optris PIX Connect User manual

optris PIX Connect
Software for Thermal Imager
Operator’s Manual

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Content
Content .................................................................................2
Welcome!..............................................................................5
Legal disclaimer...................................................................6
1. Getting started................................................................7
1.1. Software installation..................................................7
1.2. Choice of camera .....................................................9
1.3. Choice of language...................................................9
1.4. Software window (example)....................................10
1.5. Menu and Toolbar (Icons).......................................14
1.5.1. Menu..............................................................14
1.5.2. Toolbar (Icons)...............................................15
2. Software configuration................................................17
2.1. General settings .....................................................17
2.1.1. Color palettes.................................................17
2.1.2. Temperature unit............................................19
2.1.3. Temperature range scaling of reference bar...19
2.1.4. Displayed frame rate......................................21
2.1.5. Change of title bar..........................................22
2.1.6. Optimization of software.................................22
2.1.7. Lock / unlock application................................23
2.2. Software layout.......................................................24
2.2.1. Displayed windows ........................................24
2.2.2. View bars.......................................................25
2.2.3. Information within image ................................25
2.2.4. Temperatures in digital displays.....................26
2.2.5. Layout management ......................................27
2.2.6. Assign / remove layouts.................................28
2.2.7. Import/Export layouts.....................................28
2.2.8. Further information.........................................30
2.3. Arranging of thermal image.....................................31
2.3.1. Mirroring of displayed image...........................31
2.3.2. Rotation of displayed image............................31
2.3.3. Zooming in areas of the displayed image........32
2.4. Imager configuration................................................33
2.4.1. Calibration files...............................................33
2.4.2. Correction of camera calibration.....................33
2.4.3. Detector heating (Chip temperature mode).....34
2.4.4. Emissivity, transmissivity, ambient temperature..
...................................................................35
2.4.5. Reference temperature...................................36
2.4.6. Changing the optics (only PI)..........................38
2.4.7. Changing the temperature range....................39
2.4.8. Video formats (Device framerate)...................40
2.5. Imager interfaces for PI and Xi 400 camera.............41
2.5.1. General ..........................................................41
2.5.2. Process interface (PIF)...................................42
2.6. Software Development Kit (SDK) ............................46
2.6.1. Interprocess Communication (IPC).................46
2.6.2. COM-Port.......................................................47
2.6.3. Web Server....................................................48
2.6.4. Direct temperature mode (only for Xi 80 and Xi
410)................................................................49
2.7. Start options............................................................50
2.7.1. Overview of start options................................50
2.7.2. Start of multiple software / imager instances...52
3. Data capturing ..............................................................54
3.1. Open files................................................................54
3.2. Replay of files .........................................................54
3.2.1. Control panel..................................................54
3.2.2. Replay options................................................55
3.3. Editing video sequences .........................................56
3.4. Saving files..............................................................57
3.4.1. Setting the recording frame rate .....................57

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3.4.2. Setting the recording modes ..........................58
3.4.3. Temporary recording file ................................60
3.4.4. Saving radiometric video sequences..............61
3.4.5. Saving image data as radiometric snapshot or
text file...........................................................62
3.4.6. Saving text file of the temperature / time
diagram..........................................................66
3.4.7. Location and filename templates of triggered
recordings......................................................66
3.4.8. Display of snapshots in a separate window....67
3.4.9. Saving images or screenshots to clipboard....69
3.4.10. Capture Screen..............................................70
4. Data processing...........................................................72
4.1. Measure areas........................................................72
4.1.1. General settings.............................................72
4.1.2. Calculated Objects.........................................78
4.1.3. Including and excluding hot and cold spot areas
..................................................................81
4.1.4. Individual emissivity values of measure areas 83
4.2. Temperature profile ................................................84
4.3. Temperature Time Diagram....................................87
4.3.1. General settings.............................................87
4.3.2. Scaling of diagram axes.................................89
4.4. Histogram...............................................................90
4.5. Extended measuring colors ....................................93
4.6. Image subtraction...................................................94
4.7. Relative extreme values..........................................95
4.8. Alarms....................................................................96
4.9. 3D display of thermal image....................................98
4.10. Event grabber.........................................................99
4.11. Zoom function of snapshots.................................. 101
5. Xi camera.................................................................... 102
5.1. Focus setting........................................................102
5.2. Imager interfaces for Xi 80/410..............................102
5.2.1. General ........................................................103
5.2.2. Process interface (PIF).................................104
5.3. Ethernet Xi 80/410 ................................................108
5.3.1. Ethernet setup (Point-to-Point-Connection)...108
5.4. Autonomous operation Xi 80/410 ..........................112
6. Line scanner mode.....................................................116
6.1. General information...............................................116
6.2. Basic settings........................................................117
6.2.1. Line scanner configuration menu..................117
6.2.2. Choosing the layout......................................117
6.2.3. Rotating of the image ...................................117
6.2.4. Activating the Line scanner...........................118
6.2.5. Positioning of the line (Line scanner sighting
view).............................................................118
6.2.6. Layout configuration of the Sighting view mode..
.................................................................122
6.3. Data evaluation of the scanned line.......................123
6.3.1. Line scanner view.........................................123
6.3.2. Triggered display of lines..............................126
6.3.3. Snapshot configuration.................................129
6.3.4. Zoom function of snapshots..........................130
7. Merging .......................................................................131
7.1. General Information...............................................131
7.2. Direct Connection over USB Port..........................133
7.2.1. Configuration................................................133
7.3. Connection via the Ethernet network.....................140
7.4. Merging with the use of the PIF.............................141
7.5. Simultaneous flag control......................................142
7.6. Simultaneous frame synchronization via PIF.........143
8. Further information ....................................................145
8.1. Options .................................................................145
8.1.1. Activating software messages ......................145

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8.1.2. Layouts........................................................ 146
8.1.3. Temperature unit..........................................146
8.1.4. Log events...................................................147
8.2. System requirements............................................148
8.3. About software......................................................148
8.4. Extended Configuration ........................................149
8.5. Overview shortcuts...............................................150

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Welcome!
Thank you for choosing the optris PI and/or Xi infrared camera and corresponding PIX Connect software!
The optris PI or Xi calculates the surface temperature based on the emitted infrared energy of objects
[► Basics of Infrared Thermometry]. The two-dimensional detector (FPA - Focal Plane Array) or (CMOS -
Complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor) allows a measurement depending on the device max. pixels
and will be shown as thermographic image using standardized palettes. The radiometric processing of the
picture data enables the user to do a comfortable detailed analysis using the software PIX Connect.
Main features of PIX Connect software:
▪Display of the real time thermal image (up to
a max. of 1 kHz) with a wide range of
measurement functions
▪Recording function (video, radiometric
video, snapshot)
▪Analysis and post processing of infrared
images/ videos
▪Complete set up of parameters and remote
control of the camera

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Optris GmbH
Ferdinand-Buisson-Str. 14
13127 Berlin
Germany
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]l
Internet: www.optris.global
Legal disclaimer
All products are warranted against defective materials and workmanship
for a period of two (2) years from the delivery date of the original
purchase, provided such products have been under normal storage, use
and service, and in accordance with the instruction. This warranty expires
in case of inappropriate use of all delivered components.
All products not manufactured by us included in systems delivered by us
to the original purchaser carry the warranty, if any, of the particular
supplier only and we have no responsibility whatsoever for such products.
The manufacturer is not liable for any use of the software PIX Connect
including data recording. The manufacturer does not carry liability for
error-free operation of the software in any hardware and operating
system.
The warranty is not expressed for possible quality changes, errors when presenting the software, occurring
defects during operation or insufficiencies in certain applications. The user is liable for any defects or data
processing insufficiencies when in using the software.
The manufacturer has no other liability inside the scope of supply other than mentioned above. The
manufacturer shall not be liable for any business loss or claim for compensation, loss of the computer
software, possible loss of data, additional costs for replacement software, claims of third parties or other
occurring costs or failures and deficits.
The software is protected by copyright and is not allowed to be changed or sold to third parties.
Note
Read the manual carefully before you start the device. The manufacturer reserves the right to
change the herein described specifications in case of technical advance of the product.

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1. Getting started
1.1. Software installation
Please install at first the software PIX Connect which is included on the USB stick. The stick contains the
software application, the specific calibration data of the imager as well as some sample files. These data will
be installed automatically.
Note
Alternatively, the software can also be downloaded via the Optris website under the following link:
https://www.optris.global/pix
Please start the setup.exe from the USB stick. Follow the instructions of the wizard until the installation is
finished.
At the end of the installation, you will get an overview
of what has been added, changed and corrected in the
current software version. You will find this overview
again on the data medium under the document name
Changelog.

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The installation wizard will place a launch icon on the
desktop and in the start menu.
Now you can connect the infrared imager into an USB port
(USB 2.0 or higher) of your PC. After the software has been
started, you should see the live image from the camera
inside a window on your PC screen.
The sharpness of the image can be adjusted by turning the
exterior lens ring at the camera (PI) or by using the distance
function in the software (Xi).
Note
•For installation please be logged in as admin in Windows. When starting the PIX Connect
software you should also have admin rights.
•Using Windows 10: Go to Windows Settings, click Privacy, and under App Permissions, click on
Camera. Activate "Allow apps to access your camera". Restart PIX Connect and also reconnect
the camera.
•Further actions: Deactivation of firewall and/or virus scanner (especially Kaspersky!). Firmware
upgrade in PIX Connect (Tools/Extended/Firmware update). Reload calibration data
(Tools/Extended/Load calibration data/From Internet)

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1.2. Choice of camera
In case you are using more than one camera simultaneously (e.g. via USB hub) please select the required
device from the list in the Devices menu.
1.3. Choice of language
In the Tools and Language menu you can choose
from a variety of available languages.
Note
In case your language is not provided you will find a translation tool on the USB stick delivered with
the camera.

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1.4. Software window (example)
3
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1
IR image from the camera
2
Temperature profile: Shows the temperatures along max. 2 lines at any size and position in the image.
3
Control displays: Displays all temperature values in the defined measure areas like Cold Spots, Hot Spots, temperature at
cursor, internal temperature and chip temperature.
Alarm settings: Bar showing the defined temperature thresholds for low alarm value (blue arrow) and high alarm value (red
arrow). The color of numbers within control displays changes to red (when temp. above the high alarm value) and to blue
(when temp. below the low alarm value).
4
Temperature of measure area: Analyses the temperature according to the selected shape, e.g. average temperature of the
rectangle. The value is shown inside the IR image and the control displays.
5
Reference bar: Shows the scaling of temperature within the color palette.
6
Temperature time diagram: Shows the temperature curves over time for selectable region of interest (ROI)
7
Histogram: Shows the statistic distribution of single temperature values.
8
Automatic / manual scaling of the palette (displayed temperature range): Man., </> (min, max),
1σ: 1 Sigma, 3σ : 3 Sigma, OPT: Palette optimization
9
Distance function: Adjustment of the motor focus to focus the IR picture
10
Menu and Toolbar (Icons)
11
Icon enabling switching between color palettes
12
Status bar: Model and serial number, optic, temperature range, cursor position, device framerate/ display framerate,
emissivity, ambient temperature, flag status

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Under View and User Mode you can select between two additional display
options. In addition to the Desktop view, the Touch view or the Tablet view can
also be used here. These additional views are particularly useful when using a
touch computer or a tablet. The screen and menu are customized and displayed
according to their functions.
User Mode Touch
User Mode Tablet

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Configuration window for User Mode Touch and Tablet
Note
The User Mode Tablet provides only limited functionality.

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1.5. Menu and Toolbar (Icons)
1.5.1. Menu
Using the menu you can adjust all software settings. Each feature will be explained in detail in the following
chapters of this manual:
File
Open, save and replay of files; recording; saving temp./time diagram data; snapshot;
screenshot; capture screen
Edit
Editing of sequences and layouts
View
Display or fade-out of different software features
Devices
Choice of camera and self-referencing
Tools
Additional settings of camera and software parameters as line scanner mode; layouts;
language; extended settings as merged device configuration and updating the firmware
Help
Information about software; documentation; SDK; locking application

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1.5.2. Toolbar (Icons)
The most important features of the software can be activated directly via the toolbar. You can redesign the
toolbar according to your preferences (see section 2.2.2). Available toolbar icons are the following:
Open
Histogram
Previous palette
Save
Visible Video
Configuration
Play
3D Chart
Enable linescanning
Pause
Temperature profile
(horizontal)
Linescanner view 
Sighting view
Stop
Temperature profile
(vertical)
Linescanner
configuration
Record
Temperature time
diagram
Image subtraction
Save snapshot to file
Digital display group
Image subtraction
from file
Copy snapshot to
clipboard
Snapshot history
Refresh Flag
Save screenshot to
file
Distance
Acknowledge Alarm
Screenshot to
clipboard
Toggle user mode
Close all tools
Capture screen
Full screen
Digital display (main
measure area)
Replay captured
screen
IR/Visible Fusion
Digital display
(mouse curser)

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Reference bar
Next palette
Exit
Toggle Minimum,
Mean Value,
Maximum
Config merged device
About

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2. Software configuration
2.1. General settings
You can activate all here mentioned features in the Tools, Configuration and General menu (except for
color palettes and temperature unit).
2.1.1. Color palettes
In the Tools, Configuration, Measuring colors and Standard palette
menu you can choose from a list of color palettes to achieve ideal
displaying of the infrared image and the included temperature
information.
You can also adjust the color palette via the Icon on the toolbar or the menu View and Shift palette.
Gray (Black = Cold)
Iron
Gray (White = Cold)
Iron Hi
Alarm Red
Rainbow
Alarm Green
Rainbow Hi
Alarm Blue
Rainbow Medical
Blue Hi

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Examples of various color palettes:
Palette Iron
Palette Rainbow
Palette Blue Hi
Palette Rainbow Hi
Palette Rainbow Medical
Palette Gray (Black = Cold)

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2.1.2. Temperature unit
The temperature unit can be changed in the menu Tools, Extended
and Options. When setting the Temperature unit you can choose
between Celsius (°C) and Fahrenheit (°F).
Alternatively, the temperature unit can also be
changed by pressing the right mouse button in the
live IR image.
2.1.3. Temperature range scaling of reference bar
Via the Temperature range scaling settings you can allocate colors to
temperature values within the reference bar.
These are the following options:
Manual
The lower and the upper border (Min/Max) can be determined individually.
</>
The software continuously defines the upper and the lower border based on the hottest and
coldest pixel in the image.

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1 σ
The mean value of all pixels in the image will be continuously calculated. Based on the mean
value one standard deviation (1 sigma) sets the limits of reference bar.
3 σ
The mean value of all pixels in the image will be continuously calculated. Based on the mean
value three standard deviations (3 sigma) set the limits of reference bar.
OPT
With OPT a contrast optimization is achieved. This function allows an optimum contrast
between very low and very high temperatures.
Note
Palette optimization (OPT) is not available for PI 1M/ 08M/ 05M.