Vieworks VC 4MX-144, VC 12MX-180, VC 25MX-72 industrial area scan camera User Manual
Below you will find brief information for industrial area scan camera VC 4MX-144, industrial area scan camera VC 12MX-180, industrial area scan camera VC 25MX-72. These cameras are equipped with the latest CMOS image sensor. They use the CoaXPress interface which allows you to transmit full resolution images at up to 25 Gbps over coax cabling. These cameras provide high reliability and durability, making them suitable for demanding applications requiring high speed continuous shooting.
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Revision History
Version
1.0
1.1
1.2
Date
2014-10-31
2015-05-14
2015-11-06
Description
Initial Release
Corrected errors on the mechanical dimension
Added VC-4MX-144
VC CXP series
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Contents
Ω BNC Receptacle) .....................................................................24
Ω 1.0/2.3 DIN Receptacle) ............................................................24
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1 Precautions
General
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.
Installation and Maintenance
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.
Power Supply
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.
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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 2004/108/EC.
Testing Standard EN 55022:2006+A1:2007, EN 55024:1998+A1:2001+A2:2003
Class A
3.3 KC
KCC Statement
Type
Class A
(Broadcasting Communication
Device for Office Use)
Description
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 Package Components
Package Components
VC CXP series
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Package Components
M5 Set Screws for Tilt Adjustment (Provided only with F-mount camera)
You can adjust the tilt using the M5 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.
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5 Product Specifications
5.1 Overview
VC CXP series is a high speed industrial area scan camera equipped with the latest CMOS image sensor. With new CoaXPress interface, customers in the industrial market can take advantage of common coax cabling to transmit full resolution images at up to 25 Gbps. Supplying power to the camera over the coax cable is also available via Power over CoaXPress (PoCXP). With its high reliability and durability, these cameras are best suitable for applications requiring high speed continuous shooting.
Main Features
High Speed 4/12/25 Megapixel CMOS Image Sensor
Electronic Exposure Time Control (Global Shutter)
Output Pixel Format
VC-4MX: 8 bit
VC-12MX: 8 bit
VC-25MX: 8 / 10 bit
Strobe Output
Output Channel
VC-4MX: CXP6 1ch
VC-12MX: CXP6 1ch, CXP6 2ch, CXP6 4ch
VC-25MX: CXP6 2ch, CXP6 4ch
Gain/Black Level Control
Test Pattern
Temperature Monitor
Field Upgrade
Image Correction
Flat Field Correction (VC-12MX and VC-25MX Only)
Defective Pixel Correction
Fan Control
VC CXP Series Feature Bar
VC-4MX:
VC-12MX/VC-25MX:
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5.2 Specifications
Technical specifications for VC CXP series are as follows:
VC CXP Series VC-4MX-144 VC-12MX-180 VC-25MX-72
Active Image (H × V)
Sensor Type
Pixel Size
Optical Size (Diagonal)
Output
Format
Mono
Color
Camera Interface
Electronic Shutter
Max. Frame Rate at Full
Resolution
Dynamic Range
Shutter Speed (1 ㎲ step)
Partial Scan (Max. Speed)
2048 × 2048
CMOSIS CMV 4000
4096 × 3072
CMOSIS CMV 12000
5.5 ㎛ × 5.5 ㎛
1
” (15.92 ㎜)
APS-like (28.14 ㎜)
Mono 8
Bayer 8
CoaXPress
Global Shutter
144 fps at 6.25 Gbps with 1 CH
181 fps at 6.25 Gbps with 4 CH
5120 × 5120
On Semiconductor
VITA-25K
4.5 ㎛ × 4.5 ㎛
35 ㎜ (32.58 ㎜)
Mono 8, Mono 10
Bayer 8, Bayer 10
72 fps at 6.25 Gbps with 4 CH
52 ㏈
16 ㎲ ~ 60 s
16394 fps at 4 Lines
43 ㎲ ~ 60 s
11494 fps at 4 Lines
54 ㏈
0 ~ 16 LSB at 8 bit, 0 ~ 64 LSB at 10 bit
×1 ~ ×4 (0~ 12 ㏈)
Free Run, Timed, Trigger Width
1 ㎲ ~ 60 s
7692 fps at 4 Lines
(H: 256)
Black Level (1 LSB step)
Video Gain
Exposure Mode
External Trigger
Software Trigger
API SDK
Lens Mount
Power
Adapter
PoCXP
Environmental
C-mount
24 V DC
3.3 V ~ 24.0 V, 10 ㎃, Logical Level Input optically isolated, CoaXPress Control Port
Asynchronous, Programmable via Camera API
Vieworks Imaging Solution 7.X
F-mount
10 ~ 24V DC, typical 3W 10 ~ 38V DC, typical 12W 10 ~ 38V DC, typical 11W
24 V DC, Minimum of two PoCXP cables required
Mechanical
Operating: -5℃ ~ 40℃, Storage : -40℃ ~ 70℃
40×40×41 ㎜ 200g (with 80×80×101 ㎜ 620g 80×80×101 ㎜ 630g
C-mount) (with F-mount) (with F-mount)
Table 5.1 Specifications of VC CXP Series (VC-4MX-144/VC-12MX-180/VC-25MX-72)
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5.3 Camera Block Diagram
VC CXP series
Figure 5.1 VC-4MX Block Diagram
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Figure 5.2 VC-12MX/25MX Camera Block Diagram
All controls and data processing of the camera are carried 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 CoaXPress interface and then processes them. The Processing & Control Logic processes the image data received from the CMOS sensor and then transmits data through the CoaXPress interface. And also, the Processing & Control Logic controls the trigger input and strobe output signals which are sensitive to time. Furthermore, a DDR3 for the frame buffer to process images and a Flash for operating Micro-Controller are installed outside FPGA.
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5.4 Sensor Information
The following graphs show the spectral response for VC-4MX monochrome and color camera.
VC CXP series
Figure 5.3 Monochrome Spectral Response for VC-4MX
Figure 5.4 Color Spectral Response for VC-4MX
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The following graph shows the spectral response for VC-12MX monochrome and color camera.
VC CXP series
Figure 5.5 Mono and Color Spectral Response for VC-12MX
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The following graph shows the spectral response for VC-25MX monochrome and color camera.
VC CXP series
Figure 5.6 Mono and Color Spectral Response for VC-25MX
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5.5 Mechanical Specification
The camera dimensions in millimeters are as shown in the following figure.
VC CXP series
Figure 5.7 Mechanical Dimensions for VC-4MX C-mount with DIN 1.0/2.3-type Connector
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Figure 5.8 Mechanical Dimensions for VC-12MX/25MX F-mount with BNC-type Connectors
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Figure 5.9 Mechanical Dimensions for VC-12MX/25MX F-mount with DIN 1.0/2.3-type Connectors
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6 Installation
The following instructions assume that you have installed a CoaXPress Frame Grabber (hereinafter
‘CXP Frame
Grabber
’) in your computer including related software. Procedures below also assume that you may attempt to configure a link between a camera and CXP Frame Grabber by using four coax cables (VC-4MX allows only one coax cable connection.). For more detailed information, refer to your CXP Frame Grabber User Manual. To connect the camera to your computer, follow the steps below:
1. Make sure that the power supply is not connected to the camera and your computer is turned off.
Go on to step 2 if you are using a power supply.
Go on to step 3 if you are using a Power over CoaXPress (PoCXP) Frame Grabber.
2.
If you are using a power supply:
a. Plug one end of a coax cable into the CH1 of the CXP connector on the camera and the other end of the coax cable into the CH1 of the CXP Frame Grabber in your computer. Then, plug one ends of the other three coax cables into CH2, CH3 and CH4 of the CXP connector on the camera and the other ends of the coax cables into the CH2, CH3 and CH4 of the CXP Frame Grabber respectively. b. Connect the plug of the power adapter to the 6-pin power input receptacle on the camera. c. Plug the power adapter into a working electrical outlet.
3. If you are using PoCXP Frame Grabber: a. Plug one end of a coax cable into the CH1 of the CXP connector on the camera and the other end of the coax cable into the CH1 of the CXP Frame Grabber in your computer. Then, plug one ends of the other three coax cables into CH2, CH3, and CH4 of the CXP connector on the camera and the other ends of the coax cables into the CH2, CH3 and CH4 of the CXP Frame Grabber respectively. b. You must connect both CH1 and CH2 channels to power the camera via PoCXP.
4. Verify all the cable connections are secure.
Precautions for using Power over CoaXPress
To configure a link between a camera and CXP Frame Grabber by using a single coax cable, you must connect the CH1 of the CXP connector on the camera to the CH1 of the
CXP Frame Grabber. At this time, you must use a power supply to power the camera.
To power a camera via PoCXP Frame Grabber, you must connect both CH1 and CH2 channels of the camera to their respective connectors on the CXP Frame Grabber.
VC-4MX allows you to use PoCXP with only one coax cable connection.
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6.1 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.
6.2 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.
6.3 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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7 Camera Interface
7.1 General Description
As shown in the figure below, 3 types of connectors and a status indicator LED are located on the back of
VC-12MX/25MX and have the functions as follows:
① Status LED:
② 6 pin power input receptacle:
③ 4 pin control receptacle:
④ CoaXPress connector: displays power status and operation mode. supplies power to the camera (if PoCXP is not used). provides access to the camera
’s I/O lines. controls video data and the camera.
①
②
③
④
Figure 7.1 VC-12MX/25MX with BNC-type Connectors
Figure 7.2 VC-12MX/25MX with DIN 1.0/2.3-type Connectors
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④
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As shown in the figure below, 2 types of connectors and a status indicator LED are located on the back of
VC-4MX and have the functions as follows:
① 6 pin circular receptacle: supplies power to the camera (if PoCXP is not used) and provides access to the camera
’s I/O lines.
② Status LED:
③ CoaXPress connector: displays power status and operation mode. controls video data and the camera.
①
②
③
Figure 7.3 VC-4MX with DIN 1.0/2.3-type Connector
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7.2 CoaXPress Connector
CoaXPress protocol includes an automatic link detection mechanism (Plug and Play) to correctly detect the camera to the CXP Frame Grabber connection. The connection between the camera and CXP Frame Grabber uses a coax (also known as
‘coaxial’) cable and provides up to 6.25 Gbps bit rate per cable. VC CXP cameras can be powered over the cable if you are using a PoCXP enabled Frame Grabber.
7.2.1 CoaXPress BNC Connector (75
Ω BNC Receptacle)
7.2.2
Figure 7.4 CoaXPress BNC-type Connectors
CoaXPress DIN Connector (75
Ω 1.0/2.3 DIN Receptacle)
Figure 7.5 CoaXPress DIN 1.0/2.3-type Connectors
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The CoaXPress connector on the VC CXP camera complies with the CoaXPress standard and the following table shows the channel assignments.
Channel
CH1
CH2
CH3
CH4
Max. Bit Rate per Coax
6.25 Gbps
6.25 Gbps
6.25 Gbps
6.25 Gbps
Type
Master Connection
Extension Connection
Extension Connection
Extension Connection
Yes
Yes
No
No
Table 7.1 Channel Assignments for CoaXPress Connector
PoCXP Compliant
When you connect a camera to a CXP Frame Grabber using coax cables, make sure to connect the cables to their correct channels. If you connect the CH1 of the CXP connector on the camera to a channel other than CH1 of the CXP Frame Grabber, the camera may not transmit images properly or the communication between the computer and camera may fail.
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7.3 Power Input Receptacle (VC-12MX/VC-25MX)
The power input receptacle is a Hirose 6-pin connector (part # HR10A-7R-6PB). The pin assignments and configurations are as follows:
2
1 6
3 4
5
Figure 7.6 Pin Assignments for 6-pin Power Input Receptacle
Pin Number Signal Type Description
1, 2, 3
4, 5, 6
+12V DC
DC Ground
Input
Input
DC Power Input
DC Ground
Table 7.2 VC-12MX/VC-25MX Pin Arrangements for Power Input Receptacle
The mating connector is a Hirose 6-pin plug (part # HR10A-7P-6S) or the equivalent connectors. The power adapter is recommended to have at least 2 A current output at 12 V DC ±10% voltage output (Users need to purchase a power adapter 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 voltage applied to the camera is greater than specified in the specifications, damage to the camera may result.
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7.4 Control I/O Receptacle (VC-12MX/VC-25MX)
The control I/O receptacle is a Hirose 4-pin connector (part # HR10A-7R-4S) and consists of an external trigger signal input and strobe output ports. The pin assignments and configurations are as follows:
4
3
1
2
Figure 7.7 Pin Assignments for 4-pin Control I/O Receptacle
Pin Number Signal Type Description
1
2
3
4
Trigger Input +
Trigger Input -
DC Ground
Strobe Out
Input
Input
-
Output
-
-
DC Ground
3.3 V TTL Output
Output Resistance: 47
Ω
Table 7.3 Pin Arrangements for Control I/O Receptacle
The mating connector is a Hirose 4-pin plug (part # HR10A-7P-4P) or the equivalent connectors.
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7.5 Power Input and Control I/O Receptacle (VC-4MX)
The power input and control I/O receptacle is a Hirose 6 pin connector (part # HR10A-7R-6PB) and consists of a power input, an external trigger signal input and I/O (default: Strobe) output ports. The pin assignments and configurations are as follows:
Figure 7.8 Pin Assignments for Power Input and Control I/O Receptacle
Pin Number Signal Type Description
1
2
3
4
5
6
+12V DC
Trigger Input +
Trigger Input -
I/O Output +
(Default: Strobe Out)
I/O Output -
DC Ground
Input
Input
Input
Output
-
Input
Camera Power +12V DC
-
-
3.3 V TTL Output
Output Resistance: 47
Ω
-
Camera Power GND
Table 7.4 Pin Arrangements for Power Input and Control I/O Receptacle
The mating connector is a Hirose 6-pin plug (part # HR10A-7P-6S) or the equivalent connectors. 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
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.
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7.6 Trigger Input Circuit
The following figures show the trigger signal input circuit of the 4-pin connector (VC-12MX/25MX) and the 6-pin connector (VC-4MX). 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.
User side Camera side
+3.3V
+3.3~24V
1K
4
5
6
1
2
3
HR10-7R-6P B
Trigger_In+
Trigger_In-
J-FET
180
Trigger_Input
Your GND
GND
Figure 7.9 VC-4MX Trigger Input Schematic
User Side Camera Side
+3.3V
+3.3V ~ +24V
1K
1
2
3
4
HR10A-7R-4SB
Trigger_In+
Trigger_In-
MMBF4393LT1G
1 2
D S
IR38 180/1608
HCPL-0601
Your GND
Figure 7.10 VC-12MX/25MX Trigger Input Schematic
TRIGGER_INPUT
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7.7 Strobe Output Circuit
The strobe output signal comes out through a 3.3 V output level of TTL Driver IC. A pulse width of the signal is
synchronized with an exposure (shutter) signal of the camera (refer to 9.13 Digital IO Control ).
+3.3V
+3.3V
0V
STROBE SIGNAL
2 4
Line Drive r
47
3
4
1
2
5
6
HR10-7R-6PB
Figure 7.11 VC-4MX Strobe Output Schematic
+3.3V
3.3 V
47 Ω
3.3 V
0 V
STROBE_OUT STROBE_SIGNAL
TTL Driv er
4 1
3 2
HR10A-7R-4SB
TRIGGER_IN +
TRIGGER_IN -
Figure 7.12 VC-12MX/25MX Strobe Output Schematic
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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.
Three major elements are involved in controlling the acquisition of images:
Acquisition Start and Acquisition Stop commands and the Acquisition Mode parameter
Exposure Start trigger
Exposure time control
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.
Acquisition Start and Stop Commands and the Acquisition Mode
The Acquisition Start command prepares the camera to acquire frames. The camera cannot acquire frames unless an Acquisition Start command has first been executed.
A parameter called the Acquisition Mode has a direct bearing on how the Acquisition Start command operates. VC CXP cameras only support Continuous for the Acquisition Mode parameter.
If the Acquisition Mode parameter is set to Continuous, an Acquisition Start command does not expire after a single frame is acquired. Once an Acquisition Start command has been executed, you can acquire as many frames as you like. The Acquisition Start command will remain in effect until you execute an Acquisition Stop command. Once an Acquisition Stop command has been executed, the camera will not be able to acquire frames until a new Acquisition Start command is executed.
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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 (see 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.
Figure 8.1 Exposure Start Triggering
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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 CXPin or via LineIn0 (commonly referred to as hardware).
To apply trigger signals via CH1 of the CXP Frame Grabber, you must set the Trigger Source parameter to
CXPin. At that point, each time a proper CoaXPress trigger signal is applied to the camera by using the APIs provided by a CXP Frame Grabber manufacturer, the exposure start trigger signal will be applied to the camera.
For more information, refer to your CXP Frame Grabber User Manual.
To apply trigger signals via hardware (external), you must set the Trigger Source parameter to LineIn0. 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. VC CXP cameras provide two exposure modes, 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 CoaXPress or 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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8.2 Acquisition Start/Stop Commands and Acquisition Mode
Executing an Acquisition Start command prepares the camera to acquire frames. You must execute an
Acquisition Start command before you can begin acquiring frames. Executing an Acquisition Stop command terminates the camera’s ability to acquire frames. When the camera receives an Acquisition Stop command:
If the camera is not in the process of acquiring a frame, its ability to acquire frames will be terminated immediately.
If the camera is in the process of acquiring a frame, the frame acquisition process will be allowed to finish and the camera’s ability to acquire new frames will be terminated.
VC CXP cameras only provide the
‘Continuous’ mode of operation for the Acquisition Mode.
After an Acquisition Start command has been executed, exposure start can be triggered as desired. Each time an exposure start trigger is applied while the camera is in a waiting for exposure start trigger acquisition status, the camera will acquire and transmit a frame. The camera will retain the ability to acquire frames until an
Acquisition Stop command is executed. Once the Acquisition Stop command is received, the camera will no longer be able to acquire frames.
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8.3 Exposure Start Trigger
The Trigger Selector parameter is used to select a type of trigger and only the Exposure Start trigger is available on the VC CXP camera. 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 by setting the
Trigger Source parameter to CXPin or LineIn0. If an exposure start trigger signal is applied to the camera, the camera will begin to expose a frame.
8.3.1 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.
8.3.1.1 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.
If the Trigger Mode parameter is set to Off, the camera will automatically begin generating exposure start trigger signals when it receives an Acquisition Start command. The camera will continue to generate exposure start trigger signals until it receives an Acquisition Stop command.
Free Run
When you set the Trigger Mode parameter to Off, the camera will generate all required trigger signals internally. When the camera is set this way, it will constantly acquire images without any need for triggering by the user. This use case is commonly referred as
“free run”.
The rate at which the exposure start trigger signals are generated may be determined by the camera’s
Acquisition Frame Rate parameter:
If the parameter is set to a value less than the maximum allowed frame rate with the current camera settings, the camera will generate exposure start trigger signals at the rate specified by the parameter setting.
If the parameter is set to a value greater than the maximum allowed frame rate with the current camera settings, the camera will generate exposure start trigger signals at the maximum allowed frame rate.
Exposure Time Control with Trigger Mode = Off
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When the Trigger Mode parameter is set to Off, the exposure time for each frame acquisition is determined by the value of the camera
’s Exposure Time parameter. For more information about the Exposure Time
parameter, see 8.4 Setting the Exposure Time .
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8.3.1.2 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 Trigger Source parameter specifies the source signal that will act as the exposure start trigger signal.
The available settings for the Trigger Source parameter are:
CXPin: You can apply an exposure start trigger signal via CH1 of the CXP Frame Grabber.
For more information, refer to your CXP Frame Grabber User Manual.
LineIn0: You can apply an exposure start trigger signal to the camera by injecting an externally generated electrical signal (commonly referred to as a hardware or external trigger signal) into the Control
I/O receptacle on the camera. Refer to 7.5 Trigger Input Circuit for more information.
If the Trigger Source parameter is set to CXPin or LineIn0, you must also set the Trigger Activation parameter. The available settings for the Trigger 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, 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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8.3.2 Using a CoaXPress Trigger Signal
If the Trigger Mode parameter is set to On and the Trigger Source parameter is set to CXPin, you must apply a
CoaXPress trigger signal to the camera to begin each frame acquisition. A CoaXPress trigger signal will acts as the exposure start trigger signal for the camera. For more information, refer to your CXP Frame Grabber User
Manual.
A rising edge or a falling edge of the CoaXPress signal can be used to trigger frame acquisition. The Trigger
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 a CoaXPress 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 a CoaXPress signal, the period of the CoaXPress trigger signal will determine the rate at which the camera is acquiring frames:
For example, if you are operating a camera with a CoaXPress trigger signal period of 50 ㎳ (0.05 s):
So in this case, the frame rate is 20 fps.
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8.3.3 Using an External Trigger Signal
If the Trigger Mode parameter is set to On and the Trigger Source parameter is set to LineIn0, an externally generated electrical signal injected into the Control I/O 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 Trigger
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 50 ㎳ (0.05 s):
So in this case, the frame rate is 20 fps.
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8.3.3.1 Exposure Modes
If you are triggering the start of frame acquisition with an externally (CoaXPress or External) 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 8.2 illustrates timed exposure with the camera set for rising edge triggering.
Figure 8.2 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 8.3 Trigger Overlapped with Timed Exposure Mode
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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 (CoaXPress or External). 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. Figure 8.4 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 8.4 Trigger Width Exposure Mode
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8.4 Setting the Exposure Time
This section describes how the exposure time can be adjusted manually by setting the value of the Exposure
Time parameter. 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 Exposure Mode 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 microseconds (㎲). The minimum and maximum exposure time settings for each camera model are shown in the following table.
Camera Model
Number of Channels
Minimum Exposure Time
Maximum Exposure Time
†
VC-4MX 1 Channel
1 Channel
16 ㎲
48 ㎲
60,000,000 ㎲
60,000,000 ㎲
VC-12MX 2 Channels
4 Channels
48 ㎲
43 ㎲
60,000,000 ㎲
60,000,000 ㎲
2 Channels
1 ㎲ 60,000,000 ㎲
VC-25MX
4 Channels
1 ㎲ 60,000,000 ㎲
†: When the Exposure Mode is set to Trigger Width, the exposure time is controlled by the external trigger signal and has no maximum limit.
Table 8.1 Minimum and Maximum Exposure Time Setting
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8.5 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, VC CXP cameras basically operate with
‘overlapped’ exposure so that the exposure for a new frame can be overlapped with the sensor readout for the previous frame.
When the Trigger Mode parameter is set to On, the exposure of a new frame begins while the camera is still reading out the sensor data for the previously acquired frame. This situation is illustrated in Figure 8.5 with the
Trigger Source parameter set to LineIn0 and the Exposure Mode parameter set to Trigger Width.
Figure 8.5 Overlapped Exposure and Readout
Determining whether your camera is operating with overlapped exposure and readout is not a matter of issuing a command or changing a setting. Rather a 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:
Overlapped: Frame Period ≤ Exposure Time + Readout Time
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Guidelines for Overlapped Exposure
Since VC CXP cameras operate 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 ca mera’s Exposure Time parameter settings and timing formulas to calculate when it is safe to begin each new acquisition.
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8.6 Real Exposure (VC-12MX Only)
8.6.1 Timed Exposure Mode
When you set the Trigger Mode parameter to Off or set the Exposure Mode parameter to Timed, the exposure time for each frame acquisition is determined by the value of the camera
’s Exposure Time parameter.
As soon as the camera detects an exposure start trigger signal, the camera will begin a frame exposure. When the exposure time ends, the pixels are being sampled and prepared for readout. This sequence is called the frame overhead time (FOT). Immediately after the FOT, the frame is read out automatically. During the FOT, an additional exposure time will be applied as an offset value shown in the figure below. This offset value varies depending on the camera
’s CXP Link Configuration parameter setting value. With the Timed exposure mode, the actual exposure time is equal to the camera
’s Exposure Time parameter setting value. This is true because the offset value is compensated on the actual exposure time automatically. The offset values and minimum allowed exposure time depending on the CXP Link Configuration setting are shown in the table below.
Camera Model
VC-12MX
Figure 8.6 Real Exposure with Timed Exposure Mode
CXP Link Configuration
Offset Value
CXP6_X1
CXP6_X2
47 ㎲
47 ㎲
CXP6_X4
42 ㎲
Table 8.2 Offset Value and Minimum Exposure Time
Minimum Exposure Time
48 ㎲
48 ㎲
43 ㎲
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8.6.2 Trigger Width Exposure Mode
When you set the Exposure Mode to Trigger Width, the exposure time is determined by the way that you manipulate the rise and fall (trigger width) of the external trigger signal. As soon as the camera detects an external trigger signal, the camera will begin a frame exposure and an additional exposure time will be applied
as the offset value ( Table 8.2
Figure 8.7 Real Exposure with Trigger Width Exposure Mode
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8.7 Electronic Shutter Operation
VC CXP cameras are equipped with imaging sensors that have an electronic shutter. There are two types of electronic sensors, i.e. global and rolling. VC CX cameras use sensors with global shutters.
8.7.1 Global Shutter
When an exposure start trigger signal is applied to the cameras equipped with a global shutter, exposure begins for all lines in the sensor as shown in Figure 8.8. Exposure continues for all lines in the sensor until the programmed exposure time ends or when the exposure start trigger signal ends the exposure time if the camera is using the trigger width exposure mode. At the end of the exposure time, exposure ends for all lines in the sensor. Immediately after the end of exposure, pixel data readout begins and proceeds line by line until all pixel data is read out of the sensor. A main characteristic of a global shutter is that for each frame acquisition, all of the pixels in the sensor start exposing at the same time and all end exposing at the same time. This means that image brightness tends to be more uniform over the entire area of each acquired image, and it helps to minimize problems with acquiring images of object in motion.
The cameras can provide a Strobe Out output signal that will go high when the exposure time for a frame acquisition begins and will go low when the exposure time ends.
Figure 8.8 Global Shutter
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8.8 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 that 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 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 (Image Format Control).
On the VC-25MX camera, frames with a smaller width also take less time to read out of the sensor. For
more information, refer to Table 9.4
The exposure time for acquired frames. If you use very long exposure times, you can acquire fewer frames per second.
8.8.1 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 using the
ROI feature.
Use a smaller ROI. Decreasing the ROI means that the camera has less data to transmit and therefore the transmission time will decrease.
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.)
A very long exposure time severely limits 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.
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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.
On the VC-25MX camera, you can also achieve increased frame rates by decreasing the width of the ROI.
The ROI is referenced to the top left corner [origin (0, 0)] of the sensor array as follows.
Figure 9.1 Image Region of Interest
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The XML parameters related to ROI settings are as follows.
XML Parameters Value
SensorWidth a
SensorHeight a
-
-
Description
Effective width of the sensor
Effective height of the sensor
ImageFormatControl
WidthMax
HeightMax
Width b
Height b
OffsetX
c
OffsetY
c
-
-
-
-
-
-
Maximum allowed width of the image with the current camera settings
Maximum allowed height of the image with the current camera settings
Current width of the image
Current height of the image
Horizontal offset from the origin to the Image ROI
Vertical offset from the origin to the Image ROI
The unit for all parameters in this table is pixel a: Read only. User cannot change the value b: User configurable parameters for setting ROI c: User configurable parameters for setting the origin of the ROI
Table 9.1 XML parameters related to ROI
You can change the size of ROI by setting the Width and Height parameters. 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 the Width Max value, and the Height + Offset Y value is less than the Height Max value. 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.
On the VC-4MX camera, the Width parameter must be set to a multiple of 16, and the Height parameter must be set to a multiple of 2 only on the color model.
On the VC-12MX camera, the Width parameter must be set to a multiple of 16, and the Height parameter must be set to a multiple of 4.
On the VC-25MX camera, the Width parameter must be set to a multiple of 64, and the Height parameter must be set to a multiple of 2 only on the color model.
The minimum allowed setting values for the ROI Width and Height are shown below.
Camera Model Minimum Width Settings Minimum Height Settings
VC-4MX
VC-12MX
VC-25MX
256
256
256
4
4
4
Table 9.2 Minimum ROI Width and Height Settings
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On the VC-4MX camera, the maximum frame rates depending on Vertical ROI changes are shown below.
ROI Size (H × V)
1 Channel
2048 × 4
2048 × 500
16394 fps
580 fps
2048 × 1000
2048 × 1500
2048 × 2048
294 fps
197 fps
144 fps
Table 9.3 Maximum Frame Rates by VC-4MX ROI Changes
On the VC-12MX camera, the maximum frame rates depending on Vertical ROI changes are shown below.
ROI Size (H × V)
1 Channel 2 Channels 4 Channels
4096 × 500
4096 × 1000
4096 × 1500
4096 × 2000
276 fps
140 fps
94 fps
70 fps
540 fps
277 fps
187 fps
140 fps
928 fps
540 fps
365 fps
275 fps
4096 × 2500
4096 × 3072
56 fps
46 fps
113 fps
92 fps
221 fps
181 fps
Table 9.4 Maximum Frame Rates by VC-12MX ROI Changes
On the VC-25MX camera, the maximum frame rates depending on Vertical and Horizontal ROI changes are shown below.
ROI Size (H × V) 2 Channels 4 Channels
5120 × 1000
5120 × 2000
5120 × 3000
5120 × 4000
5120 × 5120
180 fps
92 fps
62 fps
46 fps
36 fps
256 ~ 3776 × 5120
4032 × 5120
4544 × 5120
5120 × 5120
49 fps
46 fps
41 fps
36 fps
Table 9.5 Maximum Frame Rates by VC-25MX ROI Changes
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184 fps
124 fps
92 fps
72 fps
98 fps
92 fps
82 fps
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9.2 CXP Link Configuration
VC CXP cameras must be connected to a CXP Frame Grabber installed in your computer via CoaXPress interface. CoaXPress interface allows you to connect a camera to a CXP Frame Grabber by using simple coax cabling and allows up to 6.25 Gbps data rate per cable. VC CXP cameras support one master connection and up to three extension connections to configure a link (VC-4MX allows only one master connection.). In compliance with the CoaXPress standard, VC CXP cameras include an automatic link detection mechanism to correctly detect the camera to CXP Frame Grabber connections.
Figure 9.2 CXP Link Configuration
The XML parameters related to the link configuration between the camera and CXP Frame Grabber are located in the CoaXPress category under the Transport Layer Control as shown below.
XML Parameters Value Description
CXP6_X1 Sets the A parameter value to CXP6_X1.
CxpLinkConfigurationPreferredSwitch CXP6_X2 Sets the A parameter value to CXP6_X2.
CXP6_X4 Sets the A parameter value to CXP6_X4.
CoaXPress
Displays bit rate and the number of
CxpLinkConfigurationPreferred
A
Read Only connections to be set for the link configuration between the camera and Host (Frame
Grabber) while discovering devices.
CXPLinkConfiguration
CXP6_X1
CXP6_X2
CXP6_X4
Forcefully sets bit rate and the number of connections for the link configuration. ex) CXP6_X4: Four connections running at a maximum of CXP6 speed (6.25 Gbps)
Table 9.6 XML Parameter related to CXP Link Configuration
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9.3 Pixel Format
The camera processes image data in the unit of 10 bit internally. You can determine the format (8 bits or 10 bits) of these image data transmitted from the camera by selecting a pixel format. When the camera is set for 8 bit pixel format, the 2 least significant bits will be dropped from overall 10 bits.
Original
Data
MSB
LSB
D9 D8 D7 D6 D5 D4 D3 D2 D1 D0
10Bit Output
D9 D8 D7 D6 D5 D4 D3 D2 D1 D0
8Bit Output
D7 D6 D5 D4 D3 D2 D1 D0
Figure 9.3 Pixel Format
The XML parameter related to the Pixel Format is as follows.
XML Parameters Description
ImageFormatControl PixelFormat Sets the pixel format supported by the device.
Table 9.7 XML Parameter related to Pixel Format
The available pixel formats on the monochrome and color cameras are as follows.
Mono Sensor Color Sensor
Mono 8
Mono 10
Bayer GB 8
Bayer GB 10
Bayer RG 8
Bayer RG 10
Table 9.8 Pixel Format Values
VC-4MX and VC-12MX cameras support only 8 bit pixel format.
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9.4 Data ROI (Color Camera)
The Balance White Auto feature provided by the color camera uses the pixel data from a Data Region of
Interest (ROI) to adjust the related parameters. The XML parameters related to Data ROI are as follows.
XML Parameters Value Description
DataRoiControl
RoiSelector WhiteBalanceAuto
Selects a Data ROI used for Balance White Auto.
Only available on color cameras
RoiOffsetX
-
RoiOffsetY
-
RoiWidth
-
RoiHeight
-
X coordinate of start point ROI
Y coordinate of start point ROI
Width of ROI
Height of ROI
Table 9.9 XML Parameters related to Data ROI
Only the pixel data from the area of overlap between the data ROI by your settings and the Image ROI will be effective if you use Image ROI and Data ROI at the same time. The effective ROI is determined as shown in the figure below.
Figure 9.4 Effective Data ROI
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9.5 White Balance (Color Camera)
The color cameras include the white balance capability to adjust the color balance of the images transmitted from the cameras. With the white balancing scheme used on VC CXP cameras, the Red intensity and Blue intensity can be adjusted individually. You can set the intensity of each color by using the Balance Ratio parameter. The Balance Ratio value can range from 1.0 to 4.0. If the Balance Ratio parameter is set to 1.0 for a color, the intensity of the color will be unaffected by the white balance mechanism. If the Balance Ratio is set to greater than 1.0, the intensity of the color will be proportionally increased to the ratio. For example, if the
Balance Ratio is set to 1.5, the intensity of that color will be increased by 50%.
The XML parameters related to White Balance are as follows.
XML Parameters
AnalogControl
BalanceRatioSelector
BalanceRatio
Value
Red
Blue
×1.0 ~ ×4.0
Description
A Balance Ratio value will be applied to red pixels.
A Balance Ratio value will be applied to blue pixels.
Controls ratio of the selected color by referring to
Green.
Table 9.10 XML Parameters related to White Balance
9.5.1 Balance White Auto
The Balance White Auto feature is implemented on color cameras. It will control the white balance of the image acquired from the color camera according to the GeryWorld algorithm. Before using the Balance White Auto feature, you need to set the Data ROI for Balance White Auto. If you do not set the related Data ROI, the pixel data from the Image ROI will be used to control the white balance. As soon as the Balance White Auto parameter is set to Once, the Balance Ratio values for Red and Blue will be automatically adjusted to adjust the white balance by referring to Green. The XML parameters related to Balance White Auto are as follows.
XML Parameters Value Description
Off Balance White Auto Off
AnalogControl BalanceWhiteAuto
Once White Balance is adjusted once and then Off.
Table 9.11 XML Parameters related to Balance White Auto
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9.6 Gain and Black Level
Increasing the Gain parameter increases the slop of the camera
’s response curve as shown in the figure below.
This results in a higher grey value output from the camera for a given amount of output from the imaging sensor.
Figure 9.5 Setting the Gain
Adjusting the Black Level parameter will result in an offset to the pixel values output from the camera.
The XML parameters related to Gain and Black Level are as follows.
XML Parameters Value Description
AnalogControl GainSelector
Gain
DigitalAll Applies gain to all digital channels.
×1.0~×4.0
Sets an absolute physical gain value (0 ㏈ ~ 12 ㏈).
BlackLevelSelector DigitalAll Applies black level to all digital channels.
BlackLevel
0~16
0~64
Sets an absolute physical black level value.
0 ~ 16 LSB @ 8 bit
0 ~ 64 LSB @ 10 bit (VC-25MX Only)
Table 9.12 XML Parameters related to Gain and Black Level
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9.7 Defective Pixel Correction
The CMOS sensor may have Defect Pixels which cannot properly react to the light. Correction is required since it may deteriorate the quality of output image. Defect Pixel information of CMOS used for each camera is entered into the camera during the manufacturing process. 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 .
9.7.1 Correction Method
Correction value for Defect Pixel is calculated based on valid pixel value adjacent in the same line.
L3 L2 L1 R1 R2 R3
<Current Pixel>
Figure 9.6 Location of Defect Pixel to be corrected
If Current Pixel is a Defect Pixel as shown in the above figure, correction value of this pixel is obtained as shown in the following table depending on whether surrounding pixel is Defect Pixel or not.
Adjacent Defect Pixel (s) Correction Value of Current Pixel
None
L1
R1
L1, R1
L1, R1, R2
L2, L1, R1
L2, L1, R1, R2
L2, L1, R1, R2, R3
L3, L2, L1, R1, R2
(L1 + R1) / 2
R1
L1
(L2 + R2 ) / 2
L2
R2
(L3 + R3) / 2
L3
R3
Table 9.13 Calculation of Defect Pixel Correction Value
You must download a Defect Pixel Map to the camera before using the Defective Pixel
Correction feature. For more information about how to download a Defect Pixel Map to the
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9.8 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 / IF
Where,
IC : Level value of corrected image;
IR : Level value of original image;
IF : Level value of Flat Field data.
In actual use conditions, generate a Flat Field data (IF) and apply the Flat Field Correction feature according to the following procedures.
1. Execute the Ffc Generate parameter.
After executing the Ffc Generate parameter, you must acquire one image to generate the scaled-down Flat
Filed data.
2. Execute the Ffc Save parameter to save the generated Flat Field data into the non-volatile memory.
When the scaled-down Flat Field data is used for corrections, it is expanded and applied with a Bilinear
Interpolation as shown in the Figure 9.8.
3. Set the Ffc Mode parameter to On to apply the Flat Field data to the camera.
It is recommended that you enable the Defective Pixel Correction feature before executing the Ffc Generate parameter.
Before executing the Ffc Generate parameter, you must set the camera as follows:
OffsetX, Y:
Width, Height:
0
Maximum values
Binning:
1
After executing an Acquisition Start command, you need to operate the camera with freerun mode or apply a trigger signal to acquire an image.
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Figure 9.7 Generation and Application of Flat Field Data
Figure 9.8 Bilinear Interpolated Magnification
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The XML parameters related to Flat Field Correction are as follows.
XML Parameters Value
Off
FlatFieldCorrection
FfcMode
FfcGenerate
FfcSave
FfcLoad
On
-
-
-
Description
Flat Field Correction Off
Enables the Flat Field Correction feature.
Generates the Flat Field data.
Saves the generated Flat Field data in the non-volatile memory. The generated data by executing the
FfcGenerate parameter are saved in the volatile memory so that the data are lost if the camera is reset or if power is turned off. To use the data after the camera is powered on or reset, save them in the non-volatile memory.
Loads the Flat Field data from the non-volatile memory into volatile memory.
Table 9.14 XML Parameters related to Flat Field Correction
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9.9 High Dynamic Range (VC-12MX Monochrome Only)
When you acquire images in some situations where a bright light source or shiny materials are located within the field of view, the light areas appear overexposed in the acquired images. And if you use a short exposure time to avoid overexposure in the light areas of the acquired images, all details will be lost in the darker areas.
The Multiple Slop capability is implemented on VC-12MX camera to acquire high dynamic range (HDR) images which have higher variations between the brightest and darkest portions of the images. As shown in the figure below, when the bright pixel reaches a certain output level, it will be maintained at the level for a programmable time from overall exposure time. This happens two times to make sure that the pixel is not saturated at the end of exposure time.
Figure 9.9 High Dynamic Range Concept Drawing
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To use the HDR feature, set the Exposure Mode parameter to Timed and then set the parameters related to the
HDR feature. The XML parameters related to HDR are as follows.
XML Parameters Value Description
HDRMode
Off
On
High Dynamic Range Off
Enables the HDR feature.
HDRControl
HDRDB
0 ~ 40 ㏈
Sets the dynamic range to increase in ㏈.
The exposure time for both Knee Point 1 and Knee
Point 2 will be automatically optimized by setting a
HDRDB value.
Table 9.15 XML Parameters related to HDR Control
9.10 Temperature Monitor
The camera has an embedded sensor chip to monitor the internal temperature.
The XML parameter related to Device Temperature is as follows.
XML Parameters
DeviceControl DeviceTemperature
Description
Displays device temperature in Celsius.
Table 9.16 XML Parameter related to Device Temperature
9.11 Status LED
A 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 follows:
Steady Red:
Slow Flashing Red:
Fast Flashing Orange:
Steady Green:
Fast Flashing Green:
Camera is not initialized.
A CXP link is not configured.
Camera is checking a CXP link configuration.
A CXP link is configured.
Camera is transmitting image data.
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9.12 Test Pattern
To check normal operation of the camera, it can be set to output test patterns created inside, instead of image data from the imaging sensor. There are four types of test pattern; image with different value in horizontal direction (Grey Horizontal Ramp), image with different value in diagonal direction (Grey Diagonal Ramp), moving image with different value in diagonal direction (Grey Diagonal Ramp Moving), and image with different value in horizontal direction output from the imaging sensor (Grey Diagonal Ramp_2, VC-12MX Only).
The XML parameters related to Test Pattern are as follows.
XML Parameters
ImageFormatControl TestPattern
Value Description
Off
GreyHorizontalRamp
GreyDiagonalRamp
Test Pattern Off
Sets to Grey Horizontal Ramp.
Sets to Grey Diagonal Ramp.
GreyDiagonalRampMoving Sets to Grey Diagonal Ramp Moving.
GreyHorizontalRamp_2 Sets to Grey Horizontal Ramp_2.
Table 9.17 XML Parameter related to Test Pattern
Figure 9.10 Grey Horizontal Ramp
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Figure 9.11 Grey Diagonal Ramp
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Figure 9.12 Grey Diagonal Ramp Moving
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Figure 9.13 Grey Horizontal Ramp_2
The test pattern may look different because the region of the test pattern may vary depending on the camera
’s resolution.
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9.13 Reverse X (VC-4MX Only)
The Reverse X feature allows you to flip the image horizontally. This feature is available in all operation modes.
Figure 9.14 Original Image
Figure 9.15 Reverse X Image
On color models of the camera, when the Pixel Format parameter is set to Bayer and the
Reverse X feature is used, the alignment of the color filter will be changed.
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9.14 Reverse Y (VC-4MX Only)
The Reverse Y feature allows you to flip the image vertically. This feature is available in all operation modes.
Figure 9.16 Original Image
Figure 9.17 Reverse Y Image
On color models of the camera, when the Pixel Format parameter is set to Bayer and the
Reverse Y feature is used, the alignment of the color filter will be changed.
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9.15 Digital IO Control
The control I/O receptacle of the camera is designated as programmable output and can be operated in various modes.
The XML parameters related to Digital IO Control are as follows.
XML Parameters
DigitalIOControl
LineSelector
LineInverter
Line Source
Value
LineIn0
LineOut0
Description
Selects the number 1 pin of the camera
’s control I/O receptacle as an input line.
Selects the number 4 pin of the camera
’s control I/O receptacle as an output line.
Enables inversion on the output signal of the line. On
Off
Off
Disables inversion on the output signal of the line.
Disables the line output.
Frame Active Outputs pulse signals indicating a frame readout time
Strobe Out Outputs pulse signal indicating the current exposure time with Strobe Out Delay
User Output Outputs User Output signal set by User Output Value.
UserOutputValue
On
Off
StrobeOutDelay
0 ~ 65535
Set the bit state of the line to High
Set the bit state of the line to Low
Set a delay in microseconds when the Line Source is set to Strobe Out
Table 9.18 Digital IO Control
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The camera can provide a Strobe Out output 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 9.18 Strobe Out Signal
When you use the Strobe Out signal, be aware that there is a Strobe Out Start Delay as shown in the Table 9.19.
Camera Model
VC-4MX
VC-12MX
VC-25MX
Strobe Out Start Delay
≤ 0.8 ㎲
≤ 0.8 ㎲
≤ 0.8 ㎲
Table 9.19 Strobe Out Start Delay
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9.16 Fan Control (VC-12MX/VC-25MX Only)
A fan is installed on the rear panel of the camera to radiate heat. You can set the fan to turn on or off. You can also set the fan to turn on when a specified internal temperature is reached. The XML parameters related to Fan
Control are as follows.
XML Parameters Value Description
FanControl
Off Turns off the fan.
FanOperationMode
On Turns on the fan.
Turns on the fan when the internal temperature
Temperature exceeds the value set in the Fan Operation
FanOperationTemperature -10℃~80℃
Temperature parameter.
Set the temperature to operate the fan when the
Fan Operation Mode parameter is set to
Temperature.
FanSpeed
-
Verifies the current Fan RPM.
Table 9.20 XML Parameters related to Fan Control
9.17 Device User ID
You can input user defined information up to 16 bytes.
The XML parameter related to Device User ID is as follows.
XML Parameters
DeviceControl DeviceUserID
Description
Inputs user defined information (16 bytes).
Table 9.21 XML Parameter related to Device User ID
9.18 Device Reset
Reset the camera physically to power off and on. You must configure a link again because the camera will be released from the link between the camera and CXP Frame Grabber after reset. The XML parameter related to
Device Reset is as follows.
XML Parameters Description
DeviceControl DeviceReset Resets the camera physically.
Table 9.22 XML Parameter related to Device Reset
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9.19 User Set Control
You can save the current camera settings to the camera
’s internal ROM. You can also load the camera settings from the camera
’s internal ROM. The camera provides two setups to save and three setups to load settings.
The XML parameters related to User Set Control are as follows.
XML Parameters
UserSetControl
UserSetSelector
UserSetLoad
UserSetSave
UserSetDefault
Value
Default
UserSet1
UserSet2
Default
-
-
UserSet1
UserSet2
Description
Selects the Factory Default settings.
Selects the User Set1 settings.
Selects the User Set2 settings.
Loads the User Set specified by User Set Selector to the camera.
Saves the current settings to the User Set specified by User Set Selector.
The Default is a Factory Default Settings and allowed to load only.
Applies the Factory Default settings when reset.
Applies the User Set1 settings when reset.
Applies the User Set1 settings when reset.
Table 9.23 XML Parameters related to User Set Control
9.20 Field Upgrade
The camera provides a feature to upgrade Firmware and FGPA logic through CoaXPress interface rather than
disassemble the camera in the field. Refer to Appendix B for more details on how to upgrade.
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10 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 you set the Trigger Mode parameter 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.
Check the Gain value is not set too small.
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 CXP Frame Grabber are configured correctly when you set the Trigger Source parameter to CXPin.
Ensure that cable connections are secure when you set the Trigger Source parameter to LineIn0.
If there is a communication failure between the camera and computer,
Ensure coax cables are connected properly.
Ensure that you have configured a CXP Frame Grabber in your computer correctly and the camera is connected properly to the CXP Frame Grabber.
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Appendix A Defect Pixel Map Download
1. Create the Defect 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. Run Vieworks Imaging Solution 7.X and click the Configure button to display the window as shown below.
Select the Defect tab, click the File Path button, search and select the defect pixel map file (*.csv), and then click the Download button.
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3. Once the download is complete, the saving process will begin. During the saving process, make sure not to disconnect the power cord.
4. After completing the download, click the OK button to close the confirmation.
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Appendix B Field Upgrade
B.1 MCU
1. Run Vieworks Imaging Solution 7.X and click the Configure button to display the window as shown below.
2. Select the MCU tab, click the File Path button, search and select the MCU upgrade file (*.srec), and then click the Download button.
3. MCU upgrade file download starts and the downloading status is displayed at the bottom of the window.
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4. Once all the processes have been completed, turn the camera power off and turn it back on again.
Check the Device Version parameter value to confirm the version.
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B.2 FPGA
1. Run Vieworks Imaging Solution 7.X and click the Configure button to display the window as shown below.
2. Select the FPGA tab, click the File Path button, search and select the FPGA upgrade file (*.fpga), and then click the Download button.
3. The subsequent processes are identical to those of MCU upgrade.
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B.3 XML
1. Run Vieworks Imaging Solution 7.X and click the Configure button to display the window as shown below.
2. Select the XML tab, click the File Path button, search and select the XML upgrade file (*.zip), and then click the Download button.
3. The subsequent processes are identical to those of MCU upgrade.
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http://www.vieworks.com [email protected]
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Key Features
- High speed 4/12/25 Megapixel CMOS Image Sensor
- Electronic Exposure Time Control (Global Shutter)
- Output Pixel Format: 8/10 bit
- Strobe Output
- Multiple Output Channels options
- Gain/Black Level Control
- Test Pattern
- Temperature Monitor
- Field Upgrade
- Image Correction: Flat Field Correction, Defective Pixel Correction
