Introduction

For new applications or to set the device via ImpactControlCenter we recommend to use the GenICam interface layout as it allows the most flexible access to the device features.

After you've set the interface layout to GenICam (either programmed or using ImpactControlCenter), all GenICam controls of the device are available.

Note: It depends on the device, which controls are supported. To clarify if your device supports a specific control or property, you can use the interactive "Product Comparison" chapter. Just select the wanted property and click on the button "Rebuild Comparison Table".

In ImpactControlCenter, you can see them in "Setting → Base → Camera → GenICam":

Figure 1: ImpactControlCenter - GenICam™ controls (depends on device and FW version)

As you can see, there are some controls with and without the prefix "mv".

"mv" prefix features are unique non-standard features developed by Balluff/MATRIX VISION.
Without "mv" are standard features as known from the Standard Features Naming Convention of GenICam™ properties (SFNC).

All those features are "camera based / device based" features which can also be accessed using the camera with other GenICam / USB3 Vision compliant third-party software.

Note: In USB3 Vision™ timestamps are denoted in nanoseconds.; Do not mix up the camera based / device based features with the features available in "Setting → Base → Image Processing". Theses features are driver based features which are processed by the software and therefore need CPU load.

Device Control

The "Device Control" contains the features like

Feature name (acc. to SFNC)	Property name (acc. to Impact Acquire)	Description
DeviceType	deviceType	Returns the device type.
DeviceScanType	deviceScanType	Scan type of the sensor of the device.
DeviceVendorName	deviceVendorName	Name of the manufacturer of the device.
DeviceModelName	deviceModelName	Name of the device model.
DeviceManufacturerInfo	deviceManufacturerInfo	Manufacturer information about the device.
DeviceVersion	deviceVersion	Version of the device.
DeviceFirmwareVersion	deviceFirmwareVersion	Firmware version of the device.
DeviceSerialNumber	deviceSerialNumber	Serial number of the device.
DeviceUserID	deviceUserID	User-programmable device identifier.
DeviceTLVersionMajor	deviceTLVersionMajor	Major version of the transport layer of the device.
DeviceTLVersionMinor	deviceTLVersionMinor	Minor version of the transport layer of the device.
DeviceLinkSpeed	deviceLinkSpeed	Indicates the speed of transmission negotiated on the specified Link.
DeviceTemperature	deviceTemperature	Device temperature.
etc.

related to the device and its sensor.

This control provides a bandwidth control feature . You have to select DeviceLinkThroughputLimit. Here you can set the maximum bandwidth in KBps.

Balluff offers also some information properties about the

FPGA
- mvDeviceFPGAVersion
and the image sensor
- mvDeviceSensorColorMode

Image Format Control

The "Image Format Control" contains features like

Feature name (acc. to SFNC)	Property name (acc. to Impact Acquire)	Description
SensorWidth	sensorWidth	Effective width of the sensor in pixels.
SensorHeight	sensorHeight	Effective height of the sensor in pixels.
SensorName	sensorName	Name of the sensor.
Width	width	Width of the image provided by the device (in pixels).
Height	height	Height of the image provided by the device (in pixels).
BinningHorizontal, BinningVertical	binningHorizontal, binningVertical	Number of horizontal/vertical photo-sensitive cells to combine together.
DecimationHorizontal, DecimationVertical	decimationHorizontal, decimationVertical	Sub-sampling of the image. This reduces the resolution (width) of the image by the specified decimation factor.
TestPattern	testPattern	Selects the type of test image that is sent by the device.
etc.

related to the format of the transmitted image.

Note: Binning Horizontal and Decimation Horizontal should never be used together! The same applies to Binning Vertical and Decimation Vertical. If e.g. Binning Horizontal and Decimation Horizontal are used together this may cause artifacts and/or loss of image data!

With TestPattern, for example, you can select the type of test image that is sent by the device. Here two special types are available:

mvBayerRaw (the Bayer mosaic raw image)
mvFFCImage (the flat-field correction image)

Additionally, Balluff offers numerous additional features like:

mvMultiAreaMode
which can be used to define multiple AOIs (Areas of Interests) in one image.
See also
The use case Working with multiple AOIs (mv Multi Area Mode) shows how this feature works.

Acquisition Control

The "Acquisition Control" contains features like

Feature name (acc. to SFNC)	Property name (acc. to Impact Acquire)	Description
AcquisitionMode	acquisitionMode	Sets the acquisition mode of the device. The different modes configures a device to send exactly one image ("SingleFrame"), exactly the set number of frames ("MultiFrame") or images constantly until an application explicitly stops the acquisition again ("Continuous"). and can be used for asynchronously grabbing and sending image(s). It works with internal and external hardware trigger where the edge is selectable. The external trigger uses ImageRequestTimeout (ms) to time out. The chapter "How To See The First Image" in the "Impact Acquire SDK GUI Applications" manual shows how to acquire images with ImpactControlCenter. The use case Acquiring a number of images shows how to acquire a number of images; also triggered externally.
AcquisitionStart	acquisitionStart	Starts the acquisition of the device.
AcquisitionStop	acquisitionStop	Stops the acquisition of the device at the end of the current Frame.
AcquisitionAbort	acquisitionAbort	Aborts the acquisition immediately.
AcquisitionFrameRate	acquisitionFrameRate	Controls the acquisition rate (in Hertz) at which the frames are captured. Some cameras support a special internal trigger mode that allows more exact frame rates. This feature keeps the frame rate constant to an accuracy of +/-0.005 fps at 200 fps. This is achieved using frames with a length difference of up to 1 us. Please check in the sensor summary if this feature exists for the requested sensor.
TriggerSelector	triggerSelector	Selects the type of trigger to configure. A possible option is mvTimestampReset. The use case about mvTimestampReset is available.
TriggerOverlap[TriggerSelector]	triggerOverlap	Specifies the type trigger overlap permitted with the previous frame. TriggerOverlap is only intended for external trigger (which is usually non-overlapped: i.e. exposure and readout are sequentially). This leads to minimal latency / jitter between trigger and exposure. However, the camera accepts a new trigger (the exposure time earlier) before the end of the transmission of the current image. Maximum frame rate in triggered mode = frame rate of continuous mode This however leads to higher latency / jitter between trigger and exposure. A trigger will be not latched if it occurs before this moment (trigger is accurate in time). See also Principles of overlapped and pipelined trigger.
ExposureMode	exposureMode	Sets the operation mode of the exposure (or shutter).
ExposureTime	exposureTime	Sets the exposure time (in microseconds) when ExposureMode is Timed and ExposureAuto is Off.
ExposureAuto	exposureAuto	Sets the automatic exposure mode when ExposureMode is Timed.
etc.

related to the image acquisition, including the triggering mode.

Additionally, Balluff offers numerous additional features like:

mvShutterMode
which selects the shutter mode of the CMOS sensors like rolling shutter or global shutter.
mvDefectivePixelEnable
which activates the sensor's defective pixel correction.
See also
https://www.balluff.com/de-en/whitepapers/color-correction-of
mvExposureAutoAverageGrey
common desired average grey value (in percent) used for Auto Gain Control (AGC) and Auto Exposure Control (AEC).
mvExposureAutoAOIMode
common AutoControl AOI used for Auto Gain Control (AGC), Auto Exposure Control (AEC) and Auto White Balance (AWB).
mvAcquisitionMemoryMaxFrameCount
which shows the maximum of frames the internal memory can save.
See also
The use case Working with burst mode buffer lists some maximum frame counts of some camera models.
mvSmearReduction
smear reduction in triggered and non-overlapped mode.
mvSmartFrameRecallEnable
which configures the internal memory to store each frame (thats gets transmitted to the host) in full resolution.
See also
The use case SmartFrameRecall shows how this feature works.

Since
FW Revision 2.40.2546.0
Common properties for AutoExposureControl, AutoGainControl , and AutoWhiteBalance are available via mv Auto Feature Control.

For "Exposure Auto Mode", in ImpactControlCenter just select in "Exposure Auto" "Continuous". Afterwards, you have the possibility to set lower and upper limit, average gray combined with AOI setting:

Figure 2: Acquire Control → Exposure Auto

mvSmartFrameRecallFrameSkipRatio
When set to a value != 0, the smaller frames get thinned out. AOI requests can still be done for all frames.
mvSmartFrameRecallTimestampLookupAccuracy
is needed for the SkipRatio feature since you don't know the timestamps of the internal frames. This value defines the strictness of the timestamp-check for the recalled image (given in us).

Counter And Timer Control

The "Counter And Timer Control" is a powerful feature which Balluff/MATRIX VISION customers already know under the name Hardware Real-Time Controller (HRTC). Balluff/MATRIX VISION cameras provide:

4 counters for counting events or external signals (compare number of triggers vs. number of frames; overtrigger) and
2 timers.

Counter and Timers can be used, for example,

for pulse width modulation (PWM) and
to generate output signals of variable length, depending on conditions in camera.

This achieves complete HRTC functionality which supports following applications:

frame rate by timer
exposure time by timer
pulse width at input

The "Counter And Timer Control" contains features like

Feature name (acc. to SFNC)	Property name (acc. to Impact Acquire)	Description
CounterSelector	counterSelector	Selects which counter to configure.
CounterEventSource[CounterSelector]	counterEventSource	Selects the events that will be the source to increment the counter.
CounterEventActivation[CounterSelector]	counterEventActivation	Selects the activation mode event source signal.
etc.
TimerSelector	timerSelector	Selects which timer to configure.
TimerDuration[TimerSelector]	timerDuration	Sets the duration (in microseconds) of the timer pulse.
TimerDelay[TimerSelector]	timerDelay	Sets the duration (in microseconds) of the delay.
etc.

related to the usage of programmable counters and timers.

Because there are many ways to use this feature, the list of use cases is long and not finished yet:

Analog Control

The "Analog Control" contains features like

Feature name (acc. to SFNC)	Property name (acc. to Impact Acquire)	Description
GainSelector	gainSelector	Selects which gain is controlled by the various gain features.
Gain[GainSelector]	gain	Controls the selected gain as an absolute physical value [in dB].
GainAuto[GainSelector]	gainAuto	Sets the automatic gain control (AGC) mode.
GainAutoBalance	gainAutoBalance	Sets the mode for automatic gain balancing between the sensor color channels or taps.
BlackLevelSelector	blackLevelSelector	Selects which black level is controlled by the various BlackLevel features.
BlackLevel[BlackLevelSelector]	blackLevel	Controls the selected BlackLevel as an absolute physical value.
BalanceWhiteAuto	balanceWhiteAuto	Controls the mode for automatic white balancing between the color channels.
Gamma	gamma	Controls the gamma correction of pixel intensity.
etc.

related to the video signal conditioning in the analog domain.

Additionally, Balluff offers:

mvBalanceWhiteAuto functions and
mvGainAuto functions.

In ImpactControlCenter just select in "Gain Auto" (AGC) "Continuous". Afterwards, you have the possibility to set minimum and maximum limit combined with AOI setting:

Figure 3: Analog Control → Gain Auto

See also: Optimizing the color/luminance fidelity of the camera

Color Transformation Control

The "Color Transformation Control" contains features like

Feature name (acc. to SFNC)	Property name (acc. to Impact Acquire)	Description
ColorTransformationSelector	colorTransformationEnable	Activates the selected color transformation module.
ColorTransformationSelector	colorTransformationSelector	Selects which color transformation module is controlled by the various color transformation features.
ColorTransformationValue	colorTransformationValue	Represents the value of the selected Gain factor or Offset inside the transformation matrix.
ColorTransformationValueSelector	colorTransformationValueSelector	Selects the gain factor or Offset of the Transformation matrix to access in the selected color transformation module.

related to the control of the color transformation.

This control offers an enhanced color processing for optimum color fidelity using a color correction matrix (CCM) and enables

9 coefficients values (Gain ₀₀ .. Gain ₂₂) and
3 offset values (Offset ₀ .. Offset ₂)

to be entered for RGB_IN → RGB_OUT transformation. This can be used to optimize specific colors or specific color temperatures.

Figure 4: Color correction sample

Coefficients will be made available for sensor models and special requirements on demand.

See also: Optimizing the color/luminance fidelity of the camera

Event Control

The "Event Control" contains features like

Feature name (acc. to SFNC)	Property name (acc. to Impact Acquire)	Description
EventSelector	eventSelector	Selects which Event to signal to the host application.
EventNotification[EventSelector]	eventNotification	Activate or deactivate the notification to the host application of the occurrence of the selected Event.
EventFrameTriggerData	eventFrameTriggerData	Category that contains all the data features related to the FrameTrigger event.
EventFrameTrigger	eventFrameTrigger	Returns the unique identifier of the FrameTrigger type of event.
EventFrameTriggerTimestamp	eventFrameTriggerTimestamp	Returns the timestamp of the AcquisitionTrigger event.
EventFrameTriggerFrameID	eventFrameTriggerFrameID	Returns the unique identifier of the frame (or image) that generated the FrameTrigger event.
EventExposureEndData	eventExposureEndData	Category that contains all the data features related to the ExposureEnd event.
EventExposureEnd	eventExposureEnd	Returns the unique identifier of the ExposureEnd type of event.
EventExposureEndTimestamp	eventExposureEndTimestamp	Returns the timestamp of the ExposureEnd Event.
EventExposureEndFrameID	eventExposureEndFrameID	Returns the unique identifier of the frame (or image) that generated the ExposureEnd event.
EventErrorData	eventErrorData	Category that contains all the data features related to the error event.
EventError	eventError	Returns the unique identifier of the error type of event.
EventErrorTimestamp	eventErrorTimestamp	Returns the timestamp of the error event.
EventErrorFrameID	eventErrorFrameID	If applicable, returns the unique identifier of the frame (or image) that generated the error event.
EventErrorCode	eventErrorCode	Returns an error code for the error(s) that happened.
etc.

related to the generation of Event notifications by the device.

The use case Working with Event Control shows how this control can be used.

Chunk Data Control

The "Chunk Data Control" contains features like

Feature name (acc. to SFNC)	Property name (acc. to Impact Acquire)	Description
ChunkModeActive	chunkModeActive	Activates the inclusion of chunk data in the payload of the image.
ChunkSelector	chunkSelector	Selects which chunk to enable or control.
ChunkEnable[ChunkSelector]	chunkEnable	Enables the inclusion of the selected chunk data in the payload of the image.
ChunkImage	chunkImage	Returns the entire image data included in the payload.
ChunkOffsetX	ChunkOffsetX	Returns the offset x of the image included in the payload.
ChunkOffsetY	chunkOffsetY	Returns the offset y of the image included in the payload.
ChunkWidth	chunkWidth	Returns the width of the image included in the payload.
ChunkHeight	chunkHeight	Returns the height of the image included in the payload.
ChunkPixelFormat	chunkPixelFormat	Returns the pixel format of the image included in the payload.
ChunkTimestamp	chunkTimestamp	Returns the timestamp of the image included in the payload at the time of the FrameStart internal event.
etc.

related to the Chunk Data Control.

A description can be found in the image acquisition section of the Impact Acquire API manuals.

File Access Control

The "File Access Control" contains features like

Feature name (acc. to SFNC)	Property name (acc. to Impact Acquire)	Description
FileSelector	fileSelector	Selects the target file in the device.
FileOperationSelector[FileSelector]	fileOperationSelector	Selects the target operation for the selected file in the device.
FileOperationExecute[FileSelector][FileOperationSelector]	fileOperationExecute	Executes the operation selected by FileOperationSelector on the selected file.
FileOpenMode[FileSelector]	fileOpenMode	Selects the access mode in which a file is opened in the device.
FileAccessBuffer	fileAccessBuffer	Defines the intermediate access buffer that allows the exchange.
etc.

related to the File Access Control that provides all the services necessary for generic file access of a device.

The use case Working with the UserFile section (Flash memory) shows how this control can be used.

Digital I/O Control

The "Digital I/O Control" contains features like

Feature name (acc. to SFNC)	Property name (acc. to Impact Acquire)	Description
LineSelector	lineSelector	Selects the physical line (or pin) of the external device connector to configure.
LineMode[LineSelector]	lineMode	Controls if the physical Line is used to Input or Output a signal.
UserOutputSelector	userOutputSelector	Selects which bit of the user output register will be set by UserOutputValue.
UserOutputValue[UserOutputSelector]	userOutputValue	Sets the value of the bit selected by UserOutputSelector.
etc.

related to the control of the general input and output pins of the device.

Additionally, Balluff offers:

mvLineDebounceTimeRisingEdge and
mvLineDebounceTimeFallingEdge functionality.

A description of these functions can be found in the use case Creating a debouncing filter at the inputs.

How you can test the digital inputs and outputs is described in "Testing The Digital Inputs" in the "Impact Acquire SDK GUI Applications" manual. The use case Creating synchronized acquisitions is a further example which shows you how to work with digital inputs and outputs.

Encoder Control

The "Encoder Control" contains features like

Feature name (acc. to SFNC)	Property name (acc. to Impact Acquire)	Description
EncoderSourceA	encoderSourceA	Selection of the A input line.
EncoderSourceB	encoderSourceB	Selection of the B input line.
EncoderMode [FourPhase]	encoderMode	The counter increments or decrements 1 for every full quadrature cycle.
EncoderDivider	encoderDivider	Sets how many Encoder increment/decrements that are needed generate an encoder output signal.
EncoderOutputMode	encoderOutputMode	Output signals are generated at all new positions in one direction. If the encoder reverses no output pulse are generated until it has again passed the position where the reversal started.
EncoderValue	encoderValue	Reads or writes the current value of the position counter of the selected Encoder. Writing to EncoderValue is typically used to set the start value of the position counter.

related to the usage if quadrature encoders.

The following figure explains the different EncoderOutputModes :

Figure 5: EncoderOutputModes

Additionally, the Encoder is also available as TriggerSource and as an EventSource.

A description of incremental encoder's principle can be found in the use case Processing triggers from an incremental encoder.

Sequencer Control

Sequencer overview

The purpose of a sequencer is to allow the user of a camera to define a series of feature sets for image acquisition which can consecutively be activated during the acquisition by the camera. Accordingly, the proposed sequence is configured by a list of parameter sets. Each of these sequencer sets contains the settings for a number of camera features. Similar to user sets, the actual settings of the camera are overwritten when one of these sequencer sets is loaded. The order in which the features are applied to the camera depends on the design of the vendor. It is recommended to apply all the image related settings to the camera, before the first frame of this sequence is captured. The sequencer sets can be loaded and saved by selecting them using SequencerSetSelector. The Execution of the sequencer is completely controlled by the device.

(quoted from the GenICam SFNC 2.3)

Configuration of a sequencer set

The index of the adjustable sequencer set is given by the SequencerSetSelector. The number of available sequencer sets is directly given by the range of this feature. The features which are actually part of a sequencer set are defined by the camera manufacturer. These features can be read by SequencerFeatureSelector and activated by SequencerFeatureEnable[SequencerFeatureSelector]. This configuration is the same for all Sequencer Sets. To configure a sequencer set the camera has to be switched into configuration mode by SequencerConfigurationMode. Then the user has to select the desired sequencer set he wants to modify with the SequencerSetSelector. After the user has changed all the needed camera settings it is possible to store all these settings within a selected sequencer set by executing SequencerSetSave[SequencerSetSelector]. The user can also read back these settings by executing SequencerSetLoad[SequencerSetSelector]. To permit a flexible usage, more than one possibility to go from one sequencer set to another can exist. Such a path is selected by SequencerPathSelector[SequencerSetSelector]. Each path and therefore the transition between different sequencer sets is based on a defined trigger and an aimed next sequencer set which is selectable by SequencerSetNext[SequencerSetSelector][SequencerPathSelector]. After the trigger occurs the settings of the next set are active. The trigger is defined by the features SequencerTriggerSource[SequencerSetSelector][SequencerPathSelector] and SequencerTriggerActivation[SequencerSetSelector][SequencerPathSelector]. The functions of these features are the same as TriggerSource and TriggerActivation. For a flexible sequencer implementation, the SequencerPathSelector[SequencerSetSelector] should be part of the sequencer sets.

(quoted from the GenICam SFNC 2.3)

The "Sequencer Control" contains features like

Feature name (acc. to SFNC)	Property name (acc. to Impact Acquire)	Description
SequencerMode	sequencerMode	Controls if the sequencer mechanism is active. Possible values are: Off: Disables the sequencer. On: Enables the sequencer.
SequencerConfigurationMode	sequencerConfigurationMode	Controls if the sequencer configuration mode is active. Possible values are: Off: Disables the sequencer configuration mode. On: Enables the sequencer configuration mode.
SequencerFeatureSelector	sequencerFeatureSelector	Selects which sequencer features to control. The feature lists all the features that can be part of a device sequencer set. All the device's sequencer sets have the same features. Note that the name used in the enumeration must match exactly the device's feature name.
SequencerFeatureEnable[SequencerFeatureSelector]	sequencerFeatureEnable	Enables the selected feature and make it active in all the sequencer sets.
SequencerSetSelector	sequencerSetSelector	Selects the sequencer set to which further settings applies.
SequencerSetSave	sequencerSetSave	Saves the current device state to the selected sequencer set selected by SequencerSetSelector.
SequencerSetLoad	sequencerSetLoad	Loads the sequencer set selected by SequencerSetSelector in the device. Even if SequencerMode is Off, this will change the device state to the configuration of the selected set.
SequencerSetActive	sequencerSetActive	Contains the currently active sequencer set.
SequencerSetStart	sequencerSetStart	Sets the initial/start sequencer set, which is the first set used within a sequencer.
SequencerPathSelector[SequencerSetSelector]	sequencerPathSelector	Selects to which branching path further path settings apply.
SequencerSetNext	sequencerSetNext	Select the next sequencer set.
SequencerTriggerSource	sequencerTriggerSource	Specifies the internal signal or physical input line to use as the sequencer trigger source. Values supported by Balluff/MATRIX VISION devices are: Off: Disables the sequencer trigger. ExposureEnd: Starts with the reception of the ExposureEnd event. Counter1End: Starts with the reception of the Counter1End event. UserOutput0: Specifies UserOutput0 bit signal to use as internal source for the trigger. ActionCmd1-4: Specifies Action1, Action2, Action3 or Action4 command to use as internal source for the trigger (since Firmware version 2.53.0). Other possible values that might be supported by third party devices are: AcquisitionTrigger: Starts with the reception of the Acquisition Trigger. AcquisitionTriggerMissed: Starts with the reception of the missed Acquisition Trigger. AcquisitionStart: Starts with the reception of the Acquisition Start. AcquisitionEnd: Starts with the reception of the Acquisition End. FrameTrigger: Starts with the reception of the Frame Start Trigger. FrameTriggerMissed: Starts with the reception of the missed Frame Trigger. FrameStart: Starts with the reception of the Frame Start. FrameEnd: Starts with the reception of the Frame End. FrameBurstStart: Starts with the reception of the Frame Burst Start. FrameBurstEnd: Starts with the reception of the Frame Burst End. ExposureStart: Starts with the reception of the Exposure Start. Line0 (If 0 based), Line1, Line2, ...: Starts when the specified TimerTriggerActivation condition is met on the chosen I/O Line. UserOutput1, UserOutput2, ...: Specifies which User Output bit signal to use as internal source for the trigger. Counter0Start, Counter1Start, Counter2Start, ...: Starts with the reception of the Counter Start. Counter0End, Counter2End, ...: Starts with the reception of the Counter End. Timer0Start, Timer1Start, Timer2Start, ...: Starts with the reception of the Timer Start. Timer0End, Timer1End, Timer2End, ...: Starts with the reception of the Timer End. Encoder0, Encoder1, Encoder2, ...: Starts with the reception of the Encoder output signal. LogicBlock0, LogicBlock1, LogicBlock2, ...: Starts with the reception of the Logic Block output signal. SoftwareSignal0, SoftwareSignal1, SoftwareSignal2, ...: Starts on the reception of the Software Signal. LinkTrigger0, LinkTrigger1, LinkTrigger2, ...: Starts with the reception of the chosen Link Trigger. CC1, CC2, CC3, CC4: Index of the Camera Link physical line and associated I/O control block to use. This ensures a direct mapping between
SequencerTriggerActivation	sequencerTriggerActivation	Specifies the activation mode of the sequencer trigger. Supported values for UserOutput0 are: RisingEdge: Specifies that the trigger is considered valid on the rising edge of the source signal. FallingEdge: Specifies that the trigger is considered valid on the falling edge of the source signal. AnyEdge: Specifies that the trigger is considered valid on the falling or rising edge of the source signal. LevelHigh: Specifies that the trigger is considered valid as long as the level of the source signal is high. LevelLow: Specifies that the trigger is considered valid as long as the level of the source signal is low.

The sequencer mode can be used to set a series of feature sets for image acquisition. The sets can consecutively be activated during the acquisition by the camera. The sequence is configured by a list of parameters sets.

Note: At the moment, the Sequencer Mode is only available for Balluff/MATRIX VISION cameras with CCD sensors and Sony's CMOS sensors. Please consult the "Device Feature and Property List"s to get a summary of the actually supported features of each sensor.

The following features are currently available for using them inside the sequencer control:

Feature	Note	Changeable during runtime
BinningHorizontal		-
BinningVertical		-
CounterDuration	Can be used to configure a certain set of sequencer parameters to be applied for the next `CounterDuration` frames.	since Firmware version 2.15
DecimationHorizontal		-
DecimationVertical		-
ExposureTime		since Firmware version 2.15
Gain		since Firmware version 2.15
Height		since Firmware version 2.36
OffsetX		since Firmware version 2.35
OffsetY		since Firmware version 2.35
Width		since Firmware version 2.36
mvUserOutput		-
UserOutputValueAll		-
UserOutputValueAllMask		-
Multiple conditional sequencer paths		-

Note: Configured sequencer programs are stored as part of the User Sets like any other feature.

Actual settings of the camera are overwritten when a sequencer set is loaded.

See also

Define multiple exposure times using the Sequencer Control
There are 3 C++ examples called GenICamSequencerUsage, GenICamSequencerUsageWithPaths and GenICamSequencerParameterChangeAtRuntime that show how to control the sequencer from an application. They can be found in the Examples section of the Impact Acquire C++ API

Transport Layer Control

The "Transport Layer Control" contains features like

PayloadSize

payloadSize

Provides the number of bytes transferred for each image or chunk on the stream channel.

etc.

related to the Transport Layer Control.

User Set Control

The "User Set Control" contains features like

Feature name (acc. to SFNC)	Property name (acc. to Impact Acquire)	Description
UserSetSelector	userSetSelector	Selects the feature user set to load, save or configure.
UserSetLoad[UserSetSelector]	userSetLoad	Loads the user set specified by UserSetSelector to the device and makes it active.
UserSetSave[UserSetSelector]	userSetSave	Endianess of the device registers.
UserSetDefault	userSetDefault	Selects the feature user set to load and make active when the device is reset.

related to the User Set Control to save and load the user device settings.

The camera allows the storage of up to four configuration sets in the camera. This feature is similar to storing settings in the registry but this way in the camera. It is possible to store

exposure,
gain,
AOI,
frame rate,
LUT,
one Flat-Field Correction
etc.

permanently. You can select, which user set comes up after hard reset.

Use case related to the "User Set Control" is:

Creating user set entries

Another way to create user data is described here: Creating user data entries

mv Logic Gate Control

The "mv Logic Gate Control" contains features like

Feature name (acc. to SFNC)	Property name (acc. to Impact Acquire)	Description
	mvLogicGateANDSelector	Selects the AND gate to configure.
	mvLogicGateANDSource1	Selects the first input signal of the AND gate selected by mvLogicGateANDSelector.
	mvLogicGateANDSource2	Selects the second input signal of the AND gate selected by mvLogicGateANDSelector.
	mvLogicGateORSelector	Selects the OR gate to configure.
	mvLogicGateORSource1	Selects the first input signal of the OR gate selected by mvLogicGateORSelector.
	mvLogicGateORSource2	Selects the second input signal of the OR gate selected by mvLogicGateORSelector.
	mvLogicGateORSource3	Selects the third input signal of the OR gate selected by mvLogicGateORSelector.
	mvLogicGateORSource4	Selects the fourth input signal of the OR gate selected by mvLogicGateORSelector.

related to control the devices Logic Gate Control parameters. It performs a logical operation on one or more logic inputs and produces a single logic output.

The use case Creating different exposure times for consecutive images shows how you can create different exposure times with timers, counters and the logic gate functionality.

See also: Triggering of an indefinite sequence with precise starting time

mv FFC Control

The "mv FFC Control" contains features like

Feature name (acc. to SFNC)	Property name (acc. to Impact Acquire)	Description
	mvFFCEnable	Enables the flat field correction.
	mvFFCCalibrationImageCount	The number of images to use for the calculation of the correction image.
	mvFFCCalibrate	Starts the calibration of the flat field correction.

related to control the devices Flat Field Correction parameters.

The use case shows how this control can be used.

mv Serial Interface Control

The "mv Serial Interface Control" contains features like

Feature name (acc. to SFNC)	Property name (acc. to Impact Acquire)	Description
	mvSerialInterfaceMode	States the interface mode of the serial interface.
	mvSerialInterfaceEnable	Controls whether the serial interface is enabled or not.
	mvSerialInterfaceBaudRate	Serial interface clock frequency.
	mvSerialInterfaceASCIIBuffer	Buffer for exchanging ASCII data over serial interface.
	mvSerialInterfaceWrite	Command to write data from the serial interface.
	mvSerialInterfaceRead	Command to read data from the serial interface.
etc.

related to control the devices Serial Interface Control parameters. It enables the camera to be controlled via serial interface.

The use case Working With The Serial Interface (mv Serial Interface Control) shows how you can work with the serial interface control.

See also: Working With The Serial Interface (mv Serial Interface Control)

mv I2C Interface Control

The "mv I2C Interface Control" contains features like

Feature name (acc. to SFNC)	Property name (acc. to Impact Acquire)	Description
	mvI2CInterfaceEnable	Controls whether the I2C interface is enabled or not.
	mvI2CInterfaceDeviceAddress	I2C interface device address.
	mvI2CInterfaceDeviceSubAddress	I2C interface device sub address.
	mvI2CInterfaceASCIIBuffer	Buffer for exchanging ASCII data over I2C interface.
	mvI2CInterfaceWrite	Command to write data to the I2C interface.
	mvI2CInterfaceRead	Command to read data from the I2C interface.
etc.

related to control the devices I2C Interface Control parameters. It enables the camera to be controlled via I2C interface.

The use case Working with the I2C interface (mv I2C Interface Control) shows how you can work with the serial interface control.

See also: Working with the I2C interface (mv I2C Interface Control)

mv Defective Pixel Correction Control

The "mv Defective Pixel Correction Control" contains features like

Feature name (acc. to SFNC)	Property name (acc. to Impact Acquire)	Description
	mvDefectivePixelCount	Contains the number of valid defective pixels.
	mvDefectivePixelSelector	Controls the index of the defective pixel to access.
	mvDefectivePixelDataLoad	Loads the defective pixels from the device non volatile memory.
	mvDefectivePixelDataSave	Saves the defective pixels to the device non volatile memory.

related to control the devices Defective Pixel data.

See also: Correcting image errors of a sensor

mv Frame Average Control (only with specific models)

The "mv Frame Average Control" contains features like

Feature name (acc. to SFNC)	Property name (acc. to Impact Acquire)	Description
	mvFrameAverageEnable	Enables the frame averaging engine.
	mvFrameAverageSlope	The slope in full range of register.

related to the frame averaging engine.

mv Auto Feature Control

The "mv Auto Feature Control" contains features like

Feature name (acc. to SFNC)	Property name (acc. to Impact Acquire)	Description
	mvAutoFeatureAOIMode	Common AutoControl AOI used for Auto Gain Control(AGC), Auto Exposure Control(AEC) and Auto White Balancing.
	mvAutoFeatureSensitivity	The controllers sensitivity of brightness deviations. This parameter influences the gain as well as the exposure controller.
	mvAutoFeatureCharacteristic	Selects the prioritization between Auto Exposure Control(AEC) and Auto Gain Control(AGC) controller.
	mvAutoFeatureBrightnessTolerance	The error input hysteresis width of the controller. If the brightness error exceeds the half of the value in positive or negative direction, the controller restarts to control the brightness.

related to the automatic control of exposure, gain, and white balance.

With this control you can influence the characteristic of the controller depending on certain light situations. AEC/AGC can be controlled with the new additional properties mvAutoFeatureSensitivity, mvAutoFeatureCharacteristic and mvAutoFeatureBrightnessTolerance.

mv High Dynamic Range Control (only with specific sensor models)

The "mv High Dynamic Range Control" contains features like

Feature name (acc. to SFNC)	Property name (acc. to Impact Acquire)	Description
	mvHDREnable	Enables the high dynamic range feature.
	mvHDRPreset	Selects the HDR parameter set.
	mvHDRSelector	Selects the HDR parameter set to configure.
	mvHDRVoltage1	First HDR voltage in mV.
	mvHDRVoltage2	Second HDR voltage in mV.
	mvHDRExposure1	First HDR exposure in ppm.
	mvHDRExposure2	Second HDR exposure in ppm.

related to the control of the device High Dynamic Range parameters.

The use case Adjusting sensor of camera models with onsemi MT9M034 shows the principle of the HDR.

LUT Control

The "LUT Control" contains features like

Since: FW Revision 2.35.2054.0

A 12 to 9 RawLUT for color cameras was added. The RawLUT works identically for all colors but with a higher resolution. This is useful if higher dynamic is needed.

Feature name (acc. to SFNC)	Property name (acc. to Impact Acquire)	Description
LUTSelector	LUTSelector	Selects which LUT to control.
LUTEnable[LUTSelector]	LUTEnable	Activates the selected LUT.
LUTIndex[LUTSelector]	LUTIndex	Controls the index (offset) of the coefficient to access in the selected LUT.
LUTValue[LUTSelector][LUTIndex]	LUTValue	Returns the value at entry LUTIndex of the LUT selected by LUTSelector.
LUTValueAll[LUTSelector]	LUTValueAll	Allows access to all the LUT coefficients with a single read/write operation.
	mvLUTType	Describes which type of LUT is used for the current LUTSelector
	mvLUTInputData	Describes the data the LUT is applied to (e.g bayer, RGB, or gray data)
	mvLUTMapping	Describes the LUT mapping (e.g. 10 bit → 12 bit)

related to the look-up table (LUT) control.

The look-up table (LUT) is a part of the signal path in the camera and maps data of the ADC into signal values. The LUT can be used e.g. for:

High precision gamma
Non linear enhancement (e.g. S-Shaped)
Inversion (default)
Negative offset
Threshold
Level windows
Binarization

This saves (approx. 5%) CPU load, works on the fly in the FPGA of camera, is less noisy and there are no missing codes after Gamma stretching.

See also: Working with LUTValueAll
Implementing a hardware-based binarization
Optimizing the color/luminance fidelity of the camera

Three read-only registers describe the LUT that is selected using the LUTSelector register:

mvLUTType

There are two different types of LUTs available in Balluff/MATRIX VISION cameras:

Direct LUTs define a mapping for each possible input value, for example a 12 → 10 bit direct LUT has 2^12 entries and each entry has 10 bit.
Interpolated LUTs do not define a mapping for every possible input value, instead the user defines an output value for equidistant nodes. In between the nodes linear interpolation is used to calculate the correct output value.
Considering a 10 → 10 bit interpolated LUT with 256 nodes (as usually used in Balluff/MATRIX VISION cameras), the user defines a 10 bit output value for 256 equidistant nodes beginning at input value 0, 4, 8, 12, 16 and so on. For input values in between the nodes linear interpolation is used.

mvLUTInputData

This register describes on which data the LUT is applied to:

Bayer means that the LUT is applied to raw Bayer data, thus (depending on the de-Bayer algorithm) a manipulation of one pixel may also affect other pixels in its neighborhood.
Gray means that the LUT is applied to gray data.
RGB means that the LUT is applied to RGB data (i.e. after de-Bayering). Normally this is used to change the luminance on an RGB image and the LUT is applied to all three channels.

mvLUTMapping

This register describes the mapping of the currently selected LUT, e.g "map_10To10" means that a 10 bit input value is mapped to a 10 bit output values whereas "map_12To10" means that a 12 bit input value is mapped to a 10 bit output value.

LUT support in Balluff/MATRIX VISION cameras

mvBlueFOX3	LUTSelector	LUT type	LUT mapping	LUT input data
-1100G -1140GW -1031G -1012dG -1012bG -1013G -1013GE -1020G -1020aG	Luminance	Direct	map_10To12	Gray
-1012bC -1012dC -1013C -1020C -1031C -1100C -1140C	Luminance Red Green Blue	Interpolated Direct Direct Direct	map_10To10 map_8To12 map_8To12 map_8To12	RGB Bayer Bayer Bayer
-2004G -2016G -2017G -2024G -2024aG -2024bG -2032G -2032aG -2051G -2051aG -2051dG -2051pG -2064G -2071G -2071aG -2081aG -2089G -2089aG -2124G -2124aG -2124dG -2124rG -2162G -2204G -2205G -2246G -4315G BF3-5M-0004FG BF3-5M-0016ZG BF3-5M-0024AG BF3-5M-0024BG BF3-5M-0024ZG BF3-5M-0032AG BF3-5M-0032ZG BF3-5M-0051AG BF3-5M-0051ZG BF3-5M-0064ZG BF3-5M-0089AG BF3-5M-0089ZG BF3-5M-0124AG BF3-5M-0124RG BF3-5M-0124ZG BF3-5M-0205ZG BF3-4-0169ZG BF3-4-0196ZG	Luminance	Direct	map_12To9	Gray
-2004C -2016C -2017C -2024C -2024aC -2024bC -2032C -2032aC -2051C -2051aC -2051dC -2051pC -2064C -2071C -2071aC -2081aC -2089C -2089aC -2124C -2124aC -2124dC -2124rC -2162C -2204C -2205C -2246C -4315C BF3-5M-0004FC BF3-5M-0016ZC BF3-5M-0024AC BF3-5M-0024BC BF3-5M-0024ZC BF3-5M-0032AC BF3-5M-0032ZC BF3-5M-0051AC BF3-5M-0051ZC BF3-5M-0064ZC BF3-5M-0089AC BF3-5M-0089ZC BF3-5M-0124AC BF3-5M-0124RC BF3-5M-0124ZC BF3-5M-0205ZC BF3-4-0169ZC BF3-4-0196ZC	Luminance Red Green Blue mvRaw	Interpolated Direct Direct Direct Direct	map_10To10 map_10To9 map_10To9 map_10To9 map_12To9	RGB Bayer Bayer Bayer Bayer

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