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Megapixel FireWire Camera Megapixel FireWire Camera System Guide System Guide

PL-A630 to PL-A660 Series Cameras PL-A630 to PL-A660 Series Cameras

Imaging Modules

3030 Conroy Road • Ottawa, Ontario • K1G 6C2 • Canada • Tel: (613) 247-1211 • Fax: (613) 247-2001

Email:

Camera

PixeLINK

[email protected] • Web Site: www.pixelink.com

Page 2

PixeLINK™ Megapixel FireWire Camera

System Guide

PL-A630 to PL-A660 Series Cameras

This document contains proprietary and confidential information of PixeLINK. The contents of this document may not be copied nor duplicated in any form, in whole or in part, without prior written consent from PixeLINK.

By purchasing this product, the Purchaser(s) and/or any subsequent legitimate owner(s) of the product, henceforth referred to as “the Purchaser,” agree(s) to abide by the terms of this Agreement and read and recognize the following set of definitions appertaining to the intellectual-property items and trademark references as can be found throughout this System Guide.

PixeLINK provides the information and data included in this document for the Purchaser’s benefit, but it is not possible for PixeLINK to entirely verify and test all of this information in all circumstances, particularly information relating to non-PixeLINK manufactured products. PixeLINK makes no warranties or representations relating to the quality, content, or adequacy of this information. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this Guide; however, PixeLINK assumes no responsibility for any errors or omissions in this document. PixeLINK shall not be held liable for any errors or for incidental or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, performance, or use of this System Guide or the examples herein.

PixeLINK assumes no responsibility for any damage or loss resulting from the use of this System Guide, loss or claims by third parties which may arise through the use of this product, any damage or loss caused by deletion of data as a result of malfunction or repair, or any other damage related to the use of this product or associated documentation. The information in this document is subject to change without notice.

Definitions of Intellectual Property and Trademark Attributions

This Section is intended to ensure proper attribution and honoring of any and all trademarks and intellectual-property items in terms of attribution to their respective owners as mentioned in this System Guide. The reader is encouraged to consult this Section whenever uncertainty presents itself as to the terms, their meaning within the System Guide, and the trademarks and intellectualproperty items they stand to identify, whether by themselves or in conjunction with other terms and items.

PixeLINK

is either a trademark or a registered trademark of PixeLINK in Canada and/or other countries; trademark or service mark of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Incorporated in the United States and/or other countries; other countries; the United States and/or other countries. All other products, brand names, company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

The above Sections set forth Terms and Conditions, compliance with which constitutes a mandatory prerequisite for owning and/or using the product for which the Guide was created. It is the Purchaser’s responsibility to ensure that the information contained within the Sections is maintained as a part of the System Guide at all times—should the Purchaser discover that the page(s) containing the Sections is (are) missing, and/or was not provided with the System Guide, and/or become illegible, PixeLINK should be contacted as soon as possible and the Sections requested. PixeLINK shall not be held liable for any and all copyright violations that may ensue in relation to its products and/or the consequences of their intended and unintended usage.

January 2004 Part Number: 03622-04

Mac, Mac OS, Macintosh, QuickTime,

Microsoft, DirectShow,

Definition of Terms

This Section is intended to define certain terminology used in this System Guide, while ensuring proper attribution and honoring of any and all trademarks and intellectual-property items in terms of attribution to their respective owners as mentioned in this System Guide.

The Purchaser shall hereby recognize the following definitions set herein, as can be found throughout this System Guide:

Camera

shall henceforth refer to a PixeLINK FireWire Camera or Imaging Module; Camera Application Programming Interface; henceforth refer to the IEEE 1394a interface specification; multimedia software; QuickTime multimedia software

Mac

shall henceforth refer to the Apple Macintosh computer;

; Windows

and

FireWire

and

Windows

Kit

are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and

are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in

API

shall henceforth refer to a PixeLINK Camera Kit;

DirectShow

shall henceforth refer to the Microsoft DirectShow

shall henceforth refer to the PixeLINK

QuickTime

shall henceforth refer to a Microsoft Windows operating system.

shall henceforth refer to Apple

IEEE

FireWire

is a registered

and

1394

shall

PL-A630 to PL-A660 Series Cameras PixeLINK

Megapixel FireWire Camera

System Guide

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TABLE OF CONTENTS iii

Table of Contents

1 Introduction 1

1.1 The PixeLINK Megapixel FireWire Camera.................................................................1

1.2 Topics Covered in this Guide....................................................................................2

1.3 System Requirements..............................................................................................2

1.3.1 Windows ................................................................................................................2

1.3.2 Macintosh...............................................................................................................3

1.3.3 Laptop Computers...................................................................................................3

1.4 Camera Accessories ................................................................................................3

1.5 The PixeLINK Camera Application Programming Interface .........................................4

1.6 Compatibility with Other PixeLINK Camera Products..................................................4

1.7 Related PixeLINK Documentation .............................................................................4

2 Hardware Overview 6

2.1 PL-A6xx Camera Features........................................................................................6

2.2 PL-A640 and PL-A660 Series Camera Hardware ........................................................6

2.2.2 PL-A640 and PL-A660 Camera Dimensions ...............................................................8

2.3 PL-A630 and PL-A650 Series Imaging Module Hardware............................................9

2.3.1 Imaging Module Assembly.......................................................................................9

2.3.2 FireWire Interface Board LEDs ............................................................................... 11

2.3.3 Headers ...............................................................................................................11

2.3.4 PL-A650 Series Imaging Module Dimensions...........................................................13

2.3.5 PL-A630 Series Imaging Module Dimensions...........................................................14

2.4 FireWire Connectors and Multiple Cameras ............................................................. 15

2.5 Attaching Lenses and Tripods ................................................................................ 16

2.6 Power ..................................................................................................................16

2.7 IR Filter................................................................................................................ 16

3 Host Software Overview (Microsoft Windows) 18

3.1 Overview.............................................................................................................. 18

3.2 Software Components ........................................................................................... 19

4 Exposure Methods 21

4.1 Video Mode Exposure............................................................................................ 21

4.2 Still Mode Exposure............................................................................................... 21

4.2.1 Using PL-A650 and PL-A660 Series Cameras in Still Mode........................................22

4.2.2 Using PL-A630 and PL-A640 Series Cameras in Still Mode........................................22

4.2.3 Using External Triggering, Flash and Shutter Signals ...............................................23

Appendix A. Glossary 24

TECHNICAL SUPPORT 25

INDEX 26

PixeLINK PL-A630 to PL-A660 Series Cameras Megapixel FireWire Camera System Guide

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iv LIST OF FIGURES

List of Figures

Figure 2.1 PL-A6xx Cameras.................................................................................................. 6

Figure 2.2 Camera Features, Top View................................................................................... 7

Figure 2.3 Camera Features, Bottom View.............................................................................. 7

Figure 2.4 Camera, Top, Side and End Views.......................................................................... 8

Figure 2.5 Camera, Bottom View (Showing Mount Holes)......................................................... 9

Figure 2.6 PL-A650 Series Imaging Module (PL-A630 Series similar) ....................................... 10

Figure 2.7 FireWire Interface Board (product may not be exactly as shown)........................... 10

Figure 2.8 External Power Header, Oriented as in Figure 2.9.................................................. 11

Figure 2.9 Enhanced Control/External Power Headers (may not be exactly as shown) .............. 12

Figure 2.10 PL-A650 Series Imaging Module, Top View.......................................................... 13

Figure 2.11 PL-A650 Series Imaging Module, Side View and End View ................................... 14

Figure 2.12 PL-A650 Series Imaging Module, Bottom View, Showing Mount Holes .................. 14

Figure 2.13 Camera C-Mount (PL-A650 and PL-A660 Series shown)........................................ 17

Figure 2.14 Camera C-Mount, Exploded View (PL-A650 and PL-A660 Series shown)................. 17

Figure 3.1 Host Software Architecture.................................................................................. 18

List of Tables

Table 1.1 PixeLINK Megapixel FireWire Camera Models ........................................................... 1

Table 2.1 FireWire Interface Board LEDs .............................................................................. 11

Table 2.2 PL-A653/PL-A654 Pinout of the Enhanced Control Header ....................................... 12

Table 2.3 PL-A633/PL-A634 Pinout of the Enhanced Control Header ....................................... 13

Table 2.4 Packet Sizes ........................................................................................................ 15

Table 2.5 Tripod Mount Selection Table................................................................................ 16

PL-A630 to PL-A660 Series Cameras PixeLINK

Megapixel FireWire Camera

System Guide

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APPENDIX A. GLOSSARY PAGE 1

Introduction

1.1 The PixeLINK Megapixel FireWire Camera

PixeLINK 1.3 Megapixel FireWire (IEEE 1394) Cameras offer a fast and affordable means of viewing and capturing high quality color images on a desktop or laptop computer. The cameras are connected to a host computer by a single FireWire interface and all camera functions are controlled by the computer. PixeLINK supplies host software consisting of drivers and application software called Applications Programming Interface (API) compatible with C/C++ and Visual Basic along with LabVIEW API function wrappers is also available. The driver supports Direct Show and

PixeLINK Capture

provides a TWAIN interface for use with third party applications.

PixeLINK Capture

. An

Table 1.1 PixeLINK Megapixel FireWire Camera Models

Cameras

PL-A661 PL-A662 

PL-A641 PL-A642 

Imaging Modules

PL-A653 PL-A654 

PL-A631 PL-A632 

PL-A633 PL-A634 

Color Monochrome

Camera Type



Camera Type

 



 

Enhanced

Control



PixeLINK PL-A630 to PL-A660 Series Cameras Megapixel FireWire Camera System Guide

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PAGE 2 APPENDIX A. GLOSSARY

1.2 Topics Covered in this Guide

This Guide provides a reference for the PixeLINK camera hardware, firmware and system software for the camera models listed in Table 1.1 above.

Users should consult this Guide …

… before using the Enhanced Control header on a PixeLINK Imaging Module … as a guide for mounting a camera within a system or enclosure … to gain a basic understanding of the relationship between the camera and the

operating system

Sections include:

 A description of the camera hardware—  An overview of selected host software and architecture (Microsoft Windows)—

Section 3

 Notes about exposure methods—

References in the PDF version of this Guide are hyperlinked for easy navigation and access.

Section 2

Section 4

Refer to your PixeLINK Camera User's Manual for information on

 Camera software installation



PixeLINK Capture

 TWAIN (Microsoft Windows) or QuickTime (Mac OS X)

1.3 System Requirements

1.3.1 Windows

One of the following Microsoft Windows operating systems must be installed:

 Windows 98 Second Edition (SE)  Windows 2000, with Service Pack 1 (SP1) installed  Windows XP, with Service Pack 1 (SP1) installed

Service Packs are available for download from the Microsoft Web Site, http://www.microsoft.com/

Hardware requirements:

 Microprocessor:

Recommended—Pentium Minimum—Pentium® III or equivalent, 450 MHz

 Memory:

Recommended—128 MB RAM Minimum—64 MB RAM

4 or equivalent, 1.5 GHz

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Megapixel FireWire Camera

System Guide

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APPENDIX A. GLOSSARY PAGE 3

 Desktop resolution:

Recommended—1280 × 1024 Minimum—VGA (640 × 480)

 30 MB of hard drive space  A video card with 24-bit or 32-bit True Color graphics capability, at least 8 MB of

video memory and the latest vendor driver installed

 Desktops: A preinstalled FireWire PCI card or a built-in FireWire port. PixeLINK

supplies a compatible PCI FireWire card with it’s camera and developer kits.

 Laptops: A preinstalled FireWire Cardbus card or a built-in FireWire port

1.3.2 Macintosh

The PixeLINK Camera software is designed to work on a Macintosh platform running Mac OS X.

Additional Software

The most recent versions of FireWire and QuickTime are available for download on the Apple Web site (

http://developer.apple.com/quicktime/).

Additional Hardware

A FireWire (IEEE 1394) port (standard on most Mac platforms):

 Built-in—B&W G3, Power Books, G4 Power Macs, iMacs, iBooks  CardBus FireWire Card (laptop computers)  Third Party OHCI or LYNX PCI FireWire Card

1.3.3 Laptop Computers

Because of the specialized hardware configurations of laptop computers, they require additional installation considerations:

 An external 12 V DC power supply—Check the connectors on the FireWire

Cardbus card or built-in FireWire port. If the connectors have six pins, the FireWire cable may be able to supply the necessary power to the camera (refer to the computer’s documentation for confirmation). If the connectors have four pins, the Camera will need an external power supply.

PixeLINK provides accessory kits for both FireWire enabled laptops (product number PL1394-LAPTOP-ACC) and laptops without FireWire ports (product number PL-LAPTOPACC). Please contact your local PixeLINK dealer for more information.

1.4 Camera Accessories

Accessories such as tripod mounts, lenses, laptop accessory kits and hands-free switches are available from PixeLINK. For a current list of accessories, visit the PixeLINK Web site

http://www.pixelink.com/ or contact your PixeLINK vendor.

PixeLINK PL-A630 to PL-A660 Series Cameras Megapixel FireWire Camera System Guide

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PAGE 4 APPENDIX A. GLOSSARY

1.5 The PixeLINK Camera Application Programming Interface

The PixeLINK Camera Application Programming Interface (API) offers application software developers a means to adapt existing programs or develop new imaging applications for PixeLINK cameras. The API is designed to simplify the most common tasks associated with configuring and controlling the cameras. Applications can also leverage the advanced command and control capabilities to enable enhanced functions via available I²C or general purpose I/O connectors.

The PixeLINK Camera API software and reference documentation are available as Software Developer’s Kits (SDK) and are included in PixeLINK Camera Developer's Kits.

1.6 Compatibility with Other PixeLINK Camera Products

PL-A630 to PL-A660 Series cameras are compatible with PixeLINK software from Release

3.2 and earlier. Cameras with version numbers less than 3.0 will not function with Release 3.2 software on a Mac OS X operating system.

1.7 Related PixeLINK Documentation

• PixeLINK Megapixel FireWire Camera User’s Manual, Release 3.2

This manual describes the functionality of the PixeLINK Megapixel FireWire camera hardware and software, including

Users should consult the User’s Manual

… before installing the camera hardware or software … as a guide when using

PixeLINK Capture

… for tips on using the camera with TWAIN-enabled (Windows)

Sections include:

 Installation of the camera hardware and software  Basic features of the camera hardware  Features and operation of

PixeLINK Capture

 An overview of TWAIN (Windows)

• PixeLINK Megapixel FireWire Camera User’s Manual – Mac OS X,

Release 3.2

This manual describes the functionality of the Mac OS X version of

Capture.

PixeLINK Capture.

PixeLINK

Users should consult the User’s Manual

… before installing the camera hardware or software … as a guide when using the Mac OS X version of … as a guide when using QuickTime-enabled third-party software.

PL-A630 to PL-A660 Series Cameras PixeLINK

Megapixel FireWire Camera

System Guide

PixeLINK Capture

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APPENDIX A. GLOSSARY PAGE 5

Sections include:

 Installation of the camera hardware and software  Basic features of the camera hardware  Features and operation of the Mac OS X version of

PixeLINK Capture

 Using PixeLINK Cameras with QuickTime Video Panels.

• PixeLINK Megapixel FireWire Camera API Reference, Release 3.2

[Applies to Microsoft Windows only]

This manual provides a reference for the

PixeLINK Camera API and related software.

Sections include:

 Basic principles of using the PixeLINK Camera API  A summary of the PixeLINK Camera API functions  Descriptions of individual API functions

PixeLINK PL-A630 to PL-A660 Series Cameras Megapixel FireWire Camera System Guide

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PAGE 6 APPENDIX A. GLOSSARY

Hardware Overview

2.1 PL-A6xx Camera Features

Figure 2.1 PL-A6xx Cameras

Camera Features:

 1.3 Megapixel imager resolution (1280 × 1024)  8/10-bit RGB (color) or monochrome pixels

 Integrated infra-red (IR) filter over the image sensor  Two FireWire connectors  Lens mount for a standard C-mount lens (1" × 32 tpi)  Mounting holes for a tripod or other mounting fixture (4–40 screws)

2.2 PL-A640 and PL-A660 Series Camera Hardware

The PL-A640 and PL-A660 cameras are enclosed in an aluminum housing. The cameras have two FireWire ports, both identical, and a C-mount lens adapter with a removeable infra-red (IR) filter. Three mounting holes are provided in the rear of the unit for mounting to a fixture or the compatible PixeLINK 1/4-20 mount accessory. See Figure

2.2 and Figure 2.3 (on page 7) for locations of hardware features.

PL-A630 to PL-A660 Series Cameras PixeLINK

Megapixel FireWire Camera

System Guide

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APPENDIX A. GLOSSARY PAGE 7

Figure 2.2 Camera Features, Top View

PixeLINK PL-A630 to PL-A660 Series Cameras Megapixel FireWire Camera System Guide

Figure 2.3 Camera Features, Bottom View

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PAGE 8 APPENDIX A. GLOSSARY

2.2.2 PL-A640 and PL-A660 Camera Dimensions

Note that outlines of the PL-A661 and PL-A662 cameras are shown in these figures; PLA641 and PL-A642 cameras differ only in the configuration of the C-mount and infra-red (IR) filter. All measurements are ± 0.01 inches (0.3 mm).

Figure 2.4 Camera, Top, Side and End Views

PL-A630 to PL-A660 Series Cameras PixeLINK

Megapixel FireWire Camera

System Guide

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APPENDIX A. GLOSSARY PAGE 9

Figure 2.5 Camera, Bottom View (Showing Mount Holes)

2.3 PL-A630 and PL-A650 Series Imaging Module Hardware

2.3.1 Imaging Module Assembly

As shown in Figure 2.6 (on page 10), each PixeLINK imaging module consists of two boards: an Imaging Assembly (the top board) and a FireWire Interface Board (the bottom board, also shown in Figure 2.7 (on page 10). Note that an imaging module might not be exactly as shown, depending on the model.

The camera is fitted with a 1" × 32 tpi standard C-mount lens adapter and equipped with an Enhanced Control header (shown in Figure 2.9, on page 12). Mounting hardware may be attached to the FireWire Interface Board at bottoms of the four spacing posts. A mount suitable for attachment to a tripod is included in each PixeLINK Developer's Kit.

PixeLINK PL-A630 to PL-A660 Series Cameras

PixeLINK PL-A630 to PL-A660 Series Cameras Megapixel FireWire Camera

Megapixel FireWire Camera System Guide

System Guide

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PAGE 10 APPENDIX A. GLOSSARY

Imaging

Assembly

FireWire

Interface

Board

igure 2.6 PL-A650 Series Imaging Module (PL-A630 Series similar)

5 Volt Power LED

3.3 Volt Power LED

Firmware Status LED

External Power

Heade

FireWire

Connector

Figure 2.7 FireWire Interface Board (product may not be exactly as shown)

PL-A630 to PL-A660 Series Cameras PixeLINK

Megapixel FireWire Camera

System Guide

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APPENDIX A. GLOSSARY PAGE 11

2.3.2 FireWire Interface Board LEDs

The FireWire Interface Board has three LEDs, described in Table 2.1 (below).

Table 2.1 FireWire Interface Board LEDs

Function Color Location

in Figure 2.7

(page 10)

Firmware status indicator Green Left, bottom Double pulse—Firmware is running properly

3.3 V Power indicator Yellow Left, center Solid—3.3 V power present

5 V Power indicator Yellow Left, top Solid—5 V power present

Signal Type and Status

2.3.3 Headers

2.3.3.1 External Power Header

As shown in Figure 2.9 (on page 12), an external supply can be attached to the two-pin friction lock external power header. The pinout is shown in Figure 2.8 (below).

The external power source must a power of at least 3.0 W for the Imaging Module to operate correctly. Tw (12 V) operation is recommended, but the voltage

may be 8 V to 30 V.

provide

elve-volt

Power

Connector

GND

8 - 30 V

Figure 2.8 wer Header, Oriented as in Figure 2.9

External Po

2.3.3.2 Enhanced Control Header [For use with Microsoft Windows only

Latch

]

PL-A633, PL-A634, PL-A653 and PL-A654 imaging modules are each equipped with a 16-pin Enhanced Control header. This header—shown in Figure 2.9 (on page 12)—can be connected to external devices such as a flash, trigger or I²C devices. The header pinouts are listed in Table 2.2 (on page 12) for PL-A653 and PL-A654 imaging modules, and in Table 2.3 (on page 13) for PL-A633 and PL-A634 imaging modules.

PixeLINK PL-A630 to PL-A660 Series Cameras Megapixel FireWire Camera System Guide

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PAGE 12 APPENDIX A. GLOSSARY

Enhanced

Control Header

Pin 16

Pin 2

Pin 1

External Power

Header

Fi s shown)

gure 2.9 Enhanced Control/External Power Headers (may not be exactly a

Table 2.2 ontrol Header

Pin Pin Name Function

TRIGGER

GND Ground

GP1 General p output— V HCMOS

GND Ground

FLASH External flash—5 VHCMOS

GND Ground

SH control device—5 V HCMOS outpUTTER Shutter ut; active high pulse.

GND Ground

GP2 General purpose output—5 V HCMOS output.

GND Ground

VSYNC Vertical synchronization—5 V HCMOS output; active high.

GND Ground

SCL I²C interface clock —5 V HCMOS buffered output.

SDA I²C interface data—3.3 V HCMOS level unbuffered bi-directional signal.

Trigger—3.3 V or 5 V TTL or high-to-low transition triggers image capture. Refer to PixeLINK API function PimMegaReturnFrameAfterTrigger.

module.

Refer to PixeLINK API functions PimMegaGetGpo and PimMegaSetGpo.

Refer to PixeLINK API funct

Refer to the PixeLINK API functions PimMegaCaptureFrameToBitmap and PimMegaReturnStillFrame.

Refer to the PixeLINK API functions PimMegaGetGpo and PimMegaSetGpo.

PL-A653/PL-A654 Pinout of the Enhanced C

CMOS input;

HC a bo eset the imaging /RESET Reset—5 V

MOS sign l output low for a ut 200 milliseconds at power-up to r

urpose 5 output.

output; active high pulse. ions PimMegaCaptureFrameToBitmap and PimMegaReturnStillFrame.

PL-A630 to PL-A660 Series Cameras PixeLINK

Megapixel FireWire Camera

System Guide

Page 17

APPENDIX A. GLOSSARY PAGE 13

Table 2.3 PL-A633/PL-A634 Pinout of the Enhanced Control Header

Pin Pin Name Function

Trigger

GND

Reset/

GND

GP1

GND

Fla

GND

SHUTTER

GND

GP2

GND

Vsynch/

GND

I2C Clock

I2C Data

Trigger—5 V (TTL) input, 10 ms pulse; active low. Refer to PixeLINK API function PimMegaReturnFrameAfterTrigger.

Ground

Reset—TTL output; active low. Output is the Board-Level Camera reset signal to the external device.

Ground

General purpose output—TTL output. Refer to PixeLINK API functions PimMegaGetGpo and PimMegaSetGpo.

Ground

l flash—TTL output, 10 ms pulse; active high.

Externa

r to PixeLINK API functions PimMegaCaptureFrameToBitmap and PimMegaReturn

Refe StillFrame.

Ground

Shutter control device—TTL output; active high. Refer to PixeLINK API functions PimMegaCaptureFrameToBitmap and PimMegaReturnStillFrame.

Ground

General purpose output—TTL output. Refer to PixeLINK API functions PimMegaGetGpo and PimMegaSetGpo.

Ground

Vertical synchronization— e vertical synchronization. TTL output. Imag

Ground

I²C interface clock —TTL output.

I²C interface data—TTL level bi-directional.

2.3.4 PL-A650 Series Imaging Module Dimensions

Dimensions of the PL-A650 Series imaging modules (PL-A653 and PL-A654) are shown in Figures 2.10–2.12 (pages 13–14). All measurements are ± 0.005 inches (0.15 mm).

Module, Top View Figure 2.10 PL-A650 Series Imaging

PixeLINK PL-A630 to PL-A660 Series Cameras Megapixel FireWire Camera System Guide

Page 18

PAGE 14 APPENDIX A. GLOSSARY

Figur

e 2.11 PL-A650 Series Imaging Module, Side View and End View

Fi 2.1 odule, Bottom View, Showing Mount Holes

gure 2 PL-A650 Series Imaging M

2.3 PL-A630 Series Imaging Module Dimensions

For dimensions of the PL-A630 Series Imaging Modules, please contact PixeLINK support. (S

ee page 25 for contact information.)

PL-A630 to PL-A660 Series Cameras PixeLINK

Megapixel FireWire Camera

System Guide

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APPENDIX A. GLOSSARY PAGE 15

2.4 FireWire Connectors and Multiple Cameras

Each PixeLINK camera has two FireWire connectors (ports), allowing several devices to be daisy-chained. The connectors are identical and either may be used to connect to the computer. The other can be used to connect to other FireWire devices.

The number of cameras that may be managed simultaneously depends on the total bandwidth and may be limited by power availability (see Section 2.6, below) and the processing capabilities of the host computer.

The FireWire bus requires that the sum of the packet sizes of the attached cameras be less than 4800. Packet sizes for cameras operating with 640 × 480 and 1024 × 1280 subwindows are given in Table 2.4 (below).

Table 2.4 Packet Sizes

Clock

Frequency

(MHz)

4 640 1280 6 1280 1280 8 1280 1280 12 1920 2560 16 3200 2560 24 3840 2560

Subwindow Size

640 × 480 1024 × 1280

Example: Based on the FireWire bus only, what is the largest number of

cameras that can be managed simultaneously if each one operates with 640 × 480 subwindow and an 8 MHz clock frequency?

Solution:

The FireWire packet limit is 4800. From Table 2.4 (above),

the packet size for a 640 × 480 subwindow at 8 MHz is 1280.

4800

753

1280

To confirm:

Therefore, no more than three cameras can be managed simultaneously at 640 × 480 and 8 MHz.

The total packet size for four cameras is 4 × 1280 = 5120, which exceeds the FireWire packet limit. The total packet size for three cameras is 3 × 1280 = 3840, which is less than the limit.

PixeLINK PL-A630 to PL-A660 Series Cameras Megapixel FireWire Camera System Guide

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PAGE 16 APPENDIX A. GLOSSARY

2.5 Attaching Lenses and Tripods

The camera can be fitted with a standard C-mount lens or attached to a microscope with a C-mount threading. Simply attach the lens or connect to the microscope using the threaded lens mount indicated in Figure 2.5 on page 9.

The back of the camera has three 4–40 screw holes for the attachment of a mounting fixture such as a tripod. The imaging module can be mounting using the four standard standoffs attached to the Interface Board.

PixeLINK offers custom mounting fixtures for attaching a tripod with a standard ¼–20 screw threading at a 90° angle to the Camera. The tripod mounts are specific to the type of camera.

Table 2.5 Tripod Mount Selection Table.

For this camera … Use this tripod mount:

PL-A641, PL-642 PL-A661, PL-662

PL-A633, PL-634 PL-A653, PL-654

PL-640/660-CAMERA 1/4-20 MOUNT

PL-MODULE 1/4-20 MOUNT

more i PixeLINK Web site at For nformation, contact your PixeLINK vendor or visit the

http://www.pixelink.com/.

2.6 Power

The computer’s FireWire bus can supply power to the camera if the host computer has a six-pin FireWire connector and the total power demand on the bus does not exceed the bus capacity. Some systems—such as laptop computers or those with several FireWire devices daisy-chained—require an external 12 V supply to power the camera.

An external power supply can be connected to the FireWire bus. Imag

ing modules are capable of having an external power supply attached directly to a power header (see Section 2.3.3.1, on page 11).

2.7 IR Filter

Each camera (color and monochrome) is fitted with an integrated infra-red (IR) filter over the image sensor. This filter a ver over the image sensor. The filter may be removed, but doing so increa sensor. Because o the risk of dama r, only the manufacturer should perform modifications to the camera fittings.

lso acts as a protective co

ses the likelihood of contaminating the image

ge to the sensof

The IR filter is held in place by the cam , on page 17).

PL-A630 to PL-A660 Series Cameras PixeLINK

Megapixel FireWire Camera

System Guide

era's C-mount (Figure 2.13

Page 21

APPENDIX A. GLOSSARY PAGE 17

gure 2.13 Camera C-Mount (PL-A650 and PL-A660 Series shown)

To remove the IR filter:

1. Ensure that the FireWire cable is disconnected from the camer

a. Remove the lens or

other C-mount attachment.

2. Remove the screws holding the IR filter clamp in place (see Figure 2.14, below).

igure 2.14 Camera C-Mount, Exploded View (PL-A650 and PL-A660 Series shown)

3. Using a pair of fine-point tweezers, carefully lift out the IR Filter Clamp.

4. Place a lint-free cloth over the C-mount. Slowly tip the camera until the IR filter lands gently in

the cloth.

5. Replace the IR filter clamp and screws.

6. Reattach the len t the FireWire cable.

Minor Clea

1. Carefull ry, compr nter of the

ning of the IR Filter

y apply puffs of d essed air to move particles off the ce

glass.

2. Remove moistened l alcohol. The swab

oils with a swab with reagent-grade isopropy

should be damp but not dripping. Do not

PixeLINK PL-A630 to PL-A660 Series Cameras Megapixel FireWire Camera System Guide

s or other C-mount attachment and reconnec

use acetone to clean the IR filter.

Page 22

PAGE 18 APPENDIX A. GLOSSARY

Host Software Overview (Microsoft Windows)

3.1 Overview

Overview of Figure 3.1

 Application:User Provides a custom

control interface for the camera

 PixeLINK API (PimMegaApi.dll):

software designed for the development of custom cameras applications

 DirectShow:

be used to develop custom camera applications

 Stream Class Driver:

between core PixeLINK camera software and DirectShow

 FireWire Minidriver:

software for controlling the camera and video stream via FireWire

 FireWire Bus Driver:

information sent via FireWire

 OHCI FireWire Driver and Firmware:

Adapt the host interface to work with FireWire

 Pixe

LINK Camera: Receives commands

and sends video data via FireWire

Microsoft software that can

Provides a bridge

Core PixeLINK

Manages the

PixeLINK

User Application

PixeLINK API

(PimMegaApi.dll)

DirectShow

Stream Class Driver

FireWire Minidriver

FireW ire Bu s Driver

OHCI FireWire Driver

OHCI FireWire F irmw are

Figure 3.1 Host Software Architecture

User space

Kernel space

Legend

Created by the

User

Provided by

PixeLINK

Provided by

Microsoft

PixeLINK

Camera

The PixeLINK camera software consists of two types of software: the embedded

cutable software that runs exe on the camera—that is, the firmware—and the host software that runs on the Windows system. This section focuses on the host softw and its interaction with the embedded executable software.

PL-A630 to PL-A660 Series Cameras PixeLINK

Megapixel FireWire Camera

System Guide

are

Page 23

APPENDIX A. GLOSSARY PAGE 19

An application such as

PixeLINK Capture

(described in the PixeLINK Camera User's Manual) can control the camera through a stack of software modules, drivers and libraries. Some of this software is accessible to the user; the rest is in the kernel. The relationship between user space and kernel space is illustrated in Figure 3.1 (on page 18).

3.2 Software Components

The function of each software component shown in Figure 3.1 (on page 18) is listed below.

 User Application: A custom application, based on the PixeLINK API or DirectShow

(both described below), controls the camera, retrieves data from it, and displays or stores the data. This application can be written by the user, provided by PixeLINK o incorporated into third-party software (in cooperation with PixeLINK).

 PixeLINK API (PimMegaApi.dll): This standard library provides th

with functions to control the camera and the video stream. The PixeLINK API (described in the PixeLINK Camera API Reference) is used to create custom applications to acce imaging data can be formatted for sc

ss imaging data directly from the FireWire Minidriver. The

reen display or for further processing or

analysis.

 a software implements a specific

DirectShow: Microsoft DirectShow multimedi hardware and software sta

ndard for image streaming and is part of the DirectX suite of multimedia APIs provided my Microsoft. DirectShow software can be used, as an alternat

ive to the PixeLINK API, to integrate control of the camera with that of other

multimedia hardware and software, enhancing the functionality of the camera.

e application

Microsoft offers several DirectShow filters for functions such as:

• Data compression and decompression

• Data coding and decoding

• Color conversion

• Rendering (DirectDraw)

For more information about DirectShow and DirectX, visit the DirectX Web site at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/directx/.

 Stream Class Driver: This driver allows the camera to work with DirectShow by

enabling the transfer of data between DirectShow and the PixeLINK FireWire Minidriver.

 FireWire Minidriver: This PixeLINK software is the interface between the FireWire

bus and either the PixeLINK API or the Direct Show/Stream Class Driver. The FireWire Minidriver is responsible for:

 Detecting the features supported by the camera and reporting them to the

PixeLINK API or the Direct Show/Stream Class Driver;

 Receiving streams of data from the FireWire Bus Driver and transmitting them

in the appropriate format to the PixeLINK API or to the Stream Class Driver;

PixeLINK PL-A630 to PL-A660 Series Cameras Megapixel FireWire Camera System Guide

Page 24

PAGE 20 APPENDIX A. GLOSSARY



Handling FireWire bus resets and device removal (e.g., when the cable is unplugged from the camera)

e PixeLINK FireWire mini-driver exports the following functionality to the

DirectShow:

- Exposure

- Gain

- Pan/Tilt

 FireWire Bus Driver: This component perform

OHCI FireWire Firmware. That is, it manages th

s serial bus management for the

e content (video data and camera control signals) transmitted over the FireWire cable between the camera and the host computer. The FireWire Bus Driver can act as the cycle master, isochronous resource man manager.

ager and bus

 OHCI FireWire Driver: This component instructs the OHCI FireWire Firmware to

send and receive pack

 OHCI FireWire Firmware: T

card that enables the host co

ets of information via the FireWire cable.

his generic firmware is programmed on an adapter

mputer to work with FireWire. An adapter card designed for desktop computers is included in selected PixeLINK camera kits. If the host desktop computer already ha necessary. Laptop computers requir Refer to your PixeLINK Cam

era User's Manual for more information.

 PixeLINK Camera: The camera is linked to the

cable. The cable carries cont

s a FireWire port available, the card is not

e a preinstalled FireWire port or CardBus slot.

rest of the system via the FireWire

rol signals and power to the camera and the video

stream to the host computer.

PL-A630 to PL-A660 Series Cameras PixeLINK

Megapixel FireWire Camera

System Guide

Page 25

APPENDIX A. GLOSSARY PAGE 21

Exposure Methods

“Video Mode” and “Still Mode” refer to imager exposure methods. While all of the PL-A630 to PL-A660 Series cameras can operate i with Enhanced Control headers can be connected to external flash and shutter control dev

ices (preferable for Still Mode).

PL-A Mode and Still

650 and PL-A660 Series cameras use a rolling shutter in both Video Mode. Earlier cameras use a rolling Still Mode.

shutter in Video Mode and simultaneous exposure in

n either mode, only cameras equipped

4.1 Video Mode Exposure

In video mode, exposure of the image sensor is controlled by a virtual window that moves from the top to the bottom of the subwindow and then rolls up to the top of the

window for the next image frame. This virtual window is the same width as the

sub

window and has a height proportional to the exposure time. This is similar to a

sub

ling shutter in conventional photography.

rol

Row oves. The virtual

s are removed from and added to the virtual window as it m window moves one row on its trailing edge is a nexposed row is added to its leading edge. e rolls to w to start exposing rows for the next frame. Thus, at any given ti particular row depends the amount of time since it was

As ge frame is built from top to bottom. Since all rows in a finished frame are exposed equally and rows are transferred con con o capture and interactive image control.

4.2 Still Mode Exposure

tr nsferred to the image frame and an u

Wh n the leading edge reaches the bottom of the subwindow, the virtual window

the top of the subwindo

me, the level of exposure of a

added to the virtual window.

each trailing edge row is transferred, an ima

tinually, this strategy is appropriate for still image capture in ambient lighting ditions, vide

at a time, when the fully exposed row of pixels

Note:

External flash and shutter control devices can be connected to cameras with Enhanced Control headers only

L-A654). P

PixeLINK PL-A630 to PL-A660 Series Cameras Megapixel FireWire Camera System Guide

(PL-A633, PL-A634, PL-A653,

Page 26

PAGE 22 APPENDIX A. GLOSSARY

4.2.1

Using PL-A650 and PL-A660 Series Cameras in Still Mode

PL-A650 and PL-A660 Series cameras return a still frame using the same rolling shutter techniq camera e capture under ambient light by providing consistent exposures

ue used for a video frame. These cameras therefore respond better than earlier

s to still imag throughout the frame. However, if used with synchronized flash, a slightly different approach m st be employed. An exposure time of sufficient duration to integrate all

u rows in the active region of interest must be used, with the flash firing between the time of all rows being simultaneously exposed and prior to the start of data read-out.

To determine the exposure and flash timing, consider the camera clock rate, size of the reg

ion of interest (columns and rows), and decimation. The simplest way to do so is to

use

PixeLINK Capture

Wit

h the video preview playing, observe the measured frame rate. Take the inverse of

this exposure time required for a still-image capture with an

number to get the minimum

or the

PL-A6xx Application

and set the appropriate subwindow size.

external flash. Use this number as a starting point to determine the proper exposure time camera operating at

and flash delay for your application. For example, with the 12 MHz, the full-resolution frame rate is 11.7 fps. The minimum still frame exposure is then (1/11.7) = 85.5 ms. In our tests, we chose an exposure time of 120 ms to add a gen

erous buffer. We chose a flash delay of 90 ms as a starting point, and, after some

exp

erimentation, we discovered that having the flash fire 110 ms after the trigger would

pro

duce good results.

4.2.2 Mode

Using PL-A630 and PL-A640 Series Cameras in Still

When in Still Mode, the entire subwindow of a PL-A630 or PL-A640 Series camera is exposed simultaneously for a specified exposu

re time, rather than using the row-by-row

rolling shutter strategy of Video Mode. Exposure times can range from sub-milliseconds

about half a second. However, the build-up of dark current noise will be noticeable in

to the output image for exposure times greater than 100 ms.

After the specified exposure time has elapsed, the image sensor is read out from top to bottom at maximum speed. So, under ambient light conditions, the bottom rows of the image sensor would continue to be exposed for the length of time required for read-out. This results in the image being over-exposed towards the bottom of the image. Thus, it is usually best to use Still Mode under controlled lighting conditions.

For Enhanced Control cameras (PL-A633 and PL-A634), one method to control the lighting conditions is to use the built-in capability to synchronize a flash pulse during the still frame capture under dark conditions. (In the PixeLINK Camera API, refer to API functions

PimMegaReturnFrameAfterTrigger

and

PimMegaReturnStillFrame

.) Where dark conditions are not possible and ambient light cannot be controlled, an electronically triggered shutter can be used to cut off the ambient light at the end of the specified exposure time. With the shutter closed, the read out from the image sensor can proceed without any further influence from ambient light.

The PixeLINK Camera API functions also provide the ability to control a shutter, synchronized with a still frame capture. Exposure times, flash pulse timing, and shutter timing signals can be specified to 1/10 of a millisecond.

PL-A630 to PL-A660 Series Cameras PixeLINK

Megapixel FireWire Camera

System Guide

Page 27

APPENDIX A. GLOSSARY PAGE 23

4 Using External Triggering, Flash and Shutter Signals

.2.3

Note:

External flash and shutter control devices can be connected to cameras with Enhanced Control headers only PL-A654).

(PL-A633, PL-A634, PL-A653,

PixeLINK cameras with Enhanced Control headers can receive external triggering signals and can issue flash and shutter timing controls. These signals are controlled by the PixeLINK API functions

PimMegaReturnFrameAfterTrigger

and

PimMegaReturnStillFrame

•

PimMegaReturnFrameAfterTrigg

puts the camera into a trigger mode and begins to

capture a still image no more than 90 µs after an external trigger signal is detected.

PimMegaReturnStillFrame

• be used

as a software trigger. However, due to operating system and interface

returns a still frame immediately after being called and can

delays, the minimal response time will be 15 ms with possible delays greater than 60 ms depending on the system configuration.

Flash and shutter timing controls pro delay in milliseconds following the trigger signal

vided to the PixeLINK API functions represent the

. The delays are accurate to one decimal place (0.1 ms). It is important to note that negative numbers are allowed. In the case where a negative delay is used with an external trigger, the timing signals occur in order. For example, with a flash delay of –15 ms and shutter delay of –5 ms, on receipt of the trigger signal the flash signal will be fired immediately, followed 10 ms later by the shutter signal. 5 ms after the shutter, the camer

a will start the exposure.

The shutter timing signals also include a shutter close delay to close an external shutter following an exposure.

PixeLINK PL-A630 to PL-A660 Series Cameras Megapixel FireWire Camera System Guide

Page 28

PAGE 24 APPENDIX A. GLOSSARY

Appendix A.

1394 Short for the IEEE 1394 digital bus protocol (also known as

FireWire, a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.)

API Application Programming Interface

DLL Dynamic Link Library

FireWire Apple Computer’s trademark for the IEEE 1394 digital bus protocol

fps Frames Per Second

GPO General Purpose Output

I²C Inter-IC (also known as I2C), a bus standard invented by Philips

IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers

MB Megabyte

MHz Megahertz

OHCI Open Host Controller Interface

PC Personal Computer

PCI Peripheral Component Interconnect

preview windowThe window used to display video images on the screen. The

size is the same number of rows and columns as in the image.

Glossary

default

QuickTime Apple Computer multimedia software

RAM Random Access Memory

ROM Read-Only Memory

sensor The Camera’s image sensing chip

subwindow The area exposed on the imager (not a window defined for viewing

the image on the screen)

TWAIN An image capture standard typically used as an interface between

image processing software and a camera or scan

ner

PL-A630 to PL-A660 Series Cameras PixeLINK

Megapixel FireWire Camera

System Guide

Page 29

APPENDIX A. GLOSSARY PAGE 25

Te t chnical Suppor

Tech Notes

Tech Notes o

http://supp

Download the Latest Software and Firmware

We recommend that you check v

ersions of your PixeLINK software and firmware.

Technical Questions

Plea

se follow these steps before contacting our technical support team:

• Review the relevant sections of the documentation.

• Check the PixeLINK Support Site for

o new software and firmware;

o applicable Tech Notes.

• Carefully document the problem you are experiencing, noting any warning or error messages that may appear during operation.

• Have your camera's serial number and other identifying inform The serial number can be found on the camera, on the “About” screen in

PixeLINK PimMegaGetHardwareVersion.

n a variety of topics are available on the PixeLINK Support Site, at

ort.pixelink.com/.

http://support.pixelink.com/ regularly for the latest

Capture,

or by using the PixeLINK Camera API function

ation at hand.

PixeLINK PL-A630 to PL-A660 Series Cameras Megapixel FireWire Camera System Guide

PixeLINK Customer Support

Email: [email protected]

PixeLINK Support Site: http://support.pixelink.com/

PixeLINK Main Site: http://www.pixelink.com/

Page 30

PAGE 26 APPENDIX A. GLOSSARY

Index

Acce

ssories—3 Camera dimensions—8 Camera models—1 C-mount—9, 16, 17 Dimensions—13, 14 Enhanced Contr

22, 23

Enha

nced Control header pinout—11, 12, 13

Expo

sure—20, 21, 22, 23

Expo

sure time—21, 22

FireW

ire connectors—3, 4, 6, 15

FireW

ire interface board—9, 10, 11

Flas

h—11, 12, 13, 21, 22, 23

GPO

—24 Imag

ing modules—11, 13, 14, 16 Insta

llation—4, 5

IR fil —6, 16, 17

ter

IR fil

ter, removal—17

LED

s—11

Lens

es—3, 6, 9, 16, 17

Mac OS X—2,

ol header—1, 2, 9, 11, 12, 13, 21,

Multiple cameras, controlling—15 PixeLINK Camera Applicatio

Interface

25 Power—3, 11, 12, 15, 16, 20 Power, external—3, 11, 12, 16 Preview window—24 QuickTime—2, 3, 24 Rolling shutter—21, 22 Serial number—25 Shutter—21, 22, 23 Still mode—2, 21, 22 Subwindow—15, 21, 22, 24 Technical Support—25 Trigger—11, 12, 13, 22, 23 Tripods—16 TWAIN— Video compression—19 Video mode—21, 22 Windows—2,

(API)—4, 5, 12, 13, 18, 19, 22, 23, 24,

2, 4, 24

4, 5, 11, 18

n Programming

PL-A630 to PL-A660 Series Cameras PixeLINK

Megapixel FireWire Camera

System Guide