Manual FXO series
CoaXPress
fxo420, fxo421, fxo487, fxo530, fxo531, fxo532, fxo535, fxo536, fxo537,
fxo540, fxo541, fxo542, fxo545, fxo546, fxo547, fxo990

1

Content
1

General information

5

1.1

Company information

5

1.1.1

Standards

5

1.1.2

Disclaimer

5

1.1.3

Copyright notice6

1.2

Legal information

6

1.2.1

USA and Canada

6

1.2.2

Europe6

1.3

About this manual

7

1.3.1

Registered trademarks

7

1.3.2

Conformity and use

7

1.3.3

Warranty and non-warranty clause

8

1.3.4

Supplements

8

1.4

Tips and notes

9

1.5

Support92

The FXO camera series

11

2.1

CXP-12 features

11

2.2

4I/O adds light and functionality

12

2.3

Lens control

12

2.3.1

Use of Varioptic liquid lenses

13

2.3.2

Use of Canon lenses

133Connectors

15

3.1

CoaXPress-12

15

3.2

Hirose I/O connector

15

4Getting started

17

4.1

Support17

4.2

Find camera specs

17

4.3

Power supply

17

4.3.1

Power safety

17

4.3.2

Connect the camera

17

4.4

Camera status LED codes

18

2

5

Feature description

19

5.1

Basic features

19

5.1.1

Gain

19

5.1.2

Resolution

20

5.1.3

Offset

20

5.1.4

Color

21

5.1.5

Image flipping

23

5.1.6

Binning25

5.1.7

Decimation

28

5.1.8

GenICam29

5.1.9

Trigger modes

30

5.1.10 Shutter modes

32

5.1.11 Exposure

34

5.1.12 Exposure speed

34

5.1.13 Auto exposure

35

5.1.14 Acquisition and processing time

35

5.1.15 Bit depth

36

5.2

Camera features

37

5.2.1

Glass filter

37

5.2.2

Shading correction

38

5.2.3

Defect pixel correction

41

5.2.4

Look-up table

45

5.2.5

ROI / AOI

49

5.2.6

Basic capture modes

49

5.2.7

Read-out control

51

5.2.8

Temperature sensor

51

5.2.9

System clock frequency

51

5.2.10 Predefined configurations (user sets)

51

5.2.11 Colour transformation control

53

5.2.12 Fan control

55

5.2.13 Particle Image Velocimetry

56

5.3

I/O Features

57

5.3.1

Assigning I/O Lines – IOMUX

57

5.3.2

Pulse width modulation

63

5.3.3

LED strobe control

67

5.3.4

Sequencer

70

5.3.5

Optical input

73

5.3.6

PLC / Logical operation on inputs

74

5.3.7

Serial data interfaces

75

5.3.8

Trigger-edge sensitivity

76

5.3.9

Debouncing trigger signals

773

5.3.10 Prescale

78

6

Dimensions

81

6.1

C-mount

81

6.2

fxo487, fxo540, fxo541, fxo542, fxo545, fxo546, fxo547

82

6.3

fxo487, fxo530, fxo531, fxo532, fxo535, fxo536, fxo537

85

6.4

fxo990

87

7

Annex

91

7.1

Dimensions

91

7.2

I/O driver circuit schematics

91

7.3

Action commands

91

7.4

FAQ

93

7.5

Glossary

93

4

1

General information

1.1

Company information
SVS-Vistek GmbH
Ferdinand-Porsche-Str. 382205 Gilching
Germany
Tel.: +49 8105 3987-60
Fax: +49 8105 3987-699
Mail: info@svs-vistek.com
Web: https://www.svs-vistek.com

1.1.1

Standards
This manual is based on the following standards:

1.1.2

l

DIN EN 62079

l

DIN EN ISO 12100l

ISO Guide 37l

DIN ISO 3864-2

l

DIN ISO 3864-4

l

DIN ISO 16016:2002-5

Disclaimer
This manual contains important instructions for safe and efficient handling of SVCamproducts. This manual is part of the product and must be kept accessible in the immediate vicinity of the product for any person working on or with this product .
Read carefully and make sure you understand this manual prior to starting any workwith this product. The basic prerequisite for safe work is compliant with all specified
safety and handling instructions.
Accident prevention guidelines and general safety regulations should be applied.
Illustrations in this manual are provided for basic understanding and can vary fromthe actual model of this product. No claims can be derived from the illustrations inthis manual.
The product has been produced with care and has been thoroughly tested. In case of
any complaint, contact your local SVS-VISTEK distributor. You will find a list of distributors in your area on www.svs-vistek.com

1 General information5

1.1.3Copyright notice
Forwarding and duplicating of this document, as well as using or revealing its contents are prohibited without written approval. All rights reserved with regard to patentclaims or submission of design or utility patent.

1.2

Legal information
Errors and omissions excepted.
These products are designed for industrial applications only. Cameras from SVSVISTEK are not designed for life support systems where malfunction of the products
might result in any risk of personal harm or injury. Customers, integrators and end
users of SVS-VISTEK products might sell these products and agree to do so at theirown risk, as SVS-VISTEK will not take any liability for any damage from improper use
or sale.

1.2.1

USA and CanadaThis device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) thisdevice must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.

NOTICE

This equipment is compliant with Class A of CISPR 32. In a residential environment
this equipment may cause radio interference.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A
digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC rules.
It is necessary to use a shielded power supply cable. You can then use the “shield contact” on the connector which has GND contact to the device housing. This is essential
for any use. If not done and the device is destroyed due to Radio Magnetic Interference (RMI) WARRANTY is void!

1.2.2

l

Power: US/UK and European line adapter can be delivered. Otherwise use
filtered and stabilized DC power supply.

l

Shock & vibration resistance is tested. For detailed specifications refer to the section on specifications ("Specifications").

EuropeThis device is CE tested, rules of EN 55022:2010+AC2011 and EN61000-62:2005 apply.
The product is in compliance with the requirements of the following European directives:

1 General informationl

2014/30/EU Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)l

2011/65/EU Restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electricaland electronic equipment (RoHS)

6

All SVS-VISTEK products comply with the recommendation of the European Union
concerning RoHS Rules.

1.3

About this manualThis manual contains helpful information to install and operate the described camera. It has been produced with care. Nevertheless, information might be erroneous orincomplete. My Company Name, LLC cannot be held responsible for any problems
resulting from incomplete or erroneous information.
Read this manual carefully.

NOTICE

This manual is subject to change without notice.
It is intended for staff with technical qualifications who have been specially trained
and have the appropriate knowledge in the field of automation technology, electricaland optical devices.

INFO

Keep this manual for future use.

1.3.1

Registered trademarks
In this manual the following registered trademarks may be used:l

EoSens®

l

GenICam®

l

Microsoft® and Windows®

lIntel®

Throughout the manual, these trademarks are not specifically marked as registeredtrademarks. This in no way implies that these trademarks can be used in another context without the trademark sign.

1.3.2

Conformity and use
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A
digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These requirements aredesigned to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when theequipment is operated in a commercial environment.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions given in this guide, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will have tocorrect the interference at its own expense.

NOTICE

1 General information

You are herewith cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly
approved in this description could void your authority to operate this equipment.

7

制造说明
此设备的生产与测试依照FCC条例第15条条例，符合A类电子设备标准。产品提
供在商用使用环境中的合理保护，以防止使用过程中可能涉及到的损害。
此设备会产生、使用并可发射出无线电波，如果未按照本手册中所述安装和使用，可能会对无线通信设备产生干扰。如本设备在居民区操作出现干扰等情况，用户需要自费处理。
备注：请注意，如未按照此使用说明操作而自行更改设备，那么您将无权使用本设备。

規 制 適 合 宣 言 とご使 用 について( 米 国 FCC)
この機器 は、FCC規 則 のパート15に定 められたクラスAデジタル装 置に関 する規制
要 件 に基 づいて所 定 の試 験 が実 施され、その適 合 が認 証されています。これらの
規 制 要件 は、商 業環 境 において機 器を使 用する際 、有 害な干 渉 に対 する妥 当な保護 を提供 するために設けられています。この機 器 は、無 線 周 波 数エネルギーを生 成 かつ利 用 するとともに、放 射 することもあります。このリファレンスガイドの指示 に従 って設置 および使 用が行われない場 合 は、無線 通 信 に有 害 な干渉 を引き起 こす恐れがあります。この機器 を住宅 地 で利 用 すると有 害 な干 渉 を起 こすこともあり、その場合 、使 用 者 は自 己 負担 において適 切 な対 策 を講 じる必 要 があります。
注 意 事項 ：このリファレンスガイドに明 示 的 に承 認 していない変 更や修 正を行 った
場 合 には、本 製品 を使用 する権 利 が無効 となることがあります。

1.3.3

Warranty and non-warranty clause

NOTICEThe camera does not contain serviceable parts. Do not open the body of the camera. If the camera has been opened, the warranty will be void.

NOTICEThe camera has to be used with a supply voltage according to the camera’s specification. Connecting a lower or higher supply voltage, AC voltage, reversal polarity or using wrong pins of the power connector may damage the camera. Doing so
will void warranty.
Our warranty does not protect against accidental damage, loss, or acts of nature.

INFO

My Company Name, LLC cannot be held responsible for the loss of data. We recommend a backup plan.

1.3.4

Supplements
For customers in CanadaThis apparatus complies with the Class A limits for radio noise emissions set out inRadio Interference Regulations.

1 General information

8

Pour les utilisateurs au Canada
Cet appareil est conforme aux normes Classe A pour bruits radioélectriques, spécifiées dans le Règlement sur le brouillage radioélectrique.

Life support applications
The products described in this manual are not designed for use in life support appliances or devices and systems where malfunction of these products can reasonably be
expected to result in personal injury.
NOTICE

SVS-Vistek GmbH customers using or selling these products for use in such applications do so at their own risk and agree to fully indemnify SVS-Vistek GmbH for any
damages resulting from such improper use or sale.

1.4

Tips and notes
This manual contains notes that help to avoid data loss or camera damage, and tips
that provide information to improve handling the camera. They are marked as follows:
Tips

INFO

Provides information that may help to improve camera handling or avoid data loss.
Notes

NOTICE

Provides information to avoid damage to the system.

1.5

Support
In case of issues with the camera we are happy to help. For being able to help you ina fast and efficient way, we ask you for a description of the issues using camera inyour support request.
1. Put your support request to us via the support form: https://www.svs-vistek.com/en/support/svs-support-request.php
2. Fill the form with information about the camera model, the frame grabbermodel, and operating system. Our support team will come back to you.

1 General information

9

2

The FXO camera series
The FXO is a camera series designed for high-end machine vision with a C-mountconnection. Only Sony image sensors with excellent optical performance and highbandwidth are used in the FXO. Advanced electronic circuitry, an excellent temperature management and low power dissipation make the basis for optimal performance of even the most demanding image sensors. Equipped with the fastest
interfaces from the world of image processing, the FXO allows the high bandwidthsof modern image sensors to be transferred into the application.
The CoaXPress-12 interface is suitable for applications with extremely stable data
rates and high requirements on trigger latency.

2.1

CXP-12 features
CoaXPress-12 (CXP2.0) is the currently the best option regarding high speed highvolume data transfer for imaging. However, as opposed to network-ready cameras,
the interface requires a frame grabber on the PC side.
The CoaXPress standard includes features like power-over-CoaXPress (PoCXP)
already in the standard definition.
The main advantages of CXP-12 are:

INFO

2 The FXO camera seriesl12.5 Gbit/s transfer rate per linelLines can be teamedlProvides data and power on a single line (PoCXP)lThin and flexible 75 Ohm coaxial cablesl

25 m data cable supportedl

Low latency timeslUplink speed 41.6 Mbit/slNo-latency trigger over CXP (max. 300 kHz)l

DIN µBNC connector

When using the 4IO PWM outputs to drive your lights, you need an external power
supply as PoCXP is unable to deliver the high currents requested by the lights.

11

2.2

4I/O adds light and functionality

Fig. 2-1: Illustration of 4I/O concept of switching LEDs

Your SVS-VISTEK camera is equipped with the innovative 4I/O-interface allowing fulllight control, replacing external strobe controllers. Each of the outputs can be individually configured and managed using pulse width modulation. With its high current
output, the camera is able to drive LED lights directly without external light controller.
The integrated sequencer allows multiple exposures with settings to be programmed,
creating new and cost effective options. Logical functions like AND / OR are supported.
l

Up to 4 x open drain high power OUTl

Up to 4 x high voltage IN – TTL up to 25 VoltslPower MOSFET transistorsl

PWM strobe controllSequencer for various configurationsl

PLC functionality with AND, OR and timerslSafe Trigger (debouncer, prescaler, high low trigger)

INFO

Find an example how to operate light control in the section on sequencer ("Sequencer" on page 70).

2.3

Lens control
Various SVCam models are supporting adjustable lenses. Focus and iris of the lenscan be controlled from within the camera GenICam tree. A special Y-cable might berequired, contact sales@svs-vistek.com.
The following variable lens types are supported:

2 The FXO camera series12l

MFT (Micro Four Thirds) lenses (in Tracer series) have full support of lens focus,
iris and zoom. Only available in Tracer models no options selectable in
GenICam tree.

lBirger mount
Ask sales@svs-vistek.com for information of usability and restrictions of the Birger adapter.

l

Varioptic liquid lensControl of extremely fast focus cycles. Make sure sensor diameter is covered by
lens.

l

Canon EF/EF-S lens
Focus and iris control is supported. Use Canon lenses with machine visionapplications. The SVCam-EF lens adapter can be acquired from SVS-VISTEK.

INFOLens control (except MFT) will make use of the serial ports of the Hirose connector.

2.3.1

Use of Varioptic liquid lenses
We are supporting Varioptic liquid lenses. The liquid lens support does variable focus
only, zoom and aperture control are not existing with the Varioptic liquid lens. You
need a special serial cable with Hirose for connecting the lens to the camera, pleaseask your dealer. Being extremely fast and robust, the liquid lens is best choice as longas variable focus is sufficient in the application and you do not need a full lens control with aperture control and zoom functionality. In case of full lens control requirement, please refer to the TRACER series.
The lens is powered and controlled by the camera. The lens can be controlled via
SDK functions or more easily via GenICam property.
Liquid lenses do have some advantages and disadvantages compared to glass
optics:
l

l

2.3.2

Advantages of liquid lensesoExtremely robust to mechanical shock (best choice for fast moving robotics)
and accelerationoFast focus (often significantly faster than 10 ms under common conditions)

Disadvantages of liquid lensesoLimited resolutionoHigh chromatic aberrationo

Any acceleration (gravitational as well as acceleration from movement)
might increase spherical aberration as long as the force is working (will disappear if force has ceased within several 10 ms)

Use of Canon lenses
We are supporting Canon EF lenses. The SVCam-EF lens adapter gives you the possibility to mount Canon EF lenses with full control of focus and iris. Canon lenses arewell known for their optical excellence and combine perfectly to high resolution
machine vision cameras.

2 The FXO camera series

13This camera series does have the firmware support already included in the GenICam
tree and provides you with Canon lens control in all GenICam based software packages.

2 The FXO camera series

143Connectors
Cameras from SVS-VISTEK feature a combined I/O and power supply connector(Hirose) and a data connector.

3.1

CoaXPress-12
The cameras support an extended CoaXPress-12 (or CoaXPress 2.0) interface withconnectors and a bandwidth of up to 12.5 Gbit/s per line.
The connectors are µBNC connectors. For cables, an impedance of 75 Ohm,
RG187 is recommended. SVS-Vistek GmbH uses connectors according to JIIA standard.
The CoaXPress standard supports camera control and power over CoaXPress(PoCXP).

INFO

It is recommended to use the frame grabber power supply over CoaXPress (PoCXP).

3.2

Hirose I/O connector
The Hirose™ connector provides power, input and output signal access. Max powerout is 2 Amperes peak.

Fig. 3-1: I/O Hirose connector layout

3 Connectors

15Inputs and outputs connect via 4I/O-matrix in the GenICam software tree to theappropriate actions.
For detailed information about switching lights with the power outputs via GenICam,refer to "LED strobe control" on page 67.
Type

HR10A-10R-12P

Matching connector

HR10A-10P-12S

Table: 3-1: Hirose connector types

INFO

3 Connectors

PoE (Power over Ethernet) models do not support RS232 on pins 3 & 4.

16

4

Getting started

4.1

Support
In case of issues with the camera we are happy to help. For being able to help you ina fast and efficient way, we ask you for a description of the issues using camera inyour support request.
1. Put your support request to us via the support form: https://www.svs-vistek.com/en/support/svs-support-request.php
2. Fill the form with information about the camera model, the frame grabbermodel, and operating system. Our support team will come back to you.

4.2

Find camera specs
Our website does have all technical data of all our cameras online. Go tohttps://www.svs-vistek.com/en/industrial-cameras/svs-cameras.php for getting technical data sheets.
Cameras can be found by searching with series and model name or by using the
SVCam camera finder. Having found the requested camera, the details/download
section provides you with manuals, drawings, soft- and firmware for your camera.

4.3

Power supply

4.3.1

Power safety
The camera does not have a power switch. The camera is powered on as soon poweris available to the camera. This might happen via the Hirose connector or (in case of
USB or CoaXPress) through the interface cables.
For making sure the camera is not connected to powerlDisconnect Hirose (or M12) plug from cameral

If the camera interface is USB or CoaXPress, disconnect interface connector
from the cameralDisconnect power plug from power AC wall outlet to disable the DC power supply as well.

The power supply must be easily accessible at all times! For Power specs, refer to thedata sheet of your model.
Before connecting your camera to power, make sure your data cable is connected
properly. Always connect data cable before power.

4.3.2

Connect the camera
The camera is powered on by connecting power to the camera.

4 Getting started

17

l

INFO

Connect the power supply with the Hirose connector.

When using your own power supply (voltage range 10 -25 V DC), see also Hirose
12-pin layout of the power connector. For power input specifications refer to specifications.
Generally external power supply for USB3 Vision, CoaXPress (if PoCXP enabled) or
PoE cameras is not needed. Nonetheless, you might want to use a separate power on
the Hirose connector to reduce load on the data port. The external power on the
Hirose connector is the preferred power source.
The power up is defined as follows:lPower over USB3, CoaXPress port or GigE port (with PoE) or on the Hirose connector will power on the camera.

l

If power is found on the Hirose connector, camera power supply will switch to
the Hirose connector.

l

If Hirose power supply is cut, camera power supply will switch back to powerover USB3, PoE or power over CXP supply.

INFO

Camera power supply is not powering 4I/O LED lights.

4.4

Camera status LED codes
Latest SVCam CoaXPress cameras provides status information per CXP line. A LED is
located close to each CXP connector and will indicate the current status for the appropriate CXP line. The LEDs will change color and rhythm.
The meaning of the CXP line blinking codes is depending whether PoCXP is used andtranslates as follows:

Fig. 4-1: Camera status LED codes

4 Getting started

18

5

Feature description
This chapter covers features of SVCam cameras. Not every feature might be supported by your specific camera model. For information about the features of your specific model, refer to the specifications area of our website with your exact model.
https://www.svs-vistek.com/en/industrial-cameras/svs-svcam-searchresult.php

5.1

Basic features

5.1.1

Gain
Setting gain above 0 dB (default) is a way to boost the signal coming from the sensor.
Especially useful for low light conditions. Setting gain amplifies the signal of individual or binned pixels before the ADC. Referring to photography adding gain corresponds to increasing ISO. Increasing gain will increase noise as well.
add 6 dB

double ISO value

6 dB

400 ISO

12 dB

800 ISO

18 dB

1600 ISO

24 dB

3200 ISO

Table: 5-1: Table of dB and corresponding ISO value

NOTICE

5 Feature description

Gain also amplifies the sensor’s noise. Therefore, gain should be last choice forincreasing image brightness. Modifying gain will not change the camera’s dynamic
range.

19

Fig. 5-1: Noise caused by too much gain

Auto gain
For automatic adjustment of gain refer to auto exposure (see "Auto exposure" onpage 35).
When using auto-gain with steps of gain the noncontinuous gain adjustment might
be visible in final image. Depending on your application it might be preferable to use
fixed gain values instead and modify exposure with exposure time.

5.1.2

Resolution
As mentioned in the specifications, there is a difference between the numerical sensor
resolution and the camera resolution. Some pixels towards the borders of the sensor
will be used only internally to calibrate sensor values (“Dark pixels”). The amount ofdark current in these areas is used to adjust the offset (see "Offset" below).
For calculating image sizes, the maximum camera resolution is determining maximum image resolution, refer to the specifications of the camera model).

5.1.3

OffsetFor physical reasons the output of a sensor will never be zero, even the camera isplaced in total darkness or simply closed. Always there will be noise or randomly
appearing electrons that will be detected as a signal (dark noise: noise generated
without light exposure).
To avoid this dark noise to be interpreted as a valuable signal, an offset will be set.

5 Feature description

20

Fig. 5-2: Dark noise cut off by the offset

Most noise is proportional to temperature. To spare you regulating the offset every
time the temperature changes. A precedent offset is set by the camera itself. It references certain pixels that never were exposed to light as black. So the offset will be
set dynamically and conditioned to external influences.
The offset can be limited by a maximum bit value. If higher values are needed, try to
set a look up table.
INFO

For multi-tap CCD sensors, the offset can be altered for each tap separately.

5.1.4

Color
Color cameras are identical to the monochrome versions. The color pixels are transferred in sequence from the camera, in the same manner as the monochrome, but
considered as “raw”-format.

Fig. 5-3: Example of Bayer pattern (source: wikipedia)

The camera sensor has a color mosaic filter called “Bayer” filter pattern. The patternalternates as follows:

5 Feature descriptionlFirst line: GRGRGR... (R=red, B=blue, G=green)lSecond line: BGBGBG...

21

Note that about half of the pixels are green, a quarter red and a quarter blue. This isdue to the maximum sensitivity of the human eye at about 550 nm (green). De-Bayering is not done in the camera, it must be done in the client software . Not all
sensors have the same sequence of color. The GenICam property PixelColorFilter
indicates the sequence of the color pixels when reading color images.
Using color information from the neighboring pixels the RG and B values of eachpixel is interpolated by software, e.g. the red pixel does not have information of green
and blue components. The performance of the image depends on the software used.
Due to this, physical resolution of color cameras is always lower than resolution of
monochrome cameras.
Camera Link frame grabbers need information of the sequence order of the colors.
The order depends on sensor type. USB3 and GigE cameras provide this in their XML
file.
INFO

It is recommended to use an IR cut filter for color applications

INFO

Industrial vision cameras are not intended to display colors according to human perception.

White balance
The human eye adapts to the definition of white depending on the lighting conditions.
The human brain will define a surface as white, e.g. a sheet of paper, even when it isilluminated with a bluish light.
White balance of a camera does the same. It defines white or removes influences of acolor-based on a non-white illumination.
lContinuous: Auto white balance will analyze the taken images and adjust exposure per color accordingly as long as the camera is taking images. Different colors of the same object in a sequence might be the result depending on the otherobjects in the imagel

Once: Auto white balance will adjust white balance as soon it is started and willstop modifying parameters as soon white balance is finished.

Color calibration
INFO

The color cameras are delivered without color calibration.
If a color calibration is necessary e.g., because the image has a green cast, the color
can be adjusted with a white balance.
The feature "White Balance" is part of the camera firmware and can be operated witha GenICam compliant software.

5 Feature description

22

1. When using SVCapture 2, select Guru as Feature Mode.

2. Select BalanceWhiteAuto in Analog Control in the GenICam feature tree.

The White Balance “Continuous” mode is only recommended in a slow
triggered mode. Usually, it is sufficient to perform a white balance once withthe given lighting.
3. Use a white, not too dark, but not overexposed surface (white wall or paper) as
image. Only then the white balance algorithm can calibrate the color optimally.
4. If unsuccessful, adjust the RGB values manually e.g., by adjusting the green
value downwards.
5. After calibration, save the settings in the camera (User Set Save) so that the color
correction is preserved after a camera restart.
6. Use a white, not too dark, but not overexposed surface (white wall or paper) as
image. Only then the white balance algorithm can calibrate the color optimally.
7. If unsuccessful, adjust the RGB values manually e.g., by adjusting the green
value downwards.
8. After calibration, save the settings in the camera (User Set Save) so that the color
correction is preserved after a camera restart.

5.1.5

Image flipping
Images can be mirrored horizontally or vertically. Image flip is done inside thememory of the camera, therefore not increasing the CPU load of the PC.
Image flipping is referred to in the GenICam specifications and hence in the software
as follows:

5 Feature descriptionlReverse X: Flips the image along the Y axis horizontally, hence "Horizontal flipping" (see "Feature Binning Horizontal")l

Reverse Y: Flips the image along the X axis vertically, hence "Vertical flipping"(see "Feature Binning Vertical" )23

Fig. 5-4: Original image

Fig. 5-5: Horizontal flip

5 Feature description

24

Fig. 5-6: Vertical flip

5.1.6

Binning
Binning provides a way to enhance dynamic range, but at the cost of lower resolution. Binning combines electron charges from neighboring pixels directly on thechip, before readout.

INFO

Binning is only used with monochrome CCD sensors.
On CMOS sensors, binning will not affect image quality. In any case, binning will
reduce the amount of pixel data to be transferred.
The selected binning value describes the number of combined photosensitive cells,
where the following value settings apply:

INFO

l

Value 1 equals the value Binning Off from previous versions.

lValue 2 equals the previous value Binning On (combination of 2 cells).

lAdditionally, value 4 combines four cells horizontally or vertically.

Binning is now solely executed in the image processing chain of the FPGA and neverin the sensor.
Furthermore, it is possible to set the binning mode between Average or Sum:

5 Feature descriptionlAverage: The response from the combined cells will be the average value(Value: 0:l

Sum: The response from the combined cells will be added (Value: 1)25

Vertical binning
Accumulates vertical pixels.

Fig. 5-7: Vertical binning

Horizontal binning
Accumulates horizontal pixels.

Fig. 5-8: Horizontal binning

2×2 Binning
A combination of horizontal and vertical binning.
When DVAL signal is enabled only every third pixel in horizontal direction is grabbed.

5 Feature description

26

Fig. 5-9: 2x2 binning

Vertical binning
Accumulates vertical pixels.

Fig. 5-10: Vertical binning

Horizontal binning
Accumulates horizontal pixels.

Fig. 5-11: Horizontal binning

5 Feature description27

2×2 Binning
A combination of horizontal and vertical binning.
When DVAL signal is enabled only every third pixel in horizontal direction is grabbed.

Fig. 5-12: 2x2 binning

5.1.7

Decimation
For reducing width or height of an image, decimation can be used. Columns or rows
can be ignored.

INFO

Refer to "ROI / AOI" on page 49 for reducing data rate by reducing the region you
are interested in.

Fig. 5-13: Horizontal decimation

5 Feature description

28

Fig. 5-14: Vertical decimation

5.1.8

GenICam
The GenICam standard provides a generic programming interface to control all
kinds of cameras and devices. Regardless of the interface technology (GigE Vision,
USB 3 Vision, CoaXPress, Camera Link, etc.) or implemented feature, the application
programming interface (API) will always be the same. The SNFC makes sure the feature names are similar throughout the manufacturers, making it more easy to switch
camera models.
The GenICamTM standard consists of multiple modules according to the main tasks
to be solved:lGenApi: configuring the cameral

SNFC: Standard Feature Naming Convention, a catalog of standardized names
and types for common device featuresl

GenTL: transport layer interface, grabbing imagesl

GenCP: generic GenICam control protocoll

GenTL SFNC: recommended names and types for transport layer interface.

The GenICam properties are organized as a tree. Manufacturers can add more features.
With your SVCam, the GenICam tree does have some hardware related extensions,especially in the I/O sector. See the Quick guide install for a short introduction into
the SVS-VISTEK GenICam tree.

The GenICam properties are organized in views. The recommended way to view andadjust is by using SVCapture. If you want to have a full view of all adjustable
GenICam items, activate the Guru mode. Beginner mode will show only most common attributes.
NOTICE

5 Feature description

All modifications in the GenICam tree will have immediate effect.

29

5.1.9Trigger modes
To start capturing images, the camera has to receive a trigger signal. This trigger signal can be a software trigger, it might be an electric signal on the hardware I/O or it
can be a timed trigger (sequence of images or "Precision Time Protocol").

Software trigger
The camera exposure can be started via software. With some interface types like
GigE and USB3 it is impossible to have a 100% precise software trigger. CoaXPress
and Camera Link permit relatively precise triggering of the camera. If you need tohave a precise trigger, usage of "External hardware trigger" below is recommended.

External hardware trigger
External trigger with programmable exposure time. In this mode the camera is waiting
for an external trigger pulse that starts integration, whereas exposure time is programmable via the serial interface and calculated by the internal microcontroller ofthe camera.
INFO

Default input for trigger is Input1.
At the rising edge of the trigger the camera will initiate the exposure.
The software provided by SVS-VISTEK allows the user to set exposure time e.g. from60 μs to 60 sec (camera type dependent).
Exposure time of the next image can overlap with the frame readout of the current
image (trigger pulse occurs when FVAL is high). When this happens, the start of exposure time is synchronized to the negative edge of the LVAL signal (see figure)Fig. 5-15: Mode 2: External trigger with programmable exposure time (overlap)

When the rising edge of trigger signal occurs after frame readout has ended (FVAL islow), the start of exposure time is not synchronized to LVAL and exposure time starts
after a short and persistent delay.

5 Feature description

30

Fig. 5-16: Mode 2: External trigger with programmable exposure time (non overlap)

Exposure time can be changed during operation. No frame is distorted during switching time. If the configuration is saved to the EEPROM, the set exposure time willremain also when power is removed.

Detailed info of external trigger mode
INFO

The diagrams below are identical for CCD and CMOS technique.

Fig. 5-17: Mode 1: External trigger with pulse width exposure control (overlap)

T1 Line duration

T2 Transfer delay

T3 Exposure delay

T4 Min. trigger pulse widthFig. 5-18: Mode 1: External trigger with pulse width exposure control (non-overlap)

T2 Transfer delay

T3 Exposure delay

Fig. 5-19: Mode 1: External trigger with programmable exposure time (overlap)

5 Feature description

31

T1 Line duration

T3 Exposure delay

T4 Min. trigger pulse widthFig. 5-20: Mode 1: External trigger with programmable exposure time (non-overlap)

T3 Exposure delay

5.1.10T4 Min. trigger pulse width

Shutter modes
CCD and CMOS area cameras consist of pixels, ordered in lines and columns. All
pixel are exposed to light and then read out to camera electronics. There is a difference of reading out the sensor between global and rolling shutter. Especially flashing and moving objects might need more attention with rolling shutter.
There are 3 modes to operate a camera area sensor:

Global shutter modelGlobal reset of all pixelslAll pixels start light integration at the same timelAll pixels stop integration at same timelReadout line by line after exposure of whole frame is completed

Global reset release mode
INFO

Global reset release is a image sensor feature. The sensor being used in the hr120
cameras does not provide global reset release.
Global reset release mode is a special mode to operate rolling shutter sensors. With
the exception of the hr120, all rolling shutter cameras from SVS-Vistek GmbH can be
operated in Global Reset Release mode. Global reset release shows advantages
when operating light sources in non-constant light situations.

5 Feature description

32

Fig. 5-21: setup of global reset release mode in GenICam tree

Benefitsl

All pixel reset all lines same timelLight integration starts with same point of time for each linel

All lines stop integration at different timelReadout line by line

Limitations
ROI limitations apply similar to rolling shutter.
l

Next integration has to wait for finished readout of last active linel

No external exposure control (expose while trigger signal active)l

not useful with constant object illumination

ArtifactslDifferent amount of blur on moving objects (more blur the later the readout)lDeformed image of moving objects (see rolling shutter)lbrighter exposure the later the readout

Global reset mode with flash
The disadvantage of global reset release mode is lines at the end of readout are
exposed to light longer than the lines at readout start, brightness is different. Using a
strobe controller with flashed light will get rid of the issue.

Global reset release mode setup

5 Feature descriptionlmake sure of no external (constant) light sourceluse flash only for object illuminationlset camera to global reset release modelstart exposure time together with flash (flash strobe in darkness)

33

When flashing in global reset mode, the flash time will define the exposure time.
Thus, an very time-stable flash control is essential.

Fig. 5-22: Flash control with global reset release

In Global Reset Mode flash is starting together with exposure, all CMOS lines are
sensitive to light. Flash time has to be shorter than exposure time. Exposure time isdetermined by flash time.
INFO

Strobe control jitter might be visible in the image as structures or as brightness
instabilities.
We recommend using the integrated I/O flash control for light control. Precision isabout 1 tic or 15ns.

5.1.11

Exposurel

For various exposure and timing modes in chapter, see "Basic capture modes"
on page 49.

l

For combining various exposure timings with PWM LED illumination, refer to"Sequencer" on page 70.

Setting exposure time
Exposure time can be set by width of the external or internal triggers or programmed
by a given value.

5.1.12

Exposure speed
Frames per second, or frame rate describes the number of frames output per second(1/ frame time). Especially GigE and USB cameras cannot guarantee predictablemaximum frame rates with heavy interface bus load.

5 Feature description

34

Maximum frame rate might depend on:

5.1.13lPixel clockl

Image sizel

Tap structurelData transport limitationl

Processing time

Auto exposure
Auto Luminance or auto exposure automatically calculates and adjusts exposure timeand gain, frame-by-frame.
The auto exposure or automatic luminance control of the camera signal is a combination of an automatic adjustment of the camera exposure time (electronic shutter)and the gain.
The first priority is to adjust the exposure time and if the exposure time range is not sufficient, gain adjustment is applied. It is possibility to predefine the range (min / maxvalues) of exposure time and of gain.
The condition to use this function is to set a targeted averaged brightness of the camera image. The algorithm computes a gain and exposure for each image to reachthis target brightness in the next image (control loop). Enabling this functionality uses
always both – gain and exposure time.

Limitations
As this feature is based on a control loop, the result is only useful in an averaged, continuous stream of images. Strong variations in brightness from one image to next
image will result in a swing of the control loop. Therefore it is not recommended touse the auto-luminance function in such cases.

5.1.14

Acquisition and processing time
The camera has to read the sensor, process the data to a valid image and transfer
this to the host computer. Some of these tasks are done in parallel. This implies thedata transfer does not end immediately after end of exposure, as the image has to beprocessed and transferred after exposure.

Fig. 5-23: Acquisition and processing timeOn the other hand, while processing and transferring the image the sensor might capture already the next frame.

5 Feature description

35

5.1.15

Bit depth
Values of brightness are internally represented by numbers. The number of bits forbrightness representation is limiting the number of color values that can be represented. Bit depth defines the maximum unique colors or gray levels in an image.
No of gray values = 2bit depth
All SVCam models support 8-bit format. In most cases, the sensor itself is limiting
maximum bit depth. Refer to specifications whether your model is supporting higher
bit depth.

INFO

Depending on camera model, different bit depths are supported.

Packed format
Some camera models support “packed” bitformats. Instead of using 16 bit per pixel(and transferring a lot of zeroes), 2 bytes contain more information than only 1 pixel.
For example, in the image above, “Mono12Packed” is supported. Every pixel has a
bit depth of 12 bit. Information transfer has to be in 8-bit steps (8, 16, 24 etc). By
packing, 2 pixel can be transferred in 3 bytes (24 bit) instead of 2 x 16 bit (4 bytes).
This increases bandwidth by 25%. This packing does not affect image quality, but theimage needs to be unpacked (with an SVCam SDK function, very fast) after image
acquisition before the image can be processed.
NOTICE

Unpacking has to be done manually, this is not a GenTL function. Thus, image
acquisition in packed formats won’t be supported by most 3rd party software
products.

Separated bit depth of sensor and camera
Some camera models are supporting separated bit depth adjustment of sensor
readout and camera readout. Thus you can read in an image e.g. in 12 bit from thesensor, apply a 12-to-8 bit look-up table and read from the camera as an 8 bit
image.

By default, sensor pixel size is "SensorBppAuto" and should follow the adjustment ofpixel size.

5 Feature description

36

The final bit depth exported by the camera (camera readout) is adjusted with pixel
size.

Bit depth and brightness with Sony Gen 4 sensors
The FXO series (XGE / CXP) shows different brightness when switching between 8-bit
and 12-bit mode (SensorPixelSize). If you read sensor 8-bit, the upper 4 bits of thesensor range are cut off.
8-bit mode sensor pixel size is 50 % faster, but the (bit-cut-off) reduced full well capacity also results in a higher noise percentage. To use the full dynamic range of thesensor, the sensor must be read out 12-bit, the transmission can then be done with
(reduced) 8- or 12-bit, as required.

Fig. 5-24: Bit depth and brightness with Sony Gen 4 sensors

The red 8-bit curve above is the result of the sensor 12-bit capacity with the used 8-bit
range. The black 12 bit curve is an applied linear 12-to-8 bit look-up table.

5.2

Camera features
The camera features of the FXO series CoaXPress are defined by the combination of
its electronics and firmware features. Firmware features can be upgraded with new
firmware releases.

5.2.1

Glass filter
The camera is equipped with a glass filter for sensor protection reasons (dust).
Optical length of the glass filter is included in the mount specifications.

5 Feature description

37

5.2.2

Shading correction
Overview
The interactions between objects, illumination, and the camera lens might lead to a
non-uniform flat-field in brightness. Shading describes the non-uniformity of brightness from one edge to the other or center towards edge(s).

Fig. 5-25: Original and shading corrected image

This shading can be caused by non-uniform illumination, non-uniform camera sensitivity, vignetting of the lens, or even dirt and dust on glass surfaces (lens).
Shading correction is a procedure to create a flat-field image out of a non-uniform
image regardless of the reasons of the non-uniformity. Before doing shading correction, make sure your lens is clean and in perfect condition. If the lens is not clean
or the lighting not uniform, the algorithm tries to compensate these as well, resulting
in a wrong shading table and visible artifacts, loss of details, or local noise in the final
image.
In theory, there are several locations of shading

INFO

5 Feature descriptionl

In the host computer: significant loss of dynamic rangel

In the camera, digital: better (smoother) shading than on computer, still loss ofdynamic rangel

In the camera, analog: set gain / offset locally direct on sensor to get optimum
shading correction with only small changes in dynamic range

Shading correction might reduce the dynamic range of the images. By using different gains and offsets on the sensor local noise might be less uniform. Structures in
the reference image might lead to visible shading artifacts.

38How it works
The tool will divide the image into squares of 16x16 pixel. Out of every 16x16 pixel
cluster a set of shading values consisting of specific gain and offset per cluster is calculated. The resulting map can be uploaded into the camera and will compensate forany shading, lens-based or based on illumination.

Creating a shading map
Shading maps are test files containing a description for the camera how to balanceshading control. Shading maps can be created and uploaded to the camera with
SVCapture. The shading map creation process takes any image with any illuminationand creates a shading map out of it. This shading map will be uploaded into the camera afterward.
1. Connect the camera to the PC and open it with SVCapture2.
2. Make a picture in which you can see the vignetting (shading).
Check that the image is not overexposed and AOI and Binning is disabled.
3. Take a picture with the grabber software and save it to the computer, this will beneeded in the next steps in SVCapture.
4. Check if the picture you are taking in the grabber software has the maximum resolution supported by the camera.
5. In Shading Correction > Control, enable or disable shading correction.
6. In Shading > Shading Map Selector select a shading map.

7. Open Assistant > Shading Correction and select Generate Map….
8. Add the *.bmp file to the shading map generator.

9. Select Generate map. The map is saved in the background.
10. After the map is successfully created, upload the map in the camera by selecting
Upload map to camera.
11. Select Yes for saving the map in the user set.

NOTICE

5 Feature description

Shading correction is possible with certain models only. See camera specs whether
your model does support this. In case your camera is not supporting, the assistantwill not be selectable.

39First, shading reference images have to be taken with shading correction disabled(use 16 images minimum). Save it on disk. Use std .bmp files here, if possible withmore than 8 bit.
1. Run shading assistant->Generate Map

Fig. 5-26: Shading control disabled

2. With SVCapture load these reference images.

3. See shading in the preview
4. Generate the shading map

5 Feature description40

5. Save map to disk. This file can be used in programmed environments via SDK as
well.
6. Upload it to the camera and see the result. If lighting did not change from startof procedure, you should see a uniform image with enabled shading control.

7. Run camera with same lighting to see corrected image.

5.2.3

Defect pixel correction
All image sensor have defect pixels in a lesser or greater extent. Type and number ofdefects determine the quality grade (quality classification) of the sensor.
Defect Pixel Correction is using information from neighboring pixels to compensate
for defect pixels or defect pixel clusters (cluster may have up to five defect pixels).
Defect Pixels either be dark pixels, i.e. that don’t collect any light, or bright pixels (hotpixel) that always are outputting a bright signal.
The amount of hot pixels is proportional to exposure time and temperature of thesensor.
By default, all known defect pixels or clusters are corrected by SVS-VISTEK as a factory default.
Under challenging conditions or high temperature environments defect pixel behavior might change. This can be corrected.

5 Feature description

41

l

A factory created defect map (SVS map), defying known defects, is stored in thecamera.

l

A custom defect map can be created by the user. A simple *.txt file with coordinates must be created. The user must locate the pixel defects manually.

l

The *.txt file can be uploaded into the camera. Beware of possible Offset!

lDefect maps can be switched off to show all default defects, and switched backon to improve image quality.

Unlike shading correction, defect pixel correction suppresses single pixels or clusters
and reconstructs the expected value by interpolating neighboring pixel values. The
standard interpolation algorithm uses the pixel to the left or to the right of the defect.
This simple algorithm prevents high run-time losses.
More sophisticated algorithms can be used by software.

Fig. 5-27: Illustration of a defect pixel

Procedure of pixel correction
SVCapture is the tool to generate pixel correction maps. The pixel correction assistantprovides everything to create, load, enable and restore defect pixel creation maps.
Defect pixel correction is possible with certain models only. See camera specs
whether your model does support this. In case your camera is not supporting, theassistant will not be selectable.

5 Feature description42l

For easy image processing, it is recommended to have pixel correction activatedl

Pixel correction maps can be saved and loadedl

The std factory map can be selected any timelGenerate your own custom maplSelect your own defect pixel map

The procedure to create a std map is pretty straight forward. Befrore starting generating the map, in the GenICam tree do following:

5 Feature descriptionl

Set gain to 0 dBlDisable autogainlSet offset to 0l

Record a set of dark images (put lens cap on)

43

Defect pixel map generation
1. Save a completely dark image as bmp file.

2. Save a completely white image as bmp file.

3. Open Assistant > Defect Pixel Correction > Select Map > Custom Map.
4. Select Generate Map….
5. Add a “Dark Image”.

5 Feature description

44

6. Add a “Bright Image”.

7. Select Generate map.

8. Observe how many defect pixel were detected in the “Defect Pixel Count”.

9. Select Upload map to camera.

5.2.4

Look-up table
The look-up table feature (LUT) lets the user define certain values to every bit valuethat comes from the ADC. To visualize a LUT a curve diagram can be used, similar tothe diagrams used in photo editing software.
The shown custom curve indicates a contrast increase by applying an S-shaped
curve. The maximum resolution is shifted to the mid-range. Contrasts in this illumination range is increased while black values will be interpreted more black andmore of the bright pixels will be displayed as 100 % white.

INFO

5 Feature description

For further Information about curves and their impact on the image refer to ourhomepage: Knowledge Base – LUT.

45

Fig. 5-28: Custom LUT adding contrast to the mid-tones

INFO

LUT implementation reduces bit depth from 12 bit to 8 bit on the output.

Gamma correction
Using the look-up table makes is also possible to implement a logarithmic correction.
This is commonly called “gamma correction”.
Historically gamma correction was used to correct the illumination behavior of CRT
displays, by compensating brightness-to-voltage with a gamma value between 1,8
up to 2,55.
The gamma algorithms for correction can simplify resolution shifting as shown seen
below.

5 Feature descriptionlInput & output signal range from 0 to 1l

Output-signal = Input-signalGamma

46

Fig. 5-29: Several gamma curves comparable to a LUT

INFO

l

Gamma values less than 1.0 map darker image values into a wider ranger.

lGamma values greater than 1.0 do the same for brighter values.

Gamma algorithm is just a way to generate a LUT. It is not implemented in the camera directly.

Gamma correction
Using the look-up table makes is also possible to implement a logarithmic correction.
This is commonly called “gamma correction”.
Historically gamma correction was used to correct the illumination behavior of CRT
displays, by compensating brightness-to-voltage with a gamma value between 1,8
up to 2,55.
The gamma algorithms for correction can simplify resolution shifting as shown seen
below.

5 Feature descriptionlInput & output signal range from 0 to 1l

Output-signal = Input-signalGamma

47

Fig. 5-30: Several gamma curves comparable to a LUT

INFO

5 Feature descriptionlGamma values less than 1.0 map darker image values into a wider ranger.

lGamma values greater than 1.0 do the same for brighter values.

Gamma algorithm is just a way to generate a LUT. It is not implemented in the camera directly.

48

5.2.5

ROI / AOI
In partial scan mode or Area-Of-Interest (AOI) mode (or Region-Of-Interest (ROI)mode) only a certain region of the sensor will be read.

Fig. 5-31: AOI on area sensor

Selecting an AOI will reduce the number of horizontal lines being read. This will
reduce the amount of data to be transferred, thus increasing the maximum speed interms of frames per second.
With CCD sensors, setting an AOI on the left or right side does not affect the frame
rate, as lines must be read out completely.
With CMOS Sensors, AOI is sensor dependent. Some CMOS sensors require thecamera to read full horizontal sensor lines internally. Reducing horizontal size with
AOI might result in limited frame rate gain.

5.2.6

Basic capture modes
The camera has 2 basic operation modes.
lFree run (timed) run: The camera will expose and deliver images on a fixedschedule.

lTriggered: The camera will wait for an external signal and start exposure after
receiving the external trigger signal.

Free running
Free running (fixed frequency) with programmable exposure time. Frames are readcontinuously and valid data is indicated by LVAL for each line and FVAL for the entire
frame.
There is no need to trigger the camera in order to get data. The exposure time is set
via the serial interface and calculated by the internal logic of the camera.

Fig. 5-32: Mode 0 - Free running with programmable exposure time

5 Feature description

49

The fundamental signals are:lLine Valid: LVALl

Frame Valid: FVALl

For triggered modes: trigger input

Triggered mode (pulse width)
External trigger and pulse-width controlled exposure time. In this mode the camera is
waiting for an external trigger, which starts integration and readout. Exposure time
can be varied using the length of the trigger pulse (rising edge starts integration time,
falling edge terminates the integration time and starts frame read out). This mode isuseful in applications where the light level of the scene changes during operation.
Change of exposure time is possible from one frame to the next.

Fig. 5-33: Mode 1: External Trigger with Pulse Width Exposure Control (overlap)

Exposure time of the next image can overlap with the frame readout of the current
image (rising edge of trigger pulse occurs when FVAL is high). When this happens:
the start of exposure time is synchronized to the falling edge of the LVAL signal.

Fig. 5-34: Basic capture modes - triggered mode (pulse width without overlap)

When the rising edge of trigger signal occurs after frame readout has ended (FVAL islow) the start of exposure time is not synchronized to LVAL and exposure time starts
after a short and persistent delay.
The falling edge of the trigger signal must always occur after readout of the previous
frame has ended (FVAL is low).

Software trigger
Trigger can also be initiated by software or serial interface.

5 Feature description

50

INFO

Software trigger can be influenced by jitter. Avoid software trigger when using time
sensitive applications.

5.2.7

Read-out control
Read-out control defines a delay between exposure and data transfer. Read-out control is used to program a delay value (time) for the readout from the sensor.
With more than one camera connected to a single computer, image acquisition andrendering can cause conflicts for data transfer, on CPU or bus system.

Fig. 5-35: Illustration of physical data stream in time

5.2.8

Temperature sensor
A temperature sensor is installed on the main board of the camera. To avoid overheating, the temperature is constantly monitored and read. Besides software monitoring, the camera indicates high temperature by a red flashing LED (see flashing
LED codes).

5.2.9

System clock frequency
Default system clock frequency in almost every SVCam is set to 66.6 MHz. To validate your system frequency refer to: specifications.
Using the system clock as reference of time, time settings can only be made in steps.
In this example, the transfer rate is 66.7 MHz, thus resulting in steps of 15 ns.

INFO

Use multiples of 15 ns to write durations into camera memory.

5.2.10Predefined configurations (user sets)
The camera starts with default values for all features when turned on. Settings madeduring operation will expire when the camera is turned off.
All preset adjustments are located in the GenICam tree in the “User Set Control”
property. It is possible to save up to 8 user sets. Each of these setups consists of acomplete configuration set including exposure time, delays, I/O configuration for thecamera. These user sets can be loaded at run-time. In addition, you can specify
which setup is loaded as default when the camera is switched on.

5 Feature description

51

Load a user set
With UserSetSelector a user set can be selected. Select the desired user set and press
UserSetLoad (command) twice to load the user set. The following example loads user
set 2.

Save user sets
Select the user set to be saved in the UserSetSelector and save it with the UserSetSave
command.

Set a user set as default
Use User Set Default to select the user set that is to be loaded when the camera is started. Save this setting with UserSetSave (In the example below, user set 5 is saved as
default).

Reset to factory default
User sets can be reset to factory settings. This is a two-step process. First, the factory
settings must be loaded:

5 Feature description52

Afterwards this factory default user set must be saved again as user set (in theexample below, user set 2 is overwritten with the factory settings).

5.2.11

Colour transformation control

INFO

The colour transformation control feature is available only for colour cameras. Useyour model specification whether your model is covered with the latest firmware.

INFO

See also chapter "Color" on page 21 for basic colour functionalities and chapters"Gain" on page 19 and "Offset" on page 20 for understanding gain and offset. In
most cases colour transformation will replace white balance, see "White balance".
In the world of industrial image processing, image sensors are built to reproduce
brightness values as precisely as possible, with sensitivity, size and dynamic range
being decisive criteria. A colour representation according to the colour perception of
the human eye is not a design requirement of these image sensors. The colour transformation feature generates an image representation similar to the human colour perception by transforming the colours. The decisive factors here are the selected lighttemperature of the illumination and the design of the sensor pixel. The colour transformation feature provides ready-to-use conversion matrices for the standardized
light temperatures D50, D65, TL84, and A. Furthermore, it is possible to define theconversion matrix yourself and thus adapt the colour rendering to your own lighting
situation.

Result of the colour conversion
The following images (with identical illumination, cloudy daylight) illustrate the effectof the conversion. As an industrial-vision sensor, the sensor has a clear emphasis of
the green channel. The granite stone in the foreground is grey.

Fig. 5-36: Colour transformation OFF, D50, D65, TL84, A

INFO

5 Feature description

The mathematical conversion of the colour values leads to an colour- reproduction
reflecting the human eye perception, but reduces the number of displayable colours
due to the limited bit depth. As an example the histograms of the above images
without colour correction and with D50 correction enabled. Despite the larger value
variations in the channels, the human eye perceives the D50 correction as more colour-correct. The conversion due to the different gain values can result in increased
noise and colour noise.

53

histograms of same image as above without and with colour transformation D50

The colour matrix
The conversion of each pixel is done using a matrix of gain values and a 1x3 offset
matrix O. The offset matrix is an integer matrix.

All gain values are float type values. The nomenclature is "Gain L(ine)C(olumn)" like
"Gain 00". Generally, the conversion is done for each pixel by a matrix operation with
M being the 3x3 gain matrix:

Below some examples of colour correction matrices:

0

1

2

0

2.82

-1.08

0.34

1

-0.23

2.61

-1.13

2

0.21

-1.27

5.7

1.07

2.88

0.44

Gain

OffsetTable: 5-2: Colour matrix fxo540, light D50

Light temperature D65 is more blue, values deviate significantly to get a correct colour representation:

Gain
0

5 Feature description

0

1

2

3.52

-1.08

0.15

54

0

1

2

1

-0.34

2.53

-0.83

2

0.17

-1.18

4.35

2.32

2.91

1.24

Gain

OffsetTable: 5-3: color matrix fxo540, light D65

Using the colour transformation control feature
As the colour transformation is done in the camera FPGA, the adjustment is done in
the GenICam tree:
1. Enable colour transformation.

2. Specify the desired light temperature with the colour transformation selector (thevalues for D50, D65, LT84, A are optimized for the sensor of the respective camera and cannot be changed)

Custom colour transformation
If a conversion with the pre-set light temperatures is not sufficient for the specificapplication (no standardized light source), it is possible to define your own conversion matrices.
1. Set the colour transformation selector to "user defined".
2. Select Colour Transformation Value and enter the corresponding colour transformation value. This must be done for all 9 gain values as well as for the 3 offset values. Results will be visible immediately in the image.

3. Select the custom colour transformation values.

5.2.12

Fan control
The camera has a built-in fan that is set to automatic mode by default. The fan directs
the airflow externally past the camera to avoid contamination inside the camera. The

5 Feature description

55

fan offers the following advantages:lSmall camera footprint (due to lack of large heat sinks) ensures easy integrationlLarge temperature range in standalone operationlHeat dissipation mainly through the thermo-mechanical connection of the housingl

Fan can be switched off if necessary. Ensure a good thermal connection to thecamera housing.

l

The fan activity mode can be set in the GenICam Tree.

In the Fan Control area, the threshold value allows you to define the sensor temperature at which the fan becomes active in Auto mode (60 °C default).

5.2.13

Particle Image Velocimetry
Cameras operated in Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) mode will generate 2 consecutive images with ultra-short gap between 2 exposures. PIV mode uses specificsensor modes and has to be activated in the GenICam tree.

5 Feature description

56

Sony IMX Pregius S sensors minimum gap is approx. 1-2 µs. 1st image exposure time
has to be adjusted like in normal camera operation, with restrictions depending on
resolution and bit depth. 2nd image exposure time is readout time for 1st image andcannot be adjusted.
On trigger signal, first image is exposed. The sensor itself will trigger 2nd exposureright after finishing 1st exposure, the gap is not adjustable. Finally, you will get 2
images.

Fig. 5-37: Sequence of exposure in PIV mode

For avoiding different image brightness as a result of different exposure times of both
images, it is recommended to work in darkness and control image brightness via
strobe light intensity and strobe duration.
Gap adjustment is done by positioning strobe in the exposure windows. For getting
ultra-short exposure gaps, 1st strobe is at the end of 1st exposure time and 2nd strobe
is at beginning of second exposure.
Readout of 1st frame is while 2nd frame being exposed.

5.3

I/O Features
The SVCam cameras are equipped with several inputs and outputs, providing stateof-the-art control regarding input and output channels. All I/O functions are realized
as modules. These functions can be connected in the GenICam tree.

5.3.1

Assigning I/O Lines – IOMUXThe IOMUX is best described as a switch matrix. It connects inputs, and outputs withthe various functions of SVCam I/O. It also allows combining inputs with Boolean
arguments.

5 Feature description

57

Fig. 5-38: "IN 0" connected to "debouncer"

Now the debounced signal can be taken from debouncer (line 8) in the next module
as source.

5 Feature description

LineSelector

Translation

Line0

Output0

Line1

Output1

Line2

Output2

Line3

Output3

Line3

Output4

Line5

Uart In

Line6

Trigger

Line7

Sequencer

Line8

Debouncer

Line9

PrescalerLine10

Input0

Line11

Input1

Line12

Input2

Line13

Input3

Line14

Input4

Line15

LogicA

Line16

LogicB

Line17

LensTXD

Line18

Pulse0

Line19Pulse1

Line20

Pulse2

Line21

Pulse3

Line22

Uart2 In58

The input and output lines for strobe and trigger impulses can be arbitrarily assigned
to actual data lines. Individual assignments can be stored persistently to the EPROM.
Default setting can be restored from within the camera.
INFO

Refer to pin-out in input / output connectors when physically wiring.

Input vector to switch matrix
No.

Name

Description0

io_in(0)trigger input 0 – 24 Volt / RS-232 / opto *1

io_in(1)trigger input 0 – 24 Volt / RS-232 / opto *2

io_in(2)trigger input 0 – 24 Volt / RS-232 / opto *3

io_in(3)trigger input 0 – 24 Volt / RS-232 / opto *4

io_rxd input

5

txd_from_uart1

input

6

strobe(0)output from module iomux_pulseloop_0

7strobe(1)output from module iomux_pulseloop_1

8

rr_pwm_out_a

output from module iomux_sequenzer_09

rr_pwm_out_b

output from module iomux_sequenzer_0

10expose input

11

readout input

12

r_sequenzer_pulse_a

output from module iomux_sequenzer_0 (pulse)13

rr_pwm_out_c

output from module iomux_sequenzer_014

rr_pwm_out_d

output from module iomux_sequenzer_0

15

r_sequenzer_active

output from module iomux_sequenzer_0

16

r_debouncer

output from module iomux_dfilter_0

17r_prescaler

output from module iomux_prescaler_0

18

r_sequenzer_pulse_b

output from module iomux_sequenzer_0 (pwmmask)

19

r_logic

output from module iomux_logic_0

20

strobe(2)output from module iomux_pulseloop_2

21

strobe(3)output from module iomux_pulseloop_3

22

mft_rxd input

23

trigger_feedback

input

24

txd_from_uart2

input* refer to pinout or specifications

5 Feature description

59Output vector from switch matrix
No.

Name / register

Description0

io_out(0)output open drain1

io_out(1)output open drain2

io_out(2)output open drain *3

io_out(3)output open drain *4

io_txdoutput, when debug='0'

5

rxd_to_uart1

output (uart_in)6

trigger

output7

sequenzer_hw_trigger

input to module iomux_sequenzer_0

8debounce input

input to module iomux_dfilter_0

9prescale input

input to module iomux_prescaler_0

10logic inputa

input to module iomux_logic_0

11logic inputb

input to module iomux_logic_0

12

mft_txd

output13

pulse-loop hw_trigger

input to module iomux_pulseloop_0

14pulse-loop hw_trigger

input to module iomux_pulseloop_1

15pulse-loop hw_trigger

input to module iomux_pulseloop_2

16pulse-loop hw_trigger

input to module iomux_pulseloop_3

17

rxd_to_uart2

output (uart2_in)

INFO

5 Feature description

For physical number of open drain outputs refer to pinout or specifications.

60

Example of an IOMUX configuration

Fig. 5-39: Example of an IOMUX configuration

5 Feature descriptionl

The trigger signal comes in on line 0lDebounce it.
connect line 0 to 8:
1000000000000000000000000
signal appears again on line 15 – debouncer outl

Use the prescaler to act only on every second pulse.
connect line 16 to 9.
0000000000000000100000000
signal appears again on line 17 – debouncer outlConfigure a strobe illumination with pulse-loop module 0
connect line 17 to 13
signal from pulse loop module 0 appears on line 6
connect line 6 to 0 (output 0)l

Set an exposure signal with pulse-loop module 1.
connect line 17 to 6lTell another component that the camera is exposing the sensor.
connect line 17 to 14
signal from pulse loop module 1 appears on line 7
connect line 7 to 1 (output 1)lTurn of a light that was ON during the time between two pictures.
connect line 17 to 15
invert signal from pulse loop module 2
it appears on line 20
connect line 20 to 2 (output 2)

61

Inverter
The inverter enabled at a certain line provides the reverse signal to orfrom a module.
Set to “1”With set to “1” enabled in a certain line, this line will provide a high signal no matter
what signal was connected to the line before.
Set to “1” – inverse

The inverse of a set to “1” line will occur as a low signal, regardless of the actual signal that enters the inverter module.

Overview with the I/O assistant
For an overview of current I/O connections use the I/O assistant of SVCapture. Everyfunction or module has a source.

Fig. 5-40: I/O assistant of SVCapture with activated debouncer and logic input

With the example above

5 Feature descriptionlInput 1 will be debounced at firstlThen input 1 is combined via logic module with the logic value of input 2l

The logic result signal finally is the input for trigger.

62

NOTICEThis assistant view is showing the module connection only. The properties of each
module are visible in std GenICam view only (e.g. what kind of logic operation)

5.3.2

Pulse width modulation
During pulse width modulation (PWM), a duty cycle is modulated by a fixed frequency
square wave. This describes the ratio of ON to OFF as duty factor or duty ratio.

Why PWM?
Pulse width modulation is an extremely efficient way (in terms of power dissipation) to
provide or regulate electrical power to consumers as long as they do not need uninterrupted supply (such as diodes or LEDs). The interruption times might be as short asnano seconds.

LED characteristics
Since LEDs have a bounded workspace, the PWM ensures a variable intensity of illumination at a constant current on the diodes. The constant current guarantees a linear light emission response curve of the LED from 0-100% PWM intensity.
Running LED lighting in flash mode will increase LED lifetime because of reduced LED
heat dissipation.

Implementation of PWM
The basic frequency of the modulation is defined by the cycle duration "T".

Duty cycle "T" is written into the registry by multiple of the inverse of camera frequency
in 15 ns steps.

The intensity of a PWM
The duty ratio is calculated as: Δ % = t / T. It is written above the value of "t" as
PWMChange0-3[SeqSelector] per sequence into the registry.
PWMChange0-3[SeqSelector] unit is percentage value.

5 Feature description

63Fig. 5-41: PWM intensity

Examples of PWMs
The integrals over both periods

andare equal.

An equal amount of Photons will be emitted. The intensity of light is the same.

The periods

andare equal in length.

Example: 25% PWM load

5 Feature description

64

Example: 50% PWM load

Example: 75% PWM load

The PWM module

Fig. 5-42: The PWM module

The intensity of a PWM

The duty ratio is calculated as: Δ % = t / T. It is written above the value of "t" as
PWMChange0-3[SeqSelector] per sequence into the registry.
PWMChange0-3[SeqSelector] unit is percentage value.

5 Feature description

65

Fig. 5-43: PWM intensity

Examples of PWMs

The integrals over both periods

andare equal.

An equal amount of Photons will be emitted. The intensity of light is the same.

The periods

andare equal in length.

Fig. 5-44: Example: 25% PWM load

5 Feature description

66

Fig. 5-45: Example: 50% PWM load

Fig. 5-46: Example: 75% PWM load

5.3.3

LED strobe control
The SVCam 4I/O concept contains an integrated strobe controller. Its controls areintegrated into the GenICam tree. With LED lights attached to the outputs, thisenables the user to control the light without external devices. Being controlled via
GenICam, any GenICam-compliant 3rd party software is able to control the light aswell. Maximum ON-time is 100 ms. Depending on the camera model, up to four(see specifications) independent channels are supported with a max current of
3A@40 ms per 1 s (or 4 %). Maximum continuous current is 0.3 A. Despite internal
protections, higher current peaks might be able to damage the camera.

5 Feature description

67Fig. 5-47: Attach LED lights to camera outputs

NOTICETo avoid destruction of your LED light or camera, make sure to use the right dimension of shunt resistor.

Strobe polarity
Positive or negative polarity of the hardware strobe output can be selected.

Strobe duration
The exposure time of LED lights can be set in tics. The min duration is 1 µs. The
longest time is 1 second.

Strobe delay
The delay between the (logical) positive edge of trigger pulse and strobe pulse output.

Exposure delay
A tic value, representing the time between the (logical) positive edge of trigger pulse
and start of integration time.

Calculate LED shunt resistors
Shunt resistors are used to limit the LED current. Make sure, neither shunt nor LED run
above specs.

5 Feature description

68LEDs in continuous mode
Voltage drop al 5 LEDs, 2,2V per LED (see spec. of LED)

11 V

Max. continuous current (see spec. of LED)

250 mA

Voltage supply

24 V

Voltage drop at resistor (24 V – 11 V)

13 V

Pull up Resistor R =52 Ω

Table: 5-4: LEDs in continuous mode

Total power ()

Power at LEDs (Power loss at resistor (6W)

2,75 W)

3,25 W

Table: 5-5: Example Calculation “No Flash” (CW Mode)

LEDs in flash mode
Most LED lights can cope with currents higher than specs. This gives you higher light
output when light is ON. Refer to your LED specs if LED overdrive is permitted.
By controlling the duty cycle the intensity of light and current can be controlled. Seesequencer example how to adjust the values in the GenICam tree for strobe control.
INFO

The shorter the „time on“ – the higher current can be used when driving LEDs withcurrent higher than spec

NOTICE

Make sure your PWM lighting frequency is at least double or triple the bit-depth ofyour image (e.g. 8 bit image = 256, this means your PWM has to be switched atleast 256*2=512 times) while exposing. If exposure time is 5 ms, the required minimum PWM freq = 5 ms / 512 ~ 10 µs ~ 100 kHz.

Strobe vocabulary
For an example how to enable and adjust the integrated strobe controller refer tosequencer (see "Sequencer" on the next page). Times and frequencies are set in tics. 1
tic = 15 ns.

Exposure delay
A tic value, representing the time between the (logical) positive edge of trigger pulse
and start of integration time.

5 Feature description

69Strobe polarity
Positive or negative polarity of the hardware strobe output can be selected.

Strobe duration
The exposure time of LED lights can be set in tics. The min duration is 1 µs. The
longest time is 1 second.

Strobe delay
The delay between the (logical) positive edge of trigger pulse and strobe pulse output.

5.3.4

Sequencer
The sequencer is used when different exposure settings and illuminations are needed
in a row.
Values to set

Description

Sequencer interval

Duration of the interval

Exposure start

Exposure delay after interval start

Exposure stop

Exposure stop related to interval Start

Strobe start

Strobe delay after interval start

Strobe stop

Strobe stop related to interval Start

PWM frequency

Basic duty cycle ( 1 / Hz ) for PWM

PWM change

Demodulation results

In the current GenICam implementation, all values have to be entered in tic values.
1 tic = 15 ns
Every adjustment (times, frequencies) has to be recalculated into tics and done in tics.
See the example below.
When setting “Exposure Start” and “Stop” consider ‘read-out-time’ of the sensor. It
has to be within the Sequencer interval.
For physical input and output connections refer to pin-out or specifications or see
example below. After trigger signal all programmed intervals will start. Up to 16 intervals can be programmed.
Sequencer settings can be saved to camera EEPROM.

5 Feature description

70

Example
Scenario
An object should be inspected with a monochrome camera. For accentuating different aspects of the image, 4 images should be taken in a row with 4 different colorsof light: red, green, blue, white. White light should be generated from the RGB lights
being activated at the same time. Basis is a dark environment without other lightsources.

Camera wiringl

3 LED lights are physically connected to the camera on out 0-2 (red, green,
blue)

l

Out 3 is not used

I/O matrixl4 images to be taken (RGBW) result in 4 sequencesl

RGB PWM change with different intensities (duty cycle) taking care for differences in spectral response of the camera sensorl

PWM change 0-2 is connected to out 0-2l

Seq pulse A is driving the exposure (trigger)l

Seq pulse B is driving the strobel

Seq pulse B in WHITE sequence is reduced down to 33% as light intensities of 3
lights (RGB) will add up

Notes

5 Feature descriptionlDifferent exposure / strobe timings are used for illustration. In most cases they
will show values same as exposurel

The resulting exposure time shows the period of sensor light exposure. ("masking" of exposure time by creating strobe light impulses shorter than exposuretime). This value is not adjustable at the cameral

PWM change is shown with reduced height for demonstrating reduced intensity.
In reality though, PWM change will be full height (full voltage, shunt resistor
might be necessary) with the adjusted duty cyclel

Use a PWM frequency high enough not to interfere with your timings (here:
1000 Hz)Scenario values

Interval 0(RED)

Interval 1(GREEN)Interval 2(BLUE)

Interval 3(WHITE)

Sequencer Interval

1000 ms

1000 ms

1000 ms

1000 ms

Seq pulse A start

0 ms

0 ms

100 ms0 ms

Seq pulse A stop

100 ms

300 ms

300 ms

100 ms71

Scenario values

Interval 0(RED)

Interval 1(GREEN)Interval 2(BLUE)

Interval 3(WHITE)

Seq pulse B start

0 ms

100 ms200 ms0 ms

Seq pulse B stop

100 ms200 ms

300 ms

33 ms

PWM Frequency f1000 Hz

1000 Hz

1000 Hz

1000 HzPWM change 0
(RED)

100%

0%

0%

100%

PWM change 1(GREEN)

0%

70%

0%

70%

PWM change 2(BLUE)

0%

0%

80%

80%

PWM change 3

-

-

-

-

As stated before, all these values have to be entered into the camera’s GenICam tree
as tic values.
The timing values translate like this into tics:

5 Feature description

Values to set in
GenICam properties

Interval 0(RED)

Sequencer Interval

66666667 tic 66666667 tic 66666667 tic 66666667 tic(1000 ms)
(1000 ms)
(1000 ms)
(1000 ms)

Seq pulse A start

0 tic(0 ms)

0 tic(0 ms)

Seq pulse A stop

6666667 tic(100 ms)

20000000 tic 20000000 tic 6666667 tic(300 ms)(300 ms)(100 ms)

Seq pulse B start

0 tic(0 ms)

6666667 tic(100 ms)

Seq pulse B stop

6666667 tic(100 ms)

13333333 tic 20000000 tic 2200000 tic(200 ms)(300 ms)(33 ms)Interval 1(GREEN)Interval 2(BLUE)

6666667 tic(100 ms)

Interval 3(WHITE)

0 tic(0 ms)

13333333 tic 0 tic(200 ms)(0 ms)

Effective exposure 100 ms
time

100 ms

100 ms

33 ms

PWM Frequency f

66667 tic
(1000 Hz)

66667 tic
(1000 Hz)

66667 tic
(1000 Hz)

66667 tic
(1000 Hz)PWM change 0(RED)66667 tic
(100% of1000 Hz)

0 tic

0 tic

66667 tic
(100% of1000 Hz)72

Values to set in
GenICam properties

Interval 0(RED)

Interval 1(GREEN)Interval 2(BLUE)

Interval 3(WHITE)PWM change 1(GREEN)

0 tic

46667 tic
0 tic
(70% of 1000
Hz)

PWM change 2(BLUE)

0 tic

0 tic

53333 tic
53333 tic
(80% of 1000 (80% of 1000
Hz)Hz)

PWM change 3

-

-

-

46667 tic
(70% of 1000
Hz)-

In a timings diagram, the sequence values above will look like the following diagram:

Fig. 5-48: Sequencer timing diagram

5.3.5

Optical input
In many trigger signals you find noise, transients and voltage spikes. These are able
to damage components in the camera and trigger signal interpretation might be difficult.
An optical input separates the electrical trigger and camera circuits. The benefit ofsuch an optical input is to avoid all these kinds of interaction from power sources orswitches. The disadvantage of an optical input is that it is slower in terms of signaltransmission and slew rate than a direct electrical connection.
If you need super fast response from the camera, direct electrical access is yourchoice. If your camera trigger is in the ms range or slower, we recommend to use theoptical input.

5 Feature description73

An optical input needs some current for operation. The SVS-VISTEK optical input isspecified to 5-24 V, 8 mA.

Fig. 5-49: Optical input

The optocoupler galvanically separates electrical circuits by emitting light on one sideand interpreting light in the other. There is no direct electric interaction between bothelectrical circuits.

5.3.6

PLC / Logical operation on inputs
The logic input combines trigger signals with Boolean algorithms. The camera
provides AND, NAND, OR, NOR, XOR, XNOR as below. You might combine combine true or false states of the inputs to determine camera actions. The result can beconnected to a camera trigger signal or it may be source for the next logical operation with another input. It is possible to connect it to an OUT line as well.

GenICam tree setting

Fig. 5-50: GenICam tree setting

The logic function always combines the values of Digital IO InputA / LogicA and
InputB / LogicB. In case of the trigger enabled logic function, LogicB is the trigger
enable signal and will be combined with LogicA value.

5 Feature description

74

AND

NAND

OR

NOR

XOR

XNOR

ABY

ABY

ABY

ABY

ABY

ABY

|0|0|0||0|0|1||0|0|0||0|0|1||0|0|0||0|0|1||0|1|0||0|1|1||0|1|1||0|1|0||0|1|1||0|1|0||1|0|0||1|0|1||1|0|1||1|0|0||1|0|1||1|0|0||1|1|1||1|1|0||1|1|1||1|1|0||1|1|0||1|1|1|

Table: 5-6: Truth table of logic function

NOTICE

Expert view of the GenICam tree has to be activated to see logic functions.

5.3.7

Serial data interfaces(ANSI EIA/) TIA-232-F
RS-232 and RS-422 (from EIA, read as Radio Sector or commonly as Recommended
Standard) are technical standards to specify electrical characteristics of digital signaling circuits. Serial connection might be used to control SVCams. These signals areused to send low-power data signals to control exposure, light or lenses (MFT).
Usage scenario is a control possibility without network. Be aware of low connection
speed.

Serial interface parameter

RS-232

RS-422

Maximum open-circuit voltage

±25 V

±6 V

Max differential voltage

25 V

10 V

Min. signal range

±3 V

2V

Max. signal range

±15V

10 V

Table: 5-7: Serial interface parameters – RS-232 and RS-422

INFO

See your camera data sheet regarding its serial capabilities.
Data transport is always asynchronous. Synchronization is implemented by fist andlast bit of a package. Data rate (bits per second) must be defined before transmission.

RS232
RS232 is split into 2 lines receiving and transferring data.
l

RXD: receive datal

TXD: transmit data

Signal voltage values are:5 Feature descriptionlLow: -3 … -15 Vl

High: +3 … +15 V

75

INFO

For restrictions, refer to table of serial interface parameter above.
Packaging data into containers (adding start and stop bits) is implemented by the
UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter).

Fig. 5-51: UART encoding of a data stream

5.3.8

Trigger-edge sensitivity
Trigger-edge sensitivity is implemented by a “Schmitt trigger”. Instead of triggering toa certain value, the Schmitt trigger provides a threshold.

Fig. 5-52: Schmitt trigger noise suppression

5 Feature description

765.3.9Debouncing trigger signals
Bounces or glitches caused by a switch can be avoided by software within SVCam.

Fig. 5-53: Bounces or glitches caused by a switch

Therefore the signal will not be accepted until it lasts at least a certain time.

Fig. 5-54: Debouncer between the trigger source and trigger

5 Feature description77

1. Use the IO Assignment tool to place and enable the debouncer module inbetween the “trigger” (Schmitt trigger) and the input source (e.g.: line 1).
2. Set the register “DebounceDuration” in multiples of 15 ns (implementation of system clock), e.g. 66 666 ≈ 1 ms.

Fig. 5-55: The debouncer module

5.3.10Prescale
The prescale function can be used for masking off input pulses by applying a divisor
with a 4-bit word, resulting in 16 unique settings.

5 Feature descriptionlReducing count of interpreted trigger signall

Use the prescale function to ignore a certain count of trigger signals.

l

Divide the amount of trigger signals by setting a divisor.

lMaximum value for prescale divisor: is 16 (4 bit)78

Fig. 5-56: Prescale values and their result on trigger signal

The prescale module

Fig. 5-57: The prescale module

5 Feature description

79

6

Dimensions

INFO

All length units in mm.
Find the technical drawings in the web download area athttps://www.svs-vistek.com/en/support/svs-support-download-center.php
CAD step files available with valid login at SVS-VISTEK.com

6.1

C-mount
C-mount back focus distance from sensor to lens is 17.526 mm. The camera is fittedwith a standard C-mount threading.
lDiameter: 1 inchl

Screw threading: 1/32 inch

C-mount cameras only accept C mount lenses as the flange to sensor distance does
not allow a CS mount lens close enough to the Sensor to achieve a focused image.
Optical path length is calculated including IR or dust protection glass. Removing theglass will affect optical path length.

Fig. 6-1: C-mount

6 Dimensions

81

6.2

6 Dimensions

fxo487, fxo540, fxo541, fxo542, fxo545, fxo546,
fxo54782

6 Dimensions83

6 Dimensions

84

6.3

6 Dimensions

fxo487, fxo530, fxo531, fxo532, fxo535, fxo536,
fxo53785

6 Dimensions

86

6.4

6 Dimensions

fxo99087

6 Dimensions88

6 Dimensions89

6 Dimensions

90

7

Annex

7.1

Dimensions

INFO

All length units in mm.
Find the technical drawings in the web download area athttps://www.svs-vistek.com/en/support/svs-support-download-center.php
CAD step files available with valid login at SVS-VISTEK.com

7.2

I/O driver circuit schematics
Camera power supply and power supply for PWM out is 25V max. Power for PWM
out has to be supplied via Hirose connector. The open drain outputs are ledged to
ground, that means you connect your LED on the positive side to your (light-)powersource, the negative LED connector goes to the camera out. This setup requires common ground.

Fig. 7-1: I/O driver circuit schematics

7.3

Action commands
Action commands are dedicated Ethernet packets used as external so called "Trigger
over Ethernet" (ToE). The trigger can be sent to one camera as unicast or to a all cameras as broadcast.
Each action command contains the following values:

7 Annex91lDeviceKey to authorize the action on this device.

lGroupKey to define a group of devices on which actions have to be executed.

lGroupMask to be used to filter out some of these devices from the group.

All these values can be set here:

Fig. 7-2: Action control

INFO

To fire a trigger in the camera, the DeviceKey and the GroupKey have to match andat least one bit in the GroupMask has to match.
Here are some examples of the GroupMask:
Sent GroupMask

Camera GroupMask

Camera reaction

0x7FFF FFFF

0x0000 0001

YES

0x0000 000E

0x0000 0001

NO0x0000 FFFF

0x0000 005F

YES

0x0000 FFFF

0x0000 0800

YES

0x0000 FFFF

0x0f11 0000

NO

Table: 7-1: Examples of GroupMask

Here are some examples of action commands “ActionCMD” and the reaction of
three cameras receiving these commands:

ActionCMD

Device00xaffeDevice1

Device20xaffe0xaffeDeviceKey

0xaffeGroupKey

0x12340x1

0x12340x12340x1

0x1234

GroupMask

0x00020x00010x00020x00030xffff0x0001

invalid

valid

valid

invalidinvalid0xaffe0xaffeDeviceKey

0xaffe0xaffeGroupKey

0x00010x1

0x12340x12340x1

0x1234

GroupMask

1-65535

0xffff0xffff0xffff0xffff0xffffvalid

invalidinvalidvalid

invalid

Table: 7-2: Example of action command

A short Phyton program example to generate an action command. The IP address of"server.bind" shall be adapted to the IP address of the local network card.

7 Annex

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import socket import timefrom struct import *server = socket.socket(socket.AF_INET, socket.SOCK_DGRAM, socket.IPPROTO_UDP) server.setsockopt(socket.SOL_SOCKET, socket.SO_
REUSEADDR, 1)# Enable broadcasting mode server.setsockopt(socket.SOL_SOCKET,
socket.SO_BROADCAST, 1) server.settimeout(0.2)# use local address to bind socket server.bind(("169.254.191.50",
44444))#message = b"your very important message" #net8 id;#net8 flag; #net16 command; #net16 length; #net16 req_id; #net32
device_key; #net32 group_key; #net32 group_mask;# gv_cmd_action;# action ack request#
idflag command length req_id device_key group_keygroup_mask
message = pack("!BBhhhlll", 0x42, 0x01, 0x0100, 12, 5, 1, 1, 1)# without action ack request#message = pack("!BBhhhlll", 0x42, 0x00, 0x0100, 12, 5, 1, 1, 1)
while True:
server.sendto(message, ('<broadcast>', 3956))#server.sendto(message, ("169.254.185.58", 3956))
print(".") time.sleep(1/40)

Generating an action command

7 AnnexINFOThe time between receiving an action command and releasing the trigger was measured with maximum load and values between 25605 ns and 50130 ns.

7.4

FAQ

INFO

For questions and issues, refer to the FAQ page on our website: https://www.svsvistek.com/de/support/svs-svcam-faq.php

7.5

Glossary
TermDefinition

Aberration

Spherical aberration occurs when light rays enter near the edge ofthe lens; chromatic aberration is caused by different refractive
indexes of different wavelengths of the light. (Blue is more refractive
than red)

ADC

Analogue-to-Digital Converter, also known as A/D converter

Aperture

In optics, aperture defines a hole or an opening through which lighttravels. In optical system the aperture determines the cone angle ofa bundle of rays that come to a focus in the image plane. The aperture can be limited by an iris, but it is not solely reliant on the iris.
The diameter of the lens has a larger influence on the capability ofthe optical system.

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Term

Definition

Bayer Pattern

A Bayer filter mosaic or pattern is a color filter array (CFA) deposited onto the surface of a CCD or CMOS sensor for capturing RGB
color images. The filter mosaic has a defied sequence of red, green
and blue pixels such that the captured image can be transported asa monochrome image to the host (using less bandwidth), after
which the RGB information is recombined in a computer algorithm.

Binning

Binning combines the charge from two (or more) pixels to achieve
higher dynamics while sacrificing resolution.

Bit-Depth

Bit-depth is the number of digital bits available at the output of theAnalog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) indicating the distribution of thedarkest to the brightest value of a single pixel.

Camera Link

Camera Link is a multiple-pair serial communication protocol
standard [1] designed for computer vision applications based on
the National Semiconductor interface Channel-link. It was
designed for the purpose of standardizing scientific and industrial
video products including cameras, cables and frame grabbers.

CCD

Charge Coupled Device. Commonly used technology used forcamera sensors used to detect & quantify light, i.e. for capturing
images in an electronic manner.

CMOS

Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor. A more recently
adopted technology used for camera sensors with in-pixel amplifiers used to detect & quantify light, i.e. capturing images in anelectronic manner.

CPU

Central processing unit of a computer. Also referred to as the processor chip.

dB

Decibel (dB) is a logarithmic unit used to express the ratio between
two values of a physical quantity.

Decimation

For reducing width or height of an image, decimation can be used
(CMOS sensors only). Columns or rows can be ignored. Imagereadout time is thereby reduced.

Defect map

Identifies the location of defect pixels unique for every sensor. A
factory generated defect map is delivered and implemented witheach camera.

Defect map

Identifies the location of defect pixels unique for every sensor. A
factory generated defect map is delivered and implemented witheach camera.

EPROM

Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory is a type of memory
chip that retains its data when its power supply is switched off.

Gain

In electronics, gain is a measure of the ability of a two-port circuit

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Term

Definition(often an amplifier) to increase the power or amplitude of a signal
from the input to the output port by adding energy to the signal.

Gamma

Gamma correction is a nonlinear operation used to code anddecode luminance values in video or still image systems.

GenICam

Provides a generic programming interface for all kinds of cameras
and devices. Regardless what interface technology is used (GigE
Vision, USB3 Vision, CoaXPress, Camera Link, etc.) or which features are implemented, the application programming interface(API) will always be the same.

GigE Vision

GigE Vision is an interface standard introduced in 2006 for highperformance industrial cameras. It provides a framework for transmitting high-speed video and related control data over Gigabit Ethernet networks.

GPU

Graphics Processing Unit of a computer.

HiroseCable connectors commonly used for power, triggers, I/Os andstrobe lightsISOsee "Gain" on the previous page

Jumbo frames In computer networking, jumbo frames are Ethernet frames withmore than 1500 bytes of payload. Conventionally, jumbo frames
can carry up to 9000 bytes of payload. Some Gigabit Ethernet
switches and Gigabit Ethernet network interface cards do not support jumbo frames.

7 Annex

Mount

Mechanical interface / connection for attaching lenses to the camera.

MulticastMulticast (one-to-many or many-to-many distribution) is an Ethernet group communication where information is addressed to agroup of destination computers simultaneously. Multicast should
not be confused with physical layer point-to-multipoint communication.

Partial Scan

A method for reading out fewer lines from the sensor, but “skipping” lines above and below the desired area. Typically applied to
CCD sensors. In most CMOS image sensors an AOI (area ofinterest) or ROI (region of interest) can be defined by selecting thearea to be read. This leads to increased frame rate.

Pixel clock

The base clock (beat) that operates the sensor chip is. It is typicallyalso the clock with which pixels are presented at the output node of
the image sensor.

PWM

Pulse width modulation. Keeping voltage at the same level while
limiting current flow by switching on an off at a very high frequency.

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Term

DefinitionRAW

A camera RAW image file contains minimally processed data fromthe image sensor. It is referred as "raw". SVS-VISTEK plays out RAW
only.

Read-OutControl

Read-Out control defines a delay between exposure and image
readout. It allows the user to program a delay value (time) for thereadout from the sensor. It is useful for preventing CPU overload
when handling very large images or managing several cameras ona limited Ethernet connection.

Shading

Shading manifests itself a decreasing brightness towards the edgesof the image or a brightness variation from one side of the image
to the other. Shading can be caused by non-uniform illumination,
non-uniform camera sensitivity, vignetting of the lens, or even dirt
and dust on glass surfaces (lens).

Shading correction

An in-camera algorithm for real time correction of shading. It typically permits user configuration. By pointing at a known uniform
evenly illuminated surface it allows the microprocessor in the camera to create a correction definition, subsequently applied to theimage during readout.

Shutter

Shutter is a device or technique that allows light to pass for adetermined period of time, exposing photographic film or a lightsensitive electronic sensor to light in order to capture a permanent
image of a scene.

Strobe light

A bright light source with a very short light pulse. Ideal for use withindustrial cameras, e.g. for “freezing” the image capture of fast
moving objects. Can often be a substitute for the electronic shutterof the image sensor. Certain industrial cameras have dedicated incamera output drivers for precisely controlling one or more strobe
lights.

Tap

CCD sensors can occur divided into two, four or more regions todouble / quadruple the read out time.

TCP/IP

TCP/IP provides end-to-end connectivity specifying how data
should be packed, addressed, transmitted, routed and received at
the destination.

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Term

Definition

Triggermodes

Cameras for industrial use usually provide a set of different trigger
modes with which they can be operated. The most common trigger
modes are:l

Programmable shutter trigger mode. Each image is captured
with a pre-defined shutter time;lPulse-Width Control trigger. The image capture is initiated by
the leading edge of the trigger pulse and the shutter time isgoverned by the width of the pulse;lInternal trigger or free-running mode. The camera captures
images at the fastest possible frame rate permitted by thereadout time.

USB3 Vision

The USB3 Vision interface is based on the standard USB 3.0 interface and uses USB 3.0 ports. Components from different manufacturers will easily communicate with each other.

XML Files

Extensible Markup Language (XML) is a markup language thatdefines a set of rules for encoding documents in a format which isboth human-readable and machine-readable.

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SVS-Vistek GmbH
Ferdinand-Porsche-Str. 382205 Gilching
Phone: +49 8105 3987-60
https://www.svs-vistek.com
info@svs-vistek.com© October, 2023

SVS-Vistek GmbH
Ferdinand-Porsche-Str. 382205 Gilching
Phone: +49 8105 3987-60
https://www.svs-vistek.com
info@svs-vistek.com© October, 2023