allPIXA pro camera | Manual

CD40127
Rev.04 / 2022-01-03

Table of Contents
1

General information
1.1 About Chromasens
1.1.1 Contact information
1.1.2 Support
1.2 Firmware and software version in this manual
1.3 List of abbreviations
1.4 Definitions
1.5 Scope of supply of the allPIXA pro camera
1.6 Information about the Camera Setup Tool (CST)
1.7 Design of a line scan camera system

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Specifications and definitions
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2.1 Camera highlights
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2.2 Camera speed for available Camera Link modes and frequency
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2.3 Technical specification
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2.4 Mechanical specification
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2.4.1 Mechanical dimensions of the allPIXA pro camera with 4.096 pixels
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2.4.2 Mechanical dimensions of the 5.120 pixel, 6.000 pixel and 7.300 pixel allPIXA pro
camera16
2.5 Sensor alignment and orientation
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2.6 Adapter and accessories
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2.6.1 Lenses adapters and mounts
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2.6.3 Accessories for 4k camera S-Series
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2.6.4 Accessories for 5k, 6.000px and 7.3k camera W-Series
19
2.6.5 Mounting of the extension tube systems
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2.6.6 Mounting of a lens adapter ring20
2.7 Environmental requirements
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3

Safety3.1 Depiction of safety instructions
3.2 Basic safety regulations
3.3 Safety instructions on the allPIXA pro camera
3.4 Purpose / applications
3.5 Staff requirements
3.6 Organizational measurements
3.7 Safety instructions for maintenance / cleaning
3.8 Maintenance and cleaning of the allPIXA pro camera
3.8.1 Cleaning intervals
3.8.2 Cleaning process
3.9 Disposal

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allPIXA pro – basic functionality
4.1 Basic design of the allPIXA pro camera
4.2 Design of the allPIXA pro camera line scan sensor
4.3 The allPIXA pro camera line scan sensor readout principle

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4.4
4.5

Spectral sensitivity of the allPIXA pro camera line scan sensor
Image processing
4.5.1 Analog / digital image processing
4.5.2 Supported Camera Link modes
4.6 Black-level correction and shading (flat-field) correction
4.7 Feature: Image mode (frame scan mode)
4.8 Monochrome image acquisition
4.9 White balancing with a closed-loop control
4.10 Setting concept
4.10.1 Restore factory default
4.11 Chromasens API - communication

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Installing the allPIXA pro camera
5.1 Interface and status LED
5.1.1 Power supply
5.1.2 Config UART (serial RS 232)
5.1.3 Digital IO port
5.1.4 LVCMOS and RS422 levels
5.1.5 Video Camera Link port 1 and 2
5.1.6 Status LED
5.2 Mechanical installation
5.3 Thermal links / cooling
5.4 Preventing installation errors
5.4.1 Conveyor belt tracking
5.4.2 Perpendicularity of the sensor to the direction of transport
5.4.3 Rotation around the longitudinal axis of the line scan sensor
5.4.4 Rotation around the transverse axis of the line sensor
5.5 Electrical installation
5.6 Connecting the camera to the PC
5.7 Update the firmware of the allPIXA pro camera

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Configuring the camera with the Camera Setup Tool
6.1 Installing the Camera Setup Tool (CST)
6.1.1 System Requirements
6.1.2 Installation of the CST Software
6.1.3 Establishing communication between camera and PC
6.2 CST program window
6.3 Toolbar
6.4 CST menu bar
6.5 Simple setup view (overview)
6.6 Basic camera parameter settings (overview)
6.6.1 Camera parameters
6.6.2 Image parameter
6.6.3 LED illumination control
6.6.4 Special functions (test pattern / register edit)
6.6.5 General information
6.7 Opening serial connection to a camera
6.8 Transferring data to the camera

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6.9
6.10
6.11
6.12

Saving data to the camera permanently
Refreshing data from the camera in CST
Select a setting on the camera
Saving settings to the PC
6.12.1 Saving settings from CST to hard disk
6.12.2 Saving settings from the camera to hard disk
Transferring saved settings from the PC to the camera
Deleting settings on the camera
Setting the user level in CSTResetting the camera
Checking the camera status
Choosing a different configuration file for the parameter display
Register Edit

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Camera system setup – first steps
7.1 Installing the camera
7.2 Starting up the system
7.3 Adjust camera to the environment (camera calibration)
7.4 Line trigger / encoder functions and image enhancement functions

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Camera operation
8.1 Easy camera configuration by use of the simple setup view
8.2 Perform a white and tap balancing on the camera
8.2.1 System preparation for white and tap balancing
8.2.2 Setting the operation point automatically
8.2.3 Setting the operation point manually
8.2.4 Independent color channel white balancing
8.3 Generating black (offset) reference
8.3.1 Create a black (offset) reference internally8.3.2 Use a stored black (offset) level reference image
8.3.3 Prepare camera to acquire a black (offset) reference
8.4 Generating shading/ flat-field reference
8.4.1 Create white (gain) reference internally
8.4.2 Use a stored white (gain) reference image
8.4.3 Prepare camera to acquire a white (gain) reference
8.4.4 Single color channel reference generation for special illumination situations(Separate lighting for each color channel)
8.5 Using continuous white control
8.5.1 Continuous operating point adjustment at the edges
8.5.2 Image-synchronous operating point adjustment on the object (ROI)
8.6 Frame trigger and line trigger/encoder connection and setup
8.6.1 Frame trigger and encoder settings
8.6.2 Line trigger and encoder settings
8.6.3 Define the input channel in the camera
8.6.4 Configuration of the encoder mode and resolution
8.6.5 Encoder - enable /disable by external input signal
8.7 Multi-channel flash control
8.7.1 Operation principle

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6.13
6.14
6.15
6.16
6.17
6.18
6.19

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8.7.2 Flash mode – Image size
8.7.3 RGB displacement compensation / RGB line distance for flash mode
8.7.4 Setting up the multi-channel LED control
8.7.5 Sample setup for four different illumination units (free-running)
8.7.6 Sample setup for two different illumination units (triggered mode)
8.7.7 Electrical interface (pin assignment)
8.7.8 I/O port configuration
8.8 Principle of master-slave synchronization
8.8.1 Parameters and region of interest of master-slave synchronization
8.8.2 Set up the cameras for master-slave synchronization
8.8.3 Connecting the master-slave cameras (cabling)
8.8.4 Frame grabber setup information for Master/Slave operation
8.9 Edit color conversion (correction) matrix
8.10 IO configuration
8.11 Cancelling scanning

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Camera parameters
9.1 Integration time parameters9.1.1 Integration time
9.1.2 Use line period
9.1.3 Line period time
9.2 Gain settings
9.2.1 Analog coarse gain
9.2.2 Current camera gain values
9.2.3 Startup gain values
9.2.4 Update start gain values
9.3 White reference mark9.3.1 Position and size in CCD direction
9.3.2 Position and size in transport direction (sync. mode)
9.3.3 First relative pixel of white reference
9.3.4 First absolute pixel of white reference
9.3.5 Use absolute horizontal position of white reference
9.3.6 Number of pixels for white reference
9.3.7 First image line for the white reference
9.3.8 Number of image lines for the white reference
9.3.9 Number of reference samples (Average)
9.3.10 Show white reference border
9.4 White control
9.4.1 Target white reference values
9.4.2 Current white reference values
9.4.3 Enable continuous white control
9.4.4 Position and mode for white reference mark9.4.5 White control mode
9.4.6 Gain control stop factor
9.4.7 Set gain control stop by variance9.4.8 Set active channels for white control
9.5 Reference usage
9.5.1 Black-level correction (offset correction)

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9.5.3 Shading correction (flat-field correction)
9.5.4 White reference data set
9.6 Brightness and contrast
9.6.1 Use brightness and contrast
9.6.2 Brightness
9.6.3 Contrast
9.7 Camera arrangement
9.7.1 RGB line distance9.7.2 Scan direction
9.7.3 Enable suppression of lines/frame due to encoder direction
9.7.4 Suppress lines/frames mode
9.8 Image sizes
9.8.1 Number of scan lines per image (frame mode)
9.8.2 Image start delay
9.8.3 Scan line length
9.8.4 Horizontal binning
9.8.5 Vertical scan line reduction
9.9 Synchronization (frame synchronization)
9.9.1 Triggered frame scan
9.9.2 Scan lines after stop
9.9.3 Stop after maximum number of lines
9.9.4 Maximum number of scan lines
9.9.5 Internal frame trigger
9.9.6 Input debouncing speed (Frame trigger)
9.9.7 Select trigger edge detection
9.9.8 Master-slave setup
9.10 Image processing
9.10.1 Mirror image horizontally
9.10.2 Swap red and blue color channel
9.10.3 Color conversion
9.10.4 Select active CCM
9.10.5 Gamma correction
9.10.6 Use keystone correction
9.10.7 Pixel shift for correction
9.10.8 Keystone correction width
9.11 Output format
9.11.1 Video output mode
9.11.2 Color weights
9.11.3 Camera Link connection speed
9.11.4 Camera Link interface type and minimum line time (integration time)
9.11.5 Information insertion mode
9.11.6 Insert mode
9.12 LED flash control
9.12.1 LED flash control
9.12.2 LED number line pattern9.12.3 LED flash sequence time
9.12.4 LED line pattern

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9.13

9.14
9.15

9.16
9.17

9.18
9.19

9.12.5 LED signal frame control
9.12.6 Pattern time generation
Special functions
9.13.1 Test pattern9.13.2 Test pattern level
Register edit
Camera information
9.15.1 Camera serial number
9.15.2 Setting description
TracingLine trigger and encoder setup (line synchronization)
9.17.1 Enable encoder
9.17.2 Synchronization mode
9.17.3 Encoder channels
9.17.4 Average size for the encoder
9.17.5 Encoder resolution
9.17.6 Vertical image resolution
9.17.7 Line trigger / encoder reduction
Default parameters
User levels of parameters

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Troubleshooting and Support
10.1 Returning material (obtain an RMA number)10.2 Camera status identification by the camera status LED
10.3 Identifying the camera status using CST
10.4 Camera overheating protection
10.5 Before contacting Chromasens technical support

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Appendix11.1 EC conformity declaration
11.2 Camera system design / lens selections
11.2.1 Calculating the object-to-image distance11.2.2 Calculating the distance rings (tubes) for the allPIXA pro camera
11.2.3 Determining line period time and integration time

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1

General information

1.1

About Chromasens
The name of our company, Chromasens, is a combination of 'Chroma' which means color, and'Sens' which stands for sensor technology.
Chromasens designs, develops and produces high-quality and user-friendly products:◼

Line scan cameras◼

Camera systems◼

Camera illumination systems◼

Image acquisition systems◼

Image processing solutions

Today, Chromasens GmbH is experiencing steady growth and is continually penetrating newsales markets around the globe. The company's technologies are used, for example, in
products and for applications such as book and document scanners, sorting systems andinspection systems for quality assurance monitoring.
Customers from all over the world of a wide range of industrial sectors have placed their trustin the experience of Chromasens in the field of industrial image processing.

1.1.1 Contact information
Chromasens GmbH
Max-Stromeyer-Str. 116
78467 Konstanz
Germany
Phone:
Fax:
Email:
HP:+49 (0) 7531 / 876-0+49 (0) 7531 / 876-303
info@chromasens.dehttps://www.chromasens.de/Visit our website at https://www.chromasens.de/ which features detailed information on ourcompany and products.

1.1.2 Support
Should you ever have problems with the allPIXA pro camera that you cannot solve by yourself,
look into this manual for additional information, check the troubleshooting chapter 10, contact
your local distributor, or send us an e-mail.
Chromasens GmbH
Max-Stromeyer-Str. 116
D-78467 Konstanz
Germany
Phone:
Fax:
Email:
HP:+49 (0) 7531 / 876-500+49 (0) 7531 / 876-303
support@chromasens.dehttps://www.chromasens.de/de/support/support

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1.2

Firmware and software version in this manualThis document refers to the following version:
CST:
Camera:Version 2.8.3
Packet 3.02

The recent version might have additional functions. Therefore, contact the Chromasens
support.

1.3

1.4

List of abbreviations
Abbreviation

Meaning

Explanation

ADC

Analog digital converter-

CCM

Color conversion matrix

The CCM supports the conversion from,for example, RGB to sRGB or any userdefined conversion

CDS

Correlated double sampling-

CST

Camera setup tool

Chromasens camera parameter
programming software

DSNU

Dark signal non-uniformity

Irregularity in the dark image

DVAL

Data valid

Pixel-by-pixel enable for Camera Link

FVAL

Frame valid

Frame signal for an image on the
Camera Link (corresponds to VSync)

HSync

Horizontal synchronization

Frame signal for a line (corresponds to
LVAL)

LED

Light emitting diode

-

LVAL

Line valid

Frame signal for a line on the Camera
Link (corresponds to HSync)

PRNU

Photo response non-uniformity

Difference in sensitivity of the individual
pixelsROI

Region of interest-

SLL

Scan line length

Number of pixels per line

VSync

Vertical synchronization

Frame signal for an image (corresponds
to FVAL)

Definitions
Chromasens

Other used definitions Explanation

Black-level
correction

Background subtract,
Offset correction

Removes the dark offset from each pixel

Shading
correction

Flat-field correction

Corrects brightness inhomogeneities
resulting from lens, light and non-uniformityof sensor pixels

RGB line
distance

Line shift;Spatial correction

The tri-linear sensor has individual pixel
lines for red, green and blue. Inside thecamera the spatial differences arecorrected.

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1.5

Chromasens

Other used definitions Explanation

White balancing

Setting the operation point

White balancing ensures that a reference
white is kept stable in an image with color
temperature or brightness changes in theillumination. This can be done in a single
setup process or in a permanent process.

White reference

The white reference is a physical patch in
the field of view of the camera that can beused for a camera internal white balancing.

Tap balance

The sensor has two taps. Tap balance
ensures that both taps have the same
signal levels at the junction for the samebrightness.

Scope of supply of the allPIXA pro camera
You should check your device upon delivery to ensure that it is undamaged and complete.
The following components are supplied with the allPIXA pro camera:◼

allPIXA pro camera packaging
Check the packaging for damage which may have occurred during transport.

◼

allPIXA pro camera
Check the camera for damage which may have occurred during transport.
The rating plate is located on the rear of the allPIXA pro camera. It shows the camera
resolution and the serial number.

◼

Additionally ordered and supplied accessories
Lens adapters, extension rings, lenses and other accessories are not included in thestandard scope of delivery. These items must be ordered separately as accessories.
Check additionally ordered accessories for completeness and for damage which may
have occurred during transport.

Read this manual carefully before you use the camera, contact your local partners or
Chromasens support.
Should there be any questions left, do not hesitate to contact your local partner or us. We
would be pleased to be of assistance to you.

1.6

Information about the Camera Setup Tool (CST)
To download updates, refer to our website at https://www.chromasens.de . There you will findthe software in the download -> software area.
Before you install and use CST, check whether a more recent CST or manual version isavailable. If you already have an installed version of the CST, you can check the version
number in the Help menu. For information about CST usage, see chapter 6.

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1.7

Design of a line scan camera system
The following figure demonstrates the basic setup of a typical line scan camera system

Figure 1: Design of a line scan camera application
Following components are necessary in a typical line scan camera application:

ComponentNo.

Line scan camera: An allPIXA pro camera which scans the image line-by-line
and communicates with the frame grabber (5, PC plug-in card).

1

The optical system: Optical lenses with tubes and mounts with an adjusted
focusing.

2

Illumination: The illumination system lights up the information carrier/scan areaon the passing object. The Chromasens Corona II illumination system is an ideal
supplementary option for the allPIXA pro camera.

3

Illumination controller: Controls and monitors the illumination unit. The
Chromasens Corona II illumination (3) has integrated temperature/voltage
sensors which can be read out with the XLC4 controller. By use of the XLC4
controller, the illumination unit can be monitored and kept stable.

4

Frame grabber (PC plug-in card): The image data are sent to a PC by use of aframe grabber with a Camera Link interface. The frame grabber establishes thenecessary hardware connection to the PC (6).

5

PC: The PC system serves for subsequent processing of the image data and canoptionally control the illumination system (3 + 4).

6

Speed detection: The speed of the object / conveyor belt can be detected by anoptional incremental encoder. The encoder can be connected either to the
allPIXA pro camera or the frame grabber.

7

Conveying unit: The conveying unit moves the scanned object past the allPIXA
pro camera

8Power supply: Both, the allPIXA pro camera and the illumination system, requirea suitable power supply.

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2

Specifications and definitions
The allPIXA pro camera family is available in the following maximum resolutions / line
frequencies:
◼
◼
◼
◼
◼

1,024 pixels / max. 156 kHz
4,096 pixels / max. 50,8 kHz
5,120 pixels / max. 40,8 kHz
6,000 pixels / max. 34,3 kHz
7,300 pixels / max. 29,7 kHz

If you are interested in further resolutions, do not hesitate to contact us.
The allPIXA pro camera provides all functions required for supplying images with the samecolor, brightness and resolution of each operational area.
The allPIXA pro camera is particularly suitable for inspection systems requiring a very highspeed and a consistently high color quality.
Continuous white balancing is possible during image acquisition to ensure optimum color
quality. In addition, offset and shading correction ensure the balance of different color pixel
sensitivities (DSNU and PRNU) as well as the illumination process.
Via frame grabber the incremental encoder can be either sent to the CC bits of the Camera
Link interface or it can be directly connected to the allPIXA pro camera. As a result, images
with a consistent quality can be generated even at transport speeds with a high fluctuation
rate.
The allPIXA pro camera parameters can be set with CST. Equipped with a Camera Link base /medium /full interface support, the allPIXA pro camera achieves a data rate in medium modeof up to 170 megapixels per second with 24-bit RGB, which is equal to 510 Mbytes/s. With
Camera Link Full_64 interface the data rate is 680Mbytes/s and with Camera Link Full_80
interface the data rate is 850Mbytes/s.
The design was fully revised during development of the housing which is impressively toughbut offers several screw-mounting options. The wide range of adapter options makes theinstallation simple for users.
Modularity of the allPIXA pro camera permits the use of various lenses such as C-mount, Fmount, M39x1/26“, M42x1 and M72x0.75 connections. Additionally, the modular focus of
LINOS / Qioptics is supported and the allPIXA pro camera can, therefore, be combined with allcommercially available standard lenses.

2.1

Camera highlights◼

Trilinear color line scan camera (trilinear CCD line scan sensor)◼

10 µm pixel size◼

High accuracy sensor alignment◼

24/30 bit (3 x 8/10 Bit) color information or 1 x 8/10/12 Bit mono information on the output
side◼

RGB spatial compensation in the camera (also sub-pixel correction, patented)◼

Continuous white balancing maintains a constant image brightness and color irrespectiveof the temperature and service life of the illumination system◼

Incremental encoder port on the camera; this ensures simple handling and lessprogramming work◼

Internal 14 bit A/D conversion per color channel◼

Shading correction, fully automatic calculation internally in the camera or optionallycalculated offline with CST◼

Gamma correction, brightness and contrast controller, separate for each channel◼

Multiple Color conversion matrix (CCM) and offset supported

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2.2

◼

Internal keystone correction for multiple angle positioning of the camera◼

Precise multi-camera synchronization◼

Automatic insertion of machine and camera data inside the image (for example scanningspeed, CRC, time stamp, Encoder position,..)◼

Fully synchronized multi-channel LED flash control◼

Robust metal housing◼

Adjustable Camera Link clock◼

Mono image output at individual color weights◼

C-mount, F-mount, M39x1/26", M42x1, M72x0.75, modular focus (Qioptics / Germany)◼

Other mounts and customized solutions on request◼

Internal test image generator◼

Option for area scanning with frame trigger inputs (light barriers)

Camera speed for available Camera Link modes and frequency
The allPIXA pro maximum line frequency depends on the selected Camera Link type andfrequency. For information about different configurations, see the tables below.
allPIXA pro 4k (4096 pixel)

Full80_
Full80_8Tap_10Bit 10Tap_8Bit

Mono
output2XE*

Mono
output
1X3*

CLDefinition

Base
Mode

Mediummode

Full64mode

85.00 MHz20,6 kHz41,1 kHz50,8 kHz50,8 kHz50,8 kHz41,1 kHz50,8 kHz75.56 MHz18,3 kHz36,3 kHz48,6 kHz48,6 kHz50,8 kHz36,6 kHz50,8 kHz61.82 MHz15,0 kHz29,8 kHz39,8 kHz39,8 kHz49,6 kHz29,8 kHz44,4 kHz*)mono output in Camera Link Base mode (at 8; 10 or 12 Bits per Pixel)

allPIXA pro 5k (5120 pixel)

Full80_
Full80_8Tap_10Bit 10Tap_8Bit

Mono
output2XE*

Mono
output
1X3*

CLDefinition

Base
Mode

Mediummode

Full64mode

85.00 MHz16,5 kHz32,8 kHz40,8 kHz40,8 kHz40,8 kHz32,8 kHz40,8 kHz75.56 MHz14,6 kHz29,2 kHz38,8 kHz38,8 kHz40,8 kHz29,2 kHz40,8 kHz61.82 MHz12,0 kHz23,9 kHz31,7 kHz31,7 kHz39,5 kHz23,9 kHz35,6 kHz*)mono output in Camera Link Base mode (at 8; 10 or 12 Bits per Pixel)

allPIXA pro 6000px (6000 pixel)

Mono
output2XE*

Mono
output1X3*

34,3 kHz28,1 kHz34,3 kHz33,3 kHz34,3 kHz

25,0 kHz34,3 kHz27,2 kHz34,0 kHz20,5 kHz30,5 kHz

Full80_
Full80_8Tap_10Bit 10Tap_8Bit

CLDefinition

Base
Mode

Mediummode

Full64mode

85.00 MHz14,1 kHz28,1 kHz34,3 kHz34,3 kHz75.56 MHz12,5 kHz

25,0 kHz33,3 kHz61.82 MHz10,2 kHz20,5 kHz27,2 kHz*)mono output in Camera Link Base mode (at 8; 10 or 12 Bits per Pixel)

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allPIXA pro 7.3k (7300 pixel)

Full80_
Full80_8Tap_10Bit 10Tap_8Bit

Mono
output2XE*

Mono
output
1X3**

CLDefinition

Base
Mode

Mediummode

Full64mode

85.00 MHz11,6 kHz23,1 kHz29,7 kHz29,7 kHz29,7 kHz23,1 kHz29,7 kHz75.56 MHz10,3 kHz20,6 kHz27,3 kHz27,3 kHz29,7 kHz20,6 kHz29,7 kHz61.82 MHz8,4 kHz

16,8 kHz22,4 kHz22,4 kHz27,9 kHz16,8 kHz25,13 kHz

*)
**)

2.3

mono output in 2XE Camera Link Base mode (at 8; 10 or 12 Bits per Pixel)
mono output in 1X3 Camera Link Base mode (at 8Bits per Pixel only)Technical specification
Sensor

Trilinear CCD color line sensor

Pixel size

10 µm x 10 µm (10 µm pitch)Line spacing

40 µm between R-G and G-B(4 Lines center to center)Maximum pixel rate

226 megapixels/s 24 / 30Bit RGB

Maximum data rate on the
Camera Link

Base:
Medium:Full_64
Full_80:

Resolution

1,024 (Only OEM) / 4,096 / 5120 / 6000 / 7,300 px
Other sensor resolutions are available on request

Maximum line frequency(Preliminary)

1.024 pixels: 156 kHz (only in special OEM configurations)
2.048 pixels: 90,7 kHz
4.096 pixels: 50.82 kHz
5.120 pixels: 40.8 kHz
6.000 pixels: 34.32 kHz
7.300 pixels: 29.72 kHz

Spectral sensitivity

360 nm to 960 nm

Video signal

3x8 or 3*10 bit on the Camera Link,
3x14 bit ADC

Interface

Camera Link with up to 85 MHz

Line scan operating mode

Free-run / external trigger(incremental encoder / line trigger)

Area scan operating
mode

Image size either free-running, fixed, or based on trigger pulse
width

Other interfaces

Power supply (6 pin Hirose, male)External IO (15 pin D-Sub, female)
Serial RS-232 (9 pin D-Sub, female)

Camera mountC-mount, F-mount, M39x1/26“, M42x1,
M72x0.75, modular focus (LINOS / Qioptics), lens adapter andextension tubes

Certifications

CE, FCC compliant, RoHS

255 Mbytes/s
510 Mbytes/s
680 Mbytes/s
850 Mbytes/s

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14Power supply

24 VDC +/- 10 %; <19 W

Operating temperature

0°C to 60°C; 32°F to 140°F (housing temp.)

Housing dimensions

L = 102 mm, H = 100 mm, D = 77 mm

Weight

1.0 kgNOTE

2.4

Depending on the power supply, the power consumption might be up to
1 ampere at power-up for a short time. It is recommended to provide a power
supply with 24VDC/1amp or with higher possible power consumption.

Mechanical specification

2.4.1 Mechanical dimensions of the allPIXA pro camera with up to 4.096 pixels
The following dimensions apply to the allPIXA pro camera with up to 4.096 pixels:

Figure 2: Mechanical dimensions of the allPIXA pro camera with up to 4.096 pixels
NOTE I

Drawings and 3D-CAD-models are available on our homepage
https://www.chromasens.de/ in the download section related to the product

NOTE II

The shown position of the CCD surface is given as resulting optical value
including lengthening of the sensor glass.
For pure mechanical calculation 0.24 mm has to be subtracted.

NOTE IIIFor information about XYZ coordinate system and sensor alignment, seesection 2.5.

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2.4.2 Mechanical dimensions of the 5.120 pixel, 6.000 pixel and 7.300 pixel
allPIXA pro camera
The following dimensions apply to the allPIXA pro camera with 5.120, 6.000 and 7.300 pixels:

Figure 3: Mechanical dimensions of the allPIXA pro camera with 6.000 and 7.300 pixels

2.5

NOTE I

Drawings and 3D-CAD-models are available on our homepage
https://www.chromasens.de/ in the download section related to the product

NOTE II

The shown position of the CCD surface is given as resulting optical value
including lengthening of the sensor glass.
For pure mechanical calculation 0.24 mm must be subtracted.

NOTE IIIFor information about the XYZ coordinate system and sensor alignment, seesection 2.5.

Sensor alignment and orientation
Sensor orientation and alignment in viewing from the front side of the camera. For a detailed
mechanical drawing, see section 2.4.
First pixel of sensor lines:
Left side
Color lines orientation:
Blue:
top
Green:
centerRed:bottomChromasens PMA_CHR_CD40127_R04 allPIXA_pro_User Manual.docx

16Sensor alignment:
Position:X:
Y:Z:< +/- 100 µm< +/- 100 µm< +/- 100 µm

Rotation about:Y:Z:< +/- 0.1 °< +/- 0.1 °Planarity of sensor surface:< +/- 0.50 µm

Sensor window:
Thickness:
Refraction index
Optical path extension:

0.7 mm1.5
0.24 mmYFirst pixel

Z
X
Sensor alignment is an important issue for:2.6•

Adjusting multi-camera systems•

Replacing cameras•

Mechanical design of the mounting system for the camera

Adapter and accessories

2.6.1 Lenses adapters and mounts
Chromasens offers a large variety of accessories which are designed to provide maximum
flexibility and to get most out of the camera.
You can find the complete list of all accessories including descriptions and detailed drawings
on our website at https://www.chromasens.de/.

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172.6.3 Accessories for 4k camera S-Series

Figure 4: configuration scheme (housing type S)
Description

ID & CodeallPIXA pro - 4k

CP000476-4096-S

allPIXA pro - 4k with F-Mount

CP000482-0002

allPIXA pro camera Tubes 4k

Identification No.

Pos.

allPIXA camera-Tube-4k 20 mm

CP000389

01

allPIXA camera-Tube-4k 40 mm

CP000390

01

allPIXA camera-Tube-4k 60 mm

CP000391

01

allPIXA camera-Tube-4k 80 mm

CP000392

01

allPIXA camera-Tube-4k 100 mm

CP000393

01

allPIXA pro camera 4k direct mount Adapters

Identification No.

Pos.

allPIXA camera F-Mount Adapter

CP000385

02

allPIXA camera C-Mount-Adapter

CP000387

02

allPIXA camera 4K-Adapter M42x1-A45,46

CP000434

02

allPIXA camera Adapter-MF (to Modular Focus)
allPIXA camera Adapter-M42x0,75 (to Schneider Unifoc
58 (T2))
allPIXA camera Adapter-V-Mount(to Schneider Unifoc 12 (V-Mount))

CP00038602CP000461

02CP000462

02

allPIXA pro camera 4k additional parts

Identification No.

Pos.

Additional parts (custom specific)

only on request

03 - 06

The complete list of all accessories including descriptions and detailed drawings you can findon our website https://www.chromasens.de/.

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Figure 5: configuration scheme (housing type W)
allPIXA pro camera

Identification No.

Pos.

allPIXA pro – 5.120px

CP000476-5120-W

allPIXA pro – 6.000px

CP000476-6000-W

allPIXA pro - 7.3k

CP000476-7300-W

allPIXA camera Tubes 7.3k

Identification No.

Pos.

allPIXA camera-Tubus-7.3k 20 mm

CP000423

01

allPIXA camera-Tubus-7.3k 40 mm

CP000424

01

allPIXA camera-Tubus-7.3k 60 mm

CP000425

01

allPIXA camera-Tubus-7.3k 80 mm

CP000426

01

allPIXA camera-Tubus-7.3k 100 mm

CP000427

01

allPIXA camera 7.3k mount Adapters

Identification No.

Pos.

Adapter - Modular Focus

CP000428

02

Adapter M72x0,75-RF

CP000457

02

allPIXA camera Adapter-M58x0,75 (to Schneider Unifoc 76)

CP000463

02

You find the complete list of all accessories including descriptions and detailed drawings on
our website https://www.chromasens.de/.
NOTE

For Modular Focus (CP000418) an adapter to the allPIXA pro camera system(CP000386 or CP000428) is necessary.

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The extension tubes are used to extend the image distance between the allPIXA pro camera(lens reference area) and the lens adapter. Individual extension tubes are available in 20 mmstages and can be interconnected.

Figure 6: allPIXA pro camera 7.3k with extension tubes
If it is necessary to adjust the image distance using extension tubes. They have to be
combined and connected with grub screws (Allen key size 1.5 mm, maximum torque 30 Ncm).
In addition, it is necessary to secure the lens and the lens adapter plate with grub screws to
the extension tubes.

Figure 7: Securing the extension tubes
with grub screws

Figure 8: Mounting the lens adapter
plate

2.6.6 Mounting of a lens adapter ring
The lens adapter ring is mounted in the lens adapter fit of the camera body (Figure 9).

Figure 9: Mounting the lens adapter ring in the fit of the camera body

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The lens adapter ring is secured by grub screws (Allen key size 1.5 mm, max. torque 30 Ncm).

Figure 10: Securing the lens adapter ring to the camera

2.7

Environmental requirements
Value
Temperature for camera operation

For information about the allowed housing
temperature, see section 2.3

Air humidity during camera operation

20% - 85% relative air humidity, non-condensing

Storage / transport temperature-20 ºC - +85 ºC; -4 °F - +185 °F

Protection category

IP50

General ambient conditions
Operation

IEC 721-3-3:IE33

Transport

IEC 721-3-2:IE21

Storage

IEC 721-3-1:IE11

NOTE:

You should use thermal conductive mounting (for example direct attachment
on a metal frame) to decrease temperature and for improved camera
performance. For more information, see section 5.3

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3

Safety3.1

Depiction of safety instructions
Safety-relevant information is indicated in this manual as follows:

WARNING
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation or task, which, if not avoided,
could result in serious injury or death.

CAUTION
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation or task, which, if not avoided,
may result in minor or moderate injury.

Indicates a potentially hazardous situation or task, which, if not avoided, could
result in damage to the product or the surrounding environment.

3.2

Basic safety regulations
The basic safety regulations always observe the following:◼

Do not attempt to install the device or start operation before you have read all supplied
documentation carefully and have understood its contents.

◼

Safe and correct operation of the device requires correct and appropriate transport,
storage, mounting and installation as well as careful operation and maintenance.

◼

Operation of the allPIXA pro camera device is only permitted if it is in a faultless and safe
condition. In the event of any fault or defect, the allPIXA pro camera, the machine or thesystem in which the allPIXA pro camera is installed, must be stopped immediately and the
responsible person must be informed.

◼

Modifications and extensions to the allPIXA pro camera are only permitted if the priorwritten consent of Chromasens GmbH is obtained. This applies in particular tomodifications and extensions which can negatively affect the safety of the allPIXA pro
camera.

◼

Compliance with the ambient conditions described in this manual is essential.

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3.3

Safety instructions on the allPIXA pro camera
Risks from hot surfaces
The body of the allPIXA pro camera heats up during operation.
Do not touch hot surfaces without suitable protective gloves. Always allow
hot surfaces to cool down before carrying out any work on the unit.
Electric voltage hazard
The allPIXA pro camera runs with electric power. Before any work is carriedout on the allPIXA pro camera, be aware to disconnect the mains cables.
Make sure that the device is safely isolated from the power supply!
Risk of electrostatic discharge
The allPIXA pro camera contains components and units which are sensitive
to electrostatic charge.
Observe all precautionary measures for handling electrostatic sensitiveequipment.
Make sure that allPIXA pro camera, its corresponding tools, its equipment
and the knowledge of the person who is handling with have the same
electrical potential.

3.4

Purpose / applications◼

The allPIXA pro camera is designed for machines and systems which are used forcommercial and industrial applications.

◼

The owner of the machine or system in which the allPIXA pro camera has been installed is
responsible for compliance with relevant safety regulations, standards and directives.
Commissioning of the allPIXA pro camera is only permitted if the machine or system, inwhich the allPIXA pro camera is installed, complies with the safety regulations andstandards of the country in which the allPIXA pro camera runs.

◼

The owner of the machine or system with the installed allPIXA pro camera must verify thesuitability of allPIXA pro camera for its intended use.

◼

Safety regulations of the country in which the device is used must be complied with it.

◼

The allPIXA pro camera may only be connected or used as described in this manual.

◼

The allPIXA pro camera must be set up and installed in compliance with the instructions
contained in this manual.

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3.5

3.6

3.7

Staff requirements◼

The system owner must ensure that all persons working on the system are trained for therequired work and have read and understood this manual. This applies particularly to theemployees who only work occasionally with the allPIXA pro camera, for example, duringcommissioning and maintenance work.

◼

Work on the electrical installation of the system may only be carried out by a qualified
electrician or persons who have undergone the necessary electrotechnical training under
the supervision of a qualified electrician, in compliance with applicable electrotechnicalregulations.

◼

Be aware that only suitably trained and qualified persons are permitted to work with the
allPIXA pro camera. Such persons are qualified to work with the allPIXA pro camera
device, if they are familiar with its assembly, installation, care and all necessary
precautionary measures.

◼

Assignments and responsibilities of the staff charged with operation, commissioning,
maintenance and repair must be clearly defined and specified by the owner of the device
in which the allPIXA pro camera is installed.

Organizational measurements◼

The instruction manual must be stored safely in the vicinity of the camera in operation.

◼

Information contained in this manual must be integrated into the documentation of thedevice in which the allPIXA pro camera is installed.

◼

The allPIXA pro camera and all connected peripheries must be checked regularly forvisible external damages.

Safety instructions for maintenance / cleaning◼

Before carrying out any service or maintenance work, the responsible staff must be
informed.

◼

Deadlines and intervals for regular inspections must be complied with.

◼

Before starting maintenance, the allPIXA pro camera must be isolated from the power
supply.

◼

Due to the risk of fire devices such as radiators, heaters or lighting equipment must beallowed first to cool down.

◼

Only technicians of the Chromasens GmbH are permitted to open or slacken screws or
housing sections of the allPIXA pro camera.

◼

Necessary repairs may only be carried out by the Chromasens GmbH.

◼

Cleaning of the device is only allowed with a soft, lint-free cloth and Isopropanol (optional).

◼

To avoid damages, the camera should only be transported in its original packaging.

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3.8

Maintenance and cleaning of the allPIXA pro camera
During operation of the device, particles such as dust etc. may be settled on the opticalcomponents (lens) of the camera. These deposits affect the optical image and the function of
the camera negatively.
Chromasens recommends regular inspection and cleaning. The cleaningintervals depend on the actual operating and ambient conditions (forexample dust-laden atmosphere).

3.8.1 Cleaning intervals
Cleaning intervals depend on the environment. Regular inspection and cleaning intervals mustbe specified depending on the degree of soiling.

3.8.2 Cleaning process
Body of the allPIXA pro camera heats up during operation.
Before cleaning, you must switch off the device. Always allow hot surfaces
to cool down before cleaning the device.
The device works with electric power. Before cleaning the device, makesure that the device is disconnected from the power supply.

All surfaces requiring cleaning can be wiped with a soft, lint-free cloth which can be moistenedwith Isopropanol.
Never use any other liquid or cleaning agent than those stated in this manual.
Never use hard or sharp tools for cleaning the device.
Inspect the device to ensure that cleaning was effective and repeat, if necessary.
If it is not possible to clean a component due to irremovable contamination, it must be
replaced.

3.9

DisposalThis symbol indicates that electrical and electronic equipment should not be
disposed with normal garbage at the end of its working life. To prevent
possible harm to the environment or human health from uncontrolled waste
disposal, please separate this from other types of wastes and recycle it
responsibly to promote the sustainable reuse of material resources.

Please dispose this product in accordance with your local regulations and contact your local
government office, for details of where and how they can take this item for environmentallysafe recycling.

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4

allPIXA pro – basic functionality

4.1

Basic design of the allPIXA pro camera
During operation an object is scanned by the CCD sensor. The analog signal is thentransformed to a digital signal by the AD converter. The microcontroller with its RAM and flash
memory supports the FPGA during image data processing to output the images through the
Camera Link connector.
The allPIXA pro camera can be configured with CST via the Camera Link interface (CL-Ser.)or the RS 232 interface.
Signals from incremental encoders or light barriers can also be input by the GPIOs (general
purpose inputs/outputs).

Figure 11: Basic design of the allPIXA pro camera (block diagram)

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4.2

Design of the allPIXA pro camera line scan sensor
The allPIXA pro camera color line scancamera is equipped with a trilinear CCD line
scan sensor with 3 spatially separated lines
which are sensitive to the colors red, green
and blue (RGB).
In this way, 3-color information is obtained
from each image point (RGB). The spacingof sensor lines is compensated in the
allPIXA pro camera.
Compared to camera systems withinterpolating processes (for example singleline or bilinear color line scan cameras), thecolor information is acquired with 3 x 8 bitfor each image point.
Take notice that high-quality color detection
is only possible in that way.

Sensor pixels are 10 µm wide and 10 µm
long. The distance between the color
sensor lines is 40 µm.
Spatial correction is achieved by thecorresponding delay of the individual itemsof color information. As a result of theobject’s movement, for example, an object
point first reaches the blue sensor line, thenthe green sensor line and finally the red
sensor line.
These 3 color channels are then combined
into a complete image.
Continual scanning provides a color image
which can theoretically be infinitely long.

Figure 12: allPIXA pro camera line scan sensor

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4.3

The allPIXA pro camera line scan sensor readout principle
The odd and even pixels of each line are moved to the respective readout register. Therefore,
the allPIXA pro camera simultaneously processes 3x2x2 channels - 3 colors, 2 taps and both
(odd and even pixels).

Figure 13: The allPIXA pro camera line scan sensor readout principle

4.4

Spectral sensitivity of the allPIXA pro camera line scan sensor

Wave length (nm)Figure 14: Spectral sensitivity of the line scan sensor

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4.5

Image processing
Image processing in the allPIXA pro camera is analog and digital. The following block diagram
illustrates the internal processes.

4.5.1 Analog / digital image processing
The power block provides all required voltages which are available for the camera electronic
components from the supplied 24 V DC.
The image is acquired by the CCD sensor and initially processed in analog mode, followed byan analog/digital converter. The digital image processing is performed in the FPGA.
The image data generated by the allPIXA pro camera are converted in the video interface to
the Camera Link standard and then sent to the frame grabber.

Figure 15: Process of the allPIXA pro camera image processing (block diagram)

CDS

Gain

Offset14 Bit ADC

EVEN

Coarse
Gain

CDS

Gain

Offset14 Bit ADC

ODD

Coarse
Gain

CDS

Gain

Offset14 Bit ADC

EVEN
Coarse
Gain

CDS

Gain

Offset14 Bit ADC

to digital processing

from microcontroller

Front Tap

CCD Sensor

Rear Tap

CoarseGain

to digital processing

The CCD sensor is read out by use of a shift register. The CDS (correlated double-sampling)process filters (extracts) the intended signal information from the received signals. After thatprocess, the global amplification (gain) and offset values (black-level offset) are adjusted. In
the last step, the analog information is converted to digital 14 bit values to forward these to thedigital processing unit.

ODD
from microcontroller
(1)

(2)

Figure 16: Analog process of the allPIXA pro camera (block diagram)

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The signals are transferred from the analog-digital converter and run through a multiplexer thatswitches between the test image generator and the input signals as shown in Figure 17.

Figure 17: Digital process of the allPIXA pro camera (block diagram)First, the pixel-by-pixel black-level correction (1) and shading correction (2) is carried out, thenthe image data are adjusted with the values programmed for brightness and contrast (3).
Afterwards, the spatial correction (RGB) is carried out in the line buffer (RGB line delay
compensation) (4) and the colors are adjusted with the color conversion matrix (5) and the
gamma correction (6). The color image can also be converted into a gray image by the FPGA
(7). Auxiliary data can be added to each line before the image data are output via the Camera
Link connection (8).

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4.5.2 Supported Camera Link modes
allPIXA pro - color camera with color output:
CL-Base 1Tx24b (1X1)
CL-Medium 2Tx24b (2XE)
CL-Medium 2Tx24b (1X2) Default
CL-Full64 8Tx8b (1X8 raw, RGB with 8 color planes per camera link clock)
CL-Full80 8Tx10b (1X8 raw, RGB with 8 color planes per camera link clock)
CL-Full80 10Tx8b (1X10 raw, RGB with 10 color planes per camera link clock)
allPIXA pro - color camera with mono output:
CL-Base 2Tx8b (2XE)
CL-Base 2Tx10b (2XE)
CL-Base 2Tx12b (2XE)
CL-Base 3Tx8b (1X3)
For more information about the Camera Link interface specification, refer to the GenICam
standard.
For minimum integration time for different camera types at different Camera Link modes andoutput pixel clocks, see section 9.11.4.

4.6

Black-level correction and shading (flat-field) correction
The allPIXA pro camera supports black-level (offset) and shading correction.
The following points are important for understanding these kinds of operation:•

Both operations are based on pixel-by-pixel calculation, and the effects on behavior of
single pixels such as PRNU (photo response non uniformity) is eliminated.

•

Both operations are carried out separately for every line (red, green, blue).

•

The allPIXA pro camera offers four data sets for black-level correction and four data sets
for shading correction Therefore, you could deal with, for example, four different lighting
systems by selecting the necessary data sets without transferring or generating new
shading data.

•

Calculation of the correction data sets can be performed offline on scanned images.
Often, shading data have been calculated internally with a static white reference in frontof the camera. In this case, spots of dust on the white reference lead to vertical lines in
the image. This effect can be eliminated by slightly defocusing the lens during thegeneration of the references. The lighting distribution is then seen by the sensor and thelens. Another possibility to avoid this problem is to move the target slightly at thebalancing process. In this way, distortions, for example by dust, may also be eliminated.

•

The allPIXA pro provides offline calculation of the references. You can select a scanned
image and define a region of the image, in which shading correction data should be
calculated. By averaging over a higher number of lines, distortions, for example by duston the target, are eliminated. Therefore, it is possible to use an image with a moving
white object.

•

The allPIXA pro camera also permits to generate shading and offset data internally.

•

Generated data sets may be stored to the hard disk of the PC. The stored data can betransferred to the camera later.

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•

For the calculation the following formulas can be used:
Mode Recording of black-reference line:
BRef(x) = VidRaw with black template or without illumination
Mode Recording of white reference line:
WRef(x) = VidRaw(x) – BRef(x) with white template
Mode / Correction (white and black correction is activated)
VidSHCOut(x,y) = (VidRaw(x,y) – BRef(x)) * VidMax
WRef(x)This calculation is performed separately for all color separations (RGB).
•
•
•
•
•
•

BRef
WRef
VidRaw
Converter(x, y)
VidMaxVidSHCOut(x,y)
imageBlack-Reference value for each pixel in the line
White-Reference value for each pixel in the line
Raw values for each pixel output by A/DNumber of pixels within the line or column
Maximum brightness value
Offset- and Shading-corrected pixels of the

Figure 18: Offset and shading correction
1.: Black-level correction
2.: Shading (flat-field) correction

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4.7

Feature: Image mode (frame scan mode)
The allPIXA pro camera is able to emulate a frame scan camera. Output data are in realframes and the VSync signal (or FVAL = frame valid signal) is generated. Therefore, theinformation about frame start and image size must be supplied to the camera.
The frame trigger signal can be supplied with the frame grabber either by CC-Bits CC2, CC3,
CC4 or with a hardware signal by an IO port. The external signals must be configured by the
IO Configurator via CST.
Image height (= number of lines) can be controlled by a fixed value or an external signal
depending on the object size. For a more detailed description, see sections 9.8 and 9.9.

4.8

Monochrome image acquisition
Additionally, the color allPIXA pro camera permits to provide monochrome images which are
generated internally from the color information. The weightage of the color channels during
generation of a monochrome image can be set individually.
Due to the reduced data transmission rate of the mono image, the camera uses Camera Link
Base mode for the transmission. Output modes of 8 /10/ 12 bit are available for monochromeimage data. (See section 9.11.1)

4.9

White balancing with a closed-loop control
To keep the video values stable on a white reference target, the allPIXA pro camera supports
an automatic adjustment of the internal gain values. Therefore, a closed loop can beestablished which enables an automatism of keeping the white point stable, even if there isbrightness or color temperature changes in the illumination. Usually, automatic camera
functions use the brightest point for adjusting the best result to get the white color.
The allPIXA pro camera enables you to arbitrarily define the area of an image chosen as
reference and you are can also set the reference values (target values) separately for eachchannel.

Figure 19: Closed-loop control for white balancing
This function can be used for:•A single setup process with a static white reference in front of the camera during its
installation.

•

Adjusting the camera continuously during the scanning process. Therefore, it is possible tocompensate the warming up or the aging of the light source.

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4.10 Setting concept
Furthermore, the allPIXA pro camera offers a comprehensive setting concept:
Up to 18 different settings can be stored in the camera. All parameters such as gaining or
integration time may be different from setting to setting and can be selected by shortcommands. Therefore, a fast change of the camera’s behavior is possible for different
products.
•

For the user, 18 settings are available.

•

Setting 19 is write-protected; the factory default setting is stored in setting 19 and canbe copied to other settings.

•

The camera always starts up with setting 1.

Figure 20: Setting concept

4.10.1 Restore factory default
The originally delivered camera setting can be restored by loading setting 19 and saving it into
the working setting (for example setting 1).
For more information, how to save settings to different setting position, see section 6.9.

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4.11 Chromasens API - communication
Customer application

Chromasens API

Configuration
data
allPIXA pro

Figure 21: Chromasens API
The Chromasens API supports a set of functions to easily communicate with the allPIXA pro
camera.
With these functions, connection to the camera can be established via Camera Link or serial
RS232 connection.
Internal working parameters of the camera can be read and modified.
Convenience functions for calibration of the camera are provided.
Calibration of the camera can be performed to adapt to current illumination conditions.
Functions for low level communication are also implemented in the Chromasens API.
A detailed description, example code and the necessary DLLs for integration are provided in
the CSAPI package, which can be downloaded from the allPIXA pro download area on our
website.

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5

Installing the allPIXA pro camera

5.1

Interface and status LED
On the back side of the camera you find the following interfaces:◼

Two Camera Link ports (port 1 and 2) for image signaling and for communication between
the allPIXA pro camera and the PC◼

A digital port (IO interface D-Sub 15 female) for the incremental encoder signal, lightbarriers and other freely programmable inputs and outputs◼

A serial port (serial RS 232 D-Sub 9 female, Config UART) for additional communicationfor example configuration signals) between the allPIXA pro camera and the PC◼

A power connection (Hirose HR10A-7R-6P, male) for power supply◼

A multi-color LED for indicating the allPIXA pro camera status

NOTE

If you use a USB to Serial converter for the connection via RS232, it isrecommended to use a converter with FTDI Chipset(Prolifix chipsets may generate problems if they are connected to the camera).

Status LED

CL-Port 1

Power supply

CL-Port 2
Digital IO-Port

Config. UART

Figure 22: The allPIXA pro camera connections and status LED

5.1.1 Power supply
Take notice that the following connector is required for the power supply cable:
Manufacturer:
Article no.:camera)Pin no.

Hirose
HR10A-7P-6S “female” (male connector is located on the

Description

1

Power +24 V

2Power +24 V

3

Not connected

4

Not connected

5

Ground6

GroundFor more details about the input voltage and currents, see section 2.3.

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5.1.2 Config UART (serial RS 232)
Serial connection to the PC can be established by use of a 9-pin D-Sub connector (male) via
the interface of serial RS 232 (V24).

Pin no.

Description1

Not connected2

Transmit data

3

Receive data

4

Used for internal function, do not connect

5

Ground6

Not connected

7

Hardware Reset Input.
Should be left open if unused

8

Not connected9

Not connected

Pin 1

5.1.3 Digital IO port
You need a 15-pin D-Sub connector (male) to establish a connection to the digital I/Ointerface (x5) of the allPIXA pro camera.

Pin no.

Level

Description

Default function

1

RS 422

GPIO_P0 (input)

Incremental encoder (high)2

RS 422

GPIO_P1 (input)

Light barrier (high)3

LVCMOS

GPIO_5(BiDir, PullUp)

Can be used for light barriers
or nSelMaster (Bridge to 0 V)
Only pin 3: Vin 5,0 V max.

4

LVCMOS

GPIO_6(BiDir, PullDown)

Selectable with IO-Config

5

3.3 V over 100 Ohm

Power

Output6

LVCMOS

GPIO_8(BiDir, PullDown)

Master/Slave-interface

70V

Ground-8

LVCMOS

GPIO_10(BiDir, PullDown)

Master/Slave-interface

9

RS 422

GPIO_N0 (input)

Incremental encoder (low)10

RS 422

GPIO_N1 (input)

Light barrier (low)110V

Ground-12

LVCMOS

GPIO_7(BiDir, PullDown)

Selectable with IO-Config

130V

Ground-14

LVCMOS

GPIO_9(BiDir, PullDown)

Selectable with IO-Config

15

5 V over 100 Ohm

Power supply

Output

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Pin 1NOTE 1

Power supply:With a 100 Ohm series resistor;
RS422:
RS422 standard
LVCMOS: With 10 Ohm series resistor

NOTE 2The logical functions of the IO pins can be modified in the application. The
CST tool provides the IO Configurator which permits to adapt the assignmentof logical functionality to the hardware pins of the connector.

NOTE 3

Although RS422 is a differential signal, a proper ground connection is required
additionally between the source (for example encoder) and the drain (forexample the camera)

NOTE 4

The allPIXA pro camera contains an internal termination for the RS422 signallines. The advantage of the internal termination is that you do not have to takecare about termination if the RS422 is used as an interface between two
devices. On the other hand, it is not possible to connect two (or more)cameras to one sender.
If connection of more than one camera to one RS422 source is required,additional hardware must be used. Alternatively, using the master/slave
configuration might be an option.

5.1.4 LVCMOS and RS422 levels

I/O
standard

Vmin

Vmax

Vmin

Vmax

Vmax

LVCMOS

-0.5

0.7

1.7

3.6

0.4

RS422

-6

0,8

2

6

Vmin
2.1

Maximum input level of the LVCMOS is 3.6 V! (Except pin 3 with max 5,0V)
Use a level converter, if necessary (for example 74 LVC14).
Non-compliance can result in irreparable damages to the allPIXA pro camera!

5.1.5 Video Camera Link port 1 and 2
Camera Link cables are available in different lengths varying from 1m to 10m. For connection
to the allPIXA pro camera you need a 26-pin MDR mini-D ribbon (male) connector.
Take notice that for long cable lengths (more than 6 m) highquality cables are recommended. Alternatively, you can reduce
the Camera Link transmission speed using CST configuration (seesection 9.11.3). The setup of frame grabber, cable and camera
must be tested in advance to guarantee the required functionality.

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5.1.6 Status LED
During image output (FVAL active) the LED lights up in blue and alternates then in green or
red.

5.2

Color

Description

Green

Camera ready (FVAL inactive)

Red

Error (FVAL inactive)Blue

allPIXA pro camera image output (FVAL active)

Mechanical installation
Various mounting options are provided by the allPIXA pro camera housing. Thanks to its
numerous threaded holes for attachment, the installation of the allPIXA pro camera is very
simple and versatile.
Mounting holes(top/bottom)

Mounting
holes (front)

Mounting holes(left/right)

Figure 23: Mechanical connection points of the allPIXA pro camera
The allPIXA pro camera is equipped with four fastening points on each side and its front with
M4 threads (use maximum torque for full use of 6mm threat of 4 Nm).
For information about the exact mechanical dimensions, see section 2.4.

5.3

Thermal links / cooling
The camera works within the defined temperature range (see sections 2.3 and 2.7). To thispurpose it may be screwed to thermally conductive parts on a wide and flat surface. A thermal
connection to heat-conductive parts has a positive effect on operation of the allPIXA pro
camera.
To dissipate the heat more effectively to the surrounding area, we also recommend to useheat conduction pads between the allPIXA camera and heat-conductive parts. You can alsocool the allPIXA pro camera with a fan which should be directed at a large surface area of the
allPIXA pro camera.
Should there be any questions left, or should you be not sure how to adapt the allPIXA pro
camera most effectively to its ambient conditions, do not hesitate to contact our support team.
The maximum allowed internal camera temperature which can be monitored by the camera orread out by use of CST is:
Board temperature: 80°C
Sensor temperature: 70°C

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5.4

Preventing installation errors
To ensure a high image and color quality, it is essential to align the camera correctly with theconveyor belt.
If the camera is misaligned, image artifacts may result.

5.4.1 Conveyor belt tracking
Make sure that the conveyor belt, on which the object is transported, runs completely straight.
In the left-hand section of Figure 24 you can see the optimum tracking of the conveyor belt,
i.e. the conveyor belt runs completely straight. The enlarged view shows that each of the threepixels highlighted in black acquires the same point on the object.
In the right-hand section of Figure 24 you can see a situation in which the conveyor belt runs
untrue and oscillates in a lateral direction to the transport position and then each line acquires
a different area of the passing object. Consequence is that the image generated by the threecolor lines is not aligned, resulting in chromatic aberration which occurs laterally to thetransport position.

Figure 24: Optimum conveying belt tracking

5.4.2 Perpendicularity of the sensor to the direction of transport
Make sure that the allPIXA pro camera is aligned at a right angle to the direction of transport.
In the left-hand section of Figure 25 you can see the optimum alignment of the camera, i.e. itis aligned perpendicularly to the direction of transport. The enlarged view shows that each of
the 3 pixels highlighted in black acquires the same point on the object.
In the right-hand section of Figure 25 you can see one situation in which the camera is notaligned perpendicularly to the transport position and then the same point on the object isimaged at different positions on the trilinear sensor. Consequence can be that the image
generated by the 3 color lines is not aligned, resulting in chromatic aberration on the image.

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40Figure 25: Rectangularity of the sensor to the object

5.4.3 Rotation around the longitudinal axis of the line scan sensor
Make sure that the longitudinal axis of the allPIXA pro camera runs parallel to the transportlevel.
The center section of Figure 26 shows the optimum alignment of the camera, i.e. it is aligned
parallel to the direction of transport.
If the allPIXA pro camera is installed in the rotated position around the longitudinal axis of theline scan sensor, chromatic aberration would occur in the image and the scale would changeon the 3 color lines. Chromatic aberration increases symmetrically towards the outer edge.

Figure 26: Rotation around the longitudinal axis of the line sensor
To obtain the best result, try to avoid the error shown in the above figure.
If it is not possible to place the camera in the best orientation, the allPIXA pro camera offers
the Keystone correction function:
If you activate the Keystone correction function, the allPIXA pro camera can correct thiserror. For more information about keystone correction, see section 9.10.6 “Use keystonecorrection”.

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5.4.4 Rotation around the transverse axis of the line sensor
Make sure that the transverse axis of the allPIXA pro camera runs parallel to the transportlevel.
In the center section of Figure 27 you can see the optimum alignment of the camera, i.e. it isaligned parallel to the direction of transport.
If the allPIXA pro camera is installed in a rotated position around the transverse axis of the line
scan sensor, result would be a chromatic aberration laterally to the direction of transport, andthe size and color would change in relation to the angle.

Figure 27: Rotation around the transverse axis of the line scan sensor

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5.5

Electrical installation

WARNING
Only the authorized electro-technical trained staff is permitted to
install and to start operation of the device.

Before connecting and switching on the power supply, make sure that all
required plug connections have been established correctly.
This precaution prevents damage to the allPIXA pro camera or to its
connected components.

When the allPIXA pro camera has been secured in its final working position
and all cables are connected and screwed, check the cable configuration.
The weighting of the cables should not include the connectors. No othermechanical strain should be exerted on the connectors.

NOTE

Grounding the housing and the outer cable shield:
Due to an environment with electromagnetic contamination it might benecessary to establish contact between the housing and / or the outershield of the Camera Link cable to the installation’s electrical ground.
The mounting threads for the housing are not isolated; therefore, you may
use any other kind of mounting threads for connecting the housing to theelectrical ground.

Connect a power cable from the camera to a 24V DC power supply.
For the pin allocation of the HIROSE see section 5.1.1.
Power:
10 %;24 VDC +/1A; typical

16 W
Hirose 6 -pin

Figure 28: Connecting the allPIXA pro camera to the power supply

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5.6

Connecting the camera to the PC
The camera is connected to the PC by a Camera Link cable.
NOTE

Camera Link cables are supplied ready for use in different lengths varying from
1 m to 10 m. You need a 26-pin MDR mini-D ribbon (male) connector forconnection to the allPIXA camera.
Camera Link specification limits a max cable length of up to 6 m for a pixel
clock of 85 MHz. The setup of camera, cable and frame grabber must be
tested in advance.

1.

Connect the Camera Link cable:◼

Camera Link Port 1 or 1+2 of the allPIXA pro camera (Port 1+2 supports full data rate;
take notice that only with port 1, the half data rate is supported).

◼

Frame grabber installed in the PC.

NOTE

Take care to connect the first port of the camera with the first port of the frame
grabber.
Changing might cause a switch between front and rear tap, some grabbers
only offer the serial connection through the first port.

Port 1 (with serial
connection)
Port 2

Figure 29: Connecting the allPIXA pro camera to the frame grabber

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5.7

Update the firmware of the allPIXA pro camera

Never disconnect the power or the connection to the camera during the updateprocedure.
Perform the following steps to update the camera safely.

To update the firmware:
1. Go to the Chromasens website: https://www.chromasens.de/.
2. Click Products and click Line Scan Cameras in the product list.
3. Click allPIXA pro.
4. Click Software and choose the correct package for your camera type

5. After the download unzip the files to local directory.
6. Perform the following steps to send the package to the camera.

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1

•

Run CST and select the correct port to connect with the camera.

•

Click Send package to camera:

a

b

c

2

List of packages available in the directory.
Usually, packages are stored as .lst or .txt.
b of this file is a list of the files
The content
to load into the camera.
•

Select the firmware package.
Make sure that you use the correct package for your camera. Depending on the used
CCD sensor, different download packages must be used.
The naming of the package contains the length of the CCD sensor:
allPIXA camera_CCDLENGTH_FW_VERSION.txt(for example, allPIXApro_7300_FW_P302.txt)
This file should be used in an allPIXA camera with the line length of 7.300 and it
contains the package version 3.02.

•

Click OK.
When you click OK, download starts immediately.

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The progress and the files that are downloaded to the camera are displayed in the
Download List box.
The Working message box with the progress bar displays the progress of the current
file:

3

Download is finished when the Download List box and the Working box are closed.
Then the log message view of the CST displays the following message:

4•

Switch off the power of the camera.

•

Wait 5 seconds.

•

Turn power on again.
Wait until the status LED of the camera is illuminated blue again. Depending on yoursetting, the LED could also be flashing blue.

•

Click Open connection to connect CST to the camera.
It is not necessary to restart CST.

5

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47•On the toolbar, click Show settings•

Check that camera firmware and FPGA have the desired versions:, and then click Camera information.

6

Must be 0x0000,
Otherwise packet is inconsistent!

Green frames indicate the current firmware, CCD and FPGA versions on the camera.
Now the camera is ready for operation again.

NOTE

Camera parameters, such as IO-Configurator settings, and position and target
values of the white reference, are contained in the camera settings. The
firmware packet contains a settings file, but by default it is not transferred to thecamera. Therefore, it is not necessary to save settings to files before afirmware update is performed.

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6

Configuring the camera with the Camera Setup Tool

6.1

Installing the Camera Setup Tool (CST)
To download the latest release of CST, use the link https://www.chromasens.de/ You will findthe CST in the Software section of the allPIXA pro product page.

6.1.1 System Requirements◼

Microsoft Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, 32 bit or 64 bit.

◼

PC with a Frame Grabber “Camera Link medium” and optionally a serial interface RS232.

6.1.2 Installation of the CST Software
To install CST on your PC:
7. Start the setup program.
8. If the operating system is a 64-bit version, the Version selector page is shown:

In this case, select the version that should be installed, and then click Next.
The Select Destination Location page is shown:

9. Select the folder in which the CST software should be installed and then click Next.
The Select Start Menu Folder page is shown:

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4910. Select the start menu folder in which the shortcut to the CST software should be created,
and then click Next.
The Select Additional Tasks page is shown:

11. If an icon should be created on the desktop, select the check box, and then click Next.
The Ready to Install page is displayed. It shows the installation parameters that you havespecified:

12. To start installation of the CST software, click Install.
When the software has been installed successfully, the following page is displayed:

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The CST software is now ready for use.

6.1.3 Establishing communication between camera and PC
This paragraph describes basic settings of the CST software that are used to establish
communication between PC and camera. When you have specified these parameters, you
can configure the camera.
To establish communication between camera and PC:
1. Double-click the CST icon on the PC desktop.

The Set interface parameters dialog box is shown:

2. Select the PC interface for the communication either via Camera Link or external serial
port.
3. In the Baud rate list, click the desired baud rate for communication.
Alternatively, select the Use max. Baud rate check box to start automatic setup of thebaud rate. CST and the allPIXA camera then determine the fastest possible baud rate up
to 115 kBaud. If the frame grabber/interface does not support 115 kBaud, clear the Usemax. Baudrate check box.
The default baud rate is 19.2 kBaud.
4. Click OK.
The CST software now establishes communication to the camera:

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5. If CST has just been installed for the first time, or if a different camera model wasconnected earlier, the following dialog box is shown:

Check that allPIXA wave is selected in the Available matching cameras list, and thenclick OK.

6.2

CST program window
The CST program window comprises 5 areas:
Toolbar:Direct access to functions and data (section.6.3)

Menu bar:

Access to all functions (section. 6.4)

Parameter view: Displaying the data
Status bar:

Displaying the status of the connection

Message view
Menu bar (6.4)

Toolbar (6.3)

Parameter viewMessage view

Command log view

Status bar

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6.3

Toolbar
The toolbar for the CST provides the following functions:Figure 30: CST Toolbar

ButtonFunction
Load setting from file
Save setting to file
Transfer setting to camera

F9
Burn setting permanently

F10
Reset camera
Show simple setup view.
This page shows the most important parameters of the camera
on one page.
Very useful for first-time users.
Show settings
Shows basic parameter settings pages, for example
integration time.
Set system configuration:• Transfer setting data to and from the camera• Firmware update• Reset the camera• Open new “Camera Connection”• Set the user level for CSTShow encoder setup
Encoder-related and line-trigger-related settings
Show settings for user-configurable IO
Show contrast values and sensor line profile
Show current camera values
This function permits to monitor the current values of importantparameters of the allPIXA wave camera (for example
temperature, current values of the reference for the operating
point, states of the inputs, etc.)
Perform white balancing
Perform tap balancing

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Button

FunctionStart reference wizard.
The wizard guides you through the process of generatingreferences for offset and flat-field (shading) correction.
Show camera state and reset errors

Refresh current camera parameters (F5)
Select and display the currently used setting
Buttons for user-defined functions (3 available)
Show information about CST
Collects information about the PC system, the installed
grabbers, and the connected camera.
This information is very useful for the Chromasens support if
you need assistance.

6.4

CST menu bar
The menu bar provides the following menus:

Figure 31: CST Menu Bar
Settings

Open setting from disk

Open a setting from disk. Useful to check a former
configuration. After loading a file from disk it is also
possible to transfer it to the camera by the “Sendsetting to camera” function.

Save setting to disk

Save current settings to disk

Transfer setting tovolatile camera memory(F9)Transfer settings to volatile (non-permanent) camera
memory. After a reset or a power cycle the changes
get lost.

Burn current setting
permanently (F10)

Permanently burn camera settings to the currently
used setting

Burn current setting
permanently as (F11)Permanently burn camera settings to a different
setting

Clear settings

Delete settings from camera memory

Exit

Close CST

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View

ToolbarEnable/disable the toolbar

Status bar

Enable/disable the status bar

Simple setup

Show the simple setup page. This page shows themost important parameters of the camera on one
page.
Very useful for first time users.

Camera settings

Open basic parameter settings pages, for example
integration time

IO-Configurator

Show the settings for the user-configurable inputs
and outputs of the camera

Encoder setup

Encoder and line-trigger-related settings

System configuration

Set system settings:

Current camera values•

Transfer setting data to and from thecamera•Firmware update•

Reset the camera•

Open new “Camera Connection”•

Change the viewer configuration file toadapt the displayed parameters to yourcamera•Set the user level for the CST

Display live camera values such as voltages,
temperatures, gain values, or similar.
This function permits to monitor the current valuesof important parameters of the allPIXA camera inlive mode (for example the temperature, the current
values of the reference for the operating point or
the statuses of the inputs etc.)

Messages

Arrange protocol views
vertically
Arrange protocol viewshorizontallyShow commandmessage view

Activates the command log view.

Clear logging views

Clear the message view

Save logging messages

Save the message window to a log-file for support
cases and debugging the system.

Show detailed
command views

Activates the command log view.

The communication data are logged here.

Additionally, the communication data are logged ina more detailed way.

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Advanced

Register edit

Open a window for editing and reading registers
directly on the camera.
Attention: Only for advanced users.

Commands

Help

Bootstrap board

For service only.

Get Camera Trace

Return internal camera loggings. May berequested by the Chromasens support to get
detailed information about a possible problem.

Verify Packet/SettingThis can be used to create consistent Setting or
Firmware/FPGA packages. A checksum isgenerated for this setting or Firmware package. As
soon as something is changed here, thechecksum is no longer consistent and can bedetected by the camera.

Create HSI-Checksum

Function for development purposes only. If a value
in an HIS file changes, the checksum is no longer
valid. This function recalculates the checksum andenters it into the file.

Edit Color Conversion
MatrixYou can edit the four color correction tables saved
inside the camera.

Set IP address

If a connection to a GigE-camera should beestablished, the IP-address can be set here

Get current camera
stateWith this function, you can easily check thecamera status.

Restore factory settings

Restores factory settings from internal camera
memory.

Reset Camera

Reset the camera.

Process whitebalancing

Perform an automated white balancing on thecameraInitiate tap balancing

Perform a balancing procedure between the twocamera taps to eliminate the differences at the tap
border.

Generate references(Wizard)

Open the reference wizard.

Send user command

Buttons for user-defined functions (3 available)

Configure usercommands

Configuring the buttons for the user-defined
functions.

Information about CSTInfo button for getting the released version of CSTShow system info

Collects information about the PC system, theinstalled grabbers, and the connected camera.

The wizard guides you through the process ofgenerating references for offset and flat-field(shading) correction.

This information is very useful for the Chromasens
support if you need assistance.

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6.5

Simple setup view (overview)

Page

Function

Simple setup view
Functions:•Set all basic parameters of
the camera to quickly receivea well-calibrated image•

Section:

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57

6.6

Basic camera parameter settings (overview)
Basic parameters of the camera are split into different groups:

6.6.1 Camera parameters
This part contains the parameters related to the following:

Page

Function

Camera settings – Camera Parameter – Integration time
Integration time:•••

Set the integration time
Set the line period mode
Set the line period time

Section:

9.1

Camera settings – Camera Parameter – Gain Settings
Camera Gain Settings:••

Analog coarse gain
Current gain values

Section:

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58

Page

Function

Camera settings – Camera Parameter – White reference markWhite reference mark:•Set the position and size ofthe zone for the closed-loop
control

Section:

9.3

Camera settings – Camera Parameter – White control
White control:•••

Target reference values
Current reference levels
White control

Section:

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59

Page

Function

Camera settings – Camera Parameter – Reference usage
Reference usage:•••

Activate shading
correction
Activate black-level
correction
Select the data set for
shading and black-level
correction

Section:

9.5

Camera settings – Camera Parameter – Brightness and Contrast
Brightness and Contrast:•

Digital gain•

Digital offset

Section:

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60

Page

Function

Camera settings – Camera Parameter – Camera arrangement
Camera arrangement:•

Set the line shift/spatial
correction•

Set the scan direction•

Specify line suppression

Section:

9.7

6.6.2 Image parameter
This part contains the parameters related to the image.

Page

Function

Camera settings – Image Parameter – Image sizes
Image size:•

Set the parameters
related to the image
size

Section:

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61

Page

Function

Camera settings – Image Parameter – Synchronization
Synchronization:••

Set the parameters
for triggering theframe scan modes
Select thesynchronization withother cameras(Master/slave mode)

Section:

9.9

Camera settings – Image Parameter – Image processing
Image processing:•••

Activate image
mirroring
Activate color
correction
Activate and set
parameters for the
keystone functions

Section:

9.10

Camera settings – Image parameter – Output format
Output format:••••

Set the pixel clock on
Camera Link
Select the port typemedium or baseDifferent parameters
for data transfer on
Camera Link
Insert information into
image data

Section:

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62

6.6.3

LED illumination control

Page

Function

Camera settings – LED illumination control – LED flash control
LED flash control:•••

LED number line pattern
LED flash sequence time
Pattern specification

Section:

9.12

6.6.4 Special functions (test pattern / register edit)
Page

Function

Camera settings – Special functions – Test pattern
Test pattern:•

Test images can begenerated inside the camera

Section:

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PageFunction

Camera settings – Special functions – Register edit
Register edit:•••

You can edit registers
directly.
The data are saved on thecamera when the setting isburned.
Use this function carefully. It
may cause a damage of thefirmware or cause
malfunction of the camera.

Section:

9.14

6.6.5 General information
Page

Function

Camera settings – General information – Camera information
Camera information:••

Information about firmware on
the camera
Attach a screen shot of thispage for all support questions.

Section:

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9.15

64

Page

Function

Camera settings – Special functions – Tracing
Tracing:•

Debugging functions

Section:

6.7

9.16

Opening serial connection to a camera
You can open a different port or re-open the same port directly. It is not necessary to restart
CST and to select it in the dialog box shown during start-up.

ButtonFunction key

Menu
View/System configuration

To open serial connection to a camera:
1. On the toolbar, click Show system configuration.

2. In the Camera interface list, click the desired camera connection:

3. In the Baud rate list, click a baud rate, or select the Use max. Baud rate check box:

If the Use max. Baud rate check box is selected, CST and the camera try to getconnected with the highest possible data rate.
4. Click Open connection:

The default baud rate of the camera is 115200 Baud at power up.
Some PCs set the reset on RS232 to high as default. Therefore, this option has to bedisabled. This refers only to serial ports of the PC; it does not affect the ports provided by the
Camera Link.

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6.8

Transferring data to the camera
ButtonFunction key

Menu

F9

Settings/Transfer setting to volatilecamera memory

Changes in the setting must be transferred to the camera.
NOTE• Data edited in CST are not transferred automatically to the camera• Data edited in CST are not transferred to the camera when you press Enter• Data are lost during a reset or a restart of the camera if they were not saved
to persisting memory• If a new setting is loaded, or if the current setting is reloaded, unsaved data
get lost

6.9

Saving data to the camera permanently
Up to 18 different settings are available in the camera. Setting 19 is reserved for the backup of
the default setting.
We recommend to use settings 1 to 9 for working settings and setting 10 to 18 for backup
settings.
The currently selected setting is displayed in the toolbar:

To save the data to the currently selected setting, use the following:

ButtonFunction key

Menu

F10

Settings/Burn current setting
permanently

To save the data to different setting in the camera, use the following:

ButtonFunction key

Menu

F11

Settings/Burn current setting
permanently as

To save data to a different setting:
1. Press F11.
The Burn setting as dialog box is shown:

2. In the Burn setting as no list, click the desired setting number, and then click OK.
NOTEFirst, changes made inside CST must be transferred to the camera. If they are
not transferred, they get lost. These functions take the data from the volatilememory in the camera for burning.

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666.10 Refreshing data from the camera in CSTSome data have been changed in the camera or in the setting by the camera itself, forexample by the closed-loop control for white balancing. To update the current data in CST,
click the refresh button:

ButtonFunction key

Menu

F5

6.11 Select a setting on the camera
To select a different setting on the camera:•In the Active Setting list, click the number of the respective setting.

NOTE

Changes which have not been transferred and burned on the last edited setting
get lost.

6.12 Saving settings to the PC
For saved camera settings, two different file types are available:•*.mk-Files:
Binary file. The file contents can be transferred to the camera directly.

•*.set-Files:
File in XML format. Such files can be edited manually but this is only recommended foradvanced users. Use CST to edit the files safely. Such files can also be downloaded tothe camera, but CST compiles them to the binary format beforehand.

6.12.1 Saving settings from CST to hard disk
ButtonFunction key

Menu
Settings/Save setting to disk

With this function you can save the setting data currently present in CST to a *.set or .mk file.
NOTE

Changes at the camera, for example caused by automatic white control, arenot saved in the files. Therefore, click the refresh button first, before you savethe data to hard disk.

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676.12.2 Saving settings from the camera to hard disk
ButtonFunction key

Menu
View/System
configuration

With this function, you can save permanently saved camera settings to a *.mk file in binary
format or to an *.set file in XML format.
NOTE

Changes get lost if they are not saved permanently to a setting.

To save camera settings to a file:
1. On the toolbar, click Show system configuration
settings to disk.

, and then click Save multiple

The Upload Settings dialog box opens and shows enabled check boxes for all available
camera settings:

2. Specify the settings that should be saved by selecting or clearing check boxes as needed:
3. To specify the file name, enter path and file name in the Filename box, or click Browse toopen a File dialog box.
4. To save the settings in binary format as *.mk file, click Save settings, or to save them in
XML format as *.set file, click Export as XML.
Each selected setting is saved to a separate file, at which the setting number is appended
to the file name.

6.13 Transferring saved settings from the PC to the camera
NOTE

If you transfer settings to the camera, settings with the same number are
overwritten.

There are two methods available for transferring settings to the camera:•

Transfer settings directly to the camera•

Open the setting in CST and transfer data in a second step to the camera.

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681. Transferring settings with direct transfer:

ButtonFunction key

Menu
View/System
configuration

2. Transferring settings with CST:

ButtonFunction key

Menu
Settings/Open settingfrom disk

A standard file dialog box opens and you can select *.set files or *.mk files. The setting isthen shown in CST, but it is not sent to the camera.
As next step, press F9 to send the setting to the camera. Then press F10 to burn thesetting as setting 1, or press F11 to burn it to a setting with a different number.

6.14 Deleting settings on the camera
You can delete burned settings on the camera.

ButtonFunction key

Menu
Settings/Clear settings

NOTE I

It is not allowed to delete setting 1. If setting 1 has been changed
erroneously, you can restore the default setting 1 by clicking Restore
factory settings on the Simple setup view, without having to deal withdownload packages. In this case, the setting is restored from internal camera
memory.
Alternatively, you can download the initial setting 1 to the camera. The
required file is included in the software package, which is available fordownload. The file is called PIXAproXXXX_InitSetting1_FreeRun_Rnnn.mk .
where XXXX is related to the allPIXA camera model and nnn is the revisionof the firmware package.

NOTE II

This function is only available if User level has been set to Guru.

To delete settings on the camera:
1. On the Settings menu, click Clear settings.
2. In the Clear Settings dialog box, which shows enabled check boxes for all available
camera settings, select check boxes as needed:

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3. To delete the specified settings, click Clear.

6.15 Setting the user level in CST
CST provides three different user levels. In Normal user level, several parameters andfunctions are not available, which helps to prevent undesired changes by inexperienced users.
Only in Guru level, all features are available.

ButtonFunction key

Menu

To switch to a different user level:
1. On the toolbar, click Show system configuration.

2. In the User level list, click the desired level:

NOTE

We recommend to work with Normal user level as much as possible to avoid
erroneous settings.

The following table shows which commands of the Advanced menu are enabled in the
different user levels:
Name

Normal User

Expert

Guru

Register edit

X

Bootstrap board

Xx

Get camera trace

X

Verify packet/setting

X

Create HIS checksum

X

Edit color conversion matrix

X

Set IP address
Get current camera state

X

X

X

X

X

Restore factory settingX

For information about available parameters in the different user levels, see section 9.19.

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706.16 Resetting the camera
You can reset the camera from CST:

ButtonFunction key

Menu
View/System configuration

On the camera a reset is performed, and afterward CST is automatically re-connected to thecamera.

6.17 Checking the camera status
ButtonFunction key

Menu
Advanced/Get current
camera state

When you click this button, detailed information about camera state and the currently present
errors are read, and currently presented errors are cleared and acknowledged.
If the camera is OK, the following dialog box is shown:

6.18 Choosing a different configuration file for the parameter
display
You can modify the Parameter view of CST according to the camera type.

ButtonFunction key

Menu
View/System configuration

To switch to a different configuration file:
1. On the toolbar, click Show system configuration.

2. In the Select camera type list, click the respective item:
The default viewer configuration for the allPIXA pro camera is allPIXA_pro.

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The changes are applied to the Parameter view immediately. The settings are stored in
the registry, and CST uses the new viewer file when it is started next time.
According to the different viewer file, some parameters are visible or hidden.

6.19 Register Edit
You can read and prepare registers in the camera.
ButtonFunction key

Menu
Advanced/Register edit

Compared to the register edit of the basic settings (section 6.6.4), this register edit is for nonpermanent memory. Each loading or sending of a setting overwrites the changes. The
intended use is for debugging the system:

You can edit different registers directly. If you click OK, register names (Remark) and theaddress are saved on hard disk and are available for the next time.
All values are used/represented as Hex-values (e.g. 256 = 0x256)
By clicking Set or Get, you can work with a single register. By clicking Set all or Get all, you
can edit all registers in the list.
To change the numbers of displayed registers, enter the new number into the Number ofregisters box, and then click Set.
You could store the register settings including remark at the Registry by pressing Save toRegistry
NOTE

This function is only for trained users.

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7

Camera system setup – first steps

7.1

Installing the camera
Prepare the general setup:Prepare the camera and lens1•

Select the correct lens and accessories to operate your camera in the desired
environment. (For more information about lens and tube selection, see section 11.2)•

Install the lens and adapters correctly. For detailed description of the lens and mountinstallation, see section 2.6.

Prepare the right cabling for your application

2•

Camera Link cable: The allPIXA pro provides MDR connectors.
Check the plugs of your frame grabber to decide whether you need MDR-MDR or MDRSDR Camera Link cables.

•

Power supply: Hirose 6-pin plug (HR10A-7P-6S).
The allPIXA pro connecting interfaces are described in section 5.1.

•

Connect the camera to power supply (24 VDC +/- 10 %; 1A; typical 16 W) and yourframe grabber (section 5.6)

Install the frame grabber on your PC by following the manufacturer’s description3•

Set the configuration of the frame grabber to adjust it to the configuration of the allPIXA
pro camera. For information about the Camera Link modes, see section 4.5.2.

Adjust the focusing point of your illumination unit and position it correctly
4•

Refer to the manual of the illumination manufacturer for proper installation of theillumination.

•

Make sure the illumination is correctly positioned to illuminate the scanning area.

Mechanically install the camera into your machine•

Make sure, it is positioned correctly
The sensor line should be adjusted horizontally to the transport direction and thecamera should look perpendicular to the inspection area. For detailed description of acorrect camera installation, refer to chapter 5.

•

Make sure, you have the correct object-to-sensor distance
The sensor line is positioned 16,5 mm (optical photosensitive surface) behind the front
surface of the allPIXA pro camera. You can find the detailed sensor position description
in section 2.4.

5

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7.2

Starting up the system
Start up the camera:
You can set camera parameters using the Camera Setup Tool (CST). For information about
installation of CST, see section 6.1.
•

Turn on illumination and camera.

•

Start CST (Camera Setup Tool) (chapter 6)•

Set up communication between PC and camera (section 6.1.3).

•

To set the correct Camera Link configuration and the connection speed, click Showsettings
on the toolbar, click Output format, and then specify the parameters.
Image size and output format of the camera must match the frame grabber settings.

1•

Click Transfer setting to camera•

To specify first parameter adjustments, click Show simple setup view
toolbar.

to save the setting into volatile memory.
on theNow, you should be able to grab and see an image in your frame grabber tool.
If your frame grabber is not able to receive an image, refer to the frame grabber manual orcontact the support service of the frame grabber manufacturer.
Proceed to section 7.3 to calibrate the camera and adjust the camera settings to youroperating condition.
(You can select the user level in the system configuration
section 6.15)

NOTE. For more information, see

After setting a parameter, always click Transfer setting to camera
press F9 to transfer settings to volatile memory!

or

Click Burn setting permanently
or press F10 to burn the setting into thecamera!
For more information about the toolbar buttons, see section 6.3.

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7.3

Adjust camera to the environment (camera calibration)
Prepare the camera for calibration (see also section 8.2).
- Set the camera to free-running mode
- Place a white reference target covering the full scanning area

NOTE

If the white reference target is placed in the best focus plane of the camera,
any features on its surface (for example dust, scratches) end up in thecalibration profile of the camera. To avoid this if you use a static (non-moving)white reference target, use a clean white ceramic or plastic material, notpaper. Ideally, the white object should move during the calibration process
because the movement results in an averaging process and the camera
diminishes the effects on any small variation in the white reference. If this is
not possible, you could place the reference target a little bit out of the best
focus plane; but take care that the illumination of the target doesn’t change toomuch.

You can find the most important parameters and functions on the simple setup page
section 8.1).

(see

To calibrate the camera setting to your operating condition, follow the steps below.
Check your line scan system application:•

Illumination setting:
Switch on the lighting and ensure that the adjustment of the lighting provides best
illumination on the target.

•

Frame grabber setting:
Check your frame grabber setting. Make sure that the grabber configuration matches
the allPIXA pro camera.

1•

Camera adjustment:
Adjust the camera to the target for best orientation and for the best lighting.

•

Focusing and f-stop:
Set the camera to best focus and select the requested f-stop.

Set the integration time:•On the toolbar, click Show simple setup viewtime.

, and then specify the integration

You can find an instruction for calculation in the appendix (section 11.2.3).

2Make sure the integration time is supported by your camera- and Camera Link configuration (see section 9.11.3).
•

Click Transfer setting to camera
memory.

, or press F9 to save the setting to volatile

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75Set the operating point (white balancing, section 8.2):
The camera has the correct gaining values after this step.
3•

On the toolbar, click Perform white balancing•

Follow the instructions in section 8.2.3 for manual white balancing.

for automatic white balancing orThis step has to be performed again, for example, after changing the light or the f-stop.
Refer to section 8.2 for a detailed description on how to set the operating point.
Perform a tap balancing (section 8.2):
The camera seamlessly levels out the video signal of the two taps of the camera. The
resulting image has the same brightness in the center at the tap borders after this step.
4•

On the toolbar. click Perform tap balancing.

Tap balancing can only be performed correctly if continuous white control is disabled.
For a detailed description how to perform tap balancing, see section 8.2.
Generate the black-level reference (section 8.3):

5•

On the toolbar, click Start reference wizard•

Click Black (offset) level reference and Create reference internally.

•

Click Next•

On the toolbar, click Show simple setup viewcorrection check box.

•

Click Transfer setting to camera
memory.

.

, and follow the instructions of the wizard.
, and then select the Activate offset, or press F9 to save the setting to volatile

For information about creation of a black-level reference, see section 8.3.
Generate the shading reference / flat-field correction (section 8.4):

6•

On the toolbar, click Start reference wizard
8.4.

•

On the toolbar, click Show simple setup viewlevel (flat-field) correction check box.

•

Click Transfer setting to camera
memory.

, and follow the description in section, and then select the Activate white-, or press F9 to save the setting to volatile

For information about creation of a shading reference, see section 8.4.

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76Save the settings:•

On the toolbar, click Burn setting permanently
permanently.

•

You may choose different settings () to configure your system todifferent applications. You can create backups by saving the setting into another setting(section 6.9) or by saving the settings to disk (section 6.12).

7

NOTE

If you select a different setting, changes that have not been saved permanently
into the camera by clicking

7.4

to save settings into the camera

get lost.

Line trigger / encoder functions and image enhancement
functions
Add image processing functions:1•

You can add digital image processing functions.
Study the sections 9.6 to 9.10 onward to find out which image processing functions areoffered by the allPIXA pro.

Set the line trigger or encoder functions•

Connect the encoder or line trigger with the frame grabber or directly with the camera.
If the encoder is connected to the frame grabber, make sure that the signal istransferred to CC1 or CC2 (for more detailed setup, see section 8.6).

•

Define the correct input signal port for the signals (see also section 8.6).

•

Click Show encoder setup•

Set the parameters in CST for the encoder or line trigger mode.

2

to open the Encoder setup page (see section 9.17).

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8

Camera operation

8.1

Easy camera configuration by use of the simple setup view
On the toolbar, click Display simple setup viewto enter the simple setup page which
comprises the most important parameters and functions on a single page.

The parameters are placed in a functional order to give you an orientation which parameters
should be set first. Start with the topmost parameter.
NOTE

When you change a parameter, always click Transfer setting to cameraonthe toolbar, or press F9 afterward to transfer the settings to volatile memory! Click
Burn setting permanently

or press F10 to burn the setting into the camera!

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78Image parameters:
In this area specify the image parameters as desired for your line scan camera systemapplication:
Determines the vertical image
offset in pixels (equal to imagelines) (see section 9.8.2)
Image dimensions(see section 9.8)

1. In the Image width box, enter the scan line length (see section 9.8.3).
The defined image width is also the number of pixels that are output to the frame grabber
via Camera Link. The image width is always centered.
2. If you use a frame scan mode, enter values at Image height and Image start delay.
3. In the Frame start list, specify image output by selecting Free-running or Triggered(frame trigger).
4. Alternatively, if you want to work with a line trigger, click Show encoder setup
on thetoolbar, select the Enable encoder check box, and click Line trigger mode in the
Synchronization mode list. For more information, see section 9.17.
Timing:

You can specify the integration time (9.1.1).
If you need the line period feature (see section 9.1.3), select the Use line period check box.
In triggered frame scan mode, the camera waits for a frame trigger input to start image
acquisition. The grabbed image has the specified number of image lines defined in the image
parameters.
Gain control:
To achieve good image quality, specify gain and white-reference parameters:

At the White control list specify, whether white control/balancing should operate continuously,
only once per frame, or whether it should be switched off. If you select Continuous, thecamera gain values are adjusted continuously during the scanning process.
You can specify the target value for white control, which is given as 8 bit value (0-255). The
camera tries to reach the set target value (section 9.4.1) by adjusting the analog camera gain
values.

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79You can specify the camera gain values manually (section 9.2.2).
Alternatively, you can set the camera gain values automatically by clicking Do center whitebalancing. The white control field is moved to the middle of the image. Then the camera
performs a white-balancing based on the value specified at Target value and sets the newgain values.
If you click Define white balancing parameters, the White reference mark page is shownon which you can specify all white balancing parameters manually following the description insection 8.2.3.
Perform a tap balancing by clicking Perform tap balancing

on the toolbar.

Camera calibration:
Determine whether offset correction and flat-field (shading) correction should be used:

If the references for black-level and flat-field correction were already generated, simply
activate/deactivate them by selecting or clearing the respective check box.
Click Create references, to start the reference wizard, and follow the instructions of the
wizard to generate a black-level reference (section 8.3) or a white-level (shading) reference(section 8.4).
Video output parameters:
You can specify further digital image processing by setting the desired output parameters:

If the brightness and contrast parameters should be applied to the image, select the Use
Brightness and Contrast check box. For more information about these parameters, seesection 9.6.
Parameter description:
Brightness
The specified value is added to the output value. The values are in the
8-bit range.
Contrast
The output values are multiplied by the specified value. This is very
useful to desaturize images after the flat-field correction.
Mirror horizontallyIf you select this check box, the output image is mirrored. For
example, if you use an output width of 4096 pixels, input pixel 4095 is
output as pixel 0 and input pixel 0 is output as pixel 4095.

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80GammaA gamma correction table is applied to the image.
video_out_level = video_in_level 1/Gamma
This is valid for values > 0.4. If 0.1 is selected for the gamma value, aspecial table for sRGB conversion is used; with the value 0.2 a special
table for special multi-spectral applications is used.
To disable gamma correction, set Gamma to 0.
Output format
The camera can be set to output color or gray images. If set to gray,only one Camera Link connection is used. The data are transmitted on
Camera Link port 1. Port 2 is idle.
For a detailed description of the transmission of data according to the
Camera Link specification, see section 4.5.2.
Transfer and burn setting:
To transfer your setting into camera memory, click Save volatile
Alternatively, you can click Transfer setting to camera.

on the toolbar, or press F9.

Changes get lost if you select a different setting, or if you reset the camera or switch it off.
To burn your setting permanently into the camera, click. Alternatively,

you can transfer the setting to the camera and then click Burn setting permanently
the toolbar, or press F10.

on

Restoring the default factory setting:

By clicking
you can overwrite the current setting with the setting used for thecommissioning of the camera at the Chromasens production facility. This only affects thecurrently active setting.
Obtaining camera information:
To obtain camera information, click Display camera information
dialog box is shown:. The following

If there are any problems with the camera or the parameter settings, it is very helpful for the
Chromasens support to obtain the camera information.
To add this information to an email to Chromasens support, click Copy to clipboard andpaste the information into your email.

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8.2

Perform a white and tap balancing on the camera
You can perform white balancing automatically (see section 8.2.2) or manually (see section
8.2.3)For more information about gain levels, see section 9.2.1.

8.2.1 System preparation for white and tap balancing
Setup◼

Set the camera to free-running mode (disable encoder and frame trigger)◼

Use a white balancing reference that covers the entire scanning range.

1
Figure 32: allPIXA pro camera with a white balancing reference◼

Check the alignment of the illumination and the allPIXA pro camera using asuitable viewer (for example the line plot display of your frame grabber software).

Figure 33: Line plot display

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8.2.2 Setting the operation point automatically

NOTE

1
2

•

The position of the white reference mark (control zone) and the target gain
value for the control zone are used as specified in the setting (see section
9.3)•

This operation only takes place in the currently selected setting.

•This function must receive line data inside the camera. If the camera is set
to line trigger or encoder mode and the transport is not moving, an error
occurs.

•Set the camera to internal line trigger.

Prepare the setup for the operation.
•

Make sure that black-level correction is enabled (see section 9.5.1)•

On the toolbar, click Perform white balancing.

A dialog box is shown:•

If you want to use the determined gain values as startup values (recommended), click
Yes. Otherwise click No.
If the process succeeds, White balancing succeeded appears in the message box.

Possible errors:

3

White balancing error occurred. Error code No: 0x10D: no reference data
→ Camera is not in free-running mode (line and/or frame), but there are no trigger signals
and thus no reference data are available.
 Adapt your configuration accordingly.
White balancing error occurred. Error code No: 0xF6: maximum gain exceeded→ Digital gain value exceeds internal limit.
 Increase analog coarse gain or increase illumination intensity. (see also section
9.2.1)White balancing error occurred. Error code No: 0x41: minimum gain exceeded→ Digital gain value has reached lower limit.
 Decrease analog coarse gain or reduce illumination intensity.
White balancing error occurred. Error code No: 0xF7: White balance cannot beleveled→ White balance process has exceeded time limit but up to now no error has occurred.
White balance may last very long if white reference area is large, line period is high.
 Restart of white balance may finish the process successful.
For a special single camera color channel calibration (individual red/green and blue calibration),see section 8.2.4.

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83

4

•

On the toolbar, click Perform tap balancing•

On the toolbar, click Refresh current camera parameters.

.

Optional:

5•

On the Gain settings page, check the Current camera gain values. It is
recommended to keep the gaining values in the range of 150 to 300 for best image
quality. If they are near or above 300, it is recommended to increase the values of
Analog coarse gain and repeat from step 2.
For more information about analog coarse gain, see section 9.2.1.

6•

On the toolbar, click Burn setting permanently.

8.2.3 Setting the operation point manually
Manual operating point setting serves to determine the area which is viewed by the allPIXA
pro camera for carrying out the shading correction.
The pattern below describes the principle of analog image processing.

Figure 34 Analog image processing comprises two levels.
1) Analog coarse gain: Pre-Amplification factor;
for rough adjustment of the sensor signal to the main amplifying level.
2) Current camera gain values: Main analog amplifying level;
for fine-adjustment of analog gaining.
For more information about camera gain adjustment, see section 9.2.1.

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84Gain and reference settings•

On the White control page, check that the Enable continuous white control check
box

•

a

is cleared.

In the Position and mode for white reference mark list
detection out of area position must be selected.

b, Automatic master

This parameter is not visible if User level has the value Normal user or Expert. In thiscase, the parameter has the desired value by default.

1

a

b

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85Selection and adjustment of the white reference mark position

A

2
B
C
D

•

A
D
On the White reference mark page, specify the parameters
tofor theposition and size of the white reference mark. It should be at the brightest region of theimage. Often this is the center of the image.

•

To check your parameter settings, you can temporarily select the Display whitereference borders in the image check box.

Note:
The reference mark area may not include the TAP border.
If the front and rear TAPs are defined to be independent, the defined reference mark area ismirrored into the other TAP.
•

3

Click Transfer setting to camera(or press F9).

Current camera parameters are saved non-permanently in the camera.

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86Setting of Target White Reference Values (Video Levels)•

On the tree view, click White control.

•

Set the Target white reference valuesafor the master tap.

(= front tap in the example below).
The range is from 0 – (1023 - the max dark value(recommended values are about 800 (10-bit values) for a white reference target)•

On the toolbar, click Transfer setting to camera.

The target video levels must be set in such a way that the brightest image points are set
below the saturation point. Take notice that the brightest scanned reference should notbring the AD converter to saturation. If the objects are brighter than the current whitereference to be scanned during subsequent operation, the distance to saturation must be
increased by this ratio (max. = 255- the max dark value of the offset reference at the whitereference mark area).

4
Use the Current white reference levels displayed on the right as a starting point.
Target white-reference
settings for front tap.

Current white-reference levelsa

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87Check/re-adjust video levels•

On the toolbar, click Refresh current camera parameters
the target white reference values (see step 4).

•

On the tree view, click Gain settings, and then check the Current camera gain
values. They should be in a range between 150 and 300:•

If a current gain value exceeds 300, you could increase the corresponding value at
Analog coarse gain. If a current gain value is below 150, you could reduce thecorresponding value at Analog coarse gain.

•

If you modified parameters, click Transfer setting to camera
then start again with step 5.

•

If you do not achieve satisfying results, you could also adjust values at Target whitereference values on the White control page (refer to step 4).

•

On the toolbar, click Transfer setting to camera
permanently on the camera.

after you have entered5on the toolbar, andto save the settings non-

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88Tap balancing•

On the toolbar, click Perform tap balancing.

The values for the slave tap (= rear tap in the example shown below) are aligned withthe master tap.
•

Click Refresh current camera parameters.

Example with the front tap as the master tap and the rear tap as the slave tap:
Target white reference
settings for front tap.

6

Target white reference
settings for rear tap.

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89Disable white control•

If the result of white control is acceptable, clear the Enable continuous white control
check box on the White control page:•On the White reference mark page, clear the Display white reference borders in theimage check box:

7

Transfer settings to the camera

8•

On the toolbar, click Transfer setting to camera, or press F9.

Save settings

9•

On the toolbar, click Burn setting permanently, or press F10.

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908.2.4 Independent color channel white balancing
For special tasks a special illumination setup may be necessary. If an inspection task is
performed in which in each color channel different information is evaluated by use of a special
illumination per channel, the balancing procedure must be performed individually per channel.
Prepare the setup for the operation

1•

Make sure that black-level correction is enabled (see section 9.5.1)

Select channel•

On the White control page, select Red as active channel (9.4.8):

2

Take notice that the Select active channels for white control check boxes are only
visible if User level is set to Guru in the System configuration.

3
4
5

Turn on the illumination for the red channel

Put the appropriate calibration chart in front of the camera

Perform the balancing steps according to section 8.2.
Repeat steps 2 to 4 for the other color channels:

6
andTransfer settings to the camera

7•

On the toolbar, click Transfer setting to camera

or press F9.

Save settings

8•

On the toolbar, click Burn setting permanently

or press F10.

For information about an individual offset (shading) correction on each color channel, seesection 8.4.4

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91

8.3

Generating black (offset) reference
Creation of a black-level reference is only necessary during commissioning or if the gain
values are changed considerably.
You have three options to generate a black reference:
1) Create a black (offset) reference internally (see section 8.3.1)
Use this function if you want to perform offset correction directly inside the camera.
2) Use a stored black (offset) level reference image (see section 8.3.2)
Use this function if you have a stored black-level reference image on your hard disk.
3) Prepare camera to acquire a black (offset) reference (see section 8.3.3)
Use this function if you do not have a black-level reference image and want to generate a
black reference with an image acquisition software. You can directly perform an offset
correction after grabbing the black reference. The reference wizard guides you throughthis process.

8.3.1 Create a black (offset) reference internallyGet the camera to the desired working point
Prepare the camera

1•

Place a white reference in front of the camera•

Check the lighting and focusing•

Disable continuous white control•

Save the parameters to the camera

Start the reference wizard

2•

On the toolbar, click Start reference wizard.

Select reference type and image source•

Click Black (offset) level reference.

•

Click Create reference internally:•

Click Next

3.

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92

Optional:

White balancing

Decide whether you want to perform a white balancing:
To achieve the best performance / image quality, it is recommended to perform whitebalancing. By performing a white balancing, the camera gain values are set correctly toacquire the desired image for a black-level reference.
•

If you don’t want to perform a white balancing, clear the Perform white balancing
check box and continue with Step 5.

•

Click Next•

Follow the instructions in the message box and then click OK.

4

Note:

. The following dialog box is shown:

Changes that have not been saved at this point get lost.

Start black-level correction:•

In the Data set list, select the data set, in which the offset reference should be
generated and stored:•

In the Timeout value box, enter the timeout value in seconds.

•

Cover the lens so that the sensor is completely dark.

•

Click Next

5.

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93Wait for result
A progress bar is shown while the reference is created and stored. When it has finishedsuccessfully, the wizard shows the following message:

6

To close the wizard and to restore the camera settings, click Next.

Activate black-level correction and check the result on the image.
•On the toolbar, click Show settings•

To check black-level correction, select the Activate black-level correction check box
and check that the just updated data set is used:, and then click Reference usage.

7

At least a few pixels should have a value greater than 0 (for example 1 or 2) in the black
image with activated black-level correction and covered lens. Otherwise, (if all pixels
are 0) the image is over-compensated, and you should repeat the steps for reference
generation.
•

Click Transfer setting to camera•

You may proceed to section 8.4 to generate a shading reference.

to save the setting to volatile memory.

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948.3.2 Use a stored black (offset) level reference image
The creation of a black-level reference is only necessary if the gain values are changed
considerably.
Start the reference wizard

1•

On the toolbar, click Start reference wizard.

Select reference type and source•

Click Black (offset) level reference.

•

Click Load reference image from disk:

2

Click Next.

Select offset reference image•

Click Select file:•In the file dialog box, select the reference file, and click Open.

•Click Next

3.

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95Define the area where the reference values should be calculated
The dialog box shows the reference image. On the right side, the following parameters areshown:

4•

At the Y position box and the Height box, specify the area which should be used to
calculate the reference values.
Use at least 100 lines for calculating the reference values to eliminate noise. The values
used for the reference are calculated by averaging each column in the selected area.

•

Click OK.

Saving reference data•

In the No. of data set list, click the number of the data set in which the refrence data
should be stored:•

If the reference data should not be sent to the camera, clear the Send to camera checkbox.

•

To save the reference data to a file as backup, select the Save to disk check box, andthen click Select file to specify folder and file name.

•

Click Next

5.

If the reference data are sent to the camera, a progress bar is shown, and the camera isreset afterward to make sure that the initial settings are again active. The last usedsetting is activated automatically.
•

Again click Next

to close the wizard.

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96Activate black-level correction and check the result in the image.
•On the toolbar, click Show settings•

To check black-level correction, select the Activate black-level correction check box
and check that the just updated data set is used:, and then click Reference usage.

6

At least a few pixels should have a value greater than 0 (for example 1 or 2) in the black
image with activated black-level correction and covered lens. Otherwise, (if all pixels
are 0) the image is over-compensated, and you should repeat the steps for reference
generation.
•

Click Transfer setting to camera•

You may proceed to section 8.4 to generate a shading reference.

to save the setting to volatile memory.

8.3.3 Prepare camera to acquire a black (offset) reference
The creation of a black-level reference is only necessary during commissioning or if the gain
values are changed considerably.

Make sure that all changes made to your current setting are saved
permanently to the camera before you use the Reference wizard.
Otherwise, all changes get lost!

Get the camera to the desired working point

1

•
•
•
•

Place a white reference in front of the camera
Check lighting and focusing
Disable continuous white control
Save the parameters to the camera

Start the reference wizard

2•

On the toolbar, click Start reference wizard.

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97Select reference type and image source•

Click Black (offset) level reference.

•

Click Prepare camera to acquire a raw image:•

Click Next

3.

Optional: White balancing
Decide whether you want to perform a white balancing:
To achieve the best performance / image quality, it is recommended to perform whitebalancing. By performing a white balancing, the camera gain values are set correctly toacquire the desired image for a black-level reference.
•

If you don’t want to perform white balancing, clear the Perform white balancing checkbox and continue with Step 5.

•

Click Next•

Follow the instructions in the message box, and then click OK.

4

Note:

. The following dialog box is shown:

Changes that have not been saved at this point get lost.

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98Acquire a black reference:5•

Perform the steps shown on the next page of the wizard:•

Cover the lens so that there is no light on the sensor.

•

Grab an image using the appropriate acquisition software.

•

Save the image to a file, and then click Next•

On the next page of the wizard, click Select file:•

Select the reference file in the appearing file dialog box, and then click OK:•

Click Next.

.

Define the area where the reference values should be calculated
The dialog box shows the reference image. On the right side, the following parameters areshown:

6•

At the Y position box and the Height box, specify the area which should be used to
calculate the reference values.
Use at least 100 lines for calculating the reference values to eliminate noise. The values
used for the reference are calculated by averaging each column in the selected area.

•

Click OK.

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99Saving reference data•

In the No. of data set list, click the number of the data set in which the reference data
should be stored:•

If the reference data should not be sent to the camera, clear the Send to camera checkbox.

•

To save the reference data to a file as backup, select the Save to disk check box, andthen click Select file to specify folder and file name.

•

Click Next

7.

If the reference data are sent to the camera, a progress bar is shown, and the camera isreset afterward to make sure that the initial settings are again active. The last usedsetting is activated automatically.
•

Again click Next

to close the wizard.

Activate black-level correction and check the result on the image.
•On the toolbar, click Show settings•

To check black-level correction, select the Activate black-level correction check box
and check that the just updated data set is used:, and then click Reference usage.

8

At least a few pixels should have a value greater than 0 (for example 1 or 2) in the black
image with activated black-level correction and covered lens. Otherwise, (if all pixels
are 0) the image is over-compensated, and you should repeat the steps for reference
generation.
•

Click Transfer setting to camera•

You may proceed to section 8.4 to generate a shading reference.

to save the setting to volatile memory.

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100

8.4

Generating shading/ flat-field reference
To generate a shading / flat-field reference, click Start reference wizard

on the toolbar.

You have three options to generate a shading reference
1) Create a white(gain) reference internally (see section 8.4.1)
Use this function if you want to perform shading/flat-field correction directly inside thecamera.
2) Use a stored white (gain) level reference image (see section 8.4.2)
Use this function if you have a stored white/shading reference image on your hard disk.
This function should also be used if you need to use separate images for the single color
channels (for example if you work with different illumination setups, flash illumination, etc.)
3) Prepare camera to acquire a white (gain) reference (see section 8.4.3)
Use this function if you do not have a white level reference image and want to generate awhite/shading reference with an image acquisition software. You can directly perform anoffset correction after grabbing the black reference. The wizard guides you through thisprocess.

8.4.1 Create white (gain) reference internally
Creation of a shading reference is only necessary during commissioning or if the gain values
are changed considerably.
Get the camera to the desired working point

1•

Place a white reference in front of the camera•

Check the lighting and focusing•

Disable continuous white control•

Save the parameters to the camera•

Optional:

Activate black-level correction•

Optional:

Perform white balancing

Note: If the white reference target is placed in the best focus plane of the camera, any
features on its surface (for example dust, scratches) end up in the calibration profile of thecamera. To avoid this if you use a static (non-moving) white reference target, use a clean
white ceramic or plastic material, not paper. Ideally, the white object should move during thecalibration process because the movement results in an averaging process and the camera
diminishes the effects on any small variation in the white reference. If this is not possible,
you could place the reference target a little bit out of the best focus plane; but take care thatthe illumination of the target does not change too much.
Start the reference wizard

2•

On the toolbar, click Start reference wizard.

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101Select reference type and image source•

Click White (flat-field) level reference and Create reference internally:•

Click Next

3.

Optional: White balancing
Decide whether you want to perform a white balancing:
To achieve the best performance / image quality, it is recommended to perform whitebalancing. By performing a white balancing, the camera gain values are set correctly toacquire the desired image for a black-level reference.
•

If you don’t want to perform white balancing, clear the Perform white balancing checkbox and continue with Step 5.

•

Click Next•

Follow the instructions in the message box, and then click OK.

4

Note:

. The following dialog box is shown:

Changes that have not been saved at this point get lost.

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102

Start the shading correction:•

In the Data set list, select the data set, in which the offset reference should be
generated and stored:•

In the Timeout value box, enter the timeout value in seconds.

•

Move the target slightly or defocus the lens to avoid streaky images, if necessary.

5

Note: Any features on the target surface (for example dust, scratches) end up in thecalibration profile of the camera. To avoid this if you use a static (non-moving) whitereference target, use a clean white ceramic or plastic material, not paper. Ideally, the white
object should move during the calibration process because the movement results in an
averaging process and the camera diminishes the effects on any small variation in the whitereference.
•

Click Next.

Wait for result
A progress bar is shown while the reference is created and stored. When it has finishedsuccessfully, the wizard shows the following message:

6•

To close the wizard and to restore the camera settings, click Next

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103

Activate shading correction and check the result on the image.
•On the toolbar, click Show settings•

To check white-level correction, select the Activate white-level correction check box
and check that the just updated data set are used:•

Click Transfer setting to camera, and then click Reference usage.

to save the setting to volatile memory.

Brightness of the newly scanned white balancing reference should be exactly at thesaturation limit. (255 @8Bit).

7

Note: At a later point, the image can be "desaturated" to a target value off, for example, 230
for a white paper by use of a contrast adjustment of 230/255=0,90.

Save the setting

8•

On the toolbar, click Burn setting permanently
permanently into the camera.

, or press F10 to save the setting

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1048.4.2 Use a stored white (gain) reference image
Creation of shading reference is only necessary during commissioning or if the gain values arechanged considerably.
Note: If the white reference target is placed in the best focus plane of the camera, any
features on its surface (for example dust, scratches) end up in the calibration profile of thecamera. To avoid this if you use a static (non-moving) white reference target, use a clean
white ceramic or plastic material, not paper. Ideally, the white object should move during thecalibration process because the movement results in an averaging process and the camera
diminishes the effects on any small variation in the white reference. If this is not possible, you
could place the reference target a little bit out of the best focus plane; but take care that theillumination of the target doesn’t change too much.
Start the reference wizard

1•

On the toolbar, click Start reference wizard.

Select reference type and source•

Click White (flat-field) level reference.

•

Click Load reference image from disk:•

Click Next

2.

Choose white reference image•

Click Select file:•In the file dialog box, select the reference file, and click Open.

•Click Next

3.

Note: For special applications, the three color levels can also originate from various
images. In this case select the check box. The page then changes, and you can selectseparate files for the three color channels.

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105Define the area where the reference values should be calculated (a)•If it is not possible to cover the full scanning width with a white reference target (seesample image in Step 4), for example due to mechanical conditions, the resulting black
image borders on the left and right side can also be substituted by extrapolated values.
So, the bright area is extended outwards.
→ Proceed with Step 5.

•

Specify the area from which the reference values should be calculated: in the Y
position box, enter the number of the first line, in the Height box the number of lines tobe used.
Use at least 100 lines for calculation of the reference values to eliminate noise. The
values used for the reference are calculated by averaging each column in the selectedarea.
Sample image if your white reference target covers the full field of view of the camera:

4•

Click OK, and then proceed with Step 6.

Chromasens PMA_CHR_CD40127_R04 allPIXA_pro_User Manual.docx106Define the area where the reference values should be calculated (b)If it is not possible to cover the full scanning width with a white reference target (for example
due to mechanical conditions), the resulting black image borders on the left and right side
can also be substituted by extrapolated values. So the bright area is extended outward.
•

Specify the area from which the reference values should be calculated: in the Y
position box, enter the number of the first line, in the Height box the number of lines tobe used.
Use at least 100 lines for calculation of the reference values to eliminate noise. The
values used for the reference are calculated by averaging each column in the selectedarea.
Sample image if the white reference target only partially covers the field of view of thecamera:5•Mark the edges of the white reference:•In the Settings for extrapolation area, select the Active check box.

•

Specify the areas for extrapolation: In the Left and Right boxes, enter the start
positions, and in the Width box the width as number of pixels. Place the areas near
the left and right edge of the white reference target.
Instead of entering values for the start positions, you can click
the respective start position on the image.

•and then click

Click OK, and then proceed with Step 6.

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107Saving reference data•

In the No. of data set list, click the number of the data set in which the reference data
should be stored:•

If the reference data should not be sent to the camera, clear the Send to camera checkbox.

•

To save the reference data to a file as backup, select the Save to disk check box, andthen click Select file to specify folder and file name.

•

Click Next

6.

If the reference data are sent to the camera, a progress bar is shown, and the camera isreset afterward to make sure that the initial settings are again active. The last usedsetting is activated automatically.
•

Again click Next

to close the wizard.

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108Activate shading correction and check the result on the image.
•On the toolbar, click Show settings•

To check white-level correction, select the Activate white-level correction check box
and check that the just updated data set is used:•

Click Transfer setting to camera, and then click Reference usage.

to save the setting to volatile memory.

Brightness of the newly scanned white balancing reference should be exactly at thesaturation limit. (255 @8Bit).

7

Note: At a later point, the image can be "desaturated" to a target value off, for example, 230
for a white paper by use of a contrast adjustment of 230/255=0,90.

Save the setting

8•

On the toolbar, click Burn setting permanently
permanently into the camera.

, or press F10 to save the setting

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1098.4.3 Prepare camera to acquire a white (gain) reference
The creation of shading reference is only necessary during commissioning or if the gain values
are changed considerably.

Make sure that all changes made to your current setting are saved
permanently to the camera before you use the Reference wizard. Otherwise,
all changes get lost!
Get the camera to the desired working point

1•

Place a white reference in front of the camera•

Check the lighting and focusing•

Disable continuous white control•

Save the parameters to the camera•

Optional:

Activate black-level correction•

Optional:

Perform a white balancing

Note: If the white reference target is placed in the best focus plane of the camera, any
features on its surface (for example dust, scratches) end up in the calibration profile of thecamera. To avoid this if you use a static (non-moving) white reference target, use a clean
white ceramic or plastic material, not paper. Ideally, the white object should move during thecalibration process because the movement results in an averaging process and the camera
diminishes the effects on any small variation in the white reference. If this is not possible,
you could place the reference target a little bit out of the best focus plane; but take care thatthe illumination of the target doesn’t change too much.
Start the reference wizard

2•

On the toolbar, click Start reference wizard.

Select reference type and image source•

Click White (flat-field) level reference.

•

Click Prepare camera to acquire a raw image:•

Click Next

3.

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110Optional: White balancing
Decide whether you want to perform a white balancing:
To achieve the best performance / image quality, it is recommended to perform whitebalancing. By performing a white balancing, the camera gain values are set correctly toacquire the desired image for a black-level reference.
•

If you don’t want to perform white balancing, clear the Perform white balancing checkbox and continue with Step 5.

•

Click Next•

Follow the instructions in the message box, and then click OK.

4

Note:

. The following dialog box is shown:

Changes that have not been saved at this point get lost

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111Acquire a shading reference:•

Perform the steps shown on the next page of the wizard:•

Prepare the reference target.

•

Grab an image of the white reference target.
Preferably use a moving target to avoid wrong data due to dirt.

5•

Save the image to a file, and then click Next•

On the next page of the wizard, click Select file:•

Select the reference file in the appearing file dialog box, and then click OK.

•

Click Next.

.

Note: For special applications the three color levels can also originate from various images.
In this case select the Use separate images for the single color channels check box.

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112

Define the area where the reference values should be calculated (a)•If it is not possible to cover the full scanning width with a white reference target (forexample due to mechanical conditions), the resulting black image borders on the left
and right side can also be substituted by extrapolated values. Thus, the bright area is
extended outwards.
→ Proceed with Step 7.

•

Specify the area from which the reference values should be calculated: in the Y
position box, enter the number of the first line, in the Height box the number of lines tobe used.
Use at least 100 lines for calculating the reference values to eliminate noise. The values
used for the reference are calculated by averaging each column in the selected area.

6•

Click OK, and then proceed with Step 8.

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113

Define the area where the reference values should be calculated (b)If it is not possible to cover the full scanning width with a white reference target (for example
due to mechanical conditions), the resulting black image borders on the left and right side
can also be substituted by extrapolated values. Thus, the bright area is extended outward.
•

Specify the area from which the reference values should be calculated: in the Y
position box, enter the number of the first line, in the Height box the number of lines tobe used.
Use at least 100 lines for calculation of the reference values to eliminate noise. The
values used for the reference are calculated by averaging each column in the selectedarea.
Sample image if the white reference target only partially covers the field of view of thecamera:7•

In the Settings for extrapolation area, select the Active check box.

•

Specify the areas for extrapolation: in the Left and Right boxes, enter the start
positions, and in the Width box the width as number of pixels.
Instead of entering values for the start positions, you can click
respective start position on the image.

•and then click the

Click OK, and then proceed with Step 8.

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114

Saving reference data•

In the No. of data set list, click the number of the data set in which the reference data
should be stored:•

If the reference data should not be sent to the camera, clear the Send to camera checkbox.

•

To save the reference data to a file as backup, select the Save to disk check box, andthen click Select file to specify folder and file name.

•

Click Next

8.

If the reference data are sent to the camera, a progress bar is shown, and the camera isreset afterward to make sure that the initial settings are again active. The last usedsetting is activated automatically.
•

Again click Next

to close the wizard.

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115

Activate shading correction and check the result on the image.
•On the toolbar, click Show settings•

To check white-level correction, select the Activate white-level correction check box
and check that the just updated data set is used:•

Click Transfer setting to camera, and then click Reference usage.

to save the setting to volatile memory.

Brightness of the newly scanned white balancing reference should be exactly at thesaturation limit. (255 @8Bit).

9

Note: At a later point, the image can be "desaturated" to a target value off, for example, 230
for a white paper by use of a contrast adjustment of 230/255=0,90.

Save the setting

10•

On the toolbar, click Burn setting permanently
permanently into the camera.

, or press F10 to save the setting

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1168.4.4 Single color channel reference generation for special illumination
situations (Separate lighting for each color channel)
For special tasks a special illumination setup may be necessary. If an inspection task is
performed where in each color channel different information is evaluated by use of a special
illumination per channel, the balancing procedure must be performed individually per channel.
Creation of a shading reference in only necessary during commissioning or if the gain values
are changed considerably.

Make sure that all changes made to your current setting are saved
permanently to the camera before you use the Reference wizard.
Otherwise, all changes get lost!
Get the camera to the desired working point

1•

Setup the working point and the tap balancing of the camera before grabbing thereference images according to section 8.2.4. Do not use the tap balancing
function.

•

Optional:
color

Activate black-level correction (Do not use with the separate
channels)•

Optional:

Perform a white balancing (Do not use with the separate color
channels)

Note: If the white reference target is placed in the best focus plane of the camera, any
features on its surface (for example dust, scratches) end up in the calibration profile of thecamera. To avoid this if you use a static (non-moving) white reference target, use a clean
white ceramic or plastic material, not paper. Ideally, the white object should move during thecalibration process because the movement results in an averaging process and the camera
diminishes the effects on any small variation in the white reference. If this is not possible,
you could place the reference target a little bit out of the best focus plane; but take care thatthe illumination of the target doesn’t change too much.
Start the reference wizard

2•

On the toolbar, click Start reference wizard.

Select the “Set settings to acquire a white(gain) reference” function•

Click White (flat-field) level reference.

•

Click Prepare camera to acquire a raw image:•

Click Next

3.

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Optional: White balancing
Decide whether you want to perform a white balancing:
The camera must have been balanced before by use of the white and tap balancing
functions on the separate color channels (see section 8.2.4).
Do not use the white-balancing functions of the reference wizard if you use separate color
channels!
•

If you don’t want to perform white balancing, clear the Perform white balancing checkbox and continue with Step 5.

•

Click Next•

Follow the instructions in the message box, and then click OK.

4

Note:

. The following dialog box is shown:

Changes that have not been saved at this point get lost.

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118Acquire a shading reference:•

Perform the steps shown on the next page of the wizard:•

Prepare the reference target.

•

Grab an image of the white reference target for each color channel with the appropriate
illumination and save the images to disk.
Preferably use a moving target to avoid wrong data due to dirt.

•

Click Next•

On the next page of the wizard, select the Use separate images check box. The pageis then modified and permits to select three separate files for the three color channels:•

For each color, click the respective Select button, select the reference image, and click
Open.

.

5

Note:
•

Uncompressed gray and color images are allowed as input format.

Click Next.

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119Define the area where the reference values should be calculated (a)•If it is not possible to cover the full scanning width with a white reference target (forexample due to mechanical conditions), the resulting black image borders on the left
and right side can also be substituted by extrapolated values. So the bright area is
extended outwards.
→ Proceed with Step 7.

•

The white reference target covers the full scanning range:•

Specify the area from which the reference values should be calculated:a

In the Y position box, enter the number of the first line, in the Height box the number oflines to be used.
Use at least 100 lines for calculation of the reference values to eliminate noise. The
values used for the reference are calculated by averaging each column in the selectedarea.
It is only possible to define one area for the reference data which is used for every color
channel. Make sure that you set this area to fit all channels!

6aa

Use the gradient mode if your white reference
target has an inhomogeneous white surface.

•

Click OK, and then proceed with Step 8.

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120Define the area where the reference values should be calculated (b)•If it is not possible to cover the full scanning width with a white reference target(for example due to mechanical conditions), the resulting black image borders on theleft and right side can also be substituted by extrapolated values. So the bright area is
extended outwards.

•

Specify the area from which the reference values should be calculated: in the Y
position box, enter the number of the first line, in the Height box the number of lines tobe used. a
Use at least 100 lines for calculation of the reference values to eliminate noise. The
values used for the reference are calculated by averaging each column in the selectedarea.
Sample image if the white reference target only partially covers the field of view of thecamera:

a

b

7

•

Mark the edges of the white reference:b•

In the Settings for extrapolation area, select the Active check box.

•

Specify the areas for extrapolation: in the Left and Right boxes, enter the start
positions, and in the Width box the width as number of pixels. Place the areas near
the left and right edge of the reference target.
Instead of entering values for the start positions, you can click
the respective start position on the image.

•and then click

Click OK and proceed with Step 8.

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121

Saving reference data•

In the No. of data set list, click the number of the data set in which the reference data
should be stored:•

If the reference data should not be sent to the camera, clear the Send to camera checkbox.

•

To save the reference data to a file as backup, select the Save to disk check box, andthen click Select file to specify folder and file name.

•

Click Next

8.

If the reference data are sent to the camera, a progress bar is shown, and the camera isreset afterward to make sure that the initial settings are again active. The last usedsetting is activated automatically.

•

Again click Next

to close the wizard.

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122Activate shading correction and check the result in the image.
•On the toolbar, click Show settings•

To check white-level correction, select the Activate white-level correction check box
and check that the just updated data set is used:•

Click Transfer setting to camera, and on the tree view click Reference usage.

to save the setting to volatile memory.

Brightness of the newly scanned white balancing reference should be exactly at thesaturation limit. (255 @8Bit).

9

Note: At a later point, the image can be "desaturated" to a target value off, for example, 230
for a white paper by use of a contrast adjustment of 230/255=0,90.

Save the setting

10•

On the toolbar, click Burn setting permanently
permanently into the camera.

, or press F10 to save the setting

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8.5

Using continuous white control

8.5.1 Continuous operating point adjustment at the edges
Continuous operating point adjustment at the edges can be used in both - the line scan andthe area scan operating modes.
The allPIXA pro camera evaluates the brightness of the respective channels in this range andcompares the results with a programmable set value. The amplification values for each color
channel are automatically adjusted.

Figure 35: allPIXA camera with continuous automatic white balancing

1
2

3

•

Set up the camera•

Specify the position of the white reference borders (see section 9.3)•

Switch on the white reference borders•

Set the position of the white reference borders (see also section 9.3)

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•

On the toolbar, click Show settings, and then click White control in the tree view.

•

Select the Enable continuous white control check box.

•

In the Position and mode for white reference mark list, select the tap for white
control.

•

Make sure that the Use sync mode check box is cleared:•

Specify target values in the Target white reference values area.

4
If the white target is placed at the borders of the image, the values may be lower than in
the center.

5

6

•

Wait for a balanced image•

Check for saturation•

Refresh the data in CST•

Set the initial gaining values•

Burn the setting•

Check the function by lowering the light in the control zone, for example by ashadow.

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1258.5.2 Image-synchronous operating point adjustment on the object (ROI)
The image-synchronous operating point adjustment can only be used in area scan operating
mode.
If the object has an area which is suitable as reference for the operating point, this area can be
set in the allPIXA pro camera as an ROI (Region of Interest). The allPIXA camera evaluates
the brightness of the respective channels in this range and compares the results with aprogrammable set value. The amplification values for each color channel are automaticallyadjusted.

Figure 36: Image-synchronous operating point adjustment on the object (ROI)NOTE IThis mode requires a frame trigger signal at the allPIXA pro camera. The
frame trigger can be provided by CC1 through the Camera Link or by the IO
port. The allPIXA pro camera must be operated in frame scan mode. Gain
control must be set to image-synchronized mode.

NOTE IIIn image-synchronized mode, the behavior of the closed-loop control is slower
than in free-running mode.

1•

Set up the camera

2•Start the transport with sample objects•

Switch on the white reference borders•

Specify the position of the white reference borders (see section 9.3)

3

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126

•

On the toolbar, click Show settings, and then click White control in the tree view.

•

Select the Enable continuous white control check box.

•

In the Position and mode for white reference mark list, select the tap for white
control•

Select the Use sync mode check box:•

Specify target values in the Target white reference values area.

4
If the white target is placed at the borders of the image, the values may be lower than in
the center.

5

6

•

Wait for a balanced image.

•Check for saturation.

•

Refresh the data in CST.

•

Set the initial gaining values.

•

Burn the setting.

•

Check the function by lowering the light in the control zone, for example by ashadow.

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8.6

Frame trigger and line trigger/encoder connection and setup
For detailed function of parameters, see also section 9.17.

8.6.1 Frame trigger and encoder settings
To specify frame trigger mode:
1. On the toolbar click Show settings, and then click Synchronization.

2. In the Triggered frame scan list, click either Use start condition only or Use startand stop condition.
3. Specify the remaining parameters on the Synchronization page as needed.
For more information about the parameters, see section 9.9.

8.6.1.1 Connecting the frame trigger to the camera
There are two different ways to transmit the encoder signals to the camera:
1. Connect the camera using Camera Link CC-bits- If the frame trigger is connected to the frame grabber, ensure that the signal istransferred to CC2, CC3 or CC4 bits of the Camera Link cable.
2. Directly connect the frame trigger to the camera:- To connect the frame trigger signals directly to the camera you can use the
I/O connector (D-Sub15 Pin 1/9 or 2/10).
For a detailed pin assignment, see section 5.1.3- Also see the input level definition in section 5.1.4

8.6.2 Line trigger and encoder settings
Settings for line trigger and encoder mode are edited within this view. For more information
about the parameters, see section 9.17.

ButtonFunction key

Menu
View/Encoder setup

8.6.2.1 Connecting the line trigger / encoder to the camera
There are two different ways to transmit the encoder signals to the camera:
1. Connect the camera using Camera Link CC bits
- If the line trigger / encoder is connected to the frame grabber, ensure that thesignal is transferred to CC1 and CC2 bits of the CameraLink cable.
2. Directly connect the encoder to the camera:- To connect the line trigger / encoder signals directly to the camera you can
use the I/O connector (D-Sub15 Pin 1/9 and 2/10).
- For a detailed pin assignment, see section 5.1.3- Also see the input level definition in section 5.1.4
For more information about activation of external ports, see section 8.10 IO configuration.

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1288.6.3 Define the input channel in the camera
After connection of the signals, the camera must be set up to the correct input channel for theencoder signals. Therefore, use the I/O configuration page of CST (see section 8.10)
To show the I/O Configurator, click Show settings for user-configurable IOs
toolbar.

on theTo define the input channels of the encoder, the inputs can be combined to the following
groups:Encoder channel 1 parameters

Encoder channel 2 parameters

Enable encoder mode parameters
Scan Dir parameters
Frame trigger input parameters

1. Define input encoder channel 1 (line 1-5)
- In this section the input channel for the line trigger / encoder channel 1 can beselected from different external pins.
- In this section only one option should be selected.
2. Define input encoder channel 2 (line 6-10)- In this section the input channel for the encoder channel 2 can be selected fromdifferent external pins.
- If only a one channel encoder is used, select a defined level on this pin (static low)
- In this section only a single option should be selected.
3. Define enable signal of encoder (line 11-14)- This section allows you to define an external enable signal for the encoder mode.
(see also section 9.17.1).
- If no external enable signal is used, select line 11 (default). The encoder is thencontrolled with the camera setting.
- In this section only one option should be selected.
- With Invert Input (Line 14) you could invert the line trigger / first encoder channel.
This could be helpful to match the scan direction forward/backward in free-runningmode and triggered mode.
4. Define ScanDir parameter (line 15-18)- This section allows you to define the automatic detection of the scan direction.
- In the first section the input channel for the external ScanDir can be selected fromdifferent external pins.
- Line 18 allows to invert the external ScanDir (see also section 9.7.2)

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5. Define frame trigger input (line 19-24)- In this section the input channel for the fame trigger can be selected from different
CC-bits or external pins.
- In this section only one option should be selected.

8.6.4 Configuration of the encoder mode and resolution
For configuration, use the Encoder setup page of CST to specify all parameters. For more
information, see section 9.17.
To open the Encoder setup page, click Encoder setup

on the toolbar.

To set up the encoder parameters:
1. Select the Enable encoder check box.
2. In the Synchronization mode list, click the desired mode (for more information, seesection 9.17.2):
Line trigger mode (Const. int time): In line trigger mode, the camera sends a single line
per pulse. If you specify a value at Line trigger/ encoder reduction, the camera sends asingle line for the number of specified pulses. The remaining parameters are not available
in this mode.
Encoder (Continuous update): The encoder mode uses the internal intelligent encoder
functionality. The camera measures the speed of the object and sends lines based on thedefined encoder resolution and the vertical image resolution.
3. In the Encoder channels list, click the number of recognized edges per step of theencoder signal. Best results are reached with 1 Chanel full step due to tolerances in the duty
factor of the pulses.

4. Specify a value for Line trigger/encoder reduction:
In line trigger mode: The value defines how many trigger signals are used to trigger asingle scanning line.
In encoder mode: This factor can be used to reduce the number of encoder pulses perline. If the number of encoder pulses per line exceeds 255, this factor must be used toreduce the number below 255.
5. In the Average size list, specify how many encoder increments are averaged for speed
measurements. For more information, see section 9.17.4.

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1306. In the Encoder resolution box, enter the resolution of the encoder in µm/step. For more
information, see section 9.17.5.
7. In the Vertical image resolution box, specify the physical resolution in transport direction
in dpi / line. For more information, see section 9.17.6.
You can calculate as follows: 1 dpi = 25,4mm, for example (100µm/line= 254dpi)
With this definition, the camera calculates and displays the encoder pulses per line.
Note: If scanning speed (defined by integration time for one line as well as µm/step andµm/line) is higher than the maximum camera speed (see section 2.3), the camera goes
into free-running mode with maximum speed. The camera goes into normal encoder
mode, as soon as the speed drops again below maximum speed.
8. Check the value of Encoder pulses per line:
This value is calculated by the camera using the values of the specified parameters. The
maximum allowed value is 255.
The minimum value should be at least 0.1, smaller values decrease accuracy.
If this value exceeds 255, change the value of Line trigger/encoder reduction to reduce
this value below 255.
NOTE

Take notice that, if you work with Encoder, the minimum CameraLinktransmission time is not checked.

8.6.5 Encoder - enable /disable by external input signal
With the enable increments setting you can enable/disable the encoder input by using an
external I/O Port (CC-Bit3 or CC-Bit4 of the Camera Link interface). This feature can be usefulto enable the encoder in real time (for example: application with several cameras). The
function is configured on the IO Configuration page.
For more information about encoder setup, see section 8.6.
NOTE

If this feature is not used, the configuration must be set to default.

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8.7

Multi-channel flash control
With the multi-channel LED control, the camera provides up to four individual flash outputs forillumination controllers. The flash outputs are fully synchronized to the line trigger to permit
high speed-synchronous triggering of different illuminations.

1. allPIXA pro camera
2. Camera Link cable
3. Host PC
4. Illumination modules
5. LED driver
6. Encoder / Trigger

8.7.1 Operation principle
To see the flash control parameters, you must set User level to Guru in CST!
The camera provides up to four different outputs which can be operated individually to control
illumination drivers.
Several outputs can be combined individually to be triggered at the same time. Each flashing
scenario can be defined individually as line pattern. The camera provides up to four different
line patterns which are executed in a sequence. This sequence is repeated as long as
scanning or triggering is active.
The following diagram demonstrates a sequence cycle with three different line patterns. In thisexample, the duration for each line pattern is set individually. All four available output channels
are used:

NOTE

If flash mode is active, the camera uses the individually defined line patterntimes to set up the integration time of each scanning line.
The camera integration time setting value is ignored if the flash mode is used.

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132Line pattern timeFor each output channel (1…4) a time can be defined at which the specific output isactive. The resulting time for each line pattern is determined by the largest value.
Example corresponding to the diagram above:
Line pattern 3:-> active time for flash channel 3 = 150 µs-> active time for flash channel 4 = 110 µs→ the resulting duration of line pattern 3 = 150 µs
The minimum time for a line pattern is defined by the following parameters:
1. Minimum integration time of the camera:
The minimum integration time depends on the speed of the camera (minimum
possible integration time) and the scan line length. Take notice that the minimum
integration is higher if flash mode is used. For more information, see section 9.1.1.
2. Minimum time for output of a scan line via Camera Link interface:
The time for transfer of a scan line via Camera Link depends on the selected
Camera Link mode (base, medium, full) and the Camera Link frequency.
A table with the dependencies of the possible scan line speed with different Camera Link
modes is shown in section 2.2 „Camera speed for available Camera Link modes andfrequency“.
NOTE

If the length of a line pattern is shorter than the minimum possible line time(regarding minimal camera integration time and Camera Link speed), thecamera automatically increases the specific line pattern time before starting
the next line pattern.
This then also increases the required sequence time.

Sequence time:Free-running mode:
The camera sequence time is the defined time for one full sequence with up to 4
individual line patterns. During one sequence time cycle, the camera outputs as many
number of lines as line patterns are defined.
The sequence time (in combination with the transport speed) defines the transport
resolution of the image.
Triggered mode (encoder/line trigger):
One full sequence is executed per trigger signal. Within such a sequence the camera
outputs as many lines as line patterns are defined (1 up to 4 line patterns are
possible). If four line patterns are used, the camera outputs four lines for each trigger
signal.
Make sure that the sum of all line pattern time definitions is short enough to be
executed completely at full-speed scanning.
If the allowed value for the sequence time is too short to cover all defined line patterntimes, the camera returns an appropriate error code:
0xD7: LED flash mode: sum of all patterns exceeds sequence time
The camera also goes into free-running mode operating with the speed defined bysequence/pattern time.
Flash channel
Signal output channel for control of an illumination controller.

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133Idle time:
Idle time in free-running mode:
If the sum of all active line patterns is less than “sequence time”, the patterns can bechanged without changing the transport resolution of the camera/system.
Idle time in encoder/line trigger mode:
After the last line pattern, the camera waits for the next line trigger to start the next
sequence.
In both cases (free-running/with external line trigger) the camera automatically adapts the
subline time (sum of all active line patterns) to the minimum required time. This optimization
function permits to use the camera at maximum possible speed of the system in regard to the
flash times. For a detailed speed optimization sample, see section 8.7.5.1 Feature: scan
speed optimization.

8.7.2 Flash mode – Image size
In standard RGB mode, the camera outputs one line per line trigger. If flash mode is used, thecamera provides one full sequence per line trigger. Therefore, the camera outputs as manylines per line trigger as the selected number of line patterns.
This permits to achieve the same image resolution in the separated flash images compared tothe standard scanning image without flash mode. Thus, the size (height) of the transmitted raw
image increases by the factor of the used pattern (for example; if you use three line patterns,
the raw image is three times as long).
In the following diagram, the standard scanning mode and the flash mode using three line
patterns are demonstrated:

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1348.7.3 RGB displacement compensation / RGB line distance for flash modeIf you use the flash mode, image size and scanning speed increase (see section 8.7.2).
In normal scanning operation, a single line is output per sequence. If you use the flash mode,the camera outputs several lines (depending on the number of the used patterns) per
sequence. Therefore, the RGB displacement compensation must be adapted.
For compensation of the RGB displacement by the camera, the parameter Set RGB line
distance on the Camera arrangement page can be defined accordingly. For the use of flash
mode, the parameter can be adapted according to the following procedure:
No. of used line patterns
1
2
3
4

RGB line distance value
1 x “used line distance without flash mode”
2 x “used line distance without flash mode”
3 x “used line distance without flash mode”
4 x “used line distance without flash mode”

The allPIXA pro camera is capable to internally compensate up to 5 lines for the 4k, 5k,
6000px, and 7.3k versions (see section 9.7.1).
If the necessary compensation exceeds the capability of the camera, the internal
compensation should be set to 0 and the compensation must be done in image postprocessing on PC side. The separation of the image lines coming from the different patternmust be done in post-processing generally.

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1358.7.4 Setting up the multi-channel LED control
The CST software provides an easy setup of the multi-channel flash control:

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To set up LED control:
1. On the toolbar, click Show settings, and then click LED flash control.

2. In the Set LED flash mode list, click enabled.

3. In the Number of line patterns box, enter the number of line patterns you want to use (upto 4).
4. Enter the desired flashing times of the output channel for each line pattern which is used.
You can use up to 4 channels. If a channel is not used, enter 0.0:

Note:
In general the duration of the flash signals is counted with internal clocks. Therefore, theresulting duration might be rounded down to integer numbers of clocks.
The camera needs a certain time gap between two patterns. To keep the distance
between pattern start edges the duration of single flash signals might be few shorter than
set in CST.
5. Enter a suitable sequence time. This time is used for free-running mode (without external.
line trigger).
The sequence time defines the time for one full sequence cycle and therefore defines thetransport resolution (in combination with the transport speed). For more information see
section 8.7.1.

8.7.5 Sample setup for four different illumination units (free-running)
Operation sample for a flash control setup with 4 individual illuminations and 4 patterns:
Operation mode:
Camera integration time:

Used LED channels:
Line patterns:
Sequence time:free-running
not used(The line time is defined individually by the definition of each line
pattern. The parameter Integration time in the camera is ignored if
flash mode is used).
44400 µs

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137Timing diagram:

Camera setup with CST:

8.7.5.1 Feature: scan speed optimization
If the sum of all line patterns is shorter than the sequence time, the scanning speed can be
optimized as follows:
Based on the sample data from above, the total active time (sum of all line pattern times) for
all of the 4 line patterns is 240 µs (minimum sequence time).
The sequence time is set to 400µs. This results in an idle time for this setup of about 160µs.
This permits to reduce the sequence time and thus to speed up the total scanning speed.
Conventional camera setup:- 4 individual flash scenarios- Integration time 100µs- Required time for one full sequence = 400µs
allPIXA pro - optimized camera setup by use of the flash function:- 4 individual flash scenarios- Parameter Pattern time generation is set to Pattern packed optimal- Using the real individual line pattern times for scanning:
resulting sequence time = 240µs (100µs+40µs+50µs+50µs)- Required time for one full sequence = 240µs- Depends also on minimum integration time and camera link mode.
The optimized flash scenarios lead to a much faster sequence time of 240µs instead of 400µs.
By use of the allPIXA pro flash function the next flash sequence can be started right after
240µs. This in total saves 160µs of scanning time per sequence.
 Scanning speed increase of about 66% by using the allPIXA pro flash function

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1388.7.6 Sample setup for two different illumination units (triggered mode)
Operation sample for triggered mode with two individual illuminations and three patterns:
Operation mode:
Camera integration time:

Used LED channels:
Line patterns:
Sequence time:

NOTE

encoder, line trigger
not used (The line time is defined individually by the definitionof each line pattern. The parameter Integration time in thecamera is ignored if flash mode is used.)2
3
not used in encoder mode. The sequence time must be set
larger than the sum of the individual line patterns.

One full sequence is executed per trigger signal. Within such a sequence thecamera outputs the same number of lines as line patterns are defined. In thisexample the camera outputs three lines for each trigger signal.
Make sure that the sum of the used line patterns times is short enough to becompletely executed at full-speed scanning.
If the trigger speed is faster than the sequence time, the camera automaticallyswitches to free-running mode operating with defined speed of the sequence /pattern times.

Timing diagram:

Camera setup with CST:

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1398.7.7 Electrical interface (pin assignment)
For information about voltage levels (LVCMOS) of input (e.g. trigger) signals, see section:
5.1.4
You should check for correct input voltage levels.
Non-compliance can result in irreparable damages to the allPIXA pro camera!
Cabling requirements:- The connection cable from camera to LED controller has to be fully shielded.
- Use the same ground potential for all devices (cameras, LED-Drivers, shielding for all
cables, …). Also use 0V ground pins for ground potential at the controller.
- *** TBD- The max length of the cable between camera and LED controllers is 5m. ***Pin no.

Level

Description

LED-Flash

1

RS 422

GPIO_P0 (input)---

2

RS 422

GPIO_P1 (input)---

3

LVCMOS

GPIO_P4

Out4; over 1 KOhm + Pull-Up

4

LVCMOS

GPIO_P2

Out1; over 680 Ohm + Pull-Down

5

3.3 V over 100 Ohm

Power

---

6

LVCMOS

GPIO_P3

Out3; over 10 Ohm + Pull-down

70V

Ground0V

8

LVCMOS

GPIO_N4

Out4; over 10 Ohm + Pull-Down

9

RS 422

GPIO_N0 (input)

---

10

RS 422

GPIO_N1 (input)

---

11

0V

Ground0V

12

LVCMOS

GPIO_N2

Out2; over 10 Ohm + Pull-Down

130V

Ground0V

14

LVCMOS

GPIO_N3

LEDDRV_CLK + Pull-Down

15

5 V over 100 Ohm

Power supply---

Out 1 – Out 4:
0V:
controller
NOTE I

LED trigger output signal for channel 1 – 4
0V signal ground potential for use with Out 1-4 at the LED

Always use 0V ground signal level of the camera in addition to the OUT
channels for the signal levels at the LED controller.

8.7.8 I/O port configuration
For the operation of flash control, the selected output ports (Out 1…4) are allocatedautomatically if flash control is activated.
Make sure that the ports are not in use for other functionality. Any definitions for this output
channels in the I/O Configurator (see section 8.10) are ignored as soon as flash control isactivated.

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8.8

Principle of master-slave synchronization
The trigger signals from light barrier (frame trigger) and/or encoder (line trigger) are connectedto the master camera only.
This could be achieved with the CC-bits via the frame grabber or by directly connecting to themaster allPIXA pro camera. This trigger information is transferred via the master-slaveinterface to the slave camera(s). Due to this synchronization interface all cameras run withexactly the same timing for lines and optional frames.

8.8.1 Parameters and region of interest of master-slave synchronization
MASTERSLAVE(S)Line - andframe trigger
IO-Config

TAG_TRIGGERED_FRAME_SCAN(Tag x24B) Free running, Only image start, Image startand stop TAG_SCAN_LINES_AFTER_STOP, ...

Spike suppression

for all cameras
TAG_MASTER_SLAVE_CONFIGURATIONState machine internal Sync

Internal Image+ line trigger(Tag x317) (Image + line trigger)

Wait forImage start delay(Tag x230)
Lines

Wait forImage start delay(Tag x230)
Lines

Wait forFirst image line forthe white reference(Tag x2A3)
Lines

WhiteRef-ROI

Wait for
MasterImageFirst image line forthe white reference(Tag x2A3)
Lines

WhiteRef-ROI

SlaveImage(Same number oflines as Masterbut independent"Image start
delay")

To ensure synchronous operation, the master camera provides an internal image and line
trigger.

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141Image start delay can be specified separately for master and slave cameras. This permits tocorrect small deviations due to incorrect mechanical adjustment.
Also, the position of the white reference mark can be specified separately because the markmay be at different positions for the different cameras.
*) Available modes for state machine (internal sync): (Note: All modes should be set to thesame value for all cameras.)line trigger modes:- Free-running- Line trigger- Encoder mode
frame trigger modes:- Free-running- Use start condition- Use start/stop condition
•

NOTE

•
•
•

The position of the image in transport direction (Y) of each camera canbe set separately (start and length)
Also, the position (X + Y) and the size of the white reference could be
set separately in each camera
The connection between master and slave must be specified by the I/O
configuration!
For OEM versions of the allPIXA pro also internal connections could bechosen.

8.8.2 Set up the cameras for master-slave synchronization
There are three options to set the cameras either to master or slave:(a) Global:
The cameras can be set to master or slave via the global master-slave mode:or

I/O definition
If the master/slave definition is set by software setting as above, the configuration ofnSelMaster input is ignored. Therefore, no selection for nSelMaster has to be made.
(b) By Setting:If the global master-slave mode is,
the setting decides whether the camera acts as a master or a slave:

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The cameras have dedicated settings, or the PC sets the camera to master or slave
via the TAG_MASTER_SLAVE_CONFIGURATIONor
I/O definition
If the master/slave definition is set by software setting as above, the configuration ofnSelMaster input is ignored. Therefore, no selection for nSelMaster has to be made.
(c) Hardware (external input signal for master definition):
To set the camera for master/slave detection with external pin assignments by the I/O
connector or CC bit 4 from the Camera Link interface, select the option Auto-selectby input:
This can be done globally withor from each setting:

The automatic master-slave detection uses the input pin assignment on the 15 pin I/O
connector or the CC4 bit via Camera Link. The definition has to be as follows:
Background information: The signal nSelMaster is low active. A logic 0 on this input
switches the camera to master, a logic 1 (or open on I/O Interface) sets thecamera as slave. The input pin 3 of the I/O connector is held high by an internal
Pull-Up.
- Master camera definition:
1. By using pin assignment: external master definition by applying a low voltage
level (ground) to pin 3 (nSelMaster). Therefore, an electrical connection frompin 3 to pin 11(GND) on the D-Sub 15 connector can be used. (see following
section “8.8.3. Connecting the master/slave cameras (cabling)”)
2. By using the CC4 bit: apply a low signal on this bit via the frame grabber.

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- Slave camera definition:
1. By using pin assignment of pin 3 on the D-Sub 15: no pin assignment isneeded
2. By using the CC4 bit: apply a high signal on this bit via the frame grabberI/O definition
If the master camera definition is defined externally, check the desired input fornSelMaster. For example, for defining master/slave by hardware, check the IO
Interface-3 as shown. If you want to use the CC4 bit signal to define master slave,check the line below.

8.8.3 Connecting the master-slave cameras (cabling)
The master/slave interface consists of two timing signals for standard setup (pin 6 and 8).
These two signals have to be connected 1:1 between the master and all slave camera(s). In
addition, the ground signal has to be connected between master and slave cameras.
Therefore pin 7 and 13 can be used for a 1:1 connection between master and slave
camera(s). It is recommended to have a 1:1 connection at least at pin 6; 7 and 8 (optionallypin 13) of all master and slave cameras.
NOTE:

At least one ground signal must be connected in addition to the two timing
signals (pin 6 and 8).

I/O definition
To enable the I/O input for master-slave communication, select the appropriate input in the I/O
configurator as shown below.

Cabling between master-slave cameras
Make sure that at least pin 6, 7 (GND), 8 (and 13, GND) are 1:1 connections between all
master and slave cameras. For master definition using pin assignment, additionally connect
pin 3 and 11 at the master camera.

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Pin
no.

Level

Connection at mastercameraConnection at slave
camera(s)1

RS 422

Incremental encoder (high, Optional)

open

2

RS 422

Light barrier (high, Optional)

open

3

LVCMOSnSelMaster (Bridge to 0 V)

Open, internal PullUp

4

LVCMOS--5

3.3 V over
100 Ohm

open

open

6

LVCMOS

Master/Slave-interface

Master/Slave-interface

7

0V

0V

0V

8

LVCMOS

Master/Slave-interface

Master/Slave-interface

9

RS 422

Incremental encoder (low, Optional)

open

10

RS 422

Light barrier (low, Optional)

open

11

0V

0 V(Bridge to nSelMaster)-

12

LVCMOS

-

-

13

0V

0V

-0 V

14

LVCMOS--

15

5 V over 100
Ohm

open

open

Only at Master!
(only if master selectionby hardware is used)

1:1 connections

Internal Master/Slave interface (OEM-Versions only):
For OEM versions of the allPIXA pro (for example Dual-3D-PIXA), internal master/Slave
connections are used.

NOTE:

These internal connections are set by factory and must not be changed!

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Master/Slave interface with hub:If more than one slave camera is used, there is an additional option to connect further slaves
by use of the allPIXA pro as a hub for the Master/Slave interface:Pin 6 and 8 of the 15-pin connector are used for output and pins 4 and 12 are used for input of
the master slave interface.
NOTE:

At least one ground signal (pin 7 or 13) must be connected in addition to thetwo timing signals.

I/O definition
To enable the Master/Slave interface with hub, choose the appropriate input interface:

Wiring for "Master/Slave interface with hub"Two outputs from the Master are connected to two inputs of the next slave. This slave acts as
a master for the next slave. (In = Slave, Out = Master  "Slaster")
From master to slave: Pin 6Pin 4 and Pin 8  Pin 12
Additionally 2 wires for 0V (1:1) plus shielding.
At the first master, frame trigger and line trigger/encoder can be connected optionally.

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D-Sub15

Signal name
MasterWire

Signal name
Slaster_1

Wire

Signal name
Slaster_2

Wire

Signal name
Slaster_3 etc.

Pin
1

IncrInP (Opt)

---

---

---

2

LBInP (Opt)

---

---

---

3

LBIn (Opt)

GP-I/O

GP-I/O

GP-I/O

4

GP-I/O

M/S-Int(0)-In

M/S-Int(0)-In

M/S-Int(0)-In

5(3,3V)(3,3V)(3,3V)(3,3V)

6

M/S-Int(0)-Out

M/S-Int(0)-Out

M/S-Int(0)-Out

M/S-Int(0)-Out

7

0V

0V

0V

0V

8

M/S-Int(1)-Out

M/S-Int(1)-Out

M/S-Int(1)-Out

M/S-Int(1)-Out

9

IncrInN (Opt)

---

---

---

10

LBInN (Opt)

---

---

---

11

0V

0V

0V

0V

12

GP-I/O

M/S-Int(1)-In

M/S-Int(1)-In

M/S-Int(1)-In

13

0V

0V

0V

0V

14

GP-I/O

GP-I/O

GP-I/O

GP-I/O

15

(5V)

(5V)

(5V)

(5V)

Shield

8.8.4 Frame grabber setup information for Master/Slave operation
There are two basic strategies for camera/frame grabber configurations to set up the system
for master / slave mode.
Option 1 (Frame grabber in frame/area mode, preferred):
Frame Signal:

Frame trigger signal is provided only to the mastercamera (for example directly to the camera or via CC3 on
Camera Link)

Frame grabber mode:

Frame/area mode

Master Camera operation:

Line: free-running mode or line trigger/encoder mode
Frame: free-running mode or frame trigger mode

Slave camera synchronization: Cameras are synchronizing each line and also provide
FrameValid signal to the frame grabbers
Operation:

IMPORTANT:The frame trigger signal is only sent to the master camera, for example by
the use of CC3 bit. Each frame grabber is set to frame/area mode. The
cameras run fully synchronized. The cameras provide the frame grabberwith the LineValid and FrameValid signals.
If Multi-channel flash control (see section 8.7) is used, the frame
grabber must be used in area mode.

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*FT – Frame trigger (optional)*LT – Line trigger/Encoder (optional)*FVAL – FrameValid (from each camera to the corresponding frame grabber)*LVAL – LineValid (from each camera to the corresponding frame grabber)*Light barrier / Trigger and Encoder can be connected independently to the frame grabberor to the camera IO, e.g. Encoder -> Frame grabber IO -> CC1; Light barrier / Trigger ->Camera IO -> X5-1/9
Option 2 (Frame grabber in line mode):
Frame Signal:
Framegrabber mode:
Camera synchronization:
Camera operation:

Frame trigger signal is provided to each frame grabberLine mode
Cameras are synchronizing each line
Free-running mode/ encoder mode

Operation: The frame trigger signal is sent to each frame grabber, for example by the useof a dedicated connection cable. So each frame grabber has the same
FrameValid signal available.
The cameras synchronize each line to each other. Each camera is outputtinglines continuously.
Special feature: use FVal to also trigger the frame grabbers in line mode.
If the master camera is triggered by frame trigger, all cameras also provide an
FVal signal to the frame grabber. Depending on the functionality of the usedframe grabber in line mode, the frame grabber is able to process the FVal
signal for image start or not.
If the frame grabber is restricted in functionality and cannot process the FVal
signal, it must be provided to each frame grabber (as shown below).

*FT – Frame trigger*LT – Line trigger*FVAL – FrameValid*LVAL – LineValid

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For more information about the detailed setup of the frame grabber, refer to your frame
grabber manual or contact support of your frame grabber dealer.
NOTE:

8.9

With Option 2, the frame grabbers receive the frame trigger signal not exactly
at the same time. Therefore, it may sometimes happen that a frame grabbermisses the first line so that the images of the different frame grabbers are notsynchronous.

Edit color conversion (correction) matrix
For color conversion, four color conversion matrix tables are available in the camera.

With:
Offset:Additional Offset in 10Bit range, from -511 to +511 corresponding -0,5 to+0,5
Cxy Gain factor from -2,0 to +2,0.
Matrix 1 is a preconfigured color conversion matrix for sRGB conversion. It is write-protected
and cannot be modified:

NOTE

To use the sRGB conversion, additionally set Gamma correction to 0.1 on
the Brightness and contrast page of the Camera Settings.
With gamma 0.1 a special sRGB table is activated. With gamma 0.2 a special
table for multi-spectral applications is activated.

Matrix 2 to Matrix 4 are preconfigured as transparent color conversion matrix:

Matrix 2 to Matrix 4 can be modified.

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To modify a matrix:
1. On the Advanced menu, click Edit color conversion matrix.
The Edit color conversion matrix dialog box opens and shows the values of Matrix 1.
2. In the Matrix No list, select the matrix whose values you want to modify.
3. Modify values, click Save as and select one of the matrixes Matrix 2 to Matrix 4.
4. If the currently selected matrix is not Matrix 1, you can alternatively click Save values tosave the values to the currently selected matrix.
NOTE

The command Edit color conversion matrix is only available in
CST user mode Guru.

8.10 IO configuration
The allPIXA camera offers different ports for synchronizing image data.
Its functions are as follows:••Line trigger or encoder
Frame trigger

Two ways are available to transfer the signals to the camera:••

CC bits on the Camera Link cable
IO-port (D-Sub-15) on the allPIXA camera

External ports must be connected to the internal functions by use of the IO Configurator. For
more information about encoder setup, see section 8.6.

ButtonFunction key

Menu
View/IO Configurator

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Line trigger / encoder
inputs. See 8.6.2.1

Enable Line trigger inputs
See 8.6.5
ScanDir for RGB line
compensation. See 9.7.2
See 8.6.5
Frame trigger inputs
See 8.6.1

Master/Slave configuration
See 8.8.2•

Avoid double use of internal functions (for example only select one input for line trigger orframe trigger)•

To transfer the selection to the camera, click Transfer setting to camera
toolbar, or press F9.

•

To save changes on the camera permanently, click Burn setting permanently
the toolbar, or click F10.

on theon

8.11 Cancelling scanningIf you activate ScanCancel in the IO Configuration (see section 8.10), you can use this signal
to cancel the scan operation for the current image. This can, for example, be used to terminate
image acquisition if the transport stops.
If ScanCancel is set to High, the current image is aborted and FVAL becomes Low. When
ScanCancel returns to Low afterwards, the camera is ready to receive a new frame trigger
immediately.

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9

Camera parameters
The camera parameters are arranged in the same order as they are listed in the CST
software. In this part of the manual the parameters are described “as they are”. For a
description how to setup the camera, see section 8 “Camera operation”.
The visibility of the parameters is defined by the specified User level in CST. For more
information about which user level is required to modify certain parameters, see section 9.19.
For an overview of the camera parameters and their general functions on the CST userinterface, see section 6.2.

9.1

Integration time parameters9.1.1 Integration time
Name
Name

Integration time

Function

Sets the integration time in microseconds to the camera

Unit

Float

Step:

0.001

LinearDependency

None
These are the minimum integration times for the camera. The speed could
additionally be throttled by Camera Link parameters!
For more information, see section 9.11.4.
If Multi-channel flash control is used (see section 8.7), the minimum integration
time is higher. In this case, the values in Flash mode column take effect.

Notes

Camera:Value CST:

Flash mode

4k

19,68 µs

28,94 µs

5K

24,48 µs

32,12 µs

6000

29,14 µs

38,26 µs

7.3k33,65 µs

45,88 µsAll9.25 msec

9,25 msec

Lower limit

Upper limit

9.1.2 Use line period
Name
Name

Use Line Period

Function

Activates the function for independent control of integration time and line
period time.

Channels

All

Unit

Bool

Dependency

Camera must be in free-running mode; the Enable encoder check box must
be cleared.

Notes

Camera:Value CST

Lower limit

All

Off

Upper limit

All

On

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Name
Name

Line period time

Function

Sets the value for line period in microseconds to the camera.

Unit

Float

Step:

0,001

LinearDependency

Only available if the Use line period check box is selected.

Notes

Value must be greater than that of Integration time.

Camera:Lower limit

Upper limit

Int. time

9.2

4k>19,68 µs

5K>24,48 µs

6000>29,14 µs

7.3k>33,65 µs

All9.25 msec

Int. timeLine period

Value CST

Int. timeLine period

Line period

Gain settings

9.2.1 Analog coarse gain
This parameter describes the coarse gain parameter of the camera, which takes effect in step
(1) of analog image processing (section 4.5.1 Analog / digital image processing; Figure 16).

Name
Name

Analog Coarse Gain

Function

Pre-amplification after CCD and before analog gaining.

Channels

Red, Green, Blue
Front; Rear

Unit

-3 dB;0 dB;+3 dB; +6 dB
Log.

Dependency

None

Notes

Use this parameter for a rough adjustment of gaining at the first step.

Lower limit

Camera:Value CST:

all

-3 dB
0 dB
3 dB

Upper limit

All

6 dB

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154Analog Coarse Gain is a pre-amplification factor (basically to adapt the output signal of the
CCD to the input of the main analog amplifier). The output range of the CCD is greater than
the input range of the AFE (analog front end). Therefore, with this factor the possible output
range can be adjusted. With this “adjustable two-step amplification” it is possible to adjust the
allPIXA pro for a wide range of applications.
Usage:

If the current gain values are higher than about 300, the Analog Coarse Gainamplifier may be used (set to a higher amplification factor) to decrease gain values.
Otherwise, the image pixel noise increases.
It is recommended to operate the camera with current gain values in a range from150 – 300 for best image quality by using the Analog Coarse Gain function to preadjust the actual gain range.

Note:

If “saturation” is detected within the image (clipped areas) this may have different
reasons.
One reason may be that the output signal of the CCD is higher than the possible
input signal of the AFE.
Therefore, analog coarse gain has to be set to – 3 dB.

9.2.2 Current camera gain values
This parameter describes the analog gaining parameter of the camera which takes effect instep (2) of analog image processing (section 4.5.1; Figure 16: Analog process of the allPIXA
pro camera (block diagram)).
With active white control, this parameter refers to the gain values labeled with (3) in the
diagram of section 4.9.

Name
Name

Current camera gain values

Function

Gaining values for the analog gaining of the camera.

Channels

Red, Green, Blue
Odd; Even
Front; Rear

Unit

IntegerLog.

Dependency
Notes

None
One step of this parameter refers to 0.0359 dB,
27.85 steps refer to 1 dB.
An increase of up to 168 steps doubles the signal.

Camera:Value:

Lower limitall0Upper limit

all

700

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Name
Name

Camera startup gain values

Function

According to these values the gaining values are updated at startup of thecamera or by loading a setting for faster startup behavior of the closed-loop
control for white balancing.

Channels

Red, Green, Blue
Odd; Even
Front; Rear

Unit

Integer
LinearDependency

None

Notes

Camera:Value:

Lower limitAll0Upper limit

All

700

9.2.4 Update start gain values
Name
Name

Update start gain with current gain values

Function

By setting and transmitting this value to the camera, it updates the value
Camera start gain values with the values defined by Current camera gain
values.

Channels

all

Unit

Bool

Dependency

None

Notes

Take notice that the result may differ due to the fact that this function takes
values of the camera and not of CST. To make sure to read the current
values, click Refresh or press F5 before you perform this operation.

Camera:Value:

Lower limitAll0Upper limit

All

1

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9.3

White reference mark9.3.1 Position and size in CCD direction
NOTE

Attention:
The white reference area must not cover the tap border.

For the position in CCD direction of the white reference control zone you have twoalternatives:“Relative” x position
The x position of the white reference mark can be defined “relative” to the current image
window (ROI).
If defined relative, the reference position moves if the scan line length of the current scan
Window is changed.
“Absolute” x position
The x position of the white reference mark can be defined “absolute” within the maximum scan
window (for example 4K with a 4K allPIXA pro). If defined absolute, the reference position
does not move if the width of the current scan window is changed.

A1= First relative pixel of white reference (may be negative); see section 9.3.3
A2= First absolute pixel of white reference (see section 9.3.4)
B = Number of pixel for white reference (see section 9.3.6)
C = First image line of white reference (may be negative),
only used if white control mode is set to “sync mode” (see section 9.3.7)
D = Number of image lines for white reference (see section 9.3.8)
The Use absolute horizontal position of white reference check box determines whether
relative or absolute white reference mode is used.
NOTE

If you use Horizontal Binning (see section 9.8.4 ), A1 and B refer to theunreduced image.
If you use Vertical scan line reduction (see section 9.8.5 ), C refers to theunreduced image, while D specifies the length of the white reference markwithin the reduced image.

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9.3.2 Position and size in transport direction (sync. mode)
By default, the reference area is not synchronized to image frame acquisition. Measurement ofwhite reference values is done continuously, no matter whether the image frame is active ornot.
If Use sync mode is selected at the White control mode area of the White control page
(see section 9.4.5), the reference area is defined as ROI to the captured image frame.
The y position of the white reference ROI is defined “relative” to the image window.
NOTE

Attention:
Vertical reference white position moves with changing Image start delay ofthe current scan window.

The height of the white reference area is defined by Number of image lines for the whitereference.

9.3.3 First relative pixel of white reference
Name
Name

First relative pixel of white reference

Function

Describes the start of the control zone for the white balancing in theline/image (relative to the currently captured image)

Channels

All

Unit

Integer

Dependency

None

Notes

If Horizontal Binning is used, the value refers to the unreduced image.

Camera:Value:

Lower limitAll0Upper limit

4k

4.092 – Number of pixels of white reference

5k5.116 – Number of pixels of white reference

6000

5.996 – Number of pixels of white reference

7.3k

7.292 – Number of pixels of white reference

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Name
Name

First absolute pixel of white reference

Function

Describes the start of the control zone for white balancing in the line / image(beginning from first visible pixel of the camera)

Channels

All

Unit

Integer

Dependency

None

Notes

Camera:Value:

Lower limitAll0Upper limit

4k

4.092 – Number of pixels of white reference

5k5.116 – Number of pixels of white reference

6000

5.996 – Number of pixels of white reference

7.3k

7.,292 – Number of pixels of white reference

9.3.5 Use absolute horizontal position of white reference
Name
Name

Use absolute horizontal position of white reference

FunctionIf the check box is selected, absolute horizontal position of white reference isused (9.3.3), otherwise, relative position is used (0)Channels

All

Unit

Bool

Dependency

None

Notes

Camera:Value:

Function:

Lower limit

All

0

Off

Upper limit

All

1

On

9.3.6 Number of pixels for white reference
Name
Name

Number of pixels for white reference

Function

Describes the width of the control zone for the white balancing in theline/image

Channels

All

Unit

Integer

Dependency

None

Notes

If Horizontal Binning is used, the value refers to the unreduced image.

Camera:Value:

Lower limitAll2Upper limit

All

1.024

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Name
Name

First image line for the white reference

FunctionStarts pixel of control zone in transport direction

ChannelsAll

Unit
Dependency

Only if the image synchronized mode is used for white balancing.

Notes

If Vertical scan line reduction is used, value refers to the unreduced image.

Camera:Value:

Lower limitAll

1

Upper limit

All

Image size – "Number of Number ofimage lines for the white reference"

9.3.8 Number of image lines for the white reference
Name
Name

Number of image lines for the white reference

Function

Length of control zone in transport direction

Channels

All

Unit

Integer

Dependency
Notes

If Vertical scan line reduction is used, value refers to the reduced image.

Camera:Value:

Lower limitAll0Upper limit

All

1.024

9.3.9 Number of reference samples (Average)
Name
Name

Number of reference samples

Function

Number of ROIs needed for averaging of current video values for closed-loop
control, either with synchronization or free-running.

Channels

All

Unit

Integer
None; 2; 4; 8; 16; 32

Dependency

None

Notes

With a higher average number, the speed of the closed loop control is slower
but the noise suppression becomes higher.

Camera:Lower limit

All

Value CST:
None
2 samples
4 samples
8 samples
16 samples

Upper limitAll

32 samples

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Name
Name

Show white reference border

Function

Displays the border of the control zone with blue lines in the image.

Channels

All (Blue: 255; Red and Green: 0)

Unit

Bool

Dependency

None
Function must be switched off for taking reference images regarding to black
and white correction.
With encoder/line trigger mode:
If the maximum speed is exceeded, the vertical position of the control area
can't be guaranteed. The gain control is skipped until the speed has reachedthe nominal range and the reference boarders are marked red.

Notes

Camera:9.4

Value:

Function:

Lower limit

All

0

Off

Upper limit

All

1

On

White control

9.4.1 Target white reference values
Name
Name

Target white reference values

FunctionVideo value for the desired value of the closed-loop control for white balancing

Channels

Red, Green, Blue
Odd; Even
Front; Rear

Unit

Integer in 10 Bit
LinearDependency

Notes

Only takes effect if the Enable continuous white control check box isselected, or during a white reference operation if you click Perform whitereference on the toolbar.
•

Refers to the white control mark. Inside this area the closed-loop control
tries to adjust gain to reach these desired values.

•

Internal value is a 14-bit video, GUI values are 10-bit video value (0 to1023); output range of the image at the Camera Link port is usually 8-bit
range

Camera:Value:

Lower limitall0Upper limitall1023 – dark reference value

This parameter refers to the reference values labeled with (1) in the diagram of section 4.9.
NOTE IThe maximum reachable value for the target values is
Target values = 1023 - max dark reference value (with active black-level
correction). The typical dark reference values are about 4 …16 (in 8 bit) in the
raw image date.

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NOTE II

The level of the target value must be adapted to the position of the whitereference control zone (see Figure 35 below). For zone 1 the values must be
set to a lower value than for zone 2. If the target values for zone 1 are too
high, this results in saturation in the image’s center.
A good compromise for centered control zone is a value of about 800.

Figure 37: Sample of raw and theoretical video and dark reference values(with 10-bit GUI value range)

9.4.2 Current white reference values
Name
Name

Current white reference levels

Read only

FunctionVideo value measured by the camera inside the white control mark, meanvalue over the defined area and the number of ROI defined for averaging

Channels

Red, Green, Blue
Odd; Even
Front; Rear

Unit

Integer
LinearDependency

None•

Refers to the white control mark. Inside this area the closed-loop control
tries to adjust gain to reach current values to the desired values.

•

10-bit video output value. Output range of the image at the Camera Link
port is usually in the 8-bit range

Notes

Camera:Value:

Lower limitall0Upper limit

all

1023

This parameter refers to the video values labeled with (2) in the diagram of section 4.9.

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Name
Name

Enable continuous white control

Function

Enables the closed-loop control for white balancing

Channels

all

Unit

Bool

Dependency

None

Notes

Camera:Value:

Function:

Lower limit

all

0

Off

Upper limit

all

1

On

9.4.4 Position and mode for white reference mark
Name
Name

Position and mode for white reference markFunction

It is possible to set the reference zone either to front tap, rear tap, to bothtaps independently or to automatic detection.
It is strongly recommended to use automatic detection. In this case, thecamera chooses automatically which tap is used as master.
Changing this default behavior should only be done by experienced users.

Channels

All

Unit

Integer

Dependency

Only takes effect if the Enable continuous white control check box isselected, or during a white reference operation if you click Perform whitereference on the toolbar.

Notes

For more information about the exact size and position, see section 9.3
This function is only available, if User level is set to Guru.

Camera:Lower limit

Upper limit

Function:

All

Front TAP data are used for gain control. Rear
channels follow (slave rear)

All

Rear TAP data are used for gain control. Front(slave front)

All

Front and Rear
independentlyAll

Automatic master tap detection out of area position(recommended!)

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data

are

controlled163

9.4.5 White control mode
Name
Name

White control mode

FunctionSet the mode of the white control function

ChannelsAll

Unit
Dependency

It is only available if the Enable continuous white control has been
selected.

Notes

Function is only available if User level has been set to Guru.

Camera:Functions:All

Use sync mode: acquiring references is
synchronized with area scanAll

Stop gain control if level <”Stop gain control” * lastgain value

All

Stop gain control by variance value

Two modes for white control are available:
Gain control using area mode:
Gain control uses the video levels within the specified white reference mark.
Use maximum video level:
Gain control uses the maximum video level independently of the position of
the white reference mark.
Three options are available:
Use sync mode: …
If you use this option, white control sets the white reference into the image
regarding to the necessary frame trigger.
Stop gain control if level < ‘Stop gain control’ * last gain value
If the value of the white reference video level is lower than the specified
value of Gain control stop factor, the closed-loop control for the whitebalancing could be paused by using this option (for example if the light on
the white reference is lowered without any present document (stray-lightfrom the document).
Stop gain control by variance value
If the medium variance of the white reference video level is higher than thespecified value of Set gain control stop by variance, the closed-loop
control for the white balancing can be paused by use of this option. For
experienced users only.

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Name
Name

Gain control stop factor

Function

Sets the pause condition for the white control.

Channels

All

Unit

Float

Dependency

It is only available if the Stop gain control if… check box is selected in the
White control mode area.

Notes

White control pauses if the following condition is fulfilled:
Average of all values of Current white reference levels < value * Averageof the last valid Current white reference levels.

Camera:Value CST:

Lower limitAll0Upper limitAll1

1. Description of paper (object) detection function:
During scanning, the camera is set to automatically control the image brightness using theimplemented function “Automatic white control”. The control mechanism of the camera
uses the reference area on the object to adapt the camera gain values as defined within
the camera parameters.
In certain situations during the scanning process it can occur that an object is missing on
the transport. If no object is on the transport, the reference area for the brightness control
appears darker than the normal paper white. Therefore, a missing object can irritate andmisguide the automatic gain process. With the paper detection functionality, the existenceof a sheet is detected, and the automatic gain control stops if no object (certain degree ofbrightness) is found on the transport.
2. Basic functionality description:
The camera reads the white values of the reference area. If the brightness of thereference area is below the suppress condition, automatic white control is disabled only
for the currently scanned image. The procedure is applied separately to each acquired
image.
3. Suppress condition:
Mean of value of current reference area < (mean value of desired values of all channels *threshold factor).
4. Feedback camera signal:
While gain control is disabled, the image is scanned with the last valid gain values. The
camera sets a flag if the values in the reference area are too low (-> no paper) and the“automatic gain control” function is disabled.
Example:All desired values for the white reference target value are set to 800,
stop gain control factor is set to 0.5.
If sum of all current white references drops below 0.5 * 800 = 400,
then automatic gain control is disabled.

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Name
Name

Set gain control stop by variance

Function

Sets the pause condition for the white control.

Channels

All

Unit

Integer

Dependency

Takes only effect if the Stop gain control by variance value check box isselected in the White control mode area.

Notes

White control pauses if medium variance of the values of the pixels in thewhite reference area is higher than the specified value.

Camera:Value:

Lower limitAll0Upper limit

All

65535

During the scan, the camera is set to automatically control the image brightness using theimplemented function “Automatic white control”. The control mechanism of the camera uses
the reference area on the object to adapt the camera gain values as defined within the camera
parameters.
In rare situations, the Gain control stop factor parameter cannot be used successfully,
because medium brightness is similar to that of the expected object if no object is on thetransport. But in these cases often brightness variance of the pixels is much higher if no object
is present.

9.4.8 Set active channels for white control
Name
Name

Set active channels for white control

Function

Determines which channels are active during automatic white and tapbalancing

Channels

All

Unit

Bool

Dependency

Applies only to the automatic gain control functions such as white balancing
and tap balancing.

Notes

If you work with “white” illumination, leave all channels set to “Enabled”(Standard use of the allPIXA pro).
This function is useful if you work with different lighting conditions.
If you are for example working with three different light setups for thedifferent color channels, you could turn on the lights for one channel, disable
the other “Active channels” and perform white and tap balancing.
After this you run through the same procedure for the other channels. If you
disable the channel, the old values for the white or tap balancing are notoverwritten.

Camera:Value CST:

Lower limitAll0Upper limitAll

1

For more details, see section 8.2.4.

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9.5

Reference usage

9.5.1 Black-level correction (offset correction)
Name
Name

Activate black-level correction

Function

This function enables the pixel-wise black-level correction inside the camera.

Channels

All

Unit

Bool

Dependency

None

Notes

Camera:Value:

Function:

Lower limit

All

0

Off

Upper limit

All

1

On

Black-value correction is made pixel-by-pixel and corrects the different behavior of theindividual pixels (DSNU = Dark Signal Non-Uniformity) in dark images. Black-value correction
is carried out with a non-exposed sensor (for example if the lens is closed, the illumination isswitched off, or a black reference is scanned).
Black-value correction is carried out individually on each allPIXA pro camera during factory
calibration.
If the gain of the camera changes it is recommended to take a new black-level reference.
Four reference sets for the black-level correction are supported by the allPIXA pro camera as
well as four reference sets for the shading correction. Reference position number can beentered if a reference is created using the CST Reference Wizard and if it is selected in the
allPIXA pro camera setting. All reference sets can be used for different setups, for example
different f-stops or different illuminations.

This parameter refers to the video values labeled with (1) in the diagram in section 4.5.1 figure
16.

9.5.2 Black-reference data set
Name
Name

Black reference data set

Function

Select the data set for black-level correction.

Channels

All

Unit

Integer

Dependency

None

Notes

Four data sets for black-level reference can be stored inside of the camera.
The number for the storage space must be selected in CST when a newreference is created with the Reference wizard.

Camera:Value:

Lower limitAll

Use data set 1

Upper limitAll

Use data set 4

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1679.5.3 Shading correction (flat-field correction)
Name
Name

Activate white-level correction

Function

This function enables the pixel-wise shading correction inside the camera.

Channels

All

Unit

Bool

Dependency

None

Notes

Camera:Value:

Function:

Lower limit

All

0

Off

Upper limit

All

1

On

Shading correction is made pixel-by-pixel and corrects the different behavior of the individual
pixels in the images (PRNU = Photo Response Non-Uniformity). In addition, it compensates
any illumination non-homogeneities.
Four reference sets for the shading correction are supported by the allPIXA pro camera, as
well as four reference sets for the black-level correction. The reference position number canbe entered if a reference is created using the CST Reference Wizard and if it is selected in the
allPIXA pro camera setting. All reference sets can be used for different setups, for example fordifferent f-stops or different illuminations.

This parameter refers to the video values labeled with (2) in the diagram in section 4.9.
The internal processing is not limited up to 255@8bit. This means that after shading correction
it is possible to additionally process higher values such as 300, which can be taken without
loss into the visible area by using the brightness and contrast control afterward.
Internal value is a 14-bit video, diagram range is 8-bit range because the image at the Camera
Link port is usually 8-bit range.

9.5.4 White reference data set
Name
Name

White reference data set

Function

Select the data set for shading correction.

Channels

All

Unit

Integer

Dependency

None

Notes

Four data sets for white reference can be stored inside the camera. The
number for the storage space must be selected in CST when a newreference is created using the Reference wizard.

Camera:Value:

Lower limitAll

Use data set 1

Upper limitAll

Use data set 4

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9.6

Brightness and contrast
These parameters describe the digital offset and gaining parameters for the camera. This
operation takes place in step (3) of the digital image processing pipeline (section 4.5.1; Figure
17: Digital process of the allPIXA pro camera (block diagram)).
NOTE

Using these parameters to adjust image brightness in a wide range to getbrighter images may degrade image quality.
First, use the analog gaining to adjust brightness of the image (see sections
9.2.1 and 9.2.2). For instance, after adjusting analog gain and performing ashading correction (it sets the values for white to 255), you can get the whiteslightly out of the area of the image saturation from 255 to 245.
The internal processing is not limited up to 255@8bit. This means that after
the shading correction it is possible to additionally process higher values
such as 300, which can be taken without loss into the visible area by using
the brightness and contrast control afterward.

9.6.1 Use brightness and contrast
Name
Name

Use brightness and contrast

Function

Enables the digital gaining and contrast function in the camera.

Channels

All

Unit

Bool

Dependency

None

Notes

Camera:Value:

Function:

Lower limit

all

0

Off

Upper limit

all

1

On

9.6.2 Brightness
Name
Name

Brightness

Function

Digital offset

Channels

Red; Green; Blue

Unit

Integer
LinearDependency

Only available if the Use Brightness and Contrast check box has been
selected.

Notes

This value refers to 10-bit image data, in output image there are usually 8bit image data. This results in a relative range of -0.25…+0.25.

Camera:Value:

Output image:

Lower limit

all

-255

-64

Upper limit

all

255

64

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169Output

OrginalAfter (+) Offset
After (-) Offsett
0

0

Input

Take notice that using “Brightness” causes a digital offset in the image data:
Vid Brightness Out(x,y) = (VidIn(x,y) + Offset)•

VidIn(x,y)
correction•

Offsetseparation

Pixel-normalized image after the shading(0...2047 in 10Bit area = 0… 2,0 relative)
Additional adjustable “Brightness” for this color(-255… 0 +255 in 10Bit area = -0,25…0…+0,25••

relative)(x, y)
Vid Brightness Out(x,y)

Number of pixels within a line or column
Output of this step (area 0…1023)

9.6.3 Contrast
Name
Name

Contrast

Function

Digital gaining

Channels

Red; Green; Blue

Unit

Float

Step

0.001

LinearDependency

It is only available if the Use Brightness and Contrast check box has
been selected.

Notes

Camera:Value:

all

0.0

Upper limit

all

2.0

OutputLower limit

OrginalAfter >1 Gaining
After <1 Gaining
0

0

Input

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170Take notice that using „Contrast“causes digital increase or decrease of sensitivity.
VidContrastOut(x,y) = Vid BrightnessOut(x,y)* Gain•

Vid BrightnessOut (x,y)•

Gainseparation

Pixel-normalized image after the Vid Brightness correction(0…2047 in 10Bit area)
Additionally adjustable “Contrast” for this color(0…1…2.0)•(x, y)•

VidContrastOut (x,y)

NOTE

Number of pixels within a line or column
Output of this step (area 0 … 1023)

Calculation is performed in the following order (section 4.5.1; Figure 17: Digitalprocess of the allPIXA pro camera (block diagram) :1. Brightness
2. Contrast

9.7

Camera arrangement

9.7.1 RGB line distance
Name
Name

Set RGB line distance

Function

Delays the line output for the two other lines to match the shift by different
positions on the sensor which is also called “Spatial correction”.

Channels

All

Unit

Float

Step

1/1024

LinearDependency
Notes

None
The value “0” switches this function off.
Line delay can be set up to 5 lines.
With square pixel the viewing angle in transport direction could be up to
36,8° for 5 lines

Camera:
Unit

Value CSTIn 1/1 lines

Lower limit

All

0.0

Upper limit

All

5.0

The trilinear lines of the allPIXA pro camera signify that the camera disposes of 3 individualcolor lines (RGB) which means that for each image point the accurate information is obtained.
The three line sensors are physically arranged in different locations, resulting in theacquirement of the individual color channels to an image of a moving object at different points.
Refer to section 4.2 “Design of the allPIXA camera line scan sensor” / sensor alignment.
For spatial correction, the lines are buffered, and the respective lines are re-aligned with acorresponding correction. The color lines have been delayed by a specific number of lines
and, therefore, the values of R, G and B match each corresponding object point. The allPIXA
pro camera enables this compensation with up to 5+5 lines spacing. Correct color images are
only generated correctly if the ratio of the optical resolution is the same as the resolution oftransport direction.

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If you observe according to the standard conditions, the line resolution is the same as thetransport resolution; the value “4” must be applied. In some applications it can be helpful if thecamera displays correct images even if the transport resolution differs from the resolution in
CCD line direction which is useful for example if transport resolution is lower than opticalresolution.
If the user prefers to receive pixels in a non-square shape (transport resolution is not the sameas the resolution in CCD direction), the value of the line resolution may be lowered to thetransport resolution which means that the camera internally applies a subpixel-based
correction. The result is that the images do not have any colored edges, even if the transport
resolution does not match the resolution in CCD direction (=optical resolution).
For calculation of the setting value, use one of the following formulas:
Either𝐿𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 =𝑇𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑅𝑒𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛(𝑑𝑝𝑖) ∗ 4
𝑂𝑝𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑅𝑒𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛(𝑑𝑝𝑖) ∗ 𝑐𝑜𝑠 (𝛼)

or
𝑚𝑚
)∗4
𝑝𝑖𝑥𝑒𝑙
𝐿𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 =𝑚𝑚𝑇𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑃𝑖𝑥𝑒𝑙𝑆𝑖𝑧𝑒() ∗ 𝑐𝑜𝑠 (𝛼)𝑝𝑖𝑥𝑒𝑙
𝑂𝑝𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑃𝑖𝑥𝑒𝑙𝑆𝑖𝑧𝑒 (•𝛼viewing angle in transport direction (0° = perpendicular)

Function of the subpixel line shift:With subpixel compensation

Without patented subpixel compensation

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1729.7.2 Scan direction
Name
Name

Set scan direction

Function

Changes the sequence from forward to backward (for example from R-G-B to
B-G-R), to adapt to the movement direction of a conveyor regarding to theorientation of the camera.

Channels

All

Unit

Bool

Dependency

None

Notes

Camera:Value:

All

ForwardAll

BackwardAll

Set by ext. pinAll

Set by encoder direction

Direction of the spatial correction depends on the direction of transport regarding to theorientation of the camera, i.e. the sequence of the lines in the direction of transport can beeither red-green-blue (RGB) or blue-green-red (BGR) but the sequence can be changed, if
necessary. Then the color offset is being corrected, irrespective of the installation position of
the camera.
If the encoder is activated, the transport direction can be determined in the encoder controller.
If the determined scan direction from the encoder doesn't match the scan direction in free-run
mode, the scan direction from the encoder could be inverted with the I/O configurator (Invert
scan direction from encoder)
In addition, the scan direction could also be set with an external pin by e.g. the motor controlof the system.

Direction:

Image for value Forward:

Image for value Backward:

top
top

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1739.7.3 Enable suppression of lines/frame due to encoder direction
Name
Name

Enable suppression of lines/frame

Function

Enables the suppression of lines / frames

Channels

All

Unit

Bool

Dependency

Only available if the scan direction could be detected by two-channel encoder
or input.

Notes

On the Camera arrangement page, Set scan direction must be set to
Forward or to Backward.
The second encoder input or the direction input is specified using the IO
Configurator in the same way as for Set by ext. pin or Set by encoder
direction.

Camera:Value:

Lower limit

all

Off

Upper limit

all

On

If during scanning transport stops and moves backwards for a short time, a part of the object isscanned twice with color distortions. If a two-channel encoder is used, or if a motor direction
bit is connected by use of the IO Configurator, the camera can correct this by suppressing up
to 64K lines until the object is again at the position at which transport changed direction
beforehand:

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1749.7.4 Suppress lines/frames mode
Name
Name

Suppress lines/frames mode

Function

Defines the direction for suppression

Channels

All

Unit

Bool

Dependency

Only available if the Enable suppression of lines/frame check box isselected.

Notes

Camera:9.8

Value:

Lower limit

all

Suppress lines against selected direction

Upper limit

all

Suppress lines in selected direction

Image sizes
If the camera is supplied with information about the frame start at CC2, CC3 or CC4 (via
Camera Link) or at the IO Port, it is able to generate FVAL (VSync) and frame-valid signal.
The external signals must be connected with the IO Configurator to the internal functions with
CST. Without these signals, the camera is able to send images in free-run mode.

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1759.8.1 Number of scan lines per image (frame mode)
Name
Name

Number of scan lines per image

Function

Image size in transport direction

Channels

All

Unit

Integer

Dependency

Only in frame scan mode

Notes

9.8.2

Camera:Value:

Lower limitAll

1

Upper limit

All

1 Meg for fixed object length (use start condition only)
64K for mixed object lengths (use start and stop
condition)

Image start delay
Name
Name

Image start delay

Function

Delay of image start after frame trigger in lines; the frame trigger could betaken internally or externally.

Channels

All

Unit

Integer

Dependency

Only in frame scan mode

Notes

Camera:Value:

Lower limitAll0Upper limit

All

32767

Sample for use of Image start delay:

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Refer to section 9.9 Synchronization.

9.8.3 Scan line length
Name
Name

Scan line length

Function

Image width

Channels

All

Unit

Integer

Dependency

None

Notes

The numbers of pixels are centered to the visible area of the camera. The
image width depends on the used video output mode (for example a multipleof 2, or for some frame grabbers 8 or 16 may be needed). See section
9.11.4.

Camera:Lower limit

Upper limit

Value:

All

2

4k

4.096

5k

5120

6000 px

6.000

7.3k

7.300 (7.296 as default)

There are two different cases for scan line length:•

Original: Scan line length equal to sensor length:

Scan line length is set to the sensor length of the camera, for example 4096 at a 4K
allPIXA pro.

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•

Cropping: Scan line length shorter than sensor length:

The camera captures an image from a ROI which is centered in the sensor.

9.8.4 Horizontal binning
Name
Name

Horizontal binning

Function

Enables horizontal pixel reduction. Several neighbored pixels are averaged
to a single pixel which is output.

Channels

All

Unit

Integer

Dependency

Due to the restrictions of some frame grabbers, only special module
numbers of pixels are possible.
For most grabbers the number of camera link clock cycles and the numberof pixels must be an integer value, sometimes with an additional modulo offor example 8.
You must test the number of pixels for your application, especially for thecamera full modes in RGB.

Notes

Only the amount of output data per line is affected.
With 2/3 reduction, a line length modulo 3 is needed for most frame
grabbers

If you use Horizontal Binning, the values of First relative pixel of whitereference and Number of pixels for white reference refer to theunreduced image.

Camera:Value:

All

1/1 (no reduction)All

1/2 reductionAll

1/4 reductionAll

1/8 reduction

All

1/16 reductionAll

2/3 reduction

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1789.8.5 Vertical scan line reduction
9.8.5.1 Vertical scan line reduction pattern length
Name
Name

Vertical scan line reduction pattern length

FunctionSet the length of the frame-synchronous line reduction register.

Channels

All

Unit

Integer

Dependency

Works only with Vertical scan line reduction patternThis function can be used to suppress dark lines if LED flashing is used. With
this function the camera runs "with a lower speed" at the output.

Notes

If you activate Vertical scan line reduction, the value of First image line ofwhite reference refers to the unreduced image, while the value of Numberof image lines for white reference refers to the reduced image.

CameraValue

Lower limitAll

0 (without reduction)

Upper limit

All89.8.5.2 Vertical scan line reduction pattern
Name
Name

Vertical scan line reduction pattern

Function

Defines the pattern of the frame synchronous line reduction register.

Channels

All

Unit

Integer

Dependency

Works only with Vertical scan line reduction pattern length.

Notes

This function can be used to suppress dark lines if LED flashing is used. With
this function the camera runs "with a lower speed" at the output.

CameraValue

Lower limitAll0Upper limit

All

7

Example:Vertical scan line reduction pattern length = 6
Vertical scan line reduction pattern = 0x25 (100101b)
The pattern is evaluated from right to left. Thus the first, the third and the sixth line of every sixlines are output.
NOTE•

Number of scan lines per image refers to the original image before scanline reduction takes place.

•

Scan line reduction also takes effect outside the image.

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9.9

Synchronization (frame synchronization)
The allPIXA pro camera is able to generate frame information.
Some settings are necessary if you want to use this mode.
NOTE IFirst, the hardware ports must be connected to the internal functions of thecamera. Therefore, use the IO Configurator in CST and refer to section 8.10
“IO Configurator”.

NOTE IIIf the camera is used in “Triggered Frame Scan” mode with active LineTrigger
or Encoder, the linesync (Encoder or LineTrigger) must fit some pulses before
light barrier input.

9.9.1 Triggered frame scan
Name
Name

Triggered frame scan

Function

Enables the triggered frame scan modes

Channels

All

Unit

Integer

Dependency

None

Notes

CameraValue

All

Free-runningAll

Use start condition onlyAll

ReservedAll

Use start and stop condition

There are 4 different modes:a) (0) Free-running:
FVAL is generated continuously, depending on Number of scan lines (Image height)
and Image start delay.

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FVAL (Frame valid) is generated after receiving a frame trigger signal. The frame isdelayed by the value of Image start delay and image length is defined by Number ofscan lines (Image height).

Sample:Image acquisition is started automatically. It is also possible to specify
a delay if the scanning position is behind the light barrier:c) (2) Reserved:
Reserved for OEMs and future use.
d) (3) Use start and stop condition:
FVAL is generated after receiving a frame trigger signal. The frame is delayed by thevalue of Image start delay. Image length depends on the length of the pulse from theframe trigger port.

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181Sample:This function is useful for automatic detection of different object sizes;
the camera sends a correctly sized image.

For information about Number of scan lines and Image start delay, see section 9.8.

9.9.2 Scan lines after stop
Name
Name

Scan lines after stop

Function

Sets the number of lines added to the image after the stop condition.

Channels

All

Unit

Integer

Dependency

Only available if Use start and stop condition is selected at Triggered
frame scan

Notes

CameraValue

Lower limitAll0Upper limit

All

65535

Sample:If the transported object is not rotated, the result with Use start and stop
condition is not satisfactory.

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If you use the parameter “Scan line after stop”, the setup deals with this issue:•

Set a suitable value for the parameter Scan line after stop, for example 300 lines•

Reduce the value of Image start delay by half of the value of Scan lines after stop, forexample original value of 1000 lines – (300 lines / 2) = 850 lines

9.9.3 Stop after maximum number of lines
Name
Name

Stop after max. scan lines

Function

Stops the image if no ending edge or signal of the frame trigger is detected
after the given “maximum number of lines”.

Channels

All

Unit

Bool

Dependency

Only available if Use start and stop condition is selected at Triggered
frame scan

Notes

Maximum numbers of scan lines must be set to a reasonable value.

CameraValue

Lower limit

All

0

Off

Upper limit

All

1

On

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9.9.4 Maximum number of scan lines
Name
Name

Maximum number of lines

Function

Stops the image after getting the maximum number of lines if no falling edgeof the frame trigger is detected.

Channels

All

Unit

Integer

Dependency

Only available if Use start and stop condition is specified at Triggered
frame scan and Stop after max. scan lines has been activated.

Notes

CameraValue

Lower limitAll

1

Upper limit

All

65530

9.9.5 Internal frame trigger
This function permits to use a brightness change as frame trigger instead of an external lightbarrier. The camera starts or stops image acquisition if the medium brightness of pixels in a
specified ROI crosses a specified threshold. To activate the function, use the IO Configurator
to select the respective connector in the Frame trigger / light barrier section (see section
8.10):

To control behavior of the internal frame trigger, set the parameters Triggered frame scanand Select trigger edge detection accordingly.
The following graphic shows examples for threshold values for bright objects (in blue color)and for dark objects (in green color):

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9.9.5.1 ROI start
Name
Name

Internal LB ROI start

Function

Specified at which pixel the ROI starts

Channels

All

Unit

Integer

Dependency

Takes effect only if the internal frame trigger has been activated using the IO
Configurator.

Notes

The ROI, specified by ROI start and ROI length, must be completely within
the front or the rear tap. It must not cross the tap border.

CameraValue

Lower limitAll

1

Upper limit

All

###

9.9.5.2 ROI length
Name
Name

Internal LB ROI length

Function

Specifies the ROI length

ChannelsAll

Unit
Dependency

Takes effect only if the internal frame trigger has been activated using the IO
Configurator.

Notes

The ROI, specified by ROI start and ROI length, must be completely within
the front or the rear tap. It must not cross the tap border.

CameraLower limit

Value

All

32 pixel
64 pixel
128 pixel

Upper limitAll

256 pixel

9.9.5.3 Rising level
Name
Name

Rising level

Function

Specifies the threshold for a rising edge.

Channels

All

Unit

Integer

Dependency

Takes effect only if the internal frame trigger has been activated using the IO
Configurator.

Notes

CameraValue

Lower limitAll

1

Upper limit

All

254

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1859.9.5.4 Falling level
Name
Name

Falling level

Function

Specifies the threshold for a falling edge.

Channels

All

Unit

Integer

Dependency

Takes effect only if the internal frame trigger has been activated using the IO
Configurator.

Notes

CameraValue

Lower limitAll

1

Upper limit

All

254

9.9.5.5 Color channel
Name
Name

Color channel

Function

If All color channels is selected, the medium values for all three colors
must fulfill the condition. For example, if image acquisition should start arising edge, it starts as soon as the medium values for all three colors areabove the specified threshold.

Channels

All

Unit

Integer

Dependency

Takes effect only if the internal frame trigger has been activated using the IO
Configurator.

Notes

CameraValue

All

All color channels

All

Red color channel

All

Green color channel

All

Blue color channel

9.9.5.6 ROI visible
Name
Name

Internal LB ROI visible

Function

If ROI visible is selected, the ROI is shown in the image in green color at theline at which the threshold is crossed for a rising edge, in red color for a
falling edge.

Channels

All

Unit

Integer

Dependency

Takes effect only if the internal frame trigger has been activated using the IO
Configurator.

Notes

CameraValue

Lower limit

All

ROI not visible

Upper limitAll

ROI visible

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The following image shows an example of an inserted ROI:

9.9.6 Input debouncing speed (Frame trigger)
To trigger images from an external source, the signal of the frame trigger, for example from alight barrier, must be connected to the hardware ports of the camera; this could be done bymeans of the frame grabber using CC-bits, the D-Sub 15 IO port on the camera, or internalframe trigger. For more information about an internal frame trigger, see section 9.9.5.
This external signal must be connected to the internal function (frame trigger) with the IO
configuration. See 8.10.
The single inputs have different properties regarding the debouncing speed.

Name
Name

Input debouncing speed for the frame trigger

Function

Selects the different debouncing speeds to be used for the frame trigger input

Channels

All

Unit

Time, see below

Dependency

Only active if Use start condition only or Use start and stop condition is
selected.
The external frame trigger input must be selected with the IO configuration.

Notes

The frame trigger for the camera needs to be, depending on the parameter,at least 6 to 10 lines stable.

CameraValue

All

Peakholder (LB2)All

50 ns (LB1)All

4 image lines (LB3)

All

60 image lines (LB0)

By using this option you can select the debouncing speed of the frame trigger.
There are different methods for debouncing the signal:•

Peakholder:•

Fast: 4 clock pulses•

Middle:4 output lines•

Very long:

60 output lines

no debouncing, peak holder~ 50 ns

Examples:•If you use the zero output of an encoder, which is usually 1/4 of an encoder step, youmust lengthen this pulse to enable the camera to use it as a frame trigger.
Therefore you must set the debouncing to Peakholder.
In this case every short "peak" is held for 10 camera lines.

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•

If you scan punched papers and the light barrier could hit punches, you must set thedebouncing to 60 lines. In this case the camera "overlooks" the holes and creates asingle image of the paper.
Otherwise the camera creates two images, one from paper start to the hole and one
from the hole to paper end.

9.9.7 Select trigger edge detection
Name
Name

Select trigger edge detection

Function

This determines whether the frame trigger is evaluated at the rising or at thefalling edge.

ChannelsAll

Unit
Dependency

Only active if Use start condition or Use start and stop condition is
selected.

Notes

CameraValue

All(Start) Falling edge

All

(Start) Rising edge

This function determines whether the image starts at rising or falling edge of the signal. Setting
differs for Use start condition only and for Start and stop condition.
The state of the ports is checked synchronized with the line frequency clock. At each risingedge of the line frequency clock, the status is checked and the debouncing condition must becomplied with. See section 9.9.6.
The following tables show suitable sequences and their function (screen shots fromCST):
If Use start condition only is selected as triggered frame scan parameter:This means that the image starts with rising edge ofthe frame trigger input(with a delay of Image start delay lines, see section
9.8.2, the lengt of the image is Scan line lengthlines, see section 9.8.3)

If Start and stop condition is selected as triggered frame scan parameter:This means that the image starts with rising edge ofthe frame trigger input( with a delay of Image start delay lines, section see
9.8.2, the length of the image corresponds to thelength of the frame trigger).
Optionally Stop after max. scan lines (see section
9.9.3), or Scan lines after stop (see section 9.9.2)
could be used.

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1881. Use start condition only

Select trigger edge detection

Function
These sequences cause a frame start at a risingedge:

Trigger
Image

These sequences cause a frame start at a fallingedge.

Trigger
Image

2. Use start and stop condition

Select trigger edge detection

Function
These sequences cause a frame start at a rising edge
and the frame stop at a falling edge.

Trigger
Image

These sequences cause a frame start at a fallingedge and the frame stop at a rising edge.

Trigger
Image

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9.9.8 Master-slave setup
Name
Name

Set master-slave mode

Function

Synchronization of several allPIXA pro cameras

ChannelsAll

Unit
Dependency

Notes

Set this parameter in all slave cameras similarly.
Use only one camera as a master• The position of the image in transport direction (Y) of each camera can be
set separately.
The image length is defined by the master.
• Also, the position (X + Y) and the size of the white reference can be set
separately.
• This parameter only takes effect if Global master/slave mode is set toGet master/slave from setting.

CameraValue

All

No master slave operation

All

Camera acts as masterAll

Camera is slave

All

Auto-select by input

If more than one camera is used, for example in print inspection, these cameras must be
synchronized accurately to achieve the best system performance.
Connect line trigger / frame trigger to the master camera.
Connect master and slave camera(s)For more information, see section 8.8.

9.10 Image processing
9.10.1 Mirror image horizontally
Name
Name

Mirror image horizontally

Function

Mirrors the lines inside the camera.

Channels

All

Unit

Bool

Dependency

None

Notes

Function must be switched off for the acquisition of the black-value andshading reference (white balancing).

Camera:Value:

Function:

Lower limit

All

0

Off

Upper limit

All

1

On

This function changes the sequence of the pixels within the line, i.e. the left pixels are replacedby the right ones. As a result, the alignment of the line with the direction of transport ispossible, irrespective of the camera’s installation position (pixel 1 left or right).

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With mirroring

Without mirroring

9.10.2 Swap red and blue color channel
Name
Name

Swap red and blue color channel

Function

On video output, the red and the blue channel are swapped

Channels

Red, blue

Unit

Bool

Dependency

None

Notes

Some frame grabbers first expect the blue channel, instead of the redchannel and this may cause wrong colors in the resulting image. This task
can be performed in real time inside of the camera; this is usually faster thandoing with the frame grabber.

Camera:Value:

Function:

Lower limit

All

0

Off

Upper limit

All

1

On

9.10.3 Color conversion
Name
Name

Color conversion mode

Function

Permits to enable color conversion by a 3x3 matrix, for example from RGB tosRGB. For the chromaPIXA camera, it permits to enable color conversion
using data generated with the Chromasens program ChromaCalc.

ChannelsAll

Unit
Dependency

None

Notes

The color conversion matrix has to be generated offline and must betransferred to the camera.

Camera:Value:All

Color conversion disabledAll

Use 3x3 matrix method

chromaPIXA

Use ChromaCalc-generated data

For more information about how to modify a color conversion matrix, see section 8.9.

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1919.10.4 Select active CCM
Name
Name

Select active CCM

Function

Selects the number of the used color conversion matrix. Four matrix tables
are available.

Channels

All

Unit

Integer

Dependency

It is only available if Use color conversion matrix has been selected.

Notes

Matrix 1 is the default table and it cannot be modified.

Camera:Values:Use Matrix 1 … Use Matrix 4

All

9.10.5 Gamma correction
Name
Name

Gamma correction

Function

Performs a LUT operation for gamma correction with image data

Channels

All

Unit

Float

Step

0.1

Log.
Dependency

Notes

None
•

The value “0” causes the camera to ignore the mentioned image
processing step with the LUT; value “1” causes a linear LUT(output=input) which may be used.

•

For the value 0.1, a special gamma table for sRGB conversion isused! See also section 8.9.

•

For the value 0.2, a special gamma table for multi-spectral
applications is used!

•

This function must be switched off for the acquisition of the black-value
and shading reference (white balancing).

Camera:Value CST:

Lower limitall0Upper limit

all

2.5

A CCD sensor has a linear sensitivity (the brightness sensitivity of the humans is non-linear).
Gamma correction serves to adapt the linear sensitivity curve of a camera to the human eye.
As a result, the brightness in certain areas of the image is increased and lowered in others.

OutputWith a gamma value of 1, the curve is linear. If the gamma value is lower than 1, the images
are darker, and images with a gamma value above 1 are brighter.

Input

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9.10.6 Use keystone correction
Name
Name

Use keystone correction

Function

Enables the function keystone correction.

Channels

Red, Blue

Unit

Bool

Dependency

None

Notes

Camera:Value:

Function:

Lower limit

All

0

Off

Upper limit

All

1

On

Sign: negative refers to red channel

Sign: positive refers to red channel

Sample with correction value of +3.5

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1939.10.7 Pixel shift for correction
Name
Name

Pixel shift for correction

Function

Sets the pixel shift up to +/- 4 pixels for the first and the last pixel. Between
the center and the first and last pixels they are linearly interpolated between 0
and the specified value.

Channels

Red, Blue

Unit

Float

Dependency

Only available if the option Use keystone correction has been activated.

Notes

The start value for the first and last pixels relates to the nominal length of thecamera (4K with a 4K allPIXA pro)

Step

Camera:0.1

Value CST:

Lower limit

All

- 4

Upper limit

All

+4

9.10.8 Keystone correction width
Name
Name

Keystone correction width

FunctionStart value from the center for keystone/TCA correction

Channels

Red, Blue

Unit

Integer

Dependency

Only available if the option Use keystone correction has been activated.

Notes

Set to 1 to use as a standard keystone correction.

Camera:Value:

Lower limitAll

1 = default

Upper limit

4k

2,048

Upper limit

5k

5,060

Upper limit

6000k

3000

Upper limit

7.3k

3,648

TCA (= Transversal Chromatic Aberration) is an objective-caused displacement of 3 colors
increasing at the edge.

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9.11.1 Video output mode
Name
Name

Video output mode

Function

Sets the output on the Camera Link port to different modes, for example
RGB as standard or to gray-level output.

Channels

All

Unit

Integer

Dependency

Notes

If Color image is selected, 6 different output formats are available at Type of
CameraLink interface, ranging from Base up to Full80_10Tx8Bit 1X Raw.
For mono images, only Base mode is available, for Mono image (8 Bit on
CL-port 1) in addition Base 3T8bit 1X3 Raw.
For the gray-image calculation, the values of Color weights are used.

Camera:Lower limit

Upper limit

Value:

Function:All

0Color image (3*8 Bit parallel)

All

1

Mono image (8 Bit on CL-port 1)

All

2

Mono image (10 Bit on CL-port 1)

All

3

Mono image (12 Bit on CL-Port 1)

OEM versions

Special modes are available

9.11.2 Color weights
Name
Name

Color weights

Function

Calculates the mono-value for the pixel using data from RGB, weighted withthis factor.

Channels

Red; Green; Blue

Unit

Float

Step:

0,01

LinearDependency

Notes

Only active if output mode on Camera Link is set to Mono mode.
The sum of these 3 parameters should be 1.0. A higher sum causes a“brighter” image, and a lower sum causes a “darker” image. Standard valuesby NTSC and the default values in the camera are the following:
Red:
0.299
Green:
0.587
Blue:
0.114

Camera:Value CST:

Lower limitAll0Upper limit

All

1

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Name
Name

Camera Link connection speed

Function

Sets the pixel clock on the Camera Link port to 85, 75.56 MHz or 61.82 MHz

Channels

All

Unit

Integer

Dependency

None• This function reduces only the pixel clock at the output, the internal clock is
not changed.

Notes• The minimum integration / line time may be limited by this function. Please
see the limitations in the table mentioned below.
• For some applications it would be helpful to increase the Camera Link datawidth and reduce the speed, for example to be able to use the camera withlonger cables.

Camera:Value:All

Standard (75.5 MHz)AllHigh speed (85 MHz)All

Reduced speed (61.8 MHz)For information about minimum integration time for different camera types at different output
pixel clocks, see the following section 9.11.4:

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1969.11.4 Camera Link interface type and minimum line time (integration time)
Name
Name

Type of Camera Link interface

Function

Sets the output to Base, Medium, Full64 or Full80 mode

Channels

All

Unit

Integer

Dependency

None

Notes

•

For some modes, the line rates and integration time are limited. For
details, refer to the table below.

•

For some modes, the scan line length must be a multiple of x.
For details, refer to the table below.

•

For Base mode the Camera Link connector 1 must be used.

•

allPIXA pro-Mono supports only the first two modes.

CameraLower limit

Value

All

FunctionBase
1Tx24b (1X1), for color output
2Tx8b, 2Tx10b or 2Tx12b(2XE for mono output with the color camera)
Scan line length must be a multiple of 2.

Base 3Tx8Bit 1X3 Raw
All
Scan line length must be a multiple of 2.
All

Medium 2XE
2Tx24b (2XE RGB)
Scan line length must be a multiple of 2

All

Medium 1X2 (RGB, RAW)
2Tx24b (1X2, Raw)
Scan line length must be a multiple of 2.

All

Full64_8Tx8Bit 1X Raw,
RGB with 8 color planes per Camera Link clock.
Scan line length must be a multiple of 16.

All

Full80_8Tx10Bit 1X Raw
RGB with 8 color planes per Camera Link clock.
Scan line length must be a multiple of 16.

Upper limit

All

Full80_10Tx8Bit 1X Raw
RGB with 10 color planes per Camera Link clock
Scan line length must be a multiple of 2.

NOTE

If you work with Encoder and with low CameraLink speed, e.g. with Basemode, make sure that the time between Encoder pulses is always longer
than line transmission time. Otherwise the images are erroneous and thecamera indicates this error at the Speed2High bit if Info block in eachline has been activated on the Output format page (see section
9.11.6.2).

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Minimum line time (integration time) for different camera types at different Camera Link
modes and frequencies:
All output in regard with >16 clocks cycles gap between the camera link lines.
allPIXA pro 4k (4096 pixel):

Full80_
Full80_8Tap_10Bit 10Tap_8Bit

Mono
output2XE*

Mono
output
1X3*

CL-Definition

Base
Mode

Mediummode

Full64mode

85.00 MHz48.471µs

24.328µs

19.669µs

19,669µs

19,685 µs

24.328µs

19,685µs75.56 MHz54.542µs

27.434µs

20.657µs

20.657µs

19.685 µs

27.434µs

19,685µs61.82 MHz66.542µs

33.505µs

25.175µs

25.175µs

20.234µs

33.505 µs

22,523µs*) mono output available in Camera Link Base mode (at 8; 10 or 12 bits per pixel)
allPIXA pro 5k (5120 pixel):Mono
output2XE*

Mono
output1X3*

24.48µs

30.48µs

24.48µs25.77µs

24.48µs

34.24µs

24.48µs

31.50µs

25.28µs

41.85µs

28.04µs

Full80_
Full80_8Tap_10Bit 10Tap_8Bit

CL-Definition

Base
Mode

Mediummode

Full64mode

85.00 MHz60.55µs30.44µs

24.48µs

24.48µs75.56 MHz68.12µs

34.24µs25.77µs

61.82 MHz

83.26µs

41.85µs

31.50µs*) mono output available in Camera Link Base mode (at 8; 10 or 12 bits per pixel)
allPIXA pro 6000px (6000 pixel):

Full80_
Full80_8Tap_10Bit 10Tap_8Bit

Mono
output2XE*

Mono
output
1X3*

CL-Definition

Base
Mode

Mediummode

Full64mode

85.00 MHz70.92µs

35.48µs

29.14µs

29.14µs

29.14µs

35.48µs

29,14µs75.56 MHz79,62µs

39,92µs

29,99µs

29,99µs

29,99µs

39,92µs

29,14µs

61.82 MHz

97.32µs

48.79µs

36.66µs

36.66µs

36.66µs

48.79µs

32,79µs*) mono output available in Camera Link Base mode (at 8; 10 or 12 bits per pixel)
allPIXA pro 7.3k (7300 pixel):Mono
output2XE *Mono
output1X3 *33.65µs

43.26µs

33,65µs

36.594µs

33.65µs

48.67µs

33,65µs

44.72µs

35.86µs

59.48µs

39,80µs

Full80_
Full80_8Tap_10Bit 10Tap_8Bit

CL-Definition

Base
Mode

Mediummode

Full64mode

85.00 MHz86.20µs

43.26µs

33.65µs

33.65µs75.56 MHz

96.98µs

48.67µs

36.59µs

61.82 MHz118.53µs

59.48µs

44.72µs*) mono output available in Camera Link Base mode (at 8; 10 or 12 bits per pixel)

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9.11.5 Information insertion mode
Name
Name

Information insertion mode

Function

Enables the function for displaying additional information in the image andselects the tap in which the information is displayed.

Channels

All

Unit

Byte

Dependency

None

Notes

CameraFunction

All

First pixels

All

Last pixels

All

First and last pixels

9.11.6 Insert mode
Name
Name

Insert mode

Function

Permits to display different camera data in the image (for example image
counter or line counter)

Channels

All

Unit

Byte

Dependency

None

Notes

The parameter inside the camera is measured in bytes. In CST the single
bits can be specified by the check boxes.

CameraFunction

All

First line info blockAll

Test ramp last line

All

Check sum last line

All

Info block in each line

All

Activate pixel 9-16

All

Gray-value sum <-> Contrast value sum

Single information is displayed in the image as shown below:•„FirstLine_InfoBlock“:
Image-related information is shown in the first 22 pixels of the first image line.
The image functionality is required.

•„EachLine_InfoBlock“:
Line-related information is shown in the first 10 or 17 pixels of each line, depending on theselections for Insert Mode.

•

Last line information:
There are two options for the last image line:ooA test ramp is inserted into the last line. Image functionality is required.
It starts with 128 from outside, increments with 1 and overruns with 255.
The check sum for the image data is inserted into the last transmitted pixels of eachtap. In the resulting image they are located centrically on both sides of the tap border.
Image functionality is required.

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1999.11.6.1 First line information

Information

5

6

7

8

9

Pixel

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

Time stamp

4

Encoderclocks3Line time

2

Integrationtime

1

Image count0

Serial no.

Line 0

Pixel

Error reg.
Temperature

Overview on the info block „First line info block“:
20

21

22

Description

1–2–3–4

Displays the serial number of the camera as 16+16 bit value:Px 1
MSByte SerialNumber_FirstPart,Px 2
LSByte SerialNumber_FirstPart,Px 3
MSByte SerialNumber_SecondPart,Px 4
LSByte SerialNumber_SecondPart,
Each with the same value for RGB.
Sample:1000-1234 = allPIXA camera with serial number 1234

6–7

16-bit image counter starts at power-on with 0 and could bepreset with software by use of TAG_IMAGECOUNTER (291H).
Px 6
MSByte,Px 7
LSByte,Each with the same value for RGB.

8–9

16-bit value of the current integration time for the CCD inclocks at 100 MHz. Integration times, which are measured inµs, are IntTime/100. (Up to P3.00: /113,33)
Px 8:
MSByte,Px 9
LSByte,Each with the same value for RGB.

11–12–13

20-bit value of the current line time for the CCD in clocks at
100 MHz. Integration times, which are measured in µs, are
IntTime/100. (Up to P3.00: /113,33) Line time, measured in µs,
is LineTime.
Px 11:MSBytePx 12
MidBytePx 13
LSByteEach with the same value for RGB.

Encoder clocks

14–15–16–17

32-bit counter starts with power-on with 0 and has an overflow
at 2^32.
Line trigger pulses (line trigger active) and encoder pulses(encoder active) counts depending on the selected mode; canbe used as position information by a sequence of documents.
Can be reset with software by use of
TAG_CLEAR_ENCODER (947 H).
Px 14:MSBytePx 15higher MidByte
Px 16lower MidByte
Px 17
LSByteEach with the same value for RGB.

Error register/Boardtemperatures

18

Serial number

Image Count

Integrationtime

Line time

Red: In case of any error, it is inserted here.
Green: Temperature of power board
Blue: Temperature of sensor board

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200Information

Pixel

Time stamp

Markers

Description

19–20–21„Real time clock”
Output is in a 16.8b seconds value. TimeStamp (23:8) states
the seconds when the power is on or in case of reset.
TimeStamp (7:0) issues the decimal places in a multiple of 4
milliseconds. (0…249)
Sample:TimeStamp = 0x123456➔ 0x1234=
4660
secondssincestart= 1h, 17min, 40 seconds➔ 0x56 = 86 *4= 344 ms.
Px 19
MSBytePx 20
MidBytePx 21
LSByteEach with the same value for RGB.

0–5–10–22

It is used for marking the info block with red pixels.
Red
xFF
Blue
x00
Green
x00

9.11.6.2 Each line information
Overview at the info block „Each line info block“:
7

8

9

10

12

13

14

15

16

17

Green Rear (23:16)

Blue Rear (23:16)

Red Rear (23:16)

Blue Front (23:16)

xFF

Red Front (23:16)

State of ext. Inputs(23:16)

xFF

Green Rear (15:8)

Blue Rear (15:8)

Red Rear (15:8)

x00

Red Front (15:8)

State of ext. Inputs(15:8)

x00

Chromasens PMA_CHR_CD40127_R04 allPIXA_pro_User Manual.docx

Green Rear (7:0)

Blue Rear (7:0)

Red Rear (7:0)

x00

Red Front (7:0)

x00State of ext. Inputs(7:0)

MaxVal. Front R (7:0)

MaxVal. Rear R (7:0)
MaxVal. Rear G (7:0)
MaxVal. Rear B (7:0)

Time stamp (7:0)

Next line pos.
Frac,(7:0)

Encoder clock (7:0)

Line time (7:0)

Cont
Line
CNT
7:0

Line count (7:0)

x00

11

GrayValSum or ContrastValue

MaxVal. Front B (7:0) MaxVal. Front G (7:0)

Time stamp (7:0)

Next line pos. (7:0)

Encoder clock (15:8)

Line time (15:8)

Cont
Line
CNT
15:8

Line count (15:8)

Green x00

Blue

6

Blue Front (15:8)

5

Time stamp (15:8)

Encoder clock (23:16)

Speed2High
Line time (19:16)

xFF

Error register

Red

4

Info blockBlue Front (7:0)

3Green Front (23:16)

2

Green Front (15:8)

1

Green Front (7:0)

0

Value

Next line pos. (15:8)

Pixel

201

Information

Pixel

ChannelDescription

ContLineCNT

0

G/B

If Image start delay has the value 0, a line count isinserted as 16-bit value in the green and blue channel. Thelines are counted continuously, i.e. the count is not reset atthe start of a new image. Can be used to check whether
lines are missing between adjacent images.

Error register

1

R

In case of any error, it is inserted here.

Line Count

1

G/B

16-bit line count since image startR (7)The highest bit has the value of “Speed2High” (the line
time decreases the specified integration time). Now thecamera is in free-running line mode (only in Encoder/Line
trigger mode if the speed becomes too high).

R/G/B

20-bit value of the current line time for the CCD in pixel
clocks. The line time, measured in µs, is LineTime.
Resolution 10ns
Red
MSByte (3:0), Bits (6:4) are zero
Green
MidByteBlue
LSByte24-bit counter starts at power-on with 0 and overflows at
2^24. At a slave camera, the value is always zero.
Line trigger pulses (line trigger active) and encoder pulses(encoder active) are counted depending on the selectedmode and can be used as position information by asequence of documents. It can be reset by.
Red
MSByteGreen
MidByteBlue
LSByteSpeed too highLine time2

2

Encoder clock

3

R/G/B

Next line
trigger position

4

R/G/B

Information of the next line trigger position in encoder
pulses (only at encoder mode). The calculated position isshown in a 16.8b value. If encoder averaging is used, thevalue is divided by the average size. At a slave camera,
this field has the value zero.
Red
MSByte integer part
Green
LSByte integer partBlue
decimal place

Time stamp

5

R/G/B

„Real time clock”
Output is a 16.8b seconds value. TimeStamp (23:8) states
the seconds when the power is on or in case of reset.
TimeStamp (7:0) issues the decimal places in a multiple of
4 milliseconds. (0…249)
Sample:TimeStamp = 0x123456➔ 0x1234=
4660
secondssincestart= 1 h, 17 min, 40 seconds➔ 0x56 = 86 *4= 344ms.
Red
MSByteGreen
MidByteBlue
LSByteMax video
value

6/7

R/G/B

Maximum (raw-) video value (8Bit) for each color of thelast whole line.
Pixel 6
FrontTap
Pixel 7
RearTap

State of ext.
inputs

8

R/G/B

The state of several input ports is indicated by bits of thispixel. For more information, see the table below.

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202

Information

Pixel

ChannelDescription

Gray value sum

10 - 15

R/G/B

24-bit gray value sum of front and rear tap raw video inside
the set line length of the last line as a value for the image
brightness.
Pixel 10
Red front
Pixel 11
Green front
Pixel 12
Blue front
Pixel 13
Red rear
Pixel 14
Green rear
Pixel 15
Blue rearFor each pixel, values are shown in this order:Red
MSByteBlue
MidByteGreenLSByteIt can be shown optionally with Contrast value sum.

Contrast value
sum

10-15

R/G/B

Contrast sums of front and rear tap raw video inside theset line length of the last line. It is a value of the image’s
sharpness.
Note: e.g. with 2048 pixels there are only 2047 difference
values.
For ordering refer to the “Contrast value sum” as follows:

It can be shown optionally with Gray value sum.
Markers

0,9,16

R/G/B

It is used for marking the info blocks with red pixels.
Red
xFF
Blue
x00 or ContLineCNT first byte
Greenx00 or ContLineCNT second byte (see above)

Bit assignments for State of external inputs:

Color bit

Output bit

Pin

R0

16

CL-CC1R1

17

CL-CC2R2

18

CL-CC3R3

19

CL-CC4

R4-R7

20-23

G0

8

X5-1/9 (RS422 in)

G1

9

X5-2/10 (RS422 in)

G2

10

X5-3

G3

11

X5-4

G4

12

X5-6

G5

13

X5-8

G6

14

X5-12

G7

15

X5-14

B0

0

Internal light barrier

B1-B6

1-6

-

B7

7

ScanDir-

For more information about the pins of the digital IO port, see section 5.1.3.

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2039.11.6.3 Last line information
Overview of LastLine IMGChk Sum:
Pixel line1.. W/2-2

W2-1

W/2

…

Vid ..

Vid

LastLine Vid ..
R

Vid

ChkSumRed
Front(15:8)

LastLine Vid ..
G
LastLine Vid ..
B

W/2+1

W/2+3 ..

W

Vid

..

Vid

ChkSumRed
Rear(15:8)

Vid

..

Vid

Vid

ChkSumGreen ChkSumGreen ChkSumGreen ChkSumGreen
Front(15:8)
Front(7:0)
Rear(7:0)
Rear(15:8)

Vid

..

Vid

Vid

ChkSumBlue
Front(15:8)

Vid

..

Vid

ChkSumRed
Front(7:0)

ChkSumBlue
Front(7:0)

ChkSumRed
Rear(7:0)

ChkSumBlue
Rear(7:0)

W/2+2

ChkSumBlue
Rear(15:8)

LastLine IMGChk Sum is in the last line and in the last two pixels of each tap.
The number of pixels of the camera n is 4096 if you use a 4K-PIXA.
CHK sum overwrites the LastLine test ramp on the last 2 pixels of the tap and it consists of thelast 16 bits of the sum of pixels (8 MSBits), from Pixel 0:0 until H:W/2-2 (with W pixels per tap
and H lines within the image). This means that the CHK sum is naturally not included in thesum.
Note: with 10 bits per pixel the CHK Sum is not applicable!
Position in the image:
Front-Tap

Rear-Tap

MSB LSB LSB MSB
F

F

R

R

In addition, a test ramp starting with the value 128 can be inserted into the last line. The test
ramp can be used to determine the last line of an image.
If both IMGChkSum and test ramp have been activated, the four bytes containing the checksum overwrite the respective pixels of the test ramp.

9.12 LED flash control
For a detailed description of the functionality, see section 8.7.

9.12.1 LED flash control
Name
Name

Set LED flash mode

Function

If set to enabled, the functionality of LED flash control is active

Channels

All

Unit

Bool

Dependency

None

Notes

For more information, see section 8.7 “Multi-channel flash control”.

Camera:Value:

Function:

Lower limitAlldisabled

Off

Upper limitAllenabledOn

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2049.12.2 LED number line pattern
Parameter sets the number of patterns to be used in the LED flash control sequence. The
sequence starts with pattern 1.

Name
Name

Number of line patterns

Function

Sets the number of patterns

Channels

All

Unit

Integer

Dependency

Only available if LED flash control has been enabled

Notes

If LED number of line pattern is set to 0, LED flash control is disabledinternally.
For more information, see section 8.7 “Multi-channel flash control”.

CameraValue

Lower limitAll0Upper limitAll5

9.12.3 LED flash sequence time
Name
Name

LED flash sequence time

Function

Gives the time for the sequence of all valid patterns in microseconds.

Unit

Float

Step:

0.001

LinearDependency

If encoder / line trigger mode is active, LED flash sequence time is ignored

Notes

If all 4 patterns are used, the maximum sequence time is
4 * 2,3 msec = 9,2msec
The sum of all valid patterns may not exceed sequence time.
If the camera is triggered by external input (LineTrigger or Encoder), thefrequency of the trigger signal may not be faster than the sum all active
patterns.
For more information, see section 8.7 “Multi-channel flash control”.

CameraValue

Lower limitAll0Upper limit

All9.200.000

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2059.12.4 LED line pattern
Name
Name

Flash time # at channel #Function

LED line pattern sets the active time for 1 of 4 available patterns and of 1 of 4available output channels in microseconds

Unit

Float

Step:

0.001

LinearDependency

If all line patterns for an output channel are set to 0, the output channel isdisabled

Notes

For more information, see section 8.7 “Multi-channel flash control”.

CameraValue

Lower limitAll0Upper limitAll2.300.000

9.12.5 LED signal frame control
Name
Name

LED signal frame control

FunctionControls whether flash sequence is active continuously or only within image
frames.

Unit

Bool

Dependency

None

Notes

For more information, see section 8.7 “Multi-channel flash control”.

CameraValue

Lower limit

All

Flash outputs set continuously

Upper limit

All

Flash outputs controlled by image frame

9.12.6 Pattern time generation
Name
Name

Pattern time generation

Function

If set to Pattern packed optimally, the individual line pattern times are used
for scanning, minimizing the sequence time if different pattern times are
used.

Unit
Dependency

Depends on minimum integration time and camera link mode.

Notes

For more information, see section 8.7 “Multi-channel flash control”.

CameraValue

Lower limit

All

Pattern packed optimallyUpper limit

All

Pattern enlarged to sequence time

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206

9.13 Special functions
9.13.1 Test pattern
To be able to check the system setup, it is helpful to generate exactly defined test images
inside the camera.
This explicitly helps to check:
1. Frame grabber connection
2. Frame grabber setting
3. Transmission quality over the Camera Link cable

Name
Name

Generate test pattern

Function

Enables different test images in the camera.

Channels

All

Unit

Integer

Dependency

None

Notes

The data are generated directly after analog image processing. It passes all
digital image processing steps.
(Test patterns 6-15 only for internal use)

CameraValue

Lower limitAll0Upper limit

All5

The following different test images are available:

Image

Name
Test pattern 1:
Gray ramp in CCD direction

Test pattern 2:
Gray ramp in transport direction
Scan direction:

forwardbackward

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207ImageName
Test pattern 3:
Red: X-Ramp
Green: XY-Ramp
Blue: Y-Ramp

Test pattern 4:
Sequence of 4 toggling images; 3 test
patterns with parameter Test patternlevel and one live image

Test pattern 5:
Gray value withpattern levelparameter

Test

Test pattern 6-15:
Internal use only

9.13.2 Test pattern level
Name
Name

Set test pattern level

Function

Sets the video level for some test images

Channels

All

Unit

Integer
LinearDependency

Only with test image 4 and 5

Notes

Refers to 10-bit image data

CameraValue

Lower limitAll0Upper limit

All

1023

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2089.14 Register edit
All registers can be written directly on the camera.
There are two different possibilities to directly manipulate the register:• Permanent modification:
Changes are stored in the setting and are available if the camera is restarted or a setting
is reloaded.
You can find this function in CST at Camera settings > Special functions > Register
edit. There are four places for saving register edits directly to a setting.
• Non-permanent modification:
Changes are transferred to the camera, but they are not stored permanently. If the camera
is restarted or a setting is reloaded, the changes get lost. You can find this function in CSTat the command Register edit of the Advanced menu.
It is possible to damage the function of the camera by use of this function.
Therefore, this function is only available if User level has been set to Guru.
For more information, see section 6.15 “Setting the user level in CST”.

9.15 Camera information
9.15.1 Camera serial number
Note

All allPIXA pro cameras have an individual serial number.
For any support, provide the serial number of the camera.

Name
Name

Camera serial number

Function

Returns type and serial number of the camera

Channels

All

Unit

Two integers

Dependency

None

Notes

The first value is the camera type (10020 for the allPIXA pro camera). The
second value is the serial number.

CameraRead only

Value camera type

Value serial number

Lower limit

All

10020

0

Upper limit

All

10020

65535

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2099.15.2 Setting description
Name
Name

Setting description

Function

You can write a small description for each setting of the camera.

Channels

All

Unit

String of up to 40 characters

Dependency

None

Notes

Take notice that a carriage return counts as two characters! This may result
in descriptions that seem to be cut by the camera.

CameraValue

All

9.16 Tracing
Function for debugging the system.
Default: All options unchecked!
For more information, ask the Chromasens support.
E-Mail:support@chromasens.de

9.17 Line trigger and encoder setup (line synchronization)
NOTE IDue to internal timing limitations, there is a small delay in the start of theintegration time after the line trigger and this delay may jitter. Therefore, apulsed illumination which is synchronous to the trigger signal may cause
problems with image quality.

NOTE IIIf the camera is used in the “Triggered Frame Scan” mode with active
LineTrigger or encoder, the linesync (Encoder or LineTrigger) must fit somepulses before light barrier input.

For detailed information about encoder setup, see section 8.6.

9.17.1 Enable encoder
Name
Name

Enable encoder

Function

Enables the line trigger or encoder mode in the camera and the main
selection between internal and external line trigger.

Channels

All

Unit

Bool

Dependency

None

Notes

If you want to use this mode, you must connect the external ports with theinternal function using the IO Configurator of CST.

CameraValue

Function

Lower limitAll0

Off / internal

Upper limitAll1

On / external

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2109.17.2 Synchronization mode
Name
Name

Synchronization mode

Function

Select the mode Line trigger mode or Encoder.

Channels

All

Unit

Integer

Dependency

Only available if the Enable encoder check box is selected.

Notes

If you want to use this mode, you must connect the external ports with theinternal function using the IO Configurator of CST.

Camera:Value:

All

Encoder (Continue update)AllLine trigger mode (Const int. time)

The following two modes are available:•

Line trigger:
With the line trigger the camera sends one line per pulse.
Line trigger

Int. time•

Int. time

Int. time

Encoder mode:
The camera measures the distance of the signals and sends lines with the requested
resolution. An internal line trigger is generated. The desired transport and encoder
resolution must be specified in CST.

For detailed encoder setup, see section 8.6
NOTE

Minimum pulse duration is 45ns. Shorter pulses are ignored.
Minimum speed with encoder mode is:V,min = mm/Encoder pulse
0,59s

Example for the required minimum speed with encoder mode:
Encoder has 12,5 pulses per mm
1 Encoder pulse is 1/12,5mm = 0,08mm
 V, min = 0,08mm/0,59s = 0,135mm/s

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2119.17.3 Encoder channels
Name
Name

Encoder channels

Function

Sets the mode according to the edges if the encoder is taken for speed
measurement.

Channels

All

Unit

Integer

Dependency

Only available if Encoder (Continue update) is selected at Synchronization
mode.

Notes

If you want to use this mode, you must connect the external ports with theinternal function using the IO Configurator of CST.

CameraValue

All

1-Channel full step (1 edge per step)All

1-Channel encoder (2 edges per step)All

2-Channel encoder (4 edges per step)

The following three modes are available:
1. One Channel full step (1 edge per step):

Phase A
Phase B
(Phase B is ignored for speed detection, but could be used for scan direction)
2. One Channel encoder (2 edges per step):

Phase A
Phase B
(Phase B is ignored for speed detection, but could be used for scan direction)
3. Two Channel encoder (4 edges per step):

Phase A
Phase B
NOTEBest results are reached with encoder mode 1 (1 Channel full step) andwithout encoder averaging. This mode avoids errors due to tolerances in the
duty factor of the pulses.

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2129.17.4 Average size for the encoder
Name
Name

Average size

Function

Sets the number of increments taken for distance measurement to average
the speed measurement

Channels

All

Unit

Integer
None; 2x; 4x; 8x; 16x

Dependency
Notes

Only available if Encoder (Continue update) is selected at Synchronization
mode.
Best results are reached with encoder mode 0 and without encoder
averaging. This mode avoids errors due to tolerances in the duty factor of thepulsesCameraLower limit

All

Value
No averaging
248Upper limit

All

16

9.17.5 Encoder resolution
Name
Name

Encoder resolution

Function

Sets the distance of which the transport might be moved by one increment of
the encoder.

Channels
Unit

Float

Step:

0.001

µm per full increment
Dependency

Only available if Encoder (Continue update) is selected at Synchronization
mode.

Notes

Refers to a full increment of the encoder.

CameraValue CST

Lower limit

All

0 µm

Upper limitAll100,000 µm

NOTE

The value Encoder pulses per line is calculated internally by the camera andmay not exceed 255. Recommended values are between 0.5 and 255. Take
notice that values less than 0.5 cause a decrease in transport resolution
accuracy. For information about calculation, see section 9.17.6

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2139.17.6 Vertical image resolution
Name
Name

Vertical image resolution

Function

Define the desired transport (vertical) resolution for the encoder mode.

Channels

All

Unit

Float

Step:

0.01

DPI (dots per inch)
Dependency
Notes

Only available if Encoder (Continue update) is selected at Synchronization
mode.
This parameter is needed for the calculation of internal parameters for theencoder mode.

CameraValue CST

Lower limitAll

0DefaultAll

4,000(*0,01dpi)

NOTE

The value Encoder pulses per line is calculated internally by the camera andmay not exceed 255. Recommended values are between 0.5 and 255. Take
notice that values less than 0.5 cause a decrease in transport resolution
accuracy.

This value is automatically calculated with one of the following formulas by the userdefined values in CST:
𝐸𝑑𝑔𝑒𝑠
𝑚𝑚
𝐸𝑛𝑐𝑜𝑑𝑒𝑟𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑛𝑒𝑙 () ∗ 25,4 () ∗ 1000
𝑆𝑡𝑒𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑐ℎ
𝐸𝑛𝑐𝑜𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑃𝑢𝑙𝑠𝑒𝑠𝑃𝑒𝑟𝐿𝑖𝑛𝑒 =µ𝑚
𝐷𝑜𝑡𝑠
𝐸𝑛𝑐𝑜𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑅𝑒𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 () ∗ 𝑉𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙𝐼𝑚𝑎𝑔𝑒𝑅𝑒𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛(
)
𝑆𝑡𝑒𝑝
𝑖𝑛𝑐ℎ
By using dots per inch (dpi) for this calculation, you must use the following formula:
𝐸𝑑𝑔𝑒𝑠/𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑝
𝑇𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑅𝑒𝑠𝑢𝑙𝑢𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛(𝑑𝑝𝑖)
The value for encoder pulses per line can also be calculated with the following formula:
𝐸𝑛𝑐𝑜𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑃𝑢𝑙𝑠𝑒𝑠𝑃𝑒𝑟𝐿𝑖𝑛𝑒 = 𝐹𝑢𝑙𝑙𝐼𝑛𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑅𝑒𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛(𝑑𝑝𝑖) ∗𝜇𝑚
𝐸𝑑𝑔𝑒𝑠/𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑝
𝐸𝑛𝑐𝑜𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑃𝑢𝑙𝑠𝑒𝑠𝑃𝑒𝑟𝐿𝑖𝑛𝑒 = 𝑇𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑅𝑒𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 ()∗
𝑝𝑖𝑥𝑒𝑙 𝐹𝑢𝑙𝑙𝐼𝑛𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑅𝑒𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛( 𝜇𝑚 )𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑟
Afterward, the result is shown:

NOTE

The resulting scanning speed should not exceed the max speed of thecamera. The setup of the Vertical image resolution and Integration timemust match to the speed of the transport.
The time for one line (Speed divided by resolution) should be longer than the
shortest possible integration time (scanning speed is within the max. camera
speed). If the encoder setup requires higher speed than the max camera
speed, the camera switches to free-running line mode with maximum possible
speed.

For more information about encoder setup, see section 8.6

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Name
Name

Line trigger/encoder reduction

FunctionInternal pre-counter for the line trigger or encoder signal; outputs an internalline trigger after the set value of signals from external line trigger source.

Channels

All

Unit

Integer

Dependency

Only available if the Enable encoder check box is selected.

Notes

CameraValue

Lower limitAll

1

Upper limit

All

256

By use of line trigger reduction, the vertical image resolution is reduced by factor:
𝑇𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑅𝑒𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛, 𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑒𝑑[𝑑𝑝𝑖] =𝑇𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑅𝑒𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛[𝑑𝑝𝑖]Line trigger reduction factor

𝑇𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑅𝑒𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛, 𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑒𝑑[µ𝑚] = Line trigger reduction factor ∗ 𝑇𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑅𝑒𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛[µ𝑚]For more information about encoder setup, see section 8.6.

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9.18 Default parameters
The camera is delivered with the following default parameters. (Setting 1)
Sect.

Name

4096

5120

6000

7300

9.1.1

Integration time

19.68µs30.40 µs

35.48 µs

43,25 µs

9.1.2

Use line period

Off

Off

Off

Off

9.1.3

Line period time

100 µs100 µs100 µs100 µs

9.2.1

Analog coarse gain

-3 dB

-3 dB

-3 dB

-3 dB

9.2.2

Current camera gain values

*)

*)

*)

*)

9.2.3

Startup gain values

*)

*)

*)

*)

9.2.4

Update start gain values

Off

Off

Off

Off

9.3.3

First relative pixel of white reference

1800

2300

2800

3500

9.3.6

Number of pixels for white reference

100

100

100

100

9.3.7

First image line for the white reference

200

200

200

200

9.3.8

Number of image lines for the whitereference

100

100

100

100

9.3.9

Number of reference samples (Average)

No average

No average

No average

No average

9.3.10Show white reference border

Off

Off

Off

Off

9.4.1

Target white reference values

800

800

800

800

9.4.3

Enable continuous white control

Off

Off

Off

Off

9.4.4

Position and mode for white referencemarkAutomatic

Automatic

Automatic

Automatic

Use sync mode

Off

Off

Off

Off

9.4.5

White
controlmode

Stop gain control if level…

Off

Off

Off

Off

Stop gain control by variance

Off

Off

Off

Off

9.4.6

Gain control stop factor

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

9.4.7

Set gain control stop by variance

0

0

0

0

9.4.8

Set active channels for white control

On

On

On

On

9.5.1

Black-level correction (offset correction)

On

On

On

On

9.5.2

Black-reference data set

1

1

1

1

9.5.3

Shading correction (flat-field correction)

Off

Off

Off

Off

9.5.4

White reference data set

1

1

1

1

9.6.1

Use brightness and contrast

Off

Off

Off

Off

9.6.2

Brightness

0

0

0

0

9.6.3

Contrast

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

9.7.1

RGB line distance

9.7.2

Scan direction

9.7.3

Enable suppression of lines/frame due toencoder direction

9.7.4

Suppress lines/frames mode

9.8.1

4

4

4

4

Forward

Forward

Forward

Forward

Off

Off

Off

Off

Suppress …
against …

Suppress …
against …

Suppress …
against …

Suppress …
against …

Number of scan lines per image (frame mode)

2000

2000

2000

2500

9.8.2

Image start delay

10

10

500

10

9.8.3

Scan line length

4096

5120

6000

7296

9.8.4

Horizontal binning

1/1 (noreduction)

1/1 (noreduction)

1/1 (noreduction)

1/1 (noreduction)

9.8.5

Vertical scan line reduction

0/0

0/0

0/0

0/0

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Name

4096

5120

6000

7300

9.9.1

Triggered frame scan

Free-running

Free-running

Free-running

Free-running

9.9.2

Scan lines after stop

50

50

50

50

9.9.3

Stop after maximum number of lines

Off

Off

Off

Off

9.9.4

Maximum number of scan lines

5000

5000

5000

5000

9.9.5.1

ROI start

500

500

500

500

9.9.5.2

ROI length

32 pixels

32 pixels

32 pixels

32 pixels

9.9.5.3

Rising level

100

100

100

100

9.9.5.4

Falling level

99

99

99

99

9.9.5.5

Color channel

All

All

All

All

9.9.5.6

ROI visible

not visible

not visible

not visible

not visible

9.9.6

Input debouncing speed

9.9.7

Select trigger edge detection

9.9.8

LB2: fast

LB2: fast

LB2 fast

LB2: fast

Falling edge

Falling edge

Falling edge

Falling edge

Master-slave setup

Off

Off

Off

Off

9.10.1

Mirror image horizontally

Off

Off

Off

Off

9.10.2

Swap red and blue color channel

Off

Off

Off

Off

9.10.3

Color conversion

Off

Off

Off

Off

9.10.4

Select active CCM

1

1

1

1

9.10.5Gamma correction

0

0

0

0

9.10.6

Use keystone correction

Off

Off

Off

Off

9.10.7

Pixel shift for correction

0

0

0

0

9.10.8Keystone correction width

1

1

1

1

9.11.1

Video output mode

3x8 Bit

3x8 Bit

3x8 Bit

3x8 Bit9.11.2

Color weights

0.3/0.59/0.11

0.3/0.59/0.11

0.3/0.59/0.11

0.3/0.59/0.11

9.11.3

Camera Link connection speed

High speed

High speed

High speed

High speed

9.11.4

Camera Link interface typeMedium 1X2

Medium 1X2

High speed

Medium 1X2

9.11.6

Insert mode

Off

Off

Off

Off

9.12

LED flash control

Disabled

Disabled

Disabled

Disabled

9.13.1

Test pattern

Off

Off

Off

Off

9.13.2

Test pattern level

0

0

1023

1023

9.14

Register edit

None

None

None

None

9.15.1

Camera serial number

*)

*)

*)

*)

9.15.2

Setting description

9.16

Tracing

None

None

None

None

9.17.1

Enable encoder

Off

Off

Off

Off

9.17.2Synchronization mode

Line trigger

Line trigger

Line trigger

Line trigger

9.17.3

Encoder channels

1 channel
full step

1 channel
full step

1 channel
full step

1 channel
full step

9.17.4

Average size for the encoder

Off

Off

Off

Off

9.17.5

Encoder resolution

70 µm

70 µm

70 µm

70 µm

9.17.6

Vertical image resolution

300 dpi

300 dpi

300 dpi

300 dpi

9.17.7

Line trigger / encoder reduction
1
1
1
1
*)
Settings differ from camera to camera. Serial numbers are individual for each camera. Somesettings result from final test of the camera.

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2179.19 User levels of parameters
The visibility (and as a result the accessibility) of parameters is defined by the specified Userlevel in CST. For more information, see section 6.15.
The following table shows the user level for single parameters:
Section

Name

NormalUser

Expert

Guru

9.1.1

Integration time

X

X

X

9.1.2

Use line period

X

X

X

9.1.3

Line period time

X

X

X

9.2.1

Analog coarse gain

X

X

X

9.2.2

Current camera gain values

X

X

X

9.2.3

Startup gain values

X

X

X

9.2.4

Update start gain values

X

X

X

9.3.3

First relative pixel of white reference

X

X

X

9.3.4

First absolute pixel of white reference

X

X

X

9.3.5

Use absolute horizontal position ofwhite reference

X

X

X

9.3.6

Number of pixels for white reference

X

X

X

9.3.7

First image line for the white reference

X

X

X

9.3.8

Number of image lines for the whitereference

X

X

X

9.3.9

Number of reference samples (Average)

X

X

X

9.3.10Show white reference border

X

X

X

9.4.1

Target white reference values

X

X

X

9.4.2

Current white reference values

X

X

X

9.4.3

Enable continuous white control

X

X

X

9.4.4

Position and mode for white reference
mark

9.4.5

White control
mode

Use sync mode

X
X

X

X

Stop gain control

X

Stop … by variance …

X

9.4.6

Gain control stop factor

X

9.4.8

Set active channels for white control

X

9.5.1

Black-level correction (offset correction)

X

X

X

9.5.2

Black-reference data set

X

X

X

9.5.3

Shading correction (flat-field correction)

X

X

X

9.5.4

White reference data set

X

X

X

9.6.1

Use brightness and contrast

X

X

X

9.6.2

Brightness

X

X

X

9.6.3

Contrast

X

X

X

9.7.1

RGB line distance

X

X

X

9.7.2

Scan direction

X

X

X

9.7.3

Enable suppression of lines/frame due
to encoder direction

X

X

X

9.7.4

Suppress lines/frames mode

X

X

X

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Name

NormalUser

Expert

Guru

9.8.1

Number of scan lines per image

X

X

X

9.8.2

Image start delay

X

X

X

9.8.3

Scan line length

X

X

X

9.8.4

Horizontal binning

X

X

X

9.8.5

Vertical scan line reduction

X

X

X

9.9.1

Triggered frame scan

X

X

X

9.9.2

Scan lines after stop

X

X

X

9.9.3

Stop after maximum number of lines

X

X

X

9.9.4

Maximum number of scan lines

X

X

X

9.9.5

Internal frame trigger

X

X

X

9.9.6

Input debouncing speed

X

X

X

9.9.7

Select trigger edge detection

X

X

X

9.9.8

Master-slave setup

9.10.1

Mirror image horizontally

X

X

X

9.10.2

Swap red and blue color channel

X

X

X

9.10.3

Color conversion

X

X

X

9.10.4

Select active CCM

X

X

X

9.10.5Gamma correction

X

X

X

9.10.6

Use keystone correction

X

X

X

9.10.7

Pixel shift for correction

X

X

X

9.10.8Keystone correction width

9.11.1

Video output mode

X

X

X

9.11.2

Color weights

X

X

X

9.11.3

Camera Link connection speed

X

X

X

9.11.4

Camera Link interface type

X

X

X

9.11.6

Insert mode

X

X

X

9.12

LED flash control

9.13.1

Test pattern

X

X

X

9.13.2

Test pattern level

X

X

X

9.14

Register edit

9.15.1

Camera serial number

X

X

X

9.15.2

Setting description

X

X

X

9.16

Tracing

X

X

X

9.17.1

Enable encoder

X

X

X

9.17.2Synchronization mode

X

X

X

9.17.3

Encoder channels

X

X

X

9.17.4

Average size for the encoder

X

X

X

9.17.5

Encoder resolution

X

X

X

9.17.6

Vertical image resolution

X

X

X

9.17.7

Line trigger / encoder reduction

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

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10

Troubleshooting and Support
The troubleshooting information in this chapter helps you to identify common problems andlets you know how to solve them.
If you are not able to solve the problem with the information in this troubleshooting chapter,
you may decide to contact Chromasens technical support for further help. Before you contact
Chromasens technical support, take a look at the support form (see section 10.5) and prepare
the answers or fill out the form completely. With this information you can make sure that you
have most of the information available which is required for the technical support team to help
you best with your problem.

10.1 Returning material (obtain an RMA number)
Before returning material to Chromasens you must request a RMA number (Return Material
Authorization). This RMA number must be stated in all of your delivery documents if material isreturned to Chromasens. Returned material without RMA number may not be processed intime and we also reserve the right to reject material without an RMA number.
To obtain an RMA number, contact Chromasens support first.
Chromasens GmbH
Max-Stromeyer-Straße 116
D-78467 Konstanz
Germany
Phone:Fax:
E-Mail:Internet:+49 (0) 7531 - 876-0+49 (0) 7531 - 876-303
support@chromasens.dehttps://www.chromasens.de/

For return of material, you should use original packaging material to avoid any damages to thecameras.

10.2 Camera status identification by the camera status LED
The camera status LED indicates the current status of the camera. After boot-up is finished,
the camera performs continuously self-checks. If an error is detected, the camera indicatesthis by changing the LEDs color.

LED color

Descriptionoff

No power is present at the camera or the input voltage is out of
the limits. (see also section 2.3 for power rating and section
5.1.1 for pin layout)

Green

Camera has power and is OK (FVAL inactive)Red

The camera is in error condition. You can check the detailed
camera status using CST (see section 10.3)

Blue

Camera is OK and outputs image data (FVAL active)

LED alternates
green/blue

The camera is OK and outputs frequently image data based ona trigger signal

Sequence of longgreen, shortorange, green

This is the normal power-up sequence. After this sequence,the camera continues operation according to the definitions
which have been made in setting 1.

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22010.3 Identifying the camera status using CST
If you want to get more detailed information on the current camera condition, you can checkthe camera status using CST.
To get a quick camera state feedback, do one of the following:•

On the Advanced menu, click Get current camera state, or on the toolbar, click
Show camera state and reset errors•

On the toolbar click Show settings
tree view:(see section 6.17).
, and then click Camera information in the

If an error occurs, the camera shows an error message and resets Error state afterward.
Therefore, Error state is >0 only in case of a permanent error, for example if the temperature is
above the allowed maximum value.
Camera state is subdivided into four groups of four bits with the following meaning:

Bits 15…12
If continuous white control is enabled,
this value is >0 if white control is
temporarily disabled due to a specified
condition.

Bits 11..8
Always 0

Bits 7..4

Bits 3..0State of internal
white control.

State of internal
process control

10.4 Camera overheating protection
For safety reasons the camera is equipped with an internal three-step overheating protection.
Step 1: high-temperature warning:
If the camera-internal temperature increases above the defined limit, the camera indicatesthis warning status:- Status LED of the camera turns red- The camera returns error state 0x3d or 0x3e
Let the camera cool down and check the environment. Improve cooling conditions of thecamera if necessary.

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Step 2: warning level 2:
If the temperature is still increasing, the camera automatically switches to safety mode toprotect the camera electronics from overheating.
This camera state is indicated by:- Status LED of the camera turns red- The camera returns error state 0x40
- The camera outputs the following image:

Step 3: final safety shutdown:
If the temperature is still increasing above the critical internal temperature, the camera
hardware is shut down to protect and prevent damage to the camera. In this condition thecamera:- Does not send images anymore- Status LED of the camera turns red- The camera returns error state 0x40
To get the camera back from step 2 to normal operation:
1. Let the camera cool down.
2. Check the environment and improve cooling if necessary.
3. Restart the camera (power off/on)
For information about temperature level definitions, see sections 2.3 and 5.3.

10.5 Before contacting Chromasens technical support
If you have a problem with the camera and decide to contact Chromasens technical support, it
is very important that you collect all relevant system information beforehand.
This may guarantee a quick and efficient problem-solving process together with Chromasens
technical support stuff.
To collect the most important information about your issue, you may use the following list as a
guideline. You can also download the list from our website athttps://www.chromasens.de/de/support/support
Fill out this list and provide the information including the requested files, before you contact
Chromasens technical support.

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Contact Data
Company nameName
E-MailPhone

StreetCity

Zip codeState/Country

Contact person CS

Date

Technical Information
System Information
Camera type

allPIXAallPIXA pro

 4k

 5k

 6000px

 7.3kCamera serial number
CST version used
Operating system
Frame grabberType + Manufacturer

CameraLink cable length + typem

Problem Description
Description of the problem:(as detailed as possible)

When did the problem occur?

 after start during operation

 at a specific action, please describe:

How often did problem occur?

 once always regularly rarelyplease describe:
Did the application ever run ok

 yes

 no

If known describe the reason forthe problem or any abnormal
behaviors

Image and Parameter Files
Camera parameter settings

 (It is very important to provide a copy of the exact camera settings when the problem occurred)Live images

 (Live or test images showing the problem. Save images in BMP format)

Computer System Information

 (Press the-button in the CST-toolbar and copy the output into a file or the support mail)

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11

Appendix11.1 EC conformity declaration

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11.2 Camera system design / lens selections
11.2.1 Calculating the object-to-image distance
To be able to calculate the optical setup, you need the following parameters:•

Image size (Sensor size of camera (which is in use))•

Object size/width•

Focal length (from data sheet of the lens)•Principal main plain distance (from data sheet of the lens)First, calculate the magnification:𝑚=

𝐼𝑚𝑎𝑔𝑒𝑆𝑖𝑧𝑒/𝑚𝑚
𝑂𝑏𝑗𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑆𝑖𝑧𝑒/𝑚𝑚

After getting the result for the magnification, calculate the object-to-image distance byfollowing:Calculate the image distance:
𝐼𝑚𝑎𝑔𝑒𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 = 𝐹𝑜𝑐𝑎𝑙𝐿𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ ∗ (𝑚 + 1)
Calculate the object distance:
𝑚+1
𝑂𝑏𝑗𝑒𝑐𝑡𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 = 𝐹𝑜𝑐𝑎𝑙𝐿𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ ∗ ()
𝑚Calculate the object-to-image distance with note of the main plain distance:
𝑂𝑏𝑗𝑒𝑐𝑡𝐼𝑚𝑎𝑔𝑒𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 = 𝐼𝑚𝑎𝑔𝑒𝑆𝑖𝑧𝑒 + 𝑂𝑏𝑗𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑆𝑖𝑧𝑒 + 𝑀𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒•f = focal length•y = object size•y’ = image size

Example:Camera:allPIXA pro camera 7300 73 mm (10um/pixel * 7300 pixels)
Object width/size:
450 mmLens:
90.1 mm real focal length-2.5 mmprincipal main plain distance

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𝑚=

𝐼𝑚𝑎𝑔𝑒𝑆𝑖𝑧𝑒= 0.162
𝑂𝑏𝑗𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑆𝑖𝑧𝑒

𝐼𝑚𝑎𝑔𝑒𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 = 𝐹𝑜𝑐𝑎𝑙𝐿𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ ∗ (𝑚 + 1) = 104.72 𝑚𝑚
𝑚+1
𝑂𝑏𝑗𝑒𝑐𝑡𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 = 𝐹𝑜𝑐𝑎𝑙𝐿𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ ∗ () = 645,51 𝑚𝑚𝑚
𝑂𝑏𝑗𝑒𝑐𝑡𝐼𝑚𝑎𝑔𝑒𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 = 𝐼𝑚𝑎𝑔𝑒𝑆𝑖𝑧𝑒 + 𝑂𝑏𝑗𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑆𝑖𝑧𝑒 + 𝑀𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 = 747.73(w/o glass plates in the optical path)

11.2.2 Calculating the distance rings (tubes) for the allPIXA pro camera
Some applications require distance rings (tubes) for mounting the lens in the right position on
the allPIXA pro camera. This section shows an example how to calculate the length of the
distance ring.
To calculate the needed distance rings, you must get some information about the opticalsetup:
Optical parameter:• Real focal length (from data sheet)• Image distance (calculated)
Parameters of the lens:• Back-flange length at infinite distance (from data sheet)
Parameters of additional focusing unit:• Minimum offset distance of the unit from flange of the lens
• Maximum offset distance

Figure 38

Example:Camera:Lens:

allPIXA pro camera 7300
Linos Apo Rodagon 90 mm
90.1 mm real focal length
93.5 mm flange length@infinite
Focusing unit:
Modular Fokus
Minimum offset
20 mm
Maxium offset
45 mm
Object width/size: 450 mm

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1.

Calculating image distance:a.

Calculating the magnification:𝑚=b.

𝐼𝑚𝑎𝑔𝑒𝑆𝑖𝑧𝑒/𝑚𝑚
𝑂𝑏𝑗𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑆𝑖𝑧𝑒/𝑚𝑚

Calculating the image distance:
𝐼𝑚𝑎𝑔𝑒𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 = 𝐹𝑜𝑐𝑎𝑙𝐿𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ ∗ (𝑚 + 1)
Result is:104,72 mm

2.

Calculating the difference between image distance@infinite and flange length@infinite:
Image distance@infinite converged to focal length: 90.1 mm
Difference:
93.5 mm-90.1 mm = 3.4 mm

3.

Calculating flange distance at working point:
Flange distance@working point:=108.12 mm

4.

Calculating the sum of the distances:
Real flange distance:
Back focus of the allPIXA pro camera: Minimum offset focusing unit:
Sum:mm

104.72 mm + 3.4 mm+
108.1217.526 mm (C-Mount)20.0 mm=70.954

Therefore, we use a distance ring of 60.0 mm. This covers flange distances from 97.526
mm up to 122.56 mm.

11.2.3 Determining line period time and integration time
The relationship between the line frequency and the line period time is as follows:
𝐿𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑑𝑇𝑖𝑚𝑒/𝑠𝑒𝑐. =1
𝐿𝑖𝑛𝑒𝐹𝑟𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑦/𝐻𝑧

For the calculation of the line period time the following parameters are necessary:o Maximum or nominal speed of the transport(mm/s)o Desired transport resolution(mm/pixel or dpi)
Calculate the line period time with the formula as follows:𝒎𝒎
𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒔𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝑹𝒆𝒔𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 ()
𝒑𝒊𝒙𝒆𝒍
𝑳𝒊𝒏𝒆𝑷𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒐𝒅𝑻𝒊𝒎𝒆 =𝒎𝒎
𝑵𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒍𝑺𝒑𝒆𝒆𝒅 ()
𝒔Note: If the transport resolution is stated in dpi and the speed in metric values, the values
must be converted (1 inch= 25,4 mm).
𝑴𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒎𝒖𝒎𝑳𝒊𝒏𝒆𝑷𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒐𝒅𝑻𝒊𝒎𝒆 = 𝑴𝒂𝒙(𝑴𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒎𝒖𝒎𝑰𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝑻𝒊𝒎𝒆, 𝑴𝒊𝒏𝑪𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒂𝑳𝒊𝒏𝒌𝑻𝒊𝒎𝒆)
MinimumIntegrationTime depends on the sensor length (see section 9.1.1).
MinCameraLinkTime depends on the sensor length, the specified CameraLink connection
speed (see section 9.11.3), and the specified Type of CameraLink interface (see section
9.11.4).
The Integration time must then be in the range:
𝑴𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒎𝒖𝒎𝑳𝒊𝒏𝒆𝑷𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒐𝒅𝑻𝒊𝒎𝒆 <= 𝑰𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆 <= 𝑨𝒄𝒕𝒖𝒂𝒍 𝑳𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒐𝒅 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆

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