Important Information
Warranty
NI 17xx Smart Cameras are warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one year from the date of shipment, as
evidenced by receipts or other documentation. National Instruments will, at its option, repair or replace equipment that proves to be defective
during the warranty period. This warranty includes parts and labor.
The media on which you receive National Instruments software are warranted not to fail to execute programming instructions, due to defects in
materials and workmanship, for a period of 90 days from date of shipment, as evidenced by receipts or other documentation. National Instruments
will, at its option, repair or replace software media that do not execute programming instructions if National Instruments receives notice of such defects
during the warranty period. National Instruments does not warrant that the operation of the software shall be uninterrupted or error free.
A Return Material Authorization (RMA) number must be obtained from the factory and clearly marked on the outside of the package before any
equipment will be accepted for warranty work. National Instruments will pay the shipping costs of returning to the owner parts which are covered by
warranty.
National Instruments believes that the information in this document is accurate. The document has been carefully reviewed for technical accuracy. In
the event that technical or typographical errors exist, National Instruments reserves the right to make changes to subsequent editions of this document
without prior notice to holders of this edition. The reader should consult National Instruments if errors are suspected. In no event shall National
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THE USER OR APPLICATION DESIGNER MUST TAKE REASONABLY PRUDENT STEPS TO PROTECT AGAINST SYSTEM FAILURES,
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Compliance with FCC/Canada Radio Frequency Interference
Regulations
Determining FCC Class
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has rules to protect wireless communications from interference. The FCC
places digital electronics into two classes. These classes are known as Class A (for use in industrial-commercial locations only)
or Class B (for use in residential or commercial locations). All National Instruments (NI) products are FCC Class A products.
Depending on where it is operated, this Class A product could be subject to restrictions in the FCC rules. (In Canada, the
Department of Communications (DOC), of Industry Canada, regulates wireless interference in much the same way.) Digital
electronics emit weak signals during normal operation that can affect radio, television, or other wireless products.
All Class A products display a simple warning statement of one paragraph in length regarding interference and undesired
operation. The FCC rules have restrictions regarding the locations where FCC Class A products can be operated.
FCC/DOC Warnings
This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in strict accordance with the instructions
in this manual and the CE marking Declaration of Conformity*, may cause interference to radio and television reception.
Classification requirements are the same for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Canadian Department
of Communications (DOC).
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by NI could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment under the
FCC Rules.
Class A
Federal Communications Commission
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC
Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated
in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and
used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this
equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user is required to correct the interference
at their own expense.
Canadian Department of Communications
This Class A digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe A respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada.
Compliance with EU Directives
Users in the European Union (EU) should refer to the Declaration of Conformity (DoC) for information* pertaining to the
CE marking. Refer to the Declaration of Conformity (DoC) for this product for any additional regulatory compliance
information. To obtain the DoC for this product, visit ni.com/certification, search by model number or product line,
and click the appropriate link in the Certification column.
*
The CE marking Declaration of Conformity contains important supplementary information and instructions for the user or
installer.
About This Manual
Conventions ...................................................................................................................ix
Related Documentation..................................................................................................x
Hardware Documents......................................................................................x
NI Vision Builder for Automated Inspection Documents...............................x
Chapter 1
NI Smart Camera Overview
Hardware Overview.......................................................................................................1-1
Software Overview ........................................................................................................1-4
NI Vision Builder for Automated Inspection ..................................................1-4
LabVIEW Real-Time Module ..........................................................1-5
Chapter 2
Isolated Inputs................................................................................................................2-3
Isolated Outputs .............................................................................................................2-4
Connecting to Serial Devices.........................................................................................2-6
Chapter 3
Field of View .................................................................................................................3-1
Image Sensor Spectral Response ...................................................................................3-3
Partial Scan Mode..........................................................................................................3-3
Binning...........................................................................................................................3-4
Gain................................................................................................................................3-4
Hardware Binarization...................................................................................................3-5
© National Instruments Corporation
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NI 17xx Smart Camera User Manual
Contents
Chapter 4
Lighting
Direct Drive Lighting Controller................................................................................... 4-2
Lighting Files .................................................................................................. 4-4
Connecting a Light to the Direct Drive Lighting Controller .......................... 4-6
Chapter 5
Exposure........................................................................................................................ 5-1
Determining the Maximum Frame Rate ......................................................... 5-7
Determining the Scan Mode ........................................................................... 5-7
Determining the Exposure Time..................................................................... 5-8
Determining the Lighting Mode ..................................................................... 5-8
Determining the Trigger Delay....................................................................... 5-9
Chapter 6
Understanding the LED Indicators................................................................................ 6-1
Device Initialization........................................................................................ 6-2
POWER LED.................................................................................................. 6-2
FAIL LED....................................................................................................... 6-4
Configuring DIP Switches............................................................................................. 6-4
SAFE MODE Switch...................................................................................... 6-5
IP RESET Switch............................................................................................ 6-5
NO APP Switch .............................................................................................. 6-6
CONSOLE Switch .......................................................................................... 6-6
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Chapter 7
Ethernet LEDs................................................................................................................7-2
ACTIVITY/LINK LED...................................................................................7-2
SPEED LED....................................................................................................7-2
DHCP and Static IP Address Assignment .....................................................................7-3
Subnet Considerations.....................................................................................7-4
Chapter 8
Thermal Considerations and Mounting
Thermal Considerations.................................................................................................8-1
Mounting the NI Smart Camera.....................................................................................8-2
Appendix A
Specifications
Appendix B
Troubleshooting
Appendix C
Technical Support and Professional Services
Glossary
Index
© National Instruments Corporation
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NI 17xx Smart Camera User Manual
About This Manual
This manual describes the electrical and mechanical aspects of the
National Instruments 17xx Smart Camera. Refer to Getting Started with
the NI 17xx Smart Camera for smart camera and accessory installation
information.
Conventions
The following conventions appear in this manual:
»
The » symbol leads you through nested menu items and dialog box options
to a final action. The sequence File»Page Setup»Options directs you to
pull down the File menu, select the Page Setup item, and select Options
from the last dialog box.
This icon denotes a note, which alerts you to important information.
This icon denotes a caution, which advises you of precautions to take to
avoid injury, data loss, or a system crash. When this symbol is marked on
a product, refer to Getting Started with the NI 17xx Smart Camera for
information about precautions to take.
When symbol is marked on a product, it denotes a warning advising you to
take precautions to avoid electrical shock.
bold
Bold text denotes items that you must select or click in the software, such
as menu items and dialog box options. Bold text also denotes parameter
names.
italic
Italic text denotes variables, emphasis, a cross-reference, or an introduction
to a key concept. Italic text also denotes text that is a placeholder for a word
or value that you must supply.
monospace
Text in this font denotes text or characters that you should enter from the
keyboard, sections of code, programming examples, and syntax examples.
This font is also used for the proper names of disk drives, paths, directories,
programs, subprograms, subroutines, device names, functions, operations,
variables, filenames, and extensions.
monospace italic
Italic text in this font denotes text that is a placeholder for a word or value
that you must supply.
© National Instruments Corporation
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NI 17xx Smart Camera User Manual
About This Manual
Related Documentation
The following documents contain information that you may find helpful as
you read this manual:
Hardware Documents
•
Getting Started with the NI 17xx Smart Camera—Contains important
safety information and information about installing and configuring
NI Smart Cameras and accessories. You can access this manual by
navigating to Start»All Programs»National Instruments»Vision»
Documentation»NI-IMAQ.
•
NI Developer Zone—Contains example programs, tutorials, technical
presentations, the Instrument Driver Network, a measurement
glossary, an online magazine, a product advisor, and a community area
where you can share ideas, questions, and source code with developers
around the world. The NI Developer Zone is located on the National
Instruments Web site at ni.com/zone. You can find the following
documents in the NI Developer Zone:
–
Using the NI 17xx Smart Camera Direct Drive Lighting
Controller—Demonstrates how to utilize the Direct Drive lighting
controller feature on the NI 17xx Smart Camera with LabVIEW
or Vision Builder for Automated Inspection.
–
A Practical Guide to Machine Vision Lighting—Explains
machine vision lighting concepts and theories.
NI Vision Builder for Automated Inspection Documents
•
•
•
NI Vision Builder for Automated Inspection Tutorial—Describes
Vision Builder for Automated Inspection and provides step-by-step
instructions for solving common visual inspection tasks, such as
inspection, gauging, part presence, guidance, and counting.
NI Vision Builder for Automated Inspection: Configuration
Help—Contains information about using the Vision Builder for
Automated Inspection Configuration Interface to create a machine
vision application.
NI Vision Builder for Automated Inspection: Inspection
Help—Contains information about running applications created with
Vision Builder for Automated Inspection in the Vision Builder
Automated Inspection Interface.
NI 17xx Smart Camera User Manual
x
ni.com
About This Manual
LabVIEW and NI Vision Development Module Documents
•
•
•
•
•
LabVIEW Help—Includes information about LabVIEW programming
concepts, step-by-step instructions for using LabVIEW, and reference
information about LabVIEW VIs, functions, palettes, menus, and
tools.
Getting Started with LabVIEW—Use this manual as a tutorial to
familiarize yourself with the LabVIEW graphical programming
environment and the basic LabVIEW features you use to build data
acquisition and instrument control applications.
Getting Started with the LabVIEW Real-Time Module—Use this
manual as a tutorial to familiarize yourself with the LabVIEW
Real-Time Module and the basic Real-Time Module features you use
to build real-time applications.
NI Vision Concepts Manual—Describes the basic concepts of image
analysis, image processing, and machine vision. This document also
contains in-depth discussions about imaging functions for advanced
users.
NI Vision for LabVIEW Help—Describes how to create machine
vision and image processing applications in LabVIEW using the
Vision Development Module. The help file guides you through
tasks beginning with setting up your imaging system to taking
measurements. It also describes how to create a real-time vision
application using NI Vision with the LabVIEW Real-Time Module
and contains reference information about NI Vision for LabVIEW
palettes and VIs.
NI Vision Acquisition Software Documents
•
NI-IMAQ VI Reference Help—Contains reference information about
the LabVIEW VIs and properties for NI-IMAQ driver software.
•
Measurement & Automation Explorer Help for NI-IMAQ—Describes
how to configure NI-IMAQ driver software, NI image acquisition
devices, and NI Smart Cameras using Measurement & Automation
Explorer.
© National Instruments Corporation
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NI 17xx Smart Camera User Manual
1
NI Smart Camera Overview
This chapter provides an overview of the features and components of the
National Instruments Smart Camera. Refer to Getting Started with the
NI 17xx Smart Camera for smart camera and accessory installation
information.
Hardware Overview
The NI Smart Camera is available in several different configurations.
When a feature pertains only to specific smart camera models, a list at the
feature.
All smart camera models incorporate an image sensor, processor, and
digital I/O in a compact, rugged housing.
Table 1-1 shows the differentiating features for each smart camera model.
Table 1-1. NI Smart Camera Models
NI Smart
Camera
Model
Direct Drive
Lighting
Controller
Quadrature
Encoder
Support
Processor
Image Sensor
NI 1722
400 MHz PowerPC
1/3 inch Sony ICX424AL CCD
Monochrome
640 × 480 pixels (VGA)
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
NI 1742
NI 1744
NI 1762
NI 1764
533 MHz PowerPC
533 MHz PowerPC
1/3 inch Sony ICX424AL CCD
Monochrome
640 × 480 pixels (VGA)
1/2 inch Sony ICX205AL CCD
Monochrome
1,280 × 1,024 pixels (SXGA)
533 MHz PowerPC
and 720 MHz DSP
1/3 inch Sony ICX424AL CCD
Monochrome
640 × 480 pixels (VGA)
533 MHz PowerPC
and 720 MHz DSP
1/2 inch Sony ICX205AL CCD
Monochrome
1,280 × 1,024 pixels (SXGA)
© National Instruments Corporation
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NI 17xx Smart Camera User Manual
Chapter 1
NI Smart Camera Overview
For more information about the image sensors, refer to Chapter 3, NI Smart
Camera Image Sensor. For complete smart camera specifications, refer to
Appendix A, Specifications.
All smart cameras have an RS-232 serial port, Gigabit Ethernet ports, and
use a standard C-mount lens. Some smart camera models also include the
Direct Drive lighting controller and support for quadrature encoders. The
Direct Drive lighting controller is an integrated controller to directly power
a variety of third-party current-controlled lights. Refer to Chapter 4,
Lighting, for more information about the Direct Drive lighting controller.
The smart camera also has one 5 V TTL strobe output and one unregulated
24 V strobe output for lighting control.
The smart camera also includes LEDs for communicating system status,
four DIP switches to specify startup options, isolated inputs, and isolated
outputs for connecting to external devices. Refer to Chapter 6, LEDs and
DIP Switches, for more information about the LEDs and DIP switches.
Refer to Chapter 2, Power and I/O, for more information about the digital
I/O capabilities of the smart camera.
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Chapter 1
NI Smart Camera Overview
Figure 1-1 shows the smart camera.
4
1
2
7
-
+
GND
5V
24V
3
6
5
NI 17XX SMART CAMERA
1
2
3
4
Image Sensor
5
6
7
DIP Switches
POWER-I/O Connector
Ethernet Ports
Standard C Lens Mount
Lighting Connector
LEDs
Figure 1-1. NI Smart Camera
© National Instruments Corporation
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NI 17xx Smart Camera User Manual
Chapter 1
NI Smart Camera Overview
Software Overview
Developing applications with the NI Smart Camera requires one of the
following software options:
or
LabVIEW
Vision Builder
for
Automated Inspection
LabVIEW Real-Time Module
NI Vision Development Module
NI Vision Acquisition Software
The installation and configuration process for each development
environment is different. Refer to Getting Started with the NI 17xx Smart
Camera for installation and configuration instructions.
The following sections describe the software options. For detailed
information about individual software packages, refer to the documentation
specific to the package.
Note Vision Builder for Automated Inspection and NI Vision Acquisition Software are
included with the smart camera. LabVIEW, the LabVIEW Real-Time Module, and the
NI Vision Development Module are sold separately.
NI Vision Builder for Automated Inspection
Vision Builder for Automated Inspection (Vision Builder AI) is
configurable machine vision software you can use to configure the
NI Smart Camera and prototype, benchmark, and deploy machine vision
applications.
Creating applications in Vision Builder AI does not require programming.
Vision Builder AI allows you to easily configure and benchmark a
sequence of visual inspection steps, as well as deploy the visual inspection
system for automated inspection. With Vision Builder AI, you can perform
powerful visual inspection tasks and make decisions based on the results
LabVIEW, extending the capabilities of your applications if necessary.
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Chapter 1
NI Smart Camera Overview
LabVIEW
LabVIEW is a graphical programming environment for developing flexible
and scalable applications. To develop machine vision applications with the
NI Smart Camera and LabVIEW, you must have the following add-on
modules: LabVIEW Real-Time Module, NI Vision Development Module,
and Vision Acquisition Software.
LabVIEW Real-Time Module
The LabVIEW Real-Time Module combines LabVIEW graphical
programming with the power of Real-Time (RT) hardware, enabling you to
build deterministic, real-time systems. You develop VIs in LabVIEW and
embed the VIs on RT targets, such as the NI Smart Camera. The RT target
runs VIs without a user interface and offers a stable platform for real-time
VIs. For more information about the LabVIEW Real-Time Module, refer
to the LabVIEW Help.
NI Vision Development Module
The NI Vision Development Module is an image acquisition, processing,
and analysis library of hundreds of functions for the following common
machine vision tasks:
•
•
•
•
•
Pattern matching
Particle analysis
Gauging
Taking measurements
Grayscale, color, and binary image display
With the NI Vision Development Module you can acquire, display, and
store images as well as perform image analysis and processing. Using the
NI Vision Development Module, imaging novices and experts can program
the most basic or complicated image applications without knowledge of
particular algorithm implementations.
For information about how to use the NI Vision Development Module with
the LabVIEW Real-Time Module, refer to the NI Vision for LabVIEW
Help.
© National Instruments Corporation
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NI 17xx Smart Camera User Manual
Chapter 1
NI Smart Camera Overview
NI Vision Acquisition Software
The NI Vision Acquisition Software CD contains Measurement &
Automation Explorer (MAX) configuration software and NI-IMAQ driver
software.
Use MAX to configure the NI Smart Camera. You can set the IP address,
update software on the smart camera, configure triggering, and set up
the lighting features. For more information about MAX, refer to the
Measurement & Automation Explorer Help for NI-IMAQ
NI-IMAQ is the interface path between the application software and the
smart camera. NI-IMAQ also controls the I/O and image acquisition on the
smart camera.
NI-IMAQ includes an extensive library of VIs you can call from LabVIEW.
These VIs include routines for video configuration, continuous and
single-shot image acquisition, and trigger control.
The NI-IMAQ driver software performs all functions necessary for
acquiring and saving images but does not perform image analysis.
NI-IMAQ features both high-level and low-level functions. A function that
acquires images in single-shot or continuous mode is an example of a
high-level function. A function that requires advanced understanding of
image acquisition, such as configuring an image sequence, is an example
of a low-level function.
For information about using NI-IMAQ to configure an acquisition, refer to
the NI-IMAQ VI Reference Help.
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2
Power and I/O
This chapter provides information about the NI Smart Camera
POWER-I/O connector, connecting isolated inputs and isolated outputs,
and connecting to serial devices and to quadrature encoders.
POWER-I/O Connector
The POWER-I/O connector provides signal connections for power and I/O,
including isolated inputs and outputs, quadrature encoders, and serial
devices. The POWER-I/O connector is a standard female high-density
POWER-I/O connector. The two pins used to connect to a power supply,
pin 15 and pin 5, are also shown in the table. Refer to Getting Started with
the NI 17xx Smart Camera for information about connecting a power
supply to the NI Smart Camera.
Table 2-1 lists the signal names and pin numbers for the 15-pin
POWER-I/O connector. The table also lists the wire colors for the 15-pin
D-SUB pigtail cable (part number 197818-05), sold separately by National
Instruments. Cables sold by other manufacturers could have different wire
colors.
Table 2-1. POWER-I/O Connector Signal Descriptions
Connector Diagram
Signal Name
+24 V
Pin Number
Wire Color
Red
5
COM
15
10
14
2
Black
11
6
15 (COM)
RS232_TXD
RS232_RXD
Pink
10
Black/White
Brown
1
5 (+24 V)
TrigIn+
IsoIn(0)+
IsoIn(1)+
8
Orange
© National Instruments Corporation
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NI 17xx Smart Camera User Manual
Chapter 2
Power and I/O
Table 2-1. POWER-I/O Connector Signal Descriptions (Continued)
Connector Diagram
Signal Name
Pin Number
Wire Color
TrigIn–
IsoIn(0)–
IsoIn(1)–
12
Light Green
IsoOut(0)+
IsoOut(0)–
IsoOut(1)+
IsoOut(1)–
PhaseA+
6
1
Yellow
Green
11
6
15 (COM)
11
7
Light Blue
Gray
10
1
5 (+24 V)
3
Blue
PhaseA–
13
9
Brown/White
Purple
PhaseB+
PhaseB–
4
White
NI Smart Camera Power Requirements
Caution Use the NI Smart Camera only with a 24 VDC, UL listed, limited power source
must meet any safety and compliance requirements for the country of use.
The smart camera uses a nominal 24 VDC power source. The smart camera
accepts power within the range of the industry standard IEC 1311 input
power specification (24 V +20%/–15% with an additional allowance for an
AC peak of +5%). Refer to Appendix A, Specifications, for complete
power requirement specifications.
Caution The 24 V external lighting strobe is an unregulated output dependent on the range
of the power supply provided to the smart camera. If the power provided to the smart
camera is +20%/–15% with +5% AC ripple, the external lighting strobe output could be
as high as 30 V. If the provided power exceeds the input voltage specifications of the
third-party lighting controller, do not connect the 24 V lighting strobe output to the
controller to prevent damage to the controller. Use a power supply with tolerances that
meet the requirements of the controller, or use the 5 V external lighting strobe.
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Chapter 2
Power and I/O
If you are using the Direct Drive lighting controller, the power supply
wattage must be sufficient to power both the camera and the light. The
power required by the light can be significantly more than the power
required by the smart camera.
Isolated Inputs
Caution Do not apply a voltage greater than 30 VDC to the isolated inputs. Voltages
greater than 30 VDC may damage the NI Smart Camera.
preventing ground loops that could degrade signal integrity. The isolation on the smart
camera is not safety isolation.
You can wire an isolated input to both sourcing and sinking output devices.
Refer to Figures 2-1 and 2-2 for wiring examples by output type. Refer to
Appendix A, Specifications, for current requirements.
Isolated inputs are not compatible with 5 V logic.
Sensor
Power
TrigIn+
IsoIn(0)+
PNP (Sourcing)
Output Device
IsoIn(1)+
TrigIn–
Sensor
IsoIn(0)–
IsoIn(1)–
Common
NI 17xx
Figure 2-1. Connecting External Sourcing Output Sensors to Isolated Inputs
© National Instruments Corporation
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NI 17xx Smart Camera User Manual
Chapter 2
Power and I/O
Sensor
Power
TrigIn+
IsoIn(0)+
NPN (Sinking)
Output Device
IsoIn(1)+
TrigIn–
IsoIn(0)–
IsoIn(1)–
Sensor
Common
NI 17xx
Figure 2-2. Connecting External Sinking Output Sensors to Isolated Inputs
Isolated Outputs
Caution Do not power the load connected to the isolated outputs with any external power
supply greater than 30 VDC. Voltages greater than 30 VDC may damage the NI Smart
Camera.
Caution The isolated inputs and outputs on the smart camera provide an easy means for
preventing ground loops that could degrade signal integrity. The isolation on the smart
camera is not safety isolation.
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Chapter 2
Power and I/O
The isolated outputs can be used to drive external loads, as shown in
Figures 2-3 and 2-4.
Sensor
Power
IsoOut+
Sourcing
Load
Sensor
Common
IsoOut–
NI 17xx
Figure 2-3. Connecting an Isolated Output to a Sourcing External Load
Sensor
Power
IsoOut+
IsoOut–
Sinking
Load
NI 17xx
Sensor
Common
Figure 2-4. Connecting an Isolated Output to a Sinking External Load
© National Instruments Corporation
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NI 17xx Smart Camera User Manual
Chapter 2
Power and I/O
Protecting Against Inductive Loads
When an inductive load, such as a relay or solenoid, is connected to an
output, a large counter-electomotive force may occur at switching time due
to energy stored in the inductive load. This flyback voltage can damage the
outputs and the power supply.
To limit flyback voltages at the inductive load, install a flyback diode across
the load. Mount the flyback diode as close to the load as possible. Use this
protection method if you connect any of the isolated outputs to an inductive
load.
Connecting to Serial Devices
Use the RS232_RXD and RS232_TXD signals on the POWER-I/O
connector for serial communication. Connect the RS232_RXD signal on
the NI Smart Camera to the Tx signal on your serial device. Connect the
RS232_TXD signal on the smart camera to the Rx signal on your serial
device. Connect COM on the smart camera to the ground of your serial
device.
When the CONSOLE DIP switch is in the OFF position, you can use the
NI-Serial driver for serial communication. You must install the NI-Serial
software on the smart camera; it is not installed by default. Refer to the
Serial Hardware and Software Help for information about installing the
NI-Serial software on LabVIEW Real-Time targets, such as the smart
camera. To open this document, navigate to Start»All Programs»
National Instruments»NI-Serial»NI-Serial Help.
Communicating with the Console
When the CONSOLE DIP switch is in the ON position, you can read device
information from the NI Smart Camera during startup, such as the
IP address and firmware version, through a serial port terminal program.
Ensure that the serial port terminal program is configured to the following
settings:
•
•
•
•
9,600 bits per second
Eight data bits
No parity
No flow control
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Connecting to a Quadrature Encoder
This section applies only to the following NI Smart Cameras:
•
•
NI 1742
NI 1744
•
•
NI 1762
NI 1764
Connect RS-422 compatible differential quadrature encoders to the
NI 17xx Smart Camera to provide positional information. A quadrature
encoder uses two output channels, Phase A and Phase B, to track the
position of a rotary shaft. Generally, the shaft is coupled to a motor drive
that controls the movement of an object. By providing Phase A and Phase B
signals to the smart camera, you can obtain a precise measurement of the
object position. Using a quadrature encoder gives you the ability to specify
your trigger delay in terms of positional units—such as inches or
centimeters, after applying the resolution information of your
encoder—rather than time.
National Instruments does not recommend the use of single-ended
encoders with the smart camera. This configuration would require the
ground for a single-ended encoder to be connected to the COM pin of the
smart camera, and the PhaseA– and PhaseB– signals would be left
noise that would be eliminated by using a differential encoder.
Shielded encoder cables are recommended for all applications. Unshielded
cables are more susceptible to noise and can corrupt the encoder signals.
Refer to the External Trigger section of Chapter 5, Image Acquisition,
for information about using a quadrature encoder to delay a trigger.
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Figure 2-5 shows an example of connecting the quadrature encoder
differential line drivers.
Encoder
NI 17xx
Phase A+
Phase A
Twisted
Pair
Phase A–
Phase A–
Phase B+
Phase B
Twisted
Pair
Phase B–
Phase B–
Figure 2-5. Connecting Differential Line Drivers
Figure 2-6 shows the internal quadrature encoder/RS-422 input circuit.
+3.3 V
10 kΩ
10 kΩ
10 kΩ
10 kΩ
+
–
Phase A+
Phase A–
+
–
Phase B+
Phase B–
7.5 kΩ
7.5 kΩ
7.5 kΩ
7.5 kΩ
NI 17xx
Figure 2-6. NI Smart Camera Quadrature Encoder Input Circuit
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3
NI Smart Camera Image Sensor
This chapter provides an overview of the NI Smart Camera image sensors,
field of view, spectral response, partial scan mode, binning, gain, and
hardware binarization. NI 1722/1742/1762 Smart Cameras use a VGA
sensor. NI 1744/1764 Smart Cameras use an SXGA sensor. Refer to
Appendix A, Specifications, for information about your smart camera
image sensor.
Field of View
The field of view is the area under inspection that will be imaged by the
NI Smart Camera. It is critical to ensure that the field of view of your
system includes the object you want to inspect.
To calculate the horizontal and vertical field of view (FOV) of your imaging
system, use Equation 3-1 and the specifications for the image sensor of
your smart camera, as listed in Appendix A, Specifications.
Pixel Pitch × Active Pixels × Working Distance
FOV = -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(3-1)
Focal Length
where FOV is the field of view in either the horizontal or vertical
direction,
Pixel Pitch measures the distance between the centers of adjacent
pixels in either the horizontal or vertical direction,
Active Pixels is the number of pixels in either the horizontal or
vertical direction,
Working Distance is the distance from the front element (external
glass) of the lens to the object under inspection, and
Focal Length measures how strongly a lens converges (focuses)
or diverges (diffuses) light.
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Figure 3-1 illustrates horizontal field of view and working distance.
1
2
3
1
2
Horizontal Imaging Width
Working Distance
3
Horizontal Field of View
Figure 3-1. Parameters of an Imaging System
For example, if the working distance of your imaging setup is 100 mm, and
the focal length of the lens is 8 mm, then the field of view in the horizontal
direction of a smart camera using the VGA sensor in full scan mode is
0.0074 mm × 640 × 100 mm
FOVhorizontal = -------------------------------------------------------------------- = 59.2 mm
(3-2)
8 mm
Similarly, the field of view in the vertical direction is
0.0074 mm × 480 × 100 mm
FOVvertical = -------------------------------------------------------------------- = 44.4 mm
(3-3)
8 mm
Based on the result of Equations 3-2 and/or 3-3, you can see that you might
need to adjust the various parameters in the FOV equation until you achieve
the right combination of components that match your inspection needs.
This might include increasing your working distance, choosing a lens with
a shorter focal length, or changing to a high resolution camera.
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Image Sensor Spectral Response
The spectral response curve describes the relative sensitivity of the sensor
to different wavelengths of light. The peak responsiveness of the VGA and
SXGA sensors is to light with a wavelength of approximately 500 nm.
selecting a light source to use in your application as the camera is most
sensitive at its peak responsiveness. It also helps determine what, if any,
filters your application might require to remove undesired wavelengths of
light from the scene.
Refer to Appendix A, Specifications, to find the normalized spectral
response curves for the VGA and SXGA sensors.
Partial Scan Mode
Partial scan mode is a method of obtaining higher frame rates by reading
used when an application requires higher speed but less resolution than the
sensor offers in full scan mode. The NI Smart Camera supports 1/2 scan
and 1/4 scan. In 1/2 scan, shown in Figure 3-2b, one half of the image is
read out from the center of the sensor and the rest of the image is discarded
to enable a faster start of the next frame. In 1/4 scan, only one quarter of the
image is read out. Figure 3-2 illustrates the portion of the sensor exposed
during partial scanning.
a
b
c
a
Full Scan
b
1/2 Scan
c
1/4 Scan
Figure 3-2. Partial Scan Modes
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Binning
Binning can improve the light sensitivity of the sensor by treating adjacent
pixels as a single pixel. Binning allows the image sensor to collect more
electrons per pixel, which reduces the amount of required light and
exposure time. Binning results in higher frame rates and lower spatial
resolution in the vertical direction. The NI Smart Camera supports
1 × 2 binning. Figure 3-3 illustrates what happens to the sensor output
during binning.
a
b
a
No Binning
b
Binning
Figure 3-3. Binning
Gain
Gain is a multiplier applied to the analog signal prior to digitization.
Increasing the gain increases the amplitude of the signal. Gain allows you
to trade off between making smaller signals more visible at the cost of
increased noise and no longer being able to differentiate between larger
signals. For most applications, the NI Smart Camera default gain setting
optimizes the balance between small signals and large signals.
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Figure 3-4 shows what happens when gain is applied to a signal.
255
255
255
b.
a.
c.
a
Low Gain
b
Medium Gain
c
High Gain
Figure 3-4. Effect of Gain on the Video Signal
In Figure 3-4a, low gain has been applied to the signal. The pixel values in
the image are grouped close together. In Figure 3-4b, medium gain has
been applied to the signal; there are now more notable differences in pixel
value within the image. In Figure 3-4c, high gain has been applied to the
signal; at high gain, mid-range and bright portions of the image are now
both represented as white, the highest pixel value. In Figure 3-4c, several
bright areas of the image have been clipped to the maximum pixel value,
and you can no longer distinguish subtle shading in the brightest areas of
the image.
Gain can be useful when there is not enough available light and you need
to increase the brightness of your images. However, increasing gain
multiplies both the signal and noise. When possible, it is preferable to add
additional lighting.
Hardware Binarization
The NI Smart Camera supports binarization and inverse binarization of
acquired images. Binarization and inverse binarization segment an image
into two regions—a particle region and a background region. Use
binarization and inverse binarization to isolate objects of interest in an
image.
To separate objects under consideration from the background, select a pixel
value range. This pixel value range is known as the gray-level interval, or
the threshold interval. When enabled, binarization sets all image pixels that
fall within the threshold interval to the image white value and sets all other
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image pixels to black. Pixels inside the threshold interval are considered
part of the particle region. Pixels outside the threshold interval are
considered part of the background region.
Inverse binarization reverses the assigned bit numbers of the particle region
and the background region. All pixels that belong in the threshold interval,
or the particle region, are set to black, and all pixels outside the threshold
interval, or the background region, are set to the image white value.
Figure 3-5 illustrates binarization and inverse binarization.
NORMAL
INVERSE
Sampled Data
Sampled Data
Figure 3-5. Binarization and Inverse Binarization
You can enable hardware binarization in the following ways:
•
In Vision Builder AI, configure the Lookup Table attribute on the
Advanced tab of the Acquire Image (Smart Camera) step. Refer to
the NI Vision Builder for Automated Inspection: Configuration Help
for more information.
•
In MAX, use the Lookup Table drop-down box on the LUT tab of the
smart camera configuration page to enable hardware binarization.
Refer to the Measurement & Automation Explorer Help for NI-IMAQ
for more information.
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4
Lighting
One of the most important aspects of setting up your imaging environment
is proper illumination. Images acquired under proper lighting conditions
make your image processing software development easier and overall
processing time faster. The following sections describe how to use the
Direct Drive lighting controller and the strobe outputs of the NI Smart
Camera to control a light.
Lighting Connector
Figure 4-1 shows the lighting connector on the NI Smart Camera.
Caution All signals on the lighting connector are outputs from the smart camera. Do not
connect any external voltage or current source to any pin on the lighting connector.
Note The NI 1722 does not offer the Direct Drive lighting controller. Do not connect to
the LED+ and LED– connectors on the NI 1722.
1
2
GND
3
5V
4
24V
5
1
2
3
LED– Output (Not Available on the NI 1722)
LED+ Output (Not Available on the NI 1722)
Ground Output
4
5
24 V Strobe Output
Figure 4-1. NI Smart Camera Lighting Connector
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Lighting
Note Additional/replacement plugs for use with the lighting connector, part number
780260-01, are available from NI.
Direct Drive Lighting Controller
This section applies only to the following NI Smart Cameras:
•
•
NI 1742
NI 1744
•
•
NI 1762
NI 1764
The NI Smart Camera offers an innovative lighting controller that directly
powers third-party current controlled lights. With other smart cameras,
a lighting controller that drives a light must be purchased separately.
The Direct Drive lighting controller is capable of powering a variety of
third-party lights.
For a current controlled light, higher current produces more light, up to the
maximum current rating of the light. The maximum current rating of the
light is specified by the manufacturer and based on the average amount of
power that can be safely dissipated by the light.
The Direct Drive controller can operate in continuous or strobed mode.
When operating in strobed mode, the controller can provide more current
to the light than in continuous mode. The average power dissipated while
strobing the light for a short period of time at a higher current can be
comparable to the average power dissipated while running the light
continuously at a lower current. Table 4-1 shows the maximum allowed
current for continuous mode and strobed mode.
Table 4-1. Maximum Allowed Current for Direct Drive Lighting Controller
Maximum Strobed Current
Maximum Continuous Current
1 A
500 mA
For applications with a pause between exposures while new parts move into
position, you can strobe the light, which allows the use of higher current
and produces more light; thus you can reduce the exposure time. A shorter
exposure time decreases the time it takes to acquire an image and
potentially increases the total throughput of the system. Refer to the
about exposure control.
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Lighting
The smart camera automatically synchronizes the lighting strobe with the
image sensor exposure. The smart camera always turns the light on before
an exposure starts and turns the light off once the exposure completes.
The duration of the light strobe is dictated by the exposure time. Refer to
Chapter 5, Image Acquisition, for more information.
When operating in strobed mode, it is important that the strobe duty cycle
Direct Drive lighting controller. The strobe duration is the amount of time
that the light remains on. The strobe duration limit is the maximum amount
of time that the light can remain on when being driven at the maximum
current. The duty cycle is the ratio of the strobe duration to the frame
period, expressed as a percentage. Refer to the Maximum Frame Rate
section of Chapter 5, Image Acquisition, for more information about the
frame period.
By default, you can set the exposure time to any setting within the range
supported by your smart camera. However, if the smart camera is
configured to use the Direct Drive lighting controller in strobed mode, care
the limits of the light. For your convenience, the software calculates the
resulting strobe duration and duty cycle for your configured frame rate and
exposure time. It then compares them to the limits of the Direct Drive
lighting controller and the limits specified in the associated lighting file.
Refer to the Lighting Files section of this chapter or the Maximum Frame
Rate section of Chapter 5, Image Acquisition, for more information.
If the requested exposure time violates the limits of the Direct Drive
lighting controller or the limits for your light as specified in the associated
lighting file, the smart camera can use the requested exposure time, but
requires the configured current to be at or below the maximum continuous
Caution If you are using the 5 V strobe output or the 24 V strobe output, the software does
not impose any limits on the duration or the duty cycle of the strobe output. You must
ensure that your requested exposure time and the frame rate result in duration and duty
cycle that do not violate the limits of the external controller and/or light(s). Refer to the
Maximum Frame Rate section of Chapter 5, Image Acquisition, for more information.
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Lighting Files
A lighting file is a text file that contains information about a light, such as
the type and color of the light, maximum current limit, and maximum
strobe duty cycle. Lighting files have the extension .ild. MAX and Vision
Builder AI use lighting files to ensure that the current limits and duty cycle
of your light are not exceeded when the light is used with the Direct Drive
lighting controller. Lighting files exist in four levels of certification:
•
Digitally Signed by National Instruments—The information
contained within the lighting file has been verified as correct and safe
by National Instruments. Contact National Instruments for support
regarding this lighting data file or the light to which it refers.
•
Digitally Signed by a Third-Party Company—The information
contained within the lighting file has been verified as correct and safe
by the specified third-party company. Contact the third-party company
for support regarding this lighting data file or the light to which it
refers.
•
•
Not Digitally Signed—The information contained within the lighting
file meets the requirements of Direct Drive lighting; however, it has not
been verified that the information is safe to use with the specified light.
Use this file at your own risk.
Invalid—The information contained within the lighting file is
unusable because the data does not meet the requirements of Direct
Drive lighting, the data describing the light is not in the proper syntax,
or the digital signature has been altered.
In digitally signed lighting files, the current limit and duty cycle limit are
encoded as part of the signing process. The limits in signed lighting files
are not human-readable. Modifying a signed lighting file will invalidate the
signature and render the file unusable.
To use a light that has a lighting file, you can select the lighting data in
MAX or Vision Builder AI:
•
In MAX—Select the Lighting tab of the NI Smart Camera
configuration page. Click Configure Light, and select Select Light.
•
In Vision Builder AI—Select the Lighting tab of the Acquire Image
(Smart Camera) step. Click Configure Light Source, and select
Select Light.
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To use a light that does not have a lighting file, you can enter the lighting
data manually in MAX or Vision Builder AI:
•
In MAX—Select the Lighting tab of the NI Smart Camera
configuration page. Click Configure Light, and select Enter
Lighting Data Manually.
•
In Vision Builder AI—Select the Lighting tab of the Acquire Image
(Smart Camera) step. Click Configure Light Source, and select
Enter Lighting Data Manually.
Lighting files are installed to the following locations when you install
NI-IMAQ. Xrepresents the letter of the CD drive:
•
Windows Vista—X:\Users\Public\Documents\National
Instruments\NI-IMAQ\Data
•
Windows XP/2000—X:\Documents and Settings\All Users\
Documents\National Instruments\NI-IMAQ\Data
Selecting a Light
This section applies only to the following NI Smart Cameras:
•
•
NI 1742
NI 1744
•
•
NI 1762
NI 1764
National Instruments software provides support for a variety of lights from
major machine vision lighting companies. However, if your light is not in
the list of supported lights, you may still be able to use your light with the
Direct Drive lighting controller.
To determine if your light is compatible with the NI Smart Camera, verify
the following:
•
•
The light is current controlled and not voltage controlled.
The smart camera can provide enough current to obtain the desired
illumination from the light.
•
The maximum voltage drop specified for the light does not exceed the
specified range of the smart camera. Under some circumstances, some
LEDs, particularly certain lights with white and blue LEDs, require a
higher voltage drop than usual to turn on or reach full brightness. Such
lights may be incompatible with the smart camera. These lights may
need to be reconfigured by the manufacturer to bring the voltage drop
within the specified range of the smart camera.
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•
The minimum voltage drop specified for the light does not fall below
the specified range of the smart camera. Under some circumstances
some LEDs, particularly certain lights with infrared LEDs and lights
with only one LED per string, present a lower voltage drop than usual
and may be incompatible with the smart camera. These lights may
within the specified range of the smart camera.
Note The voltage drop of a light can vary significantly with environmental conditions,
such as ambient temperature, current supplied, and strobe time.
Refer to Appendix A, Specifications, for complete specifications for the
Direct Drive lighting controller.
This section applies only to the following NI Smart Cameras:
•
•
NI 1742
NI 1744
•
•
NI 1762
NI 1764
Figure 4-2 illustrates how to connect a light to the Direct Drive lighting
controller. Do not use the GND signal when connecting a light to the Direct
Drive lighting controller.
–
+
LED
LED
Direct
Drive
LED
NI 17xx
Figure 4-2. Connecting a Light to the Direct Drive Lighting Controller
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The Direct Drive controller performs an initialization sequence to achieve
the requested current output prior to acquiring the first image. You may
notice a sequence of short flashes from the light when the application
initializes or shuts down.
External Lighting Controllers
While the Direct Drive lighting controller is designed to handle common
machine vision lighting requirements, some applications require the use of
a light with current or voltage requirements beyond those supported by the
Direct Drive. Other applications require more than one light. All NI Smart
Cameras support connections to third-party lighting controllers to solve
these applications.
The smart camera provides two types of external lighting outputs for
synchronizing third-party controllers to the exposure of the smart camera:
a 5 V TTL strobe output and a 24 V strobe output. The 5 V TTL strobe
output is available for connecting to devices that require a 5 V signal. The
24 V strobe output is powered by the voltage from the smart camera power
supply and is available for controllers that require higher voltage inputs.
The 24 V strobe output is nominally a 24 V output if 24 V power is supplied
to the smart camera.
Caution The 24 V external lighting strobe is an unregulated output dependent on the range
of the power supply provided to the smart camera. If the power provided to the smart
camera is +20%/–15% with +5% AC ripple, the output could be as high as 30 V. If the
provided power exceeds the input voltage specifications of the third-party lighting
controller, do not connect the 24 V lighting strobe output to the controller to prevent
damage to the controller. Use a power supply with tolerances that meet the requirements
of the controller, or use the 5 V external lighting strobe.
When enabled, the 5 V and 24 V external strobe outputs create a strobe
pulse that can be used as a level-sensitive signal by third-party controllers
to strobe the light simultaneously with the image exposure. Alternatively,
if the third-party lighting controller supports a programmable strobe time,
the controller can be programmed for any arbitrary strobe duration, and the
assertion edge of the smart camera output can start the strobe timer in the
controller.
not impose any limits on the duration or the duty cycle of the strobe output. You must
ensure that your requested exposure time and the frame rate result in duration and duty
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Lighting
cycle that do not violate the limits of the external controller and/or light(s). Refer to the
Maximum Frame Rate section of Chapter 5, Image Acquisition, for more information.
Enable the 5 V and 24 V lighting outputs as follows:
•
In Vision Builder AI, enable the 5 V TTL Strobe and/or 24 V Strobe
controls on the Lighting tab of the Acquire Image (Smart Camera)
step. Refer to the NI Vision Builder for Automated Inspection:
Configuration Help for more information about configuring the
5 V TTL and 24 V strobe outputs.
•
•
In LabVIEW, configure the 24V Strobe and 5V Strobe lighting
properties. Refer to the NI-IMAQ VI Reference Help for more
information about configuring the 5 V TTL and 24 V strobe outputs.
In MAX, select the 5 V TTL Strobe and/or 24 V Strobe checkboxes
the Measurement & Automation Explorer Help for NI-IMAQ for more
information about configuring the 5 V TTL and 24 V strobe outputs.
Connecting an External Lighting Controller to the NI Smart Camera
Figure 4-3 illustrates how to connect an external lighting controller to the
5 V TTL output on the NI Smart Camera.
5 V TTL Strobe Output
GND Output
External
Lighting
Controller
LED
NI 17xx
Figure 4-3. Connecting an External Lighting Controller to the 5 V TTL Strobe Output
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Figure 4-4 illustrates how to connect an external lighting controller to the
24 V output on the NI Smart Camera.
24 V Strobe Output
(~ 18 V – 30 V)
GND Output
External
Lighting
Controller
LED
NI 17xx
Figure 4-4. Connecting an External Lighting Controller to the 24 V Strobe Output
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5
Image Acquisition
This chapter contains information about acquiring images with the
NI Smart Camera and explains the relationships between triggering,
lighting, and exposure.
Exposure
The NI Smart Camera provides control of the image sensor exposure time
through software. The exposure time is the amount of time that light is
allowed to strike the sensor to produce an image. When light strikes the
surface of the sensor, it dislodges electrons. As more light strikes the
sensor, more electrons are freed, creating a charge on the sensor.
For a given amount of light, the sensor collects more charge during a longer
exposure time than a shorter exposure time. Because the charge is what is
read out to produce the image, it is important to have an optimal amount of
light and exposure time for your application.
Exposing the image sensor for too short of a time relative to the amount of
light in the environment results in a dark, low contrast image. Exposing the
image sensor for too long of a time relative to the amount of light in the
environment results in a bright, low contrast image. When the image sensor
is exposed for an appropriate amount of time relative to the light in the
environment, acquired images will exhibit appropriate contrast to easily
distinguish both dark and light features. Contrast is a key factor in obtaining
good results from image processing algorithms.
In applications where the object under inspection is moving, the exposure
the exposure, the resulting image is blurry and unsuitable for processing.
The maximum exposure time for imaging a moving object without blurring
depends on the per pixel spatial resolution and the rate of motion of the
object. The per pixel spatial resolution is the field of view, calculated in
divided by the number of pixels in the sensor. Together, this information
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can be used to calculate the maximum exposure. Assuming the object is
moving horizontally across the field of view, use Equation 5-1 to calculate
the maximum exposure time.
RHorizontal × 2
(FOVHorizontal) ⁄ (NHorizontal
Emax = ------------------------------------------------------------------------
(5-1)
)
where Emax is the maximum exposure time without blurring,
R is the rate of motion of the object either horizontally or
vertically,
FOV is the field of view in the direction of motion, and
N is the number of sensor pixels in the direction of motion
For many applications that include moving objects, additional lighting is
necessary to achieve good image contrast due to the short exposure time
required to avoid motion blur.
Additionally, in many environments, the ambient light conditions vary too
significantly to obtain consistent results without adding dedicated lighting.
For example, in a building with windows, the ambient light can vary
significantly with weather. Also, standard fluorescent lighting flickers at a
rate that is perceivable by the smart camera. In these situations, the ambient
light must be overridden with a dedicated light source to ensure
reproducible results.
Acquiring Images
You can configure the NI Smart Camera to acquire images based on
internal timing or an external trigger signal. In both cases, the smart camera
can acquire full frame images at the camera’s maximum frame rate.
If partial scanning or binning are enabled, the smart camera can acquire
images faster than the full frame maximum frame rate. Refer to the
Maximum Frame Rate section for information about factors that affect the
maximum frame rate.
Internal Timing
The NI Smart Camera features two types of internally-timed modes:
free-run mode and fixed-frame-rate mode.
In free-run mode, the smart camera acquires images at the maximum frame
rate allowed by the configuration.
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In fixed-frame-rate mode, you can specify a frame rate that is less than or
equal to the maximum frame rate by setting the Frame Rate property in
LabVIEW. Setting the Frame Rate property will implicitly take you out of
free-run mode and into fixed-frame-rate mode. To return to free-run mode,
set the Fixed-Frame-Rate Mode property in LabVIEW to FALSE.
Note Vision Builder AI and MAX do not support fixed-frame-rate mode.
External Trigger
Use the trigger input to synchronize the NI Smart Camera with an external
event, such as the assertion of a signal generated by a proximity sensor.
You can trigger the smart camera at rates up the maximum frame rate.
that affect the maximum frame rate.
To use an external trigger, the trigger signal must be provided on the
TrigIn/IsoIn(0)+ and TrigIn/IsoIn(0)– inputs to the camera and triggering
must be enabled in the software. Refer to the Isolated Inputs section of
Chapter 2, Power and I/O, for information about connecting external
signals.
You can enable triggering in the following software programs:
•
Vision Builder AI—Select the Triggered Acquisition checkbox on
the Trigger tab of the Acquire Image (Smart Camera) step.
•
•
LabVIEW—Use the IMAQ Configure Trigger 3 VI.
MAX—Select the Enable Trigger checkbox on the Triggering tab of
the smart camera configuration page.
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Figure 5-1 illustrates the relationship between an external trigger, a lighting
strobe, and the exposure time.
1
Trigger
Lighting Strobe
Exposure
Image Readout
2
3
1
2
User-Configurable Trigger Delay
Lighting Turn-On Time
3
Beginning of Image Readout
Figure 5-1. Externally Triggered Mode
The trigger shown in Figure 5-1 represents an external trigger, configured
to use the rising edge as the active edge. The time between the active edge
of the trigger and the assertion of the lighting strobe is a user-configurable
trigger delay. The trigger delay can be configured in either milliseconds or
quadrature encoder counts. The NI 1722 does not support quadrature
encoders.
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The incoming trigger is synchronized to the line rate of the smart camera.
This adds an additional delay that can vary on a frame by frame basis.
The maximum variability is shown in Table 5-1.
Table 5-1. Trigger Synchronization Variability
Smart Camera Model
Trigger Synchronization Variability
NI 1722
NI 1742
NI 1762
31.2 μs
NI 1744
NI 1764
71.6 μs
The amount of time required from the assertion of a trigger to the start of
the light strobe and image exposure varies by application. For example, if
a sensor that detects the presence of a part is positioned before the smart
camera on a conveyor belt, a trigger delay will be necessary so that the
smart camera waits to expose the image until the part to be inspected passes
in front of the smart camera. In this case, specifying the trigger delay in
terms of quadrature encoder counts allows the smart camera to expose the
changes in speed of the conveyor belt. For other applications, a delay
specified in milliseconds is sufficient.
If you are strobing a light, there is a short delay while the lighting controller
turns on the light. This delay is represented by the lighting turn-on time in
Figure 5-1. Table 5-2 lists the lighting turn-on times.
Table 5-2. Lighting Turn-On Time
Smart Camera Model
Lighting Turn-On Time
NI 1722
NI 1742
NI 1762
156 μs
NI 1744
NI 1764
143.2 μs
After the lighting turn-on time, the exposure begins. The width of the
exposure pulse determines how long the sensor is exposed. The exposure
time can be adjusted by setting the Exposure Time control in Vision
Builder AI, setting the Exposure Time property in LabVIEW, or by setting
the Exposure Time control in MAX. The lighting strobe deasserts at the
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Image Acquisition
end of the exposure pulse. The end of an exposure starts the image readout
from the sensor.
The maximum trigger rate is determined by the maximum frame rate
for your configuration. Refer to the Maximum Frame Rate section for
information about the factors that affect the maximum frame rate.
Maximum Frame Rate
Frame rate is the inverse of the frame period. The frame period is the time
from the start of exposure on one frame to the start of exposure on the next
frame, as shown in Figure 5-2.
Trigger
Exposure
Image Readout
1
1
Frame Period
The frame period is affected by the following factors:
•
Chapter 3, NI Smart Camera Image Sensor
•
Binning mode, as described in the Binning section of Chapter 3,
NI Smart Camera Image Sensor
•
•
•
Exposure time, as described in the Exposure section of this chapter
Lighting mode, as described in Chapter 4, Lighting
Trigger delay, as described in the External Trigger section of this
chapter
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Determining the Maximum Frame Rate
You can determine the maximum frame rate for your configuration in
software by reading the Max Frame Rate indicator in Vision Builder AI,
Frame Rate indicator in MAX. When external triggering is enabled, do not
trigger faster than the maximum frame rate.
Note Sending a trigger faster than the maximum frame rate will result in a missed trigger.
Use Equation 5-2 to understand how software determines the maximum
frame rate:
1
⎛
⎞
⎠
------------------------------------------
max frame rate = min max frame rate for selected scan mode,
(5-2)
⎝
min frame period
where max frame rate for selected scan mode is determined by the
partial scan mode and binning mode, as described in the
Determining the Scan Mode section, and
min frame period is the minimum amount of time for the strobe
and trigger mode, as described in the Calculating the Minimum
Frame Period section.
Determining the Scan Mode
partial scan mode and binning mode. Because the amount of data read out
of the sensor is less in 1/2 or 1/4 scan mode, the readout takes less time, and
you can achieve faster frame rates. The same is true of binning. When
frame rates. Refer to the Partial Scan Mode and Binning sections of
Chapter 3, Image Acquisition, for more information about partial scanning
and binning.
Use the maximum frame rate specifications for your smart camera in your
scan mode in Appendix A, Specifications, to determine the maximum frame
rate for selected scan mode.
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Image Acquisition
Determining the Exposure Time
The minimum frame period depends on exposure time, lighting mode, and
trigger delay.
A longer exposure time results in a longer frame period, and a slower
maximum frame rate.
Determining the Lighting Mode
If you are not strobing a light using the Direct Drive or the external strobe
outputs of the smart camera, the smart camera can expose one image while
it is reading out the previous image, allowing for the highest possible frame
rates. Figure 5-3 illustrates this relationship. The smart camera receives the
trigger for the second image while it is still reading out the first image. The
first image readout finishes before the second image readout begins.
2
Trigger
Exposure
Image Readout
1
3
1
2
Beginning of First Image Readout
Beginning of Second Image Exposure
3
Beginning of Second Image Readout
Figure 5-3. Image Acquisition Without Strobing
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When strobing is enabled, the smart camera waits until the image readout
is complete before turning on the light for the next frame, as shown in
Figure 5-4.
1
Trigger
Lighting Strobe
Exposure
Image Readout
1
Image Readout Completes Before Lighting Strobe Asserts for Next Image
Figure 5-4. Image Acquisition With Strobing
Determining the Trigger Delay
If the trigger delay is set longer than the untriggered minimum frame
the trigger delay is specified in milliseconds, the software includes this in
the calculation of the maximum frame rate indicator.
Calculating the Minimum Frame Period
Refer to Equations 5-3 and 5-4 to calculate the minimum frame period for
untriggered acquisitions with and without strobing.
min frame periodNoStrobeNoTrigger = T + L + E
(5-3)
(5-4)
min frame periodWithStrobeNoTrigger = T + L + E + R
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Refer to Equations 5-5 and 5-6 to calculate the minimum frame period for
triggered acquisitions with and without strobing.
min frame periodNoStrobeWithTrigger = max(T + L + E, Trigger Delay) (5-5)
min frame periodWithStrobeWithTrigger = max(T + L + E + R, Trigger Delay) (5-6)
where T is the trigger synchronization variability,
L is the lighting turn-on time,
E is the exposure time, and
R is the image readout duration.
Tables 5-1 and 5-2 list the values for the trigger synchronization variability
and the lighting turn-on time, respectively.
The image readout duration varies depending on the smart camera
configuration, as shown in Table 5-3.
Table 5-3. Image Readout Duration
Smart Camera Model
Full Scan
1/2 Scan
1/4 Scan
Binning
NI 1722
NI 1742
NI 1762
16.38 ms
8.86 ms
5.49 ms
8.17 ms
NI 1744
NI 1764
76.47 ms
41.38 ms
24.70 ms
38.23 ms
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6
LEDs and DIP Switches
the LED indicators and DIP switches on the NI Smart Camera.
Understanding the LED Indicators
Figure 6-1 shows the location of the LEDs on the NI Smart Camera.
FAIL
PASS
IMG ACQ
STATUS
POWER
Figure 6-1. NI Smart Camera LEDs
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LEDs and DIP Switches
While the NI Smart Camera initializes, the POWER LED lights solid green
and the STATUS, IMG ACQ, PASS, and FAIL LEDs exhibit a scrolling
pattern. When the smart camera finishes initializing, the STATUS LED
lights solid green. If the system does not initialize within the expected
period of time, the STATUS LED flashes a status code. Refer to the
STATUS LED section for information about the status codes.
The initialization scrolling pattern will last longer than usual if the smart
camera is configured to acquire an IP address from a DHCP server but no
DHCP server is available on the network. When acquiring an IP address
from a DHCP server, the smart camera waits up to 60 seconds to acquire
an IP address. If the smart camera does not receive an IP address within
60 seconds, the device automatically restarts and tries again. The smart
camera attempts to acquire an IP address from a DHCP server three times.
If after the third time the smart camera has not been assigned an IP address,
the smart camera reverts to the unconfigured state and the IP address resets
to 0.0.0.0. The STATUS LED flashes to indicate that the smart camera is
in an unconfigured state.
POWER LED
STATUS LED
The POWER LED indicates whether the power supplied to the camera is
adequate. The POWER LED is green while the camera is properly powered
on. When no power is being supplied to the NI Smart Camera, the POWER
LED is unlit. When power is first applied to the smart camera, the POWER
LED flashes red for one second while internal systems power up. If the
POWER LED stays red for longer than one second, it indicates that the
voltage is out of range.
The STATUS LED is green during normal operation. The NI Smart
Camera indicates specific conditions by flashing the STATUS LED,
as shown in Table 6-1.
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Table 6-1. STATUS LED Indications
LED
LED
Behavior
Color
Indication
Solid
Green
Green
The smart camera initialized successfully and is ready for use.
1 Flash
The smart camera IP address or software is unconfigured. The smart
camera ships from the factory unconfigured. The smart camera also
enters the unconfigured state if it is configured for DHCP and no
DHCP server is available. Use MAX or Vision Builder AI to
configure the smart camera. Refer to Getting Started with the
NI 17xx Smart Camera for information about configuring the
smart camera.
2 Flashes
Green
The smart camera detects an error in the software configuration.
The camera has automatically started up into safe mode, regardless
of the SAFE MODE DIP switch position. This usually occurs when
an attempt to upgrade the software is interrupted or if system files
are deleted from the smart camera. Reinstall software on the smart
camera. Refer to Getting Started with the NI 17xx Smart Camera for
information about installing software on the smart camera.
3 Flashes
4 Flashes
Green
Green
The smart camera is in safe mode because the SAFE MODE DIP
switch is in the ON position. Refer to the Configuring DIP Switches
section for information about the SAFE MODE DIP switch.
The smart camera has experienced two consecutive software
exceptions. The smart camera automatically restarts after an
exception. After the second exception, the smart camera remains in
the exception state, alerting you to resolve the problem. Reinstall
software on the smart camera or contact National Instruments for
assistance. Refer to Getting Started with the NI 17xx Smart Camera
for information about installing software on the smart camera.
5 Flashes
Green
The smart camera detects a critical error. Reinstall software on
the smart camera or contact National Instruments for assistance.
Refer to Getting Started with the NI 17xx Smart Camera for
information about installing software on the smart camera.
Flashing
Solid
Red
Red
The smart camera detects a software crash or hang.
Contact National Instruments for assistance.
The smart camera detects a critical firmware error. Contact National
Instruments for assistance.
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LEDs and DIP Switches
IMG ACQ LED
The IMG ACQ LED briefly lights green when an image is captured and
being continuously lit.
If the IMG ACQ LED and the FAIL LED both flash red, it indicates that
the NI Smart Camera has shut down because the maximum internal
temperature was exceeded. Refer to the Thermal Considerations section of
Chapter 8, Thermal Considerations and Mounting, for information about
measuring the temperature of the smart camera. Refer to Appendix A,
Specifications, for complete specifications.
PASS LED
FAIL LED
The PASS LED is a green LED that is user-configurable through the
IMAQ property node in LabVIEW or the Read/Write I/O step in Vision
Builder AI.
The FAIL LED is a red LED that is user-configurable through the
Builder AI.
If the IMG ACQ LED and the FAIL LED both flash red, it indicates that
the NI Smart Camera has shut down because the maximum internal
temperature was exceeded. Refer to the Thermal Considerations section of
Chapter 8, Thermal Considerations and Mounting, for information about
measuring the temperature of the smart camera. Refer to Appendix A,
Specifications, for complete temperature specifications.
Configuring DIP Switches
This section describes the SAFE MODE, IP RESET, NO APP, and
CONSOLE DIP switches on the NI Smart Camera. To turn on a DIP
switch, lift the DIP switch cover and move the switch to the ON position.
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SAFE MODE Switch
To start the NI Smart Camera in safe mode, move the SAFE MODE switch
to the ON position and reapply power or restart the smart camera. If the
switch is in the ON position when the smart camera starts, the smart camera
launches only the essential services required for updating configuration
information and installing software. The LabVIEW Real-Time engine does
not launch. Use safe mode to reconfigure the smart camera TCP/IP settings,
update firmware, and to install or update the software on the smart camera.
ON
If the software on the smart camera is corrupted, start the smart camera in
safe mode and update the software. To resume normal operations, move the
SAFE MODE switch to the OFF position and reapply power or restart the
smart camera. Refer to Getting Started with the NI 17xx Smart Camera for
information about updating the software on the smart camera.
The STATUS LED flashes green three times when the smart camera is in
safe mode. Keep the SAFE MODE switch in the OFF position during
normal operation.
IP RESET Switch
To clear the NI Smart Camera IP settings, move the IP RESET switch to
the ON position and reapply power or restart the smart camera. Use the
IP RESET switch to reset the TCP/IP settings when moving the camera
from one subnet to another or when the current TCP/IP settings are
otherwise invalid.
ON
Starting the smart camera with the IP RESET switch in the ON position
resets the IP address to 0.0.0.0. Once you have reset the IP address,
you can set up a new network configuration for the smart camera from a
development machine on the same subnet, or you can use an Ethernet cable
to connect the smart camera directly to the development computer. Refer to
Getting Started with the NI 17xx Smart Camera for information about
assigning an IP address to the smart camera.
To resume normal operations, move the IP RESET switch to the OFF
position and reapply power or restart the smart camera. Keep the IP RESET
switch in the OFF position during normal operation.
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LEDs and DIP Switches
NO APP Switch
Move the NO APP switch to the ON position to prevent a startup
application from running when the NI Smart Camera powers on. If you
want to permanently disable the application from running when the smart
camera powers on, you can disable the startup application in software.
ON
To automatically run an application when the smart camera powers on,
keep the NO APP switch in the OFF position. You must configure the
application in software to automatically run when the smart camera powers
on. Refer to the LabVIEW Real-Time Module Help for more information
about automatically launching VIs when the smart camera powers on.
Refer to the NI Vision Builder for Automated Inspection: Configuration
Help for more information about configuring remote target options.
Keep the NO APP switch in the OFF position during normal operation.
CONSOLE Switch
With a serial port terminal program, you can use the CONSOLE switch to
read device information from the NI Smart Camera during startup, such as
the IP address and firmware version. When the CONSOLE switch is in the
ON position, the serial port outputs device information and is not available
for applications. The smart camera reads this switch only when powering
up or restarting and will only display device information during startup.
ON
camera serial port and NI-Serial driver software to send and receive serial
data. The NI-Serial software is installed when you install NI-IMAQ. When
using the NI-Serial driver, keep the CONSOLE switch in the OFF position
during normal operation.
Refer to the Connecting to Serial Devices section of Chapter 2, Power and
I/O, for more information about using serial communication with the smart
camera.
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7
Ethernet Ports
This chapter provides information about the Ethernet ports and Ethernet
LEDs on the NI Smart Camera and considerations for assigning an
IP address.
The Ethernet ports on the smart camera provide a connection between the
smart camera and the development computer or other network devices. The
smart camera provides two 10/100/1,000 Mbps Ethernet ports. Figure 7-2
shows the Ethernet ports on the smart camera.
1
1
2
2
1
Port 1
2
Port 2
Figure 7-1. NI Smart Camera Ethernet Ports
Port 1 is the primary port and port 2 is the secondary port. The primary port
can be configured to acquire an IP address from a DHCP server. The
secondary port can only be configured for a static IP address.
Both Ethernet ports of the smart camera can connect to a 10, 100, or
1,000 Mbps (1 Gbps) Ethernet network at either full or half duplex. The
smart camera automatically detects the speed and duplex capabilities of its
link partner and configures for the fastest common interface. The smart
camera can also perform auto-crossover, allowing the use of straight or
crossover Ethernet cables, independent of the connection configuration.
When shielded Ethernet cables are being used, ensure that the shields on the
Ethernet cables and the POWER-I/O cable do not contact each other to
maintain full Ethernet signal integrity.
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Ethernet Ports
Note A CAT 5e or CAT 6 1000Base-T Ethernet cable is required to achieve maximum
1,000 Mbps (Gigabit) Ethernet performance. CAT 5e and CAT 6 Ethernet cables adhere to
higher electrical standards required for Gigabit Ethernet communication. CAT 5 cables are
not guaranteed to meet necessary electrical requirements. While CAT 5 cables may appear
errors resulting in degraded or unreliable network performance.
Ethernet LEDs
Figure 7-2 shows the Ethernet LEDs on the NI Smart Camera.
1
2
1
2
3
4
1
2
Port 1 ACTIVITY/LINK LED
Port 1 SPEED LED
3
4
Port 2 ACTIVITY/LINK LED
Port 2 SPEED LED
Figure 7-2. NI Smart Camera Ethernet LEDs
ACTIVITY/LINK LED
The ACTIVITY/LINK LED indicates whether a link is established
between the NI Smart Camera and the device connected at the other end of
the Ethernet cable. The LED is unlit when no cable is connected or if the
smart camera or the device connected at the other end of the cable are
powered down. The LED is solid green when a link is established, but there
is no traffic activity on the link. The LED will flash green when there is
traffic activity on the link. If the smart camera is connected to a corporate
network, traffic that is not related to the smart camera traffic will often be
present on the link. In dedicated links between a computer and the smart
camera, typically the only traffic on the link will be the communication
between the computer and the smart camera.
SPEED LED
The SPEED LED indicates the speed of the negotiated link. The NI Smart
Camera supports 10 Mbps, 100 Mbps, and 1,000 Mbps (1 Gbps) links, and
will automatically select the highest speed shared by the smart camera and
the device it is connected to. The SPEED LED follows the behavior
specified in Table 7-1.
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Ethernet Ports
Table 7-1. SPEED LED Behavior
SPEED LED Behavior
Off
Indication
No link or a 10 Mbps link is negotiated
A 100 Mbps link is negotiated
Solid Green
Solid Amber
A 1,000 Mbps link is negotiated
DHCP and Static IP Address Assignment
You must configure the IP settings for the NI Smart Camera prior to use.
You can assign a static IP address or, if your network has a DHCP server,
you can use a DHCP server to assign an IP address. If you do not know
whether you should assign a static IP address or use a DHCP server to
assign an IP address, assign a static IP address or contact your network
administrator.
DCHP IP address assignment is only available for port 1. Static IP address
assignment is available on both ports.
For information about assigning an IP address to the smart camera, refer to
Getting Started with the NI 17xx Smart Camera.
The advantage of using a DHCP server to assign an IP address is that the
DHCP server manages the IP addresses of the network. You do not need to
know the IP address of the smart camera. Also, the DHCP server does not
allow other devices to use the IP address that is already assigned to your
smart camera.
Although using a DHCP server makes configuring an IP address easy,
configuring a static IP address can be more reliable. Consider the following
potential issues before using a DHCP server to assign an IP address to the
smart camera:
•
If the network has both static IP addresses and IP addresses managed
by a DHCP server, the DHCP server must be configured to not use
reserved static IP addresses. If the DHCP server is not configured this
way, the DHCP server can assign a reserved IP address to another
device, causing address conflicts on the network, which results in some
devices being unreachable.
•
When a smart camera configured for DHCP starts, it must be able
to connect to the DHCP server. If a smart camera was previously
configured to use a DHCP server and the smart camera cannot connect
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Ethernet Ports
to the DHCP server, the smart camera does not appear in MAX or
Vision Builder AI. The IP address must to be reconfigured before you
can use the smart camera.
Firewall Considerations
If you are having difficulty detecting the system and setting up the NI Smart
Camera on your network, you must configure the firewall to open the
TCP/UDP ports used by the smart camera and the host machine. The smart
camera uses the ports listed in Table 7-2.
Table 7-2. TCP/UDP Ports Used by the NI Smart Camera
Port
Type
Details
3580
TCP/UDP Reserved as nati-svrloc (NAT-ServiceLocator). Used by Measurement
& Automation Explorer (MAX) to locate remote targets.
7749
7750
3363
TCP
TCP
Used for remote image display (not reserved).
Used for NI-IMAQ remote configuration (not reserved).
TCP/UDP Reserved as nati-vi-server (NATI VI Server). Used by Vision Builder
for Automated Inspection to configure a remote NI Smart Camera.
Subnet Considerations
To configure the NI Smart Camera, it must reside on the same subnet as the
development computer. If you want to use the smart camera on a subnet
other than the one the development computer is on, first connect and
configure the smart camera on the same subnet as the host computer.
The first time you configure the smart camera, you must also install
software on it. After configuring the smart camera, use DHCP to assign an
IP address or reassign a static IP address for the subnet where you want the
smart camera to reside, then physically move the smart camera to the other
subnet. Refer to Getting Started with the NI 17xx Smart Camera for more
information about configuring the smart camera.
Contact your network administrator if you need assistance configuring the
host computer and smart camera on the same subnet.
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8
Thermal Considerations and Mounting
This chapter contains information about the operating temperature of the
NI Smart Camera and provides the information necessary to create a
custom mount for the smart camera.
Thermal Considerations
The NI Smart Camera can operate in environments with ambient
temperatures ranging from 0 to 45 °C. The maximum housing temperature
of the smart camera is 65 °C. Refer to Appendix A, Specifications, for
complete specifications. Figure 8-1 shows the location to take temperature
measurements on the smart camera.
1
-
+
GND
5V
24V
NI 17XX SMART CAMERA
1
Region to Measure NI Smart Camera Housing Temperature
Figure 8-1. Measuring the NI Smart Camera Housing Temperature
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Chapter 8
Thermal Considerations and Mounting
Operating the smart camera above the specified ambient temperature or
above the specified case temperature will degrade image quality and can
cause permanent damage to the device.
The smart camera also has a internal temperature sensor that provides an
internal temperature measurement. You can monitor the temperature sensor
from LabVIEW using the Status Information»Temperature property
from the IMAQ property node.
If the internal temperature sensor reads 70 °C or more, the smart camera
immediately halts operation and becomes unresponsive. The IMG ACQ
LED and the FAIL LED flash red. You must remove and reapply power to
the smart camera to recover from this condition.
To maximize the cooling efficiency of the smart camera, mount it to a
thermally conductive structure, as specified in the Mounting the NI Smart
Camera section.
Mounting the NI Smart Camera
Caution If you choose not to mount the NI Smart Camera to a thermally conductive
structure, do not position the smart camera with the heat sinks resting on any surface.
Doing so may violate the thermal requirements of the smart camera and cause the smart
camera to overheat. Refer to Appendix A, Specifications, for temperature specifications.
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Figures 8-2 through 8-5 provide the dimensional drawings necessary to
create a custom mount for the smart camera.
95.75 mm
(3.770 in.)
47.00 mm
(1.850 in.)
60.58 mm 85.80 mm
(2.385 in.) (3.378 in.)
23.50 mm
(0.925 in.)
Optical Axis
24.25 mm
(0.955 in.)
Optical Axis
Figure 8-2. Back View of the NI Smart Camera with Dimensions
30.89 mm
(1.216 in.)
32.80 mm
(1.291 in.)
38.91 mm
(1.532 in.)
Figure 8-3. Front View of the NI Smart Camera with Dimensions
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Thermal Considerations and Mounting
117.66 mm
(4.632 in.)
44.14 mm
(1.738 in.)
50.62 mm
(1.993 in.)
Figure 8-4. Side View of the NI Smart Camera with Dimensions
33.12 mm
(1.304 in.)
20.71 mm
(0.815 in.)
21.41 mm
(0.843 in.)
24.78 mm
(0.975 in.)
25.45 mm
(1.002 in.)
27.86 mm
(1.097 in.)
13.84 mm
(0.545 in.)
Optical Axis
Figure 8-5. Bottom View of the NI Smart Camera with Dimensions
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A
Specifications
The following specifications apply to the NI 1722/1742/1744/1762/1764
Smart Camera. These specifications are typical at 25 °C, unless otherwise
stated.
Power Requirements
Power consumption
NI 1722 ........................................... 24 VDC, +20%/–15%
(IEC 1311); 450 mA
NI 1742/1744/1762/1764
Direct Drive disabled............... 24 VDC, +20%/–15%
(IEC 1311); 450 mA
Direct Drive enabled................ 24 VDC, +20%/–15%
(IEC 1311); 800 mA
Reverse polarity protection .................... Yes
Memory
SDRAM ................................................. 128 MB
Nonvolatile program/data memory ........ 128 MB
Image/data storage ................................. Unlimited using FTP or
an Ethernet hard drive
Processor
NI 1722 .................................................. Freescale PowerQUICC II Pro
400 MHz
NI 1742/1744 ......................................... Freescale PowerQUICC II Pro
533 MHz
NI 1762/1764 ......................................... Freescale PowerQUICC II Pro
533 MHz and Texas Instruments
DSP 720 MHz
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Appendix A
Specifications
VGA Sensor (NI 1722/1742/1762 Only)
Sensor .....................................................Sony CCD ICX424AL
Active pixels (VGA)
Full scan...........................................640 × 480
1/2 scan............................................640 × 240
1/4 scan............................................640 × 120
Binning (1 × 2) ................................640 × 240
Pixel size.................................................7.4 μm × 7.4 μm
Pixel pitch for field of view calculation
Full scan, 1/2 scan, 1/4 scan............7.4 μm horizontal,
7.4 μm vertical
Binning (1 × 2) ................................7.4 μm horizontal,
14.8 μm vertical
Maximum frame rate1
Full scan...........................................Up to 60 fps
1/2 scan............................................Up to 109 fps
1/4 scan............................................Up to 175 fps
Binning (1 × 2) ................................Up to 114 fps
Optical format.........................................1/3 in.
Sensor readout ........................................Progressive scan
Bits per pixel...........................................8 bits; 256 gray levels
Minimum exposure time.........................36.28 μs
Exposure time increment........................31.2 μs
1
Refer to the Maximum Frame Rate section of Chapter 5, Image Acquisition, for more information about calculating the
maximum frame rate for your application.
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Appendix A
Specifications
Spectral characteristics........................... Refer to Figure A-1
1.0
0.9
0.8
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0
400
500
600
700
800
900
1000
Wavelength (nm)
Figure A-1. VGA Sensor Spectral Response Curve
Gamma................................................... 1.0 fixed
SXGA Sensor (NI 1744/1764 Only)
Sensor..................................................... Sony CCD ICX205AL
Active pixels (SXGA)
Full scan.......................................... 1,280 × 1,024
1/2 scan ........................................... 1,280 × 512
1/4 scan ........................................... 1,280 × 256
Binning (1 × 2)................................ 1,280 × 512
Pixel size ................................................ 4.65 μm × 4.65 μm
Pixel pitch
Full scan, 1/2 scan, 1/4 scan ........... 4.65 μm horizontal,
4.65 μm vertical
Binning (1 × 2)................................ 4.65 μm horizontal,
9.3 μm vertical
© National Instruments Corporation
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Appendix A
Specifications
Maximum frame rate1
Full scan...........................................Up to 13 fps
1/2 scan............................................Up to 23 fps
1/4 scan............................................Up to 39 fps
Binning (1 × 2) ................................Up to 26 fps
Optical format.........................................1/2 in.
Sensor readout ........................................Progressive scan
Bits per pixel...........................................8 bits; 256 gray levels
Minimum exposure time.........................76.68 μs
Exposure time increment........................71.6 μs
Spectral characteristics ...........................Refer to Figure A-2
1.0
0.9
0.8
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0
400
500
600
700
800
900
1000
Wavelength (nm)
Figure A-2. SXGA Sensor Spectral Response Curve
Gamma....................................................1.0 fixed
1
Refer to the Maximum Frame Rate section of Chapter 5, Image Acquisition, for more information about calculating the
maximum frame rate for your application.
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Appendix A
Specifications
Lighting
Direct Drive lighting controller (NI 1742/1744/1762/1764 Only)
Maximum current ........................... 500 mA continuous; 1 A strobed
Minimum current ............................ 50 mA
Light requirements
Maximum voltage drop across
LED+/LED– terminals ............ 30 V, with 10% input power
supply 25 V, with +20%/–15%
input power supply
Minimum voltage drop across
LED+/LED– terminals ............ 7 V
Strobe frequency............................. Operating frame rate
Maximum strobe duty cycle ........... 45%
5 V external strobe
Polarity............................................ Programmable
Strobe frequency............................. Operating frame rate
V
V
OH minimum................................. 3.8 V
OL maximum................................. 0.55 V
I
OH maximum.................................. –12 mA
OL maximum .................................. 12 mA
I
24 V external strobe
Polarity............................................ Active high
Strobe frequency............................. Operating frame rate
ON state
Voltage..................................... Unregulated output drawn from
the smart camera power supply
Current..................................... 16 mA, maximum
OFF state
Voltage..................................... Not driven
Current..................................... Not applicable
Network
Network interface................................... Ethernet
Ports ....................................................... 2
© National Instruments Corporation
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Appendix A
Specifications
Speed ......................................................10; 100; 1,000 Mbps
Duplex ....................................................Full, half
Speed autodetection................................Yes
Duplex autodetection..............................Yes
Auto MDI/MDI-X correction .................Yes
DHCP Support........................................Port 1 only
Serial
Baud rates ...............................................Up to 230.4 Kbps
Default baud rate .............................9,600 bps
Hardware flow control............................No
Optically Isolated Inputs and Outputs
Isolated Inputs
Channels .................................................2
Input type................................................Sinking/sourcing, both inputs
must have the same configuration
Digital logic levels
OFF state
Input current.............................0 mA to 0.1 mA
Input voltage.............................0 V to 1 V
ON state
Input current.............................3 mA to 5.4 mA
Input voltage.............................20 V to 30 V
Minimum pulse width.............................1 ms
Isolated Outputs
Channels .................................................2
Output type .............................................Sinking/sourcing,
independently configurable
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Appendix A
Specifications
External load power supply range.......... 19 V to 30 V
Output current ........................................ 100 mA, maximum per channel
Quadrature Encoder (NI 1742/1744/1762/1764 Only)
Encoder type .......................................... Differential, RS-422;
phase A/phase B, no index
Physical Characteristics
Lens mount............................................. C-mount
Camera housing...................................... Painted die-cast aluminium
Dimensions............................................. 11.77 cm × 8.58 cm × 5.06 cm
(4.63 in. × 3.38 in. × 1.99 in.)
Weight.................................................... 525 g (18.52 oz)
Environmental
The NI Smart Camera is intended for indoor use only.
Operating temperature
Ambient temperature ...................... 0 to 45 °C
Maximum camera
housing temperature........................ 65 °C
Humidity ................................................ 10% to 90% RH, noncondensing
IP rating.................................................. 40
Pollution degree ..................................... 2
Operating shock (IEC 60068-2-27)........ 50 g, 3 ms half sine, 18 shocks at
6 orientations; 30 g, 11 ms half
sine, 18 shocks at 6 orientations
Operating vibration
Random (IEC 60068-2-34) ............. 10 Hz to 500 Hz, 10 Grms,
100 min per axis
Swept sine (IEC 60068-2-6) ........... 10 Hz to 500 Hz, 10 g
Approved at altitudes up to 2,000 m.
© National Instruments Corporation
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NI 17xx Smart Camera User Manual
Appendix A
Specifications
Safety
The NI Smart Camera meets the requirements of the following standards
for safety and electrical equipment for measurement, control, and
laboratory use:
•
•
IEC 61010-1, EN 61010-1
UL 61010-1, CSA 61010-1
Note For UL and other safety certifications, refer to the product label or visit ni.com/
certification, search by model number or product line, and click the appropriate link
in the Certification column.
Electromagnetic Compatibility
The NI Smart Camera meets the following standards of EMC for electrical
equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use:
•
•
•
EN 61326 EMC requirements; Minimum Immunity
EN 55011 Emissions; Group 1, Class A
CE, C-Tick, ICES, and FCC Part 15 Emissions; Class A
Note For full EMC compliance, operate this device with shielded cabling.
CE Compliance
The NI Smart Camera meets the essential requirements of applicable
European Directives, as amended for CE marking, as follows:
•
•
2006/95/EC; Low-Voltage Directive (safety)
2004/108/EC; Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (EMC)
Note Refer to the Declaration of Conformity (DoC) for this product for any additional
regulatory compliance information. To obtain the DoC for this product, visit ni.com/
certification, search by model number or product line, and click the appropriate link
in the Certification column.
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Appendix A
Specifications
Environmental Management
National Instruments is committed to designing and manufacturing
products in an environmentally responsible manner. NI recognizes that
eliminating certain hazardous substances from our products is beneficial
not only to the environment but also to NI customers.
For additional environmental information, refer to the NI and the
Environment Web page at ni.com/environment. This page contains the
environmental regulations and directives with which NI complies, as well
as other environmental information not included in this document.
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)
EU Customers At the end of their life cycle, all products must be sent to a WEEE recycling
center. For more information about WEEE recycling centers and National Instruments
WEEE initiatives, visit ni.com/environment/weee.htm.
⬉ᄤֵᙃѻક∵ᶧ
ࠊ ㅵ⧚ࡲ ⊩ ˄Ё ˅
RoHS
Ёᅶ᠋
݇Ѣ
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ࠊ Փ⫼ᶤѯ᳝ᆇ⠽䋼ᣛҸ DŽ
National Instruments
National Instruments
(RoHS)
Ё
ড়㾘ᗻֵᙃˈ䇋ⱏᔩ ni.com/environment/rohs_chinaDŽ
RoHS
ni.com/environment/rohs_china
(For information about China RoHS compliance, go to
.)
© National Instruments Corporation
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NI 17xx Smart Camera User Manual
B
Troubleshooting
This appendix provides instructions for troubleshooting the NI Smart
Camera.
Configuration Problems
The NI Smart Camera Does Not Appear in MAX or Vision Builder AI
Possible causes and solutions:
•
•
•
The smart camera may not be powered. Verify that there is power to
the smart camera and that both the smart camera and the development
should be lit green and the ACTIVITY/LINK LED should flash green
when refreshing the list of devices in MAX or Vision Builder AI.
The smart camera may have been configured on another network
subnet and then moved to the current network subnet. Reconfigure
the smart camera on the current network. Refer to the Subnet
Considerations section of Chapter 7, Ethernet Ports, for more
information.
Another device on the network is using the IP address assigned to the
smart camera. This can happen when you assign the same static IP to
available for DHCP use on your network, or the DHCP server assigns
the same IP address to another device. Either remove or reconfigure
the other device, or reconfigure the smart camera to use a different
IP address by moving the IP RESET DIP switch to the ON position
and reapplying power or restarting the smart camera. Refer to the
for more information.
•
You are experiencing firewall issues. If you are having difficulty
detecting the system and setting up the NI Smart Camera on your
network, you must configure the firewall to open the TCP/UDP ports
Considerations section of Chapter 7, Ethernet Ports, for more
information about TCP/UDP ports.
© National Instruments Corporation
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Appendix B
Troubleshooting
•
The cable you are using may be inappropriate for the speed of your
network, causing network communication dropout. While 1,000 Mbps
communication over short cables lengths can be achieved with the
CAT5 cable commonly used for 10 and 100 Mbps, CAT5e and CAT6
cables are more reliable and recommended for 1,000 Mbps links. The
smart camera has the ability to perform auto-crossover, allowing the
use of straight or crossover Ethernet cables, independent of the
connection configuration.
The NI Smart Camera Restarts Unexpectedly
Possible causes and solutions:
•
The smart camera is configured to acquire an IP address from a DHCP
server, but no DHCP server is available on the network. When the
smart camera is configured to acquire an IP address from a DHCP
server, it waits for up to 60 seconds for the IP address to be acquired
successfully. If the smart camera does not receive an IP address within
60 seconds, it restarts and attempts to acquire an IP address again.
After three unsuccessful attempts to acquire an IP address from a
DHCP server, the smart camera restarts and enters an unconfigured
state. In the unconfigured state, the smart camera has an IP address of
0.0.0.0and only limited software loads.
In the unconfigured state, the smart camera has network connectivity.
If the smart camera is on the same subnet as the host computer, then
refreshing the list of remote devices in MAX or Vision Builder AI will
cause the smart camera to appear with an IP address of 0.0.0.0. Use
MAX or Vision Builder AI to reconfigure the smart camera IP address,
then restart the smart camera.
Refer to Getting Started with the NI 17xx Smart Camera for more
information about assigning an IP address to the smart camera.
•
•
The smart camera has detected an error in the software configuration
and automatically restarted into safe mode, independent of the state of
the SAFE MODE DIP switch. This usually occurs when an attempt to
upgrade the software is interrupted or if system files are deleted from
the smart camera by the user. Reinstall software on the smart camera.
Refer to Getting Started with the NI 17xx Smart Camera for
information about installing software on the smart camera.
The smart camera experienced two consecutive software exceptions.
The smart camera automatically restarts after an exception. After the
second exception, the smart camera remains in the exception state,
alerting you to resolve the problem. To correct this issue, reinstall
software on the smart camera. Refer to Getting Started with the
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Appendix B
Troubleshooting
NI 17xx Smart Camera for information about installing software on
the smart camera or contact National Instruments for assistance.
•
•
In the event that the Direct Drive lighting controller detects an
abnormal load condition, such as a short circuit on the LED+ output,
the smart camera stops image acquisition and returns an error. The
Direct Drive stops providing current to the light, and the smart camera
may restart. Ensure that your lighting wire connections are correct
and/or reconfigure your lighting settings in MAX or Vision Builder AI.
The voltage drop of the light may have exceeded the maximum voltage
drop of a light can vary significantly with environmental conditions,
such as temperature, current, and strobe time. Verify that the voltage
drop across the LED+ and LED– terminals is within the specified
range of the smart camera. Your light may need to be reconfigured by
the manufacturer to bring the voltage drop within the specified range
of the smart camera. Refer to Appendix A, Specifications, for more
information.
•
The smart camera ran out of memory. The reason may be that acquired
images are still in memory. When developing applications with
LabVIEW, use the IMAQ Dispose VI to destroy an image and free the
space it occupied in memory. This VI is required for each image
created in an application to free the memory allocated to the IMAQ
Create VI. Execute the IMAQ Dispose VI only when the image is no
longer needed in your application. You can configure the IMAQ
Dispose VI to free memory for each call to the IMAQ Create VI or just
once for all images created using the IMAQ Create VI.
Run-Time Problems
The NI Smart Camera is Unresponsive and Blinks the IMG ACQ and
FAIL LEDs
The smart camera maximum internal temperature was exceeded. Complete
the following steps to verify that the ambient and enclosure temperatures
are within specifications.
1. Measure the ambient temperature and verify that it is within
specifications.
Note If the smart camera is mounted within an enclosure, the ambient temperature of the
camera is the temperature inside the enclosure, which can be notably warmer than the
ambient temperature outside the enclosure.
© National Instruments Corporation
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Appendix B
Troubleshooting
indicated in Figure 8-1, Measuring the NI Smart Camera Housing
You must remove power, bring the temperature within specifications, and
reapply power to the smart camera to recover from this condition. Refer to
the Thermal Considerations section of Chapter 8, Thermal Considerations
and Mounting, for information about measuring the temperature of the
smart camera. Refer to Appendix A, Specifications, for complete
temperature specifications.
Lighting Problems
The Light Does Not Illuminate When Using the Direct Drive Controller
In the event that your light does not illuminate, verify the following:
•
That your NI Smart Camera supports the Direct Drive lighting
controller. Refer to the Direct Drive Lighting Controller section of
Chapter 4, Lighting, for a list of smart cameras that support the Direct
Drive lighting controller.
•
•
The light is wired with the correct polarity, LED+ pin to the anode and
LED– pin to cathode.
You have properly configured the maximum light settings in MAX or
Vision Builder AI. For safety reasons, the default configuration of the
smart camera does not enable lighting until you configure the
maximum lighting current settings that are appropriate for your light.
•
•
You have enabled the Direct Drive lighting controller in MAX or
The smart camera is receiving a trigger if you have configured the
smart camera for triggering in MAX or Vision Builder AI. This can be
verified by checking that the IMG ACQ LED on the smart camera
illuminates when a trigger is provided on the TrigIn+/IsoIn(0)+ and
TrigIn–/IsoIn(0)– pins. If you are not receiving a trigger, refer to the
No Trigger is Received troubleshooting section.
•
There is a short circuit wiring condition. If the smart camera detects a
short circuit wiring condition, it will disable the Direct Drive until the
condition is cleared and the acquisition is reinitialized.
In the event that the Direct Drive lighting controller detects an
abnormal load condition, such as a short circuit on the LED+ output,
the smart camera stops image acquisition and returns an error. The
Direct Drive stops providing current to the light, and the smart camera
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Appendix B
Troubleshooting
may restart. Ensure that your lighting wire connections are correct
and/or reconfigure your lighting settings in MAX or Vision Builder AI.
•
You have requested an amount of current within the specified range
of the smart camera and within the maximum lighting current settings
you configured in MAX or Vision Builder AI. If your application
requests more current than either of these two options, the smart
camera disables the Direct Drive until an allowable current level is
requested and the acquisition is reinitialized.
If you are strobing, the on time required to illuminate for your
requested exposure time plus the lighting turn-on time does not exceed
the maximum allowed strobe duration. Refer to Chapter 5, Image
Acquisition, for more information.
•
•
•
If you are strobing, the duty cycle does not exceed the maximum
allowed duty cycle at your requested frame rate. Refer to Chapter 5,
Image Acquisition, for more information.
The on voltage of the light is within the specifications of the Direct
Drive lighting controller. Refer to Appendix A, Specifications, for
more information.
The voltage drop of the light may have exceeded the maximum voltage
drop of a light can vary significantly with environmental conditions,
such as temperature, current, and strobe time. Verify that the voltage
drop across the LED+ and LED– terminals is within the specified
range of the smart camera. Your light may need to be reconfigured by
the manufacturer to bring the voltage drop within the specified range
of the smart camera. Refer to Appendix A, Specifications, for more
information.
There is No External Lighting Strobe
Possible causes and solutions:
•
If you have configured the NI Smart Camera for triggering in MAX or
Vision Builder AI, verify that the smart camera is receiving a trigger.
This can be verified by checking that the IMG ACQ LED on the smart
camera illuminates when a trigger is provided on the TrigIn+/IsoIn(0)+
and TrigIn–/IsoIn(0)– pins. If you are not receiving a trigger, refer to
the No Trigger is Received troubleshooting section.
•
If you are using the 24 V strobe output, verify that there is enough time
between frames for the strobe output to fully turn off before being
re-enabled. The required time will vary with the load conditions, but is
typically a few milliseconds. If a faster response is necessary, use the
5 V strobe output.
© National Instruments Corporation
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Appendix B
Troubleshooting
•
Make sure that you have enabled the corresponding external lighting
strobe in MAX or Vision Builder AI. Complete one of the following
procedures to enable the correct lighting strobe.
MAX
1. Launch MAX.
2. In the Configuration tree, expand Devices and Interfaces.
3. Expand NI-IMAQ Devices.
4. Expand the smart camera you are using.
5. Select the channel you are using.
6. Select the Lighting tab.
7. Select the appropriate strobe from the External Strobe Generation
control.
Vision Builder AI
1. Launch Vision Builder AI.
2. In the Acquire Image (Smart Camera) step, select the Lighting tab.
3. Select the appropriate strobe from the External Strobe Generation
control.
Triggering Problems
No Trigger is Received
If you are not receiving a trigger, verify the following:
•
•
The trigger is wired to the TrigIn+/IsoIn(0)+ and TrigIn–/IsoIn(0)–
signals.
If TrigIn/IsoIn(0) and IsoIn(1) are both being used, that the devices
they are connected to are either both sinking (NPN) or both sourcing
(PNP).
•
Chapter 2, Power and I/O, for information about connecting isolated
inputs.
The sensor power supply is of appropriate voltage for interfacing to
NI Smart Camera isolated inputs. Refer to the Isolated Inputs section
of Chapter 2, Power and I/O, for information about isolated inputs.
Refer to Appendix A, Specifications, for complete specifications.
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Appendix B
Troubleshooting
•
You configured the device in MAX or Vision Builder AI to expect a
trigger. Refer to the External Trigger section of Chapter 5, Image
Acquisition, for information about configuring an external trigger.
LED Error Indications
STATUS LED Error Conditions
The NI Smart Camera indicates specific error conditions by flashing the
STATUS LED a specific number of times. Refer to the STATUS LED
section of Chapter 6, LEDs and DIP Switches, for the STATUS LED
flashing sequences and the corresponding error condition.
POWER LED is Not Lit When the NI Smart Camera is Powered On
If the power supply is properly connected to the smart camera, but the
POWER LED does not light up, check that the power supply is 24 V
+20%/–15% and within the specifications outlined in Appendix A,
Specifications. Verify that the power supply can supply enough current for
the smart camera model in use. Using a power supply that is not within
these specifications might result in an unresponsive or unstable system and
could damage the smart camera.
Caution The 24 V external lighting strobe is an unregulated output dependent on the range
of the power supply provided to the smart camera. If the power provided to the smart
camera is +20%/–15% with +5% AC ripple, the output could be as high as 30 V. If the
provided power exceeds the input voltage specifications of the third-party lighting
controller, do not connect the 24 V lighting strobe output to the controller to prevent
damage to the controller. Use a power supply with tolerances that meet the requirements
of the controller, or use the 5 V external lighting strobe.
© National Instruments Corporation
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C
Maintenance
Do not touch the CCD sensor by hand or with other objects. The sensor
can be damaged by electrostatic discharge (ESD), body oils, and particulate
matter.
Use a lens mount cover whenever a lens is not mounted on the camera to
protect the sensor from dust and dirt.
Avoid drastic temperature changes to prevent dew condensation.
When necessary, use the following procedure to clean the sensor at a
workstation equipped with anti-ESD facilities. If dust sticks to the CCD,
first attempt to blow it off from the side of the sensor using ionized air.
If oils are present on the sensor, clean the sensor with a cotton bud and ethyl
alcohol. Be careful not to scratch the glass. Use only one pass over the glass
per cotton bud to minimize the risk of recontamination and scratching.
© National Instruments Corporation
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NI 17xx Smart Camera User Manual
D
Technical Support and
Professional Services
Visit the following sections of the award-winning National Instruments
Web site at ni.comfor technical support and professional services:
•
Support—Technical support resources at ni.com/supportinclude
the following:
–
Self-Help Technical Resources—For answers and solutions,
visit ni.com/supportfor software drivers and updates, a
searchable KnowledgeBase, product manuals, step-by-step
troubleshooting wizards, thousands of example programs,
tutorials, application notes, instrument drivers, and so on.
Registered users also receive access to the NI Discussion Forums
at ni.com/forums. NI Applications Engineers make sure every
question submitted online receives an answer.
–
Standard Service Program Membership—This program
entitles members to direct access to NI Applications Engineers
via phone and email for one-to-one technical support as well as
exclusive access to on demand training modules via the Services
Resource Center. NI offers complementary membership for a full
year after purchase, after which you may renew to continue your
benefits.
For information about other technical support options in your
area, visit ni.com/services, or contact your local office at
ni.com/contact.
•
•
Training and Certification—Visit ni.com/trainingfor
self-paced training, eLearning virtual classrooms, interactive CDs,
and Certification program information. You also can register for
instructor-led, hands-on courses at locations around the world.
System Integration—If you have time constraints, limited in-house
technical resources, or other project challenges, National Instruments
Alliance Partner members can help. To learn more, call your local
NI office or visit ni.com/alliance.
© National Instruments Corporation
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NI 17xx Smart Camera User Manual
Appendix D
Technical Support and Professional Services
•
Declaration of Conformity (DoC)—A DoC is our claim of
compliance with the Council of the European Communities using
the manufacturer’s declaration of conformity. This system affords
the user protection for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and
product safety. You can obtain the DoC for your product by visiting
ni.com/certification.
If you searched ni.comand could not find the answers you need, contact
your local office or NI corporate headquarters. Phone numbers for our
worldwide offices are listed at the front of this manual. You also can visit
the Worldwide Offices section of ni.com/niglobalto access the branch
office Web sites, which provide up-to-date contact information, support
phone numbers, email addresses, and current events.
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Glossary
Symbol
Prefix
pico
Value
10–12
10–9
10– 6
10–3
103
p
n
nano
micro
milli
kilo
μ
m
k
M
G
mega
giga
106
109
B
binary image
An image in which the pixels have only one of two intensity values.
Objects in the image usually have a pixel intensity of 1 (or 255), and
the background has a pixel intensity of 0.
C
CCD
Charge Coupled Device. A chip that converts light into electronic signals.
Dual Inline Package switch.
D
DIP switch
Direct Drive lighting
controller
A lighting controller integrated into some models of the National
Instruments smart camera that can directly power current-controlled lights.
E
Ethernet cable,
standard
CAT 5, CAT 5e, or CAT 6 Ethernet cable used to connect a Real-Time
target to a network port or between the development computer and the
Real-Time target.
© National Instruments Corporation
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Glossary
exposure time
The amount of time that light is allowed to strike the imaging sensor to
produce an image.
F
falling edge
field of view
fps
The digital signal transition from the high state to the low state.
The area of inspection that the camera can acquire.
Frames per second.
G
gain
The amount of increase in signal power, voltage, or current expressed as the
ratio of output to input.
I
IEC
IEEE
I/O
International Electrotechnical Commission. A standard-setting body.
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. A standard-setting body.
Input/output. The transfer of data to/from a computer system involving
communications channels, operator interface devices, or data acquisition
and control interfaces.
L
LED
Light-emitting diode.
M
MAC
Media access control. The MAC address uniquely identifies each unit
connected to a network.
MAX
Measurement & Automation Explorer. A controlled, centralized
configuration environment that allows you to configure all of your
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Glossary
N
NI-IMAQ
Driver software for National Instruments image acquisition devices and
smart cameras.
P
PLC
Programmable Logic Controller. An industrial computer used for factory
automation, process control, and manufacturing systems.
pulse train
A signal consisting of a series of continuous pulses.
Q
quadrature encoder
An encoding technique for a rotating device where two tracks of
information are placed on the device, with the signals on the tracks offset
by 90 degrees from each other. The phase difference indicates the position
and direction of rotation.
R
rising edge
The digital signal transition from the low state to the high state.
Standard electrical interface for serial data communications.
RS-232
S
sensor resolution
sensor size
subnet
The number of columns and rows of CCD pixels in the camera sensor.
The size of the active area of an image sensor.
A set of systems whose IP addresses are configured such that they can
communicate directly with one another. Data will not flow through an
intermediate router.
SXGA sensor
syntax
Super eXtended Graphics Array sensor. Image sensor that features a
resolution of 1,280 × 1,024 pixels.
Set of rules to which statements must conform in a particular programming
language.
© National Instruments Corporation
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NI 17xx Smart Camera User Manual
Glossary
T
TCP
Transmission Control Protocol. A set of standard protocols for
communicating across a single network or interconnected set of networks.
TCP is for high-reliability transmissions.
trigger
Any event that causes or starts some form of data capture.
V
VDC
Volts direct current.
VGA sensor
Video Graphics Array sensor. Image sensor that features a resolution of
640 × 480 pixels.
VI
Virtual Instrument. A combination of hardware and/or software elements,
typically used with a PC, that has the functionality of a classic stand-alone
instrument.
W
working distance
The distance from the front of the camera lens to the object under
inspection.
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Index
Numerics
24 V strobe output, 4-7
enabling, 4-8
5 V TTL strobe output, 4-7
enabling, 4-8
Declaration of Conformity (NI resources), D-2
detailed specifications, A-1
diagnostic tools (NI resources), D-1
A
acquiring images, 5-1, 5-2
external trigger, 5-3
Direct Drive, 4-2
free-run mode, 5-2
internal timing, 5-2
connecting a light, 4-6
lighting files, 4-4
selecting a light, 4-5
ACTIVITY/LINK LED, 7-2
advantages and disadvantages to using a
DHCP server, 7-3
documentation
conventions used in manual, ix
assigning an IP address, 7-3
drivers (NI resources), D-1
B
binning, 3-4
E
Ethernet LEDs, 7-2
C
ACTIVITY/LINK LED, 7-2
SPEED LED, 7-2
Ethernet ports, 7-1
examples (NI resources), D-1
external trigger, 5-3
communicating with the console, 2-6
configuring DIP switches, 6-4
connecting
isolated output to a sinking external
load, 2-5
load, 2-5
sinking output sensors to isolated
inputs, 2-4
sourcing output sensors to isolated
inputs, 2-3
FAIL LED, 6-4
firewall considerations, 7-4
fixed-frame-rate mode, 5-3
frame rate, 5-6
to a quadrature encoder, 2-7
to serial devices, 2-6
maximum, 5-6
free-run mode, 5-2
© National Instruments Corporation
I-1
NI 17xx Smart Camera User Manual
Index
lighting, 4-1
connector, 4-1
G
gain, 3-4
controller, 4-2
files, 4-4
turn-on time, 5-5
LUT (lookup table) See hardware binarization
H
hardware binarization, 3-5
help, technical support, D-1
services, D-1
I
I/O, 2-1
NI 17xx
image
acquiring images, 5-2
assigning an IP address, 7-3
binning, 3-4
connecting
acquisition, 5-1
image readout duration, 5-10
image sensor, 3-1
binning, 3-4
field of view, 3-1
gain, 3-4
an isolated output to a sinking
inputs, 2-3
hardware binarization, 3-5
partial scan mode, 3-3
spectral response, 3-3
IMG ACQ LED, 6-4
input/output, 2-1
instrument drivers (NI resources), D-1
IP
address, assigning, 7-3
RESET DIP switch, 6-5
isolated
to a quadrature encoder, 2-7
to serial devices, 2-6
device initialization, 6-2
dimensions, 8-2
inputs, 2-3
outputs, 2-4
DIP switches, 6-1
Direct Drive, 4-2
Ethernet LEDs, 7-2
Ethernet ports, 7-1
exposure, 5-1
K
KnowledgeBase, D-1
firewall considerations, 7-4
gain, 3-4
hardware
L
LabVIEW, 1-5
documents, xi
binarization, 3-5
overview, 1-1
Real-Time Module, 1-5
LEDs, 6-1
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isolated
inputs, 2-3
outputs, 2-4
LEDs, 6-1
lighting, 4-1
connector, 4-1
quadrature encoder, 2-7
using a quadrature encoder to delay a
trigger, 5-5
lighting files, 4-4
models, 1-1
hardware documents, x
LabVIEW documents, xi
NI Vision Acquisition Software
documents, xi
overview, 1-1
partial scan mode, 3-3
power requirements, 2-2
protecting against inductive loads, 2-6
selecting a light, 4-5
software overview, 1-4
specifications, A-1
NI Vision Builder for Automated
Inspection documents, x
subnet considerations, 7-4
thermal considerations, 8-1
troubleshooting, B-1
NI support and services, D-1
NI Vision Acquisition Software, 1-6
NI-IMAQ documents, xi
SAFE MODE DIP switch, 6-5
selecting a light, 4-5
software
NI Vision Builder for Automated
Inspection, 1-4
application, 1-6
documents, x
NI resources, D-1
NI Vision Development Module, 1-5
documents, xi
NI-IMAQ, 1-6
programming choices, 1-4
specifications, A-1
SPEED LED, 7-2
STATUS LED, 6-2
indications, 6-3
subnet considerations, 7-4
P
partial scan mode, 3-3
PASS LED, 6-4
power, 2-1
requirements, 2-2
technical support, D-1
POWER LED, 6-2
thermal considerations, 8-1
training and certification (NI resources), D-1
trigger synchronization variability, 5-5
POWER-I/O connector, 2-1
pin descriptions, 2-1
programming examples (NI resources), D-1
protecting against inductive loads, 2-6
© National Instruments Corporation
I-3
NI 17xx Smart Camera User Manual
Index
troubleshooting, B-1
configuration problems, B-1
firewall problems, B-1
LED error indications, B-7
lighting problems, B-4
network problems, B-1
NI resources, D-1
Vision Acquisition Software, 1-6
Vision Builder for Automated Inspection, 1-4
Vision Development Module, 1-5
description, 1-5
run-time problems, B-3
triggering problems, B-6
W
Web resources, D-1
U
understanding LED indicators, 6-1
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