Phytec pciGrabber4x4, VD-012, VD-012-X1, VD-012-X2 Hardware Manual

A product of a PHYTEC Technology Holding company

Grabber-4x4

Hardware-Manual

Edition January 2009

pciGrabber-4x4

 PHYTEC Messtechnik GmbH 2008 L-720e_0

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 the right
to alter the layout and/or design of the hardware without prior notification and
accepts no liability for doing so.

 Copyright 2009 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: PHYTEC Technologie Holding AG

Robert-Koch-Str. 39
D-55129 Mainz
GERMANY

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

Ordering
Information:

[phone]

[e-mail]

1 [phone]

[e-mail]

Technical
Support:

[phone]

[e-mail]

1 [phone]

[e-mail]

Fax: [phone] [phone]

Web Site: http://www.phytec.de http://www.phytec.com

1rd Edition January 2009

Contents

 PHYTEC Messtechnik GmbH 2008 L-720e_0

1

Introduction.........................................................................................1

2

Delivery Contents/ Technical Data....................................................4

2.1 Accessories...................................................................................5

2.2 Technical Data VD-012(-X1)(-X2)..............................................6

2.3 Field of Applications and Safety Regulations............................10

2.4 Addresses and Resources ...........................................................11

2.5 Socket Pinout..............................................................................13

2.5.1 Composite Inputs ..........................................................15

2.5.2 S-Video Connection ......................................................16

2.6 I2C Interface ...............................................................................17

2.7 Jumper on pin header row X900 ................................................17

2.8 Notes on CE-Conformance and Immunity against Interference 18

2.9 Option Port .................................................................................19

3

Installation of the Grabber Card.....................................................20

3.1 Installing the Grabber Card ........................................................20

3.2 Installing the Driver ...................................................................22

3.2.1 Additional Drivers (optional)........................................24

3.3 Installing the Demo Program .....................................................25

4

Connecting Video Sources................................................................ 26

4.1 Possible Video Connections.......................................................28

4.1.1 The S-Video Cable........................................................30

4.1.2 The Composite Cable....................................................30

4.2 Extension Card VZ-012 .............................................................31

4.3 Overview about all video inputs.................................................34

5

Start-Up of the Grabber with Demo Programs .............................37

5.1 The parallel image processing....................................................45

5.2 Demo Program Description........................................................48

5.3 Image Control.............................................................................54

5.4 Additional Functions Under Image ............................................55

5.5 Crosshair function (Overlay)......................................................56

5.6 Special Functions .......................................................................56

5.7 Storing Images, Ending the Program .........................................64

5.8 Getting Started with Linux.........................................................64

6

Driver Software.................................................................................66

6.1 Technical Basics.........................................................................67

6.1.1 Block Diagram of the pciGrabber-4x4..........................67

6.1.2 The Videosignal and Digitization .................................70

6.1.3 Transfer and storage of color ........................................72

6.1.4 Data storage by DMA and RISC-Program ...................74

6.2 Driver for Microsoft Windows...................................................78

6.2.1 Requirements.................................................................79

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6.2.2 Application of the Device Driver for Windows NT4.0 80

6.2.3 Application of the Device Driver for Windows 2000 /

XP / VISTA................................................................... 84

6.2.4 Application of the DLL................................................. 85

6.2.5 Application of the Windows XP/VISTATM Windows

NT4.0TM / Windows 2000TM DLLs............................... 86

6.2.6 Programming under Delphi .......................................... 87

6.2.7 Description of the DLL in Existing Functions..............89

7

Trouble-Shooting ............................................................................143

Index ......................................................................................................... 148

Contents

 PHYTEC Messtechnik GmbH 2008 L-720e_0

Index of Figures

Figure 1: Accessory Cables .......................................................................5

Figure 2: Connectors of the pciGrabber-4x4 (VD-012)..........................13

Figure 3: Connectors of the pciGrabber-4x4 (VD-012-X1).................... 14

Figure 4: Connectors of the pciGrabber-4x4 (VD-012-X2).................... 14

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

Figure 6: Inserting the Card into the PCI Express Slot ........................... 21

Figure 7: PHYTEC Install Menu............................................................. 25

Figure 8: Overview of the pciGrabber-4x4 Connectors (VD-012) ......... 26

Figure 9: Overview of the pciGrabber-4x4 Connectors (VD-012-X1)...27
Figure 10: Overview of the pciGrabber-4x4 Connectors (VD-012-X2)...27
Figure 11: Video Connector Cables - (Description and PHYTEC Order

Number) ...................................................................................28

Figure 12: Connectors for the pciGrabber-4x4..........................................29

Figure 13: Extension Card VZ-012 with ribbon cable ..............................31

Figure 14: How to connect the extension cards......................................... 32

Figure 15: Jumper settings for three VZ-012 for VD-012 und VD-012-X133

Figure 16: Jumper settings for VZ-012 for VD-012-X2 ........................... 33

Figure 17: Video inputs VD-012 ............................................................... 34

Figure 18: Video inputs VD-012-X1......................................................... 35

Figure 19: Video inputs VD-012-X2......................................................... 35

Figure 20: Overview of the Demo Program ..............................................37

Figure 21: Basic Settings Menu.................................................................38

Figure 22: Menu Option: Image ................................................................ 40

Figure 23: Configuring the Image Parameters .......................................... 41

Figure 24: Live Image from the Video Source.......................................... 43

Figure 25: Overloaded PCI bus .................................................................47

Figure 26: „Image Setting“ Menu ............................................................. 48

Figure 27: Creating a Full Image: Two Fields, Each with 7 rows ............51

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Figure 28: Comb Effect That Occurs with Quick Moving Objects .......... 52

Figure 29: The Image Control Window .................................................... 54

Figure 30: Histogram................................................................................. 56

Figure 31: Color Meter.............................................................................. 58

Figure 32: Arithmetics Menu .................................................................... 60

Figure 33: Selecting the Normalization Factor ......................................... 61

Figure 34: Number of Images ................................................................... 61

Figure 35: Option Port Menü .................................................................... 62

Figure 36: Option Port Menü (Jumper)..................................................... 63

Figure 37: Block diagram VD-012............................................................ 67

Figure 38: Block diagram VD-012( part 2)............................................... 68

Figure 39: InterlacedIimage (Example with 9 Lines) ............................... 70

Figure 40: Fields and Frames .................................................................... 71

Figure 41: Moving Objects Cause Comb Effects...................................... 71

Figure 42: Pixel- and Control Data Flow (Overview)............................... 76

Figure 43: Directory for Window’s Driver ............................................... 78

Figure 44: Windows NT Registration Editor ............................................ 81

Figure 45: Entering a Device Driver ......................................................... 81

Figure 46: Configuring the Driver............................................................. 82

Figure 47: Scaling and Cropping............................................................. 112

Figure 48: Example of Scaling: Only the ppl Value is Different............ 113

Figure 49: Color Format of the pciGrabber-4x4 ..................................... 120

Figure 50: Return Values of ‚Data_Present‘ ........................................... 126

Figure 51: Timing Diagram of the Return Parameter of ‚Data_Present()126

Contents

 PHYTEC Messtechnik GmbH 2008 L-720e_0

Index of Tables

Table 1: Pin Assignments of the Model VD-012...................................15

Table 2: Pin Assignments of the Model VD-012-X1............................. 16

Table 3: Pin Assignments of the Model VD-012-X2............................. 16

Table 4

Connecting the I²C Interface to the Combi Socket..................17

Table 5: Pin Assignment for the Option Port X300............................... 19

Table 6: Numbers of possible extension cards....................................... 32

Table 7

Example data volumes PAL 25fps........................................... 46

Table 8

Example data volumes NTSC 30fps ........................................ 46

Table 9: Required Memory Space of One Pixel for the Different Modi121

pciGrabber-4x4

 PHYTEC Messtechnik GmbH 2008 L-720e_0

Part 1 Installation and Start-Up

 PHYTEC Messtechnik GmbH 2008 L-720e_0

1

1 Introduction

Thanks for buying a pciGrabber-4x4 of the PHYTEC Messtechnik
GmbH. This manual explains on the one hand how to install the PC­Card and on the other hand some information to the driver-software.

At the moment exists some kinds of pciGrabber4x4 models. To these
belong three kinds, that are described in this manual. The first one is
the model VD-012, the second VD-012-X1 and the third one is VD­012-X2. In the following overview is a summery of the two types and
their models that are described in this manual.

TYPE Article-No.: No. of Decoders Bus-System

pciGrabber-4x4 VD-012 4 x1 PCI Express
pciGrabber-4x4 VD-012-X1 4 x1 PCI Express
pciGrabber-4x4 VD-012-X2 2 x1 PCI Express

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Delivery Contents / Technical Data

 PHYTEC Messtechnik GmbH 2008 L-720e_0

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Start-Up

Part 1

Installation and Start-Up

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2 Delivery Contents/ Technical Data

The pciGrabber-4x4 includes the following upon delivery:

• A PCI Express-card

• Installation CD with

o Demo software (Windows XP, NT4.0, 2000 and Windows

VISTA)

o Driver software for Windows XP, NT4.0, 2000 and Windows

VISTA

o Labview driver for photo processing applications using

Labview (National Instruments, IMAQ – packet is required)

• the pciGrabber-4x4 manual

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Start-Up

2.1 Accessories

The following pciGrabber-4x4 accessories may be ordered from
PHYTEC:

• 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

• BNC connector cable for connection of a camera with a BNC-plug.

Order number: WK058 (2m) or WK039 (10m)

• Replacement fuse 1.6 AT TR5 for camera power supply

(receptacle F2) – Order number KF012

• Replacement fuse 500 mAT TR5 for camera power supply

(receptacle F1) – Order number KF014

Figure 1: Accessory Cables

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2.2 Technical Data VD-012(-X1)(-X2)

Physical
Dimensions: 125 x 90 x 20 mm plus face plate and slot
120 x 90 x 20 mm without panel edge

Data Bus: x1 PCI Express bus
(PCI Express Base Spec. Rev. 1.0a compliant)

Power Supply: +3.3V V (250 mA idle, 300 mA digitizing)

(taken from the PCI Express bus)

Numbers of
Decoders: Model VD-012: four Decoder

Model VD-012-X1 four Decoder

Model VD-012-X2 two Decoder

Inputs: Model VD-012:
4 composite video inputs, 75 Ω, 1 V

ss

1

optional 12 composite video inputs 75 Ω, 1 V

ss

Model VD-012-X1:

4 S-Video input 75 Ω (0.7 V

ss

/ 0.3 Vss)

optional 12 composite video inputs 75 Ω, 1 V

ss

Model VD-012-X2:

2 composite video inputs, 75 Ω, 1 V

ss

1

)

2 S-Video input 75 Ω (0.7 V

ss

/ 0.3 Vss)

optional 4 composite video inputs 75 Ω, 1 V

ss

Video Format: PAL (B,G,H,I), HTSC (M)
or corresponding CCIR monochrome format

1

: If an S-Video input is not being used, then an extra composite input is available foer the user

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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 colors RGB16
32,000 colors RGB15
256 gray shades Y8 gray scale

Image
Resolution: maximum 720 x 576 pixels (PAL)

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

Image Transfer
Rate: Half frame 20 ms (Odd or even field)

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

Used
Resources: 4 kByte main memory (register field)
per decoder

4 kByte main memory (register field)

PCI Express-to-PCI-Bridge

Image control: Gamma correction (selectable)

Brightness (+/- 50 %)
Contrast (0 % ... 235 %)
Color saturation (U: 0...201 %, V: 0...283 %)
Hue (+/- 90°, only with NTSC)

Image Storage: 630 Byte FIFO on-board,
Real time storage in the PC main memory
Even-/odd field memory separated or
Common full frame memory (selectable)

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Ports: 8-bit parallel I/O, TTL signal (multi-purpose)

Parameter Symbol Min Max

Input High Voltage VIH 2,0 V 5 V
Input Low Voltage VIL -0,5 V 0,8 V
Output High Voltage VOH 2,4 V ­Output Low Voltage VOL - 0,4 V
Input Low Current IIL - -70 uA
Input High Current IIH - 70 uA

1 I2C interface (Master)

Parameter Symbol Min Max

Transmission rate 1

f

I2C

99,2 kHz 396,8 kHz

Input High Voltage VIH 3,5 V 5 V
Input Low Voltage VIL -0,5 V 1,5 V
Hysteresis V

hys

0,2 V
Input High Current IIH - 10 uA
Input Low Current IIL - -10 uA
Output Low Voltage VOL - 0,4 V

1

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

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Start-Up

Connectors: Model VD-012
4 x BNC socket: composite video input

Pin header row 2x12: 12 composite inputs
(not on the face plate)
Pin header row 2x6: GPIO port, 8 x TTL I/O
(not on the face plate) I2C interface
Pin header row 2 x 4: 4 Jumper
(not on the face plate)

Model VD-012-X1
4 x Mini-DIN socket: S-Video input

Pin header row 2x12: 12 composite inputs
(not on the face plate)
Pin header row 2x6: GPIO port, 8 x TTL I/O
(not on the face plate) I2C interface
Pin header row 2 x 4: 4 Jumper
(not on the face plate)

Model VD-012
2 x BNC socket: composite video input

2 x Mini-DIN socket: S-Video input

Pin header row 2x12: 12 composite inputs
(not on the face plate)
Pin header row 2x6: GPIO port, 8 x TTL I/O
(not on the face plate) I2C interface
Pin header row 2 x 4: 4 Jumper
(not on the face plate)

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2.3 Field of Applications and Safety Regulations

Please pay attention to the specified operation directives of the
pciGrabber-4x4. Before starting operation please read carefully the
manual.

• The pciGrabber-4x4 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.

-

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, otherwise information might be lost.

• The pciGrabber-4x4 is determined for the utilization with a

standard PC, which might be an office computer with an usual
housing. The Grabber must have a reliable connection with the
housing and the ground (PE).

-

The board is designed to operate in dry and dustless environment.
For applications in industrial 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 industrial applications all rules for prevention of accidents and

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

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Start-Up

• 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 obstructed.

• 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.

2.4

Addresses

and Resources

The pciGrabber-4x4 occupies a region of 4 kBytes in the main
memory of the PC for the local registers per decoder. The addressing
region is automatically specified by the BIOS and no hardware wiring
(jumper setting) is required.

Several pciGrabber-4x4 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 pciGrabber-4x4 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.

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 PC-motherboard. Usually the addresses are
allocated in sequence of the numbering of the PCI-slots. This might
deviate for different manufacturers. To solve that problem you can use
the Pin header row X900. With them you can set Jumper to give every
Grabber an explicit address.

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The pciGrabber-4x4 will activate an interrupt in case of certain events
or a distinct operational status.

The Grabber is only a single function device so 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.

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

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Start-Up

2.5 Socket Pinout

Note:

The following description of the Grabber’s connectors is intended
only as a technical reference.

Figure 2: Connectors of the pciGrabber-4x4 (VD-012)

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Figure 3: Connectors of the pciGrabber-4x4 (VD-012-X1)

Figure 4: Connectors of the pciGrabber-4x4 (VD-012-X2)

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Start-Up

2.5.1 Composite Inputs

All composite video sources with an output level of 1 Vss and an

impedance of 75 Ω can be used. For more information on video

standards, please refer to section 2.2.

• Version VD-012

Four composite inputs available to the Grabber are located on the four
BNC sockets (Socket , ,  and ). On the Pin header row X800
are up to 12 additional inputs available. These inputs can be used with
the extension Cards VZ-012 (see chapter 4.2).

• Version VD-012-X1

On the Pin header row X800 are up to 12 additional inputs available.
These inputs can be used with the extension Card VZ-012 (see chapter

4.2).

• Version VD-012-X2

Two composite inputs available to the Grabber are located on the two
BNC sockets (Socket  and ). On the Pin header row X800 are up
to 4 additional inputs available. These inputs can be used with the
extension Card VZ-012 (see chapter 4.2).

The input assignment for the channel numbers is as follows:

pciGrabber-4x4 (VD-012)

BNC



BNC 

BNC



BNC



Composite Input 1
Decoder 1

Composite Input 1
Decoder 2

Composite Input 1
Decoder 3

Composite Input 1
Decoder 4

Table 1: Pin Assignments of the Model VD-012

pciGrabber-4x4 (VD-012-X1)

MINI-DIN



MINI-DIN



MINI-DIN



MINI-DIN



Composite Input 1
Decoder 1

Composite Input 1
Decoder 2

S-Vide Input 1
Decoder 3

S-Video Input 1
Decoder 4

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Table 2: Pin Assignments of the Model VD-012-X1

pciGrabber-4x4 (VD-012-X2)

BNC



BNC 

MINI-DIN



MINI-DIN



Composite Input 1
Decoder 1

Composite Input 1
Decoder 2

S-Video Input 1
Decoder 1

S-Video Input 1
Decoder 2

Table 3: Pin Assignments of the Model VD-012-X2

PHYTEC offers connecting cables to connect the application via BNC
plugs and MINI-DIN plugs (see chapter 2.1).

2.5.2 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.

S-Video sources can be connected to the variants VD-012-X1 and
VD-012-X2. The pin Assignments can be taken from Table 2 and
Table 3.

• The sockets are switched to the corresponding S-Video norms

(refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4). The connection of the camera is
possible using an S-Video cable.

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Start-Up

2.6 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 the internal pin header row X300 of
the Option Port. It is possible to connect multiple I²C devices to the
bus, but these devices must be distinguished by their device addresses.
Table 5 depicts the pin assignments for the pin header row X300.

X300

Pin Function

10 I²C Bus: SCL
12 I²C Bus: SDA
15 Ground

Table 4 Connecting the I²C Interface to the Combi Socket

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.

Information for adapting the I²C interface into user software can be
found in section 6.2.7, under the functions group „Transmitting Data
via the I²C Interface“.

2.7 Jumper on pin header row X900

If more then one Framegrabber of the same variant are in one system
it is not possible to discern them. Indeed they get different addresses
but it is not possible to know which belong to whom. To solve that
problem you have Jumper on the pin header row X900. You can use
them to give every Framegrabber in one system a different address. So
it is possible to discern them.

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2.8 Notes on CE-Conformance and Immunity against

Interference

Upon delivery, the pciGrabber-4x4 meets all CE-requirements for
household, office, manufacturing and industry. User modifications of
the Grabber without permission of the manufacturer will result in the
cancellation of the CE-certificate.

CE-conforming use of the Grabber is only maintained by utilizing
CE-certified cables. These cables can be separately purchased from
PHYTEC as accessories for the pciGrabber-4x4 (see chapter 2.1). If
other cables are installed the user must ensure CE-conformity. If the
S-Video cable WK-051 is used a ferrite of the type # 742 716 32 from
Firm Würth, Kupferzell, Germany is required

If the user plans to connect the pciGrabber-4x4 with other cables, it is
recommended that these cables are fitted with an anti-interference
clamp or comparable interference suppression devices. The clamp
should be placed about 5 cm from the Grabber and, the cable should
be looped twice through the clamp.
For video cables a ferrite type # 742.711.4 from Firm Würth,
Kupferzell, Germany is suitable.
The cable shielding has to be connected to the connector shell to
obtain an optimum of shielding.
The pciGrabber-4x4 was tested for a standard PC environment. If the
device should be used in a different environment, it has to be exam­ined if additional radio shielding is necessary.

Caution:

Please pay attention, that significant interference peaks (ESD) to the
video signal or video ground might damage the input of the
pciGrabber-4x4.
In areas with high interference level, for example in industrial areas
and using long feed lines, additional precautions 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

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Start-Up

input of the pciGrabber-4x4 by appropriate arrangements. PHYTEC
does not assume any liability for damages that occur due to incorrect
connections of the signal source.

2.9 Option Port

The option port provides 8 digital I/O-lines and one I²C-interface to
the user. The signals are routed to a connector with 6 x 2 pins. The
connector is denoted as X300, pin 1 is located in the lower left. Figure
5 shows the assignment of the pins.

Note: The current drawn out of pin X300-1 (+5V) may not exceed
100 mA.

Figure 5: Pin Formation of the Option Port

Option Port, X300
Erweiterungsanschluss (Option Port, X300)

Pin Funktion

Pin Funktion

1 +5V out 8 I/O 6
2 I/O0 9 I/O 7
3 I/O1 10 I²C SCL
4 I/O2 11 I²C SDA
5 I/O3 12 GND
6 I/O4
7 I/O5

Table 5: Pin Assignment for the Option Port X300

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3 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, please take the time to
familiarize yourself with the instructions and equipment. The
following tasks are not difficult, but must be done with caution.

3.1 Installing the Grabber Card

Caution:

The computer must be disconnected from the power supply.
Please ensure that the device does not have any power supplied to it.

• Remove the housing of the PC (normally screwed).

• Select a free PCI Express slot

(The free slots are normally the short white parallel slots on the
motherboard).

Please refer to the computer’s mother board‘s User’s Manual to
obtain more information.

• Remove the slot cover from the PC housing. The slot cover is

located in front of the selected slot (unscrew or break off).

• As shown in Figure 6, insert the pciGrabber-4x4 into the slot with

the connectors facing outwards. The card should be inserted
securely.

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

can damage the mother board, as well as the card.

• Ensure that the Grabber card is inserted into the right PCI Express

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

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Start-Up

Figure 6: Inserting the Card into the PCI Express Slot

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

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

Caution:
For stability reasons, and to ensure a secure Ground connection to the
computer’s housing, screw the card to the housing (see Figure 6)

• Close the computer’s housing.

Next, the driver and the card’s demo software must be installed.

Installing the driver’s demo software differs depending on the
operating system. The various installation procedures for installing
the demo software is described in the next section 5.

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3.2 Installing the Driver

 Connect the computer to the power supply and turn the computer

on. During start-up the computer’s BIOS should automatically
recognize the card.

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.

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

• Windows 2000/XP/VISTA

TM

:

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 automatically install the driver onto the computer.
Now the driver has been successfully installed.
Please refer now to section 3. Then refer to section 5 to find
information on how to install the demo software.

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Start-Up

• 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 3. Then refer to section 5 to find
information on how to install the demo software.

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3.2.1 Additional Drivers (optional)

It is possible to install additional drivers from the CD-ROM, although
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.

If installation of that driver is 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 pciGrabber. An installation
window will appear next containing the following two entries:

• Install Twain

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Start-Up

3.3 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 drive.

• 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 install menu that will appear

(see Figure 7).

• Click on Install Windows demo software.

Figure 7: PHYTEC Install Menu

• Follow the installation instructions and the demo program will be

automatically installed on the computer.

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4 Connecting Video Sources

It is possible to connect one or more video sources to the
pciGrabber-4x4 (see Figure 8, Figure 9 and Figure 10). 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, up to four composite (VD-012) or
up to four S-Video sources (VD-012-X1) can be connected to the
Grabber. At the VD-012-X2 can be connected up to two composite
and up to two S-Video sources.

Changing channels occurs via software, or via the included demo
program.
Per decoder it is possible to digitize one Channel. The variant VD-012
and VD-012-X1 works with four decoders and the variant VD-012-X2
works with two decoders.

Figure 8: Overview of the pciGrabber-4x4 Connectors (VD-012)

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Start-Up

Figure 9: Overview of the pciGrabber-4x4 Connectors (VD-012-X1)

Figure 10: Overview of the pciGrabber-4x4 Connectors (VD-012-X2)

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The composite inputs are located on the BNC sockets.

An S-Video signal can be applied to the Mini DIN sockets.

Necessary cables can be ordered from PHYTEC. Please refer to
section 2.1,“Accessories“.

At the pin header row X800 are additional composite inputs (see
chapter 4.2.

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

4.1 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 includes a brief cable description and the
PHYTEC order number (see the figure below).

Figure 11: Video Connector Cables - (Description and PHYTEC Order

Number)

For more information on compatibility, please refer to the video
source User’s Manual/Data Sheets.

Connection possibilities vary according to the Grabber model.

The following images categorize the various Grabber models.

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Start-Up

Figure 12: Connectors for the pciGrabber-4x4

The following section briefly describes the above depicted cables.

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4.1.1 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) should have a similar socket.

4.1.2 The Composite Cable

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 used.

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 5).

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4.2 Extension Card VZ-012

An Extension Card for the pciGrabber-4x4 is available. With this
Cards it is possible to use all the additional Video inputs on pin header
row X800. In Figure 13 you can see the Card.

Figure 13: Extension Card VZ-012 with ribbon cable

Dimensions: 55 x 90 x 20 mm plus face plate and slot

The extension card have to connect with the framegrabber. The ribbon
cable is connected to the pin header row X800 of the framegrabber. At
the extension card can be select between X104a and X104b. It is

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possible to operate several extension card parallel but it is important to
set the right Jumper.

Every extension card offer four composite video inputs which are
available on BNC sockets. The card can be placed into a standard PC.

In Table 6 is shown how many extension card can be used at the
pciGrabber-4x4 variants.

extension card 1 extension card 2 extension card 3

VD-012
VD-012-X1
VD-012-X2

Table 6: Numbers of possible extension cards

Figure 14: How to connect the extension cards

The extension card can be connected how in Figure 14. The first card
is connected to the framegrabber and with the second extension card.
The second is connected to the third card.

The right settings of the extension cards must be set with jumper. The
settings are in Figure 15 and Figure 16 shown.

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Start-Up

Figure 15: Jumper settings for three VZ-012 for VD-012 und VD-012-X1

Figure 16: Jumper settings for VZ-012 for VD-012-X2

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4.3 Overview about all video inputs

This chapter will give you an complete overview about all the video
inputs inclusive the extension video inputs from the extension cards
VZ-012. The jumper settings of the extension cards must be strictly
adhered to the jumper settings in chapter 4.2.

Figure 17: Video inputs VD-012

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Start-Up

Figure 18: Video inputs VD-012-X1

Figure 19: Video inputs VD-012-X2

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Start-Up

5 Start-Up of the Grabber with Demo Programs

In order to continue with this section, the demo program and the
Grabber driver must be correctly installed (see section 3).

The demo program can be found under START / Programs / Phytec /
pciGrabber4plus / Grab4PCI. After this program has been started, an
empty program window will appear with menu options
(see Figure 20).

Figure 20: 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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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 21: Basic Settings Menu

To select the decoder at the pciGrabber-4x4 the user must define
which decoder the demo program is directed towards.
Select the appropriate number in the Grabber selection field.

In the area Grabber Type is shown which Typ of Grabber and
Decoder is installed.

The pciGrabber-4x4 appears as:

VD-012 Decoder 1
VD-012 Decoder 2
VD-012 Decoder 3
VD-012 Decoder 4

or

VD-012-X1 Decoder 1
VD-012-X1 Decoder 2
VD-012-X1 Decoder 3

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Start-Up

VD-012-X1 Decoder 4

or

VD-012-X2 Decoder 1
VD-012-X2 Decoder 2

Note:

At the moment exists several PC-Framegrabber from PHYTEC.
to this belong:
pciGrabber-4plus
pciGrabber-4 express
These typs are displayed as:
pciGrabber-4plus
VD-009, VD-009-RS6, VD-009-X1 or VD-009-X1-RS6
pciGrabber-4 express
VD-011 or VD-011-RS6
When using an older PHYTEC Grabber model, the model is denoted
as „VD-007 or compatible“. In this case, the exact type of card cannot
be recognized and model VD-007 is automatically configured. To
avoid this problem, select the installed Grabber from the list and
configure it manually (i.e. VD-007 or VD-007-X1).

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

PAL is mainly used in Europe and NTSC is used in the USA.
Grabber Type displays the recognized Grabber model.
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.

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

Figure 22: 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 23).

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Start-Up

Figure 23: 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 channel 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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Depending on whether decoder is chosen under Basic Settings you
must connect the camera to corresponding socket to get an picture.

VD-012 Decoder 1 -> Channel 1 at socket 
VD-012 Decoder 2 -> Channel 1 at socket 
VD-012 Decoder 3 -> Channel 1 at socket 
VD-012 Decoder 4 -> Channel 1 at socket 

or

VD-012-X1 Decoder 1 -> MINIDIN at socket 
VD-012-X1 Decoder 2 -> MINIDIN at socket 
VD-012-X1 Decoder 3 -> MINIDIN at socket 
VD-012-X1 Decoder 4 -> MINIDIN at socket 

or

VD-012-X2 Decoder 1 -> Channel 1at socket 

-> MINIDIN at socket 
VD-012-X2 Decoder 2 -> Channel 1 at socket 

-> MINIDIN at socket 

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 24)

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Start-Up

Figure 24: 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 incorrect channel or Grabber was selected.

Additional error source are described in the appendix.

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.

Note:

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

Further processing of the data is dependant on the CPU of the PC.

The status bar further contains a counter that displays the total 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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Start-Up

5.1 The parallel image processing

The demo program does not supported the parallel image processing,
but it is possibility to open the program several times. If you use a
pciGrabber-4x4 variant with four decoder you can start the demo
program four times.
First the settings in the menu Basic Settings must be set. It is
important to allocate every demo program one decoder. If two
programs have the same decoder it is possible that they work
incorrect.
After that you must select the channel under Image Settings. Finally
the Live Image can be started.

The following should be noted! The pciGrabber-4x4 uses a PCI
Express-to-PCI-Bridge. This means that all video decoder operates
together on a PCI bus. The PCI bus works only on the grabber card.
Through the bridge the PCI bus is linked to the PCI Express bus. The
PCI Express bus works with 1250 MHz and is able to transmit about
250 MB/s. The PCI bus works with 33 MHz. So it is possible to
transmit 132 MB/s. So the PCI bus limits the data volume. At a
digitizing of one decoder the data volume represents 44 MB/s.

• The calculation of the maximum data volume per one decoder

results (PAL):

Image size (max): 768 x 576
Numbers of bytes per pixel(RGB32): 4
Numbers of pictures pro second: 25
Numbers of decoders: 1

s

MByte

decoders

s

pictures

pixel

byte

size =⋅⋅⋅

equation 1

s

MByte

s

Byte 2368.44

1

254576768 =⋅⋅⋅

Are four decoders used simultaneously, increasing the volume of data
by a factor of four to 176.9 MB/s

s

MByte

s

Byte 9.1764

1

254576768 =⋅⋅⋅⋅

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To get a clear transfer of the data volume the maximum data rate of
the PCI bus must not be exceeded. In addition, a safety distance of
~15% to the 132 MB/s must be adhered to. So the maximum data
without overloading the PCI bus is 112 MB/s

Numbers of

decoders

RGB32

768 x 576

RGB32

640 x 480

RGB32

620 x 450

RGB16

768 x 576

Y8 Gray

768 x 576

1

44,2 MB/s 30,7 MB/s 27,9 MB/s 22,1 MB/s 11,1 MB/s

2

88,5 MB/s 61,4 MB/s 55,8 MB/s 44,2 MB/s 22,1 MB/s

3

132,7 MB/s 92,2 MB/s 83,7 MB/s 66,4 MB/s 33,2 MB/s

4

176,9 MB/s 122,9 MB/s 111,6 MB/s 88,5 MB/s 44,2 MB/s

Table 7 Example data volumes PAL 25fps

Numbers of

decoders

RGB32

720 x 480

RGB32

640 x 480

RGB32

580 x 400

RGB16

720 x 480

Y8 Gray

720 x 480

1

41,5 MB/s 36,9 MB/s 27,8 MB/s 20,7 MB/s 10,4 MB/s

2

82,9 MB/s 73,7 MB/s 55,7 MB/s 41,5 MB/s 20,7 MB/s

3

124,4 MB/s 110,6 MB/s 83,5 MB/s 62,2 MB/s 31,1 MB/s

4

165,9 MB/s 147,5 MB/s 111,4 MB/s 82,9 MB/s 41,5 MB/s

Table 8 Example data volumes NTSC 30fps

If the 112 MB/s are not exceeded an unproblematic data transfer is
possible. To see as in Table 7 and Table 8 it exists many possibilities
to reduce the volume of the data.

1. Reduce the resolutio

2. Reduce the colour depth

3. Reduce the display regeneration rate

With the help of equation 1 can compute the data volume and decide
which settings for the suitable application suits.

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Start-Up

Figure 25: Overloaded PCI bus

Figure 25 shows an effect which can appear with too high data rate. It
is good to see that the whole picture becomes streaky. The stripes
arise from the fact that some picture data in absence of the capacity of
the PCI bus can not be written fast enough in the main memory. The
data which cannot be transmitted get lost, because the video decoder
cannot cache them. Only the “old data” are available for certain ranges
of the pictures. In these ranges the “old picture data” are displayed and
so the picture becomes streaky.

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5.2 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 26) contains parameters that
influence image generation and depiction:

Figure 26: „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 the BNC sockets (VD-011).
From the Channel menu, select the appropriate input channel for
the connected camera. Note that the right decoder is selected.
Clicking on Search Channel allows the grabber to search for an
active input channel. The program configures the first channel with
a video signal. This function can only searches on one decoder. To
check the whole card every decoder must select separately select
under Basic Settings.
By using the extension boards VZ-012 16 video inputs are
available.

• S-Video Source

S-Video (or „S-VHS“) – Sources become designated with
MINIDIN. The image source is connected to the round mini DIN
socket.

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 Resolution 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 the free defined button.

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).

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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 tge 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 box.

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

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 function.

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 27). 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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Figure 27: 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 with 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
approximately 576 from 625 rows remain 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 ms between the processes.

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 28.

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Figure 28: Comb Effect That Occurs with Quick Moving Objects

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

With vertical resolutions smaller 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 Resolution, then the full frame is
automatically selected.

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

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

This occurs because the two half frames cannot be interlaced to form
a full frame. When configuring field aligned, the Grabber
automatically moves the second half frame one half row, so that the
second half frame can properly interlace with the first half frame,
creating a full 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 maximum of 288 rows, at a rapid pace (1 field
in aprox. 20 ms).
If the horizontal resolution is smaller than 360 Pixel the checkmark
came Lowpass should be set.

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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 image.

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5.3 Image Control

During the displaying of a live image the image control window can
be opened by selecting Image-Live_Image Control. The dialog box
shown in Figure 29 will appear. With the help of slider controls the
values of brightness, contrast, color, saturation and hue are adjusted.
The values are immediately applied to the Grabber, so that the
corresponding effects can be registered in the live image.

Figure 29: The Image Control Window

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

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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.

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 midify the white balance at the camera or
video source if possible).

5.4 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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5.5 Crosshair function (Overlay)

Several types of crosshairs can be overlayed in the live image. This
can be useful to a center a objet 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
overlayed in the image.

5.6 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 grey- 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 30).

Figure 30: Histogram

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The X-axis includes the values between 0 and 255. Using the check
boxes in the histogram window, the curves of grey 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 31.

Figure 31: 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 image.

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.

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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.

The HSI model displays the color values in a color circle. The length
of the vector indicates the saturation level, and the direction of the
vector indicates the hue. Brightness is displayed in a gauge at the
bottom of the window.

Each value is also numbered.

• Displaying Color Bars:

Select the Color Bars option in order to test the 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
aprox. 515 pixels.

• Arithmetic Operations on Static Images:

The Arithmetics menu option provides some simple arithmetic
operations on static images (see Figure 32).

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).

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Figure 32: Arithmetics Menu

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. Eventually 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 outside of the displayed range of values.
(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.

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This prevents, for example, the creation of white images caused by
multiplying pixels.

The normalization factor can be selected from Options pull-down
menu under Type Casting Settings (see Figure 33).

Figure 33: Selecting the Normalization Factor

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

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 single image.

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

Addition Settings (see Figure 34).

Figure 34: Number of Images

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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 brightness is retained.

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 simultaneously with the normalization factor (type casting).

The normalization factor must eventually be re-configured when using
additional Arithmetic functions.

• Option Port Test:

The menu Features/Test Hardware contain the subitem Option Port.

Figure 35: Option Port Menü

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This Menu permit to control the I/Os on the Option Port (X300). It is
possible to turn the I/Os on or off further it possible to set the I/Os as
an input.

• Jumper reading:

Der Menupunkt Features/Test Hardware beinhaltet den Unterpunkt
Option Port.

Figure 36: Option Port Menü (Jumper)

In this menu it is possibly to read the states of the jumpers. If no
jumpers are equipped on I/O 8 to 11, they are on high level. They are
red marked. If jumpers are equipped the red selection goes out.

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5.7 Storing Images, Ending the Program

The menu option File enables 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 consecutively closes static images as well as the live
window.

Exit closes and leaves the program.

5.8 Getting Started with Linux

For the pciGrabber-4x4 can be used the BTTV-driver. This driver is
already included in most Linux distributions. You can work without
special driver. At the moment the driver must be still customised by
hand. Please, read the FAQs under www. PHYTEC.de.

Hints:

• The use of the PCI Express-to-PCI-Bridge can cause that the PCI

bus allocation for the devices not fit, because Linux update these
not independently. The devices must be relocated. The graphics
card can be configured with the SaX2 function automatically or by
hand in Xorg.conf. If further information is needed please ask your
Linux provider.

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Part 2

Programming Manual

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6 Driver Software

This section gives you the information how you can access the
pciGrabber-4x4 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

 Windows XP/VISTA
 Windows NT 4.0
 Windows 2000

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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6.1 Technical Basics

6.1.1 Block Diagram of the pciGrabber-4x4

Figure 37: Block diagram VD-012

Figure 37 shows the block diagram of the pciGrabber-4x4. 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)“.

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

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Figure 38: Block diagram VD-012( part 2)

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 used, which improves the quality of the image.

Also black/white videosources can be connected to the
pciGrabber-4x4. The processing of grey scale pictures with 256 grey
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.

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The following video format converter produces the data formats,
which are provided by the pciGrabber-4x4. Via a datamultiplexer the
required format is selected and stored in the 630 Byte FIFO memory.
The FIFO is an interface to the following PCI-bus interface, which is
responsible for the data transfer through the PCI-bus.

The PCI Express-to-PCI-Bridge changes the PCI bus in an PCI
Express bus.

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 instruction list
for each field is used, which is denoted RISC-Program, for the
PCI-controller of the pciGrabber-4x4.

Via the PCI Express-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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6.1.2 The Videosignal and Digitization

The standard videosignal, which is processed by the Grabber, contains
625 lines, which are divided into two fields (see Figure 39). The first
field (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. 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: InterlacedIimage (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 the digitization process, since the time base is fixed.

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 interlacing of both fields possible, the 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.

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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 some remarkable blurring. For this reason
quite often only one field is used with a reduced resolution.

Figure 41: Moving Objects Cause Comb Effects

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6.1.3 Transfer and storage 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 the chroma signal is 1.5 MHz.

The chroma signal is also denoted as U/V signal for PAL standard 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 without 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:





























⋅





















−

−

−−=





















1

75,237

56,116

45,191

0

698,0

371,1

732,1

338,0

0

1

1

1

V

U

Y

B

G

R

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The pciGrabber-4x4 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.

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

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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6.1.4 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 of the pciGrabber-4x4 is 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.

The picture data are sent in real-time over the PCI bus to the PCI
Express-to-PCI-Bridge. From there the data are sent over the PCI
Express bus and will transmit into the main memory. This is possible
by the high transmission speed of the PCI and PCI Express 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 pciGrabber-4x4 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 pciGrabber-4x4 with the help
of the pixel instruction list. This is a RISC-program, which drives the
DMA-controller correspondingly.

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

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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 pciGrabber-4x4, 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 pciGrabber-4x4 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).

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 pciGrabber-4x4 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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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 shown 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
pciGrabber-4x4. The different options are selected by a parameter in
the set_image() function, which influences the creation of the RISC
program via the driver.

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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 memory, 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 must be added to get the total
time from the demand of the image to the end of the digitization
process.

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 the demanded field can
be digitized, which will last another 20msec. During the following
20 msec nothing will happen in this memory region since the 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.

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 adjacently, so that a mismatch will show up.

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6.2 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 subdirectories.

Figure 43: Directory for Window’s Driver

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6.2.1 Requirements

Programs for the pciGrabber-4x4 can be created with the help of
various development environments.
These newly created applications will work with the Windows
XP/VISTATM 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 pciGrabber-4x4 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 operation are fulfilled.
Creating corresponding installation routines is recommended when
installing newly created applications onto other computers.

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6.2.2 Application of the Device Driver for Windows NT4.0

Because the pciGrabber-4x4 accesses by DMA access to the memory,
it is necessary that it concerns physically attached and continuously
addressable memory. Because of that the physically memories which
acts as an image storage must allocate. Moreover, the driver permits
the access to the registers pciGrabber-4x4.

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 specific
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

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/System/CurrentControlSet and select
Services (see Figure 44).

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Figure 44: Windows NT Registration Editor

Open the Services folder. Select the Edit/New/Key pull-down menu
and a new key will be created. Name this new key „pciGrabber4“, as
shown in Figure 45.

Figure 45: Entering a Device Driver

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Now configure the new key group and mark the entry with
„pciGrabber4" as shown in Figure 46.

Select the DWORD value command from the Edit/New pull-down
menu. A new entry named „New Value #1“ will be created within the
„pciGrabber“ key.

Change this name in „Start". Right click on the newly created entry
and select Modify. In the dialog box that will appear, enter the
number 2 into the Value field. Select the DWORD value command
option from the Edit/New pull-down menu. Change the description in
„Type“ and enter a value of 1.

Similar to the previous DWORD entry, select DWORD value from the
Edit/New pull-down menu and enter a value of 1 for „ErrorControl“.
The end result should look similar to Figure 46.

Figure 46: Configuring the Driver

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After restarting the computer, the driver is automatically loaded when
starting Windows NT.

Caution:

The device driver must also be removed when uninstalling user
programs. Erase the entry from the Registry Table and from the
system directory.
The driver reserves 1.2 MB for the pciGrabber-4x4 in the main
memory. The memory space is not available for other applications.

Caution:

Pay careful attention when changing the registry entries. If an error
occurs while making these changes, the configurations can be
permanently damaged. This could render the Windows NT operating
system inoperable.
For simplicity, it is recommended that end users implement an
install/uninstall program, since all of these tasks are automated.

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6.2.3 Application of the Device Driver for Windows 2000 / XP /

VISTA

Similar to Windows NT4.0, the device driver allocates physical
memory for storing images. The driver also allows access to the
Grabber’s register.

Reserving memory space is only possible with a device driver under
the Windows 2000 operating systems.

The driver also transforms linear memory addresses into physical
memory addresses.

User programs do not have direct communication with the driver,
instead access is provided by DLLs.

Phytec’s installation disk is recommended for operation of the
Windows 2000/XP/VISTA driver with user specific applications.

These applications are located on the installation CD under the
PCIGRAB4\DRIVER\WIN2k_98 directory. Files from this directory
can be copied to a disk and applied to user applications.

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6.2.4 Application of the DLL

The DLL provides communication between user programs and the
pciGrabber-4x4. The DLL configures the Grabber and controls
digitization events. In addition, the DLL allows access to the data of
digitized images stored in the main memory.

Caution:

The DLL is not linked to the user program, but invoked during
runtime. Therefore, the DLL must be available in the Windows
system directory during program runtime.
In addition to GR4CDLL.DLL the following DLLs are necessary for
operation:

• M

SVCRT.DLL

• CTL3D32.

DLL

• MFC42.

DLL

Windows provides various API functions to dynamically link the
DLL. Load Library(…) is used to load the DLL and a handle is
subsequently returned for the DLL. The API function
GetProcAddress(…) provides starting addresses for various DLL
functions. In order to release DLLs at program end, call the function

FreeLibrary(...). For more information, please refer to the
development environment’s User's Manual/Data Sheets or refer to the
enclosed SDK source.

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6.2.5 Application of the Windows XP/VISTATM Windows

NT4.0TM / Windows 2000TM DLLs

In order to use the DLL Gr4CDLL.DLL, the software developer must
define a function pointer for each function that will be used in the
application.

Example:

• Function to be used: WORD Get_Error(void)

• Definition of the function pointer:

WORD (PASCAL * lpfn_GetError)(void);

Use GetProcAddress(…) to obtain the relationship between the
function pointer and the DLL.

Example:

lpfn_GetError = (WORD(PASCAL *)(void))
GetProcAddress(handle, „Get_Error“);

The function can now be called with:

WORD Errorstatus;
...
Errorstatus = lpfn_GetError();

Caution:

Check the value of the function pointer (return value from
GetProcAddress) to be sure that it = 0. A value of 0 ensures that the
driver version installed on the user’s computer supports the functions
and will return a valid handle.

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6.2.6 Programming under Delphi

In order to utilize the pciGrabber-4x4 with Borland Delphi for user
applications, the driver-DLL with function export “GR4C

DLL.DLL“

should be employed.

To introduce the functions to the DLL in Delphi a corresponding Unit
has to be defined. Please pay attention to the correct calling sequence,
to guarantee the compatibility of the DLL. Define the functions with
the type

stdcall

. In case of false declarations stack-overflows or ­underflows can occur, which will cause a violation against protected
areas. In the following example a unit is defined:

unit grab4dll;

interface

{ The calling sequence 'stdcall' defines the sequence of the pa­rameter transfer to the stack and signals to Delphi that the
called function frees the stack region, which was used for the pa­rameter }

function Grab4_Get_Error: word;
stdcall; external 'gr4cdll.dll' name 'Get_Error';

function Grab4_Max_Device_Number: word;

stdcall; external 'gr4cdll.dll' name
'Max_Device_Number';

function Grab4_Data_Present(nDevNo: word): word;
stdcall; external 'gr4cdll.dll' name 'Data_Present';

function Grab4_GetPictureBufferAddress(nDevNo: word;
dwBitsSize: Cardinal): cardinal;
stdcall; external 'gr4cdll.dll' name 'Data_Present';

procedure Grab4_Initialize(nDevNo: word);
stdcall; external 'gr4cdll.dll' name 'Initialize';

procedure Grab4_Set_Channel(nDevNo, nChannel: word);
stdcall; external 'gr4cdll.dll' name 'Set_Channel';

procedure Grab4_Start_Grabber(nDevNo: word);
stdcall; external 'gr4cdll.dll' name 'Start_Grabber';

procedure Grab4_Stop_Grabber(nDevNo: word);
stdcall; external 'gr4cdll.dll' name 'Stop_Grabber';

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procedure Grab4_Set_Image(nDevNo: word;
nOhpos, nOvpos, nOhsize, nOvsize,
nOppl, nOlines, nOColformat :word;
nEhpos, nEvpos, nEhsize, nEvsize,
nEppl, nElines, nEColformat :word;
nColsystem:word;
nInterlaced:word;
nSingleShot:word);
stdcall; external 'gr4cdll.dll' name 'Set_Image';

const
NTSC_M: word = 0;
PAL_BDGHI: word = 1;
SECAM: word = 2;
PAL_M: word = 3;
PAL_N: word = 4;
AUTO: word = 5;

RGB32: word = 0;
RGB24: word = 1;
RGB16: word = 2;
RGB15: word = 3;
YUY2: word = 4;
BtYUV: word = 5;
Y8: word = 6;
RGB8: word = 7;

implementation

{ DLL Functions }

end.

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6.2.7 Description of the DLL in Existing Functions

The user can control all of the events in the pciGrabber-4x4 using the
functions of the DLL. The DLL can also read the actual status, as well
as configured values. These functions are described in more detail
further on in this manual.

The functions have been divided into five groups for easier discussion.
The group number is shown in a black circle.

The functions are classified as follows:

 Routines for Initialization / Calling up Hardware

This group includes routines that must be called one time prior to
using the Grabber, to ensure that the Grabber functions properly.
Also included are two functions that give information about the
installed hardware and its capabilities.

 Routines that configure the Grabber configures for the grabbing

process:

Functions from this group configure the Grabber to the connected
image source (camera). These functions also determine the
appearance of the grabbed picture as an end result in memory
(image size, color format, etc) The user should determine whether
each function is needed, and which parameters are necessary.
These functions may be called-up several times during the
processing of a program (i.e. when the input channel should be
switched or if the image size should be changed).

 Routines for Executing and Controlling the Grabbing Process

This function starts the image digitization, monitors the Grabbing
process and ends digitization.

 Routines for Configuring Image Parameters

Functions from this group enable configuration of parameters, such
as brightness, contrast, saturation, etc. These functions are not
necessary, but can be called at any time to adapt the final image to
user needs.

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 Routines for Controlling the Option Port

This category includes functions that do not directly influence the
grabbing process, but rather deal with the features of the Grabber,
i.e. I/O port, I²C interface, etc. These functions need only to be
called when a corresponding Grabber feature is implemented.

Important:

In all the following routines the parameter nDevNo is used. This
parameter identifies the desired pciGrabber-4x4 rather decoder. The
number of the installed pciGrabber-4/decoder can be determined by
the function Max_Device_Number().

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Compatibility to the pciGrabber-4

The driver is basically downwards compatible. Programs for the
pciGrabber-4, pciGrabber-4plus and pciGrabber-4 express works also
with the pciGrabber-4x4.
But pay attention, the forerunner work with an different kind of
Option Port and the numbers and mapping of video inputs are
different.

Functions that are not compatible with the older driver version for the
pciGrabber-4 are denoted with a star ().

Please take note of the functions with a  when adding new features
from the pciGrabber-4x4 to existing applications.

Most functions are compatible with the pciGrabber-4, although some
functions may not be used due to non-compliance with hardware
requirements. In any case, the new driver version should be used with
new applications.

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 Evaluation of the Error Messages

WORD Get_Error(void);

Returnvalue: 0 = no error
1 = device number not found
2 = bad register number
3 = initialization failed
4 = Grabber not found

5 = unknown parameter value
6 = not supported
7 = newer driver version required (update)
8 = no PHYTEC grabber card found
9 = no acknowledge
10 = invalid address
11 = write access denied

Each execution of a diver function should be checked if it was
successful. For this purpose there is the function Get_Error.
Immediately after the execution of the function, the internal error
variable of the driver is set to the actual status.

This variable is available to the user program via the function
Get_Error, so that a reaction to this error message can occur.

The investigation of the error variable is possible until a new
execution of a driver function has occurred. Then the error status of
the new function call is set.