optris PIX Connect
Software for Thermal Imager
Operator’s Manual
Content
Content ................................................................................. 2
Welcome! .............................................................................. 5
Legal disclaimer ................................................................... 6
1. Getting started................................................................ 7
1.1. Software installation .................................................. 7
1.2. Choice of camera ..................................................... 9
1.3. Choice of language ................................................... 9
1.4. Software window (example) .................................... 10
1.5. Menu and Toolbar (Icons) ....................................... 14
1.5.1. Menu.............................................................. 14
1.5.2. Toolbar (Icons) ............................................... 15
2. Software configuration ................................................ 17
2.1. General settings ..................................................... 17
2.1.1. Color palettes ................................................. 17
2.1.2. Temperature unit ............................................ 19
2.1.3. Temperature range scaling of reference bar ... 19
2.1.4. Displayed frame rate ...................................... 21
2.1.5. Change of title bar .......................................... 22
2.1.6. Optimization of software ................................. 22
2.1.7. Lock / unlock application ................................ 23
2.2. Software layout ....................................................... 24
2.2.1. Displayed windows ........................................ 24
2.2.2. View bars ....................................................... 25
2.2.3. Information within image ................................ 25
2.2.4. Temperatures in digital displays ..................... 26
2.2.5. Layout management ...................................... 27
2.2.6. Assign / remove layouts ................................. 28
2.2.7. Further information ......................................... 28
2.3. Arranging of thermal image ..................................... 29
2.3.1. Mirroring of displayed image .......................... 29
2.3.2. Rotation of displayed image ........................... 29
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2.3.3. Zooming in areas of the displayed image ........ 29
2.4. Imager configuration................................................ 31
2.4.1. Calibration files ............................................... 31
2.4.2. Correction of camera calibration ..................... 31
2.4.3. Detector heating (Chip temperature mode) ..... 32
2.4.4. Emissivity, transmissivity, ambient temperature ..
................................................................... 33
2.4.5. Reference temperature ................................... 33
2.4.6. Changing the optics (only PI) .......................... 35
2.4.7. Changing the temperature range .................... 35
2.4.8. Video formats (Device framerate) ................... 36
2.5. Imager interfaces for PI and Xi 400 camera ............. 37
2.5.1. General .......................................................... 37
2.5.2. Process interface (PIF) ................................... 38
2.6. Software Development Kit (SDK) ............................ 41
2.6.1. Interprocess Communication (IPC) ................. 41
2.6.2. COM-Port ....................................................... 41
2.7. Start options ................................ ............................ 42
2.7.1. Overview of start options ................................ 42
2.7.2. Start of multiple software / imager instances ... 43
3. Data capturing .............................................................. 45
3.1. Open files ................................................................ 45
3.2. Replay of files ......................................................... 45
3.2.1. Control panel .................................................. 45
3.2.2. Replay options ................................................ 46
3.3. Editing video sequences ......................................... 47
3.4. Saving files .............................................................. 48
3.4.1. Setting the recording frame rate ..................... 48
3.4.2. Setting the recording modes ........................... 49
3.4.3. Temporary recording file ................................. 50
3.4.4. Saving radiometric video sequences .............. 51
3.4.5. Saving image data as radiometric snapshot or
text file ............................................................ 52
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3.4.6. Saving text file of the temperature / time
diagram .......................................................... 56
3.4.7. Location and filename templates of triggered
recordings ...................................................... 56
3.4.8. Display of snapshots in a separate window .... 57
3.4.9. Saving images or screenshots to clipboard .... 58
3.4.10. Capture Screen .............................................. 59
4. Data processing ........................................................... 61
4.1. Measure areas ........................................................ 61
4.1.1. General settings ............................................. 61
4.1.2. Calculated Objects ......................................... 65
4.1.3. Excluding hot and cold spot areas .................. 68
4.1.4. Individual emissivity values of measure areas 69
4.2. Temperature profile ................................................ 70
4.3. Temperature Time Diagram .................................... 73
4.3.1. General settings ............................................. 73
4.3.2. Scaling of diagram axes ................................. 74
4.4. Histogram ............................................................... 76
4.5. Extended measuring colors .................................... 79
4.6. Image subtraction ................................................... 80
4.7. Relative extreme values .......................................... 81
4.8. Alarms .................................................................... 82
4.9. 3D display of thermal image.................................... 84
4.10. Event grabber ......................................................... 85
4.11. Zoom function of snapshots .................................... 87
5. Xi camera ...................................................................... 88
5.1. Focus setting .......................................................... 88
5.2. Imager interfaces for Xi 80 ...................................... 88
5.2.1. General .......................................................... 88
5.2.2. Process interface (PIF) .................................. 89
5.3. IP settings Xi 80 ...................................................... 94
5.4. Autonomous operation Xi 80 ................................... 94
6. Visual Camera (only PI200/230) ................................... 95
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6.1. Enabling the visual camera ..................................... 95
6.2. Monitoring mode ..................................................... 95
6.3. Cross-fading mode .................................................. 96
6.3.1. General .......................................................... 96
6.3.2. Transparency of thermal image ...................... 97
6.3.3. Moving the thermal within the visual image ..... 98
6.3.4. Cross-fading of defined temperatures ............. 99
7. Line scanner mode ..................................................... 100
7.1. General information ............................................... 100
7.2. Basic settings ........................................................ 101
7.2.1. Line scanner configuration menu .................. 101
7.2.2. Choosing the layout ...................................... 101
7.2.3. Rotating of the image ................................... 101
7.2.4. Activating the Line scanner ........................... 102
7.2.5. Positioning of the line (Line scanner sighting
view) ............................................................. 102
7.2.6. Layout configuration of the Sighting view mode ..
................................................................. 105
7.3. Data evaluation of the scanned line ....................... 106
7.3.1. Line scanner view ......................................... 106
7.3.2. Triggered display of lines .............................. 107
7.3.3. Snapshot configuration ................................. 110
7.3.4. Zoom function of snapshots .......................... 110
8. Merging ....................................................................... 111
8.1. General Information............................................... 111
8.2. Direct Connection over USB Port .......................... 112
8.2.1. Configuration ................................................ 112
8.3. Connection via the Ethernet network ..................... 118
8.4. Simultaneous flag control and frame synchronization
via PIF ................................................................... 119
9. Further information .................................................... 121
9.1. Options ................................................................. 121
9.1.1. Activating software messages ...................... 121
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9.1.2. Layouts ........................................................ 122
9.1.3. Device detected ........................................... 122
9.1.4. Temperature unit .......................................... 122
9.1.5. Log events ................................................... 123
9.2. System requirements ............................................ 124
9.3. About software ...................................................... 124
9.4. Extended Configuration ........................................ 125
9.5. Overview shortcuts ............................................... 126
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Welcome!
Thank you for choosing the optris PI and/or Xi infrared camera and corresponding PIX Connect software!
The optris PI or Xi calculates the surface temperature based on the emitted infrared energy of objects [►
Basics of Infrared Thermometry]. The two-dimensional detector (FPA - Focal Plane Array) or (CMOS Complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor) allows a measurement depending on the device max. pixels
and will be shown as thermographic image using standardized palettes. The radiometric processing of the
picture data enables the user to do a comfortable detailed analysis using the software PIX Connect.
Main features of PIX Connect software:
Display of the real time thermal image (up to a max. of
1 kHz) with a wide range of measurement functions
Recording function (video, radiometric video,
snapshot)
Analysis and post processing of
infrared images/ videos
Complete set up of parameters and
remote control of the camera
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Optris GmbH
Ferdinand-Buisson-Str. 14
13127 Berlin
Germany
Phone: +49-30-500 197-0
Fax: +49-30-500 197-10
E-mail: info@optris.global
Internet: www.optris.global
Legal disclaimer
Note
Read the manual carefully before you start the device. The manufacturer reserves the right to
change the herein described specifications in case of technical advance of the product.
All products are warranted against defective materials and workmanship
for a period of two (2) years from the delivery date of the original
purchase, provided such products have been under normal storage, use
and service, and in accordance with the instruction. This warranty expires
in case of inappropriate use of all delivered components.
All products not manufactured by us included in systems delivered by us
to the original purchaser carry the warranty, if any, of the particular
supplier only and we have no responsibility whatsoever for such products.
The manufacturer is not liable for any use of the software PIX Connect
including data recording. The manufacturer does not carry liability for
error-free operation of the software in any hardware and operating
system.
The warranty is not expressed for possible quality changes, errors when presenting the software, occurring
defects during operation or insufficiencies in certain applications. The user is liable for any defects or data
processing insufficiencies when in using the software.
The manufacturer has no other liability inside the scope of supply other than mentioned above. The
manufacturer shall not be liable for any business loss or claim for compensation, loss of the computer
software, possible loss of data, additional costs for replacement software, claims of third parties or other
occurring costs or failures and deficits.
The software is protected by copyright and is not allowed to be changed or sold to third parties.
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1. Getting started
1.1. Software installation
Please install at first the software PIX Connect from the CD. The CD contains the software application, the
specific calibration data of the imager as well as some sample files. These data will be installed
automatically.
Insert the installation CD into the according drive on your computer. If the autorun option is activated the
installation wizard will start automatically. Otherwise please start setup.exe from the CD-ROM. Follow the
instructions of the wizard until the installation is finished.
At the end of the installation, you will get an overview of
what has been added, changed and corrected in the
current software version. You will find this overview
again on the data medium under the document name
Changelog.
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The installation wizard will place a launch icon on the desktop
and in the start menu.
Now you can connect the infrared imager into an USB port
(USB 2.0 or higher) of your PC. After the software has been
started, you should see the live image from the camera inside
a window on your PC screen.
The sharpness of the image can be adjusted by turning the
exterior lens ring at the camera (PI) or by using the distance
function in the software (Xi).
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1.2. Choice of camera
Note
In case your language is not provided you will find a translation tool on the software CD delivered
with the camera.
In case you are using more than one camera simultaneously (e.g. via USB hub) please select the required
device from the list in the Devices menu.
1.3. Choice of language
In the Tools and Language menu you can choose from a
variety of available languages.
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1.4. Software window (example)
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10 9 8
7
6 5 4
3
2 2 1
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1
IR image from the camera
2
Temperature profile: Shows the temperatures along max. 2 lines at any size and position in the image.
3
Control displays: Displays all temperature values in the defined measure areas like Cold Spots, Hot Spots, temperature at
cursor, internal temperature and chip temperature.
Alarm settings: Bar showing the defined temperature thresholds for low alarm value (blue arrow) and high alarm value (red
arrow). The color of numbers within control displays changes to red (when temp. above the high alarm value) and to blue
(when temp. below the low alarm value).
4
Temperature of measure area: Analyses the temperature according to the selected shape, e.g. average temperature of the
rectangle. The value is shown inside the IR image and the control displays.
5
Reference bar: Shows the scaling of temperature within the color palette.
6
Temperature time diagram: Shows the temperature curves over time for selectable region of interest (ROI)
7
Histogram: Shows the statistic distribution of single temperature values.
8
Automatic / manual scaling of the palette (displayed temperature range): Man., </> (min, max),
1σ : 1 Sigma, 3σ : 3 Sigma, OPT: Palette optimization
9
Distance function: Adjustment of the motor focus to focus the IR picture
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Menu and Toolbar (Icons)
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Icon enabling switching between color palettes
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Status bar: Model and serial number, optic, temperature range, cursor position, device framerate/ display framerate,
emissivity, ambient temperature, flag status
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Under View and User Mode you can select between two additional display options. In
User Mode Touch
User Mode Tablet
addition to the Desktop view, the Touch view or the Tablet view can also be used here.
These additional views are particularly useful when using a touch computer or a tablet.
The screen and menu are customized and displayed according to their functions.
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Note
The User Mode Tablet provides only limited functionality.
Configuration window for User Mode Touch and Tablet
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1.5. Menu and Toolbar (Icons)
File
Open, save and replay of files; recording; saving temp./time diagram data; snapshot;
screenshot; capture screen
Edit
Editing of sequences and layouts
View
Display or fade-out of different software features
Devices
Choice of camera and self-referencing
Tools
Additional settings of camera and software parameters as line scanner mode; layouts;
language; extended settings as merged device configuration and updating the firmware
Help
Information about software; documentation; SDK; locking application
1.5.1. Menu
Using the menu you can adjust all software settings. Each feature will be explained in detail in the following
chapters of this manual:
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1.5.2. Toolbar (Icons)
Open
Histogram
Previous palette
Save
Visible Video
Configuration
Play
3D Chart
Enable linescanning
Pause
Temperature profile
(horizontal)
Linescanner view
Sighting view
Stop
Temperature profile
(vertical)
Linescanner
configuration
Record
Temperature time
diagram
Image subtraction
Save snapshot to file
Digital display group
Image subtraction
from file
Copy snapshot to
clipboard
Snapshot history
Refresh Flag
Save screenshot to
file
Distance
Acknowledge Alarm
Screenshot to
clipboard
Toggle user mode
Close all tools
Capture screen
Full screen
Digital display (main
measure area)
Replay captured
screen
IR/Visible Fusion
Digital display
(mouse curser)
Reference bar
Next palette
Exit
The most important features of the software can be activated directly via the toolbar. You can redesign the
toolbar according to your preferences (see section 2.2.2). Available toolbar icons are the following:
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Toggle Minimum,
Mean Value,
Maximum
Config merged device
About
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2. Software configuration
Gray (Black = Cold)
Iron
Gray (White = Cold)
Iron Hi
Alarm Red
Rainbow
Alarm Green
Rainbow Hi
Alarm Blue
Rainbow Medical Blue Hi
2.1. General settings
You can activate all here mentioned features in the Tools, Configuration and General menu (except for
color palettes and temperature unit).
2.1.1. Color palettes
In the Tools, Configuration, Measuring colors and Standard palette menu
you can choose from a list of color palettes to achieve ideal displaying of the
infrared image and the included temperature information.
You can also adjust the color palette via the Icon on the toolbar or the menu
View and Shift palette.
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Examples of various color palettes:
Palette Iron
Palette Rainbow
Palette Blue Hi
Palette Rainbow Hi
Palette Rainbow Medical
Palette Gray (Black = Cold)
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2.1.2. Temperature unit
Manual
The lower and the upper border (Min/Max) can be determined individually.
</>
The software continuously defines the upper and the lower border based on the hottest and
coldest pixel in the image.
The temperature unit can be changed in the menu Tools, Extended and
Options. When setting the Temperature unit you can choose between
Celsius (°C) and Fahrenheit (°F).
Alternatively, the temperature unit can also be
changed by pressing the right mouse button in the live
IR image.
2.1.3. Temperature range scaling of reference bar
Via the Temperature range scaling settings you can allocate colors to
temperature values within the reference bar.
These are the following options:
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1 σ
The mean value of all pixels in the image will be continuously calculated. Based on the mean
value one standard deviation (1 sigma) sets the limits of reference bar.
3 σ
The mean value of all pixels in the image will be continuously calculated. Based on the mean
value three standard deviations (3 sigma) set the limits of reference bar.
OPT
With OPT a contrast optimization is achieved. This function allows an optimum contrast
between very low and very high temperatures.
Note
Palette optimization (OPT) is not available for PI 1M and PI 05M.
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2.1.4. Displayed frame rate
Off
The display frame rate corresponds to the device frame rate of the camera.
Skipping
It skips so many pictures that the set display frame rate results.
Average
The pixels are averaged out of a sequence of images. This weakens the detector noise.
Minimum
From a sequence of images, the smallest value is displayed for each pixel.
Maximum
From a sequence of images, the highest value is displayed for each pixel.
Ext.
Averaging
Is a combination of average and skipping and is used at very low display rates. The
averaging time indicates how many percent of the set frame time should be averaged.
In the remaining time, the frames are skipped (e.g., if the display frequency is 1 Hz and
the averaging time is 10%, then 100 ms is averaged and 900 ms are skipped).
The option Reduce displayed frames defines what
frame rate is used to display the image. Typically, the
specification is in Hertz (Hz, images per second). The
maximum frame rate of the imager depends on the
camera model you’re using. It is recommended to
use the default parameters of 20 Hz.
The camera supplies the software with all images at the whole time. When you using a lower display
framerate you have to decide what should happen with the rest of the pictures. Under Mode you have
several options:
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Note
A reduced frame rate means a less loaded computer in terms of data processing. Therefore,
please adjust the displayed frame rate according to your application as well as to the performance
of your computer.
2.1.5. Change of title bar
The Application title bar option enables the individual
setting for an own title name.
The setting Default displays the standard software
name „PIX Connect“. Using the setting User defined
you can specify an individual name. The option Instance name is important if starting several cameras and
software on one computer. The option Revision name is disabling the display of software version in the title
bar.
2.1.6. Optimization of software
The display of the thermal image in the main window of the software can
be adjusted according to the performance of the computer. Choosing
the option Quality and High-speed temperature calculation the
display will be enlarged to the highest resolution, but requires a higher
computing power. Using a slow computer, it is recommended to choose
the option Performance. Is the bar placed in the middle, you get a compromise between quality and
performance.
If Keep Aspect Ratio is selected the aspect ratio will be
maintained.
The option Prevent screensaver is suppressing the
screensaver functionality of your computer.
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2.1.7. Lock / unlock application
The software offers the possibility to block or unlock the application by
entering a password. This is possible under menu Help and Lock / unlock
application. Enter a password and repeat it. Then press Lock and the
application is locked.
The setting options are now all gray in color and they are no longer able to
make changes. Only when you go to Help and Lock / unlock application,
enter the password and click Unlock, the software will be unlocked again.
Remove Password removes the current password and with Change
Password a new password can be assigned.
If the application should be locked again, the current password remains
memorized and a repeated entry of the password is no longer necessary.
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Separate window and window with
positioning field to place it into the
software individually.
2.2. Software layout
2.2.1. Displayed windows
You can individually choose the displayed windows and easily change their
positions within the desktop area (drag & drop). To add windows please use
the menu item View and Windows.
On the one hand a window can be positioned separately on the screen. On
the other hand a window can be set at a fixed position in the software. The
location can be determined using the positioning field (mouse over the arrows
„above“, „below“, „right“, „left“).
When a window is dragged into another one (mouse has to be placed within
title head) both will be merged. You can switch between them using the tab
provided.
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2.2.2. View bars
Note
All icons shown on the toolbar can be individually selected via the
option Customize tool bar… (Please see also 1.5.2).
For individual display of software you can show or hide single bars in the software
window.
There is the possibility to Show all bars or Hide all bars by one click.
2.2.3. Information within image
Using the menu View and Image Information you can decide, which
information you would like to see inside the infrared image window.
Via Reference bar you can set the position of the temperature scale
within the infrared image window.
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The menu item Use contrast color can be used for highlighting particular information within the IR image.
Display of thermal image without
and with contrast colors
2.2.4. Temperatures in digital displays
The menu option View and Digital display group
temperatures allows the user to define which temperature
control displays will be shown in the application window
Temperatures (see section 2.2.1). The shown pre-defined
values can also be displayed in the temperature time diagram
(see section 4.3).
Furthermore, the alarm configuration can be based on these temperatures
(see section 4.8)
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2.2.5. Layout management
Note
Before you click Save layout you must add new layout name into
the field provided.
In the menu item Tools and Layout you can manage pre-designed or your
own image layouts. If you want to use an alternative layout you must
activate it under Load layout. You can save your own layouts with userdefined names.
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2.2.6. Assign / remove layouts
Note
To confirm the changes as explained above you must always save the file. Please use the menu
File and Save or the Icon on the toolbar.
In the menu item Edit and Assign layout to current file you can save files with a new layout setting.
Using Remove layout from current file it is possible to configure a file in a way that it has no associated
layout pattern. When you play it again the layout of the previously played file will be used.
Under Tools, Configuration and Extended Layout, created layouts can be
assigned to specific device types. These layouts are then only visible for the selected
device types.
2.2.7. Further information
Independent whether other programs are running on your PC the PIX Connect software can always be kept
in the foreground. To activate this feature please use View and Always on top. All other applications will
now run in the background.
The thermal image of the main window can be displayed in a full screen mode. Please use the menu View
and Full screen or the Icon on the toolbar to change the display size.
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2.3. Arranging of thermal image
The thermal image within the main window of the software can be displayed in various ways using the menu
Tools, Configuration and IR Image arranging.
2.3.1. Mirroring of displayed image
Sometimes, depending on the fitting position of the PI, it is useful to
Mirror the camera image horizontally or vertically. Either the image will
be adjusted by the menu mentioned above or under Tools and Mirror.
2.3.2. Rotation of displayed image
By tagging an icon it is possible to Rotate the thermal image into a
different position. Alternatively, a manual adjustment can be done by
defining a User defined angle.
2.3.3. Zooming in areas of the displayed image
Using the Zoom option a detail of the image can be enlarged in the
main window by the position information. The option can be
activated by tagging the Maximal (diagonal to the square) filed.
Furthermore you can use Pick rectangle for user defined zoom.
The corresponding measuring area can be selected. When user
defined is selected, the coordinates Left, Right, Top and Bottom
can be entered manually. The Resulting size of IR image will be
shown below.
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Rotation and zooming of a defined
measure area.
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2.4. Imager configuration
2.4.1. Calibration files
The menu Tools, Extended and Load calibration data enables to boot the calibration data for the currently
connected imager.
2.4.2. Correction of camera calibration
Due to the thermal drift of bolometers all measuring IR cameras need an offset correction every few minutes.
This correction is done by a motor driven motion of a blackened metal piece (so called flag) in the front of the
image sensor. In this way each image element is referenced with the same temperature. During those offset
calibrations thermal cameras do not measure (time is dependent on model and video mode). In order to
minimize this disturbing effect the offset correction can be initiated manually or by an external control pin at a
suitable point of time.
In the Devices and Refresh flag menu or via the Icon on the toolbar the
Flag (Shutter) can be refreshed manually.
The automatic correction of camera can also be set by defining minimum
or maximum intervals via the menu Tools, Configuration and Device.
The options Flag automatic and Min. Interval control that the flag will not
be released before a given time period even though it might be required
by the imager. If the Max. Interval is defined the flag will always be
released after a certain time period even if not required by the imager.
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Using the option Flag operation while recording and Use flag the correction is activated even if the
Note
The manual or automatic flag functionality is not available if the flag is externally controlled, e.g. via
the process interface input (please also see 2.5).
Note
The flag can be also used to protect the detector from potentially dangerous radiation (for example
laser radiation).
Note
The detector heating (Chip temperature mode) setting is only available for the PI series because
there is no chip heater integrated for the Xi series.
camera is recording. If Avoid flag is chosen the camera will not be corrected while recording. The option
Use flag while skipped frames is suitable at slow data capturing (3 Hz or less) as the correction will take
place automatically between two recorded images (correction time app. 250 ms).
2.4.3. Detector heating (Chip temperature mode)
The bolometer chip temperature can be set under Configuration
and Device. Standard (Floating) means that the chip heater is
off. The chip temperature results from the ambient temperature.
With Automatic, a predefined temperature is set. And a fixed chip
temperature can be set with Fixed value.
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2.4.4. Emissivity, transmissivity, ambient temperature
Note
In case that the emissivity and / or the ambient temperature values are controlled through the
Process Interface (PIF) the here defined values will be ignored (please also see 2.5). The display
of actual values will be shown in the status bar.
Using the menu Tools, Configuration and Device the
Emissivity and the Transmissivity (IR-window compensation)
can be set. The transmissivity is referring to the loss of radiation
if an object’s surface is measured by looking through a suitable
window.
Knowing the Ambient temperature is inevitable for a correct
temperature measurement. The ambient temperature value is
delivered by the camera’s internal sensor by default.
Alternatively, the value can be set as a fixed value.
Alternatively, the emissivity can also be changed via
the status bar in the PIX Connect software window. To do this, make a right-click on emissivity.
2.4.5. Reference temperature
The detector of the thermal imager has a thermal drift
over the time and must be corrected by self referencing.
At applications where a high measurement accuracy is
needed, the thermal image can be corrected permanently
by setting a reference temperature. Using the menu
Tools, Configuration, Device and Reference
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temperature several options for manual or automatic correction can be set.
Auto
The software is choosing the best way of correcting the image (offset or gain).
Offset
This kind of correction is recommended if there are big temperature differences
between the reference temperature value and the thermal image.
Gain
This kind of correction is recommended if there are small temperature differences
between the reference temperature value and the thermal image.
If there is an area within a thermal image having a constant temperature value (e.g. black body) the Source
can be defined as a Fixed value. By the option Compare with measuring area the area with constant
temperatures can be determined. The known reference value can be set within Fixed value. If the
temperatures are changing slightly within the defined area due to a thermal drift, the whole image will be
corrected by a certain factor.
Alternatively, the correction can be done by an external value (e.g. via connected pyrometer) by choosing the
process interface PIF in (please also see 2.5).
There are several Fitting modes to adjust the thermal image:
The option Consider flag is decreasing the influence of the camera’s correction (high temperature steps)
onto the display of the reference temperature. It is recommended to activate this option.
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2.4.6. Changing the optics (only PI)
Using the menu Tools, Configuration and Device the Optics
depending on the camera configuration must be chosen. As a
standard the camera can be delivered with different type of
lenses. If the camera is ordered with several additional lenses
the currently used optics must be chosen in this menu (only PI).
With the help of the menu point Radial Distortion Correction, the camera image can be corrected in such a
way that the image distortion is compensated by the optics (barrel distortion). It can be selected between Off,
Normal and Wide.
2.4.7. Changing the temperature range
Using the menu Tools, Configuration and Device the most
suitable Temperature range for the process can be set. The
imager features different temperature ranges depending on
the device.
Alternatively, the temperature range can also be changed via the
status bar in the PIX Connect software window. To do this, make a
right-click on the temperature range.
A useful function is the adjustable, extended temperature range under Extended.
The temperature range 150 °C ... 900 °C can be extended from 20 °C. The
accuracy between 20 °C ... 150 °C is no longer exact. This function is used to
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display an IR image with or without temperatures between 20 °C ... 150 °C. This is especially useful if an IR
Note
The extended temperature range is usable for all PI 160 /2xx /4xx /640 cameras, calibrated from
March 2017 onwards and for all Xi cameras.
image is to be displayed between the hot processes.
With High resolution temperatures (if available), the temperature display has two decimal places instead
of one decimal place. This function is only available for certain camera models.
2.4.8. Video formats (Device framerate)
The cameras have different framerates. To change this, go to Tools, Configuration and
Device in the menu.
Alternatively, the device framerate can also be
changed via the status bar in the PIX Connect
software window. To do this, click on the device
framerate with the right mouse button.
With the camera PI 1M/ 05M, the user has the possibility to choose the
1 kHz mode. If this is selected, a window appears with the information
that the clipped format will be changed and the position of the section
itself can be set.
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2.5. Imager interfaces for PI and Xi 400 camera
2.5.1. General
The imager is equipped with a process interface (cable with integrated electronics and terminal block), which
can be programmed via the software as an Analog Input (AI) and Digital Input (DI) in order to control the
camera or as an Analog Output (AO) in order to control the process. The signal level is always 0-10 V. The
process interface can be activated choosing the following options:
Analog Input (AI): Emissivity, Ambient temperature, Reference temperature, Uncommitted value, Flag
Control, Triggered Snapshots, Triggered Recording, Triggered Linescanner,
Triggered event grabber, Reset Peak-/Valley-Hold
Analog Output (AO): Main measure area, Measure area, Internal temperature, Flag Status, Alarm, Frame
sync, Fail-safe, External Communication
Digital Input (DI): Flag Control, Triggered Snapshots, Triggered Recording, Triggered Linescanner,
Triggered event grabber, Reset Peak-/Valley-Hold
Configuration Process Interface (PIF)
Frame synchronization: In this function, a needle pulse is output for synchronization with fast processes at
the beginning of each frame.
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2.5.2. Process interface (PIF)
If you configure an analog value an
additional window will show up if you press
the Setup button. In this window you can
scale the in- or output:
Using Tools, Configuration and Device PIF menu you can configure a PIF which is connected to the
camera. The number of in- and outputs can vary depending on the connected PIF (Standard-PIF or Industrial
PIF). An available in- or output will be marked with a green checkmark (). A not available in- or output will
be marked with a red x. With Set number of ports like connected device, only the available inputs/outputs
are displayed.
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On the analog inputs you can select each function only once (exception: Uncommitted value).
Note
You can use the analog inputs, outputs and the digital input of the PIF simultaneously.
On the analog outputs also each function can only be selected once (exception: Measurement area; Alarm).
If you activate the function Alarm on an analog output you need to assign also in the Alarms tab the desired
measurement area to the desired PIF output.
The industrial PIF has a maximum of three analog outputs. To use additional outputs, the ADAM-4024
module from Advantech is recommended, which has four analog outputs per module and can be cascaded
with further modules.
For more information on the settings for alarms, see section 4.8 Alarms.
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The process interface has an integrated fail-safe mode. This allows to control conditions like interruption of
Controlled conditions on camera and
software
Standard Process interface
ACXIPIF
Industrial Process interface
ACXIPIFCBxx
Interruption USB cable to camera
Interruption data cable camera – PIF
Interruption power supply PIF
Shut-down of software
Crash of software
-
Fail-Safe output
0 V at analog output (AO)
Open contact (Fail-safe relay) /
red LED on
cables, shut-down of the software etc. and to give out these conditions as an alarm.
The failsafe function can be activated in the tab Device (PIF) under FS.
The industrial PIF has a separate failsafe relay.
Alternatively you can activate this function also on the analog outputs.
The checkbox Stop fail-safe pulse on alarm must be activated, if the
analog output should be used in addition as an alarm output for a
temperature alarm. In case of an alarm the alternating fail-safe pulse
signal will stop and the set voltage level will be given out as constant
value (Industrial PIF only).
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2.6. Software Development Kit (SDK)
Note
Two software development kits are offered: Connect SDK (provides a very large range of
functions, PIX Connect software must run as a background process) and Direct SDK (does not
require PIX Connect software, the library "libirimager" provides a C++ interface for Linux and
Windows). You will find more details on using the SDKs on the CD provided.
2.6.1. Interprocess Communication (IPC)
Tools, Configuration, External Communication and
Interprocess Communication (IPC) enables you to embed
colors, temperatures or ADU values into other applications
via Dynamic Link Library (DLL). In addition, a Timeout can
be set when the connection has been interrupted. The
Internal buffer size is the size of the queue between PIX
Connect and Direct SDK (unit: frames).
2.6.2. COM-Port
You can activate the feature in the Tools, Configuration,
External Communication and Comport menu.
If selected the data values sent out by the camera can be
transmitted via specified Port. The Baud rate can be
changed (from 1200 to 921600) accordingly. The
Bus address is used to assign an unique address to each
participant.
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2.7. Start options
2.7.1. Overview of start options
PIX Connect software can be started with additional starting parameters using the command
line. Please change the linkage in the software settings via the launch icon on the desktop.
Behind the command line please add a space character and the required command
parameter, e.g. "C:\Program\...\PIX Connect\Imager.exe" /?
Starting the software via the launch icon you will get an overview of possible commands:
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Note
Using the parameter Invisible the software can only be closed via the Task Manager and
Processes.
2.7.2. Start of multiple software / imager instances
In case you are using more than one PI simultaneously each imager can be linked to one software instance.
In order to setup further software instance please follow the steps below:
1.) Duplicate the software icon at the desktop
2.) Optional: Change the name of the new software icon at the desktop, e.g. „Imager1“
3.) Make a right klick on the new icon, klick on Properties, go to Shortcut and Target and at
the end of the line type the new name in:
"C:\Programme\...\PIX Connect\Imager.exe" /Name=Imager1
(see 2.7.1)
4.) Optional: Change the title name using the start parameter
(see 2.1.5)
5.) Start the software using the new software icon
6.) Link a camera to the new software instance in the PIX Connect
software
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In order to set up the last step please go to menu Tools,
Note
Each imager can only be linked to one software instance.
Note
It is recommended to connect at first one camera and to do the steps 1 till 5 and afterwards start
with the second camera etc., so that no possible interference is caused.
Configuration and Device and select in Application
start the favored imager for the respective software
instance.
Starting the software via the new desktop icon the linked imager will be displayed automatically. SN is the
serial number of the individual camera.
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3. Data capturing
Note
Via the menu File and Reopen you can easily reopen captured files if the option in 3.4.6 is
activated.
Start
End
Rewind
Play
Previous image
Pause
Next image
Play in loop
Forward
Play selection only
3.1. Open files
Via the menu File and Open or the Icon on the toolbar you can open all files which can be processed by the
software.
3.2. Replay of files
3.2.1. Control panel
In order to replay a video sequence you can use different
options in the File menu or at the control panel. The video
control panel contains:
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3.2.2. Replay options
Note
The replay settings only refer to the current file shown in the main window. All definitions, however,
can be saved in an individual layout assigned to the file.
Via the menu Tools, Configuration, Playing and Playing
options you can modify the Play rate of recorded video
sequences. This feature ensures that you can replay a video of a
fast process in slow motion in order to analyze it in more details.
Additionally, you can define to replay a recorded video in a loop
(Infinitive loop playing) or to Play selection only. To define a
selection the position marks on the time bar needs to be set. All mentioned settings can also be changed via
the control panels below the main window.
The software allows you to change measurement parameters
later on. Via the menu Tools, Configuration, Playing and While
playing use this alternative values and settings you can adjust
the parameters Emissivity, Ambient temperature and
Transmissivity to the measurement conditions. Above that, via
Disable recorded Reference temperature you can deactivate
reference value stored in the file.
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3.3. Editing video sequences
1 1 2
The selected video can be edited by using Trim to selection option in the Edit menu.
A time bar tool is shown on the bottom of the image. Set the position marks on the time bar to select the
beginning and end of the video sequence you want to be edited. The not selected video sequence parts
(bright grey) will be deleted by choosing Trim to selection option. The selected video sequence (dark grey)
will remain.
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3.4. Saving files
Off
The recording frame rate corresponds to the device frame rate of the camera.
Skipping
It skips so many pictures that the set display frame rate results.
Average
The pixels are averaged out of a sequence of images. This weakens the detector noise.
Minimum
From a sequence of image, the smallest value is displayed for each pixel.
Maximum
From a sequence of image, the highest value is displayed for each pixel.
Ext.
Averaging
Is a combination of average and skipping and is used at very low frame rates. The
averaging time indicates how many percent of the set frame time should be averaged.
In the remaining time, the frames are skipped (e.g., if the frame rate is 1 Hz and the
averaging time is 100 ms, then 100 ms is averaged and 900 ms is skipped).
3.4.1. Setting the recording frame rate
The camera’s maximum frame rate depends on the camera model you’re
using and can be reduced. Using Tools, Configuration, Recording and
Recording framerate the speed of the data capturing can be set. Typically,
the specification is in Hertz (Hz, images per second).
The software gets the full frame rate from camera. That is why you need to define what to do with the images
which are left if choosing a reduced frame rate. There are several alternatives to set in the Mode option:
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Recording frame rate
referring to 1 pixel
3.4.2. Setting the recording modes
If desired the Recording time limit sets fixed recording
time in seconds. After reaching the time limit the software
stops the recording.
Choosing the option Save after recording is stopped
the images will be saved without further notice. If the
option Play after recording is stopped is activated the
saved images will be played automatically in the main window. The recording contains radiometric Videos
(RAVI file) which allow users to do a detailed post-analysis anytime later. Moreover, new measure areas and
alarms can be created in addition to recorded data when doing the analysis. The temperature value of each
pixel as well as information on defined measure areas is recorded.
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Note
The status of recording is displayed at the bottom notice
bar. The background color will turn RED when recording.
Note
This temporary file will be overwritten with each new recording.
3.4.3. Temporary recording file
Choose the directory for saving your temporarily recorded video file.
The Estimated file size is estimated to indicate the amount of megabits needed or consumed. It can be
checked whether the available hard disk is sufficient for the desired recording time.
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3.4.4. Saving radiometric video sequences
Video sequences are saved as a radiometric file (RAVI). RAVI files contain all temperature as well as
measure area information.
For recording a video sequence you can use either the menu File and Record or the available Icon on the
toolbar.
For stopping a video sequence you can use either the menu File and Stop or the available Icon on the
toolbar.
If the video sequence includes the expected content you can save it via the menu File and Save or the Icon
on the toolbar.
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3.4.5. Saving image data as radiometric snapshot or text file
Note
The option Genuine (device resolution) needs to be chosen if you want to save and display
(snapshot history) the identical snapshot. Otherwise, the camera image taken before the snapshot
will be displayed in the history.
Snapshots are single, radiometric images based on a video
sequence, this means they are contain all temperature as well as
measure area information. Thus the images can always be
analyzed in detail later on.
Snapshots can be captured via the menu File and Snapshot or
via the Icon on the toolbar.
Using the settings in the menu Tools, Configuration and
Snapshots / Copy to clipboard you can define how a snapshot is
copied into the clipboard or stored on the computer. Either the
snapshot will be saved in the Genuine (device resolution) corresponding to the camera’s resolution,
Magnified (Magnification for PI160, PI2xx to four times the resolution, for PI4xx to double, and for PI640 and
PI1M, the original device resolution remains) or using As video window (as illustrated video window). The
option Draw overlay information will display all information, such as measuring area or temperature display
and is stored on the image. If the checkmark is not set, only the pure thermal image is stored without values
and information.
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If the option Open a file dialog is tagged you will always be asked about the location, the file name and the
file type before saving a snapshot.
Having chosen the option Generate filename by template the
snapshots location and name will be generated based on the
settings in the menu Tools, Configuration and Trig. Recording /
Snapshots (please see section 3.4.6).
In the Tools, Configuration and
Trig. Recording / Snapshots menu you
define the File type for triggered
snapshots.
The option Max. triggered snapshots sets
the number of displayed snapshots in the
separate window Snapshot history (please
see section 2.2.1). If Ignore last snapshot
(if available) is activated only the latest snapshot will be displayed in the Snapshot history window if a new
snapshot is captured.
Show image of VIS camera (if available) implies that the visible image if available will be saved too.
Reverse order implies that the sequence of the pictures will be shown in the snapshot history in reverse
order.
Create link in “reopen file” list for triggered video sequences and snapshots implies that the snapshots
or triggered videos are listed under File and Reopen.
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There are the following options to save image data:
TIFF (*.tiff)
Saving of image (snapshot) as radiometric picture in TIFF format.
Text (Image data)
(*csv)
Saving of image (snapshot) as Text format to edit information in Excel.
Text (Temp.
profile data) (*csv)
Saving of temperature profile data only as Text format to edit information in Excel.
Note
The TIFF files are saved as radiometric files and can be analyzed in detail with the PIX Connect
software. Furthermore, they can also be displayed in any standard program like Photoshop
showing the color information within the image.
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Analysis of thermal image in Excel via *.csv file
export and display of pixel data in 3D
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3.4.6. Saving text file of the temperature / time diagram
Note
Using the option Create link in “reopen file“ list for triggered video sequences and snapshots
the files can easily be reopened via the menu File and Reopen.
The data capturing includes all information like measure areas and temperature displays of the
main window if the option Save layout together with triggered video sequences and snapshots
is tagged.
Via the menu File and Save Temp/Time diagram data the data of diagram can be saved in a text file (*.dat)
for further analysis.
3.4.7. Location and filename templates of triggered recordings
In the Tools, Configuration and
Trig. Recording / Snapshots menu you can define a
Prefix for filename. The software is using this prefix if
saving a sequence or snapshot.
The Path defines the storage location of all files and can be changed here. Once recorded the file is saved
under name including prefix, current date and time stamp.
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3.4.8. Display of snapshots in a separate window
In the menu View, Windows and Snapshot history or over the icon you can activate a window in order to
display all triggered snapshots (please also see section 2.2.1). Before you have to choose the option
Generate filename by template in the menu Tools, Configuration and Trig. Recording / Snapshots
(please see section 3.4.5).
If a shot snapshot is to be opened from the snapshot history, there are
several options:
Open: Opens the snapshot in the same instance (see also section 3.1)
Open in new instance (using last layout): Layout that was last opened in
the viewer instance
Open in new instance (using current layout): Layout that is currently
open in the current instance
Open in new instance (using layout in this file): Layout that is contained
in the file that is to be opened
Delete: Snapshot is deleted
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3.4.9. Saving images or screenshots to clipboard
Note
The whole software window can also be
saved using the File, Screenshot and
Save menu or the Icon on the toolbar.
Using the File, Snapshot and Copy to clipboard menu or the Icon on the toolbar the image of the main
window can be copied to the clipboard in order to paste it into different programs such as MS Word.
Alternatively, you can also copy the whole software window
(screenshot) to the clipboard using the File, Screenshot and
Copy to clipboard menu.
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3.4.10. Capture Screen
The software offers the possibility to make a screen recording (wmv format). To start a Capture screen, go to
File, Capture screen, and Capture screen. Alternatively, you can also press the F7 key or the adjacent
icon.
The replay of the last Capture screen recording can be started under File, Capture screen and Replay
captured screen. Alternatively, press the Alt + F7 key or the adjacent icon.
The following setting options can be found in the configuration menu under the tab Capture screen.
Under Capture mode, you can choose
between Application (PIX Connect window),
Fullscreen (whole window of screen), and
Imager only (IR screen only).
At Capture framerate, you can enter the Framerate at which the
recording is to be recorded.
Under General capture settings, you can select whether the mouse
Capture Cursor is to be recorded and what is the Minimum Duration
of the recording.
The temporary screen capture file is stored in
the following path:
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Under Filename mode, you can decide how
Note
If during the recording the software window is made smaller or larger, the size remains from the
start.
and where to save a recording. You can
choose between the following options:
Open a file dialog: After recording, a dialog
window will pop up, prompting you to enter a
location and a save name.
Generate file name by template: Here you can enter a Prefix for filename, a Path and a Sample for the
recording.
Static filename: Under the name and path entered here, the recording is automatically saved. The file is
overwritten with each new recording.
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4. Data processing
4.1. Measure areas
4.1.1. General settings
Measure areas for temperature analysis can be defined, edited and
deleted using the menu Tools, Configuration and Measure areas.
Using Add (Measure Area) / Add (Calculated area) buttons you can
create a new Measure area / Calculated area. The Remove button
deletes an existing Measure area / Calculated area.
Press Up / Down to position individual measure areas within the list.
One measure area from the list can be appointed as the Main
measure area. The temperature of the main area can be displayed in
the main window or converted into an electrical signal to be
transmitted via the Process Interface (PIF)
Under Display the font size can be changed for all measuring areas.
By selecting Show in image measure areas can be displayed in the
infrared image.
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Available measure area shapes are:
User defined rectangle
Measure point (1x1)
Measure point (2x2)
Measure point (3x3)
Measure point (5x5)
Ellipse
Polygon
Spline-Kurve
Position (X, Y)
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Any measure area can be renamed individually in the Name field. Under the field Shape the different
measuring shapes can be selected. The table above shows the available shapes. The temperature of the
main measuring area can also be displayed in the main window. The value, which is displayed, is defined
over the Minimum, Maximum, Mean value or Distribution [%] in the field Mode or via the icon in the
toolbar:
Minimum: Min. value is shown
Maximum: Max. value is shown
Mean value: Mean value is shown
Distribution [%]: Indicates the percentage distribution between two selected temperatures
In the Position section the exact Location and Size of the measure area within the main window can be
defined. The moving and minimizing or maximizing of the measuring areas can also be realized directly at
the measuring area in the main window. By moving the cursor to the edges of the measuring area, the
grippers can be used to adjust the size of thermal image or to move the image completely (hold Ctrl
synchronously). If desired the area can represent a Hot spot (spot or area with highest mean temperature in
the image) or a Cold spot (spot or area with lowest mean temperature in the image).
Using Center you will be moving the measure area into the middle of the main window, using Standard size
the rectangle will be set in a predefined size.
Under Label in image, you can select whether the Name, Mode and / or Value is to be displayed in the
image. Two-lines means that the selected labels are displayed one after the other. At Location the position
of the label can be arranged for each created measurement area. Adjust at border prevents the label from
disappearing outside the border.
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Using Bind to temperature profile you can assign each measure area to one
Measure area assigned to a temperature profile
(measure point)
Measure area assigned to a temperature profile
(rectangle)
of the two temperature profile (Profile 1 / Profile 2).
The position of the measure area and the profile can be determined by the
option Location [%]. The size ratio can be defined by the option Min. Size.
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4.1.2. Calculated Objects
Off
The operation is off.
Difference
Calculates the difference temperature of
two selected measuring areas (Operand 1
and Operand 2).
Absolute difference
The result is a positive number which
results from the formation of the difference
between two selected measuring areas
(Operand 1 and Operand 2).
Average
In this mode an arithmetic algorithm will be performed to smoothen the signal.
The Averaging time [sec] is the time constant. This function can be combined
with all other post processing functions. If activated (Smart averaging [°C]), a
dynamic average adaptation at high signal edges is active.
Peak Hold
This function keeps the respective signal maximum. When the temperature
drops, the algorithm keeps the signal level for the set Hold time [sec]. After the
hold time the signal will drop down to the second highest value or will descend
by 1/8 of the difference between the previous peak and the minimum value
Calculated objects allow you to select various operations that offer a
signal processing. The name for the created object can be changed in
the field Name. Furthermore, in the field Show in digital display
group, you can decide whether the object is to be displayed in the
digital display group or not. Under Operation, you can choose between
the following operations:
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during the hold time. This value will be held again for the specified time. After
this the signal will drop down with slow time constant and will follow the current
object temperature. Therefore, if periodic events will be measured (bottles on a
conveyor e.g.) this peak hold function avoids a drop down of the signal to the
conveyor temperature in-between 2 events.
Valley Hold
With this function the respective signal minimum is held. If the signal ascends
the algorithm maintains the previous signal valley for the specified Hold time
[sec]. The definition of the algorithm is according to the peak hold algorithm
(inverted).
Adv. Peak Hold
This algorithm searches for local maximum values. Peak values which are lower
than their predecessors will only be taken over if the temperature has fallen
below the Threshold [°C] value beforehand. If Hysteresis [°C] is activated a
peak in addition must decrease by the value of the hysteresis before the
algorithm takes it as a new peak value.
Adv. Valley Hold
This function behaves inverted to the extended maximum search. This algorithm
searches for local minimum values. Minimum values which are higher than their
predecessors will only be taken over if the temperature has exceeded the
Threshold [°C] value beforehand. If Hysteresis [°C] is activated a minima in
addition must increase by the value of the hysteresis before the algorithm takes
it as a new minimum value.
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- Area 1 without post processing
- Object 1 with averaging time and smart avagering
- Area 1 without post processing
- Object 1 with averaging time and without smart avagering
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4.1.3. Excluding hot and cold spot areas
Using the menu Tools, Configuration, Measure areas and Edit excluded areas of hotspots/coldspots
you can exclude existing or potential hot or cold spots from data analysis. Within the user defined areas of
the image the spots will not be taken into consideration. A new area can be edited via the button Add a new
spot exclude area or deleted via the button Remove this spot exclude area. The excluded area can be
selected from already existing user defined areas in the drop down list or can be defined using coordinates.
If you select the option Show spot exclude areas in image the areas will be shown in the main window.
They are indicated by a dashed line.
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4.1.4. Individual emissivity values of measure areas
In case of measuring several materials different emissivity values
can be set within the image.
Using the menu Tools, Configuration, Measure areas and
Emissivity the individual emissivity values can be defined.
The display of the changing temperature values within the measure
areas will remain linked to the colors of the reference bar.
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4.2. Temperature profile
P2
Up to 2 temperature profiles which graphically reproduce the
temperature development can be generated. Therefore go to
Tools, Configuration and Temp. profiles. The profiles are
labeled as Profile 1 and Profile 2.
The position and size of the profiles can be defined via the
coordinates Start (P1) and End (P2).
Select Show in image if you want the profiles to be
displayed in the infrared image in the main window.
Alternatively, this setting can be made by choosing the
menu View and Image information (please see section
2.2.3).
The position and size of the profiles can be also defined by dragging the grippers at the end of the
lines within the image of the main window.
The temperature profiles can be displayed in additional windows (please see section 2.2.1). Using
the options Show in horizontal diagram, Show in vertical diagram, Show alarm values of main
measure area, Show pre-alarm values of main measure area and Use alarm and pre-alarm
colors in diagrams the profiles can be assigned to the horizontal and / or vertical diagram window.
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The option Range allows you to choose between automatic or manual
The profile curve assigned to the image
(Display in separate window)
The profile curve assigned to the full
range of the diagram (Display in
separate window)
adjustment of the temperature scaling within the diagram.
There are two possibilities of displaying the profile Curve in the profile
diagram. Using the option Assign to image the profile curve fills only the
parts corresponding with the actual length of the profile in the image.
Using the option Full range the profile curve fills the whole profile
diagram independent from the size of the profile.
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Use Bind measure areas to profile to assign various measure areas to
3 rectangles and 3 measure points are
assigned to temperature profile 1 and 2.
The option Delete existing measure areas of this temperature
profile eliminates the defined settings of a profile.
Save the settings by pressing the Create button.
a temperature profile. If the position of the profile is changed all the
measure areas will also be moved. The respective profile can be chosen
via the option Assign measure areas to.
Prefix for measure area name enables the individual labeling of
measure areas. The measure area type can be defined under the Mode
options.
Number of measure areas to create as well as the Width [% of profile
length] and Minimum height [pixels] can also be specified.
Via the Measure mode you can determine the way of displaying the
minimum, maximum or mean temperature in the digital display window
(please see section 2.2.1).
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4.3. Temperature Time Diagram
4.3.1. General settings
In the Tools, Configuration and Temp/Time
Diagram menu you can display the temperature over
time for each configured measure area as well as for
predefined values (please also see 2.2.4).
The Show options define if a certain temperature
value is displayed or not. If the graph is shown you
can decide whether to illustrate the name or not.
If activating the option Auto range the respective
graph is influencing the auto ranging of the diagram.
If the option is not chosen the scaling is based on the
other temperature values.
In the menu Pen, the width of the graph as well as its color can be individually configured.
A further option is to define the time scaling of the
diagram at a minimum [sec.]. If activating set initial
time to fixed value the time scale will be the length
of the initial time chosen. When choosing set initial
time to length of video the time scaling is adjusted
to the length of the stored video sequence loaded into the software. With set maximal time to length of
video the scaling of the time axis is fixed to the whole recording length.
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In the Diagram measuring settings you can define the maximum of
1
2 3 4
5
6 7 8
9
10
11
data (Maximum data count) which is displayed in the diagram. 1.000 x
1.000 results in 1.000.000 (one million) data values; the needed Memory
will be calculated automatically. For demonstration purposes with many measuring fields in the diagram, you
can make over the option Initially data count, an initial specification of the max. number of data counts
(computer memory is reserved). Using the option Auto (device framerate), the Recording time is
calculated based on the frame rate of the camera (please also see 3.4.1).
Independent from the frame rate of the camera you can
individually set the number of data. If you choose the option
User defined you can put into the box Diagram resolution
the rate of displayed data (time interval). Via the arrows the
interval can be increased or decreased.
4.3.2. Scaling of diagram axes
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Control elements of the time axis
1
Scroll bar to choose time segment.
2
Zoom (increase) into the diagram. The temperature axis will remain.
3
Zoom (decrease) into the diagram. The temperature axis will remain.
4
Whole range: Display of whole time axis, e.g. of a stored video sequence.
5
H: Hold/ C: Continue: Any activation of the H control element will stop the further actualization of the
measurement graph. The measurement itself continues in the background. To return to the current
measurement graph please press the C control element.
During the stopped status any parts of the diagram can be selected. With the zoom in-button +
these parts can be stretched (enlarged) and with the zoom out-button – clinched (minimized).
6
Global scaling: The temperature range of the diagram will automatically be adapted to the
respective peak values. The range will remain as set during the whole measurement.
7
Local scaling: The temperature range of the diagram will be adapted dynamically to the respective
peak values. After the respective peak has left the diagram in the further process of the
measurement, the range will be readapted. This option enables an optimum display of the
temperature graph.
8
Scroll bar to choose temperature segment.
Control elements of the temperature axis
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9
Zoom (increase) into the diagram. The time axis will remain.
10
Zoom (decrease) into the diagram. The time axis will remain.
11
Whole range: Display of whole temperature range which is set in the camera.
4.4. Histogram
The Histogram feature shows the distribution of pixel intensity values
within a thermal image. The X-axis of the histogram represents the
pixel intensity and the Y-axis represents the percent of color count for
each pixel intensity value.
In the Tools, Configuration and Histogram menu you can adjust
various settings. The given Temperature range and Temperature
distribution can be generated by the software or by the user by
defining the minimum/maximum temperature range respectively minimum/maximum temperature distribution.
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Current temperature
If activated the red line will show the current temperature at the mouse in the
graph.
Mean and sigma
value
Average temperature and statistical deviation 1σ (1 Sigma) will be displayed.
Source
Shows on what source the histogram is related to.
Values
The current values of the single palette colors are shown, but it needs a certain
window size to illustrate them on the graph.
Use palette colors
You can choose between colored or black/white presentation.
Further options are:
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Histogram with the view of current
temperature, mean and sigma values,
Source, Values, Use palette colors and
step size (here: 0,5°C)
Step size
Shows the width of the bar in °C or °F.
Under Source can be decided whether the histogram should refer to the whole image or to a specific
selected measuring area.
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4.5. Extended measuring colors
The Tools, Configuration, Measuring colors and
Extended Measuring colors menus offer you the
possibility to change the pixel color within the image if the
temperature Range reaches predefined low and/or high
temperature values. Doing this you can visualize
temperature gradients. Furthermore, the display of
isotherms (colored display of temperature group) is
possible.
Via the Threshold definition you can set two temperature
values. The individual display of pixel located over (High),
between (Mid) or below (Low) the thresholds can be
defined by specific isotherm (Color) or by an alternative
color palette (Alt. Palette).
Using Alt. palette
the colors
correspond to
the temperature
borders in the
reference bar option. You will see the range of the palette which
was defined by the thresholds.
With Ext. Alt. Palette you can individually define the start and
end point of the extended alternative color palette within the
overall reference bar.
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4.6. Image subtraction
Image subtraction is not activated. The
current averaged temperature of the
measure area is displayed in the right
top corner.
After activating the image subtraction
function the current temperature
difference compared to the previous
image is displayed.
Once you have activated the feature by using Image subtraction in the Devices menu or via the Icon on
the toolbar, an image is saved in the background and a temperature difference is calculated and displayed
for all the following images.
Alternatively, you can load a previously saved radiometric image (TIFF) using Image subtraction from file
in the Devices menu or via the Icon on the toolbar in order to use it as a template for the image subtraction.
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Under Menu Tools, Configuration and Extended
Layout you can choose by Image subtraction – On
loading layout do between Keep existing image
subtraction, Reset existing image subtraction and
Load this image file.
4.7. Relative extreme values
Within the Tools, Configuration and Extended
measuring menu it is possible to exclude pixel within the
thermal image from data analysis.
Using Ignore pixels with temperatures a temperature
can be set as lowest (below) or highest (above) value.
In case of analyzing an image using measure areas (for measure areas) the calculation of e.g. the mean
value is not taking values below or above the set limits into account.
For hot/cold spots localization determines that all pixels with the defined values are excluded from search.
For </> temperature ranging means that all pixels with the respective temperature do not influence e.g. the
automatic scaling of temperature-time-diagram.
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4.8. Alarms
Note
The background color of the window for the digital display of the
main measuring field also changes when the alarm value is below
or exceeded, in light blue or blue (low alarm) or orange or red (high
alarm).
In the Tools, Configuration and Alarms menu you
can define an alarm and pre-alarm for each
configured measure area as well as for the
predefined values (please also see 2.2.4). Prealarms can be useful as an advance warning.
The alarm values can be displayed as figures in the
digital display or in a graphical way as a bar. For the
latter you need to activate the option GraphBar. Regarding the bar you can
define via Display ranges the Min. and Max. value (temperature borders).
With Alarms the Low and High thresholds can be set which finally defines
the displayed color.
If the high alarm value is reached or exceeded the color of bar changes to
red, for pre-alarm orange. If the measured temperature reaches or goes
below the lower alarm value the color of bar changes to blue, for pre-alarm
light blue. Temperatures in between the defined thresholds are displayed
green.
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If a temperature value shall be used as an pre-alarm, you need to tag the Pre-alarms option.
Note
If activating the Alarm Appl., a red alarm button on the toolbar appears. You can
deactivate the visual and acoustic alarm by clicking on the alarm button. The alarm will
stay deactivate until the alarm value is reached again.
The alarm can also be put out via the Process Interface (PIF) using the Alarm to PIF option.
In the Alarm configuration window you can set an Audible alarm.
In the Interval [sec] input box you can specify the time
interval the sound appears. Via the Path to sound file
you can Browse an individual *.wav file
The acoustic alarm signalization can be repeated in
defined intervals setting the Interval [sec].
Using the option Recording on alarm you can specify a
Delay [sec]. The recording starts after the delay time is
over. In the Duration [sec] box the recording time of the
video sequence can be set.
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Furthermore, a recording can be stopped via Abort recording if alarm condition drops out. If this option is
not chosen the recording will be finished based on the time in the duration box.
With the Snapshot on alarm option you can set a Delay [sec] time before an
alarm will trigger the storage of an image.
4.9. 3D display of thermal image
Thermal images can be displayed in real time as
3 dimensional images. The 3D Chart is displayed in a
separate window. To add the software window please
use the menu item View, Windows and 3D Chart or
the Icon on the toolbar
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4.10. Event grabber
Batch processes are easy to handle thanks to the event grabber. In the case of fast-paced recurring
processes, a snapshot is created when an alarm condition occurs, in order to be able to analyze critical
areas.
The settings can be found under the menu Tools, Configuration and Event grabber.
Under Trigger mode you can select between Self-triggered (on alarm of a measure area) and External
triggered (on PIF).
In the case of Self-triggered (on alarm of a measure area), the event
is triggered by the set application alarm. At first the Triggering
measure area has to be selected at which the set alarm condition is to
be triggered.
At External triggered (on PIF), the event is
triggered by the process interface (PIF). For this, a
Trigger input must first be selected. The available
inputs depend on the PIF which is used.
On trigger hold, the following items can be selected:
3D Chart: The 3D diagram is held in case of an alarm condition.
Temperature Time Diagram: The Temperature Time Diagram is
held in case of an alarm condition.
Temperature Profile: The Temperature Profiles are held in case of
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an alarm condition.
Histogram: The Histogram is held in case of an alarm condition.
Under Extended settings, a Holdoff time can be entered. A new
alarm condition is not taken into account during this set time.
If the checkmark is enabled by Allow event grabbing (and alarm)
while playing, the event grabber is considered when playing a Ravi.
Create snapshot on event will create a snapshot after every event
which will appear in the snapshot history and in the event grabber
(frozen image) window.
The triggered snapshot for the event grabber can be found under menu View, Windows and Event grabber
(frozen Image).
Measurement areas can be created and arranged in the live IR image as well as in the event grabber (frozen
image). If you want to add an measurement area in the event grabber (frozen image), this must be set under
the Configuration menu and Measure areas. Under Measure area, the check
mark Use in event grabber must be selected.
As a template for the event grabber, you can use the sample layout Event grabber.
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4.11. Zoom function of snapshots
Captured snapshots can be enlarged when viewed. To do this, open
a saved snapshot (TIFF file), as described in chapter 3.1. Use + to
zoom in and - to zoom out or use the bars on the side.
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5. Xi camera
Note
Imager interfaces for Xi 400, please see chapter 2.5
5.1. Focus setting
The special feature of the Xi camera is the motorized focus
adjustment. This can be found under menu View, Windows
and Distance. Here you can change the position of the focus by
moving the gray slider. The black slider marks the current
position of the engine. With the arrow keys you can also change
the position in different stages. An adjustment to the left leads to the focus setting "near" and an adjustment
to the right to the focus setting "infinite".
5.2. Imager interfaces for Xi 80
5.2.1. General
The Xi 80 has a direct analog input (AI) / digital input (DI) for camera control and a direct analog output (AO)
for process control. These can be connected to the supplied terminal block. In addition, there is an RS485
interface. When using the RS485 interface, the direct outputs and inputs are not available. The signal level is
0 10 V for AI and 0/4-20 mA for AO. The interfaces can be set up by the software with the following
functionality:
Analog Input (AI): Emissivity, Ambient temperature, Reference temperature, Uncommitted value, Flag
Control, Triggered Snapshots, Triggered Recording, Triggered Linescanner,
Triggered event grabber, Reset Peak-/Valley-Hold
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Analog Output (AO): Main measure area, Measure area, Internal temperature, Flag Status, Alarm, Frame
sync, Fail-safe, External Communication
Configuration Process Interface (PIF)
Frame synchronization: In this function, a needle pulse is output for synchronization with fast processes at
the beginning of each frame.
5.2.2. Process interface (PIF)
Using Tools, Configuration and Device PIF menu you can configure a PIF which is connected to the
camera. The number of in- and outputs can vary depending on the connected PIF type (internal PIF or
stackable PIF). An available in- or output will be marked with a green checkmark (). A not available in- or
output will be marked with a red x. With Set number of ports like connected device, only the available
inputs/outputs are displayed.
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If you configure an analog value an
additional window will show up if you press
the Setup button. In this window you can
scale the in- or output:
Note
You can use the analog inputs, outputs and the digital input of the PIF simultaneously.
On the analog inputs you can select each function only once (exception: Uncommitted value).
On the analog outputs also each function can only be selected once (exception: Measurement area; Alarm).
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The settings for the stackable PIF are similar to those for the internal PIF. Under PIF type, Stackable PIF
must first be selected. Furthermore, the number of PIFs used must be specified under Devices. The device
number must be identical to the RS485 address set on the device. Now the existing inputs and outputs can
be assigned with corresponding functions.
The numbering of the individual inputs and outputs is structured as follows: The first number refers to the
device and the second to the port (for example AI2.3: Analog input from PIF No. 2 and Port No. 3).
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If you activate the function Alarm on an analog output you need to assign also in the Alarms tab the desired
measurement area to the desired PIF output.
The industrial PIF has a maximum of three analog outputs. To use more outputs, you can cascade up to
three PIFs, allowing you to use up to 9 analog or alarm outputs in total.
For more information on the settings for alarms, see section 4.8 Alarms.
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The process interface has an integrated fail-safe mode. This allows to control conditions like interruption of
Controlled conditions on camera and
software
Standard Process interface
ACXIPIF
Industrial Process interface
ACXIPIFCBxx
Interruption USB cable to camera
Interruption data cable camera – PIF
Interruption power supply PIF
Shut-down of software
Crash of software
-
Fail-Safe output
0 V at analog output (AO)
Open contact (Fail-safe relay) /
red LED on
cables, shut-down of the software etc. and to give out these conditions as an alarm.
The failsafe function can be activated in the tab Device (PIF) under FS.
The industrial PIF has a separate failsafe relay.
Alternatively you can activate this function also on the analog outputs.
The checkbox Stop fail-safe pulse on alarm must be activated, if the
analog output should be used in addition as an alarm output for a
temperature alarm. In case of an alarm the alternating fail-safe pulse
signal will stop and the set voltage level will be given out as constant
value (stackable PIF only).
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5.3. IP settings Xi 80
The Xi 80 has a direct Ethernet interface (see Xi manual). To make the
appropriate address settings, go to Tools, Extended and TCP/IP Settings.
The address for the device is assigned under Device address. This must
have a different address to the other participant (Send to address).
5.4. Autonomous operation Xi 80
A special feature of the Xi 80 is the autonomous operation. There is no need for a permanent connection to
the PIX Connect software. Only a few settings must be set in advance in the software.
Proceed as described in chapter 5.2.2. Select an output and press
Setup. Here you have to put the check in using autonomously by
device.
A @ sign will appear next to the output used in the
configuration menu Device (PIF). Whenever this
sign is visible, the function can run in autonomous
operation.
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6. Visual Camera (only PI200/230)
6.1. Enabling the visual camera
The PI200/230 thermal imager features a visual camera. With the help of BISPECTRAL technology, the visual image (VIS) can be combined with a
thermal image (IR). Both can be finally captured time synchronously. The
visual camera can be enabled in the Tools, Configuration and General
menu under VIS camera via the option Use (if available).
The menu Tools, Configuration and Device displays the Video formats
depending on the current imager’s configuration.
The thermal image (160 x 120 pixels) will be shown with 96 images per
second (96 Hz), the visual image (640 x 480 pixels) with 32 Hz. In the
second mode, the thermal image is displayed at 160 x 120 pixels with a
speed of 128 Hz and the visual image with a resolution of 596 x 447 pixels with 32 Hz.
6.2. Monitoring mode
The monitoring mode is used to have an easy orientation at
the point of measurement. In this mode the visual image is
displayed in a separate window.
To add the separate software window please use the menu
item View, Windows and Video from VIS camera or the
Icon on the toolbar.
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Note
The rectangle within the visual image shows the area covered by the thermal image. In order to
cover a big area the wide-angle lens is used, to cover a smaller area the telephoto lens.
In the View, Image Information and IR rectangle menu it is possible to hide the displayed
rectangle.
Note
The area covered by the thermal image within the visual image is limited by a rectangle. In order to
hide the frame of the rectangle, use the View, Image Information and IR rectangle menu.
6.3. Cross-fading mode
6.3.1. General
The cross-fading mode is used in order to highlight critical temperatures at the point
of measurement. In this mode the thermal image is faded into the visual image.
The cross-fading mode can be enabled in the Tools, Configuration and General menu via the option
IR/VIS fusion. Alternatively, you can use the menu item View and IR/VIS fusion or the Icon on the toolbar.
The function Distance is used in the cross-fading mode to perform the
parallax correction between IR and VIS image.
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6.3.2. Transparency of thermal image
0 %
The thermal image is fully faded into the visual image.
50 %
The thermal image is partly (50 %) faded into the visual image.
Using this setting the ideal relation of both images can be defined
(please see section 6.3.3).
100 %
The thermal image is fully transparent and will not be shown in the
visual image.
Cross-fading of thermal image and
visual image by 0 % setting
Cross-fading of thermal image and
visual image by 50 % setting
Cross-fading of thermal image and
visual image by 100 % setting
The thermal image can smoothly be faded into the visual image (0…100 %). To set
the transparency value please use the Tools, Configuration, Measuring colors
menu and Standard palette / Transparency [%].
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6.3.3. Moving the thermal within the visual image
Adjustment of thermal image by
dragging to the top right
Adjustment of thermal image by
dragging to the top
Ideal adjustment of thermal image to the
visual image
Note
The ideal relation of both images can be set easily by fading the thermal image into the visual
image by 50 % (please see section 6.3.2).
Due to the different optical axis of visual and thermal channel the relation of both images needs to be
optimized. If moving the cursor to the edges of the rectangle‘s frame the grippers can be used to adjust the
size of thermal image or to move the image completely (hold Ctrl synchronously).
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6.3.4. Cross-fading of defined temperatures
0 %
The set option is fully faded into the visual image.
50 %
The set option is partly (50 %) faded into the visual image.
100 %
The set option is fully transparent and will not be shown in the visual
image.
Isothermal cross-fading by 50 % setting
Isothermal cross-fading by 0 % setting
The cross-fading modus can be combined with the Extended Measuring colors
option (e.g. for isothermal display of temperatures, also see section 4.5). To set the
level of fading this option into the visual image use the Tools, Configuration,
Measuring colors and Extended Measuring colors / Transparency [%] menus:
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7. Line scanner mode
1 2 3
4
5
7.1. General information
The PIX Connect software comes with a line scanner function. The
line scanner mode is generally used for continuous processes with
moving objects under test, such as measurement of rotary kilns or
measurement of great lots at conveyor belts (batch process).
Overview of the advantages:
Simple monitoring of process with limited optical access
Indirect visualization of heat distribution within ovens via
camera installation at the oven exit
Extension of number of pixel through the use of the picture
diagonal (e.g. PI 160)
Very fast data recording of unlimited lines which-in
turn can produce thermal images of any resolution
Huge FOV as a line for detailed process analysis such as
at wide conveyor belts (e.g. PI 160 with an 72° optic)
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