Cleaning optical components
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Prosilica GB Technical Manual V2.2.6
Keep optical components clean
The best way to ensure the camera remains clean is to avoid penetration of foreign
substances into the camera.
When screwing or unscrewing the camera lens or dust cap, hold the camera with
the mount opening towards the floor. This minimizes the possibility of any
contaminants falling on the glass surface. Always store cameras and lenses with
dust-caps on.
Identifying impurities
If you observe any image artifacts in your video preview of your Prosilica GB
camera you may have impurities either on the lens, filter or protection glass, or on
the sensor protection glass. Every Prosilica GB camera is cleaned prior to shipment;
however, impurities may develop due to handling or unclean environments.
Impurities (dust, particles or fluids) on the sensor or optical components appear as
a dark area, patch or spot on the image and remain fixed in the preview window
while you rotate the camera over the target.
Do not confuse this with a pixel defect which appears as a distinct point. Particles
can either rest loosely or can be more or less stuck to the optical surface.
Locating impurities
Before you dismount the lens you should find out if the impurity is on the filter,
lens, or sensor.
1. Start acquiring a uniform image (for example, a white sheet of paper) with the
camera.
2. To identify the affected surface, move the suspected optical component and
see if the contamination follows this movement.
a. If you move only the lens (not the camera) and the impurity moves as well,
the impurity is on the lens.
b. If you move the IR cut filter or protection glass window and the impurity
moves as well, the impurity is on the filter or protection glass. Carefully
remove the filter or protection glass and clean it on both sides using the
Read these instructions before you contact Allied Vision or your Allied Vision
distribution partner for assistance.
Contact Allied Vision or your Allied Vision distribution partner if you are not
familiar with the procedures described in this chapter.
