GenICamSequencerUsage.cpp

Parts of the GenICamSequencerUsage program are based on the ContinuousCapture.cpp example. The sample shows how to configure the GenICam SFNC Sequencer Control from an application.

Program location

The source file GenICamSequencerUsage.cpp can be found under:

%INSTALLDIR%\apps\GenICamSequencerUsage\

Note

If you have installed the package without example applications, this file will not be available. On Windows® the sample application can be installed or removed from the target system at any time by simply restarting the installation package.

GenICamSequencerUsage example:

1. Opens a GenICam compliant device.
2. Configures the sequencer if available.
3. Captures a sequence as configured.
4. Does some data analysis in order to prove sequence capturing was successful.

Console Output

[0]: GX001559 (mvBlueCOUGAR-X122G, Family: mvBlueCOUGAR, interface layout: DeviceSpecific)

Please enter the number in front of the listed device followed by [ENTER] to open it: 0
Using device number 0.
Interface layout of device GX001559(mvBlueCOUGAR-X122G) set to 'GenICam'.

Acquisition start/stop behaviour(Defines the start/stop behaviour of the acquisition engine) of device 
GX001559(mvBlueCOUGAR-X122G) set to 'User'.
In 'Default' mode the acquisition engine will be started and stopped automatically, when set 
to 'User' it is up to the user to start and stop the acquisition engine. When this driver is
running with a 3rd party GenICam GenTL producer only 'User' will be available).

Property 'ExposureMode' set to 'Timed'.
Property 'ExposureAuto' set to 'Off'.
Property 'GainSelector' set to 'AnalogAll'.
Property 'GainAuto' set to 'Off'.
Property 'GainSelector' set to 'DigitalAll'.
Property 'GainSelector' set to 'DigitalTap1'.
Property 'GainSelector' set to 'DigitalTap2'.
Setting up the device took 0.0878863 seconds.
Setting up the sequencer took 0.163689 seconds.
Queuing capture buffers took 0.02029 seconds.
Starting the acquisition took 0.0647041 seconds.
The first frame arrived after 0.0823678 seconds using the following format: 1936x1216, Mono8
Image captured: TimeStamp:        190922263, ChunkExposureTime:       1000, ChunkSequencerSetActive: 0, FrameID:                0.
Image captured: TimeStamp:        190942267, ChunkExposureTime:       1000, ChunkSequencerSetActive: 0, FrameID:                1.
Image captured: TimeStamp:        190962270, ChunkExposureTime:       1000, ChunkSequencerSetActive: 0, FrameID:                2.
Image captured: TimeStamp:        190982274, ChunkExposureTime:       1000, ChunkSequencerSetActive: 0, FrameID:                3.
Image captured: TimeStamp:        191002277, ChunkExposureTime:       1000, ChunkSequencerSetActive: 0, FrameID:                4.
...

How it works

After getting the device from user input the sample tries to open the device by calling

pDev->open(); 

The sample shows, how to configure the Sequencer Control according to the SFNC (Standard Features Naming Convention) however as the things that can be done using the Sequencer Control are very specific and application dependent this example might not work with every GenICam compliant device as some features are just assumed as being available.

After a sequence has been captured the individual images can be stored in RAW format:

Image captured(1936x1216, Mono8): ChunkExposureTime:       4999, ChunkSequencerSetActive: 4, FrameID:              109.
Image captured(1936x1216, Mono8): ChunkExposureTime:       5000, ChunkSequencerSetActive: 4, FrameID:              110.
Capturing the sequence took 2.84045 seconds while the pure exposure time of all frames would have been 1.07 seconds.
Stopping the acquisition took 0.0446242 seconds.
The capture process has finished. Press [ENTER] to end the thread!

If the 110 frames shall be stored to disk press 'y' [ENTER] now: y
Storing....
Successfully written file 'image000001_Set=0_Exposure=1000.1936x1216.Mono8.raw'.
Successfully written file 'image000002_Set=0_Exposure=1000.1936x1216.Mono8.raw'.
Successfully written file 'image000003_Set=0_Exposure=1000.1936x1216.Mono8.raw'.
Successfully written file 'image000004_Set=0_Exposure=1000.1936x1216.Mono8.raw'.
Successfully written file 'image000005_Set=0_Exposure=1001.1936x1216.Mono8.raw'.
Successfully written file 'image000006_Set=1_Exposure=14999.1936x1216.Mono8.raw'.
Successfully written file 'image000007_Set=1_Exposure=14998.1936x1216.Mono8.raw'.
Successfully written file 'image000008_Set=1_Exposure=14999.1936x1216.Mono8.raw'.
Successfully written file 'image000009_Set=1_Exposure=14999.1936x1216.Mono8.raw'.
Successfully written file 'image000010_Set=1_Exposure=14999.1936x1216.Mono8.raw'.
Successfully written file 'image000011_Set=1_Exposure=14999.1936x1216.Mono8.raw'.
Successfully written file 'image000012_Set=1_Exposure=14999.1936x1216.Mono8.raw'.
Successfully written file 'image000013_Set=1_Exposure=14999.1936x1216.Mono8.raw'.
Successfully written file 'image000014_Set=1_Exposure=14999.1936x1216.Mono8.raw'.
Successfully written file 'image000015_Set=1_Exposure=14999.1936x1216.Mono8.raw'.
Successfully written file 'image000016_Set=1_Exposure=14999.1936x1216.Mono8.raw'.
...

This example captures the sequence that is defined by the static variable s_SequencerData exactly once. However as the individual sets are configured in a way that after capturing the last frame with the last set the complete sequence jumps back to set 0 also a continuous acquisition could be done. This is beyond the scope of this example.

The sequence that shall be configured can be modified in the source code by changing the array s_SequencerData:

//-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
struct SequencerSetParameter
//-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
{
  const int64_type setNr_;
  const int64_type sequencerSetNext_;
  const double exposureTime_us_;
  const int64_type frameCount_;
  const int64_type horizontalBinning_;
  const int64_type verticalBinning_;
  double expectedFrameRate_;
  explicit SequencerSetParameter( const int64_type setNr, const int64_type sequencerSetNext, const double exposureTime_us, const int64_type frameCount, const int64_type horizontalBinning, const int64_type verticalBinning ) :
    setNr_( setNr ), sequencerSetNext_( sequencerSetNext ), exposureTime_us_( exposureTime_us ), frameCount_( frameCount ), horizontalBinning_( horizontalBinning ), verticalBinning_( verticalBinning ), expectedFrameRate_( 0.0 ) {}
};
 
static array<SequencerSetParameter, 5> s_SequencerData =
{
  SequencerSetParameter( 0, 1,  1000.,  5, 1, 1 ), // Set 0: Capture  5 frames with an exposure time of 1000  us, then jump to set 1
  SequencerSetParameter( 1, 2, 15000., 40, 1, 1 ), // Set 1: Capture 40 frames with an exposure time of 15000 us, then jump to set 2
  SequencerSetParameter( 2, 3,  2000., 20, 1, 1 ), // Set 2: Capture 20 frames with an exposure time of 2000  us, then jump to set 3
  SequencerSetParameter( 3, 4, 10000., 40, 1, 1 ), // Set 3: Capture 40 frames with an exposure time of 10000 us, then jump to set 4
  SequencerSetParameter( 4, 0,  5000.,  5, 1, 1 )  // Set 4: Capture  5 frames with an exposure time of 5000  us, then jump back to set 0
};

The length of s_SequencerData is calculated at runtime, thus the length of the sequence can be modified as needed. Please keep in mind, that the maximum number of sets selectable on the device (the maximum value of mvIMPACT::acquire::GenICam::SequencerControl::sequencerSetSelector will be the limit here.

Source code

//
// @description: Example applications for Impact Acquire
// @copyright: Copyright (C) 2015 - 2023 Balluff GmbH
// @authors: APIs and drivers development team at Balluff GmbH
// @initial date: 2015-06-26
//
// Permission is hereby granted, free of charge, to any person obtaining a copy of this software and associated documentation files (the "Software"),
// to deal in the Software without restriction, including without limitation the rights to use, copy, modify, merge, publish, distribute, sublicense,
// and/or sell copies of the Software, and to permit persons to whom the Software is furnished to do so, subject to the following conditions:
//
// The above copyright notice and this permission notice (including the next paragraph) shall be included in all copies or substantial portions of the Software.
//
// THE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED "AS IS", WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY,
// FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND NONINFRINGEMENT. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE AUTHORS OR COPYRIGHT HOLDERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY CLAIM, DAMAGES OR OTHER LIABILITY,i
// WHETHER IN AN ACTION OF CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE, ARISING FROM, OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE SOFTWARE OR THE USE OR OTHER DEALINGS IN THE SOFTWARE.
//
 
#include <array>
#include <chrono>
#include <iostream>
#include <cassert>
#include <iomanip>
#include <limits>
#include <thread>
#include <apps/Common/exampleHelper.h>
#include <common/crt/mvstdio.h>
#include <mvIMPACT_CPP/mvIMPACT_acquire_GenICam.h>
#ifdef _WIN32
#   include <mvDisplay/Include/mvIMPACT_acquire_display.h>
#   undef min // Otherwise we can't work with the 'numeric_limits' template here as Windows defines a macro 'min'
#   undef max // Otherwise we can't work with the 'numeric_limits' template here as Windows defines a macro 'max'
using namespace mvIMPACT::acquire::display;
#   define USE_DISPLAY
#endif // #ifdef _WIN32
 
using namespace mvIMPACT::acquire;
using namespace std;
 
//=============================================================================
//================= static variables ==========================================
//=============================================================================
static bool s_boTerminated = false;
 
//=============================================================================
//================= function declarations =====================================
//=============================================================================
static void checkedMethodCall( Device* pDev, Method& method );
static double getMinimalExposureTime( void );
static int64_type getOverallSequenceLength( void );
 
//=============================================================================
//================= sequencer specific stuff ==================================
//=============================================================================
//-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
struct SequencerSetParameter
//-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
{
    const int64_type setNr_;
    const int64_type sequencerSetNext_;
    const double exposureTime_us_;
    const int64_type frameCount_;
    const int64_type horizontalBinningOrDecimation_;
    const int64_type verticalBinningOrDecimation_;
    double expectedFrameRate_;
    explicit SequencerSetParameter( const int64_type setNr, const int64_type sequencerSetNext, const double exposureTime_us, const int64_type frameCount, const int64_type horizontalBinningOrDecimation, const int64_type verticalBinningOrDecimation ) :
        setNr_( setNr ), sequencerSetNext_( sequencerSetNext ), exposureTime_us_( exposureTime_us ), frameCount_( frameCount ), horizontalBinningOrDecimation_( horizontalBinningOrDecimation ), verticalBinningOrDecimation_( verticalBinningOrDecimation ), expectedFrameRate_( 0.0 ) {}
};
 
//-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
struct ThreadParameter
//-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
{
    Device* pDev;
    FunctionInterface fi;
    Statistics statistics;
    GenICam::AcquisitionControl ac;
    GenICam::ImageFormatControl ifc;
    GenICam::ChunkDataControl cdc;
    GenICam::CounterAndTimerControl ctc;
    GenICam::SequencerControl sc;
#ifdef USE_DISPLAY
    ImageDisplayWindow  displayWindow;
#endif // #ifdef USE_DISPLAY
    explicit ThreadParameter( Device* p ) : pDev( p ), fi( pDev ), statistics( pDev ), ac( pDev ), ifc( pDev ), cdc( pDev ), ctc( pDev ), sc( pDev )
#ifdef USE_DISPLAY
        , displayWindow( "mvIMPACT_acquire sequencer sample, Device " + p->serial.read() ) // IMPORTANT: It's NOT safe to create multiple displayWindow's in multiple threads!!!
#endif // #ifdef USE_DISPLAY
    {}
    ThreadParameter( const ThreadParameter& src ) = delete;
    ThreadParameter& operator=( const ThreadParameter& rhs ) = delete;
};
 
#define USE_EXTENDED_SEQUENCER
#ifdef USE_EXTENDED_SEQUENCER
static array<SequencerSetParameter, 10> s_SequencerData =
{
    SequencerSetParameter( 0, 1,  1000.,  5, 2, 2 ), // Set 0: Capture 5 frames Exposure = 1000 us HBinning = 2 VBinning = 2, then jump to set 1
    SequencerSetParameter( 1, 2,  2000., 16, 2, 2 ), // Set 1: Capture 16 frames Exposure = 2000 us HBinning = 2 VBinning = 2, then jump to set 2
    SequencerSetParameter( 2, 3,  2000.,  8, 1, 1 ), // Set 2: Capture 8 frames Exposure = 2000 us HBinning = 1 VBinning = 1, then jump to set 3
    SequencerSetParameter( 3, 4, 10000., 16, 1, 1 ), // Set 3: Capture 16 frames Exposure = 10000 us HBinning = 1 VBinning = 1, then jump to set 4
    SequencerSetParameter( 4, 5,  5000.,  5, 1, 1 ), // Set 4: Capture 5 frames Exposure = 5000 us HBinning = 1 VBinning = 1, then jump to set 5
    SequencerSetParameter( 5, 6,  2000.,  5, 2, 2 ), // Set 5: Capture 5 frames Exposure = 2000 us HBinning = 2 VBinning = 2, then jump to set 6
    SequencerSetParameter( 6, 7,  1000., 16, 2, 2 ), // Set 6: Capture 16 frames Exposure = 1000 us HBinning = 2 VBinning = 2, then jump to set 7
    SequencerSetParameter( 7, 8,  5000.,  8, 1, 1 ), // Set 7: Capture 8 frames Exposure = 5000 us HBinning = 1 VBinning = 1, then jump to set 8
    SequencerSetParameter( 8, 9, 10000., 16, 1, 1 ), // Set 8: Capture 16 frames Exposure = 10000 us HBinning = 1 VBinning = 1, then jump to set 9
    SequencerSetParameter( 9, 0, 15000.,  5, 1, 1 )  // Set 9: Capture 5 frames Exposure = 15000 us HBinning = 1 VBinning = 1, then jump back to set 0*/
#else
static array<SequencerSetParameter, 5> s_SequencerData =
{
    SequencerSetParameter( 0, 1,  1000.,  5, 1, 1 ), // Set 0: Capture  5 frames with an exposure time of 1000  us, then jump to set 1
    SequencerSetParameter( 1, 2, 15000., 40, 1, 1 ), // Set 1: Capture 40 frames with an exposure time of 15000 us, then jump to set 2
    SequencerSetParameter( 2, 3,  2000., 20, 1, 1 ), // Set 2: Capture 20 frames with an exposure time of 2000  us, then jump to set 3
    SequencerSetParameter( 3, 4, 10000., 40, 1, 1 ), // Set 3: Capture 40 frames with an exposure time of 10000 us, then jump to set 4
    SequencerSetParameter( 4, 0,  5000.,  5, 1, 1 )  // Set 4: Capture  5 frames with an exposure time of 5000  us, then jump back to set 0
#endif
};
 
//-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
// Configures all the stuff that needs to be done only once. All the stuff related
// to setting up the actual sequencer could be called multiple times whenever an
// application gets re-configured. This is not the case here, but the code has been
// split in order to logically group what belongs together.
//
// Whenever 'conditionalSetEnumPropertyByString' or 'conditionalSetProperty' is
// not used here the stuff MUST succeed as otherwise when the device doesn't allow
// this feature the whole example does not work!
void configureDevice( Device* pDev )
//-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
{
    try
    {
        // Restore the factory default first in order to make sure nothing is incorrectly configured
        GenICam::UserSetControl usc( pDev );
        conditionalSetEnumPropertyByString( usc.userSetSelector, "Default" );
        const TDMR_ERROR result = static_cast<TDMR_ERROR>( usc.userSetLoad.call() );
        if( result != DMR_NO_ERROR )
        {
            cout << "An error occurred while restoring the factory default for device " << pDev->serial.read()
                 << "(error code: " << ImpactAcquireException::getErrorCodeAsString( result ) << ")." << endl;
        }
 
        // Auto exposure or an open shutter will not be helpful for this example thus switch it off if possible.
        GenICam::AcquisitionControl acqc( pDev );
        conditionalSetEnumPropertyByString( acqc.exposureMode, "Timed" );
        conditionalSetEnumPropertyByString( acqc.exposureAuto, "Off" );
 
        // Auto gain will not be helpful for this example either thus switch it off if possible.
        GenICam::AnalogControl ac( pDev );
        if( ac.gainSelector.isValid() )
        {
            // There might be more than a single 'Gain' as a 'GainSelector' is present. Iterate over all
            // 'Gain's that can be configured and switch off every 'Auto' feature detected.
            vector<string> validGainSelectorValues;
            ac.gainSelector.getTranslationDictStrings( validGainSelectorValues );
            for( const auto& validGainSelectorValue : validGainSelectorValues )
            {
                conditionalSetEnumPropertyByString( ac.gainSelector, validGainSelectorValue );
                conditionalSetEnumPropertyByString( ac.gainAuto, "Off" );
            }
        }
        else
        {
            // There is just a single 'Gain' turn off the 'Auto' feature if supported.
            conditionalSetEnumPropertyByString( ac.gainAuto, "Off" );
        }
 
        // Chunk mode is needed in order to get back all the information needed to properly check
        // if an image has been taken using the desired parameters.
        GenICam::ChunkDataControl cdc( pDev );
        cdc.chunkModeActive.write( bTrue );
 
        // The sequencer program will jump from one set to the next after 'CounterDuration'
        // frames have been captured with the current set, thus we need to configure the counter
        // to count 'frames' and to reset itself once 'CounterDuration' has been reached.
        GenICam::CounterAndTimerControl ctc( pDev );
        ctc.counterSelector.writeS( "Counter1" );
        ctc.counterEventSource.writeS( "ExposureEnd" );
        ctc.counterTriggerSource.writeS( "Counter1End" );
 
        // In order to have at least some kind of external trigger we use a timer running with the
        // highest frequency defined by all sequencer set, thus the reciprocal value of the
        // smallest exposure time defined in the set array.
        ctc.timerSelector.writeS( "Timer1" );
        ctc.timerDuration.write( getMinimalExposureTime() );
        ctc.timerTriggerSource.writeS( "Timer1End" );
        acqc.triggerSelector.writeS( "FrameStart" );
        acqc.triggerMode.writeS( "On" );
        acqc.triggerSource.writeS( "Timer1End" );
 
        // This is needed to correctly calculate the expected capture time
        conditionalSetEnumPropertyByString( acqc.mvAcquisitionFrameRateLimitMode, "mvDeviceLinkThroughput" );
        conditionalSetEnumPropertyByString( acqc.mvAcquisitionFrameRateEnable, "Off" );
 
        // As we want to keep ALL images belonging to the full sequence in RAM we need as many requests as
        // there are frames defined by the sequence.
        SystemSettings ss( pDev );
        ss.requestCount.write( static_cast<int>( getOverallSequenceLength() ) );
 
        // We want to act fast, thus if e.g. Bayer-images arrive in the system do NOT convert them on the fly as depending
        // on the device speed the host system might be too slow deal with the amount of data
        ImageProcessing ip( pDev );
        ip.colorProcessing.write( cpmRaw );
        if( ip.tapSortEnable.isValid() )
        {
            ip.tapSortEnable.write( bFalse );
        }
    }
    catch( const ImpactAcquireException& e )
    {
        // This e.g. might happen if the same device is already opened in another process...
        cout << "An error occurred while configuring the device " << pDev->serial.read()
             << "(error code: " << e.getErrorCodeAsString() << ")." << endl
             << "Press [ENTER] to end the application..." << endl;
        cin.get();
        exit( 1 );
    }
}
 
//-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
// Configures a single 'SequencerSet' so that 'X' frames are captured using a
// certain exposure time and afterwards another sets will be used.
void configureSequencerSet( ThreadParameter* pThreadParameter, const SequencerSetParameter& ssp )
//-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
{
    pThreadParameter->sc.sequencerSetSelector.write( ssp.setNr_ );
    pThreadParameter->ac.exposureTime.write( ssp.exposureTime_us_ );
    if( pThreadParameter->ifc.binningHorizontal.isValid() )
    {
        pThreadParameter->ifc.binningHorizontal.write( ssp.horizontalBinningOrDecimation_ );
    }
    else if( pThreadParameter->ifc.decimationHorizontal.isValid() )
    {
        pThreadParameter->ifc.decimationHorizontal.write( ssp.horizontalBinningOrDecimation_ );
    }
    if( pThreadParameter->ifc.binningVertical.isValid() )
    {
        pThreadParameter->ifc.binningVertical.write( ssp.verticalBinningOrDecimation_ );
    }
    else if( pThreadParameter->ifc.decimationVertical.isValid() )
    {
        pThreadParameter->ifc.decimationVertical.write( ssp.verticalBinningOrDecimation_ );
    }
    pThreadParameter->ifc.height.write( pThreadParameter->ifc.heightMax.read() );
    pThreadParameter->ctc.counterDuration.write( ssp.frameCount_ );
    pThreadParameter->sc.sequencerPathSelector.write( 0LL );
    pThreadParameter->sc.sequencerTriggerSource.writeS( "Counter1End" );
    pThreadParameter->sc.sequencerSetNext.write( ssp.sequencerSetNext_ );
    checkedMethodCall( pThreadParameter->pDev, pThreadParameter->sc.sequencerSetSave );
}
 
//-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
// This function will configure the sequencer on the device to take a sequence of
// 'X' images where the sequence is split into parts of different length and each
// part of the sequence can use a different exposure time. Thus e.g.
// -  5 frames with 1000us
// - 40 frames with 15000us
// - 20 frames with 2000us
// - 10 frames with 10000us
// -  5 frames with 5000us
// can be captured. To change the sequence edit the 's_SequencerData' data array
// and recompile the application.
void configureSequencer( ThreadParameter* pThreadParameter )
//-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
{
    try
    {
        pThreadParameter->sc.sequencerMode.writeS( "Off" );
        pThreadParameter->sc.sequencerConfigurationMode.writeS( "On" );
        pThreadParameter->sc.sequencerFeatureSelector.writeS( "ExposureTime" );
        pThreadParameter->sc.sequencerFeatureEnable.write( bTrue );
        pThreadParameter->sc.sequencerFeatureSelector.writeS( "CounterDuration" );
        pThreadParameter->sc.sequencerFeatureEnable.write( bTrue );
        for_each( s_SequencerData.begin(), s_SequencerData.end(), [pThreadParameter]( SequencerSetParameter & setParameter )
        {
            configureSequencerSet( pThreadParameter, setParameter );
            setParameter.expectedFrameRate_ = pThreadParameter->ac.mvResultingFrameRate.read();
        } );
        pThreadParameter->sc.sequencerSetStart.write( 0 );
        pThreadParameter->sc.sequencerConfigurationMode.writeS( "Off" );
        pThreadParameter->sc.sequencerMode.writeS( "On" );
    }
    catch( const ImpactAcquireException& e )
    {
        cout << "An error occurred while setting up the sequencer for device " << pThreadParameter->pDev->serial.read()
             << "(error code: " << e.getErrorCodeAsString() << ")." << endl;
        s_boTerminated = true;
    }
}
 
//-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
// Returns the expected sequencer set for frame 'frameNr' based on the data
// defined by the entries of 's_SequencerData'.
size_t getExpectedSequencerSet( int64_type frameNr )
//-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
{
    int64_type framesUpToHere = 0LL;
    for( size_t i = 0; i < s_SequencerData.size(); ++i )
    {
        framesUpToHere += s_SequencerData[i].frameCount_;
        if( frameNr < framesUpToHere )
        {
            return i;
        }
    }
    return 0xFFFFFFFF;
}
 
//-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
// Returns the minimal exposure time defined by the entries of 's_SequencerData'.
double getMinimalExposureTime( void )
//-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
{
    double minExposureTime_us = numeric_limits<double>::max();
    for_each( s_SequencerData.begin(), s_SequencerData.end(), [&minExposureTime_us]( SequencerSetParameter & setParameter )
    {
        minExposureTime_us = min( minExposureTime_us, setParameter.exposureTime_us_ );
    } );
    // make sure we found at least one entry, that makes sense!
    assert( minExposureTime_us != numeric_limits<double>::max() );
    return minExposureTime_us;
}
 
//-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
// Calculates the overall number of frames that will form a complete sequence as
// defined by the entries of 's_SequencerData'.
int64_type getOverallSequenceLength( void )
//-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
{
    int64_type overallFrameCount = 0LL;
    for_each( s_SequencerData.begin(), s_SequencerData.end(), [&overallFrameCount]( SequencerSetParameter & setParameter )
    {
        overallFrameCount += setParameter.frameCount_;
    } );
    return overallFrameCount;
}
 
//-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
// Returns the pure acquisition time in seconds. This is the sum of the defined exposure
// times or sensor read-out times (depending on which value is larger) of all frames
// that belong to the full sequence. This might be useful to
// e.g. calculate the difference between the overall capture time and the ideal
// capture time (when the sensor read-out is always faster than the exposure etc.).
double getPureAcquisitionTimeOfCapturedFrames( const int64_type framesCaptured )
//-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
{
    int64_type framesProcessed = 0;
    double pureAcquisitionTime_us = 0.0;
    for( size_t i = 0; i < s_SequencerData.size(); ++i )
    {
        const int64_type framesToConsider = ( ( framesProcessed + s_SequencerData[i].frameCount_ ) > framesCaptured ) ? framesCaptured - framesProcessed : s_SequencerData[i].frameCount_;
        if( ( s_SequencerData[i].expectedFrameRate_ > 0.0 ) &&
            ( ( 1.0 / s_SequencerData[i].expectedFrameRate_ * 1000000. ) > s_SequencerData[i].exposureTime_us_ ) )
        {
            pureAcquisitionTime_us += ( 1.0 / s_SequencerData[i].expectedFrameRate_ * 1000000. ) * framesToConsider;
        }
        else
        {
            pureAcquisitionTime_us += s_SequencerData[i].exposureTime_us_ * framesToConsider;
        }
        framesProcessed += framesToConsider;
        if( framesProcessed >= framesCaptured )
        {
            break;
        }
    }
    return pureAcquisitionTime_us / 1000000.;
}
 
//-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
// Stores a frame in RAW format using a file name that contains all information
// needed to reconstruct the image later. This uses the same format that is understood
// by ImpactControlCenter, thus such a file can be displayed in ImpactControlCenter
// by simply dragging the file into the display area of the tool or by loading the
// image via the corresponding menu items.
void storeRawFrame( Request* pRequest )
//-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
{
    const void* pData = pRequest->imageData.read();
    if( pData )
    {
        ostringstream fileName;
        fileName << "image" << setw( 6 ) << setfill( '0' ) << pRequest->infoFrameID.read() << "_"
                 << "Set=" << pRequest->chunkSequencerSetActive.read() << "_"
                 << "Exposure=" << static_cast<unsigned int>( pRequest->chunkExposureTime.read() ) << "." // the 'cast' is just to get rid of the '.' in the 'double' value as this otherwise breaks the 'RAW' file import of ImpactControlCenter...
                 << pRequest->imageWidth.read() << "x" << pRequest->imageHeight.read()
                 << "." << pRequest->imagePixelFormat.readS();
        if( pRequest->imageBayerMosaicParity.read() != bmpUndefined )
        {
            fileName << "(BayerPattern=" << pRequest->imageBayerMosaicParity.readS() << ")";
        }
        fileName << ".raw";
        FILE* pFile = mv_fopen_s( fileName.str().c_str(), "wb" );
        if( pFile )
        {
            if( fwrite( pData, pRequest->imageSize.read(), 1, pFile ) != 1 )
            {
                cout << "Failed to write file '" << fileName.str() << "'." << endl;
            }
            else
            {
                cout << "Successfully written file '" << fileName.str() << "'." << endl;
            }
            fclose( pFile );
        }
    }
}
 
//=============================================================================
//================= helper functions ==========================================
//=============================================================================
//-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
// Calls the function bound to an mvIMPACT::acquire::Method object and displays
// an error message if the function call did fail.
void checkedMethodCall( Device* pDev, Method& method )
//-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
{
    const TDMR_ERROR result = static_cast<TDMR_ERROR>( method.call() );
    if( result != DMR_NO_ERROR )
    {
        cout << "An error was returned while calling function '" << method.displayName() << "' on device " << pDev->serial.read()
             << "(" << pDev->product.read() << "): " << ImpactAcquireException::getErrorCodeAsString( result ) << endl;
    }
}
 
//-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
inline double restartTimerAndReturnElapsedTime( chrono::high_resolution_clock::time_point& timePoint )
//-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
{
    const double elapsedTime = chrono::duration_cast<chrono::duration<double>>( chrono::high_resolution_clock::now() - timePoint ).count();
    timePoint = chrono::high_resolution_clock::now();
    return elapsedTime;
}
 
//=============================================================================
//================= main implementation =======================================
//=============================================================================
//-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
void liveThread( ThreadParameter* pThreadParameter )
//-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
{
    chrono::high_resolution_clock::time_point startTime = chrono::high_resolution_clock::now();
 
    // store width and height for checking correct image size
    const int64_type orgWidth = pThreadParameter->ifc.width.read();
    const int64_type orgHeight = pThreadParameter->ifc.height.read();
    cout << "OrgWidth = " << orgWidth << " OrgHeight = " << orgHeight << endl;
 
    // Now configure SFNC(Standard Features Naming Convention) compliant features(see http://www.emva.org to find out more
    // about the standard and to download the latest SFNC document version)
    //
    // IMPORTANT:
    //
    // The SFNC unfortunately does NOT define numerical values for enumerations, thus a device independent piece of software
    // should use the enum-strings defined in the SFNC to ensure interoperability between devices. This is slightly slower
    // but should not cause problems in real world applications. When the device type AND GenICam XML file version is
    // guaranteed to be constant for a certain version of software, the driver internal code generator can be used to create
    // a interface header, that has numerical constants for enumerations as well. Refer to the code generator chapter in
    // the C++ documentation under 'Use Cases' for details.
    configureDevice( pThreadParameter->pDev );
    cout << "Setting up the device took " << restartTimerAndReturnElapsedTime( startTime ) << " seconds." << endl;
    configureSequencer( pThreadParameter );
    cout << "Setting up the sequencer took " << restartTimerAndReturnElapsedTime( startTime ) << " seconds." << endl;
 
    // Send all requests to the capture queue. There can be more than 1 queue for some devices, but for this sample
    // we will work with the default capture queue. If a device supports more than one capture or result
    // queue, this will be stated in the manual. If nothing is mentioned about it, the device supports one
    // queue only. This loop will send all requests currently available to the driver. To modify the number of requests
    // use the property mvIMPACT::acquire::SystemSettings::requestCount at runtime or the property
    // mvIMPACT::acquire::Device::defaultRequestCount BEFORE opening the device.
    TDMR_ERROR result = DMR_NO_ERROR;
    while( ( result = static_cast<TDMR_ERROR>( pThreadParameter->fi.imageRequestSingle() ) ) == DMR_NO_ERROR );
    if( result != DEV_NO_FREE_REQUEST_AVAILABLE )
    {
        cout << "'FunctionInterface.imageRequestSingle' returned with an unexpected result: " << result
             << "(" << mvIMPACT::acquire::ImpactAcquireException::getErrorCodeAsString( result ) << ")" << endl;
    }
    cout << "Queuing capture buffers took " << restartTimerAndReturnElapsedTime( startTime ) << " seconds." << endl;
 
    manuallyStartAcquisitionIfNeeded( pThreadParameter->pDev, pThreadParameter->fi );
    cout << "Starting the acquisition took " << restartTimerAndReturnElapsedTime( startTime ) << " seconds." << endl;
 
    const int framesToCapture = pThreadParameter->fi.requestCount();
    int64_type framesCaptured = {0};
    bool isFirstValidImage = true;
    vector<string> information;
    const unsigned int timeout_ms = 2500;
    while( !s_boTerminated && ( framesCaptured < framesToCapture ) )
    {
        ostringstream oss;
        // wait for results from the default capture queue
        const int requestNr = pThreadParameter->fi.imageRequestWaitFor( timeout_ms );
        if( pThreadParameter->fi.isRequestNrValid( requestNr ) )
        {
            const Request* pRequest = pThreadParameter->fi.getRequest( requestNr );
            if( pRequest->isOK() )
            {
                // Within this scope we have a valid buffer of data that can be an image or any other chunk of data.
                if( isFirstValidImage == true )
                {
                    const double elapsedTime = chrono::duration_cast<chrono::duration<double>>( chrono::high_resolution_clock::now() - startTime ).count();
                    oss << "The first frame arrived after " << elapsedTime << " seconds using the following format: "
                        << pRequest->imageWidth.read() << "x" << pRequest->imageHeight.read() << ", " << pRequest->imagePixelFormat.readS()
                        << endl;
                    isFirstValidImage = false;
                }
                oss << "Image captured: "
                    << "TimeStamp: " << setw( 16 ) << pRequest->infoTimeStamp_us.read() << ", "
                    << "ChunkExposureTime: " << setw( 10 ) << static_cast<int>( pRequest->chunkExposureTime.read() ) << ", "
                    << "ChunkSequencerSetActive: " << pRequest->chunkSequencerSetActive.read() << ", "
                    << "ChunkWidth: " << pRequest->chunkWidth.read() << ", "
                    << "ChunkHeight: " << pRequest->chunkHeight.read() << ", "
                    << "FrameID: " << setw( 16 ) << pRequest->infoFrameID.read() << ".";
                const size_t expectedSet = getExpectedSequencerSet( framesCaptured );
                if( expectedSet < ( sizeof( s_SequencerData ) / sizeof( s_SequencerData[0] ) ) )
                {
                    if( expectedSet != static_cast<size_t>( pRequest->chunkSequencerSetActive.read() ) )
                    {
                        oss << " ERROR! Expected set " << expectedSet << ", reported set " << pRequest->chunkSequencerSetActive.read();
                    }
                    // check exposure time
                    const double reportedExposureTime = pRequest->chunkExposureTime.read();
                    if( ( s_SequencerData[expectedSet].exposureTime_us_ * 0.95 > reportedExposureTime ) ||
                        ( s_SequencerData[expectedSet].exposureTime_us_ * 1.05 < reportedExposureTime ) )
                    {
                        oss << " ERROR! Expected exposure time " << s_SequencerData[expectedSet].exposureTime_us_ << ", reported exposure time " << static_cast<int>( reportedExposureTime );
                    }
                    // check image width
                    const int64_type reportedWidth = pRequest->chunkWidth.read();
                    const int64_type expectedWidth = orgWidth / s_SequencerData[expectedSet].horizontalBinningOrDecimation_;
                    if( ( expectedWidth != reportedWidth ) &&
                        // some cameras have a binned image with a width that is always a multiple of 32 bytes
                        ( ( ( expectedWidth / 32 ) * 32 ) != reportedWidth ) )
                    {
                        oss << " ERROR! Expected width " << expectedWidth << ", reported width " << static_cast<int>( reportedWidth );
                    }
                    // check image height
                    const int64_type reportedHeight = pRequest->chunkHeight.read();
                    if( ( s_SequencerData[expectedSet].verticalBinningOrDecimation_ * reportedHeight != orgHeight ) )
                    {
                        oss << " ERROR! Expected height " << orgHeight / s_SequencerData[expectedSet].verticalBinningOrDecimation_ << ", reported height " << static_cast<int>( reportedHeight );
                    }
                }
                else
                {
                    oss << "Internal error! Failed to locate matching sequencer set!";
                }
                oss << endl;
#ifdef USE_DISPLAY
                pThreadParameter->displayWindow.GetImageDisplay().SetImage( pRequest );
                pThreadParameter->displayWindow.GetImageDisplay().Update();
#endif  // #ifdef USE_DISPLAY
            }
            else
            {
                oss << "Error: " << pRequest->requestResult.readS() << endl;
            }
            ++framesCaptured; // in case of an error this is not correct, but if we don't count here the full sequence check will not work!
            // Do not unlock any request as we want to store the data later on!
            // Also do not request new requests here as the full sequence has been allocated and queued already in 'setupAndQueueCaptureBuffers'!
        }
        else
        {
            // Please note that slow systems or interface technologies in combination with high resolution sensors
            // might need more time to transmit an image than the timeout value which has been passed to imageRequestWaitFor().
            // If this is the case simply wait multiple times OR increase the timeout(not recommended as usually not necessary
            // and potentially makes the capture thread less responsive) and rebuild this application.
            // Once the device is configured for triggered image acquisition and the timeout elapsed before
            // the device has been triggered this might happen as well.
            // The return code would be -2119(DEV_WAIT_FOR_REQUEST_FAILED) in that case, the documentation will provide
            // additional information under TDMR_ERROR in the interface reference.
            // If waiting with an infinite timeout(-1) it will be necessary to call 'imageRequestReset' from another thread
            // to force 'imageRequestWaitFor' to return when no data is coming from the device/can be captured.
            oss << "imageRequestWaitFor failed maybe the timeout value has been too small?" << endl;
            s_boTerminated = true;
        }
        information.push_back( oss.str() );
    }
 
    const double captureTime = chrono::duration_cast<chrono::duration<double>>( chrono::high_resolution_clock::now() - startTime ).count();
    // Writing to stdout is very slow, thus we buffer the information first and output it after measuring the capture time
    for( const auto& info : information )
    {
        cout << info;
    }
    cout << "Capturing the sequence took " << captureTime << " seconds while the pure acquisition time of all frames would have been " << getPureAcquisitionTimeOfCapturedFrames( framesCaptured ) << " seconds." << endl;
    restartTimerAndReturnElapsedTime( startTime );
    manuallyStopAcquisitionIfNeeded( pThreadParameter->pDev, pThreadParameter->fi );
    cout << "Stopping the acquisition took " << restartTimerAndReturnElapsedTime( startTime ) << " seconds." << endl;
 
#ifdef USE_DISPLAY
    // stop the displayWindow from showing data we are about to free
    pThreadParameter->displayWindow.GetImageDisplay().RemoveImage();
#endif // #ifdef USE_DISPLAY
 
    cout << endl << "If the " << framesCaptured << " frames shall be stored to disc press 'y' [ENTER] now: ";
    string store;
    cin >> store;
    if( store == "y" )
    {
        cout << "Storing...." << endl;
        for( unsigned int i = 0; i < framesCaptured; i++ )
        {
            storeRawFrame( pThreadParameter->fi.getRequest( i ) );
        }
        cout << endl << "All files have been stored in RAW format. They can e.g. be watched by dragging them onto the display area of ImpactControlCenter!" << endl;
    }
 
    // In this sample all the next lines are redundant as the device driver will be
    // closed now, but in a real world application a thread like this might be started
    // several times an then it becomes crucial to clean up correctly.
 
    for( unsigned int i = 0; i < framesCaptured; i++ )
    {
        result = static_cast<TDMR_ERROR>( pThreadParameter->fi.imageRequestUnlock( i ) );
        if( result != DMR_NO_ERROR )
        {
            cout << "Failed to unlock request number " << i << "(" << ImpactAcquireException::getErrorCodeAsString( result ) << ")" << endl;
        }
    }
 
    // clear all queues. In this example this should no do anything as we captured precisely the number of images we requested, thus
    // whenever another request is returned here, this is a severe malfunction!
    pThreadParameter->fi.imageRequestReset( 0, 0 );
}
 
//-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
// This function will allow to select devices that support the GenICam interface
// layout(these are devices, that claim to be compliant with the GenICam standard)
// and that are bound to drivers that support the user controlled start and stop
// of the internal acquisition engine. Other devices will not be listed for
// selection as the code of the example relies on these features in the code.
bool isDeviceSupportedBySample( const Device* const pDev )
//-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
{
    if( !pDev->interfaceLayout.isValid() &&
        !pDev->acquisitionStartStopBehaviour.isValid() )
    {
        return false;
    }
 
    vector<TDeviceInterfaceLayout> availableInterfaceLayouts;
    pDev->interfaceLayout.getTranslationDictValues( availableInterfaceLayouts );
    return find( availableInterfaceLayouts.begin(), availableInterfaceLayouts.end(), dilGenICam ) != availableInterfaceLayouts.end();
}
 
//-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
int main( void )
//-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
{
    DeviceManager devMgr;
    Device* pDev = getDeviceFromUserInput( devMgr, isDeviceSupportedBySample );
    if( pDev == nullptr )
    {
        cout << "Could not obtain a valid pointer to a device. Unable to continue!";
        cout << "Press [ENTER] to end the application" << endl;
        cin.get();
        return 1;
    }
 
    try
    {
        cout << "Initialising the device. This might take some time..." << endl << endl;
        pDev->interfaceLayout.write( dilGenICam ); // This is also done 'silently' by the 'getDeviceFromUserInput' function but your application needs to do this as well so state this here clearly!
        pDev->open();
    }
    catch( const ImpactAcquireException& e )
    {
        // this e.g. might happen if the same device is already opened in another process...
        cout << "An error occurred while opening the device " << pDev->serial.read()
             << "(error code: " << e.getErrorCodeAsString() << ")." << endl
             << "Press [ENTER] to end the application..." << endl;
        cin.get();
        return 1;
    }
 
    // start the execution of the 'live' thread.
    cout << "Press [ENTER] to end the application" << endl;
    ThreadParameter threadParam( pDev );
    thread myThread( liveThread, &threadParam );
    cin.get();
    s_boTerminated = true;
    myThread.join();
    return 0;
}