26
•
CamExpert Quick Start
Xtium2-CXP PX8 User's Manual
CamExpert Demonstration and Test Tools
The CamExpert utility also includes a number of demonstration features, which make CamExpert
the primary tool to configure, test and calibrate your camera and imaging setup. Display tools
include image pixel value readout, image zoom, and line profiler.
Functional tools include support for either hardware based or software Bayer filter camera decoding
with auto white balance calibration.
Camera Types & Files
The Xtium2-CXP PX8 supports digital area scan or line scan cameras using the Camera CXP
interface standard.
Camera Files Distributed with Sapera
The Sapera distribution includes camera files (.cca extension) for a selection of Xtium2-CXP PX8
supported cameras (Teledyne DALSA\Sapera\CamFiles). Using the Sapera CamExpert program,
you may use the camera files provided to generate a camera configuration file (.ccf) that describes
the desired camera and frame grabber configuration.
Teledyne DALSA continually updates a camera application library composed of application
information and prepared camera files. Camera files are ASCII text, readable with Windows
Notepad on any computer without having Sapera installed.
Overview of Sapera Acquisition Parameter Files (.ccf or .cca/.cvi)
Concepts and Differences between the Parameter Files
There are two components to the legacy Sapera acquisition parameter file set: CCA files (also
called cam-files) and CVI files (also called VIC files, video input conditioning). The files store
respectively video-signal parameters (CCA) and video conditioning parameters (CVI), which in turn
simplify programming the frame grabber acquisition hardware for the camera in use.
Since Sapera LT 5.0, acquisition parameter settings are stored in a camera configuration file (.ccf
of CCF) that combines the CCA and CVI files into one.
Typically, a camera application will use a CCF file per camera operating mode (or one CCA file in
conjunction with several CVI files, where each CVI file defines a specific camera-operating mode).
An application can also have multiple CCA/CCF files to support different image format modes
supported by the camera or sensor (such as image binning or variable ROI).
CCF File Details
A CCF file groups the camera (CCA) and frame grabber (CVI) parameters into one file, simplifying
configuration file management. This is the default Camera Configuration file used with Sapera LT
and CamExpert.
CCA File Details
Teledyne DALSA distributes camera files using the legacy .cca extension, which contain all
parameters describing the camera video signal characteristics and operation modes (what the
camera outputs). The Sapera parameter groups within the file are:
•
Video format and pixel definition
•
Video resolution (pixel rate, pixels per line, lines per frame)
•
Synchronization source and timing
•
Channels/Taps configuration
•
Supported camera modes and related parameters
•
External signal assignment
