Basler aviator USER’S MANUAL FOR CAMERA LINK CAMERAS Document Number: AW000830 Version: 07 Language: 000 (English) Release Date: 17 December 2010
For customers in the U.S.A. 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.
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Table of Contents Table of Contents 1 Specifications, Requirements, and Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 1.1 Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 1.2 General Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 1.3 Spectral Response . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table of Contents 2.9 Output Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.9.1 Voltage Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.9.2 Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.9.3 Response Times . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.9.
Table of Contents 5.3.3 Using a Hardware Frame Start Trigger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 5.3.3.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 5.3.3.2 Exposure Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 5.3.3.3 Setting the Parameters Related to Hardware Frame Start Triggering and Applying a Hardware Trigger Signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 5.
Table of Contents 7.10 Image Area of Interest (AOI) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141 7.10.1 Setting the Image AOI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142 7.10.2 Prelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144 7.11 Binning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Specifications, Requirements, and Precautions 1 Specifications, Requirements, and Precautions This chapter lists the camera models covered by the manual. It provides the general specifications for those models and the basic requirements for using them. This chapter also includes specific precautions that you should keep in mind when using the cameras. We strongly recommend that you read and follow the precautions. 1.
Specifications, Requirements, and Precautions 1.2 General Specifications Specification avA1000-120km avA1000-120kc avA1600-65km avA1600-65kc nominal: 1024 x 1024 pixels 1024 x 1024 pixels 1600 x 1200 pixels 1600 x 1200 pixels maximum: 1040 x 1040 pixels 1036 x 1036 pixels 1636 x 1240 pixels 1640 x 1236 pixels Sensor Type Kodak KAI-01050 Progressive scan CCD Kodak KAI-02050 Progressive scan CCD Optical Size 1/2" 2/3" Pixel Size 5.5 µm x 5.
Specifications, Requirements, and Precautions Specification avA1900-60km avA1900-60kc avA2300-30km avA2300-30kc nominal: 1920 x 1080 pixels 1920 x 1080 pixels 2330 x 1750 pixels 2332 x 1752 pixels maximum: 1960 x 1120 pixels 1956 x 1116 pixels 2360 x 1776 pixels 2356 x 1772 pixels Sensor Type Kodak KAI-02150 Progressive scan CCD Kodak KAI-04050 Progressive scan CCD Optical Size 2/3" 1" Pixel Size 5.5 µm x 5.
Specifications, Requirements, and Precautions 1.3 Spectral Response 1.3.1 Monochrome Cameras The following graph shows the spectral response for all monochrome cameras. Absolute Quantum Efficiency The spectral response curve excludes lens characteristics and light source characteristics. Wave Length (nm) Fig.
Specifications, Requirements, and Precautions 1.3.2 Color Cameras The following graph shows the spectral response for all color cameras. The spectral response curves excludes lens characteristics, light source characteristics, and IR cut filter characteristics. To obtain best performance from color models of the camera, use of a dielectric IR cut filter is recommended. The filter should transmit in a range from 400 nm to 700 ... 720 nm, and it should cut off from 700 ... 720 nm to 1100 nm.
Specifications, Requirements, and Precautions 1.4 Mechanical Specifications The camera housing conforms to protection class IP30 assuming that the lens mount is covered by a lens or by the protective plastic seal that is shipped with the camera. 1.4.1 Camera Dimensions and Mounting Points The cameras are manufactured with high precision. Planar, parallel, and angular sides guarantee precise mounting with high repeatability. The camera’s dimensions in millimeters are as shown in the drawings below.
Specifications, Requirements, and Precautions 1.4.2 Sensor Positioning Accuracy The sensor positioning accuracy is as shown in the drawings below. (This is the sensor tilt tolerance. It applies to every point on the photosensitive surface and is relative to the center of the die.) ± 0.025 ± 1° = Reference plane Photosensitive surface of the sensor 17.5 Fig.
Specifications, Requirements, and Precautions 1.4.3 Maximum Lens Thread Length on Color Cameras The C-mount lens adapter on color models of the camera is normally equipped with an internal IR cut filter. As shown below, the length of the threads on any lens you use with a color camera must be less than 7.5 mm. If a lens with a longer thread length is used, the IR cut filter will be damaged or destroyed and the camera will no longer operate. < 7.
Specifications, Requirements, and Precautions 1.4.4 Mechanical Stress Test Results Aviator cameras were submitted to an independent mechanical testing laboratory and subjected to the stress tests listed below. The mechanical stress tests were performed on selected camera models. After mechanical testing, the cameras exhibited no detectable physical damage and produced normal images during standard operational testing.
Specifications, Requirements, and Precautions 1.5 Avoiding EMI and ESD Problems The cameras are frequently installed in industrial environments. These environments often include devices that generate electromagnetic interference (EMI) and they are prone to electrostatic discharge (ESD). Excessive EMI and ESD can cause problems with your camera such as false triggering or can cause the camera to suddenly stop capturing images.
Specifications, Requirements, and Precautions 1.6 Environmental Requirements 1.6.1 Temperature and Humidity Housing temperature during operation: 0 °C ... +50 °C (+32 °F ... +122 °F) Humidity during operation: 20 % ... 80 %, relative, non-condensing Storage temperature: -20 °C ... +80 °C (-4 °F ... +176 °F) Storage humidity: 20 % ... 80 %, relative, non-condensing 1.6.
Specifications, Requirements, and Precautions 1.7 Precautions NOTICE If the voltage of the power to the camera is greater than +13.2 VDC, damage to the camera can result. If the voltage is less than +10.8 VDC, the camera may operate erratically. Applying power with the wrong polarity can result in severe damage to the camera. 1. Always make sure that the voltage of the power to the camera is within the specified range. 2. Always make sure that the polarity of the applied voltage is correct.
Specifications, Requirements, and Precautions NOTICE On color cameras, the lens thread length is limited. Color models of the camera with a C-mount lens adapter are equipped with an IR cut filter mounted inside of the adapter. The location of this filter limits the length of the threads on any lens you use with the camera. If a lens with a very long thread length is used, the IR cut filter will be damaged or destroyed and the camera will no longer operate.
Specifications, Requirements, and Precautions Avoid Electromagnetic fields Do not operate the camera in the vicinity of strong electromagnetic fields. Avoid electrostatic charging. Transport Properly Transport the camera in its original packaging only. Do not discard the packaging. Clean Properly Avoid cleaning the surface of the camera’s sensor if possible. If you must clean it, use a soft, lint free cloth dampened with a small quantity of high quality window cleaner.
Physical Interface 2 Physical Interface This chapter provides detailed information, such as pinouts and voltage requirements, for the physical interface on the camera. This information will be especially useful during your initial design-in process. 2.1 General Description of the Camera Connections The camera is interfaced to external circuity via connectors located on the back of the housing: A 6-pin receptacle used to provide power to the camera.
Physical Interface 2.2 Camera Connector Pin Assignments and Numbering 2.2.1 6-Pin Receptacle The 6 pin receptacle is used to supply power to the camera. The pin assignments and pin numbering for the receptacle are as shown in Table 2.
Physical Interface 2.2.2 12-Pin Receptacle The 12 pin receptacle is used to access the two physical input lines and one physical output line available on the camera. The pin assignments and pin numbering for the receptacle are as shown in Table 3.
Physical Interface 2.2.3 26-Pin MDR Connector The 26-pin, 0.050” Mini D Ribbon (MDR) female connector is used to transmit video data, control signals, and configuration commands. The pin assignments and pin numbering for the MDR connector are as shown in Table 4.
Physical Interface 2.3 Camera Connector Types 2.3.1 6-Pin Receptacle The 6-pin connector on the camera is a Hirose micro receptacle (part number HR10A-7R-6PB) or the equivalent. The recommended mating connector is the Hirose micro plug (part number HR10A-7P-6S) or the equivalent. 2.3.2 12-Pin Receptacle The 12-pin connector on the camera is a Hirose micro receptacle (part number HR10A-10R-12P) or the equivalent.
Physical Interface 2.4 Cabling Requirements 2.4.1 Power Cable The end of the power cable that connects to the camera’s 6-pin connector must be terminated with a Hirose micro plug (part number HR10A-7P-6S) or the equivalent. The cable must be wired as shown in Figure 7. For proper EMI protection, the power cable terminated with the Hirose connector and attached to the camera must be a twin-cored, shielded cable.
Physical Interface 2.4.2 Standard I/O Cable The standard I/O cable is intended for use if the camera I/O is not connected to a PLC device. If the camera I/O is connected to a PLC device, we recommend using a PLC I/O cable rather than the standard I/O cable. See the next section for more information about PLC I/O cables. The end of the I/O cable that connects to the camera’s 12-pin connector must be terminated with a Hirose micro plug (part number HR10A-10P-12S) or the equivalent.
Physical Interface 2.4.3 PLC I/O Cable As with the standard I/O cable described in the previous section, the PLC I/O cable is a single cable that connects to the camera’s I/O lines. The PLC I/O cable adjusts the voltage levels of PLC devices to the voltage levels required by the camera, and it protects the camera against negative voltage and reverse polarity. Close proximity to strong magnetic fields should be avoided. We recommend using a PLC I/O cable if the camera is connected to a PLC device.
Physical Interface 2.5 Camera Power Camera power must be supplied to the 6-pin connector on the camera via a cable from your power supply. Nominal operating voltage is +12 VDC (± 10%) with less than one percent ripple. Power consumption is as shown in the specification tables in Section 1 of this manual. Close proximity to strong magnetic fields should be avoided. NOTICE If the voltage of the power to the camera is greater than +13.2 VDC, damage to the camera can result. If the voltage is less than +10.
Physical Interface 2.6 LED Indicator The LED on the back of the camera indicates the power status: If the LED is not lit, there is no power to the camera. If the LED is lit, there is power to the camera.
Physical Interface 2.7 I/O Line Schematic Fig.
Physical Interface 2.8 Input Lines 2.8.1 Voltage Requirements : Different voltage levels apply depending on whether you are using a standard I/O cable or a PLC I/O cable (see below). Voltage Levels When the Standard I/O Cable is Used When a standard I/O cable is used, the following voltage requirements apply to the camera’s I/O inputs (pins 3 and 4 of the 12-pin receptacle): Voltage Significance +0 to +24 VDC Recommended operating voltage. +0 to +1.4 VDC The voltage indicates a logical 0. > +1.
Physical Interface 2.8.2 Characteristics The camera is equipped with two physical input lines designated as input line 1 and input line 2. The input lines are accessed via the 12-pin receptacle on the back of the camera. As shown in the I/O line schematic, each input line is opto-isolated. See the previous section for input voltages and their significances. The absolute maximum input voltage is +30.0 VDC. The current draw for each input line is between 5 and 15 mA.
Physical Interface 2.8.3 Selecting an Input Line As the Source Signal for a Camera Function You can select input line 1 or input line 2 to act as the source signal for the following camera functions: the acquisition start trigger the frame start trigger Note that when an input line has been selected as the source signal for a camera function, you must apply an electrical signal to the input line that is appropriately timed for the function.
Physical Interface 2.9 Output Lines 2.9.1 Voltage Requirements The following voltage requirements apply to the I/O output VCC (pin 10 of the 12-pin receptacle): Voltage < +3.3 VDC +3.3 to +24 VDC +30.0 VDC Significance The I/O output may operate erratically. Recommended operating voltage. Absolute maximum; the camera may be damaged if the absolute maximum is exceeded. Table 7: Voltage Requirements for the I/O Output VCC 2.9.
Physical Interface Figure 12 shows a typical circuit you can use to monitor the output line with an LED or an optocoupler. In this example, the voltage for the external circuit is +24 VDC. Current in the circuit is limited by an external resistor. Fig. 12: Typical LED Output Signal For more information about output line pin assignments and pin numbering, see Section 2.2 on page 16. For more information about using the output lines, see Section 2.9.4 on page 32.
Physical Interface 2.9.3 Response Times Response times for the output lines on the camera are as shown in Figure 13. Camera Output Signal TDR Output Line Voltage 90% TDF RT FT 90% Time Fig. 13: Output Line Response Times Time Delay Rise (TDR) = 1.5 µs (typical) Rise Time (RT) = 1.0 - 2.0 µs (typical) Time Delay Fall (TDF) = 40 µs (typical) Fall Time (FT) = 5 - 10 µs (typical) The response times for the output lines on your camera will typically fall into the ranges specified above.
Physical Interface 2.9.4 Selecting a Source Signal for the Output Line To make the physical output line useful, you must select a source signal for the output line. The camera has the following standard output signals available that can be selected as the source signal for the output line: The Timer 1 signal. Currently, the Timer 1 signal is always selected as the source signal for the camera’s output line and this can not be changed.
Physical Interface Setting the Timer 1 Parameters Using Direct Register Access To set the timer 1 parameters via direct register access: Set the value of the Timer Delay Raw Timer 1 register. Set the value of the Timer Duration Raw Timer 1 register. A value in a raw register is simply an integer value with no units. To determine what the actual delay or duration time will be, you must multiply the raw value by the camera’s time base. The time base on aviator cameras is 1 µs.
Physical Interface 2.10 Camera Link Interface The Camera Link interface on the aviator is accessed via the 26-pin MDR connector. The Camera Link interface is designed to be completely compatible with the base Camera Link standard. The camera has a default Camera Link pixel clock speed of 65 MHz. The pixel clock speed can also be changed to 32.5 MHz, 40 MHz, or 48 MHz. The camera can output pixel data in 8 bit, 10 bit, or 12 bit pixel formats and in the 1X2-1Y or 1X2YE Camera Link tap geometries.
Physical Interface The serial port can operate at the following baud rates: 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, 115200, 230400, 460800, and 921600. You can change the baud rate for the serial port by setting the Camera Link Serial Port Baud Rate parameter. If you change the baud rate, the camera will return to the 9600 baud setting when it is reset or powered off and back on.
Physical Interface 36 Basler aviator Camera Link
Camera Functional Description 3 Camera Functional Description This chapter provides an overview of the camera’s functionality from a system perspective. The overview will aid your understanding when you read the more detailed information included in the later chapters of the user’s manual. 3.1 Overview Each camera provides features such as a full frame shutter and electronic exposure time control.
Camera Functional Description 3.1.1 Four Tap Sensor Digitization Mode With four tap sensor digitization, the sensor is divided into quadrants, and a separate electronic circuit is used to read out the pixels in each quadrant (see Figure 15 on page 39). Each of the electronic circuits used to read out a quadrant of the sensor is referred to as a tap.
Camera Functional Description image and the pixels in the next to last line (line n-1) in the image will be transmitted. Next, the pixels in the third line of the image and in line n-2 will be transmitted. And so on. If the camera is set for 1X-2YE, the camera can begin transmitting pixel data via the Camera Link interface before the entire image has been read out of the imaging sensor. For more detailed information about tap geometries, see Section 6.2 on page 95.
Camera Functional Description Output Image Buffer I/O Input Input Image Data VGC ADC VGC ADC Sensor Image Data FPGA VGC ADC VGC ADC Image Data Camera Link Interface Image Data and Control Data PC Control Control: AOI, Gain, Black Level MicroController Control Data Fig.
Camera Functional Description 3.1.2 One Sensor Tap Digitization Mode With one tap sensor digitization, only one electronic circuit is used to read out the pixels in the sensor (see Figure 17 on page 42). The advantage of the one tap digitization scheme is that it eliminates the need to balance four different readout circuits as is required with four tap readout.
Camera Functional Description VGC ADC Tap 1 Sensor Upper Horizontal Shift Register Pixels Vertical Shift Register Fig.
Camera Functional Description Output Image Buffer I/O Input Input Image Data Sensor VGC ADC Image Data FPGA Image Data Camera Link Interface Image Data and Control Data PC Control Control: AOI, Gain, Black Level MicroController Control Data Fig.
Camera Functional Description 44 Basler aviator Camera Link
Tools for Changing Camera Parameters 4 Tools for Changing Camera Parameters This chapter explains the options available for changing the camera’s parameters. The available options let you change parameters either by using stand-alone tools that access the camera via a GUI or by accessing the camera from within your software application. 4.1 Basler pylon 4.1.
Tools for Changing Camera Parameters 4.1.2 The pylon Viewer The Basler pylon Viewer is a standalone application that lets you view and change the camera’s parameter settings via a GUI based interface. Using the pylon Viewer software is a very convenient way to get your camera up and running quickly when you are doing your initial camera evaluation or doing a camera design-in for a new project.
Tools for Changing Camera Parameters Register Structure and Access Methods (AW000833xx000). The document can be downloaded from the Basler website: www.baslerweb.com/beitraege/beitrag_en_80604.html. Note that if you are using an earlier Baser Camera Link camera that was originally designed to work with the Basler Binary Protocol II (e.g., the A400k, L400k, L800k, and the sprint), you can now use either the BBPL or the Binary Protocol II to access the camera’s registers.
Tools for Changing Camera Parameters 48 Basler aviator Camera Link
Image Acquisition Control 5 Image Acquisition Control This chapter provides detailed information about controlling image acquisition. You will find information about triggering image acquisition, about setting the exposure time for acquired images, about controlling the camera’s image acquisition rate, and about how the camera’s maximum allowed image acquisition rate can vary depending on the current camera settings. 5.
Image Acquisition Control acquisition start trigger" acquisition status and will remain in that status until a new acquisition start trigger signal is applied. As an example, assume that the Acquisition Frame Count parameter is set to three and that the camera is in a "waiting for acquisition start trigger" acquisition status.
Image Acquisition Control = camera is waiting for an acquisition start trigger signal = camera is waiting for a frame start trigger signal = frame exposure and readout = frame transmission = a frame start trigger signal that will be ignored because the camera is not in a "waiting for frame start trigger" status Acquisition Frame Count parameter setting = 3 Acquisition Start Trigger Signal Frame Start Trigger Signal Time Fig.
Image Acquisition Control The Trigger Selector (This Only Applies When You Are Using Basler pylon) If you are using the Basler pylon API to parameterize the camera, the concept of the "trigger selector" is very important to understand when working with the acquisition start and frame start triggers.
Image Acquisition Control 5.2 The Acquisition Start Trigger (When reading this section, it is helpful to refer to Figure 19 on page 51.) The acquisition start trigger is used in conjunction with the frame start trigger to control the acquisition of frames. In essence, the acquisition start trigger is used as an enabler for the frame start trigger. When the acquisition start trigger is enabled, the camera’s initial acquisition status is "waiting for acquisition start trigger".
Image Acquisition Control trigger" acquisition status. In order to acquire more frames, you must apply a new acquisition start trigger signal to the camera to exit it from the "waiting for acquisition start trigger" acquisition status. When the Trigger Mode parameter for the acquisition start trigger is set to on, you must select a source signal to act as the acquisition start trigger. The Trigger Source parameter specifies the source signal.
Image Acquisition Control 5.2.2 Acquisition Frame Count When the Trigger Mode parameter for the acquisition start trigger is set to on, you must set the value of the camera’s Acquisition Frame Count parameter. The value of the Acquisition Frame Count can range from 1 to 255. With acquisition start triggering on, the camera will initially be in a "waiting for acquisition start trigger" acquisition status. When in this acquisition status, the camera cannot react to frame start trigger signals.
Image Acquisition Control Camera.TriggerSource.SetValue ( TriggerSource_Line1 ); // Set the activation mode for the selected trigger to rising edge Camera.TriggerActivation.SetValue( TriggerActivation_RisingEdge ); // Set the acquisition frame count Camera.AcquisitionFrameCount.SetValue( 5 ); You can also use the Basler pylon Viewer application to easily set the parameters. For more information about the pylon API and the pylon Viewer, see Section 4 on page 45.
Image Acquisition Control 5.2.4 5.2.4.1 Using a Software Acquisition Start Trigger Introduction If the camera’s Trigger Mode parameter for the acquisition start trigger is set to on and the Trigger Source parameter is set to software, you must apply a software acquisition start trigger signal to the camera before you can begin frame acquisition. The camera will initially be in a "waiting for acquisition start trigger" acquisition status.
Image Acquisition Control You can also use the Basler pylon Viewer application to easily set the parameters. For more information about the pylon API and the pylon Viewer, see Section 4 on page 45. Setting the Parameters and Applying the Signal Using Direct Register Access To set the parameters needed to perform software acquisition start triggering via direct register access: Set the value of the Trigger Mode Acquisition Start register to on.
Image Acquisition Control 5.2.5 5.2.5.1 Using a Hardware Acquisition Start Trigger Introduction If the Trigger Mode parameter for the acquisition start trigger is set to on and the Trigger Source parameter is set to line 1, line 2, CC1, CC2, or CC4, an externally generated electrical signal injected into the selected source will be will act as the acquisition start trigger signal for the camera.
Image Acquisition Control // Set the activation mode for the selected trigger to rising edge Camera.TriggerActivation.SetValue( TriggerActivation_RisingEdge ); // Set the acquisition frame count Camera.AcquisitionFrameCount.SetValue( 5 ); // Apply a rising edge of the externally generated electrical signal // (ExASTrig signal) to line 1 on the camera You can also use the Basler pylon Viewer application to easily set the parameters.
Image Acquisition Control 5.3 The Frame Start Trigger The frame start trigger is used to begin frame acquisition. Assuming that the camera is in a "waiting for frame start trigger" acquisition status, it will begin a frame acquisition each time it receives a frame start trigger signal. (For a quick overview of acquisition start triggering and frame start triggering, see Section 5.1 on page 49.
Image Acquisition Control Exposure Time Control with the Frame Start Trigger Off When the Trigger mode parameter for the frame start trigger is set to off, the exposure time for each frame acquisition is determined by: the value of the camera’s Exposure Time Abs parameter if you are parameterizing the camera using Basler pylon. the value in the camera’s Exposure Time Raw register if you are parameterizing the camera using direct register access.
Image Acquisition Control Typically, a frame grabber is used to supply an electrical frame start signal to CC1, CC2, or CC4. By default, CC1 is selected as the source signal for the frame start trigger. For more information about using a software trigger to control frame acquisition start, see Section 5.3.2 on page 66. For more information about using a hardware trigger to control frame acquisition start, see Section 5.3.3 on page 70.
Image Acquisition Control 5.3.1.3 Setting the Frame Start Trigger Mode and Related Parameters Setting the Parameters Using Basler pylon You can set the Trigger Mode and related parameter values from within your application software by using the pylon API. If your settings make it necessary, you can also set the Trigger Source parameter.
Image Acquisition Control To set the trigger mode for the frame start trigger to off, set the exposure time, and set the frame acquisition rate via direct register access: Set the value of the Trigger Mode Frame Start register to off. Set the value of the Exposure Time Raw register as desired. A value in a raw register is simply an integer value with no units. To determine what the actual setting will be, you must multiply the value in the raw register by the camera’s time base.
Image Acquisition Control 5.3.2 5.3.2.1 Using a Software Frame Start Trigger Introduction If the Trigger Mode parameter for the frame start trigger is set to on and the Trigger Source parameter is set to software, you must apply a software frame start trigger signal to the camera to begin each frame acquisition. Assuming that the camera is in a "waiting for frame start trigger" acquisition status, frame exposure will start when the software frame start trigger signal is received by the camera.
Image Acquisition Control 5.3.2.2 Acquisition Status If the camera is currently in the process of acquiring a frame, it may not be in a "waiting for frame start trigger" acquisition status (i.e., it may not be ready to receive a new software frame start trigger signal and begin acquiring a new frame). You can use the acquisition status feature to determine whether the camera is ready to perform a new frame acquisition.
Image Acquisition Control 5.3.2.3 Setting the Parameters Related to Software Frame Start Triggering and Applying a Software Trigger Signal Setting the Parameters and Applying the Signal Using Basler pylon You can set all of the parameters needed to perform software frame start triggering from within your application software by using the pylon API. The following code snippet illustrates using the API to set the parameter values and execute the commands related to software frame start triggering.
Image Acquisition Control You can also use the Basler pylon Viewer application to easily set the parameters. For more information about the pylon API and the pylon Viewer, see Section 4 on page 45. Setting the Parameters and Applying the Signal Using Direct Register Access To set the parameters needed to perform software frame start triggering via direct register access (with the acquisition start trigger mode set to off): Set the value of the Trigger Mode Acquisition Start register to off.
Image Acquisition Control 5.3.3 5.3.3.1 Using a Hardware Frame Start Trigger Introduction If the Trigger Mode parameter for the frame start trigger is set to on and the Trigger Source parameter is set to line 1, line 2, CC1, CC2, or CC4, an externally generated electrical signal injected into the selected source will act as the frame start trigger signal for the camera.
Image Acquisition Control For more information about determining the maximum allowed frame rate with the current camera settings, see Section 5.7 on page 90. For more information about setting the camera for hardware triggering and selecting the source to receive the ExFSTrig signal, see Section 5.3.3.3 on page 73. For more information about the electrical requirements for line 1 or line 2, see Section 2.8 on page 26. 5.3.3.
Image Acquisition Control Trigger Width Exposure Mode When trigger width exposure mode is selected, the length of the exposure for each frame acquisition will be directly controlled by the ExFSTrig signal. If the camera is set for rising edge triggering, the exposure time begins when the ExFSTrig signal rises and continues until the ExFSTrig signal falls. If the camera is set for falling edge triggering, the exposure time begins when the ExFSTrig signal falls and continues until the ExFSTrig signal rises.
Image Acquisition Control 5.3.3.3 Setting the Parameters Related to Hardware Frame Start Triggering and Applying a Hardware Trigger Signal Setting the Parameters Using Basler pylon and Applying the Signal You can set all of the parameters needed to perform hardware frame start triggering from within your application by using the pylon API.
Image Acquisition Control Camera.AcquisitionFrameRateEnable.SetValue( false ); // Select the frame start trigger Camera.TriggerSelector.SetValue( TriggerSelector_FrameStart ); // Set the mode for the selected trigger Camera.TriggerMode.SetValue( TriggerMode_On ); // Set the source for the selected trigger Camera.TriggerSource.SetValue ( TriggerSource_CC1 ); // Set the trigger activation mode to rising edge Camera.TriggerActivation.
Image Acquisition Control 5.4 Setting the Exposure Time This section (Section 5.4) describes how the exposure time can be adjusted "manually", i.e., by setting the value of the exposure time parameter. The camera also has an Exposure Auto function that can automatically adjust the exposure time. Manual adjustment of the exposure time parameter will only work correctly if the Exposure Auto function is disabled. For more information about auto functions in general, see Section 7.8 on page 116.
Image Acquisition Control Setting the Exposure Time Using Basler pylon If you are parameterizing the camera with Basler pylon, the exposure time is determined by the setting of the Exposure Time Abs parameter. The Exposure Time Abs parameter sets the exposure time in µs. The exposure time should be set in increments of 1 µs. You can use the pylon API to set the Exposure Time Abs parameter value from within your application software.
Image Acquisition Control 5.5 Use Case Descriptions and Diagrams The following pages contain a series of use case descriptions and diagrams. The descriptions and diagrams are designed to illustrate how acquisition start triggering and frame start triggering work in some common situations and with some common combinations of parameter settings. These use cases do not represent every possible combination of the parameters associated with acquisition start and frame start triggering.
Image Acquisition Control Use Case: "Free Run" (Acquisition Start Trigger Off and Frame Start Trigger Off) The acquisition start trigger is off. The camera will generate acquisition start trigger signals internally with no action by the user. The frame start trigger is off. The camera will generate frame start trigger signals internally with no action by the user.
Image Acquisition Control Use Case 2 - Acquision Start Trigger Off - Frame Start Trigger On Use case two is illustrated on page 80. In this use case, the Trigger Mode parameter for the acquisition start trigger is set to off and the Trigger Mode parameter for the frame start trigger is set to on. Because the acquisition start trigger is set to off, the user does not need to apply acquisition start trigger signals to the camera.
Image Acquisition Control Use Case: Acquisition Start Trigger Off and Frame Start Trigger On The acquisition start trigger is off. The camera will generate acquisition start trigger signals internally with no action by the user. The frame start trigger is on, and the frame start trigger source is set to line 1. The user must apply a frame start trigger signal to line 1 to start each frame exposure.
Image Acquisition Control Use Case 3 - Acquision Start Trigger On - Frame Start Trigger Off Use case three is illustrated on page 82. In this use case, the Trigger Mode parameter for the acquisition start trigger is set to on and the Trigger Mode parameter for the frame start trigger is set to off. Because the acquisition start trigger mode is set to on, the user must apply an acquisition start trigger signal to the camera.
Image Acquisition Control Use Case: Acquisition Start Trigger On and Frame Start Trigger Off The acquisition start trigger is on, and the acquisition start trigger source is set to line 1. The user must apply an acquisition start trigger signal to line 1 to make the camera exit the "waiting for acquisition start trigger" acquisition status.
Image Acquisition Control Use Case 4 - Acquisition Start and Frame Start Triggers On Use case four is illustrated on page 84. In this use case, the Trigger Mode parameter for the acquisition start trigger is set to on and the Trigger Mode parameter for the frame start trigger is set to on. Because the acquisition start trigger mode is set to on, the user must apply an acquisition start trigger signal to the camera.
Image Acquisition Control Use Case: Acquisition Start Trigger On and Frame Start Trigger On The acquisition start trigger is on, and the acquisition start trigger source is set to software. The user must execute an acquisition start trigger software command to make the camera exit the "waiting for acquisition start trigger" acquisition status.
Image Acquisition Control 5.6 Acquisition Timing Charts Timing charts for frame acquisition and transmission appear at the end of this section. The charts assume that exposure is triggered by an externally generated frame start (an ExFSTrig) signal with rising edge activation and that the camera is set for the timed exposure mode. As the timing charts show, there is a slight delay between the rise of the ExFSTrig signal and the start of exposure.
Image Acquisition Control As shown in the timing charts, the exposure of a new image can start while the camera is reading a previously acquired image out of the sensor. However, the exposure time for the new image must not end while the readout of the previous image is still in progress.
Basler aviator Camera Link Exposure Frame N Transmission Start Delay Transmission Start Delay Frame N Transmission to Host PC Frame N+1 Readout to the Image Buffer Exposure Frame N+1 Exposure Start Delay Frame N Readout to the Image Buffer Exposure Start Delay Fig.
88 Exposure Frame N Exposure Frame N+2 Frame N+1 Transmission to Host PC Transmission Start Delay Transmission Start Delay Frame N Transmission to Host PC Frame N+1 Readout to the Image Buffer Exposure Frame N+1 Exposure Start Delay Frame N Readout to the Image Buffer Exposure Start Delay Fig.
Image Acquisition Control Frame Readout Time You can calculate a close approximation of the frame readout time by using this formula: 1 Frame Readout Time = ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------Maximum Allowed Frame Rate For more information about determining the maximum allowed frame rate given the current camera settings, see Section 5.7 on page 90.
Image Acquisition Control 5.7 Maximum Allowed Frame Acquisition Rate The maximum allowed frame acquisition rate for your camera is not static. It can vary depending on how certain camera features are set. In general, the following factors can affect the maximum allowed frame rate: The amount of time it takes to read the data for an acquired image (known as a frame) out of the imaging sensor and into the camera’s frame buffer. This time varies depending on the height of the frame.
Image Acquisition Control The Resulting Frame Rate Abs parameter takes all camera settings that can influence the frame rate into account and indicates the maximum allowed frame rate given the current settings. You can also use the Basler pylon Viewer application to easily read the parameter. For more information about the pylon API and the pylon Viewer, see Section 4 on page 45.
Image Acquisition Control However, lowering the setting can also have a negative impact on image quality, especially if your AOI height is small. So changing the prelines setting may involve a trade-off between increasing the maximum allowed frame rate and lowering image quality. If you are using normal exposure times and you are using the camera at it’s maximum resolution, your exposure time will not normally restrict the frame rate.
Pixel Formats, Tap Geometries, and Color Filters 6 Pixel Formats, Tap Geometries, and Color Filters This chapter provides information about the pixel formats and the Camera Link tap geometries available on the camera. By selecting a pixel format, you determine the bit depth of the image data transmitted by the camera. By selecting a tap geometry, you determine how the pixel data will be transmitted over the Camera Link interface.
Pixel Formats, Tap Geometries, and Color Filters Setting the Pixel Format Using Basler Pylon You can use the pylon API to set the Pixel Format parameter value from within your application. The following code snippet illustrates using the API to set the parameter value: // Set pixel format to Mono 8 Camera.PixelFormat.SetValue( PixelFormat_Mono8 ); // Set pixel format to Mono 12 Camera.PixelFormat.SetValue( PixelFormat_Mono12 ); // Set pixel format to Bayer GR 8 Camera.PixelFormat.
Pixel Formats, Tap Geometries, and Color Filters 6.2 Camera Link Tap Geometry As mentioned in the "Camera Functional Description" section, after each image exposure is complete, the acquired image data is read out of the camera’s imaging sensor and into an image buffer in the camera. The Camera Link Tap Geometry parameter determines how the data in the image buffer will be transmitted from the camera to the frame grabber in your host PC via the Camera Link interface.
Pixel Formats, Tap Geometries, and Color Filters This transmission scheme is shown graphically in Figure 29.
Pixel Formats, Tap Geometries, and Color Filters Once the pixel data for line one and line N have all been transmitted, the camera begins transmitting pixel data for line two and for line N-1 (the next to last line). The data is transmitted in a similar fashion to line one and line N, i.e., two pixels at a time in ascending order. The camera continues transmitting the pixel data for the remaining lines in similar fashion. This transmission scheme is shown graphically in Figure 30.
Pixel Formats, Tap Geometries, and Color Filters Setting the Tap Geometry Using Basler Pylon You can use the pylon API to set the Camera Link tap geometry from within your application software. The following code snippet illustrates using the API to set the tap geometry: // Set the tap geometry to 1X2-1Y Camera.ClTapGeometry.SetValue( ClTapGeometry_Geometry1X2_1Y ); // Set the tap geometry to 1X-2YE Camera.ClTapGeometry.
Pixel Formats, Tap Geometries, and Color Filters 6.3 The Bayer Color Filter The sensor used in color models of the camera is equipped with an additive color separation filter known as a Bayer filter. The pixel data output formats available on color cameras are related to the Bayer pattern, so you need a basic knowledge of the Bayer filter to understand the pixel formats. With the Bayer filter, each individual pixel is covered by a micro-lens that allows light of only one color to strike the pixel.
Pixel Formats, Tap Geometries, and Color Filters 6.3.1 Color Filter Alignment on the Aviator The alignment of the Bayer filter to the pixels in the images acquired by color versions of the camera is Bayer GR. Bayer GR alignment means that the first and second pixel of the first line in each image transmitted will be green and red respectively. And for the second line transmitted, the first pixel and the second pixel will be blue and green respectively.
Features 7 Features This chapter provides detailed information about the standard features available on each camera. It also includes an explanation of their operation and the parameters associated with each feature. 7.1 Sensor Digitization Taps As mentioned in the "Functional Description" section of this manual, the camera can be set to four tap or to one tap sensor digitization.
Features 7.2 Camera Link Pixel Clock Speed The camera features selectable Camera Link pixel clock speeds. The pixel clock speed determines the rate at which pixel data will be transmitted from the camera to the frame grabber in your PC via the Camera Link interface. The four available pixel clock speeds are: 32.5 MHz, 40 MHz, 48 MHz, and 65 MHz. The default clock speed is 65 MHz.
Features You can also use the Basler pylon Viewer application to easily set the parameters. For more information about the pylon API and the pylon Viewer, see Section 4 on page 45. Setting the Camera Link Pixel Clock Using Direct Register Access To set the Camera Link pixel clock speed via direct register access: Set the value of the CL Pixel Clock register for 32.5 MHz, 40 MHz, 48 MHz, or 65 MHz. For more information about changing settings via direct register access, see Section 4 on page 45.
Features 7.3 Gain This section (Section 7.3) describes the basic theory of gain and how gain can be adjusted "manually", i.e., by setting the value of the individual gain related parameters. The camera also has a Gain Auto function that can automatically adjust the gain. Manual adjustment of the gain parameters will only work correctly if the Gain Auto function is disabled. For more information about auto functions in general, see Section 7.8 on page 116.
Features 7.3.1 Gain with Four Tap Sensor Digitization As mentioned in the "Functional Description" section of this manual, when the camera is set for four tap sensor digitization, the imaging sensor is divided into four quadrants for readout purposes. Each quadrant is read out by a separate tap (electronic circuit). As a result of this design, there are five gain parameters available: Gain All, Gain Tap 1, and Gain Tap 2, Gain Tap 3, and Gain Tap 4. Gain All is a global adjustment, i.e.
Features If you know the current settings for Gain All, Gain Tap 1, Gain Tap 2, Gain Tap 3, and Gain Tap 4, you can use the formula below to calculate the dB of gain that will result on each tap: Gain on Tap N = ( 0.0359 x Gain All Setting) + (0.0359 x Gain Tap N Setting) Where N is 1, 2, 3, or 4 For example, assume that you have set the Gain All to 450 and the tap 1 gain to 0. The gain on tap 1 would be: Gain on Tap 1 = ( 0.0359 x 450) + (0.0359 x 0) = 16.
Features Camera.GainSelector.SetValue( GainSelector_Tap4 ); Camera.GainRaw.SetValue( 0 ); You can also use the Basler pylon Viewer application to easily set the parameters. For more information about the pylon API and the pylon Viewer, see Section 4 on page 45. Setting the Gain Using Direct Register Access Setting the gain via direct register access is a several step process: Set the value of the Gain All register. Set the value of the Gain Tap 1 register.
Features 7.4 Black Level 7.4.1 Black Level with Four Tap Sensor Digitization Adjusting the camera’s black level will result in an offset to the pixel values output from the camera. As mentioned in the "Functional Description" section of this manual, when the camera is set for four tap sensor digitization, the imaging sensor is divided into four quadrants for readout purposes. Each quadrant is read out by a separate tap (electronic circuit).
Features When adjusting the black levels, the following guidelines must be met: The sum of the Black Level All plus the Black Level Tap 1 parameter settings must be less than or equal to 950. The sum of the Black Level All plus the Black Level Tap 2 parameter settings must be less than or equal to 950. The sum of the Black Level All plus the Black Level Tap 3 parameter settings must be less than or equal to 950.
Features Camera.BlackLevelRaw.SetValue( 0 ); // Set Black Level Raw Tap 3 Camera.BlackLevelSelector.SetValue ( BlackLevelSelector_Tap3 ); Camera.BlackLevelRaw.SetValue( 0 ); // Set Black Level Raw Tap 4 Camera.BlackLevelSelector.SetValue ( BlackLevelSelector_Tap4 ); Camera.BlackLevelRaw.SetValue( 0 ); You can also use the Basler pylon Viewer application to easily set the parameters. For more information about the pylon API and the pylon Viewer, see Section 4 on page 45.
Features 7.5 White Balance (on Color Models) This section (Section 7.5) describes how the camera’s white balance can be adjusted "manually", i.e., by setting the value of the individual white balance related parameters. The camera also has a White Balance Auto function that can automatically adjust the white balance. Manual adjustment of the white balance parameters will only work correctly if the White Balance Auto function is disabled. For more information about auto functions in general, see Section 7.
Features You can use the pylon API to set the Balance Ratio Selector and the Balance Ratio Abs parameter value from within your application software. The following code snippet illustrates using the API to set the selector and the parameter value: // Set the red balance ratio Camera.BalanceRatioSelector.SetValue( BalanceRatioSelector_Red ); Camera.BalanceRatioAbs.SetValue( 1.20 ); // Set the green balance ratio Camera.BalanceRatioSelector.SetValue( BalanceRatioSelector_Green ); Camera.BalanceRatioAbs.
Features 7.6 Integrated IR Cut Filter (on Color Models) Color models of the camera that have a C-mount lens adapter are equipped with an IR cut filter as standard equipment. The filter is mounted inside of the lens adapter. Cameras without an IR cut filter are available on request. Monochrome cameras do not include an IR cut filter in the lens adapter. Monochrome cameras with a C-mount lens adapter can be equipped with a filter on request. NOTICE On color cameras, the lens thread length is limited.
Features 7.7 Disable Parameter Limits For each camera parameter, the allowed range of parameter values is normally limited. The factory limits are designed to ensure optimum camera operation and, in particular, good image quality. For special camera uses, however, it may be helpful to set parameter values outside of the factory limits. The disable parameter limits feature lets you disable the factory parameter limits for certain parameters.
Features Disabling Parameter Limits Using Direct Register Access To disable the limits for the Gain parameter using direct register access: Set the value of the Remove Parameter Limits Gain register to enabled. To disable the limits for the Black Level parameter using direct register access: Set the value of the Remove Parameter Limits Black Level register to enabled.
Features 7.8 Auto Functions Note that on cameras delivered from the factory, the exposure auto, gain auto, and white balance auto (on color cameras) functions will all become enabled whenever you power on or reset the camera. This behavior happens due to the way that the camera’s configuration sets are set in the factory. More specifically, it happens because the auto functions factory setup is selected as the default configuration set and the default configuration set is designated as the "startup" set.
Features 7.8.1 Auto Function Operating Modes The following auto function modes of operation are available: All auto functions provide the "once" mode of operation. When the "once" mode of operation is selected, the parameter values are automatically adjusted until the related image property reaches the target value. After the automatic parameter value adjustment is complete, the auto function will automatically be set to "off" and the new parameter value will be applied to the following images.
Features 7.8.2 Auto Function AOIs Each auto function uses the pixel data from an Auto Function AOI for automatically adjusting a parameter value and, accordingly, for controlling the related image property. Some auto functions use their own individual Auto Function AOI and some auto functions share a single Auto Function AOI. Each Auto Function AOI must be set separately from the AOI that is used to define the size of captured images (Image AOI).
Features 7.8.2.1 Relative Positioning of an Auto Function AOI The size and position of an Auto Function AOI can be, but need not be, identical to the size and position of the Image AOI. Note that the overlap between Auto Function AOI and Image AOI determines whether and to what extent the auto function will control the related image property. Only the pixel data from the areas of overlap will be used by the auto function to control the image property of the entire image.
Features Auto Function AOI Image AOI (a) Auto Function AOI Image AOI (b) Auto Function AOI Image AOI (c) Auto Function AOI Image AOI (d) Fig.
Features 7.8.2.2 Setting an Auto Function AOI Setting an Auto Function AOI is a two-step process: You must first select the Auto Function AOI related to the auto function that you want to use and then set the position and the size of the Auto Function AOI. By default, an Auto Function AOI is set to the full resolution of the camera’s sensor. You can change the position and the size of an Auto Function AOI by changing the value of the Auto Function AOI’s X Offset, Y Offset, Width, and Height parameters.
Features Setting an Auto Function AOI Using Basler pylon You can select an Auto Function AOI and set the X Offset, Y Offset, Width, and Height parameter values for the Auto Function AOI from within your application software by using the pylon API. The following code snippet illustrates using the API to select Auto Function AOI one and to get the maximum allowed settings for the Width and Height parameters. The snippet also illustrates setting the X Offset, Y Offset, Width, and Height parameter values.
Features 7.8.3 Using an Auto Function To use an auto function, carry out the following steps: 1. Select the Auto Function AOI that is related to the auto function you want to use. 2. Set the position and size of the Auto Function AOI. 3. If necessary, set the lower and upper limits for the auto functions’s parameter value. 4. If necessary, set the target value. 5. If necessary, set the auto function profile to define priorities between auto functions. 6.
Features 7.8.4 Gain Auto Note that on cameras delivered from the factory, the exposure auto, gain auto, and white balance auto (on color cameras) functions will all become enabled whenever you power on or reset the camera. This behavior happens due to the way that the camera’s configuration sets are set in the factory. More specifically, it happens because the auto functions factory setup is selected as the default configuration set and the default configuration set is designated as the "startup" set.
Features Setting the Gain Auto Function Using Basler pylon Setting the gain auto functionality using Basler pylon is a several step process: Select the Auto Function AOI 1. Set the value of the Offset X, Offset Y, Width, and Height parameters for the AOI. Set the Gain Selector to All. Set the value of the Auto Gain Raw Lower Limit and Auto Gain Raw Upper Limit parameters. Set the value of the Auto Target Value parameter.
Features Setting the Gain Auto Function Using Direct Register Access Setting the gain auto functionality via direct register access is a several step process: Set the position and size of Auto Function AOI 1 by setting the value of the Auto AOI 1 Left register, the value of the Auto AOI 1 Top register, the value of the Auto AOI 1 Width register, and the value of the Auto AOI 1 Height register. Set the value of the Auto Gain Lower Limit register and the Auto Gain Upper Limit register.
Features 7.8.5 Exposure Auto Note that on cameras delivered from the factory, the exposure auto, gain auto, and white balance auto (on color cameras) functions will all become enabled whenever you power on or reset the camera. This behavior happens due to the way that the camera’s configuration sets are set in the factory. More specifically, it happens because the auto functions factory setup is selected as the default configuration set and the default configuration set is designated as the "startup" set.
Features If the Exposure Time Abs Upper Limit Parameter is set to a sufficiently high value, the camera’s maximum allowed frame rate may be decreased. Setting the Exposure Auto Function Using Basler pylon Setting the exposure auto functionality using Basler pylon is a several step process: Select the Auto Function AOI 1. Set the value of the Offset X, Offset Y, Width, and Height parameters for the AOI.
Features Setting the Exposure Auto Function Using Direct Register Access Setting the exposure auto functionality via direct register access is a several step process: Set the position and size of Auto Function AOI 1 by setting the value of the Auto AOI 1 Left register, the value of the Auto AOI 1 Top register, the value of the Auto AOI 1 Width register, and the value of the Auto AOI 1 Height register. Set the value of the Auto Exposure Lower Limit register and the Auto Exposure Upper Limit register.
Features 7.8.6 Auto Function Profile If you want to use the gain auto function and the exposure auto function at the same time, you must also set the auto function profile. The auto function profile specifies whether the gain or the exposure time will be kept as low as possible when the camera is making automatic adjustments to achieve a target average gray value for the pixel data from Auto Function AOI 1.
Features 7.8.7 Balance White Auto Note that on cameras delivered from the factory, the exposure auto, gain auto, and white balance auto (on color cameras) functions will all become enabled whenever you power on or reset the camera. This behavior happens due to the way that the camera’s configuration sets are set in the factory.
Features Camera.AutoFunctionAOIWidth.SetValue( Camera.AutoFunctionAOIWidth.GetMax() ); Camera.AutoFunctionAOIHeight.SetValue( Camera.AutoFunctionAOIHeight.GetMax() ); // Set mode of operation for balance white auto function Camera.BalanceWhiteAuto.SetValue( BalanceWhiteAuto_Once ); You can also use the Basler pylon Viewer application to easily set the parameters. For more information about the pylon API and the pylon Viewer, see Section 4 on page 45.
Features 7.9 Digital Shift The digital shift feature lets you change the group of bits that is output from each ADC in the camera. Using the digital shift feature will effectively multiply the output of the camera by 2 times, 4 times, 8 times, or 16 times. The next two sections describe how the digital shift feature works when the camera is set for a 12 bit pixel format and when it is set for a 8 bit pixel format.
Features Shift by 2 When the camera is set to shift by 2, the output from the camera will include bit 9 through bit 0 from each ADC along with 2 zeros as LSBs. ADC bit 11 The result of shifting twice is that the output of the camera is effectively multiplied by 4. bit 10 bit 9 bit 8 bit 7 bit 6 M S B When the camera is set to shift by 2, the 2 least significant bits output from the camera for each pixel value will be 0.
Features When the camera is set to shift by 4, the 4 least significant bits output from the camera for each pixel value will be 0. This means that the gray value scale will only include every 16th gray value, for example, 16, 32, 48, 64, and so on. If the pixel values being output by the camera’s sensor are high enough to set bit 8, bit 9, bit 10, or bit 11 to 1, we recommend not using shift by 4. If you do nonetheless, all bits output from the camera will automatically be set to 1.
Features Shift by 2 When the camera is set to shift by 2, the output from the camera will include bit 9 through bit 0 from each ADC. ADC bit 11 The result of shifting twice is that the output of the camera is effectively multiplied by 4. bit 10 bit 9 bit 8 bit 7 bit 6 bit 5 bit 4 bit 3 bit 2 bit 1 M If the pixel values being output by the camera’s S B Shifted Twice sensor are high enough to set bit 10 or bit 11 to 1, we recommend not using shift by 2.
Features If the pixel values being output by the camera’s sensor are high enough to set bit 8, bit 9, bit 10, or bit 11 to 1, we recommend not using shift by 4. If you do nonetheless, all bits output from the camera will automatically be set to 1. Therefore, you should only use the shift by 4 setting when your pixel readings with a 10 bit pixel format selected and with digital shift disabled are all less than 64. 7.9.
Features Shift by 2 When the camera is set to shift by 2, the output from the camera will include bit 9 through bit 2 from each ADC. The result of shifting twice is that the output of the camera is effectively multiplied by 4. ADC bit 11 bit 10 bit 9 bit 8 bit 7 bit 6 bit 5 bit 4 bit 3 bit 2 bit 1 bit 0 If the pixel values being output by the camera’s sensor M L are high enough to set bit 10 or bit 11 to 1, we S S B B recommend not using shift by 2.
Features 7.9.4 Precautions When Using Digital Shift There are several checks and precautions that you must follow before using the digital shift feature. The checks and precautions differ depending on whether the camera will be set for a 12 bit pixel format, a 10 bit pixel format, or an 8 bit pixel format in your application. If you will be using a 12 bit pixel format, make this check: Set the camera for a 12 bit pixel format and no digital shift.
Features 7.9.5 Enabling and Setting Digital Shift Enabling and Setting Digital Shift Using Basler pylon You can enable or disable the digital shift feature by setting the value of the Digital Shift parameter. When the parameter is set to zero, digital shift will be disabled. When the parameter is set to 1, 2, 3, or 4, digital shift will be set to shift by 1, shift by 2, shift by 3, or shift by 4 respectively.
Features 7.10 Image Area of Interest (AOI) The image area of interest (AOI) feature lets you specify a portion of the imaging sensor array and after each frame is acquired, only the pixel information from the specified portion of the array will be transmitted to the host PC. The size of the area of interest is defined by declaring a width in columns of pixels and a height in lines of pixels.
Features The camera will only transfer pixel data from within the area defined by your settings. Information from the pixels outside of the area of interest is discarded. One of the main advantages of the AOI feature is that decreasing the height of the AOI can increase the camera’s maximum allowed frame acquisition rate. Typically, as the height of the AOI is decreased, the camera’s maximum allowed frame rate will increase.
Features Setting the Image AOI Using Basler pylon You can use the pylon API to set the Width and Height parameter values from within your application software. The following code snippets illustrate using the API to get the maximum allowed settings and the increments for the Width and Height parameters. They also illustrate setting the Width and Height parameter values. // Get max width allowed, get width increment, set the width. int64_t widthMax = Camera.Width.GetMax( ); int64_t widthInc = Camera.Width.
Features Setting the Image AOI Using Direct Register Access To set the AOI width and height via direct register access: Set the value of the Width register. Set the value of the Height register. For more information about changing settings via direct register access, see Section 4 on page 45. 7.10.2 Prelines As you work with the camera’s AOI feature, you may notice that in some situations dark areas appear near the top and the bottom of acquired images as shown in Figure 36.
Features Setting the Prelines Using Basler pylon You can use the pylon API to set the Prelines parameter value from within your application software. The following code snippet illustrates using the API to set the parameter value: Camera.Prelines.SetValue( 48 ); You can also use the Basler pylon Viewer application to easily set the parameters. For more information about the pylon API and the pylon Viewer, see Section 4 on page 45.
Features 7.11 Binning The binning feature is only available on the monochrome cameras. Binning increases the camera’s response to light by summing the charges from adjacent pixels into one pixel. Two types of binning are available: vertical binning and horizontal binning. With vertical binning, adjacent pixels from 2 lines, 3 lines, or a maximum of 4 lines in the imaging sensor array are summed and are reported out of the camera as a single pixel. Figure 37 illustrates vertical binning.
Features You can combine vertical and horizontal binning. This, however, may cause objects to appear distorted in the image. For more information on possible image distortion due to combined vertical and horizontal binning, see the next section. Setting Binning Using Basler pylon You can enable vertical binning by setting the Binning Vertical parameter. Setting the parameter’s value to 2, 3, or 4 enables vertical binning by 2, vertical binning by 3, or vertical binning by 4 respectively.
Features 7.11.1 Considerations When Using Binning Increased Response to Light Using binning can greatly increase the camera’s response to light. When binning is enabled, acquired images may look overexposed. If this is the case, you can reduce the lens aperture, reduce the intensity of your illumination, reduce the camera’s exposure time setting, or reduce the camera’s gain setting. Reduced Resolution Using binning effectively reduces the resolution of the camera’s imaging sensor.
Features Binning’s Effect on the Maximum Allowed Frame Rate Using vertical binning will increase the camera’s maximum allowed frame rate. For more information about determining the camera maximum allowed frame rate, see Section 5.7 on page 90.
Features 7.12 Mirror Imaging The camera’s reverse X and reverse Y functions let you flip the captured images horizontally and/ or vertically before they are transmitted from the camera. Note that the reverse X and reverse Y functions may both be enabled at the same time if so desired. 7.12.1 Reverse X The reverse X feature is a horizontal mirror image feature. When the reverse X feature is enabled, the pixel values for each line in a captured image will be swapped end-for-end about the line’s center.
Features The Effect of Reverse X on the Auto Function AOIs If you are using the camera’s auto functions, you should be aware of the effect that using the reverse X feature will have on the auto function AOIs. When reverse X is used, the position of the auto function AOIs relative to the sensor remains the same. As a consequence, each auto function AOI will include a different portion of the captured image depending on whether or not the reverse X feature is enabled.
Features 7.12.2 Reverse Y The reverse Y feature is a vertical mirror image feature. When the reverse Y feature is enabled, the lines in a captured image will be swapped top-to-bottom. This means that the top line in the image will be swapped with the bottom line, the next-to-top line will be swapped with the next-to-bottom line, and so on. Figure 39 shows a normal image on the left and an image captured with reverse Y enabled on the right. Normal Image Reverse Y Mirror Image Fig.
Features The Effect of Reverse Y on the Auto Function AOIs If you are using the camera’s auto functions, you should be aware of the effect that using the reverse Y feature will have on the auto function AOIs. When reverse Y is used, the position of the auto function AOIs relative to the sensor remains the same. As a consequence, each auto function AOI will include a different portion of the captured image depending on whether or not the reverse Y feature is enabled.
Features 7.12.3 Enabling Reverse X and Reverse Y Enabling Reverse X and Y Using Basler Pylon You can enable the reverse X and reverse Y features by setting the Reverse X and the Reverse Y parameter values. You can use the pylon API to set the parameter values from within your application software. The following code snippet illustrates using the API to set the parameter values: // Enable reverse X Camera.ReverseX.SetValue(true); // Enable reverse Y Camera.ReverseY.
Features 7.13 Luminance Lookup Table The type of electronics used on the camera allows the camera’s sensor to acquire pixel values at a 12 bit depth. Normally, when a camera is set for a 12 bit pixel data format, the camera transmits the actual 12 bit pixel values reported by the sensor. The luminance lookup table feature lets you create a custom 12 bit to 12 bit lookup table that maps the actual 12 bit values output from the sensor to substitute 12 bit values of your choice.
Features The advantage of the luminance lookup table feature is that it lets a user customize the response curve of the camera. The graphs below represent the contents of two typical lookup tables. The first graph is for a lookup table where the substitute values are designed so that the output of the camera increases linearly as the actual sensor output increases.
Features Using the Luminance Lookup Table to Get 10 Bit or 8 Bit Output As mentioned above, when the camera is set for a 12 bit pixel data format, the lookup table can be used to perform a 12 bit to 12 bit substitution. The lookup table can also be used in 12 bit to 10 bit or 12 bit to 8 bit fashion. To use the table in 12 bit to 10 bit fashion, you enter 12 bit substitution values into the table and enable the table as you normally would.
Features } // Enable the lookup table Camera.LUTEnable.SetValue( true ); You can also use the Basler pylon Viewer application to easily set the parameters. For more information about the pylon API and the pylon Viewer, see Section 4 on page 45. Entering Values and Enabling the LUT Using Direct Register Access When setting up the luminance lookup table via direct register access, two registers are involved: the LUT register and the LUT enable register.
Features 7.14 Gamma Correction The gamma correction feature lets you modify the brightness of the pixel values output by the camera’s sensor to account for a non-linearity in the human perception of brightness.
Features Enabling Gamma Correction and Setting Gamma Using Direct Register Access To enable gamma correction and to set the gamma value via direct register access: Set the value of the Gamma Enable register to Enabled. Set the value in the Gamma register to the desired gamma value. For more information about changing settings via direct register access, see Section 4 on page 45.
Features 7.15 User Defined Values The camera can store four "user defined values". These four values are 32 bit signed integer values that you can set and read as desired. They simply serve as convenient storage locations for the camera user and have no impact on the operation of the camera. The four values are designated as Value 1, Value 2, Value 3, and Value 4.
Features 7.16 Device Information Parameters Each camera includes a set of "device information" parameters. These parameters provide some basic information about the camera. The device information parameters include: Device Vendor Name (read only) - contains the name of the camera’s vendor. This string will always indicate Basler as the vendor. Device Model Name (read only) - contains the model name of the camera, for example, avA1000-120km.
Features // Read the Device ID parameter Pylon::String_t deviceID = Camera.DeviceFirmwareVersion.GetValue(); // Write and read the Device User ID Camera.DeviceUserID = "custom name"; Pylon::String_t deviceUserID = Camera.DeviceUserID.GetValue(); // Read the Sensor Width parameter int64_t sensorWidth = Camera.SensorWidth.GetValue(); // Read the Sensor Height parameter int64_t sensorHeight = Camera.SensorHeight.GetValue(); // Read the Max Width parameter int64_t maxWidth = Camera.WidthMax.
Features 7.17 Imaging Sensor Temperature Monitoring And Over Temperature Detection 7.17.1 Reading the Imaging Sensor Temperature The camera is equipped with a temperature sensor mounted on the imaging sensor board. The temperature sensor lets you read the current temperature of the camera’s imaging sensor board in degrees C.
Features 7.17.2 Imaging Sensor Over Temperature Condition As mentioned in the previous section, the camera is equipped with a temperature sensor that is used to monitor the temperature of the camera’s imaging sensor board. The camera also has imaging sensor over temperature protection. If the temperature of the imaging sensor board rises above 75° C, an over temperature condition will be detected and the circuitry on the imaging sensor board will switch off.
Features 7.18 Test Images All cameras include the ability to generate test images. Test images are used to check the camera’s basic functionality and its ability to transmit an image to the host PC. Test images can be used for service purposes and for failure diagnostics. For test images, the image is generated internally by the camera’s logic and does not use the optics, the imaging sensor, or the ADCs. Five test images are available.
Features 7.18.1 Test Image Descriptions Test Image 1 - Fixed Diagonal Gray Gradient (8 bit) This 8 bit fixed diagonal gray gradient test image is best suited for use when the camera is set for monochrome 8 bit output. The test image consists of fixed diagonal gray gradients ranging from 0 to 255. If the camera is set for 8 bit output and is operating at full resolution, test image one will look similar to Figure 45.
Features Test Image 3 - Moving Diagonal Gray Gradient (10 bit or 12 bit) Test image 3 is a moving diagonal gray gradient test image similar to test image 2, but it is a 10 bit pattern if the camera is set to output pixel data at 10 bit depth or a 12 bit pattern if the camera is set to output pixel data at 12 bit depth. The image moves by one pixel from right to left whenever a new image acquisition is initiated. The test pattern uses a counter that increments by one for each new image acquisition.
Features Test Image 6 - Moving Diagonal Color Gradient Test image 6 is an 8 bit fixed diagonal color gradient test image. Test image 6 is available on color cameras only. When a color camera is set for test image 6, it delivers pixel data in the Bayer GR 8 format. This test image can be used to test a color camera’s basic ability to transmit a color image. It can also be used to test whether your frame grabber is correctly set to interpolate images transmitted in the Bayer GR 8 format.
Features 7.19 Configuration Sets A configuration set is a group of values that contains all of the parameter settings needed to control the camera. There are three basic types of configuration sets: the active set, the default set, and user sets. The Active Set The active set contains the camera’s current parameter settings and thus determines the camera’s performance, that is, what your image currently looks like.
Features User Sets As mentioned above, the active configuration set is stored in the camera’s volatile memory and the settings are lost if the camera is reset or if power is switched off. The camera can save most of the settings from the current active set to a reserved area in the camera’s non-volatile memory. A configuration set that has been saved in the non-volatile memory is not lost when the camera is reset or switched off.
Features 7.19.1 Selecting a Factory Setup as the Default Set When the camera is delivered, the Auto Functions Factory Setup will be selected as the default set. You can, however, select any one of the three factory setups to serve as the default set. Selecting which factory setup will serve as the default set is only allowed when the camera is idle, i.e. when it is not acquiring images continuously or does not have a single image acquisition pending.
Features 7.19.2 Saving User Sets You can save the current parameter set being used by the camera (i.e., the "active" set in the camera’s volatile memory) to user set 1, user set 2, or user set 3. The user sets are stored in the camera’s non-volatile memory and will be retained when the camera power is switched off or the camera is reset. When you save the active set to a user set, any parameter data already in that user set will be overwritten.
Features 7.19.3 Loading a Saved User Set or the Default Set into the Active Set If you have saved a configuration set into one of the user sets in the camera’s non-volatile memory, you can load the saved user set into the camera’s active set. When you do this, the parameters stored in the user set overwrite the parameters in the active set. Since the settings in the active set control the current operation of the camera, the settings from the loaded user set will now be controlling the camera.
Features Loading a Set Using Direct Register Access To load a saved user set or the default set from the camera’s non-volatile memory into the active set via direct register access: Set the value of the User Set Selector register to User Set 1, 2, or 3, or to the Default set as desired. Set the value of the User Set Load register to 1. For more information about changing settings via direct register access, see Section 4 on page 45. 7.19.
Features 176 Basler aviator Camera Link
Technical Support 8 Technical Support This chapter outlines the resources available to you if you need help working with your camera. 8.1 Technical Support Resources If you need advice about your camera or if you need assistance troubleshooting a problem with your camera, you can contact the Basler technical support team for your area. Basler technical support contact information is located in the front pages of this manual.
Technical Support Copy the form that appears on the next two pages, fill it out, and fax the pages to your local dealer or to your nearest Basler support center. Or, you can send an e-mail listing the requested pieces of information and with the requested files attached. Basler technical support contact information is shown in the title section of this manual.
Technical Support 1. The camera’s product ID: 2. The camera’s serial number: 3. Your operating system: 4. Frame grabber that you use with the camera: 5. Describe the problem in as much detail as possible: (If you need more space, use an extra sheet of paper.) 6. If known, what’s the cause of the problem? 7. When did/does the problem occur? At startup. While running. After a certain action (e.g., a change of parameters): 8. How often did/does the problem occur? Once. Every time.
Technical Support 9. How severe is the problem? Camera can still be used. Camera can be used after I take this action: Camera can no longer be used. 10. Did your application ever run without problems? 11. Parameter set Yes No It is very important for Basler technical Support to get a copy of the exact camera parameters that you were using when the problem occurred. To make note of the parameters, use Basler’s pylon Viewer tool.
Revision History Revision History Doc. ID Number Date Changes AW00083001000 14 May 2009 Initial release of this document. Applies to prototype cameras. AW00083002000 13 Jul 2009 Initial release of this document for series production cameras. AW00083003000 7 Sep 2009 Added appropriate information for the avA1600-65km/kc and avA1900-60km/kc prototype cameras.
Revision History 182 Basler aviator Camera Link
Index Index Numerics C 1X2-1Y tap geometry ...............................95 1X-2YE tap geometry ...............................96 cables PLC I/O.............................................. 22 power................................................. 20 standard I/O....................................... 21 camera link interface description ............. 34 camera link pixel clock speed, setting ... 102 camera link serial port baud rate ............. 34 camera power ......................................
Index exposure start delay.................................85 exposure time controlling with an external trigger signal..................................................70 maximum possible .............................75 minimum allowed ...............................75 F factory setup ..........................................170 auto functions factory setup .............170 high gain factory setup.....................170 standard factory setup .....................170 firmware version parameter ........
Index P parameter sets .......................................170 parameter sets, saving ...........................173 parameters setting via register access..................46 setting with the pylon API...................45 setting with the pylon viewer ..............46 parameters loaded at startup .................175 pin assignments .......................................16 pin numbering...........................................16 pixel formats .............................................
Index W weight.....................................................2, 3 white balance .........................................111 white balance auto see balance white auto width, AOI ..............................................
