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User Manual
MV1-D1024E Gigabit Ethernet Series
CMOS Area Scan Cameras
MAN063 09/2014 V1.0
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All information provided in this manual is believed to be accurate and reliable. No
responsibility is assumed by Photonfocus AG for its use. Photonfocus AG reserves the right to
make changes to this information without notice.
Reproduction of this manual in whole or in part, by any means, is prohibited without prior
permission having been obtained from Photonfocus AG.
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Contents
1 Preface 7
1.1 About Photonfocus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
1.2 Contact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
1.3 Sales Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
1.4 Further information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
1.5 Legend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2 How to get started (GigE G2) 9
2.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.2 Hardware Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.3 Software Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2.4 Network Adapter Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
2.5 Network Adapter Configuration for Pleora eBUS SDK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
2.6 Getting started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
3 Product Specification 23
3.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
3.2 Feature Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
3.3 Available Camera Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
3.4 Technical Specification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
4 Functionality 27
4.1 Image Acquisition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
4.1.1 Readout Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
4.1.2 Constant Frame Rate (CFR) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
4.2 Pixel Response . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
4.2.1 Linear Response . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
4.2.2 LinLog®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
4.2.3 Skimming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
4.3 Reduction of Image Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
4.3.1 Region of Interest (ROI) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
4.3.2 Multiple Regions of Interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
4.3.3 Decimation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
4.4 Trigger and Strobe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
4.4.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
4.4.2 Trigger Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
4.4.3 Trigger and AcquisitionMode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
4.4.4 Exposure Time Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
4.4.5 Trigger Delay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
4.4.6 Strobe Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
4.4.7 Burst Trigger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
4.4.8 Trigger timing values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
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4.4.9 Missed Trigger Counters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
4.5 Data Path Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
4.6 Image Correction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
4.6.1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
4.6.2 Offset Correction (FPN, Hot Pixels) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
4.6.3 Gain Correction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
4.6.4 Corrected Image . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
4.6.5 Correction Ranges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
4.7 Gain and Offset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
4.8 Grey Level Transformation (LUT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
4.8.1 Gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
4.8.2 Gamma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
4.8.3 User-defined Look-up Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
4.8.4 Region LUT and LUT Enable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
4.9 Crosshairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
4.9.1 Functionality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
4.10 Image Information and Status Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
4.10.1 Counters and Average Value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
4.10.2 Status Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
4.10.3 Camera Type Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
4.11 Test Images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
4.11.1 Ramp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
4.11.2 LFSR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
4.11.3 Troubleshooting using the LFSR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
5 Hardware Interface 71
5.1 GigE Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
5.2 Power Supply Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
5.3 Status Indicator (GigE cameras) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
5.4 Power and Ground Connection for GigE G2 Cameras . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
5.5 Trigger and Strobe Signals for GigE Cameras . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
5.5.1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
5.5.2 Single-ended Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
5.5.3 Single-ended Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
5.5.4 Differential RS-422 Inputs (G2 models) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
5.5.5 Master / Slave Camera Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
5.6 PLC connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
6 Software 83
6.1 Software for Photonfocus GigE Cameras . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
6.2 PF_GEVPlayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
6.2.1 PF_GEVPlayer main window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
6.2.2 GEV Control Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
6.2.3 Display Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
6.2.4 White Balance (Colour cameras only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
6.2.5 Save camera setting to a file . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
6.2.6 Get feature list of camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
6.3 Pleora SDK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
6.4 Frequently used properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
6.5 Calibration of the FPN Correction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
6.5.1 Offset Correction (CalibrateBlack) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
6.5.2 Gain Correction (CalibrateGrey) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
6.5.3 Storing the calibration in permanent memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
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6.6 Look-Up Table (LUT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
6.6.1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
6.6.2 Full ROI LUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
6.6.3 Region LUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
6.6.4 User defined LUT settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
6.6.5 Predefined LUT settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
6.7 MROI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
6.8 Permanent Parameter Storage / Factory Reset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
6.9 Persistent IP address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
6.10 PLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
6.10.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
6.10.2 PLC Settings for ISO_IN0 to PLC_Q4 Camera Trigger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
6.11 Miscellaneous Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
6.11.1 PixelFormat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
7 Mechanical and Optical Considerations 95
7.1 Mechanical Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
7.1.1 Cameras with GigE Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
7.2 Adjusting the Back Focus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
7.3 Optical Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
7.3.1 Cleaning the Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
7.4 CE compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
8 Warranty 101
8.1 Warranty Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
8.2 Warranty Claim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
9 References 103
A Pinouts 105
A.1 Power Supply Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
B Revision History 107
CONTENTS 5
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CONTENTS
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1
Preface
1.1 About Photonfocus
The Swiss company Photonfocus is one of the leading specialists in the development of CMOS
image sensors and corresponding industrial cameras for machine vision, security & surveillance
and automotive markets.
Photonfocus is dedicated to making the latest generation of CMOS technology commercially
available. Active Pixel Sensor (APS) and global shutter technologies enable high speed and
high dynamic range (120 dB) applications, while avoiding disadvantages like image lag,
blooming and smear.
Photonfocus has proven that the image quality of modern CMOS sensors is now appropriate
for demanding applications. Photonfocus’ product range is complemented by custom design
solutions in the area of camera electronics and CMOS image sensors.
Photonfocus is ISO 9001 certified. All products are produced with the latest techniques in order
to ensure the highest degree of quality.
1.2 Contact
Photonfocus AG, Bahnhofplatz 10, CH-8853 Lachen SZ, Switzerland
Table 1.1: Photonfocus Contact
1.3 Sales Offices
Photonfocus products are available through an extensive international distribution network
and through our key account managers. Details of the distributor nearest you and contacts to
our key account managers can be found at www.photonfocus.com.
1.4 Further information
Photonfocus reserves the right to make changes to its products and documentation without notice. Photonfocus products are neither intended nor certified for
use in life support systems or in other critical systems. The use of Photonfocus
products in such applications is prohibited.
Photonfocus is a trademark and LinLog®is a registered trademark of Photonfocus AG. CameraLink®and GigE Vision®are a registered mark of the Automated
Imaging Association. Product and company names mentioned herein are trademarks or trade names of their respective companies.
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1 Preface
Reproduction of this manual in whole or in part, by any means, is prohibited
without prior permission having been obtained from Photonfocus AG.
Photonfocus can not be held responsible for any technical or typographical errors.
1.5 Legend
In this documentation the reader’s attention is drawn to the following icons:
Important note
Alerts and additional information
Attention, critical warning
✎
Notification, user guide
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How to get started (GigE G2)
2.1 Introduction
This guide shows you:
• How to install the required hardware (see Section 2.2)
• How to install the required software (see Section 2.3) and configure the Network Adapter
Card (see Section 2.4 and Section 2.5)
• How to acquire your first images and how to modify camera settings (see Section 2.6)
• A Starter Guide [MAN051] can be downloaded from the Photonfocus support page. It
describes how to access Photonfocus GigE cameras from various third-party tools.
2.2 Hardware Installation
The hardware installation that is required for this guide is described in this section.
The following hardware is required:
• PC with Microsoft Windows OS (XP, Vista, Windows 7)
• A Gigabit Ethernet network interface card (NIC) must be installed in the PC. The NIC
should support jumbo frames of at least 9014 bytes. In this guide the Intel PRO/1000 GT
desktop adapter is used. The descriptions in the following chapters assume that such a
network interface card (NIC) is installed. The latest drivers for this NIC must be installed.
• Photonfocus GigE camera.
• Suitable power supply for the camera (see in the camera manual for specification) which
can be ordered from your Photonfocus dealership.
• GigE cable of at least Cat 5E or 6.
Photonfocus GigE cameras can also be used under Linux.
Photonfocus GigE cameras work also with network adapters other than the Intel
PRO/1000 GT. The GigE network adapter should support Jumbo frames.
Do not bend GigE cables too much. Excess stress on the cable results in transmission errors. In robots applications, the stress that is applied to the GigE cable is
especially high due to the fast movement of the robot arm. For such applications,
special drag chain capable cables are available.
The following list describes the connection of the camera to the PC (see in the camera manual
for more information):
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2 How to get started (GigE G2)
1. Remove the Photonfocus GigE camera from its packaging. Please make sure the following
items are included with your camera:
• Power supply connector
• Camera body cap
If any items are missing or damaged, please contact your dealership.
2. Connect the camera to the GigE interface of your PC with a GigE cable of at least Cat 5E or
6.
E t h e r n e t J a c k ( R J 4 5 )
P o w e r S u p p l y
a n d I / O C o n n e c t o r
S t a t u s L E D
Figure 2.1: Rear view of the Photonfocus MV1-D1024E-G2 GigE camera series with power supply and I/O
connector, Ethernet jack (RJ45) and status LED
3. Connect a suitable power supply to the power plug. The pin out of the connector is
shown in the camera manual.
Check the correct supply voltage and polarity! Do not exceed the operating
voltage range of the camera.
A suitable power supply can be ordered from your Photonfocus dealership.
4. Connect the power supply to the camera (see Fig. 2.1).
.
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2.3 Software Installation
This section describes the installation of the required software to accomplish the tasks
described in this chapter.
1. Install the latest drivers for your GigE network interface card.
2. Download the latest eBUS SDK installation file from the Photonfocus server.
You can find the latest version of the eBUS SDK on the support (Software Download) page at www.photonfocus.com.
3. Install the eBUS SDK software by double-clicking on the installation file. Please follow the
instructions of the installation wizard. A window might be displayed warning that the
software has not passed Windows Logo testing. You can safely ignore this warning and
click on Continue Anyway. If at the end of the installation you are asked to restart the
computer, please click on Yes to restart the computer before proceeding.
4. After the computer has been restarted, open the eBUS Driver Installation tool (Start ->
All Programs -> eBUS SDK -> Tools -> Driver Installation Tool) (see Fig. 2.2). If there is
more than one Ethernet network card installed then select the network card where your
Photonfocus GigE camera is connected. In the Action drop-down list select Install eBUS
Universal Pro Driver and start the installation by clicking on the Install button. Close the
eBUS Driver Installation Tool after the installation has been completed. Please restart the
computer if the program asks you to do so.
Figure 2.2: eBUS Driver Installation Tool
5. Download the latest PFInstaller from the Photonfocus server.
6. Install the PFInstaller by double-clicking on the file. In the Select Components (see Fig. 2.3)
dialog check PF_GEVPlayer and doc for GigE cameras. For DR1 cameras select additionally
DR1 support and 3rd Party Tools. For 3D cameras additionally select PF3DSuite2 and SDK.
.
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2 How to get started (GigE G2)
Figure 2.3: PFInstaller components choice
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2.4 Network Adapter Configuration
This section describes recommended network adapter card (NIC) settings that enhance the
performance for GigEVision. Additional tool-specific settings are described in the tool chapter.
1. Open the Network Connections window (Control Panel -> Network and Internet
Connections -> Network Connections), right click on the name of the network adapter
where the Photonfocus camera is connected and select Properties from the drop down
menu that appears.
Figure 2.4: Local Area Connection Properties
.
2.4 Network Adapter Configuration 13
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2 How to get started (GigE G2)
2. By default, Photonfocus GigE Vision cameras are configured to obtain an IP address
automatically. For this quick start guide it is recommended to configure the network
adapter to obtain an IP address automatically. To do this, select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)
(see Fig. 2.4), click the Properties button and select Obtain an IP address automatically
(see Fig. 2.5).
Figure 2.5: TCP/IP Properties
.
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3. Open again the Local Area Connection Properties window (see Fig. 2.4) and click on the
Configure button. In the window that appears click on the Advanced tab and click on Jumbo
Frames in the Settings list (see Fig. 2.6). The highest number gives the best performance.
Some tools however don’t support the value 16128. For this guide it is recommended to
select 9014 Bytes in the Value list.
Figure 2.6: Advanced Network Adapter Properties
.
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2 How to get started (GigE G2)
4. No firewall should be active on the network adapter where the Photonfocus GigE camera
is connected. If the Windows Firewall is used then it can be switched off like this: Open
the Windows Firewall configuration (Start -> Control Panel -> Network and Internet
Connections -> Windows Firewall) and click on the Advanced tab. Uncheck the network
where your camera is connected in the Network Connection Settings (see Fig. 2.7).
Figure 2.7: Windows Firewall Configuration
.
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2.5 Network Adapter Configuration for Pleora eBUS SDK
Open the Network Connections window (Control Panel -> Network and Internet Connections ->
Network Connections), right click on the name of the network adapter where the Photonfocus
camera is connected and select Properties from the drop down menu that appears. A
Properties window will open. Check the eBUS Universal Pro Driver (see Fig. 2.8) for maximal
performance. Recommended settings for the Network Adapter Card are described in Section
2.4.
Figure 2.8: Local Area Connection Properties
.
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2 How to get started (GigE G2)
2.6 Getting started
This section describes how to acquire images from the camera and how to modify camera
settings.
1. Open the PF_GEVPlayer software (Start -> All Programs -> Photonfocus -> GigE_Tools ->
PF_GEVPlayer) which is a GUI to set camera parameters and to see the grabbed images
(see Fig. 2.9).
Figure 2.9: PF_GEVPlayer start screen
.
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2. Click on the Select / Connect button in the PF_GEVPlayer . A window with all detected
devices appears (see Fig. 2.10). If your camera is not listed then select the box Show
unreachable GigE Vision Devices.
Figure 2.10: GEV Device Selection Procedure displaying the selected camera
3. Select camera model to configure and click on Set IP Address....
Figure 2.11: GEV Device Selection Procedure displaying GigE Vision Device Information
.
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2 How to get started (GigE G2)
4. Select a valid IP address for selected camera (see Fig. 2.12). There should be no
exclamation mark on the right side of the IP address. Click on Ok in the Set IP Address
dialog. Select the camera in the GEV Device Selection dialog and click on Ok.
Figure 2.12: Setting IP address
5. Finish the configuration process and connect the camera to PF_GEVPlayer .
Figure 2.13: PF_GEVPlayer is readily configured
6. The camera is now connected to the PF_GEVPlayer . Click on the Play button to grab
images.
An additional check box DR1 appears for DR1 cameras. The camera is in double rate mode if this check box is checked. The demodulation is done in the
PF_GEVPlayer software. If the check box is not checked, then the camera outputs an unmodulated image and the frame rate will be lower than in double
rate mode.
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If no images can be grabbed, close the PF_GEVPlayer and adjust the Jumbo
Frame parameter (see Section 2.3) to a lower value and try again.
Figure 2.14: PF_GEVPlayer displaying live image stream
7. Check the status LED on the rear of the camera.
✎
The status LED light is green when an image is being acquired, and it is red when
serial communication is active.
8. Camera parameters can be modified by clicking on GEV Device control (see Fig. 2.15). The
visibility option Beginner shows most the basic parameters and hides the more advanced
parameters. If you don’t have previous experience with Photonfocus GigE cameras, it is
recommended to use Beginner level.
Figure 2.15: Control settings on the camera
2.6 Getting started 21
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2 How to get started (GigE G2)
9. To modify the exposure time scroll down to the AcquisitionControl control category (bold
title) and modify the value of the ExposureTime property.
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3
Product Specification
3.1 Introduction
The MV1-D1024E-G2 GigE CMOS camera series from Photonfocus is aimed at demanding
applications in industrial image processing. It provides an exceptionally high dynamic range of
up to 120 dB at a resolution of 1024 x 1024 pixels. The cameras are built around a monochrome
CMOS image sensor, developed by Photonfocus. The principal advantages are:
• Resolution of 1024 x 1024 pixels
• Spectral sensitivity from 400 nm to 900 nm
• Superior signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).
• Low power consumption at high speeds
• Very high resistance to blooming
• Extremely high image contrast achieved by LinLog®technology.
• Ideal for high speed applications: global shutter
• Gigabit Ethernet interface, GigE Vision and GenICam compliant
• Maximal frame rate at full resolution: 75 fps.
• Greyscale resolution of up to 12 bit
• On camera shading correction.
• Up to 512 regions of interest (MROI).
• 2 look-up tables (12-to-8 bit) on user-defined image region (Region-LUT).
• Crosshairs overlay on the image.
• Image information and camera settings inside the image (status line).
• Software provided for setting and storage of camera parameters.
• The rugged housing at a compact size of 55 x 55 x 48.8 mm3makes the MV1-D1024E-G2
camera series the perfect solution for applications in which space is at a premium.
• Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) for powerful operations on input and output signals.
• Wide power input range from 12 V (-10 %) to 24V (+10 %).
.
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3 Product Specification
3.2 Feature Overview
Characteristics MV1-D1024E-G2 Series
Interface Gigabit Ethernet, GigE Vision and GenICam compliant
Camera Control GigE Vision Suite
Trigger Modes Software Trigger / External isolated trigger input / PLC Trigger
Image pre-processing Shading Correction (Offset and Gain)
2 look-up tables (12-to-8 bit) on user-defined image region (Region-LUT)
Features Greyscale resolution 12 bit / 10 bit / 8 bit
Region of Interest (ROI)
Linear Mode / LinLog®Mode / Skimming
Up to 512 regions of interest (MROI)
Test pattern (LFSR and grey level ramp)
Image information and camera settings inside the image (status line)
Crosshairs overlay on the image
High blooming resistance
Opto isolated trigger input and opto isolated strobe output
Table 3.1: Feature overview (see Chapter 4 for more information)
Figure 3.1: MV1-D1024E-G2 CMOS camera series with C-mount lens.
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3.3 Available Camera Models
Please check the availability of a specific camera model on our website
www.photonfocus.com.
Name Resolution FPS Color
MV1-D1024E-80-G2-12 1024 x 1024 75 fps
1)
no
Table 3.2: Available Photonfocus MV1-D1024E-G2 camera models (Footnotes:1)frame rate at at full resolution)
3.4 Technical Specification
MV1-D1024E-80-G2
Technology CMOS active pixel
Scanning system progressive scan
Optical format / diagonal 1” / 15.42 mm
Resolution 1024 x 1024 pixels
Pixel size 10.6 µm x 10.6 µm
Active optical area 10.9 mm x 10.9 mm
Random noise < 0.5 DN RMS @ 8 bit / gain= 1
Fixed pattern noise (FPN) < 1 DN RMS @ 8 bit / gain= 1 / offset correction on
Dark current 2 fA/pixel @ 30°C
Full well capacity 200 ke
−
Spectral range 400 nm ... 900 nm
Responsivity 120 x 103DN / (J/m2) @ 610 nm / 8 bit / gain = 1
Optical fill factor 35%
Dynamic range up to 120 dB (with LinLog)
Colour format monochrome
Characteristic curve Linear, LinLog, Skimming
Shutter mode global shutter
Greyscale Resolution 12 bit / 10 bit / 8 bit
Exposure Time 10 µs ... 0.42 s
Exposure Time Increment 50 ns
Frame Rate ( T
int
= 10 µs) 75 fps
Read out mode sequential or simultaneous
Table 3.3: General specification of the MV1-D1024E-80-G2 camera
3.3 Available Camera Models 25
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3 Product Specification
MV1-D1024E-80-G2
Operating temperature 0°C ... 50°C
Storage temperature / moisture -25°C ... 60°C / 20 ... 95 %
Camera power supply +12 V DC (±10%)
Trigger signal input range +5 .. +15 V DC
Max. power consumption @ 12V 4.8 W
Lens mount C-Mount, CS-Mount (optional)
Dimensions 55 x 55 x 48.8 mm
3
Mass 260 g
Conformity CE, RoHS, WEEE
Table 3.4: Physical characteristics and operating ranges
Q u a n t u m E f f i c i e n c y v s W a v e l e n g t h
0 . 0 0
0 . 0 5
0 . 1 0
0 . 1 5
0 . 2 0
0 . 2 5
0 . 3 0
0 . 3 5
0 . 4 0
0 . 4 5
0 . 5 0
2 0 0 3 0 0 4 0 0 5 0 0 6 0 0 7 0 0 8 0 0 9 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0
W a v e l e n g t h / n m
Q u a n t u m E f f i c i e n c y
Figure 3.2: Spectral response of the A1024B CMOS sensor
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4
Functionality
This chapter serves as an overview of the camera configuration modes and explains camera
features. The goal is to describe what can be done with the camera. The setup of the cameras
is explained in later chapters.
4.1 Image Acquisition
4.1.1 Readout Modes
The MV1-D1024E CameraLink series provides two different readout modes:
Sequential readout Frame time is the sum of exposure time and readout time. Exposure time
of the next image can only start if the readout time of the current image is finished.
Simultaneous readout (interleave) The frame time is determined by the maximum of the
exposure time or of the readout time, which ever of both is the longer one. Exposure
time of the next image can start during the readout time of the current image.
MV1-D1024E-80-G2
Sequential readout available
Simultaneous readout available
Table 4.1: Available readout mode of MV1-D1024E-80-G2 camera
The following figure illustrates the effect on the frame rate when using either the sequential
readout mode or the simultaneous readout mode (interleave exposure).
E x p o s u r e t i m e
F r a m e r a t e
( f p s )
S i m u l t a n e o u s
r e a d o u t m o d e
S e q u e n t i a l
r e a d o u t m o d e
f p s = 1 / r e a d o u t t i m e
f p s = 1 / e x p o s u r e t i m e
f p s = 1 / ( r e a d o u t t i m e + e x p o s u r e t i m e )
e x p o s u r e t i m e < r e a d o u t t i m e
e x p o s u r e t i m e > r e a d o u t t i m e
e x p o s u r e t i m e = r e a d o u t t i m e
Figure 4.1: Frame rate in sequential readout mode and simultaneous readout mode
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4 Functionality
Sequential readout mode For the calculation of the frame rate only a single formula applies:
frame rate equals approximately the inverse of the sum of exposure time and readout
time.
Simultaneous readout mode (exposure time < readout time) The frame rate is given by the
readout time. frame rate equals approximately the inverse of the readout time.
Simultaneous readout mode (exposure time > readout time) The frame rate is given by the
exposure time. frame rate equals approximately the inverse of the exposure time.
The simultaneous readout mode allows higher frame rate. However, If the exposure time
strongly exceeds the readout time, then the effect on the frame rate is neglectable.
In simultaneous readout mode image output faces minor limitations. The overall
linear sensor reponse is partially restricted in the lower gray scale region.
A new calibration of the image correction is required when changing the readout mode from sequential to simultaneous readout mode or vice versa.
Sequential readout
By default the camera continuously delivers images as fast as possible ("Free-running mode")
in the sequential readout mode. Exposure time of the next image can only start if the readout
time of the current image is finished.
e x p o s u r e r e a d o u t
e x p o s u r e
r e a d o u t
Figure 4.2: Timing in free-running sequential readout mode
When the acquisition of an image needs to be synchronised to an external event, an external
trigger can be used (refer to Section 4.4). In this mode, the camera is idle until it gets a signal
to capture an image.
e x p o s u r e r e a d o u t
i d l e e x p o s u r e
e x t e r n a l t r i g g e r
Figure 4.3: Timing in triggered sequential readout mode
Simultaneous readout (interleave exposure)
To achieve highest possible frame rates, the camera must be set to "Free-running mode" with
simultaneous readout. The camera continuously delivers images as fast as possible. Exposure
time of the next image can start during the readout time of the current image.
When the acquisition of an image needs to be synchronised to an external event, an external
trigger can be used (refer to Section 4.4). In this mode, the camera is idle until it gets a signal
to capture an image.
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e x p o s u r e n i d l e
i d l e
r e a d o u t n
e x p o s u r e n + 1
r e a d o u t n + 1
f r a m e t i m e
r e a d o u t n - 1
Figure 4.4: Timing in free-running simultaneous readout mode (readout time> exposure time)
e x p o s u r e n
i d l e
r e a d o u t n
e x p o s u r e n + 1
f r a m e t i m e
r e a d o u t n - 1
i d l e
e x p o s u r e n - 1
Figure 4.5: Timing in free-running simultaneous readout mode (readout time< exposure time)
Figure 4.6: Timing in triggered simultaneous readout mode
4.1.2 Constant Frame Rate (CFR)
When the CFR mode is switched on by enabling AcquisitionFrameRateEnable, the target frame
rate for the free-running mode can be set by the AcquisitionFrameRate property. Thus, fewer
images can be acquired than would otherwise be possible.
When Constant Frame Rate (AcquisitionFrameRateEnable) is switched off, the camera delivers
images as fast as possible, depending on the exposure time and the read-out time.
Constant Frame Rate mode (CFR) is not available together with external trigger
mode.
4.2 Pixel Response
4.2.1 Linear Response
The camera offers a linear response between input light signal and output grey level. This can
be modified by the use of LinLog or Skimming as described in the following sections. In
addition, a linear digital gain may be applied (see Section 4.7).
4.2 Pixel Response 29
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4 Functionality
Black Level Adjustment
The black level is the average image value at no light intensity. It can be adjusted by the
software by changing the black level offset. Thus, the overall image gets brighter or darker.
Use a histogram to control the settings of the black level.
4.2.2 LinLog
®
Overview
The LinLog®technology from Photonfocus allows a logarithmic compression of high light
intensities inside the pixel. In contrast to the classical non-integrating logarithmic pixel, the
LinLog®pixel is an integrating pixel with global shutter and the possibility to control the
transition between linear and logarithmic mode.
In situations involving high intrascene contrast, a compression of the upper grey level region
can be achieved with the LinLog®technology. At low intensities each pixel shows a linear
response. At high intensities the response changes to logarithmic compression (see Fig. 4.7).
The transition region between linear and logarithmic response can be smoothly adjusted by
software and is continuously differentiable and monotonic.
G r e y
V a l u e
L i g h t I n t e n s i t y
0 %
1 0 0 %
L i n e a r
R e s p o n s e
S a t u r a t i o n
W e a k c o m p r e s s i o n
V a l u e 2
S t r o n g c o m p r e s s i o n
V a l u e 1
R e s u l t i n g L i n l o g
R e s p o n s e
Figure 4.7: Resulting LinLog2 response curve
LinLog®is controlled by up to 4 parameters (Time1, Time2, Value1 and Value2). Value1 and Value2
correspond to the LinLog®voltage that is applied to the sensor. The higher the parameters
Value1 and Value2 respectively, the stronger the compression for the high light intensities. Time1
and Time2 are normalised to the exposure time. They can be set to a maximum value of 1000,
which corresponds to the exposure time.
Examples in the following sections illustrate the LinLog®feature.
LinLog1
In the simplest way the pixels are operated with a constant LinLog®voltage which defines the
knee point of the transition.This procedure has the drawback that the linear response curve
30
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changes directly to a logarithmic curve leading to a poor grey resolution in the logarithmic
region (see Fig. 4.9).
tt
V a l u e 1
t
e x p
0
V
L i n L o g
= V a l u e 2
T i m e 1 = T i m e 2 = m a x .
= 1 0 0 0
Figure 4.8: Constant LinLog voltage in the Linlog1 mode
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
Typical LinLog1 Response Curve − Varying Parameter Value1
Illumination Intensity
Output grey level (8 bit) [DN]
V1 = 15
V1 = 16
V1 = 17
V1 = 18
V1 = 19
Time1=1000, Time2=1000, Value2=Value1
Figure 4.9: Response curve for different LinLog settings in LinLog1 mode
.
4.2 Pixel Response 31
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4 Functionality
LinLog2
To get more grey resolution in the LinLog®mode, the LinLog2 procedure was developed. In
LinLog2 mode a switching between two different logarithmic compressions occurs during the
exposure time (see Fig. 4.10). The exposure starts with strong compression with a high
LinLog®voltage (Value1). At Time1 the LinLog®voltage is switched to a lower voltage resulting in
a weaker compression. This procedure gives a LinLog®response curve with more grey
resolution. Fig. 4.11 and Fig. 4.12 show how the response curve is controlled by the three
parameters Value1, Value2 and the LinLog®time Time1.
Settings in LinLog2 mode, enable a fine tuning of the slope in the logarithmic
region.
tt
V a l u e 1
V a l u e 2
T i m e 1
t
e x p
0
V
L i n L o g
T i m e 2 = m a x .
= 1 0 0 0
T i m e 1
Figure 4.10: Voltage switching in the Linlog2 mode
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
Typical LinLog2 Response Curve − Varying Parameter Time1
Illumination Intensity
Output grey level (8 bit) [DN]
T1 = 840
T1 = 920
T1 = 960
T1 = 980
T1 = 999
Time2=1000, Value1=19, Value2=14
Figure 4.11: Response curve for different LinLog settings in LinLog2 mode
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0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
200
Typical LinLog2 Response Curve − Varying Parameter Time1
Illumination Intensity
Output grey level (8 bit) [DN]
T1 = 880
T1 = 900
T1 = 920
T1 = 940
T1 = 960
T1 = 980
T1 = 1000
Time2=1000, Value1=19, Value2=18
Figure 4.12: Response curve for different LinLog settings in LinLog2 mode
LinLog3
To enable more flexibility the LinLog3 mode with 4 parameters was introduced. Fig. 4.13 shows
the timing diagram for the LinLog3 mode and the control parameters.
V
L i n L o g
t
V a l u e 1
V a l u e 2
t
e x p
T i m e 2
T i m e 1
T i m e 1 T i m e 2
t
e x p
V a l u e 3 = C o n s t a n t = 0
Figure 4.13: Voltage switching in the LinLog3 mode
4.2 Pixel Response 33
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4 Functionality
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
Typical LinLog2 Response Curve − Varying Parameter Time2
Illumination Intensity
Output grey level (8 bit) [DN]
T2 = 950
T2 = 960
T2 = 970
T2 = 980
T2 = 990
Time1=850, Value1=19, Value2=18
Figure 4.14: Response curve for different LinLog settings in LinLog3 mode
4.2.3 Skimming
Skimming is a Photonfocus proprietary technology to enhance detail in dark areas of an image.
Skimming provides an adjustable level of in-pixel gain for low signal levels. It can be used
together with LinLog®to give a smooth monotonic transfer function from high gain at low
levels, through normal linear operation, to logarithmic compression for high signal levels (see
Fig. 4.15). The resulting response is similar to a gamma correction.
G r e y
V a l u e
L i g h t I n t e n s i t y
0 %
1 0 0 %
L i n e a r
R e s p o n s e
S a t u r a t i o n
S k i m m i n g
Figure 4.15: Response curve for different skimming settings
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4.3 Reduction of Image Size
With Photonfocus cameras there are several possibilities to focus on the interesting parts of an
image, thus reducing the data rate and increasing the frame rate. The most commonly used
feature is Region of Interest (ROI).
4.3.1 Region of Interest (ROI)
Some applications do not need full image resolution (e.g. 1024x1024 pixels). By reducing the
image size to a certain region of interest (ROI), the frame rate can be drastically increased. A
region of interest can be almost any rectangular window and is specified by its position within
the full frame and its width and height. Fig. 4.16 gives some possible configurations for a
region of interest, and Table 4.2 shows some numerical examples of how the frame rate can be
increased by reducing the ROI. Table 4.3 shows the frame rate as a function of the read out
mode and the exposure time.
Both reductions in x- and y-direction result in a higher frame rate.
a )
b ) c ) d )
Figure 4.16: ROI configuration examples
ROI Dimension MV1-D1024E-80-G2
1024 x 1024 75 fps
512 x 512 294 fps
256 x 256 1125 fps
128 x 128 4050 fps
128 x 16 22075 fps
Table 4.2: Frame rates of different ROI settings (minimal exposure time; AcquisitionFrameRateEnable off,
skimming off and sequential readout mode).
4.3 Reduction of Image Size 35
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4 Functionality
Exposure time MV1-D1024E-80-G2
10 µs 75 / 75 fps
100 µs 74 / 74 fps
500 µs 72 / 72 fps
1 ms 69 / 72 fps
2 ms 65 / 72 fps
5 ms 54 / 72 fps
10 ms 42 / 72 fps
12 ms 39 / 72 fps
Table 4.3: Frame rate of different exposure times, [sequential readout mode / simultaneous readout mode],
resolution 1024x1024 pixel (correction off, AcquisitionFrameRateEnable off and skimming off).
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4.3.2 Multiple Regions of Interest
The Photonfocus MV1-D1024E-80-G2 camera can handle up to 512 different regions of interest.
This feature can be used to reduce the amount image data and increase the frame rate. An
application example for using multiple regions of interest (MROI) is a laser triangulation system
with several laser lines. The multiple ROIs are joined together and form a single image, which
is transferred to the frame grabber.
An individual MROI region is defined by its starting value in y-direction and its height. The
starting value in horizontal direction and the width is the same for all MROI regions and is
defined by the ROI settings. The maximum frame rate in MROI mode depends on the number
of rows and columns being read out. Overlapping ROIs are not allowed and no row must be
read out more than once.
The individual ROI in a MROI must not overlap and no row should be included in
more than one ROI.
Fig. 4.17 compares ROI and MROI: the setups (visualized on the image sensor area) are
displayed in the upper half of the drawing. The lower half shows the dimensions of the
resulting image. On the left-hand side an example of ROI is shown and on the right-hand side
an example of MROI. It can be readily seen that the resulting image with MROI is smaller than
the resulting image with ROI only and the former will result in an increase in image frame rate.
M R O I 0
M R O I 1
M R O I 2
( 0 , 0 )
( 0 , 0 )
( x
m a x
, y
m a x
)
R O I
M R O I 0
M R O I 1
M R O I 2
R O I
( x
m a x
, y
m a x
)
R O I . X
R O I . W
R O I . Y
R O I . H
R O I . X
R O I . W
M R O I 0 . Y
M R O I 0 . H
M R O I 1 . Y
M R O I 1 . H
M R O I 2 . Y
M R O I 2 . H
( 0 , 0 )
R O I . W
M R O I 0 . H
M R O I 1 . HM R O I 2 . H
( 0 , 0 )
R O I . W
R O I . H
Figure 4.17: Multiple Regions of Interest
4.3 Reduction of Image Size 37
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4 Functionality
Fig. 4.18 shows another MROI drawing illustrating the effect of MROI on the image content.
Figure 4.18: Multiple Regions of Interest with 5 ROIs
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4.3.3 Decimation
Decimation reduces the number of pixels in y-direction. Decimation in y-direction transfers
every nthrow only and directly results in reduced read-out time and higher frame rate
respectively.
Decimation can also be used together with ROI or MROI. In this case every ROI
should have a height that is a multiple of the decimation setting. E.g. if decimation=3, then the height of every ROI should be a multiple of 3.
Fig. 4.19 shows decimation on the full image. The rows that will be read out are marked by red
lines. Row 0 is read out and then every nthrow.
( 0 , 0 )
( x
m a x
, y
m a x
)
Figure 4.19: Decimation in full image
Fig. 4.20 shows decimation on a ROI. The row specified by the Window.Y setting is first read
out and then every nthrow until the end of the ROI.
Fig. 4.21 shows decimation and MROI. For every MROI region m, the first row read out is the
row specified by the MROI<m>.Y setting and then every nthrow until the end of MROI region
m.
4.3 Reduction of Image Size 39
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4 Functionality
( 0 , 0 )
( x
m a x
, y
m a x
)
R O I
Figure 4.20: Decimation and ROI
M R O I 0
R O I
M R O I 2
M R O I 1
( 0 , 0 )
( x
m a x
, y
m a x
)
Figure 4.21: Decimation and MROI
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The image in Fig. 4.22 on the right-hand side shows the result of decimation 3 of the image on
the left-hand side.
Figure 4.22: Image example of decimation 3
An example of a high-speed measurement of the elongation of an injection needle is given in
Fig. 4.23. In this application the height information is less important than the width
information. Applying decimation 2 on the original image on the left-hand side doubles the
resulting frame rate.
R O I w i t h o u t d e c i m a t i o n
R O I w i t h d e c i m a t i o n
Figure 4.23: Example of decimation 2 on image of injection needle
.
4.3 Reduction of Image Size 41
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4 Functionality
4.4 Trigger and Strobe
4.4.1 Introduction
The start of the exposure of the camera’s image sensor is controlled by the trigger. The trigger
can either be generated internally by the camera (free running trigger mode) or by an external
device (external trigger mode).
This section refers to the external trigger mode if not otherwise specified.
In external trigger mode, the trigger can be applied through the CameraLink®interface
(interface trigger) or directly by the power supply connector of the camera (I/O Trigger) (see
Section 4.4.2). The trigger signal can be configured to be active high or active low. When the
frequency of the incoming triggers is higher than the maximal frame rate of the current
camera settings, then some trigger pulses will be missed. A missed trigger counter counts these
events. This counter can be read out by the user.
The exposure time in external trigger mode can be defined by the setting of the exposure time
register (camera controlled exposure mode) or by the width of the incoming trigger pulse
(trigger controlled exposure mode) (see Section 4.4.4).
An external trigger pulse starts the exposure of one image. In Burst Trigger Mode however, a
trigger pulse starts the exposure of a user defined number of images (see Section 4.4.7).
The start of the exposure is shortly after the active edge of the incoming trigger. An additional
trigger delay can be applied that delays the start of the exposure by a user defined time (see
Section 4.4.5). This often used to start the exposure after the trigger to a flash lighting source.
4.4.2 Trigger Source
The trigger signal can be configured to be active high or active low by the TriggerActivation
(category AcquisitionControl) property. One of the following trigger sources can be used:
Free running The trigger is generated internally by the camera. Exposure starts immediately
after the camera is ready and the maximal possible frame rate is attained, if
AcquisitionFrameRateEnable is disabled. Settings for free running trigger mode:
TriggerMode = Off. In Constant Frame Rate mode (AcquisitionFrameRateEnable = True),
exposure starts after a user-specified time has elapsed from the previous exposure start so
that the resulting frame rate is equal to the value of AcquisitionFrameRate.
Software Trigger The trigger signal is applied through a software command (TriggerSoftware
in category AcquisitionControl). Settings for Software Trigger mode: TriggerMode = On
and TriggerSource = Software.
Line1 Trigger The trigger signal is applied directly to the camera by the power supply
connector through pin ISO_IN1 (see also Section A.1). A setup of this mode is shown in
Fig. 4.24 and Fig. 4.25. The electrical interface of the trigger input and the strobe output
is described in Section 5.5. Settings for Line1 Trigger mode: TriggerMode = On and
TriggerSource = Line1.
PLC_Q4 Trigger The trigger signal is applied by the Q4 output of the PLC (see also Section 5.6).
Settings for PLC_Q4 Trigger mode: TriggerMode = On and TriggerSource = PLC_Q4.
Some trigger signals are inverted. A schematic drawing is shown in Fig. 6.4.
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Figure 4.24: Trigger source
Figure 4.25: Trigger Inputs - Multiple GigE solution
4.4 Trigger and Strobe 43
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4 Functionality
4.4.3 Trigger and AcquisitionMode
The relationship between AcquisitionMode and TriggerMode is shown in Table 4.4. When
TriggerMode=Off, then the frame rate depends on the AcquisitionFrameRateEnable property (see
also under Free running in Section 4.4.2).
The ContinuousRecording and ContinousReadout modes can be used if more than
one camera is connected to the same network and need to shoot images simultaneously. If all cameras are set to Continuous mode, then all will send the
packets at same time resulting in network congestion. A better way would be to
set the cameras in ContinuousRecording mode and save the images in the memory
of the IPEngine. The images can then be claimed with ContinousReadout from one
camera at a time avoid network collisions and congestion.
.
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AcquisitionMode TriggerMode After the command AcquisitionStart is executed:
Continuous Off Camera is in free-running mode. Acquisition can be
stopped by executing AcquisitionStop command.
Continuous On Camera is ready to accept triggers according to the
TriggerSource property. Acquisition and trigger
acceptance can be stopped by executing
AcquisitionStop command.
SingleFrame Off Camera acquires one frame and acquisition stops.
SingleFrame On Camera is ready to accept one trigger according to
the TriggerSource property. Acquisition and trigger
acceptance is stopped after one trigger has been
accepted.
MultiFrame Off Camera acquires n=AcquisitionFrameCount frames
and acquisition stops.
MultiFrame On Camera is ready to accept n=AcquisitionFrameCount
triggers according to the TriggerSource property.
Acquisition and trigger acceptance is stopped after
n triggers have been accepted.
SingleFrameRecording Off Camera saves one image on the on-board memory
of the IP engine.
SingleFrameRecording On Camera is ready to accept one trigger according to
the TriggerSource property. Trigger acceptance is
stopped after one trigger has been accepted and
image is saved on the on-board memory of the IP
engine.
SingleFrameReadout don’t care One image is acquired from the IP engine’s
on-board memory. The image must have been
saved in the SingleFrameRecording mode.
ContinuousRecording Off Camera saves images on the on-board memory of
the IP engine until the memory is full.
ContinuousRecording On Camera is ready to accept triggers according to the
TriggerSource property. Images are saved on the
on-board memory of the IP engine until the
memory is full. The available memory is 24 MB.
ContinousReadout don’t care All Images that have been previously saved by the
ContinuousRecording mode are acquired from the IP
engine’s on-board memory.
Table 4.4: AcquisitionMode and Trigger
4.4 Trigger and Strobe 45
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4 Functionality
4.4.4 Exposure Time Control
Depending on the trigger mode, the exposure time can be determined either by the camera or
by the trigger signal itself:
Camera-controlled Exposure time In this trigger mode the exposure time is defined by the
camera. For an active high trigger signal, the camera starts the exposure with a positive
trigger edge and stops it when the preprogrammed exposure time has elapsed. The
exposure time is defined by the software.
Trigger-controlled Exposure time In this trigger mode the exposure time is defined by the
pulse width of the trigger pulse. For an active high trigger signal, the camera starts the
exposure with the positive edge of the trigger signal and stops it with the negative edge.
External Trigger with Camera controlled Exposure Time
In the external trigger mode with camera controlled exposure time the rising edge of the
trigger pulse starts the camera states machine, which controls the sensor and optional an
external strobe output. Fig. 4.26 shows the detailed timing diagram for the external trigger
mode with camera controlled exposure time.
e x t e r n a l t r i g g e r p u l s e i n p u t
t r i g g e r a f t e r i s o l a t o r
t r i g g e r p u l s e i n t e r n a l c a m e r a c o n t r o l
d e l a y e d t r i g g e r f o r s h u t t e r c o n t r o l
i n t e r n a l s h u t t e r c o n t r o l
d e l a y e d t r i g g e r f o r s t r o b e c o n t r o l
i n t e r n a l s t r o b e c o n t r o l
e x t e r n a l s t r o b e p u l s e o u t p u t
t
d - i s o - i n p u t
t
j i t t e r
t
t r i g g e r - d e l a y
t
e x p o s u r e
t
s t r o b e - d e l a y
t
d - i s o - o u t p u t
t
s t r o b e - d u r a t i o n
t
t r i g g e r - o f f s e t
t
s t r o b e - o f f s e t
Figure 4.26: Timing diagram for the camera controlled exposure time
The rising edge of the trigger signal is detected in the camera control electronic which is
implemented in an FPGA. Before the trigger signal reaches the FPGA it is isolated from the
camera environment to allow robust integration of the camera into the vision system. In the
signal isolator the trigger signal is delayed by time t
d−iso−input
. This signal is clocked into the
FPGA which leads to a jitter of t
jitter
. The pulse can be delayed by the time t
trigger−delay
which
can be configured by a user defined value via camera software. The trigger offset delay
46
Page 47
t
trigger−offset
results then from the synchronous design of the FPGA state machines and from to
requirement to start an exposure at a fixed point from the start of the read out of a row. The
exposure time t
exposure
is controlled with an internal exposure time controller.
The trigger pulse from the internal camera control starts also the strobe control state machines.
The strobe can be delayed by t
strobe−delay
with an internal counter which can be controlled by
the customer via software settings. The strobe offset delay t
strobe−delay
results then from the
synchronous design of the FPGA state machines. A second counter determines the strobe
duration t
strobe−duration
(strobe-duration). For a robust system design the strobe output is also
isolated from the camera electronic which leads to an additional delay of t
d−iso−output
Table 4.5
gives an overview over the minimum and maximum values of the parameters.
External Trigger with Pulsewidth controlled Exposure Time
In the external trigger mode with Pulsewidth controlled exposure time the rising edge of the
trigger pulse starts the camera states machine, which controls the sensor. The falling edge of
the trigger pulse stops the image acquisition. Additionally the optional external strobe output
is controlled by the rising edge of the trigger pulse. Timing diagram Fig. 4.27 shows the
detailed timing for the external trigger mode with pulse width controlled exposure time.
e x t e r n a l t r i g g e r p u l s e i n p u t
t r i g g e r a f t e r i s o l a t o r
t r i g g e r p u l s e r i s i n g e d g e c a m e r a c o n t r o l
d e l a y e d t r i g g e r r i s i n g e d g e f o r s h u t t e r s e t
i n t e r n a l s h u t t e r c o n t r o l
d e l a y e d t r i g g e r f o r s t r o b e c o n t r o l
i n t e r n a l s t r o b e c o n t r o l
e x t e r n a l s t r o b e p u l s e o u t p u t
t
d - i s o - i n p u t
t
j i t t e r
t
t r i g g e r - d e l a y
t
e x p o s u r e
t
s t r o b e - d e l a y
t
d - i s o - o u t p u t
t
s t r o b e - d u r a t i o n
t r i g g e r p u l s e f a l l i n g e d g e c a m e r a c o n t r o l
d e l a y e d t r i g g e r f a l l i n g e d g e s h u t t e r r e s e t
t
j i t t e r
t
t r i g g e r - d e l a y
t
e x p o s u r e
t
t r i g g e r - o f f s e t
t
s t r o b e - o f f s e t
Figure 4.27: Timing diagram for the Pulsewidth controlled exposure time
The timing of the rising edge of the trigger pulse until to the start of exposure and strobe is
equal to the timing of the camera controlled exposure time (see Section 4.4.4). In this mode
however the end of the exposure is controlled by the falling edge of the trigger Pulsewidth:
4.4 Trigger and Strobe 47
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4 Functionality
The falling edge of the trigger pulse is delayed by the time t
d−iso−input
which results from the
signal isolator. This signal is clocked into the FPGA which leads to a jitter of t
jitter
. The pulse is
then delayed by t
trigger−delay
by the user defined value which can be configured via camera
software. After the trigger offset time t
trigger−offset
the exposure is stopped.
In the trigger pulse width controlled exposure mode the image sensor operates
in sequential read out mode (see Section 4.1.1). The maximal frame rate is therefore lower than normal as the exposure start is only allowed after the read out
of the previous frame.
4.4.5 Trigger Delay
The trigger delay is a programmable delay in milliseconds between the incoming trigger edge
and the start of the exposure. This feature may be required to synchronize the external strobe
with the exposure of the camera.
4.4.6 Strobe Output
The strobe output is an isolated output located on the power supply connector that can be
used to trigger a strobe. The strobe output can be used both in free-running and in trigger
mode. Strobe settings:
Strobe_Delay Programmable delay delay from the active input trigger edge to the rising edge
of the strobe output signal.
Strobe_PulseWidth Width of the trigger pulse in µs. A setting of 0 turns off the strobe output.
Strobe_Invert Inverts the strobe output signal. Strobe_Invert=False: strobe signal active high,
Strobe_Invert=True: strobe signal active low.
The strobe output needs a separate power supply. Please see Section 5.5, Fig.
4.24 and Fig. 4.25 for more information.
4.4.7 Burst Trigger
The camera includes a burst trigger engine. When enabled, it starts a predefined number of
acquisitions after one single trigger pulse. The time between two acquisitions and the number
of acquisitions can be configured by a user defined value via the camera software. The burst
trigger feature works only in the mode "Camera controlled Exposure Time".
The burst trigger signal can be configured to be active high or active low. When the frequency
of the incoming burst triggers is higher than the duration of the programmed burst sequence,
then some trigger pulses will be missed. A missed burst trigger counter counts these events.
This counter can be read out by the user.
The timing diagram of the burst trigger mode is shown in Fig. 4.28. The timing of the
"external trigger pulse input" until to the "trigger pulse internal camera control" is equal to
the timing in the section Fig. 4.27. This trigger pulse then starts after a user configurable burst
trigger delay time t
burst−trigger−delay
the internal burst engine, which generates n internal
triggers for the shutter- and the strobe-control. A user configurable value defines the time
t
burst−period−time
between two acquisitions.
48
Page 49
e x t e r n a l t r i g g e r p u l s e i n p u t
t r i g g e r a f t e r i s o l a t o r
t r i g g e r p u l s e i n t e r n a l c a m e r a c o n t r o l
d e l a y e d t r i g g e r f o r s h u t t e r c o n t r o l
i n t e r n a l s h u t t e r c o n t r o l
d e l a y e d t r i g g e r f o r s t r o b e c o n t r o l
i n t e r n a l s t r o b e c o n t r o l
e x t e r n a l s t r o b e p u l s e o u t p u t
t
d - i s o - i n p u t
t
j i t t e r
t
t r i g g e r - d e l a y
t
e x p o s u r e
t
s t r o b e - d e l a y
t
d - i s o - o u t p u t
t
s t r o b e - d u r a t i o n
t
t r i g g e r - o f f s e t
t
s t r o b e - o f f s e t
d e l a y e d t r i g g e r f o r b u r s t t r i g g e r e n g i n e
t
b u r s t - t r i g g e r - d e l a y
t
b u r s t - p e r i o d - t i m e
Figure 4.28: Timing diagram for the burst trigger mode
4.4 Trigger and Strobe 49
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4 Functionality
4.4.8 Trigger timing values
Table 4.5 shows the values of the trigger timing parameters.
MV1-D1024E-80-G2 MV1-D1024E-80-G2
Timing Parameter Minimum Maximum
t
d−iso−input
1 µs 1.5 µs
t
d−RS422−input
65 ns 185 ns
t
jitter
0 50 ns
t
trigger−delay
0 0.42 s
t
burst−trigger−delay
0 0.42 s
t
burst−period−time
depends on camera settings 0.42 s
t
trigger−offset
(non burst mode) 200 ns duration of 1 row
t
trigger−offset
(burst mode) 250 ns 250 ns
t
exposure
10 µs 0.42 s
t
strobe−delay
600 ns 0.42 s
t
strobe−offset
(non burst mode) 200 ns 200 ns
t
strobe−offset
(burst mode) 250 ns 250 ns
t
strobe−duration
200 ns 0.42 s
t
d−iso−output
150 ns 350 ns
t
trigger−pulsewidth
200 ns n/a
Number of bursts n 1 30000
Table 4.5: Summary of timing parameters relevant in the external trigger mode using the MV1-D1024E-80G2 camera
.
50
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4.4.9 Missed Trigger Counters
The missed trigger counters are important tools to make sure that the frequency of an external
trigger can be processed by the camera. A value bigger than 0 indicates that not all applied
triggers were processed.
The missed trigger counters are reset by writing the value 0 to the counter register. The
counter value can be read out by a property or it can be embedded in the camera image by the
status line (see Section 4.10.2):
It is recommended to reset the missed trigger counters after modifying triggerrelated settings.
Missed Trigger Counter If an external trigger (TriggerMode=On) is applied while the camera is
not ready to accept a new trigger, a counter (Missed Trigger Counter) is incremented and
the trigger is rejected. The value of the Missed Trigger Counter can be read out from the
camera property (Counter_MissedTrigger). When the Missed Trigger Counter reaches its
maximal value it will not wrap around. The user can reset the Missed Trigger Counter by
writing the value 0 to Counter_MissedTrigger. In Burst Trigger Mode (see Section 4.4.7), an
increment of the missed burst trigger value indicates that the burst trigger period time
(Trigger_BurstTriggerPeriodTime) is too short for the applied camera settings.
Missed Burst Trigger Counter When the camera is in burst trigger mode (see Section 4.4.7), a
missed burst trigger counter will be incremented, when a subsequent external trigger
(TriggerMode=On) is applied while a burst sequence is running. The value of the Missed
Burst Trigger Counter can be read out from the camera property
(Counter_MissedBurstTrigger). When the Missed Burst Trigger Counter reaches its maximal
value it will not wrap around. The user can reset the Missed Burst Trigger Counter.
4.5 Data Path Overview
The data path is the path of the image from the output of the image sensor to the output of
the camera. The sequence of blocks is shown in figure Fig. 4.29.
.
4.5 Data Path Overview 51
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4 Functionality
I m a g e S e n s o r
D i g i t a l O f f s e t
D i g i t a l G a i n
L o o k - u p t a b l e ( L U T )
C r o s s h a i r s i n s e r t i o n
S t a t u s l i n e i n s e r t i o n
T e s t i m a g e s i n s e r t i o n
A p p l y d a t a r e s o l u t i o n
8 / 1 0 / 1 2 b i t
I m a g e o u t p u t
D i g i t a l F i n e G a i n
F P N C o r r e c t i o n
Figure 4.29: camera data path
52
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4.6 Image Correction
4.6.1 Overview
The camera possesses image pre-processing features, that compensate for non-uniformities
caused by the sensor, the lens or the illumination. This method of improving the image quality
is generally known as ’Shading Correction’ or ’Flat Field Correction’ and consists of a
combination of offset correction, gain correction and pixel interpolation.
Since the correction is performed in hardware, there is no performance limitation of the cameras for high frame rates.
The offset correction subtracts a configurable positive or negative value from the live image
and thus reduces the fixed pattern noise of the CMOS sensor. In addition, hot pixels can be
removed by interpolation. The gain correction can be used to flatten uneven illumination or to
compensate shading effects of a lens. Both offset and gain correction work on a pixel-per-pixel
basis, i.e. every pixel is corrected separately. For the correction, a black reference and a grey
reference image are required. Then, the correction values are determined automatically in the
camera.
Do not set any reference images when gain or LUT is enabled! Read the following sections very carefully.
Correction values of both reference images can be saved into the internal flash memory, but
this overwrites the factory presets. Then the reference images that are delivered by factory
cannot be restored anymore.
4.6.2 Offset Correction (FPN, Hot Pixels)
The offset correction is based on a black reference image, which is taken at no illumination
(e.g. lens aperture completely closed). The black reference image contains the fixed-pattern
noise of the sensor, which can be subtracted from the live images in order to minimise the
static noise.
Offset correction algorithm
After configuring the camera with a black reference image, the camera is ready to apply the
offset correction:
1. Determine the average value of the black reference image.
2. Subtract the black reference image from the average value.
3. Mark pixels that have a grey level higher than 1008 DN (@ 12 bit) as hot pixels.
4. Store the result in the camera as the offset correction matrix.
5. During image acquisition, subtract the correction matrix from the acquired image and
interpolate the hot pixels (see Section 4.6.2).
4.6 Image Correction 53
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4 Functionality
4
4
4
31
21
3 1
4 32
3
4
1
1
2 4 14
4
3
1
3
4
b l a c k r e f e r e n c e
i m a g e
1
1
1
2
- 1
2
- 2
- 1
0
1
- 1
1
- 1
0
2
0
- 1
0
- 2
0
1
1
- 2
- 2 - 2
a v e r a g e
o f b l a c k
r e f e r e n c e
p i c t u r e
=
-
o f f s e t c o r r e c t i o n
m a t r i x
Figure 4.30: Schematic presentation of the offset correction algorithm
How to Obtain a Black Reference Image
In order to improve the image quality, the black reference image must meet certain demands.
The detailed procedure to set the black reference image is described in Section
6.5.
• The black reference image must be obtained at no illumination, e.g. with lens aperture
closed or closed lens opening.
• It may be necessary to adjust the black level offset of the camera. In the histogram of the
black reference image, ideally there are no grey levels at value 0 DN after adjustment of
the black level offset. All pixels that are saturated black (0 DN) will not be properly
corrected (see Fig. 4.31). The peak in the histogram should be well below the hot pixel
threshold of 1008 DN @ 12 bit.
• Camera settings may influence the grey level. Therefore, for best results the camera
settings of the black reference image must be identical with the camera settings of the
image to be corrected.
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600
0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1
Histogram of the uncorrected black reference image
Grey level, 12 Bit [DN]
Relative number of pixels [−]
black level offset ok
black level offset too low
Figure 4.31: Histogram of a proper black reference image for offset correction
54
Page 55
Hot pixel correction
Every pixel that exceeds a certain threshold in the black reference image is marked as a hot
pixel. If the hot pixel correction is switched on, the camera replaces the value of a hot pixel by
an average of its neighbour pixels (see Fig. 4.32).
h o t
p i x e l
p
n
p
n - 1
p
n + 1
p
n
=
p
n - 1
+ p
n + 1
2
Figure 4.32: Hot pixel interpolation
4.6.3 Gain Correction
The gain correction is based on a grey reference image, which is taken at uniform illumination
to give an image with a mid grey level.
Gain correction is not a trivial feature. The quality of the grey reference image
is crucial for proper gain correction.
Gain correction algorithm
After configuring the camera with a black and grey reference image, the camera is ready to
apply the gain correction:
1. Determine the average value of the grey reference image.
2. Subtract the offset correction matrix from the grey reference image.
3. Divide the average value by the offset corrected grey reference image.
4. Pixels that have a grey level higher than a certain threshold are marked as hot pixels.
5. Store the result in the camera as the gain correction matrix.
6. During image acquisition, multiply the gain correction matrix from the offset-corrected
acquired image and interpolate the hot pixels (see Section 4.6.2).
Gain correction is not a trivial feature. The quality of the grey reference image
is crucial for proper gain correction.
4.6 Image Correction 55
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4 Functionality
:
7
1 0
9
79
78
7 9
4 32
3
4
1
1
9 6 84
6
1 0
1
3
4
g r a y r e f e r e n c e
p i c t u r e
a v e r a g e
o f g r a y
r e f e r e n c e
p i c t u r e
)
1
1 . 2
1
0 . 9
1
1 . 2
- 2
0 . 9 1
1
- 1
1
0 . 8
1
1
0
1 . 3
0 . 8
1
0
1
1
- 2
- 2 - 2
=
1
1
1
2
- 1
2
- 2
- 1
0
1
- 1
1
- 1
0
2
0
- 1
0
- 2
0
1
1
- 2
- 2 - 2
-
)
o f f s e t c o r r e c t i o n
m a t r i x
g a i n c o r r e c t i o n
m a t r i x
Figure 4.33: Schematic presentation of the gain correction algorithm
Gain correction always needs an offset correction matrix. Thus, the offset correction always has to be performed before the gain correction.
How to Obtain a Grey Reference Image
In order to improve the image quality, the grey reference image must meet certain demands.
The detailed procedure to set the grey reference image is described in Section
6.5.
• The grey reference image must be obtained at uniform illumination.
Use a high quality light source that delivers uniform illumination. Standard illumination will not be appropriate.
• When looking at the histogram of the grey reference image, ideally there are no grey
levels at full scale (4095 DN @ 12 bit). All pixels that are saturated white will not be
properly corrected (see Fig. 4.34).
• Camera settings may influence the grey level. Therefore, the camera settings of the grey
reference image must be identical with the camera settings of the image to be corrected.
4.6.4 Corrected Image
Offset, gain and hot pixel correction can be switched on separately. The following
configurations are possible:
• No correction
• Offset correction only
• Offset and hot pixel correction
• Hot pixel correction only
• Offset and gain correction
• Offset, gain and hot pixel correction
In addition, the black reference image and grey reference image that are currently stored in
the camera RAM can be output.
56
Page 57
2400 2600 2800 3000 3200 3400 3600 3800 4000 4200
0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1
Histogram of the uncorrected grey reference image
Grey level, 12 Bit [DN]
Relative number of pixels [−]
grey reference image ok
grey reference image too bright
Figure 4.34: Proper grey reference image for gain correction
5
7
6
57
66
5 6
4 37
3
4
7
1
7 4 64
4
3
1
3
4
c u r r e n t i m a g e
)
5
6
6
55
65
5 4
4 37
3
4
7
1
7 4 64
4
3
1
3
4
)
1
1
1
2
- 1
2
- 2
- 1
0
1
- 1
1
- 1
0
2
0
- 1
0
- 2
0
1
1
- 2
- 2 - 2
o f f s e t c o r r e c t i o n
m a t r i x
-
1
1 . 2
1
0 . 9
1
1 . 2
- 2
0 . 9
1
1
- 1
1
0 . 8
1
1
0
1 . 3
0 . 8
1
0
1
1
- 2 - 2 - 2
g a i n c o r r e c t i o n
m a t r i x
=
.
c o r r e c t e d i m a g e
)
Figure 4.35: Schematic presentation of the corrected image using gain correction algorithm
4.6.5 Correction Ranges
Table 4.6 shows the minimum and maximum values of the correction matrices, i.e. the range
that the offset and gain algorithm can correct.
Minimum Maximum
Offset correction -1023 DN @ 12 bit +1023 DN @ 12 bit
Gain correction 0.7 1.69
Table 4.6: Offset and gain correction ranges
.
4.6 Image Correction 57
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4 Functionality
4.7 Gain and Offset
There are two different gain settings on the camera:
Gain (Digital Fine Gain) Digital fine gain accepts fractional values from 0.01 up to 15.99. It is
implemented as a multiplication operation.
Digital Gain Digital Gain is a coarse gain with the settings x1, x2, x4 and x8. It is implemented
as a binary shift of the image data where ’0’ is shifted to the LSB’s of the gray values. E.g.
for gain x2, the output value is shifted by 1 and bit 0 is set to ’0’.
The resulting gain is the product of the two gain values, which means that the image data is
multiplied in the camera by this factor.
Digital Fine Gain and Digital Gain may result in missing codes in the output image data.
A user-defined value can be subtracted from the gray value in the digital offset block. If digital
gain is applied and if the brightness of the image is too big then the interesting part of the
output image might be saturated. By subtracting an offset from the input of the gain block it
is possible to avoid the saturation.
4.8 Grey Level Transformation (LUT)
Grey level transformation is remapping of the grey level values of an input image to new
values. The look-up table (LUT) is used to convert the greyscale value of each pixel in an image
into another grey value. It is typically used to implement a transfer curve for contrast
expansion. The camera performs a 12-to-8-bit mapping, so that 4096 input grey levels can be
mapped to 256 output grey levels. The use of the three available modes is explained in the
next sections.
The output grey level resolution of the look-up table (independent of gain,
gamma or user-definded mode) is always 8 bit.
There are 2 predefined functions, which generate a look-up table and transfer it
to the camera. For other transfer functions the user can define his own LUT file.
Some commonly used transfer curves are shown in Fig. 4.36. Line a denotes a negative or
inverse transformation, line b enhances the image contrast between grey values x0 and x1. Line
c shows brightness thresholding and the result is an image with only black and white grey
levels. and line d applies a gamma correction (see also Section 4.8.2).
4.8.1 Gain
The ’Gain’ mode performs a digital, linear amplification with clamping (see Fig. 4.37). It is
configurable in the range from 1.0 to 4.0 (e.g. 1.234).
58
Page 59
a
y = f ( x )
x
x
m a x
x
0
x
1
y
m a x
b
c
d
Figure 4.36: Commonly used LUT transfer curves
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
Grey level transformation − Gain: y = (255/1023) ⋅ a ⋅ x
x: grey level input value (10 bit) [DN]
y: grey level output value (8 bit) [DN]
a = 1.0
a = 2.0
a = 3.0
a = 4.0
Figure 4.37: Applying a linear gain with clamping to an image
4.8 Grey Level Transformation (LUT) 59
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4 Functionality
4.8.2 Gamma
The ’Gamma’ mode performs an exponential amplification, configurable in the range from 0.4
to 4.0. Gamma > 1.0 results in an attenuation of the image (see Fig. 4.38), gamma < 1.0 results
in an amplification (see Fig. 4.39). Gamma correction is often used for tone mapping and
better display of results on monitor screens.
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
Grey level transformation − Gamma: y = (255 / 1023γ) ⋅ xγ (γ ≥ 1)
x: grey level input value (10 bit) [DN]
y: grey level output value (8 bit) [DN]
γ = 1.0
γ = 1.2
γ = 1.5
γ = 1.8
γ = 2.5
γ = 4.0
Figure 4.38: Applying gamma correction to an image (gamma > 1)
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
Grey level transformation − Gamma: y = (255 / 1023γ) ⋅ xγ (γ ≤ 1)
x: grey level input value (10 bit) [DN]
y: grey level output value (8 bit) [DN]
γ = 1.0
γ = 0.9
γ = 0.8
γ = 0.6
γ = 0.4
Figure 4.39: Applying gamma correction to an image (gamma < 1)
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4.8.3 User-defined Look-up Table
In the ’User’ mode, the mapping of input to output grey levels can be configured arbitrarily by
the user. This procedure is explained in Section 6.6.
U s e r L U T
y = f ( x )
1 2 b i t
8 b i t
Figure 4.40: Data path through LUT
4.8.4 Region LUT and LUT Enable
Two LUTs and a Region-LUT feature are available in the Photonfocus MV1-D1024E GigE camera
series. Both LUTs can be enabled independently (see Table 4.7). LUT 0 superseeds LUT1.
Enable LUT 0 Enable LUT 1 Enable Region LUT Description
- - - LUT are disabled.
X don’t care - LUT 0 is active on whole image.
- X - LUT 1 is active on whole image.
X - X LUT 0 active in Region 0.
X X X LUT 0 active in Region 0 and LUT 1 active
in Region 1. LUT 0 supersedes LUT1.
Table 4.7: LUT Enable and Region LUT
When Region-LUT feature is enabled, then the LUTs are only active in a user defined region.
Examples are shown in Fig. 4.41 and Fig. 4.42.
Fig. 4.41 shows an example of overlapping Region-LUTs. LUT 0, LUT 1 and Region LUT are
enabled. LUT 0 is active in region 0 ((x00, x01), (y00, y01)) and it supersedes LUT 1 in the
overlapping region. LUT 1 is active in region 1 ((x10, x11), (y10, y11)).
Fig. 4.42 shows an example of keyhole inspection in a laser welding application. LUT 0 and LUT
1 are used to enhance the contrast by applying optimized transfer curves to the individual
regions. LUT 0 is used for keyhole inspection. LUT 1 is optimized for seam finding.
.
4.8 Grey Level Transformation (LUT) 61
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4 Functionality
L U T 0
( 0 , 0 )
( x
m a x
, y
m a x
)
L U T 1
x 0 0 x 1 0 x 0 1 x 1 1
y 1 0
y 0 0
y 0 1
y 1 1
Figure 4.41: Overlapping Region-LUT example
L U T 0
L U T 1
L U T 1
L U T 0
( 0 , 0 )
( 0 , 0 )
( x
m a x
, y
m a x
)
( x
m a x
, y
m a x
)
Figure 4.42: Region-LUT in keyhole inspection
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Fig. 4.43 shows the application of the Region-LUT to a camera image. The original image
without image processing is shown on the left-hand side. The result of the application of the
Region-LUT is shown on the right-hand side. One Region-LUT was applied on a small region on
the lower part of the image where the brightness has been increased.
Figure 4.43: Region-LUT example with camera image; left: original image; right: gain 4 region in the are
of the date print of the bottle
.
4.8 Grey Level Transformation (LUT) 63
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4 Functionality
4.9 Crosshairs
4.9.1 Functionality
The crosshairs inserts a vertical and horizontal line into the image. The width of these lines is
one pixel. The grey level is defined by a 12 bit value (0 means black, 4095 means white). This
allows to set any grey level to get the maximum contrast depending on the acquired image.
The x/y position and the grey level can be set via the camera software. Figure Fig. 4.44 shows
two examples of the activated crosshairs with different grey values. One with white lines and
the other with black lines.
Figure 4.44: Crosshairs Example with different grey values
The x- and y-positon is absolute to the sensor pixel matrix. It is independent on the ROI, MROI
or decimation configurations. Figure Fig. 4.45 shows two situations of the crosshairs
configuration. The same MROI settings is used in both situations. The crosshairs however is set
differently. The crosshairs is not seen in the image on the right, because the x- and y-position is
set outside the MROI region.
.
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( 0 , 0 )
( x
a b s o l u t
, y
a b s o l u t
, G r e y L e v e l )
R O I
( 0 , 0 )
( x
m a x
, y
m a x
)
R O I
( x
a b s o l u t
, y
a b s o l u t
, G r e y L e v e l )
R O IR O I
( x
m a x
, y
m a x
)
Figure 4.45: Crosshairs absolute position
4.9 Crosshairs 65
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4 Functionality
4.10 Image Information and Status Line
There are camera properties available that give information about the acquired images, such
as an image counter, average image value and the number of missed trigger signals. These
properties can be queried by software. Alternatively, a status line within the image data can be
switched on that contains all the available image information.
4.10.1 Counters and Average Value
Image counter The image counter provides a sequential number of every image that is output.
After camera startup, the counter counts up from 0 (counter width 24 bit). The counter
can be reset by the camera control software.
Real Time counter The time counter starts at 0 after camera start, and counts real-time in units
of 1 micro-second. The time counter can be reset by the software in the SDK (Counter
width 32 bit).
Missed trigger counter The missed trigger counter counts trigger pulses that were ignored by
the camera because they occurred within the exposure or read-out time of an image. In
free-running mode it counts all incoming external triggers (counter width 8 bit / no wrap
around) (see also Section 4.4.9).
Missed burst trigger counter When the camera is in burst trigger mode (see Section 4.4.7), a
missed burst trigger counter will be incremented, when a subsequent external trigger
(TriggerMode=On) is applied while a burst sequence is running (see also Section 4.4.9).
Average image value The average image value gives the average of an image in 12 bit format
(0 .. 4095 DN), regardless of the currently used grey level resolution.
4.10.2 Status Line
If enabled, the status line replaces the last row of the image with camera status information.
Every parameter is coded into fields of 4 pixels (LSB first) and uses the lower 8 bits of the pixel
value, so that the total size of a parameter field is 32 bit (see Fig. 4.46). The assignment of the
parameters to the fields is listed in Table 4.8.
The status line is available in all camera modes.
4 8 1 2 1 6 2 0
P r e a m b l e
F i e l d 0
0P i x e l :
1 2 3 5 6 7 9 1 0 1 1 1 3 1 4 1 5 1 7 1 8 1 9 2 1 2 2 2 3
L S B
M S B
F F 0 0 A A 5 5
F i e l d 1 F i e l d 2 F i e l d 3 F i e l d 4
L S B L S B L S B L S B L S B
M S B M S B M S B M S B M S B
Figure 4.46: Status line parameters replace the last row of the image
.
66
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Start pixel index Parameter width [bit] Parameter Description
0 32 Preamble: 0x55AA00FF
4 24 Image Counter (see Section 4.10.1)
8 32 Real Time Counter (see Section 4.10.1)
12 8 Missed Trigger Counter (see Section 4.10.1)
16 12 Image Average Value("raw" data without taking
in account gain settings) (see Section 4.10.1)
20 24 Integration Time in units of clock cycles (see
Table 3.3)
24 16 Burst Trigger Number
28 8 Missed Burst Trigger Counter
32 11 Horizontal start position of ROI (OffsetX)
36 11 Horizontal end position of ROI (= OffsetX +
Width - 1)
40 11 Vertical start position of ROI (OffsetY). In
MROI-mode this parameter is the start position
of the first ROI.
44 11 Number of rows - 1 (HeightInterface - 1)
48 2 Trigger Source. 0: TriggerMode=Off; 1:
TriggerMode=On, TriggerSource=PLC_Q4; 2:
TriggerMode=On, TriggerSource=Line1; 3:
TriggerMode=On, TriggerSource=Software.
52 2 Digital Gain
56 2 Digital Offset
60 16 Camera Type Code (see Table 4.9)
64 32 Camera Serial Number
68 32 Reserved
72 32 Reserved
76 16 FineGain. This is fixed a point value in the
format: 4 digits integer value, 12 digits
fractional value.
80 24 Reserved
84 32 Reserved
88 32 Reserved
92 4 Trigger Level: signal level of the trigger input
signal. Bit 0: PLC_Q4: Bit 1: Line1; Bit 2: PLC_Q6;
Bit 3: PLC_Q7.
Table 4.8: Assignment of status line fields
4.10 Image Information and Status Line 67
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4 Functionality
4.10.3 Camera Type Codes
Camera Model Camera Type Code
MV1-D1024E-80-G2-12 112
Table 4.9: Type codes of Photonfocus MV1-D1024E camera series
4.11 Test Images
Test images are generated in the camera FPGA, independent of the image sensor. They can be
used to check the transmission path from the camera to the acquisition software. Independent
from the configured grey level resolution, every possible grey level appears the same number
of times in a test image. Therefore, the histogram of the received image must be flat.
A test image is a useful tool to find data transmission errors or errors in the access
of the image buffers by the acquisition software.
The analysis of the test images with a histogram tool gives gives a flat histogram
only if the image width is a multiple of 1024 (in 10 bit or 12 bit mode) or 256 (in
8 bit mode). The height should be a multiple of 1024 In 12 bit mode.
4.11.1 Ramp
Depending on the configured grey level resolution, the ramp test image outputs a constant
pattern with increasing grey level from the left to the right side (see Fig. 4.47).
Figure 4.47: Ramp test images: 8 bit (left), 10 bit (middle), 12 bit (right)
.
68
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4.11.2 LFSR
The LFSR (linear feedback shift register) test image outputs a constant pattern with a
pseudo-random grey level sequence containing every possible grey level that is repeated for
every row. The LFSR test pattern was chosen because it leads to a very high data toggling rate,
which stresses the interface electronic and the cable connection.
Figure 4.48: LFSR (linear feedback shift register) test image
In the histogram you can see that the number of pixels of all grey values are the same.
Please refer to application note [AN026] for the calculation and the values of the LFSR test
image.
4.11.3 Troubleshooting using the LFSR
To control the quality of your complete imaging system enable the LFSR mode, set the camera
window to 1024 x 1024 pixels (x=0 and y=0) and check the histogram. If your image acquisition
application does not provide a real-time histogram, store the image and use a graphic software
tool (e.g. ImageJ) to display the histogram.
In the LFSR (linear feedback shift register) mode the camera generates a constant
pseudo-random test pattern containing all grey levels. If the data transmission is correctly
received, the histogram of the image will be flat (Fig. 4.49). On the other hand, a non-flat
histogram (Fig. 4.50) indicates problems, that may be caused either by a defective camera, by
problems in the acquisition software or in the transmission path.
In robots applications, the stress that is applied to the camera cable is especially high due to
the fast movement of the robot arm. For such applications, special drag chain capable cables
are available. Please contact the Photonfocus Support for consulting expertise.
4.11 Test Images 69
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4 Functionality
Figure 4.49: LFSR test pattern received and typical histogram for error-free data transmission
Figure 4.50: LFSR test pattern received and histogram containing transmission errors
70
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5
Hardware Interface
5.1 GigE Connector
The GigE cameras are interfaced to external components via
• an Ethernet jack (RJ45) to transmit configuration, image data and trigger.
• a 12 pin subminiature connector for the power supply, Hirose HR10A-10P-12S (female) .
The connectors are located on the back of the camera. Fig. 5.1 shows the plugs and the status
LED which indicates camera operation.
E t h e r n e t J a c k ( R J 4 5 )
P o w e r S u p p l y
a n d I / O C o n n e c t o r
S t a t u s L E D
Figure 5.1: Rear view of the GigE camera
5.2 Power Supply Connector
The camera requires a single voltage input (see Table 3.4). The camera meets all performance
specifications using standard switching power supplies, although well-regulated linear power
supplies provide optimum performance.
It is extremely important that you apply the appropriate voltages to your camera.
Incorrect voltages will damage the camera.
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5 Hardware Interface
A suitable power supply can be ordered from your Photonfocus dealership.
For further details including the pinout please refer to Appendix A.
5.3 Status Indicator (GigE cameras)
A dual-color LED on the back of the camera gives information about the current status of the
GigE CMOS cameras.
LED Green It blinks slowly when the camera is not grabbing images.When the camera is
grabbing images the LED blinks at a rate equal to the frame rate. At slow
frame rates, the LED blinks. At high frame rates the LED changes to an
apparently continuous green light, with intensity proportional to the ratio of
readout time over frame time.
LED Red Red indicates an active serial communication with the camera.
Table 5.1: Meaning of the LED of the GigE CMOS cameras
5.4 Power and Ground Connection for GigE G2 Cameras
The interface electronics is isolated from the camera electronics and the power supply
including the line filters and camera case. Fig. 5.2 shows a schematic of the power and ground
connections in the G2 camera models.
.
72
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P o w e r S u p p l y
2
P O W E R _ R E T U R N
1
C A S E
G N D
I n t e r n a l P o w e r S u p p l y
D C / D C
V C C _ 3
+
P O W E R
R X R S 4 2 2
I S O _ I N C 0 _ P
I S O _ I N C 0 _ N
I S O _ I N C 1 _ P
I S O _ I N C 1 _ N
I S O _ I N 0
I S O _ I N 1
I S O _ O U T 0
I S O _ O U T 1
I s o l a t e d I n t e r f a c e
C a m e r a E l e c t r o n i c
I S O L A T O R
I S O _ G N D
I S O _ P W R
1 2
1 2 p o l . H i r o s e C o n n e c t o r
6
8
3
9
7
1 0
1 1
4
5
+
I / O a n d T r i g g e r I n t e r f a c e
D C / D C
D C / D C
V C C _ 2
V C C _ 1
E S D
P r o t e c t i o n
E S D
P r o t e c t i o n
C a m e r a E l e c t r o n i c
L i n e
F i l t e r
Y O U R _ G N D
Y O U R _ P W R
+
H i r o s e C o n n e c t o r
C A S E
G N D
C a m e r a
Figure 5.2: Schematic of power and ground connections in G2 camera models
5.4 Power and Ground Connection for GigE G2 Cameras 73
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5 Hardware Interface
5.5 Trigger and Strobe Signals for GigE Cameras
5.5.1 Overview
The 12-pol. Hirose power connector contains two external trigger inputs, two strobe outputs
and two differential inputs (G2 models: RS-422, H2 models: HTL). All inputs and outputs are
connected to the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) (see also Section 5.6) that offers
powerful operations.
The pinout of the power connector is described in Section A.1.
G2 models: ISO_INC0 and ISO_INC1 RS-422 inputs have -10 V to +13 V extended
common mode range.
H2 models: The voltage level for the HTL interface should be given by the user by
means of connecting the encoder power pin (HTL_ENC_PWR) and the ISO_PWR
pin to the same power supply within a range between 10 and 30V. In the same
way, encoder ground (HTL_ENC_GND) and ISO_GND signals should be connected
to the same ground in order to guarantee the good reception of the differential
signals.
ISO_OUT0 and ISO_OUT1 have different output circuits (see also Section 5.5.2).
A suitable trigger breakout cable for the Hirose 12 pol. connector can be ordered
from your Photonfocus dealership.
Simulation with LTSpice is possible, a simulation model can be downloaded from
our web site www.photonfocus.com on the software download page (in Support
section). It is filed under "Third Party Tools".
Don’t connect single-ended signals to the differential inputs ISO_INC0 and
ISO_INC1.
Fig. 5.3 shows the schematic of the inputs and outputs for the G2 models and Fig. 5.4 for the
H2 models. All inputs and outputs are isolated. ISO_VCC is an isolated, internally generated
voltage.
.
74
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I S O _ G N D
R X R S 4 2 2
I S O _ I N C 0 _ P
I S O _ I N C 0 _ N
M A X 3 0 9 8
I S O _ I N C 1 _ P
I S O _ I N C 1 _ N
I S O _ G N D
I S O _ V C C
e n h a n c e d
P o w e r F E T
4 . 7 V
1 0 k
I S O _ I N 0
G N D
I S O _ G N D
I S O _ V C C
e n h a n c e d
P o w e r F E T
4 . 7 V
1 0 k
I S O _ I N 1
I S O _ G N D
I S O _ P W R
P o w e r
M O S F E T
I S O _ O U T 0
P T C
4 k 7
M a x . 3 0 V
M a x . 0 . 5 A
M a x . 0 . 5 W
I S O _ G N D
P o w e r
M O S F E T
I S O _ O U T 1
P T C
M a x . 3 0 V
M a x . 0 . 5 A
M a x . 0 . 5 W
I s o l a t e d I n t e r f a c e
C a m e r a E l e c t r o n i c
- 1 0 V t o + 1 3 V e x t e n d e d
C o m m o n M o d e R a n g e
I S O L A T O R
I S O _ G N D
I S O _ P W R
1 2
1 2 p o l . H i r o s e C o n n e c t o r
6
8
3
9
7
1 0
1 1
4
5
+
+
+
+
C a m e r a
M i n . - 3 0 V
M a x . 3 0 V
M i n . - 3 0 V
M a x . 3 0 V
I S O _ V C C
+
Figure 5.3: Schematic of inputs and output (G2 models)
5.5 Trigger and Strobe Signals for GigE Cameras 75
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5 Hardware Interface
I S O _ G N D
R X H T L : i n p u t r a n g e : 1 0 V t o 3 0 V
I S O _ I N C 0 _ P
I S O _ I N C 0 _ N
I S O _ I N C 1 _ P
I S O _ I N C 1 _ N
I S O _ G N D
I S O _ V C C
e n h a n c e d
P o w e r F E T
4 . 7 V
1 0 k
I S O _ I N 0
G N D
I S O _ G N D
I S O _ V C C
e n h a n c e d
P o w e r F E T
4 . 7 V
1 0 k
I S O _ I N 1
I S O _ G N D
I S O _ P W R
P o w e r
M O S F E T
I S O _ O U T 0
P T C
4 k 7
M a x . 3 0 V
M a x . 0 . 5 A
M a x . 0 . 5 W
I S O _ G N D
P o w e r
M O S F E T
I S O _ O U T 1
P T C
M a x . 3 0 V
M a x . 0 . 5 A
M a x . 0 . 5 W
I s o l a t e d I n t e r f a c e
C a m e r a E l e c t r o n i c
I S O L A T O R
I S O _ G N D
I S O _ P W R
1 2
1 2 p o l . H i r o s e C o n n e c t o r
6
8
3
9
7
1 0
1 1
4
5
+
+
+
+
C a m e r a
M i n . - 3 0 V
M a x . 3 0 V
M i n . - 3 0 V
M a x . 3 0 V
I S O _ V C C
+
H T L _ E N C _ P W R
H T L _ E N C _ G N D
c o n n e c t t o :
H T L i n p u t r a n g e : 1 0 V . . . 3 0 V
Figure 5.4: Schematic of inputs and output (H2 models)
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5.5.2 Single-ended Inputs
ISO_IN0 and ISO_IN1 are single-ended isolated inputs. The input circuit of both inputs is
identical (see Fig. 5.3).
Fig. 5.5 shows a direct connection to the ISO_IN inputs.
In the camera default settings the PLC is configured to connect the ISO_IN0 to
the PLC_Q4 camera trigger input. This setting is listed in Section 6.10.2.
I S O _ G N D
I S O _ G N D
I S O _ V C C
e n h a n c e d
P o w e r F E T
4 . 7 V
1 0 k
I S O _ I N 0
C a m e r a
7
1 2 p o l . H i r o s e
C o n n e c t o r
I S O _ G N D
1 2
Y O U R _ G N D
Y O U R _ G N D
I n p u t V o l t a g e
M a x . + 3 0 V D C
M i n . - 3 0 V D C
+
Figure 5.5: Direct connection to ISO_IN
Fig. 5.6 shows how to connect ISO_IN to TTL logic output device.
I S O _ G N D
I S O _ G N D
I S O _ V C C
e n h a n c e d
P o w e r F E T
4 . 7 V
1 0 k
I S O _ I N 0
C a m e r a
7
1 2 p o l . H i r o s e
C o n n e c t o r
I S O _ G N D
1 2
Y O U R _ G N D
Y O U R _ G N D
C o n t r o l L o g i c
&
Y O U R _ V C C
+
+
Figure 5.6: Connection to ISO_IN from a TTL logic device
.
5.5 Trigger and Strobe Signals for GigE Cameras 77
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5 Hardware Interface
5.5.3 Single-ended Outputs
ISO_OUT0 and ISO_OUT1 are single-ended isolated outputs.
ISO_OUT0 and ISO_OUT1 have different output circuits: ISO_OUT1 doesn’t have
a pullup resistor and can be used as additional Strobe out (by adding Pull up) or
as controllable switch. Maximal ratings that must not be exceeded: voltage: 30
V, current: 0.5 A, power: 0.5 W.
Fig. 5.7 shows the connection from the ISO_OUT0 output to a TTL logic device. PTC is a current
limiting device.
I S O _ G N D
I S O _ P W R
P o w e r
M O S F E T
I S O _ O U T 0
P T C
4 k 7
C a m e r a
3
1 2 p o l . H i r o s e
C o n n e c t o r
I S O _ G N D
1 2
Y O U R _ G N D
I S O _ P W R Y O U R _ P W R
Y O U R _ G N D
C o n t r o l L o g i c
&
Y O U R _ P W R
+
+
+
+
6
M a x . 3 0 V
M a x . 0 . 5 A
M a x . 0 . 5 W
Figure 5.7: Connection example to ISO_OUT0
Fig. 5.8 shows the connection from ISO_OUT1 to a TTL logic device. PTC is a current limiting
device.
I S O _ G N D
P o w e r
M O S F E T
I S O _ O U T 1
P T C
C a m e r a
8
1 2 p o l . H i r o s e
C o n n e c t o r
I S O _ G N D
1 2
Y O U R _ G N D
Y O U R _ G N D
C o n t r o l L o g i c
&
Y O U R _ P W R
+
4 k 7
+
Y O U R _ P W R
M a x . 3 0 V
M a x . 0 . 5 A
M a x . 0 . 5 W
Figure 5.8: Connection from the ISO_OUT1 output to a TTL logic device
.
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Fig. 5.9 shows the connection from ISO_OUT1 to a LED.
Y O U R _ P W R
I S O _ G N D
P o w e r
M O S F E T
I S O _ O U T 1
P T C
R
C a m e r a
8
1 2 p o l . H i r o s e
C o n n e c t o r
I S O _ G N D
1 2
Y O U R _ G N D
+
Figure 5.9: Connection from ISO_OUT1 to a LED
Respect the limits of the POWER MOSFET in the connection to ISEO_OUT1. Maximal ratings that must not be exceeded: voltage: 30 V, current: 0.5 A, power: 0.5
W. (see also Fig. 5.10). The type of the Power MOSFET is: International Rectifier
IRLML0100TRPbF.
Y O U R _ P W R
I S O _ G N D
P o w e r
M O S F E T
I S O _ O U T 1
P T C
L
C a m e r a
8
1 2 p o l . H i r o s e
C o n n e c t o r
I S O _ G N D
1 2
Y O U R _ G N D
Y O U R _ P W R
L
D
D
D
1
2
M a x . 3 0 V
M a x . 0 . 5 A
M a x . 0 . 5 W
+
+
R e s p e c t t h e l i m i t s o f t h e P O W E R M O S F E T !
Figure 5.10: Limits of ISO_OUT1 output
.
5.5 Trigger and Strobe Signals for GigE Cameras 79
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5 Hardware Interface
5.5.4 Differential RS-422 Inputs (G2 models)
ISO_INC0 and ISO_INC1 are isolated differential RS-422 inputs (see also Fig. 5.3). They are
connected to a Maxim MAX3098 RS-422 receiver device. Please consult the data sheet of the
MAX3098 for connection details.
Don’t connect single-ended signals to the differential inputs ISO_INC0 and
ISO_INC1 (see also Fig. 5.11).
R X R S 4 2 2
I S O _ I N C x _ P
I S O _ I N C x _ N
1 2 p o l . H i r o s e
C o n n e c t o r
Y O U R _ G N D
5 V T T L L o g i c L e v e l
C a m e r a
Figure 5.11: Incorrect connection to ISO_INC inputs
5.5.5 Master / Slave Camera Connection
The trigger input of one Photonfocus G2 camera can easily connected to the strobe output of
another Photonfocus G2 camera as shown in Fig. 5.12. This results in a master/slave mode
where the slave camera operates synchronously to the master camera.
I S O _ G N D
I S O _ P W R
P o w e r
M O S F E T
I S O _ O U T 0
P T C
4 k 7
I S O _ G N D
I S O _ G N D
I S O _ V C C
e n h a n c e d
P o w e r F E T
4 . 7 V
1 0 k
I S O _ I N 0
M a s t e r C a m e r a
S l a v e C a m e r a
3
7
H i r o s e
C o n n e c t o r s
+
+
I S O _ G N D I S O _ G N D
1 2 1 2
6
I S O _ P W R
Figure 5.12: Master / slave connection of two Photonfocus G2 cameras
.
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5.6 PLC connections
The PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) is a powerful device where some camera inputs and
outputs can be manipulated and software interrupts can be generated. Sample settings and an
introduction to PLC are shown in Section 6.10. PLC is described in detail in the document [PLC].
Name Direction Description
A0 (Line0) Power connector -> PLC ISO_IN0 input signal
A1(Line1) Power connector -> PLC ISO_IN1 input signal
A2 (Line2) Power connector -> PLC ISO_INC0 input signal
A3 (Line3) Power connector -> PLC ISO_INC1 input signal
A4 camera head -> PLC FVAL (Frame Valid) signal
A5 camera head -> PLC LVAL (Line Valid) signal
A6 camera head -> PLC DVAL (Data Valid) signal
A7 camera head -> PLC Reserved (CL_SPARE)
Q0 PLC -> not connected
Q1 PLC -> power connector ISO_OUT1 output signal (signal is inverted)
Q2 PLC -> not connected
Q3 PLC -> not connected
Q4 PLC -> camera head PLC_Q4 camera trigger
Q5 PLC -> camera head PLC_Q5 (only available on cameras with Counter
Reset External feature)
Q6 PLC -> camera head Incremental encoder A signal (only available on
cameras with AB Trigger feature)
Q7 PLC -> camera head Incremental encoder B signal (only available on
cameras with AB Trigger feature)
Table 5.2: Connections to/from PLC
5.6 PLC connections 81
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5 Hardware Interface
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6
Software
6.1 Software for Photonfocus GigE Cameras
The following packages for Photonfocus GigE (G2) cameras are available on the Photonfocus
website (www.photonfocus.com):
eBUS SDK Contains the Pleora SDK and the Pleora GigE filter drivers. Many examples of the
SDK are included.
PFInstaller Contains the PF_GEVPlayer, the DR1 decoding DLL, a property list for every GigE
camera and additional documentation and examples. The option GigE_Tools,
PF_GEVPlayer, SDK examples and doc for GigE cameras must be selected.
6.2 PF_GEVPlayer
The camera parameters can be configured by a Graphical User Interface (GUI) tool for Gigabit
Ethernet Vision cameras or they can be programmed with custom software using the SDK.
A GUI tool that can be downloaded from Photonfocus is the PF_GEVPlayer. How to obtain and
install the software and how to connect the camera is described in Chapter 2.
After connecting to the camera, the camera properties can be accessed by clicking on the GEV
Device control button (see also Section 6.2.2).
The PF_GEVPlayer is described in more detail in the GEVPlayer Quick Start Guide
[GEVQS] which is included in the PFInstaller.
There is also a GEVPlayer in the Pleora eBUS package. It is recommended to
use the PF_GEVPlayer as it contains some enhancements for Photonfocus GigE
cameras such as decoding the image stream in DR1 cameras.
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6 Software
6.2.1 PF_GEVPlayer main window
After connecting the camera (see Chapter 2), the main window displays the following controls
(see Fig. 6.1):
Disconnect Disconnect the camera
Mode Acquisition mode
Play Start acquisition
Stop Stop acquisition
Acquisition Control Mode Continuous, Single Frame or Multi Frame modes. The number of
frames that are acquired in Multi Frame mode can be set in the GEV Device Control with
AcquisitionFrameCount in the AcquisitionControl category.
Communication control Set communication properties.
GEV Device control Set properties of the camera head, IP properties and properties of the PLC
(Programmable Logic Controller, see also Section 5.6 and document [PLC]).
Image stream control Set image stream properties and display image stream statistics.
Figure 6.1: PF_GEVPlayer main window
Below the image display there are two lines with status information
6.2.2 GEV Control Windows
This section describes the basic use of the GEV Control windows, e.g. the GEV Device Control
window.
The view of the properties in the control window can be changed as described below. At start
the properties are grouped in categories which are expanded and whose title is displayed in
bold letters. An overview of the available view controls of the GEV Control windows is shown
in Fig. 6.2.
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To have a quick overview of the available categories, all categories should be collapsed. The
categories of interest can then be expanded again. If the name of the property is known, then
the alphabetical view is convenient. If this is the first time that you use a Photonfocus GigE
camera, then the visibility should be left to Beginner.
The description of the currently selected property is shown at the bottom ot the window.
After selecting a property from a drop-down box it is necessary to press <Enter>
or to click with the mouse on the control window to apply the property value to
the camera.
A red cross at the upper right corner of the GEV Control Window indicates a
parameter error, i.e. a parameter is not correctly set. In this case you should
check all properties. A red exclamation mark (!) at the right side of a parameter
value indicates that this parameters has to be set correctly.
T o g g l e c a t e g o r y /
a l p h a b e t i c a l v i e w
E x p a n d a l l
c a t e g o r i e s
C o l l a p s e a l l
c a t e g o r i e s
V i s i b i l i t y
s e l e c t i o n
E x p a n d
c a t e g o r y
C o l l a p s e
c a t e g o r y
P r o p e r t y
d e s c r i p t i o n
P a r a m e t e r
e r r o r
i n d i c a t i o n
Figure 6.2: PF_GEVPlayer Control Window
.
6.2 PF_GEVPlayer 85
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6.2.3 Display Area
The images are displayed in the main window in the display area. A zoom menu is available
when right clicking in the display area. Another way to zoom is to press the Ctrl button while
using the mouse wheel.
6.2.4 White Balance (Colour cameras only)
A white balance utility is available in the PF_GEVPlayer in Tools -> Image Filtering (see Fig.
6.3). The gain of the colour channels can be adjusted manually by sliders or an auto white
balance of the current image can be set by clicking on the White Balance button. To have a
correct white balance setting, the camera should be pointed to a neutral reference (object that
reflects all colours equally), e.g. a special grey reference card while clicking on the White
Balance button.
The white balance settings that were made as described in this section, are applied by the PF_GEVPlayer software and are not stored in the camera. To store
the colour gain values in the camera, the Gain settings in the GEV Device Control
(in AnalogControl) must be used. If the gain properties in the camera are used,
then the PF_GEVPlayer RGB Filtering should be disabled.
Figure 6.3: PF_GEVPlayer image filtering dialog
6.2.5 Save camera setting to a file
The current camera settings can be saved to a file with the PF_GEVPlayer (File -> Save or Save
As...). This file can later be applied to camera to restore the saved settings (File -> Open), Note,
that the Device Control window must not be open to do this.
The MROI and LUT settings are not saved in the file.
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6.2.6 Get feature list of camera
A list of all features of the Photonfocus G2 cameras in HTML format can be found in the
GenICam_Feature_Lists sub-directory (in Start -> All Programs -> Photonfocus -> GigE_Tools).
Alternatively, the feature list of the connected camera can be retrieved with the PF_GEVPlayer
(Tools -> Save Camera Features as HTML...).
6.3 Pleora SDK
The eBUS package provides the PureGEV C++ SDK for image acquisition and the setting of
properties. A help file is installed in the Pleora installation directory, e.g. C:\Program
Files\Pleora Technologies Inc\eBUS SDK\Documentation.
Various code samples are installed in the installation directory, e.g. C:\Program Files\Pleora
Technologies Inc\eBUS SDK\Samples. The sample PvPipelineSample is recommended to start with.
Samples that show how to set device properties are included in the PFInstaller that can be
downloaded from the Photonfocus webpage.
6.4 Frequently used properties
A property list for every camera is included in the PFInstaller that can be downloaded from the
Photonfocus webpage.
The following list shows some frequently used properties that are available in the Beginner
mode. The category name is given in parenthesis.
Width (ImageFormatControl) Width of the camera image ROI (region of interest)
Height (ImageFormatControl) Width of the camera image ROI
OffsetX, OffsetY (ImageFormatControl) Start of the camera image ROI
ExposureTime (AcquisitionControl) Exposure time in microseconds
TriggerMode (AcquisitionControl) External triggered mode
TriggerSource (AcquisitionControl) Trigger source if external triggered mode is selected
Header_Serial (Info / CameraInfo) (Visiblity: Guru) Serial number of the camera
UserSetSave (UserSetControl) Saves the current camera settings to non-volatile flash memory.
6.5 Calibration of the FPN Correction
The following procedures can be most easily done with the PF_GEVPlayer.
6.5.1 Offset Correction (CalibrateBlack)
The offset correction is based on a black reference image, which is taken at no illumination
(e.g. lens aperture completely closed). The black reference image contains the fixed-pattern
noise of the sensor, which can be subtracted from the live images in order to minimise the
static noise.
Procedure to achieve a good correction:
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6 Software
1. Setup the camera width to the mode where it will be usually used. (Exposure time, ROI, ...)
Due to the internal structure of the camera, best performance of calibration will be
achieved when calibrating under "real conditions".
✎
If different ROI’s will be used, calibrate image under full ROI.
✎
If different exposure times will be used, calibrate the camera under the longest
exposure time.
2. Set the following properties: Gain (in category AnalogControl) to 1, DigitalOffset (in
category AnalogControl) to 0 and DigitalGain (in category DataOutput) to 1. Due to the
internal structure of the camera these settings are required for correct calibration.
3. Wait until the camera has achieved working temperature.
4. Set the property Correction_Mode (in category Correction) to Off. This is not mandatory but
recommended.
5. Close the lens of the camera.
6. Check the value of the property Average_Value (in category PhotonfocusMain). Change the
property BlackLevel (in category AnalogControl) until Average_Value is between 240 and 400
DN. The property Average_Value can be updated by clicking on the property
Average_Update(in category PhotonfocusMain).
7. Click on CalibrateBlack (in category Calibration). Wait until the command has been
finished, i.e.the property Correction_Busy (in category Calibration) is 0. Correction_Busy can
be updated by clicking on the property Correction_BusyUpdate (in category Calibration).
6.5.2 Gain Correction (CalibrateGrey)
The gain correction is based on a gray reference image, which is taken at uniform illumination
to give an image with a mid gray level. Gain correction is not a trivial feature. The quality of
the gray reference image is crucial for proper gain correction.
The calibration of the gain correction can be skipped if gain correction will not
be used.
Procedure to achieve a good correction:
1. The procedure to calibrate the offset correction (see Section 6.5.1) must be run just before
calibrating the gain correction.
Don’t turn off the camera between the calibration of the offset correction (CalibrateBlack) and the calibration of the gain correction (CalibrateGrey).
2. Illuminate the camera homogeneously to produce a gray image with an Average_Value (in
category PhotonfocusMain) between 2200 and 3600 DN. Increase or decrease illumination if
Average_Value is outside this range. The property Average_Value can be updated by clicking
on the property Average_Update(in category PhotonfocusMain).
3. Click on CalibrateBlack (in category Calibration). Wait until the command has been
finished, i.e.the property Correction_Busy (in category Calibration) is 0. Correction_Busy can
be updated by clicking on the property Correction_BusyUpdate (in category Calibration).
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6.5.3 Storing the calibration in permanent memory
After running calibration procedures (see Section 6.5.1 and Section 6.5.2) the calibration values
are stored in RAM. When the camera is turned off, their values are deleted.
To prevent this, the calibration values must be stored in flash memory. This can be done by
clicking on the property Correction_SaveToFlash (in category Calibration). Wait until the
command has been finished, i.e.the property Correction_Busy (in category Calibration) is 0.
Correction_Busy can be updated by clicking on the property Correction_BusyUpdate (in
category Calibration).
6.6 Look-Up Table (LUT)
6.6.1 Overview
The LUT is described in detail in Section 4.8. All LUT settings can be set in the GUI
(PF_GEVPlayer ). There are LUT setting examples in the PFInstaller, that can be downloaded
from the Photonfocus webpage.
To manually set custom LUT values in the GUI is practically not feasable as up to
4096 values for every LUT must set. This task should be done with the SDK.
If LUT values should be retained in the camera after disconnecting the power,
then they must be saved with UserSetSave
6.6.2 Full ROI LUT
This section describe the settings for one LUT that is applied to the full ROI.
1. Set LUT_EnRegionLUT (in category RegionLUT) to False. This is required to use the full ROI LUT.
2. Set LUTEnable (in category LUTControl) to False. This is not mandatory but recommended.
3. Select LUT 0 by setting LUTSelector (in category LUTControl) to 0.
4. Set LUT content as described in Section 6.6.4.
5. Turn on LUT by setting LUTEnable to True.
6.6.3 Region LUT
The Region LUT feature is described in Section 4.8.4. Procedure to set the Region LUT:
1. Set LUT_EnRegionLUT (in category RegionLUT) to False. This is not mandatory but
recommended.
2. Set LUTEnable (in category LUTControl) to False. This is not mandatory but recommended.
3. Select LUT 0 by setting LUTSelector (in category LUTControl) to 0.
4. Set properties LUT_X, LUT_W, LUT_Y and LUT_H (all in category RegionLUT) to desired
value.
5. Set LUT content as described in Section 6.6.4.
6. If two Region LUT are required, then select LUT 1 by setting LUTSelector (in category
LUTControl) to 1 and repeat steps 4 and 5.
7. Turn on LUT by setting LUTEnable to True.
8. Turn on Region LUT by setting LUT_EnRegionLUT (in category RegionLUT) to False.
6.6 Look-Up Table (LUT) 89
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6.6.4 User defined LUT settings
This section describes how to set user defined LUT values. It is assumed that the LUT was
selected as described in Section 6.6.2 or Section 6.6.3.
For every LUT value the following steps must be done:
1. Set LUTIndex (in category LUTControl) to desired value. The LUTIndex corresponds to the
grey value of the 12 bit input signal of the LUT.
2. Set LUTValue (in category LUTControl) to desired value. The LUTValue corresponds to the
grey value of the 8 bit output signal of the LUT.
The LUTIndex is auto incremented internally after setting a LUTValue. If consecutive LUTIndex are written, then it is required to set LUTIndex only for the first
value. For the next values it is sufficient to set only the LUTValue.
6.6.5 Predefined LUT settings
Some predefined LUT are stored in the camera. To activate a predefined LUT:
1. Select LUT and RegionLUT (if required) as described in Section 6.6.2 and Section 6.6.3.
2. Set LUTAutoMode (in category LUTControl) to the desired value. The available settings are
described in property list of the camera which is contained in the PFInstaller.
3. If the LUTAutoMode requires additional settings (e.g. Gamma LUTAutoMode), then it can be set
with LUTAutoValue.
6.7 MROI
The MROI feature is described in Section 4.3.2. This section describes how to set the MROI
values.
When MROI is enabled, then the camera internally processes the MROI entries sequentially,
starting at MROI_Index 0. The processing is stopped when either the last MROI_Index is reached or
when an entry with MROI_H = 0 is reached.
Procedure to write MROI entries:
1. Disable MROI by setting MROI_Enable to False. This is mandatory otherwise setting the
MROI entries will be ignored.
2. Set MROI_Index. In the first run it is set to 0 and then incremented in every run.
3. Set MROI_Y to the starting row of the MROI.
4. Set MROI_H to the height of the MROI.
5. Proceed with step 2, incrementing the MROI_Index. If no more MROI should be set, then
run the steps 2 to 4 again (incrementing MROI_Index) but set MROI_H to 1 and MROI_Y to 1023.
6. Enable MROI by setting MROI_Enable to True.
7. Read the property MROI_Htot. Set the property Height (in category ImageFormatControl) to
the value of MROI_Htot. This is mandatory as this value is not automatically updated.
Example pseudo-code to set two MROI: The resulting total height of the example will be 400.
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SetFeature(’MROI_Enable’, false);
SetFeature(’MROI_Index’, 0);
SetFeature(’MROI_Y’, 50);
SetFeature(’MROI_H’, 100);
SetFeature(’MROI_Index’, 1);
SetFeature(’MROI_Y’, 600);
SetFeature(’MROI_H’, 300);
SetFeature(’MROI_Index’, 2);
SetFeature(’MROI_Y’, 1023);
SetFeature(’MROI_H’, 1);
SetFeature(’MROI_Enable’, true);
int heightTot;
GetFeature(’MROI_Htot’, &heightTot);
SetFeature(’Height’, heightTot);
6.8 Permanent Parameter Storage / Factory Reset
The property UserSetSave (in category UserSetControl) stores the current camera settings in the
non-volatile flash memory. At power-up these values are loaded.
The property UserSetSave (in category UserSetControl) overwrites the current camera settings
with the settings that are stored in the flash memory.
The command CameraHeadFactoryReset (in category PhotonfocusMain) restores the settings of the
camera head
The property CameraHeadStoreDefaults (in category PhotonfocusMain) stores only
the settings of the camera head in the flash memory. It is recommended to use
UserSetSave instead, as all properties are stored.
The calibration values of the FPN calibration are not stored with UserSetSave (or
CameraHeadStoreDefaults). Use the command Correction_SaveToFlash for this (see
Correction_SaveToFlash).
6.9 Persistent IP address
It is possible to set a persistent IP address:
1. Set GevPersistentIPAddress (in category TransportLayerControl) to the desired IP address.
2. Set GevPersistentSubnetMask (in category TransportLayerControl) to the sub net mask.
3. Set GevCurrentIPConfigurationPersistent (in category TransportLayerControl) to True.
4. Set GevCurrentIPConfigurationDHCP (in category TransportLayerControl) to False.
5. The selected persistent IP address will be applied after a reboot of the camera.
.
6.8 Permanent Parameter Storage / Factory Reset 91
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6.10 PLC
6.10.1 Introduction
The Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) is a powerful tool to generate triggers and software
interrupts. A functional diagram of the PLC tool is shown in Fig. 6.4. THE PLC tool is described
in detail with many examples in the [PLC] manual which is included in the PFInstaller.
A 0 ( L i n e 0 )
A 1 ( L i n e 1 )
S i g n a l
R o u t i n g
B l o c k
A 4
A 5
A 6
A 7
P L C
7
I S O _ I N 0
9
I S O _ I N 1
I S O _ I N C 0 _ P
5
4
I S O _ I N C 0 _ N
I S O _ I N C 1 _ P
1 1
1 0
I S O _ I N C 1 _ N
P o w e r C o n n e c t o r
I / O d e c o u p l i n g
F V A L
L V A L
D V A L
R E S E R V E D
P L C _ c t r l 0
P L C _ c t r l 1
P L C _ c t r l 2
P L C _ c t r l 3
Q 2
Q 3
Q 6
Q 7
p g 0 _ o u t
p g 1 _ o u t
p g 2 _ o u t
p g 3 _ o u t
d e l _ o u t
r s l _ o u t
g p _ c n t _ e q
g p _ c n t _ g t
t s _ t r i g 0
t s _ t r i g 1
t s _ t r i g 2
t s _ t r i g 3
L o o k u p
T a b l e
I 1
I 2
I 3
I 4
I 5
I 6
I 7
I 0
E n h a n c e d
F u n c t i o n
B l o c k
Q 0
Q 1
Q 2
Q 3
Q 4
Q 5
Q 6
Q 7
Q 8
Q 9
Q 1 0
Q 1 1
Q 1 5
Q 1 6
Q 1 7
R e m o t e
C o n t r o l
B l o c k
f r o m
h o s t P C
8
I S O _ O U T 1
I m a g e
C o n t r o l
B l o c k
Q 1 2
Q 1 3
Q 1 4
T r i g g e r S o f t w a r e
T r i g g e r S o u r c e
F r e e - r u n n i n g t r i g g e r
I n t e r n a l
c a m e r a
t r i g g e r
T r i g g e r M o d e
3
I S O _ O U T 0
S t r o b e
A 2 ( L i n e 2 )
A 3 ( L i n e 3 )
L i n e 1
P L C _ Q 4
S o f t w a r e
O f f
O n
1
C A M E R A _ G N D
2
C A M E R A _ P W R
6
I S O _ P W R
1 2
I S O _ G N D
I / O d e c o u p l i n g , i n v e r t i n g
T r i g g e r
D i v i d e r
Figure 6.4: PLC functional overview
The simpliest application of the PLC is to connect a PLC input to a PLC output. The connection
of the ISO_IN0 input to the PLC_Q4 camera trigger is given as an example. The resulting
configuration is shown in Section 6.10.2.
1. Identify the PLC notation of the desired input in Fig. 6.4. In our example, ISO_IN0 maps to
A0 or Line0.
2. Select a Signal Routing Block (SRB) that has a connection to the desired PLC input and
connect it to the PLC input. In our example, SRB PLC_I0 will be used as it has a connection
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to Line0. To connect the SRB to input, set PLC_I<x> to the input. In the example, set PLC_I0
to Line0.
3. Identify the PLC notation of the desired output. A table of the PLC mapping is given in
Section 5.6. In the example Q4 is the desired output.
4. Connect the LUT that corresponds to the desired output to the SRB from step 2. In the
example, PLC_Q4 is connected to PLC_I0. ISO_IN0 has an inverter in the I/O decoupling
block, therefore it is better to invert it again in the PLC: set PLC_Q4_Variable0 to PLC_I0_Not.
Note that every LUT has the capability to connect up to 4 inputs. In the example only the
first input (PLC_Q4_Variable0) is used. The other inputs are ignored by setting the
PLC_Q4_Variable to Zero and the PLC_Q4_Operator to Or for inputs 1 to 3.
5. If a PLC output is used to connect to a camera trigger, then the corresponding Trigger
Source must be activated. In the example, TriggerSource is set to PLC_Q4 and TriggerMode is
set to On.
6.10.2 PLC Settings for ISO_IN0 to PLC_Q4 Camera Trigger
This setting connects the ISO_IN0 to the internal camera trigger, see Table 6.1 (the visibility in
the PF_GEVPlayer must be set to Guru for this purpose).
Feature Value Category
TriggerMode On AcquisitionControl
TriggerSource PLC_Q4 AcquisitionControl
PLC_I0 Line0 <PLC>/SignalRoutingBlock
PLC_Q4_Variable0 PLC_I0_Not <PLC>/LookupTable/Q4
PLC_Q4_Operator0 Or <PLC>/LookupTable/Q4
PLC_Q4_Variable1 Zero <PLC>/LookupTable/Q4
PLC_Q4_Operator1 Or <PLC>/LookupTable/Q4
PLC_Q4_Variable2 Zero <PLC>/LookupTable/Q4
PLC_Q4_Operator2 Or <PLC>/LookupTable/Q4
PLC_Q4_Variable3 Zero <PLC>/LookupTable/Q4
Table 6.1: PLC Settings for ISO_IN0 to PLC_Q4 Camera Trigger (<PLC> = in category
IPEngine/ProgrammableLogicController)
6.10 PLC 93
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6.11 Miscellaneous Properties
6.11.1 PixelFormat
The property PixelFormat (in category ImageFormatControl) sets the pixel format. For 10 bits and
12 bits there is a selection of plain or packed format. The plain format uses more bandwidth
than the packed format, but is easier to process in the software. Table 6.2 shows the number of
bits per pixel to are required for a pixel format. Fig. 6.5 shows the bit alignment of the packed
pixel formats.
DataFormat Bits per pixel
Mono8 8
Mono10 16
Mono10Packed 12
Mono12 16
Mono12Packed 12
Table 6.2: GigE pixel format overview
The DR1 colour camera models have the BayerGB8 format. This should be used to
display the debayered colour image in the PF_GEVPlayer display. To demodulate
the image by the SDK the format Mono8 must be used.
B y t e
B i t N r
P i x e l
9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 - - 1 0 - - 1 0 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2
0 1 2
P i x e l A P i x e l B P i x e l A P i x e l B
M o n o 1 0 P a c k e d
B y t e
B i t N r
P i x e l
1 1 1 0 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 3 2 1 0
0 1 2
P i x e l A P i x e l B P i x e l A P i x e l B
M o n o 1 2 P a c k e d
1 1 1 0 9 8 7 6 5 4
Figure 6.5: Packed Pixel Format
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7
Mechanical and Optical Considerations
7.1 Mechanical Interface
During storage and transport, the camera should be protected against vibration, shock,
moisture and dust. The original packaging protects the camera adequately from vibration and
shock during storage and transport. Please either retain this packaging for possible later use or
dispose of it according to local regulations.
7.1.1 Cameras with GigE Interface
Fig. 7.1 shows the mechanical drawing of the camera housing for the Photonfocus
MV1-D1024E-G2 GigE camera series.
55
55
30
30
6.10
4.5
48.8
52.8
30
8xM5
7
41.8
36.9
13.2
24.2
44.2
27.5
4.5
1/4 UNC
9
Figure 7.1: Mechanical dimensions of the Photonfocus MV1-D1024E-G2 GigE cameras
For long life and high accuracy operation, we highly recommend to mount the
camera thermally coupled, so that the mounting acts as a heat sink. To verify
proper mounting, camera temperature can be monitored using the GeniCam
command DeviceTemperature under GEVDeviceControl.
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7 Mechanical and Optical Considerations
7.2 Adjusting the Back Focus
The back focus of your Photonfocus camera is correctly adjusted in the production of the
camera.
This section describes the procedure to adjust the back focus if you require that because e.g.
you are using a special lens.
1. Screw a lens strongly into the camera’s C-mount ring.
2. Unscrew the 3 small screws that lock the C-mount ring with a hex-wrench of size 0.89 mm.
The position of the screws is shown in Fig. 7.2. The ring can now be screwn upwards or
downwards by turning the lens.
3. To adjust the back focus fully open the aperture of the lens and set the focus to infinite.
4. Start the image acquisition and point the camera to a straight edge/line in a distance x (x
= infinite distance of your lens) from the camera, e.g. a door frame.
5. Screw the ring upwards or downwards until the straight edge/line (distance: infinite) is
also straight on the camera image.
6. Tighten the small screws. As the ring is locked, the lens can now be easily removed.
Figure 7.2: Position of the 3 small screws that lock C-mount.ring
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7.3 Optical Interface
7.3.1 Cleaning the Sensor
The sensor is part of the optical path and should be handled like other optical components:
with extreme care.
Dust can obscure pixels, producing dark patches in the images captured. Dust is most visible
when the illumination is collimated. Dark patches caused by dust or dirt shift position as the
angle of illumination changes. Dust is normally not visible when the sensor is positioned at the
exit port of an integrating sphere, where the illumination is diffuse.
1. The camera should only be cleaned in ESD-safe areas by ESD-trained personnel using wrist
straps. Ideally, the sensor should be cleaned in a clean environment. Otherwise, in dusty
environments, the sensor will immediately become dirty again after cleaning.
2. Use a high quality, low pressure air duster (e.g. Electrolube EAD400D, pure compressed
inert gas, www.electrolube.com) to blow off loose particles. This step alone is usually
sufficient to clean the sensor of the most common contaminants.
Workshop air supply is not appropriate and may cause permanent damage to
the sensor.
3. If further cleaning is required, use a suitable lens wiper or Q-Tip moistened with an
appropriate cleaning fluid to wipe the sensor surface as described below. Examples of
suitable lens cleaning materials are given in Table 7.1. Cleaning materials must be
ESD-safe, lint-free and free from particles that may scratch the sensor surface.
Do not use ordinary cotton buds. These do not fulfil the above requirements and
permanent damage to the sensor may result.
4. Wipe the sensor carefully and slowly. First remove coarse particles and dirt from the
sensor using Q-Tips soaked in 2-propanol, applying as little pressure as possible. Using a
method similar to that used for cleaning optical surfaces, clean the sensor by starting at
any corner of the sensor and working towards the opposite corner. Finally, repeat the
procedure with methanol to remove streaks. It is imperative that no pressure be applied
to the surface of the sensor or to the black globe-top material (if present) surrounding the
optically active surface during the cleaning process.
7.3 Optical Interface 97
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7 Mechanical and Optical Considerations
Product Supplier Remark
EAD400D Airduster Electrolube, UK www.electrolube.com
Anticon Gold 9"x 9" Wiper Milliken, USA ESD safe and suitable for
class 100 environments.
www.milliken.com
TX4025 Wiper Texwipe www.texwipe.com
Transplex Swab Texwipe
Small Q-Tips SWABS
BB-003
Q-tips Hans J. Michael GmbH,
Germany
www.hjm-reinraum.de
Large Q-Tips SWABS
CA-003
Q-tips Hans J. Michael GmbH,
Germany
Point Slim HUBY-340 Q-tips Hans J. Michael GmbH,
Germany
Methanol Fluid Johnson Matthey GmbH,
Germany
Semiconductor Grade
99.9% min (Assay),
Merck 12,6024, UN1230,
slightly flammable and
poisonous.
www.alfa-chemcat.com
2-Propanol
(Iso-Propanol)
Fluid Johnson Matthey GmbH,
Germany
Semiconductor Grade
99.5% min (Assay) Merck
12,5227, UN1219,
slightly flammable.
www.alfa-chemcat.com
Table 7.1: Recommended materials for sensor cleaning
For cleaning the sensor, Photonfocus recommends the products available from the suppliers as
listed in Table 7.1.
✎
Cleaning tools (except chemicals) can be purchased from Photonfocus
(www.photonfocus.com).
.
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7.4 CE compliance
The Photonfocus camera serie MV1-D1024E-G2 is in compliance with the below mentioned
standards according to the provisions of European Standards Directives:
• EN 61 000 - 6 - 3 : 2001
• EN 61 000 - 6 - 2 : 2001
• EN 61 000 - 4 - 6 : 1996
• EN 61 000 - 4 - 4 : 1996
• EN 61 000 - 4 - 3 : 1996
• EN 61 000 - 4 - 2 : 1995
• EN 55 022 : 1994
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7 Mechanical and Optical Considerations
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