Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | CoaXPress (CXP) Interface
August 27, 2019
Page
74
of
86
Rev 1.0
Camera Interface
Temperature Monitor
The camera has a built-in temperature sensor that monitors the internal camera
temperature at the image sensor. The sensor is placed on the hottest spot in the camera.
The camera configuration software should display the temperature.
Exposure Time Monitor
The camera has a built-in exposure time monitor. In any mode of operation (normal, AOI,
and so on), you can query the camera for the current exposure time. The camera will return
the current integration time in units of microseconds (refer to the
Frame Time Monitor
The camera has a built-in frame time monitor. In any mode of operation (normal, AOI, and
so on), you can query the camera for the current frame time. The camera will return the
current camera speed in units of microseconds (refer to the
).
Current Image Size
The camera image size can change based on a camera feature selected. In any mode of
operation (normal, AOI, and so on) you can query the camera for the current image size by
issuing a command. The camera will return current camera image size in (pixels x lines)
(refer to the
Table 13: Image Format parameters
).
Auto Gain and Auto Exposure Control (AGC/AEC)
Automatic Exposure (and Gain) Control keeps the same image brightness in spite of
changing light conditions. You can enable both Automatic Exposure Control (AEC) and
Automatic Gain Control (AGC) simultaneously. In either mode, you set the image brightness
(luminance) target level in counts, and the camera adjusts the exposure or gain accordingly.
The target luminance can be an average luminance or peak brightness within the entire
image or within a defined Area of Interest (AOI).
If both AEC and AGC are enabled, the camera adjusts the exposure first within the preset
minimum/maximum limits you set. If the exposure reaches the maximum limit, the camera
indicates the limit has been reached and begins increasing the gain.
The camera displays the current values for AGC/AEC luminance, current exposure, and
current gain.
In some rapidly changing bright light conditions, an image brightness oscillation (image
intensity flipping from bright to dark) could occur. To prevent this situation, increase the
minimum exposure limit, decrease the AEC speed, or use an AOI for the luminance target
to control the intensity variability.
CAUTION !
