THORLABS DCC 3240X User manual

CDD and CMOS Cameras
DCU223x, DCU224x
DCC1240x
DCC1545M, DCC1645C
DCC3240X
Operation Manual and SDK
2013

Version:
Date: 4.20 25.03.2013
Copyright © 2013 Thorlabs GmbH

Foreword
Contents 10
1 General Information 11
111.1 Safety 121.2 Ordering Codes and Accessories 121.3 Requirements 141.4 DCx Camera Family 151.5 Contents 161.6 What's New in this Version?
2 Camera Basics 17
172.1 Operating Modes 172.1.1 Freerun Mode 192.1.2 Trigger Mode 202.1.3 Standby 212.2 Image Display Modes 232.3 Sensor 232.3.1 Sensor Sizes 242.3.2 Micro Lenses 262.3.3 Color Filter (Bayer filter) 282.3.4 Hot Pixels 302.3.5 Shutter Methods 332.3.6 Line Scan Mode 342.4 Reading Out Partial Images 342.4.1 Area of Interest (AOI) 372.4.2 Subsampling 382.4.3 Binning 392.5 Digitizing Images 392.5.1 Characteristics and LUT 412.5.2 Bit Depth and Digital Contrast Adjustment 442.6 Camera Parameters 442.6.1 Pixel Clock, Frame Rate, Exposure Time 442.6.2 Gain and Offset 452.6.3 Automatic Image Control 462.6.4 Applying New Parameters 462.7 Firmware and Camera Start 472.8 Digital Inputs / Outputs 472.8.1 Using Digital Inputs/Outputs 472.8.2 Flash Timing (Trigger Mode) 492.8.3 Flash Timing (Freerun Mode) 502.8.4 Serial Interface RS-232 (DC3240x only)

512.9 USB Interface 512.9.1 History and Development 512.9.2 Structure and Topology 522.9.3 USB 2.0 Cabling and Connectors 522.9.4 USB 3.0 Cabling and Connectors 532.9.5 Data Transmission and Bandwidth
3 Operation 54
543.1 uc480 Quick Start 563.2 Installation and Connection 563.2.1 System Requirements 583.2.2 DCx Driver Compatibility 583.2.3 Installing the uc480 Software under Windows 613.2.4 Installing the uc480 Software under Linux 613.2.5 Connecting a DCx Camera 633.3 Application Notes by Camera Model 633.3.1 DCC1240x / DCC3240x Application Notes 663.3.2 DCC1545M Application Notes 663.3.3 DCC1645C Application Notes 663.3.4 DCU223x Application Notes 663.3.5 DCU224x Application Notes 673.4 Installed uc480 Programs 673.4.1 uc480 Camera Manager 683.4.1.1 Camera List 683.4.1.2 Control Center 703.4.1.3 General Information 713.4.1.4 Camera Information 713.4.1.5 Creating a Support File 713.4.1.6 Additional Functions 743.4.1.7 Parameters 753.4.2 uc480 Viewer 763.4.2.1 Start Dialog 773.4.2.2 Toolbars 793.4.2.3 Status Bar 793.4.2.4 Opening a Camera 803.4.2.5 Menus 843.4.2.6 Dialog Boxes 923.4.2.7 Properties 1173.4.2.8 Creating profiles 1193.4.3 uc480 Player 1193.4.3.1 Loading an AVI file 1203.4.3.2 Overview of the Operation Controls 1223.4.3.3 Loop Mode

1223.4.3.4 Video Window and Full Screen Mode 1233.4.4 uc480 Hotpixel Editor
4 Programming (SDK) 126
1274.1 First Steps to uc480 Programming 1294.2 How to Proceed 1294.2.1 Preparing Image Capture 1294.2.1.1 Querying Information 1304.2.1.2 Opening and Closing the Camera 1304.2.1.3 Allocating Image Memory 1324.2.1.4 Image Memory Sequences 1334.2.2 Selecting the Display Mode 1344.2.3 Capturing Images 1344.2.3.1 Image Capture Modes 1414.2.3.2 Event / Message Handling 1444.2.4 Setting Camera Parameters 1444.2.4.1 Setting and Getting Parameters 1474.2.4.2 Automatic Image Control 1484.2.4.3 Image Pre-processing 1484.2.4.4 Get Camera Status 1484.2.4.5 Using the Camera EEPROM 1494.2.5 Saving Images and Videos 1494.2.5.1 Saving and Loading Single Frames 1494.2.5.2 Capturing AVIs 1524.2.6 Using Inputs and Outputs 1524.2.6.1 Input/Output Control 1554.3 Function Descriptions 1564.3.1 is_AddToSequence 1574.3.2 is_AllocImageMem 1594.3.3 is_AOI 1674.3.4 is_AutoParameter 1704.3.5 is_Blacklevel 1724.3.6 is_CameraStatus 1744.3.7 is_CaptureStatus 1774.3.8 is_CaptureVideo 1794.3.9 is_ClearSequence 1804.3.10 is_ColorTemperature 1834.3.11 is_Configuration 1884.3.12 is_Convert 1904.3.13 is_CopyImageMem 1914.3.14 is_CopyImageMemLines 1924.3.15 is_DeviceFeature 1964.3.16 is_DeviceInfo

1984.3.17 is_DirectRenderer 2054.3.18 is_DisableEvent 2064.3.19 is_EdgeEnhancement 2084.3.20 is_EnableAutoExit 2094.3.21 is_EnableEvent 2114.3.22 is_EnableMessage 2134.3.23 is_ExitCamera 2144.3.24 is_ExitEvent 2154.3.25 is_ExitImageQueue 2164.3.26 is_Exposure 2214.3.27 is_ForceTrigger 2224.3.28 is_FreeImageMem 2234.3.29 is_FreezeVideo 2254.3.30 is_GetActiveImageMem 2264.3.31 is_GetActSeqBuf 2274.3.32 is_GetAutoInfo 2304.3.33 is_GetBusSpeed 2314.3.34 is_GetCameraInfo 2334.3.35 is_GetCameraList 2354.3.36 is_GetCameraLUT 2364.3.37 is_GetColorConverter 2374.3.38 is_GetColorDepth 2384.3.39 is_GetDLLVersion 2394.3.40 is_GetError 2404.3.41 is_GetFramesPerSecond 2414.3.42 is_GetFrameTimeRange 2424.3.43 is_GetImageHistogram 2444.3.44 is_GetImageInfo 2474.3.45 is_GetImageMem 2484.3.46 is_GetImageMemPitch 2494.3.47 is_GetNumberOfCameras 2504.3.48 is_GetOsVersion 2514.3.49 is_GetSensorInfo 2524.3.50 is_GetSensorScalerInfo 2534.3.51 is_GetSupportedTestImages 2554.3.52 is_GetTestImageValueRange 2564.3.53 is_GetTimeout 2574.3.54 is_GetUsedBandwidth 2584.3.55 is_GetVsyncCount 2594.3.56 is_HasVideoStarted 2604.3.57 is_HotPixel 2644.3.58 is_ImageFile 2674.3.59 is_ImageFormat

2734.3.60 is_InitCamera 2764.3.61 is_InitEvent 2784.3.62 is_InitImageQueue 2794.3.63 is_InquireImageMem 2804.3.64 is_IO 2884.3.65 is_IsVideoFinish 2894.3.66 is_LockSeqBuf 2904.3.67 is_Measure 2924.3.68 is_ParameterSet 2944.3.69 is_PixelClock 2964.3.70 is_ReadEEPROM 2974.3.71 is_RenderBitmap 2994.3.72 is_ResetToDefault 3014.3.73 is_SetAllocatedImageMem 3034.3.74 is_SetAutoParameter 3104.3.75 is_SetBinning 3134.3.76 is_SetCameraID 3154.3.77 is_SetColorConverter 3174.3.78 is_SetColorCorrection 3194.3.79 is_SetColorMode 3224.3.80 is_SetDisplayMode 3254.3.81 is_SetDisplayPos 3264.3.82 is_SetErrorReport 3274.3.83 is_SetExternalTrigger 3294.3.84 is_SetFrameRate 3314.3.85 is_SetGainBoost 3324.3.86 is_SetGamma 3334.3.87 is_SetHardwareGain 3354.3.88 is_SetHWGainFactor 3374.3.89 is_SetImageMem 3384.3.90 is_SetOptimalCameraTiming 3404.3.91 is_SetRopEffect 3424.3.92 is_SetSaturation 3434.3.93 is_SetSensorScaler 3454.3.94 is_SetSensorTestImage 3474.3.95 is_SetSubSampling 3504.3.96 is_SetTimeout 3514.3.97 is_SetTriggerCounter 3524.3.98 is_SetTriggerDelay 3534.3.99 is_StopLiveVideo 3544.3.100 is_UnlockSeqBuf 3554.3.101 is_WaitEvent 3564.3.102 is_WaitForNextImage

3584.3.103 is_WriteEEPROM 3594.4 AVI Function Descriptions 3594.4.1 isavi_AddFrame 3604.4.2 isavi_CloseAVI 3604.4.3 isavi_DisableEvent 3614.4.4 isavi_EnableEvent 3624.4.5 isavi_ExitAVI 3634.4.6 isavi_ExitEvent 3644.4.7 isavi_GetAVIFileName 3654.4.8 isavi_GetAVIFileNameW 3664.4.9 isavi_GetAVISize 3674.4.10 isavi_GetnCompressedFrames 3684.4.11 isavi_GetnLostFrames 3694.4.12 isavi_InitAVI 3704.4.13 isavi_InitEvent 3714.4.14 isavi_OpenAVI 3724.4.15 isavi_OpenAVIW 3734.4.16 isavi_ResetFrameCounters 3744.4.17 isavi_SetFrameRate 3754.4.18 isavi_SetImageQuality 3764.4.19 isavi_SetImageSize 3774.4.20 isavi_StartAVI 3784.4.21 isavi_StopAVI 3794.5 Obsolete Functions 3824.5.1 is_ConvertImage 3834.5.2 is_DisableDDOverlay 3844.5.3 is_EnableDDOverlay 3854.5.4 is_GetCameraType 3864.5.5 is_GetCaptureErrorInfo 3884.5.6 is_GetDC 3894.5.7 is_GetDDOvlSurface 3904.5.8 is_GetExposureRange 3914.5.9 is_GetGlobalFlashDelays 3924.5.10 is_GetPixelClockRange 3934.5.11 is_HideDDOverlay 3944.5.12 is_LoadBadPixelCorrectionTable 3954.5.13 is_LoadImage 3964.5.14 is_LoadImageMem 3984.5.15 is_LoadParameters 4004.5.16 is_LockDDMem 4014.5.17 is_LockDDOverlayMem 4024.5.18 is_PrepareStealVideo 4034.5.19 is_ReleaseDC

4044.5.20 is_ResetCaptureErrorInfo 4054.5.21 is_SaveBadPixelCorrectionTable 4064.5.22 is_SaveImage 4074.5.23 is_SaveImageEx 4094.5.24 is_SaveImageMem 4104.5.25 is_SaveImageMemEx 4124.5.26 is_SaveParameters 4144.5.27 is_SetAOI 4174.5.28 is_SetBadPixelCorrection 4184.5.29 is_SetBadPixelCorrectionTable 4204.5.30 is_SetBayerConversion 4214.5.31 is_SetBlCompensation 4234.5.32 is_SetConvertParam 4254.5.33 is_SetDDUpdateTime 4264.5.34 is_SetEdgeEnhancement 4274.5.35 is_SetExposureTime 4294.5.36 is_SetFlashDelay 4314.5.37 is_SetFlashStrobe 4334.5.38 is_SetHwnd 4344.5.39 is_SetImageAOI 4354.5.40 is_SetImagePos 4384.5.41 is_SetImageSize 4404.5.42 is_SetIO 4414.5.43 is_SetIOMask 4424.5.44 is_SetKeyColor 4434.5.45 is_SetLED 4444.5.46 is_SetPixelClock 4464.5.47 is_ShowDDOverlay 4474.5.48 is_StealVideo 4484.5.49 is_UnlockDDMem 4494.5.50 is_UnlockDDOverlayMem 4504.5.51 is_UpdateDisplay 4514.6 Programming Notes 4514.6.1 Programming in C/C++ 4524.6.2 Programming in C# 4524.6.3 Programming in VB.NET 4524.6.4 Programming in Delphi 4534.6.5 Programming with ActiveX 4534.6.6 Thread Programming 4544.7 Lists 4544.7.1 Complete List of All Return Values 4574.7.2 Error Codes of AVI Functions 4574.7.3 Linux: Not Supported Functions

5 Specifications 458
4595.1 Model Comparison 4605.2 Model Naming Conventions 4605.3 Camera and Sensor Data 4615.3.1 DCC1240x / DCC3240x 4645.3.2 DCC1545M 4665.3.3 DCC1645C 4685.3.4 DCU223x 4705.3.5 DCU224x 4725.4 Mechanical Specifications 4735.4.1 DCU223x, DCU224x 4745.4.2 DCC1240x 4755.4.3 DCC3240x 4765.4.4 DCC1545M, DCC1645C 4775.4.5 Flange Back Distance 4775.4.5.1 Calculating the Flange Back Distance 4785.4.5.2 Maximum Immersion Depth for Lenses 4805.4.6 Position Accuracy of the Sensor 4805.4.7 Filter Glasses 4805.4.7.1 Filter Types 4845.4.7.2 Mounting the Filter 4855.4.7.3 Cleaning the Filter Glasses 4865.4.8 Ambient Conditions 4875.5 Camera Interface 4875.5.1 DCU223x, DCU224x, DCC1240x 4875.5.1.1 I/O Connector - Pin Assignment 4885.5.1.2 Digital Input (Trigger) Circuit 4895.5.1.3 Digital Output (Flash) Circuit 4915.5.2 DCC3240x 4915.5.2.1 I/O Connector Pin Assignment 4925.5.2.2 GPIO Interface 4935.5.2.3 Digital Input (Trigger) Circuit 4945.5.2.4 Digital Output (Flash) Circuit 4955.5.2.5 RS-232 Serial Interface 4965.5.3 Camera EEPROM Specification 4975.6 Accessories for DCx cameras 4975.6.1 Accessories for DCU22xX / DCC1240X 4985.6.2 Accessories for DCC1x45X 4985.6.3 Accessories for DCC3240x
6 Appendix 499
4996.1 Troubleshooting/FAQ 5006.1.1 PCs with Energy Saving CPU Technology

5016.2 Status LED on USB DCx Cameras 5026.3 Color and Memory Formats 5046.4 uc480 Parameter File (ini file) 5096.5 Definition of IP Protection Classes 5096.6 History of uc480 Software Versions 5166.7 History of uc480 API Functions 5186.8 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts 5196.9 Certifications and Compliances 5206.10Thorlabs 'End of Life' Policy (WEEE) 5216.11Warranty 5226.12Exclusion of Liability and Copyright

© 2013 Thorlabs GmbH
We aim to develop and produce the best solution for your application
in the field of optical measurement technique. To help us to live up to
your expectations and improve our products permanently we need
your ideas and suggestions. Therefore, please let us know about
possible criticism or ideas. We and our international partners are
looking forward to hearing from you.
Thorlabs GmbH
Warning
Sections marked by this symbol explain dangers that might result in
personal injury or death. Always read the associated information
carefully, before performing the indicated procedure.
Please read these advices carefully!
This manual also contains "NOTES" and "HINTS" written in this form.
Attention
Paragraphs preceeded by this symbol explain hazards that could
damage the instrument and the connected equipment or may cause
loss of data.
Note
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© 2013 Thorlabs GmbH
1 General Information
11
1 General Information
Thank you for purchasing a DCx camera!
You should first read the following chapters to get a quick overview on what is new in this software version and on
getting started with your new camera.
Getting started
DCx quick-start
First steps to DCx Camera programming
The uc480 Viewer application
Further important information
What is new in this version?
Contents of this Manual
The DCx camera family
Specifications
Enjoy your new DCx camera!
1.1 Safety
Attention
All statements regarding safety of operation and technical data in this instruction manual will only apply when the
unit is operated correctly as it was designed for.
All modules must only be operated with proper shielded connection cables.
Only with written consent from Thorlabs may changes to single components be carried out or components not
supplied by Thorlabs be used.
This precision device is only serviceable if properly packed into the complete original packaging including the
plastic foam sleeves. If necessary, ask for a replacement package.
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1.2 Ordering Codes and Accessories
DCU223M
CCD camera, monochrome, 1024x768 pixel, C mount
DCU223C
CCD camera, color, 1280x1024 pixel, C mount
DCU224M
CCD camera, monochrome, 1280x1024 pixel, C mount
DCU224C
CCD camera, color, 1280x1024 pixel, C mount
DCC1545M
CMOS camera, monochrome, 1280x1024 pixel, CS mount
DCC1645C
CMOS camera, color, 1280x1024 pixel, CS mount
DCC1240M
CMOS camera, monochrome, 1280x1024 pixel, C mount
DCC1240C
CMOS camera, color, 1280x1024 pixel, C mount
CAB-DCU-T1
Trigger cable for DCU22xX and DCC1240X cameras (Trigger In/Out)
CAB-DCU-T2
Trigger cable for DCU22xX and DCC1240X cameras (Trigger In only)
CAB-DCU-T3
I/O cable for DC3240 CMOS USB 3.0 cameras
Thorlabs C Mount Camera Lenses (objectives): See Thorlabs' website
1.3 Requirements
For operating the DCx cameras, the following system requirements must be met:
Minimum*1
Recommended
CPU speed
600 MHz
2 x 2.4 GHz
Memory (RAM)
256 MB
2048 MByte
USB host controller
USB 2.0 high speed (480 Mbps)
USB 3.0 (4000 Mbps) for DC3240x
cameras
USB 2.0 high speed (480 Mbps)
USB 3.0 (4000 Mbps) for DC3240x cameras
Intel®or NVIDIA®nForce mainboard chipset
Graphics card
Onboard graphics chip
AGP/PCIe graphics card
Latest version of Microsoft DirectX Runtime
9.0c
Operating system
Windows 7 32 or 64 bit
Windows XP 32 bit (Service Pack 2)
Linux (Kernel 2.6)
Windows 7 32 or 64 bit
Windows Vista 32 or 64 bit (Service Pack 1)
*3
Windows XP 32 bit (Service Pack 3)
Linux (Kernel 2.6)
*1With the minimum system requirements the camera performance may be limited.
*3DCC3240x USB 3.0 cameras are not supported under Windows Vista.
USB interface
Onboard USB 2.0 ports usually provide significantly better performance than PCI and PCMCIA USB adapters.
Current generation CPUs with energy saving technologies can cause bandwidth problems on the USB bus. See
section PCs with energy saving CPU technology for hints and possible solutions.
Large multi camera systems
Connecting a large number of cameras to a single PC may require a large working memory (RAM). This is
especially the case when many cameras with high sensor resolution are used.
If you want to set up such a system we recommend to use PCs with 64 bit operating systems and more than 4 GB
of RAM.
Note
For DCx color cameras, the color conversion is done by software in the PC. When you use a color camera with a
high frame rate, the conversion might lead to a high CPU load. Depending on the PC hardware used you might not
be able to reach the camera's maximum frame rate.
Direct3D graphics functions
The uc480 driver can use Direct3D to display the camera image with overlay information (Microsoft DirectX
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1 General Information
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Runtime had to be installed). On Windows systems, you can use the supplied "DXDiag" diagnostic tool to check
whether your graphics card supports Direct3D functions. To start the diagnostic tool, click "Run…" on the Windows
start menu (shortcut: Windows+R) and enter "DXDiag" in the input box.
On the "Display" page of the diagnostic tool, click the button for testing the Direct3D functions.
OpenGL graphics functions
For OpenGL version 1.4 or higher must be installed. The OpenGL graphics functions do not work with QT under
Linux.
Software Requirements under Linux
For operating the DCx camera under Linux the following components must be installed:
Component
Version
Linux-Kernel
2.6.9 up to 2.6.24
The standard C library libc/glibc
2.0 or higher
GNU Compiler Collection gcc
3.4 or higher
POSIX Thread Library
(POSIX Threads Enabled libc)
-
bash or sh shell
(for running the installation script)
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Qt (for compiling the demo program)
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DCx Cameras
1.4 DCx Camera Family
DCx cameras stand for a range of compact and cost-effective cameras for professional use in industrial, security
and non-industrial applications. Equipped with the widely used USB 2.0 and particularly USB 3.0 ports, they can
easily be interfaced with a vast variety of systems. The images are digitized in the camera and transmitted digitally
to the PC. An additional frame grabber is not required.
DCU cameras have state-of-the-art CCD sensors while the DCC models are CMOS based. The CMOS models use
either the global or the rolling shutter method; the CCD models use only the global shutter method.
The DCx cameras are available as monochrome and color versions, DC3240 series has a NIR version as well.
The Model Comparison chapter shows the most important features of every series at a glance.
USB 3.0 DCC3240x CMOS Cameras
Compact, fast and lightweight. The new DCC3240x. The 29 x 29 x 29 mm small
camera housing is not only ultra-compact, but due to its magnesium casing and a total
camera weight of 43 g, it is also ultra-lightweight and robust. The powerful camera
offers a bandwidth of 400 MByte/s via USB 3.0. Power is supplied via the USB bus,
hence an extra power cable is obsolete.
With its lockable Micro USB connector the camera is perfectly suited even for rough
environments. Offering trigger and flash as well as two GPIOs (General Purpose I/O),
which can also be changed into a serial interface (RS232). Hence, peripheral devices
can easily be triggered or controlled.
But also the camera’s inner values are outstanding: brightness corrections are easily
realized by a comfortable 12 bit lookup table and hardware gamma. 12 bit color depth
offers a by factor 16 increased level of detail compared to the usual 8 bit. Hardware
based data preprocessing saves additional CPU resources.
USB 2.0 DCC1240x (CMOS) and DCC22xX (CCD) Cameras
The DCC1240X and DCC22xX series feature a robust metal housing with a standard
mini-B USB 2.0 connector. Connection is additionally possible via a lockable micro D-
sub connector which also carries the opto-isolated I/O signals.
The USB 2.0 interface is meanwhile available in every standard PC and notebook/
laptop and provides a gross bandwidth of 480 Mbps. The camera is connected and
powered through the USB port by just a single cable.
USB2.0 DCC1545M and DCC1645C Cameras
The DCC1x45X series features extremely compact cameras with high-speed CMOS
sensors. The LE models are designed for professional use in non-industrial applications.
Through the use of the widespread USB 2.0 technology, the cameras can easily be
interfaced with a vast variety of systems. These cameras are available with a plastic
housing with CS-mount lens adapter.
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1.5 Contents
The DCx Camera Manual contains all the information you need for operating your DCx camera. It comprises the
following parts:
Section A: Camera basics
In this section you will find a lot of important information on the technical background of your USB camera. This
section contains explanations on the DCx's operating modes , on sensor technology , important camera
parameters , and the USB interfaces. We recommend to read this chapter to become familiar with the
general functionality of the DCx Cameras.
Section B: Operation
Quick start to using your DCxCamera
Installing and Using DCx Camera software
These sections show how to connect cameras and start operation using the software tools uc480 Camera
Manager and uc480 Viewer.
Application notes by camera model
This section explains special features and limitations of some camera models.
Section C: Programming
First steps to programming with your DCxCamera
How to proceed
If you are not yet familiar with DCxCamera programming, we suggest that you first explore the basic functional
flows in this chapter. The function blocks contain almost all the functions available for the uc480 API ordered by
topics. The flowcharts help to easily find the appropriate API function for a certain task.
Description of functions /Description of AVI functions
These chapters cover all the functions of the uc480 API in alphabetic order.
The AVI functions for video recording are implemented by the uc480_tools.dll which is also included in the
DCxCamera software package.
Obsolete functions
This chapter lists obsolote API functions and recommended alternatives.
Lists and programming notes
In this chapter, you will find useful information on how to use the DCxCamera programming API. Programming
environments, modes for DCxCamera color and image display as well as the automatic image control functions
are discussed here.
Section D: Specifications
Specifications
All information on the camera's sensor and performance , mechanical as well as electrical specifications
are contained in this section.
Accessories
Here you will find a list of accessories for DCx Cameras sorted by model.
Appendix
Information on Troubleshooting
Status LEDs on USB DCx cameras
Color and memory formats
uc480 parameter file (ini file)
Definition of IP protection classes
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1.6 What's New in this Version?
Version 4.20 of the DCxCamera software package includes many new features and enhancements. The following
table gives you an overview of the major new functions.
Please make sure to also read the file named WhatsNew.txt which you will find in the C:\Program Files
\Thorlabs\DCx Cameras\Help directory when the installation is completed. This file contains late-breaking
information on new functions and fixed issues.
New in Version 4.20
Cameras & functions
Described in chapter
CCD models with hardware revision 3:
Improved long time exposure function
12 bit per pixel now also available for USB 2.0 cameras
Camera and sensor data
More functions for the USB 3 DCC3240 camera series:
Hot pixel corrections, color conversion, gamma and LUT are now
integrated at the hardware level for DCC3240 models. This
reduces PC load and further enhances color reproduction quality
significantly.
An event/message indicates when the transfer speed changes
from USB 2.0 to USB 3.0 and vice versa.
-
The is_Measure() function allows the measurement of the image
sharpness in the current image. The sharpness is returned as a
relative value. For this function a new camera demo is added.
is_Measure()
New color formats are added:
IS_CM_RGB12_PACKED
IS_CM_RGBA12_PACKED
IS_CM_BGR12_PACKED
IS_CM_BGRA12_PACKED
IS_CM_RGB8_PLANAR
The following formats are renamed and the previous formats are
moved to the uc480_deprecated.h header file:
IS_CM_BGR10V2_PACKED (new IS_CM_BGR10_PACKED)
IS_CM_RGB10V2_PACKED (new: IS_CM_RGB10_PACKED)
IS_CM_BGR555_PACKED (new: IS_CM_BGR5_PACKED)
The following formats are moved to the uc480_deprecated.h
header file as they are identical to existing formats:
IS_CM_BAYER_RG8 (now: IS_CM_SENSOR_RAW8)
IS_CM_BAYER_RG12 (now: IS_CM_SENSOR_RAW12)
IS_CM_BAYER_RG16 (now: IS_CM_SENSOR_RAW16)
is_SetColorMode()
Color and memory formats
New camera demos:
Simultaneous opening of multiple cameras and sending a single
software trigger (Multi-camera demo)
Measuring of the image sharpness in an AOI of the current image
(Measure sharpness demo)
See separate manual for the uc480 samples
In the is_AOI() function the IS_AOI_MULTI_MODE_AXES
parameter was renamed to IS_AOI_MULTI_MODE_X_Y_AXES.
The old parameter was moved to the uc480_deprecated.h
header file.
is_AOI()
Older versions
See the History of uc480 Software Versions and History of uc480 API functions chapters.
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2 Camera Basics
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2 Camera Basics
This chapter explains the basics of DCx Camera technology.
Operating modes
Image display modes
Sensor
Reading out partial images
Digitizing images
Camera parameters
Firmware and camera start-up
Digital inputs/outputs
USB interface
2.1 Operating Modes
DCx Cameras support the following operating modes:
Freerun mode
Trigger mode
Standby
2.1.1 Freerun Mode
In freerun mode, the camera sensor captures one image after another at the set frame rate. Exposure and readout/
transfer of the image data are performed in parallel. This allows the maximum camera frame rate to be achieved.
The frame rate and the exposure time can be set separately. The captured images can be transferred one by one
or continuously to the PC. If trigger mode is active, you need to disable it before activating freerun mode.
Note
Note on the schematic diagrams: These illustrations show a schematic view of the image capture sequence. The
sensor exposure and readout times and the transmission times depend on the camera model and settings. The
pre-processing time depends on the API functions you are using (e.g. color conversion, edge enhancement).
For more information on flash timing see the Digital In-/Output (Trigger/Flash) chapter.
Continuous mode (live mode)
Images are captured and transferred continuously. You can use the DCxCamera flash outputs.
Freerun mode (live mode)
* Flash function optional. See also Digital in-/output (trigger/flash) .
Note
In freerun mode the flash function starts with the second image as the setting of the flash timing depends on the
finish of the first image. If you change the flash timing during operation, the freerun mode will restart. Therefore the
first image after the change is black.
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DCx Cameras
Single frame mode (snap mode)
The next image exposed by the sensor will be transferred. In this mode, flash is not making sense (only manually).
Freerun mode (snap mode)
See also:
Basics: Shutter methods
Basics: Trigger mode
Basics: Applying new parameters
Programming:
Capture modes
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