Vieworks VX-29MC User Manual

VX Camera Link series

Version

Data

Description

1.0

2014-02-25

Initial release

1.1

2014-07-25

 Added Canon-EF adapter mechanical dimension
 Modified the minimum shutter speed
 Modified the Exposure Start Delay values

1.2

2014-09-19

Applied new CI

1.3

2014-10-24

Changed environmental specification

1.4

2015-05-14

Corrected errors on the mechanical dimension

1.5

2016-04-22

Added typical and maximum power requirements

1.6

2017-03-24

Updated the EMC Directive

Revision History

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VX Camera Link series

Contents

1 Precautions ....................................................................................................................... 6

2 Warranty ............................................................................................................................ 7

3 Compliance & Certifications ............................................................................................ 7

3.1 FCC Compliance ................................................................................................................ 7

3.2 CE: DoC ............................................................................................................................. 7

3.3 KC ...................................................................................................................................... 7

4 Package Components ...................................................................................................... 8

5 Product Specifications ..................................................................................................... 9

5.1 Overview ............................................................................................................................ 9

5.2 Specifications ................................................................................................................... 10

5.3 Camera Block Diagram .................................................................................................... 11

5.4 Spectral Response ........................................................................................................... 12

5.5 Mechanical Specification .................................................................................................. 13

6 Connecting the Camera .................................................................................................. 16

6.1 Mount Plate ...................................................................................................................... 16

6.2 Precaution to Center the Image Sensor ........................................................................... 17

6.3 Precaution about Blurring Compared to Center ............................................................... 17

6.4 Controlling the Camera .................................................................................................... 17

7 Camera Interface ............................................................................................................. 18

7.1 General Description ......................................................................................................... 18

7.2 Camera Link Connector ................................................................................................... 18

7.3 Control Receptacle ........................................................................................................... 20

7.4 Power Input Receptacle ................................................................................................... 21

7.5 Trigger Input Circuit .......................................................................................................... 22

7.6 Strobe Output Circuit ........................................................................................................ 22

8 Acquisition Control ......................................................................................................... 23

8.1 Overview .......................................................................................................................... 23

8.2 Exposure Start Trigger ..................................................................................................... 26

8.2.1 Trigger Mode ...................................................................................................................................26

8.2.2 Using a CC1 Trigger Signal .............................................................................................................29

8.2.3 Using an External Trigger Signal .....................................................................................................30

8.3 Setting the Exposure Time ............................................................................................... 34

8.3.1 Auto Exposure .................................................................................................................................35

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8.4 Overlapping Exposure with Sensor Readout ................................................................... 36

8.5 Real Exposure .................................................................................................................. 39

8.5.1 Timed Exposure Mode .....................................................................................................................39

8.5.2 Trigger Width Exposure Mode .........................................................................................................40

8.6 Acquisition Timing Chart .................................................................................................. 41

8.7 Maximum Allowed Frame Rate ........................................................................................ 43

8.7.1 Increasing the Maximum Allowed Frame Rate ................................................................................44

9 Camera Features ............................................................................................................. 45

9.1 Image Region of Interest .................................................................................................. 45

9.2 Binning ............................................................................................................................. 49

9.3 Exposure Control ............................................................................................................. 51

9.3.1 Aperture Control ..............................................................................................................................51

9.3.2 Auto Exposure, Auto Gain and Auto Aperture .................................................................................52

9.4 Sensor Tap Settings ......................................................................................................... 55

9.5 Pixel Format ..................................................................................................................... 58

9.6 Pixel Clock ....................................................................................................................... 58

9.7 Data ROI .......................................................................................................................... 59

9.8 Auto White Balance (Color Cameras) .............................................................................. 60

9.9 Auto Focus ....................................................................................................................... 60

9.10 Gain and Offset ................................................................................................................ 61

9.10.1 Analog Domain ................................................................................................................................61

9.10.2 Digital Domain .................................................................................................................................61

9.11 LUT .................................................................................................................................. 62

9.12 Defective Pixel Correction ................................................................................................ 64

9.12.1 Correction Method ...........................................................................................................................64

9.12.2 Correction Method in Binning Mode ................................................................................................65

9.13 Flat Field Correction ......................................................................................................... 66

9.14 Smear Correction ............................................................................................................. 68

9.15 Temperature Monitor ........................................................................................................ 68

9.16 Fan Control ...................................................................................................................... 68

9.17 Status LED ....................................................................................................................... 68

9.18 Test Image ........................................................................................................................ 69

9.19 Horizontal Flip .................................................................................................................. 71

9.20 Programmable Output Control ......................................................................................... 72

9.21 Field Upgrade ................................................................................................................... 73

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10 Camera Configuration ................................................................ .................................... 74

10.1 Setup Command .............................................................................................................. 74

10.2 Actual Time Applied for Commands ................................................................................. 76

10.3 Parameter Storage Space ................................................................................................ 77

10.4 Command List .................................................................................................................. 78

11 Configurator GUI ............................................................................................................. 85

11.1 Camera Scan ................................................................................................................... 85

11.2 Menu ................................................................................................................................ 86

11.2.1 File ...................................................................................................................................................86

11.2.2 Start-Up ...........................................................................................................................................87

11.2.3 Tool ..................................................................................................................................................88

11.2.4 About ...............................................................................................................................................89

11.3 Tab ................................................................................................................................... 90

11.3.1 VIEW Tab .........................................................................................................................................90

11.3.2 MODE/EXP Tab ...............................................................................................................................91

11.3.3 ANALOG Tab ...................................................................................................................................92

11.3.4 LUT Tab ...........................................................................................................................................93

11.3.5 FFC Tab ...........................................................................................................................................94

11.3.6 ROI Tab ............................................................................................................................................95

11.3.7 AUTO Tab ........................................................................................................................................96

11.3.8 OUTPUT Tab ...................................................................................................................................97

12 Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................. 98

Appendix A Defective Pixel Map Download ................................................................... 99

Appendix B LUT Download ........................................................................................... 102

B.1 Luminance LUT .............................................................................................................. 102

B.1.1 Gamma Graph Download ............................................................................................................. 102

B.1.2 CSV File Download ...................................................................................................................... 104

B.2 Knee Graph Download ................................................................................................... 106

Appendix C Field Upgrade............................................................................................. 108

C.1 MCU ............................................................................................................................... 108

C.2 FPGA ............................................................................................................................. 111

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VX Camera Link series

 Do not drop, disassemble, repair or alter the device. Doing so may damage the camera

electronics and cause an electric shock.

 Do not let children touch the device without supervision.
 Stop using the device and contact the nearest dealer or manufacturer for technical

assistance if liquid such as water, drinks or chemicals gets into the device.

 Do not touch the device with wet hands. Doing so may cause an electric shock.
 Make sure that the temperature of the camera does not exceed the temperature range

specified in 5.2 Specifications. Otherwise the device may be damaged by extreme
temperatures.

 Do not install in dusty or dirty areas - or near an air conditioner or heater to reduce the risk

of damage to the device.

 Avoid installing and operating in an extreme environment where vibration, heat, humidity,

dust, strong magnetic fields, explosive/corrosive mists or gases are present.

 Do not apply excessive vibration and shock to the device. This may damage the device.
 Avoid direct exposure to a high intensity light source. This may damage the image sensor.
 Do not install the device under unstable lighting conditions. Severe lighting change will affect

the quality of the image produced by the device.

 Do not use solvents or thinners to clean the surface of the device. This can damage the

surface finish.

 Applying incorrect power can damage the camera. If the voltage applied to the camera is

greater or less than the camera’s nominal voltage, the camera may be damaged or operate

erratically. Please refer to 5.2 Specifications for the camera’s nominal voltage.

※ Vieworks Co., Ltd. does NOT provide power supplies with the devices.

 Make sure the power is turned off before connecting the power cord to the camera.

Otherwise, damage to the camera may result.

1 Precautions

General

Installation and Maintenance

Power Supply

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VX Camera Link series

Type

Description

Class A

(Broadcasting Communication
Device for Office Use)

This device obtained EMC registration for office use (Class A), and may be
used in places other than home. Sellers and/or users need to take note of
this.

2 Warranty

Do not open the housing of the camera. The warranty becomes void if the housing is opened.
For information about the warranty, please contact your local dealer or factory representative.

3 Compliance & Certifications

3.1 FCC Compliance

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part
15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference
when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate
radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful
interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expenses.

3.2 CE: DoC

EMC Directive 2014/30/EU
EN 55032:2012 (Class A), EN 55024:2010
Class A

3.3 KC

KCC Statement

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VX Camera Link series

Package Components

VX Camera with F mount or VX Camera with an Interface for Canon-EF adapter†

Mount Plate (Optional)

M3 Set Screws for Tilt Adjustment (Provided only with F-mount camera)

†: Interface for Canon-EF adapter (except Canon-EF adapter) option is also available upon request.

 You can adjust the tilt using the M3 set screws, however it is not recommended since it is

adjusted as factory default settings.

 If the tilt settings need to be adjusted inevitably, please contact your local dealer or factory

representative for technical support.

4 Package Components

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VX Camera Link series

5 Product Specifications

5.1 Overview

VX Camera Link series is made for Aerial Imaging and High-end Surveillance applications which require the
highest attention to detail. The camera incorporates an interline transfer CCD with resolution of 6,576 × 4,384

providing not only auto exposure, gain and aperture controls but also auto focus and Canon-EF adapter control.

Main Features

 29 Megapixel Resolution (ON Semiconductor IT Progressive)
 Auto Exposure, Auto Gain, Auto Aperture Controls
 Auto Focus
 Real Exposure
 Canon-EF adapter Control for Canon EF lens (Optional)
 Smear Correction
 User Adjustable BFL
 Field Upgradable Firmware
 Pixel Defect Correction
 Excellent Anti-Blooming and Anti-Smear
 Horizontal Flip
 Base Camera Link
 Flat Field Correction
 Analog Offset adjustment feature
 Analog Gain adjustment feature
 Strobe Output
 Binning Mode

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VX Camera Link series

Item

VX-29MC

Active Image (H × V)

6576 × 4384

Sensor Type

ON Semiconductor KAI 29050

Pixel Size

5.5 ㎛ × 5.5 ㎛

Sensor Output

1, 2 or 4 Tap output

Video Output

8/10/12 bits

Camera Interface

Camera Link (SDR)

Electronic Shutter

Global Shutter

Max. Frame Rate at Full Resolution

4.6 fps (quad) / 2.3 fps (dual) / 1.2 fps (single)

Camera Link Pixel Clock
1, 2 Tap

Normal Speed: 30 ㎒ / High Speed: 40 ㎒

4 Tap

Normal Speed: 60 ㎒ / High Speed: 80 ㎒

Exposure Time

14/1,000,000 ~ 7 sec

Partial Scan (Max. Speed)

17.3 fps at 500 Lines

Binning

×1, ×2, ×3, ×4, ×8 (Horizontal and Vertical Independent)

Look Up Table

G=1.0, Knee control, User defined Look Up Table (LUT)

Black Level

Adjustable (0 ~ 127 LSB at 12 bit, 256 steps)

Analog Gain

×1 ~ ×40 (0 ~ 32 ㏈)

Digital Gain

×1 ~ ×64 (1/1024 step)

Exposure Mode

Timed Exposure, Trigger Width Exposure, Double Exposure

External Trigger

3.3 V ~ 5.0 V, 10 ㎃, Asynchronous, optically isolated

Software Trigger

Camera Link CC1, Programmable Exposure

Dynamic Range

> 64 ㏈

Camera Image Memory

128 MB

Lens Mount

F-mount or Interface for Canon-EF adapter

Power

10 ~ 15 V DC, Typ. 9 W / Max. 11 W

Environmental

Operating: -40℃ ~ 85℃
Storage: -40℃ ~ 90℃

Vibration / Shock

10G (20 ~ 200 ㎐) XYZ / 70G 10 ㎳

Mechanical (W × H × L)

74 ㎜ × 65 ㎜ × 103 ㎜, 570 g (with F-mount)
74 ㎜ × 65 ㎜ × 101 ㎜, 570 g (with Canon-EF adapter)

5.2 Specifications

VX Camera Link series technical specifications are as follows.

Table 5.1 Specifications of VX Camera Link Series

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5.3 Camera Block Diagram

Figure 5.1 Camera Block Diagram

All controls and data processing of VX CL cameras are carried out in one FPGA chip. The FPGA generally consists
of a 32 bit RISC Micro-Controller and Processing & Control Logic. The Micro-Controller receives commands from
the user through the Camera Link interface and then processes them. The FPGA controls the Timing Generators
(TGs) and the Analog Front End (AFE) chips where the TGs generate CCD control signals and AFE chips convert
analog CCD output to digital values to be accepted by the Processing & Control Logic. The Processing & Control
Logic processes the image data received from AFE and then transmits data through the Camera Link interface.
And also, the Processing & Control Logic controls the trigger input and output signal which are sensitive to time.
Furthermore, FLASH for operating Micro-Controller, SDRAM for used as a frame buffer to process images are
installed outside FPGA.

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VX Camera Link series

5.4 Spectral Response

The following graphs show the spectral response for VX-29MC monochrome and color cameras.

Figure 5.2 Spectral Response (Top: Monochrome, Bottom: Color)

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5.5 Mechanical Specification

The camera dimensions in millimeters are as shown in the figure below.

Figure 5.3 VX CL Camera F-mount Mechanical Dimension

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Figure 5.4 VX CL Camera Interface for Canon-EF adapter (Birger Mount) Mechanical Dimension

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VX Camera Link series

Vieworks does not provide a Canon-EF adapter (Birger Mount).

Figure 5.5 VX CL Camera + Canon-EF adapter (Birger Mount) Mechanical Dimension

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VX Camera Link series

6 Connecting the Camera

The following instructions assume that you have installed a Camera Link frame grabber in your PC including
related software. For more information, refer to your Camera Link frame grabber User Manual.
To connect the camera to your PC, follow the steps below.

1. Make sure that the power supply is not connected to the camera and your PC is turned off.

2. Plug one end of a Camera Link cable into the Camera Link connector on the camera and the other end of the
Camera Link cable into the Camera Link frame grabber in your PC.

3. Connect the plug of the power adapter to the power input receptacle on the camera.

4. Plug the power adapter into a working electrical outlet.

5. Verify all the cable connections are secure.

6.1 Mount Plate

 The mount plate is provided as an optional item.
 The camera can be fixed without using this mount plate.

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6.2 Precaution to Center the Image Sensor

 Users do not need to center the image sensor as it is adjusted as factory default settings.
 When you need to adjust the center of the image sensor, please contact your local dealer or the manufacturer

for technical assistance.

6.3 Precaution about Blurring Compared to Center

 Users do not need to adjust the tilt as it is adjusted as factory default settings.
 If the tilt settings need to be adjusted inevitably, please contact your local dealer or factory representative for

technical support.

6.4 Controlling the Camera

 You can control the camera by executing the Configurator.exe file.
 You can download the latest Configurator at http://www.vieworks.com.
 Please refer to your Camera Link frame grabber user manual.

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VX Camera Link series

①

②

③

④

7 Camera Interface

7.1 General Description

As shown in the following figure, three types of connectors and a status indicator LED are located on the back of
the camera have the functions as follows:

 ① Status LED: displays power status and operation mode.
 ② 2-pin Camera Link Connector: controls video data transmission and the camera.
 ③ 6-pin Control Receptacle: inputs external trigger signals and outputs strobe signals.
 ④ 6-pin Power Input Receptacle: supplies power to the camera.

Figure 7.1 VX Camera Link Series Back Panel

7.2 Camera Link Connector

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Figure 7.2 SDR Camera Link Connector

VX Camera Link series

PAIR List

Pin

Signal Name

Type

Description

PAIR 0
1

Ground

Ground

Cable Shield

14

Ground

Ground

Cable Shield

PAIR 1
2

-X0

LVDS - Out

Camera Link Transmitter

15

+X0

LVDS - Out

Camera Link Transmitter

PAIR 2
3

-X1

LVDS - Out

Camera Link Transmitter

16

+X1

LVDS - Out

Camera Link Transmitter

PAIR 3
4

-X2

LVDS - Out

Camera Link Transmitter

17

+X2

LVDS - Out

Camera Link Transmitter

PAIR 4
5

-XCLK

LVDS - Out

Camera Link Transmitter

18

+XCLK

LVDS - Out

Camera Link Transmitter

PAIR 5
6

-X3

LVDS - Out

Camera Link Transmitter

19

+X3

LVDS - Out

Camera Link Transmitter

PAIR 6
7

+SerTC

LVDS - In

Serial Data Receiver

20

- SerTC

LVDS - In

Serial Data Receiver

PAIR 7
8

- SerTFG

LVDS - Out

Serial Data Transmitter

21

+ SerTFG

LVDS - Out

Serial Data Transmitter

PAIR 8
9

- CC 1

LVDS - In

Software External Trigger

22

+ CC 1

LVDS - In

Software External Trigger

PAIR 9
10

N/C

N/C

N/C

23

N/C

N/C

N/C

PAIR 10
11

N/C

N/C

N/C

24

N/C

N/C

N/C

PAIR 11
12

N/C

N/C

N/C

25

N/C

N/C

N/C

PAIR 12
13

Ground

Ground

Cable Shield

26

Ground

Ground

Cable Shield

Camera Link connectors comply with Camera Link standard and the following table shows the pin assignments.

Table 7.1 Pin Assignments for Camera Link Base Configuration

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Pin Number

Signal

Type

Description

1

Trigger Input +

Input

Voltage difference of

3.3 V ~ 5.0 V, 10 ㎃,
optically isolated

2

Trigger Input -

Input

3

Programmable Output

(Default: Strobe Out)

Output

3.3 V TTL Output
Output resistance : 47 Ω

4

DC Ground

-

DC Ground 5 RS-232 RX

Input

Canon-EF adapter interface

6

RS-232 TX

Output

Canon-EF adapter interface

7.3 Control Receptacle

The control receptacle is a Hirose 6-pin connector (part # HR10A-7R-6SB) and consists of an external trigger
signal input and strobe output ports. The pin assignments and configurations are as follows:

Figure 7.3 Pin Assignments for Control Receptacle

Table 7.2 Pin Configurations for Control Receptacle

The mating connector is a Hirose 6-pin plug (part # HR10A-7P-6SB) or the equivalent connectors.

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VX Camera Link series

Pin Number

Signal

Type

Description

1, 2 , 3

+ 12V DC

Input

DC Power Input

4 , 5 , 6

DC Ground

Input

DC Ground

 Make sure the power is turned off before connecting the power cord to the camera.

Otherwise, damage to the camera may result.

 If the voltage applied to the camera is greater than specified in the specifications, damage to

the camera may result.

1

2

3 4

5

6

7.4 Power Input Receptacle

The power input receptacle is a Hirose 6-pin connector (part # HR10A-7R-6PB). The pin assignments and
configurations are as follows:

Figure 7.4 Pin Assignments for Power Input Receptacle

Table 7.3 Pin Configurations for Power Input Receptacle

The end of power cable that connects to the camera’s power input receptacle must be terminated with a Hirose 6­pin plug (part # HR10A-7P-6S) or the equivalent. The power adapter is recommended to have at least 1 A current
output at 12 V DC 10% voltage output (Users need to purchase the power adapter separately).

Precaution for Power Input

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Camera

GND

2.2K

47

GNDGND

Trigger_Input

Trigger-

Trigger

Your GND

+3.3~5.0V

1K

+5.0V

1
2
3

5

4

6

HR10-7R-6SB

1SS400

A K

1K

Trigger+

47

Strobe_Output

Line Driver

24

5

3

47

GND

+3.3V

47

Your GND

Strobe

GND

Camera

0V

+3.3V

1
2
3

5

4

6

HR10-7R-6SB

7.5 Trigger Input Circuit

The following figure shows a trigger signal input circuit of the 6-pin connector. Transmitted trigger signal is applied
to the internal circuit through a photo coupler. The minimum trigger width that can be recognized by the camera is
1 ㎲. If transmitted trigger signal is less than 1 ㎲, the camera will ignore the trigger signal.
An external trigger circuit example is shown below.

7.6 Strobe Output Circuit

The strobe output signal comes out through a 3.3 V output level of Line Driver IC. You can change the strobe
output by setting the Digital IO Control (refer to chapter 9.22 Programmable Output Control).

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Figure 7.5 Trigger Input Schematic

Figure 7.6 Strobe Output Schematic

VX Camera Link series

When reading the explanations in the overview and in this entire chapter, keep in mind that the
term frame is typically used to mean a single acquired image.

8 Acquisition Control

This chapter provides detailed information about controlling image acquisition.

 Triggering image acquisition
 Setting the exposure time
 Controlling the camera’s image acquisition rate
 Variation of the camera’s maximum allowed image acquisition rate according to the camera settings

8.1 Overview

This section presents an overview of the elements involved with controlling the acquisition of images.

Two major elements are involved in controlling the acquisition of images:

 The exposure start trigger
 Exposure time control

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Exposure Start Trigger

Applying an exposure start trigger signal to the camera will exit the camera from the waiting for exposure start
trigger acquisition status and will begin the process of exposing and reading out a frame (Figure 8.1). As soon as
the camera is ready to accept another exposure start trigger signal, it will return to the waiting for exposure start
trigger acquisition status. A new exposure start trigger signal can then be applied to the camera to begin another

frame exposure.
The exposure start trigger has two modes: off and on.
If the Trigger Mode parameter is set to Off, the camera will generate all required exposure start trigger signals
internally, and you do not need to apply exposure start trigger signals to the camera. The rate at which the camera
will generate the signals and acquire frames will be determined by the way that you set several frame rate related
parameters.
If the Trigger Mode parameter is set to On, you must trigger exposure start by applying exposure start trigger
signals to the camera. Each time a trigger signal is applied, the camera will begin a frame exposure. When
exposure start is being triggered in this manner, it is important that you do not attempt to trigger frames at a rate
that is greater than the maximum allowed (There is a detailed explanation about the maximum allowed frame rate
at the end of this chapter.). Exposure start trigger signals applied to the camera when it is not in a waiting for
exposure start trigger acquisition status will be ignored.

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Figure 8.1 Exposure Start Triggering

VX Camera Link series

Applying Trigger Signals

The paragraphs above mention "applying a trigger signal". There are two ways to apply an exposure start trigger
signal to the camera: via CC1 (Software) or via External (commonly referred to as hardware).
To apply trigger signals via CC1, you must set the Source parameter to CC1.
To apply trigger signals via External, you must set the Source parameter to External. At that point, each time a
proper electrical signal is applied to the camera, an occurrence of the exposure start trigger signal will be
recognized by the camera.

Exposure Time Control

When an exposure start trigger signal is applied to the camera, the camera will begin to acquire a frame.
A critical aspect of frame acquisition is how long the pixels in the camera’s sensor will be exposed to light during
the frame acquisition.
If the Source parameter is set to CC1 or External, there are two modes of operation: Timed and Trigger Width.
With the Timed mode, the Exposure Time parameter will determine the exposure time for each frame.
With the Trigger Width mode, the way that you manipulate the rise and fall of the external signal will determine
the exposure time. The Trigger Width mode is especially useful if you want to change the exposure time from
frame to frame.

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VX Camera Link series

8.2 Exposure Start Trigger

The exposure start trigger is used to begin frame acquisition. Exposure start trigger signals can be generated
within the camera or may be applied externally as CC1 or External exposure start trigger signals. If an exposure
start trigger signal is applied to the camera, the camera will begin to expose a frame.

8.2.1 Trigger Mode

The main parameter associated with the exposure start trigger is the Trigger Mode parameter. The Trigger Mode
parameter for the exposure start trigger has two available settings: Off and On.

8.2.1.1 Trigger Mode = Off

When the Trigger Mode parameter is set to Off, the camera will generate all required exposure start trigger signals
internally, and you do not need to apply exposure start trigger signals to the camera. This use case is commonly
referred as “Free Run”.

Figure 8.2 Free-Run Mode

As shown in the figure above, the exposure for a new frame overlaps the sensor readout for the previous frame.
At this time, the camera will be operated in a slightly different fashion depending on the length of exposure and
readout time.

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VX Camera Link series

When the exposure time is shorter than the readout time, an exposure start trigger signal will be applied while
reading out the previous image. Once the readout process for the previous image is complete, the camera will
begin the process of reading out the next image (Figure 8.3). In this case, the frame rate will stay the same
regardless of the change in the exposure time. When the exposure time is longer than the readout time, an
exposure start trigger signal will be applied when the camera begin the process of reading out the previous image.
Even if the readout process for the pervious image is complete, the camera will not begin the process of reading
out the next image until the exposure time of the previous image is complete (Figure 8.4). In this case, the frame
rate will be decreased as you increase the exposure time.

Figure 8.3 Exposure Time is shorter than Readout Time

Figure 8.4 Exposure Time is longer than Readout Time

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VX Camera Link series

Exposure Time Control with Trigger Mode = Off

When the Trigger Mode parameter is set to Off, the exposure time for each frame acquisition is determined by
the camera’s Exposure Time parameter. For more information about the Exposure Time parameter, see 8.3

Setting the Exposure Time.

8.2.1.2 Trigger Mode = On

When the Trigger Mode parameter is set to On, you must apply an exposure start trigger signal to the camera
each time you want to begin a frame acquisition. The Source parameter specifies the source signal that will act
as the exposure start trigger signal.
The available settings for the Source parameter are:
 CC1: You can apply an exposure start trigger signal to the camera by injecting an externally generated

electrical signal into CC1 in the Camera Link interface. For more information, refer to your Camera Link frame
grabber User Manual.

 External: You can apply an exposure start trigger signal to the camera by injecting an externally generated

electrical signal (commonly referred to as a hardware trigger signal) into the Control Receptacle pin 1 on the
camera.

If the Source parameter is set to External, you must also set the Activation parameter.
The available settings for the Activation parameter are:

 Rising Edge: Specifies that a rising edge of the electrical signal will act as the exposure start trigger.
 Falling Edge: Specifies that a falling edge of the electrical signal will act as the exposure start trigger.

Exposure Time Control with Trigger Mode = On

When the Trigger Mode parameter is set to On and the Source parameter is set to CC1 or External, the exposure
time for each frame acquisition can be controlled with the Exposure Time parameter or it can be controlled by
manipulating the external trigger signal.

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VX Camera Link series

8.2.2 Using a CC1 Trigger Signal

If the Trigger Mode parameter is set to On and the Source parameter is set to CC1, you must apply a CC1 trigger
signal (exposure start) to the camera to begin each frame acquisition. Assuming that the camera is in a waiting for
exposure start trigger acquisition status, frame exposure will start when the CC1 trigger signal is received by the
camera. Figure 8.5 illustrates frame acquisition with a CC1 trigger signal.
When the camera receives a CC1 trigger signal and begins exposure, it will exit the waiting for exposure start
trigger acquisition status because at that point, it cannot react to a new exposure start trigger signal.
As soon as the camera is capable of reacting to a new exposure start trigger signal, it will automatically return to
the waiting for exposure start trigger acquisition status.
When you are using a CC1 trigger signal to start each frame acquisition, the camera’s Exposure parameter must
be set to Timed or Trigger Width. The exposure time for each acquired frame will be determined by the value of

the camera’s Exposure Time parameter.

Figure 8.5 Frame Acquisition with CC1 Trigger Signal

When you are using a CC1 trigger signal to start each frame acquisition, the frame rate will be determined
by how often you apply a CC1 trigger signal to the camera, and you should not attempt to trigger frame
acquisition at a rate that exceeds the maximum allowed for the current camera settings. (There is a detailed
explanation about the maximum allowed frame rate at the end of this chapter.) CC1 trigger signals that are
applied to the camera when it is not ready to receive them will be ignored.

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VX Camera Link series

8.2.3 Using an External Trigger Signal

If the Trigger Mode parameter is set to On and the Source parameter is set to External, an externally generated
electrical signal injected into the Control Receptacle pin 1 will act as the exposure start trigger signal for the camera.
This type of trigger signal is generally referred to as a hardware trigger signal.
A rising edge or a falling edge of the external signal can be used to trigger frame acquisition. The Activation
parameter is used to select rising edge or falling edge triggering.
Assuming that the camera is in a waiting for exposure start trigger acquisition status, frame acquisition will start
whenever the appropriate edge transition is received by the camera.
When the camera receives an external trigger signal and begins exposure, it will exit the waiting for exposure start
trigger acquisition status because at that point, it cannot react to a new exposure start trigger signal. As soon as
the camera is capable of reacting to a new exposure start trigger signal, it will automatically return to the waiting
for exposure start trigger acquisition status.
When the camera is operating under control of an external signal, the period of the external trigger signal will
determine the rate at which the camera is acquiring frames:

For example, if you are operating a camera with an External trigger signal period of 500 ㎳ (0.5 s):
So in this case, the frame rate is 2 fps.

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VX Camera Link series

8.2.3.1 Exposure Modes

If you are triggering the start of frame acquisition with an externally generated trigger signal, two exposure modes
are available: Timed and Trigger Width.

Timed Exposure Mode

When the Timed mode is selected, the exposure time for each frame acquisition is determined by the value of the

camera’s Exposure Time parameter. If the camera is set for rising edge triggering, the exposure time starts when
the external trigger signal rises. If the camera is set for falling edge triggering, the exposure time starts when the
external trigger signal falls. Figure 8.6 illustrates timed exposure with the camera set for rising edge triggering.

Figure 8.6 Timed Exposure Mode

Note that if you attempt to trigger a new exposure start while the previous exposure is still in progress, the trigger
signal will be ignored.

Figure 8.7 Trigger Overlapped with Timed Exposure Mode

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VX Camera Link series

Trigger Width Exposure Mode

When the Trigger Width exposure mode is selected, the length of the exposure for each frame acquisition will be
directly controlled by the external trigger signal. If the camera is set for rising edge triggering, the exposure time
begins when the external trigger signal rises and continues until the external trigger signal falls. If the camera is
set for falling edge triggering, the exposure time begins when the external trigger signal falls and continues until
the external trigger signal rises. Figure8.8 illustrates Trigger Width exposure with the camera set for rising edge
triggering.

Trigger Width exposure is especially useful if you intend to vary the length of the exposure time for each frame.

Figure 8.8 Trigger Width Exposure Mode

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VX Camera Link series

8.2.3.2 Double Exposure

When the Double Exposure mode is selected, two frames can be acquired in rapid succession using a single
trigger signal. The exposure time for the first frame begins according to the current camera settings when the
trigger signal is applied to the camera. Once the exposure for the first frame is complete, the camera reads out
the sensor data. At this point, the exposure time for the second frame begins. Then, the camera reads out the
sensor data for the second frame after reading out the sensor data for the previous frame.
In the Double Exposure mode, the exposure time for the second frame equals to the readout time of the first
frame. There is a just few microseconds (or dozen of microseconds) between the point where the exposure time
for the first frame ends and the point where the exposure time for the second frame begins. This is because the
camera cannot react to the exposure start trigger signal while reading out the sensor data for the first frame. At
this point, the camera outputs a strobe out signal reflected the exposure time for the first frame.

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Figure 8.9 Double Exposure

VX Camera Link series

Manual adjustment of the exposure time parameter will only work correctly if the Auto Exposure
feature is disabled.

Camera Model

Minimum Allowed Exposure Time

Maximum Possible Exposure Time†

VX-29MC-M5

14 ㎲

7,000,000 ㎲

VX-29MC-C5

14 ㎲

7,000,000 ㎲

†: When the Exposure is set to Trigger Width, the exposure time is controlled by the external trigger signal and
has no maximum limit.

8.3 Setting the Exposure Time

This section describes how the exposure time can be adjusted manually by setting the value of the Exposure
Time parameter. The VX camera also has an Auto Exposure feature that can automatically adjust the exposure

time.

If you are operating the camera in any one of the following ways, you must specify an exposure time by setting
the camera’s Exposure Time parameter:

 the Trigger Mode is set to Off
 the Trigger Mode is set to On and the Source is set to CC1 (In this case, you must set the Exposure

parameter to Timed.)

 the Trigger Mode is set to On, the Source is set to External, and the Exposure is set to Timed

The Exposure Time parameter must not be set below a minimum specified value. The Exposure Time parameter
sets the exposure time in ㎲. The minimum and maximum exposure time settings for VX camera model are shown

in the following table.

Table 8.1 Minimum and Maximum Exposure Time Setting

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VX Camera Link series

8.3.1 Auto Exposure

The Auto Exposure feature automatically adjusts the Exposure Time parameter within set limits until an average
gray value for the pixel data from the ROI (defined in the ROI tab) reaches an Auto Exposure’s Target setting
value.
The Auto Exposure feature can be operated in the Once or Continuous modes of operation.
If the Data ROI (defined in the ROI tab) does not overlap the Image ROI (defined in the VIEW tab), the pixel data
from the Data ROI will not be used to control the exposure time.
The Auto Exposure feature and the Auto Gain feature can be used at the same time.
When the Trigger Width parameter is selected for Exposure, the Auto Exposure feature is not available.
For more information, refer to 9.3.2 Auto Exposure, Auto Gain and Auto Aperture.

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VX Camera Link series

8.4 Overlapping Exposure with Sensor Readout

The frame acquisition process on the camera includes two distinct parts. The first part is the exposure of the pixels
in the imaging sensor. Once exposure is complete, the second part of the process – readout of the pixel values
from the sensor – takes place. In regard to this frame acquisition process, there are two common ways for the
camera to operate: with Overlap – Off and with Overlap - Enabled.
With the Overlap checkbox deselected (Off), each time a frame is acquired the camera completes the entire
exposure/readout process before acquisition of the next frame is started. The exposure for a new frame does not
overlap the sensor readout for the previous frame. Figure 8.10 illustrates the Overlap checkbox deselected (Off)
and the Exposure parameter set to Trigger Width.

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Figure 8.10 Trigger Overlap – Off

VX Camera Link series

With the Overlap checkbox selected (Enabled), the exposure of a new frame begins while the camera is still
reading out the sensor data for the previously acquired frame. Figure 8.11 illustrates the Overlap checkbox
selected (Enabled) and the Exposure parameter set to Trigger Width.

Figure 8.11 Trigger Overlap - Enabled

Determining whether your camera is operating with overlapped or non-overlapped exposure and readout is not a
matter of issuing a command or switching a setting on or off. Rather the way that you operate the camera will
determine whether the exposures and readouts are overlapped or not.
If we define the “Frame Period” as the time from the start of exposure for one frame acquisition to the start of
exposure for the next frame acquisition, then:

 Non-overlapped: Frame Period ≥ Exposure Time + Readout Time
 Overlapped: Frame Period ≤ Exposure Time + Readout Time

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VX Camera Link series

The exposure must always begin on an interline boundary of the CCD sensor. For this reason, if
a trigger signal is applied during the readout process, there might be an Exposure Start Delay up
to 1 horizontal line time.

Guidelines for Overlapped Exposure

If you will be operating the camera with overlapped exposure, there are two important guidelines to keep in mind:
 You must not begin the exposure time for a new image acquisition while the exposure time of the previous

acquisition is in progress.

 You must not end the exposure time of the current image acquisition until readout of the previously acquired

image is complete.
When you are operating a camera with overlapped exposure and using an external trigger signal to trigger image
acquisition, you could use the camera’s Exposure Time parameter settings and timing formulas to calculate when
it is safe to begin each new acquisition.

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VX Camera Link series

8.5 Real Exposure

8.5.1 Timed Exposure Mode

When the Timed mode is selected, the exposure time is determined by the time interval between the point where
an external trigger signal is applied and the point where the t

The camera generates a shutter signal to clear pixels when an external trigger signal is applied. The exposure
time begins when the shutter signal falls and continues until the t

8.12 shows, there is an Exposure Start Delay (refer to Table 8.3) between the rise of the external trigger signal
and the point where exposure actually begins. The setting value on the Exposure Time parameter is equal to the

exposure time, because the t
compensated on the exposure time by the camera’s logic internally. Therefore, there is no difference between the

setting value on the Exposure Time parameter and the exposure time. The t
value are determined by the CCD sensor used in the camera.

value of the shutter signal and Transfer Pulse Offset value (tpd, t3p) are

sub

(Photodiode Transfer) signal falls.

pd

(Photodiode Transfer) signal falls. As Figure

pd

value and Transfer Pulse Offset

sub

Figure 8.12 Real Exposure with Timed Exposure Mode

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VX Camera Link series

Real Exposure Parameters

Value

Descriptions

t

sub

3.0 ㎲

Shutter Transfer

t3p

6.0 ㎲

VCCD leading pedestal signal

tpd

8.0 ㎲

Photodiode transfer signal

t3d

-

VCCD trailing pedestal signal

Exposure Start Delay

-

Trigger Latency + Trigger Jitter

8.5.2 Trigger Width Exposure Mode

When the Trigger Width mode is selected, the exposure time is controlled by the external trigger signal.
The camera generates a shutter signal to clear pixels when an external trigger signal is applied. The exposure
time begins when the shutter signal falls and continues until the tpd (Photodiode Transfer) signal falls. As Figure

8.13 shows, there is an Exposure Start Delay (refer to Table 8.3) between the rise of the external trigger signal
and the rise of the shutter signal. There is difference between the width of the external trigger signal and the

exposure time as much as the t

value of the shutter signal and Transfer Pulse Offset value (tpd, t3p).

sub

You can calculate an actual exposure time by using the following formula:
 Exposure Time = Trigger Width + t3p + tpd - t

sub

Figure 8.13 Real Exposure with Trigger Width Exposure Mode

The t
The following table shows the t

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and Transfer Pulse Offset value are determined by the CCD sensor used in the camera.

sub

sub

and Transfer Pulse Offset values for the VX-29MC camera.

Table 8.2 Real Exposure Parameters

VX Camera Link series

8.6 Acquisition Timing Chart

Figure 8.14 shows a timing chart for frame acquisition and transmission. The chart assumes that exposure is
triggered by an externally generated exposure start trigger signal, that the Activation parameter is set to Rising
Edge and that the Exposure parameter is set to Timed.
As shown in the figure below, there is a slight delay between the rise of the exposure start trigger signal and the
start of exposure. After the exposure time for a frame acquisition is complete, the camera begins reading out the
acquired frame data from the imaging sensor into a frame buffer in the camera. When a sufficient amount of frame
data has accumulated in the frame buffer, the camera will begin transmitting the data to your computer.
This buffering technique avoids the need to exactly synchronize the clock used for sensor readout with the data
transmission. The camera will begin transmitting data when it has determined that it can safely do so without over­running or under-running the buffer.

 Exposure Start Delay: the amount of time (including trigger jitter and latency) between the point

where the trigger signal rises and the point where exposure actually begins
 Frame Readout time: the amount of time it takes to read out the frame data from the imaging

sensor into the frame buffer
 Frame Transmission time: the amount of time it takes to transmit an acquired frame data from the

frame buffer in the camera to your computer
 Transmission Start Delay: the amount of time between the point where the camera begins reading out

the acquired frame data from the sensor and the point where it begins

transmitting the acquired frame data from the buffer to your computer

Figure 8.14 Timing Chart (not drawn to scale)

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VX Camera Link series

Model

Exposure

Mode

Exposure Start Delay

Triggering during the Idle State

Triggering during the Readout State

VX-29MC

Timed

7 ㎲ ± 0.5 ㎲

20.5 ㎲ ≤ Delay ≤ 202.9 ㎲ (1 Tap)

20.5 ㎲ ≤ Delay ≤ 119.8 ㎲ (2 Tap)

20.5 ㎲ ≤ Delay ≤ 115.8 ㎲ (4 Tap)

Trigger Width

4.5 ㎲ ± 0.02 ㎲

18.5 ㎲ ≤ Delay ≤ 200.9 ㎲ (1 Tap)

18.5 ㎲ ≤ Delay ≤ 117.8 ㎲ (2 Tap)

18.5 ㎲ ≤ Delay ≤ 113.8 ㎲ (4 Tap)

1 horizontal line time is based on the Pixel Clock 40㎒.

The exposure must always begin on an interline boundary of the CCD sensor. For this reason, if
a trigger signal is applied during the readout process, there might be an Exposure Start Delay up
to 1 horizontal line time.

The following table shows Exposure Start Delay for the VX-29MC camera.

Table 8.3 Exposure Start Delay

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VX Camera Link series

Decreasing the Height parameter can increase the maximum allowed frame rate; however the

Width parameter does not affect the frame rate.

8.7 Maximum Allowed Frame Rate

In general, the maximum allowed acquisition frame rate on the camera may be limited by several factors:
 The amount of time it takes to transmit an acquired frame from the camera to your computer.

The amount of time needed to transmit a frame depends on the bandwidth assigned to the camera.
 The setting for the Channel parameter. If this parameter is set for 4 Tap, you will be able to acquire frames

at a higher rate than if it is set to 2 Tap/1 Tap.

 The Binning feature. If binning is enabled, the maximum allowed frame rate will increase.
 The amount of time it takes to read an acquired frame out of the imaging sensor and into the camera’s

frame buffer. This time varies depending on the setting for the Height parameter. Frames with a smaller

height take less time to read out of the sensor. The frame height is determined by the camera’s Height

settings (VIEW tab).
 The exposure time for acquired frames. If you use very long exposure times, you can acquire fewer frames

per second.

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VX Camera Link series

An important thing to keep in mind is a common mistake new camera users frequently make when
they are working with exposure time. They will often use a very long exposure time without
realizing that this can severely limit the camera’s maximum allowed frame rate. As an example,
assume that your camera is set to use a 1 second exposure time. In this case, because each
frame acquisition will take at least 1 second to be completed, the camera will only be able to
acquire a maximum of one frame per second. Even if the camera’s nominal maximum frame rate
is, for example, 2 frames per second, it will only be able to acquire one frame per second because
the exposure time is set much higher than normal.

8.7.1 Increasing the Maximum Allowed Frame Rate

You may find that you would like to acquire frames at a rate higher than the maximum allowed with the camera’s
current settings. In this case, you must adjust one or more of the factors that can influence the maximum allowed
frame rate and then check to see if the maximum allowed frame rate has increased:
 The time that it takes to transmit a frame out of the camera is the main limiting factor on the frame rate. You

can decrease the frame transmission time (and thus increase the maximum allowed frame rate) by doing

one or more of the following:

 Use an 8 BIT pixel data format rather than a 12 BIT pixel format. Images with fewer bits per pixel will

take less time to transmit.

 Use a smaller ROI. Decreasing the ROI means that the camera has less data to transmit and therefore

the transmission time will decrease.

 Use binning. When pixels are binned, there is less data to transmit and therefore the transmission time

will decrease.

 If you have the Channel parameter set to 1 Tap/2 Tap, consider changing the value to 4 Tap. This will

usually increase the maximum allowed frame rate.
 If you are using normal exposure times and you are using the camera at its maximum resolution, your

exposure time will not normally restrict the frame rate. However, if you are using long exposure times or

small region of interest, it is possible that your exposure time is limiting the maximum allowed frame rate. If

you are using a long exposure time or a small ROI, try using a shorter exposure time and see if the

maximum allowed frame rate increases. (You may need to compensate for a lower exposure time by using a

brighter light source or increasing the opening of your lens aperture.)

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VX Camera Link series

9 Camera Features

9.1 Image Region of Interest

The Image Region of Interest (ROI) feature allows you to specify a portion of the sensor array. You can acquire
only the frame data from the specified portion of the sensor array while preserving the same quality as you acquire
a frame from the entire sensor array. With the ROI feature, you can achieve increased frame rates by decreasing
the Height of the ROI; however, decreasing the Width of the ROI does not affect the frame rate.
The ROI is referenced to the top left corner [origin (0, 0)] of the sensor array as follows.

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Figure 9.1 Image Region of Interest

VX Camera Link series

You can change the size of ROI by setting the Width and Height parameters in the VIEW tab. And also, you can
change the position of the ROI origin by setting the Offset X and Offset Y parameters.
Make sure that the Width + Offset X value is less than 6576, and the Height + Offset Y value is less than 4384.
You must set the size of the ROI first, and then set the Offset values since the Width and Height parameters are
set to its maximum value by default.

The Width parameter must be set to a multiple of 4, and the Height parameter must be set to a value greater than
the minimum Vertical ROI size shown in the table 9.1. The Width, Height, Offset X and Offset Y parameters will
be updated depending on the Horizontal and Vertical parameter settings of the Binning category respectively.

ROI Size updated according to the Binning settings may not be restored to its original value. For example, if you
set the Horizontal parameter of the Binning category to ×3 with 500 Width, the Width parameter will be updated

to 166 automatically. Then, if you set the Width parameter to 166 and the Horizontal parameter of the Binning
category to ×1, the Width parameter will be 498 (166 × 3). If you want to restore the Width to its original value,

you can set the Width to 500 manually.

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VX Camera Link series

VX Series

VX-29MC

T

VCCD

46 ㎲

TL (1 channel)

182.4 ㎲

TL (2 channel)

99.3 ㎲

TL (4 channel)

95.3 ㎲

TRF

16.0 ㎲

V

SIZE

4452 Lines

Minimum Vertical ROI Size

500 Lines

Based on Pixel Clock 40 ㎒ (Tool > High Speed)

The approximate maximum frame rate depending on the change of Vertical ROI can be obtained as shown in the
following expression.

1 or 2 Channel Mode :

Frame Rate (fps)

=

1000000

/

[T

VCCD

+ TRF ×

{V

SIZE

– (V

+ 12)} + (V

ROI

+ 12) × TL]

ROI

4 Channel Mode :

Frame Rate (fps)

T

: the amount of time required to transmit electric charges accumulated

VCCD

=

1000000

/

[T

VCCD

+ TRF ×

{V

SIZE

–

(V

+

12)}/2 + {(V

ROI

+ 12) × TL}/2)

ROI

on the pixels to Vertical Register

TRF : the amount of time required for 1 row flush

V

: the number of Vertical Line of CCD

SIZE

TL : the amount of time required for transmission of one line

V

: size of the Vertical ROI

ROI

The available minimum value of T

VCCD

, TRF, V

, TL and V

SIZE

may vary depending on the camera model.

ROI

The value of TL may vary depending on the Channel parameter and High Speed (Pixel Clock) settings.
The values of each item are shown below.

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Table 9.1 Timing Value for VX-29MC

VX Camera Link series

The following figure shows frame rate depending on Vertical ROI changes with 1 Tap, 2 Tap and 4 Tap settings.

Figure 9.2 Frame Rate by Vertical ROI Changes

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VX Camera Link series

9.2 Binning

Binning has the effects of increasing the level value and decreasing resolution by summing the values of the
adjacent pixels and sending them as one pixel. For example, if you set 2 × 2 binning as shown in the figure below,

four pixels will be summed into one pixel. Then, the effective maximum resolution of the sensor is reduced to 1/2.
Since vertical binning is processed in the internal register of CCD, the frame rate will be increased and SNR will
be improved because the number of the readout process is reduced. However, the horizontal binning does not
affect the frame rate and SNR because it is processed in the FPGA. The brightness will be increased about four
times because four pixels are summed as one.

Figure 9.3 Binning

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VX Camera Link series

 Even if the binning is performed on the color camera, the resulting image will be

monochrome.

 The odd number of binning factor (×3) does not supported on the color camera due to the

characteristic of Bayer pattern.

4x1

2x2 4x2

8x1

4x4

8x8

1x8

VX camera supports ×1, ×2, ×3, ×4, ×8 binning factors for both vertical and horizontal direction independently.

Figure 9.4 Binning factor

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VX Camera Link series

The features related to aperture are only available when you equip a Canon-EF adapter with an
EF lens.

The procedures for power supply or communication interface connections may vary depending
on the model. Please refer to the Canon-EF adapter user manual.

9.3 Exposure Control

Exposure is determined by the length of time (CCD sensor is exposed to light) and the amount of light (light incident
upon CCD sensor). The exposure time is controlled in the VX camera by adjusting the Exposure Time parameter
and the amount of light is controlled by the lens aperture and light condition. You can set the exposure manually
or automatically by combining the related parameters.

9.3.1 Aperture Control

Aperture control is only working with an EF lens. To equip an EF lens, you must use a Canon-EF adapter (Figure

9.5). To use a Canon-EF adapter, you have to request an interface for Canon-EF adapter (Figure 9.6) option when
you make an order. Canon-EF adapter provides RS-232 connection for power supply and serial communication.
The control receptacle of VX camera provides RS-232 interface to control the Canon-EF adapter (refer to Table

7.2).

Figure 9.5 Canon-EF Adapter

Figure 9.6 Interface for Canon-EF Adapter

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VX Camera Link series

The Auto Exposure feature is not available if the Exposure parameter is set to Trigger Width.

9.3.2 Auto Exposure, Auto Gain and Auto Aperture

The Auto Exposure feature automatically adjusts the Exposure Time parameter until the grey level for the pixels
in the given Data ROI (defined in the ROI tab) reaches an Auto Exposure – Target value set by the user.
The Auto Exposure feature in VX Series uses iterative algorithm which repeatedly calculates the previous
exposure values until it gets new exposure value. Note that the camera needs up to 30 frames to complete the
Auto Exposure feature.

The Auto Exposure, Auto Gain and Auto Aperture features can be used at the same time and operated in the
Off, Once and Continuous modes of operation. If you use three features at the same time, the camera will adjust
the value of Aperture followed by Exposure and Digital Gain.
When the Auto Exposure, Auto Gain or Auto Aperture feature is set to Once, the parameter values are
automatically adjusted until the related parameter value reaches the target value. After the automatic parameter
value adjustment is complete, the feature will be set to Off. When the auto feature is set to Continuous, the
camera adjusts Aperture, Exposure Time or Digital Gain parameter to reach the target value every time the lighting
conditions change. You can set the Auto Exposure - Tolerance parameter to adjust the sensitivity of the Auto
Exposure feature.

Figure 9.7 Auto Exposure Target Level and Auto Exposure Tolerance

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VX Camera Link series

Auto Features

Operating Procedures

Remarks

Aperture

Exposure

Gain

On

On

Off

Aperture  Exposure

Manually adjustable the Gain

Off

On

On

Exposure  Gain

Manually adjustable the Aperture

On

Off

On

Aperture  Gain

Manually adjustable the Exposure

On

Off

Off

Aperture

Manually adjustable the Exposure/Gain

Off

On

Off

Exposure

Manually adjustable the Aperture/Gain

Off

Off

On

Gain

Manually adjustable the Aperture/Exposure

Each auto feature has the following operating ranges depending on the object brightness level. You can set the
operating range by adjusting the minimum and maximum value for each feature.

Figure 9.8 Image Level Adjustment

When the Auto Exposure, Auto Gain or Auto Aperture parameter is set to Off, the operating procedures are as
follow.

Table 9.2 Operating Procedures for Auto Features

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VX Camera Link series

 You can set the Auto Exposure, Auto Gain and Auto Aperture features in any order. However,

we strongly recommend setting the one feature first while turning off the other features for
the smooth operation.

 When you set the Auto Focus parameter to Once while using Auto Exposure Control, the

camera will be paused. Then, the camera will perform the operation of the Auto Focus feature
before performing Auto Exposure Control.

 The maximum allowed Auto Exposure – Target value may vary depending on the Auto

Exposure – Tolerance value.

Target = (0+Tolerance) ~ (4,095 –Tolerance)

 The Auto Aperture – Max value may vary depending on the lens model.

When the Canon-EF adapter is not equipped on the VX camera, the parameters related to Aperture will be disabled
and the operating procedures will be the same as when the Auto Aperture parameter had set to Off.

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VX Camera Link series

H x V

Active Pixels

B

G

G

R

B

G

G

R

B

G

G

R

B

G

G

R

B

G

G

R

B

G

G

R

B

G

G

R

B

G

G

R

Left Dark Columns

Right Dark Columns

Dark Rows

Buffer Rows

Buffer Rows

Left Buffer Columns

Right Buffer Columns

Video A Video B

Dummy

Pixels

Horizontal Register

Dark Rows

(1, 1)

Video C Top Horizontal Register Video D

Dummy

Pixels

Dummy

Pixels

Dummy

Pixels

9.4 Sensor Tap Settings

The Channel setting determines how the data that is read out of the CCD’s horizontal register will be transmitted
from the camera to the frame grabber in your computer via the Camera Link interface. There are three channel
settings available: 1 Tap (Single Channel), 2 Tap (Dual Channel) and 4 Tap (Quadrant Channel).
When the camera is set for 1 Tap, all pixel values in the horizontal register are transmitted through the left bottom
Video Amplifier (Video A). When the camera is set for 2 Tap, pixel values from the left half of the sensor are
transmitted through the Video A and pixel values from the right half of the sensor are transmitted through the Video
B. When the camera is set for 4 Tap, pixel values from the left bottom, right bottom, left top, and right top of the
sensor are transmitted through the Video A, Video B, Video C, and Video D respectively. The advantage of the 4
Tap output is that it makes readout about four times faster than the 1 Tap output.

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Figure 9.9 Four Taps Sensor Digitization

VX Camera Link series

VX-29MC supports only 2 Tap Interleaved readout when using the 4 Tap output.

AFE A

Processing

&

Reorder

CameraLink

Interface

A

B

Video B

Video A

Video C

Video D

CCD

Sensor

AFE B

AFE C

AFE D

The camera processes and rearranges the image data in order to be compliant with the Camera Link standard.
With 1 Tap setting, image data that is shifted from the Video A will be transmitted in a Camera Link A 1 Tap fashion.
With 2 Tap setting, image data that is shifted from the Video A and B will be transmitted in a Camera Link A, B 2
Tap Interleaved fashion. With 4 Tap setting, image data that is shifted from the Video A, B, C, and D will be
transmitted in a Camera Link 2 Tap Interleaved fashion (Figure 9.11).

Figure 9.10 Image Data Flow

Figure 9.11 Data Output

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VX Camera Link series

D11 D10 D9 D8 D7 D6 D5 D4 D3 D2 D1 D0

D11 D10 D9 D8 D7 D6 D5 D4 D3 D2 D1 D0

D12D13

MSB LSB

The LVSD image data converted in the ADC are 14 bits, however the camera outputs 12 bits image data. The
noise performance will be improved on the output image by removing the two least significant bits. If the Knee
feature is enabled, 14 bits of image data will be converted to 12 bits through LUT.

Figure 9.12 12 bit Conversion

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VX Camera Link series

D11 D10 D9 D8 D7 D6 D5 D4 D3 D2 D1 D0

MSB LSB

12Bit Output

10Bit Output

8Bit Output

D9 D8 D7 D6 D5 D4 D3 D2 D1 D0

D11 D10 D9 D8 D7 D6 D5 D4 D3 D2 D1 D0

D7 D6 D5 D4 D3 D2 D1 D0

Original

Data

9.5 Pixel Format

The internal processing of image data is performed in 12 bits. Then, the camera can output the data in 8, 10 or 12
bits. When the camera outputs the image data in 8 bits or 10 bits, the 4 or 2 least significant bits will be truncated
accordingly.

Figure 9.13 Pixel Format

The image data converted to 8, 10 or 12 bits support various pixel data format depending on the camera model.
The pixel data will be reordered in FPGA according to the Data Bit setting value. Then, it will be stored in the frame
buffer before output.

9.6 Pixel Clock

The VX camera provides a unique way to control the camera speed and frame rate. You can select the pixel clock
to operate the camera either in the Normal or High-speed (over-clocked) mode. With the Normal mode, the
camera’s frame rate is determined by the CCD sensor manufacturer.
The VX camera internal design is optimized for the High-speed mode. With the High-speed mode, it is possible to
over-clock the camera which will result in higher frame rate. However, the camera signal to noise ratio (SNR) may
be reduced compared to the Normal mode. To change the pixel clock, select the Tool menu and then select or
deselect the High Speed menu in Configurator.

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VX Camera Link series

9.7 Data ROI

The Auto Exposure, Auto Focus and Auto White Balance features use the pixel data from a Data Region of Interest
(defined in the ROI tab) to adjust the related parameters. Only the pixel data from the area of overlap between the
data ROI defined by your settings and the Image ROI will be used by the related auto function.
The effective ROI is determined as shown in the figure below.

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Figure 9.14 Effective Data ROI

VX Camera Link series

 Center the data ROI as much as possible when you use the Auto Focus feature. If the

data ROI is significantly displaced from the sensor’s center, the Auto Focus feature may
not work correctly because the position of an object in the ROI can be changed during
focusing.

 If you use a lens equipped with a DC motor, the focusing position may be incorrect.

9.8 Auto White Balance (Color Cameras)

The Auto White Balance feature is implemented on color cameras. It will control the white balance of the image
acquired from the color camera according to the GreyWorld algorithm. Before using the Auto White Balance
feature, you need to set the Data ROI for Auto White Balance. If you do not set the related Data ROI, the pixel
data from the Image ROI will be used to control the white balance.

9.9 Auto Focus

The Auto Focus feature is only available when you equip a Canon-EF adapter with an EF lens. The VX camera
uses Contrast Detection auto focus method which achieves focus data from the image. Auto focusing is a two­step process. First, focus data are extracted from the image in the Data Measure process. Then, the focus position
will be located by using the focus data in the Peak Search process. It takes the maximum 20 seconds and requires
the maximum 70 frames based on the maximum possible 29 megapixel image acquisition frame rate.
When the Auto Focus feature is not completed successfully, the auto focus algorithm will be stopped after a period
of time and then the Auto Focus mode will return to the Off state.
If the exposure time is too short, the focus data may include noise data. To avoid incorrect operation caused by
the noise, keep the proper exposure time. The Auto Focus parameter sets whether to use Auto Focus or Manual
Focus.

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VX Camera Link series

CDS

GAIN

VGA

GAIN

ANALOG

CCD IN

LEVEL

CLAMP

14-BIT

LVDS

1~40 times

14-BIT

ADC

9.10 Gain and Offset

You can set the analog (VGA) and digital gain factor to adjust the gain. The offset is adjusted by removing the
optical black offset from the CCD so that the effect of dark current will be minimized.

9.10.1 Analog Domain

The VX camera has one Analog Signal Processor (or Analog Front End (AFE)) for each channel. This AFE consists
of Correlated Double Sampler (CDS), Variable Gain Amplifier (VGA), Level Clamp and 14-bit A/D converter.

Figure 9.15 AFE Block Diagram

You can change the gain and offset value by inputting proper value into the registers for gain and offset adjustments
inside the AFE. The CDS gain value is set in the factory during the manufacturing process, therefore you cannot
change the value. The VGA gain is the same as the analog gain. You can set the analog gain for all analog taps
or each tap. You can control the gain balance between each tap automatically by executing the Auto Gain Balance
feature in the AUTO tab. To balance the offset between each tap, adjust the offset values in the Analog Offset
category under the ANALOG tab.

9.10.2 Digital Domain

Digital gain is adjustable from 1 to ×64 with almost 1/1024 step. If the Auto Gain parameter is set to Once or
Continuous, the digital gain value will be automatically adjusted according to the Auto Exposure – Target

parameter settings.

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VX Camera Link series

12-bit Data

4096 entry

Lookup Table

12-bit Data

LUT

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

3500

4000

0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000

Input Level

Output Level

9.11 LUT

The Lookup Table (LUT) feature converts original image values to certain level values. The VX camera provides
two types of LUT: Luminance and Knee.

Luminance

Since it is mapped one to one for each level value, 12-bit output can be connected to 12-bit input. LUT is in the
form of table that has 4096 entries between 0 – 4095 and the VX camera provides a non-volatile space for LUT
data storage. You can determine whether to apply LUT and which LUT to use. For more information about how to
download LUT to the camera, refer to Appendix B.

Figure 9.16 LUT Block

Figure 9.17 LUT at Gamma 0.5

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VX Camera Link series

Gamma

Linear

A

B

Two-Knee LUT

Noise Floor

Noise Level

4096X414-bit input

4096

12-bit output

Knee

The VX camera provides the Knee feature which compresses the signals in the bright parts of the object to prevent
over-exposure. The Knee feature adjusts the dynamic range to include all frame signals as much as possible so
that the white-clipped parts are reduced.
In general, the white clip point is 109% of frame output, and the knee point is 85 – 100% which is approximately
the luminance of human skin.
As shown in the figure below, using the general Gamma slope will increase the noise level from B to A.
Assume that if you use a Knee LUT with two knee points, you can designate the first knee point reducing the noise
floor and then designate the second point determining the signal level. You can assign up to four knee points. By
default, two knee points (X, Y) are assigned to the first quarter (1/4) point of input signal and 85% point (4096,

3450) of output signal.

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Figure 9.18 Knee LUT

VX Camera Link series

L3 L2 L1 R1 R2 R3

<Current Pixel>

Adjacent Defect Pixel (s)

Correction Value of Current Pixel

None

(L1 + R1) / 2

L1

R1

R1

L1

L1, R1

(L2 + R2 ) / 2

L1, R1, R2

L2

L2, L1, R1

R2

L2, L1, R1, R2

(L3 + R3) / 2

L2, L1, R1, R2, R3

L3

L3, L2, L1, R1, R2

R3

9.12 Defective Pixel Correction

The CCD may have Defective Pixels which cannot properly react to the light. Correction is required since it may
deteriorate the quality of the output image. Defect Pixel information of CCD used for each camera is entered into
the camera during the manufacturing process in the factory. If you want to add Defect Pixel information, it is
required to enter coordinate of new Defect Pixel into the camera. For more information, refer to Appendix A.

9.12.1 Correction Method

Correction value for a defect pixel is calculated based on valid pixel value adjacent in the same line.

Figure 9.19 Location of Defect Pixel to be Corrected

If current pixel is a defect pixel as shown in the above figure, correction value for this pixel is obtained as shown
in the following table depending on whether surrounding pixel is defect pixel or not.

Table 9.3 Calculation of Defect Pixel Correction Value

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VX Camera Link series

To apply the Defective Pixel Correction feature, you must download a Defective Pixel Map to
the camera. For more information about how to download a Defective Pixel Map to the camera,
refer to Appendix A.

9.12.2 Correction Method in Binning Mode

When 2×2 or 4×4 binning is enabled, the Defective Pixel Correction feature is available. The correction value
will be averaged based on four neighboring pixels during 2×2 binning and sixteen neighboring pixels during 4×4
binning.

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VX Camera Link series

 Clicking the Generate button will ignore the current camera settings and will temporarily

change the camera settings to operate the following default conditions. When the generation
of the Flat Field data is completed, the original settings of the camera will be restored. If the
Trigger Mode parameter is set to On and the Source parameter is set to CC1, you must
provide the number of CC1 trigger signals equal to the current Number of acquisition frame
setting.

 OffsetX, Y: 0
 Width, Height: The maximum values
 Channel: The maximum allowed Tap setting

 Every time you change the binning mode, you must generate the Flat Field data again.

9.13 Flat Field Correction

The Flat Field Correction feature improves the image uniformity when you acquire a non-uniformity image due to
external conditions. The Flat Field Correction feature can be summarized by the following equation:

IC = {(IR – IB) × M} / (IF – IB)

IC: Level value of corrected image;

IR: Level value of original image;

IB: Black offset value;

M: Average value of image after correction;

IF: Level value of Flat Field data.

In actual use conditions, generate a Flat Field data (IF) and perform the Flat Field Correction feature according to
the following procedures.

1. Set the binning mode as desired.

2. Set the number of frames to be acquired for generating the Flat Field data in Number of acquisition frame

under the FFC tab.

3. Click the Generate button.

The series of frames will be averaged and scaled down to 1/16. Then, the camera will generate the Flat Field
data.

4 Click the Save to Flash button to save the generated Flat Field data in the non-volatile memory.

When the Flat Field data are applied for correction, the Flat Field data which were scaled down will be
enlarged via Bilinear Interpolation as shown in the Figure 9.21.

5. Set the average value in the FFC Offset Level parameter and select the Flat Field Corr. checkbox in the

VIEW tab. Then, the Flat Field data will be applied to the camera.

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VX Camera Link series

If the current setting values for the Binning Horizontal and Binning Vertical parameters are
different from the setting values at the time when you generate the Flat Field data, the Flat Field
Correction feature is not available even if you select the Flat Field Corr. checkbox in the VIEW
tab.

Figure 9.20 Generation and Application of Flat Field Data

Figure 9.21 Bilinear Interpolated Magnification

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VX Camera Link series

Configurator Tab

Category

Value

Description

OUTPUT

Fan Operation Mode

Off

Turn off the fan

Continuous

Turn on the fan

Temperature

Turn on the fan when the internal temperature
exceeds the values set in the Operation

Temperature parameter

9.14 Smear Correction

When smear occurs, the charges can be flooded vertically to the dark area where the light is blocked due to the
characteristics of CCD. The Smear Correction feature will subtract the average values of the dark area from the
original image values. To enable the Smear Correction feature, select the Smear Corr. checkbox in the VIEW tab.

9.15 Temperature Monitor

The camera has an embedded sensor chip to monitor the internal temperature. You can check the temperature of
the camera by using the ‘gct’ command.

9.16 Fan Control

A fan is installed on the rear panel of the camera to radiate heat. You can set the fan to turn on or off. And also,
you can set the fan to turn on when a specified internal temperature is reached. The Fan Operation Mode category
under the OUTPUT tab provides the following settings to control the fan.

Table 9.4 Fan Control

9.17 Status LED

A green LED is installed on the back panel of the camera to inform the operation status of the camera. LED status
and corresponding camera status are as follow:

 Continuous ON: The camera operates in the Trigger Off mode.
 Repeat ON for 0.5 seconds, OFF for 0.5 seconds: The camera operates in the Trigger mode.
 Repeat ON for 1 second, OFF for 1 second: The camera outputs test images.
 Repeat ON for 0.25 second, OFF for 0.25 second: The camera operates in the Trigger mode and outputs

test images.

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VX Camera Link series

9.18 Test Image

To check whether the camera operates normally or not, it can be set to output test images generated in the camera
instead of the image data from the imaging sensor. Three types of test images are available, image with different
value in horizontal direction (Test #1), image with different value in diagonal direction (Test #2), and moving image
with different value in diagonal direction (Test #3).

Figure 9.22 Test #1

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VX Camera Link series

The test image may look different because the region of the test image may vary depending on
the camera’s resolution.

Figure 9.23 Test #2

Figure 9.24 Test #3

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VX Camera Link series

When you use the Horizontal Flip feature on color cameras, the alignment of the color filter will
be changed.

9.19 Horizontal Flip

The Horizontal Flip feature let you flip the image horizontally. This feature is available in all camera operation
modes.

Figure 9.25 Original Image

Figure 9.26 Horizontally Flipped Image

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VX Camera Link series

Configurator Tab

Category

Value

Description

OUTPUT

Digital IO
Control

Line Inverter
On

Invert the output signal of the line

Off

Do not invert the output signal of the line

Line Source

Off

Disable the line output

Exposure
Active

Output pulse signals indicating the current
exposure time

Frame Valid

Output pulse signals indicating a frame
readout time

Strobe Out
Delay

Output Exposure Active signals with a delay
 Delay Time: Set a delay in microseconds

(0~65535)

Pulse
Generator

Output user defined pulse signals
 Period: Set a pulse period in

microseconds (1~60,000,000)

 Width: Set a pulse with in microseconds

(0~60,000,000)

User Output

Output User Output signals set by User
Output Value

User Output
Value

On

Set the bit state of the line to High

Off

Set the bit state of the line to Low

9.20 Programmable Output Control

The pin number 3 of the control receptacle is designated as programmable output and can be operated in various
modes. The Digital IO Control category under the OUTPUT tab provides the following settings for Output Control.

Table 9.5 Digital IO Control

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VX Camera Link series

The camera can provide a Strobe Out signal. The signal goes high when the exposure time for each frame
acquisition begins and goes low when the exposure time ends as shown in the figure below. This signal can be
used as a flash trigger and is also useful when you are operating a system where either the camera or the object
being imaged is movable. Typically, you do not want the camera to move during exposure. You can monitor the
Strobe Out signal to know when exposure is taking place and thus know when to avoid moving the camera.

Figure 9.27 Strobe Out Signal (not drawn to scale)

9.21 Field Upgrade

The VX camera provides a feature to upgrade the firmware and FPGA through RS-644 of the Camera Link
interface rather than disassemble the camera in the field. For more information about how to upgrade, refer to

Appendix C.

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VX Camera Link series

10 Camera Configuration

10.1 Setup Command

You can configure all required settings of the camera through RS-644 serial communication of the Camera Link
interface. When you want to control the camera by using a terminal or access to the camera within your application,
you need to set your network as follows.

 Baud Rate : 19200 bps
 Data Bit : 8 bit
 Parity Bit : No Parity
 Stop bit : 1 stop bit
 Flow control : None

All types of the camera setting commands are delivered in ASCII command type except Firmware Download
requiring massive data transmission. All camera setting commands start from user application and then the camera
returns a response (“OK”, “Error” or information) for a command. The camera informs the completion of the
command execution through a response for a write command while the camera returns an error response or
information for a read command.

Command format:

<command> <parameter1> <parameter2> <cr>

0 – 2 parameters follow the command.

Response:

- If execution of write command is successfully completed

OK <cr> <lf>

ex) Write command

In response to a “set 100” command the camera will return (in hex value)

Command : 73 65 74 20 31 30 30 0D

set 100<cr>

Response : 73 65 74 20 31 30 30 0D 0A 4F 4B 0D 0A 3E

set 100<cr><lf> OK<cr><lf> >

Echo result prompt

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VX Camera Link series

If execution of read command is successfully completed

<parameter1> <cr> <lf>

ex) Read command

In response to a “get” command the camera will return (in hex value)

Command : 67 65 74 0D

get <cr>

Response : 67 65 74 0D 0A 31 30 30 0D 0A 3E

get<cr><lf> 100<cr><lf> >

Echo response prompt

If execution of command is not completed

Error : <Error Code > <cr> <lf>

Prompt:

After sending response, camera sends prompt always. ‘>’ is used as prompt.

Types of Error Cods

0x80000481 : values of parameter not valid

0x80000482 : number of parameter is not matched

0x80000484 : command that does not exist

0x80000486 : no execution right

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VX Camera Link series

10.2 Actual Time Applied for Commands

When you execute a command, the actual or real time applied for the command varies depending on the type of
the command and operating status of the camera.
All commands except Set Exposure Time (‘set’) command are applied to change the settings as illustrated below,
on the rising edge of a VCCD signal before starting readout process.
When you execute a ‘set’ command, the exposure time setting will be changed at the starting of the exposure.
In the Trigger mode, you must execute commands before applying trigger signals in order to synchronize image
outputs with the commands.
In the Free-Run mode, even if you execute a command, you may acquire up to two images without applying the
command. This is true because it is hard to verify the current operating status of the camera in the Free-Run mode.

Figure 10.1 Actual Time Applied for Commands

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VX Camera Link series

Volatile

Memory

(RAM)

Non_volatile

Memory

(ROM)

Work Space

User 1 Space

User 2 Space

Factory Space

10.3 Parameter Storage Space

The camera has three non-volatile storage spaces used for parameter storage and one volatile work space that is
applied to actual camera operation. Three storage spaces are divided into one Factory Space and two user spaces
(User 1 Space and User 2 Space). The Factory Space contains parameter values generated during the camera's
factory setup procedure. The camera can save the current parameter values to User 1 Space or User 2 Space in
the non-volatile memory. You can read and write the parameter values stored in the user spaces, but you can only
read the parameter values stored in the Factory Space.
When the camera is powered on or reset, parameter values stored in one of the storage spaces will be loaded into
the work space according to the Config Initialization setting and then these values will be used for the camera
settings. Since values loaded into the work space are valid only while the camera is powered on, they should be
copied to User 1 Space or User 2 Space by using the “sct” command.

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Figure 10.2 Parameter Storage Space

VX Camera Link series

Command

Syntax

Value

Returned

Description

Help

h

String

Displays a list of all commands

Set Image Width
Get Image Width

siw n
giw

OK
n

n: Image width

Set Image Height
Get Image Height

sih n
gih

OK
n

n: Image height

Set Offset X
Get Offset X

sox n
gox

OK
n

n: Offset X

Set Offset Y
Get Offset Y

soy n
goy

OK
n

n: Offset Y

Set Binning Horizontal Factor
Get Binning Horizontal Factor

sbh 2|3|4|8
gbh

OK
2|3|4|8

2: Horizontal binning by 2
3: Horizontal binning by 3
4: Horizontal binning by 4
8: Horizontal binning by 8

Set Binning Vertical Factor
Get Binning Vertical Factor

sbv 2|3|4|8
gbv

OK
2|3|4|8

2: Vertical binning by 2
3: Vertical binning by 3
4: Vertical binning by 4
8: Vertical binning by 8

Set Pclk Select
Get Pclk Select

sps 0|1
gps

OK
0|1

0: Normal Speed
1: High Speed

Set Test Image
Get Test Image

sti 0|1|2|3
gti

OK
0|1|2|3

0: Off
1/2: Fixed pattern image
3: Moving pattern image

Set Data Bit
Get Data Bit

sdb 8|10|12
gdb

OK
8|10|12

8: 8 bit output
10: 10 bit output
12: 12 bit output

Set Channel Mode
Get Channel Mode

scm 1|2|4
gcm

OK
1|2|4

1: 1 tap output
2: 2 tap output
3: 4 tap output

10.4 Command List

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Table 10.1 Command List #1

VX Camera Link series

Command

Syntax

Value

Returned

Description

Set Knee lut Select
Get Knee lut Select

sks 0|1
gks

OK
0|1

0: Knee LUT Off
1: Knee LUT On

Set Luminance lut Select
Get Luminance lut Select

sls 0|1
gls

OK
0|1

0: Luminance LUT Off
1: Luminance LUT On

Set Frame Rate
Get Frame Rate

sfr n
gfr

OK
n

n: Frame rate

Set Horizontal Flip
Get Horizontal Flip

shf 0|1
ghf

OK
0|1

0: Horizontal flip Off
1: Horizontal flip On

Set Smear Correction
Get Smear Correction

smc 0|1
gmc

OK
0|1

0: Smear correction Off
1: Smear correction On

Set Flat-Field Correction
Get Flat-Field Correction

sfc 0|1
gfc

OK
0|1

0: Flat field correction Off
1: Flat field correction On

Set Defect Correction
Get Defect Correction

sdc 0|1
gdc

OK
0|1

0: Defect correction Off
1: Defect correction On

Set Trigger Overlap
Get Trigger Overlap

sol 0|1
gol

OK
0|1

0: Trigger overlap Off
1: Trigger overlap On

Set Double Exposure
Get Double Exposure

sde 0|1
gde

OK
0|1

0: Double exposure Off
1: Double exposure On

Set Trigger Mode
Get Trigger Mode

stm 0|1
gtm

OK
0|1

0: Trigger mode Off
1: Trigger mode On

Set Exposure Source
Get Exposure Source

ses 0|1
ges

OK
0|1

0: Program Exposure(by camera)
1: Trigger width (by external trigger signal)

Set Trigger Source
Get Trigger Source

sts 1|2
gts

OK
1|2

1: CC1 (CL Connector- frame grabber)
2: External (Control receptacle pin #1)

Set Trigger Polarity
Get Trigger Polarity

stp 0|1
gtp

OK
0|1

0: Active low
1: Active high

Set Exposure Time
Get Exposure Time

set n
get

OK
n

n: Exposure time in ㎲
(Setting range: 14 ~ 7,000,000 ㎲)

Set Strobe Polarity
Get Strobe Polarity

ssp 0|1
gsp

OK
0|1

0: Active low
1: Active high

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Table 10.2 Command List #2

VX Camera Link series

Command

Syntax

Value

Returned

Description

Set Analog Gain
Get Analog Gain

sag n
gag

OK n n: Analog gain value
(Setting range: 0 ~ 899)

Set Gain Offset
Get Gain Offset

sgo 2|3|4 n
ggo 2|3|4

OK
n

2: AFE channel for the right top of image
3: AFE channel for the left bottom of image
4: AFE channel for the right bottom of image
n: Analog gain offset value
(Setting range: -30 ~ 100)

Set Digital Gain
Get Digital Gain

sdg n
gdg

OK n n:Digital gain value
(Setting range: 1 ~ 64)

Set Analog Offset
Get Analog Offset

sao n
gao

OK N n:Analog offset value
(Setting range: 0 ~ 255)

Set Offset Offset
Get Offset Offset

soo 1|2|3|4 n
goo 1|2|3|4

OK
n

1: AFE channel for the left top of image
2: AFE channel for the right top of image
3: AFE channel for the left bottom of image
4: AFE channel for the right bottom of image
n: Analog offset offset value(Setting range: 0~12)

Generate Flat Field Data

gfd

OK

Operate flat field generator

Save Flat Field Data

sfd

OK

Save flat field data

Load Flat Field Data

lfd

OK

Load flat field data

Set Flat Field Iteration
Get Flat Field Iteration

sfi n
gfi

OK n n: (2^n) image acquisition
(Setting range: 0 ~ 4)

Set Flat Field Offset
Get Flat Field Offset

sfo n
gfo

OK n n: Flat field target level
(Setting range: 0 ~ 4095)

Load Config From

lcf 0|1|2

OK

0: Load from Factory Setting
1: Load from User 1 Setting
2: Load from User 2 Setting

Save Config To

sct 1|2

OK

0: Save to User 0 Setting (inactive)
1: Save to User 1 Setting
2: Save to User 2 Setting

Set Config Initialization
Get Config Initialization

sci 0|1|2
gci

OK
0|1|2

0: Load from Factory Setting when initializing
1: Load from User 1 Setting when initializing
2: Load from User 2 Setting when initializing

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Table 10.3 Command List #3

VX Camera Link series

Command

Syntax

Value

Returned

Description

Get MCU Version

gmv

String

Displays MCU version

Get Model Number

gmn

String

Displays model number

Get FPGA Version

gfv

String

Displays FPGA version

Get Serial Number

gsn piece

String

Displays serial number

Get Current Temperature

gct

String

Displays internal temperature in Celsius

Set Exposure Auto
Get Exposure Auto

sea 0|1|2
gea

OK
0|1|2

0: Auto Exposure Off
1: Operates the Auto Exposure once
2: Operates the Auto Exposure continuously

Set Exposure Auto Min.
Get Exposure Auto Min.

sel n
gel

OK
n

n: Auto Exposure minimum level

Set Exposure Auto Max.
Get Exposure Auto Max.

seu n
geu

OK
n

n: Auto Exposure maximum level

Set Exposure Target Level
Get Exposure Target Level

stl n
gtl

OK
n

n: Exposure target level

Set Auto Tolerance
Get Auto Tolerance

sat n
gat

OK
n

n: Exposure target level tolerance

Set AE Data ROI Image Width
Get AE Data ROI Image Width

sew n
gew

OK
n

n: Image width for AE Data ROI

Set AE Data ROI Image Height
Get AE Data ROI Image Height

seh n
geh

OK
n

n: Image height for AE Data ROI

Set AE Data ROI Offset X
Get AE Data ROI Offset X

sex n
gex

OK
n

n: Offset X for AE Data ROI

Set AE Data ROI Offset Y
Get AE Data ROI Offset Y

sey n
gey

OK
n

n: Offset Y for AE Data ROI

Set Gain Auto
Get Gain Auto

sga 0|1|2
gga

OK
0|1|2

0: Auto Gain Off
1: Operates the Auto Gain once
2: Operates the Auto Gain continuously

Set Gain Auto Min.
Get Gain Auto Min.

sgl n
ggl

OK
N

n: Auto Gain minimum level

Set Gain Auto Max.
Get Gain Auto Max.

sgu n
ggu

OK
n

n: Auto Gain maximum level

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Table 10.4 Command List #4

VX Camera Link series

Command

Syntax

Value

Returned

Description

Gain Auto Balance

gab

OK

Adjusts the gain balance between taps

Auto White Balance

awb

OK

Adjusts the white balance (color only)

Set Focus Auto
Get Focus Auto

sfa 0|1
gfa

OK
0|1

0: Auto Focus Off
1: Operates the Auto Focus once

Get Focus Position

gfp

OK

Displays focus position

Set Focus Zero Position

mfz

OK

Moves the focus position to its origin

Set Focus Infinite Position

mfl

OK

Moves the focus position for infinity

Set Initial Focus Position

mfa n

OK

n: Focus position

Set Incremental Focus Position

mfi n

OK

n: Incremental focus position

Set AF Data ROI Image Width
Get AF Data ROI Image Width

sfw n
gfw

OK
n

n: Image width for AF Data ROI

Set AF Data ROI Image Height
Get AF Data ROI Image Height

sfh n
gfh

OK
n

n: Image height for AF Data ROI

Set AF Data ROI Offset X
Get AF Data ROI Offset X

sfx n
gfx

OK
n

n: Offset X for AF Data ROI

Set AF Data ROI Offset Y
Get AF Data ROI Offset Y

sfy n
gfy

OK
n

n: Offset Y for AF Data ROI

Set Aperture Auto
Get Aperture Auto

spa 0|1
gpa

OK
0|1

0: Auto Aperture Off
1: Operates the Auto Aperture once
2: Operates the Auto Aperture continuously

Set Aperture Auto Min.
Get Aperture Auto Min.

sgl n
ggl

OK
n

n: Auto Aperture minimum level

Set Aperture Auto Max.
Get Aperture Auto Max.

sgu n
ggu

OK
n

n: Auto Aperture maximum level

Close Aperture

mpc

OK

Sets aperture to its smallest opening

Open Aperture

mpo

OK

Sets aperture to its widest opening

Get Aperture Position

gpo n n: Aperture Position

Set Initial Aperture Position

mpa n

OK

n: Absolute position of aperture

Set Incremental Aperture Position

mpi n

OK

n: Incremental aperture position

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Table 10.5 Command List #5

VX Camera Link series

Command

Syntax

Value

Returned

Description

Set AWB Data ROI Image Width
Get AWB Data ROI Image Width

sww n
gww

OK
n

n: Image width for AWB Data ROI

Set AWB Data ROI Image Height
Get AWB Data ROI Image Height

swh n
gwh

OK
n

n: Image height for AWB Data ROI

Set AWB Data ROI Offset X
Get AWB Data ROI Offset X

swx n
gwx

OK
n

n: Offset X for AWB Data ROI

Set AWB Data ROI Offset Y
Get AWB Data ROI Offset Y

swy n
gwy

OK
n

n: Offset Y for AWB Data ROI

Display AE/AF/AWB Data ROI

srd 0|1|2|3

OK
0|1|2|3

0: Data ROI display Off
1: Displays AE data ROI on the image
2: Displays AF data ROI on the image
3: Displays AWB data ROI on the image

Set Output Line Source
Get Output Line Source

sss 0|1|2|3|4|5
gss

OK
0|1|2|3|4|5

0: Off
1: Exposure Active
2: Frame Valid
3: Strobe Output Delay
4: Pulse Generator
5: User Output

Set User Output Value
Get User Output Value

suo 0|1
guo

OK
0|1

0: Active Low
1: Active High

Set Output Pulse Period
Get Output Pulse Period

spp n
gpp

OK n n: Pulse generator period
(Setting range: 1 ~ 60,000,000 ㎲)

Set Output Pulse Width
Get Output Pulse Width

spw n
gpw

OK n n: Pulse width
(Setting range: 0 ~ 60,000,000 ㎲)

Set Strobe Out Delay
Get Strobe Out Delay

sso n
gso

OK n n: Strobe Out delay time
(Setting range: 0 ~ 65,535 ㎲)

Set Line Inverter
Get Line Inverter

sii 0|1
gii

OK
0|1

0: Line Inverter Off
1: Line Inverter On

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Table 10.6 Command List #6

VX Camera Link series

Command

Syntax

Value

Returned

Description

Set Fan Operation Mode
Get Fan Operation Mode

sfm 0|1|2
gfm

OK
0|1|2

0: Turn off the fan
1: Turn on the fan
2: Turn on the fan when the internal
temperature exceeds the value set in
Operation Temperature

Set Fan Operation Temperature
Get Fan Operation Temperature

stt n
gtt

OK n n: Operation Temperature
(Setting range: -10°C ~ 80°C)

Table 10.7 Command List #7

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VX Camera Link series

11 Configurator GUI

Configurator, a sample application, is provided to control the VX-29MC camera. Configurator provides easy-to­use Graphic User Interface (GUI) for the user while using the commands mentioned in the previous chapters.

11.1 Camera Scan

When you execute the program while the camera is turned on, the Camera Scan window appears as shown in the
figure below. At this time, the program checks serial port of your computer and DLL provided by the Camera Link
to scan whether the camera is connected. If there is a camera connected, it displays model name on the screen.
If the camera is not properly displayed on the screen, check the connection of cables and power of the camera,
and click the refresh button. When you double-click a model name displayed on the screen, Configurator is
executed and displays current setting values of the camera connected.

Figure 11.1 Configurator Loading Window

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11.2 Menu

11.2.1 File

Figure 11.2 File Menu

 Load Setting: Loads the camera setting values from the camera memory (Factory, User1 or

User2) or user computer (From File).

 Save Setting: Saves the camera setting values to the camera memory (User1 or User2) or user

memory (To File).
 Defect Pixel: Downloads defect information to the camera (Download to Camera) or uploads

defect information saved in the camera to user computer (Upload to PC).

 System Upgrade: Upgrades MCU or FPGA logic.
 Exit: Exits Configurator.

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11.2.2 Start-Up

You can select the camera setting values to load when the camera is powered on.

Figure 11.3 Start-Up Menu

 Factory Setting: Loads the camera setting values from Factory Space when the camera is

powered on.
 User 1 Setting: Loads the camera setting values from User 1 Space when the camera is

powered on.
 User 2 Setting: Loads the camera setting values from User 2 Space when the camera is

powered on.

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VX Camera Link series

11.2.3 Tool

Figure 11.4 Tool Menu

 Refresh: Loads and displays the current camera setting values on Configurator.
 Terminal: Allows you to input commands or displays GUI commands in the Terminal

window. To hide the Terminal window, deselect Terminal by clicking again.

 Color calibration: Displays a window to calibrate Bayer sensor’s color temperature.
 Factory Setting: Not supported in user side.
 High Speed: Select the High Speed to operate the camera in the High Speed mode.

To operate the camera in the Normal Speed mode, deselect the High Speed.

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VX Camera Link series

11.2.4 About

Figure 11.5 About Menu

 Camera Info: Displays camera information (model name, serial number, version, etc).

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VX Camera Link series

11.3 Tab

11.3.1 VIEW Tab

The VIEW tab allows you to set the camera’s region of interest (ROI), binning mode, test image mode, data bit,
channel, LUT, image processing, etc.

 Binning: Selects a binning factor (×1, ×2, ×3, ×4, ×8) for vertical and horizontal

binning.

 Test Image: Enable/Disables the test image mode and selects the type of test images.
 Data Bit: Selects a data bit depth.
 Channel: Selects a Camera Link output mode.
 LUT: Enable/Disables the LUT and selects the type of LUT.
 Imaging Processing: Sets Flat Field Correction, Defect Correction, Smear Correction, and Horizontal

Flip features On or Off.

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Figure 11.6 VIEW Tab

VX Camera Link series

11.3.2 MODE/EXP Tab

The MODE/EXP tab allows you to select trigger mode, exposure time, and strobe. All scroll bars are controllable
with the mouse wheel scroll.

Figure 11.7 MODE/EXP Tab

 Trigger Mode: Selects a trigger mode. Once a mode has been selected, related selections will

be activated.

 Exposure: Selects an exposure mode.
 Source: Selects a trigger source.
 Activation: Selects a polarity of trigger input.
 Exposure Time: Sets exposure time to be applied when Exposure is set to Timed or

Trigger Mode is set to Off.

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VX Camera Link series

After clicking the Auto Adjustment button, at least one or more images must be acquired by the
camera.

11.3.3 ANALOG Tab

The ANALOG tab allows you to set the gain and offset settings of the image. All scroll bars are controllable with
the mouse wheel scroll.

Figure 11.8 ANALOG Tab

 Analog Gain: Sets gain value of each channel.

The Auto Adjustment button will be activated after checking the

Fine Adjustment checkbox. Click the button to compensate Tap differences

automatically.

 Analog Offset: Sets offset value of each channel.

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VX Camera Link series

11.3.4 LUT Tab

The LUT tab allows you to download LUT data. For more information about LUT download, refer to Appendix B.

Figure 11.9 LUT Tab

 Graph: Loads LUT data from your computer or sets Gamma value to be

applied when you use Gamma curve.
 Camera LUT Download / Upload: Downloads LUT data stored in your computer to the camera

(Download) or uploads LUT data stored in the camera to your

computer (Upload to PC).

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VX Camera Link series

11.3.5 FFC Tab

The FFC tab allows you to set the Flat Field Correction settings. All scroll bars are controllable with the mouse
wheel scroll.

Figure 11.10 FFC Tab

 FFC Data: Generates the FF data to be used for correction and sets how many images will

be used for the generation.

 Flash Memory: Saves the generated FF data to Flash (Save to Flash) in order to reuse in the

future or loads the saved FFC data (Load from Flash).

 FFC Data

Download / Upload: Downloads FFC data from the user computer (Download to camera) or uploads

FFC data to the user computer (Upload to PC).

 FFC Offset Level: Sets the offset value of the image after Flat Field Correction is applied.

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11.3.6 ROI Tab

The ROI tab allows you to set Data region of interest (ROI) to be used with the Auto Exposure, Auto Focus, and
Auto White Balance features.

Figure 11.11 ROI Tab

 ROI Selection: Sets Data ROI and selects an automatic feature to be used with Data ROI. You

need to set the Width and Height settings followed by the Offset X and Offset Y

settings.

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11.3.7 AUTO Tab

The AUTO tab allows you to set the Auto Exposure, Auto Gain, Auto Focus, Auto Aperture, Auto Gain Balance,
and Auto White Balance features.

Figure 11.12 AUTO Tab

 Auto Exposure: Sets a target average grey value, tolerance of the target average grey value, and

lower/upper limits of exposure duration for the Auto Exposure feature. You can

also set the Auto Exposure feature to Once or Continuous operation mode.
 Auto Gain: Sets lower/upper limits of Gain to be used with the Auto Gain feature. You can

also set the Auto Gain feature to Once or Continuous operation mode.

 Auto Gain Balance: Executes the Auto Gain Balance feature.
 Auto White Balance: Executes the Auto White Balance feature on the color camera.
 Auto Focus: Moves the focus position to its origin, infinity, or the absolute position and sets

increments of Focus, You can also set the Auto Focus feature to Once or

Continuous operation mode.
 Auto Aperture: Sets Aperture to its smallest opening, its widest opening, or the absolute position

and sets lower/upper limits and increments of Aperture. You can also set the

Auto Aperture to Once or Continuous operation mode.

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VX Camera Link series

11.3.8 OUTPUT Tab

The OUTPUT tab allows you to set signals output from the control receptacle pin 3 and fan controls.

Figure 11.13 OUTPUT Tab

 Digital IO Control

 Line Inverter: Sets whether to invert the output signal of the line.

 Line Source: Selects the type of the output signals.
 Fan Operation Mode: Sets the fan to turn On or Off. You can also set the fan to turn on when a

specified internal temperature is reached.

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VX Camera Link series

12 Troubleshooting

When you have a problem with a Vieworks camera, please check the following items.

 If no image is displayed on your computer,

 Ensure that all the cable connections are secure.

 Ensure that the power supply is properly connected.

 Ensure that trigger signal is applied correctly when the Trigger Mode parameter is set to On.

 If images are not clear,

 Ensure the camera lens or glass is clean.

 Check the lens aperture is adjusted properly.

 If images are dark,

 Ensure your camera lens is not blocked.

 Check the exposure time is set properly.

 Check the aperture is opened properly.

 If you identify abnormal operation or overheating sign,

 Ensure the power supply is properly connected.

 Stop using the camera when you notice smoke or abnormal overheating.

 If you have a problem using the Trigger Mode,

 Ensure that the trigger related parameters on your Frame Grabber are configured correctly when you

use CC1 trigger signal.

 Ensure that cable connections are secure when you use external trigger mode.

 If you notice the difference between left and right image,

 Check whether left and right gain settings are different.

 Check whether left and right offset settings are different.

 If there is a communication failure between the camera and computer,

 Ensure Camera Link cables are connected properly.

 Ensure that you have configured a Frame Grabber in your computer correctly and the camera is

connected properly to the Frame Grabber.

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VX Camera Link series

Appendix A Defective Pixel Map Download

1. Create the Defective Pixel Map data in Microsoft Excel format as shown in the left picture below and save as

a CSV file (*.csv). The picture in the right shows the created Excel file opened in Notepad. The following rules
need to be applied when creating the file.

 Lines beginning with ‘:’ or ‘—‘ are treated as notes.

 Each row is produced in the order of the horizontal and vertical coordinate values.

 The input sequence of pixel is irrelevant.

2. Select File > Defect Pixel > Download to Camera on Configurator.

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VX Camera Link series

3. Search and select the created file and click Open.

4. Configurator starts downloading defective pixel map data to the camera and downloading status is displayed

at the bottom of the window.

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