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Exponent Camera Software 

Exponent

,

 a powerful yet easy to use software application, is provided to operate the 

Excel cameras. This software provides a user friendly approach to set up and operate all the 
features of the camera. Toolbars provide access to commonly used camera functions while 
allowing the video display window to have maximum display area. The ToolBox area allows 
precise control of available camera features and options all laid out in a logical, easy to use 
menu structure keeping all adjustments handy without having to hunt through menus. The 
software uses state of the art graphic design for an informative and clean appearance which 
takes advantage of the “XP” look and feel that everyone is familiar with. Multiple cameras 
can be used either independently or simultaneously with each having its own software 
window and set of controls. This allows the user full control to view the video, make 
adjustments and decide which camera is active without having those annoying floating 
adjustment menus or confusion as to which menu operates each camera.  

Three image viewing options are available. The image can be displayed mapping the 

sensor pixels 1:1 with the monitors’ displayed pixels or fit the whole sensors’ field of view to 
the display window or fit the sensors’ field of view to the monitors’ “Full Screen” view. 

Camera memory presets allow the user to recall up to 15 sets of camera adjustments 

plus a factory default. These presets remain in the camera memory so the camera can 
switch locations and the stored presets can still be used. 

A status bar indicates current pertinent information such as the displayed frame rate, 

integration time, gain and trigger status.  

Either the Image Capture button, TimeLapse acquisition, external Trigger or a General 

Purpose Input can be set to operate the Auto Save feature. This allows images to be 
automatically named, numbered and placed into a user specified folder. In addition to 
capturing special events a footswitch can be used to view and capture live images while 
keeping both hands free to operate a microscope or other piece of equipment. This can save 
valuable time over having to click a capture, key in a name, and then finally save an image. 

Camera Firmware and Drivers can all be loaded from the Tools menu. This insures the 

user can update newly released camera features without downtime due to sending 
equipment back to the factory. 

A TWAIN driver is included which allows Exponent to import images into your favorite 

applications.  

 

 

The DAGE-MTI Excel family of cameras and Exponent software provide a high 

performance, easy to use and versatile solution to Digital Imaging. 

System Contents

  Excel series Camera 

 IEEE-1394 

PC 

Card 

 IEEE-1394 

Cable 

 Exponent 

Software 

 Twain 

Driver 

 BackFocus 

Wrench 

 User’s 

Manual 

Options

  IEEE-1394 PCMCIA Card & P/S kit 

 

P/N: 207744-03 (Laptops w/o 1394 port)

  4-6 Pin IEEE-1394 Cable & P/S Kit  

P/N:207744-04 (Laptops w/1394 port)   

  Auxiliary I/O Cables 

 IEEE-1394 

Cables 

  Footswitch Control, P/N: 207765-01 

 

Summary of Contents for Excel Series

Page 1: ...User s Manual DAGE MTI Excel Series CCD Digital Cameras Exponent Software...

Page 2: ...8 View Saturated Pixels 19 View Toolbox Windows 19 Tools Options 19 Pause when in Background 19 Tools Maintenance 19 Help About 19 Help User s Manual 19 Video Window 19 Status Bar 19 Trigger Mode 19 I...

Page 3: ...justment 31 Software Development Kit SDK 32 Troubleshooting 33 Specifications 34 Excel Camera Spectral Response 34 Excel Camera Quantum Efficiency 35 Excel Camera Mechanical Features 36 Warranty 37 Ap...

Page 4: ...de Association Having the cameras adhere to a defined set of guidelines ensures easier integration and consistency for software interface and development This also allows the cameras to be controlled...

Page 5: ...camera adjustments plus a factory default These presets remain in the camera memory so the camera can switch locations and the stored presets can still be used A status bar indicates current pertinen...

Page 6: ...ocessor 512MB RAM or more Dedicated video display card AGP or PCI Express Bus Performance is dependent on whether other applications are running and video display card performance and settings Althoug...

Page 7: ...rn off your PC 2 Unplug your PC 3 Open the PC case 4 Use a ground strap to connect you to the chassis of the PC This will reduce the possibility of any damage due to static electricity 5 Install the i...

Page 8: ...ORTANT To insure correct operation of new software and drivers the old software and drivers must be removed prior to installing the new versions Do not use the uninstall option contained in newer vers...

Page 9: ...to install Exponent software will default to C Program Files Dage Technologies Exponent accept this designation or click Browse to setup a different designation Decide if you want Everyone or Just me...

Page 10: ...Click Next to Confirm the Installation The file copy process will begin 10...

Page 11: ...The License Agreement for installing Microsoft DirectX 9 0c will open read accept the agreement and click Next to proceed The DirectX Setup window will open click Next to proceed 11...

Page 12: ...in Windows XP SP2 XP SP1 users may need to install the NET framework The installer will direct you to the Microsoft update link to retrieve the NET components if needed The installation automatically...

Page 13: ...ptable method which is covered in Appendix B NOTE The camera driver process must be performed for each camera used Exponent Software Camera Driver Install Method After Exponent software has been insta...

Page 14: ...u A Windows Logo Testing Warning will appear click Continue Anyway The Installing Driver window will appear and finish the installation and then the camera will begin operation Installation Notes The...

Page 15: ...Shutter Speed and extended exposure control o Gain Control o Exposure Level o Extended Integration Threshold control o 8 bits or 16 bits per pixel selection o Region Of Interest ROI size and location...

Page 16: ...ing another camera will start another instance of Exponent software with the selected camera Each camera will have its own window and set of adjustments Note The IEEE 1394 bus bandwidth may be exceede...

Page 17: ...mage Interpolation dialog is used to remap the camera s image to the computer screen To return to the software strike any key or click the mouse o None No video display is rendered Images can still be...

Page 18: ...tive edge direction interpolation where the area around each pixel is analyzed to determine if a preferred interpolation direction exists The interpolation direction is chosen to interpolate along any...

Page 19: ...will not normally be needed as the drivers are installed when the Software is installed o Camera Debug Console An engineering interface that allows direct access of various parts of the camera s contr...

Page 20: ...sets 1 through 15 are available Just setup the camera and set the Preset number to the desired preset then click the Store button To load specific stored settings just set the Preset number to the des...

Page 21: ...Save Toolbox allows the user to control the details in an image save o Enable Turns the AutoSave functionality on and off o Filename Determines the filename and directory location for image saves Once...

Page 22: ...saves per the setup in the Trigger Toolbox Camera images are saved each time the camera is triggered whether software or external See the Trigger Toolbox and Auxiliary Connector sections for more inf...

Page 23: ...ormat Toolbox The size of the ROI is listed in pixels Horz X Vert The ROI box can then be moved to any position on the camera s imager by selecting the Move button and dragging the ROI box around in t...

Page 24: ...Gain control can be used to provide gain amplification to the sensor s output signal In Auto Gain mode the camera automatically determines the Gain to achieve a correctly exposed image in accordance...

Page 25: ...from 0 Best Image Quality to 100 Highest Frame Rate of maximum available gain to be used if needed before increasing the Shutter time into the extended integration period Color Toolbar Toolbox Color C...

Page 26: ...at the extreme right side This would indicate the full dynamic range is used Performance Toolbox The performance graph gives data on the performance of the software utilization of the computer The di...

Page 27: ...on of the Trigger and additional information on using the Trigger function o Mode The Trigger Mode determines the manner in which the camera is going to begin integration and capture of a video frame...

Page 28: ...Trigger the beginning of a video capture is determined by the PC writing to a camera register or pushing the Manual button In External mode the trigger input comes from the External Trigger pin of the...

Page 29: ...at we need but don t know where to put o Black Level This manual control sets the darkest portion of the output video signal by adding an offset to the signal of about 0 0 to 6 100 of full video level...

Page 30: ...ows synchronizing capture to external events and is configured using the Trigger Toolbox When using an external trigger source the camera will wait for a trigger input then expose and capture an image...

Page 31: ...TIGHTEN LOOSEN Software Development Kit SDK The Excel cameras use the Unibrain IIDC driver and the Exponent software suite is built upon the Unibrain Fire i API Documentation of the Excel camera featu...

Page 32: ...ond on cameras in order to reduce bandwidth requirements Image is Dark or Saturated Check or try the following 1 Light Level Too Low or too High a Open Close Camera Lens b Set Gain or Shutter or Expos...

Page 33: ...1 1 Fit to Window Full Screen Video Interpolation Bilinear Bicubic Nearest Neighbor High Quality Bilinear Bicubic Timestamp Embedded in Image On or Off Memory Presets Factory Default plus 15 User Def...

Page 34: ...unt focus ring to protect the sensor This is not an IR cut filter Color cameras have an IR Cut color balancing filter fitted in the C mount focus ring Monochrome Color Blue Green Red IR Cut Response E...

Page 35: ...Mechanical Features Back Focus Lock Tripod Mount 1 W x 1 D 20 tapped hole 0 4 Deep 4 Dia 2 5 Deep 0 45 High 1 65 20 Tripod to C Mount IEEE 1394 Firewire Port Power Indicator Auxiliary Connector Exter...

Page 36: ...the malfunctioning unit is returned to DAGE MTI service depot this warranty does not cover on location service If warranty work is needed the following should be contacted DAGE MTI of MC INC Customer...

Page 37: ...hen you will need to use a 4 pin to 6 pin IEEE 1394 cable along with a 12 Volt Power Supply to power the camera and connect the IEEE 1394 bus The Cable Power Supply are available as a kit Dage P N 207...

Page 38: ...top 2 Windows XP will automatically install the driver for the card Reboot computer if prompted 3 Install the Exponent software Application Directions start on Page 8 4 Connect the Camera to the CardB...

Page 39: ...o be used if desired After Exponent software has been installed connect the 1394 cable to the 1394 PCI card and the camera The Found New Hardware Wizard will start Select No not this time to connect t...

Page 40: ...ill appear click Continue Anyway The Completing the Found New Hardware Wizard window will appear click Finish This completes the process for installing the camera driver Start Exponent software and th...

Page 41: ...driver to accept the proper driver From within the Windows Device Manager Control Panel System Hardware Device Manager the camera should be listed as Unibrain Fire I driver DageMTI XL under Imaging De...

Page 42: ...The Hardware Update Wizard will start Select Install from a list or specific location Click Next Select Don t search I will choose the driver to install Click Next 42...

Page 43: ...ageMTI XL is not in the list then click the Have Disk option and browse to find the driver located in the default directory C Program Files Dage Technologies Exponent Driver and choose the fidcam inf...

Page 44: ...Now pick Unibrain Fire I driver DageMTI XL as the compatible hardware 44...

Page 45: ...y The Completing the Found New Hardware Update Wizard window will appear click Finish From within the Windows Device Manager Control Panel System Hardware Device Manager the camera should now be liste...

Page 46: ...ing the camera to provide firmware updates If you believe your camera can benefit from a firmware update use the following procedure 1 Check the version of firmware in your camera by going to the Help...

Page 47: ...DAGE MTI DAGE MTI of MC Inc 701 N Roeske Ave Michigan City IN 46360 219 872 5514 www dagemti com 970005 01C Exponent Version 1 300 2 21 06 47...

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