FASTCAMERA SERIES

FASTCAMERA13

USER’S MANUAL

30002-50013

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COPYRIGHT NOTICE

Copyright



2003 by FastVision, LLC.

All rights reserved. This document, in whole or in part, may not be copied, photocopied, reproduced, translated, or reduced to any other electronic medium or machine-readable form without the express written consent of FastVision, LLC.

FastVision makes no warranty for the use of its products, assumes no responsibility for any error, which may appear in this document, and makes no commitment to update the information contained herein. FastVision, LLC. retains the right to make changes to this manual at any time without notice.

Document Name: FastCamer13 User’s Manual

1.3 April 9, 2003

Trademarks:

FastVision  is a registered trademark of FastVision, LLC..

Channel Link  is a trademark of National Semiconductor.

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SelectRAM  is a trademark of Xilinx Inc.

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Unix  is a registered trademark of Sun Microsystems Inc.

Virtex  is a trademark of Xilinx Inc.

Windows  , Windows 95  , Windows 98  , Windows 2000  , Windows NT  , and

Windows XP  are trademarks of Microsoft

All trademarks are the property of their respective holders.

FastVision, LLC.

131 Daniel Webster Highway, #529

Nashua, NH 03060

USA

Telephone: 603-891-4317

Fax: 603-891-1881

Web Site: http://www.fast-vision.com/

Email: [email protected]

, or [email protected]

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Copyright Notice …………………………………………………………………………………..3

Table of Contents ………………………………………………………………………………... 5

1.

INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................7

2.

FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS FASTCAMERA 13..................................................7

3.

POWER REQUIREMENTS ...............................................................................................11

4.

TIMING ..............................................................................................................................11

5.

TRIGGER MODES ............................................................................................................11

6.

CAMERA DATA FLOW ....................................................................................................13

7.

THE STANDARD CAMERA FUNCTIONALITY ...............................................................13

8.

EXPOSURE CONTROL....................................................................................................13

9.

PIXEL GAIN AND OFFSET ..............................................................................................15

10.

MEMORY OPTION (MEM?)..............................................................................................15

11.

LOOKUP TABLE OPTION (LUT?)...................................................................................16

12.

DATA FORMAT FUNNEL.................................................................................................16

13.

INTERNAL CAMERA MEMORY ......................................................................................17

14.

USB CAMERA OPTION ...................................................................................................22

15.

CAMERA CONTROL PROGRAM ....................................................................................23

16.

APPLICATION ENVIRONMENTS ....................................................................................24

17.

TROUBLESHOOTING ......................................................................................................28

18.

FASTVISION TECHNICAL SUPPORT.............................................................................29

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1. INTRODUCTION

The FastCamera13 is a 1.3 megapixel CMOS camera with internal memory and FPGA’s that enable it to do real-time processing. Thus it is what one would term a “smart” camera. The standard programming that is supplied with the base camera forms the basis of the most used and demanded function for data processing. It is expected that each customer may wish to customize this programming for its use. This can be achieved by purchasing additional IP from

FastVision or in-house development. Inquires or discussions are always welcome

2. FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS FASTCAMERA 13

The block diagram below shows the major subsystems in the camera. The camera is designed to support many different applications by customization of the programmable logic in the camera.

FastVision or the Customer can customize the size and content of the FPGAs and memory in the camera to contain many different features, processing algorithms, and storage schemes. This manual discusses the ‘Standard’ version of the cameras. Customization of the FPGAs, in the camera, requires significant support from FastVision, please contact FastVision for a quote, for the development tools and support.

FPGA

Boot

Flash

Memory

Controller

FPGA

Camera

Control

LVDS

Link Receivers

(CC1-4)

(Async Serial)

CC1

CC2

CC3

CC4

•

•

1.3 MPixel

CMOS

Sensor

XC2VX000

FPGA

1-8 Million Gates

Three 85 MHz

Channel Link

Link Driver

Drivers

Channel

Link Driver

2-4 MB

SRAM

(Optional)

128-1000MB

DDRAM

200 MHz

Power

Supply

The FastCamera13 uses a 1280H x 1024V (1.3 megapixel) CMOS digital image sensor capable of 500 frames/second operation at full resolution

1280H x 1024V image resolution

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•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

12-micron-square active-pixel photodiodes

500+ frames per second, progressive-scan

At full resolution, frame rate can go up to 500,000 fps at 1 x 1280pixels

Monochrome or color (Bayer Pattern)

Ten (10) parallel output ports

Photobit® TrueColorTM Image Fidelity

On-chip TrueBit® Noise Cancellation

On-chip 10-bit analog-to-digital converters

FPGA and memory-based configurable interface formats and onboard processing

Supported by a full range of software tools

Binning in order to achieve increased sensitivity at full frame rates

Optional SRAM for ultra fast processing

Optional additional DDRAM and increased FPGA size for additional processing capability

Trigger-able global electronic shutter (sync./async. modes)

C holder mount (F with adaptor)

2.1 IMAGE SENSOR SPECIFICATIONS:

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Uses Micron Imaging's MI-MV13 sensor

1280 x 1024 x 8 bits @ 500 fps (10 bits 400 fps)

15.36 mm x 12.29 mm active area

12-micron square active pixels

40% Fill Factor

Monochrome or color (Bayer Pattern)

On-chip Noise Cancellation

Dynamic range 59 db

Monochrome: 1000 bits per lux-second @ 550 nm

Shutter 99.9% efficiency

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• Noise 58 db (10 bit mode lowest sensor gain setting, nominal pixel of 512 counts)

FastC am era13

Side View

12.7mm

FASTCAM ERA13 CASE AND

M O UNTING DIM ENSIO NS

FastC am era13

Front View

74.0m m

39.5m

m

FastC am era13

B ack Panel

P2

0 ref

0 ref

7m m

FastC am era13

B ottom View

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2.4 Connectors

2.4.1 Power Connector HR10A-10R-12PB

Pin Function

1 Ground

3 Ground

4 Reserved for application dependent I/O

5 Ground

7 Reserved for application dependent I/O

8 Ground

10 Reserved for application dependent I/O

12 Reserved for application dependent I/O

2.4.2 Data Connector J2

Pin Signal Pin

1 Ground 14

7 SERTCP 20

8 CC1N 21

9 CC2P

10 CC3N

22

23

11 CC4P 24

12 SERTFGN 25

13 Ground 26

Signal

Ground

CL1_TXOUT0P

CL1_TXOUT1P

CL1_TXOUT2P

CL1_TXCLKOUTP

CL1_TXOUT3P

SERTCN

SERTFGP

CC1P

CC2N

CC3P

CC4N

Ground

2.4.3 Data Connector J3

Pin Signal

1 Ground

Pin

14

Signal

Ground

CL2_TXOUT0P

CL2_TXOUT1P

CL2_TXOUT2P

CL2_TXCLKOUTP

CL2_TXOUT3P

I/O (P) I/O (N)

CL3_TXOUT0P

CL3_TXOUT1P

CL3_TXOUT2P

CL3_TXCLKOUTP

CL3_TXOUT3P

10

13 Ground 26 Ground

Power requirements are a strong function of the application, Camera is 15 Watts worst case, 5 to

10 Watts typical. Low noise +5 Volt input recommended. Internally the camera has high frequency switching supplies that convert the 5 volt input to 3.3, 2.5 and 1.8 volts.

4. TIMING

Camera Clock is configurable from 25 to 85 MHz depending on the application.

Pixel data is valid when LVAL, FVAL and DVAL are true.

Minimum two clocks LVAL and FVAL inactive between lines and frames.

CC4 reserved for application specific needs.

Trigger modes are selected by serial commands.

Free Running, camera generates frames without triggers.

CC1 Positive edge triggered.

CC1 When active, expose, falling edge reads out the sensor.

Sensor readout can be in parallel with exposure.

The camera can be read out with 1,2, or 3 camera links, the serial port (for the really patient), or via the USB port. Only image data from the selected ROI is sent. The camera can be configured to read out when the image is taken, to read out from memory on serial command or the CC2 positive edge.

Data formats supported:

Mode Camera Link Format

MSB -------------------------------- LSB

0 CL1_A[7:0]

Read Out Mode

1

2

CL1_B[1:0],CL1_A[7:0]

CL1_A[7:0] even pixels (0,2,...)

CL1_B[7:0] odd pixels (1,3,...) even

CL1_B[5:4],CL1_C[7:0] odd

4 CL1_A[7:0] Red, Y

CL1_B[7:0] Green, U

Single tap 8 bits

(Basic) (default)

Single tap 10 bits

(Basic)

Two Taps 8 bits

(Basic)

Two Taps 10 bits

(Basic)

Three Taps 8 bits

(Color) (Basic)

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CL1_C[7:0] Blue, V

CL1_B[1:0],CL1_A[7:0] Red, Y

CL1_B[5:4],CL1_C[7:0] Green, U

CL2_D[1:0],CL2_C[7:0] Blue, V

6 CL1_B[7:0],CL1_A[7:0]

CL1_A[4:0] Red, U

CL1_B[2:0],CL1_A[7:5] Green, Y

CL1_B[7:3] Blue V

Three Taps 10 bits

(Color) (Medium)

One tap 16 Bits

RGB565 (Basic)

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7

4*n+0

CL1_B[5:4],CL1_C[7:0] 4*n+1

CL2_C[1:0],CL2_B[7:0] 4*n+2

CL2_C[4:5],CL2_A[7:0] 4*n+3

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CL1_A[7:0] pixels 4*n+0

CL1_B[7:0] pixels 4*n+1

CL1_C[7:0] pixels 4*n+2

CL2_A[7:0] pixels 4*n+3

CL1_A[7:0] pixels 5*n+0

CL1_B[7:0] pixels 5*n+1

CL1_C[7:0] pixels 5*n+2

CL2_A[7:0] pixels 5*n+3

CL2_B[7:0] pixels 5*n+4

5*n+0

CL1_B[5:4],CL1_C[7:0] 5*n+1

CL2_C[1:0],CL2_B[7:0] 5*n+2

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CL2_C[4:5],CL2_A[7:0] 5*n+3

CL3_C[1:0],CL3_B[7:0] 5*n+4

CL1_A[7:0] R even

CL1_B[7:0] G even

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CL1_C[7:0] B even

CL2_A[7:0] R odd

CL2_B[7:0] G odd

CL2_C[7:0] B odd

CL1_B[1:0],CL1_A[7:0] R even

CL1_B[5:4],CL1_C[7:0] G even

CL2_C[1:0],CL2_B[7:0] B even

CL2_C[4:5],CL2_A[7:0] R odd

CL3_C[1:0],CL3_B[7:0] G odd

CL3_C[5:4],CL3_A[7:0] B odd

8*n+0

CL1_B[7:0] 8*n+1

CL1_C[7:0] 8*n+2

CL2_A[7:0] 8*n+3

CL2_B[7:0] 8*n+4

CL2_C[7:0] 8*n+5

CL3_A[7:0] 8*n+6

CL3_B[7:0] 8*n+7

8*n+0

CL1_B[5:4],CL1_C[7:0] 8*n+1

CL2_B[1:0],CL2_A[7:0] 8*n+2

CL2_B[5:4],CL2_C[7:0] 8*n+3

CL3_B[1:0],CL3_A[7:0] 8*n+4

CL3_B[5:4],CL3_C[7:0] 8*n+5

CL2_FVAL,CL2_LVAL,CL2_SP,CL1_SP,

Four Taps 8 bits

(Medium)

Four Taps 10 bits

(Medium)

Five Taps 8 bits

(Medium)

Five Taps 10 bits

(Full)

Six Taps 8 bits (Color)

(Medium)

Six Taps 10 bits

(Color) (Full)

Eight Taps 8 bits (Full)

Eight Taps 10 bits

(Full)

CL1_B[7:6],CL1_B[3:2] 8*n+6

CL3_FVAL,CL3_LVAL,CL1_DVAL,CL3_SP

,

CL2_B[7:6],CL2_B[3:2] 8*n+7

254 NA

255 NA

Use Serial Port

Other modes are possible with custom FPGA configurations purchased from FastVision or developed in-house.

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6. CAMERA DATA FLOW

DDR

Tables

Sensor

Exposure

Control

By Pixel

Gain &

Offset

ROI

Serial

Settings

Mem

128-1000MB

DDR

Memory

CC1

Trigger

Frame

Capture

Frame

Rate

And

Exposure

Serial

Settings

CC3

Clear

Memory

Or

Stop Filling

CC2

Read

Memory

LUT

SRAM

LUT

Data

Format

Funnel

Serial

Settings

Camera

Links

DDR Memory can be organized as a FIFO or as a circular buffer. CC3 is used to clear the memory (FIFO) or stop filling the memory (circular buffer). CC2 is used to read the top most image from memory (FIFO) or to read the oldest non-read image from memory (Circular buffer).

The LUT converts the input pixels (10 Bits) to the output pixel size (8 or 10 Bits). These tables can also be used to improve the linearity of the sensor, or to set the gamma of the camera.

DDR Memory can be used for image averaging. In this mode Images are summed into a 32 bit per pixel buffers, which can be read out at any time (CC2) and/or cleared (CC3).CC1,CC2, and

CC3 can be replaced by Serial Commands, or can be always enabled or disabled, for free running operation.

7. THE STANDARD CAMERA FUNCTIONALITY

The ‘Standard’ Camera is a set of FPGAs designed to support most of the typical uses of the camera. It is a good starting point for modifications. This design is copyrighted IP from FastVision and forms the reference design, which is available from FastVision for use only with the

FastCamera13.

The frame rate and exposure can be controlled in several ways.

Free Running Mode

CC1 positive(or negative) edge triggered

CC1 exposure control (positive or negative level triggered)

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In Free running mode the frame rate and exposure time is set via the serial port and the camera acquires images without further outside control. Frame readout occurs as fast as the selected output format can support.

In CC1 edge triggered mode the camera is triggered by the selected edge polarity to expose for the time selected by the serial setting. Each edge of the CC1 input will cause the acquisition of an image. If CC1 is toggled faster then the exposure and readout rate allows, the additional triggers are ignored. Frame readout may overlap exposure. The FastCamera 13 has both a rolling shutter and a full frame shutter. The shutter speed granularity is approximately 2 microseconds. Finer resolutions are possible by lengthening the line time, and slowing down the line rate. The shortest supported exposure time is 2 microseconds.

In CC1 level triggered mode the exposure is set by the active time of the CC1 input. When CC1 is asserted (programmable level high or low) the sensor is reset and integration begins. When

CC1 is de-asserted the sensor is read out.

The FastCamera 13 supports rolling shutter mode. The rolling shutter allows the camera to operate faster, by resetting each line a programmable delay (the exposure time) before it is read out. This CMOS sensor use photo diodes as the active elements of the sensor.

When an exposure is started the diodes are emptied out by a reset process, which clears all the stored charge from each diode. This reset process starts the exposure for a particular pixel. After the exposure is complete, the charge in the photo diode is read out to an amplifier and converter section in the sensor. This readout process also resets the charge in the diode.

All the pixels in a line are readout and reset, or just reset at the same time. The rolling reset process takes advantage of the readout process to set the exposure. When the sensor is read out each line in turn is dumped into the converters to read out all the pixels in a line. The sensor contains separate amplifiers and converters for each column in the sensor (for the FastCamera 13 that is 1280 converters!). At the same time a line is read out and reset from the sensor, a different line can be reset. By selecting the line to be reset, to be a line to be read out and reset in the near future, the exposure time is set to the number of line times between the current line, and the future line being reset.

While this process allows exposure to occur while frame data is being read out, it is at a price. If your light source is continuous, you will see a compression or extension of a moving object that moves in the opposite or same direction as the readout. Typically this compression is only apparent at very high frame speeds, and / or object speeds. If your light source is a flash the compression will not occur as you can make sure all the lines are exposing, before the flash.

The fastest a line can be read out from the sensors is in the time it takes for the converters to convert the charge from the photodiodes, into digital values. In the MV13 sensor this is 132 clocks. In the standard camera the sensor clock rate is 66.66 MHz, this means the fastest the lines can be sampled is 1.98 microseconds per line. During this time a full line can be read out in the FastCamera 13 (1280 pixels). (Strictly speaking the converter time is 128 clocks, but there are additional overheads in reading out the line which brings this time to 132, please see the data sheets for the sensors for the details.)

The sensor can not be read out faster than 1.98 microseconds per line.

8.2 Full Frame shutter

The sensor in the FastCamera13 allows an additional mode of operation, which is the

Full Frame shutter. During the last half of a line readout cycle, the whole sensor can be reset, and integration started. During the last half of a following line (at least one) the whole sensor can stop integration. When integration is stopped the charge stored in the photodiodes is transferred to an array of storage elements, for eventual readout of the

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sensor. It takes 64 clocks for the sensor to reset, or about one microsecond. Shutter speeds are thus fixed at multiples of the line readout rate or 1.98 microseconds, or longer if the line time is increased. Further the shortest shutter speed is 1.98 microseconds.

The granularity of the shutter speed at the highest readout rate possible is 1.98 microseconds. This is not the whole story though. You may lengthen the line time by programming the clocks per line register (see serial command 0x04 below). By slowing down the line rate, you can dial the shutter speed (at the cost of maximum frame rate), to any time above 132 clocks. So to get a shutter speed of 3.0 microseconds you would set the clocks per line to 200 clocks. The highest full frame readout rate would be, 325 frames per second.

9. PIXEL GAIN AND OFFSET

The offset and gain of each pixel can be calibrated by setting the pixel gain and offset arrays in the DDR memory of the camera. It is a good idea to do this as the large number of converters, need to be calibrated for best results. Note: only the pixels in the selected ROI are processed

(see serial commands 0x02 and 0x03).

The offset table is set by taking several images with no light input, averaging them and uploading them to the offset (or dark field) table. These values are subtracted from the sensor pixel values

(clipped so less than zero values are zero), before applying the gain table values. The gain table values are obtained by taking a defocused image of a uniform object, with enough light to get to

75% of saturation at most on the brightest point in the image. Using the resulting image gain values are computed (in the simplest case the pixel values and the ratio with 75% of full scale

(191 (8 bit) or 768 (10 bits)) determines the gain.)

Note: It is assumed that you are trying for a uniformly lit field of view (i.e. a Flat Field). It is important that you have as nearly as is practical, a uniform field of light, as large or small gain values can introduce significant artifacts in your images.

The gain table contains 8 bit values, which are formatted unsigned 1.7 format, that is one binary digit followed by 7 fractional digits. This makes the range of gains 1.992 down to 0.00390625.

The equation for the pixel gain and offset is:

CP[i,j] = Saturate((2*Gain[i,j]/256)* Clip (P[i,j] – Offset[i,j]))

CP = Corrected Pixel

P = Raw sensor Pixel

Clip = 0 if P[i,j]-Offset[i,j] is negative, otherwise its P[i,j]-Offset[i,j].

Saturate = FullScale if its input is greater than or equal to FullScale, other wise it is it’s input alue.

FullScale = 255 for 8 bit pixels 1023 for 10 bit pixels.

10. MEMORY OPTION (MEM?)

The camera has 120 MB (or more) memory, which can be used to store images, and do averaging. Each mode of operation is explained in the following sections. If the memory option is enabled, then sensor data goes to memory instead down stream.

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10.1 FIFO memory mode

In this mode memory is used as a first in first out memory (FIFO). The memory fills with images, until it is full, and then stops filling. At any time the user may request an image from the FIFO with CC2, or via a serial command. This will make room for a new image, which will be filled as soon as one is collected. This mode is typically used by systems that can accept images in bursts, but can not accept a continuous stream of images. For example your system might take 8 images very fast and then read them out at a slower rate (via a single camera link for example), your average frame rate is slow, but your peak rate is high. If the host activates CC2 (or sends the serial command), it can cause the next image to be read out when it comes in (pre-trigger the readout).

10.2 Circular buffer memory mode

In this mode the memory is used as a circular buffer. Each time an image is presented to the memory it is stored over-writing the oldest image in the buffer. When CC2 goes active

(or via a serial command), the filling operation stops, after a selected number of frames are added to the memory buffer (delayed trigger).

After the memory image collection stops, each time CC2 toggles (or by serial command) the oldest remaining image is sent to the host. After the first CC2 is sent the host may send the next CC2 right away it does not have to wait for the filling to finish. Each image will be sent to the host as it becomes available. After the memory is full the camera will not accept any more images until it is read out or reset via CC3 (or serial command). If the host is draining images as fast as they are coming in the image capture will never stop. A reset (CC3) is required to re-arm the trigger and delay process.

10.3 Image summing memory mode

In this mode the memory is divided up into buffers the size of the selected ROI, but with

32 bit values. Each time an image is added to memory, it is added to the current average buffer. When a programmed count of images is exceeded, the system advances to the next buffer. When all the buffers are full, the system stops until it is read out (CC2) or reset (CC3). Note: as each buffer is read out (CC2) it is reset. If the host reads out the buffers faster than they are collected, image collection will not stop. For example you can program the camera to total 10 images in each buffer, before passing it to the host.

The host triggers the readout via CC2 (or serial command).

The CC2 trigger may be sent at any time, the camera will provide a total buffer when it becomes available.

11. LOOKUP TABLE OPTION

If the lookup table option is enabled, the image data from up stream is passed through a lookup table. This applies a point transformation to each pixel value, producing 10 bit results, from the 8 or 10 bit input. 32 Bit totals bi-pass the block. (Or better you should not enable this block if you are doing image totaling, as it will only operate on the lower 10 bits of the total.)

12. DATA FORMAT FUNNEL

The data format funnel takes the image data and parcels it out the camera links (or USB) as selected by the Format Funnel mode. If 8 bit data is selected the upper 8 bits of each pixel is sent. (Note if you don’t like that use the LUT to change this behavior).

32 Bit data total buffers are sent as 8 bit data in little endian (that is least significant byte first).

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13. INTERNAL CAMERA MEMORY

The camera contains at least 128 MB of internal memory which can be expanded to 1000 MB, which can be used to FIFO the input images, to allow burst exposure, and slow readout operation. Only the image data in the selected ROI is stored. A serial command or the positive edge of CC3 can be used to clear FIFO memory.

In addition the Camera contains LUTs for conversion from 8 to 10 bit data which can be uploaded via the serial port.

The following text will discuss the command and control commands to and from the

FastCamera40 via the Serial Interface.

For those commands that have multiple bytes of data associated with them the protocol would be:

<Command><len[23:16]><len[15:8]><len[7:0]><data1>…..<dataN>

In this example the command was 0x01 for configure DAC’s the 3 bytes of length are necessary to accommodate being able to program the DATA FPGA via the Serial

Interface. In this instance the length would total 32 bytes. 32 bytes of data would follow.

The receiving machine will not go back to its idle state until 32 bytes of data are transferred across the serial interface. The following table lists the commands and their encoding:

13.2 0x00 Serial Command

Use this to reset the serial interface. If you send zero over and over until the camera sends a ‘?’ (0x3f) you will be back in sync without effecting the camera state.

13.3 0x01 ADC settings Serial Command

If you need to adjust the control voltages of the sensor, then use this command. Note:

FastVision does NOT support using this command, if you change these values from the factory values, the sensor will not work right and your image quality will be poor. So if you don’t know what your doing don’t mess with this. If you mess with this, just power off the camera and power it on again, and you will be out of trouble.

13.4 0x02 and 0x03 ROI Serial Commands

These commands set the start and end line (0x02) and the starting and ending column

0x03) of the sensor, read out and defines the size of the image. If you want the highest possible frame rate, keep the last column in your ROI less than 2048 (40). This is not an issue on the FastCamera13.

13.5 0x04 Line Length Serial Command

This sets the number of pixel clocks per line. If you are using the full sensor on the

FastCamera40 this must be greater than or equal to 153, or 132 on the FastCamera13.

Set this to larger values to slow the data rate from the camera or to get finer control of the exposure.

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13.6 0x05 Exposure Time Serial Command

This is the exposure time in pixel clocks. For the standard camera this is 1/66.66 MHz steps or 15 ns steps. (Sorry it’s too hard to divide in the camera.) This must be greater than the line time (that is the content of register 0x04). Default value is 1,066,666 (16 msec).

13.7 0x06 Exposure delay Serial Command

This sets the frame rate. The exposure time plus the exposure delay is the frame rate.

This is only used in free running mode. Set to 5,600,000 by default (10 frames per second).

Note : Frame Rate = 1.0 / (15ns * (reg(5)+reg(6)))

13.8 0x07 Readout Image Serial Command

This command simulates an activation of CC2. See above for it’s effect, but it mostly causes a stored image to be sent to the host.

13.9 0x08 Reset Memory Serial Command

This command simulates an activation of CC3. See above for it’s effects, but it mostly erases or resets the image memory.

13.10 0x09 Set Data Funnel mode Serial Command

This sets the Data-Readout-Mode, see the section above, for the values.

13.11 0x10 Trigger Image Capture Serial Command

This simulates an activation of CC1. See above for it’s effect, but it mostly just causes an image to be taken from the sensor, and sent to the host, or memory.

13.12 0x20 Set Trigger Mode Serial Command

This allows you set the trigger mode (CC1), the options are free run, CC1 edge or CC1 level. See the section on exposure above.

13.13 0x30 Write Flash Memory Serial Command

This allows the user to data to flash memory. This command is disabled in the standard camera. The Flash memory holds the FPGA programs, and other values needed to make the camera operate. Should you wish to store some data in the Flash there is room. For more details contact FastVision.

13.14 0x31 Read Flash Memory Serial Command

This allows the user to read back what is in flash in the camera. This command is not disabled, so if you like read it out. If you want to understand its content please contact

FastVision for details.

13.15 0x40 Load the Data FPGA Serial Command

This command allows custom FPGA code to be uploaded to the camera. In situations where a user has more than one set of IP for use with the camera this command can be used to upload the FPGA. Note this can take 5 minutes via the serial port at 115K baud.

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13.16 Other Serial Commands

See the table below for additional serial commands.

Table 1 Serial Command Encoding

Encoding Length

0x00 NA

Description

Single byte command indicating to reset the serial protocol

0x01 32 Command to modify the outputs of the DAC’s

0x02 4 ROI Starting/Ending Sensor Line

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Encoding Length

0x03 2 ROI Starting/Ending Column

Description

0x04 2 Readout Rate (clocks per row read)

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0x05 4 Exposure in Pixel Clocks

0x06 4 Exposure Delay in Pixel Clocks

0x07

0x08

0x09

0x10

0x11

0x12

1

0

1

0

2

1

Read out image from FIFO if any. Can be sent ahead of time, which will cause image readout to occur when camera is triggered. If data byte

= 0, image readout will occur as soon as an image is ready.

Clear FIFO Memory

Set Read out mode (See section above)

Trigger Image collection

Trigger delay (circular buffer mode) 16 bits in frames

Serial Baud rate select

0=9600

1=115200

1 Bit 0:1:2:3 Trigger Mask

1 = Trigger 0= Ignore mode

0 = free run

1 = cc1 positive edge

2 = cc1 exposure control

3 Address[7:0]

4 Address[8]

5 Byte[1]

.

.

.

0x31 4 Read FLASH Page

3 Address[7:0]

4 Address[8]

Data Coming out on SERTFG

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0x40 510324 Upload Data FPGA

1 Byte[1]

.

.

.

0x80 NA Byte 1 Read back Command Data on SERTFG

0x00 Cal Values from Sensor

0x01

0x02

DAC Values (From Uploaded values)

Sensor ROI Values

Table 2 Serial Response Encoding

Encoding Length

0x00 1 Alive (every 10 Sec)

0x01

0x02

1

1

Triggered (Time permitting)

Camera hardware problem

0x3F

0x3B

1

1

Command Refused or Error

Acknowledge / done

Description

14. USB CAMERA OPTION

All cameras are shipped with a USB interface for control and readout of the camera. This allows the camera to be operated with or without a framegrabber, and helps diagnose system problems when a framegrabber is being used.

A camera control program comes with the camera, which uses the serial port supported by the framegrabber, if it supports the standard Camera Link DLL, or may be used with the USB port in situations where the camera link serial port is not available, or too slow. In order to use this option you must be using an operating system that supports USB, and have the correct drivers installed. Currently this is supported under Windows and Linux only. The USB port may also be used to obtain image data from the camera, you may select full images or an ROI to reduce the image rate. The camera supports USB 2.0, which provides up to about 40 MBytes/sec transfer rates. You will probably get less, it depends on your computer; typically the transfer rate is more than 30 Mbytes/sec.

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15. CAMERA CONTROL PROGRAM

The Camera Control Program provides a GUI interface that allows you to send and receive control data and images from the camera. Below is an example dialog from the Windows version.

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In this section we will discuss several operating environments to give you an idea of what you need to operate the camera with a PC.

In this mode of operation you will need the following items:

The Camera and a lens

A power supply for the camera.

A USB cable

FastVision supplied USB software for your OS.

All of the above can be supplied to you by FastVision. The software (item #4) provides two forms of access to the camera, via a library (DLL, or ActiveX control under Windows, linkable library under other operating systems), and via the supplied application called

FastViewer.

16.1.5 The hardware connections are:

Pow er

Supply

Camera

USB

Cable Computer

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Library,

DLL

Or

ActiveX

Control

Your

Software

USB

Device

In

Camera

Operating

System

Provided

USB

Drivers

FastVision

Provided

USB

Device

Driver

Library,

DLL

Or

ActiveX

Control

FastVision

FastViewer

Software

16.2 Using a FastVision supplied framegrabber

In this mode of operation you will need the following items, which can all be supplied by

FastVision.

The Camera and a lens

A power supply for the camera

One or more Camera Link cables

FastVision supplied framegrabber

FastVision supplied framegrabber software.

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Power

Supply

Camera

Your Computer

FastVision

Provided

Frame Grabber

1 or 2

Camera Link

Cables

16.2.2

The software connections are:

Camera

Serial

And

Channel

Link

Devices

Driver

For

FastVision

Frame

Grabber

DLL, Library or

ActiveX Control

For

FastVision

Frame Grabber

Your

Software

Camera

Control

Program

FastVision Application

Program Like FastViewer

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16.3 Using a third-party framegrabber

In this mode of operation you will need the following items:

The Camera and a lens

A power supply for the camera.

One or more Camera Link cables.

Your third-party framegrabber.

AIA compliant software for your framegrabber.

FastVision supplied camera control program.

Camera

Power

Supply

1 or 2

Camera Link

Cables

Your Computer

Third Party

Provided

Frame Grabber

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16.3.2 The software connections are:

Camera

Serial

And

Channel

Link

Devices

Driver for

Your Frame

Grabber

DLL or Library

For Your

Frame Grabber

Your

Software

Camera Link

Standard DLL

FastVision

Camera Control

Application

This will only work if your framegrabber supports the Camera Link standard serial interface protocol, and your framegrabber vendor has provided the needed DLL.

Otherwise you will have to send commands to the camera in the way specified by your framegrabber vendor.

There are several things you can try before you call FastVision Technical Support for help.

_____ Make sure the computer is plugged in. Make sure the power source is on.

_____ Go back over the hardware installation to make sure that the system is properly installed.

_____ Go back over the software installation to make sure you have installed all necessary software.

_____ Run the Installation User Test to verify correct installation of both hardware and software.

_____ Run the user-diagnostics test for your main board to make sure it’s working properly.

_____ Insert the FastVision CD-ROM and check the various Release Notes to see if there is any information relevant to the problem you are experiencing.

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The release notes are available in the directory: \usr\fastvision\alinfo

18. FASTVISION TECHNICAL SUPPORT

FastVision offers technical support to any licensed user during the normal business hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST. We offer assistance on all aspects of camera installation and operation.

18.1 Contacting Technical Support

To speak with a Technical Support Representative on the telephone, call the number below and ask for Technical Support:

Telephone: 603-891-4317

If you would rather FAX a written description of the problem, make sure you address the

FAX to Technical Support and send it to:

Fax: 603-891-1881

You can email a description of the problem to [email protected]

18.2 Returning Products for Repair or Replacements

Our first concern is that you be pleased with your FastVision products.

If, after trying everything you can do yourself, and after contacting FastVision Technical

Support, you feel your hardware or software is not functioning properly, you can return the product to FastVision for service or replacement. Service or replacement may be covered by your warranty, depending upon your warranty. The first step is to call

FastVision and request a “Return Materials Authorization” (RMA) number. This is the number assigned both to your returning product and to all records of your communications with Technical Support. When a FastVision technician receives your returned hardware or software he will match its RMA number to the on-file information you have given us, so he can solve the problem you’ve cited.

When calling for an RMA number, please have the following information ready:

_____ Serial numbers and descriptions of product(s) being shipped back

_____ A listing including revision numbers for all software, libraries, applications, daughter cards, etc.

_____ A clear and detailed description of the problem and when it occurs

_____ Exact code that will cause the failure

_____ A description of any environmental condition that can cause the problem

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All of this information will be logged into the RMA report so it’s there for the technician when your product arrives at FastVision. Put the camera inside its anti-static protective bags. Then pack the product(s) securely in the original shipping materials, if possible, and ship to:

FastVision, LLC.

71 Spit Brook Rd, Suite 210

Nashua, NH 03060

USA

Clearly mark the outside of your package:

Attention RMA #XXX

Remember to include your return address and the name and number of the person who should be contacted if we have questions.

We at FastVision are continually improving our products to ensure the success of your projects. In addition to ongoing improvements, every FastVision product is put through extensive and varied testing. Even so, occasionally situations can come up in the fields that were not encountered during our testing at FastVision.

If you encounter a software or hardware problem or anomaly, please contact us immediately for assistance. If a fix is not available right away, often we can devise a work-around that allows you to move forward with your project while we continue to work on the problem you’ve encountered.

It is important that we are able to reproduce your error in an isolated test case. You can help if you create a stand-alone code module that is isolated from your application and yet clearly demonstrates the anomaly or flaw.

Describe the error that occurs with the particular code module and email the file to us at: [email protected]

We will compile and run the module to track down the anomaly you’ve found.

If you do not have Internet access, or if it is inconvenient for you to get to access, copy the code to a disk, describe the error, and mail the disk to Technical Support at the

FastVision address below. If the code is small enough, you can also FAX the code module to us as indicated below.

If you are faxing the code, write everything large and legibly and remember to include your description of the error.

When you are describing a software problem, include revision numbers of all associated software.

For documentation errors, photocopy the passages in question, mark on the page the number and title of the manual, and either FAX or mail the photocopy to FastVision.

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Remember to include the name and telephone number of the person we should contact if we have questions.

FastVision, LLC.

131 Daniel Webster Highway #529

Nashua, NH 03060

USA

Telephone: 603-891-4317

FAX: 603-891-1881

Web site: http://www.fast-vision.com/

Electronic Mail: [email protected]

[email protected]

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