DAGE-MTI Excel Series User manual

User’s Manual
DAGE-MTI
Excel Series
CCD Digital Cameras
& Exponent Software

Table of Contents
PAGE
3 Purchaser’s Record
4 Introduction
6 Installation
6 Hardware Requirements
7 IEEE-1394 Card Installation (PC)
8 Exponent Application & Driver Uninstall
8 Exponent Application & Driver Installation
13 Automatic Camera Driver Installation
15 Operation
15 Overview
16 Menu Bar
16 Camera
17 View\Display Mode
17 View\Image Interpolation
17 View\Bayer Algorithm
18 View\Timestamp
18 View\Saturated Pixels
19 View\Toolbox Windows
19 Tools\Options
19 Pause when in Background
19 Tools\Maintenance
19 Help\About
19 Help\User’s Manual
19 Video Window
19 Status Bar
19 Trigger Mode
19 Integration Time
19 Frames per Second
19 Gain
19 Color Gain
20 Camera Controls via Toolbars and Toolbox
20 Camera Toolbar
20 Start
20 Pause
20 Stop
20 Disconnect
20 Camera Memory Presets Toolbar
20 TWAIN Interface Toolbar
21 Image Capture
21 Image Capture w/Filename Dialog
21 Autosave Toolbox
21 Enable
21 Filename
21 Format
22 Source
22 Timelapse Setup
23 Format Toolbar/Toolbox
23 Binning
2

Table of Contents
PAGE
23 Region of Interest
23 Pixel Depth
24 Exposure Toolbar/Toolbox
24 Exposure
24 Gain
24 Shutter
25 Extended Integration Threshold
25 Color Toolbar/Toolbox
25 Manual
25 One Push
25 Auto
26 Histogram Toolbox
26 Performance Toolbox
27 Trigger Toolbox
29 Strobe Toolbox
29 Miscellaneous Toolbox
30 Auxiliary Connector
31 Back Focus Adjustment
31 Software Development Kit (SDK)
32 Troubleshooting
33 Specifications
34 Excel Camera Spectral Response
34 Excel Camera Quantum Efficiency
35 Excel Camera Mechanical Features
36 Warranty
37 Appendix-A IEEE-1394 Laptop Installation
39 Appendix-B Windows “Found new Hardware Wizard” Driver Install Method
41 Appendix-C Manual Camera Driver Installation
46 Appendix-D Updating Camera Firmware
Purchaser’s Record
Model Name: □XLVM □XLVC □XL16M
□XL16C □XLMM □XLMC
Serial Number:
Dealer’s Name:
Dealer’s Address:
Dealer’s Phone Number:
Date Purchased:
P.O. Number:
3

Introduction
Excel Camera Hardware
The DAGE-MTI Excel family of digital cameras are based upon the Kodak KAI series of
interline transfer, progressive scan, CCD sensors. These high performance sensors have
7.4um square pixels with microlenses to provide high sensitivity and the large full well
capacity results in high dynamic range. The XLV camera has 640x480 pixels (VGA) @ up to
75 frames per second. The XL16 camera has 1600x1200 (UXGA) pixels @ up to 16 frames
per second and the XLM camera has 2048x2048 pixels @ up to 7.2 frames per second. All
models are available with color or monochrome sensors.
The Excel cameras operate over an IEEE-1394 Firewire™ bus. For simplistic operation,
all that is required for operation is a single IEEE-1394 cable connection between the camera
and the PC. An IEEE-1394 PC card and cable are provided with each camera. Optional
IEEE-1394 PCMCIA adaptors and cables are available for use with Laptops.
The Excel cameras are IIDC version 1.31 compliant set forth by the 1394 Trade
Association. Having the cameras adhere to a defined set of guidelines ensures easier
integration and consistency for software interface and development. This also allows the
cameras to be controlled by 3rd party software designed to control IIDC compliant devices.
Full automatic and manual shuttering, gain and extended exposure modes allow for
exceptional image results even under difficult lighting conditions. Binning is available in color
and monochrome versions to provide increased sensitivity and frame rates for dynamic
images. A scalable ROI (Region Of Interest) feature allows viewing and saving of portions of
the image area needed. This also allows faster frame rates for dynamic images and smaller
saved file sizes.
An Auxiliary connector provides an external trigger input and a strobe output for triggered
capture to external events. Two General Purpose In/Out (GPIO) pins are also provided for
various features such as a Footswitch capture control.
The camera mounts to the industry standard C-Mount optics. This allows connection to
Microscopes with C-Mount ports as well as C-Mount lenses. A Nikon F-mount adapter is
available for adapting the camera lens mount to accept Nikon F lenses.
4

Exponent Camera Software
Exponent,a powerful yet easy to use software application, is provided to operate the
Excel cameras. This software provides a user friendly approach to set up and operate all the
features of the camera. Toolbars provide access to commonly used camera functions while
allowing the video display window to have maximum display area. The ToolBox area allows
precise control of available camera features and options all laid out in a logical, easy to use
menu structure keeping all adjustments handy without having to hunt through menus. The
software uses state of the art graphic design for an informative and clean appearance which
takes advantage of the “XP” look and feel that everyone is familiar with. Multiple cameras
can be used either independently or simultaneously with each having its own software
window and set of controls. This allows the user full control to view the video, make
adjustments and decide which camera is active without having those annoying floating
adjustment menus or confusion as to which menu operates each camera.
Three image viewing options are available. The image can be displayed mapping the
sensor pixels 1:1 with the monitors’ displayed pixels or fit the whole sensors’ field of view to
the display window or fit the sensors’ field of view to the monitors’ “Full Screen” view.
Camera memory presets allow the user to recall up to 15 sets of camera adjustments
plus a factory default. These presets remain in the camera memory so the camera can
switch locations and the stored presets can still be used.
A status bar indicates current pertinent information such as the displayed frame rate,
integration time, gain and trigger status.
Either the Image Capture button, TimeLapse acquisition, external Trigger or a General
Purpose Input can be set to operate the Auto Save feature. This allows images to be
automatically named, numbered and placed into a user specified folder. In addition to
capturing special events a footswitch can be used to view and capture live images while
keeping both hands free to operate a microscope or other piece of equipment. This can save
valuable time over having to click a capture, key in a name, and then finally save an image.
Camera Firmware and Drivers can all be loaded from the Tools menu. This insures the
user can update newly released camera features without downtime due to sending
equipment back to the factory.
A TWAIN driver is included which allows Exponent to import images into your favorite
applications.
The DAGE-MTI Excel family of cameras and Exponent software provide a high
performance, easy to use and versatile solution to Digital Imaging.
System Contents:
•Excel series Camera
•IEEE-1394 PC Card
•IEEE-1394 Cable
•Exponent Software
•Twain Driver
•BackFocus Wrench
•User’s Manual
Options:
•IEEE-1394 PCMCIA Card & P/S kit
P/N: 207744-03 (Laptops w/o 1394 port)
•4-6 Pin IEEE-1394 Cable & P/S Kit
P/N:207744-04 (Laptops w/1394 port)
•Auxiliary I/O Cables
•IEEE-1394 Cables
•Footswitch Control, P/N: 207765-01
5

Installation
Hardware Requirements
The Excel cameras and the Exponent application program are designed to run on a PC
with Windows XP®(SP1 & SP2). Direct-X 9.0C will be installed during software installation if
needed. Also Microsoft .NET version 1.1 may need to be installed for XP SP1 users only. An
update link is provided during software installation. Included is an IEEE-1394 Firewire™ card
for installation into a PCI bus slot of your computer. This card is recommended for use since
it has been verified to perform with the cameras. Other optional IEEE-1394 PCMCIA (Card-
Bus) cards and cables are available for use on Notebooks or Laptop PCs. See “IEEE-1394
Laptop Installation” in Appendix-A.
Minimum PC requirements are:
•Intel Pentium 4, 1.7GHz or compatible processor
•128MB of RAM
•Integrated or dedicated display card set to 1024x768 (or higher); 24 or 32-bit color
Optimum PC Requirements are:
•Intel Pentium 4, 2.8GHz (or faster) or compatible processor
•512MB RAM (or more)
•Dedicated video display card (AGP or PCI-Express Bus)
Performance is dependent on whether other applications are running and video display
card performance and settings. Although the cameras will operate at other settings, it is
recommended that the display card properties be set to 1024x768 pixels @ 24 or 32-bit color
for Excel XLV camera and 1600x1200 pixels @ 24 or 32-bit color for Excel XL16 and XLM
cameras. You can usually check these settings by “right clicking” on your desktop, select
“properties” then the “settings” tab. To install the Exponent software and associated camera
drivers and IEEE-1394 hardware you will need to complete the following steps in this order:
1. Install the PCI card into an available PCI slot.
2. Remove any old Exponent software.
3. Install the new Exponent software.
4. Connect the camera to your computer.
5. Install Excel camera drivers.
6. Test the installation.
NOTE: You must install the Exponent software and device driver before connecting the
camera to your computer; otherwise your computer will not use the correct driver. If this
happens, you may need to manually install the driver.
6

IEEE-1394 Card Installation (PC)
An IEEE-1394 PCI bus card is included with each camera. Installing the 1394 PCI OHCI
(Open Host Controller Interface) card is very similar to installing other PCI devices. Upon
successful installation of the card, Windows Device Manager will have an “IEEE 1394 Bus
host controller” listed.
Please follow the documentation supplied with your PC for information on how to open
the case and install a PCI device. The following is a general guideline to installing the
hardware card into a PC.
1. Turn off your PC.
2. Unplug your PC.
3. Open the PC case.
4. Use a ground strap to connect you to the chassis of the PC. This will reduce the
possibility of any damage due to static electricity.
5. Install the included IEEE-1394 card into an empty PCI bus slot in your computer.
6. Remove ground strap and reassemble computer.
7. Power up computer, the Windows operating system should recognize and install the
proper drivers automatically. You may need your Windows OS CDROM if it is asked
for during setup.
You can verify the card is installed by accessing the “Windows Device Manager”. (“Right-
click” the “My Computer” icon, select “Properties”, navigate to the “Hardware” tab and click
“Device Manager”.)
IEEE-1394 Card listing in Device Manager
7

Exponent Application & Driver Uninstall
If you have previously installed Exponent software and want to install a newer version,
you will need to complete the following steps:
1. Uninstall all (attached) cameras from the system by locating the camera in the
“Windows Device Manager”, “right-click” the device, and select “Uninstall”. (To access
the “Windows Device Manager”- “Right-click” the “My Computer” icon, select
“Properties”, navigate to the “Hardware” tab and click “Device Manager”)
2. Unplug the camera.
3. Go to the “Start” Menu and open the “Control Panel”. Use “Add/Remove Programs” to
remove Exponent software from your computer. Alternatively there is an uninstall
option available if you run the setup disk used to originally install the software.
IMPORTANT: To insure correct operation of new software and drivers, the old software and
drivers must be removed prior to installing the new versions. Do not use the “uninstall” option
contained in newer versions to remove older software versions. (Use the original setup disk
or “Add/Remove Programs” inside Windows “Control Panel” to uninstall)
Exponent Application & Driver Installation
Insert the DAGE-MTI EXPONENT Installation CD into the computer’s CDROM drive. If
the Auto Run Wizard does not automatically start after placing the installation CD in the
drive, browse to your CD-ROM directory and run the “Exponent Installer.msi” file. The
Exponent Setup Wizard will be launched. Read the Warning and click “Next”.
NOTE: You must install the Exponent software and device driver before connecting the
camera to your computer; otherwise your computer will not use the correct driver. If this
happens, you may need to manually install the driver.
8

Exponent is ready to be installed; click “Next”.
The destination to install Exponent software will default to “C:\Program Files\Dage
Technologies\Exponent\”; accept this designation or click “Browse” to setup a different
designation. Decide if you want “Everyone” or “Just me” as users for Exponent software, then
click “Next” to proceed.
9

Click “Next” to Confirm the Installation
The file copy process will begin:
10

The License Agreement for installing Microsoft DirectX 9.0c will open; read, accept the
agreement and click “Next” to proceed.
The DirectX Setup window will open; click “Next” to proceed.
11

The DirectX Installation is Complete; Click “Finish”
Exponent is fully installed; click “Close”.
Exponent requires the Microsoft .NET version 1.1 (or later) framework which is included
in Windows XP (SP2). XP (SP1) users may need to install the .NET framework. The installer
will direct you to the Microsoft update link to retrieve the .NET components. if needed.
The installation automatically places a “Shortcut to Dage Exponent” icon on the desktop
and a “Dage Exponent” launch icon is also added to your “Programs” list in the “Start” menu
for starting the application.
12

Automatic Camera Driver Installation
There are two methods of automatic driver installation: a built in driver install within the
Exponent software application, and the Windows Hardware Wizard. The Exponent software
driver install method below is the preferred method and should provide a foolproof install.
The Windows “Found New Hardware” wizard driver installation is also an acceptable method
which is covered in Appendix-B.
NOTE: The camera driver process must be performed for each camera used.
Exponent Software Camera Driver Install Method
After Exponent software has been installed, start the Exponent software application
before connecting the Excel camera to the computer.
Connect the 1394 cable to the 1394 PCI card and the camera. The “Found New
Hardware Wizard” may start. Select “Cancel” in order to use the Exponent Driver Install.
At this time the Exponent software application should recognize a new Excel camera.
Click “Yes” to begin driver installation.
13

If for some reason the new camera was not recognized, you may manually start the
driver install by selecting “Install Drivers” within the “Tools/Maintenance” menu.
A Windows Logo Testing Warning will appear, click “Continue Anyway”.
The “Installing Driver” window will appear and finish the installation, and then the
camera will begin operation.
Installation Notes
The camera driver installation must be performed for each camera installed on your
computer. Multiple cameras can be connected to your computer simultaneously.
14

Operation
Overview
After installation, the Exponent application software creates a shortcut icon on the
desktop. There also is a “Dage Exponent” launch icon added to your “Programs” list in the
“Start” menu. The default Dage Exponent application executable is located in “C:\Program
Files\Dage Technologies\Exponent”.
The Dage Exponent software provides access to all of the camera’s various features.
When multiple cameras are used on the same Firewire interface, each camera has its own
software window and set of controls.
The Title Bar at the top of the application indicates the name of the software and allows
the standard windows minimize, maximize, and close options. In addition, a user defined
“Camera Name” is displayed when provided by the user in the Miscellaneous Toolbox. If the
user has not supplied a name, the software defaults to the Dage Model and Serial Number.
The Exponent application provides the following functions:
•Live display and capture of image data.
•Camera control for:
oShutter Speed and extended exposure control
oGain Control
oExposure Level
oExtended Integration Threshold control
o8-bits or 16-bits per pixel selection
oRegion Of Interest (ROI); size and location
oBinning mode for color and monochrome cameras
oBlack Level Offset
oWhite Balance; manual, One Push, and Auto
oSensor Bayer pattern processing algorithm selection
oTrigger input support
oStrobe output support
oGeneral Purpose Input/Output support
oUser Defined Camera Name (stored in camera)
•File format support of TIFF, BMP, JPG, PNG and GIF.
•Full screen image view, Fit to Window and 1:1 mapped viewing choices
•Image Interpolation selections for viewing resized image data
•TWAIN Interface for import into applications
•Auto Save to disk feature
•TimeLapse Image Acquisition
•15 Camera User Presets (& factory default) for storing and recalling settings
•Camera selection bus support allowing multiple cameras
•Histogram graph for viewing exposure
•Performance graph for viewing frame rates and computer performance
•Informative Status Bar
•Saturated Pixel Viewer
•Software control of downloading and installing Camera Firmware updates
•Built in Camera Driver Installation from software
15

Dage Exponent Software Main Window
MENU BAR TOOLBOX
CAMERA
NAME
VIDEO
WINDOW
TOOLBARS
STATUS BAR
Menu Bar- Allows access to the various software & camera functions via drop down menus.
•Camera- Shows and gives access to the cameras on the Firewire network. Selecting
another camera will start another instance of Exponent software with the selected
camera. Each camera will have its own window and set of adjustments.
Note: The IEEE-1394 bus bandwidth may be exceeded when running multiple
cameras. This may cause image “tearing” or “breakup”; to alleviate this problem set
all cameras to “Pause When in Background” in the “Tools\Options” menu or manually
pause cameras. Also increasing the Shutter time may use less bus bandwidth.
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•View\Display Mode- Controls the video window display mode choice of “1:1”, “Fit to
Window”, “Full Screen”, and “None”. This menu can also be accessed through a right
mouse click in the display window.
o1:1- The video is displayed with a 1:1 pixel-to-pixel relationship between the
camera and the display. Scroll bars are placed (if needed) on the Right and the
Bottom of the display allowing navigation within the video window.
oFit to Window- The cameras’ full field of view is displayed so that it takes up the
entire available video window. In this mode, the video may look distorted as the
video is stretched or compressed to fit the available space. The image
interpolation algorithm selected in the “Tools\Options\Image Interpolation” dialog
is used to remap the camera’s image to the computer screen.
oFull Screen- When placed in this display mode, the cameras’ full field of view
takes up the entire monitor display. In this mode, the video may look distorted as
the video is stretched or compressed to fit the available space. The image
interpolation algorithm selected in the “Tools\Options\Image Interpolation” dialog
is used to remap the camera’s image to the computer screen. To return to the
software, strike any key or click the mouse.
oNone- No video display is rendered. Images can still be saved.
•View\Image Interpolation- Allows the choice of various interpolation algorithms for
the displayed image when using “Fit to Window” or “Full Screen” display modes. It
should be noted that these algorithms can slow the video update display rate of the
image. Algorithm acceptability depends on the amount of resizing used and the
needed update speed. The Interpolation selection is used for displayed images and
has no bearing on actual saved images.
oNearest Neighbor- This algorithm uses the closest neighboring pixel to
determine a missing pixel value. The fastest and least computational.
oBilinear- This algorithm uses the weighted average of the nearest 2x2 pixels to
determine a missing pixel value. Very fast, more computational.
oHigh Quality Bilinear- Same as Bilinear except a modified weighted average
gives a higher quality.
oBicubic- This algorithm uses the weighted average of the nearest 4x4 pixels to
determine a missing pixel value. Slower and highly computational.
oHigh Quality Bicubic- Same as Bicubic except a modified weighted average
gives a higher quality.
17

•View\Bayer Algorithm- Allows the choice of various Bayer color array demosaicking
algorithms for processing of the color sensor image data. Algorithm acceptability
depends on the scene contents, quality and the needed update speed. The algorithm
selection is applied at the PC on the “raw” image data from the sensor, therefore it
should be noted that these algorithms can slow the video update display rate. Unlike
the “View\Image Interpolation” setting described above, this algorithm selection is
applied to displayed and saved images.
oBilinear Interpolation- This non-adaptive algorithm uses the weighted average of
the nearest pixels within a 3x3 block to determine a missing pixel value. Good
results in smooth regions of images. Note we do not offer a “Nearest Neighbor”
algorithm which just copies the nearest pixel value. The “Bilinear” algorithm gives
considerably better results. This default algorithm is the fastest and least
computational.
oEdge Sensing- This adaptive algorithm outperforms the “Bilinear” approach in
textured regions and edges of images by using an adaptive edge direction
interpolation where the area around each pixel is analyzed to determine if a
preferred interpolation direction exists. The interpolation direction is chosen to
interpolate along any edges in the image and to avoid interpolation across edges.
Still a fast algorithm, although more computational than the Bilinear algorithm.
oColor Correction- This adaptive algorithm analyzes for edges as in the “Edge
Sensing” algorithm and also performs processing to preserve color hue. This
algorithm provides the best image quality with the tradeoff of higher computational
load on the PC.
Significantly “zoomed in” area showing algorithm differences
Bilinear Interpolation Edge Sensing Color Correction
•View\Timestamp- Controls whether the timestamp is displayed/embedded in image.
•View\Saturated Pixels- Useful for use in monochrome or color cameras to determine
which areas of the image may have saturated data by colorizing only the pixels at
maximum level. The Exposure control can then be used to correct for any areas
which may be overexposed.
oHighlight- Enables the saturated pixel highlighter. Note the colorized highlight
data is only for display purposes and is not saved in the actual image file.
oColor- Determines the highlighted color from a color palette.
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•View\Toolbox Windows- Allows control of individual Toolbox visibility. Can also
expand all and collapse all as well as turn off the ToolBox display. There is also a
“ToolBox” icon in the ToolBar which toggles the ToolBox display.
•Tools\Options
oPause When in Background- Stops video updates when another window
overlays. This is useful in multi-camera applications in order to conserve
bandwidth or to unburden the PC when simultaneously using other applications.
•Tools\Maintenance- Allows access to various camera maintenance functions.
oCheck Web for Updates- Launches the web browser and takes you to the Dage
Website to check for the latest Software and Firmware Updates.
oUpdate Camera Firmware- Camera Firmware Updates downloaded from the
Dage Website can be downloaded to the camera via this control. The update asks
for the location of the binary firmware file, then automatically downloads it to the
camera via the Firewire interface and reboots the camera when done. See
Appendix-D Updating Camera Firmware for additional information.
oReboot Camera: Allows the camera to be rebooted remotely without having to
remove the camera power.
oInstall Drivers: Allows Dage Camera Drivers to be installed. This will not
normally be needed as the drivers are installed when the Software is installed.
oCamera Debug Console: An engineering interface that allows direct access of
various parts of the camera’s control. This is not a user control and is therefore
not accessible without support from Dage Technical Support.
•Help\About- Provides the Software Version, Firmware Version, and Camera Serial
Number.
•Help\User’s Manual- Opens a compiled HTML Help file similar to this manual.
Video Window- Receives the video from the camera and displays it on the monitor. The
window display mode choice can be accessed either through the “View\Display Mode” menu
or by right clicking on the video display window. The video window display mode choice of
“1:1”, “Fit to Window”, “Full Screen”, and “none” can be selected as described in the previous
section: “Menu Bar\View\Display Mode”.
Status Bar- This bar at the bottom of the software provides status updates on various
camera functions.
•Trigger Mode- Shows the camera’s trigger mode and status. When in a triggered
mode or auto trigger greater than 1 second, the indicator will show when the camera
is waiting for an input.
•Integration Time- Shows the current integration time in seconds.
•Frames Per Second- Shows the received frame rate from the camera.
•Gain- Shows the current overall gain setting of the camera in dB.
•Color Gain- Shows the individual color gain settings (when a color camera is used).
19

Camera Controls- There are many camera controls and each of them is accessible via the
software, either through a Toolbar, a Toolbox, or both.
Toolbars- Provides quick access to the most common functions for convenience and to
allow users to close the Toolbox for a maximum video display area.
Toolbox- Each camera function has its own toolbox that allows additional control.
These toolboxes can be minimized or turned off by the Toolbox button to allow additional
room within the software window to display video.
•Camera Toolbar- Allows the camera to either Start, Pause, Stop, or Disconnect.
oStart- Connects the camera and begins live video display and camera control.
oPause- Freezes the current image until camera is un-paused.
oStop- Stops the video image, but maintains connection to the camera.
oDisconnect- Totally disconnects the connection to the camera.
•Camera Memory Presets Toolbar- The camera is capable of storing (Store) and
recalling (Load) individual camera presets for all of the cameras’ settings. Memory
Preset 0 is reserved for a factory default preset and cannot be overwritten, however
Presets 1 through 15 are available. Just setup the camera and set the Preset number
to the desired preset, then click the Store button. To load specific stored settings, just
set the Preset number to the desired preset and click Load. When an unused preset
is recalled, the camera merely ignores the recall and retains the current settings.
•TWAIN Interface Toolbar- Exponent has a TWAIN interface that allows transfer of a
camera image to another software application. When another program selects the
Excel TWAIN interface and acquires a picture, the Exponent software opens and
allows camera control via the Exponent software and video transfer to the requesting
application.
During software installation, a TWAIN data source was added to the
“Windows/TWAIN32” directory. Any TWAIN compliant software application you may
be using can use the driver to capture images directly into the application. TWAIN
compliant applications usually provide an “Import” feature for capturing images from
cameras or scanners. Simply select the “Dage Excel Twain Data Source” device in
the TWAIN source menu of “Available Devices” in your application.
oTWAIN Transfer- Transfers the video image in Exponent to the requesting
application.
oTWAIN Close- Closes the TWAIN Interface between Exponent and the
requesting application.
20