User Manual
Model : VX-29MG
English
VX series
Revision History
Version Date Description
1.0 2012-07-25 Draft
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Contents
1 Precautions ....................................................................................................................... 5
2 Warranty ............................................................................................................................ 5
3 Compliance & Certifications ............................................................................................ 6
3.1 FCC Declaration .............................................................................................................. 6
3.2 CE : DoC ......................................................................................................................... 6
4 Components and Connections ........................................................................................ 7
4.1 Package Components ..................................................................................................... 7
5 Installation ......................................................................................................................... 8
5.1 Mount Plate ..................................................................................................................... 8
5.2 Precaution to center the image sensor ............................................................................ 9
5.3 Precaution about blurring compared to center ................................................................. 9
5.4 Installing Vieworks Imaging Solution ................................................................................ 9
6 Product Specifications ................................................................................................... 10
6.1 Model ............................................................................................................................ 10
6.2 Specifications ................................................................................................................. 11
6.3 Camera Block Diagram ................................................................................................. 12
6.4 Sensor Information ........................................................................................................ 13
6.5 Mechanical Specification ............................................................................................... 14
7 Camera Interface ............................................................................................................. 15
7.1 General Description ....................................................................................................... 15
7.2 RJ-46 Jack .................................................................................................................... 16
7.3 Control Receptacle ........................................................................................................ 17
7.4 Power Input Receptacle ................................................................................................. 18
7.5 Trigger Input Circuit ....................................................................................................... 19
7.6 Strobe Output Circuit ..................................................................................................... 19
8 Camera Features ............................................................................................................. 20
8.1 Image R egion of Interest ............................................................................................... 20
8.2 Binning .......................................................................................................................... 23
8.3 Exposure Control ........................................................................................................... 25
8.3.1 IRIS Control .................................................................................................................................... 25
8.3.2 Timed Exposure Mode .................................................................................................................... 26
8.3.3 Pulse Width Exposure Mode .......................................................................................................... 27
8.3.4 Exposure Auto, Aperture Auto and Gain Auto ................................................................................ 28
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8.4 Trigger Mode ................................................................................................................. 29
8.4.1 Free Run ......................................................................................................................................... 29
8.4.2 Timed Mode .................................................................................................................................... 31
8.4.3 Pulse Width Mode ........................................................................................................................... 33
8.4.4 Software Trigger-Timed Mode ........................................................................................................ 35
8.4.5 Double Exposure Mode .................................................................................................................. 36
8.5 Channel Mode ............................................................................................................... 37
8.6 Stream Hold................................................................................................................... 39
8.7 Inter-Packet Delay ......................................................................................................... 39
8.8 Data ROI ....................................................................................................................... 40
8.9 Auto Focus .................................................................................................................... 41
8.10 Gain and Offset ............................................................................................................. 41
8.10.1 Analog Domain ............................................................................................................................. 41
8.10.2 Digital Domain .............................................................................................................................. 42
8.11 LUT ............................................................................................................................... 43
8.12 Defective Pixel Correct io n ............................................................................................. 44
8.12.1 Correction Method ........................................................................................................................ 44
8.12.2 Correction Method in Binning Mode ............................................................................................. 44
8.13 Flat Field Correction ...................................................................................................... 45
8.14 Smear Correction .......................................................................................................... 47
8.15 Temperature Monitor ..................................................................................................... 47
8.16 Fan Control.................................................................................................................... 47
8.17 Status LED .................................................................................................................... 47
8.18 Data Format .................................................................................................................. 48
8.19 Test Image ..................................................................................................................... 49
8.20 Horizontal Flip ............................................................................................................... 51
8.21 User IO Control ............................................................................................................. 52
8.22 Field Upgrade ................................................................................................................ 52
Appendix A Defective Pixel Map Download .................................................................... 53
Appendix B LUT Download ............................................................................................... 55
B.1 Gamma Graph Download .............................................................................................. 55
B.2 CSV File Download ....................................................................................................... 57
Appendix C Field Upgrade ................................................................................................ 59
C.1 MCU .............................................................................................................................. 59
C.2 FPGA ............................................................................................................................ 61
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1 Precautions
General
Do not drop, damage, disassemble, repair or alter the device.
Do not let children touch the device without supervision.
Do not use the device for any other purpose then specified.
Cont act your nearest distributor in case of trouble or problem.
Installation and Maintenance
Do not install the device in a place subject to direct sun light, humidity, dust or soot.
Do not place magnets near the product.
Do not place the device next to heating equipments.
Be careful not to let liquid like water, drinks or chemicals leak inside the device.
Clean the device often to remove dust on it.
In clearing, do not splash water on the device but wipe it out with smooth cloth or towel.
Power Supply
It is recommended the use of 12V DC with ±10% of voltage, over 1A of output current
with KC, CE or other local certification. If voltage over 16V is supplied, it will cause
damages to the device.
※ Vieworks Co., Ltd. does NOT provide power supplies with the devices.
2 Warranty
For information about the warranty, please contact your local dealer or factory representative.
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3 Compliance & Certi f ications
3.1 FCC Declaration
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 own expenses.
3.2 CE : DoC
EMC Directive 2004/108/EC.
Testing Standard EN 55022:2006+ A1: 200 7, EN 5502 4: 1998+A1:2001+A2:2003
Class A
KCC Statement
Type Description
Class A
(Broadcasting Comm unic ation
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.
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4 Components and Connections
4.1 Package Components
Package Components
VX Camera <F mount>
VX Camera <Canon-EF adapter>
Interface for Canon-EF adapter (except Canon-EF adapter) option is also available upon request.
Mount Plate (Optional)
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5 Installation
The following instructions as s um e that you have installed an Ethernet Card including related software and
Vieworks Imaging Solution in your PC. For more information, refer to your Vieworks Imaging Solution Installation
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 an Ethernet cable into the RJ45 jack on the camera and the other end of the Ethernet cable
into the Ethernet Card in your PC.
3. Connect the plug of the power adaptor to the po wer in put receptacle on the camera.
4. Plug the power adaptor into a working electrical outlet.
5. Verify all the cable connections are secure.
5.1 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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5.2 Precaution to center the imag e s ensor
User does not need to center the image sensor as it is adjusted as factory default settings.
When you need to adjust the center of image sensor, please contact your local dealer or the manufacturer
for technical assistance.
5.3 Precaution about blurring compared to center
User does 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.
5.4 Installing Vieworks Imaging Solution
You can download the Vieworks Imaging Solution at machinevision.vieworks.com.
You should perform the software installation first and then the hardware installation.
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6 Product Specifications
6.1 Model
VX Series cameras are made for Aerial Imaging and High-end Surveillance applicat ions whic h requir e 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 an d aperture controls but also auto focus and Canon-EF adapter control.
Main Features
29 Megapixel Resolution (Truesense Imaging, Inc. IT Progressive)
Auto Exposure, Auto Gain, Auto Aperture Controls
Auto Focus
Real Exposure
Canon-EF adapter Control for Canon EF lens (Optional)
Smear Correction
Stream Hold
Inter-Packet Delay
User Adjustable BFL
Field Upgradable Firmware
Pixel Defect Correction
Excellent anti-blooming and anti-smear
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6.2 Specifications
VX series technical specifications are as follows.
Item VX-29MG
Active Image (H × V) 6576 × 4384
Sensor Type Truesense Imaging KAI 29050
Pixel Size
Sensor Output 1 or 2 Tap
Video Output 8/10/12 bits
Camera Interface Gigabit Ethernet
Electronic Shutter Global Shutter
Max. Frame Rate at Full Resolution 2.3 fps (dual) / 1.2 fps (single)
Pixel Clock
Shutter Speed 46/100000 ~ 7 sec
Partial Scan (Max. Speed) 8.8 fps at 500 Lines
Image Correction G=1.0, Knee control, User defined Look Up Table (LUT)
Black Offset Adjustable (0 ~ 127 LSB at 12 bit, 256 steps)
Analog Gain VGA Gain
CDS Gain
Digital Gain
Trigger Mode Free-Run, Timed Exposure, Pulse Width Exposure, Double Exposure
External Trigger
5.5 ㎛ × 5.5 ㎛
30/40 ㎒
0 ~ 32 ㏈, 900 steps
-3.0, 0.0, +3.0, +6.0 ㏈
×1 ~ ×64 (1/1024 step)
3.3 V ~ 5.0 V, 10 ㎃, Asynchronous, optically isolated
Software Trigger Asynchronous, Programmable via Camera API
Dynamic Range
Lens Mount F-mount or Canon-EF adapter
Power 10 ~ 15 V DC, Max. 10 W
Environmental
Mechanical (W × H × L) 74 ㎜ × 65 ㎜ × 103 ㎜, 550 g (with F-mount)
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> 64 ㏈
Operating: -35℃ ~ 60℃, Storage: -40℃ ~ 70℃
74 ㎜ × 65 ㎜ × 101 ㎜, 550 g (with Canon-EF adapter)
Table 6.1 Specifications of VX Series
VX series
FPGA
LVDS
CCD
H DRIVER
H&V&CLK
SPI
H SYNC
VSUB & ETC
V SYNC
1Gb LPSDRAM
1Gb DDRII
128Mb SDRAM
JTAG
TEMP.
64Kb EEPROM
SPI
RGMII
PHY
ADC
+3.3V
+15V
-9.0V
+5.0V
POWER
RJ-45
POWER IN
TRIGGER & STROBE
RS-232
TRIGGER
STROBE
TTL LEVEL RS-232
CLK&RST
+1.8V
POWER
10~15V
+12V
+1.2V
+1.2V
+1.8V
+2.5V
CCD
OUT
V DRIVER
V SYNC
IO BoardFPGA BoardSENSOR Board
POWER
64Mb FLASH
RS-232
DRIVER
6.3 Camera Block Diagram
Figure 6.1 Camera Block Diagram
All controls and data processing of VX cameras are carries out in one FPGA chip. The FPGA generally consists
of a 32 bit RICS Micro-Controller and Processing & Control Logic. The Micro-Controller receives commands from
the user through the Gigabit Ethernet 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
Gigabit Ethernet interface. And also, the Processing & Control Logic controls the trigger inputs and strobe
outputs which are sensitive to time. Furthermore, DDR2 SDRAM for operating Micro-Controller, SDRAM for used
as a frame buffer to process images, LPSDRAM for used as Gigabit Ethernet buffer, Giga PHY for output of
GigE, and Flash memory for saving system codes and defect coordinates are installed outside FPGA.
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6.4 Sensor Information
The following graphs show the spectral response for VX monochrome cameras.
Figure 6.2 Spectral Response (Top: Monochrome, Bottom: Color)
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6.5 Mechanical Specification
The camera dimensions in millimeters are as shown in the following figure.
Figure 6.3 VX Camera Mechanical Dimension
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7 Camera Interface
7.1 General Description
As shown in the following figure, 3 types of connectors and status indicator LED are located on the back of the
camera and have the functions as follows:
① Status LED: displays power status and operation mode.
② RJ-45 Jack: controls video data and the camera.
③ 6 pin Control Receptacle: inputs external trigger signal and outputs strobe.
④ 6 pin Power Input Receptacle: supplies power to the camera.
①
②
③
④
Figure 7.1 RJ-45 Jack
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7.2 RJ-46 Jack
Figure 7.2 RJ-45 Jack
PAIR List Pin Signal Name Type Description
PA IR 0
PA IR 1
PA IR 2
PA IR 3
1 +TXA Differential Gigabit Ethernet Transceiver
2 -TXA Differential Gigabit Ethernet Transceiver
3 +TXB Differential Gigabit Ethernet Transceiver
4 -TXB Differential Gigabit Ethernet Transceiver
7 +TXC Differential Gigabit Ethernet Transceiver
8 -TXC Differential Gigabit Ethernet Transceiver
9 +TXD Differential Gigabit Ethernet Transceiver
10 -TXD Differential Gigabit Ethernet Transceiver
Table 7.1 Pi n Assignments for the RJ-45 Jack
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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 port. The pin assignments and configurations are as follows:
Figure 7.3 Pin A ssignments for 6 Pin Control Receptacle
Pin Number Signal Type Description
1 Trigger Input + Input 2 Trigger Input - Input -
3 Strobe Out Output
4 DC Ground - DC Ground
5 RS-232 RX Input Canon-EF adapter interface
6 RS-232 TX Output Canon-EF adapter interface
Table 7.2 Pi n Arrangement of Control Connector
The mating connector is a Hirose 6 pin plug (part # HR10A-7P-6SB) or the equivalent connectors.
3.3 V TTL Output
Output resistance : 47 Ω
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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
Pin Number Signal Type Description
1, 2 , 3 + 12V DC Input DC Power Input
4 , 5 , 6 DC Ground Input DC Ground
Figure 7.5 Pin Configurations for Power Input Receptacle
Connecting the power cable to the camera can be made by using the Hirose 6 pin plug (part # HR10A-7P-6S) or
the equivalent. The power adaptor is recommended to have at least 1A current output at 12 V DC ±10% voltage
output (Users need to purchase the power adaptor separately).
Precaution for Power Input
Make sure the power is turned off before connecting the power cord to the camera.
Otherwise, damage to the camera may result.
If the camera input voltage is greater than 16 V, damage to the camera may result.
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3
21
1
2
3
5
4
6
1K
330R
+5.0V
TRIGGER+
TRIGGER_IN
TRIGGER-
USER
CAMERA
+3.3~5.0V
0V
TTL DRIVER
HR10A-7R-6SB
1
2
3
5
4
6
2
1
47R
STROBE_OUT
STROBE
TTL DRIVER
0V
+3.3V
HR10A-7R-6SB
USER
CAMERA
7.5 Trigger Input Circuit
Following figure shows trigger signal input circuit of the 6-pin connector. Transmitted trigger signal is applied to
the internal circuit through a photo coupler. 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. External trigger circuit
example is shown below.
Figure 7.6 Trigger Input Schematic
7.6 Strobe Output Circuit
The strobe output signal comes out through a 3.3 V output level of TTL Driver IC. You can change the strobe
output by setting (Refer to chapter 8.21).
Figure 7.7 Strobe Output Sch ematic
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Horizontal ROI
ROI
Region
Interest
(
Offset
Offset
Height
(
(
(0, 0)
8 Camera Features
8.1 Image Region of Interest
The Image Region of Interest (ROI) feature allows you to specify a portion of the sensor array. After acquiring
each image, only the pixel information from the specified portion of the array will be read out and transmitted
from the camera. With ROI feature, users can achieve increased frame rate by decreasing the height of the ROI.
However, decreasing the width of the ROI does not affect the frame rate. The ROI is reference to the top left
corner [origin (0, 0)] of the sensor array. The location and size of the ROI is defined by designating an Offset X, a
Width, an Offset Y, and a Height. For example, assume that you specify a ROI as follows. Make sure that the
sum of height and offset Y or the sum of width and offset X cannot exceed the maximum vertical or horizontal
lines of the sensor array.
Offset X: 1000
Offset Y: 2000
Width: 2000
Height: 2000
The area of the array that is bounded by your settings is shown in the figure below.
Of
Vertical
6575, 0)
Y
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0, 4383)
X
Figure 8.1 Image Region of Interest
Width
6575, 4383)
VX series
The maximum frame speed 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
T
: time required to move electric charges accumulated on pixel to Vertical
VCCD
+ TFD × {V
VCCD
SIZE
Register
TFD : time required for Fast Dump
V
: number of Vertical Line of CCD
SIZE
TL : time required for transmission of one line
V
: size of Vertical ROI
ROI
The available minimum value of T
value of T
may vary depending on the channel mode. The values of each item are shown below.
L
VCCD
, TFD, V
, TL and V
SIZE
may vary depending on the camera model. The
ROI
VX Series VX-29M
T
VCCD
TL (1 channel)
TL (2 channel)
TFD
– (V
40 ㎲
180.5 ㎲
97.4 ㎲
4.8 ㎲
+ 12)} + (V
ROI
+ 12) × TL]
ROI
V
4384 Lines
SIZE
Minimum Vertical ROI S i ze 500 Lines
Table 8.1 T iming Value for VX-29M
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The following figure shows frame rate depending on Vertical ROI changes when the camera is set to 2 tap mode.
ROI Size
Figure 8.2 Frame Rate by Vertical ROI changes
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8.2 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 by a multiple
of binning factor and SNR will be improved because the number of readout is reduced. However, the horizontal
binning does not affect the frame rate and SNR because it is processed in the FPGA. The sensiti vit y to light will
be enhanced and the brightness will be increased about four times because four pixels are summed as one.
Figure 8.3 Binning
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VX series supports ×1, ×2, ×3, ×4, ×8 binning factors for both vertical and horizontal direction
independently.
Figure 8.4 Binning factors
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.
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8.3 Exposure Control
Exposure is determined by setting an aperture, exposure time and gain. You can set these three factors to On or
Off to use Auto Exposure or Manual Exposure. The aperture feature is onl y availa bl e when you equip a CanonEF adapter with an EF lens. VX series supports Timed exposure mode and Pulse Width exposure mode for
controlling exposure time. Timed mode operates the camera with internally determined exposure time while
Pulse Width mode operates it with external trigger signal width.
8.3.1 Aperture Control
Aperture control is only working with EF lens. To equip an EF lens, you must use a Canon-EF adapter (Figure
8.5). To use a Canon-EF adapter, you have to request an interface for Canon-EF adapter (Figure 8.6) 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 8.5 Canon-EF Adapter
Figure 8.6 Interface for Canon-EF Adapter
The procedures for power supply or communication interface connections may vary
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VX series
8.3.2 Timed Exposure Mode
When the Timed exposure mode is selected, the length of exposure will be defined as an interval between
shutter signal and transfer pulse. The exposure starts when the shutter signal ends and continuous until the t
pd
(photodiode transfer) signal falls. The difference between user setting exposure time and actual exposure time
may occur depending on the image acquisition mode. However, if you use the Timed exposure mode, the actual
exposure time will be the same as camera’s exposure setting as shown in the figure below. This is because the
offset of Transfer Pulse is compensated and then applied to the actual exposure time.
Figure 8.7 Timed Exposure Mode
The minimum exposure time that can be set is restricted to the following formula since the offset value calculated
previously.
The minimum exposure time = shutter delay + VCCD + VCCD/2 + t
3p
+ t
pd
46 ㎲ = 10 ㎲ + 8 ㎲ + 4 ㎲ + 16 ㎲ + 8 ㎲
Shutter delay: Waiting time until shutter signal falls to ‘0’ level
VCCD: One clock cycle of VCCD
VCCD/2: Time difference between VCCD signals used for Vertical transfer
T3p: VCCD leading pedestal signal, time for preparing photodiode transfer
Tpd: Photodiode transfer signal, time for transferring charge from
photodiode to CCD region
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8.3.3 Pulse Width Exposure Mode
When the Pulse width exposure mode is selected, the length of exposure will be defined as a width of an
external trigger. The exposure starts when the shutter signal ends and continuous until the t
transfer) signal falls. The difference between pulse width and actual exposure time occur due to an offset of
transfer pulse as shown in the figure below.
(photodiode
pd
Figure 8.8 Pulse Width Exposure Mode
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8.3.4 Exposure Auto, Aperture Auto and Gain Auto
The Exposure Auto feature automatically adjusts exposure settings to match (as closely as possible) the gray
level of image to the user defined target level.
The Exposure Auto feature also can be used with Aperture Auto and Gain Auto features. When the Exposure
Auto, Aperture Auto and Gain Auto parameters are set to on, the VX camera will adjusts the settings for Aperture,
Exposure Time and Gain in order. In this case, the maximum 30 frames of image data will be required for the
auto features to take effect. Exposure Time can vary depending on the Frame Rate settings.
Each feature can be used separately and operated in the Off, Once and Continuous modes. If you set the
feature to Once, the feature will be set to Off after achieving the target value. If you set the feature to
Continuous, Aperture, Exposure Time and Gain parameters will be adjusted to achieve the target value
whenever the light conditions change. You can adjust the sensitivity of Exposure Auto by setting the Exposure
Auto T olerance value. The adjustment range of each parameter according to the image level is shown in the
figure below.
Figure 8.9 Image level adjustment
When you set each parameter to Off, the operation procedures will be as follows:
Aperture Auto Off: Exposure Gain (Aperture can be adjusted manually.)
Exposure Time Off: Aperture Gain (Exposure Time can be adjusted manually.)
Gain Off: Aperture Exposure (Gain can be adjusted manually.)
If a Canon-EF adapter is not equipped with VX camera, Aperture parameters will be deactivated and operation
procedures will be the same as when Aperture Auto is set to Off.
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Standard Frame Time
Exposure Time
Transfer
Pulse
Shutter
Signal
Readout
Readout Time
N N+1
8.4 Trigger Mode
Trigger mode is divided into Trigger synchronous mode and Trigger asynchronous mode (hereinafter “Free-Run
mode”) depending on its synchronization with trigger input. The trigger signals will be applied externally as
software (GigE interface) or hardware on the Trigger synchronous mode. You can set the exposure to Pulse
Width (external pulse) or Timed (exposure time). And also, you can select the Double Exposure mode to acquire
two image with one signal. Trigger Overlap allows you to set whether or not to ignore the trigger signals when
the signals are inputted during reading out the sensor data.
8.4.1 Free Run
Free-Run mode repeats Readout according to the exposure time parameter value set in the camera currently,
regardless of trigger input. When the exposure time is set shorter than readout time, the frame rate is constant
regardless of the exposure time.
Figure 8.10 Exposure time is shorter than Readout time
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Standard Frame Time
Frame Time ≈ Exposure Time
Transfer
Pulse
Shutter
Signal
Readout
Readout Time
N
N+1
When the exposure time is set longer than readout time, the frame rate gets lower as the exposure time
increases.
Figure 8.11 Exposure time is longer than Readout time
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8.4.2 Timed Mode
In Timed mode, trigger signals are applied to the camera through the control receptacle. Exposure starts with
this signal and the exposure time can be controlled by parameters set in the camera. After reading out the
sensor data, the next trigger signal will be applied to avoid overlapping.
Figure 8.12 Non-overlapped Exposure and Readout in Timed Mode
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If the next trigger signal is applied while the camera is reading out the sensor data, the exposures and readouts
are overlapped as shown in the figure below. If you set Trigger Overlap to off, the signal will be ignored.
Figure 8.13 Overlapped Exposure and Readout in Timed Mode
The maximum 1H line of shutter signal tolerance may occur if a trigger signal is applied while
reading out the sensor data because a shutter signal can be started between VCCD and
HCCD.
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8.4.3 Pulse Width Mode
With Pulse Width mode, the externally generated trigger signal will be applied through the control receptacle and
the pulse width of the signal will determine the exposure time. As described in chapter 8.3.3, there is an offset
between user defined exposure value and actual exposure value. If the next trigger signal is applied after
reading out the sensor data, there is non- overlapped exposure and readout as shown in the figure below.
Figure 8.14 Non-overlapped Exposure and Readout in Pulse Width Mode
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If the next trigger signal is applied while the camera is reading out the sensor data, the exposures and readouts
are overlapped as shown in the figure below. If you set Trigger Overlap to off, the signal will be ignored.
Figure 8.15 Overlapped Exposure and Readout in Pulse Width Mode
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8.4.4 Software Trigger-Timed Mode
When Software is selected for trigger source and Timed is selected for exposure mode, trigger signals will be
applied through gigabit Ethernet interface. There is trigger latency delay due to gigabit Ethernet characteristics.
To avoid this latency, select External for trigger source. The camera will be operated in the same condition
except trigger source.
Figure 8.16 Software Timed Mode
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Trigger
Shutter
Signal
Transfer
Pulse
Frame
Vaild
Readout
Exposure
Exposur for
Image 1
Exposure for
Image 2
Image 1 Image 2
8.4.5 Double Exposure Mode
With Double Exposure mode, you can acquire two images which have same exposure time with one trigger
signal. When a trigger signal is applied to the camera, readout of the sensor data will take place after completing
exposure. The second exposure will start at the time of starting the first readout. Once the readout for the first
acquired frame is complete, the sensor data for the second frame will be read out.
Figure 8.17 Double Exposure Mode
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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
Dual
Channel
Right Dark Columns
Top Dark Rows
Bottom Buffer Rows
Top Buffer Rows
Left Buffer Columns
Right Buffer Columns
Single
Channel
Video L Video R
Left Dummy Pixels
Rigth Dummy Pixels
Horizontal Register
Bottom Dark Rows
(1, 1)
8.5 Channel Mode
When reading out the data in the sensor, dual output will be used to read out the data from horizontal register of
CCD. Pixel values from left to the center of Horizontal Register are shifted towards the Video L, and pixel val ues
from the right are shifted towards the Video R.
Figure 8.18 Channel Mode
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The camera processes and rearranges the image data in order to be compliant with the Gigabit Ethernet
Standard. In single channel, image data moved out from the Video A is processed and rearranged to be
transmitted as gigabit Ethernet compliant format. In dual channel, image data moved out from the Video A and B
simultaneously is processed and rearranged to be transmitted as gigabit Ethernet compliant format.
Figure 8.19 Image Data Flow
Figure 8.20 Data Output
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8.6 Stream Hold
VX Gigabit Ethernet camera provides Stream Hold feature for controlling the transmission of data.
Normally, the camera sends data to the host computer immediately after completing the exposure.
Enabling the Stream Hold feature delays the transmission of data, storing it in the camera’s volatile memory until
the Stream Hold feature is disabled.
This feature can be useful to prevent flooding in Gigabit Ethernet network where multiple cameras are connected
to a single host computer and capture a single event. Using the Stream Hold feature, each camera will hold the
image data until the each camera’s Stream Hold feature is disabled. VX camera provides 128 MB on-board
memory for the Stream Hold feature. The Stream Hold feature does not allow you to select which frame will be
released to the host computer. When the Stream Hold feature is disabled, the stored image data will be released
to the host computer. For more information, refer to the application note about VX stream hold.
8.7 Inter-Packet Delay
VX Gigabit Ethernet camera provides the Inter-packet delay feature to set the delay in ticks between the packets
sent by the camera.
Packet Size
The GevSCPSPacketSize parameter sets the size of the packets that the camera will use when it send the data
via the selected stream channel. This parameter should always be set to the maximum size that your network
components can handle.
Setting the delay between packets
The GevSCPD parameter sets the delay in ticks between the packets sent by the camera. Increasing the delay
will decrease the camera’s effective data transmission rate and will thus decrease the network bandwidth used
by the camera. In the VX gigabit Ethernet camera, one tick is 12.5 ㎱. To check the tick frequency, read the
GevTimestampTickFrequency parameter value.
In case of multiple cameras or other devices working on the same physical network, it might be desirable to send
the packets of a camera’s streaming channel with a certain inter-packet delay in order to allow multiple cameras
or devices to share a given network bandwidth.
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Full Size Image
Image ROI
Data ROI
Effective
Data ROI
8.8 Data ROI
VX camera provides data region of interest (ROI) that user can adjust for Exposure Auto, Focus Auto and
Balance White Auto. XML parameters for setting the data ROI are shown in the table below.
Name Description
RoiOffsetX X coordinate of start point ROI
RoiOffsetY Y coordinate of start point ROI
RoiWidth Width of ROI
RoiHeight Height of ROI
Table 8.2 Data ROI XML parameters
Only the pixel data from the area of overlap between the data ROI by your settings and the Image AOI will be
effective if you use Image ROI and Data ROI at the same time.
Figure 8.21 Effective Data ROI
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8.9 Auto Focus
The Auto Focus feature is only available when you equip a Canon-EF adapter with an EF lens. It takes the
maximum 20 seconds and requires the maximum 70 frames based on the maximum possible 29 megapixel
image acquisition frame rate. If the exposure time is too short, the focus data may include noise data. To avoid
incorrect operation cause by the noise, keep the proper exposure time. The FocusAuto parameter sets whether
to use Auto Focus or Manual Focus.
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 change during
focusing.
If you use a lens equipped with a DC motor, the focusing position may be incorrect.
8.10 Gain and Offset
You can set the analog and digital gain factor to adjust the gain. The analog offset factor is provided to adjust the
offset.
8.10.1 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), Black Level Clamp and 14-bit A/D
converter.
Figure 8.22 AFE Block Diagram
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0
6
12
18
24
30
36
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Gain(dB)
Gain Curve
Re giste r Value
By default, CDS Gain is 0 ㏈ and VGA gain is adjustable from 0 to 899. The relationship between setting value
and actual Gain (㏈) is as follows:
Gain(㏈) = (Setting value × 0.035 ㏈)
The offset is adjustable from 0 to 255 (LSB).
8.10.2 Digi tal Domain
The 14 bit image moved out from AFE is processed to exclude 2 bit LSB and converted into 12 bit image. Digital
gain is adjustable from 1 to ×64 with almost 0.001 step. If you us the Exposure Auto and Gain Auto at the same
time, the digital gain value will be automatically adjusted according to the user-defined target value.
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Figure 8.23 Register Setting for Gain Value
VX 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
8.11 LUT
LUT (Lookup Table) converts original image value to certain level value. 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 provides 2 non-volatile spaces for LUT data storage.
Figure 8.24 LUT Block
Figure 8.25 LUT at Gamma 0.5
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L3 L2
L1
R1
R2 R3
<Current Pixel>
8.12 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 output image. Defective Pixel information of CCD used for each camera is entered into
the camera at the factory. If the user wants to add Defective Pixel information, it is required to enter coordinate of
new Defective Pixel into the camera.
8.12.1 Correction Method
Correction value for a defective pixel is calculated based on valid pixel value adjacent in the same line.
Figure 8.26 Location of Defective Pixel to be corrected
If current pixel is a defective pixel as shown in the above figure, correction value for this pixel is obtained as
shown in the following table depending on whether surrounding p ix el is defective pixel or not.
Adjacent Defective 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
Table 8.3 Calculation of Defective Pixel Correction Value
8.12.2 Correction Method in Binning Mode
When 2×2 or 4×4 binning is enabled, the defect 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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8.13 Flat Field Correction
Flat Field Correction is a feature which corrects a non-uniform pixel response across a CCD and makes the
response as uniform as possible (flat), assuming the offsets are non-varying (fixed) patterns. The Flat Field
Correction feature can be summarized by the following equation:
IC = {(IR – IB) × M} / (IF – IB)
Where,
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 order to use the Flat Field Correction feature, one must first generate IF, the Flat Field data. This can be done
by adjusting the camera to the environment and activating the Flat Field Generator. The Flat Field Generator will
standardize a series of images, curtailing the image to a ratio of 1/16, generate the curtailed Flat Field data, and
store it in the external frame buffer. When curtailed images are used for corrections, it is expanded and applied
with a Bilinear Interpolation as shown in the figure 8.29. When the Flat Field data is generated, set the M value
and apply the Flat Field Correction.
1. The activation of the Flat Field Generator will ignore the current camera configuration and
will temporarily change the camera configuration to operate under the following default
conditions. When the generation of the Flat Field data is complete, the original setting of
the camera will be restored.
Readout Mode: Normal
Trigger Mode: Free-Run
Channel Mode: Single
Defective Pixel Correction: ON
2. The offset value M is based on the Normal Readout mode. According to the ROI mode,
Binning mode, or Dual Channel mode, the offset value of an actual image is expressed
differently.
3. Every time you change the binning mode, you must perform FFC again.
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1/64 Scale Down
External
SRAM
Bilinear
Interpolated
Magnification
External
SRAM
IR*M/IF
<IR>
<IF>
<IC>
<Flat Fielding Block Diagram>
<
Flat Field Calibration Block Diagram>
16 픽셀
16 픽셀
copycopycopycopy
copy
copy
Scale-Down Data
Magnified Image
Boundary
Magnified Image
Boundary
pixel
pixel
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Figure 8.27 Generation and Application of Flat Field Dat a
Figure 8.28 Bilinear Interpolated Magnification
VX series
8.14 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.
8.15 Temperature Monitor
A sensor chip is embedded in the camera to monitor the internal temperature.
8.16 Fan Control
A fan is installed on the real 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.
8.17 Status LED
There is green LED to inform the operation status of camera on the back of camera. LED status and
corresponding camera status are as follows:
Continuous ON: operates in Free-Run Mode.
Repeat ON for 0.5 seconds, OFF for 0.5 seconds: operates in Trigger Mode.
Repeat ON for 1 second, OFF for 1 second: outputs T est Image.
Repeat ON for 0.25 second, OFF for 0.25 second: operates in Trigger Mode and outputs Test Image.
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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
D11 D10 D9 D8 D7 D6 D5 D4 D3 D2 D1 D0
D13 D12
8.18 Data Format
Data can be processed in the unit of 12 bit internally, but can be selectively output in the unit of 8, 10 or 12bit at
output. When it is output in 8bit or 10bit unit, the 4 or 2 least significant bits will be dropped from overall 12bits.
Figure 8.29 Data Format
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8.19 Test Image
To check normal operation of camera, it can be set to output test image created inside, instead of image data
from CCD. There are 3 types of test image; image with different value in horizontal direction (Test Image 1),
image with different value in diagonal direction (Test Image 2), and moving image with different value in diagonal
direction (Test Image 3).
Figure 8.30 T est Image 1
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Figure 8.31 T est Image 2
Figure 8.32 T est Image 3
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8.20 Horizontal Flip
Function to flip the image right and left based on the central axis of image. This function can be applied to all
operation modes.
Figure 8.33 Original Image
Figure 8.34 Horizontally Flipped Image
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8.21 User IO Control
The control receptacle pin number 4 (User Output) can be used in user-defined modes and modified to change
its polarity.
Off: No output.
Exposure Active: Outputs the current exposure time as pulse.
Frame Valid: Outputs the readout time of one frame as pulse.
Strobe Out Delay: Sets the Exposure Active output delay from 0 to 60s in 1 ㎲ step.
Pulse Generator: Outputs PWM pulse by setting the period and width.
User Output: Outputs the user defined setting value.
8.22 Field Upgrade
The camera provides the function to upgrade Firmware and FGPA logic through Gigabit Ethernet interface rather
than disassemble the camera in the field. See Appendix C for details on how to upgrade.
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Appendix A Defective Pixel Map Download
1. Create t he Def ec tive Pix el Map data in Micros oft 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. Run Vieworks Imaging Solution 6.X and click the Configure button to display the window as shown below.
Select the Defect tab and click the Download button to download the csv file.
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3. Once the do wnlo ad has be en completed, the saving process will begin. During the saving process, make
sure not to disconnect the power cord.
4. After the download has complete, click the OK button to close the confirmation.
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Appendix B LUT Download
LUT data can be created in two ways; by adjusting the gamma values on the gamma graph provided in the
program and then downloading the data or by opening a CSV file (*.csv) and then downloading the data.
B.1 Gamma Graph Download
1. Set a desired gamma value on LUT tab and click Apply.
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2. Click the Download button to download the gamma set to the camera.
3. After the download has complete, click the OK button to close the confirmation.
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B.2 CSV File Download
1. Create t he LUT table in Micros oft Excel format as shown in the left picture below and save as a CSV file
(*.csv). The picture in the right shows the created file opened in Notepad. Once the file has been created
completely, change the .csv file extension to .lut. The following rules need to be applied when creating the
file.
Lines beginning with ‘:’ or ‘—‘ are treated as notes.
Based on the input values, make sure to record from 0 to 4095.
2. Click the Load File button on the LUT tab.
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3. Search and select the created LUT file and click Open.
4. Select LUT1 or LUT2 as location to store the data and click the Download button. The subsequent
processes are identical to those of Gamma Graph Download.
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Appendix C Field Upgrade
C.1 MCU
1. Run Vieworks Imaging Solution 6.X and click the Configure button to display the window as shown below.
2. Search and select the MCU upgrade file (*.srec) then click the Download button.
3. MCU upgrade file download starts and downloading status is displayed at the bottom of the window.
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4. Once all the processes have been completed, turn the power off and turn it back on again. Check the
DeviceVersion parameter value to confirm the version. Or, check the My Computer to verify the upgraded
version.
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C.2 FPGA
1. Run Vieworks Imaging Solution 6.X and click the Configure button to display the window as shown below.
2. Search and select the FPGA upgrade file (*.bin) then click the Download button.
3. The subsequent processes are identical to those of MCU upgrade.
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Vieworks Co., Ltd.
#601-610 SuntechcityⅡ, 307-2 Sangdaewon-dong,
Jungwon-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 462-806 South Korea
Tel: +82-70-7011-6161 Fax: +82-31-737-4936
machinevision.vieworks.com vieworks@vieworks.com
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