PCO.IMAGING pco.1200 hs User manual

pco.camera
User’s Manual
www.pco.de

This manual covers the following products:
• CMOS-cameras:
- pco.1200 hs
• CCD-cameras:
- pco.1600
- pco.2000
- pco.4000
In case of problems or questions not addressed in this
manual, please contact us at PCO. We can be reached
by phone, fax, email or mail:
telephone [phone]
fax [phone]
email [email protected]
mail address PCO AG
Donaupark 11
93309 Kelheim, Germany
The cover photo shows a pco.camera camera system.
(The lens is sold separately.)
The compliance declaration for EC standards and rules
(EC declaration of conformity) can be found in the appen-
dix of this manual.
Updated December 2004
© PCO AG

Table of Contents
page 3
Table of contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS .......................................... 3
1INTRODUCTION .......................................... 5
1.1 Target Audience......................................... 5
1.2 Signs and Symbols ..................................... 5
1.3 Safety Instructions ..................................... 5
1.4 Operating Conditions ................................. 6
1.5 Camera Models.......................................... 6
1.5.1 What’s in the Box .....................................................7
1.5.2 Data Interfaces.........................................................7
1.6 Installing the “camware” software............. 8
1.6.1 Software Installation from the CD............................ 8
1.6.2 Software Installation via Internet Download ............ 8
1.6.3 Hardware-Driver Installation. .................................. 8
1.7 Imaging Optics Details ............................... 9
1.7.1 Lens Mount.............................................................. 9
1.7.2 Back Focal Length Adjustment................................ 9
2CAMERA STARTUP.....................................11
2.1 Preparation.................................................11
2.2 Turn on the PC ...........................................11
2.3 Turn on the Camera ...................................11
2.4 Starting Camware ......................................11
3CAMERA FUNCTIONS................................ 12
3.1 Components and Data Flow...................... 12
3.2 Primary Image Memory (camRAM) ..........13
3.2.1 Primary Image Memory Structure .......................... 13
3.2.2 Operating Modes.................................................... 14
3.3 Exposure Control ......................................16
3.3.1 Single Image and Sequence Modes....................... 16
3.3.2 Relationship between Memory Mode, Exposure
Control and Trigger Signals ................................ 16
3.3.3 Time Lapse ............................................................. 18
3.3.4 External Exposure Control Signals ......................... 21
3.3.5 Status Signals........................................................ 23
3.4 Diagnostics Interface ............................... 24
3.5 Live View .................................................. 24
3.6 CCD Pixel Clocks...................................... 24
3.7 CCD Cooling ............................................. 24
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Table of Contents
page 4
3.8 Color Value Determination ....................... 25
4DATA INTERFACES................................... 30
4.1 Interface Structure ................................... 30
4.2 Firewire 400 ..............................................31
4.3 Camera Link ............................................. 32
4.4 Gigabit Ethernet ....................................... 32
5SOFTWARE ............................................... 33
5.1 pco.camware ........................................... 33
5.2 Software Development Kit (SDK) ............. 33
5.3 Drivers ...................................................... 33
5.4 Third Party Software Drivers.................... 33
5.5 Firmware Update ..................................... 34
6SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE ................. 35
6.1 Service ..................................................... 35
6.2 Camera Maintenance............................... 35
6.2.1 Cleaning the Lens.................................................. 35
6.2.2 Cleaning the Camera’s Input Window ................... 35
7APPENDIX................................................. 37
7.1 Camera - Mechanical Dimensions ........... 37
7.2 Customer Service ..................................... 41
7.3 Trouble Shooting ....................................... 41
7.4 Camera Disposal...................................... 42
User Manual pco.camera status 12/2004

Chapter 1 Introduction
page 5
1 Introduction
The pco.camera system includes:
• a camera with a digital image output (data interface to
a PC)
• a separate power supply (pco.power) and
• image processing and camera control software cam-
ware
(this software has its own online help.)
The camera is available with various image sensors. De-
pending on the sensor selected, the camera generates
digital black & white or color images with various spatial
resolutions and exposure times. More detailed informa-
tion about your new camera can be found in the camera
specific data sheet in the appendix of this manual.
1.1 Target Audience
This camera is designed for use by technicians, engineers
and scientists.
1.2 Signs and Symbols
The following signs and symbols are used throughout this
manual:
Disregarding this symbol and the accompanying text
warning notices may result in the risk of death.
Disregarding this symbol and the accompanying text
warning notices may result in system damage and data
loss.
This symbol and the accompanying text point out tips,
hints and other useful information.
•
-
These Symbols denote
enumerations and listings.
Text which refers to software menus and
related information is written in Courier
typeface with a fixed width.
1.3 Safety Instructions
Never operate the camera in humid or dusty environments
or in places with high amounts of x-ray radiation. Humid-
ity, dust or x-rays could damage the camera. To avoid the
risk of water condensation, protect the camera against
extreme changes of ambient temperature. If condensation
enters the camera, there is the risk electric shock.
To prevent damage to the camera, the system must be
kept stable and protected against strong jolts or vibra-
tions. The socket at the bottom of the camera is to be
used for mounting purposes only.
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Chapter 1 Introduction
page 6
User Manual pco.camera status 12/2004
The slits in the camera case (side & back planes) are de-
signed for heat dissipation by the camera fan. To prevent
overheating of the camera, do not block these slits. Do not
leave the camera system in direct sunlight to avoid the risk
of overheating.
Electric shock warning – Never slide any items through the
slits into the camera because of the risk of electric shock if
the voltage parts inside are touched.
Each time the camera is used, check the power cable for
any damage. Never position the cable in a way that it
could become a tripping hazard.
If any of the following conditions apply, immediately switch
the camera off, separate it from the power line and contact
our customer support:
• If the power cable or the power plug seems to be worn or
damaged.
• If liquids have penetrated the device.
• If, after thoroughly reviewing the instruction manual, the de-
vice is still not operating properly.
• If the camera has been dropped or the casing is damaged.
• If the device is not operating normally.
Do not force the lens onto the camera. To protect the lens
connector thread from damage, use minimal force when
attaching a lens to the camera.
1.4 Operating Conditions
The camera must be connected to a PC in order to oper-
ate. Minimum system requirements are:
• Clock speed > 1.6GHz
• RAM > 256MB (for pco.4000 >=512MB)
• Windows XP/ Service Pack 1 or Win2000/ Service
Pack 4
For Linux or MacOS appropriate drivers will be devel-
oped in the near future. If you are interested in these
drivers, please monitor our website: www.pco.de or con-
tact us (see page 2).
• graphics card and 1280 x 1024 pixel resolution dis-
play
• 32-bit-graphics card (16.7 million colors)
1.5 Camera Models
The following camera systems are available:
• pco.1200 hs, 1280 x 1025pixel, with monochrome or
color CMOS image sensor, camRAM (various sizes),
selectable data interface
• pco.1600, 1600 x 1200pixel, with monochrome or
color CCD image sensor, camRAM (various sizes), se-
lectable data interface

Chapter 1 Introduction
page 7
• pco.2000, 2048 x 2048pixel, with monochrome or
color CCD image sensor, camRAM (various sizes), se-
lectable data interface
• pco.4000, 4032 x 2688pixel, with monochrome or
color CCD image sensor, camRAM (various sizes), se-
lectable data interface
Depending on the model, the camera system generates
images with 1024 (10bit) or 16384 (14bit) gray levels. The
monochrome images on a display or monitor always use
256 gray levels (except special screens) and the color
presentation with color cameras uses 16.7 million colors
(3x8bit).
Usually there are multiple graphics settings available on
one graphics card in a computer. We recommend using
24 or 32 bit with 16.7 Million colors. If the 256-color
mode in Windows is set, Windows uses 20 colors inter-
nally. Therefore in this operating mode only 236 gray lev-
els are available for display. For this reason, only 7bits
are taken for monochrome display. Some older graphics
cards only use 6 bits for monochrome display in 256-
color mode, resulting in 64 gray levels, which can be
displayed on the screen.
1.5.1 What’s in the Box
The pco.camera system includes the following compo-
nents:
• camera (without lens),
• pco.power supply,
• camera-power supply connecting cable,
• camera-PC data cable,
• power cable for the power supply,
• CD with user's manual, camware application soft-
ware, hardware-driver, software development kit
(SDK) and demo programs in C++
1.5.2 Data Interfaces
The cameras are equipped with one of the following data
interfaces:
• IEEE 1394a Firewire with a minimum 400Mb Firewire
interface card or better
• Camera Link Frame Grabber: the pco.camera system
was successfully tested with the following Camera
Link frame grabber:
- microEnable III, Silicon Software (www.silicon-software.de)
- Matrox Helios XCL, Matrox (www.matrox.com)
• Ethernet or Gigabit Ethernet – 1000baseT
For further information please contact the PCO support
department under [e-mail] or have a look to our
website: www.pco.de
User Manual pco.camera status 12/2004

Chapter 1 Introduction
page 8
User Manual pco.camera status 12/2004
1.6 Installing the “camware” software
Camware 32-bit Windows application software can con-
trol every camera parameter or setting. Images can be
displayed on a monitor and may be downloaded and
stored. Detailed information about
camware can be found
by accessing the software's help section.
The
camware software is located on the enclosed CD. If
you do not have the CD, you may download the latest
version from our website: www.pco.de at no charge.
In case of installation problems, we will be pleased to as-
sist you. Please contact us by phone [phone]
55, fax [phone] or email [email protected].
1.6.1 Software Installation from the CD
After insertion into the computer, if the CD does not run
automatically, please begin the installation manually by
double clicking on the
starter.exe file. Select the corre-
sponding camera and the
camware software.
1.6.2 Software Installation via Internet Download
Please download the camware from the internet into any
computer directory. As the files are compressed, it is
necessary to decompress these files with an appropriate
program (e.g. WinZip or the like). After decompression,
start the installation by double clicking on
starter.exe .
More detailed information about the
camware installation
is found in the
readme.txt file. You must have power user
or administrator rights for Windows XP to properly install
camware .
After installation, please restart/reboot your computer!
The installation software copies all necessary DLL files
into the corresponding Windows directories. While doing
this, older versions of these files will be replaced, if pre-
sent. All required Windows registration entries will be
made automatically. To uninstall the
camware program,
select the following:
Start - Settings – System Control - Software
After a successful installation, you will find the program
file’ Digital Camera Toolbox’ in your program directory.
From there, you can start
camware . Other helpful tools
are also installed in the same file
1.6.3 Hardware-Driver Installation.
FireWire 400
The drivers for firewire interfaces or cards are part of
Windows XP or part of the board manufacturer package.
The installation of an additional hardware driver for the in-
terface is not necessary.
The first time the camera is connected via firewire to the
computer, Windows will notify the user that a new device

Chapter 1 Introduction
page 9
has been detected. Afterwards, the typical Windows
hardware drivers’ installation process will begin. At this
point, you are asked for the location
of the corresponding
*.inf file. Please click on the drive where the CD has been
inserted or to the directory where the installation software
has been downloaded. Windows will perform any further
installation and system registration automatically.
Camera Link
The hardware driver required for the Camera Link frame
grabber is found as part of the frame grabber setup pack-
age, and should be available from the frame grabber
manufacturer. Installation instructions for the hardware
driver should be available in the frame grabber instruction
manual.
Ethernet and Gigabit-Ethernet
Drivers for ethernet interfaces or interface cards may be
found as part of the Windows XP operating disk or are
available with the frame grabber materials. The installation
of any additional hardware drivers should not be neces-
sary.
1.7 Imaging Optics Details
1.7.1 Lens Mount
The pco.camera family is supplied with either a standard
C-mount or a Nikon F-mount adapter. For image sensor
formats of 1/3“, 1/2“ and 1“ we recommend the use of C-
mount lenses. For the 1-1.5“ range there are special C-
mount lenses available, but most often, F-Mount lenses
should be used. For cameras with a sensor format larger
than 1.5” (pco.4000), only F-mount lenses should be
used. The distance between the front edge of the C-
Mount and the CCD sensor is 17.52 mm. Change the dis-
tance of the lens, support plate to the Image Sensor.
1.7.2 Back Focal Length Adjustment
In some cases, it may be necessary to change the dis-
tance of the lens support plate to the image sensor (e.g.,
if the camera cannot be focussed in the infinite position).
Use the small Allen wrench included in the camera pack-
age for this purpose and follow the directions below,
based on your adaptor type.
C-mount-adaptor
Loosen the two Allen screws, located at the steel insert in
the front of the camera case and adjust the knurled insert
(M50 x 0.5 thread) to the correct distance between lens
support plate and the image sensor. If you want to adjust
for the infinite position of the lens, the lens must be set to
infinite before you begin. Then the knurled insert can be
adjusted with the connected lens until you see a sharp
image, with the
camware software in recording mode or
with Live View running.
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Chapter 1 Introduction
page 10
User Manual pco.camera status 12/2004
After finishing the adjustments, tighten the two Allen
screws.
F-mount-adaptor
Begin by loosening the Allen screw, which is in the hole of
the knurled ring around the F-mount adaptor (close to the
camera front plate). The distance between the lens sup-
port plate and the image sensor can be changed by turn-
ing the total F-mount adaptor. If you want to adjust for the
infinite lens position, the lens must be set to infinite before
you begin. Then the F-Mount adaptor can be adjusted
with the connected lens until you see a sharp image, with
the camware software in recording mode or with Live
View running.
After finishing the adjustments, tighten the Allen screws.

Chapter 2 Camera Startup
page 11
User Manual pco.camera status 12/2004
2 Camera Startup
2.1 Preparation
1. Check that the following cable connections have been
made:
- camera is connected to the power supply via a special
cable;
- camera is connected to the PC via a corresponding
interface cable;
- pco.power is connected via an appropriate power cable to
the power line;
2. Check if the lens is properly tightened (C-mount) or in-
serted (F-mount).
2.2 Turn on the PC
Turn on the connected PC.
2.3 Turn on the Camera
Turn on the camera system by pressing the main power
switch on the front panel of pco.power and look for the
power and status -LED lights. The power light displays the
operating status of the power supply, while the
status
light displays the operating status of the camera. The dis-
plays are coded as follows:
power-display:
• orange flashing light: • selftest power supply
• green permanent light: • normal operating status
• red flashing light: • error
status-display:
• orange flashing light: • selftest camera
• green permanent light: • normal operating status
• green-orange flashing light: • exposure display
• red flashing light: • error
2.4 Starting Camware
To start the camware software program, look in the ap-
propriate computer directory for the following:
Programs – Digital Camera ToolBox
More information about camware is available in cam-
ware’s
online help.

Chapter 3 Camera Functions
page 12
User Manual pco.camera status 12/2004
3 Camera Functions
More detailed information on the pco.camera system, its
multiple exposure control options, integrated image me-
mory, and various operating modes is contained in the
following chapters.
3.1 Components and Data Flow
The pco.camera system consists of the camera and the
pco.power supply and exposure control unit:
pco.power
digital
control
power unit
trigger unit
analog
digital
control
camRAM
interface
pco.camera
CCD
Peltier cooler
PC
Figure 3.1: Structural overview of the pco.camera system components
Inside the camera, photons are converted into charges by
the image sensor (see Figure 3.1, CCD or CMOS). De-
pending on the type of camera, the image sensor is
cooled by a thermo-electrical Peltier cooler, to reduce the
accumulation of dark charges (only relevant for long ex-
posures) and to prevent thermally induced changes in the
offset of readout images.
After multiple shift processes (in case of the CCD image
sensor) these charges are analog processed (see Figure
3.1, analog) and converted into digital signals. They are
then transferred at very high data rates into the primary
image memory of the camera (see Figure 3.1, camRAM,
CCD – 160MB/s). In the memory, they are stored as im-
age data. Depending on the selected operating mode (see
Figure 3.1, pco.camera - digital control), they are stored
or transmitted via a data interface to a PC (see Figure 3.1,
interface).
The power supply (see Figure 3.1, pco.power) provides
the required energy. This power supply also has other
functions (see Figure 3.1, power unit):
• The power supply has all of the external connections
for exposure control (see Figure 3.1, trigger unit), and
• The power supply controls the pre-set temperature at
the image sensor (see Figure 3.1, pco.power – digital
control).
The structure of the system makes it possible to set the
camera into recording mode via a PC, disconnect the PC

Chapter 3 Camera Functions
page 13
and reconnect it later. Further, the image memory in the
camera enables (see Figure 3.1, pco.camera – camRAM)
extended operating modes (e.g. ring buffer operation). In
this mode, images are continuously recorded and, as the
memory is filled, the oldest image data are overwritten.
Once the event finishes, it is possible to stop the re-
cording process and the event will reside in the memory,
as well as a certain amount of time before the event.
Once recording is finished, the user can stop the re-
cording process and keep it in memory as well as a cer-
tain time before the event. In the following sections, single
components image memory, Live-View, CCD readout,
CCD cooling and color display are described in more de-
tail.
3.2 Primary Image Memory (camRAM)
The primary image memory (camRAM) of the camera sys-
tem is integrated into the camera.
3.2.1 Primary Image Memory Structure
The image memory is divided into four memory segments
that accept images (see Figure 3.2). The user determines
the size of the segments.
Information about the delivered camera’s image memory
size is found in the camera specific data sheet in the ap-
pendix of this manual.
Camware application software uses one of the segments
for Live-View and other display purposes. If camware is
used, only three segments are available for customer
specification.
camRAM
memory segment 1 memory segment 2
memory segment 3 memory segment 4
Figure 3.2: Illustration of the camera’s primary image memory (camRAM.
The image memory is divided into four memory segments
(memory segment 1-4), which accepts the images for storage.
The size allocation of each segment is completely user-
selectable (see Figure 3.3). It is also possible to set the
size of a segment to zero. The format of the images to be
stored, might differ from segment to segment. Within the
same segment the image format is fixed, meaning that to-
tal images, binned images or ROIs have to be stored in
different segments.
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Chapter 3 Camera Functions
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User Manual pco.camera status 12/2004
camRAM
memory segment 1
memory
segm. 3
memory
segment 2 memory segment 4
Figure 3.3: Illustration of a sample camRam (primary image memory)
segmentation in the camera. Various configurations are possible
for the four memory segments to record various image formats,
binning modes or ROIs. The image format is fixed within the
same segment.
The image memory segment size is determined by both
the number of images it can accept, as well as by the
smallest possible memory unit, a page. The size of this
page is 1280 pixel for CCD image sensors and 3584 pixel
for CMOS image sensors.
memory segment 1
page
Figure 3.4: Ilustration of one memory segment (e.g. memory segment 1). In
this example, he images are stored, where the smallest memory
unit is a "page", i.e. each image has to be an integer multiple of
this basic memory unit page.
Therefore the memory demand for a total image always
must be an integer multiple of this basic unit.
3.2.2 Operating Modes
There are two basic operating modes for the camRAM:
- FIFO buffer
- Record mode
FIFO BufferMode
In the buffer or FIFO buffer (FIFO = first in first out) mode,
the camera records and stores image data while simulta-
neously transmitting this image data to the computer.

Chapter 3 Camera Functions
page 15
camRAM
1 2 3 4
6
5
8
PC
CCD
Figure 3.5: Illustration FIFO buffer mode.
If the camera reaches the end of the memory segment, it
starts to fill the memory space from the start, which has
been released due to image data transmission (see Figure
3.5). If the camera catches up with the readout process, it
automatically slows down the recording rate. Stored im-
ages will not be overwritten before they are transmitted to
the computer.
Record Mode
In record mode the camera only records and stores im-
ages. It is only possible to transfer the image data to the
computer after the recording is finished. However, if the
Live-View function (see chapter 3.5) is used, it is possible
to follow the recorded images with the speed of the inte-
grated data interface. In record mode there are two pos-
sibilities:
- sequential operation
- ring bufferoperation
1. Sequential Operation (camware: sequence)
camRAM
1 2 3 4
6
5
8
CCD
full
Figure 3.6: Illustration of record mode - sequential operation.
In sequential record operation, the image data are con-
tinuously written to the memory segment, until either the
user stops the recording or until the segment is filled (see
Figure 3.6, full).
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Chapter 3 Camera Functions
page 16
User Manual pco.camera status 12/2004
2. Ring Buffer (camware – ring buffer)
camRAM
1 2 3 4
6
5
8
CCD
Figure 3.7: Illustration of record mode - ring buffer operation.
During ring buffer operation, the memory segment is also
filled up. Cyclical writing to the memory segment occurs if
the camera reaches the end of the segment when it will
overwrite the oldest images (see Figure 3.7).
3.3 Exposure Control
3.3.1 Single Image and Sequence Modes
Generally there can be two image recording operating
modes:
- single image recording, also called asynchronous or still
operation
- image sequence recording, also called video, sequential or
synchronous operation
For single image recording each image is recorded after
the appropriate trigger signal starts the recording.
For sequential recording, the camera determines the fast-
est possible image uptake rate depending on the adjusted
delay and exposure times and the required readout time.
The trigger can only control the beginning and end of the
image sequence. As a series of single images could also
become a sequence, there is a smooth transition between
these operating modes. It is possible to allow the camera
to determine the optimal fastest image rate to the camera.
Otherwise, the optimal sequential image recording is con-
trolled with the help of properly adjusted single-image-
trigger signals.
3.3.2 Relationship between Memory Mode, Exposure Control and
Trigger Signals
The trigger mode of the camera depends on the memory
mode selected, as well as the exposure control and the
trigger signals.
For sequential recording the [auto sequence] exposure
control mode should be used.
To record single images, the camera provides the follow-
ing exposure control modes: [soft trigger], [exposure trig-
ger start] and [exposure trigger control].

Chapter 3 Camera Functions
page 17
auto sequence
In the [auto sequence] exposure control mode, the cam-
era determines the fastest possible image uptake rate de-
pending on the adjusted delay and exposure times and
the required readout time. After a start command is given,
the sequential recording is started until a stop command
is given. If the sequential recording is active, the re-
cording can only be interrupted by a negative external
signal: [acq. enbl.] (acquire enable). Before each image of
a sequence is recorded, the camera checks the status of
the [acq. enbl.] whether or not it is valid and if it has been
previously initialized.
soft trigger
In the [soft trigger] exposure control mode, a single image
recording is forced by a software command. In the
cam-
ware
application software, this is done by clicking on the
corresponding record button. Other signals cannot influ-
ence this operating mode.
exp. trigger start
In the [exp. trigger start] exposure control mode, single
image recording is started by the trailing or rising edge of
the voltage signal at the BNC input [exp. trig.] (see Figure
3.17 on page 22). Additionally, if it has been initialized, the
status of the [acq. enbl.] signal at the BNC input is
checked. Therefore, both signals are important for image
recording.
exp. trigger ctrl.
In [exp. trigger ctrl.] exposure control mode, single image
recording is controlled by the time length of the BNC in-
put signal [exp. trig.] (see Figure 3.17 on page 22). The
exposure time is determined by the signal (depending on
the DIP switch setting to a positive or negative voltage
level). Additionally, if it has been initialized, the status of
the [acq. enbl.] signal at the BNC input is checked. There-
fore both signals are important for image recording.
Figure 3.8 shows the relationship between the various
memory operating modes (camRAM modes), exposure
control (trigger modes) and the chance to control the
camera via external trigger signals (external signal op-
tions).
soft trigger
exp trig
exp trig
camRAM modes trigger modes external signals
auto sequence
exp. trigger ctrl.
exp. trigger start
FIFO-buffer
recorder - sequential
recorder - ring buffer
FIFO-buffer
recorder - sequential
recorder - ring buffer
FIFO-buffer
recorder - sequential
recorder - ring buffer
FIFO-buffer
recorder - sequential
recorder - ring buffer
acq enbl
acq enbl
acq enbl
}
}
}
}
Figure 3.8: Relationship between the memory operation mode, exposure
control and trigger signals
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Chapter 3 Camera Functions
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User Manual pco.camera status 12/2004
3.3.3 Time Lapse
In this chapter the time-lapse feature is explained in de-
tail. The following acronyms are used:
t
exp
Exposure time for one image (adjustable)
t
read
Readout time for one image (from CCD-sensor)
(system inherent)
t
delay
Time delay between start-signal and exposure
(adjustable)
t
sys
Internal time delay in image sequence mode
(system inherent)
t
id
Internal time delay before exposure is started
(system inherent)
Single image recording
To record single images, each recording is started by its
own start- or trigger-event, which is either generated by
software (trigger mode - [soft trigger]) or by trigger signals
(trigger modes - [ext. trigger start] or [ext. trigger ctrl.]).
Two options are discussed:
- delay time t
delay
= 0
- delay time t
delay
> 0
1. Delay time tdelay = 0
t
exp
t
read
time
t
id
Figure 3.9: Time lapse illustration of the image recording for the
asynchronous image recording and delay time t
delay
= 0 mode.
The arrows indicate the beginning of each recording sequence
(the times are not drawn to scale).
The internal time t
id
(see Figure 3.) begins to elapse after
the corresponding start signal, which is actually much
shorter than displayed in Figure 3.. Then, the actual expo-
sure starts for time t
exp
. After t
exp
the image is read out for
t
read
. Depending on the application, a new image recording
can be started after read out t
read
. The internal delay time
and the read out time are system inherent parameters.
2. Delay time tdelay > 0
The start signal can also start an additional delay time
t
delay
preceding the actual exposure, if it is required (see
Figure 3.1010). It takes the internal time t
id
similar to the
earlier example (see Figure 3.1010, shorter than displayed
in the illustration in relation to t
exp
or t
read
) and then the ac-
tual exposure t
exp
is started. Finally the image is read out
for t
read
. Afterwards, a new recording can be started.

Chapter 3 Camera Functions
page 19
t
read
t
exp
t
delay
time
t
id
Figure 3.10: Time lapse illustration of the image recording for the
asynchronous image recording and delay time t
delay
> 0 mode.
The arrows indicate the beginning of each image recording
sequence (the times are not drawn to scale).
Image sequence
As opposed to single image recording, sequential image
recording is started by a software start signal (trigger
mode - [auto sequence]) and subsequent images are
quickly recorded in a sequence with the highest possible
quality. The camera determines the optimum exposure
control depending upon the adjusted exposure time t
exp
and the delay time t
delay
. To stop the sequential recording,
the stop button must be clicked. Sequential exposure
control offers six different settings:
- delay time t
delay
= 0 with
- t
exp
= t
read
- t
exp
> t
read
- t
exp
< t
read
- delay time t
delay
> 0 with
- t
exp
= (t
read
+ t
delay
)
- t
exp
> (t
read
+ t
delay
)
- t
exp
< (t
read
+ t
delay
)
{t
delay
- delay time, t
exp
- exposure time, t
read
- readout time}
In the case of no delay time, t
delay
= 0, images can be re-
corded immediately, one after another. However, the user
must consider whether the exposure time is smaller, lar-
ger or equal to the readout time.
If the application requires a delay time t
delay
> 0 for image
sequence recording, the user must remember that the de-
lay time is inserted after the readout time, t
read
, as op-
posed to the asynchronous mode, where it is inserted be-
fore the exposure. Again, the user must consider whether
the exposure time is smaller, larger or equal to the read-
out time.
delay time tdelay = 0
exposure time texp = readout time tread
t
exp
t
read
time
Figure 3.11:: Time lapse illustration of image recording for the described
settings. The arrow indicates the beginning of the image
recording sequence (the times are not drawn to scale).
The optimal conditions for sequential recording, resulting
in the fastest possible image recording are when the ex-
posure time t
exp
equals the system inherent readout t
read
,
(see Figure 3.11).
User Manual pco.camera status 12/2004

Chapter 3 Camera Functions
page 20
User Manual pco.camera status 12/2004
delay time tdelay = 0
exposure time texp > readout time tread
t
exp
t
read
time
Figure 3.12: Time lapse illustration of image recording for the settings
described above. The arrow indicates the beginning of the image
recording sequence (the times are not drawn to scale).
For sequential recording, if the exposure time t
exp
is longer
than the readout time t
read
it determines the frame rate.
delay time tdelay = 0
exposure time texp < readout time tread
t
exp
t
read
time
t
sys
Figure 3.13: Time lapse illustration of image recording for the settings
described above. The arrow indicates the beginning of the image
recording sequence(the times are not drawn to scale).
If the exposure time t
exp
is shorter than the readout time
t
read
(see Figure 3.13), the camera inserts a system delay
time t
sys
before the actual exposure time, such as t
sys
and
t
exp
equal the readout time. In this case the readout time
determines the frame rate.
delay time tdelay > 0
exposure texp = (readout tread + delay tdelay)
t
exp
t
read
time
t
delay
Figure 3.14: Time lapse illustration of image recording for the settings
described above. The arrow indicates the beginning of the image
recording sequence (the times are not drawn to scale).
For applications requiring a delay time, the fastest possi-
ble frame rate for sequential recording is achieved if the
exposure time t
exp
equals the sum of the readout time t
read
and the adjusted delay time t
delay
(see Figure 3.14).