Phytec eGrabber-4plus Hardware Manual

eGrabber-4plus

Hardware Manual

Edition June 2004

A product of a PHYTEC Technology Holding company

eGrabber-4plus

In this manual are descriptions for copyrighted products that are not explicitly
indicated as such. The absence of the trademark () and copyright () symbols
does not imply that a product is not protected. Additionally, registered patents and
trademarks are similarly not expressly indicated in this manual.

The information in this document has been carefully checked and is believed to be

entirely reliable. However, PHYTEC Meßtechnik GmbH assumes no
responsibility for any inaccuracies. PHYTEC Meßtechnik GmbH neither gives
any guarantee nor accepts any liability whatsoever for consequential damages
resulting from the use of this manual or its associated product. PHYTEC
Meßtechnik GmbH reserves the right to alter the information contained herein
without prior notification and accepts no responsibility for any damages which
might result.

Additionally, PHYTEC Meßtechnik GmbH offers no guarantee nor accepts any
liability for damages arising from the improper usage or improper installation of
the hardware or software. PHYTEC Meßtechnik GmbH further reserves th e right
to alter the layout and/or design of the hardware without prior notification and
accepts no liability for doing so.

 Copyright 2004 PHYTEC Meßtechnik GmbH, D-55129 Mainz.
Rights - including those of translation, reprint, broadcast, photomechanical or
similar reproduction and storage or processing in computer systems, in whole or
in part - are reserved. No reproduction may occur without the express written
consent from PHYTEC Meßtechnik GmbH.

EUROPE NORTH AMERICA

Address:

Ordering
Information:

Technical
Support:

Fax: [phone] [phone]
Web Site: http://www.phytec.de http://www.phytec.com

PHYTEC Technologie Holding AG
Robert-Koch-Str. 39
D-55129 Mainz
GERMANY

[phone]

[e-mail]

[phone]

[e-mail]

PHYTEC America LLC
203 Parfitt Way SW, Suite G100
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
USA

1 [phone]

[e-mail]

1 [phone]

[e-mail]

4th Edition June 2004

 PHYTEC Meßtechnik GmbH 2004 L-608e_4

Contents

1 Delivery Contents/ Technical Data ....................................................1

1.1 Accessories...................................................................................2

1.2 Technical Data..............................................................................3

1.3 Field of Applications and Safety Regulations..............................8

1.4 Addresses and Resources..............................................................9

1.5 Socket Pinout..............................................................................11

1.5.1 Composite Inputs...........................................................12

1.5.2 S-Video Connection ......................................................15

1.6 I/O Pin.........................................................................................16

1.7 I

1.8 Option Port..................................................................................19

1.9 Power Supply Output..................................................................20

1.10 Integrated Supply Voltage (Only for X2-Models) .....................24

2

C Interface................................................................................18

1.10.1 Connecting the Input Voltage........................................25

1.10.2 Output Supply Voltage..................................................26

1.10.3 Supply Voltage Options ................................................28

1.11 Device Selector...........................................................................30

1.12 Notes on CE-Conformance and Immunity Against

Interference.................................................................................31

2 Installation of the Grabber Card.....................................................33

2.1 Installing the Grabber Card ........................................................33

2.2 Supply Voltage ...........................................................................35

2.3 Installing the Driver....................................................................37

2.3.1 Additional Drivers (Optional) .......................................41

2.4 Installing the Demo Program......................................................42

3 Connecting Video Sources................................................................43

3.1 Possible Video Connections.......................................................44

3.1.1 The S-Video Cable ........................................................45

3.1.2 The Composite Connectors ...........................................45

4 Start-Up of the Grabber with Demo Programs..............................47

4.1 Demo Program Description........................................................52

4.2 Image Control.............................................................................58

4.3 Additional Functions Under Image ............................................59

 PHYTEC Meßtechnik GmbH 2004 L-608e_4

eGrabber-4plus

4.4 Crosshair function (Overlay)......................................................60

4.5 Basic Parameters ........................................................................60

4.6 Special Functions .......................................................................62

4.7 Storing Images, Ending the Program .........................................68

5 Driver Software.................................................................................73

5.1 Technical Basics.........................................................................74

5.1.1 Block Diagram of the eGrabber-4plus ..........................74

5.1.2 The Videosignal and Digitization .................................76

5.1.3 Transfer and Storage of Color.......................................78

5.1.4 Data Storage by DMA and RISC-Program...................80

5.2 Driver for Microsoft Windows...................................................85

5.2.1 Requirements.................................................................86

5.2.2 Installation of the VxD-Driver (Windows ’95).............87

5.2.3 Application of the Device Driver for

Windows NT4.0............................................................ 90

5.2.4 Application of the Device Driver for Windows‘ 98

TM

and Windows‘ 2000 ......................................................93

5.2.5 Application of the DLL.................................................94

TM

5.2.6 Application of the Windows 95/98

TM

Windows NT4.0

/ Windows 2000TM DLL................95

/

5.2.7 Programming under Delphi...........................................96

5.2.8 Description of the DLL in Existing Functions..............98

5.3 Driver for DOS Applications ...................................................152

5.3.1 Premises ......................................................................152

5.3.2 Development Platform ................................................153

5.3.3 Functions for the DOS Driver

PCI4GRAB

.................154

5.3.4 Program Example DOS...............................................174

6 Changes to the eGrabber-2 and Compatibility............................179

7 Trouble-Shooting.............................................................................183

Index..........................................................................................................191

 PHYTEC Meßtechnik GmbH 2004 L-608e_4

Index of Figures and Tables

Figure 1: Accessory Cables..........................................................................2

Figure 2: eGrabber-4plus Connectors........................................................11

Figure 3: Standard Connections for the I/O Pin as Input...........................17

Figure 4: Standard Connections for the I/O Pin as Output ........................17

Figure 5: Pin Formation of the Option Port...............................................19

Figure 6: Jumper Setting JP301 .................................................................21

Figure 7: Jumper Setting JP301 .................................................................21

Figure 8: Jumper Setting JP301 .................................................................22

Figure 9: Jumper Setting JP301 .................................................................23

Figure 10: Jumper Setting JP301 .................................................................23

Figure 11: Connecting the Supply Voltage Input X300 ..............................25

Contents

Figure 12: Connecting the Supply Voltage Output X302............................26

Figure 13: JP301: 5 V on PC/104-Bus Connector .......................................28

Figure 14: JP301: 12 V on PC/104-Bus Connector .....................................28

Figure 15: Connector Field X301 ................................................................29

Figure 16: Jumper Settings of the Device-Selector JP201...........................30

Figure 17: Jumper Settings JP201 (Slot Selection)......................................33

Figure 18: Pin Out of the Supply Voltage Input ..........................................35

Figure 19: Supply Voltage Output...............................................................36

Figure 20: PHYTEC Installation Menu .......................................................42

Figure 21: Overview of the eGrabber-4plus Connectors.............................43

Figure 22: Video Connector Cables -

(Description and PHYTEC Order Number)...............................44

Figure 23: Overview of the Demo Program.................................................47

Figure 24: Menu Option: Image...................................................................48

Figure 25: Configuring the Image Parameters.............................................49

Figure 26: Live Image from the Video Source ............................................50

Figure 27: „Image Setting“ Menu................................................................52

 PHYTEC Meßtechnik GmbH 2004 L-608e_4

eGrabber-4plus

Figure 28: Creating a Full Image: Two Fields, Each with 7 Rows .............55

Figure 29: Comb Effect That Occurs with Quick Moving Objects.............56

Figure 30: The Image Control Window.......................................................58

Figure 31: Basic Settings Menu...................................................................60

Figure 32: Histogram ...................................................................................62

Figure 33: Color Meter ................................................................................63

Figure 34: Arithmetics Menu.......................................................................64

Figure 35: Selecting the Normalization Factor............................................65

Figure 36: Number of Images......................................................................66

Figure 37: I/O Test Menu ............................................................................67

Figure 38: Block diagram ............................................................................74

Figure 39: Interlaced Image (Example with 9 Lines)..................................76

Figure 40: Fields and Frames.......................................................................77

Figure 41: Moving Objects Cause Comb Effects........................................77

Figure 42: Pixel- and Control Data Flow (Overview).................................82

Figure 43: Directory for Window Driver’s New Image. .............................85

Figure 44: Windows ’95 Registry New Image............................................88

Figure 45: Adding a VxD-Entry New Image...............................................88

Figure 46: Configuration of the VxD New Image.......................................89

Figure 47: Windows NT Registration Editor...............................................91

Figure 48: Entering a Device Driver New Image........................................91

Figure 49: Configuring the Driver New Image............................................92

Figure 50: Scaling and Cropping...............................................................120

Figure 51: Example of Scaling: Only the ppl Value is Different ..............121

Figure 52: Color Format of the eGrabber-4plus........................................127

Figure 53: Return Values of ‚Data_Present‘..............................................133

Figure 54: Timing Diagram of the Return Parameter of,

data_present().........................................................................134

 PHYTEC Meßtechnik GmbH 2004 L-608e_4

Contents

Table 1: eGrabber-4plus Model Variants ...................................................1

Table 2: Pin Assignments of the SMB-Sockets and Pin Header Rows,

Model EPC-032, EPC-032-X2 ...................................................13

Table 3: Pin Assignments of the SMB-Sockets and Pin Header Rows,

Models EPC-032-X1, EPC-032-X1-X2 .....................................14

Table 4: Connecting the S-Video Input to Pin Header Row X3...............15

Table 5: I/O-Pin Connections on Pin Header Rows X3 and X6...............16

Table 6: Connecting the I²C interface to Pin Header Rows X3, X6.........18

Table 7: Pin Assignment for the Option Port ...........................................19

Table 8: Supply Voltage Output...............................................................20

Table 9: Options for the Supply Voltage Output (X3, Pin 25).................20

Table 10: Allowed Input Voltages EPC-032-X2........................................25

Table 11: Pinout of Socket X303................................................................27

Table 12: Required Memory Space of One Pixel for the

Different Modi.........................................................................129

Table 13: Memory Requirements for a Pixel in the Single Mode............162

Table 14: Pin Assignment of the Option Port - Connectors

(Both Models)...........................................................................180

 PHYTEC Meßtechnik GmbH 2004 L-608e_4

eGrabber-4plus

 PHYTEC Meßtechnik GmbH 2004 L-608e_4

Part 1 Installation and Start-Up

Part 1

Installation and Start-Up

 PHYTEC Meßtechnik GmbH 2004 L-608e_4

eGrabber-4plus

 PHYTEC Meßtechnik GmbH 2004 L-608e_4

1 Delivery Contents/ Technical Data

The eGrabber-4plus is a frame grabber card designed for use with
industry standard PC/104-plus CPU-cards.

The card is available in various confi gurations:

Delivery Contents / Technical Data

Order-Nr. Composite-

Inputs

EPC-032 3 1 No
EPC-032-X1 9 1 No
EPC-032-X2 3 1 Yes
EPC-032-X1-X2 9 1 Yes

Table 1: eGrabber-4plus Model Variants

S-Video-Input Integrated

Power Supply

Refer to the documentation included with the eGrabber-4plus to see
which model you have. This will enable you to achieve optimal
settings for your Framegrabber card.

The eGrabber-4plus includes the following upon delivery:

• eGrabber-4plus board in PC/104-plus format

• Installation CD with

m Demo software

(Windows‘ 95/98/ME/XP, NT4.0 and Windows‘ 2000)

m Driver library for DOS (with DOS4GW)
m Driver software for Windows‘ 95/98/ME/XP, NT4.0 and

Windows‘ 2000

m Twain driver for applications with Twain interfaces
m Labview driver for photo processing applications using

Labview (National Instruments, IMAQ – packet is required)

• the eGrabber-4plus manual

 PHYTEC Meßtechnik GmbH 2004 L-608e_4 1

eGrabber-4plus

1.1 Accessories

The following eGrabber-4plus accessories may be ordered from
PHYTEC:

• SMB to BNC connector cable for connection of a color camera

with BNC-plug: length aprox. 2 m – Order number WK023

• S-Video- connector cable for connection of a color camera with a

4-pin Mini-DIN-plug (S-Video-output) length aprox.
2 m - Order number WK051

• Replacement fuse 2A T TR5 power supply (receptacle F1) –

Order number KF012

Figure 1: Accessory Cables

2  PHYTEC Meßtechnik GmbH 2004 L-608e_4

1.2 Technical Data

Physical
Dimensions: PC/104-plus Format

Data Bus: PCI bus 5 V, Master slot required

(PCI Rev. 2.1 compliant)
(PC/104-plus Version 1.0 compliant)

Power Supply: +5 V (250 mA idle, 300 mA digitizing)

(taken from the PCI bus)

Inputs: 3 or 9 (depending on the model, see section 1.5.1)

Delivery Contents / Technical Data

Composite video inputs, 75 Ω, 1 V

ss

1 S-Video input 75 Ω (0,7 Vss / 0,3 Vss)

Video Format: PAL (B,G,H,I), NTSC (M)

or corresponding CCIR monochrome format

Synchronization: Composite sync. or sync to Y-signal

external synchronization is not possible

Data Format: 16 Mio. colors RGB32, RGB24, YcrCb 4:2:2,

YcrCb 4:1:1
64,000 color s RGB16
32,000 color s RGB15
256 gray shades Y8 gray scale

 PHYTEC Meßtechnik GmbH 2004 L-608e_4 3

eGrabber-4plus

Image
Resolution: maximum 752 x 582 pixels (PAL)

or 640 x 480 pixels (NTSC)
Resolution is f reely scalable in X and Y directions
up to 14:1

Image Transfer
Rate: Half frame 20 ms

Full frame 40 ms
Image transfer to the main memory in real time
(Bus master transfer)

Used
Resources: 4 kByte main memory (register field)

/INTA

Image control: Gamma correction (selectable)

Brightness (+/- 50 %)
Contrast (0 % ... 235 %)
Color saturation (U: 0...201 %, V: 0...283 %)

Hue (+/- 90°, only with NT SC)

Image Storage : 630 Byte FIFO on-board,

Real time storage in the PC main memory
Even-/odd field mem ory separated or
Common full frame memory (selectable)

4  PHYTEC Meßtechnik GmbH 2004 L-608e_4

Ports: 12-bit parallel I/O, TTL signal (multi-purpose)

Parameter Symbol Min Max

Delivery Contents / Technical Data

Input High Voltage V
Input Low Voltage V
Output High Voltage V
Output Low Voltage V
Input Low Current I
Input High Current I

IH
IL

OH

OL
IL
IH

2,0 V 5 V

-0,5 V 0,8 V
2,4 V -

-0,4 V

- -70 uA

- 70 uA

1 I/O Port (driven transistor, 28 V/0.8 A

Parameter Symbol Min Max

Input High Voltage V
Input Low Voltage V
Output High Voltage V
Output Low Voltage V
Input Low Current I
Input High Current I
Output HiZ Current I
Output On Current I
Switching frequency f

IH
IL

OH

OL
IL
IH

OZ

OON

IO

2,0 V 28 V

-0,5 V 0,5 V
5 V 25 V
0 V 1,4 V

- -700 uA

- 70 uA

- 500 uA

- 800 mA

1 I2C interface (Master)

Parameter Symbol Min Max

Transmission rate

1

Input High Voltage V
Input Low Voltage V
Hysteresis V
Input High Current I
Input Low Current I
Output Low Voltage V

f

I2C

IH

IL
hys
IH
IL

OL

99,2 kHz 396,8 kHz

3,5 V 5 V

-0,5 V 1,5 V
0,2 V

- 10 uA

- -10 uA

-0,4 V

)

max

200 Hz

EEPROM: 256 Byte internal EEPROM

Write cycles: more than 10.000

1

: Both of the frequencies can be de-lactivated with software

 PHYTEC Meßtechnik GmbH 2004 L-608e_4 5

eGrabber-4plus

Supply Voltage:

(only models EPC-032-X / EPC-032-X1-X2)

Input Voltage: 8 … 28 VDC

Output Voltages: +5 VDC / 2 A

+12 VDV / 1A
When using the +12 V output, the input
voltage must lie within the range of
15…28 V

Output Level: 22 W max.

Shut down: electronic, TTL-Signa l

Connectors: 2 SMB-Sockets:

 X1 = Composite Channel 1

 X2 = Composite Channel 2

26-pin male connector

 Composite channel 1-3

(EPC-032-X1: channels 1-9)

 S-Video chroma signal

(luma on Composite 9)

 1 I²C interface

 1 supply voltage output 1.5 A max

 1 I/0 connector, transistor operated

Mini-DIN socket X4:

 1 S-Video input

Male Connector 2x10 X6:

 GPIO-Port, 12 x TTL I/O

 1 I²C interface

 1 I/O connector, transistor opera ted

6  PHYTEC Meßtechnik GmbH 2004 L-608e_4

Power Adapter Socket X300:

 PC-Floppy socket connector (3.5“) for

feeding in a camera supply voltage. The
voltage is looped through at X3

(not X2 models, see next paragraph)

Models EPC-032 and EPC-032-X1-X2 supplemental:

Supply Voltage Socket X300:

 PC-Floppy socket connector (3.5“) for

connection of s upply voltage
(8 – 28 VDC, when using the 12 V output

15 - 28 V)

3 pin removable screw clamp X302:

 Supply voltage output +5 V/ 2 A,

+12 V/ 1 A

Delivery Contents / Technical Data

8 pin male conn ector X303 (optional):

 Supply voltage for Jumptec-MOPS

CPU-card (removable)

Socket Connector X301 (optional):

 Shutdown connector for shutting down the

supply voltage

 PHYTEC Meßtechnik GmbH 2004 L-608e_4 7

eGrabber-4plus

1.3 Field of Applications and Safety Regulations

Please pay attention to the specified operation directives of the
eGrabber-4plus. Before starting operation please read carefully the
manual.

• The eGrabber-4plus is designed for the digitization of video signals

from standard TV-cameras. Signals from composite-video cameras
can be processed, which comply with CCIR B, G, H, I and the sub
standard CCIR B, G, H, I/PAL. In addition signals compliant to
CCIR M/NTSC can be applied. Also separate luma and chroma
signals from cameras, which correspond to the S-video standard
are applicable (channel 9 only).

- The digitization is achieved in real time. The image data are

transferred via the PCI-bus of the PC. The transfer rate corresponds
to the access time specified for the PCI master slot.

- The effective transfer rate must be re-oufficient to handle the

volume of the image data, otherwi se information might be lost.

• The eGrabber-4plus is intended for use in PC/104-plus systems.

The eGrabber-4plus has to be plugged into a master PCI-slot.
When assembling the PC/104-plus system and installing the
housing, applicable CE-norms must be taken into consideration.

- The board is designed to operate in d ry and dustless environment.

For applications in in dustrial environment you have to consider to
take additional protective arrangements especially against radio
interference and safety hazards.

• The application of the Grabber board in safety areas, for aviation

and space and for nuclear or military purposes requires our
examinations and our agreement.

• For industri al applications all rules fo r prevention of accidents and

the rules of the employer’s liability insurance association for
electrical facilities are to observe.

8  PHYTEC Meßtechnik GmbH 2004 L-608e_4

• Before starting the operation of the Grabber board, it must be

ensured, that the device is appropriate for the application and the
specific location. In case of doubt, you should ask experts or the
manufacturer.

• The product has to be protected from hard shocks and vibrations.

Eventually the device has to be padded or cushioned, but the
ventilation may not be obstr ucted.

• In need of repair only a specialist should be asked, who uses the

original spare parts. For the installation of the Grabber, use only
tested and approved cables. Only radio shielded cables should be
utilized.

1.4 Addresses and Resources

Delivery Contents / Technical Data

The eGrabber-4plus occupies a region of 4 kBytes in the main
memory of the PC for the local registers. The addressing region is
automatically specified by the PCI-BIOS and no hardware wiring
(jumper setting) is required.

Only the position of the card in the PC/104-plus system has to be set
with the help of Jumper JP201 (see sect ion 2 .1 ). Up to three eGrabber­4plus can be installed in a single s ystem. Several eGrabber-4plus can
be installed in one system. The boards are configured automatically by
the BIOS for different addresses.

It is not possible to determine which board is configured to which
address. The base address of each board can be obtained by the
PCI-BIOS. For the eGrabber-4plus the driver software determines the
address via the BIOS and defines a device number. The driver also
can determine the number of boards within the system and is able to
control each board by its particular device number.

 PHYTEC Meßtechnik GmbH 2004 L-608e_4 9

eGrabber-4plus

Note:

It is not possible to determine which board will be specified by which
device number. This will be done only by the PCI-BIOS and the
architecture of the CPU-motherboard. Usually the addresses are
allocated in sequence of the numbering of the PCI-slots. This might
deviate for different manufacturers.

The eGrabber-4plus will activate an interrupt in case of certain events
or a distinct operational status.

Since the Grabber is only a single function device only the interrupt
line /INTA of the PCI-bus can be used. To this PCI-bus-interrupt an
interrupt of the PC is allocated via the BIOS, so that the program can
react to this event.
The source of the interrupt can be determined from the interrupt status
register of the Grabber.

Caution:

Since several boards can trigger the same interrupt /INTA, it must be
determined which board caused the interrupt.

m When the PC is switched on the PCI-BIOS will recognize the new

card. This is shown by a corresponding report.

m For function control we recommend the demo-software on the

included CD.

10  PHYTEC Meßtechnik GmbH 2004 L-608e_4

1.5 Socket Pinout

Note:

The following description of the Grabber’s connectors is intended
only as a technical reference.
A detailed description of the start-up of corresponding connections
and connector cables can be found in section 2.

The contents of section 1.5 are not relevant during the initial start-up.

Delivery Contents / Technical Data

ü = present on all modules þ = only X2 models

Figure 2: eGrabber-4plus Connectors

 PHYTEC Meßtechnik GmbH 2004 L-608e_4 11

eGrabber-4plus

1.5.1 C omposite Inputs

All composite video sources with an output level of 1 V

and an

ss

impedance of 75 Ω can be used. For more information on video
standards, please refer to section 1.2

• Version EPC-032, EPC-032-X2

The Grabber has three composite inputs. Channels 1 and 2 extend
to the SMB sockets å and . All three channels extend out to the
26-pin header r ow X3 ê.

Caution:

It is not possib le to use both connector options simultaneou sly!

• Version EPC-032-X1, EPC-032-X1-X2

The Grabber makes available nine composite inputs. Channels 1
and 2 extend to the SMB sockets å and . All nine channels
extend out to the 26- pin header connector X3 ê.

Caution:

It is not possib le to use both connector options simultaneou sly!

In addition to the composite inputs there is also a supply voltage
from which the cam eras can be supplied w ith power, as long as the
external supply voltage is connected to socket X300 ò
(see section 1.9).

12  PHYTEC Meßtechnik GmbH 2004 L-608e_4

Additional signals are also available on the com bi-connector X3 ê.

eGrabber-4plus with 3 Composite Inputs
(EPC-032, EPC-032-X2)

SMB-Sockets Pin Header Row X3 ê

Socket Function Pin Function

X1 å Composite 1 1 Composite 1
X2  Composite 2 2 Signal Ground

3 Composite 2
4 Signal Ground
5 Composite 3
6 Signal Ground
7
8

9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16

17 S-Video LUMA
18

19 S-Video CHROMA
20 Signal Ground
21 I2C-Bus: SDA
22 I2C-Bus: SCL
23 Signal Ground

24 Signal Ground

Delivery Contents / Technical Data

25 Pwr. Supply out
26 I/O-Pin

Table 2: Pin Assignments of the SMB-Sockets and Pin Header Rows,

Model EPC-032, EPC-032-X2

 PHYTEC Meßtechnik GmbH 2004 L-608e_4 13

eGrabber-4plus

eGrabber-4plus with 9 Composite Inputs
(EPC-032-X1, EPC-032-X1-X2)

SMB-Sockets Pin Header Row X3 ê

Socket Function Pin Function

X1 å Composite 1 1 Composite 1
X2  Composite 2 2 Signal Ground

3 Composite 2
4 Signal Ground
5 Composite 3
6 Signal Ground
7 Composite 4
8 Signal Ground

9 Composite 5
10 Signal Ground
11 Composite 6
12 Signal Ground
13 Composite 7
14 Signal Ground
15 Composite 8
16 Signal Ground

17 Composite 9 and

S-Video LUMA

18 Signal Ground
19 S-Video CHROMA
20 Signal Ground
21 I2C-Bus: SDA
22 I2C-Bus: SCL
23 Signal Ground

24 Signal Ground
25 Pwr. Supply out

26 I/O-Pin

Table 3: Pin Assignments of the SMB-Sockets and Pin Header Rows,

Models EPC-032-X1, EPC-032-X1-X2

PHYTEC offers connector cables among its included accessories,
which enable signal connection to the SMB-sockets å and . The
WK023 cable (see section 1) fits on both SMB-sockets (video inputs 1
and 2).

14  PHYTEC Meßtechnik GmbH 2004 L-608e_4

1.5.2 S-Video Connection

The advantage of this design is the separate conduct of brightness and

color signal. This prevents disturbing Moiré effects for fine image
structures and improves the resolution of the color image.

There are two possibilities for connecting an S-Video source to the
eGrabber-4plus:

• It is possible to direct an S-Video signal to the 4-pin Mini DIN

socket (X4,). The socket is switched to the corresponding
S-Video norms. The connection of the camera is possible using an
S-Video cable.

• An S-Video camera can be connected the 26-pin socket connector

(X3, ê). The S-Video chr omatic signal is connected to Pin 19. One
of the composite inputs is used to feed in the S-Video luma signal
(brightness)(for models with 9 channels this is channel 9, for
models with 3 channels it is channel 3).
On all models this signal extends to Pin 17 on X3.

Delivery Contents / Technical Data

If you choose to procure your own corresponding connector cable
the following pins must be connected (connecting the supply
voltage (Pin 25) is optional, for this voltage must be connected to
socket X300 ):

26-Pin Header Row X3 ê

Pin Function

17 S-Video: Luma
18 Signal Ground
19 S-Video: Chroma
20 Signal Ground

24 GND
25 Spg. out (Kamera Spg.)

Table 4: Connecting the S-Video Input to Pin Header Row X3

 PHYTEC Meßtechnik GmbH 2004 L-608e_4 15

eGrabber-4plus

Caution:

Both S-Video inputs can not be connected at the same time. Either the
Mini DIN input  or the connectio n on the 26-pin header row X3 ê
can be used.
In the user program the selection of the socket can occur
automatically.

1.6 I/O Pin

On the pin header row X3 as well as on the Option Port - pin header
row X6 (also see section 1.8) there is an I/O-Pin available for
universal use.

This pin can be us ed as an input as well as an output. The input can be
called from the program and is not connected to any special functions.

When using the function as output, th e user program is able to convey
control signals to other devices. The Output can be set, or cleared by
the program.

I/O Pin Functions

• Input

An external voltage (against Ground) can be connected to the
I/O pin. If the voltage is between 0 V and 5 V, then the program

receives a „0“. If the voltage is between 2 V and 30 V, then the
logic signal level is set to „1 “. The positive connection must be at
pin 26 (X3) or at Pin 15 (X6).

Pin Header Row X3 Pin Header Row X6

Pin Function Pin Function

24 Ground 19 Ground
26 I/O-Pin (+) 15 I/O-Pin (+)

Table 5: I/O-Pin Connections on Pin Header Rows X3 and X6

16  PHYTEC Meßtechnik GmbH 2004 L-608e_4

Figure 3: Standard Connections for the I/O Pin as Input

• Output

For use as an outpu t pin, Pin 26 or Pin 15 is co nnected to Ground
through a circuitry transistor (for example Pin 24 for X3, Pin 19
for X6), if the program sets the Pin to a logical „1“.

Delivery Contents / Technical Data

If the program sets the pin to logic „0“, then the transistor is
disabled and thus, there is no connection between pin 26 or Pin 15
and Ground.

In order to use the output, an external power supply, in t he rang e of
5 V and 28 V, is required. It is also possible to use the power
supply pin (pin 25 of X3) for power supply.

Figure 3 and Figure 4 depict two possible connections.

a)Connection from the Grabbers‘ power supply pin
b) Connection from external DC voltage supply source

Figure 4: Standard Connections for the I/O Pin as Output

 PHYTEC Meßtechnik GmbH 2004 L-608e_4 17

eGrabber-4plus

Caution:

The polarity of the connected voltage must be selected so that the
I/O pin 26 (X3) or 15 (X6) has a constant positive potential.
Negative potential (i.e. Ground) at pin 26 or 15 can lead to destruction
of the Grabber card!
While using the output function (I/O-Pin to Ground), the operating
voltage must be between +5 V and +28 V. When using the I/O pin as
input, the operating voltage must not exceed 2 8 V.
The I/O-Pin is not galvanically isolated from the video lines, the CPU
or the remaining signal lines.

1.7 I2C Interface

External devices can be polled or controlled via the I²C interface. In
order for this to occur, the external devices must have an I²C interface
operating in Slave mode.
The I²C interface is available at pin header row X3, and is also
available on the internal pin header row of the Option Port X6
(also see section 1.8). It is possible to connect multiple I²C devices to
the bus, but these devices must be distinguished by their device
addresses.

Table 6 shows the relevant pin assignment of the pin header rows.

Pin Header Row X3 Pin Header Row X6

Pin Function Pin Function

21 I²C Bus: SDA 18 I ²C Bus: SDA
22 I²C Bus: SCL 17 I²C Bus: SCL

23 Ground 19 Ground

Table 6: Connecting the I²C interface to Pin Header Rows X3, X6

Note:

The maximum cable length is restricted, due to the fact that the I²C
interface is driven by TTL signals. For a connected device, depending
on the configured transmission rate, the maximum cable length is
aprox. 1 - 2 m.
Use cables with sufficient shielding when connecting this device.

18  PHYTEC Meßtechnik GmbH 2004 L-608e_4

Information for adapting the I²C interface into user software can be
found in section 5.2.7, under the functions group „Transmitting Data
via the I²C Interface“.

Note:

The device address range 0xA0 to 0xA3 is used internally on the
Grabber card. For this reason it is not possible to configure an external
I²C-device on these device addre s ses.

1.8 Option Port

The option port provides 12 digital I/O-lines and one I²C interface to
the user. The signals are routed to a connector with 10 x 2 pins. The
connector is denoted as X6 (ô). Figure 5 shows the assignment of the
pins.

Delivery Contents / Technical Data

Note: The current drawn out of pin 1 (+5V) may not excee d 100 mA.

Figure 5: Pin Formation of the Option Port

Option Port, X6

pin function pin function pin function

1 +5V out 8 I/O 6 15 I/O-Pin
2 I/O0 9 I/O 7 16 I/O Clk
3 I/O1 10 I/O 8 17 I²C SCL

4 I/O2 11 I/O 9 18 I²C SDA
5 I/O3 12 I/O 10 19 GND
6 I/O4 13 I/O 11 20 GND
7 I/O5 14 N.C.

Table 7: Pin Assignment for the Option Port

Note:

The I/O-Pin (X6 – 15) is identical to the I/O-Pin on the pin header row
X3 (X3 – 26). Therefore only one of these pins can be connected.

Additional information about the I/O-Pin can be found in section 1.6.

 PHYTEC Meßtechnik GmbH 2004 L-608e_4 19

eGrabber-4plus

1.9 Power Supply Output

A supply voltage output is available on pin header row X3, enabling
voltage supply to external components such as a camera
(shown in Ta ble 8).

The output currant may not exceed 1.5 A. The output voltage may not
be negative.

Pin Header Row X3

Pin Function

24 Ground
25 Supply Voltage (+)

Table 8: Supply Voltage Output

With the removable jumper JP301 you can select between different
supply voltage options. Please note that some options are only
possible with certain Grabber types.

Overview of Options

Model

Supplying X3-25:

Input Voltage (X300) ll

+12 V from PCI-Bus

+5 V from PCI-Bus

+ 12 V form integr. adapter l

+ 5 V from integr. adapter

l = possible  = possible, however not recommended

Table 9: Options for the Supply Voltage Output (X3, Pin 25)

Jumper

JP301

EPC-032 and

EPC-032-X1

l

l

EPC-032 and

EPC-032-X2

l

20  PHYTEC Meßtechnik GmbH 2004 L-608e_4

Description of Options:

Note:

Pin 1 of the jumper field is identified by an angled corner on the
stencil.

• Power supply from the input voltage

Delivery Contents / Technical Data

Figure 6: Jumper Setting JP301

The input voltag e (X300 – Pin 4) is connected to Pin X3-25. The
voltage is unregulated. In the power circuitry there is a diode for
protection against reverse polarity along with a circuit
breaker SI301 (2 A).

Caution:

In this configuration the voltage at Pin 25 corresponds to the
voltage of the power supply device. Take this into consideration
when connecting external units to this pin.
Under no circumstances should the voltage connected to socket
X300 exceed +28 V. The current draw must not exceed 1.5 A. The
output is protected by the circuit breaker F1 (replacement circuit
breakers can be provided by PHYTEC, order number KF012).

• Power supply from the PCI-Bus with +12 V

Figure 7: Jumper Setting JP301

 PHYTEC Meßtechnik GmbH 2004 L-608e_4 21

eGrabber-4plus

The +12 V voltage, which is carried over the PC/104-plus
connector to the Grabber card is connected to Pin X3-25.
This setting is not recommended if you have a Grabber card with
an integrated supply voltage (versions EPC-032-X2 /
EPC-032-X1-X2).
Please note that the current load capacity of the PCI-Bus is
limited. The expressed maximum current draw of 500 mA should
not be exceeded.

Note:

This option functions only if the PC/104-System is connected to a
supply voltage of +12 V.

• Power supply from the PCI-Bus with +5 V

Figure 8: Jumper Setting JP301

The +5 V voltage, which is carried over the PC/104-plus plug to
the Grabber card, is connected to Pins X3-25.
This setting is not a option if you have a Grabber card with an
integrated power supply (versions EPC-032-X2 /
EPC-032-X1-X2).

Please note that the current capacity of the PCI-Bus is limited.
Current draw should never exceed 500 mA.

22  PHYTEC Meßtechnik GmbH 2004 L-608e_4

• Power supply from the integrated power supply with +12 V

Delivery Contents / Technical Data

- versions EPC-032-X2 / EPC-032-X1-X2 only

Figure 9: Jumper Setting JP301

• A regulated +12 V from the internal supply is connected to p ins

X3-25.

Note:

This option is only available if you have a Grabber version with an
integrated power supply and the input voltage (at X300) amounts
to more than 15 VD C.

• Power supply from the integrated power supply with +5 V

– versions EPC-032-X2 / EPC-032-X1-X2 version

Figure 10: Jumper Setting JP301

A regulated voltage of +5 V from the internal supply is connected
to pins X3-25.

Note:

This option is only available if you have a Grabber version with an
integrated power supply.
The maximum current draw from the 5 V branch of the integrated
supply voltage amounts to 2 A.

 PHYTEC Meßtechnik GmbH 2004 L-608e_4 23

eGrabber-4plus

1.10 Integrated Power Supply (only for X2-Models)

The eGrabber-4plus is equipped with a power supply in model
versions EPC-032-X2 and EPC-03 2-X 1-X 2.

The integrated power supply allows fo r the operation of the Grabber
and other components of the PC/104-System with an unregulated
direct current, for example from a car battery.

In many applications this renders the insertion of a special voltage
supply card unnecessary.

The eGrabber-4plus can make two outp ut voltages available:

• +5 V, max 2 A

• +12 V, max 1A

Note:

The power supply is only present on the following models:

l EPC-032-X2
l EPC-032-X1-X2

24  PHYTEC Meßtechnik GmbH 2004 L-608e_4

1.10.1 Connecting the Input Voltage

An unregulated d irect current can be fe d into the supply voltage.

Allowed input volt age range :

Delivery Contents / Technical Data

Applied Output Voltages Input Voltage Range

+5 V +12 V

l 8 V... 28 VDC

ll

Table 10: Allowed Input Voltages EPC-032-X2

15 V... 28 VDC

Caution:

The input voltage must not exceed the prescribed maximum value. For
input voltages with high levels of interference, especially if power
spikes occur, an additional interference filter is required.

The input voltage is connected to the socked connector X300 ò. The
socked connector corresponds to the supply voltage connector from

the 3.5“ floppy disk drives. Figur e 11 shows the pin-out of the supply
voltage input.

Figure 11: Connecting the Supply Voltage Input X300

The Grabber is equipped with a diode for protection against polarity
reversal.

The maximum allowed input power is 22 W. The power supply is
protected by the circuit breaker SI301 ñ. The maximum allowed
input current is 2 A.

 PHYTEC Meßtechnik GmbH 2004 L-608e_4 25

eGrabber-4plus

1.10.2 Output Supply Voltage

The regulated output voltage is available at socket X302 (û).

Figure 12 shows the socket’s pin-out.

Figure 12: Connecting the Supply Voltage Output X302

Connect the output X302 with the supply voltage input of the
CPU-card you inserted. It is important to note the pin-out of the
CPU-card.

Note:

• The output voltage is not directly connected to the PC/104-Bus

pins. Since CPU-cards tend to require greater current, the supply
for the PC/104-System is fed over the CPU-card and from there
distributed over the bus.

• The Framegrabber is not fed directly by the supply voltage, rather

over the bus connector of the PC/104-System.

• It is also possible to connect peripheral devices (floppy disc drives,

hard drives etc.) to socket X302. For hard drives and similar
components it is important to be careful that the beginning start-up
current during a power up does not exceed the maximum allowed
output current. In this case the supplies surge protector takes effect
and the components won’t start correctly.

• The pres ence of the operating voltage is shown b y the LEDs D30 7

/ D308 next to the socket X302. If an LED does not ill uminate, or
illuminates only slightly, then it is possible that the integrated
surge protector on the adapter was a ctivated. When the current loa d
is reduced the supply will once again deliver the correct output
voltage.

26  PHYTEC Meßtechnik GmbH 2004 L-608e_4

CPU-cards from the MOPS-series by Jumptec can be connected
directly with the power supply of the eGrabber-4plus. To facilitate
this, socket X303 (ç) is located at the same poition as the voltage
input of the MOPS-CPU-cards.

By using appropriate pin connectors, the supply voltage can be
delivered without connector cables, simply by linking the cards
together.

The socket X303 is designed especially to fit the aforementioned
CPU-card and delivers all required voltages.

For additional infor mation refer to the handbook of the MOPS-CPU
card

Important:

Test exactly whether the pin-out of the supply voltage connector on
your CPU-card matches the pinout of socket X303 (see Table 11).

Delivery Contents / Technical Data

Pin Function

1GND
2+5 V
3N.C.
4 +12 V
5N.C.
6N.C.
7GND
8+5 V

Table 11: Pinout of Socket X303

 PHYTEC Meßtechnik GmbH 2004 L-608e_4 27

eGrabber-4plus

1.10.3 Supply Voltage Options

• Supply over PCI-Bus

The output voltage of the adapter can be carried directly on the
PCI-Bus. The cable connection between the Grabber and the
CPU-card is then no longer necessary.
This option is generally not recommended, since the connection
via a specially configured socket is optimized by the CPU-cards
manufacturers.

JP 301 must be jumpered as follows in order to connect the
adapter output with the corresponding pins of the PC/104-Bus
connector:

Figure 13: JP301: 5 V on PC/104-Bus Connector

Figure 14: JP301: 12 V on PC/104-Bus Connector

Note:

Connection of the +12 V output with the PC/104-Bus connector is
only possible if the +12 V output voltage is also connected to the
supply volta ge output X3-25.

28  PHYTEC Meßtechnik GmbH 2004 L-608e_4

• Power down power supply (Power-Down Pin)

The integrated adapter can be shut down electronically. This can
be accomplished via a switch on the connector field X301 or with
a TTL-signal.

Delivery Contents / Technical Data

Figure 15: Connector Field X301

The power supply is shut off when X301-Pin1 is connected to GND.
In addition to this, both of the X301 pins can be connected to one
another, for example via a switch.
A controller signal can be conn ect ed to X3 01 -1 as well, over which an
adapter can be switched on and off.

 PHYTEC Meßtechnik GmbH 2004 L-608e_4 29

eGrabber-4plus

1.11 Device Selector

With PC/104-Systems, the position of an insert card in the PCI-Bus
system has to be set using a Jumper. One can imagine the position as

the card’s logical position in the PCI-System or as a „devic e address“.
The position is also defined as „Slot“, „Slot-Number, or sometimes as
„Device-ID“.

No two cards in a PCI-System are allowed to be set at the same
position. The system will most often not boot at all in such case s.

As a rule, PC/104plus-CPU-Cards have up to four positions available.

• Find out which positions your CPU-Card makes available. The

position required for the eGrabber-4plus must have master
capability.

• Check which positions are used by other PCI-Expansion Cards in

your system . Look for a free, master capable position for your card.

Figure 16: Jumper Settings of the Device-Selector JP201

30  PHYTEC Meßtechnik GmbH 2004 L-608e_4

1.12 Notes on CE-C onformance and Immunity Against

Interference

When building the PC/104-System, be sure to adhere to regulations
regarding CE-Conformity and interference protection.

Since PC-systems run with high clock frequencies, there is a risk of
interference from and through electromagnetic fields. This can be
countered by careful construction of the system.

Pay close attention to the Ground potential routing within the system.
High frequency Ground interference can be radiated across the video

cable’s outer shielding. It is a good idea to connect the shielding
potential with a Ground potential (housing or PE-connector), near the
input socke t in this case

Delivery Contents / Technical Data

The eGrabber-4plus offers various Ground connection possibilities for
adaptation to different operating conditions. Three of the four
connector sockets are in contact with GND. The GND potential of the
Grabber card can be connected with the Ground of the CPU-card, the
housing or PE using a cab le connection or condu cting bolt s. By using
synthetic conducting bolts it is possible to isolate the Ground
potential. This may be desirable in the event that you want to avoid a
Ground loop.

The Shield-GND connector  located next to the S-Video socket
establishes a connection with the shielded connector of the S-Video
socket.

In order to prevent radiation interference over the Ground potential
routing, it is generally a good idea to send the connector line through a
ferret. The ferret should be positioned flush with the Grabber and the
cable should be run through it one or two times (creating a loop)
depending on the dampening effect required..

For video lines a clamp ferret will work suitably.

 PHYTEC Meßtechnik GmbH 2004 L-608e_4 31

eGrabber-4plus

Caution:

Please pay attention, that significant interference peaks (ESD) to the
video signal or video ground might damage the input of the
eGrabber-4plus.
In areas with high interference level, for example in industrial areas
and using long feed lines, additional p recautions have to be taken to
suppress interference. Long video cables, or mounting the components
for image processing into plants and machines, can cause the
exposition to balancing currents, which have to be eliminated from the
input of the eGrabber-4plus by appropriate arrangements. PHYTEC
does not assume any liability for damages that occur due to incorrect
connections of the signal source.

32  PHYTEC Meßtechnik GmbH 2004 L-608e_4

2 Installation of the Grabber Card

The Grabber card converts analog signals from the camera and
presents these signals in a digital form to the computer and software.
If you are not familiar with insertable cards in the PC/10plus insert
card series, please take the time to familiarize yourself with the
instructions and equipment. The following tasks are not difficult, but
must be done with caution.

2.1 Installing the Grabbe r Card

Caution:

The PC/104plus-System must be is olated from the supply voltage.
Please ensure that the device does not have any power supplied to it.

Installation of the Grabber Card

The specifications instruct you to install the card on the virtual
positions (slots or Device-ID) 1-4. Select one of these positions, be
sure, however, that it is a position with master capability (in some
systems not all systems are master capable).

• Two cards cannot have the same position (for example, two cards

use position 3)

• Once a position has been selected, the selection must be set using

Jumper JP201 prior to inst alla ti on (see Figure 17).

Figure 17: Jumper Settings JP201 (Slot Selection)

 PHYTEC Meßtechnik GmbH 2004 L-608e_4 33

eGrabber-4plus

Note:

Refer to the CPU-board manufacturer’s manual if you are not sure
whether the position in question is a Master-Position.

Caution:

If the eGrabber-4plus is installed into a Slave slot, it is possible
that the system will no longer start-up (boot). In any case, the
eGrabber-4plus will not functio n correctly. For s ome systems onl y
one Master at a tim e can be installed at position 3 or 4.

• Carefully mount the eGrabber-4plus on the PC/104 and PC/104-

plus connector row of the main board. The Grabber can also be
connected to other cards in the system, you only have to make sure
that all relevant CPU-card signals are available.

• The Grabber card can only be correctly connected and inserted

when oriented properly .

• Do not force the card into the slot. Forcing the card into the slot

can damage the m other board, as well a s the card.

• Ensure that the Grabber card is inserted into the ri ght PCI slot Lign

up the golden contact strips with the PCI slot’s receptacle. Some
resistance will be encountered as the contact strips spreads apart
the contact springs.

• Make sure that no mechanical or electrical contact exists between

components on neighboring cards. Especially due to the
construction of the PC/104-cards, it is possible that components
with a high profile can come into contact with one another when
inserting the card, or even that full insertion of the card is rendered
impossible because of this. Therefore, whenever possible, select a
different arrangement for the cards or employ a spacing insert to
maintain the proper distance between the cards.

• Secure the card to the assembly holes with the aid of screws and

spacing pins.

• After inserting the card, please ensure that the Grabber card fits

snugly into the receptacle and that there is no interference from
neighboring contacts.

34  PHYTEC Meßtechnik GmbH 2004 L-608e_4

Caution:

For stability reasons, and to ensure a secure Ground connection to the

computer’s housing, screw the card in place with the four screw holes
and bolts.

2.2 Power Supply

Generally the PC/104-System is supplied with power over the
CPU-card. Check, based on the CPU-card instructions, which voltages
are required and how they are to be connected.
The Grabber requires a supply voltage of +5 V. The CPU-card usually
directs this voltage to the Grabber card over the PCI-Bus connector.
Therefore no special power supply board is required.

• The power supply for the camera at pin header row X3 can also

occur over the Framegrabber card. Additional information on this
subject can be found in section 1 .9.

Installation of the Grabber Card

The Grabber models EPC-032-X2 and EPC-032 - X1-X2 each have
a separate supply voltage adapter, which is capable of supplying
the entire PC/104-System with power.
The power supply is completely independent from the Grabber.

In order to us e the int egrated power supply, con nect a DC voltage
in the range of 15 to 28 VDC to the input connect or X3 00.

If you do not use the +12 V output for the supply voltage, the input
voltage range can be from 8 to 28 VDC. The pin-out of X300 is
shown in Figure 18.

Figure 18: Pin Out of the Supply Voltage Input

 PHYTEC Meßtechnik GmbH 2004 L-608e_4 35

eGrabber-4plus

The regulated output voltages +5 V and +12 V are connected to
the screw clamps on X302 (see Figure 19). You can connect the
CPU-card’s supply voltage inputs there. With the two green LEDs

you can check the output volt age. Be sure that the outpu t voltages
are not redirected to the Grabber or distributed over the PC/104­connector. Therefore all components that are to be supplied with
voltage have to be connected to X302 in standard configuration.

Additional information on the integrated supply voltage is
available in section 1.9.

Figure 19: Supply Voltage Output

Note:

The voltage to socket X300 must not exceed 28 V.
The current draw is limited to 1.5 A by the circuit breaker F1.
(Circuit breakers are available through PHYTEC under order
number: KF012)

36  PHYTEC Meßtechnik GmbH 2004 L-608e_4

2.3 Installing the Driver

In this step, the softwaredriver and demo program is installed.
This may be different for each driver, depending on the operating
system. How this works is explained below.

• Switch on the PC/104plus-System.

During initialization the computer’s BIOS should recognize the
card automatically. Many BIOS versions will briefly show a list of
the located PCI-devices. The eGrabber-4plus appears twice in this
list as „Multimedia Device“.

Two possibilities exist now:

1. Either the operating system recognizes the card and searches for

the driver or

2. the operating system does not automatically recognize the card

(i.e. Windows‘ NT) and the user must manually install the
driver.

Installation of the Grabber Card

Depending on the type of operating system installed on the computer,
installation occurs as follows:

 PHYTEC Meßtechnik GmbH 2004 L-608e_4 37

eGrabber-4plus

• Windows‘ 95TM:

After the operating system has recognized the card, a window appears,
New Hardware Component Found, offering the user to install the
driver. From this window, select the „different position“ option and
confirm with OK.
A new window will appear entitled „select different position“. Place
the PHYTEC Vision Utilities CD into the CD-ROM. Choose search
and in the window that will appear, select the CD-ROM drive.
Change the path to pciGrab4\driver\win95_98. Confirm by
selecting OK.
A list appears on the CD, which names the found drivers. Select
PHYTEC PCI-Grabber from the list. Now the driver should be
automatically installed from the CD to the computer.
In the window that will appear next, confirm a Restart of the
computer. After start-up the computer should properly function with
the operating system .

The driver has now been successfully installed.

Please refer now to section 2.3.1. Then refer to section 2.4, which
explains how to install the demo software.

38  PHYTEC Meßtechnik GmbH 2004 L-608e_4

TM

• Windows‘ 98/ME/2000/XP

:

After the computer has recognized the card, the user is offered the
option to install the driver.

Select the „Search for the best driver for the device“ option from the
Hardware Assistant window,, and then confirm by selecting OK. In

the next window that will appear, select State a Position . Now place
the PHYTEC Vision Utilities CD into the CD-ROM drive. Select
Search, and in the window that will appear, select the CD-ROM drive.
Change the path to pciGrab4\driver\win2K_98. Confirm by
selecting OK.
A list appears naming the drivers found on the CD. Select PHYTEC
PCI-Grabber from the list.
The CD will automa tically install the driver onto the computer.
Now the driver has been successfully installe d.
Please refer now to section 2.3.1. Then refer to section 2.4 to find
information on how to install the demo software.

Installation of the Grabber Card

 PHYTEC Meßtechnik GmbH 2004 L-608e_4 39

eGrabber-4plus

• Windows‘ NT4.0

TM

(with SercivePack 6):

WindowsNT does not automatically recognize the card, therefore the
driver must be installed manually. Place the PHYTEC Vision
Utilities CD into the CD-ROM drive. From the main directory of the
CD, select the program Start.exe, which is located under

Windows‘ NT.
In the window that will appear, select the PCI-Grabber, and then
select Install drivers and WindowsNT4.0.
After following the directions from the installation program, the
necessary drivers will automatically be installed. In the window that
will appear, confirm a Restart of the computer.
Now the computer should function normally after start-up of the
operating system .
The driver has now been successfully installed.
Please refer now to section 2.3.1. Then refer to section 2.4 for
information on how to install the demo software.

40  PHYTEC Meßtechnik GmbH 2004 L-608e_4

2.3.1 Additional Drivers (optional)

It is possible to instal l addition al drivers from th e CD-ROM, alth ough
these drivers are not necessary for the functioning of the card
described in this manual.

The Twain driver is a standard driver intended for use with graphic,
photo, and scanner programs. The Twain driver reads images and
works with the programs to process these images. The driver enables
the Grabber and camera to function as a scanner device.

For additional information on the Twain driver, please refer to the
User’s Manual on the graphic program that is being used.

The „LabView“ driver works with the measurement and automation
programs from National Instruments (IMAQ package is required). For
more information on the program or the driver, please refer to the

LabView’s User’s Manual.

Installation of the Grabber Card

If installation of these drivers are desired:

Place the PHYTEC Vision Utilities CD into the CD-ROM drive and
start the file start.exe. This file can be found in the main directory of
the CD.

In the window that will appear, select PCI-Grabber. An installation
window will appear next containing the following two entries:

• Install Twain

• Install LabView

 PHYTEC Meßtechnik GmbH 2004 L-608e_4 41

eGrabber-4plus

2.4 Installing the Demo Program

With a connected camera, the demo program allows the user to test
the card, modify image parameters, and execute simple image
operations.

To install the program:

• Place the PHYTEC Vision Utilities CD into the CD-ROM dr ive.

• The CD-ROM drive must be selected and the program start.exe

(found in the CD’s main directory) must be started.

• Select the PCI bus grabber from the installation menu that will

appear (see Figure 20).

• Click on Install Windows d emo software.

Figure 20: PHYTEC Installation Menu

• Follow the installation instructions and the demo program will be

automatically installed on the computer.

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3 Connecting Video Sources

It is possible to connect one or more video sources to the
eGrabber-4plus (see Figure 21). These sources can either be video
cameras, video recorders or any other video source [with appropriate
outputs (composite or S-Video)].

Depending on the Grabber model, both 3 composite and one S-Video
(EPC-032-X1, EPC-032-X1-X2), or 9 composite and one S-Video
source (EPC-032, EPC-032-X2)) can be connected to the G r abber.

Changing channels occurs via software, or via the included demo
program.

Connecting Video Sources

Figure 21: Overview of the eGrabber-4plus Connectors

The composite inputs are located on the SMB-Sockets å/ and, on
the 26-pin header row X3, ê. A camera can be connected to a supply
voltage via X3 as well.

Precise information for the pin assignments of the sockets can be
found in the section entitled Technical Data.

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3.1 Possible Video Connections

Various video source connections for the Grabber are briefly
described in this section.

All of the pictured cables can be ordered from PHYTEC.
The illustration of the cables in cludes a brief cab le d escripti on and the
PHYTEC order number (see the Figure 22).

Figure 22: Video Connector Cables - (Description and PHYTEC Order

Number)

Refer to the instructions to your video source in order to check for
connector compati b ilit y.

The following section briefly describes the above depicted cables.

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3.1.1 The S-Video Cable

The S-Video cable is connected to the Grabber using the round mini
DIN socket . The video source to be connected (i.e. camera with
S-Video output) sh ould have a similar socket.

3.1.2 The Composite Connectors

It is possible to connect the composite outputs (BNC plug) with a
video source using a BNC plug.

Note:

If the composite sources contain a cinch socket, then a cinch/BNC
adapter (75 Ω) must be use d.

The end with the SMB-plug is inserted into the Grabber
(socket å or ).

Connecting Video Sources

In order to display an image, the correct channel must be selected in

the user’s software and in the demo program. It is possible for the
included software to automatically recognize which channel is
supplied with a signal (see section 4).

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4 Start-Up of the Grabber with the Demo Program

In order to continue with this section, the demo program and the
Grabber driver must be correctly insta lled (see section 2).

The demo program can be found under START / Programs / Phytec /
pciGrabber4plus / Gr ab4PCI. After this program has been started, an
empty program window will appear with menu options
(see Figure 23).

Start-Up of the Grabber with Demo Programs

Figure 23: Overview of the Demo Program

Next, a moving live image from the camera should be displayed
Please ensure that a video camera, or another source is connected to
the Grabber and that an image signal is being transmitted.

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Click on the Image button and the following pull-down menu will
appear (see Figure 24).

Figure 24: Menu Option: Image

In order to configure the parameters of the image to be grabbed, select
the Image Settings command from the pull-down menu
(see Figure 25).

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Start-Up of the Grabber with Demo Programs

Figure 25: Configuring the Image Parameters

Detailed descriptions of each parameter will be given further on in this
manual. In order to test the Grabber, the live image should be
displayed on the monitor. To display the image on the monitor, the
following requirements must be met.

It is important to select the proper video input for the Grabber. In the
Channel selection field, fill in the type of video source
(composite/ S-VHS) and the input channe l that is being used.

The input channels can either be manually entered, or automatically
searched for. In order to use the automatic search, click on the Search
channel button. The first channel with an active video source that is
found is used.

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In the Color Mode field, the user can choose to display the image in
color, or in monochrome.

The remaining entries under Image selection can retain their
pre-configured values.
Exit the menu by clicking OK.

Now select the Live Image command from the Image pull-down
menu.
A live image from the selected video source will now be displayed in
a new window (see Figure 26)

Figure 26: Live Image from the Video Source

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If a blue screen appears, examine all connections to ensure that they
are secure. Also ensure that the camera is receiving power.

If the connections are secure and a power supply is available, then
perhaps an incorre ct channel or Grabber was selected.

Additional error sources are described in section 7,

“Trouble-Shooting”.

Note:

When operating multiple Grabbers in a computer, the user must select
a primary Grabber. Designating a Grabber can be done under Options.

The Frame Rate display xx (xx= Number) can be found on the lower
bar of the main window. The value represents the number of images
that are generated per second in the live window. The value is
dependant on the size of the image, and the capacity of the computer,
because the digitized image must be transmitted from the computer’s
RAM to the graphic card to eventually show up on the screen.

Start-Up of the Grabber with Demo Programs

Note:

Despite the processor’s capacity, the Grabber always stores image
data in real time in the main memory (RAM) of the PC/104 systems.

Further process ing of the data is dependant on the CPU of the PC.

The status bar further contains a counter th at di splays th e tota l number
of live images captured (Frames Captured).

When the counter has reached 255, it automatically begins a new
sequence starting with 0.

The status bar can also be used to indicate whether the Grabber is
active or not.

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4.1 Demo Program Description

This section describes in greater detail the program, as well as the
menus of the included demo program .

The Image Settings menu (see Figure 27) contains parameters that
influence image generation and depiction:

Figure 27: „Image Setting“ Menu

The parameters can be configured before a live image is displayed,
although parameters cannot be configured while live images are
displayed.

The section entitled Channel Selection, offers parameters for video
source types and channel selection.

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Click on either the Composite or the S-VHS button to select the
appropriate signal type.

• Composite Sources

Composite refers to both of the SMB-Sockets å/and to the
Composite over the pin header row X3
From the Channel menu, select the appropriate input channel for
the connected camera.
Clicking on Search Channel allows the grabber to search for an
active input channel. The program configures the first channel with
a video signal.

• S-Video Source

S-Video (or „S-VHS“) – Two possibilities exist for connecting a
source to the Grabber. Over the Mini-DIN plug  or over the pin
header row X3 ê.
Select S-VHS MINIDIN for the Mini-DIN plug 
or S-VHS COMBI for the header row X3 ê.

Start-Up of the Grabber with Demo Programs

Note:

Only one S-Video connection possibility can be implemented at
any given time.

The user can choose to display an image in color (when using a
color video source) or monochrome by using the color and
monochrome buttons.

“Image Selection“, found in the lower section of the window, can
be used to configure the size and resolution of the image.

The Image Reso lution parameter is used to configure the image’s

resolution (= „quality“)

The parameters divide into x-direction for the pixel number and in
y-direction for the row number. Both values can be changed
separately using t he free defined button.

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Please note, that the image will be displayed distorted (stretched or
shrunk) if the 4:3 ratio is not adhered to. (This width to height ratio
arises due to television standards).

The TV Format button prevents image distortion by automatically
adhering to the 4:3 ratio (width/height relationship). For example, if
given the number of pixels, the number of rows is automatically
calculated with the 4:3 ratio.

The Window Size button can be used to extract a section of the image,
and display this section instead if the whole picture on the monitor.

This section can be smaller than the viewing field of a camera. If the
entire digitized field is to be displayed, then checkmark the
Image=Window bo x.

The Window Size does not distort the image geometry because it is not
a scaled section, rat her then a cut out sect ion.

Note:

Please note that scaling and cutting section processing is run in real
time in the Grabber. The Grabber stores the image as it is displayed on
the monitor. This is very beneficial because the CPU is not needed for
this functi on.

A brief explanation of similar television technology will lead to a
better understanding of the buttons field1, field2, full frame, and field

aligned.

A television image (normal video signal) is made up of two interlaced
images, so called half frames (fields) (see Figure 28). These half
frames (fields) are consecutively generated in a similar fashion and
then displayed on a screen (i.e. television).

The interlacing of the images reduces the flickering that can occur
with TV images.

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Start-Up of the Grabber with Demo Programs

Figure 28: Creating a Full Image: Two Fields, Each with 7 Rows

According to the PAL-norm, each signal contains 625 rows.
The rows are divided into field frames: the first field
(odd field1 w ith rows 1-625) and a second field (even, field2
with rows 2-624). An image section is fully recognizable by one of its

half fields. The image’s vertical resolution is reduced by half, since
the image is only represented by 228 rows (excluding the invisible
rows that precede and succeed the image as well as test and data
rows). A total of ap proximately 576 from 625 rows r e main visible

Digitizing a field is time efficient; compare 20 ms for a field image to
40 ms for both fields (full frame).

If the same field (i.e. the first) needs to be digitized repeatedly, there is
a pause of 20 m s between the proce sses.

Digitizing a full frame can create a distorted image if the object moves
too quickly. The object is in a different location in the first field than it
is in the second, creating a comb effect. The image may appear as
shown in Figure 29).

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Figure 29: Comb Effect That Occurs with Quick Moving Objects

The parameter described above can be changed in the demo program .

With vertical resolutions lower than 288 rows, it is easier to digitize a
field. The field1 (first, odd half frame) and field2 (second, even half
frame) buttons can be used to manipulate the digitization of half
frames.

If the number of rows is larger than 288, then both fields must be
digitized. To digitize both fields, click on full frame. If a number
larger than 288 is entered into Image Reso lution, then the f ull frame is
automatically selected.

The field aligned button doubles the number of displayed fields per
second. This eliminates the 20 ms pause between the digitization of
fields.

Optically frames, the image contents shifts a half line up and down,
when consecuti vely displaying both fields.

This occurs because the two fields cannot be interlaced to form a full
frame. When configuring field aligned, the Grabber automatically
moves the second field one half row, so that the second field can
properly interlace with the first field, creating a frame.

This does not allow the jump effect to occur. This configuration for
field aligned is also helpful when the user wishes to consecutively
digitize images with a maximu m of 288 rows, at a rapid pace (1 field
in aprox. 20 ms).

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If the horizontal resolution is smaller than 360 Pixel the checkbox
came Luma Lowpass should be set.

This Lowpass will smoothen the in size reduced image. The Lowpass
will automatically be activated if the resolution is smaller matically be
activated if the resolution is smaller then 360 Pixel and otherwise
deactivated.

Window Position can be used to determine the position of the image
window contained in the above mentioned image section. The values
represent the position of the upper left-hand corner. In order to center
the image in the TV screen, check mark the box next to center.

The parameter moves around cut out the section in the an entire
image. Therefore, can the cut out section only be moved around if it is
smaller than the entire im age.

Start-Up of the Grabber with Demo Programs

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4.2 Image Control

During the displaying of a live image the image control window can
be opened from Image pull-down menu under auf Brightness,

Contrast, Hue... . the dialog shown bel ow appears.

Figure 30: The Image Control Window

Using the sliders it is possible to modify settings for brightness,
conrast, color saturation and color tone.
The values are transferred immediately to the Grabber, so that the
effects of justification can be seen and judged immediately in the live
image.

The Brightness slider can be used to ad just brightness levels to meet
environmental conditions.
The Contast slider can be used to adjust the image contrast as needed.

For the adjustment of the color saturation two controls are available:
saturation U and saturation V. This allows separate manipulation of
the saturation in the red- and blueviolet region.

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With the contr ol box U=V both controls can be united. In this way you
are able to change the color saturation without manipulating the color
tone.

The hue control makes only sense for the NTSC-system. This control
serves for the correction of the color tone, in case a phase shift has

occurred during transmission. Those interference’s can only be
present in NTSC-systems. The PAL-system corrects color tone
failures automatically, so that the hue control has no effect. Please
leave the slider here in the middle position.

Note:

Modification of the hue (i.e. white balance) can equally be done on
NTSC and PAL systems by moving the saturation sliders separately
(in general it is better to modify the white balance at the camera or
video source if possible).

Start-Up of the Grabber with Demo Programs

4.3 Additional Functions Under Image

• Using the Single Image entry, a snapshot is taken and displayed on

the screen. In this mode, the Grabber only performs one
digitization.

• The parameter Image Settings defines the image.

• Using the parameter Live Image, a live image can be displayed on

the monitor. Image settings also defines the image in this mode.

• Snapshots can be taken during live operation using the Snapshot

option.

• The current image will be displayed in a new window. Multiple

snapshots can be made.

• Snapshot-Windows that appear on the screen are automatically

numbered.

• Using the pre-configured parameters in Image Settings, Open

Image on Start enables a live image from the video source to be

displayed on the monitor after every program start.

• Adding the demo program to the auto start group enables the

computer, after start-up, without intervention from the user, to
display a live image, with the pre-configured parameters, on the
monitor.

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4.4 Crosshair functi on (Overlay)

Several types of crosshairs can be overlaid in the live image. This can
be useful to a center a o bjet in the middle of the image.
The parameters for this function can be found under the menu option
Effects All of the cross hairs, or a combination of them , can be
overlaid in the image.

4.5 Basic Parameters

Basic parameters pertaining to the Grabber and arithmetic operations
can be found in the Options pull-down menu.

Basic Settings contains the following menu:

Figure 31: Basic Settings Menu

Multiple eGrabber-4plus units can be operated in a PC/104-System.
Select the appropriate number in the Grabber selection field. If there
is only one Grabber installed in the computer, then the Grabber is
automatically activated and assigned with the number 1.

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Grabber Type displays which type of Grabber model is installed in the
computer.

EPC-032, EPC-032-X1 or EPC-032-X2, EPC-032-X1-X2 (depending
on Grabber model) denotes the eGrabber-4plus.

Color System configures the color system to be used with the Grabber.

PAL is mainly used in Europe an d NTSC is used in the USA.
While operating with live images, these parameters cannot be
changed.

Addition Settings and Type Casting Settings are described with Add
Live Images and Arithmetics later on in this manual. All of these
entries can be found under the menu option Features.

Start-Up of the Grabber with Demo Programs

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4.6 Special Functions

The demo program offers several special functions to manipulate and
analyze image contents.

• Display Histograms

Histogram enables a histogram to be calculated from a static
image, i.e. an image obtained using the Snapshot.
A histogram provides the distribution of the gray- or color values
of an image.
The relative Frequency of the corresponding intensity values are
represented by brightness, as well as the intensity (see Figure 32).

Figure 32: Histogram

The X-axis includes the values between 0 and 255. Using the
check boxes in the histogram window, the curves of gray values,
or the separate color values, can be turned on/off.

Caution:

A histogram can only be created from a static image, and not from
a live image. To create a histogram for a live image, you must first
create a static image using the snapshot function.

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• Analyzing Colors:

Selecting the Color Meter option opens the window shown in
Figure 33.

Start-Up of the Grabber with Demo Programs

Figure 33: Color Meter

The color meter option only functions in the live image display.
The color meter displays various color models for the color values
of pixels embedded in the center of the im age.
A small crosshair that appears in live image indicates the center of
the image.
The RGB model displays the color values for red, green and blue
as pointers and number values on the intensity bar.
The YCrCb model displays color values as color bars and in a
coordinate system.
Thus, color fading and changing can be observed over an extended
period of time.
The Reset button erases the existing coordinate graph and creates a
new graph.

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The HSI model displays the color values in a color circle. The
length of the vector indicates the saturat ion level , and th e directio n
of the vector indicate s the hue. Brightness is displayed in a g auge
at the bottom of the window.
Each value is also numbered.

• Displaying Color Bars:

Select the Color Bars option in order to test th e Grabber.
The color bars are generated from hardware and not the demo
program. The number of bars displayed depends on size of the
chosen image. All color bars are displayed with a horizontal
resolution of a prox. 515 pixels.

• Arithmetic Operations on Static Images:

The Arithmetics menu option provides some simple arithmetic
operations on static images (see Figure 31).
For example, images can be added, subtracted, multiplied or
divided pixel by pixel. In addition, a constant can be added to each
pixel (brightness changes) or the constant can be multiplied with
each pixel (contrast change).

Figure 34: Arithmetics Menu

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Images to be manipulated can be selected from Source Image 1 and 2.
The number behind Image# corresponds to the number of the image
window.

Arithmetic operations can be selected from the Images entry. The user
can also choose to perform an absolute calculation.
When performing an absolute calculation, negative values are not
allowed. Eventual ly these negative values will display a meaningless
and incorrect result.

Under the Constant option, a constant can be added to each pixel
(changes brightness) or can be multiplied with each pixel (changes
contrast).

All arithmetic operations are normalized. This is important if the
result is expected to be out side o f the disp layed range of v alues. (Each
color channel has a range from 0 to 255). On principle, values greater
than 255 are set to 255, and pixels with values less than 0 are set to 0.
This prevents, for example, the creation of white images caused by
multiplying p ixe l s.

Start-Up of the Grabber with Demo Programs

The normalization factor can be selected from Options pull-down
menu under Type Casting Settings (see Figure 35).

Figure 35: Selecting the Normalization Factor

The actual value is displayed in the bottom section of the Arithmetic
menu.

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Caution:

Incorrect settings of the normalization factor will provide
unsatisfactory results with arithmetic operations (i.e black or white
images).

• The Add Live Images option enables up to 1000 consecutive live

images to be compiled into a sin gle image.

• The desired number of images can be selected under Options /

Addition Settings (see Figure 36).

Figure 36: Number of Images

This feature can also be used to reduce noise levels when recording
images or to reduce the resolution of moving objects, in comparison to
the background.

After the addition process the resulting picture is normalized so that
the original brigh tne ss is retaine d.
The length of the process depends on the number of images that were
added and the capability of the computer.

The operation’s status is displayed as a percentage in the lower section
of the window.

Caution:

In order to ensure that the brightness for added images has the same
quality as single images, the parameters for the number of images
change simulta neously with the n ormalization factor (type casting).
The normalization factor must eventually be re-configured when using
additional Arithmetic functions.

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• I/O Port Test:

Select the I/O Test command from the Test Hardware pull-down

menu. The window shown in Figure 37 will appear.

Figure 37: I/O Test Menu

Start-Up of the Grabber with Demo Programs

This dialog box enables the user to test the I/O port. The port is an
input/output swit ch that is cont rolled by a trans istor that populates the
Grabber.

The port can be wired to pin header row X3 or over the Grabber’s
Option Port X6 (see section 1.6).

If Output active is selected, then the port pin ac ts as an output. The Set
I/O Port switch can b e used to activate the output (ON = con nection
against Ground) or deactivate the output (HI-Z = high impedance).

Selecting Input active allows the user to test the I/O Input Port. The
simulated red light indicates if t he port reacts to an external signal.

If the pin remains open (unconnected), the input is activated after the
button has been selected. The red light will illuminate and indicates
that state.

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4.7 Storing Images, Ending the Program

The menu option File en ables users to store live images (snap shots),
static images and arithmetically processed images. The options Save
or Save as allow the images to be saved with an index number given
by the program, or with a name given by the user.

The images are saved in bmp format and can be viewed and processed
with any graphic program.

The Close option con secuti vely closes static i mages as well as the live
window.

Exit closes and leaves the program.

4.8 Getting Started with Linux

Using the PHYTEC-framegrabber cards ‚pciGrabber-4plus‘ and
‚eGrabber-4plus‘ with Linux is easy, because these cards are
supported by the standard framegrabber-driver ‚bttv‘.

The pciGrabber-4plus has an own card defi nition in the bttv-driver. If
your bttv-driver version does not contain this card definition, please
upgrade to a newer bttv version.
The PHYTEC-cards are included in version 0.7.107 or hig er. Current
versions can be found on the bttv-driver page www.bytesex.org.

Please note that the bt tv-driver does not detects the pci Grabber-4plus
automatically.
The driver has to be configured by the following p rocedure:

Step 1: Choose the card number which corresponds to your grabber
version from the list below.

Step 2: Edit the fi l e et c/modules.conf using a text editor. Enter the card
number as show below:

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/etc/modules.conf:

...

Start-Up of the Grabber with Demo Programs

alias char-major-81 videodev
alias char-major-81-0 bttv

options bttv card=106 Ì enter your card number here

...

List of card numbers

Card No. G rabber Model* S-Video-Input

106 EPC-032 Mini-DIN-plug
107 EPC-032 Combi-connector
108 EPC-032-X1 Mini-DIN-plug
109 EPC-032-X1 Combi-connector

*) and the corresponding –X2 models

Hints:

• The selection of the card number also defines, whether the Mini-

DIN or the Combi-Connector is used as the s-video-input. In
difference to the driver for Microsoft Windows, this selection
cannot be done during runtime but only by the card number
selection. This is, because the bbtv-driver does not support more
than one s-video- in p ut.

• For testing the correct function of the driver, we suggest to use the
XawTV application.

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Part 2 Programmer‘s Manual

Part 2

Programmer’s Manual

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5 Driver Software

This section gives you the information how you can access the
eGrabber-4plus with your own program.

The driver library provides you with a collection of functions, which
are able to configure the Grabber, which can inquire the status of the
Grabber and start the digitization.

Software drivers for different operating systems are available.

In this manual drivers for

l Windows’ 95/98/ME/XP
l Windows’ NT 4.0
l Windows’ 2000
l DOS

Driver Software

are explained.

Note:

In order to obtain the newest information regarding the driver and the
availability of additional drivers, please read readme.txt. (This file can
be found on the installation CD.)

The next section describes the technical features of the Grabber and
explains television norms in greater detail for a better understanding
of the Grabber's functionality.

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5.1 Technical Basics

5.1.1 Blo c k Diagram of the eGrabber-4plus

Figure 38: Block diagram

Figure 38 shows the block diagram of the eGrabber-4plus. The

composite input signal is connected to a 9:1-video multiplexer, which
is controlled via the PCI-Bus. The following A/D-converter digitizes
this signal. All image sources can be used, which provide a color
video signal corresponding to the CCIR- standard „PAL (B,D,G,H,I)“,

„NTSC (M)“.

Caution:

In Germany image sources generally provide PAL-signals. In this
manual we assume that PAL-signal sources are used.

Via the S-VIDEO-input luma- and chroma-signal can be supplied
separately (for example from a S-Video-camera or S-VHS-videore­corder). For the spectral component of the color a separate
A/D-converter is u sed, which improves the quality of the image.

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Also black/white videosources can be connected to the
eGrabber-4plus . The processing of gray scale pictures with 256 gray
graduations is already provided in the Grabber and can be activated by
software. Applying black/white sources, the sharpness of the image
can be improved by deactivating the luma notch filter by software.

After the A/D-converters follow operational components, which
decompose the data stream of the image into its components: After the
chroma-demodulator the data are separated according to brightness.
(Y) and color portion (Cr/Cb). Subsequently follows the digital
correction of brightness, contrast, color saturation and the size and
resolution of the image.

The following video format converter produces the data formats,
which are provided by the eGrabber-4plus. Via a datamultiplexer the
required format is selected and stored in the 630 Byte FIFO memory.
The FIFO is an interface to th e following PCI-bus interface, which is
responsible for the data transfer through the PCI-bus.

Driver Software

The image data are transferred by DMA to the main memory of the
PC. For each field a separate DMA-channel is used. The transfer can
be organized in different ways. For this reason a pixel instruct ion list
for each field is used, which is denoted RISC-Program, for the
PCI-controller of the eGrabber-4plus. The principle of the pixel
instruction list is more closely addressed in sect ion 5.1.2.

Via the PCI-controller the access to the local registers is managed.
This allows the adjustment of the parameters of the Grabber and the
acknowledgement of the actual status. This registers are also used to

actuate the I/O- lines defined by the user, and to drive the I²C interface
integrated in the Grabber.

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eGrabber-4plus

5.1.2 The Videosignal and Digitization

The standard videosignal, which is processed by the Grabber, contains
625 lines, which are divided into t wo fields. The first fiel d (odd field)
contains lines 1 to 313, the second (even field) the lines 314 to 625.
The fields are interlaced, in order to reduce flicker of the TV-picture.
In special respect line 314 follows after line 1.

Should a full image be represented, both of the consecutive half
images must be interlaced according to Figure 39 (television via
electrical circuitry, in PC-Graphic Memory via software).

Besides various retrace- and blanking lines, the videosignal contains
lines for control and data purposes and lines for videotext information,
which restricts the actual image size to two fields of 288 lines.

Figure 39: Interlaced Image (Example with 9 Lines)

Each field is built up within 20msec. One field provides already the
whole image, but the vertical resolution is reduced to the half. For
many applications this might be sufficient, so that after 20 msec a
digitized image is already available. In case of that the resolution in
X-direction can also be reduced, we can obtain an image without
distortion. However a reduction of the resolution in X-direction can
not speed up th e digitization pr ocess, since the time base is fixed.

76  PHYTEC Meßtechnik GmbH 2004 L-608e_4

If the full TV-resolution is required, time has to elapse until both
fields are digitized (40 msec). Both fields follow one after another.

In order to make the interlaci ng of bo th fiel ds possi ble, th e last line of
the odd (the first) field, is reduced to the half. Therefore the first line
of the second field contains only the half line.

Driver Software

Figure 40: Fields and Frames

For fast moving objects it might happen that the time between the
digitization of the first and second field is so long that meanwhile the
objects have moved some distance and both fields don’t match

anymore, which will cause so me remarkable blurring. For this reason
quite often only one field is used with a reduced res olution.

Figure 41: Moving Objects Cause Comb Effects

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eGrabber-4plus

5.1.3 Tran sfer and Stor age of Color

Color and brightness are always separated for the transmission by the
TV-systems. Transmitted are the brightness (luma signal, Y-signal)
and the color differential signal (chroma signal). This signal defines
the color of a pixel by the color tone and color saturation.

The TV-standards reduce the bandwidth of the color signal in
comparison to the brightness signal. The color of a pixel is more

‘blurred’ than its brightness. This corresponds to a painter, who at first
makes a sketch with a sharp pencil and then colors the areas with a
broad brush.

The Y-bandwidth of the PAL (B,G,H,I) - system is 5 MHz, and the
bandwidth of t he chroma signal is 1.5 MHz.

The chroma signal is also d enoted as U/V signal for PAL s tandard or
Q/I-signal for the NTSC standard. V- and I-signal define the
reddish colors, whereas the U- and Q-signal define the bluish-violet
colors. Altogether we speak from the Cr/Cb signal
(chroma red/ chroma blue).

With the triplet (Y,Cr,Cb) the brightness and color of a pixel are
completely defined. These values are ready to be used with out further
evaluation for image processing in respect to color recognition or
color control.

Frequently the definition of a pixel is preferred in the red, green and
blue (R,G,B) notation. The transformation according to CCIR-recom­mendation for PAL is achieved with the following matrix:

Y



R




G




B



1









=− −

1






0 338




1

1732

,



0

,

1371

,

0 698

,

0

−

19145

11656

,

−

237 75

,

,









U







⋅







V









1





78  PHYTEC Meßtechnik GmbH 2004 L-608e_4

The eGrabber-4plus is able to convert the images into the RGB-format
and stores the RGB- color triplets in the memory. This format
provides a good base for further processing.

Often the YCrCb-format is more suitable for storage or transfer of
image data, since the data volume is less. Instead of three Byte only
two Byte (one word) are required. The lower eight bits contain the
brightness and the eight upper bits specify the color portion (Cr/Cb).

For each Y-value alternatingly only one color portion Cr or Cb is
associated. So each pixel has only one part of color information either
the red or blue portion. The missing information can be obtained from
the neighboring pixel. The color is transferred and stored only at the
half resolution of the brightness. Since the bandwidth of the color
information is already reduced by the TV system, this procedure does
not mean a real restriction. This data format is denoted asYCrCb4:2:2.

Driver Software

The first pixel of each line delivers Y1,Cr1/2, the second
Y2,Cb1/2 etc.

Caution:

For the correct recognition of the color information of an image, four
subsequent fields are required to be digitized. Therefore it is not
sufficient to connect the video source only for a short period or to
connect the videosource only for the duration of the digitization of one
field.
In addition the recognition of a field might not work correctly at the
beginning, in case another not synchronized signal from a camera is
applied. In case of fast switching between two signal sources the
digitized image might be incorrect and it is recommended to observe
some time delay.

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5.1.3.1 Data Storage by DMA and RISC-Program

This section describes the transfer of the data to the main memory and
the storage of the pixels to the addresses specified by the user.

As mentioned before, the transfer of the data is accomplished via two
DMA-channels, one for the odd and one for the even field. During the
time of digitization the DMA-controller o f the eGrabber-4plus i s con­trolling the PCI-Bus and is master. The data are transferred in real
time along the PCI-bus to the main memory. This is possible because
of the high transfer rate of the PCI-bus.

Image data is transferred to the Bus’s programming memory in real
time. This is enabled by the high data transfer rate of the PCI-Bus.

Delays of the data transfer or for time intervals the PCI-bus is not
available to the Grabber (that means some other devices become
master), are bypassed by a FIFO-memory. This allows only a short
time span to bypass the blocked bus, since otherwise an overflow
might occur and portions of the image are lost. The bus is controlled
by the parameter Maximum_Latency and Minimum_Grant of the
PCI-board. If required, this parameters have to be adapted to the data
transfer rate, to the system configuration and to the bus performance.

The eGrabber-4plus is very flexible concerning the storage of the data.
The user can specify destination and format of the data within a
certain scope. For this a mechanism is required to separate the
continuous flow of data into partitions and direct the data to the
required addresses.

This mechanism is accomplished by the eGrabber-4plus with the h elp
of the pixel instruction list. This is a RISC-program, which drives the
DMA-controller correspondingly.

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This RISC-program has to be written by the user and must fulfill the
required tasks and has to match the data and image format. So the
program has to be specified according to each problem, which implies
that the RISC-program is created during run time of the user program,
since often the parameters (for example the size of the image) which
control the RISC-program, are variable or not available prior to this
time.

The software driver delivered with the eGrabber-4 plus, creates the ap­propriate RISC-program automatically with the adjustment of the im­age size. This process is transparent to the user program.

Nevertheless this feature should be in the conscious of the
programmer using this driver software.

Figure 42 depicts this scheme. For image size and data format
selection the user program applies the function set_image() of the
driver. The driver starts two actions: first the image size is set in the
VideoScaler by values in the local registers of the Grabber via the
PCI-bus. This implies, that the eGrabber-4plus creates the correct
image size and the data flow has the correct format and provides the
appropriate synchrony signals. In the same way the
DataFormatConverter is adjusted to the correct format. This implies
that the flow of pixel data to the FIFO has the correct format
(for example RGB).

Driver Software

The second action of the driver software is the creation of a data flow
appropriate to the RISC-program, which is stored in the main memory
of the PC. The DMA-controller of the eGrabber-4plus is notified of
the starting address of this program. During digitization, the
DMA-controller receives the RISC-commands in sequence by DMA
from the main memory and executes those commands and stores the
data according to those instructions.

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eGrabber-4plus

Figure 42: Pixel- and Control Data Flow (Overview)

The flow of data via DMA-access is directed to the main memory to
the address specified by the RISC-program. This address region is
reserved by the user program (e.g. the definition of arrays).

The regions might be defined - as sho wn in figure 42 - as two separate
regions, one for the odd- and one for the even field, or only one
region, which is provided for the whole frame of the eGrabber-4plus.
The different options are selected by a parameter in the set_image()
function, which influences the creation of the RISC program via the
driver.

82  PHYTEC Meßtechnik GmbH 2004 L-608e_4

Since the user program defines the address regions it knows the
position of the memory regions and might mark them by a pointer. In
this way the access to the data can be accomplished without using the
driver.

The driver provides information of the status, which indicates the end
of the storage of the image in the memo ry, so that at this time all data
are available.

This mechanism guarantees a fast access to the data. The process is
real time regarding to the standard TV format. For the digitizing of a
field it takes a time of 20 msec and the digitizing of a whole frame
lasts 40msec. In some cases a time delay m ust be added to get the total
time from the demand of the image to the end of the digitization
process. Initially this is the wait time until the beginning of the desired
half image.

Driver Software

This additional time might arise from waiting for the appropriate field.
For example, if an even field is demanded, but the camera has just
started scanning an even field, so it is necessary to wait until this field
and the next following odd field are finished. In the worst case a delay
of 40msec (two fields ) can be expected. Now th e demanded field can
be digitized, which will last another 20msec. During the following
20 msec nothing will happen in this memory region since th e odd field
will be received. The next 20msec a new even field is stored in the
memory. It must be considered that the old information will be
overwritten by the new information, otherwise the content might be
interpreted incorrectly by the software especially for moving scenes.

In this case the wait time is almost 40 ms (two half images,
worst case).

The image is subsequently digitalized and is complete 20 ms later. For
the next 20 ms nothing occurs in this memory space, since during this
time the odd-image is delivered.

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eGrabber-4plus

If continuous digitalization is desired, then image information is
written to the memory space of the even image during the subsequent
20 ms.

It is important to note here that in this time frame the old image
information in this memory space will be continually replaced by new
information. This can lead to false interpretations of the image
contents by the software, especially in scenes that have been m oved.

Now we consider the case of digitizing a whole frame in one memory
region. Here the same effect might occur but in some different
fashion. After 20 msec digitization the information for an odd field is
completely available and therefore all odd lines are defined, but the
even lines are not defined. During the following 20 msec the data for
the even field are received. Therefore there is no time, which is not
used to transfer data to the memory except for the blanking interval.
So there is always a point (X,Y) where old and new information are
stored adjacent ly, so that a mismatch will show up.

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5.2 Driver for Microsoft Windows

When executing the installation program for the Windows demo
program, the files are downloaded and stored to the hard disk. The
structure of the file directory is similar to Figure 43. The window on
the left-hand side displays path names. These path names can be
edited during installation in order to create user specific names for the
system. The libraries and include files to be compiled are located in
the labeled subdirec tor ie s.

Driver Software

Figure 43: Directory for Window Driver’s New Image.

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eGrabber-4plus

5.2.1 Requirements

Programs for the eGrabber-4plus can be created with the help of
various development environments.

These newly created applications will work with the

TM

Windows95/98/ME/XP

and the Windows NT4.0/2000 operating

systems.

Caution:

The device driver and corresponding DLLs must be copied into the
Windows main directory in order to implement the eGrabber-4plus in
a Window’s operating system. In addition, the system driver must be
registered into the registry table.

Phytec’s installation program automatically copies the device driver
and DLLs and registers the system driver. Therefore, all the
requirements for opera tion are fulfilled.
Creating corresponding installation routines is recommended when
installing newly created applications onto other computers.

86  PHYTEC Meßtechnik GmbH 2004 L-608e_4

5.2.1.1 Installation of the VxD-Driver (Windows ’ 95)

The VxD-driver has the purpose to allocate a continuous memory
region, which will be the memory for the image. Since the eGrabber­4plus stores the data per DMA-access, it is required, that this physical
fixed area has continuous addresses in a sequence.

The reservation of this memory region can only be achieved for

Windows’95 with VxD.
By the VxD, the linear memory addresses are converted to physical
memory addresses.
The VxD-driver is not called directly by the user program. The access
will be executed via the DLL.
You might use the installation CD to deliver the Window’s 95 driver
with your own application.
The path on the CD is :

Driver Software

PCIGRAB4/DRIVER/WIN95_98.

You can copy these files onto a disk and distribute them with your
application. Alternatively you can create your own installation routine.
To do this, the following points must be processed:

The VxD-driver must be introduced to the Windows’95-system as
static device-driver . This will be established in the following way:

l First the file

P

CIGRAB4.VXD

must be copied to the Windows-

system directory.

l In the next step the driver will be included in the registry-table :

Please use the program R

EGEDIT in the WINDOWS95 - directory.

Please step through the registry key tree until you reach VxD
(see Figure 44).

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eGrabber-4plus

Figure 44: Windows ’95 Registry New Image

Extend the key group VxD with „Grab4PCI“, by selecting the menu
“Edit - New - Key’’, create a new key and assign the name
“Grab4PCI“ as shown in Figure 45.

Figure 45: Adding a VxD-Entry New Image

88  PHYTEC Meßtechnik GmbH 2004 L-608e_4

Now you configure the new Key-group: mark the listing „Grab4PCI“
as shown in Figure 46. Select from the menu „Edit - New“ the option
„String Value“. Within the key of „Grab4PCI“ a listing will be
generated with the notation „New Value #1“ . Please change this to
„StaticVxD“. Click with the right mouse button t he listing and select
„Modify“. Write in the following dialog in the field „Value“ the
character string „pciGrab4.VXD“ .

Subsequently you select ‘’Edit - New“ with the option ‘’Binary.
Value“ and create as before the binary listing „Start“ with the
value „00“. The final result must l ook like Figure 46.

Driver Software

Figure 46: Configuration of the VxD New Image

l Since Windows’95 accepts the values of the registry-table only

after a reboot, you must start the system again.

Caution:

During de-installation of the user program the VxD-driver should be
removed. The driver has to be erased from the registry-table and
cleared from the system-directory.
The VxD-driver requires for the eGrabber-4plus a region of 1 .2 MB i n
the main memory, which is not available for other applications.
Please be very carefully to change the registry values, since a faulty
alteration might destroy the whole configuration. Even your
Windows’95 system might not be operating anymore!
To the user, installation and de-installation programs should be
provided, so that this pr oce ss is exec u ted automatically.

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eGrabber-4plus

5.2.2 Application of the Device Driver for Windows NT4.0

The device driver functions in the same manner as in Windows 95; the
driver allocates physical memory to store images. The driver also

allows access to the eGrabber-4plus’ register.

In order to implement Windows NT4.0 with user specific applications,
use the included installation disk from Phytec.

These applications can be found on the installation CD, in the
PCIGRAB4\DRIVER\WINNT40 directory. The files stored in this
directory can be copied to a disk and run with user applications.

The user also has the option to create an installation program specifi c
to user needs. When creating this program, please take note of the
following points:

The driver must enter the Windows NT4.0 system into the register.
This can be done in the following manner:

• The PCIGRABBER4.SYS file must be copied into the directory

labeled <Windows>\System32\drivers.

• The driver is then entered into the Registry Table:

Use the REGEDIT program (located in the WindowsNT directory).
Scroll down the directory tree and select Services (see Figure 47).

90  PHYTEC Meßtechnik GmbH 2004 L-608e_4