AVT GigE Cameras Installation Manual AVT GigE Vision Cameras V1.0.
Legal notice Trademarks Microsoft, Windows, and Windows 7 are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Unless stated otherwise, all trademarks appearing in this document of Allied Vision Technologies are brands protected by law. Warranty The information provided by Allied Vision Technologies is supplied without any guarantees or warranty whatsoever, be it specific or implicit.
Contents Contacting Allied Vision Technologies ................................................... 5 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 6 Document history............................................................................................................ 6 Conventions used in this manual ........................................................................................ 7 Styles ..............................
Open live view: Viewer toolbar ..................................................................................... 27 Adjust camera controls: Controller window .................................................................... 28 Camera information: Information window ...................................................................... 28 Live histogram ......................................................................................................... 29 Using the GigE Sample Viewer ............
Contacting Allied Vision Technologies Contacting Allied Vision Technologies Info • Technical information: http://www.alliedvisiontec.com • Support: support@alliedvisiontec.com Allied Vision Technologies GmbH (Headquarters) Taschenweg 2a 07646 Stadtroda, Germany Tel: +49 36428-677-0 Fax: +49 36428-677-28 e-mail: info@alliedvisiontec.com Allied Vision Technologies Canada Inc. 101-3750 North Fraser Way Burnaby, BC, V5J 5E9, Canada Tel: +1 604-875-8855 Fax: +1 604-875-8856 e-mail: info@alliedvisiontec.
Introduction Introduction This AVT GigE Installation Manual provides instructions for first time use of AVT GigE Vision cameras. Powering up the camera, installing AVT drivers and related software, and enabling users to get the camera up and running are the focus of this document. For information on camera dimensions, feature overview, I/O definition, trigger timing waveforms, frame rate performance, please refer to the AVT Technical Manuals unique for each camera family.
Introduction Conventions used in this manual To give this manual an easily understood layout and to emphasize important information, the following typographical styles and symbols are used: Styles Style Function Example Bold Programs, inputs, or highlighting important information bold Courier Code listings etc. Input Upper case Register REGISTER Italics Modes, fields Mode Parentheses and/or blue Links (Link) Table 2: Styles Symbols Note This symbol highlights important information.
Introduction Additional information This section provides information on AVT accessories and available AVT software for AVT GigE Vision cameras. AVT accessories Note Allied Vision Technologies offers a wide range of accessories for the use of AVT GigE cameras and the easy integration in already existing applications. • • www Gigabit Ethernet accessories including standard GigE components as well as PoE capable GigE components. Lenses for corresponding sensor sizes and resolutions.
Introduction www All software packages (including documentation and release notes) provided by AVT can be downloaded at: http://www.alliedvisiontec.com/emea/support/downloads/ software.html Third-party software In addition to the software provided by AVT, there are numerous GigE Vision Standard compliant third-party software options available. In general, thirdparty software provides increased functionality such as image processing and video recording.
Safety instructions Safety instructions This chapter describes safety instructions/cautions valid for AVT GigE cameras and special safety instructions/cautions depending on the camera model used. General safety instructions Note • • • Note • There are no switches or parts inside the camera that require adjustment. The guarantee becomes void upon opening the camera casing.
Safety instructions Caution To avoid sensor damage • • • • • • Use light source with lower intensity Use external shutter Use optical filters Use lens cap (when camera not in use) Vary local light spot / laser spot on sensor X-rays: – Keep camera out of X-ray path. Guide light source via mirrors to the sensor – Use lead glass to protect lens and sensor – Use lead jacket for the body of the camera The warranty does not cover damaged cameras caused by X-ray applications or too much light/laser light.
Safety instructions Safety instructions for board level cameras (only Manta and Prosilica GB) Note Caution-ESD Read the Manta / Prosilica GB Technical Manual and these safety instructions before use. Abuse or misapplication of the camera may result in limited warranty or cancellation of warranty. Board level cameras: ESD warnings • • • • • Board level cameras are delivered without housing. Handle the sensor board and main board with care. Do not bend the boards.
Safety instructions Caution Board level cameras: General warnings • • • • • • Caution Be sure that all power to your board level camera is switched off before mounting the sensor board or making connections to the camera. Do not connect or disconnect any cables during an electrical storm. Do not use your board level cameras during an electrical storm.
Getting started Getting started This chapter describes the components required for your camera system: GigE Vision camera AVT offers the following GigE Vision camera families: • Bigeye G • Mako G • Manta • Prosilica GB • Prosilica GC • Prosilica GE • Prosilica GS • Prosilica GT • Prosilica GX This guide can be applied to all of these families. Follow the links below to learn more about GigE Vision cameras from AVT. www Follow this link to learn about GigE Vision cameras from AVT. http://www.
Getting started GigE Vision software AVT provides several software packages that support AVT GigE Vision cameras. The user can target the following operating systems and a variety of CPU architectures: • Windows, Linux (supported by both AVT VIMBA and PvAPI SDKs) • QNX or OSX (supported by PvAPI SDK only) www www VIMBA is AVT's future-proof SDK for all current and upcoming AVT cameras with GigE Vision, FireWire (IEEE 1394) and USB Vision interfaces. Visit the link below for more information.
Installing hardware Installing hardware This chapter describes the hardware installation and configuration of Gigabit Ethernet network cards (PC or laptop) for optimum system performance when using a GigE Vision camera. Installing Gigabit Ethernet network card GigE Vision cameras can operate on 10/100, or Gigabit speed Ethernet adapters. In order to take advantage of maximum camera frame rates, a Gigabit speed adapter is required.
Installing hardware Ethernet adapter configuration 1. PC: Install the (second) Gigabit Ethernet network card in your host computer according to the instructions you got from your network card manufacturer. Laptop: Insert the Gigabit Ethernet ExpressCard into your laptop. 2. Cancel the Found new Hardware Wizard window that may appear when Windows detects your network card. Installation of Ethernet adapter driver 3. Install the network card driver from your network card manufacturer.
Installing hardware Users can fix the adapter address to minimize the time required for a camera to be recognized by the host application. Systems that employ multiple Ethernet adapters connected to multiple cameras will also be required to fix the address of the Ethernet adapter.
Installing hardware [OSX] (PvAPI only) – System Preferences – Network – Select Ethernet, click Advanced – TCP/IP tab: Configure IPv4: Manually IPv4 Address: 169.254.100.1 Subnet Mask: 255.255.0.0 Router: Blank Figure 4: Interfaces file for static IP, Linux Ubuntu 10.04 Ethernet adapter optimization 5. The Ethernet adapter should be adjusted to improve system performance when using a GigE Vision camera. This performance is related to minimizing CPU usage and dropped or resent packets.
Installing hardware Adjust camera packet size [Windows 7, Intel Gigabit CT] – Start, Control Panel – Hardware and Sound – Device Manager – Network Adapter – Right-click Adapter device name – Properties – Advanced tab – Settings: Jumbo Packet - Value: 9014 Bytes Figure 5: Setting jumbo packets Note The settings list in the advanced adapter settings may be different between different types/brands of Gigabit Ethernet network cards. Common expressions are Jumbo Frames or Jumbo Packet.
Installing hardware [OSX] (PvAPI only) – System Preferences – Network – Select Ethernet, click Advanced – Ethernet tab: Configure: Manually Speed: 1000baseT Duplex: full-duplex MTU: Jumbo (9000) Figure 6: Ethernet settings OSX Snow Leopard Adjust buffers and moderation rate [Windows 7, Intel Gigabit CT] – Start, Control Panel – Hardware and Sound – Device Manager – Network Adapter – Right-click Adapter device name – Properties – Advanced tab – Performance Options – Settings: Interrupt Moderation Rate Val
Installing camera software Installing camera software This chapter presents instructions for software installation specific to Windows 7. AVT GigE Vision cameras can be operated under earlier versions of Windows including XP. Suggestions specific to Linux, QNX and OSX are also offered when applicable. AVT offers two main SDKs for its GigE Vision cameras—VIMBA and PvAPI.
Installing camera software Install VIMBA Viewer [Windows 7] • Go to install directory. • Click AVTVimba.exe. • Select an installation level suitable for your needs. For first time users, installation level Camera Demonstration is recommended. • Click Start. [Linux] Necessary runtime libraries for executing VIMBA Viewer are available with AVT VIMBA SDK package. • AVT VIMBA ships as a tarball. Uncompress the archive with the command tar -xf ./AVTVimba.tgz to a directory you have writing privileges for.
Installing camera software Install GigE Sample Viewer First time users may want to install the GigE Sample Viewer which offers an excellent introduction to using the camera. Advanced users wishing to develop their own software should download PvAPI SDK. Source code for the GigE Sample Viewer is provided in the examples directory. A filter driver installation executable is also provided with the SDK. [Windows 7] • Go to install directory. • Click Allied_Vision_Technologies_GigE_Viewer_Installer.exe.
Starting the camera Starting the camera Power up A camera power adapter for each GigE camera is available from AVT. Please consult the camera technical manual for connector definition and voltage specifications. www AVT Product literature http://www.alliedvisiontec.com/us/support/downloads/ product-literature.html Caution For AVT Prosilica, Mako G, and Manta cameras • • Caution Bigeye G cameras Operate Bigeye G cameras at 12 V (+ 5 %). The current is limited to max. 3.0 A.
Using the AVT viewer applications Using the AVT viewer applications This chapter describes the use of two viewer applications offered by AVT—VIMBA Viewer and GigE Sample Viewer. The viewer applications are used to stream live view images from the camera, adjust the camera parameters and test functionality. www The AVT VIMBA Viewer can be downloaded from the AVT website: http://www.alliedvisiontec.com/us/products/software/ vimba-sdk.
Using the AVT viewer applications • Confirm that camera IP and Ethernet adapter are on the same subnet. For more information refer to Modifying camera IP address on page 35. 2. Select the desired camera from “Detected Cameras” list. 3. A new camera window appears, as shown in figure 10.
Using the AVT viewer applications If the images are too dark, point the camera directly at a light source to ensure images are not being dropped. If no images appear proceed to chapter Troubleshooting on page 47. Adjust camera controls: Controller window The controller window, as shown in figure 10, is used to configure the camera frame rate, exposure time, color balance, imaging mode, strobe functionality, pixel format, and much more.
Using the AVT viewer applications Live histogram Start live view from the camera by selecting freerun button. Click the histogram icon in the viewer toolbar, shown left. This launches a live histogram. A histogram graphs number of pixels on the vertical axis and digital number value on the horizontal axis.
Using the AVT viewer applications Using the GigE Sample Viewer This section describes main features of GigE Sample Viewer. Launch the application Start the GigE Sample Viewer application. Wait for the camera to appear under Host. If a camera does not appear after some time, try the following: • Confirm the camera is powered. • Confirm the Ethernet cable is connected to the host PC. • Modify the Ethernet adapter and/or Camera IP such that they are on the same subnet.
Using the AVT viewer applications Adjust camera controls Select the desired camera from the cameras window of the GigE Sample Viewer. Click the wrench icon to open controls window. The controls window is used to configure the camera frame rate, exposure time, color balance, imaging mode, strobe functionality, pixel format, and much more. Figure 15: GigE Sample Viewer controls window A detailed explanation of camera controls can be found in the AVT GigE Camera and Driver Attributes Document.
Using the AVT viewer applications Figure 16: GigE Sample Viewer information and histogram windows Event channel Select the desired camera from the cameras window of the GigE Sample Viewer. Click the film icon, shown left, to open the events window. This is a tool used to monitor in-camera events such as AcquisitionEnd, ExposureStart, ExposureEnd, etc. The factory default settings disable all event notifications. Use the camera controls to select which events to monitor.
Using the AVT viewer applications RS232 serial interface Select the desired camera from the cameras window of the GigE Sample Viewer. Click the serial icon, shown left, to open the serialIO window. This tool controls the camera’s RS232 port which communicates across the RXD and TXD pins on the camera IO port. All AVT GigE Vision cameras except Mako G offer an RS232 port.
Using the AVT viewer applications Export camera settings Select the desired camera from the cameras window of the GigE Sample Viewer. Click the floppy disk icon, shown left. A file explorer window appears requesting a download location for the camera setup file. This file captures the current camera settings and creates a simple text file. This file can be uploaded to other cameras allowing both units to utilize the same camera settings.
Modifying camera IP address Modifying camera IP address AVT GigE Vision cameras support a number of IP addressing modes. Cameras shipped from the factory are configured to DHCP. If a DHCP server is not present, the camera uses the LLL / Auto IP configuration mode. Configuration Mode Description VIMBA: DHCP PvAPI: DHCP VIMBA: LLL PvAPI: Auto IP VIMBA: Persistent PvAPI: Fixed Obtain an IP address automatically using DHCP (Fallback to LLL/Auto IP) Obtain an IP address automatically (169.254.xxx.
Modifying camera IP address 4. A new window opens. In the controller window, go to GigE/Persistent and provide the desired values. 5. Go to GigE/Configuration/IP Configuration Mode. Set IP Configuration Mode = Persistent; and execute IP Configuration Apply command. Figure 23: Example - Setting fixed camera IP address in VIMBA viewer (Windows OS) For PvAPI users [Windows 7] With the camera(s) connected to the host, run the IPConfig program.
Modifying camera IP address [Linux, OSX, QNX] With the camera(s) connect to the host, run the CLipConfig program included in the AVT GigE SDK/bin-pc directory. Source code is included in the examples. Figure 25: AVT CLipConfig application command line options AVT GigE Cameras Installation Manual V1.0.
Using multiple cameras Using multiple cameras There is a number of different methods for configuring a multiple camera system. Most of these can be differentiated into two architectures: Single Ethernet port and Multiple Ethernet port. In order to determine which architecture is needed, start by calculating the amount of bandwidth required from the cameras based on the desired resolution, pixel format, frame rate and number of cameras.
Using multiple cameras www For more information on StreamBytesPerSecond and camera pixel format, see: PvAPI users: AVT GigE Camera and Driver Attributes document VIMBA users: AVT GigE Camera and Driver Features document Single Ethernet port Multiple cameras are connected to a switch. The switch is connected to a single Ethernet port. This is the simplest multiple camera installation. The cameras can be managed using Auto IP, no additional configuration on the switch is necessary.
Using multiple cameras Figure 27: GigE Sample Viewer window, controls window showing StreamBytesPerSecond feature Multiple Ethernet ports Each camera is connected directly to an Ethernet port. No switch is used. This configuration is more complex and requires the user to manage host and camera IP addressing; however, it allows each camera to use the entire Gigabit interface bandwidth.
Using multiple cameras The following steps are required to configure a multiple Ethernet port camera system: • Fix host adapter IP address • Fix camera IP address Note The host can be configured using multiple single port adapter cards, multiple dual port, quad port and so on. The same IP addressing model can be scaled to larger network configurations. Fix host adapter IP address – Refer to Modify Ethernet adapter IP address on page 17. – Select Use the following IP address: Adapter1 IP Address: 169.
Implementing link aggregation Implementing link aggregation The Prosilica GX series cameras offer two Gigabit Ethernet ports for image data transfer and control. Users can connect one or both ports on the Prosilica GX to Ethernet adapter ports on a host computer. The dual port approach requires the host computer to configure a Link Aggregate Group (LAG). A LAG configuration combines multiple Ethernet ports into a single data channel.
Implementing link aggregation Percentage of single port GigE bandwidth ~ 84%, LAG is not required to operate the GX1050 camera at 100 fps in Mono8. Example 2: GX1050C using YUV422 pixel format and outputting 100 fps Bandwidth usage = 1024 x 1024 x 2 (2 byte for YUV422) x 100 ~ 210 MBps Percentage of single port GigE bandwidth ~ 168%, LAG is required to operate the GX1050C at 100 fps using YUV422.
Implementing link aggregation – Select team type: Static Link Aggregation click Next Figure 35: Team wizard team type selection This configures the team and a new adapter appears in the Network Connections window. Note The newly formed team adapter can be managed using automatic IP configuration or fixed IP using instructions provided in Modify Ethernet adapter IP address on page 17. [Linux] Link Aggregation is referred to as bonding in Linux. The following instructions are for Ubuntu Linux 10.
Implementing link aggregation [OSX] (PvAPI only) www For full installation instructions on OSX, see: http://docs.info.apple.com/ article.html?path=ServerAdmin/10.6/en/ asa7873dc0.html Note These instructions are for OSX server, but apply to OSX also. – – – – – System Preferences Network Select Ethernet, click gear icon, Manage Virtual Interfaces Click the Add (+) button, and select New Link Aggregate Select the ports to bond from the list, click Create, Done.
Multicasting configuration Multicasting configuration Multicasting allows multiple hosts on the same network to receive camera image data. One host acts as master/controller, and the others act as monitor. Most network hardware only supports multicasting at maximum packet size 1500. www For enabling/disabling multicasting, see: PvAPI users: AVT GigE Camera and Driver Attributes document VIMBA users: AVT GigE Camera and Driver Features document [Windows] Ensure camera packet size is 1500.
Troubleshooting Troubleshooting Is the camera getting power? The RJ45 Ethernet connector on the back for the camera contains LEDs, one of which illuminates when the camera is powered. If unlit, check the power adapter. If possible, test the adapter with a working camera to verify its operation. If using a custom power adapter, be sure the adapter and wire gauge is rated to 200–500 mA.
Troubleshooting If you are still having problems, type: ipconfig /all in a command prompt [windows]; ifconfig -a in terminal [Linux, OSX, QNX]. Send resulting screenshot to support@alliedvisiontec.com. Figure 39: ipconfig /all. Windows AVT GigE Cameras Installation Manual V1.0.
Troubleshooting Is the camera listed in Viewer but can't acquire images? Reset your camera settings to factory default. VIMBA Viewer GigE Sample Viewer In controller window, set UserSetDefaultSelector = Default, and click the UserSetLoad button. In controls window, set ConfigFileIndex = Factory, click ConfigFileLoad button. While streaming, check the camera Stats. StatFramesDelivered / StatPacketsReceived = 0 • Likely a firewall is blocking incoming traffic.
Troubleshooting Troubleshooting for Bigeye G cameras only (IOD mode) If the camera can be detected but no images can be grabbed: Verify the camera operation mode: Make sure the camera operates in continuous mode, and not in IOD mode. General description: • Continuous mode: The camera generates the images with a constant exposure time autonomously. • Image on Demand (IOD): the camera produces no image until a trigger impulse is generated.
Appendix Appendix AVT camera cleaning instructions This chapter describes safety instructions/cautions valid for all AVT GigE camera families in case of cleaning lenses, optical filters/protection glass or sensors. Caution Bigeye G cameras have the sensor in a vacuum housing. This vacuum housing is dust-free. Therefore there is no need to clean the sensor. • Do not open the vacuum housing. Note • • Please read these instructions before you contact your AVT camera dealer for assistance.
Appendix Avoiding the necessity of camera cleaning When screwing/unscrewing the camera lens or dust cap, hold the camera with the C-Mount / F-Mount opening towards the floor as shown in figure 41. This minimizes the possibility of any contaminants falling on the glass surface. Always store cameras and lenses with dust-caps installed.
Appendix Where is the impurity? – Locating impurities Before you dismount the lens you should find out if the impurity is on the filter, lens or sensor. Therefore, you should capture a uniform image (e.g. a white sheet of paper) with the camera. The affected optical surface is identified when a suspected optical component is moved and the dirt follows this movement. 1. If you move only the lens (not the camera) and the impurity moves as well, the impurity is on the lens. 2.
Appendix 2. Apply a small amount of optics cleaner (60% ethyl alcohol, 40% ether) to a clean, new lens cleaning tissue. Acceptable material includes medical-grade sterile optical cotton, or lens tissue that is chemically pure and free from silicones and other additives. – Do not use cosmetic cotton. – Do not use consumer eyeglass cleaning cloths pre-treated with silicon. The cotton or lens tissue should be moist, but not dripping.
Appendix Caution • • 6. If you want to clean your camera with compressed air despite of all the warnings: Caution • • 7. Never wipe lenses with dry swabs or tissue - this causes scratches. Do not use any disposable cotton cosmetic swabs; they are not free from contamination. Use an air blower/compressed air only if you are familiar with cleaning a camera with this instrument. Compressed air may push dust into cameras and lenses.
Additional references Additional references Product webpage http://www.alliedvisiontec.com/us/products/cameras/gigabit-ethernet.html Product manuals and CAD models http://www.alliedvisiontec.com/us/support/downloads/productliterature.html AVT VIMBA SDK http://www.alliedvisiontec.com/us/products/software/vimba-sdk.html AVT GigE PvAPI SDK http://www.alliedvisiontec.com/us/products/software/avt-pvapi-sdk.html Knowledge base http://www.alliedvisiontec.com/us/support/knowledge-base.html Case studies http://www.
Index Index A L Accessories ............................................... 8 Legal notice .............................................. 2 Link Aggregate Group (LAG) ....................... 42 Locating impurities................................... 53 B Board level cameras Dirty environments.............................. 13 General warnings ................................ 13 Loading ............................................ 13 Safety instructions ..............................
