Sony FCB-H11 User Manual

A-D3N-100-11(1)

HD Color Camera Module

Technical Manual

FCB-H11

 2008 Sony Corporation

Features ..................................................................... 3

Precautions ................................................................ 4

Locations of Controls ............................................... 5

Basic Functions......................................................... 6

Overview of Functions ................................................ 6

Eclipse ...................................................................... 12

Vibration Specifications ............................................ 12

Initial Settings and Position Preset ........................... 13

Mode Condition ........................................................ 14

Command List ......................................................... 18

VISCA/RS-232C Commands ................................... 18

FCB-H11 Commands ............................................... 24

Specifications .......................................................... 36

• The CMOS video camera provides 2,000,000 effective picture elements (pixels) that can shoot high-definition images to offer superior picture quality.

• The camera is compatible with 8 formats, including the Full HD (1080i high definition) video format, which is equivalent to an HD-TV broadcast. HD: 1080i/59.94, 1080i/50, 720p/59.94, 729p/50 SD: NTSC (CROP), NTSC (SQUEEZE)

PAL (CROP), PAL (SQUEEZE)

•Video outputs HD: Analog Component SD: VBS, Y/C

• The camera is equipped with an ×10 optical auto focus zoom lens.

• The ×12 digital zoom function allows you to zoom up to ×120, combined with a optical zoom.

•An infrared (IR) Cut-Filter can be disengaged from the image path for increased sensitivity in low light environments. The ICR will automatically engage depending on the ambient light, allowing the camera to be effective in day/night environment.

• The VISCA is a communication protocol, which enables the camera to be controlled from a computer. You can select the baud rate from among 9600 bps, 19200 bps, or 38400 bps. This allows you to remotely control the camera at a high communication speed.

• The position preset function allows the camera to store up to six combinations of settings of camera shooting conditions. Also, the custom preset function allows you to customize the initial settings of each function when the power of the camera is turned on.

Overview

Features

With consideration given to environmental protection, this module is designed to operate with low power consumption and also incorporates leadfree and halogen-free circuit boards.

Overview

Precautions

Software

Use of demonstration software developed by Sony Corporation or use of customer developed application software may damage hardware, the application program, or the camera. Sony Corporation is not liable for any damage that may occur under these conditions.

Operation

Start the camera control software on your computer after you turn on the camera and the image is displayed.

Operation and storage locations

Do not shoot images that are extremely bright (e.g., light sources, the sun, etc.) for long periods of time. Do not use or store the camera in the following extreme conditions:

• Extremely hot or cold places (operating temperature 0 ˚C to +45 ˚C (32 ˚F to 113 ˚F))

•Close to generators of powerful electromagnetic radiation such as radio or TV transmitters

•Where it is subject to fluorescent light reflections

•Where it is subject to unstable (flickering, etc.) lighting conditions

•Where it is subject to strong vibration

•Where it is subject to radiation from laser beams

•Where it is subject to internal atmospheric temperatures that exceed the camera’s operating temperature range (0 ˚C to +45 ˚C (32 ˚F to 113 ˚F))

Other

Do not apply excessive voltage. (Use only the specified voltage.) Otherwise, you may get an electric shock or a fire may occur.

In case of abnormal operation, contact your authorized Sony dealer or the store where you purchased the product.

Phenomena specific to CMOS image sensors

The following phenomena that may appear in images are specific to CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensors. They do not indicate malfunctions.

White flecks

Although the CMOS image sensors are produced with high-precision technologies, fine white flecks may be generated on the screen in rare cases, caused by cosmic rays, etc. This is related to the principle of CMOS image sensors and is not a malfunction.

The white flecks especially tend to be seen in the following cases:

•when operating at a high environmental temperature

•when you have raised the master gain (sensitivity)

•when operating in Slow-Shutter mode

Care of the unit

Remove dust or dirt on the surface of the lens with a blower (commercially available).

The above phenoma may be mitigated somewhat by turning the power off once, and then turning it on again.

Aliasing

When fine patterns, stripes, or lines are shot, they may appear jagged or flicker.

Locations of Controls

Front

Right side Bottom

Top

1 Lens 2 WIDE button 3 TELE button

4 CN901 jack 5 Tripod screw hole

When a tripod is used, please use

5 mm ( attach it to the camera. Also, please be sure to attach the tripod securely.

/32 inches) or less screw to

Basic Functions

Overview of Functions

VISCA commands are the basis of camera control.

In general

• Power On/Off

Powers the camera on and off. When the power is off, the camera is able to accept only the lowest level of VISCA Commands; the display and other features are turned off.

• I/F clear

Clears the Command buffer of the FCB-H11 camera. Clearing the buffer can also be carried out from the control application software when the power is on.

• Address set

VISCA is a protocol, which normally can support a daisy chain of up to seven attached devices. In this case, if addresses from 1 to 7 are assigned to each of 7 devices, you can control seven cameras with the same personal computer. However, the FCB-H11 camera does not support connection of cameras in a daisy chain. Therefore, whenever a camera is connected for the first time, be sure to use the address set to confirm the address.

• ID Write

Sets the camera ID.

Zoom

The camera employs an 10× optical zoom lens combined with a digital zoom function allowing you to zoom up to 120×.

Lens specifications: Optical 10×, f = 5.1 to 51 mm

(F1.8 to F2.1)

The horizontal angle of view is approximately 50 degrees (wide end) to 5.4 degrees (tele end). Digital Zoom enlarges the center of the subject by expanding each image in both the vertical and horizontal directions. When 12× digital zoom is used, the number of effective picture elements in each direction reduces to deteriorates.

You can activate the zoom in the following two ways:

•By pressing the TELE or WIDE buttons on the camera.

•Using a VISCA Command

Using Standard Mode Using Variable Mode

There are eight levels of zoom speed.

Direct Mode

Setting the zoom position enables quick movement to the designated position.

/12 and the overall resolution

• Mute

Blanks the screen and sends out a synchronizing signal.

Basic Functions

Focus

Focus has the following modes, all of which can be set using VISCA Commands.

• Auto Focus Mode

The Auto Focus (AF) function automatically adjusts the focus position to the high frequency content of the picture in a center measurement area, taking into consideration the high luminance and strong contrast components. The minimum focus distance is 10 mm at the optical wide end (extreme close-up settings with VISCA control) (distance from the front end of the lens).

- Normal AF Mode

This is the normal mode for AF operations.

- Interval AF Mode

The mode used for AF movements carried out at particular intervals. The time intervals for AF movements and for the timing of the stops can be set in one-second increments using the Set Time Command. The initial value for both is set to five seconds.

- Zoom Trigger Mode

When the zoom is changed with the TELE or the WIDE buttons, the pre-set value (initially set at 5 seconds) becomes that for AF Mode. Then, it stops.

• Manual Focus Mode

MF (Manual Focus) has both a Standard Speed Mode and a Variable Speed Mode. Standard Speed Mode focuses at a fixed rate of speed. Variable Speed Mode has eight speed levels that can be set using a VISCA Command.

• Near Limit Mode

Can be set in a range from about 4.5 m (2000) to 1 cm (C000). The focus range is narrowed by excluding the unnecessary range.

White Balance

White Balance has the following modes, all of which can be set using VISCA Commands.

• Auto White Balance

This mode computes the white balance value output using color information from the entire screen. It outputs the proper value using the color temperature radiating from a black subject based on a range of values from 3000 to 7500K. This mode is the default setting.

• Indoor

3200 K Base Mode

• Outdoor

5800 K Base Mode

• One Push WB

The One Push White Balance mode is a fixed white balance mode that may be automatically readjusted only at the request of the user (One Push Trigger), assuming that a white subject, in correct lighting conditions and occupying more than is submitted to the camera. One Push White Balance data is lost when the power is turned off. If the power is turned off, reset the One Push White Balance.

• Manual WB

Manual control of R and B gain, 256 steps each

/2 of the image,

To stop the required operation after sending a Standard Speed command or a Variable Speed command, send the Stop command.

• One Push Trigger Mode

When a Trigger Command is received, the lens moves to adjust the focus for the subject. The focus lens then holds the same position until the next Trigger Command is input.

• Infinity Mode

The lens is forcibly moved to a position suitable for an unlimited distance.

Basic Functions

Automatic Exposure Mode

The variety of AE functions, which allow video signal to output the optimum image for subjects from low light conditions to bright light conditions, are available.

• Full Auto

Auto Iris and Gain, Fixed Shutter Speed (59.94/ NTSC:

• Slow shutter limit

Lower limit of the slow shutter mode in the Full Auto mode. For the 59.94/NTSC video format, select the lower limit from among 1/60, 1/30, 1/15, 1/8, 4/1 or 1/2. For the 50/PAL video format, select the lower limit from among 1/50, 1/25, 1/12, 1/6, 1/3 or 1/2.

• Shutter Priority

Variable Shutter Speed, Auto Iris and Gain

( slow shutter: 6 steps)

• Iris Priority

Variable Iris (F1.8 to Close, 18 steps), Auto Gain and Shutter speed.

• Manual

Variable Shutter, Iris and Gain.

• Bright

Variable Iris and Gain (Close to F1.8, 18 steps at 0 dB: F1.8, 6 steps from 0 to 18 dB)

• Spot light

Avoids a situation where the face of the subject is over-illuminated, and becomes whitish.

/60 s, 50/PAL: 1/50 s)

/2 to 1/10,000 s, 21 steps, high speed shutter: 15 steps,

AE – Shutter Priority

The shutter speed can be set freely by the user to a total of 21 steps – 15 high speeds and 6 low speeds.

When the slow shutter is set, the speed can be

/15, 1/8, 1/4, or 1/2 s. The picture output is read at a

/30,

normal rate from the memory. The memory is updated at a low rate from the CCD. AF capability is low. In high speed mode, the shutter speed can be set up to

/10,000 s. The iris and gain are set automatically,

according to the brightness of the subject.

Parameter

15 1/10000 1/10000

14 1/6000 1/6000

13 1/4000 1/3500

12 1/3000 1/2500

11 1/2000 1/1750

10 1/1500 1/1250

0F 1/1000 1/1000

0E 1/725 1/600

0D 1/500 1/425

0C 1/350 1/300

0B 1/250 1/215

0A 1/180 1/150

09 1/125 1/120

08 1/100 1/100

07 1/90 1/75

06 1/60 1/50

05 1/30 1/25

04 1/15 1/12

03 1/8 1/6

02 1/4 1/3

01 1/2 1/2

59.94i 50i

[sec] [sec]

Note

When the low shutter speed is used, Auto Focus and White Balance may not function fully.

.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

1) Flicker can be eliminated by setting shutter to:

t1/100 s for NTSC models used in countries with a 50 Hz power supply

frequency.

t1/120 s for PAL models used in countries with a 60 Hz power supply

frequency.

Basic Functions

AE – Iris Priority

The iris can be set freely by the user to 18 steps between F1.8 and Close. The gain and shutter speed are set automatically according to the brightness of the subject.

parameter IRIS (F1.8) F No. parameter IRIS (F1.8) F No

11 F1.8 08 F8.0

10 F2.0 07 F9.6

0F F2.4 06 F11

0E F2.8 05 F14

0D F3.4 04 F16

0C F4.0 03 F19

0B F4.8 02 F22

0A F5.6 01 F26

09 F6.8 00 CLOSE

AE – Manual

The shutter speed (21 steps), iris (18 steps) and gain (8 steps) can be set freely by the user.

AE – Bright

The bright control function adjusts both the gain and iris using an internal algorithm according to a brightness level freely set by the user. Exposure is controlled by gain when dark and by iris when bright. As both gain and iris are fixed, this mode is used when exposing at a fixed camera sensitivity. When switching from Full Auto or Shutter Priority Mode to Bright Mode, the current status will be retained for a short period of time. Only when the AE mode is set to “Full Auto” or “Shutter Priority,” the user can switch it to “Bright.”

Gain

AGC

IRIS

MAX

OPEN

IRIS gain curve

AGC gain curve

MIN

Dark Bright

Controlled by gain

Bright limit controllable for this unit

Controlled by IRIS

Parameter IRIS (F1.8) GAIN

F No.

17 F1.8 18dB

16 F1.8 15dB

15 F1.8 12dB

14 F1.8 9dB

13 F1.8 6dB

12 F1.8 3dB

11 F1.8 0dB

10 F2.0 0dB

0F F2.4 0dB

0E F2.8 0dB

0D F3.4 0dB

0C F4.0 0dB

0B F4.8 0dB

0A F5.6 0dB

09 F6.8 0dB

08 F8.0 0dB

07 F9.6 0dB

06 F11 0dB

05 F14 0dB

04 F16 0dB

03 F19 0dB

02 F22 0dB

01 F26 0dB

00 CLOSE 0dB

When switching from the Shutter Priority mode to the Bright mode, the shutter speed set in the Shutter Priority mode is maintained.

Spot Exposure Mode

In Full Auto AE, the level for the entire screen is computed and the optimum Auto Iris and Gain levels are determined. In Spot AE, a particular section of the subject can be designated, and then that portion of the image can be weighted and a value computed so that Iris and Gain can be optimized to obtain an image. For example, in an image with a lot of movement and with varying levels of brightness, portions without much change can be designated as such a “spot,” and changes to the screen can be minimized in that area. As shown in the following diagram on the next page, a range of 16 blocks vertically and 16 blocks horizontally can be designated. In the case where the center is designated (shown in black), the level is computed along with a weighted value for the surrounding block (shaded), including the specified portions; and then the Gain and Iris are set. The value of the designated portions and the surrounding areas should be calculated as 100%, the

Basic Functions

rest should be set to 20%. The range of the Spot AE frame is fixed to 5 blocks vertically and 4 blocks horizontally.

Horizontal 16

123456789ABCDEF

0 1 2

Ver tical 16

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 A B C D E F

(8,8)

Exposure Compensation

Exposure compensation is a function which offsets the internal reference brightness level used in the AE mode by steps of 1.5 dB.

EXPOSURE Comp Step

Value

0E +10.5dB +7

0D +9dB +6

0C +7.5dB +5

0B +6dB +4

0A +4.5dB +3

09 +3dB +2

08 +1.5dB +1

07 0dB 0

06 –1.5dB –1

05 –3dB –2

04 –4.5dB –3

03 –6dB –4

02 –7.5dB –5

01 –9dB –6

00 –10.5dB –7

Back Light Compensation

When the background of the subject is too bright, or when the subject is too dark due to shooting in the AE mode, back light compensation will make the subject appear clearer.

ICR (IR Cut-Removable) Mode

An infrared (IR) Cut-Filter can be disengaged from the image path for increased sensitivity in low light environments. The ICR will automatically engage depending on the ambient light, allowing the camera to be effective in day/night environments. When the auto ICR mode is set to ON, the image becomes black and white.

Auto ICR Mode

Auto ICR Mode automatically switches the settings needed for attaching or removing the IR Cut Filter. With a set level of darkness, the IR Cut Filter is automatically disabled (ICR ON), and the infrared sensitivity is increased. With a set level of brightness, the IR Cut Filter is automatically enabled (ICR OFF). Also, on systems equipped with an IR light, the internal data of the camera is used to make the proper decisions to avoid malfunctions.

Slow shutter – Auto/Manual

When set to “Auto,” ensures that the slow shutter is set automatically within the range of the lower limit set by the slow shutter limit command, when the brightness drops. Effective only when the AE mode is set to “Full Auto.” Set to “Slow Shutter Auto” at shipment from the factory.

Camera ID

The ID can be set up to 65,536 (0000 to FFFF). As this will be memorized in the nonvolatile memory inside the camera, data will be saved, regardless of the “position preset.”

Aperture Control

Aperture control is a function which adjusts the enhancement of the edges of objects in the picture. There are 16 levels of adjustment, starting from “no enhancement.” When shooting text, this control may help by making the text sharper.

Effect

It consists of the following functions.

• Neg. Art: Negative/Positive Reversal

• Black White: Monochrome Image

Basic Functions

Gamma

Selects the desired gamma curve of the camera.

• Normal Reproduces images with the standard video gamma curve.

• Cinema Type 1 Reproduces images that look lively, providing depth in images as if you shot them using a film.

• Cinema Type 2 In addition to the features of Cinema Type 1, this setting is capable of extremely precise description of the entire exposure zone, from shadowed parts to highlighted parts, which enables reproduction of a deeper black.

Freeze

This function captures an image in the field memory of the camera so that this image can be output continuously.

The settings are recalled when the power is turned on.

For setting items, see the “Initial Settings and Position Preset” section on page 13.

Custom Preset

As with the positon preset function, the camera shooting conditions can be stored and recalled. The settings are recalled when the power is turned on.

For setting items, see the “Initial Settings and Position Preset” section on page 13.

Because communication inside the camera is based on V cycle, the captured image is always the one 3V to 4Vs after the sending of a Command. Thus, you can not specify a time period after sending EVEN, ODD or a Command.

Others

Memory (Position Preset)

Using the position preset function, 6 sets of camera shooting conditions can be stored and recalled. This function allows you to achieve the desired status instantly even without adjusting the following items each time:

• Zoom Position

• Focus Auto/Manual

• Focus Position

• AE Mode

• Shutter control parameters

• Bright Control

• Iris control parameters

• Gain control parameters

• Exposure Compensation On/Off

• Exposure Level

• Backlight Compensation On/Off

• Slow shutter Auto/Manual

• White Balance Mode

• R/B Gain

• Aperture

• ICR Shoot On/Off

Eclipse

When designing the housing, refer to the dimensional allowance as shown in the figure below.

Basic Functions

Vibration Specifications

Test Method (Random vibration)

• Fix the camera at the four fixation points of the base using M2 screws.

• Perform the random vibration test under the following conditions in the X, Y and Z directions for 20 minutes in each direction.

• The camera vibration specification is to have no malfunction after this test.

2/s3

Power spectrum density

Effective overall value

Test time

5 to 50 Hz 4.14 m 50 to 100 Hz –36 dB/oct

14.3 m/s

20 minutes

{0.043 G2/Hz}

{1.46 G}

+ 26 hidden pages

Sony FCB-H11 User Manual

Table of Contents

Features

Precautions

Locations of Controls

Basic Functions

Overview of Functions

Eclipse

Vibration Specifications