User’s Manual DAGE-MTI Excel Series CCD Digital Cameras & Exponent Software
Table of Contents PAGE 3 4 6 6 7 8 8 13 15 15 16 16 17 17 17 18 18 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 21 21 21 21 21 21 22 22 23 23 Purchaser’s Record Introduction Installation Hardware Requirements IEEE-1394 Card Installation (PC) Exponent Application & Driver Uninstall Exponent Application & Driver Installation Automatic Camera Driver Installation Operation Overview Menu Bar Camera View\Display Mode View\Image Interpolation View\Bayer Algorithm View\Timestamp View\Saturated Pi
Table of Contents PAGE 23 23 24 24 24 24 25 25 25 25 25 26 26 27 29 29 30 31 31 32 33 34 34 35 36 37 39 41 46 Region of Interest Pixel Depth Exposure Toolbar/Toolbox Exposure Gain Shutter Extended Integration Threshold Color Toolbar/Toolbox Manual One Push Auto Histogram Toolbox Performance Toolbox Trigger Toolbox Strobe Toolbox Miscellaneous Toolbox Auxiliary Connector Back Focus Adjustment Software Development Kit (SDK) Troubleshooting Specifications Excel Camera Spectral Response Excel Camera Quantum Ef
Introduction Excel Camera Hardware The DAGE-MTI Excel family of digital cameras are based upon the Kodak KAI series of interline transfer, progressive scan, CCD sensors. These high performance sensors have 7.4um square pixels with microlenses to provide high sensitivity and the large full well capacity results in high dynamic range. The XLV camera has 640x480 pixels (VGA) @ up to 75 frames per second.
Exponent Camera Software Exponent, a powerful yet easy to use software application, is provided to operate the Excel cameras. This software provides a user friendly approach to set up and operate all the features of the camera. Toolbars provide access to commonly used camera functions while allowing the video display window to have maximum display area.
Installation Hardware Requirements The Excel cameras and the Exponent application program are designed to run on a PC with Windows XP® (SP1 & SP2). Direct-X 9.0C will be installed during software installation if needed. Also Microsoft .NET version 1.1 may need to be installed for XP SP1 users only. An update link is provided during software installation. Included is an IEEE-1394 Firewire™ card for installation into a PCI bus slot of your computer.
IEEE-1394 Card Installation (PC) An IEEE-1394 PCI bus card is included with each camera. Installing the 1394 PCI OHCI (Open Host Controller Interface) card is very similar to installing other PCI devices. Upon successful installation of the card, Windows Device Manager will have an “IEEE 1394 Bus host controller” listed. Please follow the documentation supplied with your PC for information on how to open the case and install a PCI device.
Exponent Application & Driver Uninstall If you have previously installed Exponent software and want to install a newer version, you will need to complete the following steps: 1. Uninstall all (attached) cameras from the system by locating the camera in the “Windows Device Manager”, “right-click” the device, and select “Uninstall”. (To access the “Windows Device Manager”- “Right-click” the “My Computer” icon, select “Properties”, navigate to the “Hardware” tab and click “Device Manager”) 2.
Exponent is ready to be installed; click “Next”. The destination to install Exponent software will default to “C:\Program Files\Dage Technologies\Exponent\”; accept this designation or click “Browse” to setup a different designation. Decide if you want “Everyone” or “Just me” as users for Exponent software, then click “Next” to proceed.
Click “Next” to Confirm the Installation The file copy process will begin: 10
The License Agreement for installing Microsoft DirectX 9.0c will open; read, accept the agreement and click “Next” to proceed. The DirectX Setup window will open; click “Next” to proceed.
The DirectX Installation is Complete; Click “Finish” Exponent is fully installed; click “Close”. Exponent requires the Microsoft .NET version 1.1 (or later) framework which is included in Windows XP (SP2). XP (SP1) users may need to install the .NET framework. The installer will direct you to the Microsoft update link to retrieve the .NET components. if needed.
Automatic Camera Driver Installation There are two methods of automatic driver installation: a built in driver install within the Exponent software application, and the Windows Hardware Wizard. The Exponent software driver install method below is the preferred method and should provide a foolproof install. The Windows “Found New Hardware” wizard driver installation is also an acceptable method which is covered in Appendix-B. NOTE: The camera driver process must be performed for each camera used.
If for some reason the new camera was not recognized, you may manually start the driver install by selecting “Install Drivers” within the “Tools/Maintenance” menu. A Windows Logo Testing Warning will appear, click “Continue Anyway”. The “Installing Driver” window will appear and finish the installation, and then the camera will begin operation. Installation Notes The camera driver installation must be performed for each camera installed on your computer.
Operation Overview After installation, the Exponent application software creates a shortcut icon on the desktop. There also is a “Dage Exponent” launch icon added to your “Programs” list in the “Start” menu. The default Dage Exponent application executable is located in “C:\Program Files\Dage Technologies\Exponent”. The Dage Exponent software provides access to all of the camera’s various features.
Dage Exponent Software Main Window CAMERA NAME MENU BAR TOOLBOX TOOLBARS VIDEO WINDOW STATUS BAR Menu Bar- Allows access to the various software & camera functions via drop down menus. x Camera- Shows and gives access to the cameras on the Firewire network. Selecting another camera will start another instance of Exponent software with the selected camera. Each camera will have its own window and set of adjustments. Note: The IEEE-1394 bus bandwidth may be exceeded when running multiple cameras.
x x View\Display Mode- Controls the video window display mode choice of “1:1”, “Fit to Window”, “Full Screen”, and “None”. This menu can also be accessed through a right mouse click in the display window. o 1:1- The video is displayed with a 1:1 pixel-to-pixel relationship between the camera and the display. Scroll bars are placed (if needed) on the Right and the Bottom of the display allowing navigation within the video window.
x View\Bayer Algorithm- Allows the choice of various Bayer color array demosaicking algorithms for processing of the color sensor image data. Algorithm acceptability depends on the scene contents, quality and the needed update speed. The algorithm selection is applied at the PC on the “raw” image data from the sensor, therefore it should be noted that these algorithms can slow the video update display rate.
x View\Toolbox Windows- Allows control of individual Toolbox visibility. Can also expand all and collapse all as well as turn off the ToolBox display. There is also a “ToolBox” icon in the ToolBar which toggles the ToolBox display. x Tools\Options o x Pause When in Background- Stops video updates when another window overlays. This is useful in multi-camera applications in order to conserve bandwidth or to unburden the PC when simultaneously using other applications.
Camera Controls- There are many camera controls and each of them is accessible via the software, either through a Toolbar, a Toolbox, or both. Toolbars- Provides quick access to the most common functions for convenience and to allow users to close the Toolbox for a maximum video display area. Toolbox- Each camera function has its own toolbox that allows additional control.
x Image Capture- Works with the AutoSave Toolbox to provide a single button image capture and also is used to start the Timelapse Image Acquisition. The image Filename & Filetype (for 8-bit or 16-bit Format) is set within the AutoSave dialog, and then the Image Capture button saves the image or starts the Timelapse sequence. x Image Capture w/Filename Dialog- Single image file save with standard Windows dialog to save image location, name and type.
o o Source- Chooses the input control for an image capture. Image Capture Button- The image capture is controlled by the Image Capture Toolbar button. Successive button pushes places successive camera images into the directory. Timelapse Image Acquisition- When the Image Capture Toolbar button is pressed, Exponent saves successive images in the directory as controlled by the TimeLapse Setup in the lower portion of the Autosave Toolbox.
x Format Toolbar/Toolbox- Allows control of three video format functions: Binning, ROI, and Pixel Depth. o Binning- Binning is the process of summing horizontal and vertical pixels together in order to increase sensitivity and frame rates. For monochrome cameras, three binning modes are supported: None, 2x2, and 4x4. For color cameras, the binning is done by taking either 3 adjacent lines and using two of them for binning (3x3) or 5 adjacent lines and using three of them (5x5).
x Exposure Toolbar/Toolbox- Controls the camera’s Exposure by allowing manual or automatic Gain and Shutter settings and the priority of those settings. o Exposure- The Exposure control creates a set point that the Auto Shutter and/or Auto Gain controls use to establish an output video level. Both Shutter and Gain are used to determine the video level; Shutter by controlling the amount of time that light is gathered by the sensor, and Gain applied to the sensor’s signal before digitization.
o x Extended Integration Threshold (EIT)- Extended integration is when the integration (shutter time) is longer than what is required to run the maximum frame rate. The maximum frame rate varies depending on the camera model, whether Binning and/or ROI are being used and whether using 8-bit or 16-bit operation.
x Histogram Toolbox- The histogram is a graph of the number of pixels (Y) per intensity value (X). The Histogram is a very useful tool for indicating correct scene lighting and black value, and in the case of color, whether the color is balanced. One method of manually white balancing an image is to image a “white reference” subject and then adjust the ”Red”, “Green” and “Blue” gain controls until the histogram curves match.
x Trigger Toolbox- The camera can be setup to coordinate its capture of video frames with an external trigger or an internal software trigger source. The manner in which the camera reacts to the source, the form of the source and its polarity are controlled by the Trigger Toolbox. Refer to the “Auxiliary Connector” section for interconnection of the Trigger and additional information on using the Trigger function.
Mode 1- As in Mode 0, a trigger source starts the integration time, but the duration of the integration is determined by the time between trigger edges as shown below. The Manual control button is used to begin and end the trigger sequence through two separate pushes. TRIGGER EXPOSURE DURATION IS TRIGGER WIDTH SENSOR EXPOSURE SENSOR READOUT DATA o Source- This control is only available in Mode 0 and Mode 1 and determines the source of the trigger: “Software” or “External”.
x x Strobe Toolbox- The Strobe provides a synchronous output signal at the start of each frame integration period (reset) to control devices such as an external strobe light, a shutter or other equipment. The Strobe Toolbox is used to configure the external strobe function. Refer to the “Auxiliary Connector” section for interconnection of the Strobe and additional information on using the Strobe function. o Enable- Turns the function “On” and “Off”.
Auxiliary Connector The Excel camera and Exponent application are configured to use a “Trigger” input, a “Strobe” output and two additional GPIO (General Purpose Input/Output) functions. GPIO-0 is configured as an output which is accessed in the “Miscellaneous” Toolbox and can also be used for other functions when controlled by the computer via a control register. GPIO-1 is configured as an input and can be used with an optional “FootSwitch” control or accessed by the computer via a status register.
Back-Focus Adjustment The Excel cameras are designed with a lens mount insert to allow adjustment of the lens position relative to the camera sensor. This is typically referred to as a “Back-Focus” adjustment. A brass insert is secured by a lock-ring. To adjust the lens position, loosen the lock-ring with the included wrench by rotating the lock-ring counterclockwise.
Troubleshooting Camera is not listed under “Camera” in Exponent Application. (Check or try the following): 1. Camera Power On? a. Green LED on camera rear on or flashing? b. IEEE-1394 Cable secure at both ends & using specified cable within length limits? c. If using laptop then need external power supply and special cables. (See “Laptop Installation”) 2. Camera Hardware Driver Installed? a. Try “Manual Camera Driver Installation” (Page-18) 3. IEEE-1394 Card Driver Installed? a.
Specifications Sensor: (Kodak Prog-scan Interline) Effective Pixels HxV: Pixel Size: Sensor Size: (Effective diagonal dim) Minimum Lens Format: Frame Rate: Full Scan (8-bit)Mono, 2X-Bin (8-bit)Mono, 4X-Bin (8-bit)Color, 3X-Bin (8-bit)Color, 5X-Bin (8-bit)Power: 12V thru IEEE1394 or Ext Pwr XLV XL16 XLM KAI-0340M KAI-2020M KAI-4021M 640 x 480 1600 x 1200 2048 x 2048 7.4um x 7.4um 7.4um x 7.4um 7.4um x 7.4um 5.02mm 14.8mm 21.4mm 1/3” 1”, 2MegaPixel >1”, 4MegaPixel 75 fps 16 fps 7.2 fps 112 fps 28 fps 13.
Excel Camera Spectral Response Note: Monochrome cameras have an “Anti-Reflective” coated clear window fitted in the Cmount focus ring to protect the sensor. This is not an IR cut filter. Color cameras have an “IR Cut” color balancing filter fitted in the C-mount focus ring.
Excel Camera Mechanical Features Back Focus Lock Tripod Mount 1½”W x 1 ¼”D (¼”-20 tapped hole, 0.4” Deep) 2.5” Deep 4” Dia 0.45” High 1.
Warranty DAGE-MTI EXCEL Cameras are warranted to be free of defects in material and workmanship in normal use for a period of two years from the original date of purchase from DAGE-MTI. This warranty does not apply to units which have been subject to abuse, neglect, accident, improper installation, or on which the serial number has been removed or damaged. Units that have been altered without the prior permission of DAGE-MTI are not covered by this warranty.
Appendix-A IEEE-1394 Laptop Installation Excel cameras are powered by the IEEE-1394 bus. Laptop computers usually have no provision to power connected devices, therefore the Excel cameras have an external power input connector to operate the camera on Laptops. First determine if your laptop computer already has an IEEE-1394 port. Typically Laptops come equipped with a port using a 4-pin miniature IEEE-1394 connector. A.
B. If your Laptop computer does not have an IEEE-1394 port, then you will need to install an “IEEE-1394 PCMCIA CardBus” card and use a standard 6-pin to 6-pin cable along with a “12 Volt Power Supply” to power the camera and connect the IEEE-1394 bus. The IEEE1394 Card, Cable and Power Supply are available as a kit. (Dage P/N 207744-03) 1. Install the PCMCIA CardBus card into your Laptop. 2. Windows XP will automatically install the driver for the card. Reboot computer if prompted. 3.
Appendix-B Windows “Found New Hardware Wizard” Driver Install Method NOTE: The “Exponent Software Camera Driver Install” method is the preferred method and should provide a foolproof install; however the Windows “Found New Hardware Wizard” below can also be used if desired. After Exponent software has been installed, connect the 1394 cable to the 1394 PCI card and the camera. The “Found New Hardware Wizard” will start. Select “No, not this time” to connect to Windows Update, then select “Next”.
A Windows Logo Testing Warning will appear, click “Continue Anyway”. The “Completing the Found New Hardware Wizard” window will appear, click “Finish” This completes the process for installing the camera driver. Start Exponent software and the camera will begin operation.
Appendix-C Manual Camera Driver Installation NOTE: This operation is only required when the automatic driver installation fails or the incorrect camera driver is installed and you need to force the hardware driver to accept the proper driver. From within the Windows Device Manager (“Control Panel/System/Hardware/Device Manager”) the camera should be listed as “Unibrain Fire-I driver / DageMTI XL” (under “Imaging Devices”).
The "Hardware Update Wizard" will start. Select "Install from a list or specific location". Click "Next". Select "Don't search. I will choose the driver to install". Click "Next.
Under “Show Compatible Hardware” select “Unibrain Fire-I driver / DageMTI XL” and then click “next”. If “Unibrain Fire-I driver / DageMTI XL” is not in the list then click the "Have Disk" option and browse to find the driver located in the default directory “C:\Program Files\Dage Technologies\Exponent\Driver” and choose the “fidcam.inf” driver file. NOTE: Clicking “Have Disk” will add the next 3 steps Click “OK” to the location to the “fidcam.inf” driver file.
Now pick “Unibrain Fire-I driver / DageMTI XL” as the compatible hardware.
A Windows Logo Testing Warning will appear, click “Continue Anyway”. The “Completing the Found New Hardware Update Wizard” window will appear, click “Finish” From within the Windows Device Manager (“Control Panel/System/Hardware/Device Manager”) the camera should now be listed as “Unibrain Fire-I driver / DageMTI XL” (under “Imaging Devices”).
Appendix-D Updating Camera Firmware NOTE: This operation is only required when camera operation can benefit from the updated firmware. Updated firmware may be needed in order to use new features in Exponent Software updates or if camera operation has been updated or optimized. Refer to the information on the Dage Website for details concerning the need or benefits of updating firmware compared to the firmware version in your camera. Camera “Firmware” is the “embedded software” contained in the camera.
DAGE-MTI DAGE-MTI of MC, Inc. 701 N. Roeske Ave. Michigan City, IN 46360 (219) 872-5514 www.dagemti.com 970005-01C Exponent Version 1.
