therefore, it is not possible to directly connect two USB devices (with the
exception of USB On-the-go compliant devices). Neither is it possible to connect a camera to a PDA
device.
Theoretically, 127 devices can be connected to a host controller. Using external hubs or repeaters,
even more devices can be connected, and from a greater distance. Provided that a maximum of 5
hubs/repeaters may be daisy-chained, USB devices can be connected in up to seven levels.
© 2009 IDS Imaging Development Systems GmbH16
4.3 Cabling and Connection
Figure 10: Basic design of a USB cable
Figure 11: USB
standard-A socket
(four pins)
Figure 12:
USB
standard-B
socket (four
pins)
Figure 13:
USB mini-B
socket (five
pins)
Figure 14: Micro D-Sub
(nine pins)
In order to comply with the specifications, the maximum length of USB 2.0 cables is limited to 5 m.
Longer cables may be connected if you use high-quality material. For cameras of the USB uEye RE
series, IDS offers cables with a length of up to 10 m (see also USB uEye RE Accessories).
The USB bus provides power supply with 5 V and 500 mA max. Many USB devices use the bus
power and do not need external power supply (bus-powered devices).
Cable design
The following illustration shows the basic design of a shielded USB cable:
· D+/D-: data transfer
· +5 V/GND: power supply
4 USB Basics
Connector types
On the PC side, USB 2.0 cables are equipped with a standard A type plug (four pins) and on the
device side either with a standard B plug (four pins) or a mini-B plug (five pins).
In addition, cameras of the USB uEye SE series can be connected to IDS camera cables that use a
nine-pin micro D-Sub screw connector. Besides the USB 2.0 signals, these connectors can also
carry the camera’s digital input/output signals.
4.4 Data Transmission and Bandwidth
© 2009 IDS Imaging Development Systems GmbH 17
The USB 2.0 standard specifies an overall bandwidth of 480 Mbps shared between different
transmission modes. uEye cameras use the USB 2.0 bulk mode for transmitting images. This mode
uses error correction to ensure correct delivery of the image data, but does not guarantee a fixed
bandwidth. To ensure error-free communication with all connected devices at all times, the maximum
bandwidth for payload data is limited to 416 Mbps.
User Manual uEye Cameras V3.32
To achieve optimum USB bandwidth, it is important to use a powerful mainboard
chipset. The mainboard chipsets from e.g. Intel® or NVIDIA® provide very good
results.
If you need recommendations on the most appropriate hardware to use, please
contact uEye Support.
Theoretically, up to 50 MB/s of data can be transmitted in this mode, but in practice, this value is
hardly ever reached. A high-performance desktop PC can transmit about 40 MB/s, most notebooks
or embedded PC systems even less than that.
The overall bandwidth can be increased by the use of USB 2.0 expansion cards. These cards are
available for the PCI and PCIe buses and have their own host controller chip.
© 2009 IDS Imaging Development Systems GmbH18
5 GigE Basics
Figure 15: Structure of a Cat 5e cable
Figure 16: RJ45 socket
(EU type acc. to
EIA/TIA-568B)
Figure 17: RJ45
socket (US type acc. to
EIA/TIA-568A)
Figure 18:
RJ45 plug
The GigE uEye camera automatically recognizes whether an Ethernet cable with crossed
wiring or straight wiring is connected. The camera adjusts accordingly.
5.1 General
Gigabit Ethernet was developed on the basis of the Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps) standard. In June
1999, the IEEE 802.3ab 1000 Mbps standard was defined by the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and E
lectronics Engineers). Using at least Cat 5e copper cables, transmission rates of 1 Gbps can be
obtained. This makes Gigabit Ethernet 10 times faster than Fast Ethernet. The main advantages of
Gigabit Ethernet include:
· Higher bandwidth, allowing for better network performance and the elimination of bottlenecks
· Full-duplex capability virtually doubles the effective bandwidth
· Low purchasing and operating costs through the use of common hardware
· Full compatibility with the large number of installed Ethernet and Fast Ethernet nodes
· Fast transfer of large amounts of data over the network
5 GigE Basics
For connecting Gigabit Ethernet cables, RJ45 connectors are used. The following illustrations show
schematic views of an RJ45 socket (with cable configuration) and of an RJ45 plug.
© 2009 IDS Imaging Development Systems GmbH 19
User Manual uEye Cameras V3.32
5.2 Glossary
UDP
UDP stands for User Datagram Protocol and contains mechanisms that allow applications to easily
send messages to each other. UDP is session-oriented and has no protective measures to guard
against message loss or duplication. The header contains the sender port, the recipient port, the
length of the datagram and a checksum.
Port
Ports are address components used in network protocols to assign data segments to the correct
services (protocols).
Firewall
A firewall is a software or hardware shield that protects a local network or a computer from Internetbased attacks.
Among a firewall's main uses are protection from hacker attacks, computer viruses, trojans, worms
and spyware.
ARP
The Address Resolution Protocol uses network messages, called broadcasts, to determine on which
logical segment of the network the recipient of a packet is located.
The responses to the broadcast contain all the IP addresses of the available subnet and the
associated MAC addresses. Every IP address is stored in an ARP table together with the
associated MAC address. These tables are necessary because the two addresses are independent
of each other and therefore cannot be calculated by means of an algorithm.
Subnet
Subnets are small units of a network. Using subnets makes it easier to manage networks and
increases performance, as connecting devices such as routers or switches can be used to limit data
traffic to specific subnets.
The address is made up of the IP address of the network, the subnet address and the host address.
Switch
The term switch refers to the connecting units in a LAN (Local Area Network). They are used to
connect subnets of the same topology. Contrary to hubs, switches dispatch incoming data packets
only to the specific recipients.
Router
Routers are connection units that connect different networks or LANs.
Hub
A hub is a coupling unit that connects several network units on one line (star topology). Contrary to a
switch, the message of a network member is dispatched to all other network members.
DHCP
The Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol controls the dynamic configuration of IP addresses.
When a workstation which is configured for the use of DHCP is started up on a LAN, it registers with
a server running this service. The server then assigns an available IP address, which is stored locally
so that reassignment is not necessarily required on the next start-up.
© 2009 IDS Imaging Development Systems GmbH20
5 GigE Basics
Broadcast
A broadcast is a data packet that is transmitted to all stations on a network. This is done by
sending a data packet to the reserved IP address .255 of a network or subnet (broadcast address).
Heartbeat
Network devices send a heartbeat to signal that they are operational and fully functional. If this
heartbeat signal is not detected, the recipient system assumes that the remote device is no longer
available.
Paired
Paired describes the logical connection of a network camera and a host PC. When a camera and a
host PC are paired, they are exclusively connected. Simultaneous pairing with several host PCs is
not possible.
A request for image data is only possible in paired state.
© 2009 IDS Imaging Development Systems GmbH 21
User Manual uEye Cameras V3.32
Figure 19: Block diagram of the CMOS USB uEye SE
6 Camera Basics
Components of the USB uEye SE/RE cameras
The USB uEye SE and RE cameras have a modular structure consisting of the following
components:
· USB board, including:
§ a USB 2.0 interface which controls data traffic between the camera and the host PC
§ a micro-controller which controls the digital inputs and outputs, the pixel clock and the image
size
§ an EEPROM where the camera manufacturer, type, and serial number are stored
a 64-byte memory area can be used freely by the user
· Sensor board. This board includes:
§ the sensor
§ an EEPROM where the camera type is stored
· Timing board (CCD cameras only)
§ The timing board digitizes the analog output signals of the CCD sensor.
Components of the USB uEye LE camera
USB uEye LE cameras are equipped with a PCB containing the following components:
· CMOS sensor
· Sensor EEPROM where the camera type is stored.
· USB 2.0 interface which controls data traffic between the camera and the host PC.
· Micro-controller which controls the digital inputs and outputs, the pixel clock and the image size.
· EEPROM where the camera manufacturer, type, and serial number are stored.
A 64-byte memory area can be used freely by the user.
© 2009 IDS Imaging Development Systems GmbH22
6 Camera Basics
Figure 20: Block diagram of the GigE uEye HE
Components of the GigE uEye HE camera
The GigE uEye HE cameras have a modular structure consisting of the following components:
· Gigabit Ethernet board, including:
§ a Gigabit Ethernet interface which controls data traffic between the camera and the host PC
§ an FPGA which controls the camera functions and performs basic image preprocessing
§ a 64-Mbyte memory used for processing image data
· Sensor board. This board includes:
§ the sensor
§ an EEPROM where the camera type is stored
· Timing board (CCD cameras only)
§ The timing board digitizes the analog output signals of the CCD sensor.
© 2009 IDS Imaging Development Systems GmbH 23
User Manual uEye Cameras V3.32
The following illustrations show a schematic view of the image capture sequence. The
sensor exposure and readout times and the transmission times depend on the camera
settings. The pre-processing time depends on the API functions you are using (e.g. color
conversion, edge enhancement).
Figure 21: Freerun mode (live mode)
Figure 22: Freerun mode (snap mode)
6.1 Operating Modes
6.1.1 Freerun Mode
In freerun mode, the camera sensor captures one image after another at the set frame rate.
Exposure and readout/transfer of the image data are performed in parallel. This allows the maximum
camera frame rate to be achieved. The frame rate and the exposure time can be set separately. The
captured images can be transferred one by one or continuously to the PC.
If trigger mode is active, you need to disable it before activating freerun mode.
· Single frame mode (snap mode)
The next image exposed by the sensor will be transferred. You cannot use the uEye flash outputs
in this mode.
· Continuous mode (live mode)
Images are captured and transferred continuously. You can use the uEye flash outputs.
)
*
Optional function. The start time and duration of the flash signal are defined by the Flash delay and
Duration parameters (see also Camera Settings: I/O).
© 2009 IDS Imaging Development Systems GmbH24
6.1.2 Trigger Mode
In trigger mode, the maximum frame rate is lower than in freerun mode because the
sensors expose and transfer sequentially. The possible frame rate in trigger mode
depends on the exposure time.
Example: At the maximum exposure time, the frame rate is about half as high as in freerun
mode; at the minimum exposure time, the frame rate is about the same.
Figure 23: Hardware trigger mode with continuous image capture
In trigger mode, the sensor is on standby and starts exposing on receipt of a trigger signal. A trigger
event can be initiated by a software command (software trigger) or by an electrical signal via the
camera’s digital input (hardware trigger). For the specifications of the electrical trigger signals, see
the Electrical Specifications chapter.
In the camera properties, choose which trigger mode you want to use:
· Software trigger mode
When this mode is enabled, calling the Snap function triggers the capture of an image, which is
then transferred to the PC. If you call the Live function in this mode, the image capture is triggered
continuously and images are transferred continuously.
· Hardware trigger mode
When this mode is enabled, calling the Snap function makes the camera ready for triggering just
once. When the camera receives an electrical trigger signal, one image is captured and
transferred.
If you call the Live function, the camera is made ready for triggering continuously. An image is
captured and transferred each time an electrical trigger signal is received; the camera is then
ready for triggering again (recommended procedure).
· Freerun synchronization
In this mode, cameras running in freerun mode (live mode, see above) can be synchronized with
an external trigger signal. The cameras still remain in freerun mode. The trigger signal stops and
restarts the current image capture process. You can use this mode to synchronize multiple
cameras that you are operating in the fast live mode. Not all camera models support this mode.
6 Camera Basics
© 2009 IDS Imaging Development Systems GmbH 25
User Manual uEye Cameras V3.32
Figure 24: Software trigger mode with continuous image capture
Figure 25: Freerun synchronization with hardware trigger
In standby mode, you can continue to use the camera's digital inputs or outputs.
)
*
Optional function. The start time and duration of the flash signal are defined by the Flash delay and
Duration parameters (see also Camera Settings: I/O).
6.1.3 Standby
uEye cameras can be set to a power-saving standby mode. Standby mode switches off the sensor of
CMOS cameras and the timing board of CCD cameras. The camera remains open in the software.
In standby mode, the camera cools down and the number of hot pixels visible when longer exposure
times are used is reduced.
Standby is the default state when the camera is not open in the software. When you open the
camera or switch to a different mode (freerun or trigger mode), the camera wakes up from standby
mode.
6.1.4 Applying New Parameters
New capture parameters (such as exposure time or gain settings) can be transferred to the camera
via software at any time. Depending on the operating mode, these settings will not always be
© 2009 IDS Imaging Development Systems GmbH26
immediately effective for next image, however.
· Freerun mode
In freerun mode, the camera is internally busy with capturing the next image while new parameters
are transmitted to the camera. Depending on the exact time of transmission, new parameters
might only come into effect two or even three images later.
· Trigger mode
In this mode, the camera reverts to idle state between two images. When you change the camera
parameters, the new settings will be applied immediately to the next image (delayed by one
additional image for the UI-122x-C/M or UI-522x-C/M cameras due to the sensor).
6.1.5 Image Display Modes
The uEye driver provides three different modes for the display of captured images: The device
independent Bitmap mode (DIB), DirectDraw BackBuffer mode and DirectDraw Overlay mode.
· Device Independent Bitmap mode (DIB)
In Bitmap mode, images captured by the uEye are written to the random access memory of the
PC. The application software initiates the image display by the graphics card. This may result in a
slightly higher CPU load as compared to the DirectDraw display.
The advantage of Bitmap mode is that it is compatible with all graphics cards and that image data
in the memory is directly accessible. Since Windows controls the image display, the image may
be completely or partly overlapped by any other windows and dialog boxes.
· DirectDraw BackBuffer mode
In this mode, the uEye driver writes the image data to the invisible memory area (back buffer) of
the graphics card. This process runs automatically and does not have to be controlled by the
application software. It requires an installed DirectDraw driver, sufficient memory on the graphics
card and back buffer function support by the graphics card.
For this purpose, graphics cards generally provide better performance than graphics chips
integrated on the mainboard. In DirectDraw mode, the CPU load may be lower than in Bitmap
mode.
· DirectDraw Overlay Surface mode
This mode enables simultaneous display of a live image and overlay data. The video image is
digitized and stored in an invisible memory area (back buffer) of the graphics card. Defining a key
color and drawing that color to the image output window results in the video image being displayed
in all areas of the output window that have this key color. If the key color fills the entire window,
the video image is displayed full-screen. Accordingly, graphics/text data is preserved in all areas
not filled with the key color. This produces a non-destructive overlay. The display is controlled by
the graphics card chip and therefore hardly requires any CPU time. This mode is not supported by
all graphics cards, and often, it can only be used in conjunction with the YUV color mode.
6 Camera Basics
© 2009 IDS Imaging Development Systems GmbH 27
User Manual uEye Cameras V3.32
Figure 26: Comparison of different sensor sizes
Figure 27: Using micro lenses to increase the effective fill
factor
6.2 Sensor
6.2.1 Sensor Sizes
The size of a digital camera sensor is usually specified in inches. However, the specified value does
not indicate the actual size of the active sensor area. The sensor size specifications date back to
the formerly used tube systems: The curvature of the imaging surface of the camera tube caused
distortions to the display, reducing the usable capture area of a 1” tube to a rectangle with a diagonal
of 16 mm.
With the introduction of the semiconductor sensor technology, the dimensional specifications were
taken over from tube systems. For this reason, a sensor whose active area diagonal measures 16
mm is specified as a 1-inch sensor. The following illustrations show the most common sensor sizes.
The size of each single sensor cell (pixel) depends on the size of the active sensor area and the
resolution. In general, less pixels over the same sensor area (or a larger sensor area with the same
resolution) will result in greater photosensitivity of the sensor.
6.2.2 Fill Factors
The fill factor is the percentage of the pixel area that is exposed to light during exposure. Ideally this
would be 100%. Since other elements are located on the sensor surface besides the light-sensitive
photodiodes, this value may be reduced to approx. 30 - 50%, depending on the sensor technology.
The use of micro lenses compensates for this and increases the fill factor to 90% or more. Micro
lenses collect the light that falls onto a photocell, thus increasing the useable sensor area.
© 2009 IDS Imaging Development Systems GmbH28
Some CMOS sensors have micro lenses offset to the sensor edge. They compensate
for shadows created by obliquely incident light. The use of parallel light causes slight
color variations. These may occur if telecentric stops or lenses with large apertures
whose last optical element is located at a great distance are used. The following
uEye models are equipped with CMOS sensors with offset micro lenses:
· 164x-C and 564x-C
· 155x-C and 555x-C
· 148x-M/C and 548x-M/C
6.2.3 Color Filter (Bayer Filter)
Figure 28: Bayer filter and micro lenses
For technical reasons, digital image sensors can only detect brightness information, but no color
information. To produce color sensors, a color filter is applied to each photocell (pixel). The
arrangement of the color filters is illustrated in the following figure. Two out of every four pixels have a
green filter, one pixel has a red filter and one has a blue filter. This color distribution corresponds to
the color sensitivity of the human eye, and is called the Bayer filter pattern. With the help of the
Bayer pattern the correct brightness and color information can be calculated for each pixel. Full
sensor resolution is retained.
6 Camera Basics
Bayer conversion
A Bayer conversion, also referred to as de-Bayering, is carried out to determine the color information
from the raw sensor data (raw Bayer). By default all uEye cameras transmit the image data to the
PC in raw Bayer format. The PC then uses the functions of the uEye API to convert the image data
to the color format you need for displaying or further processing the data.
GigE uEye cameras additionally allow de-Bayering in the camera. In this case, the color images are
already finished when they are transmitted to the PC. This reduces the load on the computer's CPU
and increases the transmission bandwidth required by the camera.
To convert the colors, a filter mask moves over the image and calculates a color value for each pixel
from the surrounding pixels. The uEye API provides two filter masks that differ in image quality and
CPU load:
· 3x3 filter:
A filter mask of 3x3 pixels is used for conversion. This algorithm has a low load on the CPU. The
filter's averaging function may cause a slight blur. Noise is reduced. This filter is recommended for
image processing tasks.
· 5x5 filter:
A filter mask of 5x5 pixels is used for conversion. This algorithm offers very accurate color
© 2009 IDS Imaging Development Systems GmbH 29
positioning and an increased level of detail. The CPU load is higher than with the 3x3 filter. This
filter is recommended for visualization applications.
User Manual uEye Cameras V3.32
Figure 29: Global shutter sensor in live mode
Figure 30: Global shutter sensor in trigger mode
6.2.4 Shutter Methods
The image is recorded in the sensor in four phases:
· Reset pixels of the rows to be exposed
· Exposure of pixel rows
· Charge transfer to sensor
· Data readout
The sensor cells must not be exposed during the readout process. The sensors of the uEye cameras
have no mechanical shutters, but work with electronic shutter methods instead. Depending on the
sensor type, either the rolling shutter method or the global shutter method is used.
Global Shutter
On a global shutter sensor, all pixel rows are reset and then exposed simultaneously. At the end of
the exposure, all rows are simultaneously moved to a darkened area of the sensor. The pixels are
then read out row by row.
Exposing all pixels simultaneously has the advantage that fast-moving objects can be captured
without geometric distortions. Sensors that use the global shutter system are more complex in
design than rolling shutter sensors.
All uEye CCD sensors as well as some CMOS sensors use the global shutter method.
)
*
Optional flash function. The start time and duration are defined by the Flash delay and Duration
parameters (see also Camera Settings: I/O).
© 2009 IDS Imaging Development Systems GmbH30
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