Balluff - BVS CA-SF Technical Documentation
GenICam™ and advanced features

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".

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:

Additionally, Balluff offers numerous additional features like:

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,

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 RGBIN → RGBOUT 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

Transport Layer Control

The "Transport Layer Control" contains features like

Feature name (acc. to SFNC) Property name (acc. to Impact Acquire) Description
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

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

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

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