PixeLINK Megapixel FireWire Camera System Guide
Contents
1. Megahertz Open Host Controller Interface Personal Computer Peripheral Component Interconnect preview windowThe window used to display video images on the screen The default QuickTime RAM ROM sensor subwindow TWAIN PL A630 to PL A660 Series Cameras Copyright 2000 2004 PixeLINK All Rights Reserved size is the same number of rows and columns as in the image Apple Computer multimedia software Random Access Memory Read Only Memory The Camera s image sensing chip The area exposed on the imager not a window defined for viewing the image on the screen An image capture standard typically used as an interface between image processing software and a camera or scanner PixeLINK Megapixel FireWire Camera Pi Ke L INK System Guide APPENDIX A GLOSSARY PAGE 25 Technical Support Tech Notes Tech Notes on a variety of topics are available on the PixeLINK Support Site at http support pixelink com Download the Latest Software and Firmware We recommend that you check http support pixelink com regularly for the latest versions of your PixeLINK software and firmware Technical Questions Please follow these steps before contacting our technical support team e Review the relevant sections of the documentation e Check the PixeLINK Support Site for o new software and firmware o applicable Tech Notes e Carefully document the problem you are experiencing noting any warning or error messages that may a2. PAGE 16 APPENDIX A GLOSSARY 2 5 Attaching Lenses and Tripods The camera can be fitted with a standard C mount lens or attached to a microscope with a C mount threading Simply attach the lens or connect to the microscope using the threaded lens mount indicated in Figure 2 5 on page 9 The back of the camera has three 440 screw holes for the attachment of a mounting fixture such as a tripod The imaging module can be mounting using the four standard standoffs attached to the Interface Board PixeLINK offers custom mounting fixtures for attaching a tripod with a standard 4 20 screw threading at a 90 angle to the Camera The tripod mounts are specific to the type of camera Table 2 5 Tripod Mount Selection Table For this camera Use this tripod mount PL A641 PL 642 PL A661 PL 662 PL 640 660 CAMERA 1 4 20 MOUNT PL A633 PL 634 PL A653 PL 654 PL MODULE 1 4 20 MOUNT For more information contact your PixeLINK vendor or visit the PixeLINK Web site at http www pixelink com 2 6 Power The computer s FireWire bus can supply power to the camera if the host computer has a six pin FireWire connector and the total power demand on the bus does not exceed the bus capacity Some systems such as laptop computers or those with several FireWire devices daisy chained require an external 12 V supply to power the camera An external power supply can be connected to the FireWire bus Imaging modules are capa
3. and after some experimentation we discovered that having the flash fire 110 ms after the trigger would produce good results 4 2 2 Using PL A630 and PL A640 Series Cameras in Still Mode When in Still Mode the entire subwindow of a PL A630 or PL A640 Series camera is exposed simultaneously for a specified exposure time rather than using the row by row rolling shutter strategy of Video Mode Exposure times can range from sub milliseconds to about half a second However the build up of dark current noise will be noticeable in the output image for exposure times greater than 100 ms After the specified exposure time has elapsed the image sensor is read out from top to bottom at maximum speed So under ambient light conditions the bottom rows of the image sensor would continue to be exposed for the length of time required for read out This results in the image being over exposed towards the bottom of the image Thus it is usually best to use Still Mode under controlled lighting conditions For Enhanced Control cameras PL A633 and PL A634 one method to control the lighting conditions is to use the built in capability to synchronize a flash pulse during the still frame capture under dark conditions In the Pixel INK Camera API refer to API functions PimMegaReturnFrameAfterTrigger and PimMegaketurnStillFrame Where dark conditions are not possible and ambient light cannot be controlled an electronically triggered shutter can be used to cu
4. 24 QuickTime 2 3 24 Rolling shutter 21 22 Serial number 25 Shutter 21 22 23 Still mode 2 21 22 Subwindow 15 21 22 24 Technical Support 25 Trigger 1 1 12 13 22 23 Tripods 16 TWAIN 2 4 24 Video compression 19 Video mode 21 22 Windows 2 4 5 11 18 PixeLINK Megapixel FireWire Camera System Guide
5. A GLOSSARY Hardware Overview 2 1 PL A6xx Camera Features Figure 2 1 PL A6xx Cameras Camera Features 1 3 Megapixel imager resolution 1280 x 1024 8 10 bit RGB color or monochrome pixels Integrated infra red IR filter over the image sensor Two FireWire connectors Lens mount for a standard C mount lens 1 x 32 tpi Mounting holes for a tripod or other mounting fixture 4 40 screws 2 2 PL A640 and PL A660 Series Camera Hardware The PL A640 and PL A660 cameras are enclosed in an aluminum housing The cameras have two FireWire ports both identical and a C mount lens adapter with a removeable infra red IR filter Three mounting holes are provided in the rear of the unit for mounting to a fixture or the compatible PixeLINK 1 4 20 mount accessory See Figure 2 2 and Figure 2 3 on page 7 for locations of hardware features PL A630 to PL A660 Series Cameras PixeLINK Copyright 2000 2004 PixeLINK Megapixel FireWire Camera All Rights Reserved PixXxe LINK System Guide APPENDIX A GLOSSARY PAGE 7 IMAGE SENSOR IR FILTER LENS MOUNT FOR STANDARD C MOUNT LENS FIREWIRE CONNECTORS Figure 2 2 Camera Features Top View MOUNT HOLES FIREWIRE CONNECTORS Figure 2 3 Camera Features Bottom View PixeLINK PL A630 to PL A660 Series Cameras Megapixel FireWire Camera Copyright 2000 2004 PixeLINK System Guide PiXe LINK All Rights Reserved PAGE 8 APPENDIX A GLOSSARY 2 2
6. Microsoft Windows or QuickTime Mac OS X 1 3 System Requirements 1 3 1 Windows One of the following Microsoft Windows operating systems must be installed Windows 98 Second Edition SE Windows 2000 with Service Pack 1 SP1 installed Windows XP with Service Pack 1 SP1 installed Service Packs are available for download from the Microsoft Web Site http www microsoft com Hardware requirements Microprocessor Recommended Pentium 4 or equivalent 1 5 GHz Minimum Pentium III or equivalent 450 MHz Memory Recommended 128 MB RAM Minimum 64 MB RAM PL A630 to PL A660 Series Cameras PixeLINK Copyright 2000 2004 PixeLINK Megapixel FireWire Camera All Rights Reserved Pixe LINK System Guide APPENDIX A GLOSSARY PAGE 3 Desktop resolution Recommended 1280 x 1024 Minimum VGA 640 x 480 30 MB of hard drive space A video card with 24 bit or 32 bit True Color graphics capability at least 8 MB of video memory and the latest vendor driver installed Desktops A preinstalled FireWire PCI card or a built in FireWire port PixeL INK supplies a compatible PCI FireWire card with it s camera and developer kits Laptops A preinstalled FireWire Cardbus card or a built in Firewire port 1 3 2 Macintosh The PixeLINK Camera software is designed to work on a Macintosh platform running Mac OS X Additional Software The most recent versions of FireWire and QuickTime are available for downloa
7. PixeLINK Capture provides a TWAIN interface for use with third party applications Table 1 1 PixeLINK Megapixel FireWire Camera Models Camera Type Cameras Color Monochrome PL A661 PL A662 PL A641 PL A642 4 4 4 4 Imagin ua Color Monochrome pn PL A653 JV Jv PL A654 JV JV PL A631 Jv PL A632 4 PL A633 s PL A634 Jv Jv PixeLINK PL A630 to PL A660 Series Cameras Megapixel FireWire Camera Copyright 2000 2004 PixeLINK System Guide PixXe LINK All Rights Reserved PAGE 2 APPENDIX A GLOSSARY 1 2 Topics Covered in this Guide This Guide provides a reference for the PixeLINK camera hardware firmware and system software for the camera models listed in Table 1 1 above Users should consult this Guide before using the Enhanced Control header on a PixeLINK Imaging Module asa guide for mounting a camera within a system or enclosure to gain a basic understanding of the relationship between the camera and the operating system Sections include A description of the camera hardware Section 2 An overview of selected host software and architecture Microsoft Windows Section 3 Notes about exposure methods Section 4 References in the PDF version of this Guide are hyperlinked for easy navigation and access Refer to your PixeLINK Camera User s Manual for information on Camera software installation PixeLINK Capture TWAIN
8. 2 PL A640 and PL A660 Camera Dimensions Note that outlines of the PL A661 and PL A662 cameras are shown in these figures PL A641 and PL A642 cameras differ only in the configuration of the C mount and infra red IR filter All measurements are 0 01 inches 0 3 mm DN FIREWIRE CONNECTORS Figure 2 4 Camera Top Side and End Views PL A630 to PL A660 Series Cameras PixeLINK Copyright 2000 2004 PixeLINK Megapixel FireWire Camera All Rights Reserved Pixe LINK System Guide APPENDIX A GLOSSARY PAGE 9 MOUNT HOLES 4 40 THREAD 3 PLACES Figure 2 5 Camera Bottom View Showing Mount Holes 2 3 PL A630 and PL A650 Series Imaging Module Hardware 2 3 1 Imaging Module Assembly As shown in Figure 2 6 on page 10 each PixeLINK imaging module consists of two boards an Imaging Assembly the top board and a FireWire Interface Board the bottom board also shown in Figure 2 7 on page 10 Note that an imaging module might not be exactly as shown depending on the model The camera is fitted with a 1 x 32 tpi standard C mount lens adapter and equipped with an Enhanced Control header shown in Figure 2 9 on page 12 Mounting hardware may be attached to the FireWire Interface Board at bottoms of the four spacing posts A mount suitable for attachment to a tripod is included in each PixeLINK Developer s Kit PixeLINK PL A630 to PL A660 Series Cameras Megapixel FireWi
9. 660 Series Cameras in Still Mode n 22 4 2 2 Using PL A630 and PL A640 Series Cameras in Still Mode nn 22 4 2 3 Using External Triggering Flash and Shutter SignalS 23 Appendix A Glossary 24 TECHNICAL SUPPORT 25 INDEX 26 PixeLINK PL A630 to PL A660 Series Cameras Megapixel FireWire Camera Copyright 2000 2004 PixeLINK System Guide PiXe LI K All Rights Reserved iv LIST OF FIGURES List of Figures Figure 2 1 PL A6xx Carreras terr iaia 6 Figure 2 2 Camera Features TOP VIEW 7 Figure 2 3 Camera Features Bottom VIEW i 7 Figure 2 4 Camera Top Side and End VieWS iii 8 Figure 2 5 Camera Bottom View Showing Mount Holes semen 9 Figure 2 6 PL A650 Series Imaging Module PL A630 Series similar sss 10 Figure 2 7 FireWire Interface Board product may not be exactly as shown 10 Figure 2 8 External Power Header Oriented as in Figure 2 9 ii 11 Figure 2 9 Enhanced Control External Power Headers may not be exactly as shown 12 Figure 2 10 PL A650 Series Imaging Module Top VieW i 13 Figure 2 11 PL A650 Series Imaging Module Side View and End View 14 Figure 2 12 PL A650 Series Imaging Module Bottom View Showing Mount Holes 14 Figure 2 13 Camera C Mount PL A650 and PL A660 Series SNOWN i 17
10. 660 Series Cameras in Still Mode PL A650 and PL A660 Series cameras return a still frame using the same rolling shutter technique used for a video frame These cameras therefore respond better than earlier cameras to still image capture under ambient light by providing consistent exposures throughout the frame However if used with synchronized flash a slightly different approach must be employed An exposure time of sufficient duration to integrate all rows in the active region of interest must be used with the flash firing between the time of all rows being simultaneously exposed and prior to the start of data read out To determine the exposure and flash timing consider the camera clock rate size of the region of interest columns and rows and decimation The simplest way to do so is to use PixeLINK Capture or the PL A6xx Application and set the appropriate subwindow size With the video preview playing observe the measured frame rate Take the inverse of this number to get the minimum exposure time required for a still image capture with an external flash Use this number as a starting point to determine the proper exposure time and flash delay for your application For example with the camera operating at 12 MHz the full resolution frame rate is 11 7 fps The minimum still frame exposure is then 1 11 7 85 5 ms In our tests we chose an exposure time of 120 ms to add a generous buffer We chose a flash delay of 90 ms as a starting point
11. CI FireWire Driver FireWire Bus Driver Manages the information sent via FireWire gt DU 7 OHCI FireWire Driver and Firmware Adapt the host interface to work with O Magma m Ixe FireWire OHCI FireWire Firmware Camera PixeLINK Camera Receives commands and sends video data via FireWire Figure 3 1 Host Software Architecture The PixeLINK camera software consists of two types of software the embedded executable software that runs on the camera that is the firmware and the host software that runs on the Windows system This section focuses on the host software and its interaction with the embedded executable software PL A630 to PL A660 Series Cameras PixeLINK Copyright 2000 2004 PixeLINK Megapixel FireWire Camera All Rights Reserved PixXxe LINK System Guide APPENDIX A GLOSSARY PAGE 19 An application such as PixeLINK Capture described in the PixeLINK Camera User s Manual can control the camera through a stack of software modules drivers and libraries Some of this software is accessible to the user the rest is in the kernel The relationship between user space and kernel space is illustrated in Figure 3 1 on page 18 3 2 Software Components The function of each software component shown in Figure 3 1 on page 18 is listed below User Application A custom application based on the PixeLINK API or DirectShow both d
12. Figure 2 14 Camera C Mount Exploded View PL A650 and PL A660 Series shown 17 Figure 3 1 Host Software Architecture eene nennen nnne rennen nnns 18 List of Tables Table 1 1 PixeLINK Megapixel FireWire Camera Models eeene m 1 Table 2 1 FireWire Interface Board LEDS iii 11 Table 2 2 PL A653 PL A654 Pinout of the Enhanced Control Header enne 12 Table 2 3 PL A633 PL A634 Pinout of the Enhanced Control Header enne 13 Table 2 4 Packet SIZES iii 15 Table 2 5 Tripod Mount Selection Table 2 eese nme 16 PL A630 to PL A660 Series Cameras PixeLINK Copyright 2000 2004 PixeLINK Megapixel FireWire Camera All Rights Reserved Pixe LINK System Guide APPENDIX A GLOSSARY PAGE 1 Introduction 1 1 The PixeLINK Megapixel FireWire Camera PixeLINK 1 3 Megapixel FireWire IEEE 1394 Cameras offer a fast and affordable means of viewing and capturing high quality color images on a desktop or laptop computer The cameras are connected to a host computer by a single FireWire interface and all camera functions are controlled by the computer PixeLINK supplies host software consisting of drivers and application software called PixeLINK Capture An Applications Programming Interface API compatible with C C and Visual Basic along with LabVIEW API function wrappers is also available The driver supports Direct Show and
13. Pixe LINK MAKING DIGITAL IMAGING SIMPLE Megapixel FireWire Camera System Guide PL A630 to PL A660 Series Cameras Imaging Modules TUNER I E IST Copyright 2000 2004 PixeLINK All Rights Reserved PixeLINK 3030 Conroy Road e Ottawa Ontario e K1G 6C2 Canada e Tel 613 247 1211 e Fax 613 247 2001 Email info pixelink com e Web Site www pixelink com ii PixeLINK Megapixel FireWire Camera System Guide Copyright Notice PL A630 to PL A660 Series Cameras Copyright 2000 2004 PixeLINK All rights reserved This document contains proprietary and confidential information of PixeLINK The contents of this document may not be copied nor duplicated in any form in whole or in part without prior written consent from PixeLINK By purchasing this product the Purchaser s and or any subsequent legitimate owner s of the product henceforth referred to as the Purchaser agree s to abide by the terms of this Agreement and read and recognize the following set of definitions appertaining to the intellectual property items and trademark references as can be found throughout this System Guide PixeLINK provides the information and data included in this document for the Purchaser s benefit but it is not possible for PixeLINK to entirely verify and test all of this information in all circumstances particularly information relating to non PixeLINK manufactured products PixeLINK makes no warranties or representa
14. ands gently in the cloth 5 Replace the IR filter clamp and screws 6 Reattach the lens or other C mount attachment and reconnect the FireWire cable Minor Cleaning of the IR Filter 1 Carefully apply puffs of dry compressed air to move particles off the center of the glass 2 Remove oils with a swab moistened with reagent grade isopropyl alcohol The swab should be damp but not dripping Do not use acetone to clean the IR filter PixeLINK PL A630 to PL A660 Series Cameras Megapixel FireWire Camera Copyright 2000 2004 PixeLINK System Guide PiXe LINK All Rights Reserved PAGE 18 APPENDIX A GLOSSARY Host Software Overview Microsoft Windows Overview of Figure 3 1 User Application e a User Application Provides a custom control interface for the camera 2 5 PixeLINK API PixeLINK API PimMegaApi dll PixeL INK PimMegaApi dll software designed for the development of ry custom cameras applications MUN A Userspace DirectShow Microsoft software that can Kernel space be used to develop custom camera applications TI Stream Class Driver Provides a bridge E d ens between core PixeLINK camera software FireWire Minidriver Provided by and DirectShow PixeLINK Provided by FireWire Minidriver Core PixeLINK Frevire Bus Driver software for controlling the camera and video stream via FireWire OH
15. ble of having an external power supply attached directly to a power header see Section 2 3 3 1 on page 11 2 7 IR Filter Each camera color and monochrome is fitted with an integrated infra red IR filter over the image sensor This filter also acts as a protective cover over the image sensor The filter may be removed but doing so increases the likelihood of contaminating the image sensor Because of the risk of damage to the sensor only the manufacturer should perform modifications to the camera fittings The IR filter is held in place by the camera s C mount Figure 2 13 on page 17 PL A630 to PL A660 Series Cameras PixeLINK Copyright 2000 2004 PixeLINK Megapixel FireWire Camera All Rights Reserved Pixe LINK System Guide APPENDIX A GLOSSARY PAGE 17 Figure 2 13 Camera C Mount PL A650 and PL A660 Series shown To remove the IR filter 1 Ensure that the FireWire cable is disconnected from the camera Remove the lens or other C mount attachment 2 Remove the screws holding the IR filter clamp in place see Figure 2 14 below IR FILTER C MOUNT ADAPTER IR FILTER CLAMP NOTE Do Not Detach the C Mount Adapter SCREWS 2 from the Camera 2 56 x 125 Figure 2 14 Camera C Mount Exploded View PL A650 and PL A660 Series shown Using a pair of fine point tweezers carefully lift out the IR Filter Clamp 4 Place a lint free cloth over the C mount Slowly tip the camera until the IR filter l
16. d on the Apple Web site http developer apple com quicktime Additional Hardware A FireWire IEEE 1394 port standard on most Mac platforms Built in B amp W G3 Power Books G4 Power Macs iMacs iBooks CardBus FireWire Card laptop computers Third Party OHCI or LYNX PCI FireWire Card 1 3 3 Laptop Computers Because of the specialized hardware configurations of laptop computers they require additional installation considerations An external 12 V DC power supply Check the connectors on the FireWire Cardbus card or built in FireWire port If the connectors have six pins the FireWire cable may be able to supply the necessary power to the camera refer to the computer s documentation for confirmation If the connectors have four pins the Camera will need an external power supply PixeLINK provides accessory kits for both FireWire enabled laptops product number PL 1394 LAPTOP ACC and laptops without FireWire ports product number PL LAPTOP ACC Please contact your local PixeLINK dealer for more information 1 4 Camera Accessories Accessories such as tripod mounts lenses laptop accessory kits and hands free switches are available from PixeLINK For a current list of accessories visit the PixeLINK Web site at http www pixelink com or contact your PixeLINK vendor PixeLINK PL A630 to PL A660 Series Cameras Megapixel FireWire Camera Copyright 2000 2004 PixeLINK System Guide PiXe LINK All Rights Res
17. da and or other countries JEFF is a registered trademark or service mark of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Incorporated in the United States and or other countries Mac Mac OS Macintosh QuickTime and FireWire are trademarks of Apple Computer Inc registered in the U S and other countries Microsoft DirectShow and Windows are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and or other countries All other products brand names company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners Definition of Terms This Section is intended to define certain terminology used in this System Guide while ensuring proper attribution and honoring of any and all trademarks and intellectual property items in terms of attribution to their respective owners as mentioned in this System Guide The Purchaser shall hereby recognize the following definitions set herein as can be found throughout this System Guide Camera shall henceforth refer to a PixeLINK FireWire Camera or Imaging Module AZ shall henceforth refer to the PixeLINK Camera Application Programming Interface kit shall henceforth refer to a PixeLINK Camera Kit FireWire and 1394 shall henceforth refer to the IEEE 1394a interface specification DirectShow shall henceforth refer to the Microsoft DirectShow multimedia software Mac shall henceforth refer to the Apple Macintosh computer QuickTime shall henceforth refer t
18. e PixeLINK FireWire Minidriver FireWire Minidriver This PixeLINK software is the interface between the FireWire bus and either the PixeLINK API or the Direct Show Stream Class Driver The FireWire Minidriver is responsible for Detecting the features supported by the camera and reporting them to the PixeLINK API or the Direct Show Stream Class Driver Receiving streams of data from the FireWire Bus Driver and transmitting them in the appropriate format to the PixeLINK API or to the Stream Class Driver PixeLINK PL A630 to PL A660 Series Cameras Megapixel FireWire Camera Copyright 2000 2004 PixeLINK System Guide PiXe LINK All Rights Reserved PAGE 20 APPENDIX A GLOSSARY Handling FireWire bus resets and device removal e g when the cable is unplugged from the camera The PixeLINK FireWire mini driver exports the following functionality to the DirectShow Exposure Gain Pan Tilt FireWire Bus Driver This component performs serial bus management for the OHCI FireWire Firmware That is it manages the content video data and camera control signals transmitted over the FireWire cable between the camera and the host computer The FireWire Bus Driver can act as the cycle master isochronous resource manager and bus manager OHCI FireWire Driver This component instructs the OHCI FireWire Firmware to send and receive packets of information via the FireWire cable OHCI FireWire Firmware This generic firm
19. e connectors are identical and either may be used to connect to the computer The other can be used to connect to other FireWire devices The number of cameras that may be managed simultaneously depends on the total bandwidth and may be limited by power availability see Section 2 6 below and the processing capabilities of the host computer The FireWire bus requires that the sum of the packet sizes of the attached cameras be less than 4800 Packet sizes for cameras operating with 640 x 480 and 1024 x 1280 subwindows are given in Table 2 4 below Table 2 4 Packet Sizes Subwindow Size Clock Frequency 640 x 480 1024 x 1280 MHz 640 1280 1280 1920 3200 3840 Example Based on the FireWire bus only what is the largest number of cameras that can be managed simultaneously if each one operates with 640 x 480 subwindow and an 8 MHz clock frequency Solution The FireWire packet limit is 4800 From Table 2 4 above the packet size for a 640 x 480 subwindow at 8 MHz is 1280 4800 3 Therefore no more than three cameras can be 1280 managed simultaneously at 640 x 480 and 8 MHz To confirm The total packet size for four cameras is 4 x 1280 5120 which exceeds the FireWire packet limit The total packet size for three cameras is 3 x 1280 3840 which is less than the limit PixeLINK PL A630 to PL A660 Series Cameras Megapixel FireWire Camera Copyright 2000 2004 PixeLINK System Guide PiXe LINK All Rights Reserved
20. erved PAGE 4 APPENDIX A GLOSSARY 1 5 The PixeLINK Camera Application Programming Interface The PixeLINK Camera Application Programming Interface API offers application software developers a means to adapt existing programs or develop new imaging applications for PixeLINK cameras The API is designed to simplify the most common tasks associated with configuring and controlling the cameras Applications can also leverage the advanced command and control capabilities to enable enhanced functions via available I2C or general purpose I O connectors The PixeLINK Camera API software and reference documentation are available as Software Developer s Kits SDK and are included in PixeLINK Camera Developer s Kits 1 6 Compatibility with Other PixeLINK Camera Products PL A630 to PL A660 Series cameras are compatible with PixeLINK software from Release 3 2 and earlier Cameras with version numbers less than 3 0 will not function with Release 3 2 software on a Mac OS X operating system 1 7 Related PixeLINK Documentation e PIXeLINK Megapixel FireWire Camera User s Manual Release 3 2 This manual describes the functionality of the PixeLINK Megapixel FireWire camera hardware and software including PixeLINK Capture Users should consult the User s Manual before installing the camera hardware or software as a guide when using PixeLINK Capture for tips on using the camera with TWAIN enabled Windows Sections include Installation
21. escribed below controls the camera retrieves data from it and displays or stores the data This application can be written by the user provided by PixeLINK or incorporated into third party software in cooperation with PixeLINK PixeLINK API PimMegaApi dll This standard library provides the application with functions to control the camera and the video stream The PixeLINK API described in the PixeLINK Camera API Reference is used to create custom applications to access imaging data directly from the FireWire Minidriver The imaging data can be formatted for screen display or for further processing or analysis DirectShow Microsoft DirectShow multimedia software implements a specific hardware and software standard for image streaming and is part of the DirectX suite of multimedia APIs provided my Microsoft DirectShow software can be used as an alternative to the PixeLINK API to integrate control of the camera with that of other multimedia hardware and software enhancing the functionality of the camera Microsoft offers several DirectShow filters for functions such as e Data compression and decompression e Data coding and decoding e Color conversion e Rendering DirectDraw For more information about DirectShow and DirectX visit the DirectX Web site at http www microsoft com windows directx Stream Class Driver This driver allows the camera to work with DirectShow by enabling the transfer of data between DirectShow and th
22. ge may be 8 V to 30 V Power Connector GND Latch 8 30V a Figure 2 8 External Power Header Oriented as in Figure 2 9 2 3 3 2 Enhanced Control Header For use with Microsoft Windows only PL A633 PL A634 PL A653 and PL A654 imaging modules are each equipped with a 16 pin Enhanced Control header This header shown in Figure 2 9 on page 12 can be connected to external devices such as a flash trigger or I2C devices The header pinouts are listed in Table 2 2 on page 12 for PL A653 and PL A654 imaging modules and in Table 2 3 on page 13 for PL A633 and PL A634 imaging modules PixeLINK PL A630 to PL A660 Series Cameras Megapixel FireWire Camera Copyright 2000 2004 PixeLINK System Guide PiXe LINK All Rights Reserved PAGE 12 APPENDIX A GLOSSARY Enhanced Control Header External Power Header Figure 2 9 Enhanced Control External Power Headers may not be exactly as shown Table 2 2 PL A653 PL A654 Pinout of the Enhanced Control Header Refer to PixeLINK API function PimMegaReturnFrameAfterTrigger Ground 3 RESET Reset 5 V HCMOS signal output low for about 200 milliseconds at power up to reset the imaging module 4 GND Ground General purpose output 5 V HCMOS output Refer to PixeLINK API functions PimMegaGetGpo and PimMegaSetGpo External flash 5 VHCMOS output active high pulse Refer to PixeLINK API functions PimMegaCaptureFrameToBitmap and PimMegaRet
23. izle ze cce eaan Proto ce e Lau laco pea Linn ra o Da Duca c Eo c iu En 3 1 4 Camera ACGESSOMES ceca vie elia 3 1 5 The PixeLINK Camera Application Programming Interface 4 1 6 Compatibility with Other PixeLINK Camera PrOdUCtS 4 1 7 Related PixeLINK Documentation nnne 4 2 Hardware Overview 6 2 1 PL AOXx Camera Features 6 2 2 PL A640 and PL A660 Series Camera Hardware i 6 2 2 2 PL A640 and PL A660 Camera Dimensions essen 8 2 3 PL A630 and PL A650 Series Imaging Module Hardware 9 2 3 1 Imaging Module Assembly ccccccessecceeeeeessecseseaeaseeeesecneaseceeeeeeeasaecesecaeseseeesesensanes 9 2 3 2 FireWire Interface Board LEDS nennen 11 2 3 3 Headers M 11 2 3 4 PL A650 Series Imaging Module DIMENSIONS 13 2 3 5 PL A630 Series Imaging Module Dimensions eeeeeen 14 2 4 FireWire Connectors and Multiple Cameras i 15 2 5 Attaching Lenses and TripOds nennen 16 2 6 POW T iscrisse ini iii ica iii ia vai piani pica 16 2 7 gue Em 16 3 Host Software Overview Microsoft Windows 18 3 1 MIR NATE 18 3 2 Software Components rera tnde rne c Enn kon ii 19 4 Exposure Methods 21 4 1 Video Mode riore UE 21 4 2 Still Mode EXPOSURG ieii RI 21 4 2 1 Using PL A650 and PL A
24. o Apple QuickTime multimedia software Windows shall henceforth refer to a Microsoft Windows operating system The above Sections set forth Terms and Conditions compliance with which constitutes a mandatory prerequisite for owning and or using the product for which the Guide was created It is the Purchaser s responsibility to ensure that the information contained within the Sections is maintained as a part of the System Guide at all times should the Purchaser discover that the page s containing the Sections is are missing and or was not provided with the System Guide and or become illegible PixeLINK should be contacted as soon as possible and the Sections requested PixeLINK shall not be held liable for any and all copyright violations that may ensue in relation to its products and or the consequences of their intended and unintended usage January 2004 Part Number 03622 04 PL A630 to PL A660 Series Cameras PixeLINK Copyright 2000 2004 PixeLINK Megapixel FireWire Camera All Rights Reserved Pixe LINK System Guide TABLE OF CONTENTS iii Table of Contents 1 Introduction 1 1 1 The PixeLINK Megapixel FireWire Camera 1 1 2 Topics Covered in this Guide rr 2 1 3 System Requirerments unus enu hotter mun ete eap run etae en hie aa ete nannte iE enean nn were 2 1 3 1 WINKOWS E 2 NP MEE UE m 3 1 3 3 kaptop Comlputers
25. of the camera hardware and software Basic features of the camera hardware Features and operation of PixeLINK Capture An overview of TWAIN Windows e PixeLINK Megapixel FireWire Camera User s Manual Mac OS X Release 3 2 This manual describes the functionality of the Mac OS X version of PixeLINK Capture Users should consult the User s Manual before installing the camera hardware or software as a guide when using the Mac OS X version of PixeLINK Capture as a guide when using QuickTime enabled third party software PL A630 to PL A660 Series Cameras PixeLINK Copyright 2000 2004 PixeLINK Megapixel FireWire Camera All Rights Reserved Pixe LINK System Guide APPENDIX A GLOSSARY PAGE 5 Sections include Installation of the camera hardware and software Basic features of the camera hardware Features and operation of the Mac OS X version of PixeLINK Capture Using PixeLINK Cameras with QuickTime Video Panels e PixeLINK Megapixel FireWire Camera API Reference Release 3 2 Applies to Microsoft Windows only This manual provides a reference for the PixeLINK Camera API and related software Sections include Basic principles of using the PixeLINK Camera API Asummary of the PixeLINK Camera API functions Descriptions of individual API functions PixeLINK PL A630 to PL A660 Series Cameras Megapixel FireWire Camera Copyright 2000 2004 PixeLINK System Guide Pixe LINK All Rights Reserved PAGE 6 APPENDIX
26. ons Dimensions of the PL A650 Series imaging modules PL A653 and PL A654 are shown in Figures 2 10 2 12 pages 13 14 All measurements are 0 005 inches 0 15 mm 925 in 23 5 mm Figure 2 10 PL A650 Series Imaging Module Top View PixeLINK PL A630 to PL A660 Series Cameras Megapixel FireWire Camera Copyright 2000 2004 PixeLINK System Guide PiXe LINK All Rights Reserved PAGE 14 APPENDIX A GLOSSARY lay 1 629 in 41 4 mm 250 in 6 35 mm Figure 2 11 PL A650 Series Imaging Module Side View and End View 3 2 250 in E 57 2 mm a 1 850 in Li 250 in m 6 4 mm 200 in gl L4 5 1 mm TH RA 2 000 in 50 8 mm 3 250 in 82 6 mm 3 500 in 88 9 mm 1 9 e e e e y 0 00 0 LI 6 32 THREADED STANDOFF 4 PLACES Figure 2 12 PL A650 Series Imaging Module Bottom View Showing Mount Holes 2 3 5 PL A630 Series Imaging Module Dimensions For dimensions of the PL A630 Series Imaging Modules please contact PixeLINK support See page 25 for contact information PL A630 to PL A660 Series Cameras PixeLINK Copyright 2000 2004 PixeLINK Megapixel FireWire Camera All Rights Reserved PixetLltIrIunNk System Guide APPENDIX A GLOSSARY PAGE 15 2 4 FireWire Connectors and Multiple Cameras Each PixeLINK camera has two FireWire connectors ports allowing several devices to be daisy chained Th
27. ppear during operation e Have your camera s serial number and other identifying information at hand The serial number can be found on the camera on the About screen in PixeLINK Capture or by using the PixeLINK Camera API function PimMegaGetHardwareVersion PixeLINK Customer Support Email support pixelink com PixeLINK Support Site http support pixelink com PixeLINK Main Site http www pixelink com PixeLINK PL A630 to PL A660 Series Cameras Megapixel FireWire Camera Copyright 2000 2004 PixeLINK System Guide PiXe LINK All Rights Reserved PAGE 26 index Accessories 3 Camera dimensions 8 Camera models 1 C mount 9 16 17 Dimensions 13 14 Enhanced Control header 1 2 9 11 12 13 21 22 23 Enhanced Control header pinout 11 12 13 Exposure 20 21 22 23 Exposure time 21 22 FireWire connectors 3 4 6 15 FireWire interface board 9 10 11 Flash 11 12 13 21 22 23 GPO 24 Imaging modules 1 1 13 14 16 Installation 4 5 IR filter 6 16 17 IR filter removal 17 LEDs 11 Lenses 3 6 9 16 17 Mac OS X 2 3 PL A630 to PL A660 Series Cameras Copyright 2000 2004 PixeLINK All Rights Reserved piXeLINK APPENDIX A GLOSSARY Multiple cameras controlling 15 PixeLINK Camera Application Programming Interface API 4 5 12 13 18 19 22 23 24 25 Power 3 11 12 15 16 20 Power external 3 11 12 16 Preview window
28. re Camera Copyright 2000 2004 PixeLINK System Guide Pi Ker INK All Rights Reserved PAGE 10 APPENDIX A GLOSSARY Imaging FireWire Interface Board External Power Header FireWire Connectors 5 Volt Power LED E zou SEU ofa 3 3 Volt Power LED GOL CRN CES CNS SB a Firmware Status LED am Figure 2 7 FireWire Interface Board product may not be exactly as shown PL A630 to PL A660 Series Cameras PixeLINK Copyright 2000 2004 PixeLINK Megapixel FireWire Camera All Rights Reserved Pixe LINK System Guide APPENDIX A GLOSSARY PAGE 11 2 3 2 FireWire Interface Board LEDs The FireWire Interface Board has three LEDs described in Table 2 1 below Table 2 1 FireWire Interface Board LEDs Function Color Location Signal Type and Status in Figure 2 7 page 10 Firmware status indicator Green Left bottom Double pulse Firmware is running properly 3 3 V Power indicator Yellow Left center Solid 3 3 V power present 5 V Power indicator Yellow Left top Solid 5 V power present 2 3 3 Headers 2 3 3 1 Extemal Power Header As shown in Figure 2 9 on page 12 an external supply can be attached to the two pin friction lock external power header The pinout is shown in Figure 2 8 below The external power source must provide a power of at least 3 0 W for the Imaging Module to operate correctly Twelve volt 12 V operation is recommended but the volta
29. t off the ambient light at the end of the specified exposure time With the shutter closed the read out from the image sensor can proceed without any further influence from ambient light The PixeLINK Camera API functions also provide the ability to control a shutter synchronized with a still frame capture Exposure times flash pulse timing and shutter timing signals can be specified to 1 10 of a millisecond PL A630 to PL A660 Series Cameras PixeLINK Copyright 2000 2004 PixeLINK Megapixel FireWire Camera All Rights Reserved Pixe LINK System Guide APPENDIX A GLOSSARY PAGE 23 4 2 3 Using External Triggering Flash and Shutter Signals Note External flash and shutter control devices can be connected to cameras with Enhanced Control headers only PL A633 PL A634 PL A653 PL A654 PixeLINK cameras with Enhanced Control headers can receive external triggering signals and can issue flash and shutter timing controls These signals are controlled by the PixeLINK API functions PimMegaketurnFrameAfterTrigger and PirmMegaReturnsStillFrame e PimMegaketurnFrameAfterTrigger puts the camera into a trigger mode and begins to capture a still image no more than 90 us after an external trigger signal is detected e PimMegaketurnStillFrame returns a still frame immediately after being called and can be used as a software trigger However due to operating system and interface delays the minimal response time will be 15 ms with possible dela
30. tions relating to the quality content or adequacy of this information Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this Guide however PixeLINK assumes no responsibility for any errors or omissions in this document PixeLINK shall not be held liable for any errors or for incidental or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing performance or use of this System Guide or the examples herein PixeLINK assumes no responsibility for any damage or loss resulting from the use of this System Guide loss or claims by third parties which may arise through the use of this product any damage or loss caused by deletion of data as a result of malfunction or repair or any other damage related to the use of this product or associated documentation The information in this document is subject to change without notice Definitions of Intellectual Property and Trademark Attributions This Section is intended to ensure proper attribution and honoring of any and all trademarks and intellectual property items in terms of attribution to their respective owners as mentioned in this System Guide The reader is encouraged to consult this Section whenever uncertainty presents itself as to the terms their meaning within the System Guide and the trademarks and intellectual property items they stand to identify whether by themselves or in conjunction with other terms and items PixeLINK is either a trademark or a registered trademark of PixeLINK in Cana
31. to the top of the subwindow for the next image frame This virtual window is the same width as the subwindow and has a height proportional to the exposure time This is similar to a rolling shutter in conventional photography Rows are removed from and added to the virtual window as it moves The virtual window moves one row at a time when the fully exposed row of pixels on its trailing edge is transferred to the image frame and an unexposed row is added to its leading edge When the leading edge reaches the bottom of the subwindow the virtual window rolls to the top of the subwindow to start exposing rows for the next frame Thus at any given time the level of exposure of a particular row depends the amount of time since it was added to the virtual window As each trailing edge row is transferred an image frame is built from top to bottom Since all rows in a finished frame are exposed equally and rows are transferred continually this strategy is appropriate for still image capture in ambient lighting conditions video capture and interactive image control 4 2 Still Mode Exposure Note External flash and shutter control devices can be connected to cameras with Enhanced Control headers only PL A633 PL A634 PL A653 PL A654 PixeLINK PL A630 to PL A660 Series Cameras Megapixel FireWire Camera Copyright 2000 2004 PixeLINK System Guide PiXe LINK All Rights Reserved PAGE 22 APPENDIX A GLOSSARY 4 2 1 Using PL A650 and PL A
32. umStillFrame Refer to the PixeLINK API functions PimMegaCaptureFrameToBitmap and PimMegaRetumsStillFrame Refer to the PixeLINK API functions PimMegaGetGpo and PimMegaSetGpo PL A630 to PL A660 Series Cameras PixeLINK Copyright 2000 2004 PixeLINK Megapixel FireWire Camera All Rights Reserved PiXxe LINK System Guide APPENDIX A GLOSSARY PAGE 13 Table 2 3 PL A633 PL A634 Pinout of the Enhanced Control Header Pin PinName_ Function Trigger 5 V TTL input 10 ms pulse active low Refer to PixeLINK API function PimMegaReturnFrameAfterT rigger 2 o Gans S yS 3 Resev Reset TTL output active ow Outputis the BoarLevel Camera reset signal o the external devis a omo omm O ie o Refer to PixeLINK API functions PimMegaGetGpo and PimMegaSetGpo s mo femme 5 7 Flash External flash TTL output 10 ms pulse active high Refer to PixeLINK API functions PimMegaCaptureFrameToBitmap and PimMegaRetumStillFrame e few ewm Sd SHUTTER Shutter control device TTL output active high Refer to PixeLINK API functions PimMegaCaptureFrameToBitmap and PimMegaRetumStillFrame 0 GND Grund Ud com REN Refer to PixeLINK API functions PimMegaGetGpo and PimMegaSetGpo GND Ground uns vein aT ea pS 14 enD Ground J y 15 12C Clock PC interface clock TTL output 16 12C Data PC interface data TTL level bi directional 2 3 4 PL A650 Series Imaging Module Dimensi
33. ware is programmed on an adapter card that enables the host computer to work with FireWire An adapter card designed for desktop computers is included in selected PixeLINK camera kits If the host desktop computer already has a FireWire port available the card is not necessary Laptop computers require a preinstalled FireWire port or CardBus slot Refer to your PixeLINK Camera User s Manual for more information PixeLINK Camera The camera is linked to the rest of the system via the FireWire cable The cable carries control signals and power to the camera and the video stream to the host computer PL A630 to PL A660 Series Cameras PixeLINK Copyright 2000 2004 PixeLINK Megapixel FireWire Camera All Rights Reserved Pixe LINK System Guide APPENDIX A GLOSSARY PAGE 21 Exposure Methods Video Mode and Still Mode refer to imager exposure methods While all of the PL A630 to PL A660 Series cameras can operate in either mode only cameras equipped with Enhanced Control headers can be connected to external flash and shutter control devices preferable for Still Mode PL A650 and PL A660 Series cameras use a rolling shutter in both Video Mode and Still Mode Earlier cameras use a rolling shutter in Video Mode and simultaneous exposure in Still Mode 4 1 Video Mode Exposure In video mode exposure of the image sensor is controlled by a virtual window that moves from the top to the bottom of the subwindow and then rolls up
34. ys greater than 60 ms depending on the system configuration Flash and shutter timing controls provided to the PixeLINK API functions represent the delay in milliseconds following the trigger signal The delays are accurate to one decimal place 0 1 ms It is important to note that negative numbers are allowed In the case where a negative delay is used with an external trigger the timing signals occur in order For example with a flash delay of 15 ms and shutter delay of 5 ms on receipt of the trigger signal the flash signal will be fired immediately followed 10 ms later by the shutter signal 5 ms after the shutter the camera will start the exposure The shutter timing signals also include a shutter close delay to close an external shutter following an exposure PixeLINK PL A630 to PL A660 Series Cameras Megapixel FireWire Camera Copyright 2000 2004 PixeLINK System Guide Pixe LINK All Rights Reserved PAGE 24 APPENDIX A GLOSSARY Appendix A Glossary 1394 API DLL FireWire fps GPO I2C IEEE MB MHz OHCI PC PCI Short for the IEEE 1394 digital bus protocol also known as FireWire a trademark of Apple Computer Inc Application Programming Interface Dynamic Link Library Apple Computer s trademark for the IEEE 1394 digital bus protocol Frames Per Second General Purpose Output Inter IC also known as I2C a bus standard invented by Philips Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Megabyte
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