Point Grey Flea3 GigE Technical Reference

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Flea3 GigE

GigE Digital Camera

Technical Reference

Version 7.0

Revised 10/29/2013

12051 Riverside Way • Richmond, BC • Canada • V6W 1K7 •T (604) 242-9937 • www.ptgrey.com

Point Grey Research®Inc.

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FCC Compliance

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesirable operation.

Korean EMCCertification

The KCC symbol indicates that this product complies with Korea’s Electrical Communication Basic Law regarding EMC testing for electromagnetic interference (EMI) and susceptibility (EMS).

Hardware Warranty

The warranty for the Flea3 GigE camera is 3 years. For detailed information on how to repair or replace your camera, please see the terms and conditions on our website.

WEEE

The symbol indicates that this product may not be treated as household waste. Please ensure this product is properly disposed as inappropriate waste handling of this product may cause potential hazards to the environment and human health. For more detailed information about recycling of this product, please contact Point Grey Research.

Trademarks

Point Grey Research, PGR, the Point Grey Research, Inc. logo, Blackfly, Bumblebee, Chameleon, Digiclops, Dragonfly, Dragonfly Express, Firefly, Flea, FlyCapture, Gazelle, Grasshopper, Ladybug, Triclops and Zebra are trademarks or registered trademarks of Point Grey Research, Inc. in Canada and other countries.

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Point Grey Flea3 GigE Technical Reference

Table of Contents

Contacting Point Grey Research i

1 Flea3 GigE Specifications 1

1.1 Flea3 GigE Specifications 1

1.2 Handling Precautions and Camera Care 3

1.2.1 Case Temperature and Heat Dissipation 3

1.3 Analog-to-Digital Converter 5

2 Flea3 GigE Installation 6

2.1 Before You Install 6

2.1.1 Will your system configuration support the camera? 6

2.1.2 Do you have all the parts you need? 6

2.1.3 Do you have a downloads account? 6

2.2 Installing Your Interface Card and Software 7

2.3 Installing Your Camera 9

2.4 Configuring Camera Setup 11

2.4.1 Configuring Camera Drivers 11

2.4.2 Configuring the IP Address 11

2.4.3 Allocating Bandwidth 12

2.4.3.1 Packet Size 12

2.4.3.2 Packet Delay 13

2.4.3.3 Determining Bandwidth Requirements 13

2.4.4 Configuring Other Network Settings 14

2.4.4.1 Stream Channel Destination Address 14

2.4.4.2 Heartbeat 15

3 Tools to Control the Flea3 GigE 16

3.1 Using FlyCapture 16

3.1.1 FlyCap Program 16

3.1.2 Custom Applications Built with the FlyCapture API 16

3.2 Using GenICam Applications 17

3.3 Using GigE Vision Bootstrap Registers 17

3.4 Using Control and Status Registers 18

4 Flea3 GigE Physical Interface 19

4.1 Flea3 GigE Physical Description 19

4.2 Flea3 GigE Dimensions 20

4.3 Mounting with the Case or Mounting Bracket 20

4.3.1 Tripod Adapter Dimensions 21

4.4 Lens Mounting 22

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4.4.1 Back Flange Distance 22

4.5 Dust Protection 23

4.6 Infrared Cut-Off Filters 24

4.7 Camera Interface and Connectors 25

4.7.1 Ethernet Connector 25

4.7.2 Interface Cables 25

4.7.3 Interface Card 25

4.7.4 General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO) 25

5 General Flea3 GigE Operation 27

5.1 Powering the Camera 27

5.2 User Sets (Memory Channels) 27

5.2.1 GenICam User Set Control 28

5.3 On-Camera Frame Buffer 28

5.4 Non-Volatile Flash Memory 29

5.5 Camera Firmware 29

5.5.1 Determining Firmware Version 30

5.5.2 Upgrading Camera Firmware 30

6 Input/Output Control 31

6.1 General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO) 31

6.2 GPIO Modes 32

6.2.1 GPIO Mode 0: Input 32

6.2.2 GPIO Mode 1: Output 32

6.2.3 GPIO Mode 2: Asynchronous (External) Trigger 32

6.2.4 GPIO Mode 3: Strobe 32

6.2.5 GPIOMode 4: Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) 32

6.3 GenICam Digital Input/Output Control 33

6.4 Programmable Strobe Output 34

6.5 Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) 34

6.6 Serial Communication 35

6.7 Debouncer 35

6.8 GPIO Electrical Characteristics 37

7 Image Acquisition 39

7.1 Asynchronous Triggering 39

7.1.1 GenICam Acquisition Control 39

7.1.2 Standard External Trigger (Mode 0) 41

7.1.3 Bulb Shutter Trigger (Mode 1) 42

7.1.4 Skip Frames Trigger (Mode 3) 43

7.1.5 Multiple Exposure Preset Trigger (Mode 4) 44

7.1.6 Multiple Exposure Pulse Width Trigger (Mode 5) 45

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7.1.7 Low Smear Trigger (Mode 13) 46

7.1.8 Overlapped Exposure Readout Trigger (Mode 14) 47

7.1.9 Multi-Shot Trigger (Mode 15) 48

7.2 External Trigger Timing 49

7.3 Camera Behavior Between Triggers 49

7.4 Changing Video Modes While Triggering 50

7.5 Asynchronous Software Triggering 51

8 Flea3 GigE Attributes 52

8.1 Pixel Formats 52

8.1.1 Raw 52

8.1.2 Mono 52

8.1.3 RGB 52

8.1.4 YUV 52

8.2 Video Modes Overview 54

8.2.1 Video Mode Descriptions 55

8.3 GenICam Image Format Control 57

8.4 Frame Rates 58

8.4.1 Calculating Maximum Possible Frame Rate 58

8.4.2 FL3-GE-03S2 Video Modes and Frame Rates 59

8.4.3 FL3-GE-08S2 Video Modes and Frame Rates 60

8.4.4 FL3-GE-13S2 Video Modes and Frame Rates 61

8.4.5 FL3-GE-14S3 Video Modes and Frame Rates 62

8.4.6 FL3-GE-20S4 Video Modes and Frame Rates 63

8.4.7 FL3-GE-28S4 Video Modes and Frame Rates 65

8.4.8 FL3-GE-50S5 Video Modes and Frame Rates 67

8.5 Shutter Type 69

8.5.1 Global Shutter 69

8.6 Overview of Imaging Parameters 70

8.7 GenICam Analog Control 71

8.8 Brightness 72

8.9 Shutter Time 72

8.10 Gain 73

8.11 Auto Exposure 74

8.12 Sharpness 75

8.13 Gamma and Lookup Table 75

8.14 High Dynamic Range (HDR) Imaging 77

8.15 Image Flip/Mirror 77

8.16 Embedded Image Information 77

8.17 White Balance 79

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8.18 Bayer Color Processing 80

8.19 Hue 81

8.20 Saturation 81

9 Troubleshooting 82

9.1 Support 82

9.2 Camera Diagnostics 83

9.3 Status Indicator LED 84

9.4 Test Pattern 84

9.5 Channel Balancing 85

9.6 Blemish Pixel Artifacts 86

9.6.1 Pixel Defect Correction 86

9.7 Vertical Smear Artifact 87

9.7.1 Smear Reduction 87

A FlyCapture API Code Samples 88

A.1 Setting a GPIOPin to Strobe Using the FlyCapture API 88

A.2 Setting a Standard Video Mode, Format and Frame Rate Using the FlyCapture API 88

A.3 Asynchronous Hardware Triggering Using the FlyCapture API 88

A.4 Setting Brightness Using the FlyCapture API 89

A.5 Setting Shutter Using the FlyCapture API 89

A.6 Setting Gain Using the FlyCapture API 89

A.7 Setting Auto Exposure Using the FlyCapture API 90

A.8 Setting Sharpness Using the FlyCapture API 90

A.9 Setting Gamma Using the FlyCapture API 90

A.10 Setting White Balance Using the FlyCapture API 91

A.11 Accessing Raw Bayer Data using FlyCapture 91

A.12 Setting Hue Using the FlyCapture API 91

A.13 Setting Saturation Using the FlyCapture API 92

B FlyCapture SDK Examples 93

B.1 AsyncTriggerEx 93

B.2 BusEventsEx 93

B.3 CustomImageEx 93

B.4 ExtendedShutterEx 94

B.5 FlyCap2CameraControl 94

B.6 FlyCap2_GTKmm 94

B.7 FlyCap2MFC 95

B.8 FlyCapture2GUI 95

B.9 FlyCapture2SimpleGUI_WPF 95

B.10 FlyCapture2Test 95

B.11 GigEGrabEx 96

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Point Grey Flea3 GigE Technical Reference

B.12 GrabCallbackEx 96

B.13 HighDynamicRangeEx 96

B.14 ImageEventEx 96

B.15 MultipleCameraEx 98

B.16 MultipleCameraWriteToDiskEx 98

B.17 MultiSyncEx 98

B.18 SaveImageToAviEx 98

B.19 SaveImageToFlashEx 98

B.20 SerialPortEx 99

C GenICam Features 100

C.1 Device Control 100

C.2 Analog Control 100

C.3 Image Format Control 101

C.4 Acquisition Control 102

C.5 Digital Input Output Control 103

C.6 Transport Layer Control 104

C.7 User Set Control 108

C.8 Chunk Data Control 108

D GigE Vision Bootstrap Registers 109

E Control and Status Registers 111

E.1 IMAGE_RETRANSMIT: 634h 111

E.2 DATA_FLASH_CTRL: 1240h 112

E.3 DATA_FLASH_DATA: 1244h 112

E.4 GPIO_CTRL_PIN: 1110h-1140h 113

E.5 GPIO_XTRA_PIN: 1114h-1144h 114

E.6 TRIGGER_MODE: 830h 114

E.7 PIXEL_CLOCK_FREQ: 1AF0h 115

E.8 AE_ROI: 1A70 – 1A74h 115

E.9 LUT: 80000h – 80048h 116

E.10 FRAME_INFO: 12F8h 118

E.11 INITIALIZE: 000h 119

E.12 TIME_FROM_INITIALIZE: 12E0h 119

E.13 LINK_UP_TIME: 12E4h 119

E.14 XMIT_FAILURE: 12FCh 120

E.15 VMODE_ERROR_STATUS: 628h 120

E.16 CAMERA_LOG: 1D00 – 1DFFh 120

E.17 LED_CTRL: 1A14h 120

E.18 PIXEL_DEFECT_CTRL: 1A60h 121

Revision History 122

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Point Grey Flea3 GigE Technical Reference ContactingPoint Grey Research

Contacting Point Grey Research

For any questions, concerns or comments please contact us via the following methods:

Knowledge Base Find answers to commonly asked questions in our Knowledge Base

Downloads Download the latest documents and software

Main Office

Europe and Israel

Distributors

Japan ViewPLUS Inc. www.viewplus.co.jp

Korea Cylod Co. Ltd. www.cylod.com

Singapore, Malaysia &

Thailand

Taiwan Apo S tar Co., Ltd. www.apostar.com.tw

United Kingdom ClearView Imaging Ltd. www.clearviewimaging.co.uk

General questions about Point Grey Research Technical support (existing customers only)

Point Grey Research, Inc. 12051 Riverside Way Richmond, BC, Canada V6W 1K7

USA

Point Grey Research GmbH Schwieberdinger Strasse 60 71636 Ludwigsburg Germany

China LUSTERLightVision Tech. Co., Ltd. www.lusterlighttech.com

Voltrium Systems Pte Ltd. www.voltrium.com.sg

Tel: +1 (604) 242-9937 Toll Free +1 (866) 765-0827

(North America only)

Fax: +1 (604) 242-9938 Email: sales@ptgrey.com

Tel: +1 (866) 765-0827 Email: na-sales@ptgrey.com

Tel: +49 7141 488817-0 Fax: +49 7141 488817-99 Email: eu-sales@ptgrey.com

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Point Grey Flea3 GigE Technical Reference ContactingPoint Grey Research

About This Manual

This manual provides the user with a detailed specification of the Flea3 GigE camera system. The user should be aware that the camera system is complex and dynamic – if any errors or omissions are found during experimentation, please contact us. (See Contacting Point Grey Research.)

This document is subject to change without notice.

All model-specific information presented in this manual reflects functionality available in the model's firmware version.

For more information see Camera Firmware.

Where to Find Information

Chapter What You Will Find

Flea3 GigE Specifications General camera specifications and specific model specifications, and camera properties.

Flea3 GigE Installation Instructions for installing the Flea3 GigE, as well as introduction to Flea3 GigE configuration.

Tools to Control the Flea3 GigE Information on the tools available for controlling the Flea3 GigE.

Flea3 GigE Physical Interface Information on the mechanical properties of the Flea3 GigE.

General Flea3 GigE Operation

Input/Output Control Information on input/output modes and controls.

Image Acquisition Information on asynchronous triggering and supported trigger modes.

Flea3 GigE Attributes Information on supported imaging parameters and their controls.

Troubleshooting

Appendix: FlyCapture API Code

Samples

Appendix: FlyCapture SDK

Examples

Appendix: GenICam Features Information on GenICam Feature controls.

Appendix: GigE Vision Bootstrap

Registers

Appendix: Control and Status

Registers

Information on powering the Flea3 GigE, monitoring status, user configuration sets, memory controls, and firmware.

Information on how to get support, diagnostics for the Flea3 GigE, and common sensor artifacts.

Examples of FlyCapture API code.

Sample programs provided with the FlyCapture SDK.

Information on GigEVision Bootstrap Registers.

Information on IIDCControl and Status Registers for functions not handled via GenICam.

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Document Conventions

This manual uses the following to provide you with additional information:

A note that contains information that is distinct from the main body of text. For example, drawing attention to a difference between models; or a reminder of a limitation.

A note that contains a warning to proceed with caution and care, or to indicate that the information is meant for an advanced user. For example, indicating that an action may void the camera's warranty.

If further information can be found in our Knowledge Base, a list of articles is provided.

Related Knowledge Base Articles

Title Article

Title of the Article Link to the article on the Point Grey website

If there are further resources available, a link is provided either to an external website, or to the SDK.

Related Resources

Title Link

Title of the resource Link to the resource

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Point Grey Flea3 GigE Technical Reference 1 Flea3GigESpecifications

1 Flea3 GigE Specifications

The fully redesigned, next generation Flea3 camera series builds on the success of the ultra-compact Flea2 by adding new Sony image sensors to the line-up. The Flea3 also offers a host of new features, including enhanced opto-isolated GPIO; an on-camera frame buffer; non-volatile flash memory for user data storage; new trigger modes; and improved imaging performance.

1.1 Flea3 GigE Specifications

Model Version MP Imaging Sensor

FL3-GE-03S1C-C

FL3-GE-03S1M-C

FL3-GE-03S2C-C

FL3-GE-03S2M-C

FL3-GE-08S2C-C

FL3-GE-08S2M-C

FL3-GE-13S2C-C

FL3-GE-13S2M-C

FL3-GE-14S3C-C

FL3-GE-14S3M-C

FL3-GE-20S4C-C

FL3-GE-20S4M-C

FL3-GE-28S4C-C

FL3-GE-28S4M-C

Color

Mono

Color

Mono

Color

Mono

Color

Mono

Color

Mono

Color

Mono

Color

Mono

0.3 MP

0.8 MP

1.3 MP

1.4 MP

2.0 MP

2.8 MP

n Sony ICX618 CCD, 1/4", 5.6 µm n Global Shutter n 120 FPS at 648 x 488

n Sony ICX424 CCD, 1/3", 7.4 µm n Global Shutter n 82 FPS at 648 x 488

n Sony ICX204 CCD, 1/3", 4.65 µm n Global Shutter n 31 FPS at 1032 x 776

n Sony ICX445 CCD, 1/3", 3.75 µm n Global Shutter n 31 FPS at 1288 x 964

n Sony ICX267 CCD, 1/2", 4.65 µm n Global Shutter n 18 FPS at 1384 x 1032

n Sony ICX274 CCD, 1/1.8", 4.4 µm n Global Shutter n 15 FPS at 1624 x 1224

n Sony ICX687 CCD, 1/1.8", 3.69 µm n Global Shutter n 15 FPS at 1928 x 1448

FL3-GE-50S5C-C

FL3-GE-50S5M-C

Imaging Performance (EMVA 1288)

Color

Mono

See the Imaging Performance Specification, which includes quantum efficiency, saturation capacity (full well depth), read noise, dynamic range and signal to noise ratio.

A/DConverter 12-bit

Video Data Output 8, 12, 16 and 24-bit digital data

Revised 10/29/2013

5.0 MP

n Sony ICX655 CCD, 2/3", 3.45 µm n Global Shutter n 8 FPS at 2448 x 2048

All Flea3 GigE Models

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Point Grey Flea3 GigE Technical Reference 1 Flea3GigESpecifications

All Flea3 GigE Models

Image Data Formats

Y8, Y16, Mono8, Mono12, Mono16, Raw8, Raw12, Raw16 (all models); RGB, YUV411, YUV422, YUV 444 (color models)

Partial Image Modes Pixel binning and region of interest (ROI) modes

Image Processing Gamma, lookup table, hue, saturation, and sharpness

Shutter

Gain

Global Shutter; Automatic/manual/one-push/extended shutter modes

0.03 ms to 32 seconds

Automatic/manual/one-push modes 0 dB to 24 dB

Gamma 0.50 to 4.00, programmable lookup table

White Balance Automatic/manual/one-push modes

High Dynamic Range Cycle 4 gain and exposure presets

Color Processing On-camera in YUV or RGB format, or on-PC in Raw format

Digital Interface Gigabit Ethernet interface with screw locks for camera control and data

Transfer Rates 10/100/1000 Mbit/s

GPIO

8-pin Hirose HR25 GPIO connector for power, trigger, strobe, PWM, and serial I/O, 1 opto-isolated input, 1 opto-isolated output, 2 bi-directional I/O pins

External Trigger Modes Trigger Modes 0, 1, 3, 4, 5, 13 (FL3-GE-13S2 only), 14 and 15

Synchronization Via external trigger or software trigger

Image Buffer 32 MB frame buffer

Memory Channels 2 memory channels for custom camera settings

Flash Memory 1 MB non-volatile memory

Dimensions 29 mm x 29 mm x 30 mm excluding lens holder, without optics (metal case)

Mass 38 grams (without optics)

Power Consumption 12-24 V, <2.5 W, via GPIO

Machine Vision Standard GigE Vision v1.2

Camera Control via FlyCapture SDK, or GigE Vision third party software

Camera Updates In-field firmware updates

Lens Mount C-mount (FL3-GE-13S2 also available with CS-mount)

Temperature Operating: 0° to 45°C; Storage: -30° to 60°C

Compliance CE, FCC, RoHS

Operating System Windows 7, Linux Ubuntu

Warranty 3 years

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Point Grey Flea3 GigE Technical Reference 1 Flea3GigESpecifications

1.2 Handling Precautions and Camera Care

Do not open the camera housing. Doing so voids the Hardware Warranty described at the beginning of this manual.

Your Point Grey digital camera is a precisely manufactured device and should be handled with care. Here are some tips on how to care for the device.

n Avoid electrostatic charging.

n When handling the camera unit, avoid touching the lenses. Fingerprints will affect the quality of the image

produced by the device.

n To clean the lenses, use a standard camera lens cleaning kit or a clean dry cotton cloth. Do not apply excessive

force.

n Extended exposure to bright sunlight, rain, dusty environments, etc. may cause problems with the electronics

and the optics of the system.

n Avoid excessive shaking, dropping or any kind of mishandling of the device.

Related Knowledge Base Articles

Title Article

Solving problems with static electricity Knowledge Base Article 42

Cleaning the imaging surface of your camera Knowledge Base Article 66

1.2.1 Case Temperature and Heat Dissipation

You must provide sufficient heat dissipation to control the internal operating temperature of the camera.

The camera is equipped with an on-board temperature sensor. It allows you to obtain the temperature of the camera board-level components. The sensor measures the ambient temperature within the case.

Table 1.1: Temperature Sensor Specifications

Accuracy 0.5°C

Range -25°C to +85°C

Resolution 12-bits

As a result of packing the camera electronics into a small space, the outer case of the camera can become very warm to the touch when running in some modes. This is expected behavior and will not damage the camera electronics.

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Point Grey Flea3 GigE Technical Reference 1 Flea3GigESpecifications

To reduce heat, use a cooling fan to set up a positive air flow around the camera, taking into consideration the following precautions:

n Mount the camera on a heat sink, such as a camera mounting bracket, made out of a heat-conductive material

like aluminum.

n Make sure the flow of heat from the camera case to the bracket is not blocked by a non-conductive material like

plastic.

n Make sure the camera has enough open space around it to facilitate the free flow of air.

To access temperature information use:

n GenICam—Device Control

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Point Grey Flea3 GigE Technical Reference 1 Flea3GigESpecifications

1.3 Analog-to-Digital Converter

The camera sensor incorporates an analog to digital converter (ADC) to digitize the images produced by the CCD.

The Flea3 GigE's ADC is configured to a fixed bit output. If the pixel format selected has fewer bits per pixel than the ADCoutput, the least significant bits are dropped. If the pixel format selected has greater bits per pixel than the ADC output, the least significant bits are padded with zeros.

A 12-bit conversion produces 4,096 possible digital image values between 0 and 65,520, left-aligned across a 2-byte data format. The four unused bits are padded with zeros.

12-bit, 50 MHz

0 LSB to 255.75 LSB, 0.25 LSB steps

-3 dB to 6 dB, 3 dB steps

6 dB to 42 dB, 10-bit

The bit depth of the output varies between sensors and can be seen in the table below. Image data is left-aligned across a 2-byte format. The least significant bits, which are the unused bits, are always zero.

For example, for a 12 bit output, the least significant 4 bits will be zeros in order to fill 2 bytes. E.g. 0xFFF0.

Model ADC

FL3-GE-03S1M-C 12-bit

FL3-GE-03S1C-C 12-bit

FL3-GE-03S2M-C 12-bit

FL3-GE-03S2C-C 12-bit

FL3-GE-08S2M-C 12-bit

FL3-GE-08S2C-C 12-bit

FL3-GE-13S2M-C 12-bit

FL3-GE-13S2C-C 12-bit

FL3-GE-14S3M-C 12-bit

FL3-GE-14S3C-C 12-bit

FL3-GE-20S4M-C 12-bit

FL3-GE-20S4C-C 12-bit

FL3-GE-28S4M-C 12-bit

FL3-GE-28S4C-C 12-bit

FL3-GE-50S5M-C 12-bit

FL3-GE-50S5C-C 12-bit

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Point Grey Flea3 GigE Technical Reference 2 Flea3 GigE Installation

2 Flea3 GigE Installation

2.1 Before You Install

2.1.1 Will your system configuration support the camera?

Recommended System Configuration

Operating

System

Windows 7, Linux Ubuntu

2.1.2 Do you have all the parts you need?

To install your camera you will need the following components:

n Ethernet cable (see Interface Cables) n 8-pin GPIOcable (see General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO)) n C-mount Lens (see Lens Mounting ) n Tripod adapter (optional) (see Mounting with the Case or Mounting Bracket) n Interface card (see Interface Card)

CPU RAM Video Ports Software

Intel Core 2 Duo, or equivalent

2 GB

PCI Express 128 MB

GigE

Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 SP1 and SP1 Update for Vista (to compile and run example code)

Point Grey sells a number of the additional parts required for installation. To purchase, visit the Point Grey Webstore or the Products Accessories page.

2.1.3 Do you have a downloads account?

The Point Grey downloads page has many resources to help you operate your camera effectively, including:

n Software, including Drivers (required for installation) n Firmware updates and release notes n Dimensional drawings and CADmodels n Documentation

To access the downloads resources you must have a downloads account.

1. Go to the Point Grey downloads page.

2. Under Register (New Users), complete the form, then click Submit.

After you submit your registration, you will receive an email with instructions on how to activate your account.

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Point Grey Flea3 GigE Technical Reference 2 Flea3 GigE Installation

2.2 Installing Your Interface Card and Software

1. Install your Interface Card

Ensure the card is installed per the manufacturer's instructions.

Connect the internal IDE or SATApower connector on the card to the computer power supply.

Alternatively, use your PC's built-in host controller, if equipped.

Open the Windows Device Manager. Ensure the card is properly installed under Network Adapters. An exclamation point (!) next to the card indicates the driver has not yet been installed.

2. Install the FlyCapture® Software

For existing users who already have FlyCapture installed, we recommend ensuring you have the latest version for optimal performance of your camera. If you do not need to install FlyCapture, use the DriverControlGUI to install and enable drivers for your card.

a. Login to the Point Grey downloads page.

b. Select your Camera and Operating System from the drop-down lists and click the Search button.

c. Click on the Software search results to expand the list.

d. Click the appropriate link to begin the download and installation.

After the download is complete, the FlyCapture setup wizard begins. If the wizard does not start automatically, doubleclick the .exe file to open it. Follow the steps in each setup dialog.

3. Enable the Drivers for the card

During the FlyCapture installation, you are prompted to select your interface driver.

In the Interface Driver Selection dialog, select the I will use GigE cameras.

This selection ensures the Point Grey Image Filter driver is installed and enabled. The Image Filter Driver operates as a network service between GigE Vision cameras and the Microsoft built-in UDP stack to filter out GigE Vision stream protocol (GVSP) packets. Use of the filter driver is recommended, as it can reduce CPU load and improve image streaming performance.

Alternatively, Point Grey GigEVision cameras can communicate directly with the Microsoft UDP stack.

GigEVision cameras on Linux systems use native Ubuntu drivers.

To uninstall or reconfigure the driver at any time after setup is complete, use the DriverControlGUI (see Configuring

Camera Setup).

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Point Grey Flea3 GigE Technical Reference 2 Flea3 GigE Installation

4. Configure IPSettings

After installation is complete, the Point Grey GigEConfigurator opens. This tool allows you to configure the IPsettings of the camera and network card.

If the GigEConfigurator does not open automatically, open the tool from Start Menu>FlyCapture SDK>Utilities>GigEConfigurator. If prompted to enable GigEenumeration, select Yes.

a. In the left pane, select the Local Area Connection corresponding to the network interface card (NIC) to which

the camera is connected.

b. In the right pane, review maximum transmission unit (MTU). If not 9000, enable jumbo frames on the NIC by

clicking Open Network Connections. (While most NICs support 9000-byte jumbo frames, this feature is often disabled by default.)

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Point Grey Flea3 GigE Technical Reference 2 Flea3 GigE Installation

2.3 Installing Your Camera

1. Install the Tripod Mounting Bracket (optional)

The ASA and ISO-compliant tripod mounting bracket attaches to the camera using the included metal screws.

2. Attach a Lens

Unscrew the dust cap from the C-mount lens holder to install a lens.

3. Connect the interface Card and Cable to the Camera

Plug the interface cable into the host controller card and the camera. The cable jack screws can be used for a secure connection.

4. Plug in the GPIO connector

GPIOis used for power, trigger, pulse width modulation, serial input output, and strobe.

The wiring harness must be compatible with a Hirose HR25 8-pin female GPIOconnector.

5. Configure IPSettings

In the GigEConfigurator:

a. In the left pane, select your GigEVision camera. (Note: there may be a delay of several seconds before the

camera is detected by the GigEConfigurator on startup.)

n Under "Current IPConfiguration," review the IP address. By default, a dynamic IPaddress is assigned to

the camera according to the DHCP protocol. If DHCP addressing fails, a link-local address is assigned. If necessary, change the IPaddress of the camera to be on the same subnet as the NIC. If the subnets do not match, the camera is marked "BAD" on the left pane.

n Under "Packet Size Discover,"click Discover Maximum Packet Size and note the value.

b. Close the GigEConfigurator.

6. Confirm Successful Installation and Configure Packet Size

a. Run the FlyCap program: Start-> FlyCapture SDK-> FlyCap

b. In the camera selection dialog, select the GigE camera that was installed and click Configure Selected.

c. In the Camera Control dialog, click Custom Video Modes. By default, Packet Size is set to 1400 bytes. We

recommend increasing this value to the size noted in the GigE Configurator, as maximizing packet size reduces processing overhead.

The FlyCap program can be used to test the camera's image acquisition capabilities through the Ethernet connection.

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Changes to your camera's installation configuration can be made using utilities available in the FlyCapture SDK (see

Configuring Camera Setup on the next page).

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2.4 Configuring Camera Setup

After successful installation of your camera and interface card, you can make changes to the setup. Use the tools described below to change the IP Address or the driver for your interface card.

For information on updating your camera's firmware post installation, see Camera Firmware.

2.4.1 Configuring Camera Drivers

Point Grey provides the Image Filter Driver for use with GigE Vision cameras. This driver operates as a network service between the camera and the Microsoft built-in UDP stack to filter out GigE vision stream protocol (GVSP) packets. The filter driver is installed and enabled by default as part of the FlyCapture SDK installation process. Use of the filter driver is recommended, as it can reduce CPU load and improve image streaming performance.

Alternatively, Point Grey GigE Vision cameras can operate without the filter driver by communicating directly with the Microsoft UDP stack.

GigEVision cameras on Linux systems use native Ubuntu drivers.

For more information about the image filter driver, see the FlyCapture SDK Help.

To manage and update drivers use the DriverControlGUI utility provided in the SDK. To open the DriverControlGUI:

Start Menu-->All Programs-->FlyCapture SDK-->Utilities-->DriverControlGUI

Select the interface from the tabs in the top left. Then select your interface card to see the current setup.

For more information about using the DriverControlGUI, see the online help provided in the tool.

2.4.2 Configuring the IP Address

When a new camera is first powered and initialized, a dynamic IP address is assigned to the camera according to the DHCP protocol. If DHCP addressing fails, a link-local address is assigned. You can re-configure the IP address for using the GigE Vision bootstrap registers (page 109) or the GenICam features (page 100).

Alternatively, the Point Grey GigE Configurator is a tool included with the camera software and drivers package that allows you to set the internet protocol (IP) configuration for any GigE interface cards or Point Grey GigE Vision cameras connected to your system. Using the GigE Configurator, you can:

n Set the IP address for the current connection. n Program a persistent IP address for the camera. n Configure the default IP addressing behavior of the camera on startup using a persistent IP, DHCP or LLA. n Enable Jumbo Frames on the GigE NIC.

Both your camera and host adapter must have an IP address on the same subnet. This can be assigned in three ways:

n Persistent—Both the adapter and the camera have a fixed IP address that will not change. Generally the address

is within a closed network range of 192.168.X.X. The adapter and the camera must be on the same subnet.

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n Dynamic (DHCP)—Both the camera and the adapter are set to automatically obtain an IP address. This means that

the IP address will dynamically change (within a range) every time the camera or computer is restarted. It may take up to one minute for the IP address to resolve and the camera to enumerate.

n Default (LLA)—Both the camera and the adapter use a default IP address from the link-local address block

169.254.x.x.

The camera assigns its current IP address in the following sequence:

1. Persistent—Uses the defined IP address. If not available, then;

2. DHCP—Attempts to find a dynamic IP address. If not available, then;

3. LLA—Uses the default IP address.

The GigE Configurator can automatically force an IP address refresh. This detects the IP address of the Network Interface card and automatically sets the camera’s IP address relative to the card.

The FlyCap program can be used to test your camera settings and verify operation. From the camera selection window, you can also automatically force an IP address refresh.

To open the Point Grey GigE Configurator:

Start Menu > All Programs > FlyCapture SDK > Utilities > GigEConfigurator

For more information, refer to the online Help file included with the tool.

2.4.3 Allocating Bandwidth

The User Datagram Protocol (UDP) used by the GigE Vision standard provides no guaranteed transmission or fixed timing mechanism. Therefore, bandwidth must be managed by adjusting packet size and packet delay, based on desired resolution and frame rate.

2.4.3.1 Packet Size

The stream channel packet size (SCPS) sets the size, in bytes, of the packet to be sent out by the camera. IP, UDP and GVSP headers are included in this size. The default packet size is 1400 bytes.

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Figure 2.1: Point Grey GigE Configurator

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Packet size influences the number of interrupts generated which affects CPU usage. The larger the packet size, the fewer the interrupts for the same amount of data. To minimize CPU usage, increase the packet size.

The upper limit depends on your host adapter, your Ethernet switches (if used), and the camera.

From the GigE Configurator with your camera selected, click Discover Maximum Packet Size. This tests the network to see the maximum size that can be sent and received through all your network components. Set your camera’s and host adapter's packet size to be less than or equal to this maximum.

To adjust the packet size:

From the GigE Configurator with your adapter selected, click Open Network Connections to open the Windows Adapter Properties. Adjust the packet size of your host adapter to ~9000 (the standard jumbo packet size). If your adapter does not support such a large packet (or MTU) size, then you will experience slightly higher CPU usage.

Packet size for the camera can be adjusted using the FlyCap demo program, the GevSCPSPacketSize GenICam feature, or the GigE Vision Bootstrap registers (page 109). The FlyCapture SDK also supports configuring the SCPS. For more information, consult the FlyCapture SDK Help.

Changing the packet size may impact throughput depending on the packet delay setting.

2.4.3.2 Packet Delay

The stream channel packet delay (SCPD) indicates the number of ticks (at the frequency of the Timestamp Tick Frequency) to insert between each packet. The default packet delay is 400.

The Point Grey Timestamp Tick Frequency is normally 125,000,000 ticks/second, but can be verified by the the GevTimestampTickFrequency GenICam feature, or the Timestamp Tick Frequency Bootstrap register (page 109).

The packet delay acts like a gap between packets during transmission. This delay allows the host to process the current packet before the arrival of the next one. When you increase the packet delay value from zero, you reduce the effective bandwidth assigned to the camera and thereby also reduce the possibility of dropped frames.

Increasing the packet delay may require the frame rate to be reduced to meet the available maximum bandwidth. Achieving a desired frame rate may require decreasing the packet delay.

To adjust the packet delay:

Packet delay for the camera can be adjusted using the FlyCap demo program, the GevSCPD GenICam feature (page

100), or the GigE Vision bootstrap registers (page 109). The FlyCapture SDK also supports configuring the SCPD. For more

information, consult the FlyCapture SDK Help.

Increasing the packet delay is recommended when running multiple cameras through an Ethernet switch.

2.4.3.3 Determining Bandwidth Requirements

The maximum bandwidth available is 125 MB. This includes image data, control data and image resends, which occur when frames are being dropped. Each image and each packet has a certain amount of overhead that will use some bandwidth. Therefore, when calculating your bandwidth requirements, you should not attempt to use the full maximum of 125 MB.

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If the packet size and packet delay combination exceeds the available bandwidth, frames will be dropped.

To calculate your bandwidth requirements:

Determine your required resolution, frame rate, and pixel format (bytes per pixel)

(Height x Width x Frame Rate x Bytes per Pixel)/1000000 = Bandwidth in MB

For example, for an image that is VGA, 82 FPS, Mono8:

640 (H) x 480 (W) x 82 (FPS) x 1 (BPP) = ~25 MB

Once you have calculated your required bandwidth, you can allocate an amount to each camera by adjusting the packet size and packet delay. Allocating a specific amount to each camera helps to avoid dropped packets due to a data burst. You would do this in a set up with multiple cameras, or in a situation where the system bandwidth might be limited or shared due to hardware architecture.

Here are some packet size/packet delay combinations you can use with any image size, pixel format combination. Frame rate will be limited depending on total bandwidth.

To allocate 25 MB ~20% of bandwidth

Packet Size = 9000 Packet Delay = 5900

Packet Size = 1400 Packet Delay = 900

Bandwidth Requirements for Multiple Cameras

Multiple cameras can be set up in two ways: 1) Each camera is connected directly to a single Ethernet port; or, 2) multiple cameras are connected to a single port through an Ethernet switch.

If using the first method, each camera has the full bandwidth allocation available to it. If using the second method, the combination of all cameras on a switch cannot exceed the available bandwidth.

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2.4.4 Configuring Other Network Settings

The following GigE Vision bootstrap registers can be used for configuring the camera on the network. All registers are implemented according to the GigE Vision standard. A listing of all network-related bootstrap registers supported on the camera is provided in GigE Vision Bootstrap Registers.

To allocate 55 MB ~45% of bandwidth

Packet Size = 9000 Packet Delay = 1800

Packet Size = 1400 Packet Delay = 255

2.4.4.1 Stream Channel Destination Address

The stream channel destination address (SCDA) register is used to specify the streaming destination IP address. The default SCDA is the IPaddress of the network or computer to which the camera is connected. It can be set within a

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range so that the camera sends data as a multicast. As long as switches in the path between the sender and receivers support and are configured for multicasting, multiple receivers can listen to the data stream from the camera.

Multicast addresses are between 224.0.0.0 and 239.255.255.255.

To control SCDA use:

n GenICam—GevSCDA in the Transport Layer Control or GigE Vision Bootstrap Registers.

2.4.4.2 Heartbeat

The heartbeat is a mandatory GigE Vision feature to monitor the connection between an application and the camera. The application must continually reset the heartbeat timer, or the camera will assume an error has occurred and shut down the connection.

In general, the FlyCapture API manages the heartbeat at a low level; however the following two features are

controllable: Heartbeat Timeout and Heartbeat Disable.

For more information on multicast address assignments, see http://tools.ietf.org/html/rfc3171

Heartbeat Timeout

Heartbeat timeout is the time, in milliseconds, that the camera waits between resets from the application. Heartbeat timeout can be set between 500 ms and 10 seconds. The default setting is 3000 ms (3 seconds). If there is no communication between the camera and the application for longer than the timeout value, the connection is shut down.

To control Heartbeat Timeout use:

n GenICam—GevHeartbeatTimeout in the Transport Layer Control or the GigE Vision Bootstrap Registers.

n FlyCapture API—The FlyCapture SDK supports configuring heartbeat timeout. For more information, consult the

FlyCapture SDK Help.

Heartbeat Disable

The heartbeat is enabled by default. Heartbeat disable allows the heartbeat function in the camera to be disabled.

To disable Heartbeat use:

n GenICam—GevGVCPHeartbeatDisable in the Transport Layer Control or the GigE Vision Bootstrap Registers.

n FlyCapture API—The FlyCapture SDK supports configuring heartbeat timeout. For more information, consult the

FlyCapture SDK Help.

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3 Tools to Control the Flea3 GigE

The Flea3 GigE's features can be accessed using various controls, including:

n FlyCapture SDK including API examples and the FlyCap program

n GenICam Applications

n GigEVision Bootstrap Registers

n Control and Status Registers

n Third-party Software Applications

Examples of the controls are provided throughout this document. Additional information can be found in the appendices.

3.1 Using FlyCapture

The user can monitor or control features of the camera through FlyCapture API examples provided in the FlyCapture SDK, or through the FlyCap Program.

3.1.1 FlyCap Program

The FlyCap application is a generic, easy-to-use streaming image viewer included with the FlyCapture SDK that can be used to test many of the capabilities of your compatible Point Grey camera. It allows you to view a live video stream from the camera, save individual images, adjust the various video formats, frame rates, properties and settings of the camera, and access camera registers directly. Consult the FlyCapture SDK Help for more information.

3.1.2 Custom Applications Built with the FlyCapture API

The FlyCapture SDK includes a full Application Programming Interface that allows customers to create custom applications to control Point Grey Imaging Products. Included with the SDK are a number of source code examples to help programmers get started.

FlyCapture API examples are provided for C, C++, C#, and VB.NET languages. There are also a number of precompiled examples.

Code samples are provided in FlyCapture API Code Samples.

Examples of basic programming tasks are described in FlyCapture SDK Examples

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3.2 Using GenICam Applications

GigE Vision is an interface standard that allows for fast image transfer over Ethernet networks. All cameras supporting GigE Vision interact the same way with software also supporting GigE Vision.

The standard defines required elements for camera identification, control, and output. It uses GenICam, a programming interface for camera attribute control. GenICam allows camera vendors to define features and attributes in an XML file stored inside the camera. The file is parsed by the host application when the camera is initially discovered. One of the key benefits of GenICam is the ability for camera vendors to introduce new camera-specific features without needing to update the host application.

Each camera attribute, such as exposure time, is controlled by a specific GenICam feature. The camera includes an XML device description file for interfacing with third-party GenICam-compliant APIs. This file can be accessed via First URL bootstrap register 200h (see GigE Vision Bootstrap Registers). A full listing of features that are included in the XML file is provided in GenICam Features .

Not all operations can be controlled using the XML file; those not included are controlled via Control and Status Registers (CSRs). These registers conform to the IIDC v1.32 standard. A complete list of CSRs can be found in the Point Grey Digital Camera Register Reference available from the Downloads page.

Throughout this document, GenICam features are referenced with their applicable operation; where no GenICam feature is available in the XMLfile, the CSR is referenced.

For more information on the GigEVision standard, visit visiononline.org.

For more information on GenICam, visit emva.org.

3.3 Using GigE Vision Bootstrap Registers

The camera is programmed with a number of GigE Vision-compliant bootstrap registers for storing camera metadata and controlling network management settings. For a listing of all GigE Vision bootstrap registers on the camera, see GigE

Vision Bootstrap Registers.

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3.4 Using Control and Status Registers

The user can monitor or control each feature of the camera through the control and status registers (CSRs) programmed into the camera firmware. These registers conform to the IIDC v1.32 standard (except where noted). Format tables for each 32-bit register are presented to describe the purpose of each bit that comprises the register. Bit 0 is always the most significant bit of the register value.

Register offsets and values are generally referred to in their hexadecimal forms, represented by either a ‘0x’ before the number or ‘h’ after the number, e.g. the decimal number 255 can be represented as 0xFF or FFh.

Detailed information on CSRs is provided in Control and Status Registers.

A complete list of CSRs can be found in the Point Grey Digital Camera Register Reference available from the

Downloads page.

The controllable fields of most registers are Mode and Value.

Modes

Each CSR has three bits for mode control, ON_ OFF, One_Push and A_M_Mode (Auto/Manual mode). Each feature can have four states corresponding to the combination of mode control bits.

Not all features implement all modes.

Table 3.1: CSRMode Control Descriptions

One_Push ON_OFF A_M_Mode State

N/A 0 N/A

N/A 1 1

0 1 0

(Self clear)

1 0

Off state. Feature will be fixed value state and uncontrollable.

Auto control state. Camera controls feature by itself continuously.

Manual control state. User can control feature by writing value to the value field.

One-Push action. Camera controls feature by itself only once and returns to the Manual control state with adjusted value.

Values

If the Presence_Inq bit of the register is one, the value field is valid and can be used for controlling the feature. The user can write control values to the value field only in the Manual control state. In the other states, the user can only read the value. The camera always has to show the real setting value at the value field if Presence_Inq is one.

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4 Flea3 GigE Physical Interface

4.1 Flea3 GigE Physical Description

1. Lens holder (C-mount)

See Lens Mounting

2. Glass/IR filter system

See Dust Protection and Infrared Cut-Off

Filters

3. M2x2.5 mounting holes

See Mounting with the Case or

Mounting Bracket

4. General purpose I/O connector

See and Input/Output Control

5. Status LED

See Status Indicator LED

6. GigE connector

See Ethernet Connector.

7. M2x2.5 mounting holes

8. M3x2.5 mounting holes

SeeMounting with the Case or Mounting

Bracket

9. Camera label

Contains camera information such as model name, serial number and required compliance information.

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4.2 Flea3 GigE Dimensions

Figure 4.1: Flea3 GigE Dimensional Diagram

To obtain 3D models, contact support@ptgrey.com.

4.3 Mounting with the Case or Mounting Bracket

Using the Case

The case is equipped with the following mounting holes:

n Two (2) M2 x 2mm mounting holes on the top of the case n Three (3) M3 x 2.5mm mounting holes on the bottom of the case n Four (4) M2 x 2mm mounting holes on the bottom of the case that can be used to attach the camera directly to a

custom mount or to the tripod mounting bracket

Using the Mounting Bracket

Thetripod mounting bracket is equipped with two (2) M3 and one (1) M2 mounting holes.

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4.3.1 Tripod Adapter Dimensions

Figure 4.2: Tripod Adapter Dimensional Diagram

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4.4 Lens Mounting

Lenses are not included with individual cameras.

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The lens mount is compatible with C-mount lenses. Correct focus cannot be achieved using a CS- mount lens on a Cmount camera.

The FL3-GE-13S2 model is also available with a CS-mount.

4.4.1 Back Flange Distance

The Back Flange Distance (BFD) is offset due to the presence of both a 1 mm infrared cutoff (IRC) filter and a 0.5 mm sensor package window. These two pieces of glass fit between the lens and the sensor image plane. The IRC filter is installed on color cameras. In monochrome cameras, it is a transparent piece of glass. The sensor package window is installed by the sensor manufacturer. Both components cause refraction, which requires some offset in flange back distance to correct.

The resulting C-mount BFDis 17.99 mm.

For more information about the IRC filter, see Infrared Cut-Off Filters.

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4.5 Dust Protection

The camera housing is designed to prevent dust from falling directly onto the sensor's protective glass surface. This is achieved by placing a piece of clear glass (monochrome camera models) or an IR cut-off filter (color models) that sits above the surface of the sensor's glass. A removable plastic retainer keeps this glass/filter system in place. By increasing the distance between the imaging surface and the location of the potential dust particles, the likelihood of interference from the dust (assuming non-collimated light) and the possibility of damage to the sensor during cleaning is reduced.

n Cameras are sealed when they are shipped. To avoid contamination, seals should not

be broken until cameras are ready for assembly at customer's site.

n Use caution when removing the protective glass or filter. Damage to any component of

the optical path voids the Hardware Warranty.

n Removing the protective glass or filter alters the optical path of the camera, and may

result in problems obtaining proper focus with your lens.

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4.6 Infrared Cut-Off Filters

Point Grey color camera models are equipped with an additional infrared (IR) cut-off filter. This filter can reduce sensitivity in the near infrared spectrum and help prevent smearing. The properties of this filter are illustrated in the results below.

Figure 4.3: IR filter transmittance graph

In monochrome models, the IR filter is replaced with a transparent piece of glass.

The following are the properties of the IR filter/protective glass:

Type Reflective

Material Schott D 263 T

Physical Filter Size 14 mm x 14 mm

Glass Thickness 1.0 mm ±0.07 mm

Dimensional Tolerance ±0.08 mm

For more information, see Dust Protection.

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4.7 Camera Interface and Connectors

4.7.1 Ethernet Connector

The 8-pin RJ-45 Ethernet jack is equipped with two (2) M2 screwholes for secure connection. Pin assignments conform to the Ethernet standard.

4.7.2 Interface Cables

Category 5e or 6 cables up to 100 meters in length should be used for connecting the camera to the network interface card on the host system. Point Grey sells a 5-meter Category 5e cable for this purpose.

To purchase a recommended cable from Point Grey, visit the Point Grey Webstore or the Products Accessories page.

4.7.3 Interface Card

The camera must connect to an interface card. This is sometimes called a host adapter, a bus controller, or a network interface card (NIC).

A 1000 BASE-T NIC is recommended for streaming images on the Ethernet network between the camera and host system.)

For optimal video streaming and camera control performance, we recommend an Intel Pro chipset on a PCIe interface.

To purchase a compatible card from Point Grey, visit the Point Grey Webstore or the Products Accessories page.

4.7.4 General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO)

The camera has an 8-pin GPIO connector on the back of the case; refer to the diagram below for wire color-coding. The connector is a Hirose HR25 8 pin connector with part number: HR25-7TR-8SA. The male connector is part number: HR25-7TP-8P.

Diagram Color Pin Function Description

Black 1 I0 Opto-isolated input (default Trigger in)

White 2 O1 Opto-isolated output

Red 3 IO2 Input/Output/serial transmit (TX)

Green 4 IO3 Input/Output/serial receive (RX)

Brown 5 GND Ground for bi-directional IO, V

Blue 6 OPTO_GND Ground for opto-isolated IO pins

Orange 7 V

Yellow 8 +3.3 V Power external circuitry up to 150 mA

EXT

, +3.3 V pins

EXT

Allows the camera to be powered externally

For more information on camera power, see Powering the Camera.

For more information on configuring input/output with GPIO, see Input/Output Control.

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For details on GPIO circuits, see GPIO Electrical Characteristics.

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5 General Flea3 GigE Operation

5.1 Powering the Camera

The power consumption specification is: 12-24 V, <2.5 W, via GPIO.

Power must be provided through the GPIO interface. For more information, see Input/Output Control. The required input voltage is 12 - 24 V DC.

Point Grey sells a 12 V wall-mount power supply equipped with a HR25 8-pin GPIO wiring harness for connecting to the camera. For more information, see the miscellaneous product accessories page on the Point Grey website.

The camera does not transmit images for the first 100 ms after power-up. The auto-exposure and auto-white balance algorithms do not run while the camera is powered down. It may therefore take several (n) images to get a satisfactory image, where n is undefined.

When the camera is power cycled (power disengaged then re-engaged), the camera reverts to its default factory settings, or if applicable, the last saved memory channel. For more information, see User Sets (Memory Channels).

5.2 User Sets (Memory Channels)

The camera can save and restore settings and imaging parameters via on-board user configuration sets, also known as memory channels. This is useful for saving default power-up settings, such as gain, shutter, video format and frame rate, and others that are different from the factory defaults.

User Set 0 (or Memory channel 0) stores the factory default settings that can always be restored. Two additional user sets are provided for custom default settings. The camera initializes itself at power-up, or when explicitly reinitialized, using the contents of the last saved user set. Attempting to save user settings to the (read-only) factory default user set causes the camera to switch back to using the factory defaults during initialization.

The following camera settings are saved in user sets.

n Acquisition Frame Rate and Current Frame Rate n Image Data Format, Position, and Size n Current Video Mode and Current Video Format n Camera power n Frame information n Trigger Mode and Trigger Delay n Imaging Parameters such as: Brightness, Auto Exposure, Shutter, Gain, White Balance, Sharpness, Hue,

Saturation, and Gamma

n Input/output controls such as: GPIO pin modes, GPIO strobe modes, GPIOPWM modes n Color Coding ID/Pixel Coding n Packet Size, Packet Delay, GVCP Configuration, and Heartbeat

To access user sets:

n GenICam—User Set Control

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5.2.1 GenICam User Set Control

Name Display Name Description Value

CurrentUserSet Current User Set

UserSetSelector User Set Selector Selects the user set to load or save

UserSetLoad User S et Load

UserSetSave User Set Save

DefaultUserSet Default User Set Selects the default user set as the default start up set

Indicates the user set that is currently in use. At initialization time, the camera loads the most recently saved user set

Loads the user set specified by the User Set Selector to the device and makes it active

Saves the user set specified by the User Set Selector to the non-volatile memory of the device

5.3 On-Camera Frame Buffer

0 (default) 1 2

Default User Set 1 User Set 2

Write Only

Default User Set 1 User Set 2

The camera has a 32 MB that can be used for temporary image storage. This may be useful in cases such as:

n Retransmission of an image is required due to data loss or corruption. n Multiple camera systems where there is insufficient bandwidth to capture images in the desired configuration.

All images pass through the frame buffer mechanism. This introduces relatively little delay in the system.

The user can cause images to accumulate by enabling the frame buffer. This effectively disables the transmission of images in favor of accumulating them in the frame buffer. The user is then required to use the remaining elements of the interface to cause the transmission of the images.

The buffer system is circular in nature, storing only the last 32 MB worth of image data. The number of images that this accommodates depends on the currently configured image size.

The standard user interaction involves the following steps:

1. Configure the imaging mode.

This first step involves configuring the format, mode and frame rate for acquiring images. This can be done by either directly manipulating the registers or using the higher level functionality associated with the software library being used. Depending on the software package, this may involve going so far as to configure the camera, perform bandwidth negotiation and grab an image. In cases where bandwidth is restricted, the user will want to disable transmission and free the bandwidth after the camera is configured.

2. Enable frame buffer accumulation

The second step involves enabling the frame buffer. Enabling this results in images being accumulated in the frame buffer rather than immediately being transmitted.

3. Negotiate bandwidth with the camera

Having accumulated some number of images on the camera, bandwidth will have to be renegotiated if it has not been done already. In most cases, this will involve effectively starting the camera in the imaging mode configured in step (1).

4. Disable isochronous transmission and enable buffered image transfer

To transfer buffered images, isochronous data transmission must be disabled, and transfer data enabled.

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5. Transmit images off of the camera

The final step involves setting One Shot/Multi-shot in order to cause the camera to transmit one or more images from the frame buffer over the data interface.

Although it is possible to repeatedly transmit the same image, there is no way to access images that are older than the last image transmitted.

Whether by enabling trigger or disabling isochronous data, switching out of a free running mode leaves the last image transmitted in an undefined state.

The frame buffer is volatile memory that is erased after power cycling. To store images on the camera after power cycling, use Non-Volatile Flash Memory. Accessing flash memory is significantly slower than accessing the frame buffer, and storage is limited.

To control frame buffer:

n CSRs—IMAGE_RETRANSMIT: 634h

5.4 Non-Volatile Flash Memory

The camera has 1 MB non-volatile memory for users to store data.

To control flash memory:

n FlyCapture SDKexample program—SaveImageToFlashEx

n CSRs—DATA_FLASH_CTRL: 1240h

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5.5 Camera Firmware

Firmware is programming that is inserted into the programmable read-only memory (programmable ROM) of most Point Grey cameras. Firmware is created and tested like software. When ready, it can be distributed like other software and installed in the programmable read-only memory by the user.

The latest firmware versions often include significant bug fixes and feature enhancements. To determine the changes made in a specific firmware version, consult the Release Notes.

Firmware is identified by a version number, a build date, and a description.

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Knowledge Base Article 96

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5.5.1 Determining Firmware Version

To determine the firmware version number of your camera:

n In FlyCapture, open the Camera Control dialog and click on Camera Information. n If you're implementing your own code, use flycaptureGetCameraRegister(). n Query the GenICam feature DeviceFirmwareVersion.

5.5.2 Upgrading Camera Firmware

Camera firmware can be upgraded or downgraded to later or earlier versions using

Before upgrading firmware:

n Ensure that FlyCapture2.dll is installed in the same directory as UpdatorGUI3. n Download the firmware file from the Point Grey downloads site.

To upgrade the firmware:

1. Start Menu-->All Programs-->FlyCapture2 SDK-->Utilities-->UpdatorGUI

Do not disconnect the camera during the update process.

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6 Input/Output Control

6.1 General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO)

Table 6.1: GPIO pin assignments (as shown looking at rear of camera)

Diagram Color Pin Function Description

Black 1 I0 Opto-isolated input (default Trigger in)

White 2 O1 Opto-isolated output

Red 3 IO2 Input/Output/serial transmit (TX)

Green 4 IO3 Input/Output/serial receive (RX)

Brown 5 GND Ground for bi-directional IO, V

Blue 6 OPTO_GND Ground for opto-isolated IO pins

Orange 7 V

Yellow 8 +3.3 V Power external circuitry up to 150 mA

EXT

Allows the camera to be powered externally

, +3.3 V pins

EXT

Power must be provided through the GPIO interface. The required input voltage is 12 - 24 V DC.

For more information on camera power, see Powering the Camera.

For details on GPIO circuits, see GPIO Electrical Characteristics.

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6.2 GPIO Modes

6.2.1 GPIO Mode 0: Input

When a GPIO pin is put into GPIOMode 0 it is configured to accept external trigger signals. See Serial Communication.

6.2.2 GPIO Mode 1: Output

When a GPIO pin is put into GPIOMode 1 it is configured to send output signals.

Do not connect power to a pin configured as an output (effectively connecting two outputs to each other). Doing so can cause damage to camera electronics.

6.2.3 GPIO Mode 2: Asynchronous (External) Trigger

When a GPIO pin is put into GPIO Mode 2, and an external trigger mode is enabled (which disables isochronous data transmission), the camera can be asynchronously triggered to grab an image by sending a voltage transition to the pin. See Asynchronous Triggering.

6.2.4 GPIO Mode 3: Strobe

A GPIO pin in GPIO Mode 3 outputs a voltage pulse of fixed delay, either relative to the start of integration (default) or relative to the time of an asynchronous trigger. A GPIOpin in this mode can be configured to output a variable strobe pattern. See Programmable Strobe Output.

6.2.5 GPIOMode 4: Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)

When a GPIO pin is set to GPIO Mode 4, the pin outputs a specified number of pulses with programmable high and low duration. See Pulse Width Modulation (PWM).

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6.3 GenICam Digital Input/Output Control

Name Display Name Description Value

LineSelector + Line Selector

LineMode Line Mode

LineSource Line Source

LineInverter Line Inverter

StrobeEnabled Strobe Enabled Enables/disables strobe

UserOutputValue User Output Value Sets the value of the user output selector

LineDebounceTime Line Debounce Time

LineStatus Line Status

LineStatusAll Line Status All

Selects the physical line (or GPIO pin) of the external device connector to configure.

Controls whether the physical line is used to Input or Output a signal. Choices are dependent on which line is selected.

Selects which input or output signal to output on the selected line. Line Mode must be Output.

Controls the invertion of the signal of the selected input or output line

Sets the value of the selected line debouncer time in microseconds

Returns the current status of the selected input or output line

Returns the current status of all available line signals at time of polling in a single bitfield

Line 0 Line 1 Line 2 Line 3

Input Trigger Strobe Output

Exposure Active ExternalTrigger Active

True False

True = High False = Low

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6.4 Programmable Strobe Output

The camera is capable of outputting a strobe pulse off select GPIO pins that are configured as outputs. The start of the strobe can be offset from either the start of exposure (free-running mode) or time of incoming trigger (external trigger mode). By default, a pin that is configured as a strobe output will output a pulse each time the camera begins integration of an image.

The duration of the strobe can also be controlled. Setting a strobe duration value of zero produces a strobe pulse with duration equal to the exposure (shutter) time.

Multiple GPIO pins, configured as outputs, can strobe simultaneously.

Connecting two strobe pins directly together is not supported. Instead, place a diode on each strobe pin.

The camera can also be configured to output a variable strobe pulse pattern. The strobe pattern functionality allows users to define the frames for which the camera will output a strobe. For example, this is useful in situations where a strobe should only fire:

n Every Nth frame (e.g. odd frames from one camera and even frames from another); or n N frames in a row out of T (e.g. the last 3 frames in a set of 6); or n Specific frames within a defined period (e.g. frames 1, 5 and 7 in a set of 8)

Related Knowledge Base Articles

Title Article

Buffering a GPIO pin strobe output signal using an optocoupler to drive external devices

GPIO strobe signal continues after isochronous image transfer stops Knowledge Base Article 212

Setting a GPIOpin to output a strobe signal pulse pattern Knowledge Base Article 207

6.5 Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)

When a GPIO pin is set to PWM (GPIO Mode 4), the pin will output a specified number of pulses with programmable high and low duration.

The pulse is independent of integration or external trigger. There is only one real PWM signal source (i.e. two or more pins cannot simultaneously output different PWMs), but the pulse can appear on any of the GPIO pins.

The units of time are generally standardized to be in ticks of a 1.024 MHz clock. A separate GPIO pin may be designated as an “enable pin”; the PWM pulses continue only as long as the enable pin is held in a certain state (high or low).

The pin configured to output a PWM signal (PWM pin) remains in the same state at the time the ‘enable pin’ is disabled. For example, if the PWM is in a high signal state when the ‘enable pin’ is disabled, the PWM pin remains in a high state. To re-set the pin signal, you must re-configure the PWM pin from GPIO Mode 4 to GPIO Mode 1.

Knowledge Base Article 200

To control PWM:

n CSRs—GPIO_CTRL_PIN: 1110h-1140h and GPIO_XTRA_PIN: 1114h-1144h

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6.6 Serial Communication

The camera is capable of serial communications at baud rates up to 115.2 Kbps via the on-board serial port built into the camera’s GPIO connector. The serial port uses TTL digital logic levels. If RS signal levels are required, a level converter must be used to convert the TTL digital logic levels to RS voltage levels.

Related Knowledge Base Articles

Title Article

Configuring and testing the RS-232 serial port Knowledge Base Article 151

SIO Buffers

Both the transmit and receive buffers are implemented as circular buffers that may exceed the 255 byte maximum.

n The transmit buffer size is 512 B.

n The receive buffer size is 8 KB.

Block reads and writes are both supported. Neither their length nor their address have to be 32-bit aligned or divisible by 4.

6.7 Debouncer

By default, Point Grey cameras will reject a trigger signal that has a pulse width of less than 16 ticks of the pixel clock. With the debouncer the user can define a debounce value. Once the debouncer is enabled and defined, the camera will reject a trigger signal with a pulse width less than the defined debounce value.

It is recommended to set the debounce value slightly higher than longest expected duration of an invalid signal to compensate for the quality of the input clock signal.

The debouncer is available on GPIOinput pins. For the debouncer to take effect, the associated GPIOpin must be in Input mode (GPIOMode 0). The debouncer works in all trigger modes, except trigger mode 3 Skip Frames.

Each GPIO has its own input delay time. The debouncer time adds additional delay to the signal on the pin.

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Figure 6.1: Debouncer Filtering Invalid Signals

To set the debouncer:

n GenICam—Digital Input Output Control

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6.8 GPIO Electrical Characteristics

Both the opto-isolated input and output have over current protection.

The output is open collector and thus requires a pull-up resistor to operate. The rise time and bias current will be determined by the resistor value chosen. If the camera is generating an output signal that approaches the rise time plus the fall time of the opto-isolated circuit, care must be taken to optimize the pull-up resistor chosen to minimize the rise time while still remaining within the current limits of the output circuit.

To avoid damage, connect the OPTO_GND pin first before applying voltage to the GPIO line.

Figure 6.2: Opto-isolated input circuit

Figure 6.3: Opto-isolated output circuit

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Note: identical for IO3 pin 4

Figure 6.4: Input/output circuit

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Point Grey Flea3 GigE Technical Reference 7 Image Acquisition

7 Image Acquisition

7.1 Asynchronous Triggering

The camera supports asynchronous triggering, which allows the start of exposure (shutter) to be initiated by an external electrical source (or hardware trigger) or from an internal software mechanism (software trigger).

Flea3 GigE Supported Trigger Modes

Model Mode

All Standard External Trigger (Mode 0)

All Bulb Shutter Trigger (Mode 1)

All Skip Frames Trigger (Mode 3)

All Multiple Exposure Preset Trigger (Mode 4)

All Multiple Exposure Pulse Width Trigger (Mode 5)

FL3-GE-13S2 FL3-GE-28S4

All Overlapped Exposure Readout Trigger (Mode 14)

All Multi-Shot Trigger (Mode 15)

Low Smear Trigger (Mode 13)

To access trigger modes:

n GenICam—Acquisition Control

n FlyCapture API—AsyncTriggerEx

n CSRs—TRIGGER_MODE: 830h

7.1.1 GenICam Acquisition Control

Name Display Name Description Value

AcquisitionMode Acquisition Mode

AcquisitionStart Acquisition S tart

AcquisitionStop AcquisitionStop

AcquisitionFrameCount Acquisition Frame Count

AcquisitionFrameR ate Acquisition Frame Rate (Hz)

AcquisitionFrameR ateControlEnabled

Acquisition Frame Rate Control Enabled

Sets the acquisition mode of the device

Starts the acquisition of the device

Stops the acquisition of the device at the end of the current frame

Number of frames to acquire in Multi Frame acquisition mode

Controls the acquisition rate (in Hertz) at which the frames are captured

Enables manual control of the camera frame rate

Continuous Single Frame Multi Frame

Write Only

True False

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Name Display Name Description Value

FrameRateAuto Frame Rate Auto

TriggerSelector Trigger Selector

TriggerMode Trigger Mode

TriggerSource Trigger Source

TriggerActivation Trigger Activation

TriggerDelay TriggerDelay (us)

TriggerDelayEnabled Trigger Delay Enabled

Exposure Mode

ExposureMode

(not all models support all modes)

ExposureTime ExposureTime (us)

ExposureAuto Exposure Auto

Controls the mode for automatic frame rate adjustment

Selects the type of trigger to configure. Derived from Exposure Mode.

Controls whether or not the selected trigger is active

Specifies the internal signal or physical input line to use as the trigger source. The selected trigger must have its Trigger Mode set to On.

Specifies the activation mode of the trigger

Specifies the delay (in microseconds) to apply after the trigger reception before activating it

Specifies whether or not the Trigger Delay is enabled

Sets the operation mode of the exposure (shutter). Toggles the Trigger Selector. Timed = Exposure Start; Trigger Width = Exposure Active

Exposure time in microseconds when Exposure Mode is Timed

Sets the automatic exposure mode when Exposure mode is Timed

Off Continuous

Exposure Start/ Exposure Active

Off On

Software Line x where x is a GPIOtrigger pin

Falling Edge Rising Edge

True False

Timed Trigger Width

Off Once Continuous

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7.1.2 Standard External Trigger (Mode 0)

Trigger Mode 0 is best described as the standard external trigger mode. When the camera is put into Trigger Mode 0, the camera starts integration of the incoming light from external trigger input falling/rising edge. The Exposure Time describes integration time. No parameter is required. The camera can be triggered in this mode by using the GPIO pins as external trigger or by using a software trigger.

It is not possible to trigger the camera at full frame rate using Trigger Mode 0; however, this is possible using

Overlapped Exposure Readout Trigger (Mode 14).

Figure 7.1: Trigger Mode 0 (“Standard External Trigger Mode”)

GenICam—Acquisition Control

Acquisition Mode Continuous

Trigger Selector Exposure Start

Trigger Mode On

Trigger Source Line x (GPIOpin)

Trigger Activation Rising or Falling edge

Trigger Delay 0

Exposure Mode Timed

Exposure Time Integration Time

Exposure Auto Off

Registers—TRIGGER_MODE: 830h

Presence [0] 1

ON [6] 1

Polarity [7] Low/High

Source [8-10] GPIOPin

Value [11] Low/High

Mode [12-15] Trigger_Mode_0

Parameter [20-31] None

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7.1.3 Bulb Shutter Trigger (Mode 1)

Also known as Bulb Shutter mode, the camera starts integration of the incoming light from external trigger input. Integration time is equal to low state time of the external trigger input.

Figure 7.2: Trigger Mode 1 (“Bulb Shutter Mode”)

GenICam—Acquisition Control

Acquisition Mode Trigger width

Trigger Selector Exposure Active

Trigger Mode On

Trigger Source Line x (GPIOpin)

Trigger Activation Rising or Falling edge

Trigger Delay 0

Exposure Mode Trigger Width

Exposure Time Integration Time

Exposure Auto Off

Registers—TRIGGER_MODE: 830h

Presence [0] 1

ON [6] 1

Polarity [7] Low/High

Source [8-10] GPIOPin

Value [11] Low/High

Mode [12-15] Trigger_Mode_1

Parameter [20-31] None

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7.1.4 Skip Frames Trigger (Mode 3)

Trigger Mode 3 allows the user to put the camera into a mode where the camera only transmits one out of N specified images. This is an internal trigger mode that requires no external interaction. Where N is the parameter set in the Trigger Mode, the camera will issue a trigger internally at a cycle time that is N times greater than the current frame rate. As with Trigger Mode 0, the Shutter value describes integration time.

Figure 7.3: Trigger Mode 3 (“Skip Frames Mode”)

The debouncer (page 35) does not work in trigger mode

Registers—TRIGGER_MODE: 830h

Presence [0] 1

ON [6] 1

Polarity [7] Low/High

Source [8-10] GPIOPin

Value [11] Low/High

Mode [12-15] Trigger_Mode_3

N 1 out of N images is transmitted.

Parameter [20-31]

Cycle time N times greater than current frame rate

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7.1.5 Multiple Exposure Preset Trigger (Mode 4)

Trigger Mode 4 allows the user to set the number of triggered images to be exposed before the image readout starts. In the case of Trigger Mode 4, the shutter time is controlled by the Shutter value; the minimum resolution of the duration is therefore limited by the shutter resolution.

In the figure below, the camera starts integration of incoming light from the first external trigger input falling edge and exposes incoming light at shutter time. Repeat this sequence for N (parameter) external trigger inputs edge then finish integration. Parameter is required and shall be one or more (N >= 1).

Figure 7.4: Trigger Mode 4 (“Multiple Exposure Preset Mode”)

Registers—TRIGGER_MODE: 830h

Presence [0] 1

ON [6] 1

Polarity [7] Low/High

Source [8-10] GPIOPin

Value [11] Low/High

Mode [12-15] Trigger_Mode_4

Parameter [20-31] N ≥ 1

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7.1.6 Multiple Exposure Pulse Width Trigger (Mode 5)

Trigger Mode 5 allows the user to set the number of triggered images to be exposed before the image readout starts. In the case of Trigger Mode 5, the shutter time is controlled by the trigger pulse duration; the minimum resolution of the duration is generally 1 tick of the pixel clock (see PIXEL_ CLOCK_FREQ: 1AF0h). The resolution also depends on the quality of the input trigger signal and the current trigger delay.

In the figure below, the camera starts integration of incoming light from the first external trigger input falling edge and exposes incoming light until the trigger is inactive. Repeat this sequence for N (parameter) external trigger inputs then finish integration. Parameter is required and shall be one or more (N ≥ 1).

Figure 7.5: Trigger Mode 5 (“Multiple Exposure Pulse Width Mode”)

Registers—TRIGGER_MODE: 830h

Presence [0] 1

ON [6] 1

Polarity [7] Low/High

Source [8-10] GPIOPin

Value [11] Low/High

Mode [12-15] Trigger_Mode_5

Parameter [20-31]

N ≥ 1 number of images exposed before image readout starts

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7.1.7 Low Smear Trigger (Mode 13)

Trigger Mode 13 is a reduced smear imaging mode.

This mode is available for:

n FL3-GE-13S2 n FL3-GE-28S4

Smear reduction works by increasing the speed of the vertical clock near the end of the integration cycle. This step is also known as fast dump. Since the clock speed has been increased, this reduces the time each pixel data has to collect smear while it passes through the vertical shift register.

This trigger mode behaves similarly to Standard External Trigger (Mode 0), except the trigger input first activates a fast dump off the CCD. The fast dump period is followed by exposure, which is controlled by the Shutter settings. The length of the fast dump period is determined by the trigger delay.

For other methods to minimize smear, see Smear Reduction.

Figure 7.6: Trigger Mode 13 (“Low Smear Trigger Mode”)

Registers—TRIGGER_MODE: 830h

Presence [0] 1

ON [6] 1

Polarity [7] Low/High

Source [8-10] GPIOPin

Value [11] Low/High

Mode [12-15] Trigger_Mode_13

Parameter [20-31] None

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7.1.8 Overlapped Exposure Readout Trigger (Mode 14)

Trigger Mode 14 is a vendor-unique trigger mode that is very similar to Trigger Mode 0, but allows for triggering at faster frame rates. This mode works well for users who want to drive exposure start with an external event. However, users who need a precise exposure start should use Trigger Mode 0.

In the figure below, the trigger may be overlapped with the readout of the image, similar to continuous shot (freerunning) mode. If the trigger arrives after readout is complete, it will start as quickly as the imaging area can be cleared. If the trigger arrives before the end of shutter integration (that is, before the trigger is armed), it is dropped. If the trigger arrives while the image is still being read out of the sensor, the start of exposure will be delayed until the next opportunity to clear the imaging area without injecting noise into the output image. The end of exposure cannot occur before the end of the previous image readout. Therefore, exposure start may be delayed to ensure this, which means priority is given to maintaining the proper exposure time instead of to the trigger start.

Figure 7.7: Trigger Mode 14 (“Overlapped Exposure/Readout Mode”)

Registers—TRIGGER_MODE: 830h

Presence [0] 1

ON [6] 1

Polarity [7] Low/High

Source [8-10] GPIOPin

Value [11] Low/High

Mode [12-15] Trigger_Mode_14

Parameter [20-31] None

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7.1.9 Multi-Shot Trigger (Mode 15)

Trigger Mode 15 is a vendor-unique trigger mode that allows the user to fire a single hardware or software trigger and have the camera acquire and stream a predetermined number of images at the current frame rate.

The number of images to be acquired isdetermined by the parameter specified with the trigger mode. This allows up to 255 images to be acquired from a single trigger. Setting the parameter to 0 results in an infinite number of images to be acquired, essentially allowing users to trigger the camera into a free-running mode.

Once the trigger is fired, the camera will acquire N images with an exposure time equal to the value defined by the shutter, and stream the images to the host system at the current frame rate. Once this is complete, the camera can be triggered again to repeat the sequence.

Any changes to the trigger control cause the current sequence to stop.

During the capture of N images, the camera is still in an asynchronous trigger mode (essentially Trigger Mode 14), rather than continuous (free-running) mode. The result of this is that the frame rate is turned OFF, and the camera put into extended shutter mode. Users should ensure that the maximum shutter time is limited to 1/frame_rate to get the N images captured at the current frame rate.

Figure 7.8: Trigger Mode 15 (“Multi-Shot Trigger Mode”)

GenICam—Acquisition Control

Acquisition Mode MultiFrame

Acquisition Frame Count Number of images to be acquired

Trigger Selector Exposure Start

Trigger Mode On

Trigger Source Line x (GPIOpin)

Trigger Activation Rising or Falling edge

Trigger Delay 0

Exposure Mode Timed

Exposure Time Integration Time

Exposure Auto Off

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Registers—TRIGGER_MODE: 830h

Presence [0] 1

ON [6] 1

Polarity [7] Low/High

Source [8-10] GPIOPin

Value [11] Low/High

Mode [12-15] Trigger_Mode_15

Parameter [20-31]

N number of images to be acquired

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7.2 External Trigger Timing

The time from the external trigger firing to the start of shutter is shown below:

Figure 7.9: External trigger timing characteristics

It is possible for users to measure this themselves by configuring one of the camera’s GPIO pins to output a strobe pulse (see Programmable Strobe Output) and connecting an oscilliscope up to the input trigger pin and the output strobe pin. The camera will strobe each time an image acquisition is triggered; the start of the strobe pulse represents the start of exposure.

1. Trigger Pulse

2. Propagation Delay

3. Exposure Time

4. Sensor Readout

5. Data Transfer

7.3 Camera Behavior Between Triggers

When operating in external trigger mode, the camera clears charges from the sensor at the horizontal pixel clock rate determined by the current frame rate. For example, if the camera is set to 10 FPS, charges are cleared off the sensor at a horizontal pixel clock rate of 15 KHz. This action takes place following shutter integration, until the next trigger is received. At that point, the horizontal clearing operation is aborted, and a final clearing of the entire sensor is performed prior to shutter integration and transmission.

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7.4 Changing Video Modes While Triggering

You can change the video format and mode of the camera while operating in trigger mode. Whether the new mode that is requested takes effect in the next triggered image depends on the timing of the request and the trigger mode in effect. The diagram below illustrates the relationship between triggering and changing video modes.

Figure 7.10: Relationship Between External Triggering and Video Mode Change Request

When operating in Standard External Trigger (Mode 0) or in Bulb Shutter Trigger (Mode 1), video mode change requests made before point A on the diagram are honored in the next triggered image. The camera will attempt to honor a request made after point A in the next triggered image, but this attempt may or may not succeed, in which case the request is honored one triggered image later. In Overlapped Exposure Readout Trigger (Mode 14), point B occurs before point A. The result is that, in most cases, there is a delay of one triggered image for a video mode request, made before the configuration period, to take effect. In Multi-Shot Trigger (Mode 15), change requests made after point A for any given image readout are honored only after a delay of one image.

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7.5 Asynchronous Software Triggering

Shutter integration can be initiated by a software trigger by setting the Trigger Source to Software in the GenICam features.

The time from a software trigger initiation to the start of shutter is shown below:

Figure 7.11: Software trigger timing

The time from when the software trigger is written on the camera to when the start of integration occurs can only be approximated. We then add the trigger latency (time from the trigger pulse to the start of integration) to this.

1. Software Trigger

2. Trigger Latency

3. Exposure Time

4. Sensor Readout

5. Data Transfer

This timing is solely from the camera perspective. It is virtually impossible to predict timing from the user perspective due to latencies in the processing of commands on the host PC.

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8 Flea3 GigE Attributes

8.1 Pixel Formats

Pixel formats are an encoding scheme by which color or monochrome images are produced from raw image data. Most pixel formats are numbered 8, 12, or 16 to represent the number of bits per pixel.

The Flea3 GigE's Analog-to-Digital Converter, which digitizes the images, is configured to a fixed bit output (12-bit). If the pixel format selected has fewer bits per pixel than the ADCoutput, the least significant bits are dropped. If the pixel format selected has greater bits per pixel than the ADC output, the least significant bits are padded with zeros.

Pixel Format Bits per Pixel

Mono 8, Raw 8 8

Mono 12, Raw 12, YUV 411 12

Mono 16, Raw 16, YUV 422 16

RGB 8, YUV 444 24

8.1.1 Raw

Raw is a pixel format where image data is Bayer RAW untouched by any on board processing. Selecting a Raw format bypasses the FPGA/color core which disables image processing, such as gamma/LUT and color encoding, but allows for faster frame rates.

8.1.2 Mono

Mono is a pixel format where image data is monochrome. Color cameras using a mono format enable FPGA/color core image processing such as access to gamma/LUT.

Y8 and Y16 are also monochrome formats with 8 and 16 bits per pixel respectively.

8.1.3 RGB

RGB is a color-encoding scheme that represents the intensities of red, green, and blue channels in each pixel. Each color channel uses 8 bits of data. With 3 color channels, a single RGB pixel is 24 bits.

8.1.4 YUV

YUV is a color-encoding scheme that assigns both brightness (Y) and color (UV) values to each pixel. Each Y, U, and V value comprises 8 bits of data. Data transmission can be in 24, 16, or 12 bits per pixel. For 16 and 12 bits per pixel transmissions, the U and V values are shared between pixels to free bandwidth and possibly increase frame rate.

YUV444 is considered a high resolution format which transmits 24 bits per pixel. Each Y, U, and V value has 8 bits.

YUV422 is considered a medium resolution format which transmits 16 bits per pixel. Each Y value has 8 bits, but the U and V values are shared between 2 pixels. This reduces the bandwidth of an uncompressed video signal by one-third with little to no visual difference.

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YUV411 is considered a low resolution format which transmits 12 bits per pixel. Each Y value has 8 bits, but the U and V values are shared between 4 pixels. The reduces bandwidth by one half compared to YUV444, but also reduces the color information being recorded.

YUVcan be either packed or planar. Packed is when the Y, U, and V components are stored in a single array (macropixel). Planar is when the Y, U, and V components are stored separately and then combined to form the image. Point Grey cameras use packed YUV.

Related Knowledge Base Articles

Title Article

Understanding YUVdata formats Knowledge Base Article 313

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8.2 Video Modes Overview

The camera implements a number of video modes, all of which allow the user to select a specific region of interest (ROI) of the image. Some modes also aggregate pixel values using a process known as "binning". Specifying an ROI may increase frame rate. Modes that perform binning may increase image intensity.

On Point Grey cameras, binning refers to the aggregation of pixels. Analog binning is aggregation that occurs before the analog to digital conversion. Digital binning is aggregation that occurs after the analog to digital conversion. Unless specified otherwise, color data is maintained in binning modes.

In most cases, pixels are added once they are binned. Additive binning usually results in increased image intensity. Another method is to average the pixel values after aggregation. Binning plus averaging results in little or no change in the overall image intensity.

Subsampling, or decimation, refers to the skipping of pixels.

Binning and subsampling reduces the effective image resolution. For example, 2x2 binning reduces both the width and the height by half.

The figures below illustrate binning and subsampling. 2x vertical binning aggregates two adjacent vertical pixel values to form a single pixel value. 2x horizontal binning works in the same manner, except two adjacent horizontal pixel values are aggregated. 2x subsampling skips every second pixel horizontally and vertically.

Full Pixels 2x Vertical Binning 2x Horizontal Binning 2x Subsampling

Figure 8.1: Aggregation and Decimation of Pixels

Changing the size of the image or the pixel encoding format requires the camera to be stopped and restarted. Ignoring the time required to do this in software (tearing down, then reallocating, image buffers, write times to the camera, etc.), the maximum amount of time required for the stop/start procedure is slightly more than one frame time.

Moving the ROI position to a different location does not require the camera to be stopped and restarted, unless the change is illegal (e.g. moving the ROI outside the imaging area).

Pixel correction is not done in any of the binning modes.

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8.2.1 Video Mode Descriptions

Mode Models Description Frame Rate Increase

0 All ROI No Binning Yes No

1 All 2X/2X AdditiveBinning No Yes

4 All Color Models 2X/2X Subsampling Yes Yes

7 All

FL3-GE-20S4C/M FL3-GE-28S4C/M FL3-GE-50S5C/M

FL3-GE-20S4C FL3-GE-28S4C FL3-GE-50S5C

4X/4X Additive Binning

4X/4X Binning Mono o utput

ROI No Binn ing Slower pixel clock, Ext ended Shutter

Yes for Mono

No for Color

Yes No

No No

Brightness

Increase

Yes

Mode 0

Mode 0 allows only for specifying a region of interest, and does not perform any binning. This mode uses a faster pixel clock compared to Mode 7, which can result in faster frame rates when ROI height is reduced.

Mode 1

Mode 1 implements 2X vertical and 2X horizontal additive binning. On color models, both horizontal and vertical binning are performed as subsampling on the FPGA of the camera. In Mono, YUV and RGB color encoding formats, subsampling occurs after color processing. On monochrome models, vertical binning is performed on the sensor, and horizontal binning is performed on the FPGA. This mode results in a resolution that is both half the width and half the height of the original image. Mode 1 may result in an increase in brightness and improved signal-to-noise ratio, however no frame rate increase is achieved.

Mode 4

Mode 4 implements 2X vertical binning and 2X horizontal subsampling, and is available on color models only. Horizontal subsampling is performed prior to color processing. Although image quality may be poorer than in Mode 1, a frame rate increase is possible in this mode.

Mode 5

Mode 5 implements a combination of 4X horizontal and 4X vertical additive binning, resulting in a resolution that is both one quarter the width and one quarter the height of the original image. In color models, all binning is performed after the analog to digital conversion. In monochrome models, vertical binning is performed before the analog to digital conversion, while horizontal binning is performed after the conversion to digital. Mode 5 may result in an increase in brightness and improved signal- to-noise ratio. On monochrome models frame rates increase; however, on color models, no frame rate increase is achieved.

Mode 6

Mode 6 implements a combination of 4X horizontal and 4X vertical binning. This mode is available on color models only, and produces only monochrome output. Vertical binning is performed prior to color processing, and horizontal binning

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is performed after color processing. Although image quality may be poorer than in Mode 5, a frame rate increase is possible in this mode.

Mode 7

Mode 7 allows only for specifying a region of interest, and does not perform any binning. This mode uses a slower pixel clock, and is recommended for longer extended shutter times and/or improved imaging performance. There may be no frame rate increase when ROI size is reduced.

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8.3 GenICam Image Format Control

Name Display Name Description Value

SensorWidth Sensor Width Effective width of the sensor in pixels

SensorHeight Sensor Height Effective height of the sensor in pixels

MaxWidth Max Width Maximum width of the image in pixels

MaxHeight Max Height Maximum height of the image in pixels

Width Width Width of the image provided by the device in pixels

Height Height Height of the image provided by the device in pixels

OffsetX Offset X Vertical offset from the origin to the AOI in pixels

OffsetY Offset Y Horizontal offset from the origin to the AOI in pixels

ReverseX Reverse X

PixelFormat Pixel Format Format of the pixel data (not all cameras support all formats)

PixelCoding Pixel Coding Coding of the pixels in the image

PixelSize Pixel Size Size of a pixel in bits 8/12/16/24

PixelColorFilter Pixel Color Filter Type of color filter that is applied to the image

TestImageSelector

VideoMode Video Mode Current video mode 0 ... 8

PixelBigEndian Pixel BigEndian Set the pixel endianess for pixel format Mono16

BinningHorizontal Binning Horizontal Number of horizontal pixels to combine together

BinningVertical Binning Vertical Number of vertical pixels to combine together

PixelDynamicRangeMin

PixelDynamicRangeMax

Test Image Selector

Dynamic Range Min

Dynamic Range Max

Flip horizontally the image sent by the device. The AOI is applied after the flip

Selects the type of test image that is sent by the camera

Indicates the minimum pixel value transferred from the camera

Indicates the maximum pixel value transferred from the camera

True False

Mono8, Mono12, Mono16, Raw8, Raw12, Raw16, RGB, YUV411, YUV422

Mono Raw YUV RGB

Off Test Image 1 Test Image 2

True False

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8.4 Frame Rates

The tables on the following pages show the supported pixel formats and mode combinations, along with achievable frame rates at varying resolutions, for each camera model.

In some cases, enabling Jumbo Frames on the NIC can help to achieve maximum frame rates. Jumbo Frames can be enabled using the GigEConfigurator.

8.4.1 Calculating Maximum Possible Frame Rate

Theoretically, the maximum achievable frame rate for each camera on the network depends on available bandwidth, bytes per pixel, and resolution.

Available bandwidth depends on Packet Size and Packet Delay. For information about calculating available bandwidth, see Determining Bandwidth Requirements.

Bytes per pixel (BPP) is related to pixel format.

n 8-bit = 1 BPP n 12-bit = 1.5 BPP n 16-bit = 2 BPP n 24-bit = 3 BPP

The theoretical frame rate (FPS) that can be achieved can be calculated as follows:

Frame Rate in FPS = (Bandwidth / (W x H xBPP)) / Number of Cameras

An example for FL3-GE-13S2:

Assuming a 1288 x 964 image, with an 8-bit pixel format, using 38.5 MB/s bandwidth, the calculation would be:

Frame Rate = (Bandwidth / (W x H x BPP)) / Number of Cameras Frame Rate = (38500000 / (1288 x 964 x 1)) / 1 Frame Rate = 31 FPS

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8.4.2 FL3-GE-03S2 Video Modes and Frame Rates

Table 8.1: FL3-GE-03S2M Frame Rates

Mode 0

Pixel Format 648 x 488 640 x 480 320 x 240 160 x 120

8-, 12-bit (Mono) 82 82 136 200

16-bit (Mono) 66 68 136 200

Mode 1

Pixel Format 324 x 244 320 x 240 160 x 120

All Formats 140 140 200

Mode 7

Pixel Format 648 x 488 640 x 480 320 x 240 160 x 120

All Formats 60 60 98 146

Images acquired by color cameras using Mono8, Mono12 or Mono16 modes are converted to greyscale on the camera. Users interested in accessing the raw Bayer data to apply their own color conversion algorithm or one of the FlyCapture library algorithms should refer to Accessing Raw

Bayer Data on page 81.

Table 8.2: FL3-GE-03S2C Frame Rates

Mode 0

Pixel Format 648 x 488 640 x 480 320 x 240 160 x 120

8-, 12-bit (Mono, Raw, YUV411) 82 82 136 200

16-bit (Mono, Raw, YUV422) 66 68 136 200

24-bit (YUV444, RGB) 45 46 136 200

Mode 1

Pixel Format 324 x 244 320 x 240 160 x 120

All Formats 82 82 136

Mode 4

Pixel Format 324 x 244 320 x 240 160 x 120

All Formats 140 140 200

Mode 7

Pixel Format 648 x 488 640 x 480 320 x 240 160 x 120

8-, 12-, 16-bit (Mono, Raw, YUV411, YUV422) 60 60 98 146

24-bit (YUV444, RGB8) 45 46 98 146

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8.4.3 FL3-GE-08S2 Video Modes and Frame Rates

Table 8.3: FL3-GE-08S2M Frame Rates

Mode 0

Pixel Format 1032 x 776 640 x 480 320 x 240 160 x 120

8-, 12-bit (Mono) 31 42 60 78

16-bit (Mono) 27 42 60 78

Mode 1

Pixel Format 516 x 388 320 x 240 160 x 120

All Formats 50 60 74

Mode 7

Pixel Format 1032 x 776 640 x 480 320 x 240 160 x 120

All Formats 20 27 38 50

Bayer Data on page 81.

Table 8.4: FL3-GE-08S2C Frame Rates

Mode 0

Pixel Format 1032 x 776 640 x 480 320 x 240 160 x 120

8-, 12-bit (Mono, Raw, YUV411) 31 42 60 78

16-bit (Mono, Raw, YUV422) 27 42 60 78

24-bit (YUV444, RGB) 18 42 60 78

Mode 1

Pixel Format 516 x 388 320 x 240 160 x 120

All Formats 31 42 60

Mode 4

Pixel Format 516 x 388 320 x 240 160 x 120

All Formats 50 60 74

Mode 7

Pixel Format 1032 x 776 640 x 480 320 x 240 160 x 120

8-, 12-, 16-bit (Mono, Raw, YUV411, YUV522) 20 27 38 50

24-bit (YUV444, RGB) 18 27 38 50

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8.4.4 FL3-GE-13S2 Video Modes and Frame Rates

Table 8.5: FL3-GE-13S2M Frame Rates

Mode 0

Pixel Format 1288 x 964 1280 x 960 640 x 480 320 x 240 160 x 120

Mono8 31 31 52 82 116

Mono12 23 23 52 82 116

Mono16 17 17 52 82 116

Mode 1

Pixel Format 644 x 482 640 x 480 320 x 240 160 x 120

All Formats 58 58 88 120

Mode 7

Pixel Format 1288 x 964 1280 x 960 640 x 480 320 x 240 160 x 120

All Formats 16 16 27 42 58

Bayer Data on page 81.

Table 8.6: FL3-GE-13S2C Frame Rates

Mode 0

Pixel Format 1288 x 964 1280 x 960 640 x 480 320 x 240 160 x 120

8-bit (Mono, Raw) 31 31 52 82 116

12-bit (Mono, Raw, YUV411) 23 23 52 82 116

16-bit (Mono, Raw, YUV422 17 17 52 82 116

24-bit (YUV444, RGB) 11.5 11.5 46 82 116

Mode 1

Pixel Format 644 x 482 640 x 480 320 x 240 160 x 120

All Formats 31 31 52 82

Mode 4

Pixel Format 644 x 482 640 x 480 320 x 240 160 x 120

8-, 12-, 16-bit (Mono) 58 58 88 120

8-, 12-, 16-bit (Raw, YUV411, YUV422) 54 54 82 112

24-bit (YUV444, RGB) 46 46 82 112

Mode 7

Pixel Format 1288 x 964 1280 x 960 640 x 480 320 x 240 160 x 120

8-, 12-, 16-bit (Mono, Raw, YUV411, YUV422) 16 16 27 42 58

24-bit (YUV444, RGB) 11.5 11.5 27 42 58

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8.4.5 FL3-GE-14S3 Video Modes and Frame Rates

Table 8.7: FL3-GE-14S3M Frame Rates

Mode 0

Pixel Format 1384 x 1032 1280 x 960 640 x 480 320 x 240 160 x 120

Mono8 18 19 30 42 52

Mono12 18 19 30 42 52

Mono16 15 17 30 42 52

Mode 1

Pixel Format 692 x 512 640 x 480 320 x 240 160 x 120

All Formats 31 32 42 48

Mode 7

Pixel Format 1384 x 1032 1280 x 960 640 x 480 320 x 240 160 x 120

8-, 12-bit (Mono) 17 18 29 40 48

16-bit (Mono) 15 17 29 40 48

Bayer Data on page 81.

Table 8.8: FL3-GE-14S3C Frame Rates

Mode 0

Pixel Format 1384 x 1032 1280 x 960 640 x 480 320 x 240 160 x 120

8-, 12-bit (Mono, Raw, YUV411) 18 19 30 42 52

16-bit (Mono, Raw, YUV422) 15 17 30 42 52

24-bit (YUV444, RGB) 10 11.5 30 42 52

Mode 1

Pixel Format 692 x 516 640 x 480 320 x 240 160 x 120

All Formats 18 19 30 42

Mode 4

Pixel Format 692 x 516 640 x 480 320 x 240 160 x 120

All Formats 31 32 42 48

Mode 7

Pixel Format 1384 x 1032 1280 x 960 640 x 480 320 x 240 160 x 120

8-, 12-bit (Mono, Raw, YUV411) 17 18 29 40 48

16-bit (Mono, Raw, YUV422) 15 17 29 40 48

24-bit (YUV444, RGB) 10 11.5 29 40 48

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8.4.6 FL3-GE-20S4 Video Modes and Frame Rates

Table 8.9: FL3-GE-20S4M Frame Rates

Mode 0

Pixel Format 1624 x 1224 1600 x 1200 1280 x 960 640 x 480 320 x 240 160 x 120

8-bit (Mono) 15 15 19 32 48 66

12-bit (Mono) 14 15 19 32 48 66

16-bit (Mono) 11 11 17 32 48 66

Mode 1

Pixel Format 812 x 612 640 x 480 320 x 240 160 x 120

All Formats 28 32 48 65

Mode 5

Pixel Format 404 x 306 320 x 240 160 x 120

All Formats 46 50 62

Mode 7

Pixel Format 1624 x 1224 1600 x 1200 1280 x 960 640 x 480 320 x 240 160 x 120

8-bit (Mono) 15 15 19 32 48 66

12-bit (Mono) 14 15 19 32 48 66

16-bit (Mono) 11 11 17 32 48 66

Bayer Data on page 81.

Table 8.10: FL3-GE-20S4C Frame Rates

Mode 0

Pixel Format 1624 x 1224 1600 x 1200

8-bit (Mono, Raw) 15 15 19 32 48 66

12-bit (Mono, Raw, YUV411) 14 15 19 32 48 66

16-bit (Mono, Raw, YUV422) 11 11 17 32 48 66

24-bit (YUV444, RGB) 7 7.5 11.5 32 48 66

1280 x

960

640 x

480

320 x 240 160 x 120

Mode 1

Pixel Format 812 x 612 640 x 480 320 x 240 160 x 120

All Formats 15 19 32 48

Mode 4

Pixel Format 812 x 612 640 x 480 320 x 240 160 x 120

All Formats 28 32 48 65

Mode 5

Pixel Format 404 x 306 320 x 240 160 x 120

All Formats 15 19 32

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Mode 6

Pixel Format 404 x 306 320 x 240 160 x 120

All Formats 46 50 62

Mode 7

Pixel Format 1624 x 1224 1600 x 1200 1280 x 960 640 x 480 320 x 240 160 x 120

8-bit (Mono, Raw) 15 15 19 32 48 66

12-bit (Mono, Raw, YUV411) 14 15 19 32 48 66

16-bit (Mono, Raw, YUV422) 11 11 17 32 48 66

24-bit (YUV444, RGB) 7 7.5 11.5 32 48 66

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8.4.7 FL3-GE-28S4 Video Modes and Frame Rates

Table 8.11: FL3-GE-28S4M Frame Rates

Mode 0

Pixel Format 1928 x 1448 1600 x 1200 1280 x 960 640 x 480 320 x 240 160 x 120

8-bit (Mono) 15 17 19 28 36 44

12-bit (Mono) 10 15 19 28 36 44

16-bit (Mono) 7.5 11 17 28 36 44

Mode 1

Pixel Format 964 x 724 640 x 480 320 x 240 160 x 120

All Formats 27 32 38 44

Mode 5

Pixel Format 480 x 362 320 x 240 160 x 120

All Formats 45 45 45

Mode 7

Pixel Format 1928 x 1448 1600 x 1200 1280 x 960 640 x 480 320 x 240 160 x 120

8-bit (Mono) 9 10.5 12 18 23 28

12-bit (Mono) 9 10.5 12 18 23 28

16-bit (Mono) 7.5 10.5 12 18 23 28

Bayer Data on page 81.

Table 8.12: FL3-GE-28S4C Frame Rates

Mode 0

Pixel Format 1928 x 1448 1600 x 1200 1280 x 960 640 x 480 320 x 240 160 x 120

8-, 12-, 16-bit (Mono, Raw, YUV411, YUV422)

24-bit (YUV444, RGB) 10.5 15 19 28 36 44

15 17 19 28 36 44

Mode 1

Pixel Format 964 x 724 640 x 480 320 x 240 160 x 120

All Formats 15 19 28 36

Mode 4

Pixel Format 964 x 724 640 x 480 320 x 240 160 x 120

All Formats 27 32 38 44

Mode 5

Pixel Format 480 x 362 320 x 240 160 x 120

All Formats 14 19 28

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Mode 6

Pixel Format 480 x 362 320 x 240 160 x 120

All Formats 45 45 45

Mode 7

Pixel Format 1928 x 1448 1600 x 1200 1280 x 960 640 x 480 320 x 240 160 x 120

All Formats 9 10.5 12 18 23 28

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8.4.8 FL3-GE-50S5 Video Modes and Frame Rates

Table 8.13: FL3-GE-50S5M Frame Rates

Mode 0

Pixel Format 2448 x 2048 1600 x 1200 1280 x 960 640 x 480 320 x 240 160 x 120

8-bit (Mono) 8 12 14 23 32 40

12-bit (Mono) 5.75 12 14 23 32 40

16-bit (Mono) 4.25 11 14 23 32 40

Mode 1

Pixel Format 1224 x 1024 640 x 480 320 x 240 160 x 120

All Formats 13 22 30 36

Mode 5

Pixel Format 612 x 512 320 x 240 160 x 120

All Formats 21 28 32

Mode 7

Pixel Format

8-, 12-bit (Mono) 5.25 8 9.5 15 21 27

16-bit (Mono) 4.25 8 9.5 15 21 27

2448 x

2048

1600 x

1200

1280 x

960

640 x

480

320 x

240

160 x

120

Bayer Data on page 81.

Table 8.14: FL3-GE-50S5C Frame Rates

Mode 0

Pixel Format 2448 x 2048 1600 x 1200 1280 x 960 640 x 480 320 x 240 160 x 120

8-bit (Mono, Raw) 8 12 14 23 32 40

12-bit (Mono, Raw, YUV411) 5.75 12 14 23 32 40

16-bit (Mono, Raw, YUV422) 4.25 11 14 23 32 40

24-bit (YUV444, RGB) 2 7.5 11.5 23 32 40

Mode 1

Pixel Format 1224 x 1024 640 x 480 320 x 240 160 x 120

All Formats 8 14 22 32

Mode 4

Pixel Format 1224 x 1024 640 x 480 320 x 240 160 x 120

8-, 12-, 16-bit (Mono, Raw, YUV411, YUV422) 13 22 30 36

24-bit (YUV444, RGB) 11.5 22 30 36

Mode 5

Pixel Format 612 x 512 320 x 240 160 x 120

All Formats 8 14 22

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Mode 6

Pixel Format 612 x 512 320 x 240 160 x 120

All Formats 21 28 32

Mode 7

Pixel Format

8-, 12-bit (Mono, Raw, YUV411) 5.25 8 9.5 15 21 27

16-bit (Mono, Raw, YUV422) 4.25 8 9.5 15 21 27

24-bit (YUV444, RGB) 2 7.5 9.5 15 21 27

2448 x

2048

1600 x

1200

1280 x 960 640 x 480 320 x 240 160 x 120

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8.5 Shutter Type

8.5.1 Global Shutter

For cameras with a global shutter sensor, for each frame all of the lines start and stop exposure at the same time. The exposure time for each line is the same. Following exposure, data readout begins. The readout time for each line is the same but the start and end times are staggered.

Some advantages of global shutter are more uniform brightness and minimal motion blur.

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8.6 Overview of Imaging Parameters

The camera supports control over the following imaging parameters:

Imaging Parameter GenICam Feature FlyCapture API Sample Code

Brightness Analog Control S etting Brightness Using the FlyCapture API

Shutter Time Acquisition Control Setting Shutter Using the FlyCapture API

Gain Analog Control Setting Gain Using the FlyCapture API

Auto Exposure Acquisition Control Setting Auto Exposure Using the FlyCapture API

Sharpness Analog Control Setting Sharpness Using the FlyCapture API

Gamma and Lookup Table

Image Flip/Mirror Image Format Control

Embedded Image Information

White Balance (color

models only)

Bayer Color Processing

(color models only)

Hue (color models only) Analog Control Setting Hue Using the FlyCapture API

Saturation (color

models only)

Analog Control Setting Gamma Using the FlyCapture API

CSRcontrol: LUT: 80000h

– 80048h

CSRcontrol: FRAME_

INFO: 12F8h

Analog Control Setting White Balance Using the FlyCapture API

Image Format Control Accessing Raw Bayer Data using FlyCapture

Analog Control Setting Saturation Using the FlyCapture API

Most of these imaging parameters are defined by modes and values.

There are three modes:

GenICam Control

Mode Description

Off Feature is in manual mode and values can be set

Continuous Feature is in automatic mode and values cannot be set

Once Feature executes once automatically and then returns to manual mode

The term Continuous is the same as Auto and the term Once is the same as One Push.

Users can define the values for manual operation of a feature.

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8.7 GenICam Analog Control

Name Display Name Description Value

Gain Gain (dB) Gain applied to the image in dB

GainAuto Gain Auto Controls the mode for automatic gain adjustment

BlackLevel Black Level (percent) Analog black level (brightness) in percent

BlackLevelEnabled Black Level Enabled Enables/disables black level adjustment

Black Level Auto Controls the mode for automatic black level adjustment

BalanceRatioSelector

BalanceRatio Balance Ratio

BalanceWhiteAuto Balance White Auto

Gamma Gamma Controls the gamma correction of pixel intensity

GammaEnabled Gamma Enabled Enables/disables gamma correction

Sharpness Sharpness Sharpness of the image

SharpnessEnabled Sharpness Enabled Enables/disables sharpness adjustment

SharpnessAuto Sharpness Auto Controls the mode for automatic sharpness adjustment

Hue Hue (degrees) Hue of the image in degrees

HueEnabled Hue Enabled Enables/disables Hue

Saturation Saturation (percent) Saturation of the image in percent

Balance Ratio Selector

Hue Level Auto Controls the mode for automatic hue adjustment

Saturation Enabled Enables/disables saturation

Saturation Auto Controls the mode for automatic saturation adjustment

Selects which balance ratio to control (for White Balance)

Controls the ratio of the selected color component to a reference color component

Controls the mode for automatic white balancing between color channels

Off Once Continuous

True False

Off Once Continuous

Red Blue

Off Once Continuous

True False

Off Once Continuous

True False

Off Once Continuous

True False

Off Once Continuous

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8.8 Brightness

Brightness, also known as offset or black level, controls the level of black in an image.

The camera supports brightness control.

To adjust brightness:

n GenICam—Analog Control

n FlyCapture API—Setting Brightness Using the FlyCapture API

8.9 Shutter Time

The Flea3 GigE supports Automatic, Manual, and One Push control of the image sensor shutter time.

Shutter times are scaled by the divider of the basic frame rate. For example, dividing the frame rate by two (e.g. 15 FPS to 7.5 FPS) causes the maximum shutter time to double (e.g. 66 ms to 133 ms).

The maximum shutter time can be extended beyond the normal range by disabling the frame rate. Once the frame rate is disabled, you should see the maximum value of the shutter time increase.

The supported shutter time range is:

Model Range

FL3-GE-03S1M-C 0.03 ms to 32 seconds

FL3-GE-03S1C-C 0.03 ms to 32 seconds

FL3-GE-03S2M-C 0.03 ms to 32 seconds

FL3-GE-03S2C-C 0.03 ms to 32 seconds

FL3-GE-08S2M-C 0.03 ms to 32 seconds

FL3-GE-08S2C-C 0.03 ms to 32 seconds

FL3-GE-13S2M-C 0.03 ms to 32 seconds

FL3-GE-13S2C-C 0.03 ms to 32 seconds

FL3-GE-14S3M-C 0.03 ms to 32 seconds

FL3-GE-14S3C-C 0.03 ms to 32 seconds

FL3-GE-20S4M-C 0.03 ms to 32 seconds

FL3-GE-20S4C-C 0.03 ms to 32 seconds

FL3-GE-28S4M-C 0.03 ms to 32 seconds

FL3-GE-28S4C-C 0.03 ms to 32 seconds

FL3-GE-50S5M-C 0.03 ms to 32 seconds

FL3-GE-50S5C-C 0.03 ms to 32 seconds

The maximum shutter time may only be available when operating the camera in Format 7 Mode 7. For more information, see Video Modes Overview.

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The terms “integration”, “exposure” and "shutter" are interchangeable.

The time between the end of shutter for consecutive frames is always constant. However, if the shutter time is continually changing (e.g. being controlled by Auto Exposure), the time between the beginning of consecutive integrations will change. If the shutter time is constant, the time between integrations will also be constant.

The camera continually exposes and reads image data off of the sensor under the following conditions:

1. The camera is powered up; and

2. The camera is in free running, not asynchronous trigger, mode. When in trigger mode, the camera simply clears thesensor and does not read the data off the sensor.

The camera continues to expose images even when data transfer is disabled and images are not being streamed to the computer. The camera continues exposing images in order to keep things such as the auto exposure algorithm (if enabled) running. This ensures that when a user starts requesting images, the first image received is properly exposed.

When operating in free-running mode, changes to the shutter value take effect with the next captured image, or the one after next. Changes to shutter in asynchronous trigger mode generally take effect on the next trigger.

To adjust shutter:

n GenICam—Acquisition Control

n FlyCapture API—Setting Shutter Using the FlyCapture API

To enable extended shutter:

n FlyCapture SDK example program—ExtendedShutterEx

8.10 Gain

Gain is the amount of amplification that is applied to a pixel by the A/D converter. An increase in gain can result in a brighter image but also an increase in noise.

The Flea3 GigE supports Automatic and One Push gain modes. The A/D converter provides a PxGA gain stage (white balance/preamp) and VGA gain stage. The main VGA gain stage is available to the user, and is variable between models per the table below.

Model Range

FL3-GE-03S1M-C 0 dB to 24 dB

FL3-GE-03S1C-C 0 dB to 24 dB

FL3-GE-03S2M-C 0 dB to 24 dB

FL3-GE-03S2C-C 0 dB to 24 dB

FL3-GE-08S2M-C 0 dB to 24 dB

FL3-GE-08S2C-C 0 dB to 24 dB

FL3-GE-13S2M-C 0 dB to 24 dB

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Model Range

FL3-GE-13S2C-C 0 dB to 24 dB

FL3-GE-14S3M-C 0 dB to 24 dB

FL3-GE-14S3C-C 0 dB to 24 dB

FL3-GE-20S4M-C 0 dB to 24 dB

FL3-GE-20S4C-C 0 dB to 24 dB

FL3-GE-28S4M-C 0 dB to 24 dB

FL3-GE-28S4C-C 0 dB to 24 dB

FL3-GE-50S5M-C 0 dB to 24 dB

FL3-GE-50S5C-C 0 dB to 24 dB

Increasing gain also increases image noise, which can affect image quality. To increase image intensity, try adjusting the lens aperture (iris) and Shutter Time time first.

To adjust gain:

n GenICam—Analog Control

n FlyCapture API—Setting Gain Using the FlyCapture API

8.11 Auto Exposure

Auto exposure allows the camera to automatically control shutter and/or gain in order to achieve a specific average image intensity. Additionally, users can specify the range of allowed values used by the auto-exposure algorithm by setting the auto exposure range, the auto shutter range, and the auto gain range.

Auto Exposure allows the user to control the camera system’s automatic exposure algorithm. It has three useful states:

State Description

Off

Manual Exposure Control

Auto Exposure Control

Control of the exposure is achieved via setting both Shutter and Gain. This mode is achieved by setting Auto Exposure to Off, or by setting Shutter and Gain to Manual.

The camera automatically modifies Shutter and Gain to try to match the average image intensity to the Auto Exposure value. This mode is achieved by setting Auto Exposure to Manual and either/both of Shutter and Gain to Automatic.

The camera automatically modifies the value in order to produce an image that is visually pleasing. This mode is achieved by setting the all three of Auto Exposure, Shutter, and Gain to Automatic. In this mode, the value reflects the average image intensity.

Auto Exposure can only control the exposure when Shutter and/or Gain are set to Automatic. If only one of the settings is in "auto" mode then the auto exposure controller attempts to control the image intensity using just that one setting. If both of these settings are in "auto" mode the auto exposure controller uses a shutter-before-gain heuristic to try and maximize the signal-to-noise ratio by favoring a longer shutter time over a larger gain value.

The auto exposure algorithm is only applied to the active region of interest, and not the entire array of active pixels.

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There are four parameters that affect Auto Exposure:

Auto Exposure Range—Allows the user to specify the range of allowed exposure values to be used by the automatic exposure controller when in auto mode.

Auto Shutter Range—Allows the user to specify the range of shutter values to be used by the automatic exposure controller which is generally some subset of the entire shutter range.

Auto Gain Range—Allows the user to specify the range of gain values to be used by the automatic exposure controller which is generally some subset of the entire gain range.

Auto Exposure ROI —Allows the user to specify a region of interest within the full image to be used for both auto exposure and white balance. The ROI position and size are relative to the transmitted image. If the request ROI is of zero width or height, the entire image is used.

To control auto exposure:

n GenICam—Acquisition Control

n FlyCapture API—Setting Auto Exposure Using the FlyCapture API

8.12 Sharpness

The Flea3 GigE supports sharpness adjustment, which refers to the filtering of an image to reduce blurring at image edges. Sharpness is implemented as an average upon a 3x3 block of pixels, and is only applied to the green component of the Bayer tiled pattern. For sharpness values greater than 1000, the pixel is sharpened; for values less than 1000 it is blurred. When sharpness is in auto mode and gain is low, then a small amount of sharpening is applied, which increases as gain decreases. If gain is high, a small amount of blur is applied, increasing as gain increases.

When the camera is outputting raw Bayer data, Sharpness is disabled by default. Otherwise, the default setting is enabled.

To adjust sharpness use:

n GenICam—Analog Control

n FlyCapture API—Setting Sharpness Using the FlyCapture API

8.13 Gamma and Lookup Table

The camera supports gamma and lookup table (LUT) functionality.

Sensor manufacturers strive to make the transfer characteristics of sensors inherently linear, which means that as the number of photons hitting the imaging sensor increases, the resulting image intensity increases are linear. Gamma can be used to apply a non- linear mapping of the images produced by the camera. Gamma is applied after analog-to-digital conversion and is available in all pixel formats. Gamma values between 0.5 and 1 result in decreased brightness effect, while values between 1 and 4 produce an increased brightness effect. By default, Gamma is enabled and has a value of

1.25. To obtain a linear response, disable gamma.

For 8-bit, gamma is applied as:

OUT = 255*(IN/255)^1/gamma

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When Gamma is turned on, Lookup Table is turned off. When Lookup Table is turned on, Gamma is turned off.

Alternatively, the camera has a 9-bit input lookup table that produces a 9-bit output. The LUT has two banks that the user can select between. In RGB and YUV pixel formats, the LUT has three channels for red, green, and blue. In monochrome and raw formats, there is a single channel, regardless of color or monochrome sensor. The LUT is available only in 8 bit/pixel formats.

Lookup Table allows the user to access and control a lookup table (LUT), with entries stored on-board the camera. The LUT is modified under the following circumstances:

n Camera reinitialization n Changing the current video mode or current video format n Changing gamma

The LUT can define 2 banks where each bank contains 1 channel. A channel defines a table with a length of 2

Input_Depth

entries where each entry is Output_Depth bits wide. Channel table entries are padded to 32-bits.

Each bank may be read only, write only or both read and write capable as shown by the LUT_Bank_Rd_ Inq and LUT_ Bank_Wr_Inq fields. The active bank is set by writing to the Active_Bank field of the LUT_Ctrl register.

The Bank_X_ Offset_Inq register gives the offset to start address of the array of channel tables in each bank. Multiple channels can be used to process color video pixel data.

Lookup Table Data Structure

Each bank of channels is composed of entries padded to a complete 32-bits. Each bank is organized as show in the table below.

Cn: Channel Number En : Entry Number

C(0)E(0)

… …

Input_Depth

C(0)E(2

C(1)E(0)

… …

Input_Depth

C(1)E(2

… … …

C(Number_of_Channels-1)E(0)

… …

C(Number_of_Channels-1) E(2

-1)

Input_Depth

-1)

Related Knowledge Base Articles

Title Article

How is gamma calculated and applied? Knowledge Base Article 391

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To adjust gamma:

n GenICam—Analog Control

n FlyCapture API—Setting Gamma Using the FlyCapture API

8.14 High Dynamic Range (HDR) Imaging

Generally speaking, digital camera systems are not capable of accurately capturing many of the high dynamic range scenes that they are exposed to in real world settings. That is, they may not be able to capture features in both the darkest and brightest areas of an image simultaneously - darker portions of the image are too dark or brighter portions of the image are too bright. High Dynamic Range (HDR) mode helps to overcome this problem by capturing images with varying exposure settings. HDR is best suited for stationary applications.

The camera can be set into an HDR mode in which it cycles between 4 user-defined shutter and gain settings, applying one gain and shutter value pair per frame. This allows images representing a wide range of shutter and gain settings to be collected in a short time to be combined into a final HDR image later. The camera does not create the final HDR image; this must be done by the user.

The HDR interface contains gain and shutter controls for 4 consecutive frames. When Enable high dynamic range is checked, the camera cycles between settings 1-4, one set of settings per consecutive frame.

To enable HDR:

n FlyCapture SDKexample program—HighDynamicRangeEx

8.15 Image Flip/Mirror

The camera supports horizontal image mirroring.

To enable image mirroring use:

n GenICam—Image Format Control

8.16 Embedded Image Information

This setting controls the frame-specific information that is embedded into the first several pixels of the image. The first byte of embedded image data starts at pixel 0,0 (column 0, row 0) and continues in the first row of the image data: (1,0), (2,0), and so forth. Users using color cameras that perform Bayer color processing on the computer must extract the value from the non-color processed image in order for the data to be valid.

Embedded image values are those in effect at the end of shutter integration.

Each piece of information takes up 32-bits (4 bytes) of the image. When the camera is using an 8- bit pixel format , this is 4 pixels worth of data.

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The following frame-specific information can be provided:

n Timestamp n Gain n Shutter n Brightness n White Balance n Frame counter n Strobe Pattern counter n GPIOpin state n ROIposition

If you turned on all possible options the first 40 bytes of image data would contain camera information in the following format, when accessed using the FlyCapture 2 API:

(assuming unsigned char* data = rawImage.GetData(); and an Image object rawImage):

n data[0] = first byte of Timestamp data n data[4] = first byte of Gain data n data[24] = first byte of Frame Counter data

If only Shutter embedding were enabled, then the first 4 bytes of the image would contain Shutter information for that image. Similarly, if only Brightness embedding were enabled, the first 4 bytes would contain Brightness information.

For monochrome cameras, white balance is still included, but no valid data is provided.

To access embedded information:

n CSRs—FRAME_INFO: 12F8h

Interpreting Timestamp information

The Timestamp format is as follows (some cameras replace the bottom 4 bits of the cycle offset with a 4-bit version of the Frame Counter):

Cycle_count increments from 0 to 7999, which equals one second.

Second_count increments from 0 to 127.

All counters reset to 0 at the end of each cycle.

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Interpreting ROI information

The first two bytes are the distance from the left frame border that the region of interest (ROI) is shifted. The next two bytes are the distance from the top frame border that the ROI is shifted.

8.17 White Balance

White balance is applicable to color models only.

The Flea3 GigE supports white balance adjustment, which is a system of color correction to account for differing lighting conditions. Adjusting white balance by modifying the relative gain of R, G and B in an image enables white areas to look "whiter". Taking some subset of the target image and looking at the relative red to green and blue to green response, the objective is to scale the red and blue channels so that the response is 1:1:1.

The user can adjust the red and blue values. Both values specify relative gain, with a value that is half the maximum value being a relative gain of zero.

White Balance has two states:

State Description

Off The same gain is applied to all pixels in the Bayer tiling.

On/Manual

The Red value is applied to the red pixels of the Bayer tiling and the Blue value is applied to the blue pixels of the Bayer tiling.

The following table illustrates the default gain settings for most cameras.

Red Blue

Black and White 32 32

Color 1023 1023

The camera can also implement Automatic and One Push white balance. One use of Automatic and One Push white balance is to obtain a similar color balance between cameras that are slightly different from each other. In theory, if different cameras are pointed at the same scene, using Automatic and One Push results in a similar color balance between the cameras.

One Push only attempts to automatically adjust white balance for a set period of time before stopping. It uses a “white detection” algorithm that looks for “whitish” pixels in the raw Bayer image data. One Push adjusts the white balance for a specific number of iterations; if it cannot locate any whitish pixels, it will gradually look at the whitest objects in the scene and try to work off them. It will continue this until has completed its finite set of iterations.

Automatic is continually adjusting white balance. It differs from One Push in that it works almost solely off the whitest objects in the scene.

The white balance of the camera before using Automatic and One Push must already be relatively close; that is, if Red is set to 0 and Blue is at maximum (two extremes), Automatic and One Push will not function as expected. However, if the camera is already close to being color balanced, then Automatic and One Push will function properly.

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



  





  





  





  





  





  





  





  













 

  



                  



                 

                





  



  

  

   

  

  

The term Continuous is the same as Auto and the term Once is the same as One Push.

To adjust white balance:

n GenICam—Analog Control

n FlyCapture API—Setting White Balance Using the FlyCapture API

8.18 Bayer Color Processing

Bayer color processing is applicable to color models only.

A Bayer tile pattern color filter array captures the intensity red, green or blue in each pixel on the sensor. The image below is an example of a Bayer tile pattern.

To determine the actual pattern on your camera, query the Pixel Color Filter GenICam feature.

Figure 8.2: Example Bayer Tile Pattern

In order to produce color (e.g. RGB, YUV) and greyscale (e.g. Y8, Y16) images, color models perform on- board processing of the Bayer tile pattern output produced by the sensor.

Conversion from RGB to YUV uses the following formula:

To convert the Bayer tile pattern to greyscale, the camera adds the value for each of the RGB components in the color processed pixel to produce a single greyscale (Y) value for that pixel, as follows:

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To control Bayer color processing:

n GenICam—Image Format Control

n FlyCapture API—Accessing Raw Bayer Data using FlyCapture

Accessing Raw Bayer Data

The actual physical arrangement of the red, green and blue "pixels" for a given camera is determined by the arrangement of the color filter array on the imaging sensor itself. The format, or order, in which this raw color data is streamed out, however, depends on the specific camera model and firmware version.

Related Knowledge Base Articles

Different color processing algorithms Knowledge Base Article 33

Writing color processing software and color interpolation algorithms

How is color processing performed on my camera's images? Knowledge Base Article 89

8.19 Hue

Title Article

Knowledge Base Article 37

Hue is applicable to color models only.

This provides a mechanism to control the Hue component of the images being produced by the Flea3 GigE, given a standard Hue, Saturation, Value (HSV) color space.

To adjust hue use:

n GenICam—Analog Control

n FlyCapture API—Setting Hue Using the FlyCapture API

8.20 Saturation

Saturation is applicable to color models only.

This provides a mechanism to control the Saturation component of the images being produced by the Flea3 GigE, given a standard Hue, Saturation, Value (HSV) color space.

Saturation in this context does not refer to the saturation of a sensor charge.

To adjust saturation use:

n GenICam—Analog Control

n FlyCapture API—Setting Saturation Using the FlyCapture API

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Point Grey Flea3 GigE Technical Reference 9 Troubleshooting

9 Troubleshooting

9.1 Support

Point Grey Research endeavors to provide the highest level of technical support possible to our customers. Most support resources can be accessed through the Point Grey Product Support page.

Creating a Customer Login Account

The first step in accessing our technical support resources is to obtain a Customer Login Account. This requires a valid name and e-mail address. To apply for a Customer Login Account go to the Product Downloads page.

Knowledge Base

Our Knowledge Base contains answers to some of the most common support questions. It is constantly updated, expanded, and refined to ensure that our customers have access to the latest information.

Product Downloads

Customers with a Customer Login Account can access the latest software and firmware for their cameras from our

Product Downloads page. We encourage our customers to keep their software and firmware up- to- date by

downloading and installing the latest versions.

Contacting Technical Support

Before contacting Technical Support, have you:

1. Read the product documentation and user manual?

2. Searched the Knowledge Base?

3. Downloaded and installed the latest version of software and/or firmware?

If you have done all the above and still can’t find an answer to your question, contact our Technical Support team.

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9.2 Camera Diagnostics

Use the following parameters to monitor the error status of the camera and troubleshoot problems:

Time from Initialize—This reports the time, in seconds, since the camera was initialized during a hard power-up. This is different from powering up the camera, which will not reset this time.

Link Up Time—This reports the time, in seconds, since the last Ethernet reconnection occurred. This will be equal to the Time from Initialize if no reconnection has occurred since the last time the camera was initialized.

Transmit Failure —This contains a count of the number of failed frame transmissions that have occurred since the last reset. An error occurs if the camera cannot arbitrate for the bus to transmit image data and the image data FIFO overflows.

Camera Log—This provides access to the camera’s 256 byte internal message log, which is often useful for debugging camera problems. Contact technical support for interpretation of message logs.

To access the camera diagnostics

n CSRs—Control and Status Registers

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9.3 Status Indicator LED

The user can turn off the camera’s status LED. LEDs are re-enabled the next time the camera is power cycled.

LEDStatus Description

Off Not receiving power

Steady green, high intensity (~5 seconds) 1. Camera powers up

Green/Red, flashing (~2 seconds) 2. Camera programs the FPGA

Green flashing quickly, low intensity

One green blink (~1-2 seconds) Two green blinks (~1-2 seconds) Three green blinks (~1-2 seconds) Three red blinks (~1-2 seconds)

Steady green, high intensity 4. Camera is streaming images

Red/Green flashing quickly Firmware update in progress

Red flashing slowly General error - contact technical support

For information on the LED register, see LED_CTRL: 1A14h on page 120.

3. Establishing IP connection. The camera attempts to establish an IP connection in the following order:

i) A persistent IP address, if enabled and available; ii) a DHCP address, if enabled and available; iii) a link-local address (LLA). iv) Failure to establish connection

9.4 Test Pattern

The camera is capable of outputting continuous static images for testing and development purposes. The test pattern image is inserted into the imaging pipeline immediately prior to the transfer to the on-board FIFO, and is therefore not subject to changes in imaging parameters.

To use test pattern:

n GenICam—Image Format Control

Figure 9.1: Test Pattern Sample Image

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9.5 Channel Balancing

Some camera sensors are capable of running in a multiple output (or "multi tap") mode. In multiple output mode, the sensor is capable of reading out data at very high speed. This allows the camera to operate at fast frame rates.

In single output mode, all pixels are shifted off the sensor to the lower left corner of the sensor. In a multiple output mode the image is divided into sections for reading off the sensor. For example, in a dual output mode, the right half of the horizontal CCD is reversed and is read off the sensor at the lower right, while the left half is still read off at the lower left.

As a result of pixel data coming off the sensor at different locations, multiple analog-to-digital (A/D) converters are required to convert the electrical charge to digital output. All A/D converters, even those of the same make/model, will have subtle differences in the way they process the same input information. This can result in different output data given the same input and same A/D conversion parameters. Specifically, this can result in the difference in image intensities between the different sections of an image.

Figure 9.2: Example of dual channel image with no balancing

To address this issue, Point Grey "balances" every multiple tap unit as part of the quality control process. This balancing process attempts to minimize the difference in gains that result from the different A/D converters.

Some slight differences may still be visible between 0-10 dB.

Balancing is only done in full resolution modes.

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9.6 Blemish Pixel Artifacts

Cosmic radiation may cause random pixels to generate a permanently high charge, resulting in a permanently lit, or 'glowing,' appearance. Point Grey tests for and programs white blemish pixel correction into the camera firmware.

In very rare cases, one or more pixels in the sensor array may stop responding and appear black (dead) or white (hot/stuck).

9.6.1 Pixel Defect Correction

Point Grey tests for blemish pixels on each camera. The mechanism to correct blemish pixels is hard-coded into the camera firmware, and can be turned off and on by the user. Pixel correction is on by default. The correction algorithm involves applying the average color or grayscale values of neighboring pixels to the blemish pixel.

Pixel correction is not done in any of the binning modes.

Related Knowledge Base Articles

Title Article

How Point Grey tests for white blemish pixels Knowledge B ase Article 314

To access pixel correction use:

n CSRs—PIXEL_DEFECT_CTRL: 1A60h

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9.7 Vertical Smear Artifact

When a strong light source is shone on the camera, a faint bright line may be seen extending vertically through an image from a light-saturated spot. Vertical smear is a byproduct of the interline transfer system that extracts data from the CCD.

Smear is caused by scattered photons leaking into the shielded vertical shift register. When the pixel cells are full, some charges may spill out in to the vertical shift register. As the charge shifts in/out of the light sensitive sensor area and travels down the vertical shift register, it picks up the extra photons and causes a bright line in the image.

Smear above the bright spot is collected during read out while smear below the bright spot is collected during read in.

9.7.1 Smear Reduction

Smear may be minimized using one or more of the following techniques:

n Reduce the bright light source.

n Increase the shutter time/lower the frame rate. This increases the amount of time light is collected in the

photosensors relative to the time in the vertical transfer register.

n Turn the light source off before and after exposure by using a mechanical or LCDshutter.

n Use a pulsed or flashed light source. A pulsed light of 1/10,000 duration is sufficient in most cases to allow an

extremely short 100 ns exposure without smear.

n Increase light collimation by using a lens with variable aperture. Note that an effect of closing the iris is a darker

image.

n Use a low smear trigger mode which may reduce the effect of smear. This trigger mode may not be available on

all models.

Related Knowledge Base Articles

Title Article

Vertical bleeding or smearing from a saturated portion of an image

Knowledge Base Article 88

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Point Grey Flea3 GigE Technical Reference A FlyCapture API Code Samples

A FlyCapture API Code Samples

A.1 Setting a GPIOPin to Strobe Using the FlyCapture API

The following FlyCapture code sample uses the C++ interface to do the following:

n Configures GPIO1 as the strobe output pin. n Enables strobe output. n Specifies an active high (rising edge) strobe signal. n Specifies that the strobe signal begin 1 ms after the shutter opens. n Specifies the duration of the strobe as 1.5 ms.

Assuming a Camera object cam:

StrobeControl mStrobe; mStrobe.source = 1; mStrobe.parameter = 0; mStrobe.onOff = true; mStrobe.polarity = 1; mStrobe.delay = 1.0f; mStrobe.duration = 1.5f cam.SetStrobeControl(&mStrobe);

A.2 Setting a Standard Video Mode, Format and Frame Rate Using

the FlyCapture API

The following FlyCapture code snippet sets the camera to: 640x480 Y8 at 60 FPS.

Camera.SetVideoModeandFrameRate( VIDEOMODE_640x480Y8 , FRAMERATE_60 );

A.3 Asynchronous Hardware Triggering Using the FlyCapture API

The following FlyCapture code sample uses the C++ interface to do the following:

n Sets the trigger mode to Trigger Mode 0. n Configures GPIO0 as the trigger input source. n Enables triggered acquisition. n Specifies the trigger signal polarity as an active high (rising edge) signal.

Assuming a Camera object cam:

TriggerMode mTrigger; mTrigger.mode = 0; mTrigger.source = 0; mTrigger.parameter = 0; mTrigger.onOff = true; mTrigger.polarity = 1; cam.SetTriggerMode(&mTrigger);

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A.4 Setting Brightness Using the FlyCapture API

The following FlyCapture code snippet adjusts brightness to 0.5% using the C++ interface. The snippet assumes a

Camera object cam.

//Declare a Property struct. Property prop; //Define the property to adjust. prop.type = BRIGHTNESS; //Ensure the property is set up to use absolute value control. prop.absControl = true; //Set the absolute value of brightness to 0.5%. prop.absValue = 0.5; //Set the property. error = cam.SetProperty( &prop );

A.5 Setting Shutter Using the FlyCapture API

The following FlyCapture code snippet adjusts the shutter speed to 20 ms using the C++ interface. The snippet assumes a

Camera object cam.

//Declare a Property struct. Property prop; //Define the property to adjust. prop.type = SHUTTER; //Ensure the property is on. prop.onOff = true; //Ensure auto-adjust mode is off. prop.autoManualMode = false; //Ensure the property is set up to use absolute value control. prop.absControl = true; //Set the absolute value of shutter to 20 ms. prop.absValue = 20; //Set the property. error = cam.SetProperty( &prop );

A.6 Setting Gain Using the FlyCapture API

The following FlyCapture code snippet adjusts gain to 10.5 dB using the C++ interface, and assumes a Camera object cam.

//Declare a Property struct. Property prop; //Define the property to adjust. prop.type = GAIN; //Ensure auto-adjust mode is off. prop.autoManualMode = false; //Ensure the property is set up to use absolute value control. prop.absControl = true; //Set the absolute value of gain to 10.5 dB. prop.absValue = 10.5; //Set the property.

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error = cam.SetProperty( &prop );

A.7 Setting Auto Exposure Using the FlyCapture API

The following FlyCapture code snippet adjusts auto exposure to -3.5 EV using the C++ interface. The snippet assumes a

Camera object cam.

//Declare a Property struct. Property prop; //Define the property to adjust. prop.type = AUTO_EXPOSURE; //Ensure the property is on. prop.onOff = true; //Ensure auto-adjust mode is off. prop.autoManualMode = false; //Ensure the property is set up to use absolute value control. prop.absControl = true; //Set the absolute value of auto exposure to -3.5 EV. prop.absValue = -3.5; //Set the property. error = cam.SetProperty( &prop );

A.8 Setting Sharpness Using the FlyCapture API

The following FlyCapture code snippet adjusts sharpness to 1500 using the C++ interface. The snippet assumes a

Camera object cam.

//Declare a Property struct. Property prop; //Define the property to adjust. prop.type = SHARPNESS; //Ensure the property is on. prop.onOff = true; //Ensure auto-adjust mode is off. prop.autoManualMode = false; //Set the value of sharpness to 1500. prop.valueA = 1500; //Set the property. error = cam.SetProperty( &prop );

A.9 Setting Gamma Using the FlyCapture API

The following FlyCapture code snippet adjusts gamma to 1.5 using the C++ interface. The snippet assumes a Camera object cam.

//Declare a Property struct. Property prop; //Define the property to adjust. prop.type = GAMMA; //Ensure the property is on. prop.onOff = true; //Ensure the property is set up to use absolute value control. prop.absControl = true;

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