System information

MX Cameras
3-4 Vicon MX Hardware System Reference
the software documentation.
• Synchronization: Cameras are automatically assigned master
(controlling device) or subordinate (controlled device) status.
Each Vicon MX system has only one master device, which provides
the synchronization to the rest of the system and is established
automatically during system booting. The master device is an
MX Camera, or an MX Ultranet if present, or an MX Control if
present. For details on system synchronization by the MX Control,
see Chapter 4 MX Control.
Camera Lenses
The function of the camera lens is to collect reflected light from a
scene and form a focused image on the camera’s sensor plane. The
type of lens that will provide optimum performance for a particular
application depends on various factors, including the field of view
(FOV), the aperture, and any lens filter fitted.
Important
Vicon Motion Systems has a policy of only using the best quality lenses with
its cameras. Should you need to change lenses, please refer to Vicon Motion
Systems or your nearest agent or distributor for advice.
A variety of small and large format C-mount lenses as well as SLR
(Nikon Bayonet) lenses are available for MX cameras. For details on
MX camera specifications, see Appendix D Technical Specifications.
Field of View
The most important factor in determining the lens to use with a
Vicon MX camera is the total area the camera can see using a given
lens. This is called the Field of View (FOV).
The scene that comprises the FOV has horizontal width (H) and
vertical height (V). Knowing the distance (L) between the camera and
a plane that defines the total FOV helps to select the type of lens to
meet a particular application.
Lenses are described in terms of their focal length (f), defined as the
distance in millimeters that the center of the lens must be from the
sensor plane surface to project a sharp image on the sensor. The focal
length of a lens is often given on the body of the lens or around the
surround of the glass element at the front of the lens as well as on
the lens documentation and packaging.
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