Automation Technology MCS 1280 Series, User Manual

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36 MCS Manual Rev. 1.4
High Dynamic Range 3D Feature (HDR-3D)
One of the most powerful features of AT´s camera is the HDR-3D (High Dynamic Range)
functionality, which allows scanning materials and surfaces with inhomogeneous reflection
properties. Using HDR-3D the dynamic range of image intensity is extended up to 90dB, thus
avoiding intensity saturation.
The HDR-3D comprises two independent sensor functions.
Multiple Slope Function
The aim of the Multiple Slope function is to avoid the saturation of pixels during sensor chip
exposure. This high optical dynamic range is achieved by using a piecewise linear response. The
intensity of illuminated pixels, which reach a certain level, is clipped, while darker pixels remain
untouched. The clipping level can be adjusted 2 times within one exposure time to achieve a
maximum of 3 slopes in the response curve. The points of the curve, where the slope changes,
are called “knee points”. The latter are defined through the setting of clipping levels for the
intensity (thresholds) and time points within the exposure time.
These parameters can be adjusted using the GenICam registers Multi Slope Exposure Limit and
Multi Slope Saturation Threshold of the Acquisition Control (XML grid visibility must be set to
“Expert”). A knee point time is defined as percentage of the overall exposure time. A clipping
level is defined as percentage of the maximum sensor intensity (saturation).