Xtium2-CLHS PX8 User's Manual
CamExpert Quick Start
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Sapera Camera Configuration Files
CamExpert generates the Sapera camera configuration file (yourcamera.ccf) based on timing and
control parameters entered. When using the Sapera LT API in your imaging application, the frame
grabber parameter settings can be loaded from this file. For backward compatibility with previous
versions of Sapera, CamExpert also reads and writes the *.cca and *.cvi camera parameter files.
Every Sapera demo program starts with a dialog window to select a camera configuration file (for
details on the included demos, see the Sapera Demo Applications section). Even when using the
Xtium-CL MX4 with common video signals, a camera file is required. Therefore, CamExpert is
typically the first Sapera application run after an installation. Existing .ccf files can be copied to any
new board installations when similar cameras are used.
Camera Types & Files
The Xtium-CLHS PX8 supports digital area scan or line scan cameras using the Camera Link HS
interface standard. Browse our web site [
http://www.teledynedalsa.com/imaging/
] for the latest
information on Teledyne DALSA Camera Link HS cameras.
Camera Files Distributed with Sapera
The Sapera distribution includes camera files for a selection of Xtium-CLHS PX8 supported
cameras. Using the Sapera CamExpert program, you may use the camera files (CCA) 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, i.e. video input conditioning). The files store
video-signal parameters (CCA) and video conditioning parameters (CVI), which in turn simplifies
programming the frame-grabber acquisition hardware for the camera in use. Sapera LT 5.0
introduces a new camera configuration file (CCF) that combines the CCA and CVI files into one file.
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 file using the “.CCF” extension, (Camera Configuration files), is the camera (CCA) and frame
grabber (CVI) parameters grouped into one file for easier configuration file management. This is
the default Camera Configuration file used with Sapera LT 5.0 and the CamExpert utility.
