Imperx LYNX User manual

LYNX GigE Vision Software Manual
www.imperx.com 1 of 57 Rev 1.0 6/21/2007
LYNX
GigE Vision
Software User’s Manual
These products are not intended for use in life support appliances, devices, or systems where
malfunction of these products can reasonably be expected to result in personal injury. Imperx
customers using or selling these products for use in such applications do so at their own risk
and agree to fully indemnify Imperx for any damages resulting from such improper use or
sale.
Copyright © 2007 Imperx Inc. All rights reserved. All information provided in this manual is
believed to be accurate and reliable. Imperx assumes no responsibility for its use. Imperx
reserves the right to make changes to this information without notice. Redistribution of this
manual in whole or in part, by any means, is prohibited without obtaining prior permission
from Imperx.

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Revision History
1.0 05/21/07 J. Egri Initial Release

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Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction ........................................................................................ 7
1.1 The Scope of this Software User’s Manual................................................................ 7
1.2 Related LYNX User’s Manuals................................................................................. 7
2.0 Overview of LYNX GEV ................................................................... 8
2.1 Application Highlights............................................................................................... 8
2.1.1 Functional Description........................................................................................... 8
2.1.2 Features.................................................................................................................. 8
2.1.3 Programmability..................................................................................................... 8
2.1.4 Applications ........................................................................................................... 8
2.2 Network Compatibility .............................................................................................. 9
2.2.1 LYNX eBUS Optimal Driver Mode...................................................................... 9
2.2.2 LYNX eBUS Universal Driver Mode.................................................................. 10
2.2.3 Standard Driver Mode.......................................................................................... 10
2.2.4 Driver Comparison............................................................................................... 10
2.3 Acquisition Features ................................................................................................ 11
2.4 Equipment Requirements......................................................................................... 11
2.4.1 PC Requirements.................................................................................................. 11
2.4.2 Network Adapter Requirements........................................................................... 12
2.4.3 Ethernet Switch Requirements............................................................................. 12
2.4.4 Fiber-Optic Interface Requirements..................................................................... 13
2.4.5 Power Requirements ............................................................................................ 13
2.5 Installation Overview............................................................................................... 14
2.6 Control Inputs/Outputs............................................................................................. 14
2.7 LED Status............................................................................................................... 14
3.0 LYNX GEV Application.................................................................. 15
3.1 Common Controls.................................................................................................... 16
3.1.1 File Menu............................................................................................................. 16
3.1.2 Camera Menu....................................................................................................... 17
3.1.3 Tools Menu .......................................................................................................... 17
3.1.4 Help Menu............................................................................................................ 25
3.1.5 Common Buttons ................................................................................................. 25
3.2 Connection Tab........................................................................................................ 26
3.2.1 IP Engine Settings................................................................................................ 26
3.2.2 Set IP Engine IP Address dialog.......................................................................... 28
3.2.3 IP Engine Connection Options............................................................................. 29

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3.2.4 Application Control Mode ................................................................................... 32
3.2.5 Camera ................................................................................................................. 33
3.3 Acquisition Tab........................................................................................................ 35
3.3.1 Acquisition Control.............................................................................................. 35
3.3.2 Options................................................................................................................. 36
3.3.3 Status.................................................................................................................... 36
3.4 Image Saving............................................................................................................ 37
3.4.1 Image sequence.................................................................................................... 37
3.4.2 File formats .......................................................................................................... 38
3.4.3 Controls................................................................................................................ 38
3.5 Triggering Tab ......................................................................................................... 39
3.5.1 CC Pulse Generator.............................................................................................. 41
3.5.2 Ext. Trigger Delay................................................................................................ 42
3.6 LYNX Configurator Tab.......................................................................................... 44
3.6.1 Area of Interest (AOI) Tab...................................................................................... 45
3.6.2 Video Amp Tab....................................................................................................... 46
3.6.3 Exposure Tab .......................................................................................................... 47
3.6.4 Strobe Tab............................................................................................................... 48
3.6.5 Auto Iris Tab........................................................................................................... 48
3.6.6 Pixel Format Tab..................................................................................................... 49
3.6.7 Temperature Tab..................................................................................................... 49
3.6.8 Workspace Tab........................................................................................................ 50
3.6.9 Miscellaneous Tab .................................................................................................. 51
3.6.10 Display Indicators ................................................................................................. 52
3.7 Diagnostic tab .......................................................................................................... 53
3.7.1 Controls pane .......................................................................................................... 53
3.7.2 Statistics pane.......................................................................................................... 54
3.7.3 Errors pane .............................................................................................................. 54
4.0 Gen<i>Cam....................................................................................... 55
5.0 Technical Support ............................................................................ 57

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List of Tables
Table 1: LYNX IP Device Driver Performance Comparison.................................................. 11
List of Figures
Figure 1: Common Control Interface of LYNX GEV Application Panels.............................. 16
Figure 2: Color Adjustments Dialog........................................................................................ 18
Figure 3: Connection Options Dialog...................................................................................... 19
Figure 4: Application Options Dialog...................................................................................... 21
Figure 5: Memory Options Dialog........................................................................................... 22
Figure 6: Buffer Options Dialog.............................................................................................. 23
Figure 7: Display Options Dialog............................................................................................ 24
Figure 8: Connection Panel...................................................................................................... 26
Figure 9: IP Engine Selection Dialog ...................................................................................... 27
Figure 10: Set IP Engine IP Address Dialog............................................................................ 28
Figure 11: Connection Flags Panel.......................................................................................... 29
Figure 12: Multi-target Configuration Panel............................................................................ 30
Figure 13: Unicast illustration.................................................................................................. 30
Figure 14: Multicast illustration............................................................................................... 31
Figure 15: Multi- Unicast illustration ...................................................................................... 31
Figure 16: Network Stack Port Selection Panel....................................................................... 32
Figure 17: Select Camera Dialog............................................................................................. 33
Figure 18: Gen<i>Cam XML Selection Dialog....................................................................... 34
Figure 19: Acquisition Panel.................................................................................................... 35
Figure 20: Image Saving Dialog.............................................................................................. 37
Figure 21: Triggering Panel..................................................................................................... 39
Figure 22: CC Pulse Generator Panel...................................................................................... 41
Figure 23: Ext. Trigger Delay Panel........................................................................................ 42
Figure 24: LYNX Configurator Panel ..................................................................................... 44
Figure 25: Area of Interest Tab................................................................................................ 45
Figure 26: Video Amp Tab...................................................................................................... 46
Figure 27: Exposure Tab.......................................................................................................... 47
Figure 28: Strobe Tab .............................................................................................................. 48
Figure 29: Auto Iris Tab........................................................................................................... 48

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Figure 30: Pixel Format Tab.................................................................................................... 49
Figure 31: Temperature Tab..................................................................................................... 49
Figure 32: Workspace Tab....................................................................................................... 50
Figure 33: Miscellaneous Tab.................................................................................................. 51
Figure 34: Diagnostics Tab...................................................................................................... 53
Figure 35: GenICam Explorer Dialog...................................................................................... 55

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1.0 Introduction
1.1 The Scope of this Software User’s Manual
This manual describes how to access and use features shared by Imperx’s growing family of
LYNX GigE Vision ( hereafter referred to as GEV ) cameras.
1.2 Related LYNX User’s Manuals
In addition to the shared features described in this manual, each LYNX GEV camera has
unique features relating to the type of image data it supports. These unique features are
described in the Lynx Hardware User’s Manual.
Note also that each LYNX GEV camera is one element of the LYNX Connectivity Solution.
As such, the cameras are shipped with two PC software packages: the LYNX IP Device
Driver (either the LYNX eBUS Optimal Driver or the LYNX eBUS Universal Driver); and
the LYNX GEV Software Development Kit (SDK – available in C++ or Visual Basic). These
software packages each have their own documentation.
In addition, Imperx offers two products that enhance LYNX Connectivity Solutions: LYNX
Hydra™ PC-to-PC Communications Software, and the LYNX High Memory Manager. Both
have their own documentation.
In summary, LYNX GEV cameras are supported by seven separate pieces of documentation:
• Lynx Hardware User’s Manual
• LYNX GEV Software User’s Manual (this manual)
• LYNX GEV Driver Manual
• LYNX GEV Advanced Driver Configuration
• Reference Manual, the LYNX C++ Software Development Kit
• Reference Manual, the LYNX Visual Basic Software Development Kit
• User’s Manual, LYNX High Memory Manager
• Reference Manual, LYNX Hydra PC-to-PC Communications Software

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2.0 Overview of LYNX GEV
2.1 Application Highlights
2.1.1 Functional Description
LYNX GEV cameras are feature rich, high-speed, high-resolution cameras that translate
imagery data into IP packets for transport over long-distance, high-speed, industry-standard
Gigabit Ethernet (GigE) networks. Cameras can be remotely accessed and controlled using
commercial GigE equipment.
LYNX GEV cameras can be used in a range of network types, including traditional point-to-
point links, dedicated high-performance “machine-vision networks,” or standard corporate
Ethernet LANs (local-area networks). Regardless of the network type, direct connections
between cameras and host PCs can span up to 100 meters. With low-cost GigE LAN switches
or fiber, the reach is much further.
2.1.2 Features
• Most flexible, high-performance GEV camera in its class
• FPGA (field programmable gate array)-based IP Protocol Camera for converting video
data to IP packets (no software-based operating system)
• On-board, Intel 82540 GigE networking chip
• Fully compatible with industry-standard Ethernet LAN equipment, including GigE
and Fast Ethernet equipment.
2.1.3 Programmability
• Access to all camera commands via IP port
• Remote control of cameras using a single PC
• Comprehensive LYNX Software Development Kit (SDK) for integrating the LYNX
GEV camera into custom systems
• Field upgradeable software, firmware and lookup tables through the IP link
2.1.4 Applications
LYNX GEV cameras are ideal for applications that need to transfer large amounts of video
data from a camera to a local PC or via a LAN to a remote PC. These include:
• Factory automation
• Industrial inspection;
• Post and parcel sorting;
• Web inspection;

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• Medical imaging;
• Intelligent traffic systems; and
• Security/Surveillance.
2.2 Network Compatibility
LYNX GEV cameras are fully compatible with industry-standard Ethernet LAN equipment.
In point-to-point connections, the cameras allow cameras and host PCs to be separated by up
to 100 meters without any intervening hardware. In networked configurations, with GigE
switches between cameras and PCs, or with fiber, the reach is unlimited.
For maximum network performance, use a non-blocking GigE switch. For applications
requiring peak bandwidths of less than 100 Mb/s, switches with non-blocking, 100-Mb/s ports
can be used.
To ensure efficient, highly reliable transfers where data is never lost, LYNX GEV cameras
add a protocol layer on top of the standard UDP/IP (User Datagram Protocol/Internet
Protocol) communications protocol. This LYNX GEV Protocol Layer verifies the receipt by
cameras and PCs of all video and command packets.
To maximize bandwidth availability, packets do not return an acknowledge message to the
camera, but are monitored by the LYNX application library. If a packet is missing or corrupt,
the application library transparently requests the camera to resend it.
LYNX GEV cameras support the multicast, or simultaneous transfer, of image data to more
than one host PC. One of the host PCs is configured as the master; the others are slaves that
receive data as configured and triggered by the master. To support multicasting, Layer 3 or –
in some cases, Layer 2.5 – GEV switches are required between the LYNX and the host PC.
Lower-performing switches may translate the multicast request into a broadcast. In some
applications, broadcasts may be sufficient. See ‘Equipment Requirements’, section 2.4 of this
manual for more details about which equipment to use.
2.2.1 LYNX eBUS Optimal Driver Mode
In high-performance mode, LYNX GEV cameras work with the LYNX eBus Optimal Driver
to transfer data between cameras and PCs with very low, predictable latency at rates of up to 1
Gb/s (100 MB/s). The video data is streamed directly into PC memory using almost no PC
CPU resources. This leaves the CPU free to process applications.
To achieve this performance level, PCs must be equipped with a GigE network interface (also
referred to as a network adapter) based on Intel’s 82540 chip. Many motherboard
manufacturers are designing this chip directly into their board in “LAN on the motherboard
(LOM)” implementations. Alternately, an Intel 82540-based network adapter, also known as a
network interface card, can be slotted into a PC. For more information about the equipment
needed to achieve the highest performance level, refer to ‘Equipment Requirements’ section
2.4 of this document.

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Note:The LYNX eBUS Optimal Driver supports LOM implementations, but the PCI
identification number for these may be different. Contact Imperx to obtain a driver
installation file compatible with LOMs.
2.2.2 LYNX eBUS Universal Driver Mode
The LYNX eBUS Universal Driver mode is recommended for applications where flexibility
is more important than performance, but more performance is required than can be achieved
using only the Windows network stack.
Similar to the drivers used in standard mode, the LYNX eBUS Universal Driver interoperates
with any vendor’s Ethernet network adapter. The driver shipped with the adapter is still
employed, but it communicates with the Filter Driver, instead of with the Windows network
stack.
All packets related to imaging are processed with high efficiency by the LYNX eBUS
Universal Driver. Other packets are forwarded to the Windows stack. In this way, a single
network adapter can support both an imaging application and normal corporate LAN
functions, such as web browsing and email.
2.2.3 Standard Driver Mode
In standard mode, LYNX GEV cameras interoperate with any vendor’s Ethernet network
adapter. The driver shipped with the adapter transfers the data to the Windows network stack,
which handles IP communications tasks.
Standard mode is recommended for applications where flexibility is more important than
performance. The Windows network stack uses significant levels of CPU processing power to
transfer data to memory, which can result in lost packets, severely degrading performance.
Standard mode is thus suitable for applications that require bandwidths of only 100 Mb/s or
less. If this mode is used with bandwidths of 1 Gb/s, application performance will greatly
degrade when CPU usage hits 100%. Additionally, at high rates like these, insufficient CPU
resources may be available to process or even display images.
2.2.4 Driver Comparison
The performance metrics in Table 1 may help users determine which driver mode best suits
their application requirements. The measurements were taken using an Intel P4 2.8 GHz-
based PC with hyperthreading, 512 MB of memory, and Windows XP.
Although CPU performance and data transfer rates vary with PC configuration, relative
performance is roughly equivalent, independent of the PC.