| Introduction
The PCI-LVDM is a powerful imaging
interface between a C-Cam CMOS camera and an IBM compatible PC.
The interface card has a flexible functionality and high speed data
processing. The card is not restricted to a predefined image size.
Any image size and ratio can be processed, even single, user-defined
lines. It is designed for the latest generation CMOS cameras with
special features.
The interface card can be used as a
simple frame grabber or as an intelligent image preprocessor.
Sometimes, new technical concepts result
in higher performance or cost reduction. This design combines both.
index
|
|
Features
of this image interface
- Supports a single digital CMOS
camera.
- Supports line scan and two dimensional
matrix CMOS cameras.
- Acquisition of monochrome (B&W)
flexible matrix camera images.
- Continuous or single-shot operation.
- Internal pixel processing generator .
- Full digital image output.
- Full image size control.
- No practical image size restriction.
- Readout speed control.
- Capable of handling up to 32-bit
grey levels.
- PCI master DMA interface.
- 33 MHz processing speed on-board.
- First order calibration on the
fly.
- Interface cable lengths greater
than 10 meters.
- Compatible with SCSI 50-pins cables.
- Camera power support.
- Image memory on PC.
- Memory module optional (in development).
- I/O module optional (in development).
- DLL software with complete interface
control.
- Economical.
index
|
| Why
a special camera interface ?
Our cameras are completely digital,
rendering classical analogue frame grabbers useless. Although digital
frame grabbers are available, the price inhibits most camera applications.
Because of the special C-Cam camera features, not to be found in
other cameras, a bi-directional digital interface is an advantage.
Currently, not many digital frame grabber interfaces are able to
do this. For these reasons C-Cam Technologies has developed its
own camera interface.
index
|
| Interactive
interfacing
Most cameras produce images continuously
in a standard format and at a fixed frame rate. In these cases the
user is unable to change camera options during operation. Regard
this as a one way data stream, flowing from camera to frame grabber.
A CMOS camera can work more interactively. The user is able to define
different frame sizes, ratios and positions during operation. This
means that even each single frame can be different. As a result
of this, the frame speed can change. This interactive camera approach
needs a two way communication to and from the camera. This approach
gives the following advantages overf classical frame grabbers :
- More user flexibility
- High frame speed possible with smaller
frame sizes
- Frame positioning on sensor area
- User defined brightness control
- Image dynamic range control
In case of a Fuga sensor camera like
the CCf15, it is faster to generate the pixel addressing
at the interface than by the PC. This also frees up more PC processing
time. Practically, the camera user only needs to give the first
and last pixel of a Window of Interest (WOI), the interface card
does the rest. The interface card can also perform a first order
image correction on the fly.
index
|
| Greyscale
processing
The PCI-LVDM interface is not restricted
to a specific grey scale. The camera defines the grey scale resolution,
the interface card processes it. Anything from 1 to 32-bit data
can be processed.
index
|
| Input
/ Output triggering (in development)
An optional external triggering module
can be used to respond to pulses from the outside world. Inputs
and outputs are TTL and CMOS compatible. The module is able to receive
and send triggering signals. Useful for :
- Flash light triggering
- Shutter operation
- Optical filter operation
- Image synchronisation
- External clock input
- Machine or peripheral equipment
The I/O module option
is plugged onto the PCI interface. A 25-pin Sub-D connector
on the PCI-LVDS interface connects to the outside world.
index
|
| Memory
module (in development)
An optional memory module can be plugged
onto the card. The module which is also compatible with the CC cameras,
can be used to store or buffer image data or processed data by the
user.
index
|
| Cables
 Any
SCSI 50 pins interface cable can be used between the camera and
the interface. Interface cables of more than 10 meters can be used.
Standard cables from C-Cam Technologies are available in lengths
of: 3, 5 and 10 meters.
Interface and camera use female connectors.
All cables have male connector, except for the extension cables
that have one male and one female connector.
The cable supports bi-directional data
transmission and supplies power to the camera.
index
|
